ADVENTURES OF THE FIRST DARWESH

The first _Darwesh_, sitting at his ease, [85] began thus to relate

the events of his travels:

"Beloved of God, turn towards me, and hear this helpless one's

narrative.

Hear what has passed over my head with attentive ears,

Hear how Providence has raised and depressed me.

I am going to relate whatever misfortunes I have suffered; hear

the whole narrative."

O my friends, the place of my birth, and the country of my

forefathers, is the land of Yaman; [86] the father of this wretch was

_Maliku-t-Tujjar_, [87] a great merchant, named _Khwaja Ahmad_. At

that time no merchant or banker was equal to him. In most cities

he had established factories and agents, for the purchase and sale

(of goods); and in his warehouses were _lakhs_ of _rupis_ in cash,

and merchandise of different countries. He had two children born to

him; one was this pilgrim, who, clad in the _kafni_ [88] and _saili_,

[89] is now in your presence, and addressing you, holy guides; the

other was a sister, whom my father, during his life time, had married

to a merchant's son of another city; she lived in the family of her

father-in-law. In short, what bounds could be set to the fondness

of a father, who had an only son, and was so exceedingly rich! This

wanderer received his education with great tenderness under the shadow

of his father and mother; and began to learn reading and writing,

and the science and practice of the military profession; and likewise

the art of commerce, and the keeping of accounts. Up to [the age of]

fourteen years, my life passed away in extreme delight and freedom

from anxiety; no care of the world entered my heart. All at once,

even in one year, both my father and mother died by the decree of God.

I was overwhelmed with such extreme grief, that I cannot express [its

anguish.] At once I became an orphan! No elder [of the family] remained

to watch over me. From this unexpected misfortune I wept night and day;

food and drink were utterly disregarded. In this sad state I passed

forty days: on the fortieth day, [90] [after the death of my parents,]

my relations and strangers of every degree assembled [to perform the

rites of mourning.] When the _Fatiha_ [91] for the dead was finished,

they tied on this pilgrim's head the turban of his father; [92]

they made me understand, that, "In this world the parents of all have

died, and you yourself must one day follow the same path. Therefore,

have patience, and look after your establishment; you are now become

its master in the room of your father; be vigilant in your affairs

and transactions." After consoling me [in this friendly manner,]

they took their leave. All the agents, factors and employés [of my

late father] came and waited on me; they presented their _nazars_,

and said, "Be pleased to behold with your own auspicious eye the cash

in the coffers, and the merchandise in the warehouses." When all at

once my sight fell on this boundless wealth, my eyes expanded. I gave

orders for the fitting up of a _diwan-khana_; [93] the _farrashes_

[94] spread the carpets, and hung up the _pardas_ [95] and magnificent

_chicks_. [96] I took handsome servants into my service; and caused

them to be clothed in rich dresses out of my treasury. This mendicant

had no sooner reposed himself in [the vacant] seat [of his father]

than he was surrounded by fops, coxcombs, "thiggars [97] and sornars,"

liars and flatterers, who became his favourites and friends. I began

to have them constantly in my company. They amused me with the gossip

of every place, and every idle, lying tittle tattle; they continued

urging me thus. "In this season of youth, you ought to drink [98] of

the choicest wines, and send for beautiful mistresses to participate

in the pleasures thereof, and enjoy yourself in their company."

In short, the evil genius of man is man: my disposition changed from

listening constantly [to their pernicious advice.] Wine, dancing,

and gaming occupied my time. At last matters came to such a pitch,

that, forgetting my commercial concerns, a mania for debauchery

and gambling came over me. My servants and companions, when they

perceived my careless habits, secreted all they could lay hand on;

one might say a systematic plunder took place. No account was kept of

the money which was squandered; from whence it came, or where it went:

"When the wealth comes gratuitously, the heart has no mercy on

it." [99]

Had I possessed even the treasures of _Karun_, [100] they would

not have been sufficient to supply this vast expenditure. In the

course of a few years such became all at once my condition, that,

a bare skull cap for my head, and a rag about my loins, were all that

remained. Those friends who used to share my board, and [who so often

swore] [101] to shed their blood by the spoonful for my advantage,

disappeared; yea, even if I met them by chance on the highway, they

used to withdraw their looks and turn aside their faces from me;

moreover, my servants, of every description, left me, and went away;

no one remained to enquire after me, and say, "what state is this

you are reduced to?" I had no companion left but my grief and regret.

I now had not a half-farthing's worth of parched grain [to grind

between my jaws,] and give a relish to the water I drank: I endured

two or three severe fasts, but could no longer bear [the cravings

of] hunger. From necessity, covering my face with the mask of

shamelessness, I formed the resolution of going to my sister; but

this shame continued to come into my mind, that, since the death of

my father, I had kept up no friendly intercourse with her, or even

written her a single line; nay, further, she had written me two or

three letters of condolence and affection, to which I had not deigned

to make any reply in my inebriated moments of prosperity. From this

sense of shame my heart felt no inclination [to go to my sister,]

but except her house, I had no other [to which I could resort.] In

the best way I could, on foot, empty-handed, with much fatigue and

a thousand toils, having traversed the few [intervening] stages, I

arrived at the city where my sister lived, and reached her house. My

sister, seeing my wretched state, invoked a blessing upon me, embraced

me with affection, and wept bitterly; she distributed [the customary

offerings to the poor] on the occasion of my safe arrival, such as

oil, vegetables, and small coins, [102] and said to me, "Though my

heart is greatly rejoiced at this meeting, yet, brother, in what sad

plight do I see you?" I could make her no reply, but shedding tears,

I remained silent. My sister sent me quickly to the bath, after

having ordered a splendid dress to be sewn for me. I having bathed

and washed, put on these clothes. She fixed on an elegant apartment,

near her own, for my residence. I had in the morning _sharbat_, [103]

and various kinds of sweetmeats for my breakfast; in the afternoon,

fresh and dried fruits for my luncheon; and at dinner and supper she

having procured for me _pulaos_, [104] _kababs_, [105] and bread of the

most exquisite flavour and delicious cookery; she saw me eat them in

her own presence; and in every manner she took care of me. I offered

thousands upon thousands of thanksgivings to God for enjoying such

comfort, after such affliction [as I had suffered.] Several months

passed in this tranquillity, during which I never put my foot out of

my apartment.

One day, my sister, who treated me like a mother, said to me, "O

brother, you are the delight of my eyes, and the living emblem of the

dead dust of our parents; by your arrival the longing of my heart is

satisfied; whenever I see you, I am infinitely rejoiced; you have made

me completely happy; but God has created men to work for their living,

and they ought not to sit idle at home. If a man becomes idle and stays

at home, the people of the world cast unfavourable reflections on him;

more especially the people of this city, both great and little, though

it concerns them not, will say, on your remaining [with me and doing

nothing,] 'That having lavished and spent his father's worldly wealth,

he is now living on the scraps from his brother-in-law's board.' This

is an excessive want of proper pride, and will be our ridicule, and

the subject of shame to the memory of our parents; otherwise I would

keep you near my heart, and make you shoes of my own skin, and have

you wear them. Now, my advice is that you should make an effort at

travelling; please God the times will change, and in place of your

present embarrassment and destitution, gladness and prosperity may be

the result." On hearing this speech my pride was roused; I approved

of her advice, and replied, very well, you are now in the place of

my mother, and I will do whatever you say. Having thus received my

consent, she went into the interior of her house, and brought out, by

the assistance of her female slaves and servants, fifty _toras_ [106]

of gold and laid them before me, saying, "A caravan of merchants is on

the point of setting out for Damascus. [107] Do you purchase with this

money some articles of merchandise. Having put them under the care

of a merchant of probity, take from him a proper receipt for them:

and do you also proceed to Damascus. When you arrive there in safety,

receive the amount sales of your goods, and the profit which may accrue

[from your merchant,] or sell them yourself [as may be most convenient

or advantageous."] I took the money and went to the _bazar_; [108]

and having bought articles of merchandise, I delivered them over in

charge to an eminent merchant, and set my mind at ease on receiving a

satisfactory receipt from him. The merchant embarked with the goods

on board a vessel, and set off by sea, [109] and I prepared to go

by land. When I took leave of my excellent sister, she gave me a

rich dress and a superb horse with jewelled harness; she put some

sweetmeats in a leather bag and hung it to the pummel of my saddle,

and she suspended a flask of water from the crupper; she tied a sacred

rupee on my arm, [110] and having marked my forehead with _tika_, [111]

"Proceed," said she, suppressing her tears, "I have put thee under the

protection of God; thou showest thy back in going, in the same happy

state show me soon your face." I also said, after repeating the prayer

of welfare, "God be your protector also. I obey your commands." Coming

out from thence, I mounted my horse, and having placed my reliance

on the protection of the Almighty, I set forward, and throwing two

stages into one, I soon reached the neighbourhood of Damascus.

