The end of the Six Hundred and Forty-ninth Night

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Prince Ali

enlarged upon the virtues of his purchase and said, "Ye see this

ivory pipe? By means of it man may descry objects hidden from his

sight and distant from him many a mile. 'Tis truly a most

wondrous matter and right worthy your inspection, and you two may

try it an ye will. Place but an eye close to the smaller glass

and form a wish in mind to see what thing soe'er your soul

desireth; and, whether it be near hand or distant many hundreds

of miles, this ivory will make the object look clear and close to

you." At these words Prince Husayn took the pipe from Prince Ali

and, applying his eye to one end as he had been directed, then

wished in his heart to behold the Princess Nur al-Nihar;[FN#329]

and the two brothers watched him to learn what he would say.

Suddenly they saw his face change colour and wither as a wilted

flower, while in his agitation and distress a flood of tears

gushed from his eyes; and, ere his brothers recovered from their

amazement and could enquire the cause of such strangeness, he

cried aloud, "Alas! and well away. We have endured toil and

travail, and we have travelled so far and wide hoping to wed the

Princess Nur al-Nihar. But 'tis all in vain: I saw her lying on

her bed death-sick and like to breathe her last and around her

stood her women all weeping and wailing in the sorest of sorrow.

O my brothers, an ye would see her once again for the last time,

take ye one final look through the glass ere she be no more."

Hereat Prince Ali seized the Spying Tube and peered through it

and found the condition of the Princess even as his brother

Husayn had described; so he presently passed it over to Prince

Ahmad, who also looked and was certified that the Lady Nur

al-Nihar was about to give up the ghost. So he said to his elder

brothers, "We three are alike love distraught for the Princess

and the dearest wish of each one is to win her. Her life is on

the ebb, still I can save her and make her whole if we hasten to

her without stay or delay." So saying he pulled from his pocket

the Magical Apple and showed it to them crying, "This thing is

not less in value than either the Flying Carpet or the Spying

Tube. In Samarkand I bought it for forty thousand gold pieces and

here is the best opportunity to try its virtues. The folk told me

that if a sick man hold it to his nose, although on the point of

death, he will wax at once well and hale again: I have myself

tested it, and now ye shall see for yourselves its marvel-cure

when I shall apply it to the case of Nur al-Nihar. Only, let us

seek her presence ere she die." Quoth Prince Husayn, "This were

an easy matter: my carpet shall carry us in the twinkling of an

eye straight to the bedside of our beloved. Do ye without

hesitation sit down with me thereupon, for there is room

sufficient to accommodate us three; we shall instantly be carried

thither and our servants can follow us." Accordingly, the three

Princes disposed themselves upon the Flying Carpet and each

willed in his mind to reach the bedside of Nur al-Nihar, when

instantly they found themselves within her apartment. The

handmaids and eunuchs in waiting were terrified at the sight and

marvelled how these stranger men could have entered the chamber;

and, as the Castratos were fain fall upon them, brand in hand,

they recognised the Princes and drew back still in wonderment at

their intrusion. Then the brothers rose forthright from the

Flying Carpet and Prince Ahmad came forwards and put the Magical

Apple to the nostrils of the lady, who lay stretched on the couch

in unconscious state; and as the scent reached her brain the

sickness left her and the cure was complete. She opened wide her

eyes and sitting erect upon her bed looked all around and chiefly

at the Princes as they stood before her; for she felt that she

had waxed hale and hearty as though she awoke after the sweetest

of slumber. Presently she arose from her couch and bade her

tire-women dress her the while they related to her the sudden

coming of the three Princes, her uncle's sons, and how Prince

Ahmad had made her smell something whereby she had recovered of

her illness. And after she had made the Ablution of Health she

joyed with exceeding joy to see the Princes and returned thanks

to them, but chiefly to Prince Ahmad in that he had restored her

to health and life.--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held

her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fiftieth Night.

Then she said:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that the

brothers also were gladdened with exceeding gladness to see the

Princess Nur al-Nihar recover so suddenly from mortal malady and,

presently taking leave of her, they fared to greet their father.

Meanwhile the Eunuchs had reported the whole matter to the

Sultan, and when the Princes came before him he rose and embraced

them tenderly and kissed them on their foreheads, filled with

satisfaction to see them again and to hear from them the welfare

of the Princess, who was dear to him as she had been his

daughter. Then the three brothers produced each one the wondrous

thing he had brought from his wayfare; and Prince Husayn first

showed the Flying Carpet which in the twinkling of an eye had

transported them home from far distant exile and said, "For

outward show this carpet hath no merit, but inasmuch as it

possesseth such wondrous virtue, methinks 'tis impossible to find

in all the world aught that can compare to it for rarity." Next,

Prince Ali presented to the King his Spying Tube and said, "The

mirror of Jamshíd[FN#330] is as vain and naught beside this pipe,

by means whereof all things from East to West and from North to

South are made clearly visible to the ken of man." Last of all,

Prince Ahmad produced the Magical Apple which wondrously saved

the dear life of Nur al-Nihar and said, "By means of this fruit

all maladies and grievous distempers are at once made whole."

Thus each presented his rarity to the Sultan, saying, "O our

lord, deign examine well these gifts we have brought and do thou

pronounce which of them all is most excellent and admirable; so,

according to thy promise, he amongst us on whom thy choice may

fall shall marry the Princess Nur al-Nihar." When the King had

patiently listened to their several claims and had understood how

each gift took part in restoring health to his niece, for a while

he dove deep in the sea of thought and then answered, "Should I

award the palm of merit to Prince Ahmad, whose Magical Apple

cured the Princess, then should I deal unfairly by the other two.

Albeit his rarity restored her to life and health from mortal

illness, yet say me how had he known of her condition save by the

virtue of Prince Ali's Spying Tube? In like manner, but for the

Flying Carpet of Prince Husayn, which brought you three hither in

a moment's space, the Magical Apple would have been of no avail.

Wherefore 'tis my rede all three had like part and can claim

equal merit in healing her; for it were impossible to have made

her whole if any one thing of the three were wanting; furthermore

all three objects are wondrous and marvellous without one

surpassing other, nor can I, with aught of reason, assign

preference or precedence to any. My promise was to marry the Lady

Nur al-Nihar to him who should produce the rarest of rarities,

but although strange 'tis not less true that all are alike in the

one essential condition. The difficulty still remaineth and the

question is yet unsolved, whilst I fain would have the matter

settled ere the close of day, and without prejudice to any. So

needs must I fix upon some plan whereby I may be able to adjudge

one of you to be the winner, and bestow upon him the hand of

Princess Nur al-Nihar, according to my plighted word; and thus

absolve myself from all responsibility. Now I have resolved upon

this course of action; to wit, that ye should mount each one his

own steed and all of you be provided with bow and arrows; then do

ye ride forth to the Maydán--the hippodrome--whither I and my

Ministers of State and Grandees of the kingdom and Lords of the

land will follow you. There in my presence ye shall each, turn by

turn, shoot a shaft with all your might and main; and he amongst

you whose arrow shall fly the farthest will be adjudged by me

worthiest to win the Princess Nur al-Nihar to wife." Accordingly

the three Princes, who could not gainsay the decision of their

sire nor question its wisdom and justice, backed their coursers,

and each taking his bow and arrows made straight for the place

appointed. The King also, when he had stored the presents in the

royal treasury, arrived there with his Wazirs and the dignitaries

of his realm; and as soon as all was ready, the eldest son and

heir, Prince Husayn, essayed his strength and skill and shot a

shaft far along the level plain. After him Prince Ali hent his

bow in hand and, discharging an arrow in like direction, overshot

the first; and lastly came Prince Ahmad's turn. He too aimed at

the same end, but such was the decree of Destiny, that although

the knights and courtiers urged on their horses to note where his

shaft might strike ground, withal they saw no trace thereof and

none of them knew if it had sunk into the bowels of earth or had

flown up to the confines of the sky. Some, indeed, there were who

with evil mind held that Prince Ahmad had not shot any bolt, and

that his arrow had never left his bow. So at last the King bade

no more search be made for it and declared himself in favour of

Prince Ali and adjudged that he should wed the Princess Nur

al-Nihar, forasmuch as his arrow had outsped that of Prince

Husayn. Accordingly, in due course the marriage rites and

ceremonies were performed after the law and ritual of the land

with exceeding pomp and grandeur. But Prince Husayn would not be

present at the bride-feast by reason of his dis appointment and

jealousy, for he had loved the Lady Nur al-Nihar with a love far

exceeding that of either of his brothers; and he doffed his

princely dress and donning the garb of a Fakir fared forth to

live a hermit's life. Prince Ahmad also burned with envy and

refused to join the wedding-feast; he did not, however, like

Prince Husayn, retire to a hermitage, but he spent all his days

in searching for his shaft to find where it had fallen. Now it so

fortuned that one morning he went again, alone as was his wont,

in quest thereof, and starting from the stead whence they had

shot their shafts reached the place where the arrows of Princes

Husayn and Ali had been found. Then going straight forwards he

cast his glances on every side over hill and dale to his right

and to his left.--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held

her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-first Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Prince

Ahmad went searching for his shaft over hill and dale when, after

covering some three parasangs, suddenly he espied it lying flat

upon a rock.[FN#331] Hereat he marvelled greatly, wondering how

the arrow had flown so far, but even more so when he went up to

it and saw that it had not stuck in the ground but appeared to

have rebounded and to have fallen flat upon a slab of stone.

Quoth he to himself, "There must assuredly be some mystery in

this matter: else how could anyone shoot a shaft to such a

distance and find it fallen after so strange a fashion." Then,

threading his way amongst the pointed crags and huge boulders, he

presently came to a hollow in the ground which ended in a

subterraneous passage, and after pacing a few paces he espied an

iron door. He pushed this open with all ease, for that it had no

bolt, and entering, arrow in hand, he came upon an easy slope by

which he descended. But whereas he feared to find all pitch-dark,

he discovered at some distance a spacious square, a widening of

the cave, which was lighted on every side with lamps and

candelabra. Then advancing some fifty cubits or more his glance

fell upon a vast and handsome palace, and presently there issued

from within to the portico a lovely maiden lovesome and lovable,

a fairy-form robed in princely robes and adorned from front to

foot with the costliest of jewels. She walked with slow and

stately gait, withal graceful and blandishing, whilst around her

ranged her attendants like the stars about a moon of the

fourteenth night. Seeing this vision of beauty, Prince Ahmad

hastened to salute her with the salam and she returned it; then

coming forwards greeted him graciously and said in sweetest

accents, "Well come and welcome, O Prince Ahmad: I am pleased to

have sight of thee. How fareth it with thy Highness and why hast

thou tarried so long away from me?" The King's son marvelled

greatly to hear her name him by his name; for that he knew not

who she was, as they had never seen each other aforetime--how

then came she to have learnt his title and condition? Then

kissing ground before her he said, "O my lady, I owe thee much of

thanks and gratitude for that thou art pleased to welcome me with

words of cheer in this strange place where I, alone and a

stranger, durst enter with exceeding hesitation and trepidation.

