ADVENTURES OF THE SECOND DARWESH

When it came to the turn of the second _Darwesh_ to speak, he placed

himself at his ease, [194] and said--

"O friends, to this _fakir's_ story listen a little;--

I will tell it to you,--from first to the last, listen;

Whose cure no physician can perform;

My pain is far beyond remedy,--listen."

O ye clothed in the _dalk!_ [195] this wretch is the prince of the

kingdom of Persia; men skilled in every science are born there, for

which reason the [Persian] proverb "_Isfahan nisfi Jahan_," [196] or

"_Ispahan_ is half the world," has become well known. In the seven

climes, there is no kingdom equal to that ancient kingdom; the star

of that country is the sun, and of all the seven constellations it

is the greatest. [197] The climate of that region is delightful,

and the inhabitants are of enlightened minds, and refined in their

manners. My father (who was the king of that country), in order to

teach me the rules and lessons of government, made choice of very

wise tutors in every art and science, and placed them over me for my

instruction from my infancy. So, having received complete instruction

in every kind [of knowledge], I am now learned. With the favour of God,

in my fourteenth year I had learned every science, polite conversation,

and polished manners; and I had acquired all that is fit and requisite

for kings to know; moreover, my inclinations night and day, led me to

associate with the learned, and hear the histories of every country,

and of ambitious princes and men of renown.

One day, a learned companion, who was well versed in history, and

had seen [a great deal of] the world, said to me, "That though there

is no reliance on the life of man, yet such excellent qualities are

often found in him, that owing to them, the name of some men will be

handed down with praise on people's tongues to the day of judgment." I

begged of him to relate circumstantially a few instances on that score,

that I might hear them, and endeavour to act accordingly. Then that

person began to relate as follows, some of the adventures of _Hatim

Ta'i_. "That there lived in the time of _Hatim_, a king of Arabia,

named _Naufal_, who bore great enmity towards _Hatim_, on account of

his renown, and having assembled many troops, he went up to give him

battle. _Hatim_ was a God-fearing and good man; he thus conceived,

that, "If I likewise prepare for battle, then the creatures of God

will be slaughtered, and there will be much bloodshed; the punishment

of heaven for which will be recorded against my name." Reflecting on

this, he quite alone, taking merely his life with him, fled and hid

himself in a cave in the mountains. When the news of _Hatim's_ flight

reached _Naufal_, he confiscated all the property and dwellings of

_Hatim_, and proclaimed publicly, that whoever would look out for him

and seize him, should receive from the king's treasury five hundred

pieces of gold. On hearing this [proclamation], all became eager,

and began to make diligent search for _Hatim_.

"One day, an old man and his wife, taking two or three of their young

children with them, for the purpose of picking up wood, strayed near

the cave where _Hatim_ was concealed; and began to gather fuel in

that same forest. The old woman remarked, 'If our days had been at all

fortunate, we should have seen and found _Hatim_ somewhere or other,

and seizing him, we should have carried him to _Naufal_; then he would

give us five hundred pieces of gold, and we should live comfortably,

and be released from this toil and care,' The old woodman said,

'What art thou prating about? it was decreed in our fate, that we

should pick up wood every day, place it on our heads, and sell it in

the _bazar_, and [with its produce] procure bread and salt; or one

day the tiger of the woods will carry us off: peace, mind thy work;

why should _Hatim_ fall into our hands, and the king give us so much

money?' The old woman heaved a cold sigh, and remained silent.

"_Hatim_ had heard the words of the two [old people], and conceived it

unmanly and ungenerous to conceal himself to save his life, and not

to conduct those helpless ones to the object of their desire. True

it is, that a man without pity is not a human being, and he in whose

heart there is no feeling is a butcher.

'Man was created to exercise compassion,

Otherwise, angels were not wanting for devotion.'

In short, _Hatim's_ manly mind would not allow him to remain concealed,

after what he had with his own ears heard [from the woodman]; he

instantly came out, and said to the old man, 'O friend, I myself

am _Hatim_, lead me to _Naufal_; on seeing me, he will give thee

whatever amount of money he has promised.' [198] The old woodman

replied, 'It is true that my welfare and advantage certainly consist

in doing so, but who knows how he will treat thee; if he should put

thee to death, then what shall I do? This, on my part, can never

be done--that I should deliver over thee to thine enemy for the

sake of my own avarice. In a few days I shall spend the [promised]

wealth, and how long shall I live? I must die at last; then what

answer shall I give to God?' _Hatim_ implored him greatly, and said,

'Take me along with thee--I say so of my own pleasure; I have ever

desired that, should my wealth and life be of use to some one or other

[of my fellow creatures], then so much the better.' But the old man

could not in any way be persuaded to carry _Hatim_ along with him, and

receive the [proclaimed reward. At last, becoming hopeless, _Hatim_

said, 'If you do not carry me in the way I wish, then I will go of

myself to the king, and say, this old man concealed me in a cave

in the mountains,' The old man smiled and said, 'If I am to receive

evil for good, then hard will be my fate.' During this conversation,

other men arrived, and a crowd assembled [around them]; perceiving the

person they saw to be _Hatim_, they instantly seized him and carried

him along; the old man also, a little in the rear, followed them in

silent grief. When they brought _Hatim_ before _Naufal_, he asked,

'Who has seized and brought him here?' A worthless, hard-hearted

[boaster] answered, 'Who could have performed such a deed except

myself? This achievement belongs to my name, and I have planted the

standard [of glory] in the sky.' Another vaunting fellow clamoured,

'I searched for him many days in the woods, and caught him at last,

and have brought him here; have some consideration for my labour,

and give me what has been promised.' In this manner, from avidity

for the [promised] pieces of gold, every one said he had done the

deed. The old man, in silence, sat apart in a corner, and heard all

their boastings, and wept for _Hatim_. When each had recounted his

act of bravery and enterprise, then _Hatim_ said to the king, 'If you

ask for the truth, then it is this; that old man, who stands aloof

from all, has brought me here; if you can judge from appearances,

then ascertain the fact, and give him for my seizure what you have

promised; for in the whole body the tongue [199] is a most sacred

[member]. It is incumbent upon a man to perform what he has promised;

for in other respects God has given tongues to brutes likewise; then

what would have been the difference between a man and other animals?'

"_Naufal_ called the old wood-cutter near him, and said, 'Tell the

truth; what is the real state of the matter; who has seized and

brought _Hatim_ here?' The honest fellow related truly all that had

occurred from beginning to end, and added, '_Hatim_ is come here of

his own accord for my sake.' _Naufal_, on hearing this manly act of

_Hatim's_, was greatly astonished, and exclaimed, 'How surprising

is thy liberality! even thy life thou hast not feared to risk [for

the good of others]!' With regard to all those who laid false claims

to having seized _Hatim_, the king ordered them to have their hands

tied behind their backs, and instead of five hundred pieces of gold,

to receive each five hundred strokes of a slipper on their heads,

so that their lives might perish [under the punishment]. Instantly,

the strokes of the slippers began to be laid on in such a style, that

in a short time their heads became quite bald. True it is, that to tell

an untruth is such a guilt, that no other guilt equals it; may God keep

every one free from this calamity, and not give him a propensity for

telling lies; many people persevere in uttering falsehoods, but at

the moment of detection they meet with their dessert.

"In short, _Naufal_ having rewarded all of them according to their

desserts, thought it contrary to gentlemanly conduct and manliness

of character to harbour enmity and strife towards a man like _Hatim_,

from whom multitudes received happiness, and who, for the sake of the

necessitous, did not even spare his own life, and was entirely devoted

to the ways of God. He instantly seized _Hatim's_ hand with great

cordiality and friendship, and said to him, 'Why should it not be the

case? [200] such a man as you are can perform such an action.' Then

the king, with great respect and attention, made _Hatim_ sit down

near him, and he instantly restored to him the lands and property,

and the wealth and moveables, he had confiscated; and bestowed on him

anew the chieftainship of the tribe of _Ta,i_, and ordered the five

hundred pieces of gold to be given to the old man from the treasury,

who, blessing [the king], went away."

When I had heard the whole of this adventure of _Hatim's_, a spirit

of rivalry came into my mind; and this idea occurred to me, viz.,

"_Hatim_ was the only chief of his own tribe [of Arabs]. He, by

one act of liberality has gained such renown, that to this day it

is celebrated; whilst I am, by the decree of God, the king of all

_Iran_; and it would be a pity if I were to remain excluded from this

good fortune. It is certain that in this world no quality is greater

than generosity and liberality; for whatever a man bestows in this

world, he receives its return in the next. If any one sows a single

seed, then how much does he reap from its produce! With these ideas

impressed upon my mind, I called for the lord of the buildings, and

ordered him to erect, as speedily as possible, a grand palace without

the city, with forty high and wide gates. [201] In a short time, even

such a grand palace as my heart wished for, was built and got ready,

and in that place every day at all times, from morning till night,

I used to bestow pieces of silver and gold on the poor and helpless;

whoever asked for anything in charity, I granted it to the utmost of

his desire.