In short, when I arrived at the city gate, the night was far advanced,

and the door-keepers and guards had shut them. I made much entreaty,

and added, "I am a traveller, who has come a long journey, at a great

rate; if you would kindly open the gates, I could get into the city

and procure some refreshment for myself and my horse." They rudely

replied from within, "There is no order to open the gates at this

hour; why have you come so late in the night?" When I heard this

plain answer of theirs, I alighted from my horse under the walls of

the city, and spreading my housing, I sat down; but to keep awake,

I often rose up and walked about. When it was exactly midnight, [112]

there was a dead silence. What do I see but a chest descending slowly

from the walls of the fortress! When I beheld this [strange sight], I

was filled with surprise, thinking what talisman is this! perhaps God,

taking pity on my perplexity and my misfortunes, has sent me here some

bounty from his hidden treasure. When the chest rested on the ground, I

approached it with much fear, and perceived it was of wood. Instigated

by curiosity, I opened it; I beheld in it a beautiful lovely woman (at

the sight of whom the senses would vanish), wounded and weltering in

her blood, with her eyes closed, and in extreme agonies. By degrees

her lips moved, and these sounds issued slowly from her mouth, "O

faithless wretch! O barbarous tyrant! Is this deed which thou hast

done, the return I merited for all my affection and kindness! Well,

well! give me another blow [and complete thy cruelty]: I entrust to God

the executing of justice between myself and thee." After pronouncing

these words, even in that insensible state, she drew the end of her

_dopatta_ [113] over her face; she did not look towards me.

Gazing on her, and hearing her exclamations, I became torpid. It

occurred to me, what savage tyrant could wound so beautiful a

lady! what [demon] possessed his heart, and how could he lift

his hand against her! she still loves him, [114] and even in this

agony of death, she recollects him! I was muttering this to myself;

the sound reached her ear; drawing at once her veil from her face,

she looked at me. The moment her looks met mine, I nearly fainted,

and my heart throbbed with difficulty; I supported myself by a strong

effort, and taking courage, I asked her, "tell me true, who art you,

and what sad occurrence is this I see; if you will explain it, then it

will give ease to my heart." On hearing these words, though she had

scarce strength to speak, yet she slowly uttered, "I thank you! how

can I speak? my condition, owing to my wounds, is what you see; I

am your guest for a few moments only; when my spirit shall depart,

then, for God's sake, act like a man, and bury unfortunate me in some

place, in this chest; then I shall be freed from the tongue of the

good and bad, and you will earn for yourself a future reward." After

pronouncing these words, she became silent.

In the night I could apply no remedy; I brought the chest near me, and

began to count the _gharis_ [115] of the remaining night. I determined,

when the morning came, to go into the city and do all in my power

for the cure [of this beautiful woman]. The short, remaining night

became so heavy [116] a load, that my heart was quite restless. At

last, after suffering much uneasiness, the morning approached--the

cock crowed, and the voices of men were heard. After performing

the morning prayer, I inclosed the chest in a coarse canvas sack,

and just as the gates opened, I entered the city. I began to inquire

of every man and shop-keeper where I could find a mansion for hire;

and after much search, I found a convenient, handsome house, which I

rented. The first thing I did, was to take that beautiful woman out

of the chest, and lay her on a soft bed made up of flocks of cotton,

which I had removed to a corner. I then placed a trusty person near

her, and went in search of a surgeon. I wandered about, asking of

every one I met who was the cleverest surgeon in the city, and where

he lived. One person said, "There is a certain barber who is unique

in the practice of surgery, and the science of physic; and in these

arts is quite perfect. If you carry a dead person to him, by the help

of God, he will apply such remedies as will bring him to life. He

dwells in this quarter [of the city,] and his name is _'Isa_." [117]

On hearing this agreeable intelligence, I went in search of him, and

after several inquiries, I found out his abode from the directions

I had received. I saw a man with a white beard sitting under the

portico of his door, and several men were grinding materials for

plasters beside him. For the sake of complimenting him, I made him

a respectful _salam_, [118] and said,--"having heard of your name

and excellent qualities, I am come [to solicit your assistance.] The

case is this: I set out from my country for the purpose of trade,

and took my wife with me, from the great affection I had for her;

when I arrived near this city, I halted at a little distance, as the

evening had set in. I did not think it safe to travel at night in an

unseen country; I therefore rested under a tree on the plains. At the

last quarter of the night, I was attacked by robbers; they plundered

me of all the money and the property they could find, and wounded my

wife, from avidity for her jewels. I could make no resistance, and

passed the remainder of the night as well as I could. Early in the

morning I came into this city, and rented a house; leaving her there,

I am come to you with all speed. God has given you this perfection

in your profession; favour this [unfortunate] traveller, and come to

his humble dwelling; see my wife, and if her life should be saved,

then you will acquire great fame, and I will be your slave as long

as I live." _'Isa_, the surgeon, was very humane and devout; he took

pity on my misfortune, and accompanied me to my house. On examining

the wounds, he gave me hopes, and said, "By the blessing of God, this

lady's wounds will be cured in forty days; and I will then cause to

be administered to her the ablution of cure."

In short, the good man having thoroughly washed all the wounds with the

decoction of _nim_, [119] he cleansed them; those that he found fit for

stitching, he sewed up; and on the others he laid lint and plasters,

which he took out of his box, and tied them up with bandages, and

said with much kindness, "I will continue to call morning and evening;

be thou careful that she remain perfectly quiet, so that the stitches

may not give way; let her food be chicken broth administered in small

quantities at a time, and give her often the spirit of _Bed-Mushk_,

[120] with rose water, so that her strength may be supported." After

giving these directions, he took his leave. I thanked him much with

joined hands, [121] and added, "From the consolation you have bestowed,

my life also has been restored; otherwise, I saw nothing but death

before me; God keep you safe." And after giving him _'Itr_ [122]

and _betel_, I took leave of him. Night and day I attended on that

beautiful lady with the utmost solicitude; rest to myself I renounced

as impious, and in the threshold of God I daily prayed for her cure.

It came to pass that the merchant [who had charge of my merchandise,]

arrived, and delivered over to me the goods I had entrusted to

his care. I sold them as occasion required, and began to spend the

amount in medicines and remedies. The good surgeon was regular in his

attendance, and in a short time all the wounds filled up, and began

to heal; a few days after she performed the ablution of cure. Joy of

a wonderful nature arose [in my heart]! A rich _khil'at_, [123] and

[a purse of] gold pieces I laid before _'Isa_, the surgeon. I ordered

elegant carpets to be spread for that fair one [124], and caused her

to sit upon the _masnad_. [125] I distributed large sums to the poor

[on the joyous occasion,] and that day I was as happy as if I had

gained possession of the sovereignty of the seven climes. [126] On

that beautiful lady's cure, such rosy, pure colour appeared in her

complexion, that her face shone like the sun, and sparkled with the

lustre of the purest gold. I could not gaze on her without being

dazzled with her beauty. [127] I devoted myself entirely to her

services, and zealously performed whatever she commanded. In the

full pride of beauty and consciousness of high rank, if ever she

condescended to cast a look on me, she used to say, "Take care, if

my good opinion is desirable to you, then never breathe a syllable in

my affairs; whatever I order, perform without objection; never utter

a breath in my concerns, otherwise you will repent." It appeared,

however, from her manners, that the return due to me for my services

and obedience, was fully impressed on her mind. I also did nothing

without her consent, and executed her commands with implicit obedience.

A certain space of time passed away in this mystery and submission--I

instantly procured for her whatever she desired. I spent all the money

I had from the sale of my goods, both principal and interest. In

a foreign country [where I was unknown], who would trust me? that

by borrowing, affairs might go on. At last, I was distressed for

money, even for our daily expenses, and thence my heart became much

embarrassed. With this anxious solicitude I pined daily, and the

colour fled from my face; but to whom could I speak [for aid]? What

my heart suffered, that it must suffer. "The grief of the poor man

[preys] on his own soul." [128] One day the beautiful lady, from

her own penetration, perceived [my distressed state] and said, "O

youth! my obligations [to you] for the services [you have rendered]

me are engraven on my heart as indelible as on stone; but their return

I am unable to make at present. If there be any thing required for

necessary expenses, do not be distressed on that account, but bring me

a slip of paper, pen, and ink." I was then convinced that this fair

lady must be a princess of some country, or else she would not have

addressed me with such boldness and haughtiness. I instantly brought

her the writing materials, [129] and placed them before her--she having

written a note in a fair hand, delivered it to me, and said, "There

is a _Tirpauliya_ [130] near the fort; in the adjoining street is a

large mansion, and the master of that house is called _Sidi Bahar_;

[131] go and deliver this note to him."

I went according to her commands, and by the name and address she had

given me, I soon found out the house; by the porter I sent word of

the circumstance [of my having brought] a letter. The moment he heard

[my message,] a handsome young negro, with a flashy turban on his

head, came out to me; though his colour was dark, his countenance was

full of animation. He took the note from my hand, but said nothing,

asked no questions, and at the same pace [without a pause] entered

the house. In a short time he came out, accompanied by slaves, who

carried on their heads eleven sealed trays covered with brocade. He

told the slaves, "Go with this young man, and deliver these trays." I,

having made my salutation, took my leave of him, and brought [the

slaves with their burdens] to our house. I dismissed the men from

the door, and carried in the trays entrusted to me to the presence

of the fair lady. On seeing them she said, "Take these eleven bags

of gold pieces and appropriate the money to necessary expenses;

God is most bountiful." I took the gold, and began to lay it out in

immediate necessaries. Although I became more easy in my mind, yet

this perplexity continued in my heart. "O God, [said I to myself,]

what a strange circumstance is this! that a stranger, whose person

is unknown to me, should, on the mere sight of a bit of paper, have

delivered over to me so much money without question or inquiry. I

cannot ask the fair lady to explain the mystery, as she has beforehand

forbidden me." Through fear, I was unable to breathe a syllable.

