gone into the hut, and attacked the giant; but considering how
unequal the combat would be, he stopped, and resolved, since he had
not strength enough to prevail by open force, to use art. In the
mean time, the giant having emptied the pitcher, and devoured above
half the ox, turned to the woman, and said, Beautiful princess, why
do you oblige me by your obstinacy to treat you with severity? It is
in your own power to be happy. You need only to resolve to love and
be true to me, and I shall treat you with more mildness. Thou
hideous satyr, answered the lady, never expect that time should wear
away my abhorrence of thee. Thou wilt ever be a monster in my eyes.
To these words she added so many reproaches, that the giant grew
enraged. This is too much, cried he, in a furious tone; my love
despised is turning into rage. Your hatred has at last excited mine;
I find it triumphs over my desires, and that I now wish your death
more ardently than your enjoyment. Having spoken these words, he
took the wretched lady by the hair, held her up with one hand in the
air, and drawing his scimitar with the other, was just going to
strike off her head, when the king my father let fly an arrow which
pierced the giant’s breast, so that he staggered and dropped down
dead.
My father entered the hut, unbound the lady’s hands, inquired who
she was, and how she came thither. My lord, said she, there are
along the sea-coast some families of Saracens, who live under a
prince, who is my husband: this giant you have killed was one of his
principal officers. The wretch fell desperately in love with me, but
took especial care to conceal his passion till he could put in
execution the design he had formed of stealing me away. Fortune
oftener favours wicked designs than virtuous resolutions. The giant
one day surprised me and my child in a by-place. He seized us both,
and, to disappoint the search he well knew my husband would cause to
be made for me, he removed from the country inhabited by those
Saracens, and brought us into this wood, where he has kept me some
days. Deplorable as my condition is, it is still a great
satisfaction to me to think that the giant, though so brutal and
amorous, never used force to obtain what I always refused to his
entreaties. Not but that he has a hundred times threatened that he
would have recourse to the worst of extremities, in case he could
not otherwise prevail upon me; and I must confess to you, that
awhile ago, when I provoked his anger by my words, I was less
concerned for my life than for my honour.
This, my lord, said the prince of the Saracens’ wife, is the
faithful account of my misfortunes; and I question not but you will
think me worthy of your compassion, and that you will not repent
having so generously relieved me. Madam, answered my father, be
assured your troubles have affected me, and I will do all in my
power to make you happy again. To-morrow, as soon as day appears, we
will quit this wood, and endeavour to fall into the road which leads
to the great city of Deryabar, of which I am sovereign; and if you
think fit, you shall be lodged in my palace, till the prince your
husband comes to claim you.
The Saracen lady accepted the offer, and the next day followed the
king my father, who found all his retinue upon the skirts of the
wood, they having spent the night in searching after him, and being
very uneasy because they could not find him. They were no less
rejoiced to meet with than amazed to see him with a lady, whose
beauty surprised them. He told them how he had found her, and the
risk he run in approaching the hut, where he must certainly have
lost his life had the giant spied him. One of his servants took up
the lady behind him, and another carried the child.
Thus they arrived at the palace of the king my father, who assigned
the beautiful Saracen lady an apartment, and caused her child to be
carefully educated. The lady was not insensible of the king’s
goodness to her, and expressed as much gratitude as he could desire.
She had at first appeared very uneasy, and impatient that her
husband did not claim her; but by degrees she lost that uneasiness.
The respect my father paid her dispelled her impatience; and I am of
opinion she would at last have blamed fortune more for restoring her
to her kindred than she did for removing her from them.
In the mean time, the lady’s son grew up; he was very handsome,
and not wanting wit, found means to please the king my father, who
conceived a great friendship for him. All the courtiers perceived
it, and guessed that that young man might in the end be my husband.
In this idea, and looking on him already as heir to the crown, they
made their court to him, and every one endeavoured to gain his
favour. He soon saw into their designs, grew conceited of himself,
and, forgetting the distance there was between our conditions,
flattered himself with the hopes that my father was fond enough of
him to prefer him before all the princes in the world. He went
farther; for the king not being forward enough in offering me to him
as soon as he could have wished, he had the boldness to ask me of
him. Whatsoever punishment his insolence deserved, my father was
satisfied with telling him he had other thoughts in relation to me,
and showed him no farther resentment. The youth was incensed at this
refusal; the vain fellow resented the contempt, as if he had asked
some maid of ordinary extraction, or as if his birth had been equal
to mine. Nor did he stop here, but resolved to be revenged on the
king, and, with unparalleled ingratitude, conspired against him. In
short, he murdered him, and caused himself to be proclaimed king of
Deryabar, by a great number of malecontents, whom he encouraged. The
first thing he did, after ridding himself of my father, was to come
into my apartment, at the head of a party of the conspirators. His
design was either to take my life, or oblige me to marry him. Whilst
he was busy murdering my father, the grand vizier, who had been
always loyal to his master, came to carry me away from the palace,
and secured me in a friend’s house, till a vessel he had provided
was ready to sail. I then left the island, attended only by a
governess and that generous minister, who chose rather to follow his
master’s daughter, and share in her misfortunes, than to submit to
a tyrant.
The grand vizier designed to carry me to the courts of the
neighbouring kings to implore their assistance, and excite them to
revenge my father’s death; but Heaven did not approve a resolution
we thought so just. When we had been but a few days at sea, there
arose such a furious storm, that, in spite of all the mariners’
art, our vessel, carried away by the violence of the winds and
waves, was dashed in pieces against a rock. I will not spend time in
describing our shipwreck. I can but faintly represent to you how my
governess, the grand vizier, and all that attended me, were
swallowed up by the sea. The dread I was seized with did not permit
me to observe all the horror of our condition. I lost my senses; and
whether I was thrown upon the coast upon any part of the wreck of
our ship, or whether Heaven, which reserved me for other
misfortunes, wrought a miracle for my deliverance, I found myself on
shore when my senses returned.
Misfortunes very often make us forget our duty. Instead of returning
thanks to God for so singular a favour shewn me, I only lifted up my
eyes to Heaven, to complain because I had been preserved. I was so
far from bewailing the vizier and my governess, that I envied their
fate; and dreadful imaginations by degrees prevailing over my
reason, I resolved to cast myself into the sea: I was upon the point
of doing so, when I heard behind me a great noise of men and horses.
I looked about to see what it might be, and espied several armed
horsemen, among whom was one mounted on an Arabian horse. He had on
a garment embroidered with silver, a girdle set with precious
stones, and a crown of gold on his head. Though his habit had not
convinced me that he was chief of the company, I should have judged
it by the air of grandeur which appeared in his person. He was a
young man extraordinarily well shaped, and perfectly beautiful.
Surprised to see a young lady alone in that place, he sent some of
his officers to ask who I was. I answered only by weeping. The shore
being covered with the wreck of our ship, they concluded some vessel
had been cast away there, and that I was certainly some person that
had escaped with my life. This conjecture, and my inconsolable
condition, excited the curiosity of those officers; who began to ask
me a thousand questions, with assurances that their king was a
generous prince, and that I should receive consolation in his court.
The king, impatient to know who I was, grew weary of expecting the
return of his officers, and drew near to me. He gazed on me very
earnestly, and observing that I did not give over weeping and
afflicting myself, without being able to return an answer to their
questions, he forbid them troubling me any more: and directing his
discourse to me, Madam, said he, I conjure you to moderate your
excessive affliction. Though Heaven in its wrath has laid this
calamity upon you, it does not behove you to despair. I beseech you
show more resolution. Fortune, which has hitherto persecuted you, is
inconstant, and may soon change. I dare assure you, that if your
misfortunes are capable of receiving any relief, you shall find it
in my dominions. My palace is at your service. You shall live with
the queen my mother, who will endeavour by her kindness to ease your
affliction. I know not yet who you are; but I find I already take an
interest in you.
I thanked the young king for his goodness to me, accepted the
obliging offers he made me; and to convince him that I was not
unworthy of them, told him my condition. I described to him the
insolence of the young Saracen, and found it was enough to recount
my misfortunes, to excite compassion in him, and all his officers
who heard me. When I had done speaking, the prince began again,
assuring me that he was deeply concerned at my misfortunes. Then he
conducted me to his palace, and presented me to the queen his
mother, to whom I was obliged again to repeat my misfortunes, and to
renew my tears. The queen seemed very sensible of my trouble, and
conceived extreme affection for me. On the other hand, the king her
son fell desperately in love with me, and soon offered me his person
and his crown. I was so taken up with the thoughts of my calamities,
that the prince, though so lovely a person, did not make so great an
impression on me as he might have done at another time. However,
gratitude prevailed on me, I did not refuse to make him happy, and
our wedding was kept with all imaginable splendour.
When all the people were taken up with the celebration of their
sovereign’s nuptials, a neighbouring prince, his enemy, made a
descent by night on the island with a great number of troops. That
formidable enemy was the king of Zanguebar. He surprised those
people, and cut to pieces all the king my husband’s subjects. He
was very near taking us both. We escaped very narrowly, for he had
already entered the palace with some of his followers; but we found
means to slip away, and to get to the sea-coast, where we threw
ourselves into a fishing-boat we had the good fortune to meet with.
Two days we were driven about by the winds, without knowing what
would become of us. The third day we espied a vessel making towards
us under sail. We rejoiced at first, believing it had been a
merchant ship which might take us aboard; but what was our
astonishment, when, as it drew near, we saw ten or twelve armed
pirates appear on the deck. Having boarded, five or six of them
leaped into our boat, seized us, bound the prince, and conveyed us
into their ship, where they immediately took off my veil. My youth
and features touched them, and they all declared how much they were
charmed at the sight of me. Instead of casting lots, each of them
claimed the preference, and me as his right. The dispute grew warm,
and they came to blows about me, and fought like madmen. The deck
was soon covered with dead bodies, and they were all killed but one,
who being left sole possessor of me, said, You are mine. I will
carry you to Grand Cairo, to deliver you to a friend of mine, to
whom I have promised a beautiful slave. But who, added he, looking
upon the king my husband, is that man? What relation does he bear to
you? Are you allied by blood or love? Sir, answered I, he is my
husband. If so, replied the pirate, in pity I must rid myself of
him: it would be too great an affliction to him to see you in my
friend’s arms. Having spoken these words, he took up the unhappy
prince, who was bound, and threw him into the sea, notwithstanding
all my endeavours to hinder him.
I shrieked in a dreadful manner at the sight of that cruel action,
and had certainly cast myself headlong into the sea, but that the
pirate held me. He plainly saw that was my design, and therefore
bound me with cords to the main-mast, and then hoisting sail, made
towards the land, and got ashore. He unbound me, and led me to a
little town, where he bought camels, tents, and slaves, and then set
out for Grand Cairo, designing, as he still said, to present me to
his friend, according to his promise.
We had been several days upon the road, when, as we were crossing
this plain yesterday, we espied the black who inhabited this castle.
At a distance we took him for a tower, and when near us could scarce
believe him to be a man. He drew his vast scimitar, and summoned the
pirate to yield himself prisoner, with all his slaves, and the lady
he was conducting. The pirate was daring, and being seconded by all
his slaves, who promised to stand by him, he attacked the black. The
combat lasted a considerable time; but at length the pirate fell
under his enemy’s deadly blows, as did all his slaves, who chose
rather to die than to forsake him. The black then conducted me to
the castle, whither he also brought the pirate’s body, which he
eat that night for his supper. After that inhuman meal, perceiving
that I ceased not weeping, he said to me, Young lady, prepare to
satisfy my desires, rather than continue thus to afflict yourself.
Make a virtue of necessity, and comply: I will give you till
to-morrow to consider. Let me then find you comforted for all your
misfortunes, and overjoyed for having been reserved for my bed.
Having spoke these words, he conducted me to a chamber, and went to
bed in his own, after locking up all the castle doors. He opened
them this morning, and presently locked them again, to pursue some
travellers he perceived at a distance; but it is likely they made
their escape, since he was coming alone, and without any booty, when
you attacked him.