In short, the necessitous entered [daily] through the forty gates,

and received whatever they wanted. It happened one day that a _fakir_

came in from the front gate and begged some alms. I gave him a gold

piece; then the same person entered through the next gate, and asked

two pieces of gold; though I recollected him [to be the same _fakir_],

I passed over [the circumstance] and gave them. In this manner he came

in through each gate, and increased a piece of gold in his demand

each time; and I knowingly appeared ignorant [of the circumstance],

and continued supplying him according to his demand. At last he

entered by the fortieth gate, and asked forty pieces of gold--this

sum I likewise ordered to be given him. After receiving so much,

the _fakir_ re-entered from the first gate and again begged alms:

his conduct appeared to me highly impudent, and I said, hear, O

avaricious man, what kind of a _fakir_ art thou, that dost not even

know the meaning of the three letters which compose the word [Arabic:

faqr] _fakr_ (poverty); a _fakir_ ought to act up to them. He replied,

"Well, generous soul, explain them yourself." I answered, "[Arabic:

f] _fe_ means _faka_ (fasting); [Arabic: q] _kaf_ signifies _kina'at_

(contentment); and [Arabic: r] _re_ means _riyazat_ (devotion); [202]

whoever has not these three qualities, is not a _fakir_. All this

which you have received, eat and drink with it, and when it is done,

return to me, and receive whatever thou requirest. This charity is

bestowed on thee to relieve immediate wants and not for the purpose

of accumulation. O avidious! from the forty gates thou hast received

from one piece of gold up to forty; add up the amount, and see by the

rule of arithmetical progression how many pieces of gold it comes to;

and even after all this, thy avarice hath brought thee back again

through the first gate. What wilt thou do after having accumulated so

much money? A [real] _fakir_ ought only to think [of the wants] of the

passing day; the following day the great Provider [of necessaries]

will afford thee a new pittance. Now evince some shame and modesty;

have patience, and be content; what sort of mendicity is this that

thy spiritual guide hath taught thee?"

On hearing these reproaches of mine, he became displeased and angry,

and threw down on the ground all [the money] he had received from me,

and said, "Enough, sir, do not be so warm; take back your gifts and

keep them, and do not again pronounce the word generosity. It is very

difficult to be generous; you are not able to support the weight of

generosity, when will you attain to that station? [203] you are as

yet very far from it. The word [Arabic: sakhy] _Sakhi_ (generous),

is also composed of three letters; first act up to the meaning of

those three letters, then you will be called generous." On hearing

this I became uneasy, and said to the _fakir_, well, holy pilgrim,

explain to me the meaning of those three letters. He replied, "from

[Arabic: s] _sin_ is derived _sama,i_ (endurance); from [Arabic: kh]

_khe_ comes _khaufi Ilahi_ (fear of God); and from [Arabic: y]_ye_

proceeds _yad_ (remembrance of one's birth and death). Until one

is possessed of these three qualities, he should not mention the

name of generosity; and the generous man has also this happiness,

that although he acts amiss [in other points], yet he is dear to

his Maker [on account of his generosity]. I have travelled through

many countries, but except the princess of _Basra_, I have not seen a

[person really] generous. The robe of generosity God hath shaped out on

[the person] of that woman; all others desire the name, but do not act

up to it." On hearing this, I made much entreaty, and conjured him

[by all that was sacred] to forgive my rebuke, and take whatever he

required. He would not, on any account, accept my proffered gifts,

but went away repeating these words, "Now if thou wert to give all

thy kingdom, I would not spit upon it, nor would I even **." [204]

The pilgrim went away, but having heard such praises of the princess

of _Basra_, my heart became quite restless, and no way could I be

easy. Now this desire arose within me, that by some means or other

I must go to _Basra_ and take a look at her.

In the meantime, the king, my father, died, and I ascended the

throne. I got the empire, but the idea [I had formed of going to

_Basra]_] did not leave me. I held a consultation with the _wazir_

and nobles, who were the support of the throne, and the pillars of

the empire, saying, I wish to make a journey to _Basra_. Do ye remain

steady in your respective stations; if I live, then the duration of

the journey will be short; I will soon be back. No one seemed pleased

at the idea of my going; in my helplessness, my heart continued to

become more and more sorrowful. One day, without consulting any one,

I privately sent for the resourceful _wazir_, and made him regent

and plenipotentiary [during my absence], and placed him at the head

of the affairs of the empire. I then put on the ochre-coloured habit

[of a pilgrim], and, assuming the appearance of a _fakir_, I took the

road to _Basra_ alone. In a few days, I reached its boundaries, and

[constantly] began to witness this scene; wherever I halted for the

night, the servants of the princess advanced to receive me, and made me

halt at some elegant house, and they used to provide me in perfection

with all the requisites of a banquet, and to remain in attendance on

me all night with the utmost respect. The following day, at the next

stage, I experienced the same reception. In this comfort I journeyed

onwards for months; at last I entered [the city of] _Basra_. I had

no sooner entered it, than a good-looking young man, well dressed,

and well-behaved, who carried wisdom in his looks, came up to me, and

said with extreme sweetness of address, "I am the servant of pilgrims;

I am always on the look out to conduct to my house all travellers,

whether pilgrims or men of the world, who come to this city; except

my house alone, there is no other place here for a stranger to put

up at; pray, holy sir, come with me, bestow honour on my abode,

and render me exalted.

I asked him, "what is the noble name of your honour?" He replied,

"they call the name of this nameless one _Bedar Bakht_." Seeing his

good qualities and affable manners, I went along with him and came to

his house. I saw a grand mansion fitted up in a princely style--he

led me to a grand apartment, and made me sit down; and sending for

warm water, he caused [the attendants] to wash my hands and feet;

and having caused the _dastar-khwan_ [205] to be spread, the steward

placed before me alone a great variety of trays and dishes, and large

quantities of fruit and confectionery. [206] On seeing such a grand

treat, my very soul was satiated, and taking a mouthful from each dish,

my stomach was filled; I then drew back my hand from eating. [207]

The young man became very pressing, and said, "Sir, what have you

eaten? all the dinner remains as it were for a deposit; [208] eat

some more without ceremony." I replied, there is no shame in eating;

God prosper your house, I have eaten as much as my stomach can

contain, and I cannot sufficiently praise the relish of your feast,

and even now my tongue smacks with their flavour, and every belch

[209] I make is absolutely perfumed, now pray take them away. "When

the _dastar-khwan_ was removed, they spread a carpet of _kashani_

velvet, and brought to me ewers and basins of gold, with scented soap

and warm water, wherewithal I might wash my hands; then _betel_ was

introduced, in a box set with precious stones, and spices of various

kinds; whenever I called for water to drink, the servants brought

it cooled in ice. When the evening came, camphorated candles were

lighted up in the glass shades; and that friendly young man sat down

near me and entertained me with his conversation. When one watch of

the night had elapsed, he said to me, "be pleased to sleep in this

bed, in front of which are curtains and screens." I said, O, Sir,

for us pilgrims a mat or a deer-skin is sufficient; this [luxury]

God has ordained for you men of the world.

He replied, "All these things are for pilgrims; they do not in the

least belong to me." On his pressing me so urgently, I went and lay

down on the bed which was softer than even a bed of flowers. Pots

of roses and baskets of flowers were placed on both sides of the

bedstead, and aloes and other perfumes were burning; to whichever

side I turned, my senses were intoxicated with fragrance; in this

state I slept. When the morning came, [the attendants] placed before

me for breakfast, almonds, pistachio nuts, grapes, figs, pears,

pomegranates, currants, dates, and _sharbat_ made of fruit. In this

festive manner I passed three days and nights. On the fourth day I

requested leave to depart. The young man said, with joined hands,

"Perhaps I have been deficient in my attentions to you, for which

reason you are displeased." I replied with astonishment, for God's

sake, what a speech is this? the rules of hospitality [require one

to stay] three days--these have I fulfilled; to remain longer would

be improper; and besides this, I have set out to travel, and if I

remain merely at one place, then it will not suit; for which reason

I beg leave to depart; in other respects, your kindness is such that

my heart does not wish to be separated from you.

He then said, "Do as you please; but wait a moment, that I may go to

the princess and in her presence mention [the circumstance]; and as you

wish to depart [be it known to you], that all the wearing apparel and

bedding, also the vessels of silver and gold, and the jewelled vessels

in this guest's apartment, are your property; whatever directions

you may give for the purpose of taking them away, an arrangement [to

that effect] shall be made." I answered, "cease [210] to talk in this

manner; I am a pilgrim, and not a strolling bard; if such avarice had

a place in my heart, then why should I have turned pilgrim; and where

would be the evil of [my leading] a worldly life?" That kind young

man replied, "If the princess should hear of this circumstance [of

your refusal], she will discharge me from my employment, and God knows

what other punishment I shall receive; if you are so indifferent [to

possess them], then lock up all these articles in a room, and put your

seal on the door, and you may hereafter dispose of them as you please."

