her head, had not waked Bahader, her head falling upon him would
have done it; he was amazed to see Amgiad with a sabre all bloody,
and the body of the lady lying headless on the ground. The prince
told him what had passed, and ending his discourse, said, I had no
other way to hinder this furious woman from killing you, but to take
away her life. My lord, replied Bahader, full of gratitude, persons
of your rank and generosity are not capable of doing such a wicked
action as she desired of you. You are my deliverer, and I cannot
enough thank you. After he had embraced him, to show him what sense
he had of his obligations to him, he said, We must carry this corpse
out before it is quite day, leave it to me, I will do it. Amgaid
would not agree to that, saying, he would carry it away himself,
since he had struck the blow. Bahader replied, You are a stranger in
this city, and cannot do it so well as one who is acquainted here; I
must do it, if for no other reason, yet for both our safeties, to
prevent our being questioned for her death: stay you here, and if I
do not come back before day, you may be sure the watch has seized
me; and for fear of the worst, I will by writing give this house and
furniture for your habitation; you have nothing to do but to live in
it.
When he had written, signed, and delivered the paper to prince
Amgiad, he put the lady’s body in a bag, head and all, laid it on
his shoulder, and went out with it from one street to another,
taking the way to the sea-side. He had not gone far before he met
with one of the judges of the city, who was going the rounds in
person. Bahader was stopped by the judge’s followers, who, opening
the bag, found the body of a murdered lady, bundled up with the
head. The judge, who knew the master of the horse, notwithstanding
his disguise, took him home to his house, and not daring to put him
to death without telling the king of it, because of his quality, he
carried him to court as soon as it was day. When the king had heard
from the judge, what a foul action he had been guilty of, as he
believed from the circumstances, he addressed the master of the
horse in these words: It is thus then that thou murderest my
subjects, to rob them, and then thou wouldst throw their dead bodies
into the sea, to hide thy villany; let us rid them of you; go, hang
him up immediately.
Innocent as Bahader was, he took his sentence of death with all
imaginable resignation, and said not a word to justify himself. The
judge carried him to his house, and, while the gallows was
preparing, he sent a crier to publish throughout the city, that at
noon the master of the horse was to be hanged for a murder committed
by him.
Prince Amgiad, who had in vain expected Bahader’s return, was
struck with terrible consternation when he heard the crier publish
the approaching execution of the master of the horse. If, said he to
himself, somebody must die for the death of such a wicked woman, it
is I, and not Bahader; I will never suffer an innocent man to be
punished for the guilty; and without deliberating any more about it,
he hastened to the place of execution, whither the people were
running from all parts.
When Amgiad saw the judge bringing Bahader to the gibbet, he went up
to him, and said, I am come to tell you, and to assure you, that the
master of the horse whom you are leading to execution is wholly
innocent of the lady’s death: I am guilty of the crime, if it is
one, to have killed a detestable woman, who would have murdered
Bahader; and then he told him all as it happened.
The prince having informed the judge how he met her coming out of
the bath; how she was the cause of going into the master of the
horse’s pleasure-house, and all that had passed to the moment in
which he was forced to cut off her head, to save Bahader’s life;
the judge ordered execution to be stopped, and conducted Amgiad to
the king, taking the master of the horse with him.
The king had a mind to hear the story from Amgiad himself; and the
prince, the better to prove his own innocence and the master of the
horse’s, took that opportunity to discover who he was, and what
had driven him and his brother Assad to that city, with all the
accidents that had befallen them, from their departure from the
capital city of the isle of Ebene, to the time in which he talked to
him.
The prince having done speaking, the king said to him, I rejoice
that I have by this means come to the knowledge of you; I not only
give you your own and my master of the horse’s life, whom I
commend for his kindness to you, but I restore him to his office;
and as for you, prince, I declare you my grand vizier, to make
amends for your father’s unjust usage of you, though it is also
excusable, and I permit you to employ all the authority I now give
you to find out prince Assad.
Prince Amgiad having thanked the king of the city and country of
magicians for the honour he had done him, and taking possession of
his office of grand vizier, he took every possible means to find out
the prince his brother. He ordered the common criers to promise a
great reward to any one who should bring forth prince Assad, or tell
any tidings of him. He sent men up and down the country to the same
purpose; but notwithstanding all his diligence, he could hear no
news of him.
The Sequel of the Story of Prince Assad.
Assad in the meanwhile continued in the dungeon in chains; Bostama
and Cavama, the cunning old conjuror’s daughters, treating him
daily with the same cruelty and inhumanity as at first.
The solemn festival of the adorers of fire approached; and a ship
was fitted out for the fiery mountain as usual; the captain’s name
was Behram, a great bigot to that religion. He loaded it with proper
merchandise; and when it was ready to sail, he put Assad in a chest,
which was half full of goods, a few crevices being left between the
boards for him to breathe, enough to keep life in him. This chest
was stowed in the bottom of the hold, for the greater security.
Before the ship sailed, the grand vizier Amgiad, Assad’s brother,
who had been told that the adorers of fire used to sacrifice a
Mussulman every year on the fiery mountain, suspected that Assad
might have fallen into their hands, and be designed a victim at that
bloody sacrifice; wherefore he resolved to search the ship in
person. He ordered all the passengers and seamen to be brought upon
deck, and commanded his men to search all over the ship, which they
did, yet Assad could not be found, he was so well concealed.
When the grand vizier had done searching the vessel, she sailed, and
as soon as Behram was got out to sea, he ordered prince Assad to be
taken out of the chest, and fettered, to secure him, fearing least
he should fling himself into the sea in despair, since he knew he
was going to be sacrificed.
The wind was very favourable two or three days, and then it turned
contrary, after which there arose a furious storm; and the vessel
was not only driven out of her course, but neither Behram nor his
pilot knew where they were. They were afraid of splitting against
the rocks, for in the violence of the storm they discovered land,
and a dreadful shore before them. Behram saw he was driven into the
port and capital of queen Margiana, which was a great mortification
to him.
This queen Margiana was a devout professor of the Mahometan
religion, and a mortal enemy to the adorers of fire. She banished
all of them out of her dominions, and would not let any of their
ships touch at her ports.
It was no longer in the power of Behram now to help putting into the
port of this queen’s capital city, or else he had been dashed to
pieces against the frightful rocks that lay off the shore. In this
extremity he held a council with his pilot and seamen. My lads, said
he, you see to what a necessity we are reduced; we must choose one
of these two things; either resolve to be swallowed up by the waves,
or put into queen Margiana’s port, whose hatred to all persons of
our religion you very well know. She will certainly seize our vessel
and put us all to death, without mercy. I see but one likely way to
escape her, which is, to take off the fetters from the Mussulman we
have aboard, and dress him like a slave. When queen Margiana
commands me to come before her, and asks what trade I use, I will
tell her I deal in slaves; that I have sold all I had, but one, whom
I keep to be my clerk, because he can read and write. She will see
him, to be sure, and he being handsome, and of her own religion,
will have pity on him. No doubt she will then ask to buy him of me,
and on this condition will let us stay in the port till the weather
is fair. If any of you have any thing else to propose, that will be
of more advantage to us, I am ready to hearken to it. The pilot and
seamen applauded his judgment, and agreed to follow his advice.
Behram commanded prince Assad’s chains to be taken off, and had
him dressed like a slave very neatly, as became one who was to pass
for his clerk before the queen of the country. They had scarce time
to do this, before the ship drove into the port, and dropped anchor.
Queen Margiana’s palace was so near the sea-side, that her garden
extended down to the sea-shore. She saw the ship anchor, and sent to
the captain to come to her, and the sooner to satisfy her curiosity,
waited for him in her garden.
Behram, who expected to be sent for, landed with prince Assad; whom
he required to confirm what he had said of his being a slave, and
his clerk. When he was introduced to the queen, he threw himself at
her feet, and informed her of the necessity he was in to put into
her port; that he dealt in slaves, and had sold all he had but one,
which was Assad there present, whom he kept for his clerk.
The queen was taken with Assad from the minute she first saw him,
and was extremely glad to hear that he was a slave; resolving to buy
him, cost what it would. She asked Assad what was his name.
Great queen, replied Assad, with tears in his eyes, does your
majesty ask what my name was formerly, or what it is now? The queen
answered, Have you two names then? Alas! it is but too true, said
Assad: I was once called Assad (most happy); and now my name is
Motar (devoted to be sacrificed.)
Margiana, not being able to find out the true meaning of this
answer, understood it of his condition of a slave; for she perceived
he had a great deal of wit. Since you are clerk to the captain, said
she, no doubt you can write well: let me see your hand.
Behram had furnished Assad with pen, ink and paper, as a token of
his office, that the queen might take him for what he designed she
should.
The prince stepped a little aside, and wrote as follows, suitable to
his wretched circumstances:
‘The blind man avoids the ditch into which the clear-sighted
falls. Fools advance themselves to honours by discourses which
signify nothing, while men of sense and eloquence live in poverty
and contempt. The Mussulman with all his riches is miserable. The
infidel triumphs. We cannot hope things will be otherwise. The
Almighty has decreed it should be so.’
Assad presented the paper to queen Margiana, who admired alike the
moral of the sentences and the goodness of the writing. She needed
no more to have her heart inflamed, and to feel a sincere concern
for his misfortunes. She had no sooner read it, but she addressed
herself to Behram, saying, Do which you will, either sell me this
slave, or make a present of him to me; perhaps it will turn most to
your account to do the latter.
Behram answered insolently, that he could neither give nor sell him;
that he wanted his slave, and would keep him.
Queen Margiana, provoked at his boldness, would not talk to him any
more about it. She took the prince by the arm, and turned him before
her to the palace, sending Behram word, that if he stayed the night
in her port, she would confiscate his goods, and burn his ship. So
he was forced to go back to his vessel, and prepare to put to sea
again, notwithstanding the tempest was not yet over.
Queen Margiana, on entering her palace, commanded supper to be got
ready; and while it was providing, she ordered Assad to be brought
into her apartment, where she bade him sit down. Assad would have
excused himself: It does not belong to a slave, said he, to presume
to this honour.
To a slave! replied the queen; you were so a moment ago;
henceforward you are no more a slave. Sit down near me, and tell me
the story of your life; for by what you wrote, and the insolence of
that slave-merchant, I guess there is something extraordinary in it.
Prince Assad obeyed her; and, sitting down, began thus: Mighty
queen, your majesty is not mistaken in thinking there is something
extraordinary in the story of my life: it is indeed more so than you
can imagine. The ills, the incredible torments, I have suffered, and
the death to which I was devoted, and from which I am delivered by
your royal generosity, will show the greatness of my obligation to
you, never to be forgotten. But before I enter into particulars of
my miseries, which will strike horror into the hearts of all that
hear it, I must trace the origin of them to its source.
This preamble increased queen Margiana’s curiosity. The prince
then told her of his royal birth; of his brother Amgiad, and their
mutual friendship; of their mothers’ criminal passion, which in a
night turned into inveterate hatred, the cause of all their
sufferings; of the king his father’s rage; how miraculously their
lives were saved; how he lost his brother; how he had been long
imprisoned and tortured, and was only discharged then to be
sacrificed on the fiery mountain.
When Assad had finished his discourse, the queen was more than ever
enraged at the adorers of fire. Prince, said she, though I have
always had an aversion to the adorers of fire, yet hitherto I have
had some humanity for them; but after their barbarous usage of you,
and their execrable design to sacrifice you, I will henceforth
declare perpetual war against them.
