When the second _Darwesh_ had likewise finished telling the relation
of his adventures, the night ended, and the time of morning was just
beginning. The king, _Azad Bakht_, silently proceeded towards his own
kingly abode. On arriving at his palace, he said his prayers. Then,
having gone to the bathing-house, and dressed himself superbly,
he proceeded to the _Diwani 'Amm_ and mounted his throne; and he
issued an order, saying, "Let a messenger go and bring along with him,
with respect, to our presence, four _Darweshes_ who have [recently]
arrived at such a place." The messenger went there according to orders,
and perceived that the four _Darweshes_, after performing the necessary
calls, and washed their hands and faces, were on the point of setting
out on [their peregrinations], and take their different roads. The
messenger said to them, "Reverend sirs, the king has called you
four personages; come along with me." The four _Darweshes_ began
to stare at each other, and said to the messenger, "Son, we are the
monarchs of our own hearts; what have we to do with a king of this
world?" The messenger answered, "Holy sirs, there is no harm in it,
and it is better you should go."
The four _Darweshes_ then recollected that what _Maula Murtaza_
[256] had said to them, that same had now come to pass; they were
pleased at the recollection], and went along with the messenger. When
they reached the fort and went before the king, the four _Kalandars_
gave a benediction, saying, "Son, may it be well with thee." The king
then retired to the _Diwani khass_, and having called two or three
of his confidential nobles near him, he ordered the four _Darweshes_
to be brought in. When they went there [before his majesty], he
commanded them to sit down, and asked them their adventures, saying,
"From whence come you, where do you intend to go, and where is the
residence of your worships?"
"They replied, "May the king's age and wealth be always on the
increase! we are _Darweshes_, and have in this very manner for
a long while wandered and roamed about; we bear our homes on our
shoulders. There is a saying, that 'a pilgrim's home is where the
evening overtakes him;' and all we have seen in this versatile world
is too long a tale to relate."
_Azad Bakht_ gave them every confidence and encouragement, and
having sent for refreshment, he made them breakfast before him. When
they finished [their meal] the king said to them, "Relate all your
adventures to me, without the least reserve; whatever services I can
render you, I will not fail to do." The _Darweshes_ replied that,
"whatever has happened to us, we have not the strength to relate,
nor will any pleasure result to the king from hearing it; therefore
pardon us." The king then smiled, and said, "Where you were sitting
on your couches last night and relating each his own adventures,
there I was likewise present; moreover, I have heard the adventures
of two of you; I now wish that the two who remain would also relate
theirs; and stay with me a few days in perfect confidence, for 'the
footsteps of the _Darwesh_ scare away evil.'" [257] On hearing these
words from the king, they began to tremble in consequence of their
fear; and having hung down their heads, they remained silent--they
had not the power to speak.
When _Azad Bakht_ perceived that now through fear their senses no
longer remained with them, so as to enable them to tell anything,
he said [to revive their spirits] "There is no person in this world
to whom rare and strange incidents have not occurred; although I am
a king, yet I have even seen strange scenes, which I will first of
all relate to you [to inspire you with confidence and remove your
fears]; do you listen to it with your minds at ease," The _Darweshes_
replied, "O king, peace be on thee! such are your kindnesses towards
us darweshes, condescend to relate them."
_Azad Bakht_ began his adventures, and said,
"Hear, O pilgrims, the adventures of the king.
Whatever I have heard or seen, O hear!
I will relate to ye every thing, from end to end.
My story with heartfelt attention hear."
When my father died, and I ascended the throne, it was in the
very season of youth, and all this kingdom of _Rum_ was under my
dominion. It happened one year, that some merchant from the country
of _Badakhshan_ [258] came [to my capital] and brought a good deal
of merchandise. The reporters of intelligence [259] sent notice to
me to this effect, that so considerable a merchant had never visited
our city before: I sent for him.
"He came, and brought with him the rarities of every country, which
were worthy of being offered to me, as presents. Indeed, every article
appeared to be of inestimable value; above all, there was a ruby
in a box, of an exceedingly fine colour, very brilliant, perfect in
shape and size, and in weight [amounting to] five _miskals_. [260]
Though I was a king, I had never seen such a precious stone, nor had
I heard of such from any other person. I accepted it, and bestowed
upon the merchant many presents and honours; I gave him passports
for the roads, that throughout my empire no one should ask him any
duties; that they should treat him with kindness wherever he went;
that he should be waited on, and have guards for his protection,
and that they should consider any loss he might experience as their
own. The merchant attended at the time of audience, and was well
versed in the forms of respect due to royalty; his conversation and
eloquence were worth hearing. I used to send for the ruby daily from
the jewel office, and look at it at the time of public audience.
One day I was seated in the _diwani 'amm,_ and the nobles and
officers of state were in waiting in their respective places, and the
ambassadors of different sovereigns, who had come to congratulate me
[on my accession to the throne], were likewise present. I then sent for
the ruby, according to custom; the officer of the jewel office brought
it; I took it in my hand and began to praise it, and gave it to the
ambassador of the Franks [to look at it]. On seeing it, he smiled,
and praised it by way of flattery; in the same manner it passed from
hand to hand, and every one looked at it, and all said together,
"The preponderance of your majesty's good fortune has procured you
this; for otherwise, even unto this day, no monarch has ever acquired
so inestimable a jewel." At that moment my father's _wazir_, who
was wise, and held the same station under me, and was standing in
his place, made his obeisance and said, "I wish to impart something
[to the royal ear], if my life be granted."
I ordered him to speak; he said, "Mighty sire, you are king, and it
is very unbecoming in kings to laud so highly a stone; though it is
unique in colour, in quality, and in weight, yet it is but a stone;
and at this moment the ambassadors of all countries are present in
the court; when they return to their respective countries, they will
assuredly relate this anecdote, saying, 'What a strange king he is,
who has got a ruby from somewhere, and makes such a rarity of it,
that he sends for it every day, and praising it himself the first,
shows it to every one present.' Then whatever king or _raja_ [261]
hears this anecdote, the same will certainly laugh at it in his own
court. Great sire, there is an insignificant merchant in _Naishapur_,
[262] who has twelve rubies, each weighing seven _miskals_, [263]
which he has sewed on a collar, and put it round his dog's neck." On
hearing this, I became greatly displeased, and said with anger,
put this _wazir_ to death.
The executioners immediately seized hold of his hands, and were
going to lead him out [to execution]. The ambassador of the king
of the Franks, joining his hands [in humble supplication] stood
before me. I asked him what he wanted; he replied, "I hope I may
become informed of the _wazir's_ fault," I answered, what can be
a greater fault than to lie, especially before kings. He replied,
"His falsehood has not yet been confirmed; perhaps what he has said
may be true; now, to put an innocent person to death is not right." I
said to him in reply, "It is not at all consistent with reason, that
a merchant, who, for the sake of gain, wanders disconsolate from city
to city and from country to country, and hoards up every farthing
[he can save], should sew twelve rubies, which weigh seven _miskals_
each, on the collar of a dog." The ambassador in answer said,
"Nothing is surprising before the power of God; perhaps it may be
the case; such rarities often fall into the hands of merchants and
pilgrims. For these two [classes of people] go into every country,
and they bring away with them whatever they find rare in [their
travels]. It is most advisable for your majesty to order the _wazir_
to be imprisoned, if he is as guilty [as you suppose]; for _wazirs_
are the intelligencers of kings, and such conduct as this appears
unhandsome in the latter, that in a case, the truth and falsehood
of which is as yet unascertained, to order them to be put to death,
and that the services and fidelity of a whole life should be forgotten.