But it perplexeth me sorely to think how thou camest to learn the

name of thy slave." Quoth she with a smile, "O my lord, come

hither and let us sit at ease within yon belvedere; and there I

will give an answer to thine asking." So they went thither,

Prince Ahmad following her footsteps; and on reaching it he was

filled with wonder to see its vaulted roof of exquisite

workmanship and adorned with gold and lapis lazuli[FN#332] and

paintings and ornaments, whose like was nowhere to be found in

the world. The lady seeing his astonishment said to the Prince,

"This mansion is nothing beside all my others which now, of my

free will, I have made thine own; and when thou seest them thou

shalt have just cause for wonderment. Then that sylph-like being

took seat upon a raised dais and with abundant show of affection

seated Prince Ahmad by her side. Presently quoth she, "Albeit

thou know me not, I know thee well, as thou shalt see with

surprise when I shall tell thee all my tale. But first it

behoveth me disclose to thee who I am. In Holy Writ belike thou

hast read that this world is the dwelling-place not only of men,

but also of a race hight the Jann in form likest to mortals. I am

the only daughter of a Jinn chief of noblest strain and my name

is Perí-Bánú. So marvel not to hear me tell thee who thou art and

who is the King thy sire and who is Nur al-Nihar, the daughter of

thine uncle. I have full knowledge of all concerning thyself and

thy kith and kin; how thou art one of three brothers who all and

each were daft for love of Princess Nur al-Nihar and strave to

win her from one another to wife. Furthermore thy sire deemed it

best to send you all far and wide over foreign lands, and thou

faredest to far Samarkand and broughtest back a Magical Apple

made with rare art and mystery which thou boughtest for forty

thousand Ashrafis; then by means whereof thou madest the Princess

thy lady-love whole of a grievous malady, whilst Prince Husayn,

thine elder brother, bought for the same sum of money a Flying

Carpet at Bishangarh, and Prince Ali also brought home a Spying

Tube from Shiraz-city. Let this suffice to show thee that naught

is hidden from me of all thy case; and now do thou tell me in

very truth whom dost thou admire the more, for beauty and

loveliness, me or the lady Nur al-Nihar thy brother's wife? My

heart longeth for thee with excessive longing and desireth that

we may be married and enjoy the pleasures of life and the joyance

of love. So say me, art thou also willing to wed me, or pinest

thou in preference for the daughter of thine uncle? In the

fulness of my affection for thee I stood by thy side unseen

during the archery meeting upon the plain of trial, and when thou

shottest thy shaft I knew that it would fall far short of Prince

Ali's,[FN#333] so I hent it in hand ere it touched ground and

carried it away from sight, and striking it upon the iron door

caused it rebound and lie flat upon the rock where thou didst

find it. And ever since that day I have been sitting in

expectancy, wotting well that thou wouldst search for it until

thou find it, and by such means I was certified of bringing thee

hither to me." Thus spake the beautiful maiden Peri-Banu who with

eyes full of love-longing looked up at Prince Ahmad; and then

with modest shame bent low her brow and averted her glance.--And

as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-Second Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that when Prince

Ahmad heard these words of Peri-Banu he rejoiced with joy

exceeding, and said to himself, "The Princess Nur al-Nihar is not

within my power to win, and Peri-Banu doth outvie her in

comeliness of favour and in loveliness of form and in

gracefulness of gait." In short so charmed was he and captivated

that he clean forgot his love for his cousin; and, noting that

the heart of his new enchantress inclined towards him, he

replied, "O my lady, O fairest of the fair, naught else do I

desire save that I may serve thee and do thy bidding all my life

long. But I am of human and thou of non-human birth. Thy friends

and family, kith and kin, will haply be displeased with thee an

thou unite with me in such union." But she made answer, "I have

full sanction of my parents to marry as I list and whomsoever I

may prefer. Thou sayest that thou wilt be my servant, nay, rather

be thou my lord and master; for I myself and my life and all my

good are very thine, and I shall ever be thy bondswoman. Consent

now, I beseech thee, to accept me for thy wife: my heart doth

tell me thou wilt not refuse my request." Then Peri-Banu added,

"I have told thee already that in this matter I act with fullest

authority. Besides all this there is a custom and immemorial

usage with us fairy-folk that, when we maidens come to

marriageable age and years of understanding, each one may wed,

according the dictates of her heart, the person that pleaseth her

most and whom she judgeth likely to make her days happy Thus wife

and husband live with each other all their lives in harmony and

happiness. But if a girl be given away in marriage by the

parents, according to their choice and not hers, and she be mated

to a helpmate unmeet for her, because ill-shapen or ill-

conditioned or unfit to win her affection, then are they twain

likely to be at variance each with other for the rest of their

days; and endless troubles result to them from such ill-sorted

union. Nor are we bound by another law which bindeth modest

virgins of the race of Adam; for we freely announce our

preference to those we love, nor must we wait and pine to be

wooed and won." When Prince Ahmad heard these words of answer, he

rejoiced with exceeding joy and stooping down essayed to kiss the

skirt of her garment, but she prevented him, and in lieu of her

hem gave him her hand. The Prince clasped it with rapture and

according to the custom of that place, he kissed it and placed it

to his breast and upon his eyes. Hereat quoth the Fairy, smiling

a charming smile, "With my hand locked in thine plight me thy

troth even as I pledge my faith to thee, that I will alway true

and loyal be, nor ever prove faithless or fail of constancy." And

quoth the Prince, "O loveliest of beings, O dearling of my soul,

thinkest thou that I can ever become a traitor to my own heart, I

who love thee to distraction and dedicate to thee my body and my

sprite; to thee who art my queen, the very empress of me? Freely

I give myself to thee, do thou with me whatso thou wilt."

Hereupon Peri-Banu said to Prince Ahmad, "Thou art my husband and

I am thy wife.[FN#334] This solemn promise made between thee and

me standeth in stead of marriage-contract: no need have we of

Kazi, for with us all other forms and ceremonies are superfluous

and of no avail. Anon I will show thee the chamber where we shall

pass the bride-night; and methinks thou wilt admire it and

confess that there is none like thereto in the whole world of

men." Presently her handmaidens spread the table and served up

dishes of various kinds, and the finest wines in flagons and

goblets of gold dubbed with jewels. So they twain sat at meat and

ate and drank their sufficiency. Then Peri-Banu took Prince Ahmad

by the hand and led him to her private chamber wherein she slept;

and he stood upon the threshold amazed to see its magnificence

and the heaps of gems and precious stones which dazed his sight,

till recovering himself he cried, "Methinks there is not in the

universe a room so splendid and decked with costly furniture and

gemmed articles such as this." Quoth Peri-Banu, "An thou so

admire and praise this palace what wilt thou say when sighting

the mansions and castles of my sire the Jann-King? Haply too when

thou shalt behold my garden thou wilt be filled with wonder and

delight; but now 'tis over late to lead thee thither and night

approacheth." Then she ushered Prince Ahmad into another room

where the supper had been spread, and the splendour of this

saloon yielded in naught to any of the others; nay, rather it was

the more gorgeous and dazzling. Hundreds of wax candles set in

candelabra of the finest amber[FN#335] and the purest crystal,

ranged on all sides, rained floods of light, whilst golden

flowerpots and vessels of finest workmanship and priceless worth,

of lovely shapes and wondrous art, adorned the niches and the

walls.--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace

till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-third Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that tongue of

man can never describe the magnificence of that room in which

bands of virgin Peris, loveliest of forms and fairest of

features, garbed in choicest garments played on sweet-toned

instruments of mirth and merriment or sang lays of amorous

significance to strains of heart bewitching music. Then they

twain, to wit the bride and bridegroom, sat down at meat, ever

and anon delaying to indulge in toyings and bashful love-play and

chaste caresses. Peri-Banu with her own hands passed the choicest

mouthfuls to Prince Ahmad and made him taste of each dish and

dainty, telling him their names and whereof they were composed.

But how shall I, O auspicious King Shahryar, avail to give thee

any notion of those Jinn-made dishes or to describe with due meed

of praise the delicious flavour of meats such as no mortal ever

tasted or ever beheld? Then, when both had supped, they drank the

choicest wines, and ate with relish sweet conserves and dry fruit

and a dessert of various delicacies. At length, when they had

their requirement of eating and drinking, they retired into

another room which contained a raised dais of the grandest,

bedecked with gold-purfled cushions and pillows wrought with

seed-pearl and Ach menian tapestries, whereupon they took seat

side by side for converse and solace. Then came in a troop of

Jinns and fairies who danced and sang before them with wondrous

grace and art; and this pretty show pleased Peri-Banu and Prince

Ahmad, who watched the sports and displays with ever-renewed

delight. At last the newly wedded couple rose and retired, weary

of revelry, to another chamber, wherein they found that the

slaves had dispread the genial bed, whose frame was gold studded

with jewels and whose furniture was of satin and sendal flowered

with the rarest embroidery. Here the guests who attended at the

marriage festival and the handmaids of the palace, ranged in two

lines, hailed the bride and bridegroom as they went within; and

then, craving dismissal, they all departed leaving them to take

their joyance in bed. On such wise the marriage-festival and

nuptial merry-makings were kept up day after day, with new dishes

and novel sports, novel dances and new music; and, had Prince

Ahmad lived a thousand years with mortal kind, never could he

have seen such revels or heard such strains or enjoyed such

love-liesse. Thus six months soon passed in the Fairy-land beside

Peri-Banu, whom he loved with a love so fond that he would not

lose her from his sight for a moment's space; but would feel

restless and ill-at-ease whenas he ceased to look upon her. In

like manner Peri-Banu was fulfilled with affection for him and

strove to please her bridegroom more and more every moment by new

arts of dalliance and fresh appliances of pleasure, until so

absorbing waxed his passion for her that the thought of home and

kindred, kith and kin, faded from his thoughts and fled his mind.