As soon as the princess had put an end to the recital of her
adventures, Codadad declared to her that he was deeply concerned at
her misfortunes. But, madam, added he, it shall be your own fault if
you do not live at ease for the future. The king of Harran’s sons
offer you a safe retreat in the court of the king their father; be
pleased to accept of it. You will be there cherished by that prince,
and respected by all; and if you do not disdain the affection of
your deliverer, permit me to make you a present of it, and to marry
you before all these princes; let them be witnesses to our contract.
The princess consented to it, and the marriage was concluded that
very day in the castle, where they found all sorts of provisions.
The kitchens were full of flesh and other eatables the black used to
feed on when he was weary of feeding on human bodies. There was also
a variety of fruits excellent in their kinds; and to complete their
pleasure, abundance of delicious wine and other liquors.
They all sat down at table; and after having eaten and drank
plentifully, they took along with them the rest of the provisions,
and set out for the king of Harran’s court; they travelled several
days, encamping in the pleasantest places they could find, and they
were within one day’s journey of Harran, when, having halted and
drank all their wine, being no longer under concern to make it hold
out, Codadad directing his discourse to all his company, Princes,
said he, I have too long concealed from you who I am. Behold your
brother Codadad! I have received my being, as well as you, from the
king of Harran; the prince of Samaria has brought me up, and the
princess Pirouze is my mother. Madam, added he, addressing himself
to the princes, of Deryabar, do you also forgive me for having
concealed my birth from you? Perhaps, by discovering it sooner, I
might have prevented some disagreeable reflections, which may have
been occasioned by a match you may have thought unequal. No, sir,
answered the princess, the opinion I at first conceived of you
heightened every moment, and you did not stand in need of the
extraction you now discover to make me happy.
The princes congratulated Codadad on his birth, and expressed much
satisfaction at the knowledge of it. But in reality, instead of
rejoicing, their hatred of so amiable a brother was increased. They
met together at night in a by-place, whilst Codadad and the princess
his wife lay last asleep in their tent. Those ungrateful, those
envious brothers, forgetting that, had it not been for the brave son
of Pirouze, they must have been devoured by the black, agreed among
themselves to murder him. We have no other course to choose, said
one of those wicked brethren; for the moment our father shall come
to understand that this stranger he is already so fond of, is our
brother, and that he alone has been able to destroy a giant, whom we
could not all of us together conquer, he will heap favours and a
thousand praises on him, and declare him his heir, to the prejudice
of all his brothers, who will be obliged to obey and fall down
before him. Besides those, he added many other words, which made
such an impression on their jealous minds, that they immediately
repaired to Codadad, then fast asleep, stabbed him in a thousand
places, and leaving him for dead in the arms of the princess of
Deryabar, proceeded on their journey for the city of Harran, where
they arrived the next day.
The king, their father, conceived the greater joy at their return,
because he had despaired of ever seeing them again: he asked what
had been the occasion of their stay? But they took care not to
acquaint him with it, making no mention either of the black or of
Codadad; and only said, that being curious to see different
countries, they had spent some time in the neighbouring cities.
In the mean time Codadad lay in his tent drowned in his own blood,
and little differing from a dead man, with the princess his wife,
who seemed to be in not much better condition than he. She rent the
air with her dismal shrieks, tore her hair, and bathing her
husband’s body with her tears, --Alas! Codadad, my dear Codadad,
cried she, is it you whom I behold just departing this life? What
cruel hands have put you into this condition? Can I believe these
are your brothers who have treated you so unmercifully, these
brothers whom thy valour has saved? No, they are rather devils, who
under the characters so dear, came to murder you. O barbarous
wretches! whosoever you are, how could you make so ungrateful a
return for the service he has done you? But why should I complain of
your brothers, unfortunate Codadad! I alone am to blame for your
death. You would join your fate with mine, and all the ill-fortune
that attends me since I left my father’s palace, has fallen upon
you. O Heaven! which has condemned me to lead a life full of
adventures and calamities, if you will not permit me to have a
consort, why do you permit me to find one? Behold, you have now
robbed me of two, just as I began to be attached to them.
By these and other moving expressions, the wretched princess of
Deryabar vented her sorrow, fixing her eyes on the deplorable
Codadad, who could not hear her; but he was not dead, and his
consort observing that he still breathed, ran to a large town she
espied in the plain, to inquire for a surgeon. She was directed to
one, who went immediately with her; but when they came to the tent
they could not find Codadad, which made them conclude he had been
dragged away by some wild beast to devour him. The princess renewed
her complaints and lamentations in a most dismal manner. The surgeon
was moved, and being unwilling to leave her in that frightful
condition, proposed to her to return to the town, offering her his
house and service.
She suffered herself to be prevailed on. The surgeon conducted her
to his house, and without knowing, as yet, who she was, treated her
with all imaginable courtesy, and respect. He used all his rhetoric
to comfort her, but it was in vain to think of removing her sorrow,
which was rather heightened than diminished. Madam, said he to her
one day, be pleased to recount to me your misfortunes; tell me your
country and your condition. Perhaps I may give you some advice, when
I am acquainted with all the circumstances of your calamity. You do
nothing but afflict yourself, without considering that remedies may
be found for the most desperate diseases.
The surgeon’s words were so efficacious that they wrought on the
princess, who recounted to him all her adventures; and when she had
done, the surgeon directed his discourse to her: Madam, said he,
since they are so, give me leave to tell you that you ought not thus
to give way to your sorrow; you ought rather to arm yourself with
resolution, and perform what the name and the duty of a wife require
of you. You are bound to avenge your husband. If you please, I will
wait on you as your squire. Let us go to the king of Harran’s
court; he is a good and a just prince. You need only represent to
him in lively colours, how prince Codadad has been treated by his
brothers; I am persuaded he will do you justice. I submit to your
reasons, answered the princess; it is my duty to endeavour to avenge
Codadad; and since you are so obliging and so generous as to offer
to bear me company, I am ready to set out. No sooner had she fixed
this resolution, than the surgeon ordered two camels to be made
ready, on which the princess and he mounted and repaired to Harran.
They alighted at the first caravansera they found, and inquiring of
the host what news at court: It is, said he, in very great
perplexity. The king had a son, who lived a long time with him as a
stranger, and none can tell what is become of that young prince. One
of the king’s wives, called Pirouze, is his mother; she has made
all possible inquiry, but to no purpose. All men are concerned at
the loss of that prince, because he had great merit. The king has
forty-nine other sons, all by different mothers, but not one of them
has virtue enough to comfort the king for the death of Codadad; I
say his death, because it is impossible he should be still alive,
since no news has been heard of him, notwithstanding so much search
has been made after him.
The surgeon having heard this account from the host, concluded that
the best course the princess of Deryabar could take was to wait upon
Pirouze: but that step was not without some danger, and required
much precaution; for it was to be feared, that if the king of
Harran’s sons should happen to hear of the arrival of their
sister-in-law, and her design, they might cause her to be conveyed
away before she could speak to Codadad’s mother. The surgeon
weighed all these circumstances, and considered what risk he might
run himself; and therefore that he might manage matters with
discretion, he desired the princess to stay in the caravansera,
whilst he went to the palace, to observe which might be the safest
way to conduct her to Pirouze.
He went accordingly into the city, and was walking towards the
palace, like one led only by curiosity to see the court, when he
espied a lady mounted on a mule richly accoutred. She was followed
by several ladies mounted also on mules, with a great number of
guards and black slaves. All the people made a lane to see her pass
along, and saluted her by prostrating themselves on the ground. The
surgeon paid her the same respect, and then asked a calendar, who
happened to stand by him, whether that lady was one of the king’s
wives? Yes, brother, answered the calender, she is one of the
king’s wives, and the most honoured and beloved by the people,
because she is mother to prince Codadad, of whom you must have heard.
The surgeon asked no more questions, but followed Pirouze to a
mosque, into which she went to distribute alms, and assist at the
public prayers the king had ordered to be made for the safe return
of Codadad. The people, who were highly concerned for that young
prince, ran in crowds to join their vows to the prayers of the
priests, so that the mosque was quite full. The surgeon broke the
throng, and advanced towards Pirouze’s guards. He stayed out the
prayers and when that princess went out he stepped up to one of her
slaves, and whispered him in the ear, Brother, I have a secret of
moment to impart to the princess Pirouze; may not I, by your means,
be introduced into her apartment? If that secret, answered the
slave, relates to prince Codadad, I dare promise you shall have
audience of her this very day; but if it concerns not him, it is
needless for you to endeavour to be introduced to her; for her
thoughts are all engrossed by her son, and she will not hear talk of
any other subject. It is only about that dear son, replied the
surgeon, that I wish to speak to her. If so, said the slave, you
need only follow us to the palace, and you shall soon speak to her.
Accordingly, as soon as Pirouze was returned to her apartment, that
slave acquainted her that a person unknown had some important matter
to communicate to her, and that it related to prince Codadad. No
sooner had he uttered these words, than Pirouze expressed her
impatience to see that stranger. The slave immediately conducted him
into the princess’s closet, who ordered all her women to withdraw,
except two, from whom she concealed nothing. As soon as she saw the
surgeon, she asked him eagerly what news he had to tell her of
Codadad? Madam, answered the surgeon, after having prostrated
himself on the ground, I have a long account to give you, and such
as will surprise you. Then he told her all the particulars of what
had passed between Codadad and his brothers, which she listened to
with eager attention; but when he came to speak of the murder, that
tender mother fainted away on the sofa, as if she had herself been
stabbed like her son. Her two women used proper means, and soon
brought her to herself. The surgeon continued his relation; and when
he had ended it, Pirouze said to him. Go back to the princess of
Deryabar, and assure her from me that the king shall soon own her
for his daughter-in-law; and as for yourself be assured that your
services shall be well rewarded.
When the surgeon was gone, Pirouze remained on the sofa, in such a
state of affliction as may easily be imagined; and yielding to her
tenderness at the recollection of Codadad, O! my son, said she, I
must never then expect to see you more! Alas! when I gave you leave
to depart from Samaria, and you took leave of me, I did not imagine
that so unfortunate a death awaited you at such a distance from me.
Unfortunate Codadad! Why did you leave me! You would not, it is
true, have acquired so much renown; but you had been still alive,
and not have cost your mother so many tears. While she uttered these
words, she wept bitterly; and her two confidants, moved by her
grief, mingled their tears with hers.
Whilst they were all three, as it were, vying in affliction, the
king came into the closet, and seeing them in that condition, asked
Pirouze whether she had received any bad news concerning Codadad?
Alas! sir, said she, all is over; my son has lost his life, and to
add to my sorrow, I cannot pay him the funeral rites; for, in all
appearance, the wild beasts have devoured him. Then she told him all
that she had heard from the surgeon, and did not fail to enlarge on
the inhuman manner in which Codadad had been murdered by his
brothers.
The king did not give Pirouze time to finish her relation, but
transported with anger, and giving way to his passion, Madam, said
he, to the princess, those perfidious wretches who cause you to shed
these tears, and are the occasion of mortal grief to their father,
shall soon feel the punishment due to their guilt. The king having
spoken these words, with indignation in his countenance, went
directly to the presence-chamber, where all his courtiers attended,
and such of the people as had any petitions to present to him. They
were all astonished to see him in that passion, and thought his
anger had been kindled against his people. Their hearts were chilled
with fear. He ascended the throne, and causing his grand vizier to
draw near, Hassan, said he, I have some orders for you: go
immediately, take a thousand of my guards, and seize all the
princes, my sons; shut them up in the tower appointed as a prison
for murderers, and let this be done in a moment. All who were
present trembled at hearing this extraordinary command; and the
grand vizier, without answering one word, laid his hand on his head,
to express his obedience, and went out of the hall to execute his
orders, which very much surprised him. In the mean time the king
dismissed those who attended for audience, and declared he would not
hear of any business for a month to come. He was still in the hall
when the vizier returned. Are all my sons, said that prince, in the
tower? They are, sir, answered the vizier: I have obeyed your
orders. This is not all, replied the king, I have farther commands
for you; and so saying, he went out of the hall of audience, and
returned to Pirouze’s apartment, with the vizier following him. He
asked that princess where Codadad’s widow had taken up her
lodging? Pirouze’s women told him, for the surgeon had not forgot
that in his relation. Then the king turning to his minister, Go,
said he, to that caravansera, and bring a young princess, who lodges
there, but treat her with all the respect due to her quality.