I would not accept [his offer], and he would not submit [to me]. At

last, this plan was adopted, I locked them all up in a room, and

put my seal on the door, and waited [with impatience] for leave

of departing. In the meantime a confidential eunuch, having on his

head an aigrette, and a short robe round his loins, and a golden mace

studded with gems in his hand, accompanied by several other respectable

attendants, filling [various] offices, came near me with this splendour

and pomp. He addressed me with such kindness and complaisance that

I cannot express it, and added, "O, sir, if shewing kindness and

benevolence, you do me the favour to dignify my humble dwelling with

your presence, then it will not be far from courtesy and condescension.

Perhaps the princess will hear that a traveller had been here, and no

one had received him with courtesy and politeness; and that he had

gone away as he came; for this reason God knows what punishment she

will inflict on me, or how far her displeasure will be raised; yea

more, it is a matter affecting my life," I refused to listen to his

request, but through dint of solicitations he overcame my resistance,

and conducted me to another house, which was better than the first

Like the former host, he entertained me twice a day for three days and

nights, with the same kind of meals, and in the morning and afternoon

sherbet, and fruits for passing away the time, and he told me that I

was the master of all the rich gold and silver dishes, carpets, &c,

and that I might do with them whatever I pleased.

On hearing these strange proposals, I was quite confounded, and

wished that I might by some means take my leave and escape from this

place. On perceiving my [embarassed] countenance, the eunuch said,

"O creature of God, whatever your wants or wishes may be, impart them

to me, that I may lay them before the princess." I replied, "in the

garb of a pilgrim, how can I desire the riches of this world, which

you offer me unasked, and which I refuse?" He then said, "The desire

of worldly goods forsakes the heart of no one, for which reason some

poet has composed these verses:--

"I have seen [ascetics] with nails unpared;

I have seen [others] with hair thickly matted;

I have seen _jogis_ [211] with their ears split,

Having their bodies covered with ashes;

I have seen the _maunis_ [212] who never speak;

I have seen the _sevras_ [213] with heads shaved;

I have seen [the people] sporting,

In the forest of _Ban-khandi_;

I have seen the brave, I have seen heroes;

I have seen the wise and the foolish, all;

I have seen those filled with delusion,

Continuing in forgetfulness amidst their wealth;

I have seen those [who were] happy from first to last.

I have seen those [who were] afflicted from their birth;

But never have I seen those [men]

In whose minds avarice did not exist."

On hearing these [lines], I replied, what you say is true, but I

want nothing; if you will permit, I will write out a note and send it

which will express my wish, and which you will convey to the presence

of the princess, it will be [doing me] a great favour, as if I had

received all the riches in the world. The eunuch said, "I will do it

with pleasure, there is no difficulty in it." I immediately wrote a

note to the following purport:--first, I began with the praise of

God; I then related my circumstances and situation, saying, "that

this creature of God had, some days since, arrived in the city,

and from the munificence of her government, had been taken care

of in every way; that I had heard such accounts of her highness's

generosity and munificence, as had raised in me an ardent desire

to see her, and that I had found those qualities four-fold greater

than they had been represented. Your nobles now tell me to set forth

before you whatever wants or wishes I may have; for this reason I

beg to represent to you without ceremony the wishes of my heart. I

am not in want of the riches of this world. I am also the king of

my own country; my sole reason for coming so far and undergoing such

fatigues, was the ardent desire I had to see you, which motive only

has conducted me here in this manner quite alone. I now hope through

your benevolence to attain the wishes of my heart; I shall then be

satisfied. Any further favours will rest with your pleasure; but if the

request of this wretch is not granted, then he will wander about in

this same manner, encountering hardships, and sacrifice his restless

life to the passion he feels for you. Like _Majnun_ and _Farhad_,

[214] he will end his life in some forest or mountain."

Having written my wishes, I gave the note to the eunuch; he carried

it to the princess. After a short while, he returned and called me,

and conducted me to the door of the seraglio. On arriving there,

I saw an elderly and respectable woman dressed in jewels, sitting on

a golden stool, and many eunuchs and other servants richly clothed,

were standing before her with arms across. I imagining her to be the

superintendent of affairs, and regarding her as a venerable [person],

made her my obeisance; the old lady returned my salute with much

civility, and said, "Come and sit down, you are welcome; it is you

who wrote an affectionate note to the princess." I feeling ashamed,

hung down my head and remained sitting silent.

After a short pause, she said, "O, young man, the princess has sent

you her _salam_, [215] and said thus, 'There is nothing wrong in my

taking a husband; you have solicited me [in marriage]; but to speak

of your kingdom, and to conceive yourself a king in this mendicant

state, and to be proud of it, is quite out of place; for this reason,

that all men among each other are certainly equal; although superior

consideration ought to be due to those who are of the religion of

_Muhammad_. I also have wished for a long while to marry, and as you

are indifferent to worldly riches, to me likewise God has given such

wealth as cannot be counted. But there is one condition, that first

of all you procure my marriage portion.' [216] The marriage-gift of

the princess," added the old lady, "is a certain task to perform,

if yon can fulfil it." I replied, "I am ready in every way, and I

shall not be sparing of my wealth or life; tell me what the task is,

that I may hear it. The old woman then said, "Remain here to-day,

and tomorrow I will tell it to you." I accepted [her proposal] with

pleasure, and taking my leave, I came out.

The day had in the meantime passed away, and when the evening came, a

eunuch called upon me, and conducted me to the seraglio. On entering,

I saw that the nobles, the learned, the virtuous, and the sages of

the divine law were present. I likewise joined the assembly and sat

down. In the meantime the cloth for the repast was spread, and eatables

of every variety, both sweet and salt, were laid out. They all began

to eat, and with courtesy solicited me to join them. When dinner was

over, a female servant came out from the interior [of the seraglio]

and asked, "Where is _Bahrawar_? call him." The servants in waiting

brought him immediately; his appearance was very respectable, and many

keys of silver and gold were suspended from his waist. After saluting

me, he sat down by me. The same female servant said, "O, _Bahrawar_,

whatever thou hast seen, relate it fully [to this stranger]."

_Bahrawar_, addressing himself to me, began the following

narration:--"O, friend! our princess possesses thousands of slaves,

who are established in trade; among them I am one of the humblest of

her hereditary servants. She sends them to different countries with

goods and merchandise, worth _lakhs_ of rupees, of which they have

the charge; when these return [from the respective countries to which

they were sent to trade], then the princess, in her own presence,

inquires of them the state and manners of such country, and hears

[their different accounts]. Once it so happened that this meanest

[of her slaves] went to the country and city of _Nimroz_ [217] to

trade, and perceiving that all the inhabitants were dressed in black,

and that they sighed and wept every moment, and it appeared to me

that some sad calamity had befallen them. From whomsoever I asked

the reason [of these strange circumstances], no one would answer my

inquiry. One day, the moment the morning appeared, all the inhabitants

of the city, little and great, young and old, poor and rich, issued

forth. They went out and assembled on a plain; the king of the country

went there also mounted on horseback, and surrounded by his nobles;

then they all formed a regular line, and stood still.

"I also stood among them to see the strange sight, for it clearly

appeared that they were waiting for [the arrival of] some one. In an

hour's time a beautiful young man, of an angelic form, about fifteen or

sixteen years of age, uttering a loud noise, and foaming at the mouth,

and mounted on a dun bull, holding something in one hand, approached

from a distance, and came up in front of the people; he descended from

the bull, and sat down [oriental fashion] on the ground, holding the

halter of the animal in one hand, and a naked sword in the other;

a rosy-coloured, beautiful [attendant] was with him; the young man

gave him that which he held in his hand; the slave took it, and went

along showing it to all of them from one end of the line to the other;

but such was the nature [of the object], that whoever saw it, the same

involuntarily wept aloud and bitterly [at the strange sight]. In this

way he continued to show it to every one, and made every one weep; then

passing along the front of the line, he returned to his master again.

"The moment he came near him, the young man rose up, and with the

sword severed the attendant's head [from his body], and having again

mounted his bull, galloped off towards the quarter from whence he had

come. All [present] stood looking on. When he disappeared from their

sight, the inhabitants returned to the city. I was anxiously asking

every one I met the real meaning of this strange occurrence; yea, I

even held out the inducement of money and beseeched and flattered them

to get an explanation, who the young man was, and why he committed

the deed [I had seen], and from whence he came, and where he went,

but no one would give me the slightest information on the subject,

nor could I comprehend it. When I returned here, I related to the

princess the astonishing circumstance I had seen. Since then, the

princess herself has been amazed [at the strange event], and anxious

to ascertain its real cause. For which reason she has been fixed

on this very point as her marriage portion, that whatever man will

bring her a true and particular account of that strange circumstance,

she will accept him [in marriage]; and he shall be the master of all

her wealth, her country, and herself."