But after a time his memory awoke from slumber and at times he

found himself longing to look upon his father, albeit well did he

wot that it were impossible to find out how the far one fared

unless he went himself to visit him. So one day quoth he to

Peri-Banu, "An it be thy pleasure, I pray thee give me thy

command that I may leave thee for a few days to see my sire, who

doubtless grieveth at my long absence and suffereth all the

sorrows of separation from his son." Peri-Banu, hearing these

words was dismayed with sore dismay, for that she thought within

herself that this was only an excuse whereby he might escape and

leave her after enjoyment and possession had made her love pall

upon the palate of his mind. So quoth she in reply, "Hast thou

forgotten thy vows and thy plighted troth, that thou wishest to

leave me now? Have love and longing ceased to stir thee, whilst

my heart always throbbeth in raptures as it hath ever done at the

very thought of thee?" Replied the Prince, "O dearling of my

soul, my queen, my empress, what be these doubts that haunt thy

mind, and why such sad misgivings and sorrowful words? I know

full well that the love of thee and thine affection me-wards are

even as thou sayest; and did I not acknowledge this truth or did

I prove unthankful or fail to regard thee with a passion as warm

and deep, as tender and as true as thine own, I were indeed an

ingrate and a traitor of the darkest dye. Far be it from me to

desire severance from thee nor hath any thought of leaving thee

never to return at any time crossed my mind. But my father is now

an old man well shotten in years and he is sore grieved in mind

at this long separation from his youngest son. If thou wilt deign

command, I would fain go visit him and with all haste return to

thine arms; yet I would not do aught in this matter against thy

will; and such is my fond affection for thee that I would fain be

at all hours of the day and watches of the night by thy side nor

leave thee for a moment of time." Peri-Banu was somewhat

comforted by this speech; and from his looks, words and acts she

was certified that Prince Ahmad really loved her with fondest

love and that his heart was true as steel to her as was his

tongue. Whereupon she granted him leave and liberty to set forth

and see his sire, whilst at the same time she gave him strict

commandment not to tarry long with his kith and kin. Hearken now,

O auspicious King Shahryar, to what befel the Sultan of Hindostan

and how it fared with him after the marriage of Prince Ali to

Princess Nur al-Nihar.--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad

held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-fourth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that not seeing

Prince Husayn and Prince Ahmad for the space of many days the

Sultan waxed exceeding sad and heavy-hearted, and one morning

after Darbar,[FN#336] asked his Wazirs and Ministers what had

betided them and where they were. Hereto the councillors made

answer saying, "O our lord, and shadow of Allah upon earth, thine

eldest son and fruit of thy vitals and heir apparent to thine

Empire the Prince Husayn, in his disappointment and jealousy and

bitter grief hath doffed his royal robes to become a hermit, a

devotee, renouncing all worldly lusts and gusts. Prince Ahmad thy

third son also in high dudgeon hath left the city; and of him

none knoweth aught, whither he hath fled or what hath befallen

him." The King was sore distressed and bade them write without

stay or delay and forthright despatch firmans and commands to all

the Nabobs and Governors of the provinces, with strict

injunctions to make straight search for Prince Ahmad and to send

him to his sire the moment he was found. But, albeit the

commandments were carried out to the letter and all the seekers

used the greatest diligence none came upon any trace of him.

Then, with increased sadness of heart, the Sultan ordered his

Grand Wazir to go in quest of the fugitive and the Minister

replied, "Upon my head be it and mine eyes! Thy servant hath

already caused most careful research to be made in every quarter,

but not the smallest clue hath yet come to hand: and this matter

troubleth me the more for that he was dear to me as a son." The

Ministers and Grandees now understood that the King was

overwhelmed with woe, tearful-eyed and heavy-hearted by reason of

the loss of Prince Ahmad; whereupon bethought the Grand Wazir of

a certain witch famed for the Black Art who could conjure down

the stars from heaven; and who was a noted dweller in the

capital. So going to the Sultan he spake highly of her skill in

knowledge of the abstruse,[FN#337] saying "Let the King, I pray

thee, send for this sorceress and enquire of her concerning his

lost son." And the King replied, "'Tis well said: let her be

brought hither and haply she shall give me tidings of the Prince

and how he fareth." So they fetched the Sorceress and set her

before the Sultan, who said, "O my good woman, I would have thee

know that ever since the marriage of Prince Ali with the Lady Nur

al-Nihar, my youngest son Prince Ahmad,[FN#338] who was

disappointed in her love, hath disappeared from our sight and no

man knoweth aught of him. Do thou forthright apply thy magical

craft and tell me only this:--Is he yet alive or is he dead? An

he live I would learn where is he and how fareth he; moreover, I

would ask, Is it written in my book of Destiny that I shall see

him yet again?" To this the Witch made reply, "O Lord of the Age

and ruler of the times and tide, 'tis not possible for me at once

to answer all these questions which belong to the knowledge of

Hidden Things; but, if thy Highness deign grant me one day of

grace, I will consult my books of gramarye and on the morrow will

give thee a sufficient reply and a satisfactory." The Sultan to

this assented, saying, "An thou can give me detailed and adequate

answer, and set my mind at ease after this sorrow, thou shalt

have an exceeding great reward and I will honour thee with

highmost honour." Next day the Sorceress, accompanied by the

Grand Wazir, craved permission to appear before the presence, and

when it was granted came forward and said, "I have made ample

investigation by my art and mystery and I have assured myself

that Prince Ahmad is yet in the land of the living. Be not

therefore uneasy in thy mind on his account; but at present, save

this only, naught else can I discover regarding him, nor can I

say for sure where he be or how he is to be found." At these

words the Sultan took comfort, and hope sprang up within his

breast that he should see his son again ere he died. Now return

we to the story of Prince Ahmad. Whenas Peri-Banu understood that

he was bent upon visiting his sire and she was convinced that his

love her-wards remained firm and steadfast as before, she took

thought and determined that it would ill become her to refuse him

leave and liberty for such purpose; so she again pondered the

matter in her mind and debated with herself for many an hour till

at length, one day of the days, she turned to her husband and

said, "Albeit my heart consenteth not to part from thee for a

moment or to lose sight of thee for a single instant, still

inasmuch as thou hast ofttimes made entreaty of me and hast shown

thyself so solicitous to see thy sire, I will no longer baffle

thy wish. But this my favour will depend upon one condition;

otherwise I will never grant thy petition and give thee such

permission. Swear to me the most binding of oaths that thou wilt

haste thee back hither with all possible speed, and thou wilt not

by long absence cause me yearning grief and anxious waiting for

thy safe return to me." Prince Ahmad, well pleased to win his

wish, thanked her saying, "O my beloved, fear not for me after

any fashion and rest assured I will come back to thee with all

haste as soon as I shall have seen my sire; and life hath no

charms for me away from thy presence. Although I must needs be

severed from thee for a few days, yet will my heart ever turn to

thee and to thee only." These words of Prince Ahmad gladdened the

heart of Peri-Banu and drove away the darksome doubts and

mysterious misgivings which ever haunted her nightly dreams and

her daily musings.--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held

her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-fifth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Peri-Banu

gladdened by these premises addressed her husband, Prince Ahmad,

"So now, as soon as thy heart desireth, go thou and pay thy

respects to thy sire; but ere thou set out I would charge thee

with one charge and look that on no wise thou forget my rede and

my counsel. Speak not to any a single word of this thy marriage

nor of the strange sights thou hast seen and the wonders thou

hast witnessed; but keep them carefully concealed from thy father

and thy brethren and from thy kith and kin, one and all. This

only shalt thou tell thy sire, so his mind may be set at ease

that thou art buxom and happy; also that thou hast returned home

for a while only with the object of seeing him and becoming

assured of his welfare." Then she gave orders to her people

bidding them make ready for the journey without delay; and when

all things were prepared she appointed twenty horsemen, armed

cap-a-pie and fully accoutred, to accompany her husband, and gave

him a horse of perfect form and proportions, swift as the

blinding leven or the rushing wind; and its housings and

furniture were bedeckt with precious ores and studded with

jewels. Then she fell on his neck and they embraced with warmest

love; and as the twain bade adieu, Prince Ahmad, to set her mind

at rest, renewed his protestations and sware to her again his

solemn oath. Then mounting his horse and followed by his suite

(all Jinn-born cavaliers) he set forth with mighty pomp and

circumstance, and riding diligently he soon reached his father's

capital. Here he was received with loud acclamations, the like of

which had never been known in the land. The Ministers and

Officers of State, the citizens and the Ryots all rejoiced with

exceeding joy to see him once more, and the folk left their work

and with blessings and low obeisances joined the cavalcade; and,

crowding around him on every side, escorted him to the palace

gates. When the Prince reached the threshold he dismounted and,

entering the audience-hall, fell at his father's feet and kissed

them in a transport of filial affection. The Sultan, well nigh

distraught for delight at the unexpected sight of Prince Ahmad,

rose from his throne and threw himself upon his son's neck

weeping for very joy and kissed his forehead saying, "O dear my

child, in despair at the loss of the Lady Nur al-Nihar thou didst

suddenly fly from thy home, and, despite all research, nor trace

nor sign of thee was to be found however sedulously we sought

thee; and I, distracted at thy disappearance, am reduced to this

condition in which thou seest me. Where hast thou been this long

while, and how hast thou lived all this time?" Replied Prince

Ahmad, "'Tis true, O my lord the King, that I was downhearted and

distressed to see Prince Ali gain the hand of my cousin, but that

is not the whole cause of my absence. Thou mayest remember how,

when we three brothers rode at thy command to yonder plain for a

trial of archery, my shaft, albeit the place was large and flat,

disappeared from sight and none could find where it had fallen.