The vizier was not long in performing what he was ordered. He
mounted on horseback with all the emirs and courtiers, and repaired
to the caravansera, where the princess of Deryabar was, whom he
acquainted with his orders; and presented her from the king a fine
white mule, whose saddle and bridle were adorned with gold, rubies,
and diamonds. She mounted it, and went to the palace, attended by
all those great men. The surgeon bore her company, mounted on a
beautiful Tartar horse, which the vizier had provided for him. All
the people were at their windows, or in the streets, to see that
noble cavalcade; and it being given out that the princess, whom they
conducted in such state to court, was Codadad’s wife, the city
resounded with acclamations, the air rung with shouts of joy, which
would have been turned into lamentations, had that prince’s fatal
adventure been known; so much was he beloved by all.
The princess of Deryabar found the king at the palace gate, waiting
to receive her. He took her by the hand, and led her to Pirouze’s
apartment, where a very moving scene took place. Codadad’s wife
found her affliction redouble upon her at the sight of her
husband’s father and mother: as, on the other hand, those parents
could not look on their son’s wife without being much affected.
She cast herself at the king’s feet, and having bathed them with
tears, was so overcome with grief that she was not able to speak one
word. Pirouze was in no better state. She seemed to be penetrated
with sorrow; and the king, moved by those affecting objects, gave
way to his own weakness. Those three persons, mingling their tears
and sighs, for some time observed a silence, which appeared equally
tender and pitiful. At length the princess of Deryabar, being
somewhat recovered, recounted the adventure of the castle, and
Codadad’s disaster. Then she demanded justice for the treachery of
the princes. --Yes, madam, said the king to her, those ungrateful
wretches shall perish; but Codadad’s death must first be made
public, that the punishment of his brothers may not cause my
subjects to rebel; and though we have not my son’s body, we will
not omit paying him the last duties. This said, he directed his
discourse to the vizier, and ordered him to build a dome of white
marble, in a delightful plain, in the midst of which the city of
Harran stands. Then he appointed the princess of Deryabar a handsome
apartment in his palace, acknowledging her for his daughter-in-law.
Hassan caused the work to be carried on with such diligence, and
employed so many workmen, that the dome was soon finished. Within it
was erected a tomb, on which was placed a figure representing
Codadad. When all was completed, the king ordered prayers to be
said, and appointed a day for the obsequies of his son.
On that day all the inhabitants of the city went out upon the plain
to see the ceremony performed, which was after the following manner.
The king, attended by his vizier and the principal lords of the
court, proceeded towards the dome, and being come to it, he went in
and sat down with them on carpets made of black satin with gold
flowers. A great body of horse-guards, hanging their heads and
looking down, drew up close about the dome, and marched round it
twice, observing a profound silence; but at the third round they
halted before the door, and all of them with a loud voice pronounced
these words: O prince! son to the king, could we by dint of sword,
and human valour, relieve your misfortune, we would bring you back
to life; but the King of kings has commanded, and the angel of death
has obeyed. Having uttered these words, they drew off to make way
for a hundred old men, all of them mounted on black mules, and
wearing long grey beards. These were anchorites, who lived all their
days concealed in caves. They never appeared in the sight of the
world but when they were to assist at the obsequies of the kings of
Harran, and of the princes of their family. Each of these venerable
persons carried on his head a book, which he held with one hand.
They took three turns round the dome without uttering one word; then
stopping before the door, one of them said, O prince! what can we do
for thee? If thou couldst be restored to life by prayer or learning,
we would rub our grey beards at thy feet, and recite prayers; but
the King of the universe has taken thee away for ever.
This said, the old men moved to a distance from the dome, and
immediately fifty beautiful young maidens drew near to it: each of
them was mounted on a little white horse; they wore no veils, and
carried gold baskets, full of all sorts of precious stones. They
also rode thrice round the dome, and halting at the same place as
the others had done, the youngest of them spoke in the name of all,
as follows: O prince! once so beautiful, what relief can you expect
from us? If we could restore you to life by our charms, we would
become your slaves. But you are no longer sensible to beauty, and
have no more occasion for us.
When the young maids were withdrawn, the king and his courtiers
arose, and having walked thrice round the figure representing
Codadad, the king spoke as follows: O my dear son, light of my eyes,
I have then lost thee for ever! He accompanied these words with
sighs, and watered the tomb with his tears; his courtiers weeping
with him. Then the gate of the dome was shut, and all the people
returned to the city. Next day there were public prayers in all the
mosques, and the same was continued for eight days successively. On
the ninth the king resolved to cause the princes his sons to be
beheaded. All the people, incensed at their cruelty towards Codadad,
impatiently expected to see them executed. The scaffolds were
erecting, but the execution was respited, because, on a sudden, news
was brought that the neighbouring princes, who had before made war
on the king of Harran, were advancing with more numerous forces than
the first time, and were not then far from the city. It had been
long known that they were preparing for war, but their preparations
caused no alarm. This news occasioned a general consternation, and
gave new cause to lament the loss of Codadad, who had signalized
himself in the former war against those enemies. Alas! said they,
were the brave Codadad alive, we should little regard those princes
who are coming to surprise us. The king, nothing dismayed, raised
men with all possible speed, formed a considerable army, and being
too brave to await the enemy’s coming to attack him within his
walls, marched out to meet them. They, on their side, being informed
by their advanced parties, that the king of Harran was marching to
engage them, halted in the plain and formed their army.
As soon as the king discovered them, he also drew up his forces, and
ranged them in order of battle. The signal was given, and he
attacked them with extraordinary vigour; nor was the opposition
inferior. Much blood was shed on both sides, and the victory
remained long dubious; but at length it seemed to incline to the
king of Harran’s enemies, who, being more numerous, were upon the
point of surrounding him, when a great body of horse appeared on the
plain, and drew near the two armies in good order. The sight of that
fresh party daunted both sides, not knowing what to think of them;
but their doubts were soon cleared; for those horsemen flew upon the
flank of the king of Harran’s enemies with such a furious charge,
that they soon broke and routed them. Nor did they stop here; they
pursued them, and cut most of them in pieces.
The king of Harran, who had attentively observed all that passed,
admired the bravery of those horsemen, whose unexpected arrival had
given the victory to his side. But, above all, he was charmed with
their chief, whom he had seen fighting with more than ordinary
valour. He longed to know the name of that generous hero. Impatient
to see and thank him, he advanced towards him, but perceived he was
coming to prevent him. The two princes drew near, and the king of
Harran discovering Codadad in that brave warrior, who had just
assisted him, or rather defeated his enemies, became motionless with
joy and surprise. Sir, said Codadad, to him, you have sufficient
cause to be astonished at the sudden appearance before your majesty
of a man whom perhaps you concluded to be dead. I should have been
so had not Heaven preserved me still to serve you against your
enemies. O! my son, cried the king, is it possible that you are
restored to me? Alas! I despaired of seeing you any more. So saying,
he stretched out his arms to the young prince, who flew to such a
tender embrace.
I know all, my son, said the king again, after having long held him
in his arms. I know what return my sons have made you for the
service you did in delivering them out of the hands of the black;
but you shall be revenged to-morrow. Let us now go to the palace:
your mother, whom you have cost so many tears, expects me, to
rejoice with us for the defeat of our enemies. What a joy will it be
to her to be informed that my victory is your work! Sir, said
Codadad, give me leave to ask you, how you could know the adventure
of the castle? Have any of my brothers, repenting, owned it to you?
No, answered the king; the princess of Deryabar has given us an
account of every thing, for she is in my palace, and came thither to
demand justice against your brothers. Codadad was transported with
joy to understand that the princess his wife was at the court. Let
us go, sir, cried he to his father in a rapture; let us go see my
mother, who waits for us. I am impatient to dry up her tears, as
well as those of the princess of Deryabar.
The king immediately returned to the city with his army, which he
dismissed, and re-entered his palace victorious, amidst the
acclamations of the people, who followed him in crowds, praying to
Heaven to prolong his life, and extolling Codadad to the skies.
These two princes found Pirouze and her daughter-in-law waiting for
the king to congratulate him; but words cannot express the
transports of joy they felt when they saw the young prince come with
him: their embraces were mingled with tears of a very different kind
from those they had before shed for him. When these four persons had
sufficiently yielded to all the emotions that the ties of blood and
love inspired, they asked Pirouze’s son by what miracle he came to
be still alive?
He answered, that a peasant mounted on a mule happening accidentally
to come into the tent, where he lay senseless, and perceiving him
alone, and stabbed in several places, had made him fast on his mule
and carried him to his house, where he applied to his wounds certain
herbs chewed, which recovered him in a few days. When I found myself
well, added he, I returned thanks to the peasant, and gave him all
the diamonds I had. Then I drew near to the city of Harran; but
being informed by the way that some neighbouring princes had
gathered forces, and were coming to fall upon the king’s subjects,
I made myself known to the villagers, and stirred up those people to
undertake his defence. I armed a great number of young men, and
heading them, happened to come in at that time when the two armies
were engaged.
When he had done speaking, the king said, Let us return thanks to
God for having preserved Codadad; but it is requisite that the
traitors, who would have destroyed him, should perish this day. Sir,
answered the generous son of Pirouze, though they are wicked and
ungrateful, consider they are your own flesh and blood: they are my
brothers; I forgive their offence, and beg you to pardon them. This
generosity drew tears from the king, who caused the people to be
assembled, and declared Codadad his heir. Then he ordered the
princes, who were prisoners, to be brought loaded with irons.
Pirouze’s son struck off their chains, and embraced them all
successively, with as much sincerity as he had done in the court of
the black castle. The people were charmed with Codadad’s good
disposition, and loaded him with applause. The surgeon was next
nobly rewarded, in requital of the services he had done the princess
of Deryabar.
The sultaness Scheherazade, having related the previous stories with
so much address, and in so agreeable a manner, that the sultan of
the Indies could not forbear showing the pleasure that relation gave
him, said to that monarch, I doubt not but your majesty is very well
satisfied to find the caliph Haroun Alraschid change his sentiments
in favour of Ganem, his mother and sister; and I believe you may be
sensibly affected with their misfortunes, and the ill treatment they
received: but I am persuaded, if your majesty would hear the story
of the Sleeper awakened, it would, instead of exciting all those
emotions of indignation and compassion in your breast, on the
contrary, afford you much mirth and diversion. The sultan, who
promised himself some new adventures from the title of this story,
would have heard it that morning, but perceiving day approach,
deferred it till the next; when Dinarzade called upon her sister,
who began her story in these words.
The Story of the Sleeper awakened.
In the reign of the caliph Haroun Alraschid, there lived at Bagdad a
very rich merchant, who, having married a woman advanced in years,
had but one son, whom he named Abon Hassan, and educated with great
restraint: when his son was thirty years old, the merchant died, and
left him his sole heir, and master of great riches, which his father
had amassed together by much frugality and close application to
business.
Abon Hassan, whose views and inclinations were very different from
those of his father, determined to make another use of his wealth;
for as his father had never allowed him any money but what was just
necessary for subsistence, and he had always envied those young
persons of his age who wanted for nothing, and who debarred
themselves from none of those pleasures to which youth are too much
addicted, he resolved in his turn to distinguish himself by
extravagances proportionable to his fortune. To this end he divided
his riches into two parts: with one half he bought houses in town,
and land in the country, with a promise to himself, never to touch
the income of his estate which was considerable enough to live upon
very handsomely, but lay it all by as he received it: with the other
half, which consisted in ready money, he designed to make himself
amends for the time he had lost in the severe restraint in which his
father had always kept him.