Eight days after this occurrence, the beloved fair one thus addressed

me:--"God has bestowed on man the robe of humanity which may not be

torn or soiled; and although tattered clothes are no disparagement to

his manhood, yet in public, in the eyes of the world he has no respect

paid to him [if shabbily clothed]. So take two bags of gold with thee,

and go to the _chauk_, [132] to the shop of _Yusuf_ the merchant,

and buy there some sets of jewels of high value, and two rich suits

of clothes, and bring them with thee." I instantly mounted my horse,

and went to the shop described. I saw there a handsome young man,

clothed in a saffron-coloured dress, seated on a cushion; his beauty

[133] was such, that a whole multitude stopped in the street from

his shop as far as the _bazar_ to gaze at him. I approached him with

perfect pleasure, having made my "_salam 'alaika_." I sat down, and

mentioned the articles required. My pronunciation was not like that

of the inhabitants of that city. The young merchant replied with great

kindness, "Whatever you require is ready, but tell me, sir, from what

country are you come, and what are the motives of your stay in this

foreign city? If you will condescend to inform me on these points,

it will not be remote from kindness." It was not agreeable to me to

divulge my circumstances, so I made up some story, took the jewels

and the clothes, paid their price, and begged to take my leave. The

young man seemed displeased and said, "O sir, if you wished to be so

reserved, it was not necessary to show such warmth of friendly greeting

in your first approach. Amongst well-bred people these [134] amicable

greetings are of much consideration." He pronounced this speech with

such elegance and propriety, that it quite delighted my heart, and I

did not think it courteous to be unkind and leave [135] him so hastily;

therefore, to please him, I sat down again and said, I agree to your

request with all my heart, [136] and am ready [to obey your commands.]

He was greatly pleased with my compliance, and smiling he said,

"If you will honour my poor mansion [with your company] to-day, then

having a party of pleasure, we shall regale our hearts for some hours

[in good cheer and hilarity."] I had never left the fair lady alone

[since we first met,] and recollecting her solitary situation,

I made many excuses, but that young man would not accept any; at

last, having extorted from me a promise to return as soon as I had

carried home the articles I had purchased, and having made me swear

[to that effect,] he gave me leave to depart. I, having left the

shop, carried the jewels and the clothes to the presence of the fair

lady. She asked the price of the different articles, and what passed

at the merchant's. I related all the particulars of the purchase,

and the teasing invitation I had received from him. She replied, "It

is incumbent on man to fulfil whatever promise he may make; leave me

under the protection of God, and fulfil your engagement; the law of

the prophet requires we should accept the offers of hospitality." I

said, "My heart does not wish to go and leave you alone, but such are

your orders, and I am forced to go; until I return, my heart will be

attached to this very spot." Saying this, I went to the merchant's:

he, seated on a chair, was waiting for me. On seeing me, he said,

"Come, good sir, you have made me wait long." [137]

He instantly arose, seized my hand, and moved on; proceeding along,

he conducted me to a garden; it was a garden of great beauty; in

the basons and canals fountains were playing; fruits of various

kinds were in full bloom, and the branches of the trees were bent

down with their weight; [138] birds of various species were perched

on the boughs, and sung their merry notes, and elegant carpets were

spread in every apartment [of the grand pavilion which stood in the

centre of the garden]. There on the border of the canal, we sat down

in an elegant saloon; he got up a moment after and went out, and

then returned richly dressed. On seeing him, I exclaimed, "Praised

be the Lord, may the evil eye be averted!" [139] On hearing this,

exclamation, he smiled, and said, "It is fit you, too, should change

your dress." To please him, I also put on other clothes. The young

merchant, with much sumptuousness, prepared an elegant entertainment,

and provided every article of pleasure that could be desired; he was

warm in his expressions of attachment to me, and his conversation was

quite enchanting. At this moment a cupbearer appeared with a flask

[of wine] and a crystal cup, and delicious meats of various kinds were

served up. The salt-cellars were set in order, and the sparkling cup

began to circulate. When it had performed three or four revolutions,

four young dancing boys, very beautiful, with loose, flowing tresses,

entered the assembly, and began to sing and play. Such was the

scene, and such the melody, that had _Tan-Sen_ [140] been present

at that hour, he would have forgot his strains; and _Baiju-Ba,ora_

[141] would have gone mad. In the midst of this festivity, the young

merchant's eyes filled suddenly with tears, and involuntarily two or

three drops trickled down [his cheeks]; he turned round and said to me,

"Now between us a friendship for life is formed; to hide the secrets of

our hearts is approved by no religion. I am going to impart a secret

to you, in the confidence of friendship and without reserve. If you

will give me leave I will send for my mistress into our company,

and exhilarate my heart [with her presence]; for in her absence,

I cannot enjoy any pleasure."

He pronounced these words with such eager desire, that though I had

not seen her, yet my heart longed for her. I replied, your happiness

is essential to me, what can be better [than what you propose]; send

for her without delay; nothing, it is true, is agreeable without the

presence of the beloved one. The young merchant made a sign towards

the _chick_ and shortly a black woman, as ugly as an ogress, on seeing

whom one would die without [the intervention of] fate, approached the

young man and sat down. I was frightened at her sight, and said within

myself, is it possible this she-demon can be beloved by so beautiful

a young man, and is this the creature he praised [142] so highly,

and spoke of with such affection! I muttered the form of exorcism,

[143] and became silent. In this same condition, the festive scene

of wine and music continued for three days and nights; on the fourth

night, intoxication and sleep gained the victory; I, in the sleep

of forgetfulness, involuntarily slumbered; next morning the young

merchant wakened me, and made me drink some cups of a cooling and

sedative nature. He said to his mistress, "To trouble our guest any

longer would be improper."

He then took hold of both my hands, and we stood up. I begged leave to

depart; well pleased [with my complaisance], he gave me permission [to

return home]. I then quickly put on my former clothes, and bent my way

homewards, waited on the angelic lady. But it had never before occurred

in my case, to leave her by herself and remain out all night. I was

quite ashamed of myself for being absent three days [and nights], and

I made her many apologies, and related the whole circumstances of the

entertainment, and his not permitting me [to come home sooner]. She

was well acquainted with the manners of the world, and smiling said,

"What does it signify, if you had to remain to oblige your friend;

I cheerfully pardon you, where is the blame on your part; when a man

goes on occasions of this sort to any person's house, he returns when

the other pleases to let him. But you having eaten and drunk at his

entertainments for nothing, will you remain silent, or give him a

feast in return? Now I think it proper you should go to the young

merchant, and bring him with you, and feast him two-fold greater

than he did you. Give yourself no concern about the materials [for

such an entertainment]; by the favour of God, all the requisites will

soon be ready, and in an excellent style, the hospitable party will

obtain splendour." According to her desire, I went to the jeweller,

and said to him, "I have complied with your request most cheerfully,

now do you also in the way of friendship, grant my request." He said,

"I will obey you with heart and soul."

Then I said, "If you will honour your humble servant's house with a

visit, it will be the essence of condescension. That young man made

many excuses and evasions, but I would not give up the point. When [at

length] he consented, I brought him with me to my house; but on the way

I could not avoid making the reflection, that "if I had had the means,

I could receive my guest in a style which would be highly gratifying

to him. Now I am taking him with me, let us see what will be the

result." Absorbed in these apprehensions, I drew near my house. Then

how was I surprised to see a great crowd and bustle at the door; the

street had been swept and watered; silver mace and club bearers [144]

were in waiting. I wondered greatly [at what I saw], but knowing it

to be mine own house, I entered, and perceived that elegant carpets

befitting every apartment, were spread in all directions, and rich

_masnads_ were laid out. _Betel_ boxes, _gulab-pashes, 'itr-dans,

pik-duns_ [145] flower pots, narcissus-pots, were all arranged in

order. In the recesses of the walls, various kinds of oranges and

confectionery of various colours were placed. On one side variegated

screens of _talk_, with lights behind them were displayed, and on

the other side tall branches of lamps in the shape of cypresses

and lotuses, were lighted up. In the hall and alcove camphorated

candles were placed in golden candlesticks, and rich glass shades were

placed over thorn; every attendant waited at his respective post. In

the kitchen the pots continued jingling; and in the _abdar-khana_

[146] there was a corresponding preparation; jars of water, quite

new, stood on silver stands, with percolators attached, and covered

with lids. Further on, on a platform, were placed spoons and cups,

with salvers and covers; _kulfis_ [147] of ice were arranged, and

the goglets [148] were being agitated in saltpetre.

In short, every requisite becoming a prince was displayed. Dancing

girls and boys, singers, musicians and buffoons, in rich apparel,

were in waiting, and singing in concert. I led the young merchant in,

and seated him on the _masnad_; [149] I was all amazement [and said

to myself] "O God, in so short a time how have such preparations been

made?" I was staring around and walking about in every direction,

but I could nowhere perceive a trace of the beautiful lady; searching

for her, I went into the kitchen, and I saw her there, with an upper

garment on her neck, slippers on her feet, and a white handkerchief

thrown over her head, plain and simply dressed, and without any jewels.