She would have said more, but supper being served up, she made
prince Assad sit down at table with her, being charmed with his
beauty and eloquence, and touched with a passion which she hoped
soon to have an opportunity of letting him see. Prince, said she, we
must make you amends for so many fasts and wretched meals, which the
pitiless adorers of fire forced you to make; you will want
nourishment after such sufferings. With these and such like words
she helped him at supper; and ordered the prince to drink a good
deal of wine to recover his spirits; by which means he drank more
than he could well bear.
The cloth being taken away, Assad wanting to go out, took an
opportunity when the queen did not see him. He descended into the
court, and seeing the garden door open, went into it. Being tempted
by the pleasantness of the place, he walked there a while. At last
he came to a fountain, where he washed his face and hands to refresh
himself, and lying down on the turf round the fountain, fell asleep.
It was almost night, and Behram, determined to prevent the queen
from executing her threats, had weighed anchor, troubled at the loss
of Assad, by which he was disappointed of a most acceptable
sacrifice. He comforted himself as well as he could with the
thoughts that the storm was over, and that a land breeze favoured
his getting off from that coast. As soon as he was towed out of the
port by the help of his boat, before it was hoisted up into the ship
again, Stop, my lads, said he to the seamen in it, do not come on
board again; I will give you some casks to fill with water, and will
wait for you. The sailors excused themselves, for that they did not
know where to get water. Behram had observed, while he was talking
to the queen in the garden, that there was a fountain at the end of
it, near the port. Go, said he, land before the palace-garden; the
wall is not above breast high; you may easily get over; there is a
basin in the middle of the garden, where you may fill all your
barrels, and hand them aboard without difficulty.
The sailors went ashore at the place he directed them to, and laying
their casks on their shoulders, easily got over the wall.
As they drew near the basin, they perceived a man sleeping on the
grass, and knew him to be Assad. They immediately divided
themselves; and while some of the crew filled their barren with as
little noise as possible, others surrounded Assad, and watched to
stop him if he should awake.
He was fast, and slept on, giving them time to fill all their casks:
which, as soon as they had filled, they handed over the wall to
others of their crew who waited there to carry them aboard.
They next seized Assad, and bore him away, without giving him time
to recollect himself. They got him over the wall into their boat
with the casks, and rowed to the ship. When they came near her they
cried out for joy, Captain, sound your trumpets, beat your drums; we
have brought you your slave again.
Behram, who could not imagine how the seamen could find and take him
again, and did not see Assad in the boat, it being night, waited
their coming on board with impatience, to ask what they meant; but
when he had seen him, he could not contain himself, so great was his
joy. He commanded him to be chained down again, without staying to
inquire how they came by him; and having hoisted the boat on board,
set sail for the fiery mountain.
In the meanwhile queen Margiana was in a dreadful fright: she did
not much concern herself at first, when she found prince Assad was
gone out, because she did not doubt but he would return in a little
time. When some time had passed without his appearing, she began to
be uneasy, and commanded her women to look for him. They searched
all about without finding him; and night coming on, she ordered them
to search again with torches, which they did to as little purpose.
Queen Margiana was so impatient and alarmed, that she went with
lights, and finding the garden-door open, went into it, and walked
all over it with her women, to seek for him herself; and passing by
the fountain and basin, she espied a slipper, which she took up, and
knew it to be prince Assad’s: her women also said it was his. The
water being spilt about the basin, made her believe that Behram had
carried him off again. She sent immediately to see if he was still
in the port; and hearing he had set sail a little before it was
dark, that he lay to some time off the shore, while he sent his boat
for water from the fountain, she doubted no longer of the prince’s
ill fortune; so she sent word to the commander of ten ships of war,
which lay always ready in the port, to sail on the shortest notice,
that she would embark herself next morning as soon as it was day.
The commander lost no time; ordered the captains and subalterns,
seamen and soldiers aboard, and was ready to sail at the time
appointed. She embarked; and when the squadron was at sea, told the
commander her intention: Make all the sail you can, said she, and
give chase to the merchant-man that sailed yesterday evening out of
this port: I give it to you to be plundered, if you take it; if not,
your life shall answer it.
The ten ships chased Behram’s two whole days without seeing her.
The third day in the morning they discovered her, and at noon had so
surrounded her, that she could not escape.
As soon as cruel Behram espied the ten ships of war, he doubted not
it was queen Margiana’s squadron in pursuit of him; and upon that
he ordered Assad to be bastinadoed, which he did every day, and had
not missed once treating him so barbarously since he left the port
of the city of magicians. On sight of these ships, he used him more
cruelly than before. He was much perplexed what to do, when he found
he was going to be surrounded. To keep Assad, was to declare himself
guilty; to kill him was as dangerous, for he feared some tokens or
other of it might be seen. He therefore commanded him to be
unfettered and brought from the bottom of the hold where he lay.
When he came before him, It is thou, said he, that art the cause of
my being pursued; and so saying, he flung him into the sea.
Prince Assad knowing how to swim, made so good use of his feet and
hands, that he got safe to shore; the waves seconding his bold
exertions. The first thing he did after he got on shore was to thank
God who had delivered him from so great danger, and once more
rescued him out of the hands of the adorers of fire. He then
stripped himself, and wringing the water out of his clothes, he
spread them on a rock, where, by the heat of the sun, and the rock
together, they soon dried. After which he lay down to rest himself,
deploring his miserable condition, not knowing in what country he
was, nor which way to turn himself. He dressed himself again and
walked on, keeping as near the sea side as he could. At last he came
to a sort of path which he followed, and travelled ten days through
a country which was not inhabited, still living on herbs, plants,
and wild fruits. At last he approached the banks of a rivulet near a
city, which he knew to be that of the magicians, where he had been
so ill used, and where his brother Amgiad was grand vizier: he was
very glad of it, resolving not to come near any of the adorers of
fire, but only to converse with Mussulmen; for he remembered he had
seen some the first time he entered the town. It being late, and he
knowing the shops were already shut, and few people in the streets,
resolved to stay in a burying-ground near the city, where there were
several tombs built in the form of mausoleums. He found the door of
one of them open; he entered it, and designed to pass the night
there.
We must now return to Behram’s ship, which was soon surrounded on
all sides by queen Margiana’s squadron, after he had thrown prince
Assad overboard. The ship in which queen Margiana was in person
first boarded him, and Behram, being in no condition of defence
against so many, furled his sails in token of yielding.
The queen herself came aboard him, and demanded of him where the
clerk was, whom he had the boldness to take or cause to be taken out
of her very palace. Behram replied, O queen! I swear by your
majesty, he is not in my ship; you will, by searching it, see my
innocence.
Margiana ordered the ship to be searched as narrowly as possible,
but she could not find the man whom she so passionately longed to
recover, as well out of love to him, as out of that generosity which
was her distinguishing character. She was going to kill Behram with
her own hand, but refrained, contenting herself with seizing his
ship and cargo, and turning him and his men on shore in their boat.
Behram and his seamen arrived at the city of the magicians the same
night that Assad did, stopped at the same burying ground, the city
gates being shut, intending to stay in some tomb till the next day,
when they were opened again.
As Assad’s ill luck would have it, Behram passed before that in
which the prince was sleeping, with his head wrapt up in his habit:
Assad awoke at the noise he made, and asked, Who’s there?
Behram knew him again presently. Hah, hah! said he, thou art the man
who hast ruined me for ever; thou hast escaped being sacrificed this
year, but depend on it thou shalt not escape the next. Saying this,
he flew upon him, clapped his handkerchief into his mouth to prevent
his making a noise, and by the help of his seamen bound him.
The next morning, as soon as the city gates were open, Behram and
his men easily carried Assad by a round-about way, through streets
where nobody was up, to the old man’s house, where he had been so
inhumanly treated. As soon as he got in, he was again thrown into
the same dungeon. Behram acquainted the old fellow with the sad
occasion of his return, and the ill success of his voyage. The old
rascal, upon this, commanded his two daughters, Bostama and Cavama,
to treat Assad more cruelly than before, if possible.
Assad was in a terrible surprise to find himself in the hands of his
old persecutors, from whom he had suffered so much, and expected to
undergo another time the torments from which he hoped that he had
been delivered. He was bemoaning the rigour of his destiny, when he
saw Bostama enter with a cudgel, a loaf, and a pitcher of water. He
was almost dead at the sight of that unmerciful wretch, and the
thoughts of the daily sufferings he was to endure for another year,
after which he was to die the most horrible death.
Bostama dealt not so inhumanly by prince Assad as she had done the
first time of his confinement. His cries, complaints, and earnest
entreaties to her to spare him, joined with his tears, were so
moving, that Bostama could not help being affected by them, and
shedding tears with him. My lord, said she, covering his shoulders
again, I ask a thousand pardons for my inhuman treatment of you
formerly, and for making you now feel its effect. Till now I was
afraid of disobeying a father, who is unjustly enraged against you,
and resolved on your destruction; but at last I loathe and abhor
this barbarity. Be comforted; your evil days are over. I will
endeavour, by better treatment of you, to make amends for all my
crimes, the enormity of which you will find I am convinced of. You
have hitherto looked on me as an infidel; henceforth believe me one
of your own religion; having been converted by a slave, who is a
Mussulman. I hope your lessons will finish my conversion. To show my
good intentions, I first beg pardon of the true God for all my sins,
in dealing so cruelly by you, and I trust he will put it in my power
to set you entirely at liberty.
The prince was much comforted to hear her talk thus: he thanked the
Almighty for the change wrought in her heart He also thanked her for
her good disposition towards him, and omitted no arguments which he
thought would have any effect to confirm her in them, by instructing
her in the Mussulman religion, and telling her his whole story, his
high birth, and adventures, to that time. When he was convinced she
was fixed in her good resolution, he asked her how she could hinder
her sister Cavama knowing it, and treating him as barbarously as she
used to do? Let not that trouble you, replied Bostama; I know how to
order matters so that she shall never come near you.
And as she said, she every day prevented her coming down into the
dungeon, where she often visited the prince, and instead of carrying
him bread and water, she brought him the best wine and the choicest
victuals she could get, which was prepared by her twelve Mahometan
slaves. She eat with him herself from time to time, and did her
utmost to make his confinement comfortable.
A few days afterwards, Bostama, as she stood at her father’s door,
heard the public crier making proclamation; but she could not hear
what it was about, being too far off.
As he came near her father’s house, she withdrew into it, holding
the door half open, perceiving he went before the grand vizier
Amgiad, brother to Assad; who was accompanied by several officers,
and other attendants, walking before and behind him.
The crier, going a few steps from the house, repeated the
proclamation with a loud voice, as follows: ‘The most excellent
and illustrious grand vizier, is come in person to seek for his dear
brother, from whom he was separated about a year ago; he is a young
man of such a person; if any one has him in keeping, or knows where
he is, his excellency commands that they bring him forth, or give
him notice where he shall find him, promising a great reward to the
person that shall so do: if any one conceals him, and he is found,
his excellency declares he shall be punished with death, together
with his wife, children, and all his family, and his house be razed
to the ground.’ Bostama, as soon as she had heard this, shut the
door as fast as she could, and ran to Assad in the dungeon. Prince,
said she, with joy, your troubles are at an end, follow me
immediately. She had taken off his fetters the first day he was
brought in. So the prince followed her into the street, where she
cried, There he is! there he is!
The grand vizier, who was not far from the house, returned. Assad
knew him to be his brother, ran to him, and embraced him. Amgiad,
who presently recollected him, returned his embrace with all
possible tenderness, made him mount one of his officer’s horses,
who alighted for that purpose, and conducted him in triumph to the
palace, where he presented him to the king, by whom he was advanced
to the post of a vizier.