With this intent, Abon Hassan formed a society in a few days with
people of his age and condition, and thought of nothing but how to
make their time pass agreeably. Every day he gave them splendid
entertainments, at which the most delicate meats were served up, and
the most exquisite wines flowed in plenty, while concerts of the
best vocal and instrumental music by performers of both sexes
heightened their pleasures, and this young band of debauchees, with
the glasses in their hands, joined their songs with the music, thus
forming a concert with the instruments; and these feasts generally
ended with balls, to which the best dancers of Bagdad of both sexes
were invited. These entertainments, renewed every day, were so
expensive to Abon Hassan, that he could not support the extravagance
above a year: and the great sum which he had consecrated to this
prodigality, and the year, ended together. As soon as he left off
keeping this table, his friends forsook him; whenever they saw him
they avoided him, and if by chance he met any of them, and went to
stop them, they always excused themselves on some pretence or other.
Abon Hassan was touched more by this strange behaviour of his
friends, who had forsaken him so basely and ungratefully, after all
the protestations of friendship they had made him, and their
inviolable attachment to his service, than for all the money he had
so foolishly squandered away: he went melancholy and thoughtful, his
head hanging down, and his countenance expressive of deep vexation,
into his mother’s apartment, and sat down at the end of a sofa at
a distance from her. What’s the matter with you, son? said his
mother, seeing him in this condition. Why are you so altered, so
dejected, and so different from yourself? You could not certainly be
more concerned, if you had lost all you had in the world. I know you
have lived very profusely, and believe all your money is spent; you
have yet a good estate; and the reason that I did not so very much
oppose your irregular way of living was, that I knew the wise
precaution you had taken to preserve half your substance. I do not,
therefore, see why you should plunge yourself into this deep
melancholy.
At these words Abon Hassan melted into tears; and in the midst of
his sighs, cried out, Ah! mother, I see at last, by sad experience,
how insupportable poverty is; I am sensible that it deprives us of
joy, as the setting of the sun does of light. As poverty makes us
forget all the commendations and fine things said of us before our
fall, it makes us endeavour to conceal ourselves, and spend our
nights in tears and sorrow. In short, a poor man is looked upon,
both by friends and relations, as a stranger. You know, mother, how
I have treated my friends for this year past; I have entertained
them with all imaginable generosity, till I have spent all my money,
and now they have left me, when I can treat them no longer. When I
tell them that I have no more means to continue their mirth, I mean
the money I laid by to employ in such purposes. For my estate, I
thank Heaven for having given me the grace to keep the oath I have
made, not to enter upon that, to spend it so foolishly: and now I
shall keep that oath, and know how to make good use of what is left.
But first I will try how far my friends, who deserve not that I
should call them so, will carry their ingratitude. I will go to them
one after another, and when I have represented to them what I have
done for their sakes, I will ask them among them to make me up a sum
of money, to relieve me out of the miserable condition I have
reduced myself, to please them; but as I have already said, I will
not take these steps, but to try if I can find any sentiment of
gratitude remaining in them.
I do not pretend, son, said Abon Hassan’s mother, to dissuade you
from executing your design; but I can tell you beforehand, that you
have no ground for hope. Believe me, you will find no relief but
from the estate you have reserved. I see you do not, but will soon
know those people, which among persons of your sort are generally
called friends, and I wish to Heaven you may know it in the manner I
desire; that is to say, for your own good. Mother, replied Abon
Hassan, I am persuaded of the truth of what you say, but shall be
more certain of a fact which concerns me so nearly, when I shall
inform myself better of their baseness and insensibility. Abon
Hassan went immediately to his friends, whom he found at home;
representing to them the great need he was in, and begged of them to
draw their purse-strings to assist him. He promised to give every
one bonds to pay them the money they lent him, as soon as his
affairs were made up; giving them to understand at the same time,
that it was, in a great measure, upon their accounts that he was so
distressed, that he might the more powerfully excite their
generosity; and forgot not to allure them with the hopes of being
once again entertained in the same manner as before.
Not one of his bottle companions was affected with the arguments
which the afflicted Abon Hassan made use of to persuade them; and he
had the mortification to find, that many of them told him plainly
they did not know him.
He returned home again full of grief and indignation; and going into
his mother’s apartment, said, Ah! madam, you were right; instead
of friends, I have found none but perfidious ungrateful wretches,
who deserve not my friendship, which I renounce, and promise you I
will never see them more. He resolved to be as good as his word, and
took every precaution to avoid falling into the same inconvenience;
taking an oath never to give an inhabitant of Bagdad any
entertainment again while he lived. He drew the strong box in which
he had put the rents he had received from his estate from the place
where he had placed it in reserve, and put it in the room of that he
had emptied, and resolved to take out every day no more than was
sufficient to defray the expense of a single person to sup with him,
who, according to the oath he had taken, was not to be any man of
Bagdad, but a stranger that came into Bagdad the same day, and must
take his leave of him the next morning after one night’s meal.
According to this project, Abon Hassan took care every morning to
provide whatever was necessary for this treat, and towards the close
of the evening went and sat at the end of Bagdad bridge; and as soon
as he saw a stranger, of whatever rank or condition he was, he
accosted him civilly, and invited him to sup and lodge with him that
night; and after having informed him of the law he had imposed upon
himself, took him home with him. The repast with which Abon Hassan
regaled his guests was not costly, but always sufficient, with
plenty of good wine, and generally lasted till the night was pretty
well advanced; when, instead of entertaining his guest with the
affairs of state, his family, or business, as is too frequent, he
affected to talk only of indifferent agreeable subjects. He was
naturally of so gay and so pleasant a temper, that he could give the
most agreeable turns to conversation on every subject, and make the
most melancholy persons merry. When he sent away his guests the next
morning, he always said, God preserve you from all sorrow wherever
you go; when I invited you yesterday to come and sup with me, I
informed you of the law I have imposed on myself; therefore do not
take it ill if I tell you, that we must never see one another again,
nor drink together, either at home or any other house, for reasons
best known to myself; so God conduct you.
Abon Hassan was very exact in the observation of this oath, and
never looked upon or spoke to the strangers he had once entertained;
wherever he met them in the streets, the squares, or any public
assemblies, he affected not to see them, and turned away to avoid
them, that they might not speak to him, or he have any communication
with them. He had acted for a long time after this manner, when, one
afternoon, a little before sun-set, as he sat upon the bridge
according to custom the caliph Haroun Alraschid came by, but so
disguised that it was impossible to know him; for that monarch,
though his chief ministers and officers of justice acquitted
themselves of their duty very punctually, would nevertheless inform
himself of every thing, and for that purpose often disguised himself
in different ways, and walked through the city and suburbs of
Bagdad, sometimes one way and sometimes another. That day, being the
first of the month, he was dressed like a merchant of Moussol, who
had but just embarked, and was followed by a tall stout black slave.
As the caliph had in his disguise a grave and respectful air, Abon
Hassan, who thought him to be a Moussol merchant, rose up, and,
after having saluted him with a graceful air, and kissed his hand,
said to him, Sir, I congratulate you on your happy arrival; I beg
you to do me the honour to go and sup with me, and repose yourself
at my house this night, after the fatigue of your voyage: and to
oblige him not to refuse him that favour, he told him his custom of
entertaining the first stranger he met with. The caliph found
something so odd and singular in Abon Hassan’s taste, that he was
very desirous to know the bottom of it; and without quitting the
character of a merchant, told him, that he could not better answer
that great civility, which he did not expect at his arrival at
Bagdad, than by accepting the obliging offer that he made him; that
he had only to lead the way, and he was ready to follow him.
Abon Hassan, who knew not that the guest which chance presented to
him was so very much above him, treated the caliph as his equal,
carried him home, and led him into a room very neatly furnished,
where he set him on a sofa, in the most honourable place. Supper was
ready, and the cloth laid. Abon Hassan’s mother, who took upon
herself the care of the kitchen, sent up three dishes; the first was
a capon and four large pullets, which was set in the middle; and the
second and third, placed on each side, were a fat roasted goose and
broiled pigeons. This was all; but they were good of the kind, and
well-flavoured, with proper sauces.
Abon Hassan sat down over-against his guest, and he and the caliph
began to eat heartily of what they liked best, without speaking or
drinking, according to the custom of the country. When they had done
eating, the caliph’s slave brought them water to wash their hands:
and in the mean time Abon Hassan’s mother cleared the table, and
brought up a dessert of all the various sorts of fruits then in
season; as grapes, peaches, apples, pears, and various pastes of
dried almonds, &c. As soon as it grew dark, wax candles were
lighted, and Abon Hassan, after charging his mother to take care of
the caliph’s slave, set on bottles and glasses.
Then Abon Hassan sitting down with the pretended Moussol merchant
again, filled out a glass of wine, before he touched the fruit; and
holding it out in his hand, said to the caliph, still taking him for
a merchant of Moussol, You know, sir, that the cock never drinks
before he calls to his hens to come and drink with him; I invite you
to follow my example. I do not know what you may think; but, for my
part, I cannot reckon him a wise man who does not love wine. Let us
leave those sort of people to their dull melancholy humours, and
seek for mirth, which is only to be found in a brimmer.
While Abon Hassan was drinking, the caliph taking the glass that was
set for him, said, You are an honest fellow; I like your pleasant
temper, and expect you will fill me as much. Abon Hassan, as soon as
he had drank, filled the caliph’s glass, and giving it to him,
Taste this wine, sir, said he; I will warrant it good. I am very
well persuaded of that, replied the caliph, laughing; you know how
to choose the best. O, replied Abon Hassan, (while the caliph was
taking off his glass,) one need only look in your face to see you
have seen the world, and know what good living is. If, added he in
Arabic verse, my house could think and express its joy, how happy
would it be to possess you, and, bowing before you, would cry, How
overjoyed am I to see myself honoured with the company of so
well-behaved and so polite a personage, and for meeting with a man
of your merit.
The caliph, who was naturally lively, was mightily diverted with
these sallies of Abon Hassan’s, and took great pleasure in
promoting drinking, often asking for wine, thinking that when it
began to work, he might, by his conversation, satisfy his curiosity.
In order, therefore, to enter into conversation, he asked him his
name, his business, and how he spent his life. My name, sir, replied
he, is Abon Hassan. I lost my father, who was a merchant of Bagdad
and though he was not the richest, yet he lived very comfortably.
When he died, he left me money enough for my station to live free
from ambition; but as he always kept a very strict hand over me in
his lifetime, I was willing, when he was gone, to make up the time I
thought I had lost. Notwithstanding this, continued Abon Hassan, I
was more prudent than most young people are, who give themselves up
to debauchery, without any thought, and pursue it till they reduce
themselves to the utmost poverty, and are forced to do penance all
the rest of their lives after. To avoid this misfortune, I divided
what I had left me into two parts, land and ready money. I destined
the ready money to supply the expenses of my acquaintance. I
meditated, and took a fixed resolution not to touch my rents. I
associated with young people of my own age, and with my ready money,
which I spent profusely, treated them splendidly every day; and in
short, spared for no sort of pleasure. But all this did not last
long; for by the time the year was out, I had got to the bottom of
my box, and then all my table friends vanished. I made a visit to
every one of them successively, and represented to them the
miserable condition I was in, but none of them made an offer to
relieve me. Upon this, I renounced their friendship, and retrenched
so far as to live within the compass of my income, and bound myself
to keep company with none but the first stranger I could meet with
coming that day into Bagdad, and to entertain him but one day and
one night. I have told you the rest before; and I thank my good
fortune this day for meeting with a stranger of so much worth.
The caliph was very well satisfied with this information, and said
to Abon Hassan, I cannot enough commend the measures you have taken,
and the prudence with which you have acted, by forsaking your
debauchery, --a conduct rarely to be met with in young persons; and
I esteem you the more for being so faithful to yourself. It was a
slippery path you trod in, and I cannot enough admire, how, after
having seen the end of your ready money, you had so great command
over yourself as not to enter upon your rents, or even your estate.
In short, I must own, I envy you your happiness. You are the
happiest man in the world, to enjoy every day the company of some
one honest man, with whom you can discourse freely and agreeably,
and to whom you give an opportunity to declare, wherever he goes,
how handsomely he was received by you. But, we talk too long without
drinking: come, drink, and pour out a glass for me.
In this manner the caliph and Abon Hassan conversed together,
drinking and talking of indifferent pleasant subjects, till the
night was pretty far advanced; when the caliph pretending to be
fatigued after his journey, told his host he stood in need of a
little rest. But, added he, as I would not deprive you of yours on
my account, before we part, (because to-morrow I may be gone before
you are stirring,) I should be glad to show you how sensible I am of
your civility, and the good cheer and hospitality you have shown me.