[_Bahrawar_ concluded by saying], "You have now heard every

circumstance; reflect within yourself if you can bring the intelligence

[which is required] respecting the young man, then undertake the

journey towards the country of _Nimroz_, and depart soon, or else

refuse [the conditions and the attempt], and return to your home." I

answered, "If God please, I will soon ascertain all the circumstances

[relating to the strange event], and return to the princess with

success; or if my fate be unlucky, then there is no remedy; but the

princess must give me her solemn promise she will not swerve from what

she engages [to perform]. And now an uneasy apprehension arises in

my heart; if the princess will have the benevolence to call me before

her, and allow me to sit down outside the _parda_, and hear with her

own ears the request I have made, and favour me with an answer from

her own lips; then my heart will be at ease, and every thing will be

possible for me." These my requests the female servant related to the

fairy-formed princess. At last, by way of condescension, she ordered

me to be called before her.

The same female returned, and conducted me to the apartment where the

princess was; what [a display of beauty] I saw! Handsome female slaves

and servants, and armed damsels, from _Kilmak, Turkistan, Abyssinia,

Uzbak Tartary and Kashmir_, were drawn up in two lines, dressed in

rich jewels, with their arms folded across, and each standing in her

appropriate station. Shall I call this the court of Indra? or is it

a descent on the part of the fairies? an involuntary sigh of rapture

escaped [from my breast], and my heart began to palpitate; but I

forcibly restrained myself. Regarding them all around, I advanced on;

but my feet became each as heavy as a hundred _mans_. [218] Whenever I

gazed on one of those lovely women, my heart was unwilling to proceed

farther. On one side [of the saloon] a screen was suspended, and a

stool set with precious stones was placed near it, as well as a chair

of sandal-wood; the female servant made me a sign to sit down on the

[jewelled] stool; I sat down upon it, and she seated herself on the

[sandal-wood chair]; she said, "Now, whatever you have to say, speak

it fully and from the heart."

I first extolled the princess's excellent qualities, also her justice

and liberality; I then added, that "ever since I have entered the

limits of this country, I saw at every stage accommodations for

travellers and lofty buildings; and found everywhere servants of all

grades appointed to attend upon travellers and necessitous persons. I

have likewise spent three days at every halting place, and the fourth

day, when I wished to take my leave, no one said with good will, "You

may depart;" and whatever articles and furniture had been [applied to

my use] at those places, such as chequered carpets, [219] &c., &c.,

I was told that they were all mine, and that I might either take

them away or lock them up in a room, and put my seal on it; that,

should it be my pleasure, whenever I came back I might take them

away. I have done so; but the wonder is, that if a lonely pilgrim

like me has met with such a [princely] reception, then there must

be thousands of such pilgrims who will resort to your dominions; and

if every one is hospitably received in the same manner [as myself],

sums incalculable must be spent. Now, whence comes the great wealth

of which there is such an expenditure, and of what nature is it? The

treasures of _Karun_ would not be equal to it; and if we look at the

princess's territories, it would appear that their revenues would

hardly suffice to defray the kitchen charges, setting the other

expenses aside. If the princess would condescend to explain this

[seeming wonder] with her own lips, then, my mind being set at ease,

I shall set out for the country of _Nimroz_; and reaching it by some

means or other, after having learned all the particulars [of the

strange circumstance], I will return, if God should spare my life,

to the presence of the princess, and attain the desires of my heart."

On hearing these words, the princess herself said, "O youth, if you

have a strong desire to know the exact nature of these circumstances,

then stay here to-day also. I will send for you in the evening,

and the account of my vast riches shall be unfolded to you without

any reservation." After this assurance, I retired to my place of

residence, and waited anxiously, (saying,) "when will the evening

arrive, that my curiosity may be gratified?" In the meantime a eunuch

brought some covered trays on the heads of porters, and laid them

before me, and said, "The princess has sent you a dinner [220] from

her own table; partake of it." When he uncovered the trays before

me, the rich fragrance [of the meats] intoxicated my brains, and my

soul became satiated. I ate as much as I could, and sent away the

rest, and returned my grateful thanks [to the princess.] At last,

when the sun, the traveller of the whole day, wearied and fatigued,

reached his home, and the moon advanced from her palace, attended by

her companions, then the female servant came to me and said, "Come,

the princess has sent for you."

I went along with her; she led me to the private apartment; the

effect of the lights was such that the _shabi kadr_ [221] was nothing

to it. A _masnad_, covered with gold, was placed on rich carpets,

with a pillow studded with jewels; over it an awning of brocade was

stretched, with a fringe of pearls on [silver] poles studded with

precious stones; and in front of the _masnad_ artificial trees formed

of various jewels, with flowers and leaves attached, (one would say

they were nature's own production,) were erected in beds of gold; and

on the right and left, beautiful slaves and servants were in waiting

with folded arms and down-cast eyes, in respectful attitude. Dancing

women and female singers, with ready-tuned instruments, attended to

begin their performances. On seeing such a scene and such splendid

preparations, my senses were bewildered. I asked the female servant

[who came with me] "there is here such gay splendour in the scene

of the day, and such magnificence in that of the night, that the

day may very justly be called _'Id_, and the night _shabi barat_;

moreover, a king who possessed the whole world could not exhibit

greater splendour and magnificence. Is it always so at the princess's

court? The servant replied, "The princess's court ever displays the

same magnificence you see now; there is no abatement [or difference],

except that it is sometimes greater: sit you here; the princess is

in another apartment,--I will go and inform her of your arrival."

Saying this, the nurse went away and quickly returned; he desired

me to come to the princess. The moment I entered her apartment I was

struck with amazement. I could not tell where the door was, or where

the walls, for they were covered with Aleppo mirrors, of the height

of a man, all around, the frames of which were studded with diamonds

and pearls. The reflection of one fell on the other, and it appeared

as if the whole room was inlaid with jewels. At one end a _parda_

was hung, behind which the princess sat. The female servant seated

herself close to the _parda_, and desired me to sit down also;

then she began the following narrative, according to the princess's

commands--"Hear, O intelligent youth! The sultan of this country was

a potent king; he had seven daughters born in his house. One day, the

king held a festival, and these seven daughters were standing before

him [superbly dressed], with each sixteen jewels, twelve ornaments,

and in every hair an elephant pearl. Something came into the king's

mind, and he looked towards his daughters and said, 'If your father

had not been a king, and you had been born in the house of some poor

man, then who would have called you princesses? Praise God that you

are called princesses; all your good fortune depends on my life.'

"Six of his daughters being of one mind, replied, 'Whatever your

majesty says, is true, and our happiness depends on your welfare

alone.' But the princess now present, though she was younger [than

all her sisters], yet even in sense and judgment, even at that age,

she was superior to them, all. She stood silent, and did not join her

sisters in the reply they made; for this reason, that to say so was

impious. The king looked towards her with anger, and said, 'Well, my

lady, you say nothing; what is the cause of this?' Then the princess,

tying both her hands with a handkerchief, humbly replied, 'If your

majesty will grant me safety [of my life], and pardon my presumption,

then this humble slave will unfold the dictates of her heart.' The

king said, 'Speak what thou hast to say.' Then the princess said,

'Mighty king, you must have heard, that the voice of truth is bitter;

for which reason, disregarding life at this moment, I presume to

address your majesty; whatever the great Writer has written in

[the book of] my destiny, no one can efface, and in no way can it

be evaded. "Whether you bruise your feet [by depending on your own

exertions], or lay your head on the carpet [in prayer], your fate

[written] on the forehead, whatever it be, shall come to pass."

"'That Almighty Ruler, who has made you a king, He indeed also has

made me a princess. In the arsenal of his omnipotence, no one has

power. You are my sovereign and benefactor, and if I should apply the

dust which lies under your auspicious feet, as a colyrium [for my

eyes], then it would become me; but the destinies of every one are

with every one.' The king, on hearing this [speech], became angry;

the reply displeased him highly, and he said with wrath, 'What great

words issue from a little mouth! Now let this be her punishment, that

you strip off whatever jewels she has on her hands and feet, and let

her be placed in a sedan-chair, and set down in such a wilderness,

where no human traces can be found; then we shall see what is written

in her destinies.'

