hatred and jealousy which 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 obedience to
his ruling and judgment? Surely if we do so we are no sons of a King."
So they conspired together how 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 punishment upon ourselves. But let us so arrange
matters as to draw 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 which seemed
favourable to their end they approached Codadad, and besought his
permission to go forth together on a hunting expedition, promising
to return the same day. Codadad, deeming the request reasonable,
immediately granted it: the brothers departed, but they did not return.
On the third day the King made inquiry as to the reason of their
absence. Codadad replied that they were 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. "O traitor," he cried, "why has thou
neglected thy trust and allowed my sons to go anywhere 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 foreboding, 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, however, 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 which 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
now 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 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 with 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.
[Illustration: Reaching his farthest wounded the giant in the knee.]
Meanwhile, all breathless above, the lady had leaned watching the
contest. Now, seeing that victory was secured, she gave free vent to
her joy and gratitude. "O 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 fellow prisoners."
[Illustration: The lady advanced to meet him.]
The Prince did according to her directions; as he 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 how great had been his fortune, and with his whole
heart rejoiced at the deliverance of one in whose nature so much virtue
and grace seemed blended.
But while he was 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
prisoners," 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 with all speed.
Descending by a dark stair he came upon a vast cavern dimly lighted,
around the walls of which 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 when, on bringing
them to the light, he discovered that forty-nine of the hundred whom he
had released were his own brethren.
The Princes received the cordial embraces 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 proper terms their obligation and gratitude toward
Codadad, 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 what 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 would 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 undisputed
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 was to inquire of the lady in
what direction she wished to travel, promising 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 misfortune 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 daughter, and if it will interest you to hear the story
of my misfortunes, I shall be happy to recount it." Assured of the
lively sympathy of her auditors she began as follows:
THE STORY OF THE PRINCESS OF DERYABAR
[Illustration: A city among the Isles named 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 sorrow
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 advancing towards
it he came upon a hut within which a monstrous negro stood basting an
ox that roasted before the fire. In the further 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.
[Illustration: Presently in the distance he perceived a light.]
At this sight my father was filled with 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 Princess," said he, "why will
you not accept the good things which are within your reach? Only yield
to me the love 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.
Unchangeable as the foulness of your appearance is the disgust with
which you inspire me!"
These words of violent provocation were 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, however, 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 wife 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 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 aspiring
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 immediately 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 fathers 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.
[Illustration: The ship struck upon a rock.]
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 multitudinous sound of swift galloping;
and presently, feeling myself lifted by men's hands, I turned and saw
halting 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 deliverance 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 increasing devotion he
desired me to become his bride, I could not, upon the completion of my
recovery, refuse him the happiness he sought.
[Illustration: And presently, feeling myself lifted by men's hands.]
But the festivities of our marriage were scarcely 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 bark, and seizing
my husband and myself carried 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, who now regarded himself as my owner, proceeded to inform
me of what was to be my fate. "I have," he said, "a friend in Cairo
who has promised me a rich reward if I can supply him with 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 my 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 who had remained timorously looking on were
seized, and brought 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.
[Illustration: The Princess of Deryabar.]
When 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
tranquillity. 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 presumptuous, 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 Codadad 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 firstto 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, 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 which 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 Harran, 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. "O 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?"
[Illustration: She found to her grief the place where Codadad had lain
left vacant.]
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 overtaken 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
consideration and respect. So, when she had sufficiently recovered,
for 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 some 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 Codadad should live in story; but if you, whose
honour he saved, now sink under your affliction his name perishes with
you, and you have not retrieved your debt."
These words roused the Princess from her deep despondency; 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 caravanseri it was told
how lately there had come to the city an exiled wife of the King,
Princess Pirouzè by name, enquiring for news of her lost son; and how,
asnow 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.
[Illustration: She and her companion arrived at the city of Harran.]
Now when the Princess of Deryabar heard this, she said, "I will go
to the Queen Pirouzè and make known to her the fate of her son, and
when we have wept together and drawn comfort from 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
with secrecy, so as to ensure safety, and do you on no account let
your presence here be known till the King has been thoroughly informed
of the whole 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. Presently 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 bowed down with
their faces to the earth. The surgeon inquired of a beggar stand-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."