Now so it fortuned that one day in sore heaviness of mind I fared

forth alone and unaccompanied to examine the ground thereabout

and try if haply I could find my arrow. But when I reached the

spot where the shafts of my brothers, Princes Husayn and Ali, had

been picked up, I made search in all directions, right and left,

before and behind, thinking that thereabouts mine also might come

to hand; but all my trouble was in vain: I found neither shaft

nor aught else. So walking onwards in obstinate research, I went

a long way, and at last despairing, I would have given up the

quest, for full well I knew that my bow could not have carried so

far, and indeed that 'twere impossible for any marksman to have

driven bolt or pile to such distance, when suddenly I espied it

lying flat upon a rock some four parasangs[FN#339] distant from

this place." The Sultan marvelled with much marvel at his words

and the Prince presently resumed, "So when I picked up the arrow,

O my lord, and considered it closely I knew it for the very one I

had shot, but admired in my mind how it had come to fly so far,

and I doubted not but that there was a somewhat mysterious about

the matter. While I thus reflected I came upon the place where I

have sojourned ever since that day in perfect solace and

happiness. I may not tell thee more of my tale than this; for I

came only to ease thy mind on my account, and now I pray thee

deign grant me thy supreme permission that I return forthright to

my home of delights. From time to time I will not cease to wait

upon thee and to enquire of thy welfare with all the affection of

a son." Replied the King, "O my child, the sight of thee hath

gladdened mine eyes; and I am now satisfied; and not unwillingly

I give thee leave to go, since thou art happy in some place so

near hand; but shouldst thou at any time delay thy coming hither,

say me, how shall I be able to get tidings of thy good health and

welfare?" And quoth Prince Ahmad, "O my lord the King, that which

thou requirest of me is part of my secret and this must remain

deep hidden in my breast: as I said before, I may not discover it

to thee nor say aught that might lead to its discovery. However,

be not uneasy in thy soul, for I will appear before thee full

many a time and haply I may irk thee with continual coming." "O

my son," rejoined the Sultan, "I would not learn thy secret an

thou would keep it from me, but there is one only thing I desire

of thee, which is, that ever and anon I may be assured of thine

enduring health and happiness. Thou hast my full permission to

hie thee home, but forget not at least once a month to come and

see me even as now thou dost, lest such forgetfulness cause me

anxiety and trouble, cark and care." So Prince Ahmad tarried with

his father three days full-told, but never for a moment did the

memory of the Lady Peri-Banu fade from his mind; and on the

fourth day he mounted horse and returned with the same pomp and

pageantry wherewith he came.--And as the morn began to dawn

Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-sixth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Peri-Banu

joyed with exceeding joy at the sight of Prince Ahmad as he

returned to his home; and it seemed to her as though they had

been parted for three hundred years: such is love that moments of

separation are longsome and weary as twelvemonths. The Prince

offered much of excuses for his short absence and his words

delighted Peri-Banu yet the more. So these twain, lover and

beloved, passed the time in perfect happiness, taking their

pleasure one with other. Thus a month went by and Prince Ahmad

never once mentioned the name of his sire nor expressed a wish to

go visit him according to his promise. Noting this change, the

Lady Peri-Banu said to him one day, "Thou toldest me aforetime

that once in the beginning of each month thou wouldst fare forth

and travel to thy father's court and learn news of his welfare:

why then neglectest thou so to do, seeing that he will be

distressed and anxiously expecting thee?" Replied Prince Ahmad,

"'Tis even as thou sayest, but, awaiting thy command and thy

permission, I have forborne to propose the journey to thee." And

she made answer, "Let thy faring and thy returning rest not on my

giving thee liberty of leave. At the beginning of each month as

it cometh round, do thou ride forth, and from this time forwards

thou hast no need to ask permission of me. Stay with thy sire

three days full-told and on the fourth come back to me without

fail." Accordingly, on the next day betimes in the morning Prince

Ahmad took his departure and as aforetime rode forth with

abundant pomp and parade and repaired to the palace of the Sultan

his sire, to whom he made his obeisance. On like manner continued

he to do each month with a suite of horsemen larger and more

brilliant than before, whilst he himself was more splendidly

mounted and equipped. And whenever the Crescent appeared in the

Western sky he fondly farewelled his wife and paid his visit to

the King, with whom he tarried three whole days, and on the

fourth returned to dwell with Peri-Banu. But, as each and every

time he went, his equipage was greater and grander than the last,

at length one of the Wazirs, a favourite and cup-companion of the

King, was filled with wonderment and jealousy to see Prince Ahmad

appear at the palace with such opulence and magnificence. So he

said in himself, "None can tell whence cometh this Prince, and by

what means he hath obtained so splendid a suite." Then of his

envy and malice that Wazir fell to plying the King with deceitful

words and said, "O my liege lord and mighty sovran, it ill

becometh thee to be thus heedless of Prince Ahmad's proceedings.

Seest thou not how day after day his retinue increaseth in

numbers and puissance? What an he should plot against thee and

cast thee into prison, and take from thee the reins of the realm?

Right well thou wottest that inasmuch as thou didst wed Prince

Ali to the Lady Nur al-Nihar thou provokedest the wrath of Prince

Husayn and Prince Ahmad; so that one of them in the bitterness of

his soul renounced the pomps and vanities of this world and hath

become a Fakir, whilst the other, to wit; Prince Ahmad, appeareth

before thy presence in such inordinate power and majesty.

Doubtless they both seek their revenge; and, having gotten thee

into their power, the twain will deal treacherously with thee. So

I would have thee beware, and again I say beware; and seize the

forelock of opportunity ere it be too late; for the wise have

said,

'Thou canst bar a spring with a sod of clay * But when grown

'twill bear a big host away.'"

Thus spake that malicious Wazir; and presently he resumed, "Thou

knowest also that when Prince Ahmad would end his three days'

visits he never asketh thy leave nor farewelleth thee nor biddeth

adieu to any one of his family. Such conduct is the beginning of

rebellion and proveth him to be rancorous of heart. But 'tis for

thee in thy wisdom to decide." These words sank deep in the heart

of the simple-minded Sultan and grew a crop of the direst

suspicions. He presently thought within himself, "Who knoweth the

mind and designs of Prince Ahmad, whether they be dutiful or

undutiful towards me? Haply he may be plotting vengeance; so it

besitteth me to make enquiries concerning him, to discover where

he dwelleth and by what means he hath attained to such puissance

and opulence." Filled with these jealous thoughts, he sent in

private one day, unbeknown to the Grand Wazir who would at all

times befriend Prince Ahmad, to summon the Witch; and, admitting

her by a secret postern to his private chamber, asked of her

saying, "Thou didst aforetime learn by thy magical art that

Prince Ahmad was alive and didst bring me tidings of him. I am

beholden to thee for this good office, and now I would desire of

thee to make further quest into his case and ease my mind, which

is sore disturbed. Albeit my son still liveth and cometh to visit

me every month, yet am I clean ignorant of the place wherein he

dwelleth and whence he setteth out to see me; for that he keepeth

the matter close hidden from his sire. Go thou forthright and

privily, without the knowledge of any, my Wazirs and Nabobs, my

courtiers and my household; and make thou diligent research and

with all haste bring me word whereabouts he liveth. He now

sojourneth here upon his wonted visit; and, on the fourth day,

without leave-taking or mention of departure to me or to any of

the Ministers and Officers, he will summon his suite and mount

his steed; then will he ride to some little distance hence and

suddenly disappear. Do thou without stay or delay forego him on

the path and lie perdue in some convenient hollow hard by the

road whence thou mayest learn where he hometh; then quickly bring

me tidings thereof." Accordingly, the Sorceress departed the

presence of the King; and, after walking over the four parasangs,

she hid herself within a hollow of the rocks hard by the place

where Prince Ahmad had found his arrow, and there awaited his

arrival. Early on the morrow the Prince, as was his wont, set out

upon his journey without taking leave of his sire or fare welling

any of the Ministers. So when they drew nigh, the Sorceress

caught sight of the Prince and of the retinue that rode before

and beside him; and she saw them enter a hollow way which forked

into a many of by-ways; and so steep and dangerous were the

cliffs and boulders about the track that hardly could a footman

safely pace that path. Seeing this the Sorceress bethought her

that it must surely lead to some cavern or haply to a

subterraneous passage, or to a souterrain the abode of Jinns and

fairies; when suddenly the Prince and all his suite vanished from

her view. So she crept out of the hiding-place wherein she had

ensconced herself and wandered far and wide seeking, as

dillgently as she was able, but never finding the subterraneous

passage nor yet could she discern the iron door which Prince

Ahmad had espied, for none of human flesh and blood had power to

see this save he alone to whom it was made visible by the Fairy

Peri-Banu; furthermore it was ever concealed from the prying eyes

of womankind. Then said the Sorceress to herself, This toil and

moil have I undertaken to no purpose; yea, verily, I have failed

to find out that wherefor I came." So she went forthright back to

the Sultan and reported to him all that had betided her, how she

had lain in wait amid the cliffs and boulders and had seen the

Prince and suite ride up the most perilous of paths and, having

entered a hollow way, disappear in an eyetwinkling from her

sight. And she ended by saying, "Albeit I strove my utmost to

find out the spot wherein the Prince abideth, yet could I on no

wise succeed; and I pray thy Highness may grant me time to search

further into the matter and to find out this mystery which by

skill and caution on my part shall not long abide concealed."

Answered the Sultan, "Be it as thou wilt: I grant thee leisure to

make enquiry and after a time I shall await thy return

hither."--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace

till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-seventh Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that moreover

the King largessed the Witch with a diamond of large size and of

great price, saying, "Take this stone to guerdon for thy trouble

and travail and in earnest of future favours; so, when thou shalt

return and bring me word that thou hast searched and found out

the secret, thou shalt have a Bakhshish of far greater worth and

I will make thy heart rejoice with choicest joy and honour thee

with highmost honour." So the Sorceress looked forwards to the

coming of the Prince, for well she knew that at the sight of each

crescent he rode home to visit his sire and was bound to abide

with him three days, even as the Lady Peri-Banu had permitted and

had enjoined him. Now when the moon had waxed and waned, on the

day before the Prince would leave home upon his monthly visit,

the Witch betook her to the rocks and sat beside the place whence

she imagined he would issue forth; and next morning early he and

his suite, composed of many a mounted knight with his esquire

a-foot, who now always accompanied him in increasing numbers,

rode forth gallantly through the iron doorway and passed hard by

the place where she lay in wait for him. The Sorceress crouched

low upon the ground in her tattered rags; and, seeing a heap by

his way, the Prince at first supposed that a slice of stone had

fallen from the rocks across his path. But as he drew nigh she

fell to weeping and wailing with might and main as though in sore

dolour and distress, and she ceased not to crave his countenance

and assistance with increase of tears and lamentations. The

Prince seeing her sore sorrow had pity on her, and reining in his

horse, asked her what she had to require of him and what was the

cause of her cries and lamentations. At this the cunning crone

but cried the more, and the Prince was affected with compassion

still livelier at seeing her tears and hearing her broken, feeble

words. So when the Sorceress perceived that Prince Ahmad had ruth

on her and would fain show favour to her, she heaved a heavy sigh

and in woeful tones, mingled with moans and groans, addressed him

in these false words, withal holding the hem of his garment and

at times stopping as if convulsed with pain, "O my lord and lord

of all loveliness, as I was journeying from my home in yonder

city upon an errand to such a place, behold, when I came thus far

upon my way, suddenly a hot fit of fever seized me and a

shivering and a trembling, so that I lost all strength and fell

down helpless as thou seest me; and still no power have I in hand

or foot to rise from the ground and to return to my place."

Replied the Prince, "Alas, O good woman, there is no house at

hand where thou mayest go and be fitly tended and tendered.

Howbeit I know a stead whither, an thou wilt, I can convey thee

and where by care and kindness thou shalt (Inshallah!) soon

recover of thy complaint. Come then with me as best thou canst."