Bostama would not return to her father’s house, which was the next
day razed to the ground, but kept prince Assad in sight, and was
sent to the queen’s apartment.
The old man, her father, and Behram, and all their families, were
brought before the king, who condemned them to be beheaded. They
threw themselves at his feet, and implored his mercy. There is no
mercy for you to expect, said the king, unless you renounce your
adoring of fire, and profess the Mahometan religion.
They accepted the condition, and were pardoned at the intercession
of Assad, in consideration of Bostama’s friendship; for whose sake
Cavama’s life, and the lives of the rest of their families, were
saved.
Amgiad, in consideration of Behram turning Mussulman, and to
compensate for his loss, which he had suffered before he deserved
his favour, made him one of his principal officers, and lodged him
in his house. Behram being informed of Amgiad and his brother
Assad’s story, proposed to his benefactor to fit out a vessel to
convey them to their father king Camaralzaman’s court: For, said
he, the king must certainly have heard of your innocence, and
impatiently desire to see you ere this; otherwise we can easily
inform him of the truth before we land; and if he is still in the
same mind, you can but return hither.
The two brothers accepted the proposal, communicated it to the king
of the city of the magicians, who approved of it, and commanded a
ship to be equipped. Behram undertook the employment cheerfully, and
soon got in readiness to sail. The two princes, when they understood
the ship was ready, waited upon the king one morning to take their
leave of him. While they were making their compliments, and thanking
the king for his favours, they were interrupted by a great tumult in
the city; and presently an officer came to give them notice, that a
numerous army was advancing against the city, nobody knowing who
they were, or whence they came.
The king being alarmed at the news, Amgiad addressed himself to him
thus: Sir, though I have just resigned into your majesty’s hands
the dignity of your first minister, with which you were pleased to
honour me, I am ready to do you all the service in my power. I
desire, therefore, that you would be pleased to let me go and see
who this enemy is, that comes to attack you in your capital city,
without having first declared war.
The king desired him to do so. Amgiad departed from him immediately,
with a very small retinue, to see what enemy approached, and what
was the reason of their coming.
It was not long before prince Amgiad descried the army, which
appeared very formidable, and which approached nearer and nearer.
The advanced guards received him favourably, and conducted him to a
princess, who stopped, and commanded her army to halt, while she
talked with the prince; who, bowing profoundly to her, demanded if
she came as a friend or an enemy? if as an enemy, what cause of
complaint she had against the king, his master?
I come as a friend, replied the princess, and have no cause of
complaint against the king of the city of the magicians: his
territories and mine are so situated, that it is almost impossible
for us to have any disputes. I only come to require a slave, named
Assad, to be delivered up to me. He was carried away by one Behram,
a captain of a ship belonging to this city, the most insolent man in
the world. I hope your king will do me justice, when he knows I am
Margiana.
The prince answered, Mighty queen, the slave whom you take so much
pains to seek for is my brother; I lost him, and have found him
again. Come, and I will deliver him up to you myself, and will do
myself the honour to tell you the rest of the story: the king my
master will rejoice to see you.
The queen ordered her army to pitch their tents, and encamp where
they were, and accompanied prince Amgiad to the city and palace,
where he presented her to the king, who received her in a manner
becoming her dignity. Assad, who was present, and knew her as soon
as he saw her, also paid his respects to her. She showed great joy
at the sight of him; and while they were thus engaged, tidings came
that an army more powerful than the former approached on the other
side of the city.
The king of the magicians was more terrified than before,
understanding the second army was more numerous than the first; for
he saw this by the clouds of dust they raised, which hid the face of
the heavens. Amgiad, cried he, what shall we do now? a new army
comes to destroy us. Amgiad guessed what the king meant; he mounted
on horseback again, and gallopped towards the second army. He
demanded of the advanced guards to speak with their general; they
conducted him to a king, for such he was he saw by the crown on his
head. --When he drew near him, he alighted, prostrated himself to
the ground, and asked what he required of the king, his master.
The monarch replied, I am Gaiour, king of China; my desire to learn
tidings of a daughter, whose name is Badoura, whom I married to
Camaralzaman, son of Schahzaman, king of the isles of the Children
of Khaledan, obliged me to leave my dominions. I suffered that
prince to go to see his father Schahzaman, king of the isles of the
Children of Khaledan, on condition he came back in a year with my
daughter; from that time I have heard nothing of them. Your king
will lay an infinite obligation on an afflicted father, to tell him
if he knows what is become of them.
Prince Amgiad, perceiving by his discourse that the king was his
grandfather, kissed his hand with tenderness, and answered him thus:
Sir, I hope your majesty will pardon my freedom, when you know that
I take it only to pay my duty to my grandfather: I am the son of
Camaralzaman, king of the isle of Ebene, and of queen Badoura, for
whom you are thus troubled; and I doubt not but they are both in
good health in their kingdom.
The king of China, overjoyed to see his grandson, tenderly embraced
him. Such a meeting, so happy and unexpected, drew tears from both.
The king, inquiring on what occasion he came into a strange country,
the prince told him all that had happened to him and his brother
Assad. When he had ended his relation, My son, replied the king of
China, it is not just that such innocent princes as you are should
be longer ill used. Comfort yourself; I will carry you and your
brother home, and make your peace. Return, and acquaint your brother
with my arrival.
While the king of China encamped in the same place where prince
Amgiad met him, that prince returned to let the king of the
magicians, who waited for him impatiently, know how he had succeeded.
The king was amazed that so mighty a king as he of China should
undertake such a long and troublesome journey, out of a desire to
see his daughter, and that he was so near his capital. He gave
orders to make things ready for his reception, and went forth to
meet him.
While these things were transacting, a great dust was seen on
another side of the town; and suddenly news came of the arrival of a
third army, which obliged the king to stop, and to desire the prince
Amgiad once more to see who they were, and on what account they
came. Amgiad went accordingly, and prince Assad accompanied him.
They found it was Camaralzaman their father’s army, with which he
was coming to seek for them. He was so grieved for the loss of his
sons, that at last emir Giondar declared how he had saved their
lives, which made him resolve to go and see towards what country the
two princes had travelled.
The afflicted father embraced the two princes with floods of tears
of joy, which put an end to those he had a long time shed for grief.
The princes had no sooner told him the king of China, his
father-in-law, was arrived, but he, with them and a small party,
rode to wait upon him in his camp. They had not gone far before they
saw a fourth army, advancing in good order, which seemed to come
from Persia.
Camaralzaman told the two princes to go and see what army it was,
and he would in the meanwhile stay for them. They departed
immediately; and, coming up to it, were presented to the king to
whom the army belonged; and, after having saluted him with due
reverence, they demanded on what design he approached so near the
king of the magicians’ capital. The grand vizier, who was present,
answered in the name of the king his master, The monarch to whom you
speak is Schahzaman, king of the isles of the Children of Khaledan:
who has a long time travelled, thus attended, to seek his son,
prince Camaralzaman, who left his dominions many years ago: if you
know any thing of him, you cannot oblige him more than to acquaint
him with it.
The princes only replied, that they would bring him an answer in a
little time: and, gallopping back as fast as they could, told
Camaralzaman it was king Schahzaman’s army, and that the king his
father was with it in person.
Wonder, surprise, joy, and grief, to have left the king his father
without taking leave of him, had such an effect on king
Camaralzaman, that he fainted as soon as he heard he was so near.
Prince Amgiad and prince Assad, by their assiduities, at length
brought him to himself; and when he had recovered his strength, he
went to his father’s tent, and threw himself at his feet.
Never was there a more moving interview between a father and a son.
Schahzaman kindly upbraided Camaralzaman with unkindness in so
cruelly leaving him; and Camaralzaman discovered a hearty sorrow for
the fault which love had urged him to commit.
The three kings and queen Margiana stayed three days at the court of
the king of the magicians, who treated them magnificently. These
three days were rendered more remarkable by prince Assad’s
marriage with queen Margiana, and prince Amgiad with Bostama, for
the service she had done his brother Assad.
At last the three kings, and queen Margiana, with her husband Assad,
returned to their respective kingdoms. As for Amgiad, the king of
the magicians had such an affection for him, he would not part with
him; and being very old, he resigned his crown to him. Amgiad, when
he had the supreme authority, did his utmost to exterminate the
worship of fire, and establish the Mahometan religion throughout his
dominions.
The Story of Noureddin and the Fair Persian.
The city of Balsora was for many years the capital of a kingdom
tributary to the caliphs of Arabia. The king who governed it in the
days of the caliph Haroun Alraschid was named Zinebi. They were
cousins, the sons of two brothers. Zinebi not thinking it proper to
commit the administration of his affairs to one single vizier, made
choice of two, Khacan and Saouy.
Khacan was of a sweet, generous, and affable temper, and took a
pride in obliging to the utmost of his power those with whom he had
any concern, without the least hinderance to justice, which he was
obliged to distribute; so that he was universally respected at
court, in the city, and throughout the whole kingdom; and the
praises he so highly deserved were the general theme.
Saouy was of a quite different character: he was always sullen and
morose, and disgusted every body, without regard to their rank or
quality. Instead of making himself beloved and admired for his
riches, he was so perfect a miser as to deny himself the necessaries
of life. In short, nobody could endure him, and nothing good was
said of him. But what increased the people’s hatred against him
the more, was his implacable aversion to Khacan; always interpreting
in the worst sense the actions of that worthy minister, and
endeavouring to do him all the ill offices imaginable with the king.
One day, after council, the king of Balsora amused himself with his
two viziers and some other members of the council. The conversation
turned upon the women slaves that are daily bought and sold, and are
with us almost accounted in the same rank with our lawful wives.
Some were of opinion that it was enough if the slave so bought was
beautiful and well-shaped, to make amends for the wives, which very
often, on account of alliance or interest in families, men are
obliged to marry, though they are not always the greatest beauties,
or possessed of any perfection, either of mind or body.
Others maintained, and amongst the rest Khacan, that neither beauty
nor all bodily perfections were the only things to be desired in a
slave, but that they ought to be accompanied with a great share of
wit, prudence, modesty, and agreeableness, and if possible, much
pleasing knowledge. The reason they gave for it was, that nothing
could be more agreeable to persons on whom the management of
important affairs depends, than after having spent the whole day in
that fatiguing employment, to have a companion in their retirement,
whose conversation is not only pleasing, but useful and amusing;
for, in short, continued they, there is but little difference
between brutes and those men who keep a slave only to look at, and
gratify a passion that we have in common with them.
The king was entirely of their opinion who spoke last, and he gave a
proof of it, by ordering Khacan to buy him a slave, a perfect
beauty, mistress of all those qualifications they had just
mentioned, and in particular, possessed of knowledge.
Saouy, jealous of the honour the king had done Khacan, and being of
a contrary opinion, said, Sire, it will be very difficult to find a
slave so accomplished as your majesty requires; and should they
light upon such a one, (as I scarce believe they will,) she will be
a cheap bargain at ten thousand pieces of gold. Saouy, replied the
king, I perceive plainly you think it too great a sum; it may be so
for you, though not for me. Then turning to his high treasurer, he
ordered him to send the ten thousand pieces of gold to the
vizier’s house.
Khacan, as soon as he came home, sent for all the brokers who used
to deal in women slaves, and strictly charged them that if ever they
met with a slave that answered the description he gave them, they
should come and acquaint him with it. The brokers, partly to oblige
the vizier, and partly for their own interest, promised to use their
utmost endeavours to find out one to his liking. Scarce a day passed
but they brought him one; but he always found some fault or other.