"Mighty sire, former kings have erected prisons for this very reason,
that when the kings or chiefs may be in wrath towards any one, then
they might confine him. In a few days their anger will have entirely
subsided, and [the suspected one's] innocence will become manifest,
and the king will be exempt from the stain of shedding innocent blood,
and not have to answer for it on the day of judgment." Though I wished
ever so much to refute him, yet the ambassador of the Franks [264]
gave such just replies, that he reduced me to silence. Then I said,
well, I agree to what you say, and I pardon him his life. But he shall
remain imprisoned; if in the space of a year his words are proved to
be true, that such rubies are round the neck of a dog, then he shall
be released; otherwise, he shall be put to death with many torments. I
accordingly ordered the _wazir_ to be carried to prison. On hearing
this order, the ambassador made me his humble obeisance, [265] and
performed his parting salute.
When this news reached the _wazir's_ family, weeping and lamentations
took place, and it became a house of mourning. The _wazir_ had a
daughter of the age of fourteen or fifteen years, very handsome
and accomplished, perfect in writing and reading. The _wazir_ loved
her greatly, and was extremely fond of her; so much so, that he had
erected an elegant apartment for her behind his own _diwan khana;_
and had procured for her the daughters of noblemen as her companions,
and handsome female servants waited on her; with these she passed
her time in laughter and joy, and playing and romping about.
It happened that on the day the _wazir_ was sent to prison, the girl
was sitting with her young companions, and was celebrating with
[infantile] pleasure the marriage of her doll; and with a small
drum and timbrel she was making preparation for the night vigils;
and having put on the frying pan, she was busy making up sweetmeats,
when her mother suddenly ran into her apartment, lamenting and beating
[her breasts], with dishevelled tresses and naked feet. She struck
a blow on her daughter's head, and said, "Would that God had given
me a blind son instead of thee; then my heart would have been at
ease, and he would have been the friend of his father." The _wazir's_
daughter asked, "What use would a blind son have been to you? whatever
he could do, I can do likewise." The mother replied, "Dust be on thy
head! such a calamity hath fallen on thy father, that he is confined
in the prison for having used some improper expressions before the
king." The daughter asked, "What were the expressions? let me hear
them." Then her mother answered, "Your father said that there is
a merchant in _Nishapur_, who has fixed twelve inestimable rubies
on his dog's collar: the king would not believe him, but conceived
him a liar, and has imprisoned him. If he had had to-day a son, he
would have exerted himself by every means to ascertain the truth of
the circumstance; he would have assisted his father, besought the
king's forgiveness, and have got my husband released from prison."
The _wazir's_ daughter said [in reply], "O mother, we cannot combat
against fate; man under sudden calamity ought to be patient, and place
his hopes in the bounty of God. He is merciful, and does not hold any
one's difficulties to be irremovables; weeping and lamentations are
improper. God forbid that our enemies should misrepresent [the motive
of our tears] to the king, and the teller of tales calumniate us, for
that would be the cause of farther displeasure. On the contrary, let
us offer up our prayers for the king's welfare; we are his born slaves,
and he is our master; even as he is wroth, so will he be gracious." The
girl, from her good sense, thus made her mother comprehend these
things, so that she became somewhat patient and tranquil, and returned
in silence to her palace. When the night arrived, the _wazir-zadi_
[266] sent for her foster father, [or nurse's husband], and fell at
his feet and beseeched him greatly, and weeping, said, "I have formed
a resolution to wipe off the reproach my mother has cast on me, so
that my father may regain his freedom. If you will be my companion,
then I will set out for _Niashapur_, and having seen the merchant
[who has such rubies round his dog's neck], I will do all in my power
[to the end that] I may release my father."
The man indeed made some excuses at first; at length after much
discussion, he agreed [to her request]. Then the _wazir-zadi_ said,
"Make the preparations for the Journey in secrecy and silence, and buy
some articles of trade fit to be presented as offerings to kings, and
procure as many slaves and servants as may be required; but do not let
this circumstance be revealed to any one." The foster father agreed
[to the project], and set about [the necessary] preparations. When
all the materials were got ready, he loaded the camels and mules,
and set out; the _wazir's_ daughter also put on the dress of a man,
and joined him. No one in the house knew anything whatever [of the
departure]. When the morning came, it was mentioned in the _wazir's_
family, that the _wazir-zadi_, had disappeared, and that it was
uncertain where she was gone.
At last, the mother, from fear of scandal, concealed the circumstance
of her daughter's disappearance; and there [on the journey] the
_wazir-zadi_ gave herself out as a "young merchant." Travelling onwards
stage by stage, they arrived at _Naishapur_; and with great pleasure
they went and put up at the _caravan-serai_ and unloaded all their
merchandise. The _wazir-zadi_ I remained there that night; in the
morning she went to the bath; and put on a rich dress, according to the
costume of the inhabitants of _Rum_, and went out to ramble through the
city. Proceeding along, she reached the _chauk,_ and stood where the
four great streets crossed each other; and a jeweller's shop appeared
on one side, where a great deal of jewels were exposed [for sale],
and slaves wearing rich dresses were in waiting, with crossed arms;
and a man, who was their chief, of about fifty years [267] of age,
dressed like rich persons in a short-sleeved jacket, was seated there,
with many elegant companions near him, seated likewise on stools,
and conversing among themselves.
The _wazir-zadi_ (who had represented herself as a merchant's
son, [268]) was greatly surprised at seeing the jeweller; and,
on reflection, she became pleased in her own heart, saying,
"God grant this be no delusion! it is most probable that this
is the very merchant, the anecdote of whom my father mentioned to
the king. O, great God, enlighten me as to his circumstances." It
happened, that on looking around her, she saw a shop, in which two
iron cages were suspended, and two men were confined in them. They
looked like _majnun_ in appearance, only skin and bones remained;
the hair of their heads and their nails were quite overgrown,
and they sat with their heads reclined on their breasts; two
ugly negroes, completely armed, were standing on each side [of the
cages]. The young merchant was struck with amazement, and exclaimed,
"God bless us." When she looked round the other way, she saw another
shop, where carpets were spread, on which an ivory stool was placed,
with a velvet cushion, and a dog sat thereon, with a collar set with
precious stones around his neck, and chained by a chain of gold;
and two young handsome servants waited on the dog. One was shaking
[over him] a _morchhal_ [269] with a golden handle, set with precious
stones, and the other held an embroidered handkerchief in his hand,
with which he [from time to time] wiped the dog's mouth and feet.
The young merchant, having looked at the animal with great attention,
perceived on its collar the twelve large rubies, as she had heard
[them described]. She praised God, and began to consider thus: "By
what means can I carry those rubies to the king, and show them to
him, and get my father released?" She was plunged in these perplexing
reflections; meanwhile, all the people in the square and on the road,
seeing her beauty and comeliness, were struck with astonishment,
and remained utterly confounded. All the people said one to another,
"Even unto this day, we have never seen a human being of this form
and beauty." The _khwaja_ [270] also perceived her, and sent a slave,
saying, "Go thou and entreat that young merchant to come to me."
The slave went up to her and delivered his master's message, and
said, "If you will have the kindness, then my master is desirous of
[seeing] your honour; pray come and have an interview with him." The
young merchant indeed wished this very thing, and said in reply,
"Very well." [271] The moment she came near the _khwaja_, and he had
a full view of her, the dart of attachment pierced his breast; he rose
up to receive her respectfully, but his senses were utterly bewildered.