The only thing that troubles me is, that I know not which way to
make you any acknowledgement, I beg of you, therefore, to let me
understand how I may do it, and you shall see I will not be
ungrateful; for it is impossible but a man like you must have some
business, some want, or wish for something agreeable to you. Speak
freely, and open your mind; for though I am out a merchant, it may
be in my power to oblige you myself, or by some friend.
To these offers of the caliph, Abon Hassan, taking him still for a
Moussol merchant, replied, I am very well persuaded, my good sir,
that it is not out of compliment that you make me these generous
tenders; but upon the word of an honest man, I assure you, I have
nothing that troubles me, no business, nor desires, and I ask
nothing of any body. I have not the least ambition, as I told you
before; and am satisfied with my condition: therefore, I can only
thank you for your obliging proffers, and the honour you have done
me to come and take a slight repast with me. Yet I must tell you,
pursued Abon Hassan, there is one thing gives me uneasiness,
without, however, disturbing my rest. You must know the town of
Bagdad is divided into quarters, in each of which there is a mosque,
with an iman to perform prayers at certain hours, at the head of the
quarter which assembles there. The iman of the division I live in is
a grave old man, of an austere countenance, and the greatest
hypocrite in the world. Four old men of this neighbourhood, who are
people of the same stamp, meet regularly every day at this iman’s
house. There they vent their slander, calumny, and malice against
me, and the whole quarter, to the disturbance of the peace of a
neighbourhood, and the promotion of dissention. Some they threaten,
others they frighten; and, in short, would be lords paramount, and
have every one govern himself according to their caprice, though
they know not how to govern themselves. Indeed, I am sorry to see
that they meddle with any thing but their koran, and do not let the
world live quietly.
Well, I suppose, said the caliph, you wish to have a stop put to
this disorder? You have guessed right, answered Abon Hassan: and the
only thing I should pray for would be to be caliph but for one day,
in the stead of our sovereign lord and master Haroun Alraschid, the
commander of the faithful. What would you do if you was? said the
caliph. I would make examples of them, answered Abon Hassan, to the
satisfaction of all honest men. I would punish the four old men with
each a hundred bastinadoes on the soles of their feet, and the iman
with four hundred, to teach them not to disturb and abuse their
neighbours any more.
The caliph was extremely well pleased with this thought of Abon
Hassan’s; and as he loved adventures, he longed to make this a
very singular one. Indeed, said he, I approve very much of your
wish, which I see proceeds from an upright heart, that cannot bear
to see the malice of wicked people go unpunished; I could like to
see it take effect, and it is not so impossible a thing as you may
imagine. I am persuaded that the caliph would willingly put his
authority for twenty-four hours into your hands, if he knew your
good intentions, and the good use you would make of it. Though a
foreign merchant, I have credit enough to contribute in some degree
to the execution of this plan. I see, said Abon Hassan, you laugh at
my foolish fancy, and the caliph himself would laugh at my
extravagance too, if he knew it; yet it would be a means of
informing him of the behaviour of the iman and his companions, and
induce him to chastise them.
Heaven forbid, replied the caliph, that I, who have been so
handsomely entertained by you, should laugh at you; neither do I
believe, as much a stranger as I am to you, that the caliph would be
displeased: but let us leave off talking; it is almost midnight, and
time to go to bed. With all my heart, said Abon Hassan, I would not
be any hinderance to your going to rest; but there is still some
wine in the bottle, and if you please we will drink it off first,
and then retire. The only thing that I have to recommend to you is,
that when you go out in the morning, if I am not up, you will not
leave the door open, but give yourself the trouble of shutting it
after you. This the caliph promised to do; and while Abon Hassan was
talking, took the bottle and two glasses, and filled his own first,
saying, Here is a cup of thanks to you, and then filling the other,
put into it artfully a little powder, which he had about him, and
giving it to Abon Hassan, said, You have taken the pains to fill for
me all this night, and it is the least I can do to save you the
trouble once: I beg you to take this glass; drink it off for my sake.
Abon Hassan took the glass, and to show his guest with how much
pleasure he received the honour he did him, whipt it off at once,
but had scarcely set the glass upon the table, but the powder began
to work, and he fell into so sound a sleep, that his head knocked
against his knees so suddenly, that the caliph could not help
laughing. The caliph ordered the slave he had brought along with
him, and who came again into the room as soon as he had supped, and
had been there to receive his orders, to take him upon his back, and
follow him; but to be sure to observe the house, that he might know
it again when he was ordered to bring him back; and in this manner
the caliph, followed by the slave with Abon Hassan upon his back,
went out of the house, but without shutting the door after him as
Abon Hassan desired him, and went directly to his palace, and by a
private door into his own apartment, where all the officers of his
chamber were waiting for him, whom he ordered to undress Abon Hassan
and put him in his bed, which they immediately performed.
Then the caliph sent for all the officers and ladies of the palace,
and said to them, I would have all those, whose business it is to
attend my levee, wait to-morrow morning upon this man, who lies in
my bed, and pay the same respect to him as to myself, and obey him
in whatever he commands; let him be refused nothing that he asks
for, and be spoken to and answered in every thing he says or does,
as if he was the commander of the faithful. In short, I expect that
you look upon him as the true caliph and commander of the faithful,
without regarding me; and above all things, mistake not in the least
circumstance.
The officers and ladies, who presently understood that the caliph
had a mind to divert himself, answered him by low bows, and then
withdrew, every one preparing to contribute to the best of their
power to perform their respective parts adroitly.
The caliph returning to his palace, sent for the grand vizier:
Giafar, said he, I have sent for you to instruct you, and to prevent
your being surprised to-morrow when you come to audience, to see
this man that is laid here in my bed, seated on my throne in my
royal robes: accost him with the same reverence and respect you pay
to myself; observe and punctually execute whatever he bids you do,
the same as if I commanded you. He will exercise great liberality,
and commission you with the distribution of it. Do all he bids you,
even if his liberality should extend so far as to empty all the
coffers in my treasury; and remember to acquaint all my emirs, and
all the officers without the palace, to pay him the same honour at
audience as to myself, and to carry on the matter so well, that he
may not perceive the least thing that may interrupt this diversion
which I design myself.
After the grand vizier retired, the caliph went to bed in another
apartment, and gave Mesrour, the chief of his eunuchs, the orders
which he was to execute, that every thing might succeed as he
intended, to gratify the wish of Abon Hassan; that he might see how
Abon Hassan would use the power and authority of the caliph for the
short time he desired to have it. Above all, he charged him not fail
to awake him at the usual hour, before he awakened Abon Hassan,
because he had a mind to be present when he arose.
Mesrour failed not to do as the caliph had commanded, and as soon as
the caliph went into the room where Abon Hassan lay, he placed
himself in a little raised closet, from whence he could see all that
passed. All the officers and ladies, who were to attend Abon
Hassan’s levee, went in at the same time, and took their posts
according to their rank, with great silence, and ready to acquit
themselves of their respective duties, as if it was the caliph who
was going to rise.
As it was just daybreak, and time to rise to morning prayer before
sun-rise, the officer that stood nearest the head of the bed put a
sponge steeped in vinegar to Abon Hassan’s nose, who presently
turning his head about, without opening his eyes, with a little
effort discharged a kind of phlegm, which was received in a little
golden basin before it fell on the carpet. This was the usual effect
of the caliph’s powder, the sleep lasting longer or shorter, in
proportion to the dose. When Abon Hassan laid down his head on the
bolster, he opened his eyes; and by the small daylight that
appeared, he found himself in a large handsome room, magnificently
furnished, the ceiling of which was finely painted in the Arabesque
pattern, adorned with vases of gold and silver, and the floor
covered with a rich silk tapestry, and surrounded by a great many
young and handsome ladies, many of them having instruments of music
in their hands, and black eunuchs richly clothed, all standing with
great modesty and respect. After casting his eyes on the covering of
the bed, he perceived it was cloth of gold, richly embossed with
pearls and diamonds, and by the bed lay, on a cushion, a habit of
the same stuffs and trimmings, with a caliph’s turban.
At the sight of these glittering objects Abon Hassan was in most
inexpressible confusion and amazement, and looked upon all he saw as
a dream; yet such a dream as he wished it not to be. So, said he to
himself, I am caliph; but, added he, recollecting himself, it is
only a dream, the effect of the wish I entertained my guest with
last night; and then he turned himself about, and shut his eyes to
sleep again. At the same time the eunuch said, very respectfully,
Commander of the faithful, it is time for your majesty to rise to
prayers; the morning begins to advance.
These words very much surprised Abon Hassan. Am I awake, or do I
sleep? said he to himself: Ah, certainly I am asleep! continued he,
keeping his eyes shut; there is no reason to doubt of it.
Immediately the eunuch, who saw he gave him no answer, and had no
inclination to get up, said again, Your majesty must permit me to
repeat once more that it is time to rise to morning prayer, unless
you choose to let it pass; the sun is just rising, and you never
neglect this duty. I am mistaken, said Abon Hassan presently: I am
not asleep, but awake; for those that sleep do not hear, and I hear
somebody speak to me: then opening his eyes again, he saw plainly by
broad daylight, what he had seen but indistinctly before; and
started up, with a smiling countenance, like a man overjoyed at a
sudden promotion. The caliph, who saw him, penetrated his thoughts
with great delight.
Then the young ladies of the palace prostrated themselves with their
faces to the ground before Abon Hassan, and those who had the
instruments of music in their hands wished him a good morrow, by a
concert of soft flutes, hautboys, theorboes, and other harmonious
instruments, with which he was enchanted, and in such an ecstacy,
that he knew not where he was, nor whether he was himself; but
reverting to his first idea, he still doubted whether what he saw
and heard was a dream or reality. He clapt his hands before his
eyes, and lowering his head, said to himself, What means all this?
Where am I? and to whom does this palace belong? What can these
eunuchs, handsome well-dressed officers, beautiful ladies, and
musicians, mean? How is it possible for me not to distinguish
whether I am in my right senses, or in a dream?
When he took his hands from his eyes, opened them, and lifted up his
head, the sun shone full in at the chamber window; and at that
instant, Mesrour, the chief of the eunuchs, came in, prostrated
himself before Abon Hassan, and said, Commander of the faithful,
your majesty will excuse me for representing to you, that you used
not to rise so late, and that the time of prayer is over. If your
majesty has not had a bad night, and has been indisposed, it is time
to ascend your throne and hold council as usual; all your generals,
governors, and other great officers of state, wait your presence in
the council-hall.
At this discourse of Mesrour, Abon Hassan was verily persuaded that
he was neither asleep nor in a dream; but at the same time was not
less embarrassed and confused under this uncertainty what steps to
take: at last, looking earnestly at Mesrour, he said to him in a
serious tone, Who is it you speak to, and call the commander of the
faithful? I do not know you, and you must mistake me for somebody
else.
Any person but Mesrour would have been dashed at these questions of
Abon Hassan’s; but he had been so well instructed by the caliph,
that he played his part to a wonder. My worthy lord and master, said
he, your majesty only speaks thus to try me: Is not your majesty the
commander of the faithful, monarch of the world from East to West,
and vicar on earth [95] to the prophet sent of God? Mesrour, your
poor slave, has not forgotten you, after so many years that he has
had the honour and happiness to serve and pay his respects to your
majesty. He would think himself the most unhappy of men if he has
incurred your displeasure, and begs of you most humbly to remove his
fears; but had rather suppose that you have been disturbed by some
troublesome dream to-night.
Abon Hassan burst out a laughing at these words of Mesrour’s, and
fell backwards upon the bolster, which pleased the caliph so much
that he would have laughed as loud himself, if he had not been
afraid of putting a stop too soon to the pleasant scene he promised
himself.
Abon Hassan, when he had tired himself with laughing, sat up again,
and speaking to a little eunuch that stood by him, black as Mesrour,
said, Hark ye, tell me who I am? Sir, answered the little boy
modestly, your majesty is the commander of the believers, and
God’s vicar on earth. You are a little liar, black face, said Abon
Hassan. Then he called the lady that stood nearest to him: Come
hither, fair one, said he, holding out his hand, bite the end of my
finger, that I may feel whether I am asleep or awake.