"She on whom God hath bestowed beauty has no need of ornaments;

Behold how beautiful appears the moon, without decorations."

She was busily employed in the superintendence of the feast, and was

giving directions for the eatables, saying, "have a care that [this

dish] may be savoury, and that its moisture, its seasoning and its

fragrance, may be quite correct." In this toil that rose-like person

was all over perspiration.

I approached her with reverence, and having expressed my admiration of

her good sense, and the propriety of her conduct, I invoked blessings

upon her. On hearing my compliments, she was displeased, and said,

"various deeds are done on the part of human beings which it is not

the power of angels [to perform]: what have I done that thou art so

much astonished? Enough, I dislike much talk; but say, what manners is

this to leave your guest alone, and amuse yourself by staring about;

what will he think of your behaviour? return quickly to the company,

and attend to your guest, and send for his mistress, and make her sit

by him." I instantly returned to the young merchant, and shewed him

every friendly attention. Soon after, two handsome slaves entered

with bottles of delicious wine, and cups set with precious stones,

and served us the liquor. In the meantime, I then observed to the

young merchant, I am in every way your friend and servant; it were

well that your handsome mistress, to whom your heart is attached,

should honour us with her presence; it will be perfectly agreeable to

me, and if you please, I will send a person to call her. On hearing

this, he was extremely pleased, and said, "Very well, my dear friend,

yon have [by your kind offer] spoken the wish of my heart." I sent a

eunuch [to bring her]. When half the night was past, that foul hag,

mounted on an elegant _chaudol,_ [150] arrived like an unexpected evil.

To please my guest I was compelled to advance, and receive her with

the utmost kindness, and place her near the young man. On seeing her,

he became as rejoiced as if he had received all the delights of the

world. That hag also clung round the neck of that angelic youth. The

[ludicrous] sight appeared, in plain truth, such as when over the

moon of the fourteenth night, an eclipse comes. As many people as

were in the assembly began to put their fore-fingers between their

teeth, [151] saying [to themselves] "How could such a hag subdue the

affections of this young man!" The eyes of all were turned in that

direction. Disregarding the amusements of the entertainment, they

began to attend only to this strange spectacle. Some apart observed, "O

friends, there is an antagonism between love and reason! what judgment

cannot conceive, this cursed love will show. You must behold _Laili_

with the eyes of _Majnun._ [152] All present exclaimed, "Very true,

that is the fact."

According to the directions of the lady, I devoted myself to

attending on my guests; and although the young merchant pressed me

to eat and drink equally with himself, yet I refrained from fear of

the fair [one's displeasure], and did not give myself up to eating

and drinking, or the pleasures of the entertainment. I pleaded the

duties of hospitality as my excuse for not joining him [in the good

cheer]. In this scene of festivity three nights and days passed

away. On the fourth night, [153] the young merchant said to me with

extreme fondness, "I now beg to take my leave; for your good sake I

have utterly neglected my affairs these three days, and have attended

you. Pray do you also sit near me for a moment, and rejoice my heart,"

I in my own heart imagined that "if I do not comply with his request

at this moment, then he will be grieved; and it is necessary I should

please my new friend and guest;" on which account I replied, "it is

a pleasure to me to obey the command of your honour;" for "a command

is paramount to ceremony" [154]. On hearing this, the young merchant

presented me a cup of wine, and I drank it off; then the cup moved in

such quick successive rounds, that in a short time all the guests in

the assembly became inebriated and stupefied; I also became senseless.

When the morning came, and the sun had risen the height of two spears,

[155] my eyes opened, but I saw nothing of the preparations, the

assembly, or the beautiful lady--only the empty house remained--but

in a corner [of the hall] something lay folded up in a blanket;

I unfolded it, and saw the corpses of the young merchant and of his

[black] woman, with their heads severed from their bodies. On seeing

this sight, my senses forsook me, and my judgment was of no avail [in

explaining to me] what this was and what had happened. I was staring

about me, in every direction with amazement, when I perceived a eunuch

(whom I had seen in the preparations of the entertainment). I was

somewhat comforted on seeing him, and asked him an explanation of

these strange events. He replied briefly, "What good will it do thee

to hear an explanation of what has happened, that thou askest it?"

I also reflected in my mind, that what he said was true; however,

after a short pause, I said to the eunuch, well, do not tell it to

me; but inform me in what apartment is the beloved lady. He answered,

"Certainly; whatever I know I will relate to thee; but [I am surprised]

that a man like thee, possessed of understanding, should, without her

ladyship's permission, and without fear or ceremony, have indulged

in a wine-drinking party after an intimacy of only a few days. [156]

What does all this mean?"

I became much ashamed of my folly [and felt the justice] of the

eunuch's reprobation. I could make no other reply than to say,

"indeed I have been guilty, pardon me." At last the eunuch, becoming

gracious, pointed out the beloved lady's abode, and took his leave;

he himself went to bury the two beheaded bodies. I was free from any

participation in that crime, and was anxious to meet the beautiful

lady. After a painful and difficult search, I arrived at eventide

in that street, [where she then was] according to (the eunuch's)

direction; and in a corner near the door I passed the whole night

in a state of agitation. I did not hear the sound of any person's

footsteps, nor did any bne ask me about my affairs. In this forlorn

state the morning came; when the sun rose, the lovely fair one looked

at me from a window in the balcony of the house. My heart only knows

the state of joy I felt at that moment. I praised the goodness of God.

In the meanwhile, an eunuch came up to me, and said, "Go and

stay in this [adjoining] mosque; perhaps your wishes may, in that

place, be accomplished, and you may yet gain the desires of your

heart." According to his advice I got up from the place [where

I had passed the night], and went to the mosque; but my eyes

remained fixed in the direction of the door of the house, to see

what might appear from behind the curtain of futurity. 1 waited for

the arrival of evening with the anxiety of a person who keeps the

fast [of _Ramazan_]. [157] At last the evening came, and the heavy

day was removed from my heart. All at once the same eunuch who had

given me the directions to find out the lady's house, came to the

mosque. After finishing the evening prayer, having come up to me,

that obliging person, who was in all my secrets, gave me much comfort,

and taking me by the hand, led me along with him, proceeding onwards

at last having made me sit down in a small garden, he said: "Stay here

until your desire [of seeing your mistress] be accomplished." Then he

himself having taken his leave, went, perhaps, to impart my wishes to

the beautiful lady. I amused myself with admiring the beauty of the

flowers of the garden, and the brightness of the full moon, and the

play of the fountains in the canals and rivulets, a display like that

of the mouths of _Sawan_ and _Bhadon_; but when I beheld the roses,

I thought of the beautiful rose-like angel, and when I gazed on the

bright moon, I recollected her moon-like face. All these delightful

scenes without her were so many thorns in my eyes.

At last God made her heart favourable to me. After a little while

that lovely fair one entered from the [garden] door adorned like the

full moon, wearing a rich dress, enriched with pearls, and covered

from head to feet with an embroidered veil; she stepped along the

garden walk, and stood [at a little distance from me]. By her coming,

the beauties of that garden, and the joy of my heart revived. After

strolling for a few minutes about the garden, she sat down in the

alcove on a richly-embroidered _masnad_. I ran, and like the moth

that flutters around the candle, offered my life as a sacrifice to

her, and like a slave stood before her with folded arms. At this

moment the eunuch appeared, and began to plead for my pardon and

restoration to her favour. Addressing myself to him, I said, I am

guilty, and culpable; whatever punishment is fixed on me, let it be

executed. The lady, though she was displeased, said with _hauteur_,

"The best thing that can be done for him now is that he should receive

a hundred bags of gold pieces, and having got his property all right,

let him return to his native country."

On hearing these words, I became a block of withered wood; if any

one had cut my body, not a drop of blood would have issued; all the

world began to appear dark before my sight; a sigh of despair burst

involuntarily from my heart, and the tears flowed from my eyes. I had

at that time no hope from any one except God; driven to utter despair,

I ventured to say, "Well, [cruel fair,] reflect a moment, that if to

this unfortunate wretch there had been a desire for worldly wealth,

he would not have devoted his life and property to you. Are the

acknowledgments due to my services, and my having devoted my life

to you, flown all of a sudden from this world, that you have shown

such disfavour to a wretch like me? It is all well; to me life is

no longer of any use; to the helpless, half-dead lover there is no

resource against the faithlessness of the beloved one."

On hearing these words, she was greatly offended, and frowning with

anger, she exclaimed, "Very fine indeed! What, thou art my lover! Has

the frog then caught cold? [158] O fool, for one in thy situation to

talk thus is an idle fancy; little mouths should not utter big words:

no more--be silent--repeat not such presumptuous language; if any other

had dared to behave so improperly, I vow to God, I would have ordered

his body to be cut in pieces, and given to the kites [of the air];

but what can I do?--Your services ever come to my recollection. Thou

hadst best now take the road [to thy home;] thy fate had decreed

thee food and drink only until now in my house!" I then weeping,

said, if it has been written in my destiny that I am not to attain

the desires of my heart, but to wander miserably through woods and

over mountains, then I have no remedy left. On hearing these words,

she became vexed and said, "These hints and this flattering nonsense

are not agreeable to me; go and repeat them to those who are fit to

hear them." Then getting up in the same angry mood, she returned to

her house. I beseeched her to hear me, but she disregarded what I

said. Having no resource, I likewise left the place, sad and hopeless.