The young merchant perceived that "now he is entangled in the net" [of
my charms]. They mutually embraced one another; the _khwaja_ kissed the
young merchant's forehead, and made him sit down near him; and asked
with much kindness, "inform me of your name and lineage? whence have
you come, and where do you intend to go?" The young merchant replied,
"This humble servant's country is _Rum_, and Constantinople has been
for ages the birth-place [of my ancestors.] My father is a merchant;
and as he is now from old age unable to travel [from country to country
on his mercantile concerns] on this account he has sent me abroad to
learn the affairs of commerce. Until now I had not put my foot out of
our door; this is the very first journey that has occurred to me. I had
not courage [272] to come here by sea, I therefore travelled by land;
but your excellence and good name is so renowned in this country of
_'Ajam_ [273] that to have the pleasure only of meeting you I have
come so far. At last, by the favour of God, I have had the honour of
[sitting in] your noble presence, and have found your good qualities
exceed your renown; the wish of my heart is accomplished; God preserve
you in safety, I will now set out from hence."
On hearing these [last words], the _khwaja's_ mind and senses were
quite discomposed, and he exclaimed, "O, my son, do not speak to me of
such a thing;" stay some days with me in my humble abode; pray tell me
where are your goods, and your servants?" The young merchant replied,
"The traveller's abode is the _sara,e_; [274] leaving them there, I
came to see you." The _khwaja_ said, "It is unbecoming [a person of
your consideration] to dwell in the _sara,e_ I have some reputation
in this city, and much celebrity; send quickly for your baggage, &c.;
I will prepare a house for your goods; let me see whatever commodities
you have brought; I will so manage it, that you will get here great
profit on them. At the same time, you will be at your ease, and saved
the danger and fatigue [of travelling any farther for a market], and
by staying with me a few days you will greatly oblige me." The young
merchant pretended [275] to make some excuses, but the _khwaja_ would
not accept them, and ordered one of his agents, saying, "Send quickly
some burden-bearers, and bring the goods, &c., from the _caravanserai_
and lodge them in such a place."
The young merchant likewise sent a slave of his own with [the agent]
to bring the property and merchandise; and he himself remained with
the _khwaja_ until the evening. When the time of [the afternoon]
market had elapsed, and the shop was shut, the _khwaja_ went towards
his house. Then one of the two slaves took the dog up under his arm,
and the other took up the stool and carpet; and the two negro slaves
placed the two cages on the heads of porters, and they themselves,
accoutred with the five weapons, [276] went alongside of them. The
_khwaja_ took hold of the young merchant's hand, and conversing with
him, reached his house.
The young merchant saw that the house was grand, and fit for kings or
nobles [to reside in]. Carpets were spread on the border of a rivulet,
and before the _masnad_ the different articles for the entertainment
were laid out. The dog's stool was placed there also, and the _khwaja_
and young merchant took their seats; he presented to him some wine
without ceremony; they both began to drink. When they got merry, the
_khwaja_ called for dinner; the _dastar-khwan_ [277] was spread, and
the good things of the world were laid out. First they put some meat
in a dish, and having covered it with a cover of gold, they carried
it to the dog, and having spread an embroidered _dastar-khwan_, they
laid the dish before him. The dog descended from his stool, ate as
much as he liked, and drank some water out of a golden bowl, then
returned and sat on his stool. The slaves wiped his mouth and feet
with a napkin, and then carried the dish and bowl to the two cages,
and having asked for the keys from the _khwaja_, they opened the locks.
They took out the two men [who were confined in the cages], gave
them many blows with a great stick, and made them eat the leavings
of the dog and drink the same water; they again fastened the doors
[of the cages] and returned the keys to their master. When all this
was over, the _khwaja_ began to eat himself. The young merchant was
not pleased at these circumstances, and did not touch the victuals
from disgust. How much soever the _khwaja_ pressed him, yet he flatly
refused. Then the _khwaja_ asked the reason of this, saying, "Why
do you not eat?" The young merchant replied, "This conduct of yours
appears disgusting to me, for this reason that man is the noblest
of God's creatures, and the dog is decidedly impure. So to make two
of God's own creatures eat the leavings of a dog, in what religion
or creed is it lawful? Do not you think it sufficient that they are
your prisoners? otherwise they and you are equal. Now, I doubt if you
are a _Musulman_; who knows what you are? Perhaps you worship the dog;
it is disgusting to me to eat your dinner, until this doubt is removed
from my mind."
The _khwaja_ answered, "O, son, I comprehend perfectly all that you
say, and am generally censured for these reasons; for the inhabitants
of this city have fixed upon me the name of dog-worshipper, and call
me so, and have published it [everywhere]; but may the curse of God
alight on the impious and the infidel!" The _khwaja_ then repeated the
_kalima_, [278] and set the young merchant's mind at ease. Then the
young merchant asked, thus, "If you are really a _Musalman_ in your
heart, then what is the reason of this? By so acting, get yourself
generally censured?" The _khwaja_ said in reply, "O, son, my name is
reprobated, and I pay double taxes in the city, that no one may know
this secret [motive of my conduct]. It is a strange circumstance,
which, whoever hears, will get nothing by the recital but grief and
indignation. You must likewise pardon me [from relating it]; for I
shall not have strength of mind to recount it, nor will you have the
composure of mind to listen to it." The young merchant thought within
himself, "I have only to mind my own business; why should I to no
purpose press him further on the subject?" She accordingly replied
to the _khwaja_, "Very well; if it is not proper to be related, do
not mention it." He then began to partake of the dinner, and having
lifted a morsel, began to eat. The space of about two months [279]
the young merchant passed with the _khwaja_, with such prudence and
circumspection, that no one found out by any chance that he was a
woman [in disguise]. All thought that this [individual] was a male,
and the _khwaja's_ affection for him increased daily, so that he
could not allow him to be a moment absent from his sight.
One day, in the midst of a drinking feat, the young merchant began
to weep. On seeing it, the _khwaja_ comforted her, and began to
wipe away his tears with his handkerchief, and asked him the cause
of his weeping. He answered, "O, father, what shall I say? would to
God that I had never attained access to your presence, and that your
worship had never shown me that kindness which you are shewing. I
am now distressed between two difficulties; I have no heart to be
separated from your presence, nor is there a possibility of my staying
here. Now, it is necessary for me to go; but in separating from you,
I do not perceive hopes of life."
On hearing these words, the _khwaja_ involuntarily wept so loudly,
that he was nearly choked, and exclaimed, "O, light of my eyes! are
you so soon tired of your old friend, that you think of going away
and leaving him in such affliction? banish from your heart the idea
of departing; as long as I have to live, remain here; I shall not
live a day in your absence, and must [in such case] die before my
appointed hour. The climate of this kingdom of Persia is very fine
and congenial [to your health], you had best despatch a confidential
servant, and send for your parents and property here; I will furnish
whatever equipages and conveyances you require; when your parents and
all their household come here, you can pursue your commercial concerns
at your ease. I also have in my life gone through many hardships, and
have wandered many countries. I am now old and have no issue; I love
you dearer than a son, and make you my heir and head manager. Be you,
on the other hand, careful and attentive to my concerns. Give me a
bit of bread to eat whilst I live; when I die, be pleased to bury me,
and then take [possession of] all my wealth and effects."