The lady, who knew the caliph saw all that passed, was overjoyed to
have an opportunity of showing her power of diverting him, and went
with a grave countenance, and putting his finger between her teeth,
she bit it so hard that she put him to violent pain. Snatching his
hand quickly back again, he said, I find I am awake, and not asleep.
But by what miracle am I become caliph in a night’s time? this is
certainly the most strange and surprising thing in the world! then
addressing himself to the same lady, said, I conjure you, by the
protection of God, in whom you trust as well as I, not to hide the
truth from me; am I really the commander of the faithful? It is so
true, answered the lady, that we, who are your slaves, are amazed to
find that you will not believe yourself to be so. You are a
deceiver, replied Abon Hassan; I know very well who I am.
As the chief of the eunuchs perceived that Abon Hassan had a mind to
rise, he offered him his hand, and helped him to get out of bed. No
sooner were his feet set on the floor, but the chamber rang again
with the repeated acclamations of the officers and ladies, who cried
out altogether, Commander of the faithful, God give your majesty a
good day. O heaven! cried Abon Hassan, what a strange thing is this!
Last night I was Abon Hassan, and this morning I am the commander of
the believers! I cannot comprehend this sudden and surprising
change. Presently some of the officers began to dress him; and when
they had done, Mesrour led him through all the eunuchs and ladies,
who were ranged on both sides, quite to the council chamber door,
which was opened by one of the officers. Mesrour walked before him
to the foot of the throne, where he stopped, and putting one hand
under one arm, while another officer who followed did the same by
the other, they helped him to ascend the throne. Abon Hassan sat
down amidst the acclamations of the officers, who wished him all
happiness and prosperity, and turning to the right and left he saw
the officers of the guards ranged in good order, and making a fine
appearance.
The caliph in the mean time came out of the closet, where he was
hid, and went into another, which looked into the council-hall, from
whence he could see and hear all that passed in council, while his
grand vizier presided in his place, when he was prevented by illness
from attending in person. What pleased him highly, was to see Abon
Hassan fill his throne with almost as much gravity as himself.
As soon as Abon Hassan had seated himself, the grand vizier Giafar
prostrated himself at the foot of the throne, and rising and
addressing himself to him, said, Commander of the faithful, God
shower down blessings on your majesty in this life, receive you into
his paradise in the other world, and confound your enemies.
Abon Hassan, after all that had happened that morning, and these
words of the grand vizier, never doubted but that he was caliph, as
he wished to be; and so without examining any farther, how, or by
what adventure, or sudden change of fortune, he immediately began to
exercise his power, and looking very gravely upon the vizier, asked
him what he had to say? Commander of the faithful, replied the grand
vizier, the emirs, viziers, and other officers who are of your
majesty’s council, wait at the door till your majesty gives them
leave to come in and pay their accustomed respects to you. Abon
Hassan presently ordered the door to be opened, and the grand vizier
turning, and addressing himself to the officers who waited for
orders, said, Chief of the door-keepers, the commander of the
faithful orders you to do your duty.
When the door was opened, the viziers, emirs, and principal officers
of the court, all dressed magnificently in their habits of ceremony,
went in their order to the foot of the throne, and paid their
respects to Abon Hassan; and bowing their heads down to the carpet,
kneeling on one knee, saluted him with the title of the commander of
the faithful, according to the instructions of the grand vizier, and
afterwards took their seats.
When this ceremony was over, and they were all placed, there was a
profound silence. The grand vizier always standing before the
throne, began, according to the order of papers in his hand, to make
his report of affairs, which at that time were of very little
consequence. Nevertheless, the caliph could not but admire how Abon
Hassan acquitted himself in his great post without the least
hesitation or embarrassment, and decided so well in all matters, as
his own good sense suggested the request was or was not proper to be
granted. But before the grand vizier had finished his report, Abon
Hassan perceived the judge of the police, whom he knew by sight,
sitting in his place: Stop, said he to the grand vizier,
interrupting him; I have an order of consequence to give to the
judge of the police. The judge of the police perceiving that Abon
Hassan looked at him, and hearing his name mentioned, arose from off
his seat, and went gravely to the foot of the throne, where he
prostrated himself with his face to the ground. Judge of the police,
said Abon Hassan, go immediately to such a quarter, in such a
street, where you will find a mosque, and seize the iman of the
mosque and four old gray beards, and give each of the old men a
hundred bastinadoes with a bull’s pizzle, and the iman four
hundred. After that, mount them all five, clothed in rags, upon
camels, with their faces to the tails, and lead them through the
whole city, with a crier before them, who shall proclaim with a loud
voice, ‘This is the punishment of all those who trouble their
heads with other people’s affairs, and make it their business to
create disturbances and misunderstandings in families in their
neighbourhood, and do them all the mischief in their power.’ My
intention is also, that you enjoin them to leave that quarter, and
never to set foot in it more; and while your lieutenant is
conducting them through the town, return, and give me an account of
the execution of my orders. The judge of the police laid his hand
upon his head, to show his obedience to execute that order on pain
of losing his head if he failed, and prostrating himself a second
time, went away.
The caliph was extremely well pleased at the firmness with which
this order was given, and perceived that Abon Hassan was resolved
not to lose the opportunity of punishing the iman and the other four
old hypocrites of his quarter. In the mean time, the grand vizier
went on with his report, and had just finished, when the judge of
the police came back from executing his commission. He approached
the throne with the usual ceremony, and said, Commander of the
faithful, I found the iman and his four companions in the mosque,
which your majesty pointed out; and for a proof that I have
punctually obeyed your commands, I have brought an instrument signed
by the principal inhabitants of that quarter. At the same time he
pulled a paper out of his bosom, and presented it to the pretended
caliph.
Abon Hassan took the paper, and reading it over cautiously with the
names of the witnesses, who were all people that he knew very well,
said to the judge of the police, smiling, It is well; I am
satisfied; return to your seat. These old hypocrites, said he to
himself, with an air of satisfaction, who thought fit to censure my
actions, and find fault with my entertaining honest people, deserved
this punishment. The caliph all the time penetrated his thoughts,
and felt inconceivable joy in this pleasant exhibition.
Then Abon Hassan, addressing himself to the grand vizier, said, Go
to the high treasurer for a purse of a thousand pieces of gold, and
carry it to the mother of one Abon Hassan, who is known by the name
of the _debauchee_; she lives in the same quarter to which I sent
the judge of the police. Go, and return immediately.
The grand vizier, after laying his hand upon his head, and
prostrating himself before the throne, went to the high treasurer,
who gave him the money, which he ordered a slave to take, and to
follow him to Abon Hassan’s mother, to whom he gave it, saying
only, The caliph makes you this present. She received it with the
greatest surprise imaginable. She could not tell what to think of
this liberality of the caliph’s, and was totally ignorant of what
passed in the palace.
During the grand vizier’s absence, the judge of the police made
the usual report of his office, which lasted till the vizier
returned. As soon as he came into the council-chamber, and had
assured Abon Hassan he had executed his orders, Mesrour, the chief
of the eunuchs, who returned to the palace after he had conducted
Abon Hassan to the council, came again, and made a sign to the
viziers, the emirs, and other officers, that the council was over,
and that they might all retire; which they did, by making the same
prostration at the foot of the throne as when they entered.
Abon Hassan sat not long on the caliph’s throne, but came down
from it, supported in the same manner as he went up by Mesrour and
another officer of the eunuchs, who attended him back again to the
apartment from whence he came, preceded all the way by the grand
vizier. But he had scarce made a few steps, when he was taken with a
pressing occasion; upon which they showed him into a neat closet,
paved with marble; whereas the apartment where he was, was covered
with rich carpets, like the other apartments of the palace. They
gave him a pair of drawers of silk embroidered with gold, which it
was usual to put on before going in there. He took them, and as he
knew not the use of them, he put them into one of his sleeves, which
were very wide. As it often happens that a trifle excites laughter
sooner than a matter of consequence, the grand vizier, Mesrour, and
all the officers of the palace near him, had like to have burst into
laughter, and spoiled all the sport; but they contained themselves,
and the grand vizier was obliged at last to explain to him, that he
must put on the drawers before he went into the private closet.
While Abon Hassan was there, the grand vizier went to the caliph,
who had already taken another station to observe Abon Hassan without
being seen, and acquainted him with what had passed, which the
caliph enjoyed exceedingly.
When Abon Hassan came out of the closet, Mesrour went before him, to
show him the way into an inner apartment, where there was a table
spread: several eunuchs ran before to tell the musicians that the
sham caliph was coming, who immediately began a concert of vocal and
instrumental music, with which Abon Hassan was so charmed and
transported, that he could not tell what to think of all he saw and
heard. If this is a dream, said he, it is a long one. But certainly,
continued he, it is no dream; for I can see and feel, walk and hear,
and argue reasonably: whatever it is, I trust in God; yet I cannot
believe but I am the commander of the faithful, for no other person
could live in this splendour. The honour and respect that has been
shown me, and the obedience paid to my commands, are sufficient
proofs.
In short, Abon Hassan took it for granted that he was caliph and the
commander of the faithful; and was fully convinced of it, when he
entered that magnificent and spacious hall, which was finely painted
with the brightest colours intermixed with gold. Seven bands of
female musicians, more beautiful than the others, were placed round
the hall, and as many gold branches hung down from the ceiling,
which was painted with blue and gold, intermixed with wonderful
effect. In the middle of the hall was spread a table covered with
massy gold plates and dishes, which scented the hall with the spices
and amber wherewith the meat was seasoned; and seven young and most
beautiful ladies, dressed in the richest habits of the most vivid
colours, stood round this table, each with a fan in her hand, to fan
Abon Hassan when at dinner.
If ever mortal was charmed, Abon Hassan was when he entered that
stately hall. At every step he took, he could not help stopping to
contemplate at leisure all the wonders that regaled his eyes, and
turned first to one side, and then again on the other; which gave
the caliph, who viewed him with attention, very great pleasure. --At
last he went and sat down at the table, and presently all the ladies
that stood by it began to fan the new caliph. He looked first at
one, and then at another, and admired the grace with which they
acquitted themselves. He told them with a graceful smile, that he
believed one of them was enough to give him all the air he wanted,
and would have six of the ladies sit at table with him, three on his
right hand, and three on his left; and he placed them at it, so
that, as the table was round, which way soever he turned, his eyes
might be saluted with agreeable objects.
The six ladies obeyed, and sat down at the table; and Abon Hassan
taking notice, that out of respect they did not eat, helped them
himself, and invited them to eat in the most pressing and obliging
terms. Afterwards he asked their names, which they told him were
Alabaster Neck, Coral Lips, Moon Face, Sunshine, Eye’s Delight,
Heart’s Delight, and she who fanned him was Sugar-Cane. The many
soft things he said upon their names showed him to be a man of
sprightly wit, and it is not to be conceived how very much it
increased the esteem which the caliph (who saw every thing) had
already conceived for him.
When the ladies saw that Abon Hassan had done eating, one of them
said to the eunuchs who waited, The commander of the faithful will
go into the hall where the dessert is, --bring some water; upon
which they all arose from the table, and taking from the eunuch, one
a gold basin, another an ewer of the same metal, and a third a
towel, kneeled down before Abon Hassan, and presented them to him to
wash his hands, who, as soon as he had done, got up, and after an
eunuch had opened the door, went, preceded by Mesrour, who never
left him, into another hall, as large as the former, adorned with
paintings by the best masters, and furnished with gold and silver
vessels, carpets, and other rich furniture. There seven different
bands of music began a concert as soon as Abon Hassan appeared. In
this hall there were seven other large lustres, and a table in the
middle covered with dried sweetmeats and the choicest and most
exquisite fruits of the season, raised in pyramids, in seven gold
basins; and seven ladies, more beautiful than the others, standing
round it, each with a fan in her hand.
