STORY OF THE FISHERMAN'S SON.

A fisherman's son having in company with his father caught a

large fish, the latter proposed to present it to the sultan, in

hopes of receiving a great reward. While he was gone home to

fetch a basket, the son, moved by compassion, returned the fish

into the water; but fearful of his father's anger, fled from his

country, and repaired to a distant city, where he was entertained

by a person as a servant. Strolling one day in the market, he saw

a Jew purchase of a lad a cock at a very high price, and send it

by his slave to his wife, with orders to keep it safely till his

return home. The fisherman's son supposing that as the Jew gave

so great a price for the cock it must possess some extraordinary

property, resolved to obtain it; and, accordingly, having bought

two large fowls, carried them to the Jew's wife, whom he informed

that her husband had sent him for the cock, which he had

exchanged for the fowls. She gave it him; and he having retired,

killed the bird, in whose entrails he found a magical ring; which

being rubbed by his touch, a voice proceeded from it demanding

what were the commands of its possessor, which should be

immediately executed by the genii who were servants of the ring.

The fisherman's son was rejoiced at his good fortune, and while

meditating what use he should make of his ring, passed by the

sultan's palace, at the gates of which were suspended many human

heads. He inquired the reason, and was informed that they were

those of unfortunate princes, who having failed in performing the

conditions on which the sultan's daughter was offered them in

marriage, had been put to death. Hoping to be more fortunate than

them by the aid of his ring, he resolved to demand the princess's

hand. He rubbed the ring, when the voice asked his commands: upon

which he required a rich dress, and it was instantly laid before

him. He put it on, repaired to the palace, and being introduced

to the sultan, demanded his daughter to wife. The sultan

consented, on condition that his life should be forfeited unless

he should remove a lofty and extensive mound of sand that lay on

one side of the palace, which must be done before he could wed

the princess. He accepted the condition; but demanded an interval

of forty days to perform the task. This being agreed to, he took

his leave, and having repaired to his lodging, rubbed his ring,

commanded the genii to remove the mound, and erect on the space

it covered a magnificent palace, and to furnish it suitably for a

royal residence. In fifteen days the task was completed; he was

wedded to the princess, and declared heir to the sultan. In the

mean while, the Jew whom he had tricked of the cock and the

magical ring resolved to travel in search of his lost prize, and

at last arrived at the city, where he was informed of the

wonderful removal of the mound, and the erection of the palace.