To this the young merchant replied, "It is true, you have, more than a
father, shewn to me kindness and affection, so that I have forgotten my
parents; but this humble culprit's father only allowed a year's leave;
if I exceed it, then he in his extreme old age will weep himself to
death; finally, a father's approbation is meritorious before God, and
if mine should be displeased with me, then I fear he may curse me, and
I shall be an outcast from God's grace in this world and the next. Now
such is your worship's kindness, that you will give me leave to obey my
father's commands, and fulfil the duties [of a son] towards a parent;
I shall, while life lasts, bear on my neck the gratitude I owe for your
kindness. If I am ever [so fortunate as] to reach my native country,
I will still ever think of your goodness with my heart and soul. God is
the Causer of causes; perhaps some such cause may again occur, that I
may have occasion to pay you my respects. In short, the young merchant
urged such persuasive and feeling arguments to the _khwaja_, that he,
poor man, being helpless, yielded to their force. [280] Inasmuch as
he was now completely fascinated, he began to say in reply, "Well,
if you will not stay here, I will myself go with you. I consider you
equivalent to my own life: hence, if my life goes with you, of what
use is a lifeless body? If you are determined to go, then proceed,
and take me with you." Saying this to the young merchant, he began
his preparations likewise for the journey, and gave orders to his
agents to get ready quickly the necessary conveyances.
When the news of the _khwaja's_ departure became public, the merchants
of that city on hearing it, began likewise their preparations to
set out with him. The dog-worshipping _khwaja_ took with him specie
and jewels to a great amount, servants and slaves without number,
and rich rarities and property worthy of a king, and having pitched
his tents of various sorts outside of the city, he went to them. All
the other merchants took articles of merchandise with them according
to their means, and joined the _khwaja_; they became for themselves a
[regular] army.
One day, having fixed on a lucky moment for departure, they set
out thence on their journey. Having laden thousands of camels with
canvas sacks filled with goods, and the jewels and specie on mules,
five hundred slaves from the steppes of _Kapchak_, from _Zang_, and
from _Rum_, [281] completely armed, men used to the sword, mounted
on horses of Arabia, of Tartary, and of _Irak_, accompanied [the
caravan]. In the rear of all came the _khwaja_ and the young merchant,
richly dressed, and mounted on sedans; a rich litter was lashed on the
back of a camel, in which the dog reposed on a cushion, and the cages
of the two prisoners were slung one on each side of another, across
a camel, and thus they marched onwards. At every stage they came to,
all the merchants waited on the _khwaja_ and on his _dastar-khwan_
they ate of his food and drank of his wine. The _khwaja_ offered up
his grateful thanks to the Almighty for the happiness of having the
young merchant with him, and proceeded on, stage by stage. At last,
they reached the environs of Constantinople in perfect safety, and
encamped without the city. The young merchant said [to the _khwaja_],
"O, father, if you grant me permission, I will go and see my parents,
and prepare a house for you, and when it is agreeable to you, you
will be pleased to enter the city."
The _khwaja_ replied, "I am come so far for your sake, well, go
quickly and see [your parents], and return to me, and give me a place
to live in near your own." The young merchant having taken leave [of
the _khwaja_], came to his own house. All the people of the household
of the _wazir_ were surprised, and exclaimed, "What man has entered
[the house]!" The young merchant, that is, the _wazir's_ daughter, ran
and threw herself at her mother's feet, and wept and said, "I am your
child." On hearing this, the _wazir's_ wife began to reproach her,
by saying, "O, wanton girl, thou hast greatly dishonoured thyself;
thou hast blackened thine own face, and brought shame on thy family;
we had imagined thee lost, and, after weeping for thee, had with
resignation given thee up; be gone hence."
Then the _wazir-zadi_ threw the turban off her head and said, "O, dear
mother, I did not go to an improper place, and have done nothing wrong;
I have contrived the whole of this scheme according to your wishes to
release my father from prison. God be praised, that through the good
effect of your prayers, and through His grace, I, having accomplished
the entire object, am now returned; I have brought that merchant with
me from _Naishapur_, along with the dog (around whose neck are those
rubies), and have returned with the innocence you bestowed [282] on
me. I assumed the appearance of a man for the journey; now one day's
work remains; having done that, I will get my father released from
prison, and return to my home; if you give me leave, I will go back
again, and remain abroad another day, and then return to you." When the
mother thoroughly comprehended that her daughter had acted the part of
a man, and had preserved herself in all respects pure and virtuous,
she offered up her grateful acknowledgments to God, and, rejoicing
[at the event], clasped her daughter to her bosom and kissed her lips;
she prayed for her and blessed her, and gave her leave to go, saying,
"Do what thou thinkest best, I have full confidence in thee."
The _wazir-zadi_ having again assumed the appearance of a man,
returned to the dog-worshipping _khwaja_. He had been in the meantime
so much distressed at her absence, that through impatience he had
left his encampment. It so happened, that as the young merchant was
going out in the vicinity of the city, the _khwaja_ was coming from
the opposite direction; they met each other in the middle of the
road. On seeing him, the _khwaja_ exclaimed, "O, my child! leaving
this old man by himself, where wast thou gone?" The young merchant
answered, "I went to my house with your permission, but the desire
I had to see you again would not allow me to remain [at home], and I
am returned to you." They perceived a shady garden close to the gate
of the city on the sea shore; they pitched their tents and alighted
there. The _khwaja_ and the young merchant sat down together, and
began to eat their _kababs_, and drink their wine. When the time of
evening arrived, they left their tents, and sat out on high seats to
view the country. It happened that a royal chasseur passed that way;
he was astonished at seeing their manners and their encampment, and
said to himself, "Perhaps the ambassador of some king is arrived;"
he stood [and amused himself by] looking on.
One of the _khwaja's_ messengers called him forward, and asked him who
he was. He replied, "I am the king's head chasseur." The messenger
mentioned him to the _khwaja_, who ordered a negro slave, saying,
"Go and tell the chasseur that we are travellers, and if he feels
inclined to come and sit down, the coffee and pipe are ready." [283]
When the chasseur heard the name of merchant, he was still more
astonished, and came with the slave to the _khwaja's_ presence;
he saw [on all sides] the air of propriety and magnificence, and
soldiers and slaves. To the _khwaja_ and the young merchant he made
his salutations, and on seeing the dog's state and treatment, his
senses were confounded, and he stood like one amazed. The _khwaja_
asked him to sit down, and presented him coffee; the chasseur asked the
_khwaja's_ name and designation. When he requested leave to depart, the
_khwaja_ having presented him with some pieces [of cloth] and sundry
rarities, dismissed him. In the morning, when the chasseur attended
the king's audience, he related to those present the circumstances
of the _khwaja_; by degrees it came to my knowledge; I called the
chasseur before me, and asked about the merchant.
He related whatever he had seen. On hearing of the dog's exalted state,
and the two men's confinement in the cage, I was quite indignant, and
exclaimed, that reprobate of a merchant deserves death! I ordered some
of my executioners, saying, "Go immediately, and cut off and bring me
the heretic's head." By chance, the same ambassador of the Franks was
present at the audience; he smiled, and I became still more angry,
and said, "O, disrespectful; to display one's teeth [284] without
cause in the presence of kings, is remote from good manners; it is
better to weep than laugh out of season." The ambassador replied,
"Mighty sire, several ideas came across my mind, for which reason I
smiled; the first was, that the _wazir_ had spoken truth, and would
now be released from prison; secondly, that your majesty will be
unstained with the innocent blood of the _wazir_; and the third was,
that the asylum of the universe, without cause or crime, ordered
the merchant to be put to death. At all these circumstances I was
surprised, that without any inquiry your majesty should, on the tale
of an idle fellow, order people to be put to death. God in reality
knows what is the merchant's real case; call him before the royal
presence and inquire into his antecedents; if he should be found
guilty, then your majesty is master; whatever treatment you please,
that you can administer to him.