With loud moans and groans the Witch made answer, "So weak am I

in every limb and helpless that I can by no means rise off the

ground or move save with the help of some friendly hand." The

Prince then bade one of his horsemen lift up the feeble and

ailing old woman and set her upon his steed; and the cavalier did

his lord's bidding forthright and mounted her astraddle upon the

crupper of his courser: then, Prince Ahmad rode back with her and

entering by the iron door carried her to his apartment and sent

for Peri-Banu. His wife hurriedly coming forth to the Prince

asked him in her flurry, "Is all well and wherefore hast thou

come back and what wouldst thou that thou hast sent for me?"

Prince Ahmad then told her of the old woman who was healthless

and helpless, adding, "Scarce had I set out on my journey when I

espied this ancient dame lying hard by the roadside, suffering

and in sore distress. My heart felt pity for her to see her in

such case and constrained me to bring her hither as I could not

leave her to die among the rocks; and I pray thee of thy bounty

take her in and give her medicines that she may soon be made

whole of this her malady. An thou wilt show this favour I shall

not cease to thank thee and be beholden to thee." --And as the

morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-eighth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Peri-Banu

looked at the old woman and charged a twain of her handmaidens

that they carry her into a room apart and tend her with the

tenderest care and the uttermost of diligence. The attendants did

as she bade them and transported the Sorceress to the place she

had designed. Then Peri-Banu addressed Prince Ahmad saying, "O my

lord, I am pleased to see thy pitiful kindness towards this

ancient dame, and I surely will look to her case even as thou

hast enjoined me; but my heart misgiveth me and much I fear some

evil will result from thy goodness. This woman is not so ill as

she doth make believe, but practiseth deceit upon thee and I ween

that some enemy or envier hath plotted a plot against me and

thee. Howbeit go now in peace upon thy journey." The Prince, who

on no wise took to heart the words of his wife, presently replied

to her, "O my lady, Almighty Allah forfend thee from all offence!

With thee to help and guard me I fear naught of ill: I know of no

foeman who would compass my destruction, for I bear no grudge

against any living being, and I foresee no evil at the hands of

man or Jann." Thereupon the Prince again took leave of Peri-Banu

and repaired with his attendants to the palace of his sire who,

by reason of the malice of his crafty Minister, was inwardly

afraid to see his son; but not the less he welcomed him with

great outward show of love and affection. Meanwhile the two fairy

handmaidens, to whom Peri-Banu had given charge of the Witch,

bore her away to a spacious room splendidly furnished; and laid

her on a bed having a mattress of satin and a brocaded coverlet.

Then one of them sat by her side whilst the other with all speed

fetched, in a cup of porcelain, an essence which was a sovereign

draught for ague and fever. Presently they raised her up and

seated her on the couch saying, "Drain thou this drink. It is the

water of the Lions' Fount and whoso tasteth of the same is

forthwith made whole of what disease soever he hath." The

Sorceress took the cup with great difficulty and after swallowing

the contents lay back on the bed; and the handmaidens spread the

quilt over her saying, "Now rest awhile and thou shalt soon feel

the virtues of this medicine." Then they left her to sleep for an

hour or so; but presently the Witch, who had feigned sickness to

the intent only that she might learn where Prince Ahmad abode and

might inform the Sultan thereof, being assured that she had

discovered all that she desired, rose up and summoning the

damsels said to them, "The drinking of that draught hath restored

to me all my health and strength: I now feel hale and hearty once

more and my limbs are filled with new life and vigour. So at once

acquaint your lady herewith, that I may kiss the hem of her robe

and return my thanks for her goodness me-wards, then depart and

hie me home again." Accordingly, the two handmaidens took the

Sorceress with them and showed her as they went along the several

apartments, each more magnificent and kingly than the other; and

at length they reached the belvedere which was the noblest saloon

of all, and fitted and filled with furniture exceeding costly and

curious. There sat Peri-Banu upon a throne which was adorned with

diamonds and rubies, emeralds, pearls and other gems of unwonted

size and water, whilst round about her stood fairies of lovely

form and features, robed in the richest raiments and awaiting

with folded hands her commandments. The Sorceress marvelled with

extreme marvel to see the splendour of the chambers and their

furniture, but chiefly when she beheld the Lady Peri-Banu seated

upon the jewelled throne; nor could she speak a word for

confusion and awe, but she bent down low and placed her head upon

Peri-Banu's feet. Quoth the Princess in soft speech and

reassuring tones, "O good woman, it pleaseth me greatly to see

thee a guest in this my palace, and I joy even more to learn that

thou be wholly quit of thy sickness. So now solace thy spirits

with walking all round about the place and my servants will

accompany thee and show thee what there is worthy of thine

inspection." Hereat the Witch again louted low and kissed the

carpet under Peri-Banu's feet, and took leave of her hostess in

goodly phrase and with great show of gratitude for her favours.

The handmaids then led her round the palace and displayed to her

all the rooms, which dazed and dazzled her sight so that she

could not find words to praise them sufficiently. Then she went

her ways and the fairies escorted her past the iron doorway

whereby Prince Ahmad had brought her in, and left her, bidding

her God-speed and blessing her; and the foul crone with many

thanks took the road to her own home. But when she had walked to

some distance she was minded to see the iron door, so might she

with ease know it again; so she went back, but lo and behold! the

entrance had vanished and was invisible to her as to all other

women. Accordingly, after searching on all sides and pacing to

and fro and finding nor sign nor trace of palace or portal, she

repaired in despair to the city and, creeping along a deserted

path-way, entered the palace, according to her custom, by the

private postern. When safely within she straightway sent word by

an eunuch to the Sultan, who ordered that she be brought before

him. She approached him with troubled countenance, whereat,

perceiving that she had failed to carry out her purpose, he

asked, "What news? Hast thou accomplished thy design or hast thou

been baffled therein?" --And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad

held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Fifty-ninth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that the

Sorceress, who was a mere creature of the malicious Wazir,

replied, "O King of kings, this matter have I fully searched out

even as thou gavest command, and I am about to tell thee all that

hath betided me. The signs of sorrow and marks of melancholy thou

notest upon my countenance are for other cause which narrowly

concerneth thy welfare." Then she began to recount her adventure

in these terms, "Now when I had reached the rocks I sat me down

feigning sickness; and, as Prince Ahmad passed that way and heard

my complaining and saw my grievous condition, he had compassion

on me. After some 'said and say' he took me with him by a

subterranean passage and through an iron door to a magnificent

palace and gave me in charge of a fairy, Peri-Banu hight, of

passing beauty and loveliness, such as human eye hath never yet

seen. Prince Ahmad bade her make me her guest for some few days

and bring me a medicine which would complete my cure, and she to

please him at once appointed handmaidens to attend upon me. So I

was certified that the twain were one flesh, husband and wife. I

feigned to be exceeding frail and feeble and made as though I had

not strength to walk or even to stand; whereat the two damsels

supported me, one on either side, and I was carried into a room

where they gave me somewhat to drink and put me upon a bed to

rest and sleep. Then thought I to myself:--'Verily I have gained

the object wherefor I had feigned sickness'; and I was assured

that it availed no more to practise deceit. Accordingly, after a

short while I arose and said to the attendants that the draught

which they had given me to drink had cut short the fever and had

restored strength to my limbs and life to my frame. Then they led

me to the presence of the Lady Peri-Banu, who was exceeding

pleased to see me once more hale and hearty, and bade her

handmaidens conduct me around the palace and show each room in

its beauty and splendour; after which I craved leave to wend my

ways and here am I again to work thy will." When thus she had

made known to the King all that had betided her, she resumed,

"Perchance, on hearing of the might and majesty, opulence and

magnificence of the Lady Peri-Banu, thou wilt be gladdened and

say within thyself, ''Tis well that Prince Ahmad is wedded to

this Fairy and hath gotten for himself such wealth and power;'

but to the thinking of this thy slave the matter is quite other.

It is not well, I dare avouch, that thy son should possess such

puissance and treasures, for who knoweth but that he may by good

aid of Peri-Banu bring about division and disturbance in the

realm? Beware of the wiles and malice of women. The Prince is

bewitched with love of her, and peradventure at her incitement he

may act towards thee otherwise than right, and lay hands on thy

hoards and seduce thy subjects and become master of thy kingdom;

and albeit he would not of his own free will do aught to his

father and his forbears save what was pious and dutiful, yet the

charms of his Princess may work upon him little by little and end

by making him a rebel and what more I may not say. Now mayest

thou see that the matter is a weighty, so be not heedless but

give it full consideration." Then the Sorceress made ready to

gang her gait when spake the King, saying, "I am beholden to thee

in two things; the first, that thou tookest upon thyself much

toil and travail, and on my behalf riskedst thy life to learn the

truth anent my son Prince Ahmad. Secondly, I am thankful for that

thou hast given me a rede so sound and such wholesome counsel."

So saying, he dismissed her with the highmost honour; but no

sooner had she left the palace than he, sore distraught, summoned

his second Wazir, the malicious Minister who had incited him

against Prince Ahmad, and when he and his friends appeared in the

presence he laid before them the whole matter and asked of them,

saying, "What is your counsel, and what must I do to protect

myself and my kingdom against the wiles of this Fairy?" Replied

one of his councillors, "'Tis but a trifling matter and the

remedy is simple and nearhand. Command that Prince Ahmad, who is

now within the city if not in the palace, be detained as one

taken prisoner. Let him not be put to death, lest haply the deed

may engender rebellion; but at any rate place him under arrest

and if he prove violent clap him in irons."--And as the morn

began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixtieth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that this felon

counsel pleased the malicious Minister and all his fautors and

flatterers highly approved his rede. The Sultan kept silence and

made no reply, but on the morrow he sent and summoned the

Sorceress and debated with her whether he should or should not

cast Prince Ahmad into prison. Quoth she, "O King of kings, this

counsel is clean contrary to sound sense and right reason. An

thou throw Prince Ahmad into gaol, so must thou also do with all

his knights and their esquires; and inasmuch as they are Jinns

and Márids, who can tell their power of reprisals? Nor

prison-cells nor gates of adamant can keep them in; they will

forthwith escape and report such violence to the Fairy who, wroth

with extreme wrath to find her husband doomed to durance vile

like a common malefactor, and that too for no default or crime

but by a treacherous arrest, will assuredly deal the direst of

vengeance on thy head and do us a damage we shall not be able to

forfend. An thou wilt confide in me, I will advise thee how to

act, whereby thou mayest win thy wish and no evil will come nigh

thee or thy kingship. Thou knowest well that to Jinns and Fairies

is power given of doing in one short moment deeds marvellous and

wondrous, which mortals fail to effect after long years of toil

and trouble. Now whenas thou goest a-hunting or on other

expedition, thou requirest pavilions for thyself and many tents

for thy retinue and attendants and soldiery; and in making ready

and transporting such store much time and wealth are wastefully

expended. I would advise, O King of kings, that thou try Prince

Ahmad by the following test: do thou bid him bring to thee a

Sháhmiyánah[FN#340] so long and so broad that it will cover and

lodge the whole of thy court and men-at-arms and camp-followers,

likewise the beasts of burthen; and yet it must be so light that

a man may hold it in the hollow of his hand and carry it

whithersoever he listeth." Then, after holding her peace for a

while, she added, still addressing the Sultan, "And as soon as

Prince Ahmad shall acquit himself of this commission, do thou

demand of him a somewhat still greater and more wondrous

wherewith I will make thee ware, and which he will find grievous

of execution. On this wise shalt thou fill thy treasury with rare

inventions and strange, the handicraft of Jánn, nor will this

cease till such time in fine when thy son shall be at his wits'