He guessed that it must have been done by means of his ring, to

recover which he planned the following stratagem. Having

disguised himself as a merchant, he repaired to the palace, and

cried for sale valuable jewels. The princess hearing him, sent an

attendant to examine them and inquire their price, when the Jew

asked in exchange only old rings. This being told to the

princess, she recollected that her husband kept an old shabby

looking ring in his writing stand, and he being asleep, she took

it out, and sent it to the Jew; who, knowing it to be the one he

had so long sought for, eagerly gave for it all the jewels in his

basket. He retired with his prize, and having rubbed the ring,

commanded the genii to convey the palace and all its inhabitants,

excepting the fisherman's son, into a distant desert island,

which was done instantly. The fisherman's son, on awaking in the

morning, found himself lying on the mound of sand, which had

reoccupied its old spot. He arose, and in alarm lest the sultan

should put him to death in revenge for the loss of his daughter,

fled to another kingdom as quickly as possible. Here he endured a

disconsolate life, subsisting on the sale of some jewels, which

he happened to have upon his dress at his flight. Wandering one

day through a town, a man offered him for sale a dog, a cat, and

a rat, which he purchased, and kept, diverting his melancholy

with their tricks, and uncommon playfulness together. These

seeming animals proved to be magicians; who, in return for his

kindness, agreed to recover for their master his lost prize, and

informed him of their intention. He eagerly thanked them, and

they all set out in search of the palace, the ring, and the

princess. At length they reached the shore of the ocean, after

much travel, and descried the island on which it stood, when the

dog swam over, carrying on his back the cat and the rat. Being

landed, they proceeded to the palace; when the rat entered, and

perceived the Jew asleep upon a sofa, with the ring laid before

him, which he seized in his mouth, and then returned to his

companions. They began to cross the sea, as before, but when

about half over the dog expressed a wish to carry the ring in his

mouth. The rat refused, lest he should drop it; but the dog

threatened, unless he would give it him, to dive and drown them

both in the sea. The rat, alarmed for his life, complied with his

demand: but the dog missed his aim in snatching at the ring,

which fell into the ocean. They landed, and informed the

fisherman's son of his loss: upon which he, in despair, resolved

to drown himself; when suddenly, as he was going to execute his

purpose, a great fish appearing with the ring in his mouth, swam

close to shore, and having dropped it within reach of the

despairing youth, miraculously exclaimed, "I am the fish which

you released from captivity, and thus reward you for your

generosity." The fisherman's son, overjoyed, returned to his

father-in-law's capital, and at night rubbing the ring, commanded

the genii to convey the palace to its old site. This being done

in an instant, he entered the palace, and seized the Jew, whom he

commanded to be cast alive into a burning pile, in which he was

consumed. From this period he lived happily with his princess,

and on the death of the sultan succeeded to his dominions.

STORY OF ABOU NEEUT AND ABOU NEEUTEEN;

OR, THE WELL-INTENTIONED AND THE DOUBLE-MINDED.

A person named Abou Neeut, or the well-intentioned, being much

distressed in his own country, resolved to seek a better livelihood in

another. Accordingly he took with him all he possessed, being only one

single sherif, and began his journey. He had not travelled far when

there overtook him a man, who entertained him with his conversation;

in the course of which it appeared that his name was Abou Neeuteen, or

double-minded. Being upon the same scheme, they agreed to seek their

fortunes together, and it was settled that Abou Neeut should be the

purse-bearer of the common stock. The other possessed ten sherifs.

After some days of toilsome journey they reached a city; on

entering which, a beggar accosted them, crying out, "Worthy

believers, disburse your alms and ye shall be rewarded ten-fold."

Upon this, Abou Neeut gave him a sherif; when his companion,

enraged at what he thought prodigality, demanded back his money,

which was given him, and he marched off leaving his new friend

without any thing. Abou Neeut, resigned to his fate, and relying

on Providence, proceeded to a mosque to pay his devotions, hoping

to meet some charitable person who would relieve his necessities;

but he was mistaken. For a night and day he remained in the

mosque, but no one offered him charity. Pressed by hunger, he in

the dusk of evening stole out, and wandered with fainting steps

through the streets. At length perceiving a servant throwing the

fragments from an eating cloth, he advanced, and gathering them

up, sat down in a corner, and gnawed the bones and half-eaten

morsels with eagerness; after which, lifting up his eyes towards

heaven, he thanked God for his scanty meal. The servant, who had

observed his motions, was surprised and affected at his wretched

condition and devotion, of which he informed his master; who,

being a charitable man, took from his purse ten sherifs, which he

ordered the servant to give to Abou Neeut.

The servant, through avarice, having retained one sherif as a

perquisite, delivered the rest to Abou Neeut; who, having counted

the money, thanked God for his bounty; but said, agreeably to the

scriptural declaration he ought to have had ten-fold for the

sherif he had given to the beggar. The master of the servant

overhearing this, called Abou Neeut up stairs; and having seated

him, inquired his story, which he faithfully related to his host,

who was a capital merchant, and was so much pleased at his pious

simplicity, that he resolved to befriend him, and desired him to

abide for the present in his house.

Abou Neeut had resided some days with his friendly host, when the

season arrived at which the merchant, who was punctual in

discharging the duties of religion, having examined his stock,

set apart the tenth of it in kind, and bestowed it upon his

guest, whom he advised to open a shop and try his fortune in

trade. Abou Neeut did so, and was so successful, that in a few

years he became one of the most reputable merchants in the place.

At the end of this period, sitting one day in his warehouse, he

saw in the streets wretchedly habited, lean, and with eyes sunken

and dim, his old companion Abou Neeuteen, begging alms of

passengers with the importunate cry of distress. Abou Neeut

compassionating his miserable situation, ordered a servant to

call him to him; and on his arrival, having seated him, sent for

refreshments to relieve his immediate want. He then invited him

to spend the night at his house; and in the evening, having shut

up his warehouse, conducted him home, where a bath was made warm

for him, and when he had bathed, he was presented with a change

of handsome apparel. Supper was served, and when they had eaten

till they were satisfied they conversed on several subjects. At

length Abou Neeut exclaimed, "Dost thou not recollect me, my

brother?" "No, by Allah, most liberal host," replied the other;

"but who art thou?" "I was," answered Abou Neeut, "the companion

of thy travel at such a period; but my disposition is still

unchanged, nor have I forgotten our old connection. Half of what

I possess is thine."