In short, for forty days this same state of things continued. When I

was tired of pacing the lanes of the city, I wandered into the woods,

and when I became restless there, I returned to the lanes of the

city like a lunatic. I thought not of nourishment during the day,

or sleep at night; like a washerman's dog, that belongs neither to

the house nor the _ghat_ [159] The existence of man depends on eating

and drinking; he is the worm of the grain. Not the least strength

remained in my body. Becoming feeble, I went and lay down under the

wall of the same mosque; when one day the eunuch aforementioned came

there to say his Friday prayers, and passed near me; I was repeating

at the time, slow from weakness, this verse:

"Give me strength of mind to bear these pangs of the heart, or

give me death;

Whatever may have been written in my destiny, O God! let it come

soon."

Though in appearance my looks were greatly altered, and my face was

such that whoever had seen me formerly would not have recognised me

to be the same person; yet the eunuch, hearing the sounds of grief,

looked at me, and regarding me with attention, pitied me, and with

much kindness addressed me, saying, "At last to this State thou hast

brought thyself." I replied, what was to occur has now happened;

I devoted my property to her welfare, and I have sacrificed my life

likewise; such has been her pleasure; then what shall I do?

On hearing this, he left a servant with me, and went into the mosque;

when he finished his prayers, and [heard] the _Khutba_, [160] he

returned to me, and putting me into a _miyana_ [161] had me carried

along to the house of that indifferent fair, and placed me outside the

_chik_ [of her apartment]. Though no trace of my former self remained,

yet as I had been for a long while constantly with the lovely fair one,

[she must have recognised me]; however, though knowing me perfectly,

she acted as a stranger, and asked the eunuch who I was. That excellent

man replied, "This is that unfortunate, ill-fated wretch who has fallen

under the displeasure and reprehension of your highness; for this

reason his appearance is such; he is burning with the fire of love; how

much soever he endeavours to quench the flame with the water of tears,

yet it burns with double force. Nothing is of the least avail; moreover

he is dying with the shame of his fault." The fair lady jocosely

said, "Why dost thou tell lies? I received from my intelligencers,

[162] many days ago, the news of his arrival in his own country;

God knows who this is of whom you speak." Then the eunuch, putting

his hands together, said, "If security be granted to my life, [163]

then I will be so bold as to address your highness." She answered,

"Speak; your life is secure." The eunuch said, "Your highness is

by nature a judge of merit; for God's sake lift up the screen from

between you, and recognise him, and take pity on his lamentable

condition. Ingratitude is not proper. Now whatever compassion you

may feel for his present condition is amiable and meritorious--to

say more would be [to outstep] the bounds of respect; whatever your

highness ordains, that assuredly is best."

On hearing this speech [of the eunuch], she smiled and said, "Well,

let him be who he will, keep him in the hospital; when he gets well,

then his situation shall be inquired into." The eunuch answered,

"If you will condescend to sprinkle rose-water on him with your own

royal hands, and say a kind word to him, then there may be hopes

of his living; despair is a bad thing; the world exists through

hope." Even on this, the fair one said nothing [to console me]. Hearing

this dialogue, I also continued becoming more and more tired of

existence. I fearlessly said, "I do not wish to live any longer on

these terms; my feet are hanging in the grave, and I must soon die;

my remedy is in the power of your highness; whether you may apply

it or not, that you only know." At last the Almighty [164] softened

the heart of that stony-hearted one; she became gracious and said,

"Send immediately for the royal physicians." In a short time they came

and assembled [around me]; they felt my pulse and examined my urine

with much deliberation; at last it was settled in their prægnosis,

that "this person is in love with some one; except the being united

with the beloved object, there is no other cure; whenever he possesses

her he will be well." When from the declaration of the physicians my

complaint was thus confirmed, the fair lady said, "Carry this young

man to the warm bath, and after bathing him and dressing him in fine

clothes, bring him to me." They instantly carried me out, and after

bathing me and clothing me well, they led me before the lovely angel;

then that beautiful creature said with kindness, "Thou hast constantly,

and for nothing, got me censured and dishonoured; now what more dost

thou wish? Whatever is in thy heart, speak it out quite plainly?"

O, _Darweshes!_ [165] at that moment my emotions were such that

[I thought] I should have died with joy, and- swelled so greatly

with pleasure, that my _jama_ [166] could hardly contain me,

and my countenance and appearance became changed; I praised God,

and said to her, this moment all the art of physic is centered in

you, who have restored a corpse like me to life with a single word;

behold, from that time to this, what a change has taken place in my

circumstances [by the kindness you have shewn]." After saying this,

I went round her three times, [167] and standing before her, I said,

"your commands are that I should speak whatever I have in my heart;

this boon is more precious to your slave than the empire of the seven

climes; then be generous and accept this wretch! keep me at your feet

and elevate me," On hearing this ejaculation, she became thoughtful

for a moment; then regarding me askance, she said, "Sit down; your

services and fidelity have been such that whatever you say becomes you;

they are also engraven on my heart. Well; I comply with your request."

The same day, in a happy hour, and under a propitious star the _kazi_

[168] quite privately performed the marriage rites. After so much

trouble and afflictions, God shewed me this happy day, when I gained

the desires of my heart; but in the same degree that my heart wished

to possess this angelic lady, it felt equally anxious and uneasy to

know the explication of those strange events [which had occurred];

for, up to that day I knew nothing about who she was; or who was

that brown, handsome negro, who on seeing a bit of paper, delivered

to me so many bags of gold; and how that princely entertainment was

prepared in the space of one _pahar_; and why those two innocent

persons were put to death after the entertainment; and the cause

of the anger and ingratitude she showed me after all my services

and kindnesses; and then all at once to elevate this wretch [to

the height of happiness.]. In short, I was so anxious to develop

these strange circumstances and doubts, that for eight days after

the marriage ceremonies, notwithstanding my great affection for her,

I did not attempt to consummate the rites of wedlock. I merely slept

with her at night, and got up in the morning "re non effectâ."

One morning I desired an attendant to prepare some warm water in order

that I might bathe. [169] The princess smiling, said, "Where is the

necessity for the hot water?" I remained silent; but she was perplexed

[to account] for my conduct; moreover, in her looks the signs of anger

were visible; so much so, that she one day said to me, "Thou art indeed

a strange man; at one time so warm before, and now so cold! what do

people call this [conduct]? If you had not manly vigour, then why did

you form so foolish a wish? I then having become fearless, replied,

"O, my darling, justice is a positive duty; no person ought to deviate

from the rules of justice. She replied, "What further justice remains

[to be done]? whatever was to happen has taken place." I answered,

in truth, that which was my most earnest wish and desire I have

gained; but, my heart is uneasy with doubts, and the man whose mind

is filled with suspicions is ever perplexed; he can do nothing, and

becomes different from other human creatures. I had determined within

myself that after this marriage, which is my soul's entire delight,

I would question your highness respecting sundry circumstances which

I do not comprehend, and which I cannot unravel; that from your own

blessed lips I might hear their explanation; then my heart would be at

ease." The lovely lady frowning, said, "How pretty! you have already

forgotten [what I told you]; recollect, many times I have desired you

not to search into my concerns, or to oppose what I say; and is it

proper in you to take, contrary to custom, such liberties?" I laughing

replied, as you have pardoned me much greater liberties, forgive this

also. That angelic fair, changing her looks and getting warm, became a

whirlwind of fire, and said; "You presume too much; go and mind your

own affairs; what advantage can you derive from [the explanation of)

these circumstances?" I answered, "the greatest shame in this world

is the exposure of our person; but we are conversant with one another

[in that respect], hence as you have thought it right to lay aside

this repugnance with me, then why conceal any other secrets from me?"

Her good sense made her comprehend my hint, and she said, "This is

true; but I am very apprehensive if I, wretched, should divulge

my secrets; it may be the cause of great trouble." I answered,

what strange apprehensions you form! do not conceive in your heart

such an idea of me, and relate without restraint all the events of

your life; never, never, shall they pass from my breast to my lips;

what possibility, then, of their reaching the ear of another?" When

she perceived that, without satisfying my curiosity she should have

no rest, being without resource, she said, "Many evils attend the

explanation of these matters, but you are obstinately bent upon

it. Well, I must please you; for which reason I am going to relate

the events of my past life--take care; it is equally necessary for you

to conceal them [from the world]; my information is on this condition."

In short, after many injunctions, she began the relation [of her life]

as follows:--"The unfortunate wretch before you is the daughter of the

King of Damascus; he is a great sovereign among sultans; he never had

any child except me. From the day I was born I was brought up with

great delicacy and tenderness, in joy and happiness under the eye

of my father and mother. As I grew up I became attached to handsome

and beautiful women; so that I kept near my person the most lovely

young girls of noble families, and of my own age; and handsome female

servants of the like age, in my service. I ever enjoyed the amusements

of dancing and singing, and never had a care about the good or evil

of the world. Contemplating my own condition thus free from care,

except the praises of God, nothing else occupied my thoughts.