One day, as Khacan was getting on horseback, very early in the
morning to go to court, a broker came to him, and catching hold of
the stirrup with great eagerness, told him there was a Persian
merchant arrived very late the day before, who had a slave to sell,
so surprisingly beautiful, that she excelled all women that his eyes
had ever beheld: and for wit and knowledge, added he, the merchant
engages she shall match the finest wits, and the most learned
persons of the age.
Khacan, overjoyed at this news, which made him hope for a favourable
opportunity of making his court, ordered him to bring the slave to
his palace against his return, and continued his journey.
The broker failed not to be at the vizier’s at the appointed hour;
and Khacan, finding the lovely slave so much beyond his
expectations, immediately gave her the name of the Fair Persian. As
he had an infinite deal of wit and learning, he soon perceived by
her conversation, that it was in vain to search farther for a slave
that surpassed her in any of those qualifications required by the
king, and therefore he asked the broker at what rate the Persian
merchant valued her.
Sir, replied the broker, he is a man of few words in bargaining; and
he tells me, that the very lowest price he can part with her at, is
ten thousand pieces of gold. He has also sworn to me, that without
reckoning his care and pains, from the time of his first taking
charge of her, he has laid out pretty near the sum upon her
education, in masters to accomplish both her body and her mind,
besides clothes and maintenance; and as he always thought her fit
for a king, so from her very infancy, when he first bought her, he
has not been sparing of any thing that might contribute towards
advancing her to that high honour. She plays upon all sorts of
instruments to perfection; she sings, dances, writes better than the
most celebrated authors, makes verses, and, in short, there is
scarce any book but she has read; so that there never was a slave of
so great a capacity heard of before.
The vizier Khacan, who understood the merit of the Fair Persian
better than the broker, who only reported what he had heard from the
merchant, was unwilling to drive off the bargain to another time;
and therefore sent one of his servants to look after the merchant,
where the broker told him he was to be found.
As soon as the Persian merchant came, It is not for myself, but the
king, said the vizier Khacan, that I buy your slave; but however,
you must let him have her at a more reasonable price than what you
have set upon her.
Sir, replied the merchant, I should do myself an unspeakable honour
in offering her as a present to his majesty, if it became a person
in my situation to make him one of such inestimable value. I ask no
more than her education and accomplishments have cost me; and all I
have to say is, that I believe his majesty will be extremely pleased
with the purchase.
The vizier Khacan would no longer stand bargaining with the
merchant, but paid him the money down immediately. Sir, said he to
the vizier, upon taking his leave of him, since the slave is
designed for the king’s use, give me leave to tell you, that being
extremely fatigued with our long journey, you see her at a great
disadvantage; and though she has not her equal in the world for
beauty, yet if you please to keep her at your own house but a
fortnight, and take a little pains with her, she will appear quite
another creature: after that, you may present her to the king with
honour and credit; for which I hope you will think yourself much
obliged to me. The sun, you see, has a little altered her
complexion; but after two or three times bathing, and when you have
dressed her as you think proper, she will be so changed that she
will appear to your eyes infinitely more charming than now.
Khacan was much pleased with the advice the merchant gave him, and
was resolved to follow it. He assigned the Fair Persian a particular
apartment near his lady’s, whom he desired to invite her to an
entertainment, and henceforth treat her as a person designed for the
king; he also entreated her to get several suits of the richest
clothes for her that could be had, and that became her best. Before
he took his leave of the Fair Persian, Your happiness, madam, said
he, cannot be greater than what I am about to procure for you: you
shall judge for yourself; it is for the king himself I have
purchased you, and I hope he will be better pleased with possessing
you than I am in having discharged the commission his majesty has
honoured me with. I think it, however, my duty to warn you, that I
have a son, who, though he does not want wit, yet is young,
insinuating, and forward; and to caution you how you suffer him to
come near you. The Fair Persian thanked him for his good advice; and
after she had given him an assurance of her intention to follow it,
he withdrew.
Noureddin, for so the vizier’s son was named, had free access to
his mother’s apartment, with whom he usually eat his meals. He was
very genteel, young, agreeable, and bold; and being master of
abundance of wit and readiness of expression, had the art of
persuading others as he pleased. He saw the Fair Persian; and from
the first interview, though he knew his father had bought her
purposely for the king, and had declared the same to him, yet he
never used the least endeavours to check the violence of his
passion. In short, he resigned himself wholly to the power of her
charms, by which his heart was at first conquered; and from his
first conversation with her, he resolved to employ his utmost
endeavours to get her from the king.
On the other hand, the Fair Persian had no dislike to Noureddin. The
vizier, said she to herself, has done me honour to purchase me for
the king of Balsora; but I should have thought myself very happy, if
he had designed me only for his own son.
Noureddin was not backward in making use of the advantage of seeing
and conversing with a beauty he was so passionately enamoured with;
for he never would leave her till his mother forced him to do it. My
son, said she, it is not proper for a young man like you to be
always in the women’s apartment: go, mind your studies, and
endeavour to qualify yourself to succeed your father in his high
posts and honours.
It being a great while since the Fair Persian had bathed upon
account of her long journey, the vizier’s lady, five or six days
after she was purchased, ordered the bath in her own house to be got
ready purposely for her. She sent her to it, with many of her women
slaves, who were charged by the vizier’s lady to be as attentive
to her as to herself; and after bathing, to put her on a very rich
suit of clothes that she had provided for her. She was the more
careful, in order to ingratiate herself with her husband, by letting
him see how much she interested herself in every thing that
contributed to his pleasure.
As soon as she came out of the bath, the Fair Persian, a thousand
times more beautiful than ever she appeared to Khacan when he
brought her, went to make a visit to his lady, who at first sight
hardly knew her. The Fair Persian kissed her hand in a very graceful
manner, and said to her, Madam, I know not how you like me in this
dress you have pleased to order for me; but your women, who tell me
it becomes me so extremely well, they should scarce know me,
certainly flatter me: from you alone I expect to hear the truth;
but, if what they say be really so. I am indebted to you, madam, for
the advantage it has given me.
Oh! my daughter, cried the vizier’s lady, transported with joy,
you have no reason to believe my women have flattered you: I am
better skilled in beauty than they: and, setting aside your dress,
which becomes you admirably well, your beauty is so much improved by
the bath, that I hardly knew you myself. If I thought the bath was
warm enough, I would take my turn; for I am now of an age that
requires frequent use of it. Madam, replied the Fair Persian, I have
nothing to say to the undeserved civilities you have been pleased to
show me; but as for the bath, it is in wonderful fine order; and if
you design to go in, you have no time to lose, as your women can
inform you as well as I.
The vizier’s lady, considering that she had not bathed for some
days past, was desirous to make use of that opportunity; and
accordingly she acquainted her women with her intention, who
immediately prepared all things necessary on such an occasion. The
Fair Persian withdrew to her apartment; and the vizier’s lady,
before she went to bathe, ordered two little female slaves to stay
with her, with a strict charge, that if Noureddin came, they should
not give him admittance.
While the vizier’s lady was bathing, and the fair slave alone in
her apartment, in came Noureddin, and not finding his mother in her
chamber, went directly to the Fair Persian’s, where he found the
two little slaves in the antechamber: he asked them where his mother
was? They told him, in the bath. Where is the Fair Persian, then?
replied Noureddin. In her chamber, answered the slaves; but we have
positive orders from your mother not to let you go in.
The entrance into the Fair Persian’s chamber being only covered
with a piece of tapestry, Noureddin went to lift it up, in order to
go in, but was opposed by the two slaves, who clapped themselves
just before it, on purpose to stop his passage: he presently caught
hold of them both by the arms, and, thrusting them out of the
antechamber, locked the door upon them. Away they immediately ran,
with a great outcry, to the bath, and, with tears in their eyes,
told their lady, that Noureddin, having driven them away by force,
was got into the Fair Persian’s chamber.
The vizier’s lady received the astonishing news of her son’s
presumption with the greatest concern. She immediately left off
bathing, and, dressing herself with all possible speed, came
directly to the Fair Persian’s chamber; but before she could get
thither, Noureddin was gone.
The Fair Persian was extremely surprised to see the vizier’s lady
enter her chamber all in tears, and in the utmost confusion. Madam,
said she to her, may I presume to ask the occasion of your concern?
and what accident has happened in the bath, that makes you leave it
so soon?
What! cried the vizier’s lady, can you so calmly ask that
question, when my son Noureddin has been with you alone in your
chamber? Can there happen a greater misfortune to him or me?
I beseech you, madam, said the fair slave, what prejudice can this
action of Noureddin’s do to you or him?
How! replied the vizier’s lady, did not my husband tell you that
you were designed for the king, and sufficiently cautioned you to
beware of Noureddin?
I have not forgot it, madam, replied the Fair Persian; but your son
came to tell me the vizier, his father, had changed his mind, and
instead of reserving me for the king, as he first designed, has made
him a present of my person. I easily believed him, madam; for, oh!
think how a slave as I am, accustomed from my infant years to the
laws of servitude, could or ought to resist him! I must own I did it
with the less unwillingness on account of a violent inclination for
him, which the freedom of conversation and daily intercourse has
raised in my soul. I could, without regret, lose the hope of ever
being the king’s, and think myself perfectly happy in spending my
whole life with Noureddin.
At this discourse of the Fair Persian’s, Would to God, cried the
vizier’s lady, that what you say were true! I should hear it with
joy; but, believe me, Noureddin is an impostor, and has deceived
you; for it is impossible his father should ever make him the
present he spoke of. Ah! wretched youth, how miserable has he made
me! but more his father, by the dismal consequences we must all
expect to share with him! Neither my prayers her tears will be able
to prevail, or obtain a pardon for him: but as soon as his father
hears of his violence to you, he will inevitably sacrifice him to
his just resentment. At these words she fell to weeping bitterly;
and the slaves, who were as much afraid for Noureddin as herself,
bore her company.
A little after this, in came the vizier Khacan; and being surprised
to find his lady and her slaves all in tears, and the Fair Persian
very melancholy, asked the reason of it; but, instead of answering
him, his wife and his slaves kept on weeping and lamenting. He was
more astonished at this than before: at last, addressing himself to
his wife, I command you, said he, to let me know the occasion of
your tears, and to tell me the whole truth.
The poor disconsolate lady could no longer refuse to satisfy her
husband. Sir, said she, first promise not to use me unkindly for
what I tell you, since I assure you that what has happened has not
been occasioned by any fault of mine; then, without staying for his
answer, Whilst I was bathing with my women, continued she, your son,
laying hold of that fatal opportunity to ruin us both, came hither,
and made the Fair Persian believe, that instead of reserving her for
the king, as you once designed, you had given her to him as a
present; I do not say what he did after such a notorious falsehood,
but shall leave you to judge of it yourself. This is the cause of my
affliction, upon your account, and his, for whom I want confidence
to implore your pardon.
It is impossible to express the vizier Khacan’s distraction upon
hearing of the insolence of his son Noureddin. Ah! cried he, beating
his breast, and tearing his beard, miserable son! unworthy of life!
hast thou at last thrown thy father from the highest pinnacle of
happiness into a misfortune that must inevitably involve thee also
in his ruin? neither will the king be satisfied with thy blood or
mine, to avenge the affront offered to his royal person.
His lady endeavoured to comfort him. Afflict yourself no more about
the matter, said she; I shall easily raise, with part of my jewels,
ten thousand pieces of gold, and you may buy another slave, more
beautiful, and more worthy of the king.
Ah! replied the vizier, could you think me capable of being so
extremely afflicted at losing ten thousand pieces of gold? It is not
that loss, nor the loss of all I am worth, for that I should not
feel; but the forfeiting my honour, more precious than all the
riches in the world. However, methinks, replied the lady, a loss
that can be repaired by money cannot be so very great.