end to carry out thy requirements. Then, humbled and abashed, he

will never dare to enter thy capital or even thy presence; and

thus shalt thou be saved from fear of harm at his hands, and thou

shalt not have need to put him in gaol or, worse still, to do him

dead." Hearing these words of wisdom, the Sultan made known the

Witch's device to his advisers and asked them what they deemed

thereof. They held their peace and answered not a word or good or

ill; while he himself highly approved it and said no more. Next

day Prince Ahmad came to visit the King, who welcomed him with

overflowing affection and clasping him to his bosom kissed him on

eyes and forehead. Long time they sat conversing on various

subjects, till at length the Sultan finding an occasion spake

thus, "O dear my son, O Ahmad, for many a day have I been sad at

heart and sorrowful of soul because of separation from thee, and

when thou camest back I was gladdened with great gladness at

sight of thee, and albeit thou didst and dost still withhold from

me the knowledge of thy whereabouts, I refrained from asking thee

or seeking to find out thy secret, since it was not according to

thy mind to tell me of thine abode. Now, however, I have heard

say that thou art wedded to a mighty Jinníyah[FN#341], of passing

beauty; and the tidings please me with the highmost possible

pleasure. I desire not to learn aught from thee concerning thy

Fairy-wife save whatso thou wouldst entrust to me of thine own

free will; but, say me, should I at any time require somewhat of

thee, canst thou obtain it from her? Doth she regard thee with

such favour that she will not deny thee anything thou askest of

her?" Quoth the Prince, "O my lord, what dost thou demand of me?

My wife is devoted to her husband in heart and soul, so prithee

let me learn what it is thou wouldst have of me and her." Replied

the Sultan, Thou knowest that ofttimes I fare a-hunting or on

some foray and fray, when I have great need of tents and

pavilions and Shahmiyanahs, with herds and troops of camels and

mules and other beasts of burden to carry the camp from place to

place. I would, therefore, that thou bring me a tent so light

that a man may carry it in the hollow of his hand, and yet so

large that it may contain my court and all my host and camp and

suttlers and bât-animals. An thou wouldst ask the Lady for this

gift I know full well that she can give it; and hereby shalt thou

save me much of trouble in providing carriage for the tentage and

spare me much waste and loss of beasts and men." The Prince

replied, "O my sire the Sultan, trouble not thy thought. I will

at once make known thy wish to my wife, the Lady Peri-Banu; and,

albeit little I wot an fairies have the faculty of making a

pavilion such as thou describest, or indeed (supposing that they

have such power), an she will grant me or not grant me her

aidance; and, moreover, although I cannot promise thee such

present, yet whatsoever lieth in my ability to do, that will I

gladly do for thy service."--And as the morn began to dawn

Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-first Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that quoth the

King to Prince Ahmad, "Shouldst thou perchance fail in this

matter and bring me not the gift required, O my son, I will never

see thy face again. A sorry husband thou, in good sooth, if thy

wife refuse so mean a thing and hasten not to do all thou biddest

her do; giving thee to see that thou art of small value and

consequence in her eyes, and that her love for thee is a quantity

well nigh to naught. But do thou, O my child, go forth and

straightway ask her for the tent. An she give it thee know thou

she desireth thee and thou art the dearest of all things to her;

and I have been informed that she loveth thee with all her heart

and soul and will by no means refuse thee aught thou requirest,

were it even the balls of her eyes." Now Prince Ahmad was ever

wont to tarry three days each month with the Sultan his sire, and

return to his spouse on the fourth; but this time he stayed two

days only and farewelled his father on the third. As he passed

into the palace Peri-Banu could not but note that he was sad at

heart and downcast of face; so she asked of him, "Is all well

with thee? Why hast thou come to-day and not tomorrow from the

presence of the King thy father, and why carriest thou so triste

a countenance?" Whereupon, after kissing her brow and fondly

embracing her, he told her the whole matter, first to last, and

she made answer, "I will speedily set thy mind at rest, for I

would not see thee so saddened for a moment longer. Howbeit, O my

love, from this petition of the Sultan thy sire I am certified

that his end draweth nigh, and he will soon depart this world to

the mercy of Allah the Almighty.[FN#342] Some enemy hath done

this deed and much of mischief hath made for thee; and the result

is that thy father, all unmindful of his coming doom, cloth seek

diligently his own destruction." The Prince, anxious and alarmed,

thus answered his wife, "Almighty Allah be praised, the King my

liege lord is in the best of health and showeth no sign of

disorder or decrepitude: 'tis but this morning I left him hale

and hearty, and in very sooth I never saw him in better case.

Strange, indeed, that thou shouldst ken what shall betide him

before I have told thee aught concerning him, and especially how

he hath come to learn of our marriage and of our home." Quoth

Peri-Banu, "O my Prince, thou knowest what I said to thee whenas

I saw the old dame whom thou broughtest hither as one afflicted

with the ague and fever. That woman, who is a Witch of Satan's

breed, hath disclosed to thy father all he sought to learn

concerning this our dwelling-place. And notwithstanding that I

saw full clearly she was nor sick nor sorry, but only feigning a

fever, I gave her medicine to drink which cureth complaints of

all kinds, and she falsely made believe that by its virtues she

had recovered health and strength. So when she came to take leave

of me, I sent her with two of my damsels and bid them display to

her every apartment in the palace together with its furniture and

decorations, that she might better know the condition of me and

thee. Now all this did I on thy account only, for thou badest me

show compassion to the ancient woman and I was rejoiced to see

her departing safe and sound and in the best of spirits. Save her

alone, no human being had ever power to know aught of this place,

much less to come hither." Prince Ahmad hearing these words

thanked and praised her and said, "O sun-faced beauty, I would

beg of thee to grant me a boon whereof my father hath made

request of me; to wit, a Shahmiyanah of such dimensions that it

may shelter him and his many, his camp and bat-cattle and withal

may be carried in the hollow of the hand. An such marvel exist I

wot not, yet would I do my utmost to procure it, and carry it to

him right loyally." Quoth she, "Why trouble thyself for so small

a matter? I will forthright send for it and give it thee." Then

she summoned one of her handmaids who was treasurer to her and

said, "O Nur Jehán,[FN#343] go thou at once and bring me a

pavilion of such and such a fashion." So she fared forth without

delay and as quickly came back with the pavilion which, at her

lady's bidding, she placed in the palm of Prince Ahmad's hand.

--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-second Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Prince

Ahmad hent the pavilion in hand and thought to himself, "What is

this Peri-Banu giveth me? Surely she doth make a mock of me." His

wife, however, reading his mind in his face fell to laughing

aloud, and asked, "What is it, O my dearling Prince? Dost thou

think that I am jesting and jibing at thee?" Then she continued,

addressing the treasurer Nur Jehan, "Take now yon tent from

Prince Ahmad and set it upon the plain that he may see its vast

size and know if it be such an one as required by the Sultan his

sire." The handmaid took the pavilion and pitched it afar from

the Palace; and yet one end thereof reached thereto from the

outer limit of the plain; and so immense was its size that (as

Prince Ahmad perceived) there was room therein for all the King's

court; and, were two armies ranged under it with their

camp-followers and bât-animals, one would on no wise crowd or

inconvenience the other. He then begged pardon of Peri-Banu

saying, "I wot not that the Shahmiyanah was so prodigious of

extent and of so marvellous a nature; wherefore I misdoubted when

first I saw it." The Treasurer presently struck the tent and

returned it to the palm of his hand; then, without stay or delay,

he took horse and followed by his retinue rode back to the royal

presence, where after obeisance and suit and service he presented

the tent. The Sultan also, at first sight of the gift, thought it

a small matter, but marvelled with extreme marvel to see its size

when pitched, for it would have shaded his capital and its

suburbs. He was not, however, wholly satisfied, for the size of

the pavilion now appeared to him superfluous; but his son assured

him that it would always fit itself to its contents. He thanked

the Prince for bringing him so rare a present, saying, "O my son,

acquaint thy consort with my obligation to her and offer my

grateful thanks for this her bounteous gift. Now indeed know I of

a truth that she doth love thee with the whole of her heart and

soul and all my doubts and fears are well nigh set at rest." Then

the King commanded they should pack up the tent and store it with

all care in the royal treasury. Now strange it is but true, that

when the Sultan received this rare present from the Prince, the

fear and doubt, the envy and jealousy of his son, which the Witch

and the malicious Wazir and his other illadvisers had bred in his

breast, waxed greater and livelier than before; because he was

now certified that in very truth the Jinniyah was gracious beyond

measure to her mate and that, notwithstanding the great wealth

and power of the sovereign, she could outvie him in mighty deeds

for the aidance of her husband. Accordingly, he feared with

excessive fear lest haply she seek opportunity to slay him in

favour of the Prince whom she might enthrone in his stead. So he

bade bring the Witch who had counselled him aforetime, and upon

whose sleight and malice he now mainly relied. When he related to

her the result of her rede, she took thought for a while; then,

raising her brow said, "O King of kings, thou troublest thyself

for naught: thou needest only command Prince Ahmad to bring thee

of the water of the Lions' Spring. He must perforce for his

honour's sake fulfil thy wish, and if he fail he will for very

shame not dare to show his face again at court. No better plan

than this canst thou adopt; so look to it nor loiter on thy way."

Next day at eventide, as the Sultan was seated in full Darbar

surrounded by his Wazirs and Ministers, Prince Ahmad came

forwards and making due obeisance took seat by his side and below

him. Hereat, the King addressed him, as was his wont, with great

show of favour saying, "It delighteth me mightily that thou hast

brought me the tent I required of thee; for surely in my Treasury

there be naught so rare and strange. Yet one other thing lack I,

and couldst thou bring it me I shall rejoice with joy exceeding.

