STORY OF THE BANG-EATER AND THE CAUZEE.

In a certain city there was a vagabond fellow much addicted to

the use of bang, who got his livelihood by fishing. When he had

sold the product of his day's labour, he laid part of it out in

provisions and part in bang, with which (his day's, work over) he

solaced himself till he became intoxicated, and such was his

constant practice. One night, having indulged more than ordinary,

his senses were unusually stupefied; and in this, condition he

had occasion to come down into the square in which was his

lodging. It happened to be the fourteenth night of the moon, when

she shone uncommonly bright, and shed such a lustre upon the

ground, that the bang-eater from the dizziness of his head

mistook the bright undulations of her reflection on the pavement

for water, and fancied he was upon the brink of the river. He

returned to his chamber, and brought down his line, supposing

that he should catch his usual prey.

The bang-eater threw out his line, made of strong cord, and

baited on several hooks with bits of flesh, into the square, when

a dog, allured by the scent, swallowed one of the pieces, and

feeling pain from the hook which stuck in his throat, pulled

strongly at the cord. The bang-eater, supposing he had caught a

monstrous fish, lugged stoutly, but in vain. The dog, agonized by

the hook, resisted; at the same time yelping hideously, when the

bang-eater, unwilling to quit his prey, yet fearing he should be

dragged into the imaginary river, bellowed aloud for help. The

watch came up, seized him, and perceiving him intoxicated,

carried him bound to the cauzee.

It happened that the cauzee often privately indulged himself with

bang. Seeing the intoxicated situation of the fisherman, he

pitied his condition, and ordered him to be put into a chamber to

sleep off his disorder; at the same time saying to himself, "This

is a man after my own heart, and to-morrow evening I will enjoy

myself with him." The fisherman was well taken care of during the

day, and at night the cauzee sent for him to his apartment;

where, after eating, they took each a powerful dose of bang,

which soon operating upon their brains, they began to sing,

dance, and commit a thousand extravagancies.

The noise which they made attracted the notice of the sultan, who

with his vizier was traversing the city, disguised as merchants.

Finding the doors open, they entered, and beheld the cauzee and

his companion in the height of their mirth, who welcomed them,

and they sat down. At length, after many ridiculous tricks, the

fisherman starting up, exclaimed, "I am the sultan!" "And I,"

rejoined the cauzee, "am my lord the bashaw!" "Bashaw!" continued

the fisherman, "if I choose I can strike off thy head." "I know

it," returned the cauzee, "but at present I am not worth

beheading; give me first a rich government, that I may be worth

punishing." "Thou sayest true," answered the fisherman; "I must

make thee fat before thou wilt be fit for killing."

The sultan laughed at their extravagancies, and said to his

vizier, "I will amuse myself with these vagabonds to-morrow

evening:" then rising up, he and his minister departed.

The next evening the cauzee and the fisherman indulged themselves

as before, and while they were making merry, the sultan and his

vizier entered, but in different disguises from those they had

worn on the former night. They brought with them a strong

confection of opium, which they presented to their hosts, who,

highly delighted, greedily devoured it, and such were the effects

that they became madder than ever. At length, the fisherman

starting up, exclaimed, "The sultan is deposed, and I am

sovereign in his stead." "Suppose the sultan should hear thee,"

replied the prince. "If he opposes me," cried the fisherman, "I

will order my bashaw to strike off his head; but I will now

punish thee for thy insolent question." He then ran up and seized

the sultan by the nose, the cauzee at the same time attacking the

vizier: it was with difficulty that they made their escape from

the house.

The sultan, notwithstanding his tweak by the nose, resolved to divert

himself further with the bang-eaters, and the next evening putting on

a fresh disguise, repaired to the cauzee's house with his vizier;

where he found the happy companions in high glee. They had taken it

into their heads to dance, which they did with such vehemence, and for

so long a time, that at length they fell down with fatigue. When they

had rested a little, the fisherman perceiving the sultan, said,

"Whence comest thou?" "We are strangers," replied the sultan, "and

only reached this city to-night; but on our way through the streets,

hearing your mirth, we made bold to enter, that we might participate

it with you. Are ye not, however, fearful lest the sultan should hear

you on his rounds, and punish you for an infringement of the laws?"

"How should the sultan hear us?" answered the fisherman; "he is in his

palace, and we in our own house, though, perhaps, much merrier than

he, poor fellow, with the cares of state upon his mind,

notwithstanding his splendour."

"How comes it," rejoined the sovereign, "that you have not

visited the sultan? for you are merry fellows, and I think he

would encourage you." "We fear," replied the fisherman, "his

guards would beat us away." "Never mind them," said the sultan;

"if you choose I will give you a letter of recommendation, which

I am sure he will pay attention to, for we were intimate when

youths." "Let us have it," cried the fisherman. The sultan wrote

a note, directed to himself, and departed.

In the morning the cauzee and the fisherman repaired to the

palace, and delivered the note to one of the guards, who, on

sight of it, placed it on his head, prostrated himself to the

ground, and then introduced them to the sultan. Having read the

letter, the sultan commanded them to be led into separate

apartments, and to be treated respectfully. At noon a handsome

collation was served up to each, and at sunset a full service,

after which they were presented with coffee. When about two hours

of the night had passed, the sultan ordered them into his

presence, and on their making their obeisance returned their

salutes, and desired them to be seated, saying, "Where is the

person who gave you this letter?"

"Mighty sultan," replied the fisherman, "two men who last night

visited our house inquired why we did not repair to your majesty,

and partake of your bounty. We replied, that we feared the guards

would drive us away; when one of them gave us this note, saying,

'Fear not; take this recommendation to the sultan, with whom in

my youth I was intimate.' We followed his direction, and have

found his words to be true. We inquired whence they came; but

they would not tell us more than that they were strangers in this

city." "It is," continued the sultan, "absolutely necessary that

you should bring them to my presence, for it is long since I have

beheld my old friends." "Permit us then to return home, where

they may possibly visit us again," said the fisherman, "and we

will oblige them to come with us." "How can you do that," replied

the sultan, "when the other evening you could not prevent your

guest escaping, though you had him by the nose?"

The poor fisherman, and his companion the cauzee, were now

confounded at the discovery that it was the sultan himself who

had witnessed their intoxication and ridiculous transports. They

trembled, turned pale, and fell prostrate to the ground, crying,

"Pardon, pardon, gracious sovereign, for the offences we have

committed, and the insult which in our madness we offered to the

sacred person of your majesty."

The sultan, after laughing heartily at their distress, replied,

"Your pardon is granted, for the insult was involuntary, though

deserved, as I was an impertinent intruder on your privacy; make

yourselves easy, and sit down; but you must each of you relate to

me your adventures, or some story that you have heard." The

cauzee and the fisherman, having recovered from their confusion,

obeyed the commands of the sultan, and being seated, the latter

related the following tale.

Story of the Bang-eater and His Wife.

There lived formerly, near Bagdad, a half-witted fellow, who was

much addicted to the use of bang. Being reduced to poverty, he

was obliged to sell his stock. One day he went to the market to

dispose of a cow; but the animal being in bad order, no one would

bid for it, and after waiting till he was weary he returned

homewards. On the way he stopped to repose himself under a tree,

and tied the cow to one of the branches while he ate some bread,

and drank of an infusion of his beloved bang, which he always

carried with him. In a short time it began to operate, so as to

bereave him of the little sense he possessed, and his head was

filled with ridiculous reveries. While he was musing, a magpie

beginning to chatter from her nest in the tree, he fancied it was

a human voice, and that some woman had asked to purchase his cow:

upon which he said, "Reverend mother of Solomon, dost thou wish

to buy my cow?" The bird croaked again. "Well," replied he, "what

wilt thou give if I will sell her a bargain." The bird repeated

her croak. "Never mind," said the foolish fellow, "for though

thou hast forgotten to bring thy purse, yet, as I dare say thou

art an honest woman, and hast bidden me ten deenars, I will trust

thee with the cow, and call on Friday for the money." The bird

renewed her croaking, which he fancied to be thanks for his

confidence; so leaving the cow tied to the branch of the tree, he

returned home exulting in the good bargain he had made for the

animal.

When he entered the house, his wife inquired what he had gotten

for the cow; to which he replied, that he had sold her to an

honest woman named Am Solomon, who had promised to pay him on the

next Friday ten pieces of gold. The wife was contented, and when

Friday arrived, her idiot of a husband having, as usual, taken a

dose of bang, repaired to the tree, and hearing the bird

chattering, as before, said, "Well, my good mother, hast thou

brought the gold?" The bird croaked. Supposing the imaginary

woman refused to pay him, he became angry, and threw up his

spade, which frightening the bird, it flew from the nest, and

alighted on a heap of soil at some distance. He fancied that Am

Solomon had desired him to take his money from the heap, into

which he dug with his spade, and found a brazen vessel full of

gold coin. This discovery convinced him he was right, and being,

notwithstanding his weakness, naturally honest, he only took ten

pieces; then replacing the soil, said, "May Allah requite thee

for thy punctuality, good mother!" and returned to his wife, to

whom he gave the money, informing her at the same time of the

great treasure his friend Am Solomon possessed, and where it was

concealed. The wife waited till night, when she went and brought

away the pot of gold; which her husband observing, said, "It is

dishonest to rob one who has paid us so punctually, and if thou

dost not return it to its place, I will inform the (walee)

officer of police."

The wife laughed at his folly; but fearing the ill consequences

of his executing his threat, she planned a stratagem to prevent

them. Going to the market, she purchased some broiled meat and

fish ready dressed, which she brought privately home, and

concealed in the house. At night, the husband having regaled

himself with his beloved bang, retired to sleep off his

intoxication; but about midnight she strewed the provisions she

had brought at the door, and awakening her partner, cried out, in

pretended astonishment, "Dear husband, a most wonderful

phenomenon has occurred; there has been a violent storm while you

slept, and, strange to tell, it has rained pieces of broiled meat

and fish, which now lie at the door!" The husband, still in a

state of stupefaction from the bang, got up, went to the door,

and seeing the provisions, was persuaded of the truth of his

wife's story. The fish and flesh were gathered up, and he partook

with much glee of the miraculous treat; but he still threatened

to inform the walee of her having stolen the treasure of the good

old woman Am Solomon.

In the morning the foolish bang-eater actually repaired to the

walee, and informed him that his wife had stolen a pot of gold,

which she had still in her possession. The walee upon this

apprehended the woman, who denied the accusation, when she was

threatened with death. She then said, "My lord, the power is in

your hands; but I am an injured woman, as you will find by

questioning my unfortunate husband; who, alas! is deranged in his

intellects. Ask him when I committed the theft." The walee did

so; to which he replied, "It was on the evening of that night on

which it rained broiled flesh and fish ready dressed." "Wretch!"

exclaimed the walee, "dost thou dare to utter falsehoods before

me? Who ever saw it rain any thing but water?" "As I hope for

life, my lord," replied the bang-eater, "I speak the truth; for

my wife and myself ate of the fish and flesh which fell from the

clouds." The woman being appealed to, denied the assertion of her

husband.

