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PRINCESS SCHEHERAZADE, THE HEROINE OF
THE THOUSAND-AND-ONE NIGHTS, RANKS AMONG THE
GREAT STORYTELLERS OF THE WORLD

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Published by Hodder and Stoughton, Limited,
for Boots Pure Drug Co., Ltd., Nottingham.

Printed and Bound by Tinting & Co. Ltd.,
Liverpool, London and Prescot,
with Illustrations Printed by
By. Stone & Son Ltd" Banbury.

CONTENTS

P.\GE

.ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES

15

THE STORY OF THE WICKED HALJ.'-BROTHERS

43

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR

57

THE STORY OF THE MAGIC HORSE .

79

THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE

. 109

THE STORY OF TIm KING OF THE EBONY ISLES. 125

THE HISTORY OF BADOURA, PRINCESS OF CHINA,
AND OF CAMARALZAM.\N, THE ISLAND PRINCE 141
7

8

CONTENTS

PAGE

SINDBAD THE SAILOR . . 203

THE FIRST VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR . 205

THE SECO
'1) VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR. 211

THE THIRD VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR . 219

THE FOURTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR, 225

THE FIFTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAIIAOR . 233

THE SIXTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR . 241

THE SEVENTH VOY AGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR 247

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\fP

. 255

Laù . ',
c

ILLUSTRATIONS

SCHEHERAZADE, THE HEROINE OF THE THOUSAND
AND ONE NIGHTS . Frontispiece

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES

PAGE
THEIR CHIEF IN A LOW BUT DISTINCT VOICE UTTERED
THE TWO WORDS, "OPEN SESAME I" . 17
THIS WAY AND THAT SHE LED HIM BLINDFOLD. 25

THE STORY OF THE WICKED HALF-BROTHERS

,
PIROUZE, THE F AffiEST AND l\-IOST HONOURABLY BORN 45

THE LADY ADVANCED TO MEET HIM

.

51

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERY ABAÐ

A CITY AMONG THE ISLES NAMED DERYABAR

61

THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR
Ð

69

1

10

ILLUSTRATIONS

THE STORY OF THE ltIAGIC HORSE

PAGE
AT SO ARROGANT A CLAIM AI..L THE COURTIERS BURST
INTO LOUD LAUGHTER . 81
TILL THE TALE OF HER MIRROR CONTENTED HER. 89
SHE GAVE ORDERS FOR THE BA.J."{QUET TO BE
SERVED 97

THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE

NO SOONER HAD THE MONARCH SEEN THEl\f, SO
STRANGE OF FORM AND SO BRILLIANT AND
DIVERSE IN HUE . 113
THEREUPON THE DAMSEL UPSET THE PAN INTO
THE FIRE . 119

THE STORY OF THE KING OF THE EBONY ISLES

SUPPOSI1\G ME ASLEEP, THEY BEGAN TO TALK . 127
GREAT WAS THE ASTONISHMENT OF THE VIZIER
AND THE SULTAN'S ESCORT . . 188

THE HISTORY OF BADOURA, PRINCESS OF CHINA,

"D OF CAl\IARALZAl\IAN, THE ISLAND PRINCE

PRINCESS BADOURA
TIlE FINAL rtIARRIAGE PROCESSION.

.

. 149
. 171

ILLUSTRATIONS

II

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

PAGE

THE ROKH . 218
THE EPISODE OF THE OLD MAN OF THE SEA. . 2B5

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP

ALADDIN IN THE CAVE

. 265

THE LADY BEDR-EL-BUDUR AND THE WICKED
MAGICIAN . . 801

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ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES

IN a town in Persia lived two brothers nanled Cassim
and Ali Baba, between whom their father at his death
had left ,vhat little property he possessed equally divided.
Cassinl, however, having married the heiress of a rich
merchant, became soon after his marriage the o,vner of a
fine shop, together with several pieces of land, and was
in consequence, through no effort of his own, the most
considerable merchant in the town. Ali Baba, on the
other hand, was married to one as poor as hinlself, and
having no other nleans of gaining a livelihood he used
to go every day into the forest to cut wood, and
lading therewith the three asses which were his sole
stock-in-trade, would then hawk it about the streets for
sale.
One day while he ,vas at ,vork within the skirts of the
forest, Ali Baba saw advancing towards him across the
open a large company of horsemen, and fearing from their
appearance that they might be robbers, he left his asses
to their o,vn devices and sought safety for hinlself in the
lower branches of a large tree which grew in the close
overshadowing of a precipitous rock.
Alnlost immediately it became evident that this very
rock was the goal toward ,vhich the troop ,vas bound, for
having arrived they alighted instantly from their horses,
and took down each man of thenl a sack ,vhich seemed
by its weight and form to be filled with gold. There could
15

16

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

no longer be any doubt that they were robbers. Ali Baba
counted forty of them.
Just as he had done so, the one nearest to him, who
seemed to be their chief, advanced toward the rock, and
in a low but distinct voice uttered the two words, " Open
Sesamé!" Immediately the rock opened like a door, the
captain and his men passed in, and the rock closed behind
them.
For a long while Ali Baba waited, not daring to descend
from his hiding-place lest they should come out and catch
him in the act; but at last, when the waiting had grown
almost unbearable, his patience was rewarded, the door
in the rock opened, and out came the forty men, their
captain leading them. When the last of them was through,
" Shut, Sesamé! " said the captain, and immediately the
face of the rock closed together as before. Then they all
mounted their horses and rode away.
As soon as he felt sure that they were not returning
Ali Baba came down from the tree and made his way at
once to that part of the rock where he had seen the captain
and his men enter. And there at the word "Open,
Sesamé! " a door suddenly revealed itself and opened.
Ali Baba had expected to find a dark and gloomy
cavern. Great was his astonishment therefore when he
perceived a spacious and vaulted chamber lighted from
above through a fissure in the rock; and there spread
out before him lay treasures in profusion, bales of mer-
chandise, silks, carpets, brocades, and above all gold and
silver lying in loose heaps or in sacks piled one upon
another, He did not take long to consider what he should
do. Disregarding the silver and the gold that lay loose,
he brought to the mouth of the cave as many sacks of
gold as he thought his three asses might carry; and having
loaded them on and covered them with wood so that they

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ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 19

might not be seen, he closed the rock by the utterance of
the magic words which he had learned, and departed for
the to\vn, a well-satisfied man.
When he got home he drove his asses into a small
court, and shutting the gates carefully he took off the
,vood that covered the bags and carried them in to his
wife. She, discovering them to be full of gold, feared that
her husband had stolen them, and began sorrowfully to
reproach him; but Ali Baba soon put her mind at rest
on that score, and having poured all the gold into a great
heap upon the floor he sat down at her side to consider
how ,veIl it looked.
Soon his wife, poor careful body, must needs begin
counting it over piece by piece. Ali Baba let her go on
for awhile, but before long the sight set him laughing.
" Wife," said he, " you will never make an end of it that
way. The best thing to do is to dig a hole and bury it,
then ,ve shall be sure that it is not slipping through our
fingers." "That will do well enough," said his wife,
"but it would be better first to have the measure of it.
So while you dig the hole I will go round to Cassim's and
borrow a measure small enough to give us an exact reckon-
ing. "Do as you will," answered her husband, "but see
tha t you keep the thing secret."
Off went Ali Baba's wife to her brother-in-Iaw's house.
Cassim was from home, so she begged of his wife the loan
of a small measure, naming for choice the smallest. This
set the sister-in-law wondering. Knowing Ali Baba's
poverty she was all the more curious to find out for what
kind of grain so small a measure could be needed. So
before bringing it she covered all the bottom with lard,
and giving it to Ali Baba's wife told her to be sure and
be quick in returning it. The other, promising to restore
it punctually, made haste to get home; and there finding

20

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

the hole dug for its reception she started to measure the
money into it. First she set the measure upon the heap,
then she filled it, then she carried it to the hole; and so
she continued till the last measure ,vas counted. Then,
leaving Ali Baba to finish the burying, she carried back
the measure with all haste to her sister-in-law, returning
thanks for the loan.
No sooner was her back turned than Cassim's wife
looked at the bottom of the measure, and there to her
astonishment she saw sticking to the lard a gold coin.
" What? " she cried, her heart filled with envy, "is Ali
Baba so rich that he needs a measure for his gold? Where,
then, I would know, has the miserable wretch obtained it ? "
She waited with impatience for her husband's return,
and as soon as he came in she began to jeer at him. "Y ou
think yourself rich," said she, "but Ali Baba is richer.
You count your gold by the piece, but Ali Baba does not
count, he measures it I In comparison to Ali Baba we
are but grubs and groundlings!"
Having thus riddled him to the top of her bent in
order to provoke his curiosity, she told him the story of the
borrowed measure, of her own stratagem, and of its result.
Cassim, instead of being pleased at Ali Baba's sudden
prosperity, grew furiously jealous; not a wink could he
sleep all night for thinking of it. The next morning before
sunrise he went to his brother's house. "Ali Baba," said
he, "what do you mean by pretending to be poor when
all the time you are scooping up gold by the quart?"
"Brother," said Ali Baba, "explain your meaning,"
"My meaning shall be plain t" cried Cassim, displaying
the tell-tale coin. U How many more pieces have you
like this that my wife found sticking to the bottom of
the measure yesterday?"
AliBaba, perceiving that the intervention of wives had

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 21

made further concealment useless, told his brother the
true facts of the case, and offered him, as an inducement
for keeping the secret, an equal share of the treasure.
"That is the least that I have the right to expect,"
answered Cassim haughtily. "It is further necessary that
you should tell me exactly where the treasure lies, that I
may, if need be, test the truth of your story, otherwise I
shall find it my duty to denounce you to the authorities."
Ali Baba, having a clear conscience, had little fear of
Cassim's threats; but out of pure good nature he gave
him all the information he desired, not forgetting to instruct
him in the words which would give him free passage into
the cave and out again.
Cassim, who had thus secured all he had come for, lost
no time in putting his project into execution. Intent on
possessing himself of all the treasures which yet remained,
he set off the next morning before daybreak, taking with
him ten mules laden with empty crates. Arrived before
the cave, he recalled the words which his brother had
taught him; no sooner was " Open, Sesamé ! " said than
the door in the rock lay wide for him to pass through, and
when he had entered it shut again.
If the simple soul of Ali Baba had found delight in
the riches of the cavern, greater still was the exultation
of a greedy nature like Cassim's. Intoxicated with the
wealth that lay before his eyes, he had no thought but to
gather together with all speed as much treasure as the
ten mules could carry; and so, having exhausted himself
with heavy labour and avaricious excitement, he suddenly
found on returning to the door that he had forgotten the
key which opened it. Up and down, and in and out
through the mazes of his brain he chased the missing word.
Barley, and maize, and rice, he thought of them all: but
of sesamé never once, because his mind had become dark

2

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

to the revealing light of heaven. And so the door stayed
fast, holding him prisoner in the cave, where to his fate,
undeserving of pity, 'we leave him.
Toward noon the robbers returned, and saw, standing
about the rock, the ten mules laden ,vith crates. At this
they were greatly surprised, and began to search 'with
suspicion amongst the surrounding crannies and under-
gro,vth. Finding no one there, they drew their s,vords
and advanced cautiously toward the cave, where, upon the
captain's pronouncement of the magic word, the door
immediately fell open. Cassim, ,vho from ,vithin had
heard the trampling of horses, had nO'w no doubt that the
robbers were arrived and that his hour was come. Resolved
ho\vever to make one last effort at escape, he stood ready
by the door; and no sooner had the opening word been
uttered than he sprang forth with such violence that he
threw the captain to the ground. But his attempt was
vain; before he could break through he was mercilessly
hacked down by the swords of the robber band.
With their fears thus verified, the robbers anxiously
entered the cave to view the traces of its late visitant.
There they saw piled by the door the treasure which Cassim
had sought to carry away; but while restoring this to
its place they failed altogether to detect the earlier loss
which Ali Baba had caused them. Reckoning, however,
that as one had discovered the secret of entry others also
might know of it, they determined to leave an example
for any who might venture thither on a similar errand;
and having quartered the body of Cassim they disposed
it at the entrance in a manner most calculated to strike
horror into the heart of the beholder. Then, closing the
door of the cave, they rode away in the search of fresh
exploits and plunder.
Meanwhile Cassim's \vife had grown very uneasy at

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 23

her husband's prolonged absence; and at nightfall, unable
to endure further suspense, she ran to Ali Baba, and telling
him of his brother's secret expedition, entreated him to
go out instantly in search of him.
Ali Baba had too kind a heart to refuse or delay comfort
to her affliction. Taking with him his three asses he set
out immediately for the forest, and as the road ,vas familiar
to him he had soon found his way to the door of the cave.
When he saw there the traces of blood he became filled
with misgiving, but no sooner had he entered than his
,vorst fears were realized. Nevertheless brotherly piety
gave him courage. Gathering together the severed renlains
and ,vrapping them about ,vith all possible decency, he
laid them upon one of the asses; then bethinking him
that he deserved some payment for his pains, he loaded
the two remaining asses lvith sacks of gold, and covering
them with ,vood as on the first occasion, made his ,yay
back to the town while it was yet early. Leaving his
wife to dispose of the treasure borne by the t\VO asses,
he led the third to his sister-in-Ia,v's house, and knocking
quietly so that none of the neighbours might hear, ,vas
presently admitted by J\iorgiana, a female slave whose
intelligence and discretion had long been kno,vn to him.
"1\lorgiana," said he, "there's trouble on the back of
that ass. Can you keep a secret?" And J\Iorgiana's
nod satisfied him better than any oath. " Well," said
he, "your master's body lies there waiting to be pieced,
and our business now is to bury him honourably as though
he had died a natural death. Go and tell your mistress
that I want to speak to her,"
1\lorgiana ,vent in to her mistress, and returning presently
bade Ali Baba enter. Then leaving him to break to his
sister- in -1::t \V the ne\vs and the sad circumstances of his
brother's death" she, with her plan already formed,

24

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

hastened forth and knocked at the door of the nearest
apothecary. As soon as he opened to her she required
of him in trembling agitation certain pillules efficacious
against grave disorders, declaring in ans,ver to his questions
that her master had been taken suddenly ill. With these
she returned home, and her plan of concealment having
been explained and agreed upon, much to the satisfaction
of Ali Baba, she went forth the next morning to the same
apothecary, and with tears in her eyes besought him to
supply her in haste with a certain drug that is given to
sick people only in the last extremity. Meanwhile the
rumour of Cassim's sickness had got abroad; Ali Baba
and his wife had been seen coming and going, while Mor-
giana by her ceaseless activity had made the two days'
pretended illness seem like a fortnight: so when a sound
of wailing arose within the house all the neighbours con-
cluded without further question that Cassim had died a
natural and honourable death.
But Morgiana had now a still more difficult task to
perform, it being necessary for the obsequies that the
body should be made in some way presentable, So at a
very early hour the next morning she went to the shop
of a certain merry old cobbler, Baba Mustapha by name,
who lived on the other side of the town. Showing him a
piece of gold she inquired whether he were ready to earn
it by exercising his craft in implicit obedience to her
instructions. And when Baba Mustapha sought to know
the terms, "First," said she, " you must come with your
eyes bandaged; secondly, you must sew what I put
before you without asking questions; and thirdly, when
you return you must tell nobody."
1\Iustapha, who had a lively curiosity into other folk's
affairs, boggled for a time at the bandaging, and doubted
much of his ability to refrain from question; but ha.ving

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ALl BABA A
TJ) THE FORTY THIEVES 27

on these considerations secured the doubling of his fee,
he pronlised secrecy readily enough, and taking his
cobbler's tackle in hand subnlitted hinlself to l\Iorgiana's
guidance and set forth. This way and that she led hhn
blindfold, till she had brought him to the house of her
deceased master. Then uncovering his eyes in the pres-
ence of the dismembered corpse, she bade him get out
thread and wax and join the pieces together.
Baba l\Iustapha plied his task ac
ording to the conl-
pact, asking no question. 'Vhen he had done, l\Iorgiana
again bandaged his eyes and led him home, and giving
him a third piece of gold the more to satisfy him, she bade
him good-day and departed,
So in seemliness and without scandal of any kind we _'e
the obsequies of the murdered Cassim performed. And
when all was ended, seeing that his widow was desolate
and his house in need of a protector, Ali Baba with brotherly
piety took both the one and the other into his care, many-
ing his sister-in-law according to l\Ioslem rule, and remov-
ing with all his goods and newly acquired treasure to the
house which had been his brother's. And having also
acquired the shop where Cassim had done business, he
put int:> it his own son, who had already served an appren-
ticeship to the trade. So, with his fortune well established,
let us now leave Ali Baba, and return to the robbers' cave.
Thither, at the appointed time, came the forty robbers,
bearing in hand fresh booty; and great was their con-
sternation to discover that not only had the body of
Cassim been removed, but a good many sacks of gold as
well. It was no wonder that this should trouble them,
for so long as anyone could command secret access, the
cave was useless as a depository for their wealth. The
question was, What could they do to put an end to their
present insecurity? After long debate it was agreed that

28

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

one of their number should go into the town disguised as
a. traveller, and there, mixing with the common people,
learn from their report whether there had been recently
any case in their midst of sudden prosperity or sudden
death. If such a thing could be discovered, then they
made sure of tracking the evil to its source and imposing
a remedy.
Although the penalty for failure was death, one of the
robbers at once boldly offered himself for the venture,
and having transformed himself by disguise and received
the wise counsels and commendations of his fellows, he
set out for the town.
Arriving at dawn he began to walk up and down the
streets and watch the early stirring of the inhabitants.
So, before long, he drew up at the door of Baba Mustapha,
who, though old, was already seated at work upon his
cobbler's bench. The robber accosted him. " I wonder,"
said he, "to see a man of your age at work so early. Does
not so dull a light strain your eyes ?" " Not so much
as you might think," answered Baba l\Iustapha. "Why,
it was but the other day that at this same hour I sa.w well
enough to stitch up a dead body in a place where it was
certainly no lighter." "Stitch up a dead body t" cried
the robber in pretended amazement, concealing his joy
at this sudden intelligence. "Surely you mean in its
winding sheet, for how else can a dead body be stitched ? "
"No, no," said Mustapha; "what I say I mean; but
as it is a secret, I can tell you no more." The robber
drew out a piece of gold. "Come," said he, "tell me
nothing you do not care to; only show me the house
where lay the body that you stitched." Baba Mustapha
eyed the gold longingly. "Would that I couId," he
replied; "but alas! I went to it blindfold." "Well,"
said the robber, " I have heard that a blind man remembers

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 29

his road; perhaps, though seeing you might lose it, blind-
fold you might find it again." Tempted by the offer of a
second piece of gold, Baba
Iustapha was soon persuaded
to make the attempt. "It was here that I started," said
he, showing the spot, " and I turned as you see me now."
The robber then put a bandage over his eyes, and walked
beside him through the streets, partly guiding and partly
being led, till of his own accord Baba M'l. 9tapha stopped.
" It was here," said he. "The door by which I went in
should now lie to the right. And he had in fact come
exactly opposite to the house ,vhich had once been Cassim's,
where AU Baba now dwelt.
The robber, having marked the door with a piece of
chalk which he had provided for the purpose, removed
the bandage from Mustapha's eyes, and leaving him to his
own devices returned with all possible speed to the cave
where his comrades were awaiting him.
Soon after the robber and cobbler had parted, Mor-
giana happened to go out u:r on an errand, and as she
returned she noticed the mark upon the door. " This,"
she thought, "is not as it should be; either some trick
is intended, or there is evil brewing for nlY master's house."
Taking a piece of chalk she put a similar mark upon the
five or six doors lying to right and left; and having done
this she went home with h
!' mind satisfied, saying nothing.
In the meantime the robbers had learned from their
companion the success of his venture. Greatly elated at
the thought of the vengeance so soon to be theirs, they
formed a plan for entering the city in a manner that should
arouse no suspicion among the inhabitants. Passing in
by t,vos and threes, and by different routes, they came
together to the market-place at an appointed time, while
the captain and the robber who had acted as spy made
their way alone to the street in which the marked door

30

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

was to be found. Presently, just as they had expected,
they perceived a door with the mark on it. "That is
it I " said the robber; but as they continued walking so
as to avoid suspicion, they came upon another and another,
till, before they were done, they had passed six in succes-
sion. So alike were the marks that the spy, though he
swore he had made but one, could not tell which it ,vas.
Seeing that the design had failed, the captain returned to
the market-place, and having passed the word for his
troop to go back in the same way as they had come, he
himself set the example of retreat.
When they were all reassembled in the fOlest, the
captain eXplained how the matter had fallen, and the spy,
acquiescing in his own condemnation, kneeled do\vn and
received the stroke of the executioner.
But as it was still necessary for the safety of all that
so great a trespass and theft should not pass unaveng
d,
another of the band, undeterred by the fate of his comrade,
volunteered upon the same conditions to prosecute the
quest wherein the other had failed. Coming by the same
means to the house of Ali Baba, he set upon the door, at a
spot not likely to be noticed, a mark in red chalk to dis-
tinguish it clearly from those which were already marked
in white. But even this precaution failed of its end.
l\lorgiana, whose eye nothing could escape, noticed the
red mark at the first time of passing, and dealt with it
just as she had done with the previous one. So when the
robbers came, hoping this time to light upon the door
without fail, they found not one but six all similarly
marked with red.
When the second spy had received the due reward of
his blunder, the captain considered how by trusting to
others he had come to lose two of his bravest followers,
so the third attempt he determined to conduct in person.

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 81

Having found his way to Ali Baba's door, as the two
others had done by the aid of Baba
Iustapha, he did
not set any mark upon it, but examined it so carefully
that he could not in future mistake it. He then returned
to the forest and communicated to his band the plan
\vhich he had formed. This was to go into the town in
the disguise of an oil-merchant, bearing with him upon
nineteen mules thirty-eight large leather jars, one of which,
as a sample, was to be full of oil, but all the others empty.
In these he purposed to conceal the thirty-seven robbers
to which his band was now reduced, and so to convey
his full force to the scene of action in such a manner as
to arouse no suspicion till the signal for vengeance should
be given.
Within a couple of days he had secured all the mules
and jars that were requisite, and having disposed of his
troop according to the pre-arranged plan, he drove his
train of well-laden mules to the gates of the city, through
which he passed just before sunset. Proceeding thence
to Ali Baba's house, and arriving as it fell dark, he was
about to knock and crave a lodging for the night, when he
perceived Ali Baba at the door enjoying the fresh air after
supper. Addressing hin1 in tones of respect, "Sir," said
he, "I have brought my oil a great distance to sell to-
.
morro\v in the market; and at this late hour, being a
stranger, I know not where to seek for a shelter. If it is
not troubling you too much, allow me to stable my beasts
here for the night."
The captain's voice was now so changed from its accus-
tomed tone of command, that Ali Baba, though he had
heard it before, did not recognize it. Not only did he
grant the stranger's request for bare accommodation, but
as soon as the unlading and stabling of the mules had
been accomplished, he invited him to stay no longer in

ö2

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

the outer court but enter the house as his guest. The
captain, whose plans this proposal somewhat disarranged,
endeavoured to excuse himself from a pretended reluctance
to give trouble; but since Ali Baba would take no refusal
he was forced at last to yield, and to submit with apparent
complaisance to an entertainment which the hospitality
of his host extended to a late hour.
When they \vere about to retire for the night, Ali
Baba went into the kitchen to speak to Morgiana; and
the captain of the robbers, on the pretext of going to look
after his mules, slipped out into the yard where the oil-
jars were standing in line. Passing from jar to jar he
\vhispered into each, " When you hear a handful of pebbles
fall from the windo\v of the chamber where I am lodged,
then cut your way out of the jar and make ready, for the
time "rill have come." He then returned to the house,
where Morgiana came with a light and conducted him to
his chamber.
Now Ali Baba, before going to bed, had said to l\'lor-
giana, "To-morrow at dawn I am going to the baths;
let my bathing-linen be put ready, and see that the cook
has some good broth prepared for me against my return."
Having therefore led the guest up to his chamber, Mor-
giana returned to the kitchen and ordered Abdallah the
cook to put on the pot for the broth. Suddenly while
she was skimming it, the lamp went out, and, on searching,
she found there was no more oil in the house. At so late
an hour no shop would be open, yet somehow the broth
had to be made, and that could not be done without a
light. "As for that," said Abdallah, seeing her perplexity,
" why trouble yourself? There is plenty of oil out in the
yard." "Why, to be sure! " said l\Iorgiana, and sending
Abdallah to bed so that he might be up in time to wake
his master on the morrow, she took the oil-can herself

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 83

and went out into the court. As she approached the jar
which stood nearest, she heard a voice within say, "Is
it time ? "
To one of l\iorgiana's intelligence an oil-jar that spoke
was an object of even more suspicion than a chalk-mark
on a door, and in an instant she apprehended what danger
for her master and his family might lie concealed around
her, Understanding well enough that an oil-jar which
asked a question required an answer, she replied quick
as thought and without the least sign of perturbation,
"Not yet, but presently." And thus she passed from jar
to jar, thirty-seven in all, giving the same answer, till she
came to the one which contained the oil.
The situation was now clear to her. Aware of the
source from which her master had acquired his wealth,
she guessed at once that, in extending shelter to the oil-
merchant, Ali Baba had in fact admitted to his house the
robber captain and his band. On the instant her resolu-
tion was formed. Having filled the oil-can she returned
to the kitchen; there she lighted the lamp and then,
taking a large kettle, went back once more to the jar
,vhich contained the oil. Filling the kettle she carried it
back to the kitchen, and putting under it a great fire of
wood had soon brought it to the boil. Then taking it in
hand once more, she went out into the yard and poured
into each jar in turn a sufficient quantity of the boiling
oil to scald its occupant to death.
She then returned to the kitchen, and having made
Ali Baba's broth, put out the fire, blew out the lamp, and
sat down by the window to watch.
Before long the captain of the robbers awoke from the
short sleep which he had allowed himself, and finding that
all was silent in the house, he rose softly and opened the
winòow. Below stood the oil-jars; gently into their
4

34

THE ARABIAN KIGHTS

midst he thre,y the handful of pebbles agreed on as a
signal; but from the oil-jars came no ans\ver. He thre\v
a second and a third time; yet though he could hear the
pebbles falling among the jars, there follo,ved only the
silence of the dead. 'if ondering whether his band had
fled leaving him in the lurch, or 'whether they were all
asleep, he gre,v uneasy, and descending in haste, made
his \vay into the court. As he approached the first jar a
sn1ell of burning and hot oil assailed his nostrils, and
looking within he beheld in rigid contortion the dead body
of his comrade. In every jar the same sight presented
itself, till he came to the one ,vhich had contained the
oil. There, in what ,vas missing, the means and manner
of his companions' death were made clear to him. Aghast
at the discovery and a,vake to the danger that now threat-
ened him, he did not delay an instant, but forcing the
garden-gate, and thence climbing from wall to ,vall, he
made his escape out of the city.
When I\'Iorgiana, who had remained all this time on
the \vatch, was assured of his final departure, she put her
master's bath-linen ready and went to bed well satisfied
with her day's work.
The next morning Ali Baba, awakened by his slave,
went to the baths before daybreak. On his return he
was greatly surprised to find that the merchant was gone,
leaving his mules and oil-jars behind him. He inquired
of l\lorgiana the reason. " You ,vill find the reason," said
she, "if you look into the first jar you come to," Ali
Baba did so, and, seeing a man, started back ,vith a cry.
" Do not be afraid," said Morgiana, " he is dead and harm-
less; and so are all the others whon1 you ,vill find if you
look further."
As Ali Baba \vent from one jar to another, finding
always the same sight of horror ,vithin, his knees treu1bled

ALl BABA AND TI-IE FORTY THIEVES 35

under him; and when he came at last to the one empty
oil-jar, he stood for a time motionless, turning upon Mor-
giana eyes of wonder and inquiry. "And ,vhat," he said
then, U has become of the merchant?" "To tell you
that," said l\Iorgiana, " will be to tell you the ,vhole story;
you will be better able to hear it if you have your broth
first.' ,
But the curiosity of Ali Baba was far too great: he
would not be kept waiting. So ,vithout further delay she
gave him the whole history, so far as she kne,v it, from
beginning to end; and by her intelligent putting of one
thing against another, she left him at last in no possible
doubt as to the source and nature of the conspiracy which
her quick wits had so happily defeated. "And now, dear
master," she said in conclusion, "continue to be on your
guard, for though all these are dead, one remains alive;
and he, if I mistake not, is the captain of the band, and
for that reason the more formidable and the more likely
to cherish the hope of vengeance."
When Morgiana had done speaking Ali Baba clearly
perceived that he owed to her not merely the protection
of his property but life itself. His heart was full of
gratitude. "Do not doubt," he said, "that before I die
I will re,vard you as you deserve; and as an im!uediate
proof from this moment I give you your liberty.'
This token of his approval filled l"Iorgiana's heart ,vith
delight, but she had no intention of leaving so kind a
master, even had she been sure that all danger ,vas now
over. The immediate question ,vhich next presented itself
was how to dispose of the bodies, Luckily at the far end
of the garden stood a thick grove of trees, and under
these Ali Baba ,vas able to dig a large trench without
attracting the notice of his neighbours. Here the remains
of the thirty-seven robbers were laid side by side, the

36

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

trench was filled again, and the ground made level. As
for the mules, since Ali Baba had no use for them, he
sent them, one or t\VO at a time, to the market to be sold.
l\feanwhile the robber captain had fled back to the
forest. Entering the cave he was overcome by its gloom
and loneliness, "Alas!" he cried, "my comrades, part-
ners in my adventures, sharers of my fortune, how shal1
I endure to live without you? Why did I lead you to a
fate \vhere valour was of no avail, and where death turned
you into objects of ridicule? Surely had you died sword
in hand my sorrow had been less bitter! And now what
remains for me but to take vengeance for your death and
to prove, by achieving it without aid, that I was worthy
to be the captain of such a band 1 "
Thus resolved, at an early hour the next day, he
assumed a disguise suitable to his purpose, and going to
the town took lodging in a khan. Entering into conversa-
tion with his host he inquired whether anything of interest
had happened recently in the town; but the other, though
full of gossip, had nothing to tell him concerning the
matter in which he was most interested, for Ali Baba,
having to conceal from all the source of his \vealth, had
also to be silent as to the dangers in which it involved
him.
The captain then inquired where there was a shop for
hire; and hearing of one that suited him, he came to
terms ,vith the owner, and before long had furnished it
with all kinds of rich stuffs and carpets and j ewellery
which he brought by degrees with great secrecy from the
cave.
Now this shop happened to be opposite to that which
had belonged to Cassim and was now occupied by the son
of Ali Baba; so before long the son and the new-comer,
who had assumed the name of CogiR Houssain, became

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 87

acquainted; and as the youth had good looks, kind
manners, and a sociable disposition, it was not long before
the acquaintance became intimate,
Cogia Houssain did all he could to seal the pretended
friendship, the more so as it had not taken him long to
discover how the young man and AU Baba were related;
so, plying him constantly with small presents and acts of
hospitality, he forced on him the obligation of making
some return.
Ali Baba's son, however, had not at his lodging suffi-
cient accommodation for entertainment; he therefore told
his father of the difficulty in which Cogia Houssain's
favours had placed him, and Ali Baba with great willing-
ness at once offered to arrange matters. "My son," said
he, "to-morrow being a holiday, all shops will be closed;
then do you after dinner invite Cogia Houssain to walk
with you; and as you return bring him this way and beg
him to come in. That will be better than a formal invita-
tion, and Morgiana shall have a supper prepared for you."
This proposal was exactly what Ali Baba's son could
have wished, so on the morrow he brought Cogia Houssain
to the door as if by accident, and stopping, invited him
to enter.
Cogia Houssain, who saw his object thus suddenly
attained, began by showing pretended reluctance, but Ali
Baba himself coming to the door, pressed him in the most
kindly manner to enter, and before long had conducted
him to the table, where food stood prepared.
But there an unlooked.for difficulty arose. Wicked
though he might be, the robber c
ptain was not so impious
as to eat the salt of the man he intended to kill. He
therefore began with many apologies to excuse himself;
and when Ali Baba sought to know the reason, "Sir,"
said he, "I am sure that if you knew the cause of my

38

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

resolution you ,vould approve of it. Suffice it to say that
I have made it a rule to eat of no dish that has salt in it.
How then can I sit down at your table if I must reject
everything that is set before me?"
"If that is your scruple," said Ali Baba, "it shall
soon be satisfied," and he sent orders to the kitchen that
no salt was to be put into any of the dishes presently to
be served to the ne,vly arrived guest. " Thus," said he
to Cogia Houssain, " I shall still have the honour, to ,vhich
I have looked forward, of returning to you under my o,vn
roof the hospitality you have shown to my son."
l\lorgiana, who was just about to serve supper, received
the order with some discontent. "\Vho," she said, "is
this difficult person that refuses to eat salt? He must
be a curiosity worth looking at." So when the saltless
courses were ready to be set upon the table, she herself
helped to carry in the dishes. No sooner had she set eyes
on Cogia Houssain than she recognized him in spite of
his disguise; and observing his movements \vith great
attention she sa\v that he had a dagger concealed beneath
his robe. "Ah !" she said to herself, "here is reason
enough! For who ,vill eat salt with the man he means
to murder? But he shall not murder my master if I
can prevent it."
Now l'rlorgiana knew that the most favourable oppor-
tunity for the robber captain to carry out his design \vould
be after the courses had been withdrawn, and when Ali
Baba and his son and guest were alone .together over their
,vine, which indeed was the very project that Cogia Hous-
sain had formed. Going forth, therefore, in haste, she
dressed herself as a dancer, assuming the head-dress and
mask suitable for the character. Then she fastened a silver
girdle about her waist, and hung upon it a dagger of the
same material. Thus equipped, she said to AbdaIlah the

ALl BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES 39

cook, "Take your tabor and let us go in and give an
entertainment in honour of our master's guest."
So Abdallah took his tabor, and played Morgiana into
the hall. As soon as she had entered she made a low
curtsy, and stood a,vaiting orders. Then Ali Baba, seeing
that she wished to perform in his guest's honour, said
kindly, "Come in, Morgiana, and show Cogia Houssain
,vhat you can do."
Immediately Abdallah began to beat upon his tabor
and sing an air for l\Iorgiana to dance to; and she, advanc-
ing with much grace and propriety of deportment, began
to move through several figures, performing them ,vith the
ease and facility ,vhich none but the most highly practised
can attain to. Then, for the last figure of all, she drew
out the dagger and, h01ding it in her hand, danced a dance
,vhich excelled all that had preceded it in the surprise
and change and quickness and dexterity of its n10vements.
Now she presented the dagger at her own breast, no,v at
one of the onlookers; but ahvays in the act of striking
she dre,v back. At length, as though out of breath, she
snatched his instrument from Abdallah with her left hand,
and, still holding the dagger in her right, advanced the
hollow of the tabor toward her master, as is the custom
of dancers ,vhen claiming their fee. Ali Baba threw in a
piece of gold; his son did likewise. Then advancing it
in the same manner to,vard Cogia Houssain, who was
feeling for his purse, she struck under it, and before he
kne,v had plunged her dagger deep into his heart.
Ali Baba and his son, seeing their guest fall dead, cried
out in horror at the deed. "Wretch!" exclaimed Ali
Baba, "what ruin and shame hast thou brought on us? "
" Nay," answered l\lorgiana, "it is not your ruin but your
life that I have thus secured; look and convince yourself
\vhat man was this ,vhich refused to eat salt ,vith you! "

40

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

So saying, she tore off the dead robber's disguise, showing
the dagger concealed below, and the face which her master
now for the first time recognized.
Ali Baba's gratitude to l\Iorgiana for thus preserving
his life a second time, knew no bounds. He took her in
his arms and embraced her as a daughter. "Now," said
he, "the time is come ,vhen I must fulfil my debt; and
ho\v better can I do it than by marrying you to my son?"
This proposition, far from proving un,velcome to the
young man, did but confirn1 an inclination already formed.
A few days later the nuptials were celebrated ,vith great
joy and solemnity, and the union thus auspiciously com-
menced was productive of as much happiness as lies within
the po,ver of mortals to secure.
As for the robbers' cave, it remained the secret posses-
sion of Ali Baba and his posterity; and using their good
fortune with equity and moderation, they rose to high
office in the city and were held in great honour by all
who knew them.

THE STORY OF THE WICKED HALF-BROTHERS

5

THE STORY OF THE WICI{ED HALF-BROTHERS

IN the city of Harran there once lived a l{ing ,vho
had every happiness ,vhich life and fortune could besto,v
save that he lacked an heir. Although, according to royal
custom, he had in his household fifty wives, fair to look
upon and affectionate in disposition, and though he con-
tinually invoked on these unions the blessing of Heaven,
still he remained childless; for \vhich cause all his joy
,vas turned to affliction, and his wealth and po,ver and
magnificence became as of no account.
No,v one night as he slept there appeared before him
an old man of venerable appearance who, addressing him
in mild accents, spoke thus: "The prayer of the faithful
a.mong fifty has been heard. Arise, therefore, and go
into the gardens of your palace and cause the gardener
to bring you a pomegranate fully ripe. Eat as n1any of
the seeds as you desire children, and your ,vish shall be
fulfilled. "
Immediately upon awaking the King remembered the
dream, and going down into t.he gardens of t.he palace he
took fifty pomegranate seeds, and counting t.hem one by
one at.e them all. So in due course, according to the
promise of his dream, each of his ,vives gave birth to a
son, all about the same tin1e. To this, ho,vever, there
was an exception, for one of the fifty \vhose name ,vas
Pirouzè, t.he fairest and the n10st honourably born, she
alone, as time ,vent on, sho,ved no sign of that which ,va"
43

44

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

expected of her. Then was the King's anger kindled
against her because in her alone the promise .of his dream
was not fulfilled; and deeming such a one hateful in the
eyes of Heaven he was minded to put her to death. His
vizier, however, dissuaded him. "Time alone can show,"
said he, "whether her demerits are so great as you now
suppose. Let her go back to her own people, and remain
in banishment until the will of Heaven shall declare itself,
and if within due time she give birth to a son then can
she return to you with all honour." So the King did as
his vizier advised, and sent Pirouzè back to her own
country to the court of the Prince of Samaria; and there
before long she who had seemed barren had the joy of
becoming a mother and gave birth to a son whom she
named Codadad, that is to say, "the Gift of God." Never-
theless, because the King of Harran had put upon her
so public a disgrace, the Prince of Samaria would send
no word to him of the event; so the young Prince was
brought up at his uncle's court, and there he learned to
ride and to shoot and to perform such warlike feats as
become a prince, and in all that country he had no equal
for accomplishment or courage.
Now one day, when Codadad had reached the age of
eighteen, word came to him that his father the King of
Harran was engaged in war and surrounded by enemies;
so the Prince said to his mother, "Now is it time that I
should go and prove myself worthy of my birth and the
equal of my brethren; for here in Samaria all is peace
and indolence, but in Harran are hardship and dangers,
and great deeds waiting to be done." And his mother
said to him, " 0 my son, since it seems good to thee, go ;
but how wilt thou declare thyself to thy father, or cause
him to believe thy word, seeing that he is ignorant of
thy birth ?" Codadad answered, " I will so declare myself

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PIROUZÈ, THE FAIREST AND MOST HONOURABLY BORN
(Page 43)

THE \VICKED HALF-BROTHERS 47
by my deeds that before my father knows the truth he
shall wish that it ,vere true."
So he departed and came in princely arms to the city
of Harran, and there offered his service to the King against
all his enemies. No,v, no sooner had the l{ing looked
upon the youth than his heart was drawn to,vard him
because of his beauty and the secret ties of blood, but
\vhen he asked from what country he came, Codadad
ans,vered, " I am the son of an emir of Cairo, and wherever
there is war I go to ,vin fame, nor do I care in what cause
I fight so long as I be proved worthy."
The Prince ,vas not slo,v in making his valour known;
before long he had risen to the command of the ,vhole
army, not only over the heads of his brethren but also
of the more experienced officers. And thereafter, ,vhen
peace 'was re-established, the King, finding Codadad as
prudent as he ,vas valiant, appointed him governor to
the young Princes.
Now this act, though justified by merit, could not fail
to increase the hatred and jealousy ,vhich Codadad's
brethren had long felt towards him. "What?" they
cried, "shall this stranger not only steal from us the first
place in the King's favour, but must we also be in obedi-
ence to his ruling and judgment? Surely if we do so we
are no sons of a King."
So they conspired together ho\v best to be rid of him.
One said, " Let us fall upon him with our swords." "No,
no," said another, " for so doing we shall but bring punish-
ment upon ourselves. But let us so arrange matters as
to dra\v on him the weight of the King's anger; thus
shall our vengeance be made both safe and complete."
To this the other Princes agreed; so forming a design
\vhich seemed favourable to their end they approached
Codadad, and besought his permission to go forth together

48

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

on a hunting expedition, promising to return the same
day. Codadad, deeming the request reasonable, inlmedi-
ately granted it: the brothers departed, but they did not
return.
On the third day the l{ing made inquiry as to the
reason of their absence. Codadad replied that they ,vere
gone on a hunting expedition but had promised to return
much sooner. Another day passed and the King grew
anxious; yet another, and he became furious; and all
his wrath 'was directed against Codadad, "0 traitor,"
he cried, " \vhy hast thou neglected thy trust and allowed
my sons to go any,vhere unaccompanied by thee? Now
go instantly and search for them, and if thou find them
not, be assured that on thy head shall fall the penalty."
At these words the Prince was filled with sudden fore-
boding, for he knew that the brothers had no love for
him, and well could he see now the danger into which
he had fallen. All he could do, ho,vever, was to obey;
so furnishing himself with arms and a horse good for
travelling, he set out in search of his brethren.
After some days employed in a fruitless quest he came
to a desolate tract in the midst of \vhich stood a castle
of black marble. As he approached he beheld at an upper
window a damsel of marvellous beauty, with torn garments,
dishevelled hair, and a countenance expressive of the most
lively affliction, who immediately that she set eyes on
him wrung her hands and waived him away crying, "Oh,
fly, fly from this place of death and the monster which
inhabits it! For here lives a black giant which feeds on
human flesh, seizing all he can find. Even no,v in his
dungeons you may hear the cries of those whom for his
next meal he will devour."
"Madam," replied the Prince, "for my safety you
need have no care. Only be good enough to inform me

THE WICKED HALF-BROTHERS 49

who you are and how you came to be in your present
plight." "I come from Cairo," she replied, "where my
birth gives me rank. And as I was travelling from thence
on my road to Bagdad this monstrous negro suddenly fell
upon us, and having slain my escort brought me hither
a captive, to endure, if Heaven refuses me succour,
things far worse than death. But though I know my
own peril I will not see others perish in a vain attempt
to rescue me, therefore once more I entreat you to fly
ere it be too late."
But even as she spoke, the negro, a horrible and
gigantic monster of loathsome appearance, came in sight
moving rapidly toward the palace. No sooner had he
caught sight of the Prince than he rushed upon him with
growls of fury, and drawing his scimitar aimed at him a
blow which, had it found him, must there and then have
ended the fight. The Prince, however, swerved nimbly
under the stroke, and reaching his farthest, wounded the
giant in the knee; then wheeling his charger about before
the negro could turn on his maimed limb he attacked him
from the rear, and \vith one fortunate blow brought him
to earth. Instantly, before the giant could gather up his
huge length and regain his vantage, Codadad spurred
forward and with a single sweep of his sword smote off
his head.
Meanwhile, all breathle:;s above, the lady had leaned
watching the contest. Now, seeing that victory was
secured, she gave free vent to her joy and gratitude. "0
prince of men !" she cried, "now is revealed to me the
high rank to which thou wast born. Finish, then, thy
work; take from the girdle of yonder wretch the keys of
the castle and come quickly to the release of me and my
fell ow- prisoners."
The Prince did according to her directions; as he

6

50

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

opened the gates and entered the forecourt the lady
advanced to meet him, ready, had he permitted it, to
throw herself in gratitude at his feet. And now, as he
beheld near at hand the beauty which had charmed him
from a distance, Codadad realized ho,v great had been
his fortune, and \vith his whole heart rejoiced at the
deliverance of one in whose nature so much virtue and
grace seemed blended.
But \vhile he \vas thus lost in the contemplation of
her loveliness there arose from the basement of the castle
a dreadful sound of crying and lamentation. "What is
that? " inquired the Prince. "It is the cry of the pris-
oners," replied the lady, "to whom, I doubt not, the
opening of the gates has betokened the monster's return.
Come, therefore, quickly and relieve them of their misery."
And so saying she pointed to the door which led to the
place of confinement.
Thither, accompanied by the lady, went Codadad ,vith
all speed. Descending by a dark stair he came upon a
vast cavern dimly lighted, around the walls of \vhich a
hundred prisoners lay chained. Instantly he set to work
to loose their bonds, informing them at the same time of
the death of their captor and of their freedom from
all further danger. At these unexpected tidings the
captives raised a cry of joy and thanksgiving; but
great as was their surprise at such unlooked-for
deliverance, greater still was that of the Prince ,vhen,
on bringing them to the light, he discovered that forty-
nine of the hundred whom he had released were his
o,vn brethren.
The Princes received the cordial en1braces of their
deliverer with little embarrassment, for the disaster into
which they had fallen had caused them almost entirely
to forget their original intent. Satisfied with expressing in

..

, .