Having said this, Abou Neeut balanced his accounts, and gave half

of his property to his distressed fellow traveller; who with it

stocked a warehouse, and traded for himself with good success.

For some time the two friends lived near each other in great

repute, when Abou Neeuteen growing restless, requested Abou Neeut

to quit their present abode, and travel for recreation and

profit. "My dear friend," replied Abou Neeut, "why should we

travel? have we not here affluence and ease, and what more can we

enjoy in any part of the world?" This remonstrance had no effect

on Abou Neeuteen, who became so importunate, that at length his

kind friend yielded to his whim; they loaded an ample stock of

merchandize on mules and camels, and departed for the city of

Moussul.

After travelling ten days, they one evening encamped near a deep

well, round which they took up their lodging. In the morning Abou

Neeut, by his own desire, was let down into the well, more

readily to fill the water bags for the use of the caravan, men

and cattle, little apprehending what was by Providence decreed to

befall him; for his ungrateful friend, who envied his prosperity,

and coveted his wealth, having loaded the beasts, cut the rope at

the top of the well, and leaving him to his fate, departed.

Abou Neeut remained all day without food, but humbly putting his

trust in Allah for deliverance. About the middle of the following

night he overheard two Afreets in conversation with each other,

when one said, "I am now perfectly happy: for at length I have

possessed the beautiful princess of Moussul, and no one can drive

me away, unless by sprinkling the infusion of wormwood under her

feet on a Friday during divine service in the great mosque, a

recipe which will hardly be found out." "I," continued the other

Afreet, "have been as fortunate as yourself: for I am in

possession of such a hidden treasure of gold and jewels, under

the mound near Moussul, as cannot be computed, the talisman of

which cannot be opened to any one unless by killing on the mound

a white cock, and pouring over it the blood; which secret I

judge, will not be found out by man." Having said this, the

Afreets took their flight from the well.

Abou Neeut treasured up in his mind the conversation of the

Afreets, and at day-light was happily delivered from the well by

the arrival of a caravan, some of the followers of which were let

down to fill water, and having discovered him, charitably drew

him up, and gave him some refreshments. When he was somewhat

revived by them, they inquired by what accident he had remained

in the well; and he, concealing the treachery of his ungrateful

companion, informed them that having reposed to sleep on the edge

he had fallen in, and not being missed at the time by his fellow

travellers, the caravan had proceeded on its journey. He then

begged leave to accompany his generous deliverers to Moussul, to

which they agreed, and liberally furnished him with a conveyance.

On entering the city Abou Neeut perceived all the people in

motion, and on inquiring the reason, was informed that they were

hastening to the great square before the palace, to see the

beheading of a physician, who had failed in attempting to expel

an evil spirit that had long possessed the daughter of the

sultan, and that such had been the fate of many unhappy men who

had tried their skill upon the unfortunate princess. Upon this

intelligence he hastened with all speed to the palace, and having

obtained admission to the sultan, made the usual prostrations;

after which he offered to expel the evil spirit, and begged as

part of his reward the sparing of the life of the unsuccessful

physician. To this the sultan for the present agreed; but

declared, that should Abou Neeut fail in his undertaking, he

would execute them together, as ignorant pretenders in their art.

Abou Neeut then begged that the trial of his skill might be

deferred till the Friday, which he requested of the sultan might

be solemnly observed, as the devout prayers of all true believers

would draw down a blessing on his operations. The sultan

consented; the unfortunate physician was released from the

executioner, and commanded to be kept in the palace, in which

Abou Neeut had also an apartment allotted him. Proclamation was

then made through the city for the strict celebration of the

approaching sabbath, under pain of the royal displeasure on those

who should neglect it.