"According to the king's commands, at that midnight hour, when it

was the very essence of darkness, the princess (who had been reared

with such delicacy and tenderness), and had seen no other place

except her own apartments, was carried by the porters in a litter,

and set down in a place where not even a bird ever flapped its wing,

much less did human creatures there exist; they left her there and

returned. The princess's heart was all at once in such a state [as

cannot be conceived]; reduced to what she was, from what she had

been! Then in the threshold of God, she offered up her prayers, and

said, "Thou art so mighty [O Lord], that what thou hast wished, Thou

hast done; and whatever Thou willest, Thou dost; and whatever Thou

mayest wish, that Thou wilt do: whilst life remains in my nostrils,

I shall not be hopeless of [thy protection']. Impressed with these

thoughts, she fell asleep. When the morn appeared, the eyes of the

princess opened; she called for water to perform her ablutions. Then,

all at once, the occurrences of last night came to her recollection;

she said to herself, 'Where art thou, and where this speech?' [222]

Saying this to herself, she got up, and performed the _tayammum_,

[223] said her prayers, and poured forth the praises of her Maker! O

youth, the heart is torn with anguish to reflect on the princess's

sad condition at that time. Ask that innocent and inexperienced heart

what it felt.

"In short, she sat in the litter, and putting her trust in God,

she repeated to herself at that moment these verses:--

"When I had no teeth, then thou gavest milk;

When thou hast given teeth, wilt thou not grant food!

He who takes care of the fowls of the air,

And of all the animals of the earth,

He will also take care of thee.

Why art thou sad, simple-minded one!

By being sorrowful thou'lt get nothing;

He who provides for the fool, for the wise, and for the whole world,

Will likewise provide for thee.'

"It is true, that when no resource remains, then God is remembered,

or else every one in his own plans, thinks himself a _Lukman_, and a

_Bu' Ali Sina_. [224] Now listen to the surprising ways of God. In

this manner three days clear passed away, during which a grain of

food did not enter the princess's mouth; her flower-like frame became

quite withered as a [dry] thorn; and her colour, which hitherto

shone like gold, became yellow as turmeric; her mouth became rigid,

and her eyes were petrified, but still a faint respiration remained

passing and re-passing. Whilst there is life, there is hope. In the

morning of the fourth day, a hermit appeared of bright countenance,

in appearance like _Khizr_, [225] and of an enlightened heart. Seeing

the princess in that state, he said, 'O daughter, though your father

is a king, yet these [sorrows] were decreed in thy destiny. Now,

conceive this old hermit your servant, and think day and night of

your Maker. God will do what is right.' And whatever morsels the

hermit had in his wallet, he laid them before the princess; then

he went in search of water; he saw a well, but where were the wheel

and bucket by means of which he might draw the water? He pulled off

some leaves from a tree, and made a cup, and taking off his sash,

he fastened the cup to it, and drew up some water, and gave it to the

princess. At last she regained her senses. The holy man, seeing her

helpless and solitary state, gave her every consolation, and cheered

her heart; and he himself began to weep. When the princess saw his

sympathetic grief, and [heard] his kind assurances, she became easy in

her mind. From that day, the old man made this an established rule,

that in the morning he went to the city to beg, and brought to the

princess whatever scraps or morsels he received.

"In this way a few days passed. One day the princess designed to put

some oil in her hair, and comb it; just as she opened the plaits of her

hair a pearl round and brilliant dropped out. The princess gave it to

the hermit, and desired him to sell it in the city, and bring her the

amount. He sold that pearl, and brought back the money received for

it to the princess. Then the princess desired that a habitation fit

for her residence might be erected on that spot. The hermit replied,

'O daughter, do you dig the foundation for the walls, and collect some

earth; I will, some of these days, bring some water, knead the clay

[for the bricks], and erect a room for you.' The princess, on his

advice, began to dig the ground; when she had dug a yard in depth,

behold, under the soil a door appeared. The princess cleared away the

earth [which lay before it]; a large room filled with jewels and gold

pieces appeared: she took four or five handfuls of gold and closed

the door, and having filled up the place with earth, made level its

surface. In the meantime the hermit returned. The princess said to him,

"bring good masons and builders, and workmen of every kind, expert

and masters in their craft, so that a grand palace may be erected on

this spot equal to the palace of _Kasra_, [226] and superior to the

palace of _Ni'man_; [227] and that the fortifications of the city,

a fort, a garden, a well, and an unrivalled caravanserai [be built

as soon as possible]; but first of all, draw out the plans on paper

and bring them to me for approval."

"The hermit brought clever, skilful, intelligent workmen, and had

them ready. The erection of the different buildings was soon begun

according to the princess's directions, and clever and trusty servants

for every office were chosen and entertained. The news of the erection

of such princely buildings by degrees reached the king, the shadow of

Omnipotence, who was the princess's father. On hearing it, he became

greatly surprised, and asked every one, 'Who is this person who has

begun to erect such edifices?' No one knew anything of the matter to

be able to give a reply. All put their hands on their ears and said,

'No one of your slaves knows who is the builder of them.' Then the king

sent one of his nobles with this message, 'I wish to come and see those

buildings, and to know also of what country you are the princess, and

of what family; for I wish much to ascertain all these circumstances.'

"When the princess received this agreeable intelligence, she was

greatly pleased in her mind, and wrote the [following letter]: 'To

the protector of the world, prosperity! On hearing the intelligence of

your majesty's visit, to my humble mansion, I am infinitely rejoiced;

and it has been the cause of respect and dignity to me, the meanest

[of your slaves]. How happy is the fate of that place where your

majesty's footsteps are impressed, and on the inhabitants of which

the shadow of the skirt of your prosperity is cast; may they both be

dignified with the look of favour! This slave hopes that to-morrow,

being Thursday, is a propitious day, and to me, it is more welcome than

the day of _Nau Roz_, [228] your majesty's person resembles the sun;

by condescending to come here, be pleased to bestow, with your light,

value and dignity on this worthless atom, and partake of whatever

his humble slave can provide; this will be the essence of benevolence

and courtesy, on the part of your majesty: to say more would exceed

the bounds of respect.' To the nobleman who brought the message she

made some presents, and dismissed him [with the above reply.]

"The king read the letter, and sent word, saying, 'We have accepted

your invitation, and will certainly come.' The princess ordered the

servants and all the attendants to get ready the necessary preparations

for an entertainment, with such propriety and elegance, that the king,

on seeing [the banquet] and eating thereof, might be highly pleased;

and that all who came with the king, great and little, should be well

entertained and return content. From the princess's strict directions,

the dishes, of every kind, both salt and sweet, were so deliciously

prepared, that if the daughter of a _Brahman_ [229] had tasted them,

she would have become a _Musalman_. [230] When the evening came, the

king went to the princess's palace, seated on an uncovered throne; the

princess, with her ladies in waiting, advanced to receive him; when

she cast her eyes on the king's throne, she made the royal obeisance

with such proper respect, that on seeing it, the king was still more

surprised; with the same profound respect she accompanied the king

to the throne, set with jewels, which she had erected for him. The

princess had prepared a platform of 125,000 pieces of silver; [231] a

hundred and one trays of jewels and of gold pieces, and woollen shiffs,

shawls, muslins, silk and brocades; two elephants and ten horses, of

_'Irak_ and _Yaman_, with caparisons set with precious stones, were

likewise prepared [for the royal acceptance]. She presented these to

his majesty, and stood before him herself with folded arms. The king

asked with great complacency, 'Of what country are you a princess,

and for what reasons are you come here?'

"The princess, after making her obeisance, replied, 'This slave is

that offender who in consequence of the royal anger was sent to this

wilderness, and all these things which your majesty sees are the

wonderful works of God.' On hearing these words, the king's blood

glowed (with paternal warmth), and rising up, he pressed the princess

fondly to his bosom, and seizing her hand, he ordered her to be seated

on a chair that he had placed near the throne; but still the king was

astonished and surprised [at all he saw], and ordered that the queen,

along with the princesses, should come thither with all speed. When

they arrived, the mother and sisters recognised [the princess], and,

embracing her with fondness, wept over her, and praised God. The

princess presented her mother and sisters with such heaps of gold

and jewels, that the treasures of the world could not equal them in

the balance. Then the king, having made them all sit in his company,

partook of the feast [which had been prepared].

"As long as the king lived, the time passed in this manner; sometimes

the king came [to visit the princess], and sometimes carried the

princess with him to his own palaces. When the king died, the

government of the kingdom descended to this princess; for, except

herself, no other person [of her family] was fit for this office. O,

youth, the history [of the princess] is what you have heard. Finally,

heaven-bestowed wealth never fails, but the intentions of the possessor

must [at the same time] be just; moreover, how much soever is spent

[out of this providential wealth] so much also is the increase: to be

astonished at the power of God, is not right in any religion." The

female servant, after finishing this narrative, said, "Now if you

still intend to proceed to the country of _Nimroz_, and if you are

determined in your mind to bring the requisite intelligence, then

depart soon." I replied, I am going this moment, and if God pleases

I shall be back very soon. At last, taking leave [of the princess]

and relying on the protection of God, I set out for that quarter.