The walee being now convinced that the man was crazy, released

his wife, and sent the husband to the madhouse; where he remained

some days, till the wife, pitying his condition, contrived to get

him released by the following stratagem. She visited her husband,

and desired him when any one inquired of him if he had seen it

rain flesh and fish, to answer, "No: who ever saw it rain any

thing but water?" She then informed the keeper that he was come

to his senses, and desired him to put the question. On his

answering properly he was released.

The fisherman had not long been in the service of the sultan,

when walking one day near the house of a principal merchant, his

daughter chanced to look through a window, and the buffoon was so

struck with her beauty that he became devoted to love. Daily did

he repair to the same spot for weeks together in hopes of once

seeing her, but in vain; for she did not again appear at the

window. At length, his passion had such an effect upon him that

he fell sick, kept his bed, and began to rave, exclaiming, "Ah!

what charming eyes, what a beautiful complexion, what a graceful

stature has my beloved!" In this situation he was attended by an

old woman, who, compassionating his case, desired him to reveal

the cause of his uneasiness.

"My dear mother," replied he, "I thank thee for thy kindness; but

unless thou canst assist me I must soon die." He then related

what he had seen, and described to her the house of the merchant.

When she said, "Son, be of good cheer; for no one could so

readily have assisted thee in this dilemma as myself. Have

patience, and I will speedily return with intelligence of thy

beloved." Having spoken thus, she departed, and upon reaching her

own house disguised herself as a devotee. Throwing over her

shoulders a coarse woollen gown, holding in one hand a long

string of beads, in the other a walking staff, she proceeded to

the merchant's house, at the gate of which she cried, "God is

God, there is no God but God; may his holy name be praised, and

may God be with you," in a most devout tone.

The merchant's daughter, on hearing this devout ejaculation, came

to the door, saluted the old woman with great respect, and said,

"Dear mother, pray for me:" when she exclaimed, "May Allah

protect thee, my beloved child, from all injury!" The young lady

then introduced her into the house, seated her in the most

honourable place, and with her mother sat down by her. They

conversed on religious subjects till noon, when the old woman

called for water, performed her ablutions, and recited prayers of

an unusual length: upon which the mother and daughter remarked to

one another that the aged matron must certainly be a most

religious character. When prayers were ended, they set a

collation before her; but she declined partaking, saying, "I am

to day observing a fast." This increased their respect and

admiration of her sanctity, so that they requested her to remain

with them till sunset, and break her fast with them, to which she

consented. At sunset she prayed again, after which she ate a

little, and then uttered many pious exhortations. In short, the

mother and daughter were so pleased with her, that they invited

her to stay all night. In the morning, she rose early, made her

ablutions, prayed for a considerable time, and concluded with a

blessing upon her entertainers in learned words, which they could

not understand. When she rose up, they supported her by the arms

respectfully, and entreated her longer stay; but she declined it,

and having taken leave, departed; promising, however, with the

permission of Allah, to make them soon another visit.

On the second day following, the old woman repaired again to the

merchant's house, and was joyfully received by the mother and

daughter; who, kissing her hands and feet, welcomed her return.

She behaved the same as before, and inspired them with stronger

veneration for her sandity. Her visits now grew frequent, and she

was always a welcome guest in the merchant's family. At length,

one evening she entered, and said, "I have an only daughter,

whose espousals are now celebrating, and this night the bride

goes in state to her husband's house. My desire is that my good

young lady should attend the ceremony, and receive the benefit of

my prayers." The mother replied, "I am unwilling to let her go,

lest some accident should befall her:" upon which the pretended

religious exclaimed, "What canst thou fear, while I and other

devout women shall be with her?" The daughter expressing great

eagerness to attend the nuptials, her mother at length consented.

When the merchant's daughter had adorned herself in her richest

habit, she accompanied the old woman; who, after leading her

through several streets, conducted her to the lodging of the late

fisherman, but now favourite to the sultan, who was eagerly

expecting her arrival. The young lady was astonished on her

entrance at beholding a comely looking man; who, she saw, could

hardly restrain his raptures at the sight of her. Her first alarm

was great at finding herself betrayed into such a snare by the

hypocritical beldam; but having naturally much presence of mind,

she concealed her fears, and considered how she might escape. She

sat down, and after looking round the apartment affected to

laugh, saying to the gallant, "It is commonly usual when a lover

invites his mistress to his house to have an entertainment

prepared; for what is love without the accompaniment of a feast?

If you wish, therefore, that I should spend the evening here, go

and bring in some good cheer, that our joy may be complete. I

will with my good mother wait your return."

The gallant, rejoiced at her commands, exclaimed, "Thou hast

spoken truly, and to hear is to obey;" after which, he went

towards the market to order a splendid entertainment. When he was

gone, the young lady locked the door after him, and thanking the

old woman for introducing her to so handsome a lover, threw her

off her guard, while she walked about the apartment meditating

her escape. At length she found in one corner of it a sharp

sabre, and drawing up her sleeve to her elbow, she grasped the

weapon, which she struck with such force at her false friend, who

was reclining on a sofa, as to cleave the head of the abandoned

procuress in two, and she fell down weltering in her blood, to

rise no more.

The merchant's daughter now searched the room, and finding a rich

dress which the favourite usually wore when he visited the

sultan, rolled it up in a bundle, and carrying it under her veil,

unlocked the door, and hastened homewards. Luckily she reached

her father's house without interruption. Her mother welcomed her

with joy; but on perceiving the bundle, said, "My dear daughter,

what can have been given thee at the nuptials of a poor

religious?" The daughter, whose mind had been over agitated with

her late adventure, was not able to answer; her spirits sunk at

the recollection of her narrow escape, and she fainted away. The

mother shrieked aloud with affright, which brought in her husband

and attendants, who used various means for the young lady's

recovery; and at length, having regained her senses, she related

what had passed. The merchant having cursed the memory of the old

woman for her hypocritical deception, comforted his virtuous

daughter, and taking up the dress which he knew, and to whom it

belonged, hastened to make his complaint to the sultan.

When the sultan had heard the complaint of the merchant, he was

enraged against his unworthy favourite, and commanded him to be

apprehended; but he could no where be found, for having on his

return home seen the old woman weltering in her blood, he guessed

what had happened; and apprehensive of being called to an

account, putting on a mean disguise, made his escape from the

city. Fortunately for him a caravan was just taking its

departure, and with it he travelled for five days successively,

with a mind tortured by disappointed love, and the fear of

discovery. At length the caravan passed the confines of his late

master, and encamped before a large city, which he entered, and

having hired a room at a caravanserai, he resolved to repose, and

seek out for some employment less dangerous than making love, or

serving princes.

When he had rested himself for some days, he repaired to a

market, where labourers stood to be hired; and had not waited

long, when a woman coming up asked if he wanted work, to which he

replied in the affirmative. She then said, "Part of the wall

round the court of my house is so much decayed, that I must have

it taken down and rebuilt, and if thou art willing to undertake

the job I will employ thee." On his consenting, she led him to

her house, and shewing him the wall, gave him a pick-axe,

directing him as he went on to place the stones in one heap and

the rubbish in another. He replied, "To hear is to obey." She

then brought him some provision and water, when he refreshed

himself, and having thanked God that he had escaped, and was able

to get his living, began his task, which he continued till

sunset. His employer paid him ten pieces of silver for his day's

work, and he returned contented to his lodging.

The following morning he again went to labour, and was treated

with the same kindness as before. About noon, as he was stocking

up the foundation of the wall he found a copper vessel, which

upon examination proved to be full of golden coin. He carried the

vessel to his lodging, where he counted the money, upwards of a

hundred deenars, and returned to his work. As he was coming home

in the evening, he saw a crowd following a man who carried upon

his head a large chest, which he offered for sale at a hundred

deenars, but refused to mention the contents.

The fisherman was seized with an irresistible impulse to purchase

the chest, and having a small silver coin of not more value than

a silver penny, said to himself, "I will try my fate, possibly it

may contain something valuable; but if not, I will disregard the

disappointment;" ordered it to be conveyed to his lodging, and

paid the price demanded. He then locked his door and opened the

chest, when, to his astonishment, he beheld in it a beautiful

girl very richly dressed, but apparently lifeless. However, on

putting his hand to her mouth, he perceived that she breathed,

and was only in a deep sleep, from which he endeavoured to awake

her, but in vain. He then took her out of the chest, laid her

gently on his carpet, and continued to gaze at her charms; till

at length about midnight she awoke, and in an exclamation of

alarm and surprise exclaimed, "Gracious Allah, where am I?"

When the lady's first alarm had subsided, she asked the fisherman

how he had brought her to his lodging, and on being informed of

the circumstances her mind became easy; for he behaved towards

her with respectful attention. Concealing for the present her

condition and adventures, she said, "This lodging is too mean, on

the morrow you must hire a better. Serve me with fidelity, do as

I desire, and you shall be amply rewarded." The fisherman, who,

cautioned by his last love adventure, was fearful of taking

liberties, and awed by her dignified demeanour, made a profound

obeisance, and professed himself her slave. He set before her the

best refreshments he could procure, and when she had supped left

her, and retired to sleep in a separate chamber.

Early the next morning he went and hired a decent house, to which

he conveyed her in a covered litter, and did not cease to attend

upon her in all her commands for twenty days, she supplying him

with money to purchase necessaries.

It is proper now to mention, that the lady bought by the

fisherman in the chest was the favourite mistress of the sultan:

having deserted for her all his other women, they had become

envious; but the sultana, who, before the arrival of Koout al

Koolloob (for such was her name) had presided over the haram, was

more mortified than the rest, and had resolved to effect her

removal. For this a favourable opportunity soon occurred, owing

to the sultan's departure for twenty days upon a hunting

excursion. In a day or two after his absence, the sultana invited

Koout al Koolloob to an entertainment, and having mixed a strong

soporific in some sherbet, presented it her to drink. The effect

of the potion was instantaneous, and she sunk into a trance; when

the sultana putting her into the chest, commanded it to be given

to a broker, and sold without examination of the contents, for a

hundred deenars; hoping, that whoever might be the purchaser, he

would be so fascinated with the charms of the beautiful Koout al

Koolloob, as to enjoy his good fortune in secrecy; and that she

should thus get rid of a rival without the crime of

assassination.

