IN the time of the Sovereigns of the Beni Ommieh, there
resided in the city of Cufah a very wealthy merchant named REBI
BIN JABIR; a man possessed of great good feelings and kindness
of disposition. This merchant had a son of equally good qualities,
in whom, as the close of his life drew near, all his hopes became
centered. He named this his only child Numan; paid great attention to
his education; taught him to read and write; and, in fine, instructed
him in all the accomplishments of that period.
Rebi bin Jabir purchased a young white female slave, of angelic beauty,
named NEMAH BINTI TEVFIK, whom he had elevated in a manner
which should render her worthy to become his son's companion. This
_Riski Hoor_, or object of the jealousy of the Houries of Paradise, was
a sweet, tender maiden, such as the eye of the world had never seen,
nor of whom the ear of the son of Adam ever heard. They grew up and
were instructed together; and ere they had reached the age of puberty,
these two young creatures, like the sun and moon for pure brilliancy
and light, were unique for their knowledge and accomplishments;
particularly the talent of music and song. In the garden of Beauty they
were like two cypresses.
Their wealthy parent had erected for them a dwelling like those of the
garden of Paradise, which he had beautifully painted and furnished, and
where his son and the cypress-formed Nemah were wont to spend their
evenings in pleasure and enjoyment. One night when he was disposed to
make merry with his mistress, Nemah took an _Oad_, or Lute in her hand,
and with a countenance blooming with youthful freshness and innocent
modesty, sang a harmonious air.
While thus engaged, by chance, the governor of the city of Cufah, the
cause of much sorrow, Hedjadj ez Zalim, or The Cruel, passed beneath
their dwelling, and hearing the melodious sound of Nemah's voice,
involuntarily sighed; and after listening for sometime, turned to his
attendants and praised the talent of the singer. 'If,' said he, 'this
slave's face and form are equal to the delicacy of her voice, I will
give any price for her--for a jewel of such great value. Go, learn
to whom she belongs; for I desire to send her as a present to the
caliph.' So, calling the chief officer of his police, he confided the
affair to that master of intrigue, recommending him to be diligent and
expeditious.
This man, early on the following morning, called to his aid a cunning
old woman, and said to her: 'Help, oh! mother of praise-worthy
conduct! Hedjadj ez Zalim has need of your services. You must inform me
to whom a girl in such a dwelling belongs; how I shall be able to get
possession of her; and what arrangements I must make to bring it about.'
The infamous old woman replied: 'On my head and eyes be it, if the
object of your desires be among the Pleiads, on the surface, or under
the earth, be it my duty to find her! So consider her as already in
your possession.'
The officer conducted the old wretch to Hedjadj the Cruel, and on
introducing her, Hedjadj said: 'Go to the house of Numan, son of
Rebieh, and if you find that his slave is worthy of presentation to the
caliph, obtain her in whatever manner you may like best, only render
yourself worthy of my generosity.'
Now the old woman attired herself in the dress of a sofee, or religious
devotee, of an hundred years old; and taking an ebony rod in her hand,
wrapped a shawl around her head, and, bent almost double, set out
on her way, crying out aloud as she passed along: 'There is no God
but ALLAH! oh! these inattentive people!' Deceived by her
appearance, the simple-minded who met her on the way, embraced her
hands and feet, and implored her blessing and prayers.
At noon, precisely, she reached Numan's dwelling; and on wishing to
pass its gate was prevented by the door-keepers. The old hypocrite said
to them: 'I am a servant of GOD, who, having deserted the
world, have no other desire than to acquire knowledge, and offer up
prayers of devotion; why do you prevent my passage?'
While they were yet engaged discussing her entrance, a servant from
within made his appearance, and the old woman, addressing him, said:
'Wherever I bend my steps they bring good fortune; and, as every one
profits by my prayers, these door-keepers are very foolish to prevent
my entrance.'
The simple-minded servant directed the door-keepers not to prevent her;
and taking the old wretch by the hand, led her to Nemah, and asked her
blessing. Nemah also was soon deceived by her appearance, and beside
offering her every mark of respect, invited her to be seated by her
side.