THE LADY ADVANCED TO MEET HIM
(P8g'
O)

THE WICKED HALF-BROTHERS 53

proper terms their obligation and gratitude toward Coda-
dad, they now joined eagerly in his survey of the castle;
there upon examination they found an extraordinary
variety and 'wealth of booty, consisting for the most part
of merchandise which the negro had pillaged from passing
caravans, some of it actually belonging to those whom
Codadad had so recently rescued.
The Prince accordingly ordered the merchants each to
take ,vhat he recognized as his own; and this being done
he divided the rest equally between them. The question
then arose how they should remove their plunder from a
place so desolately situated, where it ,vould seem impossible
to procure means of conveyance; but on a further search
they found not only the camels of the merchants, but also
the horses on which the Princes of Harran had ridden;
and as, at their approach, the black slaves who were in
charge of the stables fell into headlong flight, Codadad
and his companions found themselves left in undis-
puted possession. The merchants therefore loaded their
camels, and with renewed protestations of gratitude
departed on the several roads by which their avocations
called them.
When they were gone Codadad's next care ,vas to
inquire of the lady in what direction she wished to travel,
pron1ising that he and the Princes would conduct her
in safety to any place she might name. The lady
replied, thanking him for his generous offer. " But
wherever I go," said she, "it cannot be to my own
country, for not only is it too far distant, but cruel misfor-
tune has separated. me from it for ever. And since you
have put me under so great an obligation, let me now
confess the truth which before I thought it prudent to
conceal. My dignity of rank is far higher than that to
which I recently laid claim; in me you behold a King's

54

,THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

daughter, and if it ,vill interest you to hear the story of
n1Y misfortunes, I shall be happy to recount it." Assured
of the lively sympathy of her auditors she began as
follo,vs :

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERY ABAR

. ;,.

fr1

THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR

My father was the King of a city among the isles
named Deryabar, and I was his only child; for, in spite
of his many prayers directed to that end, Heaven had
not granted him a son. And for this cause, though he
bestowed upon my education all imaginable care, the sight
of me remained displeasing to him. In order the better
to forget his sorro,v he spent his days in hunting, and so
he chanced on the event which led to all our misfortunes.
For one day, as he was riding unattended in the forest,
night overtook him and he knew not which way to turn.
Presently in the distance he perceived a light, and advanc-
ing towards it he came upon a hut within which a mon-
strous negro stood basting an ox that roasted before the
fire. In the farther corner of the hut lay a beautiful
woman with hands bound, and a face betokening the
deepest affliction, while at her feet a young child, between
two and three years of age, stretched up its arms and
wailed without ceasing.
At this sight my father was filled ,vith compassion,
but his desire to effect her rescue was restrained for a
while by fear that a failure might only make matters
worse. In the meantime the giant, having drained a
pitcher of wine, sat down to eat. Presently he turned
himself about and addressed the lady. "Charming Prin-
cess," said he, "why will you not accept the good things
which are within your reach? Only yield to me the love
7 57

58

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

that I demand and you will find in me the gentlest and
most considerate of lords." To these advances, however,
the lady replied with resolution and courage. "Vile
monster," she cried, "every time I look at you does but
increase my hatred and loathing toward you. Unchange-
able as the foulness of your appearance is the disgust
with which you inspire me! "
These words of violent provocation ,vere no sooner
uttered than the negro, beside himself with rage, drew his
sword, and seizing the lady by the hair, lifted her from
the ground in preparation for the blow that would have
ended all. Whereupon, seeing that not a moment was
to be lost, my father drew his bow and let fly an arrow
with so good an aim that, pierced to the heart, the giant
fell dead. Immediately entering the hut my father raised
the lady from the swoon into which she had fallen, and
severing her bonds gave her the needed reassurance that
all danger was now over. Before long he learned in
answer to his inquiries that she had been wife to a chief
of the Saracens, in whose service the slain giant had,
on account of his great strength, occupied a position
of trust. This, ho,vever, he had shamelessly betrayed;
for having conceived a violent passion for his master's
wife, he first persuaded the chief into an expedition which
terminated in his death, and then returning in haste
carried away by force not only the lady but her child
also. From this degrading bondage my father's act had
now saved her; but though thus relieved of immediate
danger, the ,vife of the Saracen chief was both solitary
and friendless, for not only was she too far removed from
her own land to return to it unaided, but she had small
hope, should she ever arrive there, of securing for her son
his rightful inheritance. This being the case my father,
moved with compassion, determined to adopt the child as

TIlE PRINCESS OF DERY ABAR 159

his own; and as the lady gratefully accepted his proposal,
the next day, as soon as it was light, he returned to Deryabar
bringing with him mother and son.
Thus it came about that the son of a Saracen chief
was brought up in my father's palace like a Prince of the
blood royal; and so, on attaining to manhood, having
both grace and good looks to recommend him, he came
to forget the comparative lowliness of his origin, and aspir-
ing to become my father's heir, had the presumption to
demand my hand in marriage.
A claim so audacious merited the severest punishment,
yet my father merely remarked that he had other views
concerning me, and with so lenient a rebuke would have
passed the matter by. His refusal, however, excited in
the proud youth the liveliest resentment; seeing that he
could not obtain his ambition by fair means he immedi-
ately entered into conspiracy, and having treacherously
slain my father, caused himself to be made King in his
place. Fresh from this monstrous crime he renewed his
suit for my hand, and was preparing to enforce it by
violence, when the vizier, who alone of all my father's
court had remained faithful to his memory, found means
to convey me from the palace to a sailing vessel which
was leaving harbour the same night. .
Here for a time I seemed to have reached safety, but
when we had been only three days at sea a violent storm
arose, and the ship, driving helplessly before it, struck
upon a rock and went down leaving as sole survivor the
one who least wished to be spared. How I was saved I
know not, nor how long I lay unfriended by the desolate
shore upon which I had been cast; but scarcely had the
consciousness of life returned to me when I heard a multi-
tudinous sound of swift galloping; and presently, feeling
myself lifted by men's hands, I turned and saw halting

60

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

near me a troop of Arab horsemen, and at their head a
youth royally arrayed and beautiful as the morning.
Thus when my fortunes were at their lowest I beheld him
whom Heaven had sent not only to afford me that deliver-
ance of which I stood so much in need, but also to restore
me to the rank due to my birth. For let me confess that
after this young Prince had succoured me with the most
tender solicitude, conducting me in all honour to his own
palace and there lodging me under his mother's protection,
I experienced towards him a feeling of duty and gratitude
such as would have made his lightest wish my law. When
therefore with an ardent and ever-incre3.sing devotion he
desired me to become his bride, I could not, upon the
completion of my recovery, refuse him the happiness he
sought.
But the festivities of our marriage were sC3.rcely ended,
when suddenly by night the city in which we dwelt was
attacked by a band of travelling marauders. The attack
was so unexpected and so well planned that the town
was stormed and the garrison cut to pieces before any
news of the event had reached the palace. Under cover
of darkness we managed to escape, and fleeing to the sea-
shore took refuge on a small fishing boat, in which we
immediately put out to sea, hoping to find in the rude
winds and waves a safer shelter than our own walls had
afforded us,
For two days we drifted with wind and tide, not
knowing any better direction in which to turn; upon the
third we perceived with relief a ship bearing down upon
us, but as we watched its approach our satisfaction was
soon changed to apprehension and dread, for we saw
clearly that those on board were neither fishermen nor
traders, but pirates. With rude shouts they boarded our
small barque, and seizing my husband and myself carried

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(pag. 67)

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THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR 68

us captive to their own vessel. Here the one who was
their leader advanced towards me and pulled aside my
veil; whereupon a great clamour instantly arose among
the crew, each contending for the possession of me. The
dispute upon this point grew so warm that presently they
fell to fighting; and a bitter and deadly conflict was
maintained till at last only a single pirate was left. This
one, ,vho now regarded himself as my owner, proceeded
to inform me of ,vhat ,vas to be my fate. " I have," he
said, "a friend in Cairo who has promised me a rich
reward if I can supply him ,vith a slave, more beautiful
than any of those that his harem now contains. The
distinction of earning me this reward shall be yours
But tell me," he went on, turning towards the place
where my husband stood bound, " who is this youth that
accompanies you? Is he a lover or a brother, or only a
servant?" "Sir," said I, "he is my husband." "In
that case," he replied, "out of pity we must get rid of
him, for I would not afflict him needlessly with the sight
of another's happiness." And so saying, he took m
"
husband, all bound as he was, and threw him into the sea.
So great was my grief at the sight of this cruel deed,
that had I not been bound myself I should undoubtedly
have sought the same end to my sufferings. But for the
sake of future profit the pirate took the most watchful
care of me, not only so long as we were on board the ship
but also when, a few days later, we came to port and
there joined ourselves to a large caravan which was about
to start on the road to Cairo. While thus travelling in
apparent safety, we were suddenly attacked by the terrible
negro who lately owned this castle. After a long and
dubious conflict the pirate, and all who stood by him,
were slain, while I and those of the merchants ,vho had
remained timorously looking on were seized, and brought

64

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

hither as prisoners destined as it seemed for a fate far
more lingering and terrible. The rest of my story, brave
Prince, I need not here recount, since the shaping of it
was so largely in your own hands, and since to you alone
is owed the happiness of its conclusion.

'"'''hen the Princess of Deryabar had thus finished the
tale of her wanderings, Codadad hastened to assure her
how deep was his sympathy in all her misfortunes. "But
if you will allow yourself," he continued, "to be guided
by me, your future life shall be one of safety and tranquil-
lity . You have but to come as my bride, and the King
of Harran will offer you an honourable welcome to his
court; while, as regards myself, my whole life shall be
devoted to securing for you that happiness which your
grace and noble qualities prove that you deserve. And
that you may not regard this proposal as too presump-
tuous, I have now to inform you, and also these Princes,
concerning my birth and rank. For I, too, am a son of
the King of Harran, born to him at the court of Samaria
by his wife the Princess Pirouzè, whom he had sent unjustly
into banishment."
This declaration on the part of Coda dad so accorded
with the inclinations of the Princess that she at once
yielded her consent, and as the castle was full of provisions
suitable for the occasion, preparations were made first to
solemnize the marriage, and then for all together to set
forth on the return journey to Harran. As for the Princes,
though they received Codadad's news with every outward
protestation of joy, they were in fact more filled with
apprehension and jealousy than before, for they could not
but fear that his favour with the King would be greatly
increased and become far more dangerous to their interests
when the true facts of his birth were revealed. No sooner,

THE PRINCESS OF DERY ABAR 65

therefore, had Codadad and the Princess passed to their
nuptials, than his brethren entered into a conspiracy to
slay him; and at the first halt upon the homeward journey,
taking advantage of the lack of protection ,vhich a tent
affords, they came upon their brother by night, and
stabbing him in a hundred places as he lay asleep, left
him for dead in the arms of his bride. They then broke
up the camp and returned with all haste to the city of
HaITan, where, with a falsely invented tale, they excused
themselves to the King for their long absence.
In the meantime Codadad lay so spent by loss of blood
that there remained in him no sign of life. The Princess
his wife, distraught with grief, had already given him up
for dead. "0 Heaven," she cried, bathing his body with
her tears, "why am I thus ever condemned to bring on
others disaster and death, and why for a second time have
I been deprived of the one I was about to love ? "
As thus she continued to cry in piteous lamentation,
and to gaze on the senseless form lying before her, she
thought that she perceived on the lips a faint motion of
breath. At once her hope revived, and springing to her
feet she ran instantly in the direction of the nearest
village, hoping to find there a surgeon or one that had skill
in the binding of wounds. Returning after a time with
the aid that she had summoned she found to her grief
the place where Codadad had lain left vacant, nor was
there any trace or indication of the fate which had over-
taken him.
Overwhelmed by this final catastrophe, and believing
that some wild beast must have devoured him, she suffered
herself to be led away by the surgeon, who, in pity for
one so greatly afflicted, placed her under the shelter of
his own roof, and lavished upon her every mark of con-
sideration and respect. So, when she had sufficiently
b

66

TIlE ARABIAN NIGIITS

recovered fronl her griefs to find utterance, he gathered
from her own lips all the circumstances of her story, her
name and rank, the high and valiant deeds of the Prince
her husband, and the base ingratitude of his brethren.
And perceiving that her grief and sufferings had so robbed
her of the desire of life that without son1e end on which
to direct her will she would presently pass into a decline,
the surgeon endeavoured to arouse her to the pursuit of
that just vengeance which the murder of her husband had
earned. "Do not," he said, " let the death of so noble a
Prince become a benefit to his enemies. Let us go together
to the King of Harran, and make known to him the guilt
of these wicked brethren. For surely the name of Coda-
dad should live in story; but if you, \vhose honour he
saved, now sink under your affliction his name perishes
with you, and you have not retrieved your debt."
These \vords roused the Princess from her deep des-
pondency; forming her resolution on the surgeon's advice,
she arose instantly and prepared herself for the journey,
and with such haste and diligence did she pursue her
project that within two days she and her companion
arrived at the city of Harran.
Here strange news awaited them; for at all the cara-
vanseri it was told how lately there had come to the city
an exiled wife of the King, Princess Pirouzè by name, in-
quiring for news of her lost son; and how, as now appeared,
this son had already been under a feigned designation at
his father's court, and after performing many exploits and
deeds of heroism had disappeared none knew whither.
Forty-nine sons had the King by different wives, but all
these, it was declared, he would willingly put to death so
only that Codadad might be restored to him.
Now when the Princess of Deryabar heard this, she
said, " I will go to the Queen Pirouzè and make known to

THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR 67

her the fate of her son, and when we have wept together
and drawn comfort fron1 each other in our grief then we
will go before the King, and demand vengeance on the
murderers." But the surgeon said, "Have a care what
you do; for if the Princes of Harran learn of your arrival,
they will not rest till they have done to you as they did
to your husband. Let us therefore proceed ,vith secrecy,
so as to ensure safety, and do YOll on no account let your
presence here be known till the King has been thoroughly
informed of the ,vhole matter." Then leaving the Princess
in a place discreetly chosen, he went forth into the streets
and began to direct his steps towards the palace. Pres-
ently he was met by a lady mounted upon a mule richly
caparisoned, and behind her followed a great troop of
guards and attendants. As she approached the populace
ran out of their houses and stood in rows to see her go
by, and when she passed all bo,ved down ,vith their faces
to the earth. The surgeon inquired of a beggar standing
near whether this was one of the King's wives. "Yes,
brother," replied the beggar, " and the best of them all ;
for she is the mother of Prince Codadad, whom, now that
he is lost, all hold in love and reverence. And thus each
day she goes to the mosque to hear the prayers which
the King has ordered for her son's safe return."
Seeing his course now clear the surgeon went and stood
at the door of the mosque, waiting the Queen's departure,
and "Then she came forth ,vith all her attendants he plucked
one of them by the sleeve and said to him, " If the Queen
would have ne,vs of her son, Prince Codadad, let her send
for the stranger who will be found ,vaiting at the door
of her palace." So, as soon as Pirouzè had returned to
her apartments, the slave ,vent in and gave his mistress
the message, Then she sent in all haste and caused the
surgeon to be brought before her. And the surgeon pros-

68

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

trated himself and said, "0 Queen, let not the grief of
the tidings ,vhich I bear be visited upon me but on them
that ,vere the cause of it." And she answered him, "Have
peace, and say on!" So he told her, as has been here
set forth, the full story of all the courage and prowess of
Codadad, and of his generosity towards his brethren, also
of his marriage to the Princess of Deryabar and of ,vhat
follo,ved after. But ,vhen he came to speak of the slaying
of her son, the tender mother, as though receiving in her
own body the strokes of the murderers, fell for,vard upon
the ground, and there for a while lay motionless without
sign of life. When however the surgeon, aided by her
women, had restored her to consciousness, then Pirouzè,
putting aside all personal grief, set her mind upon the
accomplishment of the duty which now lay before her.
" Go instantly," she said, ,I. and tell the Princess of Dery-
abar that the King ,viII shortly receive her ,vith all the
honour due to her rank. As for yourself, be assured that
your services will be remembered."
Hardly had the surgeon departed, when the King
himself entered, and the sight of his Queen's deep affliction
at once informed him that something dreadful must have
occurred. "Alas," she cried, "our son no longer exists,
nor is it even possible to pay to his body those last rites
which ,vere due to his rank and virtue, for stricken by
treacherous hands and left to perish unprotected he has
fallen a prey to wild beasts so that not a trace of him
remains." She then proceeded to inform her husband
of all the horrible circumstances which the surgeon had
narrated.
But before she had ended the King became so trans-
ported ,vith rage and grief that he could no longer delay
the setting in motion of his just vengeance, Repairing in
haste to the hall of audience, where courtiers and suitors

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TIlE PRINCESS OF DERY AB,A,R 71

stood ,vaiting, he summoned to him his grand vizier with
so much fury of countenance that all trembled for their
lives. "Go instantly," he cried, "arrest all the Princes,
and convey them under a strong guard to the prison
assigned for murderers!" The vizier, not daring to
question an order so terribly uttered, went forth and ful-
filled the King's command with all speed. On his return
to the palace for the presentation of his report, a further
order almost equally surprising awaited him. The King
described to him a certain inn lying in a poor quarter of
the city, "Go thither," said he, "take with you slaves
and high attendants, a ,vhite mule from the royal stables,
and a guard of honour, and bring hither ,vith all the
respect due to her rank the young Princess whom you
shall find there."
The vizier, with revived spirits, ,vent forth to fulfil this
second mission, so much more agreeable to him than the
first; and presently there arose from the streets leading
to the palace the acclamations of the populace because of
the magnificence and splendour which announced the
arrival of the unknown Princess. The I{ing, as a token
of respect, stood ,vaiting at the palace gates to receive
her, and taking her hand he led her to the apartments of
the Queen Pirouzè. Here at the meeting of mother and
wife a scene of the most tender and heart-rending affliction
took place. The King himself was so moved by it that
he had not the heart to refuse to them any request. So
when they came and besought for the absent those funeral
honours which under other circumstances would have been
his due, he gave orders for a dome of marble to be erected
on the plain by which the city of Hanan lies surrounded.
And with such speed was the ,york put in hand, and so
large was the number of men employed upon it, that
within three days the entire buildin
was completed.

72

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

On the day following the obsequies began. All was
done with the greatest solemnity and splendour. First
came the King attended by his vizier and all the officers
and lords of his palace; and entering the tomb, in which
lay an effigy of Codadad, they seated themselves on carpets
of mourning bordered with gold. Then followed the
chiefs of the army mounted upon horses and bewailing
the loss of him who had led them to victory; behind these
came old men upon black mules, with long robes and
flowing beards; and after these maidens on ,vhite horses,
with heads unveiled, bearing in their hands baskets of
precious stones. Now when these had approa('hed and
compassed the dome three times about, then the King
rose up to speak the dismissal of the dead. Touching
,vith his bro,v the tomb whereon the effigy lay, he cried
in a loud voice, "0 my dear son, 0 light of mine eyes,
o joy that is lost to me for ever." After him all the
lords and the chiefs and the elders came and prostrated
themselves in like manner; and when the ceremony ,vas
ended the doors of the tomb were shut and all the people
returned to the city.
No,v after this there ,vas prayer and fasting in the
mosque for eight days, and on the ninth the King gave
orders that the Princes were to be beheaded. But mean-
while the neighbouring powers, whose arms the I{ing of
IIarran had defeated, as soon as they heard that Codadad
was dead, banded themselves together in strong alliance,
and with a great host began to advance upon the city.
Then the King caused the execution to be postponed,
and making a hasty levy of his forces went forth to meet
the enemy in the open plain. And there battle ,vas joined
with such valour and determination on both sides that
for a time the issue remained doubtful. Nevertheless,
because the men of Harran were fewer in number, they

THE PRINCESS OF DERY ABAR 73

began to be surrounded by their enemies; but at the very
moment when all seemed lost they saw in the distance a
large body of horsemen advancing at the charge; and
while both combatants were yet uncertain of their purpose,
these fell furiously and without warning upon the ranks
of the allies, and thro\ving them into sudden disorder

drove them in rout from the field.
With the success of their arms thus established th(
two leaders of the victorious forces advanced to meet each
other in the presence of the whole army, and great was
the joy and astonishment of the King when he discovered
in the leader of the lately arrived troop his lost son Coda-
dad. The Prince, for his part, was equally delighted to
find in his father's welcome the recognition for which he
had yearned.
When the long transport of their meeting embrace was
over, the Prince, as they began to converse, perceived
\vith surprise how much was already known to the King
of past events. "What?" he inquired, "has one of my
brothers awakened to his guilt, and confessed that which
I had meant should ever remain a secret?" "Not so,"
replied the King, "from the Princess of Deryabar alone
have I learned the truth. For she it was who came to
demand vengeance for the crime which your brothers
would still have concealed."
At this unlooked-for news of the safety of the Princess
and of her arrival at his father's court, Codadad's joy was
beyond words, and greatly was it increased when he heard
of his mother's reinstatement in the King's favour with
the honour and dignity due to her rank. He now began
to perceive how events had shaped themselves in his
absence, and how the King had already become informed
of the bond that existed between them. As for the rest
of his adventures, together with the circumstance which
o

74

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

had led to his disappearance and supposed death, they
were soon explained. For ,vhen the Princess had left
Codadad in her desperate search for aid, there chanced
that ,yay a travelling pedlar; and he, finding the youth
apparently deserted and dying of his ,vounds, took pity
on him, and placing him upon his mule bore him to his
own house. There with medicinal herbs and simple arts
unknown in the palaces of kings he had accon1plished a
cure which others would have thought impossible, so that
in a short time Codadad's strength ,vas completely restored.
Thereupon the Prince, impatient for reunion ,vith those
whom he loved, bestowed on the pedlar all the wealth
that he possessed, and immediately set forth to,vard the
city of Harran.
On the road news reached him of the fresh outbreak
of hostilities, follo,ved by the invasion of his father's terri-
tory. Passing from village to village he roused and armed
the inhabitants, and by the excellence of his example n1ade
such soldiers of them that they were able in the fortunate
moment of their arrival to decide the issue of the conflict
and give victory to the King's arms.
" And now, sire," said the Prince in conclusion, "I
have only one request to make: since in the event all
things have turned out so happily, I beg you to pardon
my brothers in order that I n1ay prove to them in the
future how groundless were the resentment and jealousy
that they felt toward me."
These generous sentiments drew tears from the King's
eyes and removed from his mind all doubt as to the ,visdom
of the resolution he had been forming. Immediately
before the assembled army he declared Codadad his heir,
and, as an act of grace to celebrate his son's return, gave
orders for the Princes to be released. He then led
Codadad with all speed to the palace, where Pirouzè

THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR 75
and her daughter-in-law were anxiously a\vaiting them.
In the joy of that meeting the Prince and his \vife
were repaid a thousandfold for all the griefs and hard-
ships they had undergone: and their delight in each
other's society remained so great that in all the world
no happiness has been known to equal it. The Princes
half died of shame when the means by which their pardon
had been procured was revealed to them; but before long
the natural insensibility of their characters reasserted itself
and they recovered.

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THE STORY OF THE 1\fAGIC HORSE

THE STORY OF THE MAGIC HORSE

IN the land of the Persians there lived in ancient times
a King who had three daughters and an only son of such
beauty that they drew the eyes of all beholders like moon-
rise in a clear heaven. Now it was the custom in that
country for a great festival to be held at the new year,
during which people of all grades, from the highest to the
lowest, presented themselves before the King with offer-
ings and salutations, So it happened that on one of these
days there came to the King as he sat in state three sages,
masters of their craft, bringing gifts for approval. The
first had with him a peacock of gold which was so con-
structed that at the passing of each hour it beat its wings
and uttered a cry. And the King, having proved it,
found the gift acceptable and caused the inventor thereof
to be suitably rewarded. The second had made a trumpet
so that if placed over the gates of a city it ble\v a blast
against any that sought to enter; and thus was the city
held safe from surprise by an enemy. And when the I{ing
had found that it possessed that property, he accepted it,
bestowing on its maker a rich reward.
But the gift of the third sage, who was an Indian,
appeared more prodigious than all, for he had brought
with him a horse of ivory and ebony, for which he claimed
that, at the will of its owner, or of anyone instructed in
the secret, it would rise above the earth and fly, arriving
at distant places in a marvellously short space of time.
'19

80

THE ARABIAN NIGIITS

The King, full of wonder at such a staten1ent, and eager to
test it, was in some doubt as to ho,v he might do so, for
the Indian ,vas unwilling to part with the secret until
secure of the reward which in his own mind he had fixed
on. Now it happened that at a distance of some three
leagues from the city there stood a mountain the top of
which was clearly discernible to all eyes; so, in order that
the Indian's word might be proved, the King, pointing
to it, said, "Go yonder, and bring back to me while I
wait the branch of a palm-tree which grows at the foot of
that mountain; then I shall know that what you tell me
is true. "
Instantly the Indian set foot in the stirrup and vaulted
upon his charger, and scarcely had he turned a small peg
which was set in the pommel of the saddle, when the horse
rose lightly into the air and bore him away at wondrous
speed amid the shouts of the beholders; and while all
were still gazing, amazed at so sudden a vanishing, he
reappeared high overhead, bearing the palm branch, and
descending into their midst alighted upon the very spot
from which he had started, where, prostrating himself, he
laid the branch at the King's feet.
The King was so delighted when the wonderful pro-
perties of the horse had been thus revealed to him, that,
eager to possess it, he bade the Indian name his own
reward, declaring that no price could be too great. Then
said the sage, "Since your Majesty so truly appreciates
the value of my invention, I do not fear that the reward
I ask for will seem too high. Give me in marriage the
hand of the fairest of your three daughters, and the horse
shall be yours."
At so arrogant a claim all the courtiers burst into loud
laughter; the King alone, consumed with the desire of
possessing the wonderful treasure, hesitated as to what

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10

THE l\fAGIC I-IORSE

83

answer he should give. Then the King's son, Prince
Firouz Schah, seeing his father lend ear to so shameful a
proposal, became moved with indignation. Determined
to defend his sister's honour and his o'wn, he addressed
the King. "Pardon me, sire," said he, "if I take the
liberty of speaking. But how shall it be possible for one
of the greatest and most po-werful monarchs to ally him-
self to a mere nobody? I entreat you to consider what
is due not to yourself alone but to the high blood of your
ancestors and of your children."
" 1tly son," replied the King of Persia, "what you say
is very true, so far as it goes; but you do not sufficiently
consider the value of so incomparable a marvel as this
horse has proved itself to be, or how great would be my
chagrin if any other monarch came to possess it. And
though I have not yet agreed to the Indian's proposal,
I cannot incontinently reject it. But first I must be
satisfied that the horse will obey other hands besides
those of its inventor, else, though I become its possessor,
I may find it useless,"
The Indian, who had stood aside during this discussion,
was no,v full of hope, for he perceived that the King had
not altogether rejected his terms, and nothing seemed
likelier than that the more he became familiar ,vith the
properties of the magic horse the more would he wish to
possess it. When, therefore, the King proposed that the
horse should be put to a more independent trial under
another rider, the Indian readily agreed; the more so
when the Prince himself, relinquishing his apparent opposi-
tion, came forward and volunteered for the essay.
The l{ing having consented, the Prince mounted, and
eager in his design to give his father opportunity for cooler
reflection, he did not wait to hear all the Indian's instruc-
tions, but turning the peg, as he had seen the other do

84

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

when first mounting, caused the horse to rise suddenly in
the air, and was carried away out of sight in an easterly
direction more swiftly than an arrow shot from a bow.
No sooner had the horse and its rider disappeared than
the King became gTeatly con
erned for his son's safety;
and though the sage could justly excuse himself on the
ground that the young Prince's impatience had caused him
to cut short the instructions which would have ensured
his safe return, the King chose to vent upon the Indian
the full weight of his displeasure; and cursing the day
wherein he had first set eyes on the magic horse, he caused
its maker to be thrown into prison, declaring that if the
Prince did not return within a stated time the life of the
other should be forfeit.
The Indian had now good cause to repent of the
ambition which had brought him to this extremity, for
the Prince, of whose opposition to his project he had been
thoroughly informed, had only to prolong his absence to
involve him in irretrievable ruin. But on the failure of
arrogant pretensions the sympathy of the judicious is
wasted; let us return therefore to Prince Firouz Schah,
whom we left flying through the air with incredible
s,viftness on the back of the magic steed.
For a time, confident of his skill as a rider and undis-
mayed either by the speed or altitude of his flight, the
Prince had no wish to return to the palace; but presently
the thought of his father's anxiety occurred to him, and
being of a tender and considerate disposition he immedi-
ately endeavoured to divert his steed from its forward
course. This he sought to do by turning in the contrary
direction the peg which he had handled when mounting,
but to his astonishment the horse responded by rising still
higher in the air and flying forward with redoubled swift-
ness. Had courage then deserted him, his situation might

THE l\:IAGIC HORSE

85

have become perilous; but preserving his accustomed
coolness he began carefully to search for the means by
which the speed of the machine might be abated, and
before long he perceived under the horse's mane a smaller
peg, which he had no sooner touched than he felt himself
descending rapidly toward the earth, with a speed that
lessened the nearer he came to ground.
As he descended, the daylight in which hitherto he
had been travelling faded from view, and he passed within
a few minutes from sunset into an obscurity so dense that
he could no longer distinguish the nature of his environ-
ment, till, as the horse alighted, he perceived beneath
him a smooth expanse ending abruptly on all sides at an
apparent elevation among the objects surrounding it.
Dismounting he found himself on the roof of a large
palace, with marble balustrades dividing it in terraces, and
at one side a staircase which led down to the interior.
With a spirit ever ready for adventure Prince Firouz
Schah immediately descended, groping his way through
the darkness till he came to a landing on the farther side
of which an open door led into a room where a dim light
was burning,
The Prince paused at the doorway to listen, but all
he could hear was the sound of men breathing heavily in
their sleep, He pushed the door and entered; and there
across an inner threshold he saw black slaves lying asleep,
each with a drawn sword in his hand. Immediately he
guessed that something far more fair must he beyond;
so, undeterred by the danger, he advanced, and stepping
lightly across their swords passed through silken hangings
into the inner chamber. Here he perceived, amid sur-
roundings of regal magnificence, a number of couches, one
of which stood higher than the rest. Upon each of these a
fair danlsel lay asleep; but upon that which was raised

86

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

above its fellows lay a form of such perfect and enchanting
beauty that the Prince had no will or power to turn away
after once beholding it. Approaching the sleeper softly,
he kneeled do,Vll and plucked her gently by the sleeve;
and immediately the Princess-for such if rank and beauty
accorded she needs must be-opened to him the depths of
her lustrous eyes and gazed in quiet amazement at the
princely youth whose handsome looks and reverent
demeanour banished at once all thought of alarm.
Now it so happened that a son of the King of India
was at that time seeking the hand of the Princess in
marriage; but her father, the King of Bengal, had rejected
him owing to his ferocious and disagreeable aspect. When
therefore the Princess saw one of royal appearance kneel-
ing before her she supposed he could be no other than the
suitor whom she knew only by report, and shedding upon
him the light of her regard, " By Allah," she said, smiling,
"my father lied in saying that good looks were lacking
to thee! "
Prince Firouz Schah, perceiving from these words and
the glance which accompanied them, that her disposition
to,vards him was favourable, no longer feared to acquaint
her with the plight in which he found himself; while the
Princess, for her part, listened to the story of his adven-
tures with lively interest, and learned, not without secret
satisfaction, that her visitor possessed a rank and dignity
equal to her own.
l\leanwhile the maidens who were in attendance on the
Princess had awakened in dismay to the unaccountable
apparition of a fair youth kneeling at the feet of their
mistress, and, dreading discovery by the attendants, were
all at a loss what to do. The Princess, however, seeing
that they were a\vake, called them to her with perfect
composure and bade them go instantly and prepare an

TIlE l\IAGIC HORSE

87

lnner chamber where the Prince might sleep and recover
from the fatigues of his journey; at the same time she
gave orders for a rich banquet to be prepared against the
time when he should be ready to partake of it. Then
\vhen her visitor had retired, she arose and began to adorn
herself in jewels and rich robes and to anoint her body
with fragrance, giving her women no rest till the tale of
her minor contented her; and when all had been done
many times over, and the last touch of art added to her
loveliness, she sent to inquire ,vhether the Prince had yet
awaked and ,vere ready to receive her.
Upon the receipt of that message the Prince rose
eagerly, and dressing in haste, although it was scarcely
yet day, heard everywhere ,vithin the palace sounds of
preparation for the feast that \vas being got ready in his
honour.
Before long the Princess herself entered to inquire how
he had slept, and being fully assured on that score, she
gave orders for the banquet to be served. Everything
was done in the greatest magnificence, but the Princess
was full of apologies, declaring the entertainment unworthy
of so distinguished a guest. " You must pardon me,
Prince," she said, " for receiving you with so little state,
and after so hasty a preparation; but the chief of the
eunuchs does not enter here without my express permis-
sion, and I feared that elsewhere our conversation might
be interrupted."
Prince Firouz Schah was now convinced that the
inclinations of the Princess corresponded with his own;
but though her every word and movement increased the
tenderness of his passion, he did not forget the respect
due to her rank and virtue. One of her ,vornen attendants,
however, seeing clearly in what direction matters were
tending, and fearing for herself the results of a sudden

88

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

discovery, 'withdrew secretly, saying nothing to the rest,
and running quickly to the chief of the guards she cried,
"0 miserable man, ,vhat sorry ,vatch is this that thou
hast kept, guarding the King's honour; and who is this
man or genie that thou hast admitted to the presence of
our mistress? Nay, if the matter be not already past
remedy the fault is not thine t "
At these words he quickly leapt up in alarm, and going
secretly he lifted the curtain of the inner chamber, and
there beheld at the Princess's side a youth of such fair
and majcstical appearance that he durst not intrude
unbidden. He ran shrieking to the King, and as he ,vent
he rent his garments and threw dust upon his head. "0
sire and master," he cried, "come quickly and save thy
daughter, for there is ,vith her a genie in mortal form and
like a king's son to look upon, and if he have not already
carried her away, make haste and give orders that he be
seized, lest thou become childless."
The J{ing at once arose and went in great haste and
fear to his daughter's palace. There he was n1et by certain
of her ,vomen, who, seeing his alarm, said, " 0 sire, have
no fear for the safety of thy daughter; for this young man
is as handsome of heart as of person, and as his conduct
is chaste, so also are his intentions honourable."
Then the King's wrath was cooled some,vhat; but
since much remained which demanded explanation he drew
his sword and advanced with a threatening aspect into
the room ,vhere his daughter and the Prince still sat
conversing. Prince Firouz Schah, observing the new-comer
advance upon him in a ,varlike attitude, drew his own
sword and stood ready for defence; whereupon the King,
seeing that the other was the stronger, sheathed his ,veapon,
and with a gesture of salutation addressed him courteously.
" Tell me, fair youth," he said, " whether you are man or

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TILL TBE TALE OF BER MIRROR CONTENTED lIED
(Paø- 87)

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,

THE 1\iAGIC HORSE

91

devil, for though in appearance you are human, ho\v else
than by devilry have you come here?"
"Sire," replied the youth, "but for the respect that
is owing to the father of so fair a daughter, I, who am a
son of kings, might resent such an imputation, Be assured,
however, that by whatever means I have chosen to arrive,
my intentions now are altogether human and honourable;
for I have no other or dearer wish than to become your
son-in-law through my marriage with this Princess in
whose eyes it is my happiness to have found favour."
"What you tell me," answered the King, "may be
all very true; but it is not the custom for the sons of
kings to enter into palaces without the permission of their
owners, coming, moreover, unannounced and with no
retinue or mark of royalty about them. How, then, shall
I convince my people that you are a fit suitor for the hand
of my daughter?"
"The proof of honour and kingship," answered the
other, "does not re.3t in splendour and retinue alone,
though these also would be at my call had I the patience
to await their arrival from that too distant country where
my father is King. Let it suffice if I shall be able to prove
my worth alone and unaided, in such a manner as to satisfy
all." "Alone and unaided?" said the King; "how
may that be?" "I will prove it thus," answered the
Prince. "Call out your troops and let them surround
this palace; tell them that you have here a stranger, of
whom nothing is known, who declares that if you will not
yield him the hand of your daughter in marriage he will
carry her away from you by force. Bid them use all
means to capture and slay me, and if I survive so unequal
a contest, judge then \vhether or no I am fit to become
your son-in-law."
The King immediately accepted the proposal, agreeing

92

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

to abide by the result; yet was he grieved that a youth
of such fair looks and promise should throwaway his life
in so foolhardy an adventure. As soon as day dawned
he sent for his vizier and bade him cause all the chiefs of
his army to assemble with their troops and companies,
till presently there ,vere gathered about the palace forty
thousand horsemen and the same number of foot; and
the King gave them instructions, saying, "When the
young man of whom I have warned you comes forth and
challenges you to battle, then fall upon and slay him, for
in no wise must he escape." He then led the Prince to
an open space whence he could see the whole army drawn
up in array against him. "Yonder," said the King,
pointing, "are those with whom you have to contend;
go forth and deal with them as seems best to you."
"Nay," answered the Prince, "these are not fair
conditions, for yonder I see horsemen as well as foot;
how shall I contend against these unless I be mounted? "
The King at once offered him the best horse in his stables,
but the Prince would not hear of it. "Is it fair," he
said, "that I should trust my life under such conditions
to a horse that I have never ridden? I ,vill ride no horse
but that upon which I came hither."
"Where is that?" inquired the King. "If it be
where I left it," answered the Prince, "it is upon the
roof of the palace."
All who heard this answer were filled ,vith laughter
and astonishment, for it seemed impossible that a horse
could have climbed to so high a roof. Nevertheless the
King commanded that search should be made, and there,
sure enough, those that were sent found the horse of ebony
and ivory standing stiff and motionless. So though it
still seemed to them but a thing for jest and mockery
obeying the King's orders they raised it upon their

THE l\IAGIC HORSE

98

shoulders, and bearing it to earth carried it forth into the
open space before the palace where the King's troops
were assembled.
Then Prince Firouz Schah advanced, and leaping upon
the horse he cried defiance to the eighty thousand men
that stood in battle array against him. And they, on
their part, seeing the youth so hardily set on his o,vn
destruction, drew sword and couched spear, and came all
together to the charge. The Prince waited till they were
almost upon him, then turning the peg which stood in
the pommel of his saddle he caused the horse to rise sud-
denly in the air, and all the foremost ranks of the enemy
came clashing together beneath him. At that sight the
King and all his court drew a breath of astonishment,
and the army staggered and swung about this way and
that, striking vainly up at the hoofs of the magic horse
as it flew over them. Then the King, full of dread lest
this should indeed be some evil genie that sought to carry
his daughter away from him, called to his archers to shoot,
but before they could make ready their bows Prince Firouz
Schah had given another turn to the peg, and immediately
the horse sprang upward and rose higher than the roof
of the palace, so that all the arrows fell short and rained
destruction on those that were below.
Then the Prince called to the King, " 0 King of Bengal,
have I not no, v proved myself worthy to be thy son-in-
law, and wilt thou not give me the hand of thy daughter
in marriage?" But the King's wrath was very great,
for he had been made foolish in the eyes of his people,
and panic had broken the ranks of his army and many
of them were slain; and by no means would he have for
his son-in-Ia,v one that possessed such power to throw
down the order and establishment of his kingdom. So
he cried back to the Prince, saying, "0 vile enchanter,

94

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

get hence as thou valuest thy life, for if ever thou darest
to return and set foot within my dominions thy death
and not my daughter shall be thy reward!" Thus he
spoke in his anger, forgetting altogether the promise he
had made.
Now it should be known that all this timethe Princess
had been watching the combat from the roof of the palace;
and as her fear and anxiety for the Prince had in the
first instance been great, so now was she overjoyed when
she saw him rise superior to the dangers \vhich had threat-
ened him. But as soon as she heard her father's words
she became filled with fresh fear lest she and her lover
were now to be parted; so as the Prince came speeding
by upon the magic horse she stretched up her arms to
him, crying, "0 master of the flying bird, leave me not
desolate, for if thou goest from me now I shall die."
No sooner did Prince Firouz Schah hear those words
than he checked his steed in its flight, and swooping low
he bore down over the palace roof, and catching the
Princess up in his arms placed her upon the saddle before
him; and straightway at the pressure of its rider the horse
rose under them and carried them away high in air, so
that they disappeared forthwith from the eyes of the
King and his people.
But as they travelled the day grew hot and the sun
burned fiercely upon them; and the Prince looking down
beheld a green meadow by the side of a lake: so he said,

, 0 desire of my heart, let us go down into yonder meadow
and seek rest and refreshment, and there let us wait till
it is evening, so that we may come unperceived to my
father's palace, and \vhen I have brought thee thither
safely and secretly, then will I make preparation so that
thou mayest appear at my father's court in such a manner
as befits thy rank."