When the sultan returned from his excursion, immediately on

entering the palace he inquired for his favourite; when the

sultana entering with affected sadness, said, "Alas! my lord, the

beautiful and affectionate Koout al Koolloob, unable to bear the

pangs of absence, three days after your departure fell sick, and

having lingered for seven days, was gathered to the mercy of the

Almighty." The sultan, on hearing this, burst into an agony of

grief, and exclaimed, "There is no asylum or refuge but with God;

from God we came, and to God we must return." He was overcome

with affliction, and remained the whole night involved in

melancholy. In the morning he sent for his vizier, and commanded

him to look out for a spot on the bank of the river for the

erection of a building in which he might sit retired, and

meditate on his beloved Koout al Koolloob.

The vizier replied, "To hear is to obey;" and taking with him an

architect, fixed upon a pleasant spot, on which he ordered him to

mark out a space of ninety yards in length and seventy in breadth

for the intended building. The necessary materials, of stone and

marbles, were soon collected, and the work was begun upon; which

the minister for two days superintended in person. On the third

the sultan came to view the progress. He approved of the plan,

and said, "It is truly beautiful; but, alas! only worthy of the

residence of Koout al Koolloob;" after which he wept bitterly.

Seeing the distress of the sultan, his vizier said, "My lord, be

resigned under distress; for the wise have written, 'Be moderate

when prosperity occurs, and when calamity afflicts thee exercise

patience.'"

The sultan replied, "It is true, O vizier, that resignation is

praiseworthy, and impatience blamable; for a poet has justly

said, 'Be calm under adversity; for calmness can alone extricate

from danger.' To affliction joy often succeeds, and after trouble

we generally enjoy repose; but, alas! human nature cannot divest

itself of feeling; and Koout al Koolloob was so dear to me, and

so delighted my soul, that I dread I shall never find another

mistress her equal in beauty and accomplishments." The vizier

consoled his master, and at length prevailed upon him to submit

to his misfortune with some degree of resignation.

The sultan and vizier daily repaired to view the progress of the

new edifice, the report of which had spread through the city, and

at length reached Koout al Koolloob, who said to the fisherman,

"We are every day expending our money, and getting nothing:

suppose, therefore, you seek employment in the building which the

sultan is erecting. Report says that he is liberal, so that

possibly advantage may accrue." The fisherman replied, "My dear

mistress, how shall I bear the least absence from you?" for he

loved her, and she perceiving it, often dreaded that he would

have made advances; but the remembrance of what he had endured

from the conduct of the merchant's daughter had made him

cautious. She replied, "Dost thou really love me?" "Canst thou

doubt it?" answered he; "thou art my life, and the light of my

eyes!" "If so," exclaimed she, "take this necklace, and when you

think of me as you are working, look at it, and it will console

you till your return home."

The fisherman obeyed the commands of Koout al Koolloob, repaired

to the spot where the edifice was erecting, and beheld the sultan

and vizier observing the workmen. The former inquired if he

wanted employment, to which he replied in the affirmative, and

was hired. He began his labour; but so much was his mind engaged

with his mistress, that every now and then, dropping his

implements, he drew out the necklace, and looking upon it heaved

a deep sigh, which the sultan observing, said to his vizier,

"This man, perchance, is more unhappy than myself; let us call

him to us, and inquire into his circumstances." The vizier

brought him to the presence, and desired him to tell honestly why

he had sighed so deeply. "Alas!" replied he, "I am absent from my

beloved, who gave me this necklace to look at whenever I might

think upon her; and my mind is so taken up with her, that I

cannot help laying down my tools, and admiring it constantly."

When the sultan saw the necklace, he recollected that it was one

which he had purchased for Koout al Koolloob for a thousand

deenars. He concealed his agitation, and said, "To whom does this

necklace belong?" "To my slave," replied the labourer, "whom I

purchased for a hundred deenars." "Canst thou admit us to thy

lodging," rejoined the sultan, "that we may see her?" "I dread,"

answered the labourer, "that her modesty may be offended; but I

will consult her, and if she assents, I will invite you to my

lodging." "That is but just," said the sultan, "and no more than

what is proper."

The labourer at sunset returned home, and informed Koout al

Koolloob of his adventure, when she desired him on the morrow to

purchase what was requisite for a decent entertainment, at the

same time giving him five deenars. In the morning he bought what

she had desired, and going to his work, informed the sultan and

vizier that they were welcome to his homely fare, and to see his

slave; or rather, said he, "My divinity, for as such I have at

humble distance adored her."

The sultan and vizier accompanied the labourer to his house where

they were astonished to find prepared an elegant collation, of

which they partook; after which they drank sherbet and coffee.

The sultan then desired to see his slave, who just made her

appearance, but retired immediately. However, the sultan knew

her; and said to the labourer, "Wilt thou dispose of this

damsel?" "I cannot, my lord," replied the labourer, "for my soul

is wholly occupied with her love, though as yet unreturned." "May

thy love be rewarded!" exclaimed the sultan; "but bring her with

thee at sunset to the palace." "To hear is to obey," replied the

labourer.

At sunset the labourer conducted his slave to the palace, when

the eunuchs attended, and would have led her into the haram; but

he clung round her, and exclaimed, "She is my beloved, and I

cannot part with her." Upon this the sultan related the

circumstances of his having lost her; and requested him to give

her up. Knowing that he durst not oppose the sovereign, he

submitted to his commands with resignation, when the sultan

presented him with fifteen hundred deenars, and a beautiful

slave, also a rich dress, at the same time receiving him among

the most distinguished of his officers. So well did he conduct

himself in his new station, that in a short time he was promoted

to the rank of prime minister, and fulfilled the duties of it

with such ability and integrity, that he became celebrated by the

title of the Just Vizier.

Such was the celebrity of the vizier's decisions, that in a short

time appeals were made from the most distant provinces to his

judgment. One of the most remarkable cases was the following. Two

women belonging to one man conceived on the same day, and were

delivered, one of a boy, the other of a girl, at the same time,

and in one apartment. The female infant died, when each laid

claim to the male child. The magistrates, unable to decide

between the mothers, referred the decision to the just vizier;

who, on hearing the circumstances, commanded two eggs to be

brought, and the contents to be drawn out without breaking the

shells; after which he ordered them to be filled with milk from

the breast of each woman. This being done, he placed the shells

in separate scales, and finding one outweigh the other, declared

that she whose milk was heaviest must be the mother of the male

child; but the other woman was not satisfied with this decision,

and still affirmed she was the mother of the boy.

The vizier, vexed at her obstinacy, now commanded the infant to

be cut in two; when she, whom he had said was the mother, fell

into agonies, and besought its life; but the other was unmoved,

and assented to the death of the child. He then ordered her to be

severely punished, and committed the boy to its afflicted mother.

On being asked on what proofs he had grounded his decision, he

replied, "On two: the first, because the milk of a woman having

produced a male child is always heavier than that of the mother

of a female infant: the second, because the pretended mother

consented to the boy's death; and I supposed it impossible for a

woman to agree to the destruction of her offspring, which is a

part of herself."

THE SULTAN AND THE TRAVELLER MHAMOOD AL

HYJEMMEE.

There was a sultan, who one evening being somewhat low-spirited,

sent for his vizier, and said, "I know not the cause, but my mind

is uneasy, and I want something to divert it." "If so," replied

the vizier, "I have a friend, named Mhamood al Hyjemmee, a

celebrated traveller, who has witnessed many wonderful

occurrences, and can relate a variety of astonishing narratives.

Shall I send for him to the presence?" "By all means," answered

the sultan, "that I may hear his relations." The minister

departed, and informed his friend that the sultan desired to see

him. "To hear is to obey," replied Mhamood, and hastened with the

vizier to the palace.

When they had entered the palace, Mhamood made the obeisance

usual to the caliphs, and uttered a poetical invocation for the

prosperity of the sultan, who returned his salute; and after

desiring him to be seated, said, "Mhamood, my mind is uneasy, and

as I hear you are acquainted with many curious events, I wish you

to relate some of them to amuse me." Mhamood replied, "To hear is

to obey;" and thus began an adventure of his own.

The Koord Robber.

Some years ago I took a journey from my own country to the land

of Yemen, accompanied by a slave, who was a lad of much ready

wit, and who carried a wallet containing a few necessaries. As we

were entering a town, a rascally koord snatched the wallet from

his hands, and asserted that it was his own, which we had stolen

from him: upon which, I called out to some passengers to assist

me in the recovery of my property, and they helped me to carry

the sharper before the cauzee, to whom I complained of his

assault. The magistrate asked the koord what he had to allege in

his defence; to which he replied, "My lord, I lost this wallet

some days since, and found it in possession of the complainant,

who pretends that it is his own, and will not resign it." "If it

be thine," rejoined the cauzee, "describe to me what it contains,

when I shall be satisfied that thou speakest the truth."

The koord assented, and with a loud voice cried out, "In this

wallet, my lord, are two chests, in which are collyrium for the

eyes, a number of rich napkins, drinking vessels of gold, lamps,

cooking utensils, dishes, basins, and ewers; also bales of

merchandize, jewels, gold, silks, and other precious articles,

with a variety of wearing apparel, carpets, cushions, eating

cloths, and other things too tedious to enumerate; besides, I can

bring a number of my brother koords to testify to the truth of

what I have said, and that the wallet is mine."

When the koord had finished, the cauzee smiled, and asked me and

my slave what we could describe to be in the wallet: upon which,

my slave said, "My lord, there is nothing in it of what the koord

has mentioned, for it contains only both worlds, with all their

lands, seas, cities, habitations, men, animals, and productions

of every kind." The cauzee laughed, and turning to the koord,

said, "Friend, thou hast heard what has past; what further canst

thou say?" "The bag is mine," continued the koord: upon which,

the cauzee ordered it to be emptied; when, lo! there were found

in it some cakes of bread, a few limes, a little pepper, and a

cruet of oil. Seeing this, the koord exclaimed, "Pardon me, my

lord the cauzee, I have been mistaken, the wallet is not mine;

but I must away and search for the thief who has stolen my

valuable property." Having said this, he ran off, leaving the

cauzee, myself, and the spectators bursting with laughter at his

impudent knavery.

The sultan was much diverted with the relation of Mhamood, and

requested him to relate another story, which he did as follows.

Story of the Husbandman.

A certain husbandman having reared some choice vegetables and

fruits earlier than usual, resolved to present them to the

sultan, in hopes of receiving a handsome present. He accordingly

loaded his ass and set off for the capital, on the road to which

he met the sultan, whom he had never before seen; and who being

on a hunting excursion had separated from his attendants. The

sultan inquired where he was going, and what he carried. "I am

repairing," said the husbandman, "to our lord the sultan, in

hopes that he will reward me with a handsome price for my fruits

and vegetables, which I have reared earlier than usual." "What

dost thou mean to ask him?" replied the sultan. "A thousand

deenars," answered the husbandman; "which if he refuses to give,

I will demand five hundred; should he think that sum too much, I

will come down to two hundred; and if he declines to give so

much, I will ask thirty deenars, from which price I will not

depart."