When the ambassador thus explained [the matter to me], I also
recollected what the _wazir_ had said, and ordered the merchant,
together with his son, the dog, and the cages, to be brought in my
presence immediately. The messengers set off quickly [on the errand],
and in a short time brought them all. I summoned them before me. First
came the _khwaja_ and his son [the young merchant], both richly
dressed. All present were astonished and bewildered on beholding the
young merchant's extreme beauty; he brought in his hand a golden
tray, loaded with precious stones, (the brilliancy of every one
of which illuminated the room,) and laid it before my throne, made
his obeisance and stood [in respectful silence]. The _khwaja_ also
kissed the ground, and offered up his prayers [for my prosperity];
he spoke with such sweet modulation, as if he were the nightingale
of a thousand melodies. I greatly admired his elegant and decorous
speech; but, assuming a face of anger, I exclaimed, "O, you Satan
in human form! what net is this that thou hast spread, and in thine
own path what pit hast thou dug? What is thy religion, and what rite
is this I see? Of what prophet's sect are thou a follower? If thou
wast an infidel, even then what sense is there in thy conduct? what
is thy name, that thou actest thus?
The _khwaja_ calmly replied, "May your majesty's years and prosperity
ever increase; this slave's religious creed is this, that God is one:
he has no equal, and I repeat the confession of faith of _Muhammad_
the pure (the mercy of God be shown to him and his posterity; may he
be safe!) After him, I consider the twelve _Imams_ as my guides; and
my rite is this, that I say the five regulated prayers and I observe
fasts, and I have likewise performed the pilgrimage, and from my
wealth, I give the fifth in alms, and I am called a _Musalman_. But
there is a reason, which I cannot disclose, that I appear to possess
all those bad qualities which have raised your majesty's indignation,
and for which I am condemned by every one of God's creatures. Though I
am [ever so much] called a dog-worshipper, and pay double taxes, all
this I submit to; but the secrets of my heart I have not divulged to
any one." On hearing this excuse, my anger became greater, and I said,
thou art beguiling me with words; I will not believe them until thou
explainest clearly the reasons which have made thee deviate from the
right path, that my mind may be convinced of their truth; then thy life
will be saved; or else, as a retribution [for what thou hast done], I
will order thy belly to be ripped up, that the exemplary punishment may
deter others in future from transgressing the religion of _Muhammad_.
The _khwaja_ replied, "O king, do not spill the blood of this
unfortunate wretch, but confiscate all the wealth I have, which
is beyond counting or reckoning, and having made me and my son a
votive offering to your throne, release us, and spare us our lives." I
smiled, and said, O fool! dost thou exhibit to me the temptation of thy
wealth? Thou canst not be released, except thou speakest the truth. On
hearing these words, the tears streamed profusely from the _khwaja's_
eyes; he looked towards his son and heaved a deep sigh, and said
[to him] "I am criminal in the king's eyes; I shall be put to death;
what shall I do now? to whom shall I entrust thee?" I threatened
him, and said, O dissembler! cease; thou hast made too many excuses
[already]; what thou hast to say, say it [quickly].
Then, indeed, that man having advanced forward, came near the throne
and kissed the foot of it, and poured forth my praise and eulogy,
and said, "O king of kings, if the order for execution had not been
issued in my case, I would have borne every torture, and would not
have disclosed my story; but life is dear above every [consideration];
no one of his own accord jumps into a well; to preserve life, then, is
right; and the abandoning of what is right is contrary to the mandates
of God. Well, if such is the royal pleasure, then be pleased to hear
the past events of this feeble old man. First, order the two cages,
in which the two men are confined, to be brought and placed before
your majesty. I am going to relate my adventures; if I falsify any
circumstance, then ask them to convict me, and let justice be done." I
approved of his proposal and sent for the cages, took them both out,
and made them stand near the _khwaja_.
The _khwaja_ said, "O king! this man, who stands on the right hand of
your slave is my eldest brother, and he who stands on my left is my
second [285] brother. I am younger than they; my father was a merchant
in the kingdom of Persia, and when I was fourteen years of age, he
died. After the burial ceremony was over, and the flowers had been
removed [from the corpse on the _Siyum_], [286] my two brothers said
to me one day, 'Let us now divide our father's wealth, whatever there
is, and let each do [with his share] what he pleases.' On hearing
[this proposal], I said, O brothers! what words are these! I am
your slave, and do not claim the rights of a brother. Our father,
on the one hand, is dead, but you both are alive and in the place
of that father. I only want a dry loaf [daily] to pass through life,
and to remain alert in your service. What have I to do with shares or
divisions? I will fill my belly with your leavings, and remain near
you. I am a boy, and have not learnt even to read or write? what am
I able to do? At present do you confer instruction upon me.
"On hearing this, they replied, 'Thou wishest to ruin and beggar us
also along with thyself.' I was silent, and retired to a corner and
wept; then I reasoned with myself and said, my brothers, after all,
are my elders; they are reproving [me for my good, and] with a view to
my education, that I may learn some [profession]. In these reflections
I fell asleep. In the morning, a messenger from the _kazi_ came and
conducted me to the court of justice; I saw that both my brothers were
there in waiting. The _kazi_ asked me, 'Why dost not thou accept thy
share of thy father's property?' I repeated to him what I had at home
said [to my brothers]. The latter said, 'If he speaks this sentiment
from his heart, then let him give us a deed of release, saying he has
no claims on our father's wealth and property.' Even then I thought,
that as they both were my elders, they advised for my good; that if I
got my share of my father's property I might improperly spend it. So,
according to their desire, I gave them a deed of release, with the
_kazi's_ seal. They were satisfied, and I returned home.
"The second day after this, they said to me, 'O brother, we require
the apartment in which you live; do you hire another place for your
residence, and go and stay there.' 'Twas then I perceived that they
were not pleased that I should even remain in my father's house; I had
no remedy, and determined to leave it. O protector of the world! when
my father was alive, whenever he returned from his travels, he used to
bring the rarities of different countries, and give them to me by way
of presents; for this reason, that every one loves most the youngest
child. I from time to time sold these [presents], and raised a small
capital of my own; with this [sum] I carried on some traffic. Once,
my father brought for me a female slave from Tartary, and he once
brought thence some horses, from which he gave me also a promising
young colt; and I used to feed it from my own little property.
"At last, seeing the inhumanity of my brothers, I bought a house, and
went and resided there; this dog also went along with me. I purchased
the requisite articles for housekeeping, and bought two slaves for
attendance; with the remainder of my capital I opened a shop as a cloth
merchant, and placing my confidence in God, I sat down quietly [in
it], and felt contented with my fate. Though my brothers had behaved
unkindly to me, yet, since God was gracious, my shop in three years'
time increased so greatly, that I became a man of credit. Whatever
rarities [in the way of clothes or dresses] were required in every
great family, went from my shop only. I thereby earned large sums
of money, and began to live in affluent circumstances. Every hour
I offered up my prayers to the pure God, and lived at my ease; and
often used to repeat these verses on my [prosperous] circumstances:--
'Why should not the prince be displeased?
I have nothing to do with him.
Except thyself, O, mighty Prince, [287]
What other [sovereign] can I praise?
Why should not my brother be displeased?
Nothing can he do [to harm me];
Thou alone art my help;
Then to whom else should I go?
Why should not the friend or foe be displeas'd,
During the whole [eight] watches,
Let me fix my affections on thy feet only.
Let the world be wrathful [with me],
But thou dost far transcend [the world];
All others may kiss my thumb,
Only it is my wish that thou be not displeased.'