Scarcely were they seated, when she exclaimed: 'Let prayer-time be not
forgotten; show me a retired spot where I may offer my devotions.'
Nemah, like a waving cypress, hastened to serve her; spread her a
carpet with her own hands, and ordered her attendants not to disturb
her. The old hypocrite prolonged her prayers from noon to _akendee_,
(three o'clock,) and the three o'clock prayer to that of night-fall,
without ever rising from her carpet; and by her false piety gained not
only Nemah's heart, but those of all her maidens; so that they all
knelt around her feet, and besought her blessing. Every night she would
tell Nemah's maidens stories about pious people, and of the efficacy of
their prayers.
Early one morning she arose, and asked permission to depart; and when
Numah inquired where she purposed going, she replied, that it was her
desire to visit some holy persons who resided in that neighborhood.
In fine, she so praised them, that Nemah begged her not to refuse her
the privilege of accompanying her, to beg also the blessing of the
good people. The old woman answered: 'If the recompense of your visit
is written on your brow (predestined), it will be easy to obtain.
Inshallah! if GOD wills, we will obtain the object of your
desires.'
The unfortunate girl put faith in her words; and after adjusting her
dress, they set out on their way. Soon they reached a doorway, that of
the palace of Hedjadj ez Zalim, which they entered; and putting Nemah
in a vestibule, 'Stay here,' said she, 'while I go to see if the holy
man is alone.' So going into the palace, she hastened to give Hedjadj
news of her success; and then the accursed creature departed by another
door. Hedjadj soon came to the vestibule, and for the first time
beholding the beautiful creature, saw a fair maiden resplendent as the
moon in her fourteenth night, and illuminating the whole universe with
her splendor:
A maiden unequalled for beauty.
The world a slave to her ringlet.
A fresh rose from the garden of fidelity,
And a thousand Philomels are her lovers.
Forthwith he ordered one of his officers to take a sufficient number of
men for a guard, and convey the maiden to the residence of the caliph.
The officer immediately got ready a litter, and compelling the wretched
maiden to enter it, set out for Damascus. Poor Nemah now knew something
of the cruel misfortune to which she had become a prey; her suffering
and wounded heart (liver) became roasted, and her eyes wept tears of
blood, on being thus separated from her lover, country, and home.
In thirty or forty days, they reached Damascus, and entering the
palace of the caliph, the officer delivered the letter and maiden from
Hedjadj, governor of Cufah. When Abdul Malek (the reigning caliph)
saw the lovely, heart-ravishing maiden, he acknowledged her to be a
perfect beauty, whom the painter of creation had drawn on the page of
existence; such as the eye of observation had never seen, nor of which
the ear of the imagination had never heard:
Well made, graceful, delicate, and fresh.
Every member full of grace and splendor.
Her lips more translucent than limpid water.
The stars envious of her pearly teeth:
Her moles are most beauteous to the eye;
Rose-buds open when she smiles, and
Jewels are scattered when she speaks.
Involuntarily the caliph became lost in love with the beautiful
creature; passion reached even the centre of his heart; and the thread
of power over himself escaped from his hands. Calling his chief eunuch,
he ordered him to prepare apartments for her worthy of her beauty; to
treat her with kindness, and to be attentive to all her wants.
The caliph Abdul Malek had a sister named Abbassah, a lady of very
superior beauty, whom, in his mirth, he addressed, saying: 'Hedjadj has
done us a service, which, had he sent me news that he had conquered a
province for me, would not have given me greater pleasure. His present
is truly worthy of my acceptance.' Abbassah answered her brother: 'May
your pleasure be everlasting! Pray what kind of a present has he sent
you?' The caliph handed her Hedjadj's letter, wherein she learned
that he had purchased for twelve thousand pieces of gold a maiden
of exquisite beauty, and offered her for her brother's acceptance.
Abbassah asked permission to go and see the maiden, and gain her
good-will and friendship; and, on beholding Nemah, she exclaimed that
she was indeed an angel in a human form:
With so much beauty, are you a moon from the skies,
A new species of unknown humanity?
Truly, you merit the gift of hearts.
One look alone at your fair face
Is worth twelve thousand pieces of gold;
And oh! how great is my brother's good fortune!