The sultan now left the husbandman, and hastening to the city,

entered the palace, where the latter soon after arrived with his

fruits, and was introduced to the presence. Having made his

obeisance, the sultan returning his salute, said, "Father, what

hast thou brought with thee?" "Fruits, reared earlier than

usual," answered the husbandman: to which the sultan replied,

"They are acceptable," and uncovering them, sent a part by the

eunuchs into his haram, and distributed the rest to his

courtiers, excepting a few which he ate himself, talking all the

while to the countryman, whose sensible remarks gave him much

pleasure. He presented him with two hundred deenars, and the

ladies of the haram sent him a present of half that sum. The

sultan then desired him to return home, give the money to his

family, and come back with speed, as he wished to enjoy his

conversation. The husbandman having replied, "To hear is to

obey," blessed the sultan for his bounty, and hastening home gave

the deenars to his wife, informing her that he was invited to

spend the evening at court, and took his leave. It was sunset

when he arrived at the palace, and the sultan being at his

evening meal invited him to partake. When they were satisfied,

they performed their ablutions, and having said the evening

prayer, and read a portion of the Koraun, the sultan, desiring

him to be seated, commanded the husbandman to relate him some

narrative. The husbandman being seated, thus began.

Story of the Three Princes and Enchanting Bird.

It has been lately related that there was formerly a sovereign of

the East who had three sons, the eldest of whom had heard some

traveller describe a particular country where there was a bird

called Bulbul al Syach, who transformed any passenger who came

near him into stone. The prince resolved to see this wonderful

bird; and requested leave to travel from his father, who

endeavoured in vain to divert him from his purpose. He took

leave, and on his departure, pulling off a ring set with a

magical gem, gave it to his second brother, saying, "Whenever you

perceive this ring press hard upon your finger, be assured that I

am lost beyond recovery." Having begun his journey, he did not

cease travelling till he reached the spot where was the bird's

cage, in which it used to pass the night, but in the daytime it

flew about for exercise and food.

It was the custom of the bird to return about sunset to the cage;

when, if it perceived any person near, it would cry out in a

plaintive tone, "Who will say to a poor wanderer, Lodge? who will

say to an unhappy Bulbul, Lodge?" and if the person replied,

"Lodge, poor bird!" it immediately hovered over his head, and

scattering upon him some earth from its bill, the person became

transformed into a stone. Such proved the fate of the unfortunate

prince.

The transformation of the eldest prince had no sooner taken place

than the ring pressed hard upon the finger of the second, who

exclaimed, "Alas! alas! my brother is lost; but I will travel,

and endeavour to find out his condition." It was in vain that the

sultan his father, and the sultana his mother, remonstrated. He

departed after he had delivered the magical ring to his younger

brother, and journeyed till he reached the cage of the bird; who

having ensnared him to pronounce the word lodge, scattered some

earth upon his head, when he, also, immediately became

transformed into stone.

At this instant the youngest prince was sitting at a banquet with

his father; when the ring pressed so hard to his finger, as to

put him to much pain. He rose up, and exclaimed, "There is no

refuge or asylum but with God; for his we are, and to him we must

return." The sultan, upon this, inquired the cause of his grief;

when he said, "My brother has perished."

The old sultan was loudly lamenting the loss of his two children,

when the youngest continued, "I will travel and learn the fate of

my brothers." "Alas!" said the father, "is it not enough that I

have lost them, but thou also wilt rush into destruction? I

entreat thee not to leave me." "Father," replied the prince,

"fate impels me to search for my brothers, whom, perhaps, I may

recover; but if I fail, I shall only have done my duty." Having

said this, he departed, in spite of the tears and lamentations of

his parents, and travelled till he had reached the residence of

the bird; where he found his brothers transformed into images of

stone. At sunset the bird began its usual tone; but the prince

suspecting some deceit, forbore to speak, till at length the

Bulbul retired to his cage, and fell asleep; when watching the

opportunity, the prince darted upon it, and fastened the door.

The bird awoke at the noise, and seeing himself caught, said,

"Thou hast won the prize, O glorious son of a mighty sultan!" "If

so," exclaimed the prince, "inform me by what means thou hast

enchanted so many persons as I see around me changed into images

of marble, and how I may release them from their unhappy state."

"Behold," replied the bird, "yonder two heaps of earth, one white

and the other blue. The blue enchants, and the other will recover

from transformation."

The prince immediately took up handfuls of the white earth, and

scattering it over the numerous images, they instantly became

animated and restored to all their functions. He embraced his two

brothers, and received their thanks; also those of the sons of

many sultans, bashaws, and great personages, for giving them new

life. They informed him that near the spot was a city, all the

inhabitants of which had been, like them, transformed into stone.

To this he repaired, and having relieved them from their

enchantment, the people out of gratitude made him rich presents,

and would have chosen him for their sovereign, but he declined

their offer, and resolved to conduct his brothers in safety to

their father.

The two elder princes, notwithstanding they owed the restoration

of their lives to their brother, became envious of the valuable

presents he had received, and of the fame he would acquire at

home for his achievement. They said to one another, "When we

reach the capital the people will applaud him, and say, 'Lo! the

two elder brothers have been rescued from destruction by the

youngest.'"

The youngest prince being supplied with horses, camels, and

carriages, for himself and companions, began his march homewards,

and proceeded by easy stages towards the capital of his father;

within one day's journey of which was a reservoir of water lined

with marble. On the brink of this he ordered his tents to be

pitched, resolving to pass the night and enjoy himself in

feasting with his brothers. An elegant entertainment was

prepared, and he sat with them till it was time to repose; when

they retired to their tents, and he lay down to sleep, having on

his finger a ring, which he had found in the cage of the Bulbul.

The envious brothers thinking this a fit opportunity to destroy

their generous preserver, arose in the dead of night, and taking

up the prince, cast him into the reservoir, and escaped to their

tents undiscovered. In the morning they issued orders of march,

the tents were struck, and the camels loaded; but the attendants

missing the youngest prince, inquired after him; to which the

brothers replied, that being asleep in his tent, they were

unwilling to disturb him. This satisfied them, and having pursued

their march they reached the capital of their father, who was

overjoyed at their return, and admired the beauty of the Bulbul,

which they had carried with them; but he inquired with eagerness

what was become of their brother.

The brothers replied, "We know nothing of him, and did not till

now hear of his departure in search of the bird, which we have

brought with us." The sultan dearly loved his youngest son; and

on hearing that his brothers had not seen him, beat his hands

together, exclaiming, "Alas! alas! there is no refuge or asylum

but with the Almighty, from whom we came, and to whom we must

return."

We must now return to the youngest brother. When he was cast into

the reservoir he awoke, and finding himself in danger, exclaimed,

"I seek deliverance from that God who relieveth his servants from

the snares of the wicked." His prayer was heard, and he reached

the bottom of the reservoir unhurt; where he seated himself on a

ledge, when he heard persons talking. One said to another, "Some

son of man is near." "Yes," replied the other, "he is the

youngest son of our virtuous sultan; who, after having delivered

his two brothers from enchantment, hath been treacherously cast

into this reservoir." "Well," answered the first voice, "he may

easily escape, for he has a ring upon his finger, which if he

will rub a genie will appear to him and perform whatever he may

command."

The prince no sooner heard these words than he rubbed his hand

over the ring, when a good genie appearing, said, "Prince, what

are thy commands?"

"I command," replied the prince, "that thou instantly prepare me

tents, camels, domestics, guards, and every thing suitable to my

condition." "All is ready," answered the genie; who, at the same

instant taking him from the ledge, conducted him into a splendid

encampment, where the troops received him with acclamations. He

ordered signals of march to be sounded, and proceeded towards the

capital of his father. When he had arrived near the city, he

commanded his tents to be pitched on the plain. Immediately his

orders were obeyed, the tents were raised (a most magnificent one

for himself), before which the servants raised a gorgeous awning,

and sprinkled water to lay the dust. The cooks lighted their

fires, and a great smoke ascended, which filled the plain.

The inhabitants of the city were astonished at the approach of

the army, and when they saw the encampment pitched, supposed it

to be that of a powerful enemy preparing for assaulting them.

Intelligence of this unexpected host was conveyed to the sultan;

who, on hearing it, instead of alarm, felt a pleasure which he

could not account for, and said, "Gracious Allah! my heart is

filled with delight; but why I know not." Immediately he

commanded his suite to attend, and repaired to the encampment of

his son, to whom he was introduced; but the prince being habited

very richly, and differently from what he had seen him in, was

not known by the sultan.

The prince received his father with the honours due to his rank,

and when they were seated, and had entered into conversation,

said, "What is become of thy youngest son?" The words were

scarcely uttered, when the old sultan fell fainting to the earth.

On his recovery, he exclaimed, "Alas! my son's imprudence led him

to travel, and he has fallen a prey to the beasts of the forest."

"Be comforted," replied the prince; "the disasters of fortune

have not reached thy son, for he is alive and in health." "Is it

possible?" cried the sultan; "ah! tell me where I shall find

him!" "He is before thee," replied the prince: upon which, the

sultan looking more closely, knew him, fell upon his neck, wept,

and sunk to the earth overpowered with ecstacy.

When the sultan had recovered, he desired his son to relate his

adventures, which he did from first to last. Just as he had

finished the elder brothers arrived, and seeing him in such

splendour, hung down their heads, abashed and unable to speak;

but yet more envious than ever. The old sultan would have put

them to death for their treachery, but the youngest prince said,

"Let us leave them to the Almighty, for whoever commits sin will

meet its punishment in himself."

When the husbandman had concluded the above story, the sultan was

so highly pleased that he presented him with a large sum of

money, and a beautiful slave, inquiring at the same time if he

could divert him with another story, to which he replied in the

affirmative.

On another night, when the sultan and the countryman had sat down

to converse, the former desired him to relate some ancient story,

when the latter began as follows.

Story of a Sultan of Yemen and his three Sons.

It has been related, that in the kingdom of Yemen there was a

sultan who had three sons, two of whom were born of the same

mother, and the third of another wife, with whom becoming

disgusted from some caprice, and having degraded her to the

station of a domestic, he suffered her and her son to live

unnoticed among the servants of the haram. The two former, one

day, addressed their father, requesting his permission to hunt:

upon which he presented them each with a horse of true blood,

richly caparisoned, and ordered proper domestics to attend them

to the chase.