"It happened, that on a Friday I was sitting at home, when a slave
of mine had gone to the _bazar_ for necessaries; after a short time,
he returned in tears. I asked him the reason, and what happened to
him. He replied with anger, 'What business is it to you? do you enjoy
yourself; but what answer will you give on the day of judgment?' I
said, O, you Abyssinian, what demon has possessed thee? He answered,
'This is the calamity, that the arms of your two elder brothers have
been tied behind their backs in the _chauk_ by a Jew; he is beating
them with a whip, and laughs and says, 'If you do not pay my money,
I will beat you even unto the death [and if I lose my money by the
act], it will be at least a meritorious deed on my part.' Such is your
brother's treatment, and you are indifferent; is this right? and what
will the world say?' On hearing these circumstances from the slave,
my blood glowed [288] [with fraternal warmth]; I ran towards the
_chauk_ with naked feet, and told my slaves to hasten with money. The
instant I arrived there, I saw that all that the slave had said was
true; blows continued to fall on my brothers. I exclaimed to the
magistrate's guards, for God's sake forbear awhile; let me ask the
Jew what great fault [my brothers] have committed, in retaliation
for which, he so severely punishes them.
"On saying this, I went up to the Jew and said, to-day is the
sabbath day; [289] why dost thou continue to inflict stripes on
them? The Jew replied, 'If you wish to take their part, do it fully,
and pay me the money in their stead; or else take the road to your
house.' I said, 'what is the amount? produce the bond, and I will
count thee out the money.' He replied, 'that he had just given the
bond to the magistrate.' At this moment, my slaves brought two bags
of money. I gave a thousand pieces of silver to the Jew, and released
my brothers. Such was their condition, naked, hungry, and thirsty,
I brought them with me to my own house, and caused them instantly to
be bathed in the bath, and dressed in new clothes, and gave them a
hearty meal. I never asked them what they had done with our father's
great wealth, lest they might feel ashamed.
"O king, they are both present; ask them if I tell truth, or falsify
any of the circumstances. Well, after some space of time, when they had
recovered from the bruises of the beating [they had suffered], I said
to them one day, 'O brothers, you have now lost your credit in this
city, and it is better you should travel for some days.' On hearing
this, they were both silent; but I perceived they were satisfied
[with my proposal]. I began to make preparations for their journey,
and having procured tents and all necessary conveyance, I purchased
for them merchandise to the amount of 20,000 rupees. A _kafila_ [290]
of merchants was going to _Bukhara_; [291] I sent them along with it.
"After a year, that caravan returned, but I heard no tidings of my
brothers; at last, putting a friend on his oath, I asked him [what
had become of them]. He replied, 'When they went to _Bukhara_, one
of them lost all his property at the gambling house, and is now a
sweeper at the same house, and keeps clean and plastered the place
of gambling, and waits on the gamblers who assemble there; they,
by way of charity, give him something, and he remains there as a
scullion. The other brother became enamoured of a _boza-vendor's_
[292] daughter, and squandered all his property [on her], and now he
is one of the waiters at the _boze-khana_. [293] The people of the
_kafila_ do not mention these circumstances to you for this reason,
that you would become ashamed [at hearing them].
"On hearing these circumstances from that person, I was in a strange
state; hunger and sleep vanished through anxiety; taking some money for
[the expenses of] the road, I set out instantly for _Bukhara_. When
I arrived there, I searched for them both, and I brought them to the
house [I had taken]. I had them bathed and clothed in new dresses,
and, from fear of their being abashed with shame, I said not a word
to them [of what had happened]. I again purchased some goods for
merchandise for them, and returned with them home. When we arrived
near _Naishapur_, I left them in a village with all the goods and
chattels, and came [secretly] to my house, for this reason, that
no one might be informed of my return. After two days, I gave out
publicly that my brothers were returned from their journey, and that
I would go out tomorrow to meet them. In the morning, as I wished to
set out, a peasant of that village came to me, and began to make loud
complaints; on hearing his voice I came out, and seeing him crying,
I asked, why dost thou make a lamentation? He answered, 'Our houses
have been plundered, owing to your brothers; would to God that you
had not left them there!'
"I asked, what misfortune has occurred? He replied, 'A gang of robbers
came at night and plundered their property and goods, and they at
the same time robbed our houses.' I pitied him, and asked, where are
these two now? He answered, 'They are sitting without the city, stark
naked and utterly distressed.' I instantly took two suits of clothes
with me and went [to them], and having clothed them, brought them to
my house. The people [of the city], hearing [the circumstances of the
robbery], continued coming to see them, but they did not go out through
shame. Three months passed in this same manner; at last I reflected
within myself, 'how long will they thus remain squatted in a corner? If
it can be brought about, I will take them with me on some voyage.'
"I proposed it to my brothers, and added, 'if you please, I will go
with you.' They were silent. I again made the necessary preparations
for the voyage, purchased some goods for the trade, and set out and
took them with me. After I had distributed the customary alms [for a
prosperous voyage], and loaded the merchandise on the ship, we weighed
anchor, and the vessel set sail. This dog was sleeping on the banks
[of the river]; when he awoke, and saw the ship in the middle of the
stream, he was surprised, and having barked and jumped into the river,
he began to swim [after us]. I sent a skiff for him, at last having
seized [the faithful animal], they conveyed him into the ship. One
month passed in safety on the river; somehow, my second brother became
enamoured of my slave girl. One day, he thus spoke to our eldest
brother, that, 'to bear the load of our younger brother's favours is
very shameful; what remedy shall we apply to this [evil]?' The eldest
answered, 'I have formed a plan in my mind; if it can be executed, it
will be a great thing.' Both at last consulted together, and settled
it between them to destroy me, and seize all my property and goods.
"One day, I was asleep in the cabin, and the female slave was
_shampooing_ [294] me, when my second brother came in hastily and
awaked me. I started up in a hurry, and came forth [on deck]. This
dog also followed me. I saw my eldest brother leaning on his hands
against the vessel's side, and intensely looking at the wonders
of the river, and calling out to me. I went up to him and said,
'is all well?' He answered, 'Behold this strange sight; mermen are
dancing in the stream, with pearl, oysters, and branches of coral in
their hands.' If any other had related this circumstance so contrary
to reason, I should not, indeed, have believed it. I imagined what
my brother said to be true, and bent down my head to look at it. How
much soever I looked, I perceived nothing, and he kept saying, 'Do
you now see it?' Now, had there been anything, I should have seen
it. Perceiving me [by this trick] off my guard, my second brother came
behind me, unperceived, and gave me such a push that, without choice,
I tumbled into the water, and they began to scream and cry aloud,
'Run, run, our brother has fallen into the river.'
"In the meantime the ship went on, and the waves carried me away from
it; I was plunging in the water, and drifting amidst the waves. I
became at last quite exhausted; I invoked the aid of God, but nought
was of any avail. All of a sudden my hand touched something; I looked
at it, and saw this dog. Perhaps, when they pushed me into the river,
he also jumped after me, and kept swimming close by my side. I took
hold of his tail, and God made him the cause of my salvation. Seven
days and nights passed in this manner; the eighth day we reached
the shore. I had no strength whatever left, but throwing myself on
my back, I rolled along as well as I could, and threw myself on the
land. I remained senseless for one whole day; the second day the dog's
barking reached my ears; I came to myself, and I thanked God [for my
salvation], I began looking around me, and perceived at a distance the
environs of a city; but where had I strength, that I should attempt
to reach it? Having no other resource, I continued crawling along
about two paces, and then rested; in this way I had finished a _kos_
[295] of the road by the evening.