Friday being arrived, and the whole city assembled at prayers,

Abou Neeut prepared his infusion of wormwood, as the Afreet had

mentioned. Being introduced into the apartment of the princess,

who lay in a melancholy stupor, he poured the infusion upon her

feet, when a loud yell was heard near her, and she starting up,

as if from sleep, called upon her attendants to assist her in

rising. News was immediately conveyed to the sultan of the

princess's recovery, and he came overjoyed to witness her

returned senses. He commanded public rejoicings to be made, large

sums to be distributed in alms, and desired Abou Neeut to demand

what he chose in reward for his important service, at the same

time ordering the unsuccessful physician to be set at liberty,

with a handsome present.

Abou Neeut, who had been captivated by the beauty of the princess,

asked, as his reward, her hand in marriage: upon which the sultan

consulted with his viziers, who advised him to dismiss the petitioner

for the present, with orders to return in the morning, when he should

receive the sultan's decision on a request which demanded much

consideration. When Abou Neeut had retired, the viziers represented to

the sultan, that it was fitting the husband of his daughter should at

least possess great wealth: for though Abou Neeut had expelled the

evil spirit, yet if he could not support her in a manner becoming her

rank, he was not worthy to marry her. They, therefore, advised him to

select a number of his most valuable jewels, to shew them to Abou

Neeut, and demand as a dowry for the princess some of equal

estimation; which if he could produce he was ready to receive him as

his son-in-law; but if not, he must accept a compensation for his

services more suited to his condition than the royal alliance.

On Abou Neeut's appearance at court the next morning the sultan

displayed the jewels, and made the proposal advised by his

viziers; when looking with the utmost indifference upon the

brilliant stones before him, he assured the sultan that he would

the next day present him with ten times the number, of superior

value and lustre; which declaration astonished the whole court,

as it was known that no prince possessed richer gems than those

in possession of the sultan of Moussul.

Abou Neeut having taken leave of the sultan proceeded to the

poultry market, and having purchased a cock entirely white and

free from blemish, brought it to his lodgings, where he continued

till the rising of the moon, when he walked out of the city

alone, and speeded to the mound of blueish earth mentioned by the

Afreet of the well to contain the invaluable hidden treasure.

Being arrived at the mound, he ascended it, cut the throat of the

cock, whose blood began to flow, when, lo! the earth shook, and

soon made an opening, through which, to his great satisfaction,

he perceived such heaps of inestimable precious stones, of all

sorts, as are not to be adequately described, Abou Neeut now went

back to the city, where, having procured ten camels, with two

panniers on each, he returned and loaded them with his treasure,

which he conveyed to his lodging, having first filled up the

cavity of the mound.

In the morning Abou Neeut repaired with his loaded camels to the

palace, and entering the court of the divan, in which the sultan

sat expecting him, after a profound obeisance, cried out,

"Descend for a moment, my lord, and examine the dowry of the

princess." The sultan, arising from his throne, came down the

steps of the hall, and the camels being made to kneel, he

examined the panniers, and was so astonished at the richness of

their contents, being jewels far surpassing his own in size and

lustre, that he exclaimed, "By Allah! if the treasuries of all

the sultans of the world were brought together they could not

afford gems equal to these." When somewhat recovered from his

surprise, he inquired of his viziers how he should now act

towards Abou Neeut; when they all unanimously cried out, "By all

means give him your daughter." The marriage was then immediately

celebrated with great splendour, and Abou Neeut conducted himself

so well in his high station, that the sultan his father-in-law

committed to him the giving public audience in his stead, and the

decision of all appeals, three days in each week.