How! cried the vizier; don’t you know Saouy is my mortal enemy;
and as soon as this affair comes to his knowledge, do you think he
will not exult over me before the king? Your majesty, will he say to
him, is always talking of Khacan’s zeal and affection for your
service; but see what a proof he has lately given of his being
worthy the regard you have hitherto shown him. He has received ten
thousand pieces of gold to buy a slave with; and, to do him justice,
he has most honourably acquitted himself of that commission, in
buying the most beautiful that ever eyes beheld; but, instead of
bringing her to your majesty, he has thought it better to make a
present of her to his son. Here, my son, said he, take this slave,
since thou art more worthy of her than the king. Then with his usual
malice will he go on, His son has her now entirely in his
possession, and every day revels in her arms, without the least
disturbance. This, sir, is the exact truth, that I have done myself
the honour of acquainting you with, and if your majesty questions
it, you may easily satisfy yourself. Do you not plainly see,
continued the vizier, how, upon such a malicious insinuation as
this, I am every moment liable to have my house forced by the
king’s guards, and the Fair Persian taken from me, besides a
thousand other misfortunes that will unavoidably follow? Sir,
replied the vizier’s lady to her husband, I am sensible the malice
of Saouy is very great, and that, if he has but the least intimation
of this affair, he will certainly give it a turn very
disadvantageous to your interest; but how is it possible that he or
any body else should come to the knowledge of what has been
privately transacted in your family? Suppose it comes to the
king’s ears, and he should ask you about it; cannot you say, that
upon a strict examination you did not think the slave so fit for his
majesty’s use as you did at the first view; that the merchant has
cheated you; that, indeed, she has a great deal of beauty, but is
nothing near so accomplished as she was reported to be? The king
will certainly believe what you say, and Saouy be vexed to the soul,
to see all his malicious designs of ruining you entirely
disappointed: take courage then, and if you will follow my advice,
send for all the brokers, tell them you do not like the Fair
Persian, and order them to be as expeditious as possible in getting
another slave.
The vizier Khacan, approving of this reasonable advice, resolved to
make use of it, as his passion began to cool; yet his indignation
against his son Noureddin was not in the least abated.
Noureddin came not in sight all that day, and not daring to hide
himself among his young companions, lest his father should search
for him in their houses, he went a little way out of town, and took
sanctuary in a garden where he had never been before, and where he
was totally unknown. He did not come back till it was very late,
when he knew his father was in bed; and then his mother’s women,
opening the door very softly, let him in without any noise. He went
out next morning before his father was stirring: and this plan he
pursued for a whole month, to his great mortification. Indeed, the
women never flattered him, but told him plainly, his father’s
anger was as great as ever, and that he protested, if he came in his
sight, he would certainly kill him.
Though the vizier’s lady was informed by her women of
Noureddin’s lying every night in the house, she durst not presume
to entreat her husband to pardon him. At last she ventured; and one
day said to him, I have hitherto been silent, sir, not daring before
to take the liberty of talking to you about your son; but now give
me leave to ask you what you design to do with him? It is impossible
for a son to be more criminal towards a father than Noureddin has
been towards you; he has robbed you of the honour and satisfaction
of presenting the king with a slave so accomplished as the Fair
Persian; this I acknowledge; but, after all, are you absolutely
resolved to destroy him, and, instead of a light evil no more to be
thought of, draw upon yourself a far greater than perhaps you at
present imagine? Are you not afraid that the malicious world, which
inquires after the reason of your son’s absconding, may find out
the true cause, which you are so desirous of concealing? and if that
should happen, you would certainly fall into a misfortune, which it
is so much your interest justly avoid.
Madam, said the vizier, there is sound reasoning in what you have
urged; however, I cannot think of pardoning Noureddin, till I have
mortified him as he deserves. He will be sufficiently mortified,
replied the lady, if you will put in execution what is just come
into my mind: you must know then your son comes hither every night
after you are in bed; he sleeps here, and steals out every morning
before you are stirring. Wait for his coming in to-night, make as if
you designed to kill him; upon which I will run to his assistance,
and when he finds his life entirely owing to my prayers and
entreaties, you may oblige him to take the Fair Persian on what
condition soever you please: he loves her, and I am sensible the
fair slave has no aversion for him.
Khacan was very willing to make use of this stratagem. So, when
Noureddin came in at the usual hour, before the door was opened, he
placed himself behind it: as soon as he entered, he rushed suddenly
upon him, and got him down under his feet. Noureddin, lifting up his
head, saw his father with a dagger in his hand, ready to stab him.
In that instant came his mother, and catching hold of the vizier’s
arm, Sir, cried she, what are you doing? --Let me alone, replied the
vizier, that I may kill this base unworthy son. --You shall kill me
first, cried the mother; never will I suffer you to imbrue your
hands in your own blood. Noureddin improved this moment. My father,
cried he, with tears in his eyes, I implore your clemency and
compassion; nor must you deny me pardon, since I ask it in his name
before whom we must all appear at the last day.
Khacan suffered the dagger to be taken out of his hand; and as soon
as Noureddin was released, he threw himself at his father’s feet
and kissed them, to show how sincerely he repented of having
offended him. Noureddin, said he, return thanks to your mother,
since it is purely for her sake I pardon you. I design also to give
you the Fair Persian, on condition that you will oblige yourself by
an oath not to look upon her any longer as a slave, but as your
wife; that you will not sell her, nor ever be divorced from her; for
she having abundance of wit and prudence, and much better conduct
than you, I am persuaded she will be able to moderate those rash
sallies of youth, which are enough to ruin you.
Noureddin, who little expected to be treated after so kind and
indulgent a manner, returned his father a thousand thanks, with all
the gratitude and sincerity imaginable; and the vizier, the Fair
Persian, and he, were very well pleased and satisfied with the match.
The vizier Khacan would not wait for the king’s asking him about
the commission that he had given him, but took particular care to
mention it often, representing to his majesty the many difficulties
he met with in that affair, and how fearful he was of not acquitting
himself to his majesty’s satisfaction. In short, he managed the
business with so much address, that the king insensibly forgot it;
and though Saouy had got some small information of the matter, yet
Khacan was so much in the king’s favour, that he was afraid to
speak of it.
It was now above a year that this nice affair had been kept with
greater secrecy than the vizier at first expected, who being one day
in the bath, and some important business obliging him to leave it,
warm as he was, the air, which was then a little cold, struck to his
breast, caused a defluxion to fall upon his lungs, which threw him
into a violent fever, and confined him to his bed. His illness
increasing every day, and perceiving he had but a short time to
live, he thus addressed himself to his son Noureddin, who never
stirred from him during his whole sickness: My son, said he, I know
not whether I have made a good use of the riches Heaven has blessed
me with, but you see they are not able to save me from the hands of
death: the last thing I desire of you with my dying breath is, that
you would be mindful of the promise you made me concerning the Fair
Persian, and in this assurance I shall die content.
These were the vizier Khacan’s last words. He died a few moments
after, and left his family, the court, and the whole city, in great
affliction for his death. The king lamented him as a wise, zealous,
and faithful minister; and the whole city bewailed him as their
protector and benefactor. Never was there a funeral in Balsora
solemnized with greater pomp and magnificence; the viziers and emirs,
and in general all the grandees of the court, strove for the honour
of bearing his coffin, one after another, upon their shoulders, to
the place of burial; and both rich and poor accompanied him thither
with tears in their eyes.
Noureddin gave all the demonstrations of a sorrow equal to the loss
he had lately sustained, and lived a great while without ever seeing
any company: at last he admitted of a visit from an intimate friend
of his. His friend endeavoured to comfort him; and finding him
inclined to hear reason, he told him, that having done what was due
to the memory of his father, and fully satisfied all that decency
required of him, it was now high time to appear again in the world,
to converse with his friends, and maintain a character suitable to
his birth and merit. For, continued he, we should sin both against
the laws of nature and civil society, and be thought insensible, if
upon the death of our fathers we neglect to pay them what filial
love requires at our hands; but having once performed that duty, and
put it out of the power of any man to reproach us on that account,
we are obliged to return to our usual method of living. Dry up your
tears then, and re-assume that wonted air of gaiety, which always
inspires with joy those that have the honour of your conversation.
This advice seemed very reasonable. Noureddin was easily persuaded
to follow it; and if he had followed it with all the regularity it
required, he would certainly have avoided all the misfortunes that
afterwards befell him. He treated his friend very nobly; and when he
took his leave, Noureddin desired him to come the next day, and
bring three or four friends of their acquaintance. By this means he
insensibly fell into the society of about ten young men pretty near
his own age, with whom he spent his time in continual feasting and
entertainments; and scarce a day passed but he made every one of
them some considerable present.
Sometimes, to oblige his friends, Noureddin would send for the Fair
Persian, who, notwithstanding her obedience to his command, never
approved of his extravagant way of living, but often spoke her mind
freely. I question not, said she, but the vizier your father has
left you an ample fortune; but great as it may be, be not displeased
with your slave for telling you, that at this rate of living you
will quickly see an end of it. We may sometimes indeed treat our
friends, and be merry with them; but to make a daily practice of it,
is certainly the high road to ruin and destruction: for your own
honour and reputation, you would do better to follow the footsteps
of your deceased father, that in time you may rise to that dignity
by which he has acquired so much glory and renown.
Noureddin hearkened to the Fair Persian’s discourse with a smile:
and when she had done, My charmer, said he, with the same air of
mirth, say no more of that; let us talk of nothing but mirth and
pleasure. In my father’s lifetime I was always under restraint;
and I am now resolved to enjoy the liberty I so much sighed for
before his death. It is time enough for me to think of leading the
sober, regular life you talk of; and a man of my age ought to taste
the pleasures of youth.
What contributed still more to the ruin of Noureddin’s fortune,
was his unwillingness to reckon with his steward; for whenever he
brought in his accounts, he still sent him away without examining
them: Go, go, said he, I trust wholly to your honesty; only take
care to let me have wherewith to make merry.
You are the master, sir, replied he, and I but the steward; however,
you would do well to think upon the proverb, He that spends much,
and has but little, must at last insensibly be reduced to poverty.
You are not contented with keeping an extravagant table, but you
must lavish away your estate with both hands: and were your coffers
as large as mountains, they would not be sufficient to maintain you.
Begone, replied Noureddin; I want not your grave lessons; only take
care to provide good eating and drinking, and trouble your head no
farther about the rest.
In the mean time, Noureddin’s friends were constant guests at his
table, and never failed to take advantage of the easiness of his
temper. They praised and flattered him, extolling his most
indifferent actions: but, above all, they took particular care to
commend whatever belonged to him; and in this they found their
account. Sir, said one of them, I came the other day by your estate
that lies in such a place; nothing can be so magnificent or so
handsomely furnished as your house; and the garden belonging to it
is a paradise upon earth. I am very glad it pleases you, said
Noureddin; bring me pen, ink, and paper; without more words, it is
at your service; I make you a present of it. No sooner had others
commended one of his houses, baths, and public buildings erected for
the use of strangers, the yearly revenue of which was very
considerable, but he immediately gave them away. The Fair Persian
could not forbear letting him know how much injury he did himself:
but, instead of hearkening to her, he continued his extravagancies,
and, the first opportunity that offered, squandered away the little
he had left.
In short, Noureddin did nothing for a whole year but feast and make
merry, wasting and consuming, after a prodigal manner, the great
wealth that his predecessors, and the good vizier his father, had
with so much pains and care acquired and preserved.
The year was but just expired, when somebody one day knocked at the
hall door, where he and his friends were at dinner together by
themselves, having sent away the slaves, that they might enjoy a
greater liberty.