In about a year's time, after encountering many difficulties, I

arrived at the city of _Nimroz_. All the inhabitants of that place

that I saw, noble or common, were dressed in black, and whatever

I had heard, that I fully perceived. After some days the evening

[232] of the new moon occurred. On the first day of the month, all

the inhabitants of the city, little and great, children, nobles,

prince, women and men, assembled on a large plain. I also, bewildered

and distracted in my condition, went along with the vast concourse;

separated from my country and possessions, in the garb of a pilgrim,

I was standing to behold the strange sight, and to see what might

result from the mysterious scene. In the meantime, a young man

advanced from the woods, mounted on a bull, foaming at the mouth,

and roaring and shouting [in a frightful manner]. I, miserable, who

had undergone such labour, and overcome so many dangers, and had come

there to ascertain the circumstances, yet on seeing the young man I was

quite confounded and stood silent with astonishment. The young man,

according to his usual custom, did what he used to do, and returned

[to the woods]; and the concourse of people from the city likewise

returned thither. When I had collected my senses, I then repented

[saying to myself], "What is this you have done? Now it is your lot to

wait anxiously for another whole month." Having no remedy, I returned

with the rest; and I passed that month like the month of _Ramazan_,

[233] counting one day after another. At last the new moon appeared,

and was hailed by me as _'Id_. [234] On the first of the month, the

king and the inhabitants again assembled on that same plain; then I

determined, that this time, let what will happen, I would be resolute,

and propound this mysterious circumstance.

Suddenly the young man appeared, mounted, according to custom, on a

yellow bull, and, dismounting, sat down [on the ground]; in one hand

he held a naked sword, and in the other the bull's halter; he gave

the vase to his attendant, who, as usual, showed it to every one,

and carried it back [to his master]. The crowd, on seeing the vase,

began to weep; the young man broke the vase, and struck such a blow on

the slave's neck as to sever his head from his body, and, he himself

remounting the bull, returned [towards the woods]. I began to run

after him, with all speed, but the inhabitants laid hold of my hand,

and exclaimed, "What is this you are going to do? why, knowingly, art

thou about to perish? If thou art so tired of life, there are a great

many ways of dying, by which thou mayest end thy existence." How much

soever I beseeched them [to let me go], and even had recourse to main

force, in order that by some means I might escape from their hands,

yet I could not release myself. Three or four men clung fast to me,

and having seized me, led me towards the city. I again suffered for

another whole month in a strange state of disquietude.

When that month passed also, and the last day of it had elapsed, all

the inhabitants assembled on the plain on the following morning in

the same manner. I, apart from all, arose at the hour of [morning]

prayer. I went before all the others [were astir] into the woods,

and there lay concealed, exactly on the road by which the young man

was to pass; for no one could there restrain me [from executing my

project]. The young man came in the usual manner, performed the same

acts [already described], re-mounted, and was returning. I followed

him, and eagerly running up, I joined him. The young man, from the

noise of my steps, perceived that some body was coming after him. All

at once, turning round the halter of his bull, he gave a loud shout,

and threatened me; then drawing his sword, he advanced towards me,

and was about to strike. I bent down with the utmost respect, and

made him my _salam_, and joining both my hands together, I stood in

silence. That person being a judge of respectful behaviour [restraining

his blow], said to me. "O pilgrim, thou wouldest have been killed for

nothing, but thou hast escaped--thy life is prolonged; get away. Where

art thou going?" He then drew a jewelled dagger, having a tassel set

with pearls, from his waist, and threw it towards me, and added, "At

this moment I have no money about me to give thee; carry this [dagger]

to the king, and thou wilt get whatever thou askest." To such a degree

did my fear and dread of him prevail, that I had not power to speak

or ability to move; my voice was choked, and my feet became heavy.

After saying this, the brave young man, roaring aloud, went on. I said

to myself, "let what will happen, to remain behind now is, in thy case,

folly thou wilt never again get such an opportunity [to execute thy

project]. Regardless, therefore, of my life, [235] I also went on. He

again turned round and forbade me in great wrath [to follow him],

and seemed determined to put me to death. I stretched forth my neck,

and conjuring him [by all that was sacred], I said, "_O Rustam_ [236]

of these days, strike such a blow that I may be cut clean in two;

let not a fibre remain together, and let me be released from this

wandering and wretched state; I pardon you my blood." He replied,

"O demon-faced! why dost thou for nothing bring thy blood on my head,

and makest me criminal; go thy own way; what! is thy life become a

burden to thee?" I did not mind what he said, but advanced; then he

knowingly appeared not to regard me, and I followed him. Proceeding

on about two _kos_, we passed the wood, and came to a square building;

the young man went up to the door and gave a frightful scream; the door

opened of itself; he entered, and I remained altogether outside. O God,

[said I] what shall I now do? I was perplexed; at last, after a short

delay, a slave came out and brought a message, saying, "Come in, he

has called you to his presence; perhaps the angel of death hovers

over your head; what evil fortune has befallen you?" I replied,

"Verily it is good fortune;" and without fear, I entered along with

him into the garden.

At last, he led me to a place where [the young man was sitting]; on

seeing him, I made him a very low [237] _salam_; he beckoned me to sit

down; I sat down with respect. What do I see but the young man sitting

alone on a _masnad_, with the tools of a goldsmith lying before him;

and he had just finished a branch of emeralds. When the time came for

him to rise up, all the slaves that were around the place concealed

themselves in [different] rooms; I also from fear hid myself in a

small closet. The young man rose up, and having fastened the chains

of all the apartments, he went towards the corner of the garden, and

began to beat the bull he usually rode. The noise of the animal's

roaring reached my ear, and my heart quaked [with fear]; but as I

had ran all these risks to develop this mystery, I forced the door,

though trembling with fear, and under the screen of the trunk [238]

of a tree, I stood and saw [what was going on]. The young man threw

down the club with which he was beating [the bull], and unlocked

a room and entered it. Then, instantly coming out, he stroked the

bull's back with his hand, and kissed its mouth; and having given

it some grain and grass, he came towards me. On perceiving this,

I ran off quickly, and hid myself in the room.

The young man unfastened the chains of all the rooms, and the whole

of the slaves came out, bringing with them a small carpet, a wash-hand

basin, and a water pot. After washing his hands and face, he stood up

to pray; when he had finished his prayers, he called out, "Where is the

pilgrim?" On hearing myself called, I ran out and stood before him;

he desired me to sit down; after making him a _salam_, I sat down;

the dinner was served; he partook of it, and gave me some, which I

also ate. When the dishes were removed, and we had washed our hands,

he dismissed his slaves and told them to go to rest. When no one

[except ourselves] remained in the apartment, he then spoke to me,

and asked, "O friend, what great misfortune has befallen thee that

thou goest about seeking thy death?" I related in full detail all the

adventures of my life, from beginning to end, and added, that, "from

your goodness, I have hopes of obtaining my wishes." On hearing this,

he heaving a deep sigh, went raving mad, and began to say, "O God! who

except thee is acquainted with the tortures of love! He whose chilblain

has not yet broken out, how can he know the pains of others? he only

knows the degree of this pain who has felt the pangs of love!

'The anguish of love, you must ask of the lover,

Not of him who feigns, but of the true lover.'"

A moment after, coming to himself, he heaved a heart-burning sigh;

the room resounded with it; then I perceived that he was likewise

tortured with the pangs of love, and was suffering from the same

malady [as myself]. On this discovery, I plucked up courage and said,

"I have related to you all my own adventures; now do me the favour to

impart to me the past events [of your life]; I will then first of all

assist you as far as I can, and by exerting myself obtain for you the

desires of your heart." In short, that true lover, conceiving me his

companion and fellow-sufferer, began the relation of his adventures

in the following manner. "Hear, O friend! I whose heart is tortured

with anguish, am the prince of this country of _Nimroz_; the king,

that is to say, my father, at my birth, collected together all the

fortune tellers, astrologers and learned men, and ordered them to cast

and examine my horoscope, to fix my nativity, and to state in full

to his majesty whatever was to befall me every individual moment, and

hour, and _pahar_, and day, and month, and year, [of my life]. They all

assembled according to the king's order, and consulting together, they,

from their mystical science, ascertained my future fate, and said,

'By the blessing of God, the prince has been begotten and born under

such a propitious planet, and in such a lucky moment, that he ought

to be equal to Alexander in extent of dominion, and in justice equal

to _Naushirwan_. He will be, moreover, proficient in every science,

and every [branch of] learning, and towards whatever subject his

heart is inclined, he will accomplish it with perfection. He will

in generosity and bravery acquire such renown, that mankind will no

longer remember _Hatim_ and _Rustam_; but until [he attains] the age

of fourteen, he is exposed to great danger if he sees the sun or moon;

yea, it is to be feared he may become a mad demoniac, and shed the

blood of many; and restless [of living in society], he will fly to

the woods, and associate with beasts and birds; great and strict

pains must be taken that he should never behold the sun by day or

the moon by night, or cast a look even towards the heavens. If this

period [of fourteen years] pass away without danger and in safety,

then for the rest of his life he will reign in peace and prosperity.'