Some time had elapsed after his elevation, when Abou Neeut one

day giving audience in the magnificent hall of one of his country

palaces, beheld a man among the crowd of a sorrowful aspect,

dressed in a wretched habit, who cried, "O true believers, O

charitable gentlemen, relieve the distressed!" Abou Neeut

commanded one of his mace-bearers to bring him to his presence,

and on his appearance recognized his treacherous companion who

had left him in the well. Without making himself known, or

betraying any emotion but that of compassion, he ordered

attendants to conduct him to the warm bath; in which being

refreshed, he was arrayed in a magnificent habit, and again

brought to the divan. Abou Neeut having retired with him into a

closet, said, "Knowest them me not, my old friend?" "No, by

Allah," replied the other. "Know then," returned he, "that I am

Abou Neeut, thy benefactor and companion, whom you treacherously

left in the well." He then related all his adventures, concluding

them with an assurance, that so far from resenting his treachery,

he regarded his conduit as the impulse of fate, and as the means

by which he, himself, had attained his present dignity and

affluence, which he would share with him. The envious heart of

Abou Neeuteen was unconquerable; and instead of thanking the

noble-minded Abou Neeut for his forgiveness and liberality, he

exclaimed, "Since the well has been to thee so fortunate, why

should it not prove so also to me?" Having said this, he hastily

rose up and quitted Abou Neeut, who would not punish such

rudeness, even without taking leave.

Abou Neeuteen hastened with all speed to the well, and having

descended by a rope, sat down, impatiently expecting the arrival

of the Afreets, who about midnight alighted, and resting

themselves on the terrace above, began to inquire each other's

adventures. "Since we met last," said one, "I have been rendered

miserable; for a cunning Mussulmaun found out the secret of

overpowering me, and has married my princess, nor can I revenge

myself, for he is under the protection of a converted genie, whom

the prophet has appointed to watch over him." "I," continued the

other Afreet, "have been equally unfortunate with thyself; for

the same man who has wedded thy mistress discovered my hidden

treasure, and keeps it in spite of my attempts to recover it: but

let us fill up this abominable well, which must have been the

cause of all our disasters." Having said thus, the two Afreets

immediately hurled the terrace and large stones into the well,

which crushed the ungrateful and envious Abou Neeuteen to atoms.

Some days after this, the good Abou Neeut, finding he did not

return, repaired to the well, and seeing it fallen in, ordered it

to be cleared; when the discovery of the body proved to him that

the malicious spirit of the wretch had been the cause of his own

destruction. He with reverence exclaimed, "There is no refuge but

with the Almighty; may he preserve us from envy, which is

destructive to the envious alone!"

Abou Neeut returned to the capital, where, not long after, his

father-in-law the sultan dying, left him heir to his kingdom. His

succession was disputed by the husbands of the two elder sisters

of his wife; but the ministers and people being in favour of the

sultan's will, they resigned their pretensions and submitted to

his authority. His wife being brought to bed of a son, her

sisters bribed the midwife to pretend that the sultana had

produced a dog. They did the same by another son. At the third

lying-in of the sultana Abou Neeut resolved to be present, and a

beautiful princess appeared. The two infant princes having been

thrown at the gate of one of the royal palaces, were taken up by

the gardener and his wife, who brought them up as their own. Abou

Neeut in visiting the garden with his daughter, who shewed an

instinctive affection for them, from this, and their martial play

with each other (having made horses of clay, bows and arrows,

&c.), was induced to inquire of the gardener whether they were

really his own children. The gardener upon this related the

circumstance of his having found them exposed at the gate of the

palace, and mentioned the times, which agreed exactly with those

of the sultana's delivery. Abou Neeut then questioned the

midwife, who confessed the imposition and wickedness of the

sisters, whom he left to be punished by the pangs of their own

consciences, convinced that envy is its own severest tormentor.

The young princes were acknowledged; and the good Abou Neeut had

the satisfaction of seeing them grow up to follow his example.

ADVENTURE OF A COURTIER, RELATED BY

HIMSELF TO HIS PATRON, AN AMEER OF EGYPT.

It is related by an historian that there was an ameer of the land

of Egypt, whose mind being one night unusually disturbed, he sent

for one of his courtiers, a convivial companion, and said to him,

"To-night my bosom, from what cause I know not, is uncommonly

restless, and I wish thee to divert me by some amusing

narrative." The courtier replied, "To hear is to obey: I will

describe an adventure which I encountered in the youthful part of

my life."