THE 1\fAGIC HORSE

95

So the Princess consenting, they went down and sat
by the lake and solaced themselves sweetly with love till
it ,vas evening. Then they rose up and mounted once
more upon the n1agic horse and came by night to the
outskirts of the city where dwelt the King of Persia. Now
in the garden of the summer palace which stood ,vithout
the ,valls all was silence and solitude, and coming thither
unperceived the l{ing's son led the Princess to a pavilion,
the door of which lay open, and placing before it the
nlagic horse he bade her stay within and keep watch till
his messenger should come to take her to the palace which
he ,vould cause to be prepared for her.
Leaving her thus safely sheltered, the Prince went into
the city to present himself before the King his father;
and there he found him in deep mourning and affliction
because of his son's absence; and his father seeing him,
rose up and embraced him tenderly, rejoicing because of
his safe return, and eager to know in what way he had
fared, And the Prince said, "0 my father, if it be thy
good will and pleasure, I have come back to thee far richer
than I ,vent. For I have brought with me the fairest
Princess that the eyes of love have ever looked upon, and
she is the daughter of the King of Bengal; and because
of my love for her and the great service which she rendered
me when I was a stranger in the midst of enemies, there-
fore have I no heart or mind or ,vill but to ,vin your con-
sent that I may marry her." And when the King heard
that, and of all that the Princess had done, and of how
they had escaped together, he gave his consent willingly,
and ordered that a palace should be immediately got
ready for her reception that she might on the next day
appear before the people in a manner befitting her rank.
Then while preparation was going forward, the Prince
sought news concerning the sage, for he feared that the

96

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

King might have slain him. "Do not speak of him,"
cried the King. "Would to Heaven that I had never
set eyes on him or his invention, for out of this has arisen
all my grief and lamentation. Therefore he now lies in
prison awaiting death."
"Nay," said the Prince, "now surely should he be
released and suitably rewarded, seeing that unwittingly
he hath been the cause of my fortune; but do not give
hin1 my sister in marriage."
So the King sent and caused the Indian to be brought
before him clad in a robe of rank. And the King said to
him, "Because my son, whom thy vile invention carried
away from me, hath returned safe and sound, therefore
,vill I spare thy life, And for the reward of thine ingenuity
I give thee this robe of honour; but now take thy horse,
whatever it may be, and go, nor ever appear in my sight
again. And if thou wilt marry, seek one of thine own
rank, but do not aspire to the daughters of kings."
When the Indian heard that, he dissembled his rage,
and bowing himself to the earth departed from the King's
presence. And, as he went everywhere in the palace ran
the tale how the l{ing's son had returned upon the magic
horse bringing with him a Princess of most marvellous
beauty, and how they had alighted in the gardens of the
summer palace that lay outside the walls.
Now when this was told him the Indian at once saw
his opportunity, and going forth from the city in haste
he arrived at the summer palace before the messenger
with the appointed retinue which the Prince and the King
,vere sending. So coming to the pavilion in the garden
he found the Princess waiting within, and before the door
the horse of ivory and ebony. Then was his heart uplifted
for joy, the more so when he perceived how far the damsel
exceeded in loveliness all that had been told of her. Enter-

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12

THE MAGIC HORSE

99

ing the chamber where she sat he kissed the ground at
her feet; and she, seeing one that wore a robe of office
making obeisance before her, spake to him without fear,
saying, "Who art thou ? "
The sage answered, " 0 moon of beauty, I am but the
dust which lies upon the road by which thou art to travel.
Yet I come as a messenger from the King's son who hath
sent me to bring thee with all speed to a chamber in the
royal palace where he now awaits thee."
Now the Indian was of a form altogether hideous and
abominable. The Princess looked at him, therefore, in
surprise, saying, "Could not the King's son find anyone
to send to me but thee?" The sage laughed, for he read
the meaning of her words. "0 searcher of hearts," he
said, " do not wonder that the Prince hath sent to thee a
man whose looks are unattractive, for because of his love
toward thee he is grown exceeding jealous. Were it other-
wise, I doubt not that he would have chosen the Þ.ighest
and most honourable in the land; but, being what I am,
he has preferred to make me his messenger."
When the Princess heard that, she believed him, and
because her impatience to be with her lover was great,
she yielded herself willingly into his hands. Then the
sage mounted upon the horse and took up the damsel
behind him; and having bound her to his girdle for safety,
he turned the pin so swiftly that immediately they rose
up into the air far above the roof of the palace and in
full view of the royal retinue which was even then
approaching.
Now because his desire to be with his beloved was so
strong, the Prince himself had come forth before all others
to meet her; and when he saw her thus carried away
captive, he uttered a loud cry of lamentation, and stretched
out his hands toward her. The cry of her lover reached

100

TIlE ARABIAN NIGHTS

the ears of the Princess, and looking down she sa"w with
wonder his gestures of grief and despair. So she said to
the Indian, "0 slave, why art thou bearing me a\vay
from thy lord, disobeying his command?" The sage
answered, " He is not my lord, nor do I owe him any duty
or obedience. May Heaven repay on him all the grief
he has brought on me, for I was the maker of this horse
on which he won thee, and because he stole it from me I
was cast into prison. But now for all my wrongs I win
take full payment, and will torture his heart as he hath
tortured mine. Be of good cheer, therefore, for doubt not
that presently I shall seem a more desirable lover in thine
eyes than ever he was."
On hearing these words the Princess was so filled with
terror and loathing that she endeavoured to cast herself
from the saddle; but the Indian having bound her to his
girdle, no present escape from him was possible.
The horse had meanwhile carried them far from the
city of the King of Persia, and it was yet an early hour
after dawn when they arrived over the land of Cashmire.
Assured that he was now safe from pursuit, and perceiving
an uninhabited country below him, the Indian caused the
horse to descend on the edge of a wood bordered by a
stream. Here he made the Princess dismount, and was
proceeding to force upon her his base and familiar atten-
tions, when the cries raised by the Princess drew to that
spot a party of horsemen who had been hunting in the
neighbourhood. The leader of the party, who chanced to
be no other than the Sultan of that country, seeing a fair
damsel undergoing ill-treatment from one of brutish and
malevolent aspect, rode forward and demanded of the
Indian by what fight he so used her. The sage boldly
declared that she was his wife and that how he used her
was no man's business but his own. The damsel, how-

THE MAGIC HORSE

101

ever, contradicted his assertion with indignation and scorn,
and so great were her beauty and the dignity of her bear-
ing that her statement of the case had only to be heard
to be believed. The Sultan therefore ordered the Indian
to be bound and beaten, and afterwards to be led away
to the adjacent city and there cast into the deepest dun-
geon. As for the Princess and magic horse, he caused
them to be brought to the palace, and there for the damsel
he provided a magnificent apartment with slaves and
attendants such as befitted her rank; but the horse,
whose properties remained secret, since no other use
for it could be discovered, was placed in the royal
treasury.
Now though the Princess was full of joy over her
escape from the Indian, and of gratitude to her deliverer,
she could not fail to read in the Sultan's manner towards
her the spell cast by her beauty. And, in fact, no later
than the next day, awakened by sounds throughout the
whole city of tumult and rejoicing, and inquiring as to
the reason, she was informed that these festivities \vere
the prelude to her own nuptials \vith the Sultan which
were to be celebrated that very day before sundown.
At this news her consternation was so great that she
immediately swooned away,- and remained for a long while
speechless. But no sooner had she recovered possession
of her faculties than her resolution was formed, and when
the Sultan entered, as is customary on such occasions, to
present his compliments and make inquiries as to her
health, she fell into an extravagance of attitude and speech,
so artfully contrived that all who beheld her became con-
vinced of her insanity. And the more surely to effect her
purpose, and at the same time to relieve her feelings, she
made a violent attack upon the Sultan's person; nor did
she desist until she had brought him to recognize that all

102

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

hopes for the present consummation of the nuptials were
useless.
On the following day also, and upon every succeeding
one, the Princess showed the same violent symptoms when-
ever the Sultan approached her. It was in vain that all
the wisest physicians in the country were summoned into
consultation. While some declared that her malady was
curable, others, to whose word the Princess by her actions
lent every possible weight, declared that it was incurable;
and in no case was any remedy applied that did not seem
immediately to aggravate the disorder.
And here for a while we must leave the Princess and
return to Prince Firouz Schah, whose affliction no words
can describe. Unable to endure the burden of his beloved
one's absence in the splendours of his father's palace, or
to leave her the victim of fate without an attempt at
rescue, he put on the disguise of a travelling dervish, and
departing secretly from the Persian court set Qut into the
world to seek for her.
For many months he travelled without clue or tidings
to guide him; but as Heaven ever bestows favour on
constancy in love, so it led him at last to the land of
Cashmire, and to the city of its Sultan. Now as he drew
near to it by the main road, he fell into conversation with a
certain merchant, and inquired of him as to the city and
the life and conditions of its inhabitants. And the mer-
chant looked at him in surprise, saying, " Surely you have
come from a far country not to have heard of the strange
things which have happened here, for everywhere in these
regions and among all the caravans goes the story of the
strange maiden, and the ebony horse, and the waiting
nuptials. "
Now ,vhen the Prince heard that, he knew that the
end of his wanderings was in sight: so looking upon the

THE MAGIC HORSE

103

city with eyes of gladness, "Tell me," he said, "for I
know none of these things." So the merchant told him
truly all that has here been narrated; and having ended
he said, "0 dervish, though you are young, you have in
your eyes the light of wisdom; and if you have also in
your hands the power of healing, then I tell you that in
this city fortune awaits you, for the Sultan will give even
the half of his kingdom to any man that shall restore
health of mind to this damsel."
Then the King's son felt his heart uplifted within him,
howbeit he knew well that the fortune he sought would
not be of the Sultan's choosing; so parting from the
merchant, he put on the robe of a physician, and went
and presented himself at the palace.
The Sultan was glad at his coming, for though many
physicians had proD1ised healing and had all failed, still
each new arrival gave him fresh hopes. Now as the sight
of a physician seemed ever greatly to increase the Princess's
malady, the Sult&n led him to a small closet or balcony,
that thence he might look upon her unperceived. So
Prince Firouz Schah, having travelled so many miles in
search of her, saw his beloved seated in deep despondency
by the side of a fountain; and ever with the tears falling
down from her eyes she sighed and sang. Now when he
heard her voice and the words, and beheld the soft grief
of her countenance, then the Prince knew that her disorder
was only feigned; and he went forth and said to the Sultan,
"This malady is curable; but for the cure something is
yet lacking. Let me go in and speak with the damsel
alone, and on my life I promise that if all be done accord-
ing to my requirements, before this time to-morrow the
cure shall be accomplished."
At these words the Sultan rejoiced greatly, and he
ordered the doors of the Princess's chamber to be opened

104

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

to the physician. So Firouz Schah passed in, and he and
his beloved were alone together. Now because of his grief
and ,vanderings and the growth of his beard, the face of
the Prince was so changed that the Princess did not know
him; but seeing one before her in the dress of a physician
she rose up in pretended frenzy and began to throw herself
about with violence, until from utter exhaustion she fell
prostrate. Thereupon the Prince drew near, and called
her gently by name; and immediately when she heard
his voice she knew him, and uttered a loud cry. Then the
King's son put his mouth to her ear and said, " 0 tempta-
tion of all hearts, now spare my life and have patience,
for surely I am come to save thee; but if the Sultan learn
who I am we are dead, thou and I, because his jealousy
is great." So she replied, saying, " 0 thou that bringest
me life, tell me what I shall do?" The Prince said,
" 'Vhen I depart hence let it appear that I have restored
to thee the possession of thy faculties; howbeit the full
cure is to come after. Therefore when the Sultan comes
to thee, be sad and meek and do not repulse him as thou
hast done aforetime. Yet have no fear but that I will
keep thee safe from him to the last." And so saying he
left the Princess and returned to the Sultan, and said to
him, " Go in and see whether the cure be not already at
work; but approach not near to her, for though the genie
that possessed her is bound he is not yet cast forth:
nevertheless to-morrow before noon the remedy shaH be
complete."
So the Sultan went and found her even as he had been
told; and with joy and gratitude he returned to Firouz
Schah, saying, "Truly thou art a healer and the rest are
but bunglers and fools. Now, therefore, give orders and
all shall be done according to thy ,vill. Doubt not that
thy reward shall be great."

THE l\IAGIC HORSE

105

Then the Prince said, "Let the horse of ivory and
ebony which was \vith her at the first be brought forth
and set again in the place where it was found, and let
the damsel also be brought and put into my hand; and
it shall be that when I have set her upon the horse, then
the evil genie that held her shall be suddenly loosed,
passing from her into that which was aforetime his place
of bondage. So shall the remedy be complete, and the
Princess find joy in her lord before the eyes of all."
Now when the Sultan heard that, the mystery of the
ebony horse seemed plain to him, and its use manifest.
Therefore he gave orders that with all speed the thing
should be done as the physician of the Princess required
it.
So early on the morrow they brought the horse from
the royal treasury, and the Princess from her cham ber,
and carried them to the place where they were first found ;
and all about, a great crowd of the populace was gathered
to behold the sight. Then Prince Firouz Schah took the
Princess and set her upon the horse, and leaping into the
saddle before her he turned the pin of ascent, and immedi-
ately the horse rose with a great sound into the air, and
hung above the heads of the affrighted populace. And
the King's son leaned down from the saddle and cried in a
loud voice, "0 Sultan of Cashmire, when you wish to
espouse Princesses which seek your protection, learn first
to obtain their consent." And so saying he put the horse
to its topmost speed, and like an arrow on the wind he
and the Princess were borne away, and passed and vanished,
and were no more seen in that land.
But in the city of the King of Persia great joy and
welcome and thanksgiving awaited them; and there with-
out delay the nuptials were solemnized, and through all
the country the people rejoiced and feasted for a full
13

106

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

month. But because of the grief and affliction that it had
caused him the King broke the ebony horse and destroyed
its motions. AB for the maker thereof, the Sultan of
Cashmire caused him to be put to a cruel death: and
thus is the story of the sage and his invention brought
to a full ending.

THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE

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THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE

THERE was once an old fisherman \vho lived in great
poverty with a wife and three children. But though
poorer than others he ever toiled in humble submission to
the decrees of Providence, and so, at the same hour each
day, he would cast his net four times into the sea, and
\vhatever it brought up to him therewith he rested content.
One day, having cast for the first time, he found his
net so heavy that he could scarcely draw it in; yet when
at last he got it to shore all that it contained was the
carcass of an ass.
He cast a second time, and found the draught of the
net even heavier than before. But again he was doomed
to disappointment, for this time it contained nothing but
a large earthenware jar full of mud and sand. His third
attempt brought him only a heap of broken old bottles
and potsherds: fortune seemed to be against him. Then,
committing his hope to Providence, he cast for the fourth
and last time; and once mú
e the weight of the net was
so great that he was unable to haul it. When at last he
got it to land, he found that it contained a brazen vessel,
its mouth closed with a leaden stopper, bearing upon it
the seal of King Solomon.
The sight cheered him. "This," thought he, "I can
sell in the market, where I may get for it enough to buy a
measure of corn; and, if one is to judge by weight, what
lies within may prove yet more valuable."
109

110

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Thus reckoning, he prised out the stopper with his
knife, and turning the vessel upside down looked for the
contents to follow. Great was his astonishment when
nothing but smoke came out of it. The smoke rose in a
thick black column and spread like a mist between earth
and sky, till presently, drawing together, it took form;
and there in its midst stood a mighty Genie, whose brows
touched heaven while his feet rested upon ground. His
head was like a dome, his hands were like flails, and his
legs like pine-trees; his mouth \vas black as a cavern,
his nostrils were like trumpets, his eyes blazed like torches,
and his wings whirled round and over him like the simoom
of the desert.
At so fearful a sight all the fisherman's courage oozed
out of him; but the Genie, perceiving him, cried with a
loud voice, "0 Solomon, Prophet of God, slay me not,
for never again will I withstand thee in word or deed."
" Alas ! " said the fisherman, " I am no prophet; and
as for Solomon, he has been dead for nearly two thousand
years. I am but a poor fisherman whom chance has
knocked by accident against thy door."
"In that case," answered the Genie, "know that
presently thou wilt have to die."
" Heaven forbid! " cried the fisherman; " or, at least,
tell me why! Surely it might seem that I had done thee
some service in releasing thee."
"Hear first my story," said the Genie, U then shalt
thou understand."
" Well, if I must! " said the fisherman, resigning him-
self to the inevitable; "but make it short, for truly I
have small stomach left in me now for the hearing of
tales."
"Know, then," said the Genie, "that I am one of
those spirits which resisted the power and dominion of

THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE III

Solomon; and \vhen, having brought into submission all
the rest of my race, he could not make me yield to him
either reverence or service, he caused me to be shut up
in this bottle, and sealing it with his own seal cast it down
into the depths of the sea.
" Now when I had lain there prisoner for a hundred
years, I swore in my heart that I would give to the man
that should release me all the treasures attainable in
heaven or earth. But when none came to earn so great a
reward in all the hundred years that follo,ved, then I s,vore
that I would give to my liberator earthly riches only;
and when this gift also had lain despised for yet another
hundred years, then \vould I promise no more than the
fulfilment of three wishes. But thereafter finding that
all promises and vo,vs were vain, my heart became con-
sumed with rage, and I swore by Allah that I would only
grant to the fool that should release me his o,Vll choice
of the most cruel form of death by which he should die.
Now therefore accept that mercy which I still offer and
choose thy penalty ! "
When the fisherman heard this he gave himself up
for lost, yet he did not the less continue by prayer and
supplication to entreat the Genie from his purpose. But
when he found that there was no heart left in him to be
moved, then for the first time he bestirred his \vits, and
remembering how that which is evil contains far less
wisdom than that which is good, and so falls ever the
more readily into the trap prepared for it, he spoke thus :
" 0 Genie, since thou art determined on my death, there
is yet a certain thing touching thine honour that I would
first know. So, by the Ineffable Name, which is the seal
of Solomon, I \vill ask thee one question, and do thou
swcar to answer it truly."
The Gcnie was ready enough to give the oath as desired.

112

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Then said the fisherman, "How is it that one so great
as thou art, whose feet o'er-step the hills and whose head
out-tops the heaven-how can such an one enter into so
small a vessel to dwell in it? Truly, though mine eyes
tell me I have seen it, I cannot any longer believe so great
a marvel."
" What ?" cried the Genie, "dost thou not believe
what I have already told thee? "
"Not till I have seen it done can I believe it," said
the fisherman.
Thereupon, without more waste of words, the Genie,
drawing his limbs together and folding himself once more
in a thick veil of smoke, descended from his vast altitude
into the narrow neck of the brazen vessel till not one shred
or film of him remained to view. Then the fisherman
with a quick hand replaced the leaden stopper, and laughing,
cried to the Genie, "Choose now, thou in thy turn, by
what manner of death thou wilt die."
The Genie, hearing himself thus mocked, made violent
efforts to escape; but the power of the seal of Solomon
held him fast, and the fisherman, ceasing not all the while
to revile him for the treachery and baseness which were
now to receive their due reward, began to carry the vessel
back to the sea's brink. "Now," said he, "thou shalt
return to the place whence I drew thee. And here on the
shore I will build myself a hut, and to every fisherman
that comes near I will say, 'Look that you fish not in
these waters, for herein lies bound a wicked genie that has
sworn to put to a cruel death whoever dares to release
him.' "
"Nay, nay," cried the Genie, "I did not mean what
I said. Ask of me now, and I will give you all the treasures
that the world contains, or that your heart can find in
it to desire, if only you will set me free 1

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(Paill 116)

THE FISHERl\IAN AND THE GENIE 115

The fisherman, being of a mild spirit and with no heart
for revenge, sat down to consider what he should do, and
all the while the imprisoned Genie continued to appeal to
him for compassion with loud promise and lamentation.
So, at last, the fisherman, having the fear of God before
his eyes, after he had extracted from the Genie a most
solemn vow to leave him unharmed, drew out the stopper
of lead and released him.
No sooner was he out and restored to his true form
than the Genie, turning himself about, lifted his foot and
with his full strength smote the brazen vessel far out to
sea; and the fisherman, beholding that act, began to
repent him of his mercy and to tremble again for dear
life.
But the Genie, seeing his fear, broke into huge laughter,
and striding on ahead of him cried, " Come, fisherman, and
follow me, for now I will lead you to fortune! "
Meekly at his heels went the old fisherman, and leaving
behind them the habitations of men they ascended a
mountain and entered upon a desert tract guarded by
four hills, in the centre of which lay a broad lake. Here
the Genie stopped, and pointing to a place where fish
were swimming in abundance bade the fisherman cast in
his net. The fisherman did as he was told, and when he
drew in his net he found that it contained four fish each
of a different colour, a red, a white, a blue, and a yellow:
never in his life had he seen the like of them. The Genie
bade him take and offer them to the Sultan, assuring him
that if he did so they should bring him both fortune and
honours. Then he struck the ground with his foot, and
immediately the earth opened its mouth and swallowed
him as the dry desert swallows the rain.
The fisherman, wondering no less at his safe deliverance
than at the marvel of these occurrences, made his way

116

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

in haste to the city; and there presenting himself at the
palace he begged that the four fish might be laid at the
Sultan's feet, as a humble offering from the poorest of
his subjects.
No sooner had the monarch seen them, so strange of
form and so brilliant and diverse in hue, than his longing
to taste of them became strongly a\vakened; so by the
hand of his vizier, he sent them to the cook to be pre-
pared forthwith for the royal table. As for the poor
fisherman, he received no fewer than four hundred pieces
of gold from the Sultan's bounty, and returned to his
family rejoicing in an affluence which surpassed his utmost
expectations.
The cook meanwhile, proud of an opportunity to exhibit
her culinary skill on dainties so rare, scaled and cleaned
the fish and laid them in a frying-pan over the fire. But
scarcely had she done so when the wall of the kitchen
divided, and there issued forth from it a damsel of moon-
like beauty richly apparelled, holding a rod of myrtle in
her hand. With this she struck the fish that lay in the
frying-pan, and cried:
"0 fish of my pond,
Are ye true to your bond ? "

And immediately the four fishes lifted their heads from
the frying fat and answered:
"Even so, the bond holds yet;
Paid by thee, we pay the debt.
\V ith give and take is the reckoning met."

Thereupon the damsel upset the pan into the fire and
retired through the wall in the same way that she had
come, leaving the four fish all charred to a cinder.
The cook, beholding her labour thus brought to naught,
began to weep and bew'ail herself, expecting no less than

THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE 117

instant dismissal, and was still loud in her lamentations
when the vizier arrived to see if the fish were ready.
On hearing her account of what had occurred, the
vizier was greatly astonished, but feared to bring so strange
a report to the Sultan's ears while the cravings of the
royal appetite were still unsatisfied; so recalling the
fisherman by a swift messenger, he bade him procure in
all haste four more fish of the same kind, promising to
reward him according to the speed with which he accom-
plished the task. So spurred, and by the additional
favour of fortune, the fisherman fulfilled his mission in an
astonishingly short space of time; but no sooner was the
second lot of fish placed upon the fire in the vizier's pres-
ence than once again the wall opened, and the damsel
appearing as before, struck the frying-pan with her rod,
and cried:

u 0 fish of my pond,
Are ye true to your bond ? "

And immediately the fish stood up on their tails in the
frying fat and replied:

"Even so, the bond holds yet;
Paid by thee, we pay the debt.
With give and take is the reckoning met."

Whereupon she upset the pan into the fire and departed
as she had come.
The vizier, perceiving that so strange an event might
no longer be kept from the royal knowledge, went and
informed the Sultan of all that had occurred; and the
monarch as soon as he had heard the tale, now rendered
more eager for the satisfaction of his eyes than he had
previously been for the indulgence of his appetite, sent
for the fisherman, and promised him yet another four
hundred pieces of gold if he could within a given time

118

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

procure four more fishes similar to those he had already
brought on the previous occasions,
If the fisherman had been prompt at the vizier's bid-
ding, he made even greater speed to fulfil the royal com-
mand, and before the day was over-this time in the
presence of the Sultan himself -four fish, of four diverse
colours like to the first, were cleaned and laid into the
pan ready for frying. But scarcely had they touched the
fat when the wall opened in a clap like thunder, and there
came forth with a face of rage a monstrous negro the size
of a bull, holding in his hand the rod of myrtle. With
this he struck the frying-pan, and cried in a terrible voice:

'0 fish from the pond,
Are ye true to your bond ? "

And when the fish had returned the same answer that
the others had made before them, without more ado the
negro overturned the pan upon the fire and departed as
he had come.
When the Sultan's eyes had seen that marvel he said
to his vizier, "Here is mystery set before us 1 Surely
these fish that talk have a past and a history. Never
shall I rest satisfied until I have learned it." So causing
the fisherman to be brought before him, he inquired whence
the fish came. The fisherman answered, "From a lake
between four hills upon the mountain overlooking the
city." The Sultan inquired how many days' journey it
might be, and the fisherman replied that it was but a
matter of a few hours going and returning. Then to the
Sultan and his court it seemed that the old man was
mocking them, for none had heard tell of any lake lying
among the hills so near to that city; and the fisherman,
seeing his word doubted, began to fear that the Genie
was playing him a trick; for if the lake were now suddenly

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THE FISHERMAN AND THE GENIE 121

to vanish away, he might find his fortunes more undone
at the end than at the beginning.
Yet the Sultan, though his vizier and all his court
sought to dissuade him, was firmly resolved on putting
the matter to the proof; so he gave orders that an escort
and camping tents should be immediately got ready, and,
with the fisherman to guide, set forth to find the place
that was told of.
And, sure enough, when they had ascended the
mountain which all knew, they came upon a desert
tract on which no man had previously set eyes; and
there in its midst lay the lake filled with four kinds
of fish, and beyond it stretched a vast and unknown
country .
At this sight, so mysterious and unaccountable, of a
strange region lying unbeknownst at the gates of his own
capital, the monarch was seized with an overwhelming
desire to press forward in solitary adventure to the dis-
covery of its secret. To the cautious counsels of his vizier
he turned a deaf ear; but since it would not be safe for
his subjects to know of his departure on an errand so
perilous, it was given out that he had been stricken by
sudden sickness. The door of the royal tent was closed,
and at the dead of night the Sultan, admitting none but
the vizier into his confidence, set out secretly on his
adventure.
Journeying by night and resting by day, he arrived
on the third morning within sight of a palace of shining
marble ,vhich, \vith its crowd of domes and minarets,
stood solitary among the hills. No sign of life was about
it, and when he drew near and knocked at the gates none
came to answer him. Then, finding the doors unfastened,
he took courage and entered; and advancing through
chambers where gold lay as dust, and by fountains wherein
15

122

TIlE ARABIAN NIGHTS

pearls lay poured out like water, he found only solitude
to greet him.
Wandering without aim among innumerable treasures
unguarded and left to waste, the Sultan grew weary, and
sat down in an embrasure to rest. Then it seemed to
him that not far off he could hear a sorrowful voice chant
verses of lamentation. Following the sounds with wonder
he came to a curtained doorway, and passing through
found himself in the presence of a fair youth richly dressed,
seated upon a couch and bearing upon his countenance
tokens of extreme grief and despondency. To the Sultan's
proffered greeting the youth returned salutation, but did
not stir from his seat. "Pardon me," he said, "for not
rising; but my miserable condition makes it impossible."
Having said this he again broke into doleful lamentation;
and when the Sultan inquired as to the cause of so many
tears, " See for yourself," he cried, "what I am now made
into!" And lifting the skirt of his robe he revealed
himself all stone from his waist to the soles of his feet,
while from the waist upwards he was as other men. Then
as he observed upon his visitor's countenance the expres-
sion of a lively curiosity and astonishment, "Doubtless,"
he went on, " as you now know the secret of my miserable
condition you will wish also to hear my story." And he
related it as follows:

THE STORY OF THE KING OF THE EBONY ISLES

THE STORY OF THE KING OF THE EBONY ISLES

"l\ly father was King of the city which once stood
about this palace. He was lord also of the Ebony Isles
that are now the four hills which you passed on your ,yay
hither. When I succeeded to the throne upon his death,
I took to wife my own cousin, the daughter of my uncle
with whom I lived for five years in the utmost confidence
and felicity, continually entertained by the charm of her
conversation and the beauty of her person, and happy in
the persuasion that she found in me an equal satisfaction.
"One day, however, it chanced, in the hour before
dinner ,vhen the Queen was gone to bathe and adorn
herself, that I lay upon a couch beside which two female
slaves sat fanning me; and they, supposing me to be
asleep, began to talk concerning me and their mistress.
, Ah I' said one, 'how little our lord knows where our
mistress goes to amuse herself every night while he lies
dreaming l' 'How should he know? ' returned the other,
'seeing that the cup of wine which she gives him each
night contains a sleeping-draught, that causes him to sleep
sound ho,vever long she is absent. Then at daybreak
when she returns she burns perfumes under his nostrils,
and he waking and finding her there guesses nothing.
Pity it is that he cannot know of her treacherous ways,
for surely it is a shame that a king's wife should go abroad
and mix with base people.'
u Now when I heard this the light of day grew dark
125

126

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

before my eyes; but I lay on and made no sign, a,vaiting
my wife's return. And she coming in presently, we sat
down and ate and drank together according to custom;
and afterwards, when I had retired and lain down, she
brought me with her own hands the cup of spiced \vine,
inviting me to drink. Then I, averting myself, raised it
to my lips, but instead of drinking, poured it by stealth
into my bosom, and immediately sank down as though
overcome by its potency, feigning slumber. Straight\vay
the Queen rose up from my side, and having clothed herself
in gorgeous apparel and anointed herself with perfumes,
she made her way secretly from the palace, and I ,vith
equal secrecy followed her.
"Soon passing by way of the narrower streets, we
arrived before the city gates; and immediately at a word
from her the chains fell and the gates opened of their own
accord, closing again behind us as soon as we had passed.
At last she came to a ruined hut, and there entering I
saw her presently with her veil laid aside, seated in familiar
converse with a monstrous negro, the meanest and most
vile of slaves, offering to him in abject servility dainties
which she had carried from the royal table, and bestowing
upon him every imaginable token of affection and regard.
" At this discovery I fell into a blind rage, and dra\ving
my sword I rushed in and struck the slave from behind a
blow upon the neck that should have killed him. Then
believing that I had verily slain him, and before the
Queen found eyes to realize what had befallen, I departed
under cover of night as quickly as I had come, and returned
to the palace and my own chamber.
"On awaking the next morning I found the Queen
lying beside me as though nothing had happened, and at
fir-st I was ready to believe it had all been an evil dream ;
but presently I perceived her eyes red with weeping, her

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THE KING OF THE EBONY ISLES 129

hair dishevelled, and her face torn by the passion of a
grief which she strove to conceal. Having thus every
reason to believe that my act of vengeance had not fallen
short of its purpose, I held my tongue and made no sign.
"But the same day at noon, while I sat in council,
the Queen appeared before me clad in deep mourning,
and with many tears informed me how she had received
sudden news of the death of her father and mother and
two brothers, giving full and harrowing details of each
event. Without any show of incredulity I heard her tale;
and when she besought my permission to go into retire-
ment and mourn in a manner befitting so great a calamity,
I bade her do as she desired.
"So for a whole year she continued to mourn in a
privacy ,vhich I left undisturbed; and during that time
she caused to be built a mausoleum or Temple of Lamenta-
tion-the same whose dome you see yonder-into which
she withdrew herself from all society; while I, believing
the cause of my anger removed and willing to humour
the grief which my act had caused her, waited patiently
for her return to a sane and reasonable state of mind.
" But, as I learned too late, matters had not so fallen :
for though in truth the negro was grievously wounded,
being cut through the gullet and speechless, it was not
the will of Heaven that he should die; and the Queen
having by her enchantments kept him in a sort of life, no
sooner was the mausoleum finished than she caused him
to be secretly conveyed thither, and there night and day
tended him, a waiting his full recovery.
"At length, \vhen two years were over and her mourn-
ing in no ,vise abated, my curiosity became aroused; so
going one day to the Temple of Lan1entation I entered
unannounced, and placing myself where I might see and
not be seen, there I discovered her in an abandonment of
16

130

THE ARABIAN NIGIITS

fond weeping over her miserable treasure whose very life
was a dishonour to us both. But no sooner in my just
resentment had I started to upbraid her, than she-as
now for the first time realizing the cause of her companion's
misfortune-began to heap upon me terms of the most
violent and shameful abuse; and ,vhen, carried beyond
myself, I threatened her with my s,vord, she stood up
before me, and having first uttered ,vords of unknown
meaning, she cried:

'Be thou changed in a moment's span;
Half be marble, and half be man ! '

And at the word I became even as you see me no,v-
dead to the waist, and above living yet bound. Yet even
so her vengeance was not satisfied. Having reduced me
to this state, she went on to vent her malice upon the
city and islands over which I ruled, and the unfortunate
people who were my subjects. Thus by her wicked
machinations the city became a lake and the islands about
it the four hills which you have seen; as for the inhabi-
tants, who were of four classes and creeds, Moslems,
Christians, Jews and Persians, she turned them into fish
of four different colours: the white are the Moslems, the
red are Persian fire-worshippers, the yellow are Jews, and
the blue Christians. And now having done all this she
fails not every day to inflict upon me a hundred lashes
with a whip which draws blood at every stroke: and when
these are accomplished she covers my torn flesh with hair-
cloth and lays over it these rich robes in mockery. Of a
surety it is the ,viII of Heaven that I should be the most
miserable and despised of mortals 1 "
Thus the youth finished his story, nor when he had
ended could he refrain from tears. The Sultan also was
greatly moved when he heard it, and his heart became

THE KING OF THE EBONY ISLES 131

full of a desire to avenge such injuries upon the doer of
them. "Tell n1e," he said, "where is now the monster
of iniquity?" "Sir," answered the youth, " I doubt not
she is yonder in the mausoleum with her companion, for
thither she goes daily so soon as she has measured out
to me my full meed of chastisement: and as for this day
IllY portion has been served to me, I am quit of her till
to-n10rrow brings the hour of fresh scourgings."
No,v when this was told him the Sultan saw his way
plain. "Be of good cheer," he said to the youth, "and
endure with a quiet spirit yet once more the affliction she
causes thee; for at the price of that single scourging I
trust, by the will of Heaven, to set thee free."
So on the morrow the Sultan lay in close hiding until
sounds reached him which told that the whippings had
begun; then he arose and went in haste to the mausoleun1,
where amid rich hangings and perfumes and the illumina-
tion of a thousand candles, he found the black slave
stretched mute upon a bed, awaiting in great feebleness
the recovered use of his sawn gullet. Quickly, with a
single sword-stroke, the avenger took from him that poor
remnant of life which enchantment alone had made
possible: then having thrown the body into a wel
in
the courtyard below, he lay down in the dead man's place,
drawing the coverlet well over him. Soon after, fresh
from her accustomed task of cruelty, the enchantress
entered, and falling upon her knees beside the bed she
cried, " Has my lord still no voice wherewith to speak to
his servant? Surely, for lack of that sound, hearing lies
withered within me !" Then the Sultan, taking to him-
self the thick speech of a negro, said, " There is no strength
or po,ver but in God alone! "
On hearing those words, believing that her companion's
speech was at last restored to him, the Queen uttered a

132

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

cry of joy. But scarcely had she begun to lavish upon
him the tokens of her affection when the pretended negro
broke out against her in violent abuse. "What I" he
cried, " dost thou expect favour at my hands, when it is
because of thee that for two years I have lain dumb and
prostrate? How darest thou speak to me or look for any
recompense save death! Nay!" he went on in ans,ver
to her astonished protests, "have not the cries and tears
and groans of thy husband kept me continually from rest:
and has not Heaven smitten me for no other reason than
because thou wouldst not cease from smiting him? So
has the curse which thou didst seek to lay upon him fallen
doubly upon me."
" Alas ! " cried the enchantress, " have I unknowingly
caused thee so great an ill? If it be so, then let my lord
give command, and whatever be his desire it shall be
satisfied.' ,
Then said the Sultan, "Go instantly and release thy
husband from spell and torment: and when it is done,
return hither with all speed."
Thus compelled, in great fear and bewilderment and
sorely against her will, the Queen sped to the chamber
in the palace where her husband lay spell-bound. Taking
a vessel of water she pronounced over it certain words
which caused it instantly to boil as though it had been
set on a fire: then throwing the water over him, she
cried :

"Spell be loosed, and stone grow warm,
Yield back flesh to the human form."

And immediately on the word his nature came to him
again, and he leaped and stood upon his feet. But the
Queen's hatred towards him was by no means abated.
" Go hence quickly," she cried, "since a better will than
mine releases thee I But if thou tarry or if thou return

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THE KING OF THE EBONY ISLES 185

thou shalt surely die!" Thankful for his deliverance the
youth stayed not to question, but departing ,vent and hid
himself without, while the Queen returned in haste to the
mausoleum ,vhere her supposed lover awaited her. There,
eager for restoration to favour, she informed him of what
she had done, supposing that to be all.
"Nay," said the other, still speaking with the thick
voice of a negro; "though thou hast lopped the branch
of the evil thou hast not destroyed the root. For every
night I hear a jumping of fishes in the lake that is between
the four hills, and the sound of their curses on thee and
me comes to disturb my rest. Go instantly and restore
all things to their forn1er state, then come back and give
me thy hand and I shall rise up a sound man once more."
Rejoicing in that promise and the expectations it held
out to her of future happiness, the Queen went with all
speed to the border of the lake. There taking a little
water into her hand, and uttering strange words over it,
she sprinkled it this way and that upon the surface of the
lake and the roots of the four hills, and immediately where
had been the lake a city appeared, and instead of fishes
inhabitants, and in place of the four hills four islands.
As for the palace, it stood no longer removed far away
into the desert but upon a hill overlooking the city.
Great was the astonishment of the vizier and the Sul-
tan's escort which had lain encamped beside the lake to
find themselves suddenly transported to the heart of a
populous city, with streets and walls and the hum of
reawakened life around them; but a greater and more
terrible shock than this awaited the Queen upon her return
to the mausoleum to enjoy the reward of her labours.
"Now," she cried, "let my lord arise, since all that he
willed is accon1plished!"
" Give me thy hand! " said the Sultan. still in a voice

136

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

of disguise; "come nearer that I may lean on thee! "
And as she approached he drew forth his sword which had
lain concealed beside him in the bed, and with a single
blow cleft her wicked body in twain.
Then he rose and went quickly to where in hiding lay
the young King her husband, who learned with joy of the
death of his cruel enemy. He thanked the Sultan with
tears of gratitude for his deliverance, and invoked the
blessings of Heaven upon him and his kingdom. "On
yours too," said the Sultan, "let peace and prosperity
now reign! And since your city is so near to mine, come
with me and be my guest that we may rejoice together
in the bonds of friendship."
"Nay," answered the young King, "that would I do
willingly, but your country lies many a day's journey
from my own. I fear the breaking of the spell which held
me and my subjects has brought you farther than you
wished."
It was in fact true that the Ebony Isles had now
returned to the place from which they had originally come,
The Sultan put a smiling face upon the matter: "I can
well put up with the tedium of my journey," said he, "if
only you will be my companion. Nay, let me speak
frankly to one whose demeanour in affliction has won my
heart; I am childless and have no heir. Come with me
and be my son, and when I am dead unite our two kingdoms
under a single ruler." The young King, who had con-
ceived for his deliverer an equal affection, could not with-
stand so noble and generous an offer; and so with a free
exchange of hearts on both sides the matter was arranged.
After a journey of some months the Sultan arrived
again at his own capital, where he was welcomed with
great rejoicings by the people, who had long mourned over
his strange and unexplained absence.

TIlE KING OF TIlE EBONY ISLES 137

As for the old fisherman who had been the immediate
cause of the young I{ing's deliverance, the Sultan loaded
him ,vith honours and gave his daughters in marriage to
sons of the blood royal, so that they all continued in perfect
happiness and contentnlent to the end of their days.

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THE HISTORY OF BA.DOURA, PRINCESS OF CHINA,
A
'"D OF CAl\IARALZiUIAN, THE ISLAND PRINCE

THE HISTORY OF
BADOURA, PRINCESS OF CHINA,
A1\1]) OF CAMARALZAMAN, THE ISLAND PRINCE

THE story of Aboulhassan, the Prince of Persia, had
come to an end and the light of morning was full.
Then said Dinarzade, "Another story, 0 sister, another
story 1" Scheherazade made answer, "If my Lord ,viII
suffer me to live for another day, there is yet one more tale
that I could tell. The history of Prince Camaralzaman
and of his bride Badoura is far more entrancing than that
which I have just given; but it is too long to be told now."
Then she was silent; and Shahriar could not bring
himself to order her death till he had heard that story
also. So once more he let his oath stay unfulfilled and de-
ferred sentence; and the next night, wakened in the
small hours towards dawn, Scheherazade, opening a
mouth of loveliness and filling it with wise and sweet
words, took up the thread of her tale and began :
o King, live for ever 1 About twenty days' sail from
the coast of Persia there lies in the open sea an island
which is called Khaledan, a country wealthy and pros-
perous and containing many large and well-inhabited
towns. Its ruler in ancient times was a king named
Shahzaman. As a reward for his many virtues, he had
gathered about him a large and ,veIl-proportioned house-
hold, four wives, the daughters of kings, and sixty concu-
bines; but, in spite of so generous a provision for that
which only Heaven can bestow, he had no son; and as
141

142

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

time went on, and he grew old, his bones wasted, and
his heart became filled with affliction; and he said to his
Vizier, "Now in a little while I shall die; then will my
name perish, and my Kingdom pass to others, for I have
not a son to come after me, Tell me, is there anything
I can do to avert so great a calamity? "
His Vizier ans,vered, "When human Ineans fail, it
is then that we must rely on Heaven, for often these
evils are sent to remind us of our dependence on Him
who alone holds power. Fast, therefore, and pray, and
perform ablutions, and when that is done make a great
banquet, and call to it the poor and needy; it may
be that among them will be found one pure and righteous
soul whose blessing will thus descend on thee, for the
fulfilment of thy desire."
The King did as his Vizier advised: he made a great
feast, and called to it all whose poverty might give virtue
to their petition: and bidding them pray that he might
have a son, caused meat to be set before them; so they
did eat and were filled.
This holy act had the desired effect; one of the
King's four Queens immediately conceived, and in course
of time presented him with a son as fair as a full moon
on a cloudless night. When the midwives and nurses
carried him to his father, the King seeing his beauty
and transported with joy at the event, named him Camar-
alzaman, that is to say Moon of the Age; and he sent
out orders, on pain of death to any who disobeyed, that
for seven days the drums were to beat and every house
in the city to be decorated in sign of thanksgiving. Never
were such rejoicings heard.
The Prince was reared and educated with all care
and magnificence until he attained the age of fifteen.
For the polish of his manners and the enlightenment

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CA
IARALZA
IAN 143

of his brain the wisest and most accomplished men in
the Kingdom were chosen; and since from the first
he displayed a modest and docile disposition, combined
with a fine understanding, he became, as he approached
the years of manhood, the most virtuous and eligible heir
to a throne that monarch or people could find it in their
hearts to desire.
He was of surpassing comeliness and grace, perfect
in form and stature; and his father loved him so tenderly
that he could scarcely bear to be a,vay from him either
by night or day. This devotion to his son was, indeed,
so excessive, that the I{ing himself was perturbed by it,
for ahvays accompanying it was a terror lest the Prince
might die.
One day he said to his Grand Vizier, "How came it
that my happiness in the possession of such a son gives
me anxiety rather than rest? When I was childless I
was miserable, and now that the desire of my heart
has been satisfied, I am full of dread lest he also should
die childless and my hope of posterity fail? Calamities
and accidents come when we least expect them, and
so it seems to me now that the Prince being vigorous and
strong is in greater danger of death than I who am near
the grave. For him a thousand perils are waiting, while
I have nothing to fear but old age. If, therefore, I may
not see my son married in my o,vn lifetime I shall die in
a state more miserable than that which I endured before
he was born."
His Vizier said, "The Prince is still full young, but
nothing forbids that he should marry if, by the will of
Allah, we can find one worthy of him."
" As for that," said the King, "Heaven cannot have
willed to send into the ,vorld a form of beauty and of
virtue so pre-eminent without also providing a fitting

144

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

match for it. Doubt not, if the Prince himself is willing,
that some maiden not too far beneath him ,vill be found
capable of sustaining the honour."
So Shahzaman sent for his son, and Camaralzaman
came and stood before him, and when he saw the King
seated in state upon his throne, though not having his
lords round him, the Prince bade reverence take the place
of love, and with his head bowed down toward the ground
waited in submission for the royal word to be spoken.
Thus he stood before his father humbly as a stranger;
for never before had the King so received him, and he
wondered why he had been summoned, and in his heart
there was a fear.
The King perceiving his reserve said to him, " My
son, can you now guess for what reason I have sent for
you?" But the Prince answered, "My lord, I would
not so presume; for it is not in the power of one so young
as I am to fathom the thoughts of the hearts of Kings.
Only when I hear the true reason from your Majesty's
lips will my brain become enlightened."
So he spoke, with all the decorum, and deference,
and virtue, and prudent modesty which had been instilled
in him by the preceptors of his youth; and Shahzaman,
his father, loved him for it, and said in his heart, " Never
was King blessed with such a son as I."
Then he said to the Prince, "What thou lackest in
years of man's estate thou hast already gained in wisdom
and understanding; therefore as a man I speak to thee.
Know, then, it is my wish that thou shouldst marry, so
that before my days are ended I may rejoice in the assur-
ance of my posterity."
When Camaralzaman heard these words he no longer
hung his head, but stood up straight; and as he made
answer to the King his face flushed and his eyes gre,v

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 145

bright; and said he, " 0 Iny father, is it into bondage you
would deliver me ere I become a man? Lo, here am I,
the son of I(ings, and all my life till now have I been
free, and my soul has been free ,vithin me, because I
have not gone in the way of women nor inclined my
heart to,vard them; but if I marry, then by their cunning
and guile will my soul and my freedom be taken from
me. Far rather would I drink the cup of death."
When King Shahzaman heard that, the light of day
darkened before him, for never until now had his son
gone against his wish or disobeyed his word. But, because
he loved the youth very tenderly, he forgave him and
thought not at this time to punish him; for he said to
himself, " At present he is full young, and excess of virtue
hath caused his manhood to slumber." So he forbore, and
waited till another year should have passed, and withdrew
not from his son the light and favour of his countenance.
So Camaralzaman continued in undisturbed life to
receive the instructions of his preceptors, and every day
he increased in beauty and comeliness of form, in modesty
of mind, and in grace of manner and in elegance of de-
portment. Added to which, he became accomplished in
verse, and eloquence, and rhetoric and the divine sciences,
so that the flower of his form and the honey of his under-
standing made together a thing of inconceivable loveliness
and attraction. Even as a magical ,villow-branch bearing
peach-blossom and fruit at one season, so was he.
Now when another year was completed, his father
having once more consulted with the Grand Vizier, sent
for him again, and said, " This time, 0 my son, listen to
my word, and obey; for now have thy years touched
manhood, and unless thou beget children thy virtue
and wisdom are wasted, Therefore if thou wilt marry her
whom I shall now choose for thee, I will also make thee
18

146

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

ruler over all my dominions; so ,vith mine eyes shall I
see my kingdom and my posterity established, and
rejoice in thee before I die."
But the Prince had listened so well to the preceptors
set over him to guard his virtue, and had pondered
so deeply the books which wise men had written in their
old age, when delight had fled from them and when all
that they had done in the past seemed only to be vanity,
that his mind, even though his heart softened to his
father's request, remained as aforetime. Therefore, abas-
ing himself in fear and reverence at the King's feet,
he said, "0 my father, not so can I find happiness, or
strength, or ,visdom wherewith to rule others, seeing
that if I marry I cease to be ruler of myself. In all
things outward it is Allah's will that I should obey you;
but in this which comes from within and concerns myself
alone, I can obey the voice of no man, however wise he
may be. Yet, by all the seers and poets and sooth-
sayers is the same thing told, that woman is a calamity,
and that from her spring all the ,veaknesses and afflictions
of men." And so saying with sweetness, and modulation
of tone, and grace of gesture, Camaralzaman began to
recite to his father all the words of the poets; and there
was not a poet who had written poetry in his old age
whose verses did not bear out the contention.
So when the King had heard the verses of the poets
and the words of the ancients arrayed against him, hc
returned no answer; for he said to himself: "I doubt
not but that before another year shall have run that
voice within will have spoken differently to my son than
it speaks now, and the words of the sages will have far less
weight with him then than the glance of some woman's
eye." Once more, therefore, letting his tenderness extin-
guish his resentment, he forgave the Prince's disobedience
and received him back into his favour.

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 147

But to his Grand Vizier Shahzaman said, " Now twice,
o Vizier, have I come to thee for advice, and what profit
has it been? \Vhen I consulted thee first as to marrying
my son thy word was for it; yet no sooner did I mention
it to him than his mind rebelled. This time also, it
was on thy advice that I sought to bribe him by the
offer of power; but when I offered him the Crown, so
little did he care that he seemed almost not to have
heard me. What better advice, then, wilt thou give me
no\v so that my patience may be rewarded and my heart
obtain its desire?"
The Vizier answered, "0 King, thy son hath presumed
on thy forbearance, knowing well thy tenderness, and
when thou hast spoken with him it hath been privately
and as a father. But \vhen a year hence the time comes
to speak with him again on this matter, then speak not to
him privately any more, but before all the people, with
the emirs and the viziers and the troops standing by.
Then he will no longer dare to oppose thee, since to do so
before all those witnesses would be an offence treasonable
and worthy of death."
So the King accepted the advice of his Vizier, and
when another year had gone by he summoned the Prince
to his presence on a day of festival, when all about him
\vere the dignitaries and chamberlains of his court, the
viziers of the provinces, and the emirs of neighbouring
states who paid tribute to Shahzaman as their Sultan.
Thus he sat in all his power and splendour, and Camaralza-
man came in and drew near, and stood before him, being
then in his eighteenth year, with the early bloom of
manhood beginning to show upon his cheek, Allah, who
loves to give beauty to virtue, had clothed him in come-
liness and crowned his features with joy; his eyes ,vere
like pools of deep water and their glances flashed like

148

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

a fountain in the sun; and from head to foot whether he
moved or stood he was perfect in dignity and grace.
As he approached, thrice he bent and kissed the ground
in sign of obedience and reverence, and thereafter stood
upright, with hands folded behind his back, waiting to
hear the King's pleasure.
Shahzaman spoke. "Once more, 0 my son, I have
sent for thee to declare my will. Twice ere this have I
been tender and patient, not forcing an inclination that
was not ripe. But now thou art come to man's estate,
and the season of waiting is ended. Therefore my com-
mand is that thou marry a daughter of kings, whom
presently I shall choose for thee; so shall I have joy in
thee before I die, seeing the establishment of my posterity."
When Camaralzaman heard these words he shut fast
his lips and stood speechless for a while. But as his
eye fell on all those lords assembled as witnesses as to
what he should say, wrath kindled in his blood and the
fire of youth mounted to his brain and he spoke swiftly
and unadvisedly.
"Surely," he said, "thou art a man of great age
and little sense thus to talk, having already been answered!
Twice before hast thou asked me, and twice have I refused.
Thinkest thou with all these cooks to make a better broth
of me, having thyself failed? I swear now that rather than
marry I will drink the cup of perdition and die: for no
man shall possess himself of my body to give it to another
while my will is contrary!" And so saying Camaralza-
man unclasped his hands from behind his back, and
rolling up his sleeves stood before his father all quivering
with anger.
Greatly was Shahzaman, the l{ing, disturbed at
receiving so public an affront from the son whom he
loved so tenderly. For a moment he sat speechless, seeing

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PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 151

in the cyes of those around him the reflection of his
humiliation and shame; then his energy returned to
him, and rising fronl his throne he uttered so terrible a
cry of ,vrath that at once CaInaralzaman became conscious
of the enonnity of his offence, and his hasty anger departed
leaving only contrition and fear.
Then, at the King's command, the memlooks came
and seized him, and having first bound his hands, dragged
him before the throne.
The extremity of Shahzaman's wrath now broke
into words, and while the Prince stood speechless before
him, his head bowed down and with drops of anguish
upon his brow, he loaded him with a volume of abuse
\vhich did not spare even the Queen's unblemished reputa-
tion. "\Voe to thee," he cried, "baseborn child of
iniquity and deceit! Is it thus that a King is to be
answered in the presence of his people? Is it thus that a
son nurtured in the tenderest affection casts insult on
the head of his father? Had such language been uttered
by one of the COInInon people, it had been less disgraceful
and more pardonable than cOIning from thee."
Then he commanded the memlooks to take him away
and ÌInprison him in the deepest dungeon of the castle,
which had long stood neglected and empty.
Servants of the Prince hearing of that order went in
haste and prepared the chamber for his reception; they
swept the walls of its cobweb
, and wiped the damp
from the floors; they placed in it a bedstead, and on it
laid a mattress and a leather covering and cushions;
they also provided a large lantern and a candle, for even
in the daytime the place was dark. To this dungeon
caIne CamaralzaInan escorted by his guard, and when all
had been made secure and a eunuch set outside to keep
watch, there they left him.