"On hearing this [prognostication], the king ordered this garden to

be laid out, and caused to be built in it many apartments of various

kinds. He gave an order for me to be brought up in a vault, lined

[on the inside] with felt, so that not a single ray of light from the

sun or moon might penetrate [into my apartment]. I had a wet nurse and

all other kinds of female servants and attendants attached to me, and

was brought up in this grand palace with this [imagined] security. A

learned tutor, who was skilled in public affairs, was appointed to

[superintend] my education; so that I might acquire every science

and art, and the practice of the seven varieties of penmanship; and

my father always looked after me; the occurrences of every day and

every moment were told to the king. I considered that same place as

the whole world, and amused myself with toys and flowers; and I had

procured for me every delicacy the world [could produce] for my food;

whatever I desired I had. By the age of ten years, I had acquired

every species of learning, and every useful accomplishment.

"One day, beneath that dome, an astonishing flower appeared from

the sky-light, which increased in size as I gazed upon it; I wished

to seize it with my hands, but as I stretched them towards it, it

ascended [and eluded my grasp]. I, having become astonished, was

looking steadfastly at it, when the sound of a loud laugh reached my

ear; I raised my head to look [towards the dome from which the noise

proceeded]. Then I saw that a face, resplendent as the full moon,

having rent the felt, continued issuing forth. On beholding it, my

reason and senses vanished. On coming to myself, I looked up, and

saw a throne of jewels raised on the shoulders of fairies; a person

was seated on it, with a crown of precious stones on her head, and

clothed in a superb dress; she held in her hand a cup made of ruby,

and seated, was drinking wine. The throne descended by slow degrees

from its height, and rested on [the floor of] the dome. Then the

fairy called me, and placed me beside her [on the throne]; she began

to make use of expressions of endearment, and having pressed her

lips to mine, she made me drink a cup of rosy wine, and said, 'The

human race is faithless, but my heart loves thee.' The expressions

she uttered were so endearing and so fascinating, that in a moment

my heart was enraptured, and I felt such pleasure as if I had tasted

the supreme joys of life, and thus I conceived that I had only on

that day entered the world [of enjoyment].

"The result is my present state! but no one [on earth] hath ever seen,

or heard such ecstatic pleasure! In that zest, with our hearts at

ease, we both were seated, when all at once our joys were dashed to

pieces! Now listen to the unlooked-for circumstance [which produced

this sudden change]. At the moment, four fairies descended from

the heavens, and whispered something in that beloved one's ear. On

hearing it, her colour changed, and she said to me, 'O my beloved,

I fondly wished to pass some moments with you, and regale my heart,

and to repeat my visits in the same manner, or to take thee with

me. But fate will not permit two persons [like us] to remain in one

place in peace and felicity; farewell, my beloved! may God protect

you!' On hearing these [dreadful words], my senses vanished, and my

bliss fled from my grasp. [239] I cried, 'O my charmer, when shall

we meet again? what dreadful words of wrath are these which you have

made me hear? If you will return quickly, then you will find me alive,

otherwise you will regret the delay; or else tell me your name and

place of residence, that I may from those directions, by diligent

search, conduct myself to you.' On hearing this she said, 'God forbid

[you should do so]; may the ears of Satan be deaf; may your age amount

to a hundred and twenty years; [240] if we live we shall meet again;

I am the daughter of the king of the _Jinns_, and I dwell in the

mountain of _Kaf_. [241] On saying this, she caused the throne to

ascend, [242] and it ascended in the same manner as it had descended.

"Whilst the throne was in sight, our eyes were fixed on each other;

when it disappeared from my eyes, my state became such as if the

shadow of a fairy had fallen on me; a strange sort of gloom was

spread over my heart, and my understanding and consciousness left

me; the world appeared dark under my eyes; distracted and confused,

I wept bitterly, and scattered dust over my head, and tore my clothes;

I became regardless of food and drink, nor cared for good or evil.

'What various evils result from this same love!

In the heart are produced sadness and impatience.' [243]

"My misfortune was soon known to my nurse and preceptor; with fear

and trembling they went before the king, and said, 'Such is the

state of the prince of the people of the world; we do not know how

this disaster has suddenly and of itself fallen upon him, so that

rest, food, and drink have all [on his part] been abandoned.' [On

hearing these sad tidings] the king immediately came to the garden

[where I resided], accompanied by the _wazir_, intelligent nobles,

wise physicians, true astrologers, learned _mullas_, holy devotees,

and men abstracted from worldly affairs. On seeing my distracted,

sighing, weeping condition, his mind became also distracted; he wept,

and with fond affection clasped me to his breast, and gave orders for

my proper treatment. The physicians wrote out their prescriptions, in

order to strengthen my heart and cure my brain, and the holy priests

wrote out charms [244] and amulets, some to be swallowed, and others to

be worn on my person, and having each repeated prayers [of exorcism],

they began to blow upon me; the astrologers said this misfortune had

happened owing to the revolution of the stars [for the averting] of

it, give pious donations. In short, every one advised according to his

science; but what was passing within me, my heart alone experienced;

no one's assistance or remedy was of avail to my evil destiny; day

after day my lunacy increased, and my body became emaciated from the

want of nourishment. There remained for me only to shriek and moan,

day and night. Three years passed away in this state. In the fourth

year, a merchant, who was on his travels, arrived, and brought with

him into the royal presence rare and valuable articles of different

countries; he met with a gracious reception.

"The king favoured him greatly, and after inquiries respecting

his health, he said to him, 'You have seen many countries; have you

anywhere seen a truly learned physician, or have heard of such from any

one?' The merchant replied, 'Mighty sire, this slave has travelled a

great deal; in the middle of the [Ganges] river in _Hindustan_ there

is a small mountain; there a _Jata-dhari Gusa,in_ [245] has built a

large temple to _Mahadev_, [246] together with a place of worship,

and a garden of great beauty, and in that [mountain-island] he lives;

and his custom is this, that once a year on the day of _Shevrat_,

[247] he comes out of his dwelling, swims in the river, and enjoys

himself. After washing himself, when he is returning to his abode, then

the sick and afflicted of various countries and regions, who come there

from afar, assemble near his door. Of these a numerous crowd is formed.

"'The holy _Gusa,in_ (who ought to be called the Plato [248] of these

days), moves along examining the urine, and feeling the pulse of each,

and giving each a recipe. God has given him such healing power,

that, on taking his medicines, their effects are instantaneous,

and the disease utterly vanishes. These circumstances I have seen

with my own eyes, and adored the power of God which has created such

beings! If your majesty orders it, I will conduct the prince of the

people of the world to that [wonderful man], and show the prince

to him; I firmly hope he will soon be completely cured; moreover,

this scheme is externally beneficial, for from inhaling the air of

various places, and from the diet and drink of different countries

[through which we shall pass], the prince's mind will be restored

to cheerfulness.' The merchant's advice seemed very proper to the

king, and being pleased, he said, 'Very well; perhaps the holy man's

treatment may prove efficacious, and this melancholy may be removed

from my son's mind.' The king appointed a confidential nobleman,

who had seen the world, and had been tried on [various] occasions,

together with the merchant, to attend me, and he furnished us with the

requisite equipment. Having seen us embark on boats of every variety,

together with our baggage, he dismissed us. Proceeding onwards,

stage after stage, we arrived at the place [where the holy _Gusa,in_

lived]. From change of air, and from living on a different diet,

my mind became somewhat composed; but there still remained the same

state of silence; and I wept incessantly. The recollection of the

lovely fairy was not for a moment effaced from my mind; if I spoke

sometimes, it was only to repeat these lines:--

'I know not what fairy-faced one has glanced over me,

But my heart was sound and tranquil not long ago.'

At last, when two or three months had passed away, nearly four

thousand sick had assembled on the rock, and all said, 'If God please,

the _Gusa,in_ will shortly come out of his abode, and bestow on us

his advice, and we shall be perfectly cured.' In short, when that

day arrived, the _Gusa,in_ appeared in the morning, like the sun,

and bathed and swam in the river; he crossed over it and returned,

and rubbed ashes of cow-dung over his body, and hid his fair form

like a live coal under the ashes. He made a mark with sandal wood on

his forehead, girded on his _langoti_, [249] threw a towel over his

shoulders, tied his long hair up in a knot, twisted his mustachios,

and put on his shoes. It appeared, from his looks, that the whole

world possessed no value to him. Having put a small writing desk set

with gems under his arm, and looking at each [patient] in turn, he

gave them his recipes, and came to me. When our looks met, he stood

still, paused for a moment, and then said to me, 'Come with me.' I

went along with him.