Now Abbassah's beauty was celebrated all over Syria, but when she
became companion to the mirror of Nemah's beauty, the moon appeared
eclipsed. This lady of ladies inquired for her health, and complimented
her on this great good fortune, which had brought her to be the
companion of so grand a sovereign as her brother. But poor Nemah only
returned her kindness with a sigh, and addressing her, asked:
'Oh, fair of front! whose sweet words touch my heart, and whose
ringlets adorn an angel's face, pray tell me, your hand-maiden, who
sold me, for whom I was taken, to whom does this mansion belong, and
what is the cause of my affliction?'
Abbassah was greatly astonished at these inquiries, and asked what
they meant. 'Do you not know who sold you?--that it was Hedjadj ez
Zalim, governor of Cufah, who bought you for twelve thousand pieces of
gold, and presented you to the caliph?--that this is the palace of the
caliph?--and that I am his sister?'
When poor Nemah heard this, she burst into tears, and wept so profusely
as to wound the soul and liver of Abbassah:
The fountain of her tears overflowed;
Her liver was like unto tulips,
And her tears fell like morning dew.
Abbassah now perceived there must be some secret connected with Nemah;
so, after endeavoring to console her, she arose and went to the caliph,
and addressed him, saying:
'Oh! Emir of the Faithful! give the newly-arrived maiden a few days'
repose, and allow her time to become acquainted with her new home and
companions. She is unhappy, and requires to be left to herself awhile.'
The sensible heart of the caliph was touched by the words of his
sister, and he requested her to have a physician sought for, and
consulted on the maiden's health. To this Abbassah replied: 'On my head
and eyes be it;' and while she searches for a physician, let us return
to the unhappy Numan.
Now when Numan had the misfortune to be separated from his mistress,
and his beloved companion no more returned to his dwelling, his heart
burnt and his eyes wept, and he bewailed her absence. His father also
was much aggrieved at the loss of his son's idol. Soon the rose-cheeks
of poor Numan faded like autumn leaves, and the alarmed parent sought
advice of a physician. If divine wisdom guides the humble servant, the
desire of the afflicted will be effected, and the object of his hopes
be attained.
While the afflicted father, Rebi bin Jaber, was seated in his dwelling,
overwhelmed with sorrow, suddenly a voice reached his ear, saying:
'Let him who needs an expert physician, and an able astrologer, one
versed in the science of geomancy and the other hidden knowledges,
appear.'
This was a man who, according to the custom of the country, proclaimed
his calling in the public way. Rebi at once ordered his servants to
bring the man in, and after showing him every attention, he requested
of him a remedy for his son. When the learned man had felt Numan's
pulse, he knew that no remedy was needed, and informed the parent that
his son had not one atom of disease; but, added he, 'I perceive he is
feverish from the passion of Love.'
Rebi now related to him the whole circumstance of his son's affliction,
adding: 'Tell me, is his mistress dead or alive?--on this earth, or
in heaven?--what is her condition?--to whose border has she become a
prisoner?--and is there any means of freeing her?'
Now the physician was a perfect master of the science of geomancy; so
taking his sand in his hand, he scattered and divided it; then observed
its meaning; twice bent his head, and finally was confident that Nemah
was in Damascus. 'Good news!' exclaimed the old man to Rebi; 'the end
of this trial is lucky, though indeed the sand turns heavily. After
your maiden left you, she did not pass the night in the city.'
'Since you know that she is in Damascus, pray,' said Rebi, 'throw the
sand once more, so that we may know in whose house she is, and who
holds her in confinement.'
The physician did as he was requested, threw another and yet another
time his sand; and on examining it, added, smiling: 'Good news! good
news to you! your maiden has been sent by the governor of this country
to Damascus, where she now is in the palace of the caliph. With
GOD's permission we will yet unloose this knot.'
Rebi, now greatly rejoiced, gave the physician large and costly
presents; and, in case of success, promised him all he possessed in
the world. 'Provide what is necessary for the voyage,' replied the
physician, 'and let us set out direct for Damascus, where we will see
what GOD will show us.'