These new objects raised still greater admiration in Abon Hassan
than before; who, after he had made a full stop, and given the most
sensible marks of his surprise and astonishment, went directly to
the table, where sitting down, he gazed a considerable time at the
seven ladies, with an embarrassment that plainly showed he knew not
which to give the preference to. At last he ordered them all to lay
aside their fans and sit down, and eat with him, telling them, that
it was not so hot but he could spare them that trouble.
When the ladies were all placed about him, the first thing he did
was to ask their names, which were different from the other seven,
and expressed some perfection of mind or body, which distinguished
them from one another; upon which he took an opportunity, when he
presented them with fruit, &c. to say something smart. Eat this fig
for my sake, said he to Chain of Hearts, who sat on his right hand;
and render the fetters, with which you loaded me the first moment I
saw you, more supportable. Then presenting a bunch of grapes to
Soul’s Torment, Take this cluster of grapes, said he, on condition
you instantly abate the torments which I suffer for your sake; and
so on to the rest. By these words Abon Hassan more and more pleased
and diverted the caliph, who was delighted with his words and
actions, and pleased to think he had found in him a man who diverted
him so agreeably, and suggested to him a method of being better
acquainted with him.
After Abon Hassan had tasted of all the fruits in the basin, he got
up and followed Mesrour, who never left him, into a third hall, much
more magnificently furnished than the other two; where he was
received by the same number of musicians and ladies, who stood round
a table covered with all manner of wet sweetmeats. After he had
looked about him with new wonder, he advanced to the table, the
music playing all the time till he sat down. The seven ladies, by
his order, sat down with him, and as he could not but show them the
same civility as he had done to the rest, they helped themselves, as
he desired them, to what they liked best; and he afterwards informed
himself of their names, which pleased him as much as the others had
done, and led him to say as many soft things to them, to the great
diversion of the caliph, who lost not a word.
By this time the day beginning to close, Abon Hassan was conducted
into a fourth hall, much more superb and magnificently furnished,
lighted with wax candles in seven great gold lustres, which gave a
glorious light. The like was not seen in the other halls, because it
was not necessary. Abon Hassan found the same number of musicians
here as he had done in the other three halls, performing in concert
in the most lively manner, and seeming to inspire greater joy; and
he saw as many ladies standing round a table covered with seven gold
basins filled with cakes, dried sweetmeats, and all such things as
were proper to promote drinking. There he saw, which he had not
observed in any of the other halls, a beaufet, which was set out
with seven large silver flagons full of the choicest wines, and by
them seven crystal glasses of the finest workmanship.
Hitherto in the three first halls Abon Hassan drank nothing but
water, according to the custom observed at Bagdad, from the highest
to the lowest, and at the caliph’s court, never to drink wine till
the evening; all who transgress this rule being accounted
debauchees, and dare not show themselves in the daytime. This custom
is the more laudable, as it requires a clear head to apply to
business in the course of the day; and as no wine is drank till
evening, no drunken people are seen in the streets in open day
making disturbances in the city.
As soon as Abon Hassan entered the fourth hall, he went to the table
and sat down, and was a long time in a kind of ecstacy at the sight
of those seven ladies who surrounded him, and were much more
beautiful than all he beheld in the other halls. He was very
desirous to know all their names; but as the music played then so
very loud, and particularly the tambour, that he could not hear them
speak, he clapped his hands as a sign for them to leave off playing,
and a profound silence ensued. Then taking by the hand the lady who
stood on the right next to him, he made her sit down by him, and
presenting her with a cake, asked her name. Commander of the
faithful, said the lady, I am called Cluster of Pearls. No name,
replied Abon Hassan, could have more properly expressed your worth;
and indeed your teeth exceed the finest pearls. Cluster of Pearls,
added he, since that is your name, oblige me with a glass of wine
from your fair hand, and take another with me. The lady went
presently to the beaufet and brought him a glass of wine, which she
presented to him with a pleasant air. Abon Hassan took the glass
with a smile, and looking passionately upon her, said, Cluster of
Pearls, I drink your health; I desire you to fill out as much for
yourself, and pledge me. She ran to the beaufet, and returned with a
glass in her hand; but before she drank, she sung a song, which
charmed him as much by the sweetness of her voice as by its novelty.
After Abon Hassan had drank, he made another lady sit down, and
presenting her with what she chose in the basins, asked her name,
which she told him was Morning Star. Your bright eyes, said he,
shine with greater lustre than that star whose name you bear. Do me
the pleasure to bring me some wine; which she did with the best
grace in the world. Then turning to the third lady, whose name was
Daylight, he ordered her to do the same, and so on to the seventh,
to the extreme satisfaction of the caliph.
When they had all filled him a glass round, Cluster of Pearls, whom
he had just addressed, went to the beaufet, poured out a glass of
wine, and putting in a pinch of the same powder the caliph had used
the night before, presented it to Abon Hassan; Commander of the
faithful, said she, I beg of your majesty to take this glass of
wine, and before you drink it off do me the favour to hear a song I
have made to-day, and which I flatter myself may not displease you.
I never sung it before this evening. With all my heart, said Abon
Hassan, taking the glass, and as commander of the faithful, I
command you to sing it; for I am persuaded that so beautiful a lady
as yourself cannot make a song which does not abound with wit and
pleasantry. The lady took a lute, and tuning it to her voice, sung
with so much justness, grace and expression, that Abon Hassan was in
perfect ecstacy all the time, and was so much delighted, that he
ordered her to sing it again, and was as much charmed with it as at
first.
When the lady had done, Abon Hassan drank off his glass, and turning
his head towards her, to give her those praises which he thought due
to her, was prevented by the powder, which operated so suddenly,
that his mouth was wide open, and his eyes close shut, and dropping
his head on the table like a man overcome with sleep, he slept as
profoundly as the day before at the same time the caliph gave him
the powder. One of the ladies stood ready to catch the glass, which
fell out of his hand; and then the caliph, who took a greater
satisfaction in this scene than he had promised himself and was all
along a spectator of what had passed, came into the hall to them,
overjoyed at the success of his plan. He ordered Abon Hassan to be
dressed again in his own clothes, and to be carried back again to
his own house by the same slave that brought him, charging him to
lay him on a sofa in the same room, without making any noise, and to
leave the door open when he came away.
The slave took Abon Hassan upon his shoulders, and carried him home
by a back door of the palace, placed him in his own house as he was
ordered, and returned with speed, to acquaint the caliph what he had
done. Well, said the caliph, Abon Hassan wished only to be caliph
for one day, to punish the iman of the mosque of his quarter, and
the four scheiks or old men who had displeased him: I have procured
him the means of doing this, and he ought to be content.
In the mean time, Abon Hassan, who was laid upon his sofa by the
slave, slept till very late the next morning. When the powder was
worked off, Abon Hassan waked and opened his eyes, and finding
himself at home, was in the utmost surprise. Cluster of Pearls!
Morning Star! Coral Lips! Moon Face! cried he, calling the ladies of
the palace by their names, as he remembered them; where are you?
come hither.
Abon Hassan called so loud, that his mother, who was in her own
apartment, heard, and running to him upon the noise he made, said,
What ails you, son? what has happened to you? At these words Abon
Hassan lifted up his head, and looking haughtily at his mother,
said, Good woman! who is it you call son? --Why you, answered his
mother very mildly; are not you Abon Hassan, my son? It is strange
that you have forgot yourself so soon. I your son! old trull!
replied Abon Hassan; you are a liar, and know not what you say! I am
not Abon Hassan, I tell you, but the commander of the faithful!
Hold your tongue, son, answered the mother; one would think you are
a fool to hear you talk thus. You are an old fool yourself, replied
Abon Hassan; I tell you once more I am the commander of the
faithful, and God’s vicar on earth! Ah! child, cried the mother,
is it possible that I should hear you utter such words that show you
are distracted! What evil genius possesses you, to make you talk at
this rate? God bless you, and preserve you from the power of Satan.
You are my son Abon Hassan, and I am your mother.
After she had made use of all the arguments she could think of to
bring him to himself, and to show how great an error he was in, she
said, Do not you see, that the room you are now in is your own, and
is not like a chamber in a palace fit for the commander of the
believers, and that you have never left it since you was born, but
lived quietly at home with me? Think seriously of what I say, and do
not fancy things that are not, nor ever can be. Once more, my son,
think seriously of it.
Abon Hassan heard all these remonstrances of his mother very
patiently, holding down his eyes, and clapping his hands under his
chin, like a man recollecting himself, to examine the truth of what
he saw and heard. At last, he said to his mother, just as if he was
come out of a deep sleep, and with his hand in the same posture, I
believe you are right; methinks I am Abon Hassan, you are my mother,
and I am in my own room. Then looking at her again, and at every
object before him, he added, I am Abon Hassan, there is no doubt of
it, and I cannot comprehend how this fancy came into my head.
The mother really believed that her son was cured of that disorder
of his mind, which she ascribed to a dream, and began to laugh with
him, and ask him questions about this dream; when all on a sudden he
started up, and looking crossly at his mother, said, Old sorceress,
you know not what you say. I am not your son, nor you my mother. You
deceive yourself, and would deceive me. I tell you I am the
commander of the faithful, and you shall never persuade me to the
contrary! For Heaven’s sake, son, said the mother, let us leave
off this discourse; recommend yourself to God, for fear some
misfortune should happen to us: let us talk of something else. I
will tell you what happened yesterday in our quarter to the iman of
the mosque, and the four scheiks our neighbours; the judge of the
police came and seized them, and gave each of them I know not how
many strokes with a bull’s pizzle, while a crier proclaimed, That
was the punishment of all those who troubled themselves about other
people’s business, and employed themselves in setting their
neighbours at variance: he afterwards led them through all the
streets, and ordered them never to come into our quarter again. Abon
Hassan’s mother little thought her son had any share in this
adventure, and therefore turned the discourse on purpose to put him
out of the conceit of being the commander of the faithful; but
instead of effacing that idea, she rather recalled it, and impressed
it more deeply in his imagination that it was not imaginary, but
real.
Abon Hassan no sooner heard this relation, but he cried out, I am
neither thy son, nor Abon Hassan, but certainly the commander of the
believers. I cannot doubt of it after what you have told me. Know
then that it was by my order that the iman and the four scheiks were
punished; and I tell you I am certainly the commander of the
faithful: therefore tell me no more of its being a dream. I was not
asleep, but as much awake as I now am. You do me a pleasure to
confirm what the judge of the police told me he had executed
punctually according to my order; and I am overjoyed that the iman
and the four scheiks, those great hypocrites, were so chastised, and
I should be glad to know how I came here. God be praised for all
things! I am certainly commander of the faithful, and all thy
arguments shall not convince me of the contrary.
The mother, who could not divine or imagine why her son so
strenuously and positively maintained himself to be caliph, never
disputed but that he had lost his senses, when she found he insisted
so much upon a thing that was so incredible; and in this thought,
said, I pray God, son, to have mercy upon you! Pray do not talk so
madly. Beseech God to forgive you, and give you grace to talk more
reasonably. What would the world say to hear you rave in this
manner? Do you not know that ‘walls have ears?’
These remonstrances only enraged Abon Hassan the more; and he was so
provoked at his mother, that he said, Old woman, I have bid you once
already to hold your tongue. If you do not, I shall rise and give
you cause to repent it all your lifetime. I am the caliph and the
commander of the believers; and you ought to believe me when I say
so.
Then the good woman perceiving that he was more distracted than
ever, abandoned herself to tears, and beating her face and breast,
expressed the utmost grief and astonishment to see her son in that
terrible state. Abon Hassan, instead of being appeased, and being
moved by his mother’s tears, on the contrary lost all the respect
due from a son to his mother, and getting up hastily, and laying
hold of a cane, ran to his mother in great fury, and in a
threatening manner, that would have frightened every one but a
mother so partial to him, said, Tell me presently, wicked woman, who
I am. I do not believe, son, replied she, looking at him tenderly,
and void of fear, that you are so abandoned by God as not to know
your mother, who brought you into the world, and to mistake
yourself. You are indeed my son Abon Hassan, and are very much in
the wrong to arrogate to yourself the title which belongs only to
our sovereign lord the caliph Haroun Alraschid, after the noble and
generous present the monarch made us yesterday. In short, I forgot
to tell you, that the grand vizier Giafar came to me yesterday, and
putting a purse of a thousand pieces of gold into my hands, bid me
pray for the commander of the faithful, who made me that present;
and does not this liberality concern you more than me, who have but
a short time to live?