"When he had done with all the rest, he led me into the garden, and

into a neat and richly-ornamented private apartment, and he said

to me, 'Do you make your residence here,' and went himself to his

abode. When forty days had elapsed, he came to me, and found me better

comparatively with [what I had been] before. He then, smiling, said,

'Amuse yourself by walking about in this garden, and eat whatever

fruits you like.' He gave me a china pot filled with _ma'jun_, [250]

and added, 'Take without fail six _mashas_ [251] from this pot every

morning, fasting.' Saying this, he went away, and I followed strictly

his prescription. My body perceptibly gained strength daily, and my

mind composure, but mighty love was still triumphant; that fairy's

form ever wandered before my eyes.

"One day I perceived a book [252] in a recess in the wall; I took it

down, and saw that all the sciences relating to the future and the

present world were comprised in it, as if the ocean had been compressed

into a vase. I used to read it at all times; I acquired great skill

in the science of physic, and the mystical art of philters. A year

passed away in the meantime, and again that same day of joy returned;

the _Gusa,in_, having arisen from his devotional posture, came out

[of his abode]; I made him my _salam_; he gave me the writing case, and

said, 'Accompany me.' I [accordingly] went along with him. When he came

out of the gate a vast crowd showered blessings on him. The nobleman

and the merchant, seeing me with the _Gusa,in_, fell at his feet, and

began to pour forth their blessings on him, saying, "by the favour of

your holiness, this much at least has been effected." The _Gusa,in_

went to the _ghat_ of the river, according to custom, and performed

his ablutions and devotions, as he was wont to do every year; returning

[from thence], he was proceeding along the line and examining the sick.

"It happened, that in the group of lunatics, a handsome young man,

who had scarce strength to stand up, attracted the _Gusa,in's_

attention. He said to me, 'Bring him with you.' After delivering his

prescriptions of cure to all, he went into his private apartment and

opened a little of the young lunatic's skull; he attempted to seize

with his forceps the centipede which was curled on his brain. An idea

struck me, and I spoke out, saying, 'If you will heat the forceps

in the fire, and then apply it to the centipede's back, it will be

better, as it will then come out of its own accord; but if you thus

attempt to pull it off, it will not quit its grasp on the brain, and

[the patient's] life will be endangered.' [253] On hearing this, the

_Gusa,in_ looked towards me; silently he rose up, and, without saying

a word, he went to the corner of the garden, and seizing a tree in his

grasp, he formed his long hair into a noose, and hanged himself. I went

to the spot, and saw, alas! alas! that he was dead. I became quite

afflicted at the strange and astonishing sight; but being helpless,

I thought it best to bury him. The moment I began to take him down

from the tree, two keys dropt from his locks; I took them up, and

interred that treasure of excellence in the earth. Having taken with

me the two keys, I began to apply them to all the locks. By chance

I opened the locks of two rooms with these keys, and perceived that

they were filled from the floor to the roof with precious stones;

in one place I saw a chest covered with velvet, with clasps of gold,

and locked. When I opened it, then I saw in it a book, in which was

written the "Most awful of Names," [254] and the mode of invoking the

genii, and the fairies, and the holding of intercourse with spirits,

and how to subdue them, also the mode of charming the sun.

"I became quite delighted at the idea of having acquired such a

treasure, and began to put those [charms] in practice. I opened the

garden door, and said to the nobleman, and to those who had come

with me, 'Send for the vessels [which had brought us, and embark in

them all these jewels, specie, merchandise, and books,' and having

embarked myself in a small vessel, I proceeded from thence to the

main ocean. When sailing along, I approached my own country. The

intelligence reached my father. He mounted his horse, and advanced to

meet us; with anxious affection he clasped me to his bosom; I kissed

his feet, and said, 'May this humble being be allowed to live in the

former garden?'

"The king replied, 'O my son, that garden appears to me calamitous,

and I have therefore forbidden its being kept up; that spot is not

at present fit for the abode of man; reside in any other abode which

your heart may desire. You had best choose some place in the fort, and

live under my eyes; and having there formed such a garden as you wish,

continue to walk about and to amuse yourself.' I strenuously resisted

and caused the former garden to be repaired once more, and having

embellished it like a perfect paradise, I went to reside in it. There,

at my ease, I fasted forty days for the purpose of subduing the _jinns_

to my will; and having abandoned living creatures, I began to practise

[my spells] on the world of spirits.

"When the forty days were completed, such a terrible storm arose at

midnight, that the very strongest buildings fell down, and trees

were uprooted and scattered in all directions; an army of fairies

appeared. A throne descended from the air, on which a person of

dignified appearance was seated, richly dressed, with a crown of

pearls on his head. On seeing him, I saluted him with great respect;

he returned my salutation, and said, 'O friend, why hast thou raised

this commotion for nothing? what dost thou want with me?' I replied,

'This wretch has been long in love with your daughter, and for her

I have every where wandered about wretched, distracted, and am dead,

though alive; I am now sick of existence, and have staked my life on

this deed which I have done. All my hopes now rest on your benevolence,

that you will exalt this unfortunate wanderer with your favour, and

that you will bestow on me life and happiness, by allowing me to behold

[your fair daughter]; it will be an act of great merit.' [255]

"On hearing my wishes he said, 'Man is made of earth, and we are formed

of fire; connection between two such [classes] is very difficult.' I

swore an oath, saying, 'I only desire to see her, and have no other

purpose.' Again the king [of the fairies] replied, 'Man does not

adhere to his promises; in time of need he promises everything, but

he does not keep it in recollection. I say this for thy good; for if

ever thou formest other wishes, then she and thou wilt be ruined and

undone; moreover, it will endanger your lives.' I repeated my oaths,

and added, that whatever could injure both of us, I would never do, and

that all I desired was to see her sometimes. These words were passing

[between us], when suddenly, the fairy (of whom we were talking)

appeared before us, with much splendour, and completely adorned;

and the throne of the king [of the fairies] remounted thence. I then

embraced the fairy with fond eagerness, and repeated this verse:--

'Why should not she of the arched eyebrows come [to my house],

She for whose sake I have fasted for forty days.'

In that state of felicity we resided together in the garden. I

dreaded through fear to think of other joys; I only tasted the

superficial pleasure [of her roseate lips], and constantly gazed

upon her charms. The lovely fairy, seeing me so true to my oath, was

surprised within herself, and used sometimes to say, 'O my beloved,

you are indeed strictly faithful to your promise; but I will give you,

by the way of friendship, a piece of advice; take care of your mystical

book; for the _jinns_, seeing you off your guard, will purloin it

some day or other.' I replied, 'I guard this book as I would my life.'

"It so happened, that one night Satan led me astray; in a fit of

overpowering passion, I said to myself, 'Let happen what will, how long

can I restrain myself?' I clasped the [lovely fairy] to my bosom, and

attempted to revel in ecstatic joys. Instantly, a voice came forth,

saying, 'Give me the book, for the great name of God is written in

it; do not profane it.' In that fervour of passion, I was insensible

[to every other consideration]; I took the book from my bosom and

delivered it, without knowing to whom I gave it, and plunged myself

into the fervid joys of love. The beautiful fairy, seeing my foolish

conduct, said, 'Alas! selfish man, thou hast at last transgressed,

and forgotten my admonition.'

"On saying this, she became senseless, and I perceived a _jinn_

standing at the head of the bed, who held the magical book in his

hand; I attempted to seize him, and beat him severely, and snatch

away the book, when in the meantime another appeared, took the book

from his hand, and ran off. I began to repeat the incantations I had

learnt. The _jinn_, who was still standing near me, became a bull; but,

alas! the lovely fairy had not in the least recovered her senses, and

that same state of stupor continued. Then my mind became distracted,

and all my joys were turned into bitterness. From that day, man became

my aversion. I live in a corner of this garden; and for the sake of

agreeably occupying my mind, I made this emerald vase, ornamented

with flowers, and every month I go to the plain, mounted on that same

bull, break the vase, and kill a slave, with the hope that every one

may see my sad state and pity me; perhaps some creature of God may

so far favour me and pray for me, that I even may regain the desire

[of my heart]. O faithful friend, such as I have related to thee is

the sad tale of my madness and lunacy."

I wept at hearing it, and said, "O prince, you have truly suffered

greatly from love; but I swear here by God, that I will abandon my own

wishes, and will now roam among woods and mountains for your good,

and do all I can [to find out your beloved fairy]. Having made this

promise, I took leave of the prince, and for five years wandered

through the desert, sifting the dust, like a mad man, but found no

trace [of the fairy]. At last, desponding of success, I ascended a

mountain, and wished to throw myself down [from its summit], so that

neither bone nor rib [in my frame] might remain entire. The same veiled

horseman, [who saved you from destruction], came up to me and said,

"Do not throw away thy life; in a few days thou wilt be in possession

of the desires of thy heart." O holy _Darweshes_! I have at last seen

you. I have now hopes that joy and happiness will be our lot, and

all of us, now affected as we are, may attain our wished-for objects.