One of his friends offered to rise; but Noureddin, stepping before
him, opened the door himself. It seems it was the steward; and
Noureddin, going a little out of the hall to know his business, left
the door half open.
The friend that offered to rise from his seat, seeing it was the
steward, and being curious to know what he had to say to Noureddin,
placed himself between the hangings and the door, where he plainly
overheard the steward’s discourse to his master. Sir, said he, I
ask a thousand pardons for coming to disturb you in the height of
your pleasure; but what I have to say is of such importance, that I
thought myself bound in duty to acquaint you with it. I am come,
sir, to make up my last accounts, and to tell you, that what I all
along foresaw, and have often warned you of, is at last come to
pass. I have not the smallest piece left of all the sums I have
received from you for your expenses; the other funds you assigned me
are all exhausted. The farmers, and those that owe you rent, have
made it so plainly appear to me, that you have assigned over to
others what they held of you, that it is impossible for me to get
any more of them on your account. Here are my books; if you please,
examine them; and if you wish I should continue useful to you,
assign me other funds, or else give me leave to quit your service.
Noureddin was so astonished at his discourse, that he gave him no
answer.
The friend, who had been listening all this while, and had heard
every syllable of what the steward said, immediately came in, and
told the company what he had overheard. It is your business,
gentlemen, said he, to make your use of this caution; for my part, I
declare to you this is the last visit I design ever to make
Noureddin. Nay, replied they, if matters go thus, we have as little
business here as you; and for the future shall take care not to
trouble him with our company.
Noureddin returned presently after; yet, notwithstanding all his
efforts to carry it pleasantly to his guests, he could not dissemble
the matter; but they plainly perceived the truth of what they had
heard. He was scarce sat down in his place, but one of his friends
rose up: Sir, said he, I am sorry I cannot have the honour of
keeping you company any longer; and therefore I hope you will excuse
my rudeness in leaving you so soon. What urgent affair, replied
Noureddin, obliges you to be going so soon? My wife, sir, said he,
is brought to bed to-day; and, upon such an occasion, you know, a
husband’s company is always necessary. So, making a very low bow,
away he went. A minute afterwards a second took his leave, with
another excuse. The rest did the same, one after another, till at
last not one of those ten friends, that had hitherto kept Noureddin
company, was left in the room.
As soon as they were gone, Noureddin, little suspecting the
resolution they had formed never to see him again, went directly to
the Fair Persian’s apartment; to whom, in private, he related all
the steward had told him, and seemed extremely concerned at the ill
state of his affairs. Sir, said the Fair Persian to him, allow me to
say, you would never take my advice, but always managed your
concerns after your own way, and now you see the fatal consequence
of it. I find I was not mistaken when I presaged to what a miserable
condition you would bring yourself at last: but what afflicts me the
more is, that at present you do not see the worst of your
misfortunes. Whenever I presumed freely to impart my thoughts to
you, Let us be merry, said you, and improve the time that Fortune
offers us: perhaps she will not always be so prodigal in her
favours: but, was I now to blame in telling you that we are
ourselves the makers of our own fortunes by a prudent management of
them? You would not hearken to me, and I was forced to let you go
on, however reluctantly.
I must own, replied Noureddin, I was extremely in the wrong in not
following the advice that you, out of your admirable prudence, gave
me. It is true, I have spent my estate; but do you not consider, it
is among a chosen set of friends whom I have long known, and who, I
am persuaded, have more generosity and gratitude in them than to
abandon me in distress? Sir, replied the Fair Persian, if you have
nothing but the gratitude of your friends to depend on, your case is
desperate; for, believe me, that hope is ill-grounded, and you will
tell me so yourself in time.
To this Noureddin replied, Charming Persian, I have a better opinion
of my friends’ generosity than you: to-morrow I design to make a
visit to them all, before the usual time of their coming hither; and
you shall see me return with a round sum, that they will assist me
with. I am resolved to alter my way of living, and, with the money
they lend me, set up in some business.
Next morning Noureddin failed not to visit his ten friends, who
lived in the very same street. He knocked at the first door he came
at, where one of the richest of them lived. A slave came to the
door: but before he would open it, he asked who was there. Tell your
master, said he to the slave, it is Noureddin, the late vizier
Kahcan’s son. The slave opened the door, and showed him into a
hall, where he left him, to go tell his master, who was in an inner
room, that Noureddin was come to wait on him. Noureddin! cried he,
in a disdainful tone, loud enough for Noureddin to hear it, with
surprise; go, tell him I am not at home; and, whenever he comes
hither, be sure you give him the same answer. The slave came back,
and told Noureddin he thought his master was within, but he was
mistaken.
Noureddin came away in the greatest confusion. Ah! base, ungrateful
wretch! cried he, to treat me so to-day after the vows and
protestations of friendship that he made me yesterday. He went to
another door, but that friend ordered his slaves also to say he was
gone out. He had the same answer at the third; and, in short, all
the rest denied themselves, though every one was at home at the same
time.
Noureddin now began in earnest to reflect with himself, and see the
folly of relying upon the protestations of attachment that his false
friends had solemnly made him in the time of his prosperity, when he
could treat them so sumptuously, and load them with favours. It is
very true, said he to himself, with tears in his eyes, that a
fortunate man, as I was, may be compared to a tree laden with fruit,
which, as long as there is any on its boughs, people will be
crowding round, and gathering; but, as soon as it is stripped of
all, they immediately leave it, and go to another. He smothered his
passion as much as possible white he was abroad; but no sooner was
he got home, than he gave a loose to his affliction, and discovered
it to the Fair Persian.
The Fair Persian, seeing him so extremely concerned, fancied he had
not found his friends so ready to assist him as he expected. Well,
sir, said she, are you now convinced of the truth of what I told
you? Ah! cried he, my dear, thou hast been too true a prophetess;
for not one of them would know me, see me, or speak to me. Who could
ever have believed, that persons so highly obliged to me, and on
whom I have spent my estate, could have used me so barbarously? I am
distracted; and I fear committing some action unworthy myself, in
the deplorable and desperate condition I am reduced to, without the
assistance of your prudent advice. Sir, replied the Fair Persian, I
see no other way of supporting yourself in your misfortunes, but
selling off your slaves and furniture, and living on the money they
produce, till Heaven points out some other means to deliver you from
your present misery.
Noureddin was very loth to make use of this expedient; but what
could he do in the necessitous circumstances he was in? He first
sold off his slaves, those unprofitable mouths, which would have
been a greater expense to him than in his present condition he could
bear. He lived on the money for some time; and when it was all
spent, he ordered his goods to be carried into the market-place,
where they were sold for half their worth, though there were among
them several valuable things that cost immense sums. Upon this he
lived a considerable time; but that supply failing at last, he had
nothing left by which he could raise any more money, of which he
complained to the Fair Persian in the most sorrowful expressions.
Noureddin little expected the answer this prudent woman made him.
Sir, said she, I am your slave: and you know that the late vizier
your father gave ten thousand pieces of gold for me. I know I am a
little sunk in value since that time; but I believe I shall sell for
pretty near that sum. Let me entreat you then instantly to carry me
to the market, and expose me to sale, and with the money that you
get for me, which will be very considerable, you may turn merchant
in some city where you are not known, and by that means find a way
of living, if not in splendour, yet with happiness and content.
Lovely and adorable Persian, cried Noureddin, is it possible you can
entertain such a thought? Have I given you such slender proofs of my
love, that you should think me capable of so base an action? But
suppose me so vile a wretch, could I do it without being guilty of
perjury, after the oath I have taken to my late father never to sell
you? I could sooner die than break it, and part with you, whom I
love infinitely beyond myself: though, by the unreasonable proposal
you have made me, you show me that your love is by no means
reciprocal.
Sir, replied the Fair Persian, I am convinced that your passion for
me is as violent as you say it is; and Heaven, who knows with what
reluctance I have made this proposal, that makes you think so hardly
of me, is my witness, that mine is as great as yours; but to silence
your reasons at once, I need only bid you remember, that necessity
has no law. I love you to that degree, that it is impossible for you
to love me more; and be assured, that to what master soever I shall
belong, my love for you will always continue the same; and if you
are ever able to redeem me, as I hope you may, it will be the
greatest pleasure in the world to be restored to you again. I
confess it is a fatal and cruel necessity to which we are driven;
but I see no other way of freeing ourselves from the misery that
involves us both.
Noureddin, who was convinced of the truth of what the Fair Persian
had said, and that there was no other way of avoiding a shameful
poverty, was forced to yield to her proposal. Accordingly he led her
to the market where the women slaves are exposed to sale, with a
regret that cannot easily be expressed. He applied himself to a
broker, named Hagi Hassan. Hagi Hassan, said he, here is a slave
that I have a mind to sell; prithee see what they will give for her.
Hagi Hassan desired Noureddin and the Fair Persian to walk into the
room; and when she pulled off the veil that covered her face, Sir,
said Hagi Hassan to Noureddin, in a great surprise, if I am not
mistaken, this is the slave your father, the late vizier, gave ten
thousand pieces of gold for. Noureddin assured him it was the same;
and Hagi Hassan gave him some hopes of selling her at a good rate,
and promised to use all his art to raise her price as high as he
could.
Hagi Hassan and Noureddin went out of the room; and Hagi Hassan
locked the Fair Persian in. He went immediately after the merchants;
but they being busy in buying slaves that came from different
countries, Greeks, Franks, Africans, Tartars, and others, he was
forced to stay till the market was done. When the sale was over, and
the greatest part of them were got together again, My masters, said
he to them, with an air of gaiety in his looks and actions, every
thing that is round is not a nut: every thing that is long is not a
fig; all that is red is not flesh, and all eggs are not fresh: it is
true you have seen and bought a great many slaves in your lives, but
you never yet saw one comparable to her I am going to tell you of.
She is the very pearl of slaves. Come, follow me, and you shall see
her yourselves, and judge at what rate I shall cry her.
The merchants followed Hagi Hassan into the apartment where the Fair
Persian was; and as soon as they beheld her, they were so surprised
at her beauty, that at the first word they unanimously agreed that
four thousand pieces of gold was the very lowest price they could
set upon her. The merchants left the room; and Hagi Hassan, who came
out with them, without going any farther, proclaimed with a loud
voice. ‘Four thousand pieces of gold for the Persian slave.’
None of the merchants had yet offered any thing, and they were
consulting together about what they might afford to give for her,
when the vizier Saouy appeared. Perceiving Noureddin in the market,
said he to himself, Noureddin is certainly still making money of his
goods (for he knew he had exposed them to sale,) and is come hither
to buy a slave with it. He advanced forward just as Hagi Hassan
began to proclaim a second time, ‘Four thousand pieces of gold for
the Persian slave.’
The vizier Saouy, who concluded by the high price, that the slave
must be extraordinarily beautiful, was very desirous to see her; so
spurring his horse forward, he rode up to Hagi Hassan, who was
surrounded by the merchants. Open the door, said he, and let me see
the slave. It was not the custom to show a slave to a particular
person after the merchants had seen her and were treating for her;
but none of them durst dispute their right with the vizier: and Hagi
Hassan was obliged to open the door, and made a sign to the Fair
Persian to come forward, that Saouy might have a sight of her,
without alighting from his horse.
The vizier was astonished at the sight of so beautiful a slave; and
knowing the broker’s name, (having formerly dealt with him,) Hagi
Hassan, said he, is it not at four thousand pieces of gold that you
cry her? Yes, sir, answered he; the merchants just now agreed that I
should put her up at that price. I wait their advance on it; and I
question not but they will give a great deal more.