Soon the essentials were got ready, and they departed; and in the
course of a few days reached that city, where in its very centre they
opened a shop, stocking it with liquids and drugs in Keshan vases. For
some days they treated all who visited them for their complaints, and
so successfully cured them, that their name soon became celebrated
throughout the whole city. Poor Numan, in the hope of finding a remedy
for his grief, sat all day long, opposite the physician, quiet and
submissive as a burning night-candle.
At length a female slave in the caliph's palace having heard of the
cures performed by the physician, informed Abbassah that a person had
arrived at Damascus from Irak, who had remedies for all manner of
diseases. The caliph's sister was overjoyed at this news. 'Let us send
and represent to this physician poor Nemah's condition; perhaps he may
benefit her also.' So one of the slaves of the Harem, named Kahermaneh,
was sent to his shop, and addressing the physician, said: 'I am a
servant of the Harem of the caliph, and have come to inform you that
his favorite maiden is ill; if you are so fortunate as to find a remedy
for her, great will be your recompense.' After questioning Kahermaneh,
he remarked, that the maiden had no natural disease; 'tell me,' added
he, 'her name.'
'Strange!' replied Kahermaneh, 'do you treat the sick, or purchase
slaves, that you ask her name?'
'Pardon me,' he answered; 'I asked the sick person's name so as to
count the letters which compose it, then write some appropriate holy
names on her star, and see what kind of remedies are necessary.'
On hearing this, the slave exclaimed: 'May GOD bless you; your
talent has been proven on every science;' and so gave him the name of
Nemah, adding, that her father was called Tevfik; at which he said
'GOD's Tevfik (assistance) will aid us.'
When poor Numan heard the name of the object of all his desires, bloody
tears fell from his eyes, and he uttered an 'Ah!' full of plaintive
sorrow. The physician told him in his own language, [Arabic];
'Divulge not, but be silent; rise, and hand me that vase of medicine;'
which Numan obeying, he wrapped up in paper a piece of _mâjuu_
(electuary), and pouring a liquid from another vase into a bottle,
told him to tie up its mouth with paper, and in his own usual style,
to write on it that the patient should every morning mix some of the
liquid with water and drink it. This Numan having done, he delivered
the medicines to Kahermaneh.
Now when Nemah saw the hand-writing of her lover, she involuntarily
sprang from her seat, and hastily mixing some of the liquid, as
directed, drank it off and said to Kahermaneh, 'Your goodness has been
recompensed; my heart finds great relief from this medicine; and if my
complaint can be cured, it will be by this. What kind of a man is this
physician?'
'He is from Cufah,' was the reply; 'is a man of extraordinary talents,
and acquainted with every kind of science. He has in his employ,'
added Kahermaneh, 'a youth of great beauty and gentleness;' and as she
described his person and dress Nemah's eyes filled with tears, for she
understood it was Numan.
While they were engaged in conversation, the caliph came to pay
his maiden a visit, and Kahermaneh said to him: 'Oh! Prince of the
Faithful! an expert physician has visited our city, from whom I
obtained medicines which have proven most beneficial to Nemah.' On
learning this the caliph was greatly rejoiced, and putting five hundred
pieces of silver in a purse gave it to the maiden, bidding her send a
portion of it to the physician who had benefited her. 'His labor is not
lost,' added he; 'let him be diligent and attentive.' Nemah took four
hundred of the pieces and gave them to Kahermaneh, and then putting the
remainder into a purse, with a scrap of paper on which she had written
with her own hand: 'This from Nemah, who is separated from her beloved
friend, her country, and home;' then sealing it, she gave the purse
to Kahermaneh, who carried it to the physician, saying: 'Thanks and
blessings to you, for your remedies have proven very beneficial to our
sick one, who has regained her color and strength, and her heart is
rejoiced.'
The physician handed the purse over to Numan, who on beholding the
hand-writing of his mistress, his senses left him, and his cypress form
like a shadow strowed the ground. The physician threw rose-scented
water in his face, and as his senses slowly returned, tears fell from
his eyes. Kahermaneh seeing this, her liver burned within her; she also
wept, and in sympathizing grief, addressed Numan thus: 'Unhappy youth,
may they never smile who make you weep; pray tell me the cause of your
grief.'
Oh! joy of the heart, and light of the eyes!