152

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Camaralzaman threw himself upon the couch weeping,
for bitterly now did he repent of his injurious conduct
to his father; yet even in his affliction he ceased not to
inveigh against marriage. "
lalediction upon women! "
he cried, "alas, why were they invented to give sting
to the affections and divide father and son! Had Allah
refrained from creating women, certainly I should not have
been here! "
Thus in his misfortune did Camaralzaman find truths
to comfort him. Meanwhile the King, his father, was
suffering an equal affliction, and lacking the philosophy
of youth he sought to find comfort in laying the blame
for all that had happened upon the Grand Vizier. "See,
o Vizier! " he cried, " what comes of taking counsel with
thee! Thou alone hast been the cause of my son's
undoing; for had I spoken to him privately on this matter
as aforetime, he would not have answered me otherwise
than as a son should and in such manner as would have
made forgiveness possible. Now, therefore, since we are
brought to this pass by the foolishness of thy ,visdom, it is
for thee to devise means by which we may find a remedy."
The Vizier replied: "0 King, let the Prince stay
where he is for another fifteen days, so shall he have time
to cool himself. I doubt not that thereafter his mind
toward marriage will be all that your heart can desire.
Better to him then will seem the bride's chamber than the
stone walls of his prison."
Shahzaman took the Vizier's advice and slept on it,
or rather slept not at all, for the loss of his son so troubled
him that he lay awake all night tossing restlessly from
side to side and longing for the light of day.
Far better did Camaralzaman fare; for when night
came the eunuch brought lantern and candle, and having
prepared a table set food before him. The Prince ate

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 153

little and thought much, sorrow for his ill-conduct having
severed his appetite in half, and when he had finished
he called for water and washed his hands from all taint of
food; then he performed the ablution preparatory to
prayer, and recited with his accustomed regularity the
prayers of sunset and nightfall. After that he sat upon
the couch reciting extracts from the Koran: he recited
the chapters from "The Cow" and "The Family of
Emran" and" The Two Preventives"; and having done
all these things he commended his soul to Allah and
laid himself down upon the couch, whereon was a mattress
of figured satin showing its pattern on both sides and
stuffed abundantly with ostrich plumes. And when sleep
drew near he took off his outer raiment and clothed
himself in a fine shirt of waxed linen, and wrapped about
his head a kerchief of blue muslin so that he seemed
like the moon on its fourteenth night. Then with the
lantern at his feet and the candle at his head, he covered
himself with the sheet and fell into the sleep of the just
from which he awakened not till after the third hour,
kno,ving naught of the hidden event which then awaited
him, or what Allah, who kno,veth all secrets, had decreed
should befall.
Now in the floor of this dungeon was an old well
malodorous and foul through long disuse; and in this
well dwelt a female Genie or Efreet, named l\Ieymooneh,
a monster of bad ancestry and of tremendous power to
set evil above good. Toward midnight, when the hour
for her nightly wanderings had come, Meymooneh rose up
like a bubble from the bottom of the well and lifting her
head over the brÏ1n saw a light which had not been there
formerly and under it a couch whereon lay someone asleep.
Full of wonder, she drew up her feet to earth, and
advancing, cautiously turned back the coverlet from
19

154

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

the sleeper's face. Thereafter she stood for a whole
hour lost in wonder and astonishment at the beauty
which she found there: perfect in all its lines and colour
and texture ,vas the loveliness of the sleeping youth, and
there arose from his body an odour like fragrant musk.
1\Ieymooneh snuffed at it, and her heart became enlarged,
lifting her thoughts to\vard IIeaven. "Blessed be Allah! "
she cried, "surely He must be good to have created this
thing." And as she continued to gaze, her mind acquired
a benevolence which had long since been strange to it.
"By Allah," she said, "in no ,vay will I injure him;
rather will I wat.ch over and protect him from any that
may seek to do him harm." And so saying she stooped
over the youth and kissed him between the eyes.
Then elated of heart she spread her wings and smiting
the earth with her heel sprang upward and floated away
into space, till the heavens about her were clear. As
she rose up through clouds she heard above her head a
flapping of wings, and there passed one she knew by
his tail to be Dahnash, an Efreet greatly inferior in power
to herself. After him she went like a hawk, pounced
and caught him by the scruff.
Dahnash, perceiving into whose clutches he had
fallen, quivered through all his members, and imploring
pardon for his existence cried, "I conjure t.hee by
the Most High Name and the sign on the Seal of Solomon
that this time and for the present thou shouldst release
me. So will I go upon my errand and return presently."
Then said l\Ieymooneh, "By the high oath which
thou hast sworn, what errand art thou after? "
Dahnash answered, "I have seen once ,vith mine
eyes that which should make the wicked virtuous, and
the foul-minded clean; therefore I am in haste to make
known the story of it to others less virtuous than

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAMAN 155

thou art; so that they too may see it and find reward."
"Though I am more virtuous than thou art," replied

Ieymooneh, "yet shalt thou tell me thy story, else I
will pluck off every scale from thy body and every feather
from thy wings and throw thee to the bottomless pit.
And if what thou tellest be not true then also shalt thou
fare as I have said."
Then said Dahnash, " 0 l\ieymooneh, if my word be not
true, invent for me what tortures thou ,vilt and I will
accept them. I am come to-night from the farthest isles
of China, which are the dominions of King Gaiour, who is
lord also of the Seas and of the Seven Palaces. There
have I seen the Princess, his daughter, for whom also
these palaces were built; surely there is none like
her in all the \vorld! Her hair is as dark as the night
of separation and exile, and her face is like the dawn
when lovers meet to embrace; her nose hath both point
and edge, and her cheeks are like petals of anemone
filled with wine. When she speaks, wisdom flows from
her tongue; and when she moves, her feet faint with
delight under the burden of the loveliness laid on them.
The King's love for her is so great that there is no limit
to what he will besto,v on her if only it may add to her
happiness; therefore in her honour hath he built the
seven palaces: the first is of crystal, the second of marble,
the third of st.eel, the fourth of onyx, the fifth silver,
the sixth is of inlaid gold, and the seventh of all manner
of jewels. Also these palaces are most sumptuously
furnished, and around them lie gardens embellished
with everything that can soothe the senses and delight
the eye. Yet all this is but as a shade when the beauty
of the Princess shines in the midst of it. Because the
fame of her incomparable loveliness has gone far and
wide, many kings and powerful princes come to delnand

156

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

her hand in marriage. But so tender is the King's love
for her, that in all these years without her free consent
he has married her to none. Many a time has he
sought to persuade her, but it is all in vain. ' For
,vhere,' says the Princess, 'shall I have honour and
freedom such as I enjoy now? Here I sit at thy side
in council and am a ruler over men; but if I marry
then will my hus band rule me.' And now there has
come to the court of King Gaiour, another monarch, so
dreaded and so powerful that his suit cannot be refused.
Nevertheless the Princess, whose name is Badoura, will
not consent; and having threatened to kill herself rather
than submit, t.he l{ing now treats her as insane in order
to excuse himself, and hath shut her up in one of her
palaces with ten old women to look after her. There
she has been confined for a whole year, but the imprison..
ment has done nothing either to change her will or diminish
the enchantment of her beauty. So to-night when I
saw her lying asleep every evil thought and passion died
within me, for so holy is her beauty that I respected
her even as I respect myself. Come, Meymooneh, and
you shall see what is indeed a miracle and a wonder! "
So far had Dahnash proceeded, when Meymooneh
impatiently inte:t'rupted him. First, she cuffed him over
the head, and then spitting in his face cried with
laughter, " 0 fool, what eyes have you to behold beauty,
or what tongue to tell of it? This Princess that you
speak of is, I doubt not, a poor insignificant creature
not worth looking at. VVhat would you say, then, if I
sho-wed you my own beloved? Little talk would there be
then of this fine Princess of yours; you would have but
to look at him once and you would go crazy with jealousy."
Dahnash replied humbly, "0 l\Iistress of language
and of facts, far be it from me to deny beauty that you

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAl\IAN 157

yourself have verified; but neither can I deny that which
I, in turn, have beheld and think to be incomparable.
All I can ask, therefore, is that you should accompany me
to the bedchamber of this adorable Princess, where
she now lies sleeping, and judge for yourself."
" Not so," answered l\leymooneh, "wherefore should
I travel to the far ends of China merely to prove thy
folly and thy falsehood? Here close at hand is the
tower wherein my beloved lies prisoner; come, then, and
see for yourself the face of him whose loveliness even
in sleep puts all other beauty to scorn."
So they descended, and passing through the roof
and floors of the tower came to the dungeon below,
where Camaralzaman lay sleeping. There by the bedside
l\leymooneh put forth her hand and drew back the sheet;
and Dahnash gazed with awe and remained silent, for
doubt s,vayed him. Nevertheless after a while he said,
"0
Ieymooneh, though my word may seem hard to
believe, yet do I still say that she whom I saw is fairer
than this youth; and needs must it be so, since the
fairest woman is by her sex made fairer than the fairest
man. But for that, these two whom we contend over
might be twin flowers from the same stem, so like are
they."
When l\Ieymooneh heard that she struck him a hard
blow over the head \vith her wing, crying, " Go, accursed
one, fly back to China, lift up thy beloved and bring
her quickly to this place; so ,vhen we see them side by
side shall it be manifest which one is the more beautiful.
Then if I am right thou shalt pay forfeit to me, and if
thou art right I will pay."
Then 'with inconceivable swiftness Dahnash departed;
and within an hour returned bearing the Princess in his
arms. She was clad in a gown of finest silk ,vith two

158

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

borders of gold, and when the Efreet laid her upon the
bed beside Camaralzaman, the two proved to be so alike
that they might have been twin brother and sister.
Nevertheless Meymooneh and Dahnash continued to say
each to each, " My beloved is more beautiful than thine."
Nor was agreement possible between them.
Therefore after much strife, wherein Dahnash, though
physically worsted, stuck to his opinion, they determined
to refer the matter to an arbitrator, and by his sentence
to abide.
Then Meymooneh struck the ground with her foot
and cried "Kashkash!" Instantly the earth opened
and there arose from it an Efreet hideous to look upon;
he was blind of an eye, and lame of a leg, and upon his
back he carried a hump bigger than the rest of his body;
and when he saw l\Ieymooneh he prostrated himself
before her, saying, "0 Mistress and daughter of Kings,
what dost thou require of me ? "
Meymooneh told him of the contention that had
arisen between them, and showing him the Prince and
Princess lying side by side called on him to say which
was the more beautiful of the two.
But Kashkash, having considered them for a while
with great attention, replied, " When mortals are endowed
with such beauty as these, then only themselves can
decide. Let us, then, awake them each in turn, and
the one that draws from the other the most violent
protestations of love and admiration shall be esteemed
the more beautiful."
This proposal was approved both by Meymooneh anà
Dahnash.
Thereupon Meymooneh transformed herself into a
flea, and leaping upon Camaralzaman's neck bit him in a
soft place. The youth put up his hand and rubhed

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZA1tIAN 159

to allay the smarting; then moving sideways he touched
something that stirred, and starting up saw by his side a
maiden of most marvellous beauty.
No sooner had he beheld her than all his reasons
against marriage \vere confounded and put to flight;
and he said within his heart, "What God desireth will
come to pass, and what He desireth not \vill not happen."
Then taking the Princess by the hand, he endeavoured
gently to rouse her, and ceasing not to invoke her with
words and kisses of tenderness, he would infallibly have
awakened her had not Dahnash bound her by a spell.
Then, seeing how fast she slept, "What!" cried the
Prince, "must the love of Camaralzaman admit an
impediment such as this ? Awake, 0 beloved !" Carried
away by his words he was tempted for a moment to assail
her rudely, but then the nobility of his nature reasserted
itself and respect for her beauty and innocence constrained
him. Then he bethought himself, and said, " Doubtless
this is the honourable maiden to whom the J{ing, my
father, intended to marry me. Oh, why, instead of
argument, did he not show me her face? So \vould none
of this trouble have come about! "
Then perceiving upon the Princess's finger a ring, he
drew it off and exchanged it for his o\vn, saying, " Since I
may not yet possess myself of the owner I will take this."
And having so done, he turned his back to her and slept.
Then l\Ieymooneh, jealous of the testimony which
Camaralzanlan had given to the Princess's beauty, trans-
formed herself again into a flea, and entering beneath
the clothes of Badoura, the beloved of Dahnash, bit her
sharply; whereupon she opened her eyes and sat up;
and there at her side beheld a youth snoring in his sleep,
with eyelashes shading roseate cheeks and a mouth like
the seal of Solomon. No sooner had she seen him than

160

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

her heart was filled ,vith contending emotions. U Oh
me 1 " she cried, " what disgrace is this that has come upon
me to be lying in the same bed with a stranger? But,
by Allah, he is so beautiful that I have much ado not to
love him to distraction. Nay, if this be the Prince
who came demanding my hand in marriage of my father,
I would have been willing to marry him ten times over
had I but known beforehand."
So saying she seized Camaralzaman by the arm and
shook him so violently that, saving for the enchantment,
he must surely have awakened.
Thereat she lost patience. "Self.satisfied youth,"
she cried, "is this the way to behave to a Princess upon
the night of her bridal? What? has so much beauty
made thee proud?" Then as love began to devour
her heart, "0 my lord," she cried, "light of mine eyes,
and moon of my existence, arise, awake out of sleep 1 "
And forthwith seizing his hand she began kissing it.
While she was doing so she saw her ring upon his little
finger, and uttered a cry of astonishment; while even
greater became her amaze when she found upon her
own hand a strange ring. This, she thought, must
surely mean that she had become wedded to him in
her sleep, so putting away all false modesty and fear
she lay down again by his side, and fell fast asleep.
Then l\leymooneh and Dahnash, seeing how evenly
between the pair the balance of love and admiration
was divided, composed their difference; and Dahnash,
taking the sleeping Princess upon his shoulder, carried
her back to China.

When Camaralzaman awoke the next morning to
find no maiden at his side, he supposed that the King,
his father, had caused her to be carried away secretly,

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 161

in order that thereby his desire for her might be increased.
So he called to the slave who guarded him and said, " Tell
me of the lady who slept with me last night: how came
she, and who brought her?"
The slave replied, " 0 Prince, there was no lady; how
could any lady get in while I slept all night across
the doorway, and had the key? "
This ans,ver so infuriated the Prince that he fetched
the slave a buffet which knocked him over; then tying
him to the well rope he let him down into the well, though
it was the middle of winter; and this he continued to
do, now up, now down, saying as he did so, "When
thou hast told me the truth I will let thee go."
After a while the unfortunate slave, at the last gasp for
wretchedness, cried, "0 Prince, restore to me my life and
I ,vill tell thee all."
So Camaralzaman drew him up and laid him to drain
upon the floor.
Then the eunuch, with shiverings and chattering of
teeth, said, "Alas, l\Iaster, in my present plight I have
not tongue nor wits to tell thee the whole story. Suffer
me to go hence and get dry, then will I return." So
Camaralzaman let him go.
Off ran the eunuch, and without stopping came
even as he was into the presence of Shahzaman, the
King. Shahzaman was complaining to the Grand Vizier
of the misery he had endured and the restless night
he had passed, ,vhen the slave entered all a-drench with
wetness and forthwith uttered his tidings. "0 I{ing,"
he cried," insanity hath seized on thy son, and thus hath
he done to me! He saith there hath been a lady in his
bed, when there hath been no lady; and because I can-
not tell him how she came or how she went, or where now
he cajl find her, see from what a drowning I have escaped 1 "
ro

162

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

When the I{ing heard these ,vords his sorrow for
his son and his wrath against the Vizier kne,v no bounds.
"Go, accursed," he cried, "this is thy doing. Go to
the Prince and discover the true cause of his malady;
then come again and tell me."
So the Vizier hastened, treading upon his skirts as
he went forth in fear of the I{ing's anger, and coming
to the tower found the Prince not mad at all, but seated
upon the couch reciting verses from the Koran ,vith the
utmost composure.
"0 Prince," cried the Vizier, "the mere sight of
thee relieves me of affliction; but so have I the more
reason to complain of that vile slave who attends on
thee, and hath said shameful things concerning thee to
thy father, the King."
" I also," answered the Prince, "have great reason to
complain of him; but let that be for a while, and tell me
now what has become of the lady who slept with me last
night? For I know my father must have sent her to me
for a just purpose, and to cure me of my folly: which
indeed she hath done. So let that sweet remedy return
to me and you shall find me sane."
" Of a truth, Prince," replied the Vizier, "the King,
thy father, sent no lady to thee, and all that thou sayest
now is mystery. Bethink thee, shut in here a prisoner,
ho,v canst thou have seen any lady with thine eyes except
in a dream? "
" 0 ill-omened old man," cried the Prince, " thou wilt
be saying next that I saw her only with my ears!" And
approaching the Vizier he seized him by the beard, which
was long, and twisting it this way and that, cried, "Tell
me the truth, or I will treat thee as I did the slave 1 "
Then the Vizier, to save himself from further ill-
treatment, replied even as the slave had done, and said,

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAMAN 163

"0 Prince, I am not free to reveal the secrets of my
master, but I ,vill take to hinl any message wherewith
you may be pleased to entrust me."
" Go, then," answered the Prince, " and tell my father
that I repent of my former words and will marry the lady
he sent to me last night, but no other, though he should
put me to a thousand deaths!"
So the Vizier, as soon as Camaralzaman had let go
of his beard, returned in haste to the I(ing and said to
him, " 0 my lord, ,vhat the slave says is true; the Prince
hath been seized with insanity of the most violent kind;
yea, he heareth with his eyes, and seeth with his ears, and
declareth a lady hath slept with him, ,vhom he will marry
and no other."
Then Shahzaman went himself to see the Prince and
to learn the truth of this matter, for he doubted the
Vizier's word. And when he ('ame to the prison, his son
received him with so much respect, and contrition and
devotion, that he turned upon the Vizier with eyes of
anger and reproach, crying, "0 wretch, why hast thou
afflicted me with lies?" But the Vizier only shook his
head sorro,vfully, waiting for the truth to reveal itself.
Then said the King, "0 my son, what day of the
week is it?" Camaralzaman answered, "To-day is
Saturday, to-morrow is Sunday, the next day is l\Ionday,
then comes Tuesday, then Wednesday, then Thursday and
then Friday."
"Praise be to Allah!" cried the King, "my son
is not mad, for he kno,vs the days of the week." Then
he said to Camaralzaman, "Tell me, my son, who is
this lady who, you say, slept with you last night; for
truly I know nothing about her."
"0 my lord," replied the Prince, "I pray that you
cease to mock me, for though I have deserved it through my

164

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

folly, yet now am I ready and eager to marry this lady
whom you have chosen for me, since her beauty delights
me, and her manners, even in her sleep, fascinate me."
On hearing these words the King was as much aston-
ished as the Vizier had been; but the countenance
of his son was so full of ingenuousness and truth that
he was not as incredulous as the others had been be-
fore him. "I swear to you, my son," said he, "that I
know nothing of this matter. What my Vizier has told
you, he invented to appease your anger. But now tell
me everything, just as it happened, for whether it be
true or no, this event has given me cause for rejoicing."
Then the Prince sat down by his father's side and
told him everything, and when he had finished he showed
him the ring for proof that his tale was true; and the King
was so convinced by his son's manner and by all the inci-
dents of the story, that he had not a word to say against it.
Therefore ,vas his heart uplifted, and he said to Camaral-
zaman, "Though all these things be mysteries in the
hands of Allah, so deep that we may not fathom them,
yet now hast thou convinced me that thou art not as was
said of thee. Keep, therefore, that precious mind to which
Heaven hath given light, and possess thyself in patience
till the mystery hath resolved itself."
But Camaralzaman replied, "Alas, 0 my father,
to what term of imprisonment dost thou now condemn
me? for if thou canst not find for me this maiden who
hath ravished my heart, surely I shall die of anguish.
So great is my love and my distraction that I cannot wait
for her even an hour."
Upon this the King smote his palms together, and
cried, "Now are we in the hands of Allah, where no
mortal power can avail t" Then he took his son gently
by the hand and led him back to the palace: and there

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZA1tIAN 165

the Prince threw himself do,Vll upon a bed of sickness,
too \veak to rise or look up: and Shahzaman seated
himself at his side, mourning and weeping for his grief,
and leaving him neither by day nor night.
But after a while his Vizier came to him and said,
" 0 King of the Age, how long shall thy people seek for
thee, and not find thee? Thy troops murmur that
they have none to lead them to the field, and in the city
corruption grows rife because the seat of judgment stays
empty. This sickness into which the Prince has fallen
comes only from grief; and as his grief increases thine,
so does thine give nourishment to his. Therefore I
entreat your Majesty to provide some better relief for the
complaint both of the Prince and of the people. Here
in the city his spirits languish and his strength returns
not; but take him to the palace which is upon the shore
looking toward the islands; there shall his soul, on the
days when thou art absent, find peace and refreshment.
And do thou, 0 King, on two days in each week return
to the affairs of state, which need thy presence, to give
audiences and to hold councils, else out of these two
evils which are upon us there may grow a greater."
So Shahzaman did as his Vizier advised him, and
caused the Prince to be carried, all ,vasted as he was
with grief, to a pavilion which was upon the shore, and
there on the days when affairs of state caused the I{ing to
be absent Camaralzaman lay and looked out over the sea.

While these things were happening in the land of
Khaledan, Dahnash had conveyed the Princess of China
safely back to her own bed. There the next morning
she awoke, unstained by travel and with her raiment
undisturbed; nor was she conscious that she had been
anywhere but where she now was. No sooner, t.herefore,

166

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

did she perceive on looking to left and right that the
youth who had lain in her bosom was no longer near her
than her heart became agitated and her reason confounded,
and she uttered a loud cry.
All her women came running; and her nurse, who
was the chief, inquired what misfortune had befallen
her. The Princess, who continued to search among the bed-
clothes, said, " Vexatious and contrary old woman, what
have you done with the beautiful youth who slept last night
in my bosom, or how comes it that I have mislaid him? "
At these words the nurse was shocked in her morals
and confounded in her understanding, and she answered,
" 0 mistress, ,vhat mean these disgraceful ,vords! Surely
thy bosom is guiltless of any such deed, and no youth,
whether beautiful or otherwise, has been near thee."
.... Badoura answered, "He had black eyes and a lovely
face, and a mouth like the seal of Solomon, and his eye-
brows were joined ,vhere I kissed them; and he was here
sleeping at my side from nightfall to nigh upon daybreak."
" Princess," answered her nurse, "thou hast had
an unpermissible dream and art talking nonsense. No
such young man hath been near thee, nor ,vould I have
permitted it."
Then the Princess lifting her hand in anger saw upon
it the ring which Camaralzaman had given her in exchange
for her o,vn, and cried to her nurse, "\V oe to thee, 0
deceitful! Have I also dreamed this ring which is not
mine and lost that which belonged to me?" And so
saying she started to belabour her nurse so unmercifully,
that she would assuredly have killed her had not all the
other women and the eunuchs lifted up their voices in
lamentation; whereupon the Princess, who greatly dis-
liked loud noises, desisted.
So the nurse, escaping from her vengeance, fled and

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAMAN 167
acquainted the King with all that had happened and
with the story which the Princess had told her,
The King can1C in haste and found that which till now
he had only pretended concerning his daughter apparently
come true. For excess of reason had fled to her brain,
and rushing this way and that she was searching for her
beloved in every cupboard, and under every article of
furniture, crying, "Where is the beautiful youth who
slept in my bosom last night? He belongs to me; he
is mine. If I do not find him I shall die."
When her father saw and heard this he inquired no
further, but ordered the slaves and eunuchs to seize her,
and bind her with chains lest she should do herself or
others an injury.
So they put a chain about her neck and fastened her
to a window of the palace looking to,vard the sea, that
so by the will of Allah her thoughts might have rest
and her reason be restored. And the King, loving her
tenderly and greatly distressed at the condition she had
fallen into, caused a proclamation to be issued to all
sages, astrologers, and men skilled in such matters, saying,
"Whosoever shall cure my daughter of her present
malady, to him will I give her hand in marriage together
with the half of my kingdom; and whoso fails to cure
her, having offered, his head will I strike off and set it
above the gates of my palace as a warning to others."
This he continued to do till forty of the wisest physicians
and astrologers had lost their heads, Then the supply
failed; and the Princess, whom the offer of any husband
other than the one she sighed for thre,v into paroxysms of
wrath, ,vas as far from a cure at the end as at the beginning.
Thus she remained for the space of three years, sitting
at a windo\v with a chain about her neck and looking out
over the sea.

168

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Now the nurse of the Princess Badoura had a son
named Marzavan, who was a great traveller. He ,vas
foster-brother to the Princess; when they were children
she had been to him as his own sister; and the two loved
each other tenderly. So on the day when he returned
from his travels he went to the palace to get tidings of
the Princess, and there over the gates were ranged the
heads of the forty wise men. This surprised him greatly,
and when on inquiring into the matter he learned the
cause, he heard also of the unhappy state into ,vhich the
Princess had fallen. The ne,vs troubled him far more
deeply than the death of forty wise men who had been
found foolish, but, unwilling to trust to the judgment of
others in such a case, being himself also ,yell skilled in
medicine, he besought his mother to obtain for him an
interview with the Princess.
This was a difficult matter, for the door of the chamber
was strictly guarded, and no one had access to it except
the nurse herself. So urgent, however, was her son's
entreaty, that at last she consented and set about finding
the means. To this end she said to the eunuch who
was on guard at the door, " You know well my devotion
to the Princess, and my desire to do anything that may
alleviate her affliction, therefore I am come to ask you
for a favour. I have a daughter whom my mistress
from her earliest childhood, when I nursed them together,
has ever regarded with the tenderest affection. She has
lately married, and the Princess, hearing of this event,
has expressed a wish to see her. Allo,v this to be; and
do not doubt that Heaven will reward you for your
goodness. "
The eunuch readily consented in spite of the strict-
ness of his orders. "Let her come at night," he said,
"or bring her yourself, after the King has retired :

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAMAN .169

then the door shall be open and no one need know of
it. "
Accordingly, the next night, the nurse disguised
!\Iarzavan in \voman's attire, and taking his hand in hers
led him to the palace. The eunuch let them pass without
suspicion; but as soon as they were in the Princess's
presence, and the door shut behind them, the nurse said þ
"0 mistress, I have brought gladness to you to-night;
for this is no woman but my son Marzavan, who, having
returned from his travels, wished greatly to see you."
No sooner did the Princess hear the name of
Iarzavan
than she sprang joyfully forward, the full length of her
chain, and being held back by it, she stretched her hands
toward him, crying, "0 brother, come to me!" When
l\Iarzavan beheld her in that unhappy plight, then for
weeping he could not look at her, but turned away his
head and covered his eyes. Then said Badoura, "Dost
thou also think that I am mad like the rest of them ?
Nay, hear my story and be undeceived, for it is true."
Then she told Marzavan everything; and he, per-
ceiving that she was in love, doubted no longer, for
he knew that such passion and such a desire for beauty
could arise neither out of madness nor of a dream. So
when she besought his aid he pondered deeply what
he might do, and then said, "0 sister, have patience
yet a little while, and I will go search through the \vorld
for thy missing friend. Be assured that if he lives I will
find him." Then they embraced as brother and sister
in full affection; and Marzavan departed.
The next day he set out once more upon his travels,
and continued to journey from city to city, and island to
island for the space of some months. At first, wherever
he went, he heard men speaking of the beauty of the
Princess Badoura and of the strange malady that afflicted
21

170

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

her; but presently, as he changed from country to country,
her name ceased to be upon men's lips, and he heard
instead of one by name Camaralzaman, a prince of the
Islands of Khaledan, who for three years had suffered
from a grievous affliction of body and a desolation of
spirit to which there seemed no remedy.

Iarzavan did not delay when he heard that story;
but inquiring for the nearest route he took ship and sailed
from the city of Torf, where these tidings had first reached
him, to the islands of Khaledan, a whole month's voyage;
and all the \vay he \vas glad so that his heart sang. But
on the day \vhen the ship approached the dominions
of Shahzaman, there arose a great storm which broke
the mast and carried away the sail and capsized the vessel.
Marzavan, thrown o,rerboard with the rest, was
caught by a strong current and carried shorewards;
and as fate would have it, since the destiny of all are
in the hands of the Most High, the current bore him
toward that part of the coast \vhere stood the palace
of the King; and there at that time, in the pavilion
looking toward the sea, sat Shahzaman attended by his
Vizier; and the head of Camaralzaman lay upon his
lap; and a eunuch was whisking the flies from him.
The Vizier, looking out from the terrace, sa,v in the
water belo,y him the shipwrecked l\Iarzavan, tossed
this way and that and unable to land; so his heart was
moved with pity and he came running to the I{ing and
crying, "Permit me, 0 my lord, to open the gates of the
court and put forth my hand to save yonder man who is
now drowning. For since a just action is never ,vith-
out reward, it may be he shall bring us good."
Shahzaman replied, "Thou art the cause of all our
trouble, and I doubt not that coming by thy hand this
drowning man will bring us more. Yet I cannot forbid

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THE FINAL MARRIAGE PROCESSION
(Pøge lQ6)

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PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAMAN 178

thee to save his life: only be sure that he comes not
near us to spy upon my son in his affliction and report
it to others. If he do, his head and thine shall be forfeit."
So the Vizier ran, and opening the gates of the court
leaned down, and caught 1\'Iarzavan by the hair and
drew him up to dry land. And Marzavan came forth
from the sea all lost to consciousness, his stomach
filled with water and his eyes protruding. The Vizier
waited till his spirit had returned to him; then he took
from him his clothes and clad him in others and put on
his head the turban of an attendant and said to him,
"Now, as I have saved thy life, do my bidding and save
mine also. Cast down thine eyes, speak not, look not
into any chamber as we go, but follow closely where I
lead lest ,vorse befall thee."
Then said Marzavan, "What is this peril that I am
not to see? "
The Vizier answered, "It is the King's son, who
is sorely afflicted for the loss of a fair damsel that came
to him but once and is gone again, none kno,vs where.
That is the story, and on pain of death all who hear it
must believe it." And the Vizier sighed heavily, for
at this time life was hard to him and belief difficult.
'Vhen the half-drowned l\:Iarzavan heard that, his
heart went up like a singing bird, and he skipt at the
Vizier's heels like a squirrel. And when they came by
the chamber where Camaralzaman was lying, with the
King seated beside him, then l\Iarzavan turned swiftly
and went in and stood before hiIn; and no sooner had
he seen the Prince than, with an exclamation of joy,
he cried: "Extolled be the perfection of him who hath
given beauty its pair! Lo, the eyes are hers, the com-
plexion is hers, the lips and the cheeks are hers ! "
At these words the knees of the Vizier ,vent from

174,

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

under him, aud he prayed succour of death: but on the
heart of Camaralzaman there descended a coolness and a
refreshment, and turning his tongue in his mouth, he
signalled with his hand to Shahzaman to make the
young man sit down.
The King, seeing the look of joy upon his son's face,
easily forgave the intrusion which had earned death;
and having placed l\larzavan in the seat at the Prince's
side, he bade him recount his history and 'whence and
why he came.
So Marzavan told of the country from ,vhich he had
come and of its King and people, and of all the events
of his journey, but of the real cause which had brought
him he said nothing. And the Prince listened and waited,
for he saw that something ,vas concealed: and all the
while, since hope had returned to him, his countenance
grew bright and his strength of body increased. So
presently he made a sign for his father to raise him to a
sitting posture; and the King, full of joy, lifted him,
and placed cushions behind him and under him. Thus
after three years of lying down did Camaralzaman sit
up. So after a \vhile Shahzaman, seeing ho,v by the con-
versation of 1\larzavan the Prince ,vas restored to health,
went away and left them; and the Vizier departed also.
Then, seeing that they were alone, 1\Iarzavan spoke
low in the ear of Camaralzaman saying, "0 Prince, thy
sorrow is at an end; for she whom thou lovest is the
Princess Badoura, daughter of the King of China and my
O'Vll foster-sister: and I am come through the ,vorld
seeking thee because of my devotion to her, 'who, for love
of thee, no\V lieth in chains. All that hath happened
unto thee ,vith thy father hath happened to her also
with her father, yea, and worse things also." So he went
on and told him all.

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CMIARALZAl\IAN 175

No,v when Calnaralzaman had heard the story of
the Princess, and of her sufferings and constancy, and of
all the useless cures for her malady that had been tried,
his heart \vas divided in its joy by an overflowing of
sorrow,
ven as a rich country is divided and broken
by a stream when it floods its banks; and he said to
!\Iarzavan, "Alas I ho\v lnay I bring her the true cure,
seeing that we dwell in such different parts of the ,vorld,
and my father will not suffer me to be out of his sight
even for one day? "
l\larzavan answered, "For thy health's sake he will
allow thee that one, and it shall suffice. For to-morrow
thou shalt say to him, , Let me go out into the hills for a
day and a night, that I may hunt and recov
r my strength,'
and surely he shall not deny it to thee. And when thou
hast found that for which thou art in search, I kno\v that
thou wilt return to him. But \ve will take with us two
spare horses and saddlebags, \vith money sufficient for
our journey, and when we have started upon our way
I will provide, so that we may not be pursued and over-
taken. "
At these words the Prince rejoiced greatly, and it
all came about even as 1\Iarzavan had planned. For on
the morro\v the King, rejoicing that his son's health was
so quickly restored, granted him the permission he sought,
saying only, "Be not absent, my son, longer than one
night, for while thou art away from me I have no joy
left." Camaralzaman answered, "The night of sorrow
will end, then shall I return." So he took leave of his
father and departed.
For the whole of that day until the evening Camaralza-
man and Marzavan went in the direction they had chosen,
setting their faces for the open country and the seaport
lying beyond. And when it was night they ate and drank,

176

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

fed their beasts, and rested for a while; then they re-
mounted and journeyed on. At daybreak they came
to a spacious tract of forest; there Marzavan took one
of the led horses and killed it, stripping the flesh from its
bones; next he took the garments which Camaralzaman
had worn on the previous day, and after tearing them
this way and that daubed them with blood.
Camaralzaman inquired why he did this: and Marzavan
ans,vered, "When we return not great search will be
made for thee; and I doubt not, if it went far enough,
we should be overtaken. But when the searchers come
upon this they will suppose that a wild beast has fallen
upon thee and devoured thee; and that I, fearing
the King's wrath, have fled away. Doubtless the news
will bring great sorrow to thy father's heart; but when
thou return est with thine errand safely accomplished,
he shall be recompensed with joy."
The Prince sorrowfully commended the plan which
Marzavan had devised for the safety of their enterprise;
and so they continued upon their ,yay unmolested, and
after much travelling by land and water, and many
adventures not to be told of here, they arrived at the
capital of the dominions of King Gaiour, ,vhere the
Princess Badoura lay in captivity.

Iarzavan did not take Camaralzaman to his own
house, but to a public khan, where for three days they
remained recovering from the fatigues of their jour-
ney. Then, having clothed the Prince in the garb of a
merchant-doctor with all the signs and instruments of
his calling, he conducted him to the gates of the palace;
standing before which Camaralzaman began, on the
instructions of l\Iarzavan, to cry in a loud voice, "Look
at me, for I am learned! Marvel at me, for I am wise!
I am the healer, the calculator. the astrologer; I know

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZA
IAN 177

the cause of all maladies and their cure. If anyone,
be he king or peasant, is in affliction, let him come to
me ! "
The people ,vere greatly astonished to hear once more
an astrologer so bold of tongue; and pitying him for
his youth and wondering at the beauty of his form, they
pointed to the heads which ,vere over the palace gates,
saying, "While there is time save thyself; for if the
I{ing hear thee thy head will be joined to those."
Nevertheless Camaralzaman continued to cry with
a loud voice; till at last the King heard him, and
said to his Vizier, "Go down, and bring this astrologer
in."
So the Vizier went out and fetched him, and Camaralza-
man came and bowed hhnself before the King. And
when the King looked at him, his heart also ,vas moved
with pity toward the stranger, as the heart of the people
had been, because of his youth and the beauty of his
form. And he said to him, "l\'Iy son, comply not ,vith
my conditions; for I have bound myself with an oath,
and whoso goes in to visit my daughter but cannot cure
her, his head must I strike off; and of a truth you have
but to look over my palace gate to see that her malady
is obstinate. Nevertheless if you can cure her she is
yours, and the half of my kingdom is yours also."
Camaralzaman said, "To those conditions, 0 King, I
am agreed 1" Then the King, sighing heavily, sent
for the eunuch and bade him conduct the astrologer to
the apartment of the Princess.
The eunuch led the way; but when they were come
to the corridor ,vherein Badoura's chamber ,vas situated,
so great was the joy of the Prince that he hastened and
went before; and the eunuch called after him, "Tarry,
good sir, and be not so hasty before the event, for I alone

2

178

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

have the key that shall bring thee to thy death! Never
was any other astrologer in such haste to depart from life
as thou."
" Friend," answered Camaralzaman, "they had not
such science as I have to make them glad: for they could
not tell what the end would be, but I know it already,
nay, even without entering that door of which thou
hast the key I can cure the Princess of her malady."
The eunuch, astonished to be met with so much
confidence, ceased from his taunts, and admitted the
Prince to the antechamber. "If thou canst do that,"
he said, " thou art indeed the wonder of the world. Truly
,vere I only permitted to see such a marvel accomplished,
I should account myself rich."
Thereupon Camaralzaman seated himself against the
curtain 'which divided the outer from the inner chamber
and wrote the follo,ving prescription:
" He whom estrangement hath afflicted is curcd when
the vow of the beloved is accomplished; and the heart of
exile findeth restoration in union ,vith that ,vhich was
lost. Love alone can heal those whon1 love hath perse-
cuted."
Underneath this prescription he added the following
words:
"From the distracted, the passionate, the perplexed,
the famished ,vith longing, the captive of transport and
ardent desire, Camaralzaman, son of Shahzaman, IGng
of Khaledan, to the peerless one of her age, the pre-
eminent among IIooris, the Princess Badoura, daughter of
Gaiour, I{ing of the Isles of China and lord of the seven
Palaces. Behold the slave of the ring who, sleepless and
inflamed by love, now awaits the call of his Beloved."
Then, having enclosed the ring which at their first
meeting he had exchanged for his o,vn, he sealed the

PRIKCESS BADODR...-\ AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 179

missive, and putting it into the hands of the eunuch
bade him carry it to his mistress.
No sooner had the Princess Badoura received the
missive and the ring than she knew at once from whom
it came. 'Vhereupon joy overthrew her reason, and leap-
ing up in a transport of exultation she pressed her
feet against the ,vall, and breaking the chains which
bound her ran forth and threw herself into the arms
of Camaralzaman.
Speechless ,vith joy she kissed him ,vithout ceasing;
even as a pigeon when it feeds its young, so upon the
lips of Can1aralzaman fell the kisses of the Princess Badoura.
Then came the nurse, crying aloud for gladness to behold
the joy of her mistress and the healing of her malady
accomplished; and presently after her came the King.
For to hin1 had run the eunuch in swift haste bring-
ing tidings of the event-how that without entering
her chamber the astrologer had cured her. "What?"
cried the l{ing, "can such ne,ys be true?" "0 my
lord," answered the eunuch, "let thine o,vn eyes look
upon her and be blest; for she hath broken her chains
of iron, and coming forth to the astrologer she falleth
upon him and kisseth him, and never will she let him
go."
So Gaiour the King came and found it even as the
eunuch had said. Full of joy to behold so s,veet a sight,
he embraced first the Princess and then the Prince,
thanking him with tears of gratitude for the debt ,vhich
he o,ved him. And \vhen he inquired further and learned
of Camaralzaman his name, and his true rank, and of the
country from ,vhich he came, ,vith all the strange story
of his love and the grief of his separation, then his satis-
faction and delight knew no bounds. And so on that
very day the nuptials were celebrated, and word of

180

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

rejoicing went forth through the whole of the King's
dominions,
The hearts of Prince Camaralzaman and his bride
were now so full of happiness that for many months they
wist not the passing of time, and waking or sleeping it
seemed to them as one day. But while their joy thus
decked itself in the colours of immortality, the Prince
one night had a dream, wherein he beheld his father
Shahzaman, lying as at the point of death. And in his
dream it seemed that he heard him say, " 0 my son, whom
in thy grief I so tenderly cherished, wherefore hast thou
acted thus, leaving me in myoid age to die alone?"
So sharp was the sting of that dream upon his conscience
that, sighing, the Prince woke; and his wife hearing
him made inquiry as to his grief, "Alas!" answered
Camaralzaman, "in my happiness with thee I had for-
gotten my father." And thereupon he recounted his
dream. So the next day the Princess Badoura went
to her father, and having told him all, besought leave
for Camaralzaman to return for a while- to his own land
so that he might comfort his father in his old age.
The King readily granted his daughter's request.
Then said Badoura, " If my husband goes I must go too."
"\Vhy so?" inquired her father. "Because," said she,
" if you separate us there is no power in the world that
shall keep me alive."
Now the King had learned during the years of his
daughter's captivity, that anything which she said she
meant. Therefore with much grief and reluctance at
being so compelled, he granted her request; and having
accorded them permission to be absent for a whole year,
he made preparation for their departure. In order that
they might appear at the court of Shahzaman in the
splendour that became their rank, he presented them

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 181

with many changes of costly apparel, and having provided
a large train of horses, dromedaries, and attendants, he
bade them an affectionate fare.well, and with many tears
watched them depart.
For a whole month Camaralzaman and his bride
travelled in comfort and luxury by the route that they
had chosen, and greatly was the Prince's heart rejoiced
by the thought of seeing his father once more and presenting
to his eyes the lovely and innocent cause of all their
past affliction. Therefore, early and late they journeyed
on, only stopping to rest at night and during the heat of
each day.
And so it chanced that one day, about noon, they
came to a spacious meadow shaded by trees, and there
at the Prince's command the tents were pitched; and the
Princess ,vent into her pavilion and lay down to sleep.
Now when she lay down, the heat being very great,
she took off her outer robe and her girdle. And the
Prince, coming in later, sa,v the girdle lying, and knotted
within its folds a large stone, red as blood, inscribed
with strange characters .which, in the darkness of the
tent, he could not read. Being curious, therefore, to see
what words were upon this talisman which the Princess
carried so secretly in her apparel, he unfastened the knot,
and taking the stone went forth from the tent to exan1ine it.
Scarcely had he done so when, with a strange cry, a
bird swooped do,vn from the tree above his head, caught up
the stone in its beak, and flew away with it. Camaralza-
man, fearing to lose what, for all he knew, might be a
precious talisn1an, ran after the bird, thro,ving up his
arms, shouting and endeavouring in all possible ,vays
to make it let go the stone. But the bird flew on from
tree to tree, and from valley to valley, never so fast
that Camaralzaman could not keep pace with it, but

182

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

never coming within his reach, or letting go of the talis-
man. So the flight ,vent on and so the chase continued,
till several hours had passed and it began to grow dark.
Then the bird, uttering once more its strange cry, went
up to the topmost branch of a high tree and settled itself
to roost.
The pursuit had now led Camaralzaman so far and
in so many directions, that he no longer knew ,vhich
way to turn. So, commending himself to Allah, he
lay down at the foot of the tree and slept.
In the morning, with a loud rustling of feathers,
the bird awakened him, and still carrying the stone
in its beak, sprang out of the tree and continued its
flight. And as Camaralzaman rose and followed, it
presently became apparent that at whatever rate he went,
the bird ,vent too; so when he ran the bird flew fast,
and when he could run no more it waited for him, flying
from point to point and never disappearing from view.
" By Allah ! " cried Camaralzaman, " this is wonderful !
This chase ,villiead me either to great fortune or to death."
So ,vithout giving up he went on; and thus he followed
the bird for ten days, living upon roots and drinking
of the streams that he crossed; and every night he slept
at the foot of some tree while the bird perched in its
topmost branches.
Thus on the tenth day he was brought to the outskirts
of a large city. Then, like a flash, the bird flew over it
and disappeared; and Camaralzaman following, footsore
and weary, came to the city gates and passed through,
Here for some time he wandered, solitary and without
hope, not kno,ving what to do nor of whom to seek aid;
and coming presently to the other side of the city, he
found there a harbour with much shipping and mer
chandise, and people plying their trade and talking in

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAl\IAN 183

many languages. And as he ,valked along the shore, still
uncertain what course to pursue, he came upon an old
man working in a garden of flowers; and when he halted
the old man looked up.
The gardener, seeing a stranger at his gate, came
for,vard, and saluting him in the name of Allah, bade
him come in. "I see by your dress," said he, "that
you are a l\Iussulman as I also am; and great is your
good fortune to have escaped until now the wrath of the
inhabitants, for they are unbelievers and idolaters, and
fierce is their hatred for those who are of the true faith.
Therefore come quickly into my house, and disguise
yourself; else is your life not safe."
Camaralzaman was thankful to have found a friend
in such a moment of need; and after his host had supplied
him ,vith food and drink and made him rest for a while,
then ,vithout concealment he confided to him the whole
of his story. Greater than ever had no'v becon1e his
longing to reach the island of Khaledan, for there not
only did he hope to find his father still alive, but to be
reunited with his wife, the Princess Badoura. Inquiring
therefore of the old gardener, he learned that there were
two routes; the longer being for the greater part of the
,yay by land-a year's journey, and the shorter by sea.
" But if," said the gardener, " you would go by sea, then
you must ,vait for the merchant ship which sails every
year to the Island of Ebony, for through that country
lies your way. Had you but come a few days earlier,
you would have been in time; but no,v the ship has left the
harbour and will not return for another year. If you
decide upon this course, then ,vhile you ,vait my house
is open to you, and if you are willing to share my work
and be my assistant, you shall also have a fair share of
the profits."