If nobody offers more, I will give that sum, replied Saouy, looking
upon the merchants at the same time with a countenance that forbad
them to advance any more. He was so universally dreaded, that nobody
durst speak a word, even to complain of his encroaching upon their
privilege.
The vizier Saouy having staid some time, and finding none of the
merchants outbid him, What do you stay for? said he to Hagi Hassan.
Go, look after the seller, and strike a bargain with him at four
thousand pieces of gold, or inquire if he demands more; not knowing
yet the slave belonged to Noureddin.
Hagi Hassan, having locked the chamber door, went to confer with
Noureddin. Sir, said he to him, I am very sorry to bring you the ill
news of your slave’s being just going to be sold for nothing. How
so? replied Noureddin. Why, sir, said Hagi Hassan, you must know,
that the business at first went on well; for as soon as the
merchants had seen your slave, they ordered me, without hesitation,
to cry her at four thousand pieces of gold: accordingly, I cried her
at that price, and presently the vizier Saouy came, and his presence
has stopped the mouths of all the merchants, who seemed inclinable
to raise her, at least to the same price your deceased father gave
for her. Saouy will give no more than four thousand pieces; and it
is much against my inclination that I am come to tell you the
despicable price he offers. The slave indeed is your own; but I will
never advise you to part with her upon those terms, since you and
every body else are sensible of her being worth infinitely more;
besides, he is base enough to contrive a way to trick you out of the
money.
Hagi Hassan, replied Noureddin, I am highly obliged to thee for thy
advice; do not think I will ever sell my slave to any enemy of our
family: my necessities, indeed, are at present very great; but I
would sooner die in the utmost poverty than consent to the
delivering her up to him. I have only one thing to beg of thee, who
art skilful in all the turns and shifts of sale, that thou wouldst
put me in a way to prevent the sale of her.
Sir, said Hagi Hassan, there is nothing more easy: you must pretend,
that, being in a violent passion with your slave, you swore to
expose her in the market; and for the sake of your oath, you have
now brought her hither, without any intention of selling her. This
will satisfy every body, and Saouy will have nothing to say against
it. Come along with me, then; and just as I am presenting her to
Saouy, as if it were by your own consent, pull her to you, give her
two or three blows, and send her home. I thank thee for thy counsel,
said Noureddin: and thou shalt see I will make use of it.
Hagi Hassan went back to the chamber; and having in two words
acquainted the Fair Persian with their design, that she might not be
surprised at it, he took her by the hand, and led her to the vizier
Saouy, who was still on horseback at the door. Sir, said he, here is
the slave; she is yours; take her.
The words were scarce out of Hagi Hassan’s mouth but Noureddin,
catching hold of the Fair Persian, pulled her to him, and giving her
a box on the ear, Come hither, impertinence, said he, and get you
home again; for though your ill humour obliged me to swear I should
bring you hither, yet I never intended to sell you. I have business
for you to do yet; and it will be time enough to part with you when
I have nothing else left.
This action of Noureddin put the vizier Saouy into a violent
passion. Miserable debauchee, cried he, wouldst thou have me believe
thou hast any thing else left to make money of but thy slave? And at
the same instant, spurring his horse directly against him,
endeavoured to have carried off the Fair Persian. Noureddin, nettled
to the quick at the affront the vizier had put upon him, quitted the
Fair Persian, and laying hold of his horse’s bridle, made him run
two or three paces backwards. Vile dotard, said he to the vizier, I
would tear thy soul out of thy body this moment, were it not out of
respect for the crowd of people here present.
The vizier Saouy being loved by nobody, but hated by all, there was
not one among them but was pleased to see Noureddin mortify him a
little; and by signs they gave him to understand, that he might
revenge himself upon him as much as he pleased, for nobody would
interfere in their quarrel.
Saouy endeavoured to make Noureddin quit the bridle; but he being a
lusty, vigorous man, and encouraged by those that stood by, pulled
him off his horse, in the middle of a brook, gave him a thousand
blows, and dashed his head against the stones, till it was all over
blood. The slaves that waited upon the vizier would have drawn their
scimitars, and have fallen upon Noureddin, but the merchants
interposing, prevented them. What do you mean? said they to him; do
you not see that one is a vizier, the other a vizier’s son? Let
them fight it out between themselves; perhaps they will be
reconciled one time or other: whereas, if you had killed Noureddin,
your master, with all his greatness, could not have been able to
protect you against the law.
Noureddin, having given over beating the vizier Saouy, left him in
the middle of the brook; and taking the Fair Persian, marched home
with her, attended by the people, with shouts and acclamations for
the actions he had performed.
The vizier Saouy, cruelly bruised with the blows he had received,
made shift to get up, by the assistance of his slaves, and had the
mortification to see himself besmeared with blood and dirt. He
leaned upon the shoulders of two slaves, and in that condition went
straight to the palace, in the sight of all the people, with greater
confusion, because nobody pitied him. As soon as he reached the
king’s apartment, he began to cry out, and call for justice, after
a lamentable manner. The king ordered him to be admitted; and as
soon as he came, he asked him who it was that had abused and put him
into that miserable pickle. Sire, cried Saouy, it is the favour of
your majesty, and being admitted into your sacred counsels, that has
occasioned me to have been so barbarously treated. Say no more of
that, replied the king; only let me hear the whole story simply as
it is, and who the offender is; and if he is in the wrong, you may
depend upon it he shall be severely punished.
Sire, said Saouy then, telling the whole matter to his own
advantage, having an occasion for a cook-maid, I went to the market
of women slaves to buy me one: when I came thither, there was a
slave just cried at four thousand pieces of gold: I ordered them to
bring the slave before me; and I think my eyes never did nor will
behold a more beautiful creature. I had no sooner examined her
beauty with the highest satisfaction, but I immediately asked to
whom she belonged; and upon inquiry I found that Noureddin, son to
the late vizier Khacan, had the disposing of her.
Sire, your majesty may remember, that about two or three years ago
you gave that vizier ten thousand pieces of gold, strictly charging
him to buy you a slave with it. The money, indeed, was laid out upon
this very slave; but instead of bringing her to your majesty,
thinking his son deserved her better, he made him a present of her.
Noureddin, since his father’s death, having wasted his whole
fortune in riot and feasting, has nothing left but this slave, which
he at last resolved to part with, and she was to be sold in his
name. I sent for him; and without mentioning any thing of his
father’s prevarication, or rather treachery, to your majesty, I in
the civilest manner said to him, Noureddin, the merchants, I
perceive, have put your slave up at four thousand pieces of gold;
and I question not, but in emulation of each other, they will raise
the price considerably; let me have her for the four thousand
pieces; I am going to buy her for the king, our lord and master:
this will be a handsome opportunity of making your court to him; and
his favour will be worth a great deal more than the merchants can
propose to give you.
Instead of returning me a civil answer, the insolent wretch,
beholding me with a fierce air, Decrepit villain, said he, I would
rather give my slave to a Jew for nothing, than to thee for money.
Noureddin, replied I, without passion, though I had some reason to
be a little warm, you do not consider, that in talking at this rate
you affront the king, who raised both your father and me to the
honours we have enjoyed.
This admonition, instead of softening him, only provoked him to a
higher degree: so that, falling upon me like a madman, without
regard to my age or rank, he pulled me off my horse, beat me as long
as he could stand over me, and has put me into this miserable plight
your majesty sees me in. I beseech you to consider, that upon your
account I have been so publicly affronted. At the end of these words
he held down his head and turned away, to shed a shower of tears.
The abused king, highly incensed against Noureddin by this relation,
full of malice and artifice, discovered by his countenance the
violence of his anger; and turning to the captain of his guards, who
stood near him, Take forty of your soldiers, said he, and
immediately go plunder Noureddin’s house; and having ordered it to
be razed to the ground, bring him and his slave along with you to me.
The captain of the guards was not gone out of the king’s presence,
when an officer belonging to the court, who overheard the order that
had been given, got before him. His name was Sangiar; and he had
been formerly a slave of the vizier Khacan, who had introduced him
at court, where by degrees be raised himself.
Sangiar, full of gratitude for his old master, and affection for
Noureddin, whom he remembered a child, and being no stranger to
Saouy’s hatred to Khacan’s family, could not hear the order
without concern. This action of Noureddin’s, said he to himself,
may not be altogether so black as Saouy has represented it. He has
prejudiced the king against him, who will certainly put him to
death, without allowing him time to justify himself. He made so much
haste to Noureddin’s house, as to get thither soon enough to
acquaint him with what had passed at court, and give him time to
provide for his own and the Fair Persian’s safety. He knocked so
violently at the door, that Noureddin, who had been a great while
without any servant, ran immediately to open it. My dear lord, said
Sangiar, here is no more safety for you in Balsora; you must lose no
time, but depart hence this moment.
How so? replied Noureddin. What is the reason I must be gone so
soon? Make haste away, sir, said Sangiar, and take your slave with
you. In short, Saouy has been just now acquainting the king, after
his own way of telling it, all that passed between you and him; and
the captain of the guard will be here in an instant, with forty
soldiers, to seize you and the Fair Persian. Take these forty pieces
of gold to assist you in finding out some other place of safety. I
would give you more if I had it about me. Excuse my not staying any
longer; I leave you with great reluctance; but it is for the good of
us both. I have so much interest with the captain of the guards,
that he will take no notice of me. Sangiar gave Noureddin but just
time to thank him, and away he went.
Noureddin presently acquainted the Fair Persian with the absolute
necessity of their going that moment. She only stayed to put on her
veil, and then they both stole out of the house together, and were
so lucky as not only to get clear of the city without the least
notice being taken of their escape, but also safely to arrive at the
mouth of the Euphrates, which was not far off, where they embarked
in a vessel that lay ready to weigh anchor.
They were no sooner on shipboard, but the captain came on deck
amongst his passengers. Children, said he to them, are you all here?
have any of you any more business to do in the city, or have you
left any thing behind you? They were all there, they answered him,
and ready; so that he might sail as soon as he pleased.
When Noureddin came on board, the first question he asked was,
whither the ship was bound? and being told for Bagdad, he rejoiced
at it. The captain, having weighed anchor, set sail; and the vessel,
with a very favourable wind, lost sight of Balsora.
Let us now see how matters went at Balsora, while Noureddin and the
Fair Persian made their escape from the fury of the enraged king.
The captain of the guards came to Noureddin’s house, and knocked
at the door; but nobody coming to open it, he ordered his soldiers
to break it open, who immediately obeyed him, and rushed in. They
searched every hold and comer of the house; but neither he nor the
Fair Persian was to be found. The captain of the guards made them
inquire of the neighbours; and he himself asked if they had seen
them lately. It was all in vain; for if they had seen him go out of
his house, so universally beloved was Noureddin, that not one of
them would have said the least word to his prejudice. While they
were rifling the house, and levelling it to the ground, he went to
acquaint the king with the news. Look for them, said he, every
where; for I am resolved to have them.
The captain of the guards made a second search after them, and the
king dismissed the vizier Saouy with honour. Go home, said he to
him; trouble yourself no farther to punish Noureddin: I will revenge
his insolence.
Without delay the king ordered to be proclaimed throughout the whole
city a reward of a thousand pieces of gold for any person that
should apprehend Noureddin and the Fair Persian, with a severe
punishment upon whoever should conceal them. But after all his pains
and diligence, no tidings could be heard of them; and the vizier
Saouy had only the comfort of seeing the king espouse his quarrel.