When they had departed, the unfortunate youngest brother repaired

to his unhappy mother, and expressed his wishes to enjoy, like

the elder princes, the pleasures of the field. "My son," replied

she, "it is not in my power to procure thee a horse or other

necessaries." Upon this he wept bitterly; when she gave him some

of her silver ornaments, which he took, and having sold them,

with the price purchased a foundered steed. Having mounted it,

and provided himself with some bread, he followed the track of

his brothers for two days, but on the third lost his way. After

wandering two days more he beheld upon the plain a string of

emeralds and pearls, which shone with great lustre. Having taken

it up, he wreathed it round his turban, and returned homewards

exulting in his prize; but when he had arrived near the city his

brothers met him, pulled him from his horse, beat him, and forced

it from him. He excelled them both in prowess and vigour, but he

was fearful of the sultan's displeasure, and his mother's safety,

should he punish his insulters. He therefore submitted to the

indignity and loss, and retired.

The two cowardly princes entered the palace, and presented the

string of jewels to the sultan; who, after admiring it, said, "I

shall not rest satisfied till the bird arrives to whom this

certainly must have belonged:" upon which the brothers replied,

"We will travel in search of it, and bring it to our august

father and sultan."

Preparations being made, the brothers departed, and the youngest

prince having mounted his lame steed followed them. After three

days' journey he reached an arid desert, which having passed over

by great exertion, he arrived almost exhausted at a city; which

on entering he found resounding with the shrieks of lamentation

and woe. At length he met with a venerable old man, to whom

having made a respectful salute, he inquired of him the cause of

such universal mourning. "My son," replied the old man, "on a

certain day during the last forty-three years, a terrible monster

has appeared before our city, demanding a beautiful virgin to be

delivered up to him, threatening to destroy it in case of

refusal. Unable to defend ourselves, we have complied with his

demand, and the damsels of the city have drawn lots for the

dreadful sacrifice; but this year the chance has fallen upon the

beautiful daughter of our sultan. This is the day of the

monster's usual arrival, and we are involved in universal

lamentation for her unhappy fate."

When the young prince heard the above, he, under the direction of

the old man, repaired to the place of the monster's resort,

resolved to conquer him or die. Scarcely had he reached it, when

the princess approached it, splendidly habited, but with a

dejected head, and drowned in tears. He made a respectful salute,

which she returned, saying, "Hasten, young man, from this spot,

for a monster will soon appear, to whom, by my unhappy fate, I am

destined. Should he discover thee, he will tear thee in pieces."

"Princess," replied he, "I know the circumstance, and am resolved

to become a ransom for thy beauty."

The prince had hardly uttered these words, when a column of dust

arose; from which with dreadful howlings and fury the monster

issued, lashing his gigantic sides with his thick tail. The

princess shrieked, and wept in the agonies of fear; but the

prince drawing his sabre, put himself in the way of the savage

monster; who, enraged, snorted fire from his wide nostrils, and

made a spring at the prince. The gallant youth with wonderful

agility evaded his talons, and darting from side to side of the

monster, watched his opportunity, till rushing upon him, he cleft

his head asunder just between his eyes, when the huge creature

fell down and growled his last in a tremendous roar.

The princess, on seeing the monster expire, ran to her deliverer,

wiped the dust and sweat from his face with her veil, uttering

grateful thanks, to which he replied, "Return to thy lamenting

parents;" but she would not, and said, "My lord, and light of my

eyes, thou must be mine and I thine." "That is perhaps

impossible," rejoined the prince; and hastening from her, he

returned to the city, where he took up his lodging in an obscure

corner. She now repaired to the palace. On her entrance, the

sultan and her mother were astonished, and inquired in alarm the

cause of her return; fearing that she had escaped from the

monster, who would in revenge destroy the city.

The princess related the story of her deliverance by a handsome

youth: upon which, the sultan, with his attendants, and most of

the inhabitants of the place, repaired to view the monster, whom

they found extended dead on the earth. The whole city was now

filled with grateful thanksgivings and universal rejoicing. The

sultan, eager to shew his gratitude to the gallant youth, said to

the princess, "Shouldst thou know thy deliverer wert thou to see

him again?" "Certainly!" replied she; for love had impressed his

image on her mind too strongly to be ever erased.

The sultan, upon this, issued a proclamation, commanding every

male in the city to pass under the windows of his daughter's

apartment; which was done successively for three days; but she

did not recognize her beloved champion. The sultan then inquired

if all the men of the city had obeyed his commands, and was

informed that all had done so, except a young man at a certain

serai, who was a foreigner, and therefore had not attended. The

sultan ordered him to appear; and he had no sooner approached the

window than the princess threw down upon his head an embroidered

handkerchief, exclaiming, "This is our deliverer from the fangs

of the monster."

The sultan now ordered the young prince to be introduced to his

presence, to which he advanced, making the obeisances customary

to royal personages in a graceful manner. "Art thou the destroyer

of the monster?" exclaimed the sultan. "I am," answered the

prince. "Tell me how I can reward thee?" replied the sultan. "My

request to God and your majesty," answered the prince, "is, that

the princess thy daughter may be given me in marriage." "Rather

ask me a portion of my treasures," rejoined the sultan. Upon

this, the officers of the court observed, that as he had saved

the princess from death, he was worthy of her; and the sultan at

length consenting, the marriage knot was tied. The young prince

received his bride, and the nuptials were consummated. Towards

the close of night he arose, and having taken off her ring, put

his own in its room on her finger, and wrote upon the palm of her

hand, "I am called Alla ad Deen, the son of a potent sultan, who

rules in Yemen; if thou canst come to me there, well; otherwise

remain with thy father."

When the prince had done as above related, he left his bride

asleep, and quitting the palace and city, pursued his travels;

during which he married another wife, whom he had saved from an

elephant in a similar way: he left her in the same manner as the

first.

When the prince had left his second wife, he proceeded in search

of the bird to whom the string of emeralds and pearls had

belonged, and at length reached the city of its mistress, who was

daughter to the sultan, a very powerful monarch. Having entered

the capital, he walked through several streets, till at last he

perceived a venerable old man, whose age seemed to be, at least,

that of a hundred years, sitting alone. He approached him, and

having paid his respects, sat down, and entering into

conversation, at length said, "Canst thou, my uncle, afford me

any information respecting a bird, whose chain is composed of

pearls and emeralds, or of its mistress?"

The old man remained silent, involved in thought, for some

instants; after which, he said, "My son, many sultans and princes

have wished to attain this bird and the princess, but failed in

the attempt; however, do thou procure seven lambs, kill them,

flay and cut them up into halves. In the palace are eight courts,

at the gates of seven of which are placed two hungry lions; and

in the latter, where the princess resides, are stationed forty

slaves. Go, and try thy fortune."

The prince having thanked the old man, took his leave, procured

the lambs, cut them up as directed, and towards midnight, when

the step of man had ceased from passing, repaired to the first

gate of the palace, before which he beheld two monstrous lions,

their eyes flaming like the mouth of a lighted oven. He cast

before each half a lamb, and while they were devouring it passed

on. By the same stratagem he arrived safely into the eighth

court: at the gate of which lay the forty slaves sunk in profound

sleep. He entered cautiously, and beheld the princess in a

magnificent hall, reposing on a splendid bed; near which hung her

bird in a cage of gold wire strung with valuable jewels. He

approached gently, and wrote upon the palm of her hand, "I am

Alla ad Deen, son of a sultan of Yemen. I have seen thee

sleeping, and taken away thy bird. Shouldst thou love me, or wish

to recover thy favourite, come to my father's capital." He then

departed from the palace, and having reached the plain, stopped

to repose till morning.

The prince being refreshed, at day-light having invoked Allah to

protect him from discovery, travelled till sunset, when he

discovered an Arab encampment, to which he repaired and requested

shelter. His petition was readily attended to by the chief; who

seeing him in possession of the bird, which he knew, said to

himself, "This young man must be a favourite of heaven, or he

could not have obtained a prize for which so many potent sultans,

princes, and viziers, have vainly fallen sacrifices." He

entertained him with hospitality, but asked no questions, and in

the morning dismissed him with prayers for his welfare, and a

present of a beautiful horse. Alla ad Deen having thanked his

generous host took leave, and proceeded unceasingly till he

arrived within sight of his father's capital. On the plain he was

again overtaken by his two brothers, returning from their

unsuccessful expedition, who seeing the bird and splendid cage in

his possession, dragged him suddenly from his horse, beat him

cruelly, and left him. They entered the city, and presenting the

cage to their father, framed an artful tale of danger and escapes

that they had undergone in procuring it; on hearing which, the

sultan loaded them with caresses and praises, while the

unfortunate Alla ad Deen retired bruised and melancholy to his

unhappy mother.

The young prince informed his mother of his adventures,

complained heavily of his loss, and expressed his resolves to be

revenged upon his envious brothers. She comforted him, entreated

him to be patient, and wait for the dispensations of Allah; who,

in proper season, would shew his power in the revealment of

justice. We now return to the princess who had lost her bird.

When she awoke in the morning, and missed her bird, she was

alarmed; but on perceiving what was written upon her palm still

more so. She shrieked aloud; her attendants ran in, and finding

her in a frantic state, informed the sultan; who, anxious for her

safety, hastened to the apartment. The princess being somewhat

recovered, related the loss of her bird, shewed the writing on

her hand, and declared that she would marry no one but him who

had seen her asleep. The sultan finding remonstrances vain,

agreed to accompany his daughter in search of the prince, and

issued orders for his army to prepare for a march to Yemen.

When the troops were assembled, the sultan conducted his daughter

to the camp, and on the day following marched; the princess with

her ladies being conveyed in magnificent equipages. No halt was

made till the army arrived near the city, where Alia ad Deen had

delivered the daughter of its sultan by killing the elephant. A

friendly ambassador being dispatched to request permission to

encamp and purchase a supply of provisions, he was honourably

received, and the sultan of the city proceeded in great pomp to

visit his brother monarch, who then informed him of the object of

his expedition. This convinced the other sultan that the stealer

of the bird must also have been the deliverer of his daughter,

and he resolved to join in the search. Accordingly, after three

days of splendid entertainments and rejoicings, the two sultans,

with the two princesses, and their united forces, moved towards

Yemen. Their route lay through the capital, the daughter of whose

sultan Alla ad Deen had saved from the fangs of the savage

monster.

On the arrival of the allies at this city an explanation similar

to the last took place, and the third sultan resolved to

accompany them in search of the husband of his daughter, who

readily agreed to join the other princesses. They marched; and on

the route the princess who had lost her bird was fully informed

by the others of the beauty, prowess, and manly vigour of Alla ad

Deen; which involved her more than ever in anxious impatience to

meet him. At length, by continued and uninterrupted movements,

the three sultans reached Yemen, and pitched their encampments

about sunset on a verdant plain well watered, near the capital.