"Half way [to the city] I reached a mountain, and lay there all night;
the next morning I reached the city; when I came to the _bazar_ and saw
the shops of the bakers and confectioners, my heart began to palpitate,
for I had not money to buy, nor did I feel inclined to beg. In this
way, I went along, saying to myself, I will ask something in the next
shop. At last, strength had failed me, and my stomach [296] yearned
with extreme hunger; life was nearly quitting my body. By chance,
I saw two young men dressed like Persians, walking along hand in
hand. On seeing them, my spirits revived, as they seemed [by their
dress] to be my countrymen--perhaps some of my acquaintance--to whom,
therefore, I might relate my circumstances. When they drew near,
[I perceived] they were of a verity, my brothers; and on perceiving
this, I was extremely rejoiced, and praised God, saying, 'God has
preserved my reputation; and I have not stretched forth my hands to
strangers [for subsistence].' I went up to them and saluted them,
and kissed my eldest brother's hand. Immediately on seeing me, they
made a great noise, and my second brother struck me so forcibly that
I staggered and fell down. I seized my eldest brother's robe, thinking
that he would perhaps take my part; but he gave me a violent kick.
"In short, they both thoroughly pounded me, and behaved to me as
Joseph's brothers [did to him]. Though I besought them in God's name
[to desist] and implored mercy, yet they felt no pity. A crowd
assembled [round us]; and every one asked, 'What is this man's
crime?' Then my brothers replied, 'This rascal was our brother's
servant and pushed him over into the sea, and seized all his treasure
and property. We have been long in search of him, and to-day he has
appeared [to us] in this guise.' They then continued questioning me,
saying, 'O villain! what [infernal idea] entered thy mind, that thou
murderedst our brother? What injury had he done to thee? Had he
behaved ill to thee, that he had made thee superintendent [of his
affairs]?' They both then tore their own clothes, and wept loudly
with sham grief for their brother, and continued to beat and kick me.
"In the meantime, the soldiers of the governor arrived, and having
spoken to them threateningly, said, 'Why do you beat him?' And taking
hold of my hand, they carried me to the magistrate. These two [297]
also went with us, and repeated to the magistrate the same [tale which
they had told the crowd], and having given him something by way of
bribe, they demanded justice, and insisted on blood for blood. The
magistrate asked me [what I had to say for myself]. Such was my
condition from hunger and the blows [I had received], that I had
not strength to speak; hanging down my head, I remained standing
[in silence]; no answer issued from my mouth. The magistrate also
became convinced that I was assuredly a murderer; he ordered me to
be led to the plain, and placed on the stake. [298] O, protector of
the world, [299] I had paid money, and got these [two here] released
from the Jew's bondage; in return for which, they having given money,
endeavoured to take away my life. They are both present; ask them
if [in all I have related] I have varied a hair's breadth [from the
truth]. Well, they led me out [to the plain]; when I saw the stake,
I washed my hands of life.
"Except this dog, I had no one else to weep for me; his state was
such that he rolled on every one's feet and barked. Some beat him
with sticks, and others with stones, but he would not stir from
that place. I stood with my face towards the _kibla_, [300] and
addressing myself to God, I said, 'At this moment I have no one except
Thee to intervene and save the innocent! Now, if Thou savest, I am
saved.' After this address, I repeated the prayer of _shahadat_, [301]
staggered, and then fell. By the dispensation of God, it so happened,
that the king of that country was attacked with the cholic; the nobles
and physicians assembled; whatever remedies they applied, produced no
good. One holy man said, 'The best of all remedies is, that alms be
given to the destitute, and that all prisoners should be released;
for in prayer there is greater efficacy than in physic.' Instantly
the royal messengers went off running towards the prisons.
"By chance, some one came to that plain [where I was], and seeing
a crowd, he ascertained [from a bystander] that they were placing
some person on the stake. Immediately on hearing this, he galloped
up to the stake, and cut the ropes with his sword. He threatened
and chastised the magistrate's soldiers, and said, "At such a time,
when the king is in such a state, are you going to put a creature of
God to death?' and he got me released. Upon which, these two brothers
went again to the magistrate, and urged him to put me to death. As
this official had already taken a bribe from them, he [readily]
acquiesced to do whatever they dictated.
"The magistrate said to them, 'Rest satisfied; I will now confine him
in such a way, that he will of himself, from want of food and drink,
die of sheer exhaustion, and no one will know anything about it.' They
re-seized me, and kept me In a corner. About a _kos_ without the city
was a mountain, in which, in the time of Solomon, the _divs_ had dug
a deep and narrow well; it was called Solomon's prison. Whoever fell
greatly under the king's wrath, was confined in that well, where he
perished of himself [from hunger and thirst]. To shorten my story,
these two brothers and the magistrate's soldiers carried me at night,
in silence, to the mountain, and having cast me into that pit, and
thus set their own minds at ease, they returned. O king, this dog
went with me, and when they put me into the well, he remained lying
on its brink. I lay some time senseless in the inside, and then a
little consciousness returned to me; I conceived myself to be dead,
and that place my grave At this time I heard the sounds of two men's
voices, who were saying something to each other; I concluded that
these were _Nakir_ and _Munkir_, [302] who were come to question me;
and I likewise heard the rustling of a rope, as if some one had let it
down there. I was wondering, and began to feel about me on the ground,
when some bones came into my gripe.
"After a moment, a noise like that made by the mouth when some one
is masticating, struck my ears. I exclaimed, 'O creatures of God,
who are ye; tell me for God's sake?' They laughed, and said, 'This
is the great Solomon's prison, and we are prisoners.' I asked them,
'Am I really alive?' They again laughed heartily, and replied,
'You are as yet alive, but will soon die.' I said, 'You are eating;
what would it be if you were to give me some?' They then got angry,
and gave me a dry answer, but nothing else. After eating and drinking,
they fell asleep. I through faintness and weakness, fell into a swoon,
and wept and dreamed of God. Mighty sire, I had been seven days in
the sea, and so many days since without food, owing to my brothers'
false accusation; yea, instead of food, I had got a beating, and
was now ingulfed in such a prison, that not the least appearance of
release came even into my imagination.
"At last, life was leaving me; sometimes it came, and sometimes it
left me. From time to time some person used to come at midnight, and
let down by a rope some bread tied up in a handkerchief, and a jar
of water, and used to call out. Those two men who were confined near
me used to seize it and eat and drink. The dog constantly witnessing
this circumstance, exerted his intelligence, thus, 'In the way in which
this person lets down water and bread into the pit, do thou also make
some contrivance whereby some food may reach this destitute one, who
is thy master, then may his life be saved.' Thus having reflected,
he went to the city, [and saw that] round cakes of bread piled up
on the counter at a baker's shop; leaping up, he seized a cake in
his mouth, and ran off with it; the people pursued him, and pelted
him with clods, but he would not quit the cake; they became tired
[of pursuing him], and returned; the dogs of the city ran after him;
he fought arid struggled with them, and having saved the cake, he
came to the well, and threw in the bread. There was sufficient light
for me to see the cake lying near me, and I heard, moreover, the dog
bark. I took up the cake; and the dog, after throwing down the bread,
went to look for water.
"On the outskirts of a certain village, there was an old woman's hut;
jars and pots filled with water stood [at the door], and the old woman
was spinning. The dog went up to the pot, and attempted to seize it;
the old woman made a threatening noise, and the pot slipped from the
dog's mouth and fell upon an earthenware jar which was broken; the rest
of the vessels were upset and the water spilt. The old woman seized
a stick, and rose up to beat [the animal]; the dog seized the skirt
of her clothes, and began to rub his mouth on her feet, and wag his
tail; then he ran towards the mountain; again having returned to her,
he sometimes seized a rope, and sometimes having taken up a bucket
in his mouth, he shewed it [to her]; and he rubbed his face against
her feet, and seizing the hem of her garment, he continued pulling
her. The Almighty inspired the old woman's heart with compassion,
so that she took up the rope and bucket and went along with him. He
keeping hold of the end of her clothes, after coming out of the hut,
kept going on before her.