When a very young man I was deeply in love with a beautiful Arab

maiden, adorned by every elegance and grace, who resided with her

parents; and I used frequently to visit their camp, for her

family was one of the desert tribes. One day my mind felt

uncommonly anxious concerning her, and I resolved to seek relief

by a visit; but when I reached the spot found neither my beloved

nor any of her kindred. I questioned some passengers, who

informed me that the family had removed their encampment from

scarcity of forage for their herds and camels. I remained for

some time on the ground; but observing no signs of their return,

my impatience of absence became intolerable, and my love

compelled me to travel in search of my charmer. Though the shades

of evening were falling, I replaced the saddle upon my camel, put

on my vestments, and girding on my sabre proceeded. I had

advanced some distance, when the night became dismally black, and

from the darkness I now sunk into sands and hollows, and now

ascended declivities, while the yells of wild beasts resounded on

every quarter. My heart beat with apprehension, and my tongue did

not cease to repeat the attributes of the Almighty, our only

defender in time of need. At length stupor overcame my senses,

and I slept; while my camel quitted the track, and wandered from

the route I had meant to pursue all night. Suddenly my head was

violently intercepted by the branch of a tree, and I was awakened

by the blow, which gave me infinite pain. As I recovered myself I

beheld trees, verdure sprinkled with flowers, and a clear

rivulet; also a variety of birds, whose notes were melodiously

sweet. I alighted from my camel, and laid the bridle on my arm,

as the underwood of the thicket was closely entwined.

I did not cease leading my camel till I was out of the thicket,

when I remounted; but at a loss which way to go, and unknowing

where Providence might direct me, I reached the desert, and cast

my eyes over the expanse; when, lo! at length a smoke appeared in

the midst of it. I whipped my camel, and at length reached a

fire, and near it observed a handsome tent, before which was a

standard planted, surrounded by spears, horses picketted, and

camels grazing. I said to myself, "What can mean this tent, which

has a grand appearance, in so solitary a plain?" I then went to

the rear of the tent, and exclaimed, "Health to you, O

inhabitants of this tent, and may the Almighty to you be

merciful!" Upon this there advanced from it a youth, seemingly

about nineteen, who appeared graceful as the rising moon, and

valour and benevolence gleamed upon his aspect. He returned my

salutation, and said, "Brother Arab, perchance thou hast missed

thy way." I answered, "Yes, shew it, and may God requite thee!"

upon which he replied, "My dwelling, brother Arab, is at present

in this wild spot; but the night is dreary, and shouldst thou

proceed there is no surety against wild beasts tearing thee in

pieces. Lodge, then, at present with me in safety, and repose,

and when day shall appear I will direct thee on thy way." I

alighted, when he took my camel, picketted her, and gave her

water and fodder. He then retired for a while; but returned with

a sheep, which he killed, flayed, and cut up; then lighted a

fire, and when it was of a proper glow broiled part of the sheep,

which he had previously seasoned with sundry dried herbs, seeds,

and spices, and when ready presented his cookery to me.

During his hospitalities I observed that my kind host sometimes

beat his breast and wept, from which I guessed that he was in

love, and a wanderer, like myself. My curiosity was raised; but I

said within myself, "I am his guest, why should I intrude upon

him by painful questions?" and refrained from inquiry. When I had

eaten as much as sufficed me, the youth arose, went into his

tent, and brought out a basin and ewer, with a napkin embroidered

with silk and fringed with gold; also a cruet of rose water, in

which musk had been infused. I was astonished at his proceedings,

and the politeness of his demeanour, and exclaimed inwardly, "How

wonderful is the abode of so accomplished a personage in this

wild desert." We made our ablutions, and conversed awhile upon

various subjects; after which my gentle host went to his tent,

from whence he brought out a piece of red silk damask, which he

divided between us, saying, "Brother Arab, go into my tent and

choose thy place of repose, for last night and to-day great must

have been thy hardship and fatigue."

I entered the tent, and in one partition of it found a mattress

of green damask: upon which, having pulled off my upper garments,

I lay down, and slept so soundly that I never enjoyed, before or

since, so refreshing a repose. At length I awoke, when night was

far advanced, and became involved in thought respecting my

hospitable host; but knew not what to conjecture, and was sinking

again into slumber, when, lo! gentle murmurs struck my ears, than

which I never heard sound more soft or tenderly affecting. I

lifted up the curtain of my partition, and looked around, when I

beheld a damsel more beautiful than any I had ever seen, seated

by the generous owner of the tent. They wept and complained of

the agonies of love, of separation and interruptions to their

desire of frequent meetings. Then I said within myself, "There is

a wonderfully dignified appearance in this amiable youth, yet he

lives alone, and I have seen no other tent on the plain. What can

I conjecture, but that this damsel must be a daughter of one of

the good genii, who has fallen in love with him, and upon her

account he has retired to this solitary spot?" Respect for their

love made me drop the curtain; I drew the coverlid over me, and

again fell asleep.