Perce's envy, and Hoore's jealousy:
On the mind of your breast is the dust of grief,
And yours must be no common sorrow.
Numan replied: 'You are more piteous and tender even than my parents.
I am that unhappy youth whose companion Hedjadj ez Zalim, governor
of Cufah, by means of a deceitful old woman enticed out on a visit,
and sent off as a present to the caliph. This is the grief which has
separated me from my home and country, and sent me forth an exile in
affliction.'
'Ah!' replied Kahermaneh; 'and that beautiful creature is afflicted
wholly from being separated from you.'
Now the physician offered the purse to Kahermaneh, saying: 'I have no
need of money; I beg you, for the sake of my gray head, be kind to our
cause; keep our secret, and if you do us a favor, until death we will
not forget you in our prayers.' In fine, Kahermaneh promised to peril
even her soul in their service, and to bring the lovers together.
So, taking with her some more medicines, similarly put up and labelled,
this kind woman returned to the palace of the caliph, and opening the
conversation with Nemah, found that she verified all Numan had told
her. 'Do you desire to see him again?' asked she. Nemah replied: 'Can
you ask the sick body if it wants health, or the dying man if he wishes
for life? If I can but see his beautiful face once more with mortal
eyes, I would then willingly expire.'
Kahermaneh said: 'Then give me a spare suit of female clothes;' which
having received, she proceeded forthwith to the physician's shop, and
on putting the question to Numan whether he desired to see Nemah again,
he answered, 'Yes, even if I but look and die:'
To the ardent lover no deception is wrong;
Whatever the heart speaks must be true.
Boundless are the ardent impulses of love:
To die is a small sacrifice for one's beloved.
'Hasten, then,' said the good woman, 'put on that female dress, and
let us set out; but the All-Just alone can fulfil your wishes.' They
now took leave of the physician, and praying as they went, reached
the entrance of the palace, where a eunuch asked who was Kahermaneh's
companion? The reply was, that she was the sister of the caliph's
favorite. When they had reached the inner gate of the Harem, Kahermaneh
said: 'I cannot pass beyond this, but will wait for you here. This
passage leads by ten apartments; follow it, counting as you go, and
remember that _the ninth_ is Nemah's, while the tenth is that of the
caliph's sister. Make no mistake, and after seeing your mistress,
return to this spot.'
Numan did as he was directed; passing on, and counting the apartments
as he went; but from timidity and fear he miscounted, and entered the
apartment of the caliph's sister, Abbassah, which was furnished with a
throne-like sofa, and its walls covered with silk and brocade. It was
empty, but poor Numan, half dead with fear, in momentary expectation of
seeing his mistress enter, threw himself on the sofa.
Presently a stately and noble person, like the world-adorning
Phoebus, entered the apartment, who to her great surprise beheld a
woman seated on her sofa, who from fear did not rise up to respect her.
Abbassah, for it was her, exclaimed, 'What foolish woman are you, who
without my permission dare to enter thus my apartment?' But suddenly,
acting according to her Hashemite generosity of character, she added,
in a milder tone: 'Who are you? Come, fear not, but tell me your story.'
Poor Numan, speechless with fright, could only throw himself at
Abbassah's feet, and humbly rub his face and eyes upon them. The
noble-hearted woman was touched with pity, and said: 'Be not afflicted;
you are in a place of safety.' Then exposing his face, she perceived
he was a man; and kindly added: 'Unhappy man, what secret cause has
reduced you to adopt this disguise? what misfortune has befallen
you? Speak, and tell me the truth, for [Arabic] 'safety is in
sincerity.' Numan, with tears in his eyes, related all his story to
Abbassah; and it so touched the heart of the noble princess that she
also wept, until her tears fell down on her angelic bosom, and she
exclaimed: 'Oh! Numan, be no longer afflicted, for you are safe.'
Clapping her hands until her maidens came in, 'Prepare,' said she, 'a
seat for me, and then, giving my sâlâms to sweet Nemah, invite her to
come to see me.'