184

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Camaralzaman gladly accepted the proposition, for
better by far is ,york, ho,vever hard or humble it may be,
than the idleness of unavailing regret. So for a whole
year he lived ,vith the old gardener as if he had been his
son, wearing a blue smock down to his knees, working with
a hoe, tending plants, tilling the soil, and carrying its
produce for sale to the market. And every day he
looked out over the sea for the merchant vessel which
was to arrive and bear him back to his own country and
to the arms of his beloved.

.

N o,v turn we to the Princess Badoura, whom we
left lying asleep in her tent. \Vhen she awoke she inquired
after her husband, the Prince, but he was not to be found;
some had seen him go into the tent, but no one had seen
him come out. Then, as she put on her dress, she noticed
that the knot in her girdle had been untied and that the
stone was missing. "Alas, 0 Beloved, what hast thou
done ?" she cried. "Ignorant of its virtues thou hast
taken from me the talisman which unites us; now surely
if thou hast lost it ,ve shall be separated for ever." And
as time ,vent on her distress and her certainty of mis-
fortune became greater; for she knew that had not the
Prince already lost the talisman its infallible virtues
would by now have brought him back to her. Knowing
therefore that if the talisman were indeed lost, he also
was lost to her, and that when found, he would return
to her again, she made no useless delay in proceeding to
her destination. Yet was there now great peril if the
absence of the Prince ,vere discovered, lest she and her
women and all the wealth which her father had bestowed
on her might fall a prey to the men who formed their
escort. For this reason she concealed the matter from
all but her ,vomen, and having dressed herself in some of

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAMAN 185

her husband's clothes, and put into her litter a girl
slave wearing the royal veil, she ,vent forth from her
tent and gave orders for the camp to be struck and their
journey resumed. So, for many days she continued to
travel by land and sea, till she came before a city set on a
height with a great harbour lying belo,v; and when she
inquired its name of the inhabitants they said to her,
"This is the city of Ebony, wherein dwells King Amanos,
and he has a beautiful daughter whose name is Hayatelne-
foos."
Presently word went to the palace that a stranger
prince of very noble appearance, accompanied by a large
retinue, had arrived in the harbour and was seeking
admission to the city. Whereupon the King sent in haste
certain high dignitaries of his court to give welcome and to
conduct the supposed Prince into his presence. And
no sooner had he beheld the noble appearance of his
guest and the graciousness of her bearing than he gave
orders for a great banquet to be prepared, appointed
that she should be lodged in the palace, and extended to
her for three days an entertainment of the most royal
magnificence.
During the whole of these festivities the Princess
bore herself exactly as Camaralzaman would have done,
doing honour to that rank and name which for her own
protection she had assumed. Therefore the heart of
King Amanos was drawn greatly towards her, and when
she began to speak of departure, he said, "Wherefore,
o Prince, shouldst thou seek to leave a country ,vhere
happiness and power can be thine? For behold, I am
an old man and childless, save for one daughter, whose
beauty and perfection resemble thine. But, for me, the
cares of state have become too heavy a burden, and I
sigh to be released from them. Remain with us, therefore,
23

186

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

and I will give to thee even now the hand of my daughter
and the sceptre and rule of my kingdom."
At this proposal, so generously expressed, the face
of Badoura became covered with bashfulness, for strange
indeed to a ,voman was this offer of a kingdom and a
bride. Yet at her father's court she had long since become
learned in the affairs of state, and to rule a kingdom had
ever been her desire; moreover, since by the loss of the
talisman she and her husband seemed destined to eternal
separation, there 'vas no cause that she could see why
her life should not thus be dedicated; there was also
some peril in a refusal, which the King would be certain
to take as an affront both to himself and his daughter.
So after pondering the matter for a while she lifted her
head and spoke to the King as follows:
" 0 J{ing, if I delayed for one moment my acceptance
of so splendid an offer, it was only a knowledge of unworthi-
ness which held me back. Yet to delay longer might
seem to throw a doubt on the discretion of your royal
mind. Beset by these two dangers I place myself entirely
in your Majesty's hands; and if I may have your promise
of the guidance and counsel which I shall constantly
need, then I will unreservedly accept your Majesty's
proposal. To hear is to obey."
The marriage being thus agreed on, the nuptial cere-
mony was fixed for the following day. The pretended
Prince, putting a bold face upon the matter, informed
the officers of her escort of the coming event, saying
also that the Princess Badoura had given it her approval.
As for her women, their silence was already assured since,
as partners to the deception, their very lives depended on
it.
So on the morrow King Amanos gathered together
his emirs, viziers, and captains, and having presented

PRINCESS BADOURA A1\TD CAMARALZAl\IAN 187

to them the Princess Badoura as his destined son-in-law
and heir, he placed her upon the throne and gave orders
for the nuptial ceremony to commence. And when the
day of rejoicings was ended, the Princess Badoura was
conducted to the bridal chamber.
But no sooner did Badoura find herself by the side
of the beautiful Princess Hayatelnefoos than the thought
of her beloved Camaralzaman overwhelmed her with
grief, and committing herself to prayer and recitation,
she continued at her devotions till the bride lay fast
asleep. And thus she did the next night and on the night
follo,ving.
Finding herself thus neglected by the husband of
,vhom she had received such glowing reports, the Princess
Hayatelnefoos was filled with a depression of spirit which
immediately became visible in her looks; and when her
father, King Amanos, discerning his daughter's grief,
inquired ,vhat was amiss, she informed him that her
husband, ,vhom she already loved most tenderly, had
conceived for her an aversion so intense that to avoid
all intimacy of conversation he committed himself to
prayer, and thus continued till weariness and sleep
overcame her.
At this news the countenance of King Amanos ,vas
darkened, and he said to his daughter, "If the Prince
does not treat thee with the respect due from a husband
to a wife, he shall be divested of his royal dignity and
banished from my kingdom/'
This threat so afflicted the heart of Hayatelnefoos,
to whom the thought of separation from her husband
,vas already unbearable, that on their next meeting she
confided to Badoura her grief, informing her also of
the King's words and of the danger that threatened her.
Then said Badoura, " 0 amiable and charming Princess,

188

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

though thou canst not be my wife thou canst be my
friend. Hear first my story, and then, if thou art unable
to pardon me thou canst at least have the satisfaction of
depriving me of life." And forthwith she proceeded to
give the full story of her adventures.
When she had finished, Ha yatelnefoos replied, "0
Princess, I should indeed be un,vorthy of your confidence,
if such a tale of misfortune had failed to win not only my
pity, but my devotion. Henceforth we two are of one
mind, and will have between us but one heart and one
desire for the preservation of thy life and honour and the
restoration of thy husband."
Thereupon the two Princesses embraced with the
tenderest affection, and from that day on, concealing
from all others the true facts, they lived together in the
greatest amity and concord; while the Princess Badoura
continued in her husband's name to rule over the city
of Ebony, giving law and justice to all.

Prince Camaralzaman, meanwhile, was living with
the old gardener, tilling the soil, and carrying each
day fruit and vegetables to the market. The time
was now near for the merchant vessel which he was
a,vaiting to return; but having lost the talisman of
which he had come in quest, he had little hope of a
successful issue to the adventure. So one day, when
the inhabitants of the city ,vere making holiday and all
the markets were closed, the Prince, released from labour,
sat in deep dejection of spirit under the trees of the
garden away from the sound of festival, ,vhen suddenly
he heard a strange cry of birds and in the leaves overhead
he saw one furiously attacking another with beak and
claw. So desperate was the fight, that before many minutes
were over one of the birds fell dead at his feet, and the

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CMIARALZAMAN 189

conqueror, uttering a loud cry of triumph, flew s\viftly away.
But hardly had it disappeared, when two other birds
of larger size came flying into the garden, and making
straight for the murdered body they bowed their heads
over it, crying lamentably and seeking with the warmth
of their breasts to restore it to life. Presently, when all
their efforts proved vain, they scooped a grave with their
claws, and having laid therein the slaughtered bird, they
covered it with earth and immediately soared upward
and disappeared.
Camaralzaman sat weeping; for the mourning of
these birds reminded him in some way of the grief and
separation he himself had endured, and as little could
he hope for the return of his lost happiness as they for
the revival of their dead comrade. As he was thus
thinking, once again came the strange cry he had heard
before, and looking up he saw the t\VO birds flying
back carrying the murderer in their claws. No sooner
had they alighted above the grave than falling upon
their captive they tore out his heart and entrails, and
having drained out his blood as an offering to the slain,
they left the body lying, and flew away.
All this \vhile Camaralzaman had looked on in wonder;
and surely it seemed to him that if, in the lower order
of creation such miracles of devotion and service were
wrought, humanity had no cause for despair. And even
as he so thought, he saw in the torn body of the bird
something that shone brightly, and coming nearer he
recognized it as the talisman which he had taken from
his wife's girdle.
Instantly all life became changed to him; seizing the
stone he wiped it of blood and pressed it a thousand
times to his lips. " N o\v at last," he cried, "I believe
and know that my beloved is to be restored to me 1"

190

THE ARABIAN NIGIITS

So sure was he his good fortune had now returned
to him that, unable to remain idle and inactive, he seized
a hoe, and started to break up the ground at the foot
of the tree under which he had been standing. At the
third stroke the earth gave baek a hollow and metallic
sound. Quickly removing the soil he discovered a trap-
door, which, when it 'vas opened, disclosed an aperture
and a narro,v flight of steps. Descending these he found
himself in a deep cellar lined with jars, twenty in all,
filled ,vith red gold.
Contentment now took hold of his spirit, and having
returned to the garden he replaced the trap and con-
tinued at his work until in the evening the old gardener
returned from the festivities.
On seeing him the old man said, "Rejoice, my son,
I bring you good tidings. The ship ,vhich you have
so long waited for is now in the harbour, and in three
days will be ready once more to set sail. u
This ne,vs so delighted Camaralzaman that taking
the old man's hand he kissed it saying, "I too have
tidings for you of a happy kind. n And leading the
gardener to the tree he lifted the trap, and disclosed
to his astonished eyes the gold that lay stored belo,v.
"Well,u said the gardener, "I am glad that my
poor plot of ground should have yielded thee such rich
fruit. Take it, my son, and Heaven prosper thee by its
aid till thou come once more to thine own land and the
heart of thy beloved."
" Not so, n replied Camaralzaman, " I will take nothing
if I may not share it equally with thee."
So it was agreed. Then said the gardener, "l\ly
son, hast thou thought how to convey safely so much
gold on a voyage where thou wilt be alone in the hands
of strangers? Surely if they find thee possessed of such

...

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\IARALZAMAN 191

,vealth they will kill thee for the sake of it. Hearken,
therefore, to what I shall advise. From this country
we send olives into all parts of the world, and many ships
go laden with them. Fill for thyself, therefore, fifty
jars from the olive-trees which are in this garden, and
at the bottom of each jar lay a portion of the gold:
so shall it be safe, and no man will know of it."
So the Prince did as the gardener advised; and
fearing lest, while on the voyage, he himself might be
robbed, he put the talisman along with the gold in one
of the olive jars, marking it with a number so that
he might kno,v it again. Then he made a bargain with
the owner of the vessel, and on the third day the seamen
came and carried away the jars and stowed them on
board. And the captain said to Camaralzaman, who
had accompanied them, "Do not be long in returning,
for the wind is fair and I only wait for you to set sail."
So Camaralzaman hastened back to say farewell to
the old gardener and to thank him for all that he had
done; but when he arrived at the house he found the
old man so stricken with grief at his departure that
he was already at the point of death. Camaralzaman
therefore sat down by his bed and tended him, oolding
him by the hand and speaking many comfortable words;
and toward evening, having made his profession of faith,
as all good l\'Iussulmans do, the old man let fall his head and
expired.
Camaralzaman closed his eyes, \vrapped his body for
burial, and having dug a grave in the garden, interred it.
Then he went down in haste to the shore and found
that the vessel had gone.
Once again, therefore, despair returned to him, for
now a second time the talisman was lost, and he had
no hope of recovering it. Also he must needs wait another

192

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

year before the ship could return and take him upon
his \vay, So going to the landlord of the garden he
becanle a tenant in the place of his dead friend, and
hiding \vhat remained of the gold in fifty other olive
jars, he set to work once more as a gardener until the
time should once more come round for him to embark.

Meantime, under a favourable \vind, the ship arrived
at the island of Ebony; and it so happened that as it
came into the harbour the Princess Badoura was looking
out of one of the palace \vindo,vs to,vard the sea. No
sooner did her eyes rest upon the sails of that ship than her
heart became uplifted \vith joy. "Surely," she said to
herself, " either my beloved is there on board or it brings
news of him."
So going down to the shore, accompanied by her
emirs and attendants, she caused the master of the vessel
to be summoned before her and inquired of him what
merchandise he had brought. "0 King," replied the
captain, "I have spices, drugs, aromatic scents, and
sweet ointments; I have also rich fabrics and metal-
work; and in addition to all these things I have olives
such as are not to be found in any other country, and
these, since I came by them fortunately, I can let you
have cheap."
On hearing this a desire for the olives took hold of
the Princess and she said, "'Vhat quantity have you
brough t ?" "Fifty jars," answered the master; " that
is all I have." " Well," said the Princess, "I \vill take
fifty." And she paid him for them the price that he
askcd-a thousand pieces of silver.
Now presently, when the olives had been conveyed
to the palace, there came upon the Princess a strange
desire to taste that which she had just purchased so she

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAMARALZAl\IAN 198

gave orders for one of the jars to be opened and the
contents to be poured into a dish; and as the attendant
poured, first came olives and then a heap of red gold.
Then said Badoura to the Princess Hayatelnefoos,
who alone was with her, "That is gold!" So she
examined further and in every jar found gold in equal
quantity. Presently as she emptied one of the jars,
along ,vith the gold came the talisman ,vhich Camaralzaman
had concealed there; and no sooner did the Princess
Badoura see it than she knew it again; and she showed
it to Hayatelnefoos, saying, " Lo, this is the stone whose
loss hath caused our separation; now, finding it again,
I know that my beloved will be restored to me."
Then she sent in haste and caused the master of the
vessel to be brought before her, and she said to him,
"'Vhence had you t.hesf' olive
? Ten mf' t hf' truth, OT
you shall die! "
Thereupon the lnaster being smitten in his conscience
dropped to earth and lay there, crying, " Alas, I had them
of a poor man ,vho brought them himself to the vessel
but did not return at the appointed time; therefore I
sailed without him. Be assured, 0 King, that all the
rnoney I got for then1 shall be honestly paid to him. u
Then said Badoura, "As to that I care not. But
go back straightway to that country from which you
came and find the man and bring him to me, for he is a
malefactor against the laws of this kingdom, for he hath
stolen from me a precious thing dearer than life itself;
therefore is his life forfeit. And if you fail t.o bring hhl1,
then all the nlerchandise which you have no,v brought J
will hold, and no ship or merchandise of yours shall ever
enter this port again. But if you bring him safely, I
will re\vard you abundantly."
The master therefore, being so compelled, left his
24

194

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

merchandise in bond and returned with all haste to the
port from which he had set out, and there coming with
his men to the house of Camaralzaman, he knocked; and
no sooner had the Prince opened than, seizing him, they
carried him oft, and bestowed him on board the vessel
as a prIsoner.
Camaralzaman said to them, "Masters, why are
you treating me thus? n They answered, "Thou art
an offender and malefactor against the King of the Ebony
Isles, son to the King Amanos, and hast stolen his wealth ;
yea, a precious thing hast thou stolen from him, and
now he requires it of thee! n
" Well," said Camaralzaman, "this is the first that I
have heard of it."
So they bore him away, and after they had sailed for
some while they came again to the city of Ebony, and
word was sent to the palace that the master of the vessel
had returned bringing the King his prisoner.
Then Badoura gave orders, and Camaralzaman, still
in his workman's dress, his body wasted with grief,
and his face and hands soiled with the defilements of
his long voyage, came and stood before her. As soon
as she saw him her heart leapt 'with joy, but she
feared to reveal herself, for how would it appear to her
emirs and chamberlains were she before all eyes
to throw herself into the arms of a common gardener.
Therefore, retaining her disguise, she spoke to him as a
I(ing should do to a peasant, and in a man's voice. And
Camaralzanlan, fearful of the unknown charge which
was to be brought against him, stood before her with
bowed head and did not look up.
The Princess asked him but a few questions, of
the country from which he had come, of the time that
he had lived there, and what calling he had follo,,'ed.

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAl\:1ARALZAMAN 195

Then she said to him, " Be assured that if thou art innocent
of that which is charged against thee, thine honour and
integrity shall be made known to all. Even now if
thou wilt confess to have taken a thing which is not thine
and ,yilt restore it to me, I am willing to pardon thee,
seeing that it was done without thought of evil." But
Call1aralzaman hearing these words knew not what they
meant, for his thoughts were all astray and he did not
dream that it was of himself and of the talisman that she
spoke.
Then Badoura ordered an officer of her household to
take charge of the prisoner and treat him with all care;
and having recompensed the master of the vessel and
set free his merchandise, she went in to Hayatelnefoos,
and told her of all that had come about. And she said to
her, "0 bosom-friend and comforter of Iny heart, be
sure that what brings happiness to me shall bring it to
thee also; for no fortune shall Heaven send me, nor any
bliss, however great, that I am not ready to share equally
,vith thee." Then speaking of Camaralzaman she said,
"So great a distance divides in men's eyes what seems
his present lot from ours, that it were peril to be sudden
in this Inatter lest the truth of our story should not be
believed. Therefore we must wait till of his own natural
nobleness he shall have raised himself in the eyes of
all." And to this plan Queen Hayatelnefoos agreed.
So the next day Badoura gave orders to conduct
Camaralzaman to the bath; then she caused him to be
clad in an emir's robes and brought forth where all might
see; and 10 ! as a willow branch after rain or the planet
of love shining at dusk, so seemed he then to the eyes of
all.
Then again she caused him to be brought before
her in the Hall of Judgment and pronounced him clear

196

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

of all that had been charged against him. "For that
which was precious to me," she said, " has been restored ;
and other hands held it from me, not thine. Therefore
as thou hast been proved true I will appoint thee to high
honour." Then addressing the emirs and councillors
who were gathered about her she said, "My lords, this
Camaralzaman whom to-day I admit to my Councils
is not unworthy of the high post which I confer on him;
for not only have I tested him as ye have seen on an
accusation whereof he is innocent, but he is a man of
approved valour, of grace, and learning, being also a
descendant of kings."
Great was Camaralzaman's astonishment at finding his
name and lineage known to the King of the Ebony Isles ;
but not daring to question how his good fortune had
come about he prostrated himself before the throne,
saying, " 0 King, only by thy favour have I been raised
to this honour, and by that alone can I either deserve
or maintain it." So the Council ended, and Camaralzaman
was conducted to a large and sumptuous abode with
slaves and attendants to wait upon him, and everything
that his heart could desire save only his beloved Princess.
After a few days Badoura, wishing to find occasion
for Camaralzaman's more frequent presence, appointed
him to the office of Grand Treasurer, and thereafter
scarcely a day passed that she did not bestow on him
fresh honours; while Camaralzaman, for his part, wonder-
ing why such high favours were shown him, served the
King diligently, and was greatly respected not only by
all the emirs and officials of the Court, but by the common
people, "rho s\vore by his life, and ,vould have asked
no better than for such an one as he to be their ruler.
So time went on, and ever did the wonder of Camaralza-
man increase why he alone had been chosen for such

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CAYtIARALZAI\IAN 197

great honours. And because this thing seemed to him
without reason, he came at last to fear it. Furthermore,
for loss of his beloved, restlessness and the desire for
travel filled his heart, and in no one place could he find
happiness. So one day coming to the King-that is to
say to Badoura-he spoke as follows: "0 King of the
Age, so great is the favour that thou hast shown me, that
I know well it cannot last. Suffer me therefore to depart
before I have outstayed my welcome; so shall my gratitude
be undiminished and the nature of thy regard for me
unchanged. "
When Badoura heard these words she smiled on him
and said: "If indeed it is thy will to depart, then must
thou take and cast away once more-yea, lose utterly-this
stone whose virtue brought thee back to me, and by
which, while it is in my possession, our lives are bound."
So saying she reached out and put the talisman in his
hand.
When Camaralzaman beheld the stone once more
his wonder was beyond words. "0 King," he cried,
" whence came this to thee? For herein lies the cause of
all my afflictions and separation from one whom I loved
as my own soul."
" Surely," answered Badoura, "none can part from
that talisman without estrangement and separation.
And since now I have parted from it to thee, our separation
must infallibly begin from this hour. Therefore the
King of the Ebony Isles thou shalt see no more."
So saying she passed out of the chamber, and Camaral-
zaman stood and wondered, not knowing ,vhat to think.
Then Badoura went in haste to a closet, and there
she put on the dress and the girdle which she had worn
on the day of separation; and taking from her head
the man's turban, she spread her hair and put on a head-

198

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

dress of fine gold delicately wrought. So she returned
to him, and when Camaralzaman saw her he uttered
a cry and ran into her arms and held her with kisses as if
he could never let her go. And when at last he spoke
of things other than his joy-" How," he inquired, "has
the King accomplished this miracle? Surely when he
spoke I understood nothing of what he said."
Badoura smiled as she answered: "When the King
put the talisman into thy hand, then did his kingship
cease, and he returned once more to his true form.
a my lord, look upon thy king, who is now become thy
slave. Surely hadst thou loved me a. little more thou
wouldst have known me."
Then she told Camaralzaman of all that had happened
to her from first to last; and on the morrow she ,vent
to King Amanos, and to him also made her story plain.
Nor would she allow that any deception had been used,
" For truly," she said, " I and my beloved are one; and
I did but come before and prepare for him the place which
he was destined to fill. Therefore when I married thy
daughter, it was Camaralzaman who married her; and
when I accepted of thee the crown, it was Camaralzaman
who accepted it. Give me leave, therefore, a King, who
hast been to me as a father, to show my beloved to the
Queen whom I have won for him, and to the people over
,vhom, in his name, I have ruled."
Greatly was King Amanos astonished to hear a woman
utter such words; and the wonder of Camaralzaman was
scarcely less. Yet, as she had brought fortune and
happiness to both alike, they consented to do her will;
and so it was agreed.
Therefore from that day on did Camaralzaman take
up the power and authority which Badoura had attained
for him, rejoicing also in the domestic felicity of t,vo

PRINCESS BADOURA AND CA1\IARALZAMAN 199

wives, the one as beautiful as the "other, each without
jealousy, and having no wish or thought out of which
estrangement could arise.
Doubtless it was the perfect happiness in which
he thus d ,velt which caused Camaralzaman to forget alto-
gether the object for ,vhich his journey had been begun.
No second dream of his father, the King Shahzaman, ever
came to remind him of his neglected purpose, while to the
dominions of King Gaiour of China he had no wish to
return.

EPILOGUE
"This, 0 King, is the story of Prince Camaralzaman
and of the Princess Badoura from the time of their
falling in love until the day when all their wanderings
of separation were ended. A year later the two Queens
each presented him with a son almost upon the same
day. And the birth of these Princes was celebrated
with every kind of festivity and rejoicing."
As Scheherazade concluded her story the light of
dawn grew full. For a thousand and one nights she had
given entertainment to her lord, saving at the same
time the lives of her fellow-women. During this period
she had borne the King three children, all with so
strong a resemblance to their father that even he could
find no cause in them for casting suspicion upon his
wife's virtue.
So the tale being ended Scheherazade rose, and having
kissed the ground at the King's feet, said, "0 King
of the Age, perfect and incomparable, 10 in dust and
ashes I thy slave come to present to thee a petition."
And the King said, " Ask, and it shall be granted thee."
Then Scheherazade called to her attendants and said
" Brin!! in the children I" So they brought the children

200

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

quickly; one of them walked, one crawled, and one lay at
the breast.
So she set them before the King, and said, "These
children are thine and mine. In pain I bore them,
having little hope of any joy that they might bring me;
for under sentence of death I brought them into the world,
and though thrice I have been a mother thou hast not yet
pardoned me. Say, therefore, 0 J{ing, \vhen is my death
to be; or, if it is not to be, then let my suspense be
ended. "
At these \vords the King wept; and embracing his
children tenderly, cried: "0 Scheherazade, by Allah I swear
to thee that before the coming of these children thou wast
pardoned already. Nor shall the death of such an one as
thou be laid to my charge when Kings come before God to
be judged."
Then Scheherazade fell down and kissed his feet and
his hands, crying, "God give thee a long life, and power
and strength, and dominion and majesty to the world's
end. "
Joy of that news spread through the palace, and
thence to the city and all the people; and the night
of rejoicing that followed was a night not to be reckoned
among lives, for its colour was as the rainbow in its
promise over young fields of corn, and its light whiter
than the face of day.

SINDBAD TIlE SAILOR

25

SIND BAD THE SAILOR

IN the time of Harun - Er- Rashid there ,vas, in Baghdad,
a rich merchant named Sindbad the Sailor, the source of
whose wealth was a mystery. It seemed to be inexhaus-
tible. For long seasons he kept open house, and his
entertainments were the most magnificent of all save
only those of Er-Rashid himself, All that riches could
buy seemed at his disposal, and he lavished the good things
of this life upon his guests. Pages, slaves and attendants
there were in great number; his garden ,vas spacious
and beautiful, and his house was filled ,vith every costly
luxury.
This Sindbad the Sailor has a story to tell-the story
of his life-but he never told it to any until, one day,
there came to him one Sindbad the Landsman, a man of
poor and humble birth. This man pleased him greatly
and he was struck with the happy conceit that, now
Sindbad the Sailor was at last confronted ,vith Sindbad
the Landsman, it would be no bad thing were he to
narrate the story of his life.
Accordingly Sindbad the Sailor held seven receptions
on severn different days, and, although on each occasion a
multitude of guests was assembled to listen, he failed not to
address his words from first to last to his simple listener,
Sindbad the Landsman.

208

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THE FIRST 'TOY AGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

l\Iy father was a merchant of high rank and rich
possessions. He died ,vhen I was but a child, leaving
me all his wealth. 'Vhen I reached manhood's estate I
used my inheritance with no thought for the morrow,
living in a sumptuous manner and consorting with the
richest young men of Baghdad. I continued this life
for many years until, at last, when reason prevailed with me
to mend my plan, I found ,vith dismay that I had sunk to
poverty. And then it was that I arose and sold ,vhat
goods remained to me for three thousand pieces of silver,
and girded myself, resolving to travel to other lands and
rebuild my fortune by the wit of my mind and the
labour of my hands.
'Vith a part of my hoard I bought merchandise for ex-
change in far lands, and also such things as I should require
in my travels. Thus prepared I set sail with a company of
merchants in a ship bound for the city of EI- Basrah. For
many days and nights we sailed upon the sea, visiting
islands; and every,vhere we bartered, and bought and
sold. At length 've came to an island unlike the others.
It seemed like a garden that had floated from off the
sides of Paradise and established itself in the sea. And
here our ship cast anchor and we landed.
When all had eaten of the food prepared the shore
became a gay scene of sport and play, in which I engaged
to the full. But, suddenly, a cry from the master of the
205

206

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

ßhip put an end to our gaiety. Standing at the side
of the vessel he called loudly, "Hear me, and may God
preserve you 1 Hasten back and leave everything; save
yourselves from sudden death, for this that ye think is
an island is not such. It is a mighty fish lying entranced
in sleep on the surface of the sea since times of old, and
trees have grown upon it; but your fires and your frolick-
ing have awakened it, and lo! it moves; and, if it sink
into the sea, ye will assuredly be dro,vned. Hasten
then, and save yourse]ves ! "
At this we all, with one accord, left everything and
fled for the ship, hoping to escape with our lives. While
we were making for safety the island moved with a great
turmoil and sank behind us in the sea, and the waves
leapt against each other above it. For a time I gave
myself up as lost, for I was dra,vn down fathoms deep;
but, by God's grace, I rose again to the surface, and
to my hand was one of the large wooden bowls which
some of the passengers had taken on shore for the purpose
of washing. This I seized, and established myself in
it, and thus combated the leaping waves, steadying
myself with my hands and feet. In vain I called
on the master of the ship. He heard me not. He had
spread his sails and pursued his way, thinking that
none beside those who had been taken up ,vere left
alive.
Astride my 'wooden bowl I gazed longingly at the ship
until it was out of sight. Then I prepared for death as the
night was closing around me. Perchance I swooned, for I
remembered naught else until I found myself stranded
upon a mountainous island. There were trees over-
hanging, and I grasped a drooping bough and drew
myself up from the fretting wave. My limbs were be-
numbed, and, on looking at my legs, I saw the marks

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

207

made by the nibbling teeth of fish, and marvelled at my
salvation from death.
Staggering forward, I flung myself high on the beach
like one dead, and so I remained until the dawn of the
next day.
And it chanced, as I took my way to and fro in the
island, revelling in the sight of things that God had set
there, that on a day when the sea was sounding loudly
on the shore I beheld something in the distance which
excited my curiosity. It seemed like a wild animal of
gigantic size, and, as I approached, I feared it was some
fabulous beast of the sea. But, as I drew still nearer, I
,vas overcome with amazement to see a beautiful mare
standing high, with mane and tail floating on the breeze.
She was tethered to a stake on the shore, and, at sight
of me, she screamed loudly and stamped her forefeet on
the sand; but, ere I turned to flee, I beheld a man come
forth from a cave near by, and he ran after me, calling on
me to give an account of myself and my presence in that
place. Thereupon I laid my story before him, sparing
no detail, even to the wooden bo,vl by means of which
and the grace of God I had come thither.
Gladness seized him at my recital, and he took my
hand, Saying," Come with me 1" he led me into his
cave and set food before me. I ate until I was satisfied;
and, being at my ease, I repeated my story more minutely,
and he wondered thereat. Then I said, "Thou hast the
truth of my adventures upon the sea; now I pray thee,
o my master, tell me who thou art, that thou dwellest
hidden in a cave while thy mare is tethered on the shore."
He was in no way displeased at my curiosity, but answered
me I in plain words. "I am one of the grooms of the
I(ing EI-l\lihraj," he said, "and the others are scattered
about the island. For, look you, friend, it is the time

208

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

of the new moon, ,vhen the sea-horse cometh up out of
the sea; and it is our plan to bring our best mares hither
and tether them by the shore so that they may lure the
sea-horses into our hands."
While I was wondering at the manner of this cunning
device a magnificent sea-horse rose from the waves, shaking
the foam from its crest and neighing loudly. As it
approached, my companion drew me into the cave and
placed himself at the opening with a long coil of
thick cord in his hand. Presently by means of this he
leashed the sea-horse with great dexterity, and fettered
him, and subdued him. Then, with the mare and the sea-
horse, he led me to his companions, who, when they had
heard my story, were all of one mind that I should accom-
pany them to the city of the I{ing. So they mounted me on
one of the mares and I rode with them to the King's palace.
As soon as we had arrived at the palace gates they went
in to the King and informed him of my strange adventures;
whereupon he sent for me, and they led me before him.
He greeted me very courteously and bade me tell him my
story, which, when he had heard it, filled him with amaze-
ment, so that he cried, "By Allah! my son, of a truth
thou art favoured by fate; for ho,v else couldst thou
escape so great a peril? Praise God for thy deliverance! "
And he made much of me and caused me to be treated
with honour; and he appointed me master of the harbour
and comptroller of the shipping.
My condition then was no longer that of a wayfarer.
I rose day by day to a higher and a higher place in the
I{ing's favour, and he took me into his council in all affairs
of State. Yet my thoughts turned ever to Baghdad, the
Abode of Peace. At last, weary of the wonders of that
island, I stood one day on the seashore when a great ship
drew near and a number of merchants landed from it.

SINDBAD TIlE SAILOR

20!)

The sailors brought forth their merchandise, and,
when I had made an account of it, I inquired of the
Inaster of the ship if that were the 'v hole of his cargo.
"All, 0 my master," he replied; "all save some bales
whose o,vner was drowned on our voyage hither; but
even these, being in my charge, I desire to sell on behalf
of his family in Baghdad." "Sayest thou so? " I cried.
"Tell me, I pray thee, the name of the owner of these
goods." And he replied, "His name ,vas Sindbad the
Sailor, and he was drowned on our way hither."
\Vhen I heard this I regarded him more closely and
recognized him. Then I cried out, " 0 my master, I am
he; and they are my goods that are in thy hold." And
then it was that he and many of the merchants regarded
me with fixed looks and recognized me.
l\lindful of the King I served, I at once opened my
bales, and, selecting the most costly articles, went in to
him and laid them at his feet, telling him how I had
regained the goods of which they were a part. And the
King wondered greatly at my good fortune and graciously
accepted lllY gifts. He also showed me great favour and
honour in that he bestowed upon me gifts in return for

n1n
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Thcn, having sold my remaining goods at a profit, I
bGught largely of the merchandise of the city. And soon
thereafter I set sail with the others for Baghdad.
Our voyage ,vas fortunate, and, ,vith the aid of favour-
able winds, we reached the city of EI-Basrah in safety.
Thence I repaired to Be.ghdnd, and my family and my
friends gave me a joyous welcome. And when I had sold
my merchandise I set up a large es tablishment, sparing no
cost. And I bought land and houses, and gathered
round me wealthy companions, in whose society I soon
forgot the dangers and terrors I had suffered in other lands.
26

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TIlE SECOND VOYAGE OF SINDBAD
TIlE SAILOR

As I related yesterday, I 'vas living here in Baghdad
in the midst of every delight, surrounded by companions
after my o,vn heart. But a time came when the wan-
dering spirit seized me again and I longed for the sight,
even for the perils, of other and unknown lands.
The step was quickly taken. Having collected
suitable merchandise I repaired to the river, and, ,vithout
a ,vord to anyone, en1barked on a new ship finely rigged
and manned by a large crew. Together ,vith a goodly
party of merchants I sailed away, and we passed over
the deep from island to island and from sea to sea, with
fair winds filling the sails. And at every place at which
,ve cast anchor we bought and sold and bartered. So
'we continued until we came to an uninhabited island
of great beauty. Selecting a rare spot on the bank of
a stream, I sat apart, meditating upon the wonderful
,yorks of the Omnipotent One. 'l
here the soft zephyrs
singing in the trees, and the strean1 murmuring at my
feet, lulled n1e to slumber; and, when I awoke later, I
looked forth upon the sea and 10, the ship was far out
on the wall of the ocean sloping to the sky. They had
forgotten me and I was left alone upon the island.
Despair fell upon me as I gazed around and realized
that I ,vas desolate,
At last I climbed to the top of 8 high tree, and,
211

212

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

looking forth in every direction, saw only sky and sea
and trees and ,vatercourses. As I gazed, ho,vever, my
eye reverted again and again to an object in a distant
part of the island. It was round and white, and of
enormous size. This aroused nlY curiosity and I resolved
to find out what it ,vas. Having marked its position I
descended from the tree and made my way towards it,
When I reached it I found to my astonishment that it
was a gigantic dome, white and shining. l\ly first
thought was to walk round it to ascertain if there were
some door or opening, but none could I find in its ,vhole
circumference, ,vhich was about fifty paces.
While I ,vas meditating on some means to gain an
entrance to this strange structure, behold, the sky dark-
ened; and on looking towards the sinking sun, I saw it
was hidden by a great black cloud -an unwonted thing,
as it was the summer season. While I continued to gaze
the object drew rapidly nearer, and now I could discern
in it the shape of a monstrous bird approaching s,viftly
through the air; and this it ,vas that blotted out the
sun.
l\larvelling greatly I recalled a story told by travellers
about certain islands where was found a bird of immense
size called the rokh, which fed its young on elephants.
It ,vas then I knew the great white dome I had discovered
was one of this bird's eggs-at which, not the least of the
Creator's works, I wondered greatly. Then, while I so
wondered, the giant bird alighted oyer the egg, and,
crouching down, spread its wings and brooded over it,
and composed itself to sleep,
Here, thought I, was a chance of escaping from the
island. Unfolding my turban I twisted it into a rope,
and bound one end of it tightly about my 'waist; then I
approached the great bird cautiously, and fastened the

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SIND BAD THE SAILOR

215

other end securely to one of its feet; but it ,vas not until
morning that the bird awoke, and, with a loud cry, rose
from the egg, bearing me aloft. Higher and higher it
soared, until I thought it D1ust reach the stars; then,
gradually, in vast circles, it descended, and finally came
to earth on a high table-land. In great fear lest the
bird should discover my presence I made haste to loose
the turban from its foot, and, having done so, I crept
away, trembling in every limb. Then, as I watched the
bird from a distance, I observed it pick something from the
ground and soar away with it clutched in its talons; and
I looked again and saw that it was an enormous serpent
twisting and writhing in the grasp of the bird as it fle,v
swiftly towards the sea. And at this strange thing I
wondered greatly as I folded my turban.
But ,vhat desert place had I come to by this daring
misadventure? On the one side of the table-land was a
deep valley, and, on the other, a steep mountain which no
foot of man could climb. Had I only remained in the
island I should at least have had fruit to eat and water
to drink, but here was nothing but desolation, from which
I had no hope of escape. There was no course but to
descend into the valley; and this I did, little caring whither
I went.
Now, I had not walked therein but a few furlongs when
I observed that the ground I trod was strewn ,vith diamonds
of large size, but-and this gave me cause for wild alarm-
coiled here and there amongst the stones were gigantic
serpents such as the one I had seen the bird bear away
in its talons. As soon as I was aware of these sleeping
serpents, which were of the same hue as the ground \vhereon
they lay, I stepped warily lest I should awaken them and
be devoured.
In this way was I proceeding down that valley, my

216

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

flesh quaking and my knees a-tremble, when suddenly the
flayed carcass of a slaughtered beast fell with a great noise
before me. This aroused great wonder in my mind and also
called to my recollection a story I had heard in my youth
from a merchant traveller who had visited lands whence
none else had ever come to deny the truth of it-a story
confirmed by others who claimed a reputation for 'wide
knowledge, and feared to lose it. It was this-that
in a far land, where diamonds are as thickly strewn
as the venomous serpents and other deadly perils which
render it difficult to come at them, the daring merchants
who seek these precious stones employ a cunning stratagem.
They take a beast and slaughter it on the heights above
the valley, and, having skinned it and lacerated the
flesh, they throw it down. And, when it reaches the
bottom of the valley whereon the diamonds lie, the
stones adhere to the moist flesh. From the depths of the
sky descends the watching vulture of the giant kind, and
this bird, seizing the carcass in its talons, soars with it
to the mountain tops; whereupon the merchants spring
out and frighten the bird away with loud cries, and
then take the stones adhering to the meat and bear them
to their own country. I had my whole life long regarded
this story with a half-shut eye, but now, beholding the
slaughtered beast before me, and guessing full well the
meaning of its presence there, I said within myself,
"By Allah! no marvel is past belief, for here is the
verification." I surveyed the carcass and, having measured
in a glance the distance to the mountains whence it had
descended, I gazed into the blue sky in whose depths
lurked the watching vulture. A plan of escape then
came to me and I hastened to put it into operation.
First I gathered as many diamonds as I could well
dispose within my garments. Then, unfolding my turban,

SIND BAD THE SAILOR

217

I approached the slaughtered beast, and, lying on my
back, dre,v it over n1e and bound myself firmly to it.
I had not lain long in that position, with the heavy
weight of the beast upon me, when a monstrous vulture
came out of the sky, and, seizing upon the carcass with a
loud scream, gripped it in its powerful talons and rose up
and away with it and me. And it rose higher and higher
with a mighty flapping of its wings, until at last it alighted
on a broad ledge near the summit of the mountain-a
place which, judging by the bleached bones lying on every
hand, was the favourite feeding-place of these birds.
This was clearly kno,vn to the merchant who had cast
the carcass down, for, no sooner had the vulture deposited
his burden and started to tear at the flesh, than he sprang
out with loud cries and scared it away.
Half smothered by the weight of the slaughtered beast
I lost no time in freeing myself, and soon I struggled to my
feet and stood there with my clothes stained and polluted
with its blood. When the merchant sa 'v me his fear 'vas
great; but his disappointment was even greater when, his
fear mastered by the lust of gain, he turned the carcass
over and found no diamonds sticking to the flesh. Pitying
him in his sad case-for he was smiting hand on hand
and calling out against fate-I advanced and said, "Curse
not fate, nor fear me, for I am of thy kind, and I bear
,vith me an abundance of these stones the loss of which
thou lamentest; and they are of the largest that a man
can carry upborne by a vulture's wings. Of these will I
give unto thee; therefore forget thy fear and bury thy
d Ü;appointment."
On hearing this the merchant thanked me and prayed
fervently for me and my family; and he ceased not to
pray for the prolongation of my life until I had bestowed
upon him the largest diamonds I could find ,vithin my
'J!I

218

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

garments. While he was thanking me for this there came
his companions, each of whom had cast down a carcass;
and, ,vhen they had heard the story of my escape, they
congratulated me and bade me come with them, for they
said, "By Allah t thou art greatly favoured by fate,
since none but thee hath been in that valley and escaped
to tell the tale."
I continued with my companions for some space,
journeying froin island to island and exchanging the
diamonds we had acquired for rich merchandise. And,
in passing through many countries unheard of in this
city, I separated from them and went my way, coming
at length to EI-Basrah with a princely cargo of goods.
Thence I journeyed to Baghdad, the Abode of Peace,
and rejoined my family. Wealth I had in abundance,
and I resorted to my former life of luxury, bestowing gifts
and alms, wearing rich apparel, and eating and drinking
with my companions.