At these words Abon Hassan grew quite mad. The circumstance of the
caliph’s liberality his mother told him of, persuaded him more
than ever that he was caliph, remembering that he had sent the
vizier. Well, old hag, cried he, will you be convinced when I tell
you I sent you those thousand pieces of gold by my grand vizier
Giafar, who obeyed my commands, as I was commander of the faithful?
But instead of believing me you endeavour to distract me by your
contradictions, and maintain with obstinacy that I am your son, but
you shall not go long unpunished. After these words, he was so
unnatural, in the height of his frenzy, as to beat her cruelly with
his cane.
The poor mother, who could not have thought that her son would have
come so soon from words to blows, called out for help so loud, that
the neighbours ran in to her assistance. Abon Hassan continued to
beat her, at every stroke asking her if he was the commander of the
faithful? To which she always answered tenderly, that he was her son.
By that time the neighbours came in, Abon Hassan’s rage began to
abate. The first who entered the room got between him and his
mother, and taking the cane out of his hand, said to him, What are
you doing, Abon Hassan? have you lost all fear of God, and your
reason? Did ever a son so well brought up as you, dare to strike his
mother? Are you not ashamed so to treat yours, who loves you so
tenderly? Abon Hassan, still full of fury, looked at him that spoke
without returning an answer; and then staring on all the rest of his
neighbours that followed him, said, Who is that Abon Hassan you
speak of? Is it me you call by that name?
This question disconcerted the neighbours a little. How! said he who
spoke first, do not you know your mother, who brought you up, and
with whom you have always lived? Begone, you are impertinent people,
replied Abon Hassan; I neither know her nor you, and will not know
her. I am not Abon Hassan; I am the commander of the faithful, and
will make you know it to your cost.
At this discourse the neighbours no longer doubted that he was mad;
and to prevent his being guilty of the like actions, seized him,
notwithstanding his resistance, and bound him hand and foot. But
though apparently disabled from doing any mischief, they did not
choose to leave him alone with his mother. Two of them ran for the
keeper of the hospital for mad folks, who came presently with
chains, hand-cuffs, a bull’s pizzle, and a great many attendants.
When they entered the room, Abon Hassan, who little expected such
treatment, struggled to unloose himself; but after his keeper had
given him two or three smart strokes upon the shoulders with the
bull’s pizzle, he lay so quiet, that the keeper and his people did
what they would with him. As soon as they had bound and manacled
him, they took him with them to the hospital. When he was got out of
his house into the street, the people crowded round him; one
buffeted him, another boxed him, and others called him fool and
madman. To all this treatment he replied, There is no greatness and
power but in God most high and almighty. I am treated as a fool,
though I am in my right senses. I suffer all these injuries and
indignities for the love of God. He was conducted to the hospital,
where he was lodged in an iron cage; but before he was shut up, the
keeper, who was hardened to such terrible execution, regaled him
without pity with fifty strokes of the bull’s pizzle on his
shoulders, which he repeated every day for three weeks, bidding him
remember that he was not the commander of the faithful. I am not
mad; but if I did want your assistance, nothing would so effectually
make me mad, as your cruel treatment of me. I want not your advice,
said Abon Hassan.
Abon Hassan’s mother went every day to see her son, and could not
forbear crying to see him fall away daily, and to hear him sigh and
complain at the hardships he endured. In short his shoulders, back,
and sides, were so black and bruised, that he could not turn
himself. His mother would willingly have talked with him, to comfort
him, and to sound him whether he still retained the notion of being
caliph; but whenever she opened her mouth he stopped her with so
much fury, that she was forced to leave him, and return home
inconsolable at his obstinacy.
By degrees those strong and lively ideas which Abon Hassan
entertained, of having been clothed in the caliph’s habit, and
having exercised his authority, and been punctually obeyed and
treated like the true caliph, and which persuaded him when he awaked
that he was so, all began to wear away insensibly. Sometimes he
would say to himself, If I was the caliph and commander of the
believers, how came I, when I awaked, to find myself at home,
dressed in my own apparel? Why should I not have been attended by
eunuchs, and their chief, and a crowd of beautiful ladies? Why
should my grand vizier Giafar, and all those emirs and governors of
provinces, who prostrated themselves at my feet, forsake me?
Undoubtedly if I had any authority over them, they would have
delivered me long ago out of this miserable condition I am in;
certainly I ought to look upon all as a dream. It is true I
commanded the judge of the police to punish the iman and the four
old men his companions; I ordered Giafar the grand vizier to carry
my mother a thousand pieces of gold; and all my commands were
executed. All these things are obstacles to my believing it a dream,
and I cannot comprehend it; but there are so many things that I
cannot comprehend, nor ever shall, that I will put my trust in God,
who knows all things.
Abon Hassan was taken up with these thoughts and reflections when
his mother came to see him. She found him so much altered and
emaciated, that she let fall a torrent of tears; in the midst of
which she saluted him as she used to do, and he returned her salute,
which he had never done before, since he had been in the hospital.
This she looked upon to be a good sign. Well, my son, said she,
wiping her tears, how do you do, and how do you find yourself? Have
you renounced all those whims and fancies which the devil had put
into your head? Indeed, mother, replied Abon Hassan, very rationally
and calmly, and in a tone expressive of his grief for the excesses
he had been transported to against her, I acknowledge my error, and
beg of you to forgive the execrable crime which I have been guilty
of towards you, and which I detest. I ask pardon also of my
neighbours that I have abused. I have been deceived by a dream; but
by so extraordinary a one, and so like to truth, that I venture to
affirm any other person, to whom such a thing might have happened,
would have been guilty of as great or greater extravagancies; and I
am this instant so much perplexed about it, that while I am speaking
I can hardly persuade myself but that what has happened to me was a
matter of fact, so like was it to what happens to people who are
broad awake. But whatever it was, I do, and shall always look upon
it as a dream and an illusion. I am convinced that I am not that
shadow of a caliph and commander of the faithful, but Abon Hassan
your son, the son of a person whom I have always honoured till that
fatal day, the remembrance of which will cover me with confusion,
and whom I shall honour and respect all my life as I ought.
At these sensible words, the tears of sorrow and affliction which
the mother of Abon Hassan had so long shed were changed into those
of joy, to find her son so well recovered. My son! cried she,
transported with pleasure, my satisfaction and comfort to hear you
talk so reasonably is inexpressible; and it gives me as much joy as
if I had brought you into the world a second time; but I must tell
you my opinion upon this adventure, and observe one thing which you
may not have taken notice of; the stranger that you brought home
with you one evening to sup with you, went away without shutting
your chamber-door after him, as you desired him; which I believe
gave the devil an opportunity to enter, and throw you into that
horrible illusion you were in: and, therefore, my son, you ought to
return God thanks for your deliverance, and beseech him to keep you
from falling again into the snares of the evil spirit.
You have found out the source of my misfortunes, answered Abon
Hassan. It was that very night I had this dream which turned my
brain. I bid the merchant expressly to shut the door after him; and
now I find he did not do it. I am persuaded, as well as you, the
devil, finding it open, came in, and filled my head full of these
fancies. The people of Moussol, from whence this merchant came, may
not know how we at Bagdad are well convinced that the devil is the
cause of troublesome dreams when we leave our chamber-doors open.
But since, mother, you see I am, by the grace of God, so well
recovered, for God’s sake get me out of this hellish place, and
deliver me from the hand of this executioner, who will infallibly
shorten my days if I stay here any longer. The mother, glad to hear
her son was so well cured of his foolish imagination of being
caliph, went immediately to the keeper, and assuring him that he was
very sensible and well, he came and examined him, and released him
in her presence.
When Abon Hassan came home, he staid within doors some days, to
recover his health by better living than he had found in the
hospital. But when he had recovered his strength, and felt no more
effect of the harsh treatment he had suffered in his confinement, he
began to be weary of spending his evenings alone. He presently
entered again upon the same way of living as before; which was, to
provide enough every day to regale a new stranger at night.
The day on which Abon Hassan renewed his custom of going about
sunset to the foot of Bagdad bridge to stop the first stranger that
offered, and desire him to do him the honour of supping with him,
happened to be the first day of the month, which was the day that
the caliph always set apart to go in disguise out of some of the
city-gates to observe with his own eyes what was committed contrary
to the good government of the city, as he had established and
regulated it at the beginning of his reign. He had not been long
arrived at the bridge, and sat himself on a bench which was fixed to
the parapet, when, looking about him, he perceived the caliph
disguised again like a Moussol merchant, and followed by the same
slave. Persuaded that all his misfortunes were owing to the caliph
(whom he took for a merchant) leaving his door open, he shuddered at
the sight of him. God preserve me! said he to himself; if I am not
deceived, there is the magician again that enchanted me! and
thereupon got up, and looked over the parapet into the river, that
he might not see him till he was past.
The caliph, who had a mind to carry on the diversion he had received
by Abon Hassan, had taken care to inform himself of all that had
happened when Abon Hassan awaked at home, and conceived a great
pleasure at the relation given him, especially at his being sent to
a madhouse, and the treatment he received there. But as this monarch
was both just and generous, and had taken a great liking to Abon
Hassan, as capable of contributing further to his amusement, and had
doubted whether, after renouncing his pretended character of a
caliph, he would return to his usual manner of living, he designed,
with a view to get him nearer him, to dress himself again like a
merchant of Moussol, the better to execute his plan. He perceived
Abon Hassan at the same time that he saw him, and presently guessed
by his action that he was angry with him, and wanted to shun him.
This made him walk close to the parapet Abon Hassan leaned over; and
when he came nigh him, he put his head over to look him in the face.
Ho, brother Abon Hassan, said he, is it you? I greet you! Give me
leave to embrace you! Not I, replied Abon Hassan, briskly, without
looking at the pretended Moussol merchant; I do not greet you; I
will have neither your greeting nor your embraces. Go along!
What! answered the caliph, do you not know me? Do you not remember
the evening we spent together at your house this day month, where
you did me the honour to treat me very generously? No, replied Abon
Hassan in the same tone, I do not know you, nor what you talk about;
go, I say again, about your business.
The caliph was not to be dashed with this rude behaviour of Abon
Hassan. He knew very well the law he had imposed on himself, never
to have any commerce again with a stranger he had once entertained;
but though Abon Hassan had declared so much to him, he pretended to
be ignorant of it. I cannot believe, said he, but you must know me
again; it is not possible that you should have forgotten me in so
short a time. Certainly some misfortune has befallen you, which
inspires you with this aversion for me. However, you ought to
remember, that I showed my gratitude by my good wishes, and that I
offered you my interest, which is not to be slighted, in an affair
which you had very much at heart.
I do not know, replied Abon Hassan, what your interest may be, and I
have no desire to make use of it; but I am sensible the utmost of
your good wishes ended in making me mad. In God’s name, I say,
once more, go your way, and trouble me no more.
Ah! brother Abon Hassan, replied the caliph, embracing him, I do not
intend to part with you in this manner, since I have had the good
fortune to meet with you a second time; you must exercise the same
hospitality towards me again, that you showed me a month ago, when I
had the honour to drink with you.
I have protested against it, said Abon Hassan, and have so much
power over myself, not to receive a second time such an unlucky man
as you. You know the proverb, ‘Take up your drum and begone.’
Make the application to yourself. How often must I repeat it? God be
with you! You have been the cause of my misfortune, and I will not
venture myself with you again. My good friend Abon Hassan, said the
caliph, embracing him again, you treat me in a way I little
expected. I beg of you not to talk to me in this harsh manner, but
be persuaded of my friendship. Do me the favour to tell me what has
happened to you; for I assure you, I wished you well, and still do
so; and would be glad of an opportunity to make you any amends for
the trouble I have caused you, if it has been really my fault. Abon
Hassan yielded to the pressing instances of the caliph, and bid him
sit down by him. Your incredulity and importunity, said he, have
tired my patience; and what I am going to tell you will show you
that I do not accuse you wrongfully.