It was with much dread and apprehension that the sultan of Yemen

beheld such a numerous host encamped so near his residence; but

he concealed his fears, and gave proper orders for securing it

from surprise during the night. With the morning his alarms were

removed, as the allied sultans dispatched an ambassador with rich

presents, assurances that they had no hostile intentions, and a

request that he would honour them by a visit to their camp, and

furnish it with supplies. The sultan complied with the

invitation, and the suite being prepared, he proceeded, attended

by all his courtiers in the highest magnificence, to the

encampment; where he was received with due honours. At the

outposts the three sultans met him, and after the usual greetings

of ceremony conducted him to a splendid tent made of crimson

velvet, the fringes and ropes of which were composed of gold

threads, the pins of solid silver, and the lining of the richest

silver tissue, embroidered with flowers of raised work in silks

of all colours, intermixed with foils and gold. It was covered

with superb carpets, and at the upper end on a platform spread

with gold brocade were placed four stools, the coverings of

which, and the cushions, were magnificent beyond description,

being made of Persian velvet, fringed and flowered with costly

pearls.

When the four sultans were seated, and some conversation had

taken place, in which the latter was informed of the occasion of

the others having marched into his country, the cloth was spread,

and a magnificent entertainment served up in dishes of agate,

crystal, and gold. The basins and ewers for washing were of pure

gold set with jewels. Such was the richness of every thing, that

the sultan with difficulty refrained from shewing his surprise,

and inwardly exclaimed, "By Allah, till now I never have beheld

such a profusion of splendour, elegance, and valuable furniture!"

When the meal was ended, coffee, various sorts of confections,

and sherbets were brought in; after which the company conversed.

The three sultans inquired of their royal guest if he had any

children, to which he replied that he had two sons.

The sultans then requested that he would send for them: upon

which, their father dispatched a messenger to summon them to his

presence. They repaired to the camp, mounted on chargers richly

caparisoned, and most splendidly dressed. On their entering the

tent, the princesses, who were seated in a recess concealed from

view by blinds of gold wire, gazed eagerly at them; and she who

had lost her bird inquired of the other two if either of them was

their husband. They replied in the negative, remarking that he

was of personal beauty, and dignified appearance, far superior to

these princes. The three sultans, also, questioned their

daughters on the subject, and received similar answers.

The sultans, upon this, inquired of the father of the princes if

he had any other sons; to which he replied that he had one; but

that he had long rejected him, and also his mother, from notice;

and that they lived among the domestics of the palace. The

sultans entreated to see him, and he was introduced, but in a

mean habit. The two princesses whom he had delivered from the

monsters and married immediately recognized him, and exclaimed

together, "This is truly our beloved husband!" He was then

embraced by the sultans, and admitted to his wives; who fell upon

his neck in transports of joy and rapture, kissing him between

his eyes, while the princess who had lost the bird prostrated

herself before him, covered with a veil, and kissed his hand.

After this scene the young prince returned to his father, and the

other sultans, who received him respectfully, and seated him by

them, at which the father was astonished; but more so, when,

turning to his brothers, he addressed them, saying, "Which of you

first found the string of emeralds and pearls?" To this they made

no reply: when he continued, "Who of you killed the monster,

destroyed the elephant, or, fortifying his mind, dared to enter

the palace of this sultan, and bring away the cage with the bird?

When you both, coward-like, rushed upon me, robbed me of my

prizes, and wounded me, I could easily have overcome you; but I

felt that there was a season appointed by Providence for justice

upon you and my wretched father, who rejected my mother and

myself, depriving us of our just claims." Having thus spoken, he

drew his sabre, and rushing upon the two guilty princes struck

them dead, each at one blow. He would, in his rage, have attacked

his father; but the sultans prevented him, and having reconciled

them, the old sultan promised to leave him his heir, and to

restore his mother to her former rank and consequence. His

nuptials with the third princess were then celebrated; and their

fathers, after participating for forty days in the magnificent

entertainments given on the occasion, took leave, and returned to

their several kingdoms. The old sultan finding himself, from age,

incapable of the cares of government, resigned the throne to his

son, whose authority was gladly submitted to by the people, who

admired his prowess and gallantry.

Some time after his accession to the kingdom, attended only by

some select courtiers, and without the cumbrous appendages of

royalty, he left his capital upon a hunting excursion. In the

course of the sport, passing over a desert plain, he came to a

spot where was the opening of a cave, into which he entered, and

observed domestic utensils and other marks of its being

inhabited; but no one was then within it.

The curiosity of the sultan being excited, he resolved to wait

until the owners of the cave should appear, and cautioned his

attendants not to mention his rank. He had not sat long, when a

man was seen advancing with a load of provisions and two skins of

water. On his coming to the mouth of the cave, the sultan

addressed him, saying, "Whence comest thou, where art thou going,

and what dost thou carry?" "I am," replied the man, "one of three

companions, who inhabit this cave, having fled from our city to

avoid imprisonment, and every ten days one of us goes to purchase

provisions: to-day was my turn, and my friends will be here

presently." "What was the cause of your flight?" rejoined the

sultan. "As to that," answered the man, "it can only be

communicated by the relation of our adventures, which are

curious, and if you wish to hear them, stay with us to-night, and

we will each, in our turn, relate his own story."

The sultan upon this, said to himself, "I will not move from this

spot until I have heard their adventures;" and immediately

dispatched his attendants, excepting a few, with orders to bring

from the city some necessaries for the night. "For," thought he,

"hearing these stories will be pleasanter than hunting, as they

may, perhaps, inform my mind." He remained in the cave with his

few followers; and soon after arrived the two other inmates, who

were succeeded by the sultan's messengers with the requisites for

a substantial repast, of which all partook without ceremony. When

it was finished, the sultan desired the owners of the cave to

relate their adventures; and they replied, "To hear is to obey:"

the first beginning as follows.

Story of the First Sharper in the Cave.

My father died when I was a youth, leaving my mother and myself

with little property, but an old she-goat, which we sold, and

with the price bought a calf, and nourished her as well as we

could for a whole year; when my mother desired me to go and

dispose of her in the market. Accordingly I went, and soon

perceived that there was not a fatter or finer beast in the

market. The company of butchers, composed of forty persons, fixed

their eyes upon the calf, and supposing me an ignorant lad,

resolved to have her for little or nothing, and feast themselves

upon her flesh. After concerting among themselves, one of them

coming up, said, "My lad, dost thou mean to sell this she-goat?"

"Goat!" replied I, "it is a calf." "Nay," answered he, "surely

thou must be blind or under enchantment; but, old as the goat is,

if thou wilt sell it, I will give thee a koorsh for her." I

angrily refused, and he went away; when presently up came

another; and, in short, in regular succession the whole forty,

the last of whom was the chief of the butchers. I perceived the

connivance to cheat me, and resolving to be revenged, said, "I am

convinced I am deceived, so you shall have the goat, if such she

is, for the koorsh, provided you let me have her tail." This was

agreed to, and it being cut off, I delivered my calf to the chief

of the butchers, received the money, and returned home.

On my arrival at home, my mother asked if I had sold the calf; to

which I replied, "Yes, for a koorsh, and her tail into the

bargain." She thought me stupid or mad, and inquired what I would

do with the latter. I answered, "I will be amply revenged on the

sharpers, who pretended that my calf was a she-goat, and force

from them, at least, a thousand times the price they gave me."

After this, I skinned the tail, cut the leather into thongs, and

twisted them into a whip with hard thick knots. I then disguised

myself in female attire, taking pains to make myself look as

handsome as possible with the assistance of my mother, who put

soorma into my eyelids, and arranged my eyebrows, stained my

hands with hinna, and directed me how to ogle and smile. In

short, as I was then a beardless lad, and reckoned comely, I

appeared as a very desirable maiden in my disguise.

On my arrival at the house of the chief of the butchers, I found

him sitting with his companions in the court. The whole of my

calf had been cooked in various ways, and they were just going to

spread the cloth and feast upon it. On my entrance I made a

profound salutation: upon which they all rose up to return it,

and having seated me welcomely, whispered one to another,

saying, "By Allah, this will be a night of glorious festivity,

illumined by so much beauty! however, our chief must have the

preference, this night shall be his; after which we will all cast

lots for his turn of enjoyment."

When we had feasted on my calf, and the night was far advanced,

the butchers took leave, departed to their homes, and I remained

alone with the chief, who began to entertain me with amusing

conversation. Observing a rope hanging from the ceiling of an

apartment, I, as if ignorant of its purpose, inquired the use of

it; when the venerable chief of the butchers informed me it was

for suspending animals to cut up; also, occasionally his

dependants, whose crimes required the punishment of flogging.

Upon this I expressed a great desire to be tied with the rope,

drawn up, and swung for amusement. "My dear lady," replied he,

"the cord will hurt thy delicate skin; but thou shall put it

round me, draw me up, and see the use without injuring thyself."

I consented to the wish of the chief butcher, placed the cord

under his arms, and drew him up till the ends of his toes

scarcely touched the ground. I then secured the rope, and for

some moments kept running playfully round him, and tickling his

sides, which made him laugh with delight. At length, tired of his

posture, he desired me to release him; but I refused, saying, "My

dear chief, I have not yet finished my amusement;" after which I

tore the clothes from his back, as if in merriment. When I had

done this, I pulled out my whip, which was well knotted, saying,

"This is the tail of a she-goat, and not of a calf." The butcher

now began to be somewhat alarmed, asking me who I was, and whence

I came? to which I replied, "I am the owner of the fat calf, of

which thou and thy villanous companions so rascally cheated me."

I then bared my arm to my elbow, and so belaboured his back and

sides with my whip that he roared in agony; nor did I leave off

till his skin was completely flayed, and he fainted from the

pain. After this I searched the apartment, found a bag containing

three hundred deenars, some handsome dresses, and other valuable

articles, all of which I bundled up, and carried off; leaving the

chief of the butchers, suspended, to his fate. When I had reached

home, I gave my prize to my mother, saying, "This is only part of

the value of my calf, which I have just received of the

purchaser."

Early in the morning the butchers repaired, as usual, to the

residence of their chief, and finding the door of the court-yard

locked, joked one with another, saying, "Our old gentleman has

been so fatigued with his happiness that he sleeps longer than

ordinary." They waited till near noon, when they called out for

admittance; but receiving no answer, became apprehensive of some

disaster, and forcing the door, found their chief suspended,

almost lifeless, and his scars dropping blood. To their inquiries

into the cause of his doleful situation, he replied, "That

pretended vixen was no woman, but a brawny youth, the owner of

the calf; who, in return for our roguery, has flogged me thus,

and carried off all he could find in my chamber worth having."

The butchers vowed revenge, saying, "We will seize and put him to

death;" but their chief requested them for the present to be

patient, and carry him to a warm bath, that he might wash and get

his wounds dressed.