THE THIRD VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

HAVING rested for a space in Baghdad, where I lived
surrounded by every happiness and delight, I began again
to experience that restless desire for travel and commerce
which had dra,VD me forth on my former voyages. When
the desire grew so great that I could no longer ,vith-
stand it, I set out with a large stock of merchandise and
arrived at the city of EI-Basrah, where I took ship,
together with a goodly company of merchants, and others
of high standing and repute.
For many days we sailed out,vards, buying and selling
among the islands; until, one day, while we were in the
midst of the ocean, a storm descended upon us and ble,v
the ship out of its course. The wind continued from one
quarter with great violence, and for a day and night
we were hurled before it. When morning came it abated
and the master of the ship looked forth on every hand to
ascertain where we were. Suddenly he uttered a loud
cry and plucked his beard. "God preserve us!" he
said. "The gale hath driven us to an evil fate. See!
yonder is the Mountain of Apes! None hath ever conle
near it and escaped."
We looked and beheld a high mountain on an island,
and, while we were gazing at it, and wondering where
lay the danger at so great a distance, behold, the sea
around us was swarming with apes which had swum out
from the island. They ,vere hideous black beasts, not of
219

220

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

large size, but of malignant aspect; and so great was
their number that we were powerless to stand against
them. They climbed up the sides of the ship and seized
upon the ropes, which they severed with their sharp teeth so
the sails were powerless and the vessel drifted with tide
and wind to the shore. There we were seized by the apes and
set on the land, after which they returned to the ship
and bent fresh ropes and set the sails and departed over the
sea we knew not whither. But ,ve ceased to wonder at
the manner of their going, for we were in a desperate
plight, since all sailors feared the l\lountain of Apes
and no ship would ever approach the island to rescue
us.
In our wanderings through the island, eating of its
fruits and drinking of its streams, we came at length to an
open space in which stood a house of gigantic size. The
walls and the folding doors of ebony were very lofty,
and, when we walked into an immense apartment-for
the doors were open -we found everything within it of a
corresponding size. The cooking utensils were large
enough to cook an ox whole, and, on the couch at the
upper end, a hundred men might sit with comfort.
But no occupant could we find, so we seated ourselves
and rested for a while, and then we slept.
It ,vas about sunset when we were awakened suddenly
by a loud noise and a trembling of the earth; and 10, we
beheld coming from the farther end of the apartment a
gigantic being in the shape of a man. His skin was
black, and his eyes blazed like fire; two gleaming tusks
protruded from his great mouth, his enormous ears drooped
to his shoulders, and his nails were like the sharp claws
of a beast of prey . We were stricken with great fear
at the approach of this frightful being so that we could
neither move nor cry out while he advanced to the couch

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

221

and disposed his huge limbs thereon. Then, on turning
his head, he caught sight of us and arose and came
towards us. As I was nearest to his hand he seized
me, and, taking me from the ground, turned me over and
over in his palm, feeling my limbs to see if they were fat.
But, by the grace of God (whose name be exalted 1) I
,vas lean and wasted with fatigue and affliction; so he
set me down and seized another, whom he turned over
and felt in the same manner. He, too, was lean, and
he let him go; but he took one after another until he
came to the master of the ship-a big man and fat. \Vith
him he was satisfied. Then, seeing what he was about to
do, we hid our eyes, and did not look again until the
ogre, having cooked and eaten our master, threw his bones
upon a heap of others on one side of the apartment.
Afterwards he arose and laid himself down upon the
couch and slept, and his snoring was like the roll of
thunder.
One said, "By Allah t by Allah! let us kill him!"
and he proposed a plan. "Listen, 0 my brothers!" I
said on hearing this; "if we seek to kill him let us first
prepare some rafts on which to escape, for we may fail of
our purpose; and on these rafts we can at worst be
drowned, which is better than being roasted." They
answered DIe, " Thou art right!" So we set to work and
gathered stout pieces of wood and carried them to the
seashore, where we constructed rafts and stowed food
upon them in readiness for a hasty departure. Then
we returned to the giant's house to carry out our plan.
The sound of his snoring told us he still slept, so we
took two sharp-pointed iron spits and heated the points
red-hot in the fire. Then we approached him cautiously,
and, at a given signal, thrust the red-hot points one into
each of his eyes, and bore upon the spits with our combined

222

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

weight. He arose with a mighty roar, and we fled right
and left; for, his sight being destroyed, we feared his
blind rage. He searched for us, but, not finding us, he
groped for the door, and went forth uttering loud cries
which shook the earth.
In great haste, and lashed by mortal fear, we gained
the seashore and launched the rafts; but, scarcely had
we gained the water, when we saw the ogre approaching,
led by a female more gigantic and more hideous than
himself. We swam out, pushing the rafts before us;
but they hurled great rocks after us, and many of our
number were killed. Three alone, including myself,
escaped, and, after much stress and peril, reached another
island, and there, when night came on, we slept, but only
to awaken to fresh terrors. Lo! in the act of coiling
round us was a serpent of enormous size, its folds con-
tracting and its head raised to strike. At sight of this,
another and myself were more nimble than our companion,
for we sprang clear of the serpent's embrace while he was
seized in the huge ja,vs and slowly swallowed with a
horrible crackling of bones. And we mourned our com-
panion and went thenceforth in fear for ourselves. Dread-
ing to sleep again on the ground we climbed a high tree,
and, binding ourselves each in a safe position with our
turbans, we slept fitfully. But alas! God hath given to
all serpents the wisdom of the Evil One. That night the
serpent mounted the tree, and, seizing my companion,
proceeded to swallow him, while I looked on in helpless
fear. Then, in descending the tree, it coiled its vast
bulk round the trunk and I heard my companion's bones
crack within its paunch.
When morning had come I descended from the tree
feeling that my safest course was to drown myself in the
,vaves, for where else could I hide that the serpent could

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

223

not find me? But life i
sweet, and I pondered long
upon a cunning plan to protect myself. Then, repairing
to the seashore, I selected some pieces of wood from the
raft, and took them to a dry place. Towards evening,
when I had eaten of the fruits of the island and drunk
of its streams, I bound a long piece of wood crosswise
upon the soles of my feet and another crosswise upon my
head; I secured a wide flat piece to my right side, another
to my left side, and another to the front of my body;
and there, having thrust my arms under the side pieces,
I lay encased. And, as the evening wore on, the serpent
saw me, and drew near; but it could not swallow me
because of the pieces of wood. All through the night it
tried to come at me, attempting in all ways to effect its
purpose; but in every way it failed, while I lay like a
dead man, gazing in speechless horror at the terrible
creature. And it ceased not in its efforts to engulf me
till morning broke, when it went its ,vay consumed with
rage and vexation. Then I freed myself from the pieces
of wood and arose, trembling in every limb, but thanking
God for my deliverance; for, look you, I was sorely tried
by what I had endured from that serpent.
Not many hours later I had the good fortune to espy
a ship far out upon the sea, and, as it was making as if to
pass a headland of the island somewhat closely, I ran
with all speed and established myself on the farthest point.
There I waved my unfolded turban to attract the notice
of those on the vessel. At last they saw me, and came
and took me on board.
The master of the ship, seeing me without merchan-
dise, came to me, and, taking compassion upon my poor
condition, told me of some goods in the hold which belonged
to a man whom they had lost during the voyage. He
offered me these goods to sell so that, when an account

224

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

had been rendered to the owner's family in Baghdad, there
would be a recompense for my trouble and service. I
thanked him gladly for this, and he ordered the goods to be
brought up. And 10 t when I saw the bales, I knew them,
and showed how they were marked ,vith the name of
Sindbad the Sailor. Then, seeing that they were per-
plexed, I shouted in my excitement, "Do you not hear
me ? I am Sindbad the Sailor, and these are my
goods t "
The remainder of this, my third voyage, ,vas occupied
in buying and selling among the islands on the way to
EI-Basrah, whence, in good time, laden ,vith wealth and
rich merchandise, I proceeded to Baghdad to dwell in
peace again, surrounded by my family and friends. Here,
for a season, charmed with every delight, I forgot the
perils and horrors I had endured. But the longing for
travel and adventure found me out again, impelling me
to undertake a fourth voyage; and the events of this-
more marvellous than those of the preceding voyages, 0
Sindbad the Landsman-I will narrate to you to-morrow.

THE FOURTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

LED by the desire to associate with other races, and
to buy and sell for gain-for the soul is prone to evil-
I departed from Baghdad with many precious bales, and
set sail from EI-Basrah in a large ship on which a com-
pany of other merchants embarked in like fashion.
For many days we had a pleasant journey among the
islands, and all went well with us until, on reaching the
wider sea beyond, a mighty wind came up against us.
The sails were rent, the masts were blown away, we sprang
a leak, and slowly the vessel began to sink. We gave
ourselves up for lost, and, indeed, when the waves passed
over us and we sank, many perished. But, in the seeth-
ing turmoil, it was my good fortune to be cast against a
broad plank, which I seized and held. Others were
struggling for life near by and I was able to draw some
of them to me. Sore buHeted as we were by wind and
wave we mounted that plank and sat astride of it. At
dawn on the follo,ving day the sea cast us like dead men
upon an island, where, for many hours, we lay exhausted.
That night ,ve slept upon the shore, and in the morn-
ing we arose strengthened and invigorated. \Vhen we
had broken our fast we set ourselves to explore the island,
and had not gone far in this before we came to a great
building. As we stood at the door of this, wondering
who dwelt within, a party of naked men came out, and
without a word, seized us and led us into a spacious
225

28

226

THE ARAnIA
NIGIITS

apartment, ,vhere we found ourselves standing before their
King. He commanded us to be seated, and they brought
us food of a strange kind, such as \ve had never seen.
l\fy companions ate largely of this, but my stomach revolted
at it and I ate but little-a thing which preserved me from
a terrible fate. For, as my companions ate, they became
mad with a ravenous hunger, and ate more and more.
Presently they were given coco-nut oil to drink, and,
when they had swallowed it, their eyes rolled in their
heads, and they continued to eat it a frenzy horrible to
behold.
I was consumed ,vith fear at these things and said
within myself, "This is a tribe of the l\fagi and their King
is a ghoul!" As I observed them attentively I remem-
bered a story of these people: how they seize on travellers
and set this loathsome food before them to eat, and give
them the oil to drink, so that they swell out and eat more
and more until they are fattened to an enormous degree
and their minds are rendered like those of idiots; where-
upon, in due time, they kill and roast them and serve
them up as food to their King.
As for myself, as soon as I observed that I was a
failure in that I would not fatten, and that none took
heed of me nor marked my coming or my going, I arose
in the night and crept away among the trees surrounding
the l{ing's d,velling. Then, when morning came, I went
forth with a heart of fear, knowing not what fresh terror
I should encounter. In my wanderings back and forth
I came about midday to a stretch of green pasture, where
I beheld with sorrow my late companions grazing on all
fours, and fattening like beasts for the slaughter, while
the beastherd sat upon a rock and piped on an oaten
reed. I breathed a silent farewell to them as to those I
should never see again, and turned sadly away.

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

227

Journeying in this way I came at length to a grove
of pepper trees, and there were men at work in it, gather-
ing the berries, Their aspcct seemed to me to be peace-
able, so I exposed myself, and they approached me and
pressed upon me, asking my name and whence I had
come, for my aspect excited their curiosity.
When they had finished their work at the setting of
the sun they took me with them to the seashore, and I
accompanied them in their vessel to an island, not far
distant, where they brought me to their King. And,
there, before them and his court, at his command I nar-
rated my adventures since leaving Baghdad, at ,vhich his
interest was kindled, and he bade me sit with him and
eat. And I did so gladly, for my body was thin and
meagre, and my vigour was sorely ,vanting. After that,
having shown my gratitude to the I{ing and offered praise
to God for His saving grace, I rose, and, with the King's
permission, went forth into his city. It was a well-
conditioned, flourishing place, thronged with buyers and
sellers; and there was an abundance of food and rich
merchandise.
As day followed day and time dre,v on I had cause
to rejoice at my arrival in that city, for I found favour
with the King, and he magnified me over his people and
his great men.
I was yet to learn that he had a further favour in
store. One day, while I was sitting at his right hand
discussing affairs of state, he looked at me intently and
said, " I would marry thee to a woman of high rank among
us-one possessed of great beauty and wealth-so that
thou mayest continue to dwell with us in pleasure and
comfort and with a good heart. Thus shalt thou advan-
tage greatly and receive every good thing at my hands ;
wherefore, refuse me not, nor oppose my ,vish."

228

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

I remained silent, for I was overwhelmed by his pro-
posal and the stress of bashfulness it brought to my face,
Seeing this, he rallied me and said, "Art thou dumb?
Is not thy heart with us ?" Then of a sudden I replied,
" 0 King! Thy words took a,vay my breath. As thou
commandest, so I obey."
Pleased at my compliance the King immediately
ordered his officials to bring the lady and the witnesses,
and forthwith J was married to her with the King's bless-
ing and the acclamation of all his Court. She was of
surpassing loveliness, and she brought me a dowry of
abundant wealth and possessions. But there is no strength
nor power but in God, and He orders the fates of men
as He will. On an evil day a great fear suddenly came
to me by reason of a thing which I will make known to
you.
A companion of mine suffered a bereavement in that
his wife died; whereupon I went to him, and mourned
with him, saying, "Take heart, 0 brother; God will fill
her place to thee with one far better." But he continued
to weep, saying, " Alas! How can I marry another when
this very day I depart this life?" "Nay," said I, " that
is not within reason, for thou art in good health and not
like to die." He then raised his head and dried his tears,
and said to me very slowly, "Hear me, 0 my brother!
Knowest thou not that, to-day, they will bury my wife,
and that they will bury me also in the same tomb with
her? For such is our custom. When husband or wife
is buried the other must be buried also, so that neither
may continue to enjoy life alone."
"By Allah t" said I, smiting palm on palm, "this
custom is wholly vile, and it toucheth me closely."
And on my return I went in to the King with grief
and fear gnawing at my heart. "0 King! " I said, " Tell

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

229

me why is this: that ye bury the living with the dead? "
Said he, "0 my son, it is the custom of our country and
has descended to us from our ancestors: husband and
wife are one, in death as in life." And I answered him
with a question that concerned me nearly. "0 my lord,"
I said, "and the stranger that sojourneth with thee: if
his wife die, do ye treat him in like manner ?" " Yea,"
he replied, " in like manner." Then I departed from him
in grief and mourning lest I should perchance be bereft of
my wife. In vain did I say to myself, "Be comforted !
1\laybe thou wilt die before her-none knoweth." In
vain did I give myself up to my manifold occupations.
The fear was not to be dispelled.
And, within a short time, what I had feared came to
pass. My wife was stricken with a fever, and, when I
had reason to hope she would recover, she suddenly
relapsed and died. My grief at this was overwhelming,
but, as if to add to it, there came many to condole with
me on her death and to mingle their tears with mine for
that I should soon be departing this life. The King him-
self came and commiserated with me on my most unhappy
fate. And he said, "There is no strength nor power in
any but God. Farewell, 0 my son 1 "
And they prepared my wife for burial, arraying her
in her richest garments and her finest jewels. But, when
they carried her to the burial place and cast her down
into the pit, and all my companions pressed upon me to
bid me farewell, my gorge rose and I cried out upon them
that their custom was vile. Loudly I spoke my bitter
mind on the abominable nature of this thing; they would
not listen, but took me by force and lowered me into the
pit, together with seven cakes and a pitcher of water.
And when I had reached the floor of a vast cavern they
called do,vn to me: "Untie the ropes that we may draw

230

THE ARABIAN NIGIITS

them up t" I answered, "Draw me up with them!"
" Nay, nay," they replied, " we do but follow our custom."
" To the ravens with you and your custom! " I retorted,
for I had no stomach for this proceeding. Then, as I
steadily refused to loose the ropes, they at last threw
them down upon me, and, having closed the mouth of
the pit, went their way.
Now was I in worse plight than I had ever been. On
that cavern floor there were the bodies and bleached bones
of those that had died a natural death cheek by jowl with
those who had perished in the fulfilment of this abominable
custom. And I said to myself, " Better to remain single
and live, than to marry and be buried alive."
Nevertheless, knowing not night from day, I kept
myself from death by eating sparingly of the cakes and
drinking some of the water, for I was in no mood to die
in so vile a manner after having come through great perils
by mountain and sea. At length, when I had eaten all
the cakes and drunk all the water, and hunger and thirst
began to cry out within me, I arose and ,vandered to and
fro in the cavern, stumbling and falling over dead bodies
and biting the dust of bones that had crumbled long since.
By dint of much groping in the dark I at length found
the wall of the cavern, and, selecting therein a cavity
free from bones and corpses, I stretched myself and
slept.
I was awakened later as if by hunger and thirst knocking
at the door; and, while I sat in gloom thinking of the
plenty in Baghdad-fool that I was to leave it I-I heard
a sudden noise. Looking forth from my cavity, I saw
that the stone had been removed from the opening of
the cavern and a dead body was being lowered. It was
the body of a man and after him was let do,vn the living
body of his wife. She was weeping and wailing for him

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

281

and for herself. Then the mouth of the cavern was closed
again and all was dark and silent save for the wailing of
the woman echoing through the cavern. "Alas!" she
cried, "that I should die this lingering death! Had I
the means to end my life, then would I do it. Would
that there were one here to slay me!"
When I heard this I remembered that I had never
been able to resist the pleadings of a woman, So I arose,
and, taking a stout leg- bone in my hand, I slew her
according to her desire. And I took her seven cakes
and the pitcher of water, which she would no longer
need, and, retiring to my cavity, I ate and drank. This
thing occurred many times during my sojourn in that
cavern, for a number of married men and women chanced
to die. And, though they did not always cry out for me to
slay them, I knew their prayer beforehand and answered
it speedily. Thus the cakes and the water bequeathed
to me stayed my spirit and I continued to live.
Time passed slowly, but yet it passed. I had no other
means of measuring it except to call an hour a day and
a day a year. And I was weary to death of it all when an
unwonted thing occurred. I was awakened suddenly
from sleep by a noise at the far end of the cavern. Then
I heard footsteps as of some beast. I arose, and, arming
myself with a stout bone, advanced upon the intruder;
but it heard me and fled from me, and I could not come
at it. Yet, as I followed its footsteps, I saw its form
darken a pin-spot of daylight at the end of a crevice of
the cavern. This gave me a glimmer of hope, for, where
that beast had passed, I myself might pass, and so gain
the outer air. Over jagged points of rock I clambered
towards that opening, now losing sight of it, and now
gaining view of it again, until at last I reached it and found
that it was indeed a communication with the outer country.

282 THE ARABIAN NIGHTS
\Vith some difficulty I forced my way through it and
climbed down by a perilous pathway to the seashore.
I had escaped from the sepulchre of the living and
the dead, and I praised God for the sight of the sky and
the sea; but, \vhen I had looked into my position and
found behind me an impassable precipice, before me the
wide stretching sea, and above me the dome of heaven,
I sat down on the shore with my head on my knees and
said within myself, "There is no way out! I cannot
scale the sheer cliff, neither can I tread the fishes' path-
ways in the sea, nor walk in the tracks made by birds in
the air. There is no way out! "
But God, in His infinite mercy, willed it otherwise, for
one day, sitting sadly on the shore as was my wont, I
espied a vessel on the sea. Hope surged high within my
breast and I arose and stripped myself of a white garment
and mounted it on a staff and ran wildly to and fro,
waving it above me. And, when my signal was observed,
the vessel stayed its course and sent a boat ashore.
Our journey from that place, where I had suffered so
much, took us from island unto island towards the city of
EI-Basrah. As we proceeded, the places where we cast
anchor grew more and more familiar to me, and, as of
old, I bought and sold as merchants do. At length
we arrived at the city of EI-Basrah. There, in the bosom
of my family, and surrounded by my companions, I
returned to my former habit of life.

THE FIFTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

LOOKING back from the position of safety and comfort
to which I had returned I came in time to make light
of the perils I had encountered and the sufferings I
had endured. And, moreover I had conceived the
wish to become the owner of a ship, for thus the gain
accruing from a voyage to other lands would be so much
greater.
Having considered the matter deeply, I arose from my
life of luxury and ease and departed \vith many bales of
merchandise for the city of EI-Basrah. There in the river
I found at length a splendid vessel, which I purchased.
I found a master and a crew, over whom I set my own
trusty servants; and, having secured a goodly company
of merchants as passengers, I embarked their bales and
mine, and we set sail. We worked our way outwards,
calling at island after island, and doing the usual business
that merchants find in those places, until one day we came
to a large uninhabited island.
Here, while I was engaged in matters concerning the
vessel, the merchants landed and, as I afterwards learned,
they found there the great egg of a rokh, such as I had
met with on a former voyage. Mistaking it for a deserted
structure, and, failing to find an entrance, they had
amused then1selves by casting stones at it, so that it
broke; whereupon a young rokh came forth from the
shell. And they set upon this monstrous chicken in
29 238

284

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

its helpless condition, and slew it, and brought great
slabs of its flesh back to the ship.
The vengeance of the rokh was sudden and dire.
When it saw that its egg had been broken and its young
one destroyed it flew above us, looking down at the
ship and shrieking in a voice that filled the sky. On
this it was joined by its mate, and the two circled round
us, their hoarse cries of rage falling like thunder on the
sea. In great fear I bade the master and the sailors
hoist the sails and seek safety in flight.
Then, as soon as we began to draw oft from the island,
the rokhs left us and flew inland, so that we thought we
had made good our escape. But soon they reappeared
and came after us, each bearing in its talons a huge mass
of rock. One of them flew above us and dropped the
rock, so that we saw death descending upon us. But
the great mass missed the ship by a narrow space. Then
the other rokh dropped the rock from its talons, and
fate ordained that it struck the ship astern with a mighty
crash. Amid cries of fear and despair we sank into the
sea, and all seemed lost.
When my mind returned to me, I found myself on
the shore of an island sitting upon a plank, which, it
seemed, had borne me hither. That I had fought against
wind and wave I knew, for I was wellnigh exhausted.
I could do nothing more than drag myself painfully
to a sheltered spot, where I rested and slept.
When I arose later in the day, I was refreshed; and,
having found both fruit and water, I ate and drank and
my strength returned to me. I went forth upon the island,
and to and fro in it, but I found no other's footprint
on the shore, nor any sign of human habitation from coast
to coast. But that there was a dweller there I was soon
to learn, and to my cost.

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SIND BAD THE SAILOR

237

It was on the following day towards evening, when I
,vas walking among the trees, that I came upon an old
man sitting on the bank of a stream. He was a comely
old man, with flowing silver locks and an ample white
beard. He ,vas clothed, from the waist downward, with
the leaves of trees threaded together. As I regarded him
for some moments I felt that his whole aspect betokened
a disposition of simplicity and mild benevolence. Advanc-
ing upon the bank I spoke to him, but he shook his head
sadly and sighed; and I saw that his speech was
gone. Then he made signs ,vith his hands as if to say,
"Mount me upon thy neck and carry me across the
stream."
I felt kindly disposed towards this mild and gentle
old man, and wished to do him a service; so I mounted
him upon my neck and took him across the stream.
"No,v," I said, "thou canst dismount when it pleaseth
thee 1" But, instead of dismounting, he wound his legs
still more closely round my neck, and pressed his feet
into my chest, so that i cried out with pain and rage
and attempted to throw him
rom my shoulders. But
my frantic efforts were in vain; he stuck like a leech,
and I could not dislodge hÏ111. Indeed, he clung so tight
that he nearly throttled me, and I fell to the ground
exhausted. Then he belaboured me sorely with his feet
until I arose with him again, and, in this way, he compelled
me to obey him.
For many days I was ridden hither and thither at
the will of this obstinate old fellow, who, though he could
not torment me with speech, was truculent enough in
his manner. And I reproached myself for having desired
to do him a service, saying constantly in my mind, "By
Allah I never again while living will I do a service to
any I n

238

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

At length one day the old man guided and belaboured
me into a space on the island where pumpkins grew in
abundance. While he was eating some of these I took
others that were ripe, and, having cleaned out the seeds
and coarse matter through a small aperture, filled them
with the juice of grapes; then I filled up the apertures
and laid the pumpkins in the sun. Thus in a few days
I procured pure wine, and, every day thereafter, while
the old man on my neck ate of the pumpkins, I drank
of the wine until I became intoxicated, and laughed and
sang and danced about with him among the trees. And
when, with fist and heel, he desired to know the cause of
this, I showed him the wine that I had made. Seeing
that its effect upon me was so agreeable he sought to
achieve the same happy result by drinking largely of it
himself, so that he grew hilarious and broke a pumpkin
over my head, rocking and rolling in his seat with laughter.
Then, as he continued to drink, he gradually lost control
of his limbs and lolled from side to side; whereupon I
grasped his feet and unwound them from my neck and
threw him on the grounù. And so at last, to rid the
earth of such a monster, I slew him, and left him there
for the vultures.
After this, happiness returned to me and I went about
the island like one relieved of a heavy burden, as indeed
I had been. And day by day I sat by the sea watching
for a vessel. But I lived upon the island many days
before at last I saw a ship approach and cast anchor off
the shore. When the passengers had landed I ran towards
them and welcomed them, answering their many questions
respecting my condition. They listened to my story with
great amazement. Then some one said, "This old man
of whom thou speakest is surely he whom they call the
Old Man of the Sea. He hath ridden many to death, and

SIND BAD THE SAILOR

289

none hath escaped but thee. Therefore, praise God for
thy deliverance."
They took me to the ship and set food before me, and,
after I had eaten, they brought me some clean clothes and
I clad myself decently. As the ship set sail for EI-Basrah
my thoughts went before it to Baghdad, The Abode of
Peace.
Once more in the lap of luxury, and reposing in the
bosom of my family, I returned to my former life of
revelry and ease, and soon forgot the hardships I had
endured.

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THE SIXTH VOYAGE OF SII\T})BAD THE SAILOR

ON a day ,vhen I was living happily in Baghdad, having
forgotten the perils and dangers of my former voyages,
I was sitting at ease in my garden when a party of mer-
chants came to me, and their tales of travel aroused
within my bosom a great longing to engage again in the
hazardous delights of those things, I pondered long
upon the matter, and, though I had said within myself,
" Never will I set forth again," I found that my mind was
made up in spite of me. Therefore I set about collecting
merchandise, and, having packed a goodly number of
bales, I departed for EI- Basrah, where I took ship with
a company of merchants and others of high repute.
The outward voyage was pleasant and fortunate, and
we did as others do, buying and selling and amusing
ourselves in different cities, But there came a day of
disaster, when the n1aster of the ship suddenly discovered
that we had wandered from our course, and had lost our
reckoning. He plucked his beard and smote his breast,
and cried out in despair that we had sailed into an unknown
sea, where dire perils awaited us. And so it proved, for
not long afterwards, while ,ve were sailing in a calm sea, a
sudden wind burst upon us and, before the sails could
be loosed, the rudder ,vas broken and the ship drifted
and was driven at last upon the sides of a high mountain
rising up to heaven. She ,vas dashed to pieces by the
violence of the waves, and, from that terrible wreck, fe\v
80 -241

2
2

THE ARABIAN NIGIITS

survived. There were some others besides myself ,vho
clung to the sides of the mountain, and, by tooth and
nail, climbed to a place of safety.
Little by little, ,vhen the tide receded, we made our
way down among the crags until we came to a strip of sea-
shore, and from this point we could see that the island was
of large size, its interior being sheltered from storms by
the front of the mountain. But what took our ,yonder was
this: on the seashore was amassed the wealth of a thousand
wrecks. And this was not all, for, when ,ve proceeded
through the island, we found a spring of pure ambergris
overflowing into the sea; and by this the ,vhales are
attracted, but ,vhen they have swallowed it and dived to
the depths of the sea it turns in their stomachs and they
eject it, so that it rises to the surface in solid lumps such
as are found by sailors, But the ambergris that is cast
about the opening of the spring melts in the heat of the
sun, and its perfume is blown about the island, wafted
sweet upon the breeze like fragrant musk.
When we had explored the island and wondered at the
many strange things it contained, we searched among the
wreckage on the shore and found some few barrels of
preserved meats, and on these we stayed our hunger.
With the provisions on the shore and the fruit we secured
on the island we were in no danger of starvation, but a
kind of fever seized upon our company and one after
another sickened and died, This ,vas a time of stress
and despair. Day after day the living buried the dead
until there was only one left, and that one was I.
But God in His mercy led my footsteps forth and I
roan1ed in the island, restless for the end. In my wander-
ings I came to a river gushing forth out of the side of a
mountain, and, after flowing for a space between banks of
verdure in a valley, entering again another mountain.

SI
T})BAD TIlE SAILOR

243

Having followed it to this point, I sat down upon a bank
against the mountain wall and pondered. And I said
within myself, " This river flowing through caverns within
the mountain must have an opening somewhere, perchance
in a fertile country where people dwell." For a long time
I turned the chances of this within my mind and at last
decided to build a raft and commit myself upon it to the
current; for at most it were better to die that way than
in my present desolation.
By means of ropes and wreckage from the seashore my
raft ,vas soon constructed, and in its construction I omitted
not to measure it according to the width of the river.
Then, full of a wild hope that I might at length reach an
inhabited region, I stowed upon it rich goods from the
shore, ambergris from the spring, and the rarest jewels I
could find in the beds of the watercourses. As I set
myself upon the raft and launched it, I said, " If I perish,
I perish; but if I come to the haunts of men, I come to
them rich in precious things."
No sooner had I entered into the aperture of the
mountain than I was suddenly encased in darkness, and,
having no choice which way I went, flung myself flat on
the raft lest my head should be shattered against the roof
of the tunnel. Like this I floated on, sometimes feeling
there was a wide space around me, and sometimes clinging
to the raft lest some narrowing of the passage should s,veep
me to destruction. And all this time my terror ,vas so
acute that at last I swooned and lay face downward on
the raft, the plaything of fate and the sport of the rushing
current.
When I awoke I found myself in the open air. The
sun was shining above and the birds were singing in the
trees around me. I was still lying on the raft, which
was tied to a stake on the shore of a beautiful lake. As

244

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

soon as I had raised myself and looked about me a number
of dark-skinned people gathered round and questioned me
in an unknown tongue; but I shook my head, understand-
ing nothing of what they said. At last one advanced
from among them, and, addressing me in Arabic, said
"Peace be with thee, brother!" Then I seized him
joyfully by the hand and greeted him, but I was weary
and hungry and could give no account of myself because
of my utter exhaustion. Seeing my state he called for
food and wine, and they hastened to set them before me.
So they took me, with the raft and all the riches I had
laid upon it, and led me before their King; and, from his
state and magnificence, I knew that I beheld the King of
Sarandib, whose name and power and learning are known
through all the earth. He saluted me in the custom of
my own people, addressing me in Arabic which fell easily
from his tongue.
I was greatly moved at his words, and, begging his
acceptance of a gift at my hands, I took the rarest jewels
from the raft, together with a quantity of ambergris and
aloes-'wood, and laid them at his feet. He graciously
accepted my present and immediately established me in a
position of honour, bidding me dwell with him in his
palace. I accepted his hospitality and remained in
his land in great happiness and honour.
But, on a day when I ascended the high mountain and
looked far out across the sea, I seemed to hear the voice of
my own land calling to me. Then, 'with that far call still
in my ears, I went in to the King and asked him to let me
go.
When I ,vas about to depart the King called me to
him and handed me a letter written on fine parchment.
This he asked me to give into the hands of the Khalifeh,
Harun-Er-Rashid. The substance of the letter was this:

SIND BAD TIlE SAILOR

245

-" The l{ing of Sara.ndib sends greeting. Peace be on
thee, 0 Brother, from the l{ing of Sarandib, who com-
mands a thousand elephants, and in ,vhose palace are
ten thousand je,vels. By the bearcr of this we send thee
a gift, for ,ve have a deep affection for thee. The gift is
all too trifling, but we beseech thee to accept it graciously
and reply to us. Peace be upon thee!" The present
with which I was entrusted was a goblet of ruby, the
inside of which was set with sparkling diamonds and
priceless pearls-truly a kingly gift.
Having bade farewell to the l{ing and such of his
people that I had associated with I embarked in a large
ship which was bound for EI-Basrah. In good time
we reached that port and I journeyed up the river to
Baghdad.
1tly first thought was to deliver the letter and the gift
into the hands of the Khalifeh. So I lost no time in
approaching him and fulfilling my pledge to the King of
Sarandib. He was greatly pleased with the letter, and,
when he saw the sparkling goblet of ruby and precious
stones, he was fined with delight.
He then thanked me for my faithful service and
bestowed rich gifts upon me, and bade me seek my own
house in peace and content. There in the bosom of my
family I lived at ease, having put behind me the perils
of travel and set fixedly before me the determination
never to seek them again

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THE SEVENTH VOYAGE OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR

WHILE I was sitting one day thinking on this and
saying within myself, " I am here in the Abode of Peace
and Allah be praised! I shall never quit it for the haunts
of trouble" ; 10! there came a messenger summoning me
to the Khalifeh. I arose and followed him, and presently
I was before his majesty, saluting him and kissing the
ground, "'V elcome, 0 Sindbad!" he said. "Know
that I have a matter of importance for thee to execute."
"Sire," I answered, "I am thy slave."
Then the Khalifeh unfolded to me his wish: which
was that I should go to the King of Sarandib bearing a
letter and a gift.
It was not for me to disobey the command of the Prince
of the Faithful, and I bowed my head in submission.
I took from his hands the account of the items composing
the gift, together with a letter and a sum of money for
my expenses; and, bidding him fare,vell, went forth,
saying to myself that fate was against me.
The Khalifeh's gift to the l{ing of Sarandib was one of
great magnificence. First there was a splendid white
horse, the equal of ,vhich ,vas not to be found in the length
and breadth of Arabia. Its saddle and trappings were
adorned \vith gold and set \vith brilliant jewels. Then, in
addition to this, there were a priceless robe, fit for the king
of all the earth; a great quantity of rich stuffs fro In Egypt
and Greece, and a wonderful crystal goblet of such a kind
247

248

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

that a man's whole lifetime would be required to make
it.
With all these things I embarked upon a large vessel
and set sail from EI- Basrah with a company of merchants.
We journeyed for long days and nights until at length
we came to the island of Sarandib. There I went in
to the King in his palace, and he gave me a joyous
welcome.
After some days of pleasure and happiness in his
land, I made known to him my desire to depart speedily
to my own country, but it was with difficulty that I
obtained his permission. At last he allowed me to go,
bearing friendly messages to the I{halifeh; and I set
sail for my own land, glad that I was now free to return
to the life to ,vhich I had vo,ved myself.
But we had not been many days on our course when,
as we were passing near an island, a fleet of boats put off
from the shore and surrounded us. They ,vere manned
by a host of men clad in suits of mail. They looked
more like demons than men and were armed with swords
and daggers. They drew in on us and attacked us, slaying
those who offered resistance, and taking the rest prisoners.
They towed the ship to the island and took all the merchan-
dise in the hold. Then they led us a\vay to be sold as slaves.
It fell to my lot that I was purchased by a rich man
of gentle mien. He took me to his house, gave me food
and drink, clothed me well and treated me in a friendly
fashion. Somewhat comforted I rested, giving my hands
to light tasks about his house. Mter some days he called
me to him and said, "Art thou skilled in any art or
trade?" I answered him that I ,vas a merchant, and
was skilled only in the art of buying and selling. "Canst
thou not use the bow ?" he asked. Now, I was skilled
in archery, and I offered to give him proof in the matter.

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

249

He then placed a bow and arrow in my hands and I
pierced a mark at fifty paces. "It is well," he said; " thou
art skilled."
The next day he sat me behind him on an elephant,
and, at nightfall, we journeyed to a place where there were
some high trees. One of these he bade me climb and
sit there with arrow on bowstring till the elephants came
at dawn, when I was to shoot; and, if I was so fortunate
as to kill one, I was to run to him in all haste and inform
him of it. He then went away on his elephant, leaving
me in the tree, full of terror.
When at last the sun rose, a great number of elephants
came straying about among the trees, and when one came
beneath mine I sent my arrows at him. Late in the
morning a well-aimed shaft pierced the brain of a mon-
strous beast, and, wi th loud roarings, he fell and died.
At evening time, when the other elephants had retired
from the spot, I descended from the tree and ran with
all haste to my master, \vho rejoiced at my news and
sent his slaves to bring the beast in.
Day after day I continued at this sport, each day
securing at least one elephant. But a day came when
trouble gathered round that tree in which I sat. It
appeared in the form of countless elephants of large size
and ferocious aspect. One who seemed to be king among
them led the others to my tree. After he had thundered
round it many times until the whole world trembled,
he made a dash at it, and, winding his trunk round it,
tore it up by the roots and threw it down. \Vhen, half
stunned, I found my way out from among the broken
branches, the great elephant came upon me bellowing
loudly, and, seizing me with his trunk, bore me aloft. In
this manner he led the whole herd of elephants in a wild
stampede that made the earth shake; and they ceased
81

250

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

not in their career until they came to a valley in which
were a great number of elephants' bones and teeth and
tusks. On a heap of these the king-elephant set me
down very gently; and, after that, he and the others
turned and walked away, leaving me there.
I looked about in the valley and saw a wealth of
gleaming white tusks on every hand, and I said within
myself, " The elephants liked not the death of one of their
number every day, and they have done this to show how
I may come by an abundance of tusks without further
slaughter."
Then I found my way back over a great distance to
the abode of my master. He welcomed me as one returned
from the dead, for, when he had found the tree torn up
by the roots, he had concluded that the elephants had
made an end of me. I told him what had befallen me and
described the position of the valley where the tusks lay.
When he heard this he was greatly excited and lost no
time in mounting me behind him on an elephant and setting
forth to find the spot where so much wealth was stored.
We reached the valley without mishap and I showed my
master the ivory, at sight of which his joy knew no bounds.
We then laded the elephant with as much as he could
carry and returned with it to the house.
This adventure of mine placed me in a most favourable
light in my master's eyes; and, because I had been the
means of revealing to him a source of enormous wealth,
he set n1e free and gave me permission to return to my
own country. He ,vas even better than his word, for,
not Dlany days later, he set me on board a vessel bound
for EI-Basrah and presented me with a large sum of money
for my passage and expenses, together with many bales
of merchandise, And my return journey was very
fortunate. The traffic I did at the different cities on the

SINDBAD THE SAILOR

251

way brought me great profit, and I bought many rare
things suitable for gifts.
On my arrival at Baghdad I went in to the Khalifeh
and told him all that had befallen me; and he was so
astonished thereat, and so delighted at my return, that
he commanded his scribes to write my story in letters of
gold. And he said to me "0 Sindbad, my son; thou
hast done well, and now thou shalt have the wish of
thine heart and keep thy vow; for, unless thou so desirest,
thou shalt go forth no more upon the sea."
* * * * *
This, 0 Sindbad the Landsman, is the end of the story
of my voyages; and now, as I have conceived an affection
for thee, thou shalt dwell with me and be my boon com-
panion; and we shall pass our lives together in a state
of the utmost joy and happiness, strengthened by God
(whose name be exalted!) the Great 1 the Omnipotent
Creator of sea and land I

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ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP

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ALADDIN AND THE WO
DERFUL LAMP

ONCE upon a time, in a far city of Cathay, there dwelt
a poor tailor who had an only son named Aladdin. This
boy was a born ne'er-do-well, and persistently resisted
all his father's efforts to teach him a trade by means of
which he would be able in future to earn a livelihood.
Aladdin would sooner play at knuckle-bones in the gutter
with others as careless as himself than he would set his
mind to honest business; and, as to obeying his parents
in the smallest matter, it was not in his nature. Such
was this boy Aladdin, and yet-so remarkable is the
favour of fate-he was strangely predestined for great
things.
Stricken with grief because of the \vaywardness and idle
conduct of his son the father fell ill and died, and the
mother found great difficulty in supporting herself, to
say nothing of the worthless Aladdin as well. While she
wore the flesh off her bones in the endeavour to obtain a
meagre subsistence Aladdin would amuse himself with his
fellow urchins of the street, only returning home to his
meals. In this way he continued until he ,vas fourteen
years of age, when his extraordinary destiny took hin1
by the hand, and led him, step by step, through adventures
so wonderful that words can scarce describe them.
One day he was playing in the gutter with his ragged
companions, as was his ,vont, when a l\Ioorish Dervish
came by, and, catching sight of Aladdin's face, suddenly
255

256

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

stopped and approached him. This Dervish was a sorcerer
who had discovered many hidden secrets by his black
art; in fact, he was on the track of one now; and, by
the look on his face as he scrutinized Aladdin's features,
it seemed that the boy was closely connected with his
quest.
The Dervish beckoned to one of the urchins and asked
him who Aladdin was, ,vho his father was, and indeed all
about hin1. Having thus learned the whole history of the
boy and his family the Dervish gave his informer some
coins and sent him away to spend them. Then he
approached Aladdin and said to him, "Boy, I seem to
recognize in thee a family likeness. Art thou not the
tailor's son?" Aladdin answered him that he was, and
added that his father was dead.
On hearing this the Dervish cried out with grief and
embraced Aladdin, ,veeping bitterly. The boy was sur-
prised at this and inquired the cause of such sorrow.
" Alas ! " replied the Dervish with tears running down his
cheeks, "my fate is an unhappy one Boy, I have come
from a distant country to find my brother, to look upon
his face again, and to cheer and comfort him; and now
thou tellest me he is dead." He took Aladdin's face in
his hands and gazed searchingly upon it as he continued:
"Boy, I recognize my brother's features in thine; and,
now that he is dead, I will find comfort in thee."
Aladdin looked up at him in wonder, for he had never
been told that he had an uncle; indeed, he was inclined to
doubt the truth of the matter; but, when the Dervish
took ten pieces of gold from his purse and placed them
in his hand, all doubt was out of the question, and he
rejoiced at having found so rich an uncle The Dervish
then asked him concerning his mother and begged him
to show him the way to her house. And, when Aladdin

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 257

had showed hin1, he gave the boy n10re gold and said,
"Give this to thy mother with my blessing, and say
that her brother-in-Ia,v, who has been absent forty years,
has returned and will visit her to-morrow to weep with
her over the place where his brother is buried." With
this he departed, and Aladdin ran to his mother to tell
her the news.
On the morrow the Dervish sought Aladdin in the
street where he had seen hin1 the day before, and found
him there among his disreputable friends. Taking him
aside he kissed him and embraced him; then, placing
ten gold pieces in his hand, he said, "Hasten now to
thy mother and give her these gold pieces and say that
her brother-in-law would come to sup at her house this
night. "
So Aladdin left him and ran home to his n10ther \vith
the gold pieces and the message. Then the widow busied
herself and prepared for the coming of this ne\V - found
relative. She bought rich food, and borrowed from the
neighbours such dishes, utensils and napery as she required.
\Vhen the supper was ready, and the widow was about to
send Aladdin to hasten the guest, the Dervish entered,
followed by a slave bearing fruit and wine, which he set
down, and then went his way. The Dervish, weeping
bitterly, saluted the widow and in1mediately fell to asking
questions about the departed.
Then, ,vhen he ,vas comforted and they all sat at
supper together, the Dervish turned to Aladdin and asked
hin1 if he knew any art or trade, At this Aladdin hung
his head, and, as he was too ashamed to answer, his mother
dried her tears and answered for him. "Alack!" she
said, " he is nothing but an idler. He spends his tin1e as
thou didst find him, playing ,vith ragan1uffins in the street,
and is never at home except at meal times. And I-I
32

258

TIlE ARABIAN NIGHTS

am an old WOluan and ugly through toil and hardship, and
grief at his behaviour. 0 my brother-in-Ia'w 1 It is
he ,vho should provide for me, not I for him."
" I am grieved to hear this of thee," said the Dervish.
turning to Aladdin; "for thou art no longer a child.
'V ouldst thou like to be a merchant?" he asked. "If
so I ,vill give thee a shop with all kinds of merchandise,
and thou shalt buy and sell and get gain, and rise to 8
position of importance."
At this Aladdin clapped his hands ,vith glee, and his
mother ,vas rejoiced. And she chid her boy for his own
good, and counselled him straitly to obey his uncle in
all things. The Dervish also gave Aladdin much sound
advice on the conduct of trade, so that the boy's head
,vas bursting ,vith buying and selling, and he could not
sleep that night for dreams of rich stuffs, and bales of
merchandise. At last, ,vhen the Dervish arose and took
his departure, prolnising to return for Aladdin on the
lnorro,v and take him to buy his merchant's dress, the
,vizard felt that he had proved himself undoubtedly
the best of brothers-in-Ia,v, and the best of uncles.
True to his ,vord the Dervish came on the n10rrow,
and Aladdin, holding him affectionately by the hand, went
with him forth to the market. There they entered a
shop full of the finest n1aterials, and the Dervish asked
to be shown some dresses such as a ,vealthy merchant
Inight wear. The o,vner of the shop laid a great variety
before him and the Dervish said, "Now, my son, choose
\vhat dress you like." This delicate favour of choice
pleased Aladdin greatly, for it seemed that he had no\v at
last reached the age of discretion. He picked out one that
he liked, and the Dervish paid the price without any
attempt at bargaining. Then they ,vent together to the
Han1nlam, and, when they had bathed and rested, Aladdill

ALADDIN AND THE 'VONDERFUL LA
IP 259

clothed hin1self in his ne,v dress and came forth in great
delight t kissing his uncle's hand and thanking him again
and again.
After they had rested the Dervish suggested a walk,
and he ]ed Aladdin through garden after garden until
they canle to the confines of the city t beyond which
stood a high hill. "Shall ,ve return t 0 my uncle? t' said
Aladdin, who was in no n100d for climbing the hill, " There
are no more gardens outside the city." "Nay," replied
the Dervish, "on the hill-side is the loveliest garden of all.
Bear up, my son, and be a man; we shall soon be there."
And, as they ,vent, he beguiled the boy with anecdotes,
so that Aladdin forgot both the length of the ,yay and his
wearIness,
At last they came to a place on the hill-side ,vhere the
Dervish paused and looked about hiIn, saying to himself t
" This is the spot I have journeyed so far to find." But to
Aladdin he said, "Rest here awhile, 0 my son, and,
when thou art refreshed, gather some wood and we will
Inake a fire; then, if thou ,vish to see a most wonderful
thing, I will show thee that which will take thy breath
away."
At this Aladdin's curiosity was excited, and, with 110
thought of resting, he began at once to gather wood.
When he had collected a sufficient quantity the Dervish
lighted the fire, and, taking from his ,vallet a little box,
drew some fine powder from it and scattered it over the
fire, uttering an incantation. Immediately, amid rum-
blings of thunder, the earth reeled and opened. At
this Aladdin fled in terror, but the Dervish, powerless to
effect his purpose without the boyt s aid, fle,v after him
in a rage, and smote him over the head, so that he fell to
the ground stunned.
When, presently, he regained his senses, he sat up and

260

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

cried out, "\Vhat have I done, 0 my uncle, that thou
shouldst strike me ?" "Nay, my son," replied the Der-
vish, "I intended not to hurt thee. Come, now, be a
man, and obey my \vishes if thou wouldst see the wonderful
things that I will show thee." With such words as these
he banished Aladdin's fears and smoothed him over. Then
he directed him to the opening in the earth, where there
was revealed a slab of marble \vith a brass ring let into it.
The Dervish stooped and began to dra\v figures upon the
ground, saying as he did so, "Obey me, Aladdin, in all
that I say, for so thou shalt become richer than all the
kings of the earth. Know, 0 my son, that beyond that
slab of stone lies vast treasure which none but thee can
acquire and live. Therefore, advance, my son, and take
the brass ring in thy hand and lift the slab from its
place; for it is predestined that thou art the only one
on this earth that hath the power to do this thing,"
And Aladdin, stirred to great wonder by the ,vords of
the Dervish, \vould have done his bidding \vith alacrity,
but, on looking at the marble slab, he saw that it was far
too heavy for him.
" Never can I raise that alone, 0 my uncle," he said.
" Wilt thou not help me?" "Nay," answered the Der-
vish, " it will yield to no hand but thine. Grasp the ring
and repeat the names of as many of thine ancestors as
thou canst remember, beginning with thy father and
mother; for thine ancestors are my ancestors, 0 my son !
By this the stone will come away quite easily in thy hand
as if it were a feather. Am I not thine uncle, and have
I not said it? And did I not cleave the hill-side with my
incantations? Wherefore, pluck up courage, and forget
not that all the riches beyond that stone are for thee."
Thus encouraged Aladdin ad.....anced to the stone,
repeating the names of all the ancestors he could remember;