In the mean time, Noureddin and the Fair Persian, after a prosperous
voyage, landed safe at Bagdad. As soon as the captain came within
sight of that city, pleased that his voyage was at an end, Rejoice,
my children, cried he to the passengers, yonder is that great and
wonderful city, where there is a perpetual concourse of people from
all parts of the world: there you shall meet with innumerable
crowds, and never feel the extremity of cold in winter, nor the
excess of heat in summer, but enjoy an eternal spring with all it
flowers, and the delicious fruits of autumn. When the vessel came to
anchor, a little below the city, the passengers went ashore, each to
their respective place of abode. Noureddin gave the captain five
pieces of gold for his passage, and went ashore also with the Fair
Persian; but being a perfect stranger in Bagdad, he was at a loss
for a lodging. They rambled a considerable time along by the gardens
that bordered on the Tigris; and keeping close to one of them that
was enclosed with a very fine long wall at the end of it, they
turned into a street well paved, where they perceived a garden-door,
and a charming fountain near it.
The door, which was very magnificent, happened to be shut, but the
porch was open; in which there was a sofa on each side. This is a
very convenient place for us, said Noureddin to the Fair Persian;
night comes on apace: and though we have eaten nothing since our
landing, I am for passing the night here, and to-morrow we shall
have time enough to look for a lodging: what say you to it? --Sir,
replied the Fair Persian, you know your wishes are mine; let us go
no farther, since you are willing to stay here. Each of them having
drank a draught of water at the fountain, they laid themselves down
upon one of these sofas; and after a little chat, being invited by
the agreeable murmur of the water, they fell fast asleep.
The garden belonged to the caliph: and in the middle of it there was
a pavilion, called the Pavilion of Pictures, because its chief
ornaments were pictures, after the Persian manner, drawn by the most
celebrated painters in Persia, whom the caliph had sent for on
purpose. The stately hall within this pavilion was lighted by
fourscore windows, with a lustre in each: but these were only
lighted when the caliph came thither to spend the evening; and the
weather was so very calm, that not a breath of air was stirring.
Then they made a glorious illumination, and could be seen at a great
distance in the country on that side, and by great part of the city.
There was but one person that had the charge of this fine garden;
and the office was at this time held by a very aged officer, named
Scheich Ibrahim, whom the caliph himself, for some important
service, put into that employment, with strict charge not to let all
sorts of people in, but especially to suffer nobody either to sit or
lie down on the sofas at the outward door, that they might always be
clean; and whenever he found any body there, to punish them severely.
Some business had obliged this officer to go abroad, and he was not
yet returned. When he came back, there was just daylight enough for
him to discern two persons asleep upon one of the sofas, with both
their heads under a piece of linen, to defend them from the gnats.
Very well, said Scheich Ibrahim to himself, these people disobey the
caliph’s orders: but I will take care to teach them better
manners. Upon this he opened the door very softly, and a moment
after returned with a swinging cane in his hand, and his sleeve
tucked up to the elbow: he was just going to lay on them both with
all his might, but withholding his arm, he began to reason with
himself after this manner: Thou wast going to strike, without
reflection, these people, who perhaps are strangers, destitute of a
lodging, and utterly ignorant of the caliph’s order: so that it
would be advisable to know first who they are. Upon this he gently
lifted up the linen that covered their heads, and was astonished to
see a young man so well shaped, and a young woman so beautiful; he
then waked Noureddin, by pulling him softly by the feet.
Noureddin, presently lifting up his head, and seeing an old man with
a long white beard standing at his feet, got up, and throwing
himself upon his knees and taking his hand, kissed it. Good father,
said he, Heaven preserve you! What do you want, my son? replied
Scheich Ibrahim; who are you, and whence came you? We are strangers
newly arrived, answered Noureddin, and we would fain tarry here till
to-morrow. This is not a proper place for you, said Scheich Ibrahim;
come in with me, and I will find one fitter for you to sleep in than
this; and the sight of the garden which is very fine will please
you, when you see it to-morrow by day-light. Is this garden your
own? said Noureddin. Yes, replied Scheich Ibrahim, smiling; it is an
inheritance left me by my father; pray walk in, for I am sure you
will not repent seeing it.
Noureddin rose up to thank Scheich Ibrahim for the civility he had
shown them; and afterwards the Fair Persian and he went into the
garden. Scheich Ibrahim locked the door, and going before, led them
to a spot from whence, at one view, they might see the disposition,
grandeur, and beauty of the whole garden.
Noureddin had seen very fine gardens in Balsora, but never any
comparable to this. Having satisfied his curiosity, as he was
walking in one of the walks, he turned about to the officer that was
with him, and asked him what his name was. As soon as he told him it
was Scheich Ibrahim, Scheich Ibrahim, said he to him, I must confess
this is a charming garden indeed. Heaven send you long to enjoy the
pleasures of it! we cannot sufficiently thank you for the favour you
have done us by showing us a place so well worth seeing; however, it
is but just that we should make you some amends for your kindness:
here are two pieces of gold; take them, and get us something to eat,
that we may be merry together.
At the sight of the two pieces of gold, Scheich Ibrahim, who was a
great admirer of that metal, laughed in his sleeve: he took them,
and leaving Noureddin and the Fair Persian by themselves, went to
provide what was necessary, for he was alone. Said he to himself
with great joy, These are generous people; I should have done very
wrong, if, through imprudence, I had ill-treated and driven them
away. A tenth part of the money will suffice to treat them; and the
rest I will keep for my pains.
While Scheich Ibrahim was gone to fetch something for his own
supper, as well as for his guests, Noureddin and the Fair Persian
walked up and down the garden, till at last they came to the
pavilion of pictures that was in the middle of it. They stood awhile
to admire its wonderful structure, size, and loftiness; and after
taking a full view of it on every side, they went up a great many
steps of fine white marble, to the hall-door, which they found
locked.
They were but just got to the bottom of the steps as Scheich Ibrahim
returned loaded with provisions. Scheich Ibrahim, said Noureddin, in
great surprise, did you not tell us that this was your garden? I
did, replied Scheich Ibrahim, and do so still. And does this
magnificent pavilion also belong to you? said Noureddin. Scheich
Ibrahim was staggered at this unexpected question. If, said he to
himself, I should say it is none of mine, they will ask me how I can
be master of the garden, and not of the pavilion. As he had made
them believe the garden was his, he said the same of the pavilion.
My son, said he, the pavilion is not distinct from the garden, but
they both belong to me. If so, said Noureddin, since you invite us
to be your guests to-night, do us the favour to show us the inside
of it; for if we may judge by the outward appearance, it must
certainly be extraordinarily magnificent.
It would have been a great piece of incivility in Scheich Ibrahim to
have refused Noureddin that favour, after what he had already done
for him: moreover, he considered that the caliph not having given
him notice, according to his usual custom, it was likely he would
not be there that night, and therefore resolved to treat his guests,
and sup with them in that room. He laid the provisions upon the
first step, while he went to his apartment for the key: he soon
returned with a light and opened the door.
Noureddin and the Fair Persian entered the hall; and finding it so
surprising, were never tired with admiring the beauty and richness
of the place. Indeed, without saying any thing of the pictures,
which were admirably well drawn, the sofas were very noble and
costly; and besides lustres that were fixed to every window, there
was between each bar a silver arm, with a wax candle in it.
Noureddin could not behold these glorious objects without
recollecting his former splendour, and sighing.
In the mean time Scheich Ibrahim was getting ready; and the cloth
being laid upon a sofa, and every thing in order, Noureddin, the
Fair Persian, and he, sat down and eat together. When supper was
done, and they had washed their hands, Noureddin opened the
casement, and calling the Fair Persian to him, Come hither, my dear,
said he, and with me admire the charming prospect and beauty of the
garden by moonlight; nothing can be more agreeable. She came to him;
and they both enjoyed the view; while Scheich Ibrahim was busy in
taking away the cloth.
When Scheich Ibrahim came to his guests again, Noureddin asked him
whether he had any liquor to treat them with. What liquor would you
have! replied Scheich Ibrahim: sherbet? I have the best in the
world; but sherbet, you know, my son, is never drank after supper.
I know that very well, said Noureddin: It is not sherbet, but
another sort of liquor that we ask you for: and I am surprised at
your not understanding me. It is wine then you mean, said Scheich
Ibrahim. You guess right, replied Noureddin; and if you have any,
oblige us with a bottle: you know a bottle after supper is a very
proper companion to spend the hours with till bed-time.
Heaven defend me from keeping wine in my house, cried Scheich
Ibrahim, and from ever coming to a place where any is! A man who,
like me, has been a pilgrimage four times to Mecca, has renounced
wine for ever.
You would do us a singular kindness, said Noureddin, in getting a
little for our own drinking; and if it be not too much trouble, I
will put you in a way how you may do it, without going into an inn,
or so much as laying your hand upon the vessel that contains it.
Upon that condition I will do it, replied Scheich Ibrahim; only let
me know what I am to do.
Why, then, said Noureddin to him, we just now saw an ass tied to the
entrance of your garden, which certainly must be yours, and which
you may make use of in this extremity. Here are two pieces of gold
more: take them, and lead your ass with the panniers to the next
inn; you may stand at as great a distance as you please; do but give
something to the first person that comes by, and desire him to go
with your ass to the inn, and get two pitchers of wine: put one in
one pannier, and an other in another, which he must pay for out of
the money you give him, and so let him bring the ass back to you:
you will have nothing to do but to drive the beast hither before
you; we will take the wine out of the panniers. By this means you
will do nothing that will give you any scruple.
The two last pieces of gold that Scheich Ibrahim was going to
receive wrought wonderfully upon his mind. Ah! my son, cried he,
after Noureddin had done speaking, you have an excellent
contrivance; and had it not been for your invention, I should never
have thought of this way of getting you some wine without any
scruple of conscience. Away he went to execute the orders, which he
did in a little time; and, upon his return, Noureddin went down the
stairs, and taking the pitchers out of the panniers, carried them
into the hall.
Scheich Ibrahim, having led the ass back to the place from whence he
took him, came back again. Scheich Ibrahim, said Noureddin to him,
we cannot enough thank you for the trouble we have already given
you, but we want something yet. What is that, replied Scheich: what
more service can I do you? We have no cups to drink out of, said
Noureddin; and a little fruit, if you had any, would be very
acceptable. Do but say what you have a mind to, replied Scheich
Ibrahim, and you shall have every thing to your heart’s content.
Down went Scheich Ibrahim, and in a short time spread a table for
them with beautiful porcelain dishes, full of all sorts of delicious
fruits, besides gold and silver cups to drink out of; and having
asked them if they wanted any thing else, he withdrew, though they
pressed him earnestly to stay.
Noureddin and the Fair Persian sat down again, and drank each a cup
a-piece. They were mightily pleased with the wine. Well, my dear,
said Noureddin to the Fair Persian, are we not the most fortunate
persons in the world, after so many dangers, to meet with so
charming and agreeable a place? Let us be merry, and think no more
on the hardships of our voyage. Can my happiness be greater in this
world, than to have you on one side of me, and my glass on the
other? They drank freely, and diverted themselves with agreeable
conversation, each singing a song.
Both having very good voices, but especially the Fair Persian, their
singing attracted Scheich Ibrahim, who had stood hearkening a great
while on the steps, without discovering himself. He could contain
himself no longer, but thrusting his head in at the door, Courage,
sir, said he to Noureddin, whom he took to be quite drunk, I am glad
to see you so pleased.
Ah! Scheich Ibrahim, cried Noureddin, turning to him, you are a
glorious man, and we are extremely obliged to you. We dare not ask
you to drink a cup; but walk in; come, sit down, and let us have the
honour at least of your company. Go on, go on, said Scheich Ibrahim;
the pleasure of hearing your songs is sufficient for me. Upon this
he immediately retired.