I observed the chief butcher enter the bathing house alone, while

his followers waited at the gate: upon which I went to a

slaughter-house, poured over my back the blood of a sheep, dabbed

it with plaisters of cotton, and leaning on a crutch, as if in

agony of pain, repaired to the bath. At first the butchers

refused me admittance, saying their chief was within; but on my

entreating their compassion for my miserable condition, they at

length permitted me to enter. Passing through the different

rooms, I came to the bath, in which I found the unfortunate chief

washing his scars. I pulled out my whip, and having said to him,

"Shekh, this is the tail of my calf!" flogged him again so

severely that he fainted; after which I made my escape by another

entrance to the hummaum, which opened into a different street.

The butchers growing impatient at the long stay of their chief in

the bath, at length entered, and found him in extreme agony. He

informed them of this second revenge of the owner of the calf,

and requested that he would take him into the country, pitch a

tent for his reception, and remain to guard him till he should be

cured of his wounds. They did so; but I watched their motions,

and disguising myself, repaired in the evening towards the tent.

Here I found a Bedouin Arab, whom I bribed with a piece of gold

to cry out, "I am the owner of the calf, and will have the life

of your chief!" cautioning him at the same time, after he had so

exclaimed, to make his escape as quickly as possible from the

butchers, who would pursue him. "I shall not heed them," replied

he, "though they may be mounted on the fleetest coursers."

Having said this, the Bedouin went up close to the tents, bawling

out vociferously, as I had directed him: upon which all the

butchers started up and pursued him, but in vain, to a great

distance. I then entered the tent in which the chief was reposing

alone, and pulling out my whip, once more flogged him till he

roared with agony. When I was tired I bundled up such articles as

I could lay my hands on; and returning home, presented them to my

mother, saying, "Here is the balance of the price of our calf."

The butchers having attempted to overtake the Bedouin, till they

were wearied with running, but in vain, returned to their chief,

whom they found in a fainting fit from the pain of his wounds.

Having sprinkled water on his face, they recovered him so far

that he was able to inform them of what had happened; and to

request them to convey him once more to his own house, to give

out that he was dead of his wounds, and make a mock funeral;

when, possibly, the owner of the calf, believing him departed

this life, might cease to torment him.

The butchers obeyed the commands of their chief, and reporting

that he was dead, laid him in a litter, and marched in mournful

procession towards the burying ground, followed by a great

concourse of people. Mixing with the crowd, in disguise, I at

length stooped under the litter, and giving the chief, who lay

extended in a winding sheet, a smart poke with a pointed stick,

up he jumped, to the astonishment of the beholders; who cried

out, "A miracle! a miracle! the dead is raised to life!" while I

made my escape in the throng; but being fearful that the many

tricks I had played, especially this last, might excite inquiry,

and lead to a discovery, I fled from the city, and resolved to

remain in this cave till curiosity should subside.

The sultan exclaimed, "These adventures are surprising;" when the

second inhabitant of the cave said, "My lord, my story is much

more wonderful than the last; for I contrived not only to be dead

and buried, but to escape from the tomb." "Possibly," said the

sultan, "thy adventures may have been stranger than those of this

man; but if any of you are acquainted with the memoirs of ancient

monarchs, I could wish you to relate them; however, at present, I

must take you with me to the palace, that I may make you

welcome." When the men heard this proposition, they were alarmed,

and cried out, "What, my lord, would you carry us to the city

from which we have escaped to save our lives?" "Fear not,"

replied he, "I am the sultan, and was amusing myself with hunting

when I chanced to discover your cave." They bowed themselves

before him, and exclaimed, "To hear is to obey;" after which they

attended him to the city. On their arrival, the sultan ordered

them proper apartments and suitable entertainment, and invested

each of them with a rich habit. For some days they remained

enjoying themselves; when, at length, one evening the sultan

commanded them to his presence, and requested a narrative, when

one of them related the following story.

History of the Sultan of Hind.

In ancient days there lived a sultan of Hind, than whom no prince

of the age was greater in extent of territory, riches, or force;

but Heaven had not allotted to him offspring, either male or

female: on which account he was involved in sorrow. One morning,

being even more melancholy than usual, he put on a red habit, and

repaired to his divan; when his vizier, alarmed at the robes of

mourning, said, "What can have occasioned my lord to put on this

gloomy habit?" "Alas!" replied the sultan, "my soul is this

morning overclouded with melancholy." "Repair then to the

treasury," said the vizier, "and view thy wealth; as, perhaps,

the lustre of gold, and the brilliant sparkling of jewels, may

amuse thy senses and disperse thy sorrow." "Vizier," answered the

sultan, "this world to me is all vanity; I regard nothing but the

contemplation of the Deity: yet how can I be relieved from

melancholy, since I have lived to this age and he has not blessed

me with children, either sons or daughters, who are the ornaments

of manhood in this world?"

The sultan had scarcely ceased speaking, when a human figure of a

dusky hue appeared before him, and said, "My sovereign, here is a

confection left me by my ancestors, with an assurance, that

whoever might eat of it would have offspring." The sultan eagerly

took the confection, and by the blessing of Allah, one of the

ladies of his haram conceived that very night. When her pregnancy

was made known to him, the sultan was overjoyed, distributed

large sums in charity to the poor, and every day comforted the

distressed by his bounty.

When the sultana had gone her full time, she was delivered of a

son beautiful in aspect, and of graceful person; at which the

sultan became overjoyed, and on that day set apart one half of

his treasures for the use of the infant prince, who was intrusted

to the charge of experienced nurses. After he had thrived

sufficiently at the breast he was weaned, and at six years of age

put under the care of learned tutors, who taught him to write, to

read the Koran, and instructed him in the other several branches

of literature. When he had completed his twelfth year, he was

accomplished in horsemanship, archery, and throwing the lance,

till at length he became a distinguished cavalier, and excelled

the most celebrated equestrians.

The young prince being on a certain day hunting in the vicinity

of the capital, there suddenly appeared soaring and wheeling in

the air a bird, whose plumage was of the most beautiful and

glossy green. The prince let fly an arrow, but without effect,

and the bird suddenly disappeared. It was in vain that he turned

his eye to all quarters, in hopes of again discovering his

wished-for prey, for the bird had flown out of sight, and the

prince after searching in all directions till the close of day,

returned vexed and much disappointed to his father's palace. On

his entrance, the sultan and sultana perceiving his countenance

gloomy, inquired the cause of his melancholy, when he informed

them of the bird: upon which, they said, "Dear son, the creatures

of the Almighty are innumerably diversified; and, doubtless,

there are many birds as beautiful, and wonderfully more so than

this, whose escape you so much regret." "It may be so," replied

the prince; "but unless I shall be able to take this, which has

so captivated my fancy, I will abstain from food."

On the following morning the prince repaired again to the chase,

and having reached the same spot on the plain, to his great joy

beheld the green bird. Having taken a cautious aim, he let fly an

arrow; but she evaded it, and soared before him in the air. The

prince spurred his courser and followed, keeping his desired prey

in sight unceasingly till sunset; when both himself and his horse

being exhausted he gave up the pursuit, and returned towards the

city. As he was riding slowly, and almost fainting with hunger

and fatigue, there met him a venerable looking personage, who

said, "Prince, both thyself and thy charger seem exhausted; what

can have been the cause of such over exercise?" "Father,"

answered the prince, "I have been pursuing, but in vain, a

beautiful green bird, on which I had set my mind." "Son," replied

the sage, "if thou wert to follow it for a whole year's journey,

thy pursuit would be useless; for thou couldst never take it.

This bird comes from a city in the country of Kafoor, in which

are most delightful gardens abounding in such birds as this, and

many other species still more beautiful, some of which sing

enchantingly, and others talk like human beings; but, alas thou

canst never reach that happy spot. Give up then all thoughts of

the bird, and seek some other object for a favourite that thou

mayst enjoy repose, and no longer vex thyself for

impossibilities." When the prince heard this from the old man, he

exclaimed, "By Allah! nothing shall prevent me from visiting the

charming country thou hast mentioned;" and leaving the sage, he

rode homewards, his mind wholly taken up in meditating on the

land of Kafoor.

When the prince had reached the palace, the sultan perceiving his

disordered state, inquired the adventures of the day; and being

informed of his fruitless pursuit, and the remarks of the old

man, said, "My son, discharge this idle chimera from thy mind,

nor perplex thyself longer, since he who wishes for an

impossibility may pine himself to death, but can never gain his

desires: calm then thy soul, nor vex thyself longer in vain." "By

Allah!" answered the prince, "my soul, O my father, is captivated

with the desire of possessing this bird more strongly than ever,

from the words of the venerable old man; nor is it possible I can

enjoy repose till I have travelled to the island of Kafoor, and

beheld the gardens containing such a wonderful feathered

species." "Alas! my dear son," exclaimed the sultan, "think how

afflicting must be to myself and thy mother thy absence from our

sight, and for our sakes give up such a fruitless expedition."

The prince, notwithstanding the remonstrances of his father,

continued obstinate, and said, "My travelling is inevitable:

grant me then permission, or I will put myself to death." "If

so," exclaimed the affrighted sultan, "there is no refuge or help

but from the omnipotent Allah: well has the proverb remarked,

that the nestling would not be restrained from the air, when

suddenly the raven pounced upon it and bore it away. Heaven guard

my son from the consequences of his imprudence." Having said

thus, the sultan commanded preparations for the requisites of

travel, and ordered a force to accompany the headstrong prince;

who, having taken leave of his afflicted parents, began his

expedition towards the country of Kafoor.

The prince pursued his journey without any extraordinary

adventure for a whole month, and at the expiration of it arrived

at a spot from which branched out three roads. At the junction of

them was erected a lofty pyramid, each face fronting one of the

roads. On one face was inscribed, "This is named the Path of

Safety:" on the second, "This is called the Way of Repentance:"

and on the third, "Whoever follows this road will not probably

return." "I will pursue this last," said the prince to himself,

and accordingly striking into it, proceeded onwards for twenty

days, at the end of which he encamped near a desolated city,

crumbling into ruin, wholly destitute of inhabitants. He

commanded his attendants, as no provisions could be found in the

city, to kill five sheep of the flocks he had brought with him,

and dress them for their refreshment in various ways. When all

were ready, and the simmaut was spread out, having performed his

ablutions, he sat down with his principal followers.

The prince and his company had scarcely seated themselves, when,

lo! there advanced from the desolated city a Genie, whom the

prince seeing, stood up, and thus accosted, "Hail! and welcome to

the sovereign of the Aoon, friendly to his brethren, and ruler of

this extensive desert." He then addressed him, flatteringly, in

fluent language and eloquent expression. The hair of this Oone

Genie hung shaggily over his eyes, and flowed in matted tresses

upon his shoulders. The prince took out a pair of scissors, and

having condescendingly cut his hair, pared his nails, and washed

him, seated him at the cloth, and placed before him the dish

dressed peculiarly for himself.