When the morning dawned I awoke, dressed, and having performed my

ablutions and prayers, said to the young man, who had already

risen, "Brother Arab, if in addition to thy hospitalities already

shewn thou wilt put me in my way, my obligations will be

complete." He looked kindly, and said, "If convenient, my

brother, let me entertain thee as my guest for three days." I

could not refuse his hospitable request, and abode with him. On

the third day I ventured to inquire his name and family, when he

replied, "I am of the noble tribe of Azzra," and I discovered

that he was the son of my father's brother. "Son of my uncle,"

exclaimed I, "what can have induced thee to court the seclusion

of this desert spot, and to quit thy kinsmen, neighbours, and

dependents?"

Upon hearing these words, the eyes of the youth became suffused

with tears, he sighed, and said, "Ah! my cousin, I passionately

admired the daughter of my uncle, and was so devoted to her love

that I asked her in marriage; but he refused me, and wedded her

to another of our tribe richer than myself, who carried her to

his abode. When she was thus torn from me, despair agitated my

soul, I quitted my relations, friends, and companions, became

enamoured of solitude, and retired to this lonely spot."

When he had finished his communication, I said, "But where is the

abode of thy beloved and thy successful rival?" He replied, "Near

the summit of yonder mountain, from whence, as frequently as

opportunity will allow, in the stillness of night, when sleep

hath overpowered the eyes of the village, she ventures to my

tent, and we enjoy the company of each other; but believe me, my

brother, our passion is innocent as devotional love. Hence I

dwell here in the manner you have witnessed, and while she visits

me delightful will pass the hours, until Allah shall execute his

appointed decrees, and reward our constancy in this world, or

consign us to the grave together."

When the unfortunate youth had concluded his narration, at which

I was affected with sincere compassion for his circumstances, an

eager desire to relieve the lovers from their oppressors occupied

my mind, and after much consideration I addressed him thus: "If

thou choosest, I think I can point out a plan which, under the

blessing of Allah, may end the sufferings of thyself and thy

beloved." He replied, "O son of my uncle, reveal it to me!" and I

continued, saying, "When night shall arrive, and the damsel

cometh, let us seat her upon my camel; for she is sure-footed and

swift of pace; do thou then mount thy steed, and I will accompany

you upon one of your camels. We will travel all night, and ere

morning shall have passed the forest, when you will be safe, and

thy heart will be rendered happy with thy beloved. The land of

God is wide enough to afford us an asylum; and by Heaven I swear,

that while life remains I will be thy friend." The youth replied,

"Son of my uncle, I will consult upon thy plan with my beloved,

for she is prudent and well-informed."

When night had shut in, and the usual hour of the damsel's coming

approached, my kind host impatiently expected her arrival; but in

vain, for she did not appear. He rose, stood in the doorway of

the tent, opened his mouth, and drew in the exhalations of the

gale, then returned, sat down pensively for a few minutes, and at

last bursting into tears, exclaimed, "Ah! my cousin, there are no

tidings of the daughter of my uncle, some, mishap must have

befallen her. Remain here while I go in search of intelligence."

Having said thus, he took up his sabre, his lance, and departed.

When somewhat more than an hour had elapsed, I heard his

footstep, and soon perceived him advancing, bearing something

bulky in his arms, while he called loudly upon me in a

distressful tone. I hastened towards him, and upon my arrival he

exclaimed, "Alas, alas! the beloved daughter of my uncle is no

more, and I bear her remains. She was hastening, as usual, to my

tent, when suddenly a lion sprung upon her in the path, and tore

her in pieces. These relics are all that remain of my beloved."