"It so happened that my disposition became suddenly of itself so

changed, that I lost all relish for the company of others, nor did the

gay assembly afford me any pleasure; my temper became melancholic,

and my heart sad and confused; no one's presence was agreeable to

me, nor did my heart feel inclined for conversation. Seeing this sad

condition of mine, all the female servants were overwhelmed with sorrow

and fell at my feet [begging to know the cause of my gloom]. This

faithful eunuch, who has long been in my secrets, and from whom no

action of my life is concealed, seeing my melancholy, said, 'If the

princess would drink a little of the exhilarating lemonade, [170]

it is most probable that her cheerful disposition would be restored;

and gladness return to her heart.' On hearing him say so, I had a

desire [to taste it], and ordered some to be prepared immediately.

"The eunuch went out [to make it up], and returned, accompanied by a

young boy, who brought a goblet of the lemonade, carefully prepared and

cooled in ice. I drank it, and perceived it produced the good effect

ascribed to it; for this piece of service I bestowed on the eunuch

a rich _khil'at_, [171] and desired him to bring me a goblet of the

same every day at the same hour. From that day it became a regular

duty, that the eunuch came, accompanied by the boy who brought the

lemonade, and I drank it. When its inebriating quality took effect,

I used in the elevation of my spirits to jest and laugh with the boy,

and beguile my time. When his timidity wore off, he began to utter very

agreeable speeches, and related many pleasant anecdotes; moreover,

he began to heave sighs and sobs. His face was handsome and worth

seeing; I began to like him beyond control. I, from the affections

of my heart, and the relish I felt for his playful humour, every

day gave him rewards and gratuities; but the wretch always appeared

before me in the same clothes that he had been accustomed to wear,

and they even were dirty and soiled.

"One day I said to him, you have received a good deal [of money] from

the treasury, but your appearance is as wretched as ever; what is the

cause of it? have you spent the money, or do you amass it?" When the

boy heard these encouraging words, and found that I enquired into

his condition, he said with tears in his eyes, 'Whatever you have

bestowed on this slave, my preceptor has taken from me; he did not

give me one _paisa_ [172] for myself; with what shall I make up other

clothes, and appear better dressed before you? it is not my fault,

and I cannot help it.' At this humble statement of his, I felt pity

for him; I instantly ordered the eunuch to take charge of the boy from

that day, to educate him under his own eye, and give him good clothes,

and not to allow him to play and skip about with other boys; moreover,

that my wish was, he should be taught a respectful mode of behaviour,

to fit him for my own princely service, and to wait on me. The eunuch

obeyed my orders, and perceiving how my inclinations leaned, he took

the utmost care of him. In a little time, from ease and good living,

his colour and sleekness changed greatly, like a snake's throwing

off its slough; I restrained my inclinations as much as I could, but

the [handsome] form of that rogue [173] was so engraven on my heart,

that I fondly wished to keep him clasped to my bosom, and never take

my eyes off him for a moment.

"At last, I made him enter into my companionship, and dressing him in

a variety of rich clothes and all kinds of jewels, I used to gaze at

him. In short, by being always with me, my longing eyes were satisfied

and my heart comforted; I every moment complied with his wants and

wishes; at last, my condition was such, that if on any urgent occasion

he was absent for a moment from my sight, I became quite uneasy. In a

few years he became a youth, and the down appeared on his cheeks; his

body and limbs were well formed! then there began to be a talk about

him out of doors among the courtiers. The guards of all descriptions

began to forbid him from coming and going within the palace. At length,

his entrance into it was quite stopped, and without him I had no rest;

a moment [of absence on his part,] was an age [of pain on mine]. When

I heard these tidings of despair, I was as distracted as if the

day of judgment had burst over me; and such was my condition that I

could not speak a word [to express my wishes]: nor yet could I live

separated from him. I had no means of relief; O God, what could I do;

a strange kind of uneasiness came over me, and in consequence of my

distraction I addressed myself to the same eunuch [who was in all my

secrets], and said to him, 'I wish to take care of this youth. In

fact, the best plan is for you to give him a thousand gold pieces,

to set him up in a jeweller's shop in the _chauk_, that he may from

the profit of his trade live comfortably; and to build him a handsome

house near my residence; to buy him slaves, and hire him servants and

fix their pay, that he may in every way live at his ease.' The eunuch

furnished him with a house, and set up a jeweller's shop for him to

carry on the traffic, and prepared everything that was requisite. In a

short time, his shop became so brilliant and showy, that whatever rich

_khil'ats_ or superb jewels were required for the king and his nobles,

could only be procured there; and by degrees his shop so flourished,

that all the rarities of every country were to be found there; and

the daily traffic of all other jewellers became languid in comparison

with his. In short, no one was able to compete with him in the city,

nor was his equal [to be found] in any other country.

"He made a great deal of money [174] by his business; but [grief

for his] absence daily preyed on my mind, and injured my health;

no expedient could be hit upon by which I might see him, and console

my heart. At last, for the purpose of consultation, I sent for the

same experienced eunuch, and said to him, 'I can devise no plan by

which I may see the youth for a moment, and inspire my heart with

patience. There remains only this method, which is to dig a mine from

his house and join the same to the palace.' I had no sooner expressed

my wish, than such a mine was dug in a few days, so that on the

approach of evening the eunuch used to conduct the young man through

that same passage, in silence and secrecy [to my apartment]. We used

to pass the whole night in eating and drinking, and every enjoyment;

I was delighted to meet him, and he was rejoiced to see me. When the

morning star appeared, and the _muwazzin_ [175] gave notice [of the

time for morning prayers], the eunuch used to lead the youth by the

same way to his house. No fourth person had any knowledge of these

circumstances; [it was known] only to the eunuch and two nurses who

had given me milk, and brought me up.

"A long period passed in this manner; but it happened one day that when

the eunuch went to call him, according to custom, then he perceived

that the youth was sitting sorrowful and silent. The eunuch asked him,

'Is all well to-day? why are you so sad? Come to the princess; she has

sent for you.' The youth made no reply whatever, nor did he move his

tongue. The eunuch returned alone with a similar face, and mentioned

to me the young man's condition. As the devil was about to ruin me,

even after this conduct I could not banish him from my heart; if I

had known that my love and affection for such an ungrateful wretch

would have at last rendered me infamous and degraded, and would have

destroyed my fame and honour; then I should have at that moment

shrunk back from such a proceeding, and should have done penance;

I never again should have pronounced his name, neither should I have

devoted my heart to the shameless [fellow]. But it was to happen so;

for this reason I took no heed of his improper conduct, and his not

coming I imagined to be the affectation and airs of those [who are

conscious of being] beloved; its consequences I have sadly rued, and

thou art now also informed of these events without hearing or seeing

them; or else where were you, and where was I? Well, what has happened

is past. Bestowing not a thought on the conceited airs of that ass,

I again sent him word by the eunuch, saying, 'if thou wilt not come

to me now, by some means or other I will come to thee; but there is

much impropriety in my coming there;--if this secret is discovered,

thou wilt have cause to rue it; so do not act in a manner that will

have no other result than disgrace; it is best that thou comest quickly

[to me], otherwise imagine me arrived [near thee]. When he received

this message, and perceived that my love for him was unbounded,

he came with disagreeable looks and affected airs.

"When he sat down by me, I asked him, 'what is the cause of your

coolness and anger to-day; you never showed so much insolence

and disrespect before, you always used to come without making any

excuses.' To this he replied, 'I am a poor nameless wretch; by your

favour, and owing to you, I am arrived to such power, and with much

ease and affluence I pass my days. I ever pray for your life and

prosperity; I have committed this fault in full reliance on your

highness's forgiveness, and I hope for pardon. As I loved him from

my soul and heart, I accepted his well-turned apology, and not only

overlooked his knavery, but even asked him again with affection,

what great difficulty has occurred that you are so thoughtful?

mention it, and it shall be instantly removed.'

"In short, in his humble way, he replied, 'Everything is difficult to

me; before your highness, all is easy,' At last, from the purport of

his discourse and conversation, it appeared that an elegant garden,

with a grand house in it, together with reservoirs, tanks and wells,

of finished masonry, was for sale, situated in the centre of the

city and near his house; and that with the garden a female slave was

to be sold, who sung admirably and understood music perfectly. But

they were to be sold together, and not the garden alone, 'like the

cat tied to the camel's neck;' [176] and that whoever purchased

the garden must also buy the slave; the best of it was, the price

of the garden was five thousand rupees, and the price of the slave

five hundred thousand. [He concluded saying], 'Your devoted slave

cannot at present raise so large a sum.' I perceived that his heart

was greatly bent on buying them, and that for this reason he was

thoughtful, and embarrassed in mind; although he was seated near me,

yet his looks were pensive and his heart sad: as his happiness every

hour and moment was dear to me, I that instant ordered the eunuch to

go in the morning and settle the price of the garden and the slave,

get their bills of sale drawn up, and deliver them to this person,

and pay the price to their owner from the royal treasury.