The Oone ate, and was delighted with the affability of the

prince, whom he addressed, saying, "By Allah, O Mahummud, son of

a sultan! I am doomed to death by thy arrival here; but what, my

lord, was thy object in coming?" Upon this the prince informed

him of his having seen the bird, his vain attempts to take her,

the account he had received from the old man, and his resolution,

in consequence of his information, to penetrate to the kingdom of

Kafoor, to visit the gardens, and bring away some of the

wonderful birds.

When the Oone heard this, he said, "O son of a sultan, that

country to thee is impenetrable, thou canst not reach it; for the

distance from hence is a journey of three hundred years to the

most laborious traveller; how then canst thou hope to arrive at

it, much more return? But, my son, the good old proverb remarks,

that kindness should be returned with kindness, and evil with

evil, and that none are so cruel or so benevolent as the

inhabitants of the desert. As thou hast treated me kindly, so,

God willing, shalt thou have a return for thy goodness; but thou

must leave here thy attendants and thy effects. Thou and I only

will go together, and I will accomplish thy wish in gratitude for

what thou hast done for me." The prince immediately retired from

his encampment with the Oone, who said, "Mount upon my

shoulders."

The prince obeyed the commands of the Oone, who having first

stopped his rider's ears with cotton, mounted into the air, and

after soaring for some hours descended; when the prince found

himself in the island of Kafoor, and near the desired garden.

Having alighted from the shoulders of the generous Oone, he

examined the spot, beheld groves, blooming shrubs, flowers

bordering clear streams, and beautiful birds chanting various

melodies. The Oone said, "Behold the object, of thy search, enter

the garden!" Upon this the prince left him, passed the gate,

which was open, and entered. He walked on every quarter, and

depending from the branches of flowering shrubs saw cages holding

a variety of beautiful birds, two birds in each cage.

The prince took down a large cage, and having examined the birds,

placed in it such as pleased him to the number of six, with which

he was preparing to leave the garden; when at the gate a watchman

met him, who cried out loudly, "A robber! a robber!" Instantly

numerous guards rushing out, seized the prince, bound, and

carried him before the sultan, to whom they complained, saying,

"We found in the garden this young man, carrying off a cage with

six birds. He must certainly be a robber."

The sultan addressed the prince, saying, "What induced thee,

youthful stranger, to violate my property, trespass on the

garden, and attempt stealing these birds?" The prince returned no

answer: upon which the sultan exclaimed, "Young man, thou art

verging upon death; yet still, if thy soul is bent upon having

these birds, bring me from the Black Island some bunches of

grapes, which are composed of emeralds and diamonds, and I will

give thee six birds in addition to those thou hast stolen."

Having said this, the sultan released the prince, who repaired to

his generous friend the Oone, whom he informed of the unlucky

conclusion of his adventure. "Our task is an easy one," answered

the Oone; "mount upon my shoulders."

The prince did as he was desired, and after two hours flight the

Oone descended and alighted, when the prince found himself in the

Black Island. He immediately advanced towards the garden in which

was the fruit composed of emeralds and diamonds. On the way a

monster met him of terrible appearance.

The monster sprung at the prince, who, with surprising agility,

drawing his sword, wounded the furious beast on the forehead with

such effect, that, uttering a dreadful groan, he fell dead at his

feet. It happened, by divine decree, that the sultan's daughter

looking from a window of the haram, beheld the combat, and,

stricken with the manly beauty and prowess of the prince,

exclaimed, "Who can withstand thy courage, or who resist thy all

conquering charms?" But he did not see the princess, or hear her

applause.

The prince, after having slain the monster, proceeded to the

garden, the gate of which he found open, and on entering,

perceived variety of artificial trees composed of precious

stones. Among them was one resembling the vine, the fruits of

which were of emeralds and diamonds. He plucked off six bunches,

and was quitting the garden when a sentinel met him; who, being

alarmed, cried out, "A robber! a robber!" The guards rushed out,

and having bound him, carried him before the sultan, saying, "My

lord, we found this youth stealing the fruit from the garden of

jewels."

The sultan was enraged, and on the point of ordering him to be

put to death, when a number of persons entered, crying out, "Good

tidings to our sovereign." "On what account?" exclaimed the

sultan. "The horrible monster," replied they, "who used annually

to appear and devour our sons and daughters, we have just now

found dead and cloven in two." The sultan was so rejoiced at this

happy event, that he refrained from the blood of the prince, and

exclaimed, "Whoever has destroyed this monster let him come to

me, and I swear by Allah, who has invested me with royalty, that

I will give him my daughter in marriage; and whatever else he may

desire, even to the half of my empire."

Upon the sultan's declaration being proclaimed, several young men

appeared, pretending that they had killed the monster, and gave

various accounts of the combat, which made the prince smile. "By

Allah! it is strange," said the sultan, "that a youth in such a

perilous situation should be so unconcerned as to smile." While

the sultan was ruminating on this occurrence, a eunuch entered

from the haram, requesting that he would come and speak to the

princess his daughter, who had business of importance to

communicate; upon which the sultan arose, and retired from the

hall of audience.

When the sultan had entered the princess's apartment, he said,

"What can have happened which has occasioned you to send for me

so suddenly?" She replied, "Is it thy wish to know who slew the

monster, and to reward the courageous hero?" "By Allah," answered

the sultan, "who created subjects and their sovereigns, if I can

discover him, my first offer to him shall be to espouse thee,

whatever be his condition, or though he dwell in the most distant

region." The princess rejoined, "No one slew the monster but the

youth who entered the garden of gems, and was bearing off the

fruit, whom thou wast just now on the point of putting to death."

When the sultan heard the above from his daughter, he returned to

the divan, and calling the prince before him, said, "Young man, I

grant thee thy pardon; art thou he who destroyed the monster?" "I

am," replied the prince. The sultan would instantly have summoned

the cauzee to perform the espousals; but the prince said, "I have

a friend to consult; permit me to retire, and I will soon

return." The sultan consented, saying, "Thy request is but

reasonable; but come back quickly." The prince having repaired to

his friend the Oone, informed him of what had happened to him,

and of the offer of the sultan's daughter in marriage: upon which

the Oone said, "Accept the princess; but on condition that, if

you marry her, you shall be allowed to carry her to your own

kingdom." The prince having returned to the sultan, proposed his

terms, which were readily agreed to, and the nuptials were

celebrated with the most splendid magnificence. After abiding in

the palace of the sultan for a month and three days, he requested

permission to depart with his bride towards his own country,

which was granted.

On the departure of the prince, his father-in-law presented him

with a hundred bunches of the grapes composed of emeralds and

diamonds, and he repaired to his friend the Oone; who, having

first stopped their ears with cotton, mounted them upon his

shoulders, and soaring into the air, after two hours descended

near the capital of the island of Kafoor. The prince, taking four

bunches of the jewelled fruit, hastened to the palace, and laid

them before the sultan; who, in astonishment, exclaimed, "Surely,

this young stranger must be a powerful magician, or how could he

have travelled the distance of three hundred years' journey, and

have accomplished his purpose in less time than three months!

Such an action is truly miraculous. Hast thou, indeed, young

man," said the sultan, "been at the Black Island?" "I have,"

answered the prince. "Describe it to me," replied the sultan,

"its appearance, its buildings, its gardens, and rivers." The

prince having answered all his queries, the sultan said, "Noble

youth, you may assuredly ask of me whatever you wish!" "I want

nothing but the birds," rejoined the prince. "They are thine,"

returned the sultan; "but annually on a certain day, and this is

it, there descends from yonder mountain a monstrous vulture,

which tears in pieces our men, women, and children; and having

flown away with them in his gigantic talons devours their flesh.

I have a beautiful daughter, whom, if thou canst overcome this

calamitous monster, I will give to thee in marriage."

The prince replied, "I will consult my friend;" and then returned

to the Oone, whom he informed of the offer; but he had scarcely

done speaking, when, lo! the vulture appeared: upon which the

Oone, ascending into the air, attacked the monster, and after a

fierce combat, tore him into halves; after which he descended to

the prince, and said, "Go to the sultan, and acquaint him that

his destructive enemy is slain."

The prince did as he was directed: upon which the sultan with his

train, and an immense crowd of the inhabitants of the city, came

out on horseback, and beheld the monstrous vulture, stretched

dead on the ground, torn in halves. The sultan then conducted the

prince of Hind to the palace; where his marriage with the

princess was instantly celebrated, amid the highest festivity and

rejoicings; and after remaining a full month at the sultan's

court, he requested leave to depart; when his father-in-law

presented him with ten cages, in each of which were four of the

beautiful birds of variously coloured plumage, and dismissed him,

after an affectionate farewell, with his daughter.

The prince having departed from the sultan repaired to his

faithful friend the Oone, who welcomed his return; and having

mounted him upon his back with his two brides, his jewel fruit,

and the cages, immediately ascended into the air, from whence,

after soaring for some hours, he gradually descended, and

alighted near the ruined city, where the prince had left his

tents, cattle, and followers, whom he found anxiously expecting

his arrival. The friendly Oone had scarcely set him down, when he

said to the prince, "My young friend Mahummud, the obligation

already conferred upon me by thy coming here was great; but I

have one more favour to request." "What can that be?" replied the

prince. "That thou leave not this spot," continued the Oone,

"until thou hast washed my corpse, enshrouded, and laid it in the

grave." Having said thus, the Oone suddenly uttered one loud

groan, and instantly his soul took its flight from the body. The

astonished prince stood for some time overpowered with sorrow;

but at length recovering himself, he, with the assistance of his

domestics, washed the corpse, wrapped it in a winding sheet, and

having prayed over it, deposited it in the earth.

The funeral ceremonies of his friend being over, he commenced his

march homewards, and after three days arrived in sight of the

inscribed pyramid, near which he perceived an extensive

encampment, which, on reconnoitring, he found to be that of his

father. The aged sultan, unable to bear the absence of his son,

had marched from his capital in hopes of overtaking him; but on

his arrival at the junction of the three ways, being confounded

at the sight of the inscriptions, he had halted, not knowing

where to proceed. Great was his joy on discovering the prince

advancing towards that face of the pyramid on which was engraved,

"Whoever travels this road will probably never return." When the

raptures of meeting and mutual congratulations were over, the

prince informed the sultan of his wonderful and successful

adventures, which overpowered him with astonishment and joy.

After reposing a few days, they proceeded towards the capital of

the sultan; where tidings having arrived of their approach, the

inhabitants ornamented the city with silks, carpets, and

transparent paintings; and the nobles and respectable persons

issued forth with splendid trains to meet and congratulate their

sovereign and the prince, who entered in triumphal procession,

amid the greatest rejoicings and prayers for their welfare and

prosperity.