I have heard tell that the Jinniyah, thy consort, maketh constant

use of a water which floweth from the Lions' Spring, the drinking

whereof doeth away with fevers and all other deadly diseases. I

know thou art anxious that I live in health; and thou wilt

gladden me by bringing somewhat of that water, so I may drink

thereof when occasion shall require, and well I wot that, as thou

valuest my love and affection thee wards, thou wilt not refuse to

grant me my request." Prince Ahmad on hearing this demand was

struck with surprise that his sire should so soon make a second

demand. So he kept silence awhile, thinking within himself, I

have managed by some means to obtain the tent from the Lady

Peri-Banu, but Allah only knoweth how she will now act, and

whether this fresh request will or will not rouse her wrath.

Howbeit I know that she will on no wise deny me any boon I may

ask of her." So after much hesitation Prince Ahmad made reply, "O

my lord the King, I have no power to do aught in this matter,

which resteth only with my spouse the Princess; yet will I

petition her to give the water; and, if she vouchsafe consent I

will bring it straight to thee. Indeed I cannot promise thee such

boon with all certainty: I would gladly do my endeavour in all

and everything that can benefit thee, but to ask her for this

water is a work more weighty than asking for the tent." Next day

the Prince took his departure and returned to Peri-Banu; and

after loving embraces and greetings quoth he, "O my lady and

light of my eyes, the Sultan my sire sendeth thee his grateful

thanks for the granting of his wish; to wit, the pavilion; and

now he adventureth himself once more and, certified of thy bounty

and beneficence, he would pray from thy hand the boon of a little

water from the Lions' Spring. Withal I would assure thee that an

the giving of this water please thee not, let the matter be clean

forgotten; for to do all thou willest is my one and only wish."

Peri-Banu made reply, "Methinks the Sultan, thy sire, would put

both me and thee to the test by requiring such boons as those

suggested to him by the Sorceress." --And as the morn began to

dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-third Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Peri-Banu

said further to Prince Ahmad, "Natheless I will grant this

largesse also as the Sultan hath set his mind upon it, and no

harm shall come therefrom to me or to thee, albe 'tis a matter of

great risk and danger, and it is prompted by not a little of

malice and ungraciousness. But give careful heed to my words, nor

neglect thou aught of them, or thy destruction is certain-sure. I

now will tell thee what to do. In the hall of yonder castle which

riseth on that mountain is a fountain sentinelled by four lions

fierce and ravening; and they watch and ward the path that

leadeth thereto, a pair standing on guard whilst the other two

take their turn to rest, and thus no living thing hath power to

pass by them. Yet will I make known to thee the means whereby

thou mayest win thy wish without any hurt or harm befalling thee

from the furious beasts." Thus saying she drew from an ivory box

a clew of thread and, by means of a needle one of those wherewith

she had been plying her work, made thereof a ball. This she

placed in the hands of her husband, and said, "First, be thou

careful that thou keep about thee with all diligence this ball,

whose use I shall presently explain to thee. Secondly, choose for

thyself two horses of great speed, one for thine own riding,

whilst on the other thou shalt load the carcass of a freshly

slaughtered sheep cut into four quarters. In the third place,

take with thee a phial wherewith I will provide thee, and this is

for carrying the water which thou, Inshallah--God willing--shalt

bring back. As soon as the morn shall morrow do thou arise with

the light and go forth riding thy chosen steed and leading the

other alongside of thee by the reins. When thou shalt reach the

iron portals which open upon the castle-court, at no great

distance from the gate, do thou cast the ball of thread upon the

ground before thee. Forthwith it will begin rolling onwards of

its own will towards the castle door; and do thou follow it

through the open entrance until such time as it stop its course.

At this moment thou shalt see the four lions; and the two that

wake and watch will rouse the twain that sleep and rest. All four

will turn their jaws to the ground and growl and roar with

hideous howlings, and make as though about to fall upon thee and

tear thee limb from limb. However, fear not nor be dismayed, but

ride boldly on and throw to the ground from off the led-horse the

sheep's quarters, one to each lion. See that thou alight not from

thy steed, but gore his ribs with thy shovel stirrup[FN#344] and

ride with all thy might and main up to the basin which gathereth

the water. Here dismount and fill the phial whilst the lions will

be busied eating. Lastly, return with all speed and the beasts

will not prevent thy passing by them." Next day, at peep of morn,

Prince Ahmad did according to all that Peri-Banu had bidden him

and rode forth to the castle. Then, having passed through the

iron portals and crossed the court and opened the door, he

entered the hall, where he threw the quarters of the sheep before

the lions, one to each, and speedily reached the Spring. He

filled his phial with water from the basin and hurried back with

all haste. But when he had ridden some little distance he turned

about and saw two of the guardian lions following upon his track;

however, he was on no wise daunted but drew his sabre from the

sheath to prepare him for self-protection. Hereat one of the

twain seeing him bare his brand for defence, retired a little way

from the road and, standing at gaze, nodded his head and wagged

his tail, as though to pray the Prince to put up his scymitar and

to assure him that he might ride in peace and fear no peril. The

other lion then sprang forwards ahead of him and kept close him,

and the two never ceased to escort him until they reached the

city, nay even the gate of the Palace. The second twain also

brought up the rear till Prince Ahmad had entered the

Palace-door; and, when they were certified of this, all four went

back by the way they came. Seeing such wondrous spectacle, the

towns-folk all fled in dire dismay, albeit the enchanted beasts

molested no man; and presently some mounted horsemen espying

their lord riding alone and unattended came up to him and helped

him alight. The Sultan was sitting in his audience-hall

conversing with his Wazirs and Ministers when his son appeared

before him; and Prince Ahmad, having greeted him and blessed him

and, in dutiful fashion, prayed for his permanence of existence

and prosperity and opulence, placed before his feet the phial

full of the water from the Lions' Spring, saying, "Lo, I have

brought thee the boon thou desiredst of me. This water is most

rare and hard to obtain; nor is there in all thy Treasure-house

aught so notable and of such value as this. If ever thou fall ill

of any malady (Almighty Allah forfend this should be in thy

Destiny!) then drink a draught thereof and forthwith thou shalt

be made whole of whatso distemper thou hast." When Prince Ahmad

had made an end of speaking, the Sultan, with all love and

affection, grace and honour, embraced him and kissed his head;

then, seating him on his right said, "O my son, I am beholden to

thee, beyond count and measure, for that thou hast adventured thy

life and brought this water with great irk and risk from so

perilous a place." Now the Witch had erewhile informed the King

concerning the Lions' Spring and of the mortal dangers which

beset the site; so that he knew right well how gallant was his

son's derring-do; and presently he said, "Say me, O my child, how

couldst thou venture thither and escape from the lions and

broughtest back the water, thyself remaining safe and sound?"

--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-fourth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that the Prince

replied, "By thy favour, O my lord the Sultan, have I returned in

safety from that stead mainly because I did according to the

bidding of my spouse, the Lady Peri-Banu; and I have brought the

water from the Lions' Spring only by carrying out her commands."

Then he made known to his father all that had befallen him in

going and returning; and when the Sultan noted the pre-eminent

valiance and prowess of his son he only feared the more, and the

malice and the rancour, envy and jealousy which filled his heart

waxed tenfold greater than before. However, dissembling his true

sentiments he dismissed Prince Ahmad and betaking him to his

private chamber at once sent word to bid the Witch appear in the

presence; and when she came, he told her of the Prince's visit

and all about the bringing of the water from the Lions' Spring.

She had already heard somewhat thereof by reason of the hubbub in

the city at the coming of the lions; but, as soon as she had

given ear to the whole account, she marvelled with mighty marvel

and, after whispering in the Sultan's ear her new device, said to

him in triumph, "O King of kings, this time thou shalt lay a

charge on the Prince and such commandment methinks will trouble

him and it shall go hard with him to execute aught thereof."

"Thou sayest well," replied the Sovran, "now indeed will I try

this plan thou hast projected for me." Wherefore, next day whenas

Prince Ahmad came to the presence of his sire, the King said to

him, "O dear my child, it delighteth me exceedingly to see thy

virtue and valour and the filial love wherewith thou art

fulfilled, good gifts chiefly shown by obtaining for me the two

rarities I asked of thee. And now one other and final requirement

I have of thee; and, shouldst thou avail to satisfy my desire, I

shall be wellpleased in my beloved son and render thanks to him

for the rest of my days." Prince Ahmad answered, "What is the

boon thou requirest? I will for my part do thy bidding as far as

in me lieth." Then quoth the King in reply to the Prince, "I

would fain have thee bring me a man of size and stature no more

than three feet high, with beard full twenty ells in length, who

beareth on his shoulder a quarter staff of steel, thirteen score

pounds in weight, which he wieldeth with ease and swingeth around

his head without wrinkle on brow, even as men wield cudgels of

wood." On this wise the Sultan, led astray by the Doom of Destiny

and heedless alike of good and evil, asked that which should

bring surest destruction upon himself. Prince Ahmad also, with

blind obedience out of pure affection to his parent, was ready to

supply him with all he required unknowing what was prepared for

him in the Secret Purpose. Accordingly he said, "O my sire the

Sultan, I trow me 'twill be hard to find, all the world over, a

man such as thou desirest, still I will work my best to do thy

bidding." Thereupon the Prince retired from the presence and

returned, as usual, to his palace where he greeted Peri-Banu with

love and gladness; but his face was troubled and his heart was

heavy at the thought of the King's last behest. Perceiving his

pre-occupation the Princess asked him, saying, "O dear my lord,

what tidings bringest thou for me to-day?" Hereto replied he,

"The Sultan at each visit requireth of me some new thing and

burtheneth me with his requests; and to-day he purposeth to try

me and, in the hopes of putting me to shame, he asketh somewhat

which 'twere vain to hope I can find in all the world." Thereupon

Prince Ahmad told her all the King had said to him.--And as the

morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-fifth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that Peri-Banu

hearing these words said to the Prince, "Trouble not thyself at

all in this matter. Thou didst venture at great risk to carry off

for thy father water from the Lions' Spring and thou succeededst

in winning thy wish. Now this task is on no wise more difficult

or dangerous than was that: nay 'tis the easier for that he thou

describest is none other than Shabbar, my brothergerman. Although

we both have the same parents, yet it pleased Almighty Allah to

enform us in different figures and to make him unlike his sister

as being in mortal mould can be. Moreover he is valiant and

adventurous, always seeking some geste and exploit whereby to

further my interest, and right willingly doth he carry out whatso

he undertaketh. He is shaped and formed as the Sultan thy sire

hath described, nor useth he any weapons save the Nabbút[FN#345]

or quarter staff of steel. And see now I will send for him, but

be not thou dismayed at sighting him." Replied Prince Ahmad, "If

he be in truth thine own brother what matter how he looketh? I

shall be pleased to see him as when one welcometh a valued friend

or a beloved kinsman. Wherefore should I fear to look upon him?"