"On hearing this order, the young man thanked me, tears of joy

came upon his face; and we passed the night as usual in laughing

and delight; in the morning he took leave. The eunuch, agreeably

to my orders, bought and delivered over to him the garden and the

slave. The youth continued his visits at night, according to custom

[and retired in the morning]. One day in the season of spring, when

the whole place was indeed charming, the clouds were gathering low,

and the rain drizzling fell, the lightning also continued to flash

[through the murky clouds], and the breeze played gently [through

the trees]--in short, it was a delightful scene. When in the _taks_

[177] the liquors of various colours, arranged in elegant phials,

fell upon my sight; my heart longed to take a draught. After I

had drank two or three cupfulls, instantly the idea of the newly

purchased garden struck me. An irrepressible desire arose within me,

when in that state, that for a short time I should enjoy a walk in that

[garden]. When the stream of misfortune flows against us, we struggle

in vain against the tide. [178] I involuntarily took a female servant

with me, and went to the young man's house by the way of the mine;

from thence I proceeded to the garden, and saw that the delightful

place was in truth equal to the Elysian fields. As the raindrops fell

on the fresh green leaves of the trees, one might say they were like

pearls set in pieces of emerald, and the carnation of the flowers,

in that cloudy day, appeared as beautiful as the ruddy crepuscle

after the setting sun; the basons and canals, full of water, seemed

like sheets of mirrors, over which the small waves undulated.

"In short, I was strolling about in every direction in that garden,

when the day vanished and the darkness of night became conspicuous. At

that moment, the young man appeared on a walk [in the garden]; and on

seeing me, he approached with respect and great warmth of affection,

and taking my hand in his, led me to the pavilion. [179] On entering

it, the splendour of the scene made me entirely forget all the beauty

of the garden. The illuminations within were magnificent; on every

side, gerandoles, in the shape of cypresses, and various kinds of

lights in variegated lamps were lighted up; even the _shabi barat_,

with all its moonlight and its illuminations, would appear dark

[in comparison to the brightness which shone in the pavilion]; on

one side, fire-works [180] of every description were displayed.

"In the meantime, the clouds dispersed, and the bright moon appeared

like a lovely mistress clothed in a lilac-coloured robe, who suddenly

strikes our sight. It was a scene of great beauty; as the moon burst

forth, the young man said, 'Let us now go and sit in the balcony which

overlooks the garden.' I had become so infatuated, that whatever the

wretch proposed I implicitly obeyed; now he led me such a dance, that

he dragged me up [to the balcony.] That building was so high, that all

the houses of the city and the lights of the _bazar_, appeared as if

they were at the foot of it. I was seated in a state of delight, with

my arms round the youth's neck; meanwhile, a woman, quite ugly, without

form or shape, entered as it were from the chimney, with a bottle of

wine in her hand; I was at that time greatly displeased at her sudden

entrance, and on seeing her looks, my heart became alarmed. Then,

in confusion, I asked the young man, 'who is this precious hag;

from whence have you grubbed her up?' Joining his hands together, he

replied, 'This is the slave who was bought with the garden through your

generous assistance.' I had perceived that the simpleton had bought

her with much eager desire, and perhaps his heart was fixed on her;

for this reason, I, suppressing my inward vexation, remained silent;

but my heart from that moment was disturbed and displeasure affected

my temper; moreover, the wretch had the impudence to make this harlot

our cup-bearer. At that moment I was drinking my own blood with rage,

and was as uneasy as a parrot shut up in the same cage with a crow:

I had no opportunity of going away, and did not wish to stay. To

shorten the story, the wine was of the strongest description, so

that on drinking it a man would become a beast. She plied the young

man with two or three cups in succession of that fiery liquor, and

I also bitterly swallowed half a cupfull at the importunity of the

youth; at last, the shameless harlot likewise got beastly drunk,

and took very unbecoming liberties with that vile youth; and the

mean wretch also, in his intoxication, having become regardless,

began to be disrespectful, and behave indecently.

"I was so much ashamed, that had the earth opened at the moment I

would have willingly jumped into it; but in consequence of my passion

for him, I, infatuated, even after all these circumstances, remained

silent. However, he was completely a vile wretch, and did not feel the

value of my forbearance. In the fervour of intoxication, he drank off

two cups more, so that his little remaining sense vanished, and he

completely drove from his heart all respect for me. Without shame,

and in the rage of lust, the barefaced villain consummated before

me his career of infamous indecency with his hideous mistress, who,

in that posture, began to play off all the blandishments of love, and

kissing and embracing took place between the two. In that faithless

man no sense of honour remained; neither did modesty exist in that

shameless woman; 'As the soul is, so are the angels.' [181] My state

[of mind] at the time was like that of a songstress who having [lost

the musical time,] sings out of tune. I was invoking curses on myself

for having come there, saying that I was properly punished for my

folly. At last, how could I bear it? I was on fire from head to foot,

and began to roll on live coals. In my rage and wrath I recollected

the proverb, that 'It is not the bullock that leaps, but the sack;

[182] whoever has seen a sight like this?' in saying this to myself,

I came away thence.

"That drunkard in the depravity of his heart thought, if I was

offended now, what then would be his treatment the next day, and

what a commotion I should raise. So he imagined it best to finish

my existence [whilst he had me in his power.] Having formed this

resolution in his mind with the advice of the hag, he put his _patka_

[183] round his neck and fell at my feet, and taking off his turban

from his head, began to supplicate [my forgiveness] in the humblest

manner. My heart was infatuated towards him; whithersoever he turned

I turned; and like the handmill I was entirely under his control. I

implicitly complied with all he desired; some way or other he pacified

me, and persuaded me to retake my seat. He again took two or three

cupfulls of the fiery liquor, and he induced me to drink some also. I,

in the first place, was already inflamed with rage, and secondly,

after drinking such strong liquor I soon became quite senseless--no

recollection remained. Then that unfeeling, ungrateful, cruel wretch

wounded me with his sword; yea, further, he thought he had completely

killed me. At that moment, my eyes opened, and I uttered these words,

'Well, as I have acted, so I have been rewarded; but do thou screen

thyself from the consequences of shedding unjustly my blood. Let it

not so happen that some tyrant should seize thee; do thou wash off

my blood from thy garment; what has happened is past.'

"Do not divulge this secret to any one; I have not been wanting to

thee even with loss of life. Then placing him under the protection

of God's mercy, I fainted [from the loss of blood], and knew nothing

of what afterwards happened. Perhaps, that butcher, conceiving me

dead, put me into the chest, and let me down over the walls of the

fortress, the same as you yourself saw, I wished no one ill; but these

misfortunes were written in my destiny, and the lines of fate cannot

be effaced. My eyes have been the cause of all these calamities: if

I had not had a strong desire to behold beautiful persons, then that

wretch would not have been my bane. [184] God so ordained that He made

thee arrive there; and, He made thee the means of saving my life. After

undergoing these disgraces, I am ashamed to reflect that I should yet

live and show my face to any one. But what can I do? the choice of

death is not in our hands; God, after killing me, hath restored me to

life; let us see what is written in my future fate. In all appearance,

your exertions and zeal have been of use, so that I have been cured

of such wounds. Thou hast been ready to promote my wishes with thy

life and property, and whatever were thy means, thou hast offered

[them cheerfully]. In those days, seeing thee without money and sad,

I wrote the note to _Sidi Bahar_, who is my cashier. In that note, I

mentioned that I was in health and safety in such a place, and I said,

"convey the intelligence of me unfortunate to my excellent mother."

"The _Sidi_ sent by thee those trays of gold for my expenses; and

when I sent thee to the shop of _Yusuf_ the merchant, to purchase

_khil'ats_ and jewels, I felt confident that the weakminded wretch, who

soon becomes friends with every one, conceiving you a stranger, would

certainly form an intimacy with you, and indulging his conceit, invite

you to a feast and entertainment. This stratagem of mine turned out

right, and he did exactly what I had imagined in my heart. Then, when

you promised him to return, and came to me and related the particulars

of his insisting upon it, I was heartily pleased with the circumstance;

for I knew that if you went to his house, and there ate and drank,

you would invite him in return, and that he would eagerly come; for

this reason, I sent thee back quickly to him. After three days, when

you returned from the entertainment, and, quite abashed, made me many

apologies for staying away so long, to make you easy in your mind,

I replied, 'it is of no consequence; when he gave you leave then you

came away; but to be without delicacy is not proper, and we should not

bear another's debt of gratitude without an idea of paying it; now do

you go and invite him also, and bring him along with you.' When you

went away to his house, I saw that no preparations could be got ready

for the entertainment at our house, and if he should all at once come,

what could I do? but it fortunately happened that from time immemorial,

the custom of this country has been for the kings to remain out for

eight months in the year, to settle the affairs of the provinces, and

collect the revenues, and for four months, during the rains, to stay

[in the city] in their auspicious palaces. In those days, the king,

this unfortunate wretch's father, had gone into the provinces some

two or four months previously to arrange the affairs of the kingdom.

"Whilst you were gone to bring the young merchant [to the

entertainment], _Sidi Bahar_ imparted the particulars of my present

situation to the queen (who is the mother of me impure). Again I,

ashamed of my guilty conduct, went to the queen and related to her

all that happened to me. Although she, from motherly affection and

good sense, had used every means to conceal the circumstance of

my disappearance, saying, 'God knows what may be the end of it;'

she conceived it wrong to make public my disgrace for the present,

and for my sake she had concealed my errors in her maternal breast;

but she had all along been in search of me.