"At last, he guided her to the very mountain; the old woman imagined,
from the dog's conduct, that his master was confined in the well,
and that he, perhaps, wanted water for him. In short, conducting the
old woman, he came to the mouth of the well. The old woman filled the
bucket with water and let it down by a rope. I seized the vessel and
ate a morsel of the cake. I drank two or three gulps of the water,
and satisfied my hunger and thirst. [303] I thanked God [for this
timely supply], and retired to a corner, and waited with patience
for the interference of the Almighty, saying, "Now let us see what
is to come about." In this manner, this dumb animal used to bring
me bread, and by means of the old woman, he used to supply me with
water to drink. When the bakers perceived that the dog always carried
off bread [in this way], they took compassion on him, and made it a
rule to throw him a cake whenever they saw him; and if the old woman
neglected to carry the water, he used to break her pots; so that she,
being helpless, used to let down a bucket of water every day. This
faithful companion removed all my apprehensions for bread and water,
and he himself always lay at the mouth of the prison. Six months
passed in this manner; but what must be the condition of the man
who was confined so long in such a prison, where the air of heaven
could never reach him? Only my skin and bones remained; life became
a torment to me, and I used to say in my heart, 'O God, it would be
better if my life became extinct!'
"One night, the two prisoners were asleep; my heart overflowed
[with sorrow], and I began to weep bitterly, and supplicate [304]
the Almighty [to end my woes]. At the last quarter [of the night],
what do I see! that, by the dispensation of God, a rope was hanging
down in the well, and I heard [some one] in a low voice saying, 'O,
unfortunate wretch! tie the end of the rope tightly to thy hands,
and escape from this place.' On hearing these words, I in my heart
imagined that my brothers had at last felt compassion for me, and,
from the ties of blood, had come in person to take me out. With much
joy I tied the rope tightly to my waist; some one pulled me up. The
night was so dark, that I could not recognise the person who had
hauled me up. When I was out, he said, 'Come, be quick; this is no
place to tarry.' I had no strength whatever left; but from fear I
rolled down the hill as well as I could. Then I saw at the bottom two
horses standing, ready saddled; that person mounted me one of them,
and he mounted the other himself, and took the lead. Proceeding on,
we reached the banks of a river.
"The morning appeared, and we had gone forth ten or twelve _kos_ from
the city. I then saw the young man [very clearly]; he was completely
armed, having on a coat of mail, together with back, front, and
sidepieces [of burnished steel], [305] and with iron armour on his
horse; he was looking at me with great rage, and biting his lips,
he drew his sword from the scabbard, and springing his horse towards
mine, he made a cut at me. I threw myself off my horse [on the ground],
and called out for mercy, and said, 'I am faultless; why are you about
to kill me? O, kind sir, from such a prison you have taken me out,
and now wherefore this unkindness?' He replied, 'Tell me the truth,
who art thou.' I answered, I am a traveller, and have been involved
in unmerited calamity; by your humane assistance, I have at last come
out alive. And I addressed to him many other flattering expressions.
"God inspired his heart with pity. He sheathed his sword, and said,
'Well, what God wills, he does; go, I spare thee thy life; remount
quickly; this is no place to delay.' We put our horses to their speed,
and went forward; on the road he continued to sigh and show signs of
regret. By the time of mid-day, [306] we reached an island. There the
young man got off his horse, and made me also dismount; he took off
the saddles and pads from the horses' backs, and let them loose to
graze; he also took off his arms from his own person, and sat clown
and said to me, 'O you of evil destiny, relate now your story, that
I may know who you are,' I told him my name and place of residence,
and whatever various misfortunes had befallen me, I related to the end.
"When the young man had heard all my history, he wept, and addressing
himself to me, he said, 'O youth, hear now my story. I am the daughter
of the _raja_ of the land of _Zerbad_, [307] and that young man who is
confined in the prison of Solomon, his name is _Bahramand_; he is the
son of my father's prime minister. One day the _Maharaj_ [my father]
ordered that all the _rajas_ and _kunwars_ [308] should assemble on the
plain, which lay under the lattices [of the seraglio] to shoot arrows,
and play at _chaugan_, [309] so that the horsemanship and dexterity of
every individual might be displayed. I was seated near the _rani_ [310]
my mother, behind one of the lattices of the highest story, and the
female servants and slaves were in waiting around; there I was looking
at the sport. The minister's son was the handsomest [man] among them;
and having caracoled his horse, he performed his exercises with much
address. He appeared very agreeable [in my eyes], and my heart became
enamoured of him. I kept this circumstance concealed for a long while.
"'At last, when I became quite restless, I mentioned it to my
hand-maid, and gave her many presents [to gain her assistance]. She
contrived, by some means or other, to introduce the youth in secrecy
into my apartment; he then began to love me likewise. Many days passed
in these love interviews. In short, the sentinels saw him one midnight
going armed into my apartment, and seized him, and informed the _raja_
of the circumstance. The _raja_ ordered him to be put to death; through
the solicitations of all the officers of state, his life was pardoned,
but he was ordered to be thrown into the prison of Solomon; and the
other young man, who is a fellow-prisoner with him, is his brother, and
was with him the night [he was seized]. Both were put into the well,
and it is now three years since they were confined, but no one has yet
found out why the youth entered the _raja's_ palace. God has preserved
my character [from public exposure], and in return for his goodness,
I conceived it my duty to continue to supply the two prisoners with
bread and water. Since their confinement I go there every eight days,
and let them down eight days' provisions at once.
"'Last night, I saw in a dream that somebody advised me, saying, "arise
quickly and take a horse, a dress, a rope-ladder, and some money for
expenses, and go to that pit, and deliver from thence the unfortunate
prisoners." On hearing this, I started up [from my sleep], and being
greatly rejoiced, I dressed myself like a man, filled a casket with
jewels and gold pieces, and taking this horse and some clothes with
me, I went to the prison to draw them out with the rope-ladder. It was
in your fate to be delivered from such a confinement in this manner;
no one knows what I have done; perhaps he was some protecting angel
who sent me to enlarge you. Well, whatever was in my destiny, the same
has come to pass.' After finishing this relation, she took out some
cakes fried in butter, some wheaten bread, some pulse, and meat curry
from her handkerchief; but first, she dissolved some sugar in a cup of
water, and put some spirit of _bed-mushk_ in it, and gave it to me. I
took it from her hand and drank it, and then ate some breakfast. After
a short while, she made me wrap a piece of cloth round my waist, and
led me to the river, and with scissors she cut my hair and nails and
bathing me, dressed me in the clothes [she had brought], and made a
new man of me. I, having turned my face to the _kibla_ offered up a
prayer of thanksgiving; the beautiful girl regarded what I was doing.
"When I had finished from praying, she asked me, 'What hast thou been
thus doing?' I answered, 'I have been worshipping the Almighty God who
has created the whole world, and who has effected my relief through a
being lovely as thou art, and who has inclined thy heart to kindness
towards me, and caused me to be released from such a prison. His person
is without an equal, [311] to Him I have performed my devotions,
and obeisance, and rendered my thanks.' On hearing these words she
said, 'You are a _Musalman_.' I replied, 'Thanks be to God, I am,'
'My heart,' said she, 'is delighted with your pious expressions;
instruct me also, and teach me to recite your _kalima_.' I said
in my own heart, 'God be praised that she is inclined to embrace
our faith.' In short, I recited [our creed], viz., 'There is no God
but God, and _Muhammad_ is the apostle of God,' and made her repeat
it. Then mounting our horses, we two set out from thence. When we
halted at night, she talked of [nothing else but] our religion and
faith; and she listened and felt delighted [with my words]. In this
way we journeyed on incessantly day and night, for two months.