ALADDIN AND THE 'VONDERFUL LAl\IP 261

and, taking hold of the ring, lifted the heavy slab from
its place with perfect ease, and threw it aside. Then
,vithin the aperture lay revealed a stairway of twelve
steps leading into a passage.
""'hile Aladdin was gazing at this wonder the Dervish
took a ring from his finger and placed it upon the middle
finger of the boy's right hand, saying impressively as he
did so, " Listen to me, 0 my son! fear nothing in ,vhat
I am about to bid thee do, for this ring will be thy pro-
tection in all dangers and against all evils. If thou
shouldst find thyself in evil case thou hast only to-
but of that I will tell thee presently. What is more
important now is this. In order to come at the treasure,
o my son, steady thyself and listen attentively, and
see to it that thou fail not a word of these my instructions.
Go down the steps and traverse the passage to the end,
where thou wilt find a chamber divided into four parts,
each containing four vessels of gold, Touch not these on
thy life, for if so much as the fringe of thy robe cometh
in contact with any of them, thou wilt immediately be
turned into stone, Linger not to gaze upon them, but
pass right through to the end, where thou wilt find a
door. Open this, repeating again the names of thine
ancestors, when 10, thou wilt behold a beautiful garden
before thee. Take the pathway that is ready for thy feet
and proceed forty-nine cubits until thou com est to an
alcove, where is set a stairway of forty-nine steps. Look
not to ascend that stair,vay: it is not for thee nor me ;
but direct thine attention to a lamp hanging above the
alcove. Take it from its fastening, and pour out the oil
therein; then put it in thy breast securely, and retrace
thy steps to me. Is it clear to thee, my son ? "
" 0 my uncle, it is quite clear," replied Aladdin, and he
repeated the instructions he had received. "Pull thy

262

THE ARABI4t\N NIGHTS

wits together then, my son, n said the Dervish, well
pleased; "and descend, for verily thou art a man of
mettle, and not a child. Yea, thou, and thou only, art
the rightful owner of all this great treasure. Come
now! n
Filled with courage from the wizard's words, and
enticed by the dazzle of untold riches, Aladdin descended
the twelve steps and passed through the fourfold chamber
with the utmost care lest he should touch any of the golden
jars therein with so much as the fringe of his garment.
When he came to the door at the far end he paused to
repeat the names of his ancestors, and opened it; then,
10, before him lay a beautiful garden where the trees
'were laden with many coloured fruit, while sweet-voiced
birds sang in the branches. He took the pathway that
lay before his feet, and, as he followed it, he looked up
and noticed that the trees bore, not fruit as he had sup-
posed, but sparkling jewels flashing with many colours.
But Aladdin, though dazzled by the glitter, thought
these sparkling things were but coloured glass; and it ,vas
for such that he plucked then1 with boyish delight until
his pockcts were full. "These are lovely things to
play with," he said, and proceeded to fill his girdle also. -
As he nlade his way along the garden path, plucking
the bright jewels as he went, he caught sight of the alcove
at the f'1r end, and, remembering his uncle's instructions,
hastened towards it. There was the stairway of forty

nine steps, and there, hanging from a crystal beam, ,vas
the Lamp. He paused, looking up at it. How should
he reach it? His uncle had said that the stairway was
neither for Aladdin nor for himself, and yet he saw at a
glance that the only way of reaching the Lamp was by
1110unting seven steps of the -stairway. He hesitated,
then, concluding that the Lamp was the whole object of

ALADDIN AND THE \VONDERFUL TJAl\IP
63

his quest, and that he n1ust reach it at all costs, he ventured.
\Vith SOine n1Ïsgivings he nlounted the seven steps and,
reaching out, took the Lamp from its fastening and des-
cended with it. Then, en1ptyillg out the oil, he placed
it securely in his bosonl, saying, " Now, as my uncle said
to me, ,vith this Lanlp in my bosom all is mine! "
As Aladdin was returning along the path,vay among
the trees, laden ,vith the precious je'wels, fear assailed him
lest his uncle ,vould be angry at his delay, for it was borne
in upon him that no great delight can come to a mortal
\vithout his having to suffer for it. Whereupon he has-
tened his footsteps, and, passing through the fourfold
chan1ber ,vithout touching the golden jars-for the fear of
that was still upon hin1-he arrived quickly at the foot
of the stairway of t,velve steps. Heavily weighted as he
,vas with the jewels and the Lamp he proceeded to mount
the stairs at a run. But the je,vels gre,v heavier, and the
Lamp ,veighed upon his bosoln, so that he was exhausted
by the time he ,vas half-\vay up. l{neeling on the seventh
step he looked up and sa\y the Dervish urging him on ,vith
the greatest hnpatience.
" Bear ,vith nle, 0 n1Y uncle," he said. "I am heavily
,veighted and am out of breath, I wiII soon come to
thee." Then he climbed three steps and one step more, and
sank exhausted before the last, which was far higher than
the others. The jewels and the Lamp oppressed him with
heaviness and he could not mount that last step. "0
Iny uncle, give me thy hand and help me up," he cried.
But the ,vizard dare not touch hin1, for so the spell of
fate ,vas ,vorded and he BUlst abide by it. "Nay," he
called do,vn, "thou art man enough! It is the Lamp
that hampers thee. Rcach up and place it on the ledge
here; then thou canst mount easily thyself."
The Dervish held out his hand expectantly for the

26-t

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Lamp and his eyes glittered. Aladdin sa,v the evil light
in them, and, having some mother 'wit, replied, "0 my
uncle, the Lamp is no ,veight at all; it is simply that I am
exhausted and this step is too high for me. Give me
thy hand and help me up." "Give me the Lamp!"
cried the Dervish, holding his hand out for it, and beginning
to rage. "Place it on the ledge before thee, and then I
will help thee up." "Nay," returned Aladdin, growing
obstinate, "if thou ,vilt not give me thy hand I will not
give thee the Lalllp, for it is in my thoughts that thou
,vantest the Lamp more than thou ,vantest me."
This enraged the Dervish to a point beyond control,
and he said ,vithin himself, H If I get not the Lamp then
may it perish with him!" And, taking a box from his
wallet, he threw some po,vder on the embers of the fire,
muttering curses and incantations as he did so. Imme-
diately a flame shot up, and its many tongues ,vent hither
and thither, licking the air. The earth shuddered and
groaned with a hollow thunder; then the marble slab
closed of itself over the aperture, the hill-side rushed
together above it, and all was as before, save that Aladdin
was sealed ,vithin that cavern without hope of escape.
Long and loud did Aladdin call to his supposed uncle
to save him from a living death; but there ,vas no answer
to his cries, and, at last, when he was almost exhausted,
he took counsel of himself and plainly saw the truth of the
matter. The Dervish ,vas no uncle of his, but a cunning
wizard ,,,ho had made a catspaw of him to secure treasure
which, by the laws of magic and destiny, he was powerless
to come at in any other way. The whole thing, from the
very beginning, was a trick; and he saw it clearly now that
it was too late. The ,yay out was sealed, and the darkness
pressed heavily upon him. Frantic with the desire to
escape from this dungeon he thought of the garden and the

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ALADDIN AND THE 'VOXDERFUL LAMP 267

stfl ir,vay in the alcove; but, ,vhen he had groped his
,yay to the end of the passage, he found the door closed,
and all his efforts failed to open it. The names of his
ancestors were of no avail against the magic of the Dcrvish
At this he ,vept loudly, and continued to ,veep throughout
the night, until his rage and despair were spent. At last
he sank do,vn exhausted on the lowest step of the stainvay
by which he had first descended, and, feeling hÏlnself
utterly abandoned by man, he raised his hands to God,
praying for deliverance from his calanlÌty.
N o,v, while he ,vas holding his hands in supplication,
he felt the ring upon his middle finger-the ring which
the Dervish had placed there saying, "In whatever
difficulty thou mayst find thyself this ring will be thy
protection; thou hast only to-but of that I will tell thee
later." The Dervish had perhaps given him the ring
to gain his confidence, and had purposely omitted to
reveal its secret. But now, in ans,ver to Aladdin's prayer,
the power of the ring ,vas revealed as if by the merest
chance; for, when he felt the ring, he looked at it; and,
seeing a light from the jewel therein, he breathed upon it
and rubbed it ,vith his palm to increase its lustre. No
sooner had he done this ,vhen, 10, the Slave of the Ring
appeared, and gathered shape before hin1, first in a lumin-
ous haze, and then, gradually, in clcarer and clearer
contour.
"Ask ,vhat thou wilt, and it shall be done," said
the apparition; "for kno\v that I am the Slave of the
Ring and the slave of him on ,vhose finger lllY master placed
the ring."
Aladdin, seeing before hin1 an Efrite after the order of
those invoked by the Lord Suleiman, ,vas terrified, and his
tongue clave to the roof of his n10uth, so that he could not
speak. But the Efrite reassured him ,vith kindly speech.

268

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

" Thou hast only to ask," he said, "and thy ,vish will be
fulfilled; for, since my master's ring is on thy hand, I am
thy servant."
At this Aladdin took heart, and, having considered
his ,vish, resolved to put the matter to the test. "0
Slave of the Ring! " he said, " my wish is that thou take
me from this dungeon and place me in the light of day
where the sun shines and the breezes blo,v-if indeed
it is day, for here have I been for many, many hours."
Scarcely had he spoken the words when there ,vas a
clap of thunder. The cavern opened, and, by some
mysterious power, he was conveyed through the opening.
Then, when he sat up and looked around him, he ,vas in
the light of day upon the hill-side, and everything 'vas
as it had been ,vhen he and the Dervish had first reached
the spot.
Aladdin marvelled greatly at this, and said within
himself, "I ,yonder if it was all a dream!" But, when
he looked at the ring upon his finger and felt the Lamp
and the jewel-fruit he had gathered from the trees in
the garden, he knew it ,vas not a dream. Besides, there
was the spot where the fire had been; and it was now
but a heap of grey ashes on the ground. Turning himself
about, he sa,v the path by ,vhich they had ascended, and
the gardens stretching belo,v. Nothing had changed.
The side of the hill which the Dervish by his magic had
opened for his entrance, and the Slave of the Ring had
now closed up behind him, was as it had been when he first
saw it.
Seeing that he was safe and sound in the outer world,
Aladdin fell on his knees and gave thanks to the most High
for his deliverance from a terrible death. Then straight-
way he arose and took the path that led down the hill-
side and through the gardens of the city in the direction

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 269
of his home. At length, with wearied body, but elated
n1ind, he reached the doorway of his d'welling, and, enter-
ing, found his mother weeping.
" 'Vhere hast thou been, my son ?" she cried. "All
night long I lay awake, anxious for thee; and no,v it is
again near nightfall, and thou comest like one about to
die. Where hast thou been, and where is thine uncle? "
But Aladdin could not answer her. What with utter
weariness, and the joy of gaining his home once more, he
fell in a swoon at her feet. Quickly she dashed water on
his face and restored him. Then, when she had made
him eat, she inquired gently ,vhat had befallen him.
"0 my mother," said Aladdin, "how much thou
art to blame! Thou gavest me over to a devil of a sorcerer
who tried, by his evil arts, to compass my ruin." And
thus, having vented his anger at the false conduct of the
Dervish, he proceeded to tell his mother, first about the
lamp and the jewel-fruit, then about all that had hap-
pened on the hill-side, from the opening of the earth
by a magic spell, to the closing of it again, and his sub.
sequent escape through the Slave of the Ring.
Then Aladdin took the Lamp and the precious stones
from his bosom and placed them before his mother, albeit
neither knew why the Lamp had been so coveted by
the Dervish, or that the stones were more valuable than
any possessed by kings.
Now, neither Aladdin nor his mother had rested for
two days and t\VO nights, so t.hat, exhausted at length
with ",eeping and with heaping nlalcdictions on the
Dervish, they slept; and, when they a\voke, it was about
noon of the follo\ving day. Aladdin's first words on
pulling his wits together ,vere to the effect that he ,vas
hungry. "Nay, 0 my son," replied his mot.her, "there
is nothing to eat. in the house, for thou didst eat yesterday

270

THE A.RAnIAN NIGIITS

all that there ,vas. But stay, I have some spinning that
is ready for the market. I will take and sell it and buy
some food."
She ,vas busying herself about this ,,'hen Aladdin
suddenly called out to her, "
Iother! bring me the Lamp,
and I will take and sell t.hat; it ,viII fetch more than the
spinning." No,v, although Aladdin and his mother knc,v
that the Dervish had greatly coveted the Lamp, they
both imagined that he had some strange reason of his
own for t.his; and, as the Lamp ,vas an article that
would comlnand a ready sale, the mother quickly agreed
to Aladdin's proposal and brought the Lamp to him in
ans,ver to his call. On regarding it closely, however, she
observed that it ,vas very dirty. \Vell knowing that it
would fetch a better price if it were clean and bright,
she set to ,vork to polish it ,vith some fine sand; when
10, as soon as she started to rub the Lamp, the air before
her danced and quivered and a chill gasp of wind smote
her' in the face. Then, looking up, she sa\v, to,vering
above her, a being monstrous and terrible, ,vith a fierce
face in which glealned fiery eyes beneath frowning brows.
She gazed at this apparition in fear and astonishment, for
she kne\v it was surely a powerful Efrite such as ,vere
under the po\ver of the Lord Suleiman. Then the being
spoke: "Thou hast invoked me; what is thy ,vish ? "
But she only gazed at him, dumb with terror. Again
the a\vful being spoke: "Thou hast summoned me, for
I am the Slave of the Lamp which is in thy hand. What
is thy desire?" At this the poor woman could no
longer endure her fear, and, with a cry, she fell in a
swoon.
Aladdin had heard the Efrit.e's words and had hastencd
to his mother's side. He had already seen the power of
the Slave of the Ring, and he guessed that now the Slave

ALADDIN AND 'J.1HE \VONDER:FUL LA::\IP 271
of the Lanlp had appeared, and was ready to do the
bidding of the one who held the Lalnp. So he quickly
took it from his lTIother's hand, and, standing before the-
Efrite, plucked up courage and said, "I desire food, 0
Slave of the Lamp! the finest food that ever was set hefore
a king."
No sooner had he spoken than the Efrite vanished, but
only to reappear immediately, bearing a rich tray of solid
silver, on ,vhich were twelve golden dishes with fruits and
Ineats of various kinds. There were also flagons of wine
and silver goblets. As Aladdin stared in amazement at
this magnificent repast the Efrite set the tray down before
him and vanished in a flash. Then Aladdin turned to his
mother and dashed cold ,vater on her face, and held
perfumes to her nostrils until she regained consciousness
and sat up. And ,vhen she beheld the sunlptuouS repast
set out upon the golden dishes she 'was greatly astonished,
and imagined that the Sultan had sent it from his palace.
But Aladdin, who was very hungry, fell to eating heartily;
and, ,vhile persuading his mother to cat, he would tell her
nothing.
It ,vas not until they had satisfied their hunger, and
placed the remainder aside for the morrow, that Aladdin
informed her what had happened. Then she questioned
him, saying, " 0 my son, ,vas not this the same Efrite that
appeared to thee when thou ,vast in the cavern?" "Nay,"
he ans,vered. .., That was the Slave of the Ring; this
,vas the Slave of the Lamp." "At all events," said she,
" it was a terrible monster that nearly caused my death
through fear. Promise me, 0 my son, that thou wilt have
naught further to do with the Ring and the Lamp. Cast
them from thee, for the Holy Prophet hath told us to have
no traffic with devils."
"Nay, nay, 0 111Y ll10ther," protested Aladdin; "it

272

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

were wiser to keep them, for did not the Slave of the Ring
deliver me from death? and has not the Slave of the
Lamp brought us delicious food when \ve were hungry? "
"That may be so," replied his mother, "but hear my
words, my son; no good thing can come of these dealings
with accursed spirits, and it were better for thee to have
died in the cavern t.han to invoke their aid." And thus
she pleaded with him to cast away the Ring and the
Lamp, for she was sore afraid of the power of the Evil
One. But Aladdin ,vould not undertake to do this,
although, in respect for her ,vishes, he agreed to conceal
the objects so that she might never need to look upon
them. He also agreed to invoke neither of the Efrites
again, unless it ,vere a case of dire necessity. And with
this his mot.her had to rest content.
Mother and son continued to live on the food that
reluained, until, in a few days, it ,vas all gone. Then
Aladdin took up one of the dishes from the tray, and,
not kno\ving that it ,vas of pure gold, went out to sell
it and buy food ,vith the proceeds. In the market he
came to the shop of a Jew -a man of exceeding vile
methods of buying and selling; and he showed the dish
to him. This Jew, as soon as he saw the dish, knew it for
pure gold and glanced sharply at Aladdin to find whether
he knew its value. Then, preferring that others might
call him a rogue rather than that the event might prove
hin1 a fool in his o,vn eyes, he took a single gold piece
iron1 his pocket and handed it to Aladdin.
As for Aladdin, he hastened home and gave the gold
piece to his mother, begging her to buy food with it. She
did so, and they ate, and were comforted. And so, from
day to day, they lived on the proceeds of one dish after
another, which t.he unregenerate Hebrew bought at cheaper
and cheaper prices, saying always that the metal ,vas

ALADDIN AND THE \VONDERFUL LAl\IP 273

inferior and that the demand for such goods was not what
it used to be. And, when at last the dishes \vere all sold,
Aladdin, \vho, in deference to his mother's wishes, had
concealed the Lamp and the Ring against a necessitous
occasion, brought forth the former and rubbed it, for so,
he concluded, ,vas the Slave invoked. His conclusion
,vas right, for no sooner had he rubbed the Lamp than
the Efrite suddenly appeared before him, in1mense and
of terrible aspect.
" \Vhat is thy wish, 0 my master? " said the Efrite ;
" for I am the Slave of the Lamp and of him ,vho holds it."
"l\Iy wish," answered Aladdin, "is that you bring me
another tray of food similar to the one you brought
before." Immediately the Efrite vanished, and, in a
moment, appeared again, bearing a tray of food exactly
similar to the one he had brought before. He set this
down before Aladdin and then disappeared.
And they ate and drank and were merry, the food
lasting them some days. Then, ,vhen the food ,vas all
gone, Aladdin proceeded to dispose of the dishes as before.
Taking one of them he ,vent forth to find the Jew, but it
chanced that on his 'way he passed the shop of a fair-
dealing man-that is to say, not a Je\v-who had no vile
111ethods of buying and selling, but was just, and feared
God, When this man saw Aladdin passing he called to
him, and told him that he had frequently seen him selling
things to the Je\v, and warned him about it.
Then Aladdin showed hiu1 the dish of gold and he took
it, and weighed it on the scales. "My son," he said,
" here is the price if thou wouldst sell."
He counted out seventy gold pieces and handed them
to Aladdin, who took them and thanked the merchant
heartily for his honest exposure of the Jew's wickedness.
And thereafter he brought the remaining dishes, and at
34

274

THE ARABIAN
lGHTS

last the tray, to that merchant, and received from him
their full value; so that Aladdin and his mother were
placed above want and in a comfortable position for people
of their station in life.
During this time Aladdin had changed his ways greatly.
He no longer consorted with the ragamuffins of the street
but selected for his friends men of standing and integrity.
Often he would 'watch the jewellers at their work, and
the goods they handled; and, through knowledge thus
acquired, he began to suspect that the je,vel-fruit he had
gathered in the garden of the cavern was not glass, as he
had imagined, but real gems. By this and that, and by
comparing and asking questions, he came at length to the
certainty that he actually possessed the richest je,vels in
all the earth. The smallest among them was bigger and
more sparkling by far than the largest and finest he could
see in any je,veller's shop.
One day he ,vas in the je,yellers' market, taking note
of things, when a herald came by, crying to all people :
"Take heed I By command of the Sultan, King of
the Age and Lord of the Earth, let all doors be closed,
and let none come forth from shop or dwelling on pain of
instant death, for the Sultan's daughter, Bedr-el-Budur
cometh to the bath I Take heed! "
No'v, on hearing this, a great longing arose in Aladdin's
breast to look upon the face of Bedr-el- Budur, the Sultan's
daughter. "All people extol her loveliness," he said to
himself; "and I-even if I die for it-I will look upon her
face; for something-I kno,v not what-impels me to
gaze on Bedr-el-Budur the beautiful."
Hastening to the Hammam he secreted himself behind
the door so that, unobserved himself, he might see her
when she came in. And presently the Sultan's daughter
arrived; and, as she entered, she lifted the veil from

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LA1\IP 275

her face, so that Aladdin saw her features clearly.
'\That a wondrous beauty was there! The witchery
of her eyes 1 The ivory of her skin I The jet of her
glossy tresses I These, and the swaying of her graceful
body as she walked, caused Aladdin's heart to turn to
water and then to spring wildly into flame,
Like one walking in a d:ream Aladdin went home and
sat him down in dejection of spirit. For a long time he
ans,vered not his mother's questions as to what ailed hin1,
but continued like one who had beheld a vision so lovely
that it had deprived him of his senses. At last, however,
he looked up, and said, " 0 my mother, know that until
to-day I had believed that all women were of thy fashion
of face, but now I find they are not; for to-day I saw the
Sultan's daughter, and she is more beautiful than all others
on earth." And Aladdin told her how he had hidden
behind the door of the Hammam, so that, when Bedr-el-
Budur had entered and lifted her veil, he had seen her
clearly; and how, on that, a great love had leapt up
in his heart and filled him to the exclusion of all else.
"And there is no rest for me," he concluded, "until
I win the Lady Bedr-el- Budur, and make her my wife."
At these daring words Aladdin's mother regarded him
sharply, ,vith fear on her face. "Art thou mad, my
son?" she cried. "Nay, 0 my mother," he answered,
" I am not mad. But, as I risked my life to see her, so
will I risk it again to win her; for, without her, life is of
no account to me. I will go to the Sultan and ask him
to give me the lovely Bedr-el- Budur for my lawful wife."
Seeing his determination his mother was sore afraid,
and knew not what to do. For a long time she reasoned
with him anxiously, pointing out ,vhat a scandal it would
be for the son of a poor tailor to aspire to the Sultan's
daughter.

276

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

These arguments, and more, his mother put before
him; but Aladdin shook his head at all of them, and
remained firm in his determination. "And further, 0
my mother," he said, "I wish no\v that thou go thyself
to the Sultan and put my request to him, for am I not thy
child? And is it not thy duty to perform this office for
me?"
"0 my son," she cried in despair, "wilt thou bring
me into thy madness? I, a poor ,voman, of humble birth,
to go in to the Sultan and demand the princess for my
son 1 Besides, 0 my son, how' shall I even gain access
to the Sultan's presence for this purpose without bearing a
rich gift to offer him ? "
"Mother," answered Aladdin, "thy words have served
me ,veIl, for they have called to my recollection a thing
'which, through excess of love for the Lady Bedr-el-Budur,
I had forgotten. Thou sayest that thou canst not approach
the Sultan without a rich gift. Then, 0 my mother, if I
place in thy hands an offering richer than any King in
the world can make to any other, wilt thou carry out my
desire ? "
Thinking his words were wild as the wind, and that he
could produce no such offering, his mother agreed; but,
remembering the Slave of the Lamp, and what had already
been done in that way, she stipulated with Aladdin that
she would carry out his wish only on condition that it
required no further invoking of the Efrite. Aladdin
assured her on this and asked her to fetch him a china
bowl. Wondering greatly she arose, and brought the bowl
to him. Then Aladdin emptied into it all the sparkling
jewels which he carried \vithin his garments, and, when
they 'vere heaped together in the bo\vl they shone with
a dazzling splendour. But, since he realized that it ,vas
not impossible that the project might fail, and that he

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP 277

Inight have to seek to the Slave of the Lamp for advice
and help in difficulty, he spoke to his mother on the
matter. "0 my mother," he said, " it was the condition
of thy promise that I should not invoke the Slave of the
Lamp in the furtherance of this my desire; yet it must
be understood between us that if thou make a blunder-
which thou needst not do-then, to extricate us from a
dire calamity, I am free to rub the Lamp and see what
its Slave can do for our salvation."
His mother assented to this, for she knew, if she failed
with the Sultan, all was lost; and, in such case, even
the aid of a demon would be acceptable.
When lllorning dawned Aladdin's mother arose and
prepared herself for the visit to the palace, and, ,vrapping
the bowl of jewels in a cloth, went forth early. When the
audience was full the Sultan came in and seated himself
on the royal divan. All bowed down before him, and
then stood ,vaiting with folded arms for his permission
to be seated. And, when he gave permission, all sat
down in their due order of precedence. Then he listened
to their petitions in the same order, and gave his decisions,
until the hour grew late, and the audience was declared
closed. The Sultan arose and went into the palace, and
the princes, with the nobles and the people, went their
ways, Among them went Aladdin's mother, thinking
to herself that this would be a matter of many days.
And every day thereafter she stood in the audience
with the bowl of jewels under her arm and heard the
petitions, but dared not for very timidity address the
Sultan. And in this way she continued for a whole
month, while Aladdin was nursing his impatient soul and
waiting on the issue.
Now the Sultan, being observant, had noticed the
woman present herself constantly at the levee. So he

278

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

commanded the Vizier to see to it that, should the woman
present herself again, she be instantly brought before
him.
And it came according to the Sultan's command to
the Grand Vizier; for one day the Sultan saw her waiting
in the audience chamber and ordered the Vizier to bring
her fOf,vard that he might consider her affair.
Now, at last, she was face to face with the Sultan,
making obeisance to him and kissing the ground at his
feet. "I have seen thee here, 0 woman, for many days,"
said the Sultan; "and thou hast not approached me. If
thou hast a wish that I can grant, lay it before me." At
this she kissed the ground again, and prayed fervently for
the prolongation of his life. Then she said, "0 J{ing of
all the Ages, I have a request; but, peace be on thee, it is
a strange one! \Vherefore I claim thy clemency before
I state it."
These words whetted the Sultan's curiosity, and, as he
was. a man of great gentleness, he spoke her softly in
reply, and not only assured her of his clemency but ordered
all others present to withdraw, saving only the Grand
Vizier, so that he might hear her petition in secret.
"Now, woman," said the Sultan, turning to her,
"make thy petition, and the peace and protection of
God be on thee." " Thy forgiveness, also, 0 King," she
said. "God forgive thee if there is aught to forgive,"
he replied. And at this Aladdin's mother unfolded the
tale of her son's exceeding love for Bedr-el-Budur, the
Sultan's daughter: how life had become intolerable to
him because of this, and how his only thought was to
,vin the Lady Bedr-el-Budur for his ,vife, or die-either of
grief, or by the Sultan's anger. Wherefore, his life being
in the balance in any case, she had come as a last resort
to beg the Sultan to bestow his daughter on her son.

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP 279

And she concluded by beseeching the Sultan not to
punish either her or her son for this unparalleled hardihood.
The Sultan looked at the Grand Vizier, whose face
was of stone-for the Lady Bedr-el-Budur had already
been promised to his son. "What sayest thou?" said
the Sultan, regarding him with merriment in his eyes.
But the Grand Vizier only cast a contemptuous look
at Aladdin's mother, and answered him: "0 l{ing of the
Age! Thou knowest how to deal with this petition."
At this the Sultan laughed outright, and, turning a kindly
face to the humble suppliant, observed her minutely.
" What is that bundle thou hast under thine arm? " he
said at last, remembering that she had brought it with
her on every occasion.
Aladdin's mother, greatly relieved to see the Sultan
laughing, unfolded the wrappings of the bowl and handed
it to him. As soon as he took it in his hand, and saw the
size and splendid sparkle of the jewels, the Sultan laughed
no longer, but gazed at then1, speechless ,vith wonder and
admiration. Then at length, he handed the bowl to the
Grand V'izier, saying, " Upon my oath, this is a marvellous
thing! Tell me, 0 Vizier, have I in my treasury a single
jewcl that ,vill compare with even the smallest of
these ?
,
The Grand Vizier also was taken aback by their
dazzling loveliness and beauty. He would have lied,
saying they were glass or crystal, but the stones then1selves
flashed back the purposed lie in his teeth. All he could
reply was, " Never, 0 my lord the King, have I beheld the
like of these; nor is there one in thy treasury that could
equal the beauty of the smallest of them." And, saying
his, the Vizier turned very pale, for neither he nor his
son could approach the Sultan ,vith such a gift. And it
was as he had feared, and as Aladdin had prophesied:

280

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

the Sultan required to know nothing further than what
was before him in the bowl.
"0 'Tizier," said the Sultan. "What sayest thou?
The man who sends me this kingly gift is worthy of my
daughter. I, the Sultan, King of the Age, having power
over all men, do ,vithdraw my former promise to thee to
besto,v her on thy son. Bedr-el-Budur, the one beautiful
jewel in the treasury of my heart, is liiY gift in return
to the man who has sent me these priceless jewels."
The Grand Vizier bit his lips and pondered awhile.
Then he spoke. "Peace be on thee, 0 King of all the
Ea
th. But is not thy promise ,vorth most of all? Thou
didst pledge me thy daughter for my son, and with that
pledge I ,vent, thinking that the whole earth and all
therein were not its value. Wherefore, 0 King, I pray
that thou wilt allow this matter time. If thou wilt
pledge this foster-mother of a prince that thou ,vilt comply
,vith her request in three months' time, then it seems to me
that, by so doing, thou wilt cement the good feeling
and loosen the griefs of all parties concerned. And in
the meantime-yea, I have good reason for saying it-
there will come before thee, 0 J{ing of the Age, a gift
compared to which this thou hast seen is but dross."
The Sultan weighed the Grand Vizier's words in his
n1ind, and accordingly, he said to the woman, "Tell t.hy
son that he hath my royal assent, and that I will give
him my daughter in marriage; but, as every ,voman
knows, these things cannot be hastened, for there are
garments and necessaries t.o be prepared; ,vherefore thy
son (on whom be peace) must abide in patience, for, let
us say, three months. At the end of that time he may
approach me for the fulfilment of my promise,"
Satisfied with t.his, Aladdin's mother thanked and
blessed t.he Sultan, and, buoyed up with a burden of

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP 281

delight, almost flew back to her house. There Aladdin
was awaiting for her, and, when he saw her hastening,
and noticed that she had returned without the bowl of
je,vels, his heart rose high to meet her,
Then she related to him the details of the interview,
laying stress upon the fact that, although the Sultan
had been moved at the sight of the jewels to make immedi-
ate arrangements for the marriage, a private word from
the Grand Vizier had led him to delay the ceremony for
three months. "Take heed, my son!" she concluded.
"The Grand Vizier hath a motive for this counsel of
delay. He is thine enemy. I sa,v it in his face. Beware
of him ! "
Aladdin was greatly relieved by her news. He felt
like one jerked out of the grave; and, where the Sultan
was favourable to his suit, he was in no mood to fear a
Grand Vizier, "Nay, nay," he said, "the jewels have
the eye of the Sultan more than the Grand Vizier hath his
ear. Fear nothing, 0 my mother! The Sultan's word is
good, and I rest content to wait; though I know' not how
such a long time as three months can be got into the
calendar."
T\vo of these long, weary months went by, and Aladdin
nursed his soul in patience. Then a thing happened
\vhich gave him seriously to think. On a day in the
first week of the third month his mother went forth into
the market place about sunset to buy oil, and she sa'v
that all the shops were closed, and the people \vere adorning
their \vindows \vith bright garlands as if for some festivity.
She wondered greatly at this, thinking the Sultan had
either changed his birthday or that another child had
been born to him. Yet she had gleaned nothing of any
great event from the gossip of her neighbours. Having,
aft
f5 much difficulty, found an oil shop open, she bought

282

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

her oil, and questioned the man. "Uncle," she said;
"what is abroad in the city that the people close their
shops and place candles and garlands in their windows? "
" Thou art evidently a stranger," replied the man. "Nay,
I am of this city," said she. "Then must thou cleanse
thine ears," he retorted. "Hast thou not heard that
the Grand Vizier's son is to take to himself this evening
the beautiful Bedr-el-Budur? Surely, won1an, thou hast
been sleeping all day on thine ears, for the ne,vs went
abroad early this morning. The Vizier's son is at the
Hammam, and these soldiers and officials you see in the
streets are ,vaiting to escort him to the palace. And,
look you, you are fortunate to get oil to-day, for all
those ,vho purvey oil to the Grand Vizier and his house-
hold have closed their shops as a mark of respect."
Aladdin's mother ,vent home in a state of great con-
sternation. Though her feet hastened, her heart lagged
behind her, for she kne,v not ho,v to tell her son the
terrible ne,vs. She ,vas afraid that after his joy at the
Sultan's promise, and his patient waiting, this blo,v ,vould
send hin1 from his mind. Then she contrived it in her
thoughts that it ,vas best to provoke her son's anger against
the Sultan, rather than his grief at the loss of Bedr-el-
Budur. .\..ccordingly, as soon as she entered the house and
found hhn sitting thinking, as ,vas his 'wont of late, she
said, " 0 n1Y son, there is no faith nor trust but in God.
Said I not to thee that the Grand Vizier ,vas thine enemy?
Out on hhn and the Sultan, for their ,vord is but hot
,vind, and there is no faith in the pron1Ïse of a King."
" I see by thy face and by thy speech," said Alaùdin, " that
thou hast some bad ne,vs. What is it, 0 my mother? "
Then his mother told how that the Sultan had violated
his covenant, and ho,v the marriage of the Lady Bedr-
el-Budur to the Grand Vizier's son ,vas to take place

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP 288

that very evening. For this she heaped abuse upon the
Grand Vizier, saying that it was only the worst of men
that could so lead the Sultan to break his promise. \Vhen
she had told all, and Aladdin understood ho\v the matter
lay, he arose, more in anger than in grief, and cried out
against the Grand Vizier and cursed all the parties con-
cerned in the affair. But presently he remenlbered that,
when all seemed lost, he still had the I.Jamp, and that ,vas
something in time of trouble and difficulty.
With this he arose and retired to his o\vn chamber,
where he brought out the Lamp. Then, having considered
,veIl the manner of his wish, he rubbed it. Immediately
the Efrite stepped out of the unseen and stood before
him, saying, " Thou hast invoked me: what is thy desire?
I anl the Slave of the Lamp in thy hand and am here to do
thy bidding." And Aladdin answered: "Kno,v, 0 Slave
of the Lamp, that the Sultan promised me his daughter
for my wife, but he has broken his ,vord, and this night
she is to be united ,vith the Grand Vizier's son; wherefore
I ,vish that, as soon as the pair retire, thou take them
up, with the couch whereon they lie, and bring thenl hither
to me." "I hear and obey," said the Slave of the Lamp,
and immediately vanished.
Aladdin waited expectantly for some time, for he
guessed that the moment would not be long delayed ,vhen
the \vedded pair would retire from the ceremonies. And
his guess was right, for ,vhen he had waited a little longer,
suddenly a cold blast of air s,vept through the chamber;
the ,vall opened and there appeared the Efrite bearing in
his arms the wedded pair upon the nuptial couch. They
had been transported in the t,vinkling of an eye, and,
when the Efrite had set the couch down at Aladdin's feet,
they were both stupefied ,vith astonishment at this
proceeding.

284

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

" Take that scurvy thief," said Aladdin to the Efrite,
pointing to the Vizier's son, " and bind him and lodge him
in the wood-closet for the night." And the Efrite did so.
He took up the Vizier's son in one hand, and, reaching
,vith the other for cords, drew them from the invisible and
bound the miscreant securely. Then he placed him in the
wood-closet and ble,v an icy blast upon him to comfort
him. Returning to Aladdin he said, " It is done, 0 l\iaster
of the Lamp! Is there aught else thou dost desire?"
" Naught but this," replied Aladdin. "In the morning,
when the Sultan is proceeding to,vards their chamber
to ,vish them long life and happiness, convey them back
thither in a state of sleep so that the Sultan's knock at
their door may ,vake them." "I will obey," said the
Efrite, and, in a moment, the air closed over him and he
was gone,
And Aladdin smiled to himself to think that this thing
had been done. Then he turned to the Lady Bedr-el-
Budur, who was sitting weeping on the couch, "0
lovely one," said he, " ,veep not; for I ,vould not hurt one
hair of thy head, nor sully thine honour in any ,yay.
Know that I love thee too much to harn1 thee; but, since
thy father the Sultan promised me thee, and has violated
his ,vord, I am determined that none other shall call thee
his. Rest in peace, lovely lady; for neither am I thy
husband nor the thief of thy husband's honour. Where-
fore, ,veep not, but rest in peace."
So saying he took a sword that hung on the wall of
his chamber, and, having placed it by her side in token of
security, he stretched himself upon the couch so that they
lay with the sword between them. Thus they passed the
night. The Sultan's daughter wept the long night through,
and Aladdin could not close his eyes for thinking of his
unfortunate rival's condition in the ,vood-closet. Towards

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LA1\lP 285

n10rning Bedr-el-Budur, utterly exhausted with ,veeping,
fell asleep; and, as Aladdin gazed upon her, he saw that
indeed her loveliness ,vas rare; and, the more he gazed,
the more he thought of the unhappy fate of the Vizier's
son. Never was a Ulan so badly treated as to be bound
fast on his wedding night and laid in a ,vood-closet in
deadly fear of the dreadful apparition that had placed,
him there.
In the morning, ,vhile Bedr-el-Budur still slept, the
Slave of the Lamp appeared according to Aladdin's com-
mand. "0 nlY master," he said, "the Sultan hath left
his couch and is about to knock at the door of the bridal
chamber, I am here to perform thy bidding on the
instant." "So be it," answered Aladdin. "Convey
them together on the couch back to their place." And
scarcely had he spoken ,vhen the Efrite vanished and
reappeared ,vith the Vizier's son, ,vhom he quickly un-
bound and laid upon the couch beside the sleeping Bedr-
el-Budur. Then, lifting the couch ,vith the two upon
it, he vanished, and Aladdin kne,v that, before the Sultan
had knocked at the door of the bridal chamber, every-
thing would be as it had been. Everything ? No, not
everything; for the Lady Bedr-el-Budur must awake as
from a terrible nightmare; and, as for the Vizier's son,
would he sing a song to the Sultan about spending the
night in the wood-closet? Aladdin pondered over this
and decided that nothing less than a repetition of the
affair ,vould wring the truth from either of them.
At this moment the Sultan knocked at the door of the
bridal chamber in the palace, and the Vizier's son, still
cold from the ,vood-closet, arose and opened to him. The
Sultan advanced to the couch, and kissed his daughter,
and asked her if she was happy and content. By way of
ans,ver she glared at him in sullen silence, for she had not

286

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

forgotten, in dreams or in waking, what had happened
to her. The Sultan, not understanding what had befallen,
and feeling annoyed, turned and left the chamber to lay
the matter before the Queen, to ,vhose ear their daughter's
tongue might the more easily be loosed. So he came to
the Queen and told her how Bedr-el-Budur had received
him, concluding his recital with the remark, "Thus it
is; there is trouble behind the door of that bridal chamber."
But the Queen smiled at his serious fears and answered
him: "0 my lord the I{ing, thou knowest little of the
heart of a woman. When it is happiest, a trifle makes it
sad; and, when it would send tears of laughter and joy
to the eyes, it sometimes turns perverse against itself for
very gladness, and sends tears of pain instead. Where-
fore, be not angry with her, but let me go and see her.
She ,vill surely confide in me."
So saying, she arose and robed herself, and ,vent to
the bridal chamber. At first sight of her daughter's
dejected attitude and pained expression she imagined
that some lovers' quarrel over a mere trifle had occurred;
but when she kissed her, ,vishing her good morning, and
Bedr-el- Budur answered no word to her salutation, she
began to think that some grave trouble rested on her
daughter's mind. And it \vas not until she had coaxed
her, and used every argument known to a mother, that
she received an answer to her questions. "Be not angry
with nlC, 0 my mother," said Bedr-el-Budur at last, rais-
ing her sad beautiful eyes, "but know that a terrible
thing has happened-a thing which I hardly dare tell
thee lest thou think I have lost my reason. Scarcely
had \ve retired, 0 my mother, when there suddenly
appeared a huge black shape-terrible, horrific in aspect;
and this-I kno,v not ,vhat nor ,vho-lifted the couch
\\
hereon we lay and conveyed us in a flash to some dark

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 287

and vile abode of the common people." And then to her
mother's astonished ears she unfolded the tale of all that
had happened during the night till, suddenly, in the
n10rning, she a,voke to find the monstrous shape replacing
them in the bridal chamber at the moment her father the
Sultan had knocked at the door. "And that, 0 my
mother," she concluded, "is ,vhy I could not answer my
father, for I ,vas so bewildered and stricken ,vith unhap-
piness that I thought that I was mad; though, now I
have thought about the affair from beginning to end, I
know that I have my wits like any other."
"Truly, 0 my daughter," said the Queen with great
concern, "if thou were to tell this story to thy father he
,,'ould say thou ,vert mad. Wherefore, I counsel thee,
child, tell it to him not; neither to hinl nor to any other
one." "Nay, 0 my mother," answered Bedr-el-Budur,
"dost thou doubt me? I have told thee the plain truth,
and, if thou doubt it, ask my husband if my tale be true or
not." But the Queen replied, "Sweep these fancies from
thy mind, 0 my daughter; and arise and robe thyself to
attend the rejoicings which this day have been prepared
in the city in thine honour. For the whole people is in
glad array, and the drums will beat and music will delight
the ears of all; and the musicians ,viII sing thy praises
and &II ,viII wish thee long life and happiness."
Leaving Bedr-el-Budur, then, with her tirewomen, the
Queen sought the Sultan, and begged him not to be angry
with their daughter, for she had been distressed ,vith
unhappy dreams. Then she sent for the Vizier's son to
COlne to her secretly, and, when he stood before her, she
related to him what Bedr-el- Budur had told her, and asked
him if it were true or if he kne,v aught of it. "Nay," he
answered, for he had thought the matter over and feared
that the truth might rob hin1 of his bride; besides, his

288

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

acquaintance ,vith the wood-closet seemed to him discredit-
able, and he felt little inclined to boast of it. "Nay, 0
my lady the Queen," said he; "I know naught of these
things beyond what thou hast told me."
From this there was no doubt left in the Queen's mind
that her daughter had suffered from a nightmare so vivid
that she had been unable easily to cast it from her. Never-
theless, she felt assured that, as the day wore on, with
its gaieties and rejoicings, Bedr-el-Budur would be enabled
to rid herself of these troublous imaginings of the night,
and resume her former self.
At ('-;-entime, when the ,vild rejoicing of the city had
fatigued itself against replenishment by wine, Aladdin
retired to his chamber and rubbed the Lamp. Immedi-
ately the Slave appeared and desired to know his wish.
" 0 Slave of the Lamp," said Aladdin, "do as thou didst
last night. See to it that thou convey the bridal pair
hither again as man and maid at the eleventh hour of their
innocence." The Slave of the Lamp vanished in a
moment, and Aladdin sat for a long time; yet he was
content, for he kne,v that the wily Efrite was but waiting
his opportunity. At length the monster reappeared before
him, bearing in his arms the bridal couch with the pair
upon it, weeping and ,vringing their hands in excess of
grief and terror. And, at Aladdin's word the Slave took
the Vizier's son as before and put him to bed in the wood-
closet, where he remained, bound fast in an icy chill.
And ,vhen it was morning, and the Sultan was about
to knock at the door of the bridal chamber in the palace,
the Slave of the Lamp appeared and conveyed the bride
and the bridegroom swiftly back to their place.
The Sultan had come to wish his daughter good
morning, and to see also if she would behave towards
hin1 as on the former occasion.