He then laid them down, and, lo! the thigh bones of the damsel

and part of her ribs. He wept piteously, and said, "Remain here

till I return;" after which he departed with the swiftness of an

arrow. In about an hour he returned, and in his hand was the head

of the lion, which he threw down, and asked eagerly for water,

which I brought him. He then washed his hands, cleansed the mouth

of the lion, which he rapturously kissed, and wept bitterly for

some moments. He then exclaimed, "By Allah, I conjure thee, O son

of my uncle, and by the ties of relationship between us, that

thou observe my will; for within this hour I shall follow my

beloved; be thou our mourner, and bury her remains with mine in

the same grave." Having said this, he retired into the sleeping

partition of the tent; where he remained at his devotions for an

hour, then came out, beat his breast, sighed deeply, and at

length heaved his expiring groan, saying, "I come, I come, my

beloved, I come!" and his pure soul took flight for the mansions

of Paradise.

When I beheld his corpse, sad indeed was my condition, and from

excess of sorrow I found it difficult to perform my promise; but

at length I arose, washed, enshrouded, and laid the remains of

these constant lovers in the same grave, near which I remained

for three days in prayer and lamentation; after which I departed

homewards: but have not failed annually to visit the spot, to

bedew their grave with my tears, and pray for the mercy of Allah

to their souls and my own errors.

STORY OF THE PRINCE OF SIND, AND FATIMA,

DAUGHTER OF AMIR BIN NAOMAUN.

Some ages back a certain sultan of Sind had a son by a concubine,

who behaved so rudely to his sultana, that she became dispirited

and lost her health, which her favourite woman observing,

resolved by stratagem to get rid of the prince. She advised her

mistress, when he might next insult her, to say to him, "That he

would never appear becoming his rank till he was beloved by

Fatima, daughter of a sultan named Amir bin Naomaun." The queen

having followed the woman's directions, the prince resolved to

travel to the country of the princess, and demand her in

marriage. Accordingly, having obtained the consent of the sultan

his father, he departed with an attendance suitable to his rank.

After marching for some time he entered a desert, which was

covered with a numberless flight of locusts, that had fallen

exhausted for want of food. Pitying their distress, he ordered

meal to be spread on the ground, when the locusts having

refreshed themselves flew away. Some days after this incident he

reached a thick forest crowded with elephants, and herds of wild

animals of every description; but as they did not attempt to

attack him, and were in a starving condition, he ordered some of

his cattle to be killed, and distributed to them for food. Having

satisfied themselves they retired, shewing every sign that

dumbness would allow of being pleased with his kind treatment. On

his march onwards the prince met a venerable old man, of whom he

inquired the route to the territories of Amir bin Naomaun, and

was informed that they were at no great distance; but only to be

entered by a range of rugged and steep mountains composed of

iron-stone, and next to impassable; also, that should he succeed

in overcoming this difficulty, it was in vain to hope to attain

the princess. The prince inquiring the reason, the old man

continued, "Sultan Amir bin Naomaun has resolved that no one

shall wed his daughter unless he can perform three tasks which he

will impose, and these are of so difficult a nature as not to be

executed by the labour or ingenuity of man, and many unhappy

princes have lost their heads in the attempt; for he puts them to

death instantly on failure: be advised, therefore, and give up so

fruitless an expedition." The prince, instead of listening to the

admonition of the old man, resolved to proceed; and having

requested his prayers and benedictions, continued his march. In a

short time, having entered the passes of the mountains, he

discovered vast caverns inhabited by a species of genii, who were

employed in working upon masses of iron-stone, which they dug

from the rock. The prince having entertained them with a

hospitable feast, they, in return, shewed him the easiest route

through the stupendous mountains, and he at length arrived in

safety before the capital of sultan Amir bin Naomaun, to whom he

sent an envoy, requesting leave to encamp on the plain, and to

offer himself as a candidate for the beautiful princess his

daughter. The sultan, in reply, acceded to his petition, and

invited him to the palace; where, in the evening, he was led into

a court, in which was placed an immense vessel filled with three

kinds of grain mixed together, which (as his first task towards

obtaining the princess) he was to separate entirely from each

other, and put into three heaps; which if not accomplished before

sunrise, he was then to forfeit his head in punishment for his

temerity. It being now too late to recede, the prince resigned

himself to Providence; and the gates of the court being locked

upon him, he prayed to Allah, and began to separate the grains;

but finding his progress vain, his spirits deserted him about

midnight, and he left off his fruitless labour in despair,