Hearing these words Peri-Banu despatched one of her attendants

who brought to her from her private treasury a chafing-dish of

gold; then she bade a fire be lit therein, and sending for a

casket of noble metals studded with gems, the gift of her

kinsmen, she took therefrom some incense and cast it upon the

flames. Herewith issued a dense smoke spireing high in air and

spreading all about the palace; and a few moments after,

Peri-Banu who had ceased her conjurations cried, "Lookye my

brother Shabbar cometh! canst thou distinguish his form?" The

Prince looked up and saw a mannikin in stature dwarfish and no

more than three feet high, and with a boss on breast and a hump

on back; withal he carried himself with stately mien and majestic

air. On his right shoulder was borne his quarter staff of steel

thirteen score pounds in weight. His beard was thick and twenty

cubits in length but arranged so skilfully that it stood clear

off from the ground; he wore also a twisted pair of long

mustachios curling up to his ears, and all his face was covered

with long pile. His eyes were not unlike unto pig's eyes; and his

head, on which was placed a crown-like coiffure, was enormous of

bulk, contrasting with the meanness of his stature. Prince Ahmad

sat calmly beside his wife, the Fairy, and felt no fear as the

figure approached; and presently Shabbar walked up and glancing

at him asked Peri-Banu saying, "Who be this mortal who sitteth

hard by thee?" Hereto she replied, "O my brother, this is my

beloved husband, Prince Ahmad, son of the Sultan of Hindostan. I

sent thee not an invitation to the wedding as thou wast then

engaged on some great expedition; now, however, by the grace of

Almighty Allah thou hast returned triumphant and victorious over

thy foes, wherefore I have summoned thee upon a matter which

nearly concerneth me." Hearing these words Shabbar looked

graciously at Prince Ahmad, saying, "O my beloved sister, is

there any service I can render to him?" and she replied, "The

Sultan his sire desireth ardently to see thee, and I pray thee go

forthright to him and take the Prince with thee by way of guide."

Said he, "This instant I am ready to set forth;" but said she,

"Not yet, O my brother. Thou art fatigued with journeying; so

defer until the morrow thy visit to the King, and this evening I

will make known to thee all that concerneth Prince Ahmad."

Presently the time came; so Peri-Banu informed her brother

Shabbar concerning the King and his ill-counsellors; but she

dwelt mainly upon the misdeeds of the old woman, the Witch; and

how she had schemed to injure Prince Ahmad and despitefully

prevent his going to city or court, and she had gained such

influence over the Sultan that he had given up his will to hers

and ceased not doing whatso she bade him. Next day at dawn

Shabbar the Jinn and Prince Ahmad set out together upon a visit

to the Sultan; and when they had reached the city gates, all the

folk, nobles and commons, were struck with consternation at the

dwarf's hideous form; and, flying on every side in affright and

running into shops and houses, barred the doors and closed the

casements and hid themselves therein. So panic-stricken indeed

was their flight that many feet lost shoes and sandals in

running, while from the heads of others their loosened turbands

fell to earth. And when they twain approached the palace through

streets and squares and market-places desolate as the Desert of

Samáwah,[FN#346] all the keepers of the gates took to their heels

at sight of Shabbar and fled, so there was none to hinder their

entering. They walked straight on to the audience-chamber where

the Sultan was holding Darbar, and they found in attendance on

him a host of Ministers and Councillors, great and small, each

standing in his proper rank and station. They too on seeing

Shabbar speedily took flight in dire dismay and hid themselves;

also the guards had deserted their posts nor cared in any way to

let or stay the twain. The Sovran still sat motionless on his

throne, where Shabbar went up to him with lordly mien and royal

dignity and cried, "O King, thou hast expressed a wish to see me;

and lo, I am here. Say now what wouldst thou have me do?"--And as

the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-sixth Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that the King

made no reply to Shabbar, but held up his hands before his eyes

that he might not behold that frightful figure, and turning his

head would fain have fled in terror. Shabbar was filled with fury

at this rudeness on the part of the Sultan, and was wroth with

exceeding wrath to think that he had troubled himself to come at

the bidding of such a craven, who now on seeing him would fain

run away. So the Jinn, without an instant's delay, raised his

quarter staff of steel, and, swinging it twice in air, before

Prince Ahmad could reach the throne or on any wise interfere,

struck the Sultan so fiercely upon the poll that his skull was

smashed and his brains were scattered over the floor. And when

Shabbar had made an end of this offender, he savagely turned upon

the Grand Wazir who stood on the Sultan's right and incontinently

would have slain him also, but the Prince craved pardon for his

life and said, "Kill him not: he is my friend and hath at no time

said one evil word against me. But such is not the case with the

others, his fellows." Hearing these words the infuriated Shabbar

fell upon the Ministers and ill-counsellors on either side, to

wit, all who had devised evil devices against Prince Ahmad, and

slew them each and every and suffered none to escape save only

those who had taken flight and hidden themselves. Then, going

from the hall of justice to the courtyard, the Dwarf said to the

Wazir whose life the Prince had saved, "Harkye, there is a Witch

who beareth enmity against my brother, the husband of my sister.

See that thou produce her forthright; likewise the villain who

filled his father's mind with hate and malice, envy and jealousy

against him, so may I quite them in full measure for their

misdeeds." The Grand Wazir produced them all, first the

Sorceress, and then the malicious minister with his rout of

fautors and flatterers, and Shabbar felled them one after the

other with his quarter staff of steel and killed them pitilessly,

crying to the Sorceress, "This is the end of all thy machinations

with the King, and this is the fruit of thy deceit and treachery;

so learn not to feign thyself sick." And in the blindness of his

passion he would have slain all the inhabitants of the city, but

Prince Ahmad prevented him and pacified him with soft and

flattering words. Hereupon Shabbar habited his brother in the

royal habit and seated him on the throne and proclaimed him

Sultan of Hindostan. The people all, both high and low, rejoiced

with exceeding joy to hear these tidings, for Prince Ahmad was

beloved by every one; so they crowded to swear fealty and bring

presents and Nazaránahs[FN#347] and raised shouts of acclamation

crying out, "Long live King Ahmad!" When all this was done,

Shabbar sent for his sister, Peri-Banu, and made her Queen under

the title of Shahr-Banu;[FN#348] and in due time taking leave of

her and of King Ahmad, the Jinni returned to his own home. And as

the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till

The end of the Six Hundred and Sixty-seventh Night.

Then said she:--I have heard, O auspicious King, that after these

things King Ahmad summoned Prince Ali his brother and Nur

al-Nihar and made him governor of a large city hard by the

capital, and dismissed him thither in high state and splendour.

Also he commissioned an official to wait upon Prince Husayn and

tell him all the tidings, and sent word saying, "I will appoint

thee ruler over any capital or country thy soul desireth; and, if

thou consent, I will forward thee letters of appointment." But

inasmuch as the Prince was wholly content and entirely happy in

Darwaysh-hood, he cared naught for rule or government or aught of

worldly vanities; so he sent back the official with his duty and

grateful thanks, requesting that he might be left to live his

life in solitude and renunciation of matters mundane. Now when

Queen Shahrazad had made an end of telling her story and yet the

night was not wholly spent, King Shahryar spake saying, "This thy

story, admirable and most wonderful, hath given me extreme

delight; and I pray thee do thou tell us another tale till such

time as the last hours of this our night be passed." She replied,

"Be it as thou wilt, O auspicious King: I am thy slave to do as

thou shalt bid." Then she began to relate the tale of

THE TWO SISTERS WHO ENVIED THEIR

CADETTE[FN#349]

In days of yore and in times long gone before there lived a king

of Persia, Khusrau Sháh hight, renowned for justice and

righteousness. His father, dying at a good old age, had left him

sole heir to all the realm and, under his rule, the tiger and the

kid drank side by side at the same Ghát;[FN#350] and his treasury

was ever full and his troops and guards were numberless. Now it

was his wont to don disguise and, attended by a trusty Wazir, to

wander about the street at night-time. Whereby things seld-seen

and haps peregrine became known to him, the which, should I tell

thee all thereof, O auspicious King, would weary thee beyond

measure. So he took seat upon the throne of his forbears and when

the appointed days of mourning were ended, according to the

custom of that country, he caused his exalted name, that is

Khusrau Shah, be struck upon all the coins of the kingdom and

entered into the formula of public prayer.[FN#351] And when

stablished in his sovranty he went forth as aforetime on one

evening accompanied by his Grand Wazir, both in merchant's habit,

walking the streets and squares, the markets and lanes, the

better to note what might take place both of good and of bad. By

chance they passed, as the night darkened, through a quarter

where dwelt people of the poorer class; and as they walked on,

the Shah heard inside a house women talking with loud voices;

then going near, he peeped in by the door-chink, and saw three

fair sisters who having supped together were seated on a divan

talking one to other. The King thereupon applied his ear to the

crack and listened eagerly to what they said, and heard each and

every declaring what was the thing she most desired.[FN#352]

Quoth the eldest, "I would I were married to the Shah's head

Baker for then should I ever have bread to eat, the whitest and

choicest in the city, and your hearts would be fulfilled with

envy and jealousy and malice at my good luck." Quoth the second,

"I would rather wive with the Shah's chief Kitchener and eat of

dainty dishes that are placed before his Highness, wherewith the

royal bread which is common throughout the Palace cannot compare

for gust and flavour." And quoth the third and youngest of the

three, and by far the most beautiful and lively of them all, a

maiden of charming nature, full of wit and humour; sharp-witted,

wary and wise, when her turn came to tell her wish, "O sisters,

my ambition is not as ordinary as yours. I care not for fine

bread nor glutton-like do I long for dainty dishes. I look to

somewhat nobler and higher: indeed I would desire nothing less

than to be married by the King and become the mother of a

beautiful Prince, a model of form and in mind as masterful as

valorous. His hair should be golden on one side and silvern on

the other: when weeping he should drop pearls in place of tears,

and when laughing his rosy lips should be fresh as the blossom

new-blown." The Shah was amazed with exceeding amazement to hear

the wishes of the three sisters, but chiefly of the youngest and

determined in himself that he would gratify them all. Wherefore

quoth he to the Grand Wazir, "Mark well this house And on the

morrow bring before me these maidens whom we Heard discoursing;"

and quoth the Wazir, "O Asylum of the Universe, I hear but to

obey." Thereupon the twain walked back to the palace and laid

them down to rest. When morning morrowed, the Minister went for

the sisters and brought them to the King, who, after greeting

them and heartening their hearts, said to them in kindly tone, "O

ye maidens of weal, last night what was it that in merry word and

jest ye spake one to other? Take heed ye tell the Shah every whit

in full detail, for all must become known to us; something have

we heard, but now the King would have ye recount your discourse

to his royal ears."--And as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held

her peace till