"When she saw me in this condition, and heard all the circumstances

[of my misfortune], her eyes filled with tears, and she said,

'O unfortunate wretch! thou hast knowingly destroyed the honour and

glory of the throne; a thousand pities that thou hadst not perished

also; if instead of thee I had been brought to bed of a stone, I

should have been patient; even now [it is not too late to] repent;

whatever was in thy unfortunate fate has happened; what wilt thou do

next? Wilt thou live or die?' I replied, with excessive shame, that

in this worthless wretch's fate it was so written, that I should live

in such disgrace and distress after escaping such various dangers; it

would have been better to have perished; though the mark of infamy is

stamped on my forehead, yet I have not been guilty of such an action

as can disgrace my parents.

"The great pain I now feel is, that those base wretches should escape

my vengeance, and enjoy their crime in each other's company, whilst

I have suffered such affliction from their hands: it is a pity that

I can do nothing [in order to punish them]. I hope one favour [from

your majesty], that you would order your steward to prepare all the

necessary articles for an entertainment at my house, that I may, under

the pretence of an entertainment, send for those two wretches, and

punish them for their deeds and also inflict vengeance for myself. In

the same manner that he lifted his hand upon me and wounded me, may

I be enabled to cut them to pieces; then my heart will be soothed;

otherwise I must continue glowing in this fire of resentment, and

ultimately I must be burnt to cinders. On hearing this speech, my

excellent mother became kind from maternal fondness, and concealed

my guilt in her own breast, and sent all the necessaries for the

entertainment by the same eunuch who is in my secrets. Every necessary

attendant came also, and each was ready in his own appropriate

occupation. In the time of evening, you brought the [base villain

who is now dead]; I wished the harlot should likewise come.

"For this reason I earnestly desired you to send for her; when she

also came and the guests were assembled, they all became thoroughly

intoxicated and senseless by drinking largely of wine; you also got

drunk along with them, and lay like a corpse. I ordered a _Kilmakini_

[185] to cut off both their heads with a sword; she instantly drew

her sword and cut off both their heads, and dyed their bodies with

their blood. The cause of my anger towards thee was this, that I

had given thee permission for the entertainment, but not to become an

associate in wine-drinking, with people thou hadst only known for a few

days. Assuredly this folly on thy part was anything but pleasing to

me; for when you drank till you became senseless, then what hopes of

aid from you remained? But the claims of thy services so cling around

my neck, that, notwithstanding such conduct, I forgive thee. And now,

behold, I have related to thee all my adventures from the beginning to

the end; do you yet desire in your heart any other [explanations]? In

the same manner that I have, in compliance with your wishes, granted

all you requested, do you also in like manner perform what I desire;

my advice on this occasion is, that it is no longer proper either

for you or me to remain in this city. Henceforward you are master."

O devoted to God! [186] the princess having spoken thus far, remained

silent. I, who with heart and soul considered her wishes paramount to

everything, and was entangled in the net of her affections, replied,

"whatever you advise, that is best, and I will without hesitation carry

the same into effect." When the princess found me obedient, and her

servant, she ordered two swift and high-mettled horses (which might

vie with the wind in speed), to be brought from the royal stables,

and kept in readiness. I went and picked out just such beautiful and

high spirited horses as she required, and had them saddled and brought

[to our house]. When a few hours of the night remained, the princess

put on men's clothes, and arming herself with the five weapons, [187]

mounted on one of the horses; I got on the other, completely armed,

and we set out in the same direction.

When night was over, and the dawn began to appear, we arrived on the

banks of a certain lake; alighting from our horses, we washed our

hands and faces; having breakfasted in great haste, we mounted again

and set off. Now and then the princess spoke, and said, "I have for

your sake left fame, honour, wealth, country and parents all behind me;

now, may it not so happen, that you also should behave to me like that

faithless savage." Sometimes I talked of different matters to beguile

the journey, and sometimes replied to her questions and doubts, saying

"O princess, all men are not alike; there must have been some defect

in that base villain's parentage, that by him such a deed was done;

but I have sacrificed my wealth and devoted my life to you, and you

have dignified me in every way. I am now your slave without purchase,

and if you should make shoes of my skin and wear them, I will not

complain." Such conversation passed between us, and day and night

to travel onward was our business. If through fatigue we sometimes

dismounted somewhere, we then used to hunt down the beasts and birds of

the woods, and having lawfully slain them, and applied salt from the

salt-cellar, and having struck fire with steel [188] (from a flint),

we used to broil and eat them. The horses we let loose [to graze],

and they generally found sufficient to satisfy their hunger from the

grass and leaves.

One day we reached a large even plain, where there was no trace of

any habitation, and where no human face could be seen; even in this

[solitary and dreary scene], owing to the princess's company, the day

appeared festive and the nights joyful. Proceeding on our journey,

we came suddenly to a large river, the sight of which would appal

the firmest heart. [189] As we stood on its banks, as far as the eye

could reach, nothing was to be seen but water; no means of crossing

was to be found. O God [cried I], how shall we pass this sea! we stood

reflecting on this sad obstacle for a few moments, when the thought

came into my mind to leave the princess there, and to go in search

of a boat; and that until I could find some means to pass over, the

princess would have time to rest. Having formed this plan, I said,

"O princess, if you will allow me, I will go and look out for a ferry

or ford." She replied, "I am greatly tired, and likewise hungry and

thirsty; I will rest here a little, whilst thou findest out some

means to pass over [the river]."

On that spot was a large _pipal_ [190] tree, forming a canopy [of

such extent], that if a thousand horsemen sheltered themselves under

its wide-spread branches, they would be protected from the sun and

rain. Leaving there the princess, I set out, and was looking all around

to find somewhere or other on the ground, or the river, some trace of

a human being. I searched much, but found the same nowhere. At last,

I returned hopeless, but did not find the princess under the tree; how

can I describe the state of my mind at that moment! my senses forsook

me, and I became quite distracted. Sometimes I mounted the tree,

and looked for her in every individual leaf and branch; sometimes,

letting go my hold, I fell on the ground, and went round the roots

of the tree as one who performs the _tasadduk_ [191]. Sometimes I

wept and shrieked at my miserable condition; now I ran from west

to east, then from north to south. In short, I searched everywhere,

[192] but could not find any trace of the rare jewel [I had lost];

when, at last, I found I could do nothing, then weeping and throwing

dust over my head, I looked for her everywhere.

This idea came into my mind, that perhaps some of the _jinns_ had

carried her away, and had inflicted on me this wound; or else that

some one had followed her from her country, and finding her alone, had

persuaded her to return to Damascus. Distracted with these fancies,

I threw off and cast away my clothes, and becoming a naked _fakir_,

I wandered about in the kingdom of Syria from morn until eve, and

at night lay down to rest in any place [I could find]. I wandered

over the whole region, but could find no trace of my princess, nor

hear any thing of her from any one, nor could I ascertain the cause

of her disappearance. Then this idea came into my mind, that since

I could find no trace of that beloved one, even life itself was a

weariness. I perceived a mountain in some wilderness; I ascended it,

and formed the design of throwing myself headlong [from its summit],

that I might end my wretched existence in a moment, by dashing my

head to pieces against the stones, then would my soul be freed from

a state of affliction.

Having formed this resolution within myself, I was on the point of

precipitating myself [from the mountain], and had even lifted up my

foot, when some one laid hold of my arm. In the meanwhile, I regained

my senses, and looking round, I saw a horseman clothed in green,

with a veil thrown over his face, who said to me, "Why dost thou

attempt to destroy thy life; it is impious to despair of God's mercy;

whilst there is breath, so long there is hope. Three _Darweshes_

will meet thee a few days hence, in the empire of _Rum_, who are

equally afflicted with thyself, entangled in the same difficulties,

and who have met with adventures similar to thine; the name of the

king of that country is _Azad Bakht_; he is also in great trouble;

when he meets you and the other three _Darweshes_, then the wishes

and desires of the heart of each of you will be completely fulfilled."

I instantly laid hold of the stirrup [of this guardian angel,]

and kissed it, and exclaimed, "O messenger of God, the few words

you have pronounced have consoled my afflicted heart; but tell me,

for God's sake, who you are, and what is your name." He replied,

"My name is _Murtaza 'Ali_, [193] and my office is this, that to

whomsoever there occurs a danger or difficulty, I am at hand to afford

relief." Having said this much, he vanished from my sight. In short,

having set my heart at ease from the happy tidings I received from

my spiritual guide _[Murtaza 'Ali_], "the remover of difficulties,"

I formed the design of [proceeding to] Constantinople. On the road I

suffered all those misfortunes which were decreed me by fate; with

the hopes of meeting the princess. Through the assistance of God,

I am come here, and by good fortune I have become honoured by your

presence. The promised meeting has taken place between us, and we have

enjoyed each other's society and conversation; now it only remains

for us to be known to, and acquainted with, the king _Azad Bakht_.

Assuredly after this, we five shall attain the desires of our

hearts. Do you also beseech the blessings of God, and say amen. O

ye holy guides! such have been the adventures which have befallen

this bewildered wanderer, which have been faithfully related in your

presence; now let us look forward [to the time] when my trouble and

sorrows will be changed into joy and gladness by the recovery of the

princess. _Azad Bakht_, concealed in silence in his corner, having

heard with attention the story of the first _Darwesh_, was greatly

pleased; then he betook himself to listen to the adventures of the

next _Darwesh_.