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 289

Then Bedr-el- Budur wept and supplicated him, and
told hixn ,vhat had befallen on the second night as on the
first.
The Sultan repaired imn1ediately to the Grand Vizier
and told him all; and asked him whether he had received
the same version of this matter from his son. But the
Grand Vizier shook his head in the manner of one who
might be lying and might not. "Then," said the Sultan,
"go at once and question him, for it may be that my
daughter hath seen visions and dreamed dreams; albeit,
I am unable to disbelieve the truth of her story."
So the Grand Vizier went and inquired of his son,
and presently returned to the Sultan in great perplexity
of face, for his son, ,vhatever he had admitted before,
had now confessed to everything, even to the wood-
closet. And, moreover he had begged and implored his
father to obtain his release from this most unhappy
marriage, since it was better to be without a bride and
sleep in peace than to have one and perish with cold
in a wood-closet. Thus it was with the Vizier's son.
"0 King of the Age," said the Grand Vizier, who
could not see his way to conceal the truth, "my son telleth
the same tale as thy daughter, the Lady Bedr-el-Budur.
\Vherefore I beseech thee that thou set a guard this night,
so that-" "Nay," broke in the Sultan angrily; "it
is an unhappy marriage and bodes no good. Thou didst
persuade me that my promise to that \voman in respect
of her son was not binding, but these unhappy events
and ill-omened affairs make me think thou wast mistaken.
Abide not another night, for worse may happen, Go
forth, 0 Vizier, and proclaim the marriage annulled. Bid
the people cease to rejoice, and command all to go their
own ways and comport thelllseives as if the marriage had
not been."
86

290

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

At this the Grand Vizier bo,ved his head and went
forth exceeding ,vroth, and proclaimed the annulment of
the marriage to all the people.
'Yhether the Sultan had swiftly forgotten, or tardily
remembered, his pledge, Aladdin troubled not to inquire.
He ,yaited patiently until the three n10nths had expired,
and then sent his mother to demand of the Sultan the
fulfilment of his promise.
The Sultan, ,vho had not now the bo,vl of je,vels
before him to blind his vision, regarded her intently,
and sa,v that she ,vas of humble state. "What is thy
thought on this, 0 Vizier? " he said. "l\ly ,vord is my
word, and I regret that thou shouldst have eXplained it
away; yet it seems to me that this woman is not of the
kind that could mother-in-Ia,v my daughter. Hast thou
a plan which is not a trick? If thou hast, ,vhisper it in
mine ear."
The Grand Vizier ,vas pleased to hear the Sultan
appealing to his ready wit in this \vay. "0 King of the
Age," he said, "thy pledge holds good, as ever it did;
yea, as good as marriage vows. But verily, if this common
,voman's son desireth thy daughter for his wife, there
should be a settlement befitting such a suit. lVherefore
ask of him forty bowls of gold filled with jewels of the
same blood and tincture as the woman brought at first,
,vith forty female slaves to carry them, and a fitting
retinue of forty. This thing, which is a Sultan's right to
ask, it seemeth to me he cannot contrive to execute, and
thus thou shalt be free of him."
"By Allah!" said the Sultan, "thou art of ready
wit, 0 Vizier! Truly a marriage settlement is needed."
Then, turning to Aladdin's mother, he said: "0 woman!
know that ,vhen one asketh the daughter of the Sultan
one must have standing, for so it is in royal circles; and,

ALADDIN A
T]) THE WONDERFUL LA1\IP 291

to prove that standing, the suitor must show that he is
able to provide for the Sultan's daughter and keep her in
that state to ,vhich she has been accustomed. '\Therefore
he must bring to me forty golden bowls filled ,vith je,vels
such as thou didst bring, ,vith forty beautiful female
slaves to carry them and forty black slaves as a retinue.
Coming like this, thy son n1ay claim my daughter, for the
Sultan's ,vord is the Sultan's ,vord."
A sad woman then ,vas Aladdin's mother. She re-
turned to her son sick at heart. "0 my son," she ex-
claimed, ,veeping, "said I not to thee that the Grand
'Tizier was thine enemy '1 The Sultan remembered his
pledge, but the Vizier-may his bones rot I-spake in
his ear, and the outcome is this: forty golden bowls
of jewels, forty female slaves to carry them, and forty
slaves as an escort. With this dowry, 0 my son, thou
mayest approach the Sultan and claim his daughter as
thy bride."
Loudly Aladdin laughed to scorn. And \vhen his
mother had brought him food, and he had eaten, he arose
and ,vent into his chamber. There he brought out
the Lamp, and, sitting down, he rubbed it. Immediat.ely
the Slave appeared.
In less than an hour he returned and led before Aladdin
forty beautiful n1aidens, each carrying a golden bo,vl of
jewels on her head, and each accompanied by a magnificent
black slave. And \vhen Aladdin's mother sa\v this array
she kne,v that it ,vas done by the Lamp, and she blessed
it for her son's sake, Then said Aladdin, " 0 my mother,
behold, the dowry is ready according to the Sultan's
requirement. It is for thee to take it to him, to show
him what is in my po,ver, and also that no time hath
been lost in complying with his request."
Then the maids, ,vith the golden bo,vls of precious

292

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

stones, arrayed themselves in the street outside the house,
and by each maid stood a slave. Thus, led by Aladdin's
mother, they proceeded to the Sultan's palace; and the
people cruwded in the streets to see this un,vonted sight,
for the maids ,vere richly dressed, and all, with the sun
shining on their raiment and flashing in the jewels they
bore, made a magnificent spectacle. N ever had the people
seen such jewels, never such beauteous damsels, never
such magnificent slaves.
Thus, in due course, came Aladdin's mother before the
Sultan, leading the cortège into the Audience Hall.
The maidens took the bowls of je\vels from their head and
set them on the ground. Then they made obeisance,
they and the slaves prostrating themselves before the
Sultan; and, having done this, they all arose and stood
before him in humble reverence. And, ,vhen the Sultan's
gaze at last left the beauteous damsels and fell upon the
bowls of je,vels at their feet, he was beside himself \vith
wonder and admiration. '\Vhen he found words, he com-
manded that the \vhole cortège should present itself,
with the jewels, to the Lady Bedr-l :-Budur in her palace.
Then he added to Aladdin's mother: "Tell thy son he
need fear not but that I shall keep my promise; but bid
him come hither to me with all haste, so that I may
look upon his face and accept him as my son-in-law;
for the lnarriage shall be this very night."
The Grand Vizier turned white with rage-,vhiter than
his false heart had ever been, even ,vhen a boy. After
a dagger-thrust of glances between them, Aladdin's
mother made obeisance to the Sultan and thanked him.
Then, \vith contempt for the Grand Vizier written plainly
on her face, she withdre\v, and returned home, \valking on
the air.
Now Aladdin, ,vhen he saw his mother returning swift-

ALADDIN AND THE \VONDERFUL LAl\IP 293

footed and on wings of joy, knew that good tidings came
\vith her. But, before he could speak, his mother burst in
upon him and embraced him, crying, "0 my son! thy
heart's wish is fulfilled. This very night thou art to wed
the Sultan's daughter, and so it is proclaimed before all
the \vorld," Then did Aladdin rejoice that his expecta-
tions ,vere fulfilled, and was continuing to rejoice \vhen his
mother addressed him suddenly. "Nay," she said, "I
have not told thee all. The Sultan bids thee go to him
immediately, for he desires to see his son-in-law. But
ho,v shalt thou approach the Sultan in thy merchant's
garments? Ho\vever, I have done all I can for thee, and
it is now thine own affair."
So saying, she withdrew to rest a little, and Aladdin,
having blessed her, retired to his chamber and brought
forth the Lamp. With a set purpose in his mind, he
rubbed it, and at once the Slave appeared. "Thou
knowest me: what is thy desire?" "I \vish," answered
Aladdin, "that thou take me to a bath which hath no equal
in all the kingdoms, and provide me there with a change of
raiment of resplendent glory, richer than any the Sultan
has ever worn."
No sooner had he spoken than the Efrite bore him a,vay
in his arms, and deposited him in a bath the like of which
no King could compass nor any man describe. Then
he sought the jewelled hall and found there, in place of his
merchant's garb, a set of robes that exceeded all imagin-
ation. At the door of the bath, he was met by the Efrite
in ,vaiting, who took up and bore him in a flash to his
home.
" Hast thou still some further need ? " asked the Slave
of the Lamp, about to vanish, " Yea," replied Aladdin.
" Bring me here a Chief of 1\Iemluks with forty. eight in
his train-twenty-four to precede me and twenty-four to

294

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

follo,v after; and see that they have splendid horses and
equipments, so that not even the greatest in the ,vorld can
say, 'This is inferior to mine.' For myself I want a
stallion such as cannot be equalled among the Arabs,
and his housings must be for value such as one could
purchase only in dreams. And to each memluk give a
thousand gold pieces, and to the Chief l\lemluk ten thou-
sand; for ,ve go to the Sultan's palace and would scatter
largesse on the \vay. Wait! Also twelve maidens of
unequalled grace and loveliness in person to attire and
accompany my mother to the Sultan's presence. And
look you! \vhatever of grace and beauty is lacking in
my person supply it to me on my natural plan of being.
See to it, 0 Slave of the Lamp! "
"It is already done," said the Slave of the Lamp;
and, vanishing on the instant, he reappeared at once
at the door,vay of the house, leading a noble white
stallion gorgeously equipped, ,vhile behind came the
twelve damsels and forty-nine memluks on magnificent
{' hargers.
Now, when the Sultan had received word that Aladdin
was coming, he informed his nobles and grandees of the
meaning of this thing; so that, when Aladdin arrived,
there was a vast concourse of people, and all the stateliest
of the land \vere there a,vaiting his entry. As the sun
rises in glory upon a waiting world, so came Aladdin
to the palace. At the door of the Hall of Audience he
dismounted, while hands held his stirrup that had never
performed such an office before.
The Sultan was seated on his throne, and, immediately
he saw Aladdin, he arose and descended and took him to
his breast, forbidding all ceremony on so great an occasion.
Then he led him up affectionately, and placed him on his
right hand. In all this Aladdin forgot not the respect due

ALADDIN AND TIlE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 295

to kings. Forbidden to be too humble, he was not too
lofty in his bearing. He spoke:
"0 my lord the Sultan t King of the Earth and
Heaven's Dispenser of all Good! Truly thou hast treated
nle graciously in bestowing upon me thy daughter the
Lady Bedr-el-Budur. Hear me yet further, for I have a
request to l11ake. Grant me a site whereon to build a
palace, un,vorthy as it may prove, for the comfort and
happiness of thy daughter, the Lady Bedr-el- Budur ? "
Then the Sultan conversed with Aladdin and ,vas
greatly charmed ,vith his cotirtliness and eloquence.
Anon he ordered the musicians to play, and together they
listened to the music in the utmost content. Finally he
arose, and, taking Aladdin by the hand, led him forth
into the palace banqueting hall, where a splendid supper
was a,vaiting them ,vith the lords of the land standing
ready in their proper order of degree, Yet above them
all sat Aladdin, for he was at the Sultan's right hand.
And, while they ate, the music played and a merry 'v it
prevailed; and the Sultan drew nearer to Aladdin in
their talk, and saw, from his grace, his manner of speech,
and his complaisance, that indeed he must have been brought
up and nurtured among kings. Then, 'while they con-
versed, the Sultan's heart went out with joy and satis-
faction to Aladdin, and the whole assemblage saw that
it ,vas not as it had been with the Vizier's son.
The Grand Vizier himself ,vould have retired early had
it not been that his presence was required for the marriage
cerenlony. As soon as the banquet ,vas over and the tables
cleared away, the Sultan comnlanded the Vizier to summon
the Kadis and the ,vitnesses, and thus the contract be-
tween Aladdin and the Lady Bedr-el-Budur ,vas duly
executed. Then, ,vithout a warning word, Aladdin arose
to depart. "Wherefore, 0 my son ?" said the Sultan.

296

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

"Thy wedding is duly contracted and the festivities are
about to begin."
"Yea, 0 my lord the King," replied Aladdin; "and
none rejoiceth at that more than I; but, if it please thee, it
is my thought to build a palace for the Lady Bedr-el-
Budur; and if my love and longing for her be anything,
thou mayest rest assured that it will be completed so
quickly as to amaze thee." At this the Grand Vizier
tugged the Sultan's sleeve, but received no attention.
" It is well," said the Sultan to Aladdin; "choose what
site seemeth best to thee and follow thine own heart
in the matter. See! this open space by my palace!
What thinkest thou, my son?" "0 King," replied
Aladdin, "I cannot thank thee enough, for it is the
summit of my felicity to be near thee."
Then Aladdin left the palace in the same royal manner
as he had approached it, with his memluks preceding and
following; and again the people praised and blessed him
as he passed. When he reached his house he left all other
affairs in the hands of his Chief l\lemluk with certain
instructions, and went into his chamber. There he took
the Lamp and rubbed it. The Slave appeared on the
instant and desired to know his pleasure. "0 Slave,"
answered Aladdin, "I have a great task for thee. I
desire thee to build for me in all haste a palace on the open
space near the Sultan's Serai-a palace of magnificent
design and construction, and filled with rare and costly
things. And let it be incomplete in one small respect,
so that, when the Sultan offers to complete it to match
the whole, all the wealth and artifice at his command
will not suffice for the task." "0 my master," replied
the Efrite, "it shall be done with all speed. I will return
when the work is finished." With this he vanished.
It ,vas an hour before dawn when the Slave of the

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP 297

Lamp returned to Aladdin, and, a wakening him from
sleep, stood before him. "0 !\laster of the Lamp," he
said, "the palace is built as thou didst command." "It
is well, 0 Slave of the Lamp," answered Aladdin; "and
I would inspect thy work." No sooner had he spoken
than he found himself being borne swiftly through the
air in the arms of the Efrite, who set him down almost
immediately within the palace.
Most excellently had the Slave done his work. Por-
phyry, jasper, alabaster and other rare stones had been
used in the construction of the building. The floors were
of mosaics the which to match would cost much wealth
and time in the fashioning, while the walls and ceilings,
the doors and the smallest pieces of detail were all such
that even the imagination of them could come only
to one dissatisfied with the palaces of kings. When
Aladdin had wondered at all this, the Slave led him
into the Treasury, and showed him countless bars of
gold and silver and gems of dazzling brilliance. Thence
to the banqueting hall, where the tables were arrayed
in a manner to take one's breath away; for every dish
and every flagon was of gold or silver, and all the goblets
'were crusted with jewels. But, when the Slave led him
farther and sho,ved him a pavilion with twenty-four
niche
thickly set with diamonds and emeralds and rubies,
he fairly lost his wits. And the Slave took him to one
niche and showed him how his command had been carried
out in that this was the one small part of the palace that
,vas left incomplete in order to tempt and tax the Sultan
to finish it.
When Aladdin had viewed the \vhole palace, and seen
the numerous slaves and beautiful maidens therein, he
asked yet one thing more of the Efrite. "0 Slave of the
Lamp," he said, "the work is wonderful, yet it still
87

298

TIlE ARABIAN NIGHTS

lacketh an approach from the Sultan's palace. I desire,
therefore, a rich carpet laid upon the intervening space,
so that the Lady Bedr-el-Budur may come and go upon
a splendid path\vay of brocade worked with gold and
inwrought ,vith precious stones." "I hear and obey,"
said the Slave, and vanished. Presently he returned and
led Aladdin to the steps of the palace. "0 my lord,"
he said, "\vha t thou didst con1mand is done." And he
pointed to a magnificent carpet extending from palace
to palace. The gold and the precious stones in the brocade
gleamed and sparkled in the stars' last rays before the
rise of dawn. \Vhen Aladdin had gazed upon it and
\vondered at it, the Efrite carried him in the twinkling of
an eye back to his o'vn home.
Shortly afterwards, ,vhen the dawn had arisen, the
Sultan opened his eyes, and, looking forth from his windo,v,
beheld a magnificent structure where the day before had
been an open space. Doubting the evidence of his
senses, he turned himself about and rubbed his eyes and
looked again. There, undoubtedly, was a palace more
splendid and glorious than any he had ever seen; and there,
leading to it, ,yas a carpet the like of which he had never
trod. The news of it spread through the palace like
\vildfire. The Grand Vizier came rushing to the Sultan,
and, finding him at the \vindow, had no need to tell him
the cause of his excitement. "What sayest thou, 0
Vizier?" said the Sultan. " Yonder stands a palace
surpassing all others. Truly Aladdin is worthy of my
daughter, since at his bidding such a royal edifice arises
in a single night."
Then the Vizier's envy found vent. "0 I{ing," he
said, "thinkest thou that such a thing as this could be
done save by the vilest of sorcery? Riches and jewels
and costly attire are in the hands of mortals, but this-

ALADDIN Al\TD THE WONDERFUL LA
IP 299

this is impossible!" "Impossible?" said the Sultan,
" Behold! "-and he pointed towards the palace-" there
it stands in the light of day, and thou sayest it is inlpossible.
Verily, 0 Vizier, it seems thy wits are turned ,vith envy
at the ,vealth of Aladdin. Prate not to me of sorcery.
There are fe,v things beyond the power of a man in whose
treasury are such jewels as those sent me by Aladdin."
At this the Grand Vizier was silent; indeed, his excess
of envy \vellnigh choked him, for he saw that the Sultan
loved Aladdin greatly.
Now when Aladdin a\voke in the morning and knew
that he must set forth for the palace where the nobles and
grandees were already assembling for the \vedding cele-
bra tion, he took the Lamp and rubbed it. The Slave
appeared on the instant and desired to know his wish.
" 0 Slave of the Lamp," said Aladdin, " this is my \vedding
day and I go to the Sultan's palace. Wherefore I shall
need ten thousand gold pieces."
When all was ready Aladdin mounted his steed and
rode through the city while the memluks before and behind
distributed largesse all the way. And the people were
loud in their praises of his dignity and grace and loved
him greatly for his generosity. Anon the palace ,vas
reached and there the high officials, \vho ,vere looking
for Aladdin and his train, hastened to inforn1 the Sultan
of his approach. On this the Sultan arose, and, going
out to the gates of the palace to meet hinI, embraced
and kissed him.
Anon the Sultan commanded the \vedding banquet
to be served. And, when it ,vas all ready, Aladdin sat
on the right hand of the Sultan; and they, \vith all the
nobles and foremost in the land, ate and drank. On
every hand were honour and good will for Aladdin,
When the banquet ,vas over Aladctin repaired with his

800

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

memluks to his palace to make ready for the reception of
his bride, Bedr-el- Budur. And, as he ,vent, all the
people thronged him, shouting, " God give thee happiness!
God ble
s thy days I" And he scattered gold amongst
them.
Bedr-el-Budur, watching him from a window in her
father's palace, felt her heart turn over and over in her
bosom, and then, saying within herself, " He is my husband
and none other," she renounced herself to the exquisite
joy of sudden love.
At eventime the Sultan commanded an escort to con-
duct the Lady Bedr-el-Budur to her husband's abode.
On this the Captains of guards, the officers of state and
nobles, ,veIl equipped, ,vere mounted in readiness and
waiting at the door of Bedr-el-Budur's apartments.
Presently, preceded by female slaves and eunuchs bearing
lighted tapers set in je,velled candlesticks, came forth a
vision of loveliness. Bedr-el- Budur, aflame with love for
Aladdin, appeared on the threshold like a pure white
bird about to fly into space. All too slow was the pro-
cession that escorted her to Aladdin's palace. The stately
pomp and splendour accorded not with the beating of her
heart. She sa,v not Aladdin's mother nor the beauteous
damsels, nor the mounted guards, nor the emirs, nor the
nobles-her only thought was Aladdin, for her heart
,vas consumed with love.
Thus from the Seraglio to Aladdin's palace, where
Bedr-el-Budur, as one floating in a dream, was taken
to her apartments' and arrayed for presentation to the
Court assembled. And of all that Court and multitude
of people the only one who had no voice was Aladdin,
for, when he looked upon his bride in her surpassing
loveliness, he was reft of speech or thought, and stood
silent before a joy too great for tongue to tell.

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THE LADY BEDR-EL-DUDUB
(Page 292)

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 303

At last, when the presentation was over, Aladdin
sought the bridal chamber where he found his mother
with Bedr-el-Budur. And there, in the apartment all
sparkling ,vith gold and precious stones, his mother
unveiled her and Aladdin gazed into her eyes and took
no thought for the lustre of jewels. And while his mother
went into raptures over the splendour of the palace,
Aladdin and Bedr-el-Budur exchanged one look of love
-a thing \vhich none could purchase with all the treasures
of the earth. And so it was with Aladdin and his bride.
Great was the Sultan's wonder and admiration when
he sa 'v the architecture and masonry of the structure, for,
even without, it ,vas all of the rarest and most costly stone
inwrought ,vith gold and silver and fashioned with con-
summate skill; but when he entered and viewed the
entrance hall his breath was snatched away from him, for
he had never seen anything so magnificent in his life.
At length, finding speech, he turned to the Grand Vizier
and said, " Verily, this is the greatest ,vonder of all. Hast
thou ever, from first to last, beheld a palace like this ? "
" 0 King of the Age," replied the Vizier gravely, " there
hath never been the like of this among the sons of men,
It would take ten thousand workmen ten thousand days
to construct it; wherefore, as I told thy Felicity, its
completion in a single night is the ,vork of sorcery." At
this the Sultan was not pleased, "Verily, 0 Vizier," he
replied, "thou hast an envious heart, and thou speakest
foolishly with thy mouth."
At this moment Aladdin approached the Sultan to
conduct him through the rooms of the palace. And, as
they ,vent from one to another, the Sultan was simply
astounded at the \vealth of metal and precious stones on
every hand, and at the \vorkmanship thereof. As for the
Vizier, he had said all he had to say, and followed sullenIy,

804

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

nursing an evil heart. At length they came to the kiosk,
which was a crowning 'work of jewel-clusters so rich and
splendid that the Treasuries of the earth must have been
emptied to fill them. The Sultan nearly went from his
wits in the effort to calculate the fabulous wealth of this
apartment alone. For relief he turned this way and that,
gazing upon the niches, which ,vere the most precious and
wonderful of all. And in this way he came at length to
the niche that had been left incomplete. This gave
him speech. "Alas!" he said, relieved to find a fia w,
"this niche, at least, is imperfect." Then, turning to
Aladdin, he inquired the reason of it. " Yea, 0 my lord,"
answered Aladdin, " woe unto it; it is indeed unfinished,
for the workmen clamoured to be allowed to prepare
themselves for the wedding festivities and I had not the
heart to say them nay. So they left it as thou seest
it." Then, while Aladdin stood by observing intently
the effect of his words, the Sultan stroked his beard in
contemplation. "0 my son," he said presently, "the
thought has come to me to complete it myself." "On
the head and eye, 0 King! " cried Aladdin. "And may
thy life be prolonged! If thou wilt honour me thus it
will be a fitting perpetuation of thy memory in the palace
of thy daughter." At this, the Sultan, vastly pleased,
summoned his jewellers and artificers, and, empowering
them to draw on the Royal Treasury for all they might
require, he commanded them to complete the niche.
Scarcely had the Sultan finished his directions in this
matter when Bedr-el- Budur came to greet him. And his
heart leapt with joy at her radiant face when he looked
upon her. Then, \vhen she had confided to him ho\v happy
she was, Aladdin led them into the banqueting hall, where
all was ready.
When the Sultan's soul was wellnigh weary with

ALADDIN AND THE 'VONDERFUL I
AMP 805

excess of enj oyment he rose, and, bethinking himself of
the unfinished niche, repaired to the kiosk to see how his
workmen had progressed 'with their task. And when he
came to them and inspected their work he saw that they
had completed only a small portion and that neither
the execution nor the material, which ,vas already ex-
hausted, could compare with that of the other niches.
Seeing this he bethought him of his reserve Treasury and
the jewels Aladdin had given him. Wherefore he com-
manded the workmen to draw upon these and continue
their work. This they did, and, in due course, the Sultan
returned to find that the work was still incomplete.
Determined to carry out his design at whatever cost the
Sultan commanded his officials to seize all the jewels they
could lay their hands on in the kingdom. Even this
was done, and 10, still the niche was unfinished,
It ,vas not until late on a day thereafter that Aladdin
found the jewellers and goldslniths adding to the ,york
the last stones at their command. "Hast thou jewels
enough? " he asked of the chief artificer. "Nay, 0 my
master," he replied sadly. "We have used all the jewels
in the Treasuries; yea, even in all the kingdom, and yet
the work is only half finished."
"Take it all away!" said Aladdin, "Restore the
jewels to their rightful owners," So they undid their
work and returned the jewels to the Treasuries and to the
people from whom they had been taken. And they went
in to the Sultan and told him. Unable to learn from them
the exact reason for this, the Sultan immediately called
for his attendants and his horses and repaired to Aladdin's
palace.
Meanwhile, Aladdin himself, as soon as the workmen
had left, retired to a private chamber; and, taking out the
Lan1p, rubbed it. "Ask ,vhat thou wilt," said the Slave,

8

306

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

appearing on the instant. "I desire thee to complete
the niche which was left incomplete," answered Aladdin.
" I hear and obey," said the Slave, and vanished. In a
very short space of time he returned, saying, "0 my
master, the work is complete." Then Aladdin arose and
went to the kiosk, and found that the Slave had spoken
truly; the niche ,vas finished. As he was examining it,
a memluk came to him and informed him that the Sultan
was at the gates. At this Aladdin hastened to meet
him. "0 my son," cried the Sultan as Aladdin greeted
him, "why didst thou not let my jewellers complete the
niche in the kiosk? \Vilt thou not have the palace
whole?" And Aladdin ans'wered him, "0 my lord, I
left it unfinished in order to raise a doubt in thy mind
and then dispel it; for, if thy Felicity doubted my ability
to finish it, a glance at the kiosk as it now stands ,viII
make the matter plain." And he led the Sultan to
the kiosk and showed him the completed niche.
The Sultan's astonishment was now greater than ever,
that Aladdin had accomplished in so short a space that
which he himself could command neither workmen nor
jewels sufficient to accomplish in many months. It filled
him with wonder. He embraced Aladdin and kissed him,
saying there was none like him in all the world. Then,
when he had rested awhile with his daughter Bedr-el-
Budur, who was full of joy and happiness, the Sultan
returned to his o\vn palace.
As the days passed by Aladdin's fame ,vent forth
through all the land.
No,v it chanced that the Sultan's enemies from distant
parts invaded his territory and rode do\vn against him.
The Sultan assenlbled his armies for war and gave the chief
command to Aladdin, whose skill and pro,vess had found
great favour in his eyes. And Bedr-el-Budur wept when

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LA?\fP 807

Aladdin went forth to the wars, but great was her delight
when he returned victorious, having routed the enemy in
a great battle with terrible slaughter.
N o,v the fame of Aladdin penetrated even to distant
parts, so that his name was heard even in the land of the
l\Ioors, where the accursed Dervish d,velt. This sorcerer
had not yet made an end of lamenting the loss of the Lamp
just as it seemed about to pass into his hands. And,
while he lamented, he cursed Aladdin in his bitter rage,
saying within himself. "'Tis well that ill-otnened mis-
creant is dead and buried, for, if I have not the Lamp,
it is at least safe, and one day I may come by it." But
when he heard the name" Aladdin," and the fatne attached
to it, he muttered to himself, "Can this be he? And
hath he risen to a high position through the Lamp and
the Slave of the Lamp?" Then he rose and drew a
table of magic signs in the sand in order to find if the
Aladdin of Destiny were indeed alive upon the earth.
And the figures gave him what he feared. Aladdin was
alive and the Lamp was not in the cavern where by his
magic he had first discovered it. At this a great fear
struck him to the heart, and he wondered that he had
lived to experience it, for he knew that at any moment
Aladdin, by means of the Slave of the Lamp, might
slay him for revenge. Wondering that this had not
occurred to Aladdin's mind he hastened to dra,v another
table; by which he saw that Aladdin had acquired
great possessions and had married the Sultan's daughter.
At this his rage mastered his fear and he cursed Aladdin
with fury and envy. But, though his magic ,vas great, it
could not cope with that which slumbered in the Lamp,
and his curses missed their mark, only to abide the time
when they might circle back upon him. Meanwhile, in
great haste, he arose and journeyed to the far land of

308

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

Cathay, fearing every moment that Aladdin would bethink
him of revenge by means of the Slave of the Lamp. Yet
he arrived safely at the City of the Sultan and rested at
an inn where he heard naught but praises of Aladdin's
generosity, his bravery in battle, his beautiful bride Bedr-
el- Budur and his magnificent palace.
Taking his instruments of divination, he soon learned
that the Lamp was not on Aladdin's person, but in the
palace. At this he was overjoyed, for he had a plan to
get possession of it. Then he went out into the market
and bought a great number of new lamps, which he put
in a basket and took back to the inn. When evening
was drawing nigh, he took the basket and ,vent forth in
the city-for such ,vas his plan-crying, "New lamps
for old! Who will exchange old lamps for new?" And
the people hearing this, laughed among thelTIselves, saying
he was mad; and none brought an old lamp to him in
exchange for a new one, for they all thought there was
nothing to be gained out of a madman. But when the
Dervish reached Aladdin's palace he began to cry more
lustily, " New lamps for old! Who will exchange
old lamps for new?" And he took no heed of the
boys who mocked him and the people who thronged
him.
Now Fate so willed it that, as he came by, Bedr-el-
Budur was sitting at a window of the kiosk; and, when she
heard the tumult and saw the pedlar about whom it
turned, she bade her maid go and see what was the matter.
The girl went, and soon returned, saying, "0 my lady,
it is a poor pedlar who is asking old lamps for new ones;
and the people are mocking him, for without a doubt he is
mad." "It seems proof enough," answered Lady Bedr-
el-Budur, laughing. '" Old wine for new' I could under-
stand, but ' old lamps for new' is strange. Hast thou not

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LA
IP 809

an old lamp so that we might test him and see whether his
cry be true or false? "
No,v the dalnsel had seen an old lamp in Aladdin's
apartment, and hastened to acquaint her mistress with this.
" Go and bring it! " said the Lady Bedr-el-Budur, who
had no knowledge whatever of the Lamp and its wonderful
virtues. So the maid went and brought the Lamp, little
knowing what woe she was working Aladdin. Then the
Lady Bedr-el-Budur called one of the memluks and handed
him the Lamp, bidding him go down to the pedlar and
exchange it for a new one. Presently he returned, bearing
8 new lamp, and, when the Princess took it and saw that
it ,vas a far better one than the old one, she laughed and
said, " Verily this man is mad! A strange trade, and one
that can bring him small profit. But his cry is true,
therefore take him this gold to cover his losses." And she
gave the memluk ten gold pieces, and bade him hasten.
But the memluk returned anon with the ten pieces, saying
that the pedlar had disappeared, having left all his new
lamps with the people. The Lady Bedr-el-Budur won-
dered at this, but knew not, nor guessed the terrible
consequences of her act.
As for the Dervish, as soon as he had got the Lamp, he
recognized it. Placing it in his bosom, he left all else and
ran, which to the people was only a further proof of his
madness. On and on he ran, through the city and its out-
skirts, until he came to the desert, ,vhere at last he was
alone. Then, and not till then, he took the Lamp froln
his bosom and rubbed it. In a flash appeared the Slave of
the Lamp. "\Vhat is thy wish? I am the Slave of
the Lamp which is in thy hands." And the Dervish
replied, " I desire thee to take the palace of Aladdin, with
all it contains, and convey it to the land of the l\Ioors
in Africa, and set it down upon the open space within the

810

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

gardens of my dwelling in that land. Take me also with
it. I have spoken." "0 my master," said the Slave,
"in the twinkling of an eye it is done. If thou carest
to close thine eyes for one moment, ,vhen thou openest
them thou wilt find thyself ,vithin the palace, in thy
garden in the land of the 1\Ioors." And ere the Dervish
could say, "I have closed n1Y eye and opened it again,"
he found that it was even so, as the Slave had said. The
palace and all in it ,vere in his own garden, in his own
country, with the sun of Africa shining in upon him.
Now the Lady Bedr-el- Budur was within the palace,
but Aladdin ,vas not. He had not yet returned from the
chase. This thing had taken place after nightfall, so
that as yet none had perceived it. But at the hour of the
rising of the full moon, the Sultan looked forth fron1 a
window to admire Aladdin's palace in its silver light;
what was his surprise to find that there was no palace
there! All was bare and open space just as it had been
before this wonderful palace was built. "By Allah!"
he cried in distress and alarm. "Can it be that the Vizier
was right, and that this splendid thing was but the fabric
of sorcery, built in a single night and dissolved in a moment
like a dream on waking? And my daughter, where is
she? Oh woe! oh woe!" And the Sultan wrung his
hands in grief. Then presently he summoned the Grand
Vizier, and bade him look forth at the palace of Aladdin.
And when the Vizier looked forth and saw no splendid
edifice giving back the rays of the moon, but all as bare
as it had been before, he turned to the Sultan, his face
pale and twitching with excitement. "0 King of the
Age," he said, "doth thy Felicity now believe that the
palace and all Aladdin's wealth were the work of sorcery? "
And the Sultan did not reply, but beat his breast and
plucked his beard; for, apart from sorcery, it was enough

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP 311

for him to know that Aladdin's palace was gone and his
daughter with it. "Where is Aladdin ?" he demanded
at last in wrath. "At the chase," replied the Vizier.
"Then I command thee to have him brought before me
at once, pinioned and shackled."
A glad man then was the Vizier. With all alacrity he
issued the Sultan's commands to the captains, who ,vent
forth with their soldiers to find and seize Aladdin. It
was a difficult task for them, for they all loved him greatly;
and, when they came upon him, they asked his forgive-
ness, yet took him and led him bound and manacled before
the Sultan. But the Sultan, being filled with rage at the
loss of his daughter, no sooner set eyes on Aladdin among
his captors than he ordered him to the executioner.
Nnw when this came to the ears of the people, they sur-
rounded the palace and barred its gates and doors, and
raised a great clamour \vithout, so that the Sultan sent
his Grand Vizier to ascertain the cause.
l\Ieanwhile on the scaffold the executioner had spread
the mat of death and Aladdin was kneeling thereon blind-
folded, ready for the blo,v. The executioner ,valked round
him thrice and then turned towards the Sultan, who stood
at a 'window and awaited his con1mand to strike. At this
mODlent the cries of the people grew louder and fiercer
and the Sultan beheld them scaling the walls of the palace.
Then fear gat hold of him for the issue, and he signalled
to the executioner to stay his hand, and bade the Vizier
proclaim to the people that Aladdin was pardoned,
As soon as Aladdin was freed from his chains he begged
speech of the Sultan, and said to him, "0 my lord, I
thank thee for thy clemency, though I know not yet
'wherein my offence lay." So the Vizier took Aladdin to
the window and bade him look forth. Utter amazement
fell upon Aladdin \vhen he saw that his palace had com-

312

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

pletely disappeared, leaving no vestige to mark the spot
,vhere it had stood. He was so dazed and be,vildered
that he turned in silence and walked back into the Sultan's
presence like one in a dream. "\V ell," said the Sultan,
" where is thy palace? And, ,vhat is more to me, where
is my daughter?" And Aladdin shook his head sorrow-
fully and spread his hands in helpless despair; but
made no other reply, for he ,vas dumbfounded. Again
the Sultan spoke: "It was my thought to set thee free
so that thou may est search for my daughter and restore
her to me. For this purpose I grant thee a delay of forty
days, and, if in that time thou canst not find her, then, by
Allah! I will cut off thy head." And Aladdin answered
him, "0 King of the Age, if I find her not ,vithin forty
days then I no longer wish to have a head left upon my
body."
And Aladdin went forth sad and dejected. The cries
of joy with which the people greeted him fell like lead on
his aching heart. He escaped from their good will and
wandered in the city like one distraught, greeting none,
nor raising his eyes to any greeting. For two days he
neither ate nor drank for grief at what had happened.
Finally he wandered beyond the confines of the city
into the desert. There, on the bank of a dark pool, he
resolved to drown himself and so end his misery. But
being devout and fearing God, he must first perform his
ablutions. So he stooped and took ,vater in his hands
and rubbed them together, when 10 ! a strange thing hap-
pened; for as his hands came together, he chanced to
rub the ring which was on one of his fingers. In a flash
the Slave of the Ring appeared and standing before him,
said, " 0 my master, what is thy desire?" Aladdin then
was seized ,vith great joy, and he cried, " 0 Slave, I desire
my palace and my "Tife." "Alas!" answereù the Slave,

ALADDIN AND TI-IE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 818

" that I cannot bring about, for this matter is protected
by the Slave of the Lamp who hath put a seal upon it."
" Then," urged Aladdin, " since thou canst not bring the
palace and my wife to me, transport me to the palace
wherever it may be upon the earth." "On the head and
the eye," replied the Slave, and immediately Aladdin
found himself borne swiftly through the air and set do,vn
by his palace in the land of the Moors. Although the
night had fallen he could recognize it ,vithout difficulty,
and close at hand was the window of his wife's chamber.
Great joy at this exhausted what little strength remained
to him-for he had neither eaten nor slept for many
days-and, overcome with fatigue and weakness, he thre"w
himself down beneath a tree hard by and slept.
Awakened at da,vn by the singing of birds in the
garden, Aladdin arose, and, having bathed in a stream,
recited the morning prayer, after ,vhich he returned and
sat beneath the window of Bedr-el-Budur's apartment.
Now the Lady Bedr-el-Budur, filled with grief at her
separation from her husband and her father, could neither
sleep nor eat by reason of her keen distress. Each day
'when dawn leapt into the sky she would arise and sit at
her window and weep. And on this morning she came as
usual, but did not weep, for she sa,v Aladdin sitting on
the ground outside. And they both cried out and flew
to one another; and their greeting was full of joy. She
opened a side door for him, bidding him enter, for she
knew it was not the time for the accursed Dervish to
come to see her as ,vas his daily \vont. Then, when
they had embraced and kissed and shed tears of joy,
Aladdin said to her, "0 my beloved, before all else
answer me one question: in my apartment there ,vas an
old copper lamp which-" "Alas," broke in Bedr-el-
Budur, "that lamp was the CBuse of it all, for the man
30

314

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

who obtained it by a stratagem told me of its virtues,
and how he had achieved this thing by its aid." And
in1mediately Aladdin heard this he knew that it was
indeed the Dervish ,vho had worked this ,voe upon him.
" Tell me, how doth this accursed man treat thee? "
be asked. "He cometh once a day," she replied, "and
he would fain win my love and console me for thy loss,
for he saith the Sultan, my father, hath struck off thy
head, and at the best thou wert of poor family and stole
thy ,vealth from him. But he gets no ,vord from me,
only tears and lamentations." And Aladdin embraced
her again and comforted her for ,vhat she had suffered.
"Tell me," he asked again presently, ",vhere doth this
accursed keep the Lam p ?" "Ahva ys in his bosom,"
she replied, "where he guards it with the greatest care
and none kno,vs of it but me." Aladdin ,vas overjoyed
when he heard this, for he thought he sa,v a ,yay to obtain
the Lamp. "Listen, my beloved," he said, " I will leave
thee now and return shortly in disguise. Bid thy maid
stand by the side door to let me in. Then I will tell
thee my plan to slay this accursed one and take the
Lamp."
Then Aladdin ,vent forth upon the road that led to the
city, and he had not journeyed far before he met a poor
peasant proceeding to his daily toil. Stopping him he
offered to exchange his o,vn costly garments for those the
peasant was wearing. But the man demurred, ,vhereat
Aladdin set upon him and effected the exchange by force.
Then, leaving the peasant battered and bruised but
dressed like a prince, he went on into the city, and, coming
to the market, purchased son1e po,vder of benj, which is
called " the son of an instant," for it stupefies in a moment.
With this he returned to the palace, and, when he came
to the side door where the maid was waiting, she recognized

ALADDIN AND THE 'VONDERFUL LA!\IP 815

him and opened immediately . Very soon he ,vas exposing
his plan to Bedr-el-Budur.
"0 my beloved," he said, "I wish thee to attire
thyself gaily, and adorn thyself with je,vels in the sparkle
of which no grief can live; and, when the accursed cometh,
greet him with a smile and a look from thy lovely eyes.
Then invite him to sup with thee, and, ,vhen thou hast
aroused a blinding passion in his boson1, he 'will forget
the Lamp which lieth there. See," he dre"w forth the
po,vder, " this is benj, the' son of an instant.' It cannot
be detected in red ,vine. Thou kno,vest the rest: pledge
him in a cup and see to it that the benj is in his and not in
thine. Thou canst do this ? "
" Yea," replied Bedr-el- Budur. "It is difficult, but
I will dare all for thee; and well I kno,v that this accursed
wretch deserves not to live." And on this assurance
Aladdin withdrew to a private chamber and sat him
down to ,vait. He realized his extreme danger, for he
kne,v that if the Dervish so much as suspected his existence
in the flesh a rub of the Lamp and a word to the Slave
would bring him instant death; but he did not know that
Bedr-el-Budur, having learnt the virtues of the Lamp,
had exacted a pledge from the Dervish that he would
make no further use of it until she had given hin1 her final
decision as to whether she ,vould come to him of her O\Vll
free will and accord, ,vhich she maintained was a better
thing than subsequently to be compelled by the abominable
power of sorcery.
When the Dervish appeared, she sat weeping as usual,
and it 'vas not until, in his protestations of love, he said
,vords that were suitable to her purpose that she paused
and half dried her tears as if it needed little 1110re to make
her weigh his petition with care Observing this he dre,v
near and sat by her side, and now, though no longer

816

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

\,"eeping, she had not yet found words for him. He
took her hand, but she snatched it away crying, "No, it
cannot be ! Never can I forget Aladdin I" He pleaded
with her, and his passion made him eloquent. She
pushed hin1 away petulantly. "Nay, nay," she cried,
"I cannot resign my heart to thee at will. Give me, I
pray thee, a little space of time-two days; one day-I
may decide in one, if weeping do not kill me." The
Dervish smote his breast. "Think, 0 Lovely One, how
I have waited to \vin thee as man ,vins woman, when
in a moment I could call thee mine by other means."
And his hand moved to his bosom where lay the Lamp.
" Stay!" she cried, rising and standing before him.
"Thy pledge! Abide thou in patience. I ,vill come to
thee in one hour."
So she went, leaving the Dervish in an ecstasy of doubt.
At the expiration of the hour the door opened and she
stood before him a vision of loveliness in resplendent
attire bedecked with priceless jewels. A smile was on
her face and her answer to him ,vas in her eyes. She
seated herself by his side and said boldly, "Thou seest
how it is ,vith me. My tears for Aladdin-who is dead
-flowed till the hour was half spent; then, I know
not why, they changed to tears of joy for thee, who art
alive. Then I arose and arrayed myself gladly and came
to thee. Yet even now I am not wholly thine, for tears
-now grief now joy, I know not which-contend in mine
eyes for him or thee. \Vherefore come not too near me
lest ,vhat thou hast won be forfeited. Perchance if we
sup together with a jar of the red wine of thine own
country-nay, go not thyself for the wine," said Bedr-el-
Budur, be-thinking her of the Lamp. "Do not leave
me. One of my slave girls \vill go."
While she was gone Bedr-el- Budur pretended to busy

ALADDIN AND THE WOSDERFUL LAMP 817

herself issuing orders to the household about the prepara-
tion of supper. And under cover of this she sought and
found Aladdin. "It is well," she said as he held her
to his heart and pressed his lips to hers. "But, 0 my
beloved," he replied, "art thou sure that the Lamp is in
his bosom ?" " I will go and see," she answered. And
she returned to the Dervish and, approaching him shyly,
began to doubt the truth of this great thing-his love for
her. As she did this she placed her hands on his shoulders
and looked into his eyes; whereat the Dervish drew her
close to him and she felt the Lamp in his bosom. Imme-
diately she ,vrenched herself free and left him with a
glance in ,vhich disdain and love \vere kindly mixed.
" It is so," she said on returning to Aladdin, "the Lamp
is in his bosom, and, since he embraced me-I could not
help it nor could I endure it, beloved -it is a wonder the
Slave of the Lamp did not appear to see how I tore myself
away, I was pressed so close."

Ieanwhi1e the slave girl returned with the wine, and,
supper being ready, Bedr-el-Budur invited the Dervish to
sit by her at the table. And ,vhen they had eaten some-
,vhat, she paused and questioned him with a glance. It
was for him to call for wine, and he did so. Immediately
a slave girl filled their goblets, and they drank; and
another and another until the distance between them was
melted, and they became, so to speak, the best of boon
companIons.
At length, when the supper ,vas drawing to an end,
and the wits of the Dervish were well mastered by wine,
Bedr-el- Budur leaned towards him in an unbending mood,
"This wine of thine has set me on fire, beloved!" she
said. "But one more cup and then, if I say thee nay,
do not believe me, for thou hast kept thy pledge and
hast won me as man wins woman. And this shall be a

318

THE ARABIAN NIGHTS

loving cup, for it is the fashion in my country for the lover
to take the loved one's cup and drink it." "0 lovely one
of my eye," he replied, "I will honour thy custom, since
thou hast so greatly honoured me."
At this Bedr-el-Budur took his cup and filled it for
herself, ,vhile a slave girl, ,vho kne,v what to do as well
as she hated the Dervish, handed him the cup ,vhich,
though it contained the benj, she had just filled as if for
her mistress. She even had to be told t,vice that it was not
for her mistress but for the guest. So the Dervish took
it, and looked into the eyes of Bedr-el-Budur brimming
with love. They drank, and imn1ediately the Dervish
fell senseless at her feet, while the cup, flung from his
nerveless hand, clattered across the floor.
In the space of moments Aladdin was on the spot.
Bedr-el-Budur's arms were round his neck, and she ,vas
sobbing on his breast, ,vhile the Dervish lay stretched
helpless before them. And when he had comforted her
she went, and the slave girls with her. Then Aladdin
locked the door, and, approaching the Dervish, drew the
Lamp from hffi bosom. This done, he stood over him
and s'wore a fearful oath, then, 'without further shrift,
he dre,v his s,vord and hew'ed off his head, after ,vhich
he drove the poin t of the s,vord through his heart, for
only in this ,yay can a ,vizard be ,yarned off the realm of
mortals.
Once in possession of the Lamp Aladdin lost no time
He rubbed it and immediately the Slave appeared. " I
am here, 0 my master; ,vhat is thy ,,,ish?" "Thou
knO'west," replied Aladdin, "Bear this palace and all
that is in it to the Land of Cathay and set it down on the
spot from ,vhich thou didst take it at the command of
that." He pointed to the dismen1bered ,vizard. "It
is ,yell," said the Slave, who served the living and not the

ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAl\IP 319

dead; "I hear and obey, on the head and the eye."
Then Aladdin returned to Bedr-el- Budur, and, in the
space of one kiss of love, the palace with all therein was
carried slviftIy back to the original site from which it had
been taken.
Now the Sultan was in grievous mood ever since the
loss of his daughter-the apple of his eye. All night long
he ,vould 'weep, and, arising at da,vn, 'would look forth on
the empty space where once had stood Aladdin's palace,
Then his tears ,vould flo,v as from a ,voman's eyes, for
Bedr-el-Budur was very dear to him. But, when he looked
forth one morning and sa,v the palace standing as it had
stood, he was rapt ,vith joy, Instantly he ordered his
horse, and, mounting, rode to the gates, Aladdin came
out to greet him, and, taking him by the hand with never
a word, led him to,vards the apartments of Bedr-el-Budur.
She too, radiant ,vith joy, was running to meet him. Like
a bird of the air she fle,v to his arms, and for some moments
neither of them could say a word for very happiness.
Then in a torrent of ,vords, she told him all about the
accursed Dervish; how by his sorcery he had conveyed
the palace to Africa, and how Aladdin had slain him, thus
releasing the spell and restoring everything to its place.
But not a word did she say about the Lamp and its virtues.
Then they arose and went to the chamber which contained
the trunk and severed head of the Dervish. And, by
the Sultan's orders, these relnains of the Sorcerer ,vere
burnt to ashes and scattered to the four winds of heaven.
And so Aladdin was restored to the Sultan's favour,
and he and the Lady Bedr-el-Budur dwelt together in the
utmost joy and happiness.

THE END.