Abbassah directed her maidens to make place; and so soon as Nemah had
made her appearance, she saw Numan, and these two faithful lovers
rushing into each other's arms, fell senseless on the floor. She threw
rose-scented water in their faces, and when they had regained their
senses, they, offering prayers and thanks for her benevolence, threw
themselves at her feet. Immediately joy was on every countenance, and
the maidens attendant upon Abbassah were greatly rejoiced for their
companion's sake. Each drank three goblets of wine, and each taking
their appropriate instrument, played a lively air, accompanying it with
their voices. Even Nemah, forgetful of her past sorrows, took a lute in
her hand and played an air appropriate to the occasion of her reünion
with her lover.
In the midst of this display of delight, lo! the caliph came
unexpectedly to see his sister; and on hearing the sound of music
and song, approached her door in light step, saying, 'Barik Allah!
GOD be blessed! what sweet sounds are these?' So soon as
Abbassah became aware of his approach, she threw a shawl over Numan,
and advancing to receive the caliph, prepared a seat for him. Turning
to his sister, 'Pray,' said he, 'whatever your conversation may have
been, continue it, and let us be a partaker of your mirth.' Abbassah
forthwith handed him also three cups full of ruby liquid, which he
drank; and after it had exhilarated him, she addressed him as follows:
'Oh! Emir of the Faithful! know that once in past times there was
an aged man who had a heart-binding son, brought up with great
delicateness and care, for whom he had purchased a maiden, who for
beauty and accomplishments was the admiration of the world. These
two young persons were educated and grew up together, and loved each
other with the strongest affection. Now it happened that one evening
when this lover and his mistress were amusing themselves in their own
dwelling, the governor of that city, an unjust and tyrannical man,
passed under their house and heard the sweet voice of the maiden.
So, on the day following, he, by means of a vile woman, deceives the
maiden, gets her in his power, and sends her as a present to the
sovereign of the age. The youthful lover becomes greatly distressed on
being separated from his mistress, and devotes his life to find her.
By one means or other he obtains admittance to the palace in which she
is confined, and they meet. In the midst of their rejoicings, and the
mutual recital of the sufferings which they had experienced during
their separation, lo! the sovereign of the country suddenly enters the
apartment, and without a moment's delay, or making a single inquiry,
draws his sword and puts them to death on the spot. This is all one can
expect of an ignorant sovereign, who never inquires into the merits of
an affair. But what do you think of it?'
'Stupid ignorance!' replied the caliph; 'the lovers were excusable:
he should have learned their story, aided the accomplishment of their
desires, and prevented future injustice.'
Abbassah exclaimed: 'Oh! Prince of the Faithful! generosity and
benevolence is an inheritance of the tribe of Koraish:[A] tell me,
by the souls of your noble forefathers, did such an act, or such a
circumstance occur during your reign, and in your own empire, what
would you do?'
[Footnote A: THE tribe from which MOHAMMED descended.]
'I swear that when I was convinced that their condition was as you
describe,' replied the caliph, 'I would bestow my favor upon them, and
the deceitful governor, whose duty it was to protect true Mussulmans, I
would punish for evil administration.'
Abbassah now thanked her brother, kissed his hand, and as she
exclaimed, 'May your protecting shadow never pass over the heads of
the innocent without rendering them justice!' drew the shawl from off
Numan, and said: 'Behold, oh, Prince! the subject of my tale. This is
the unfortunate youth, and this the unhappy maiden, who so cruelly
was separated from her lover! Hedjadj ez Zalem treated them as I have
related; and is it proper that he should endeavor to cause you, noble
prince! to commit sin and injustice? Power to do good is in your own
princely hands; do whatever you may deem best.'
While Abbassah was yet speaking, the two lovers threw themselves at
the caliph's feet; and when she had finished, Abdul Malek, with the
generosity and justice which distinguished his reign, raised them up,
and taking Nemah by the hand gave her to Numan, dressed him in a robe
of honor, and placed him in the highest ranks of his officers. Soon
after he dismissed Hedjadj from his office, and appointed the prince
in his place. To Kahermaneh he gave one thousand dinars: the sorrow
which she had once felt for the lovers was turned to joy; and under the
shadow of the caliph's favor she never knew adversity. As to Hedjadj
the Cruel, the loss of his office rendered him miserable, and he ever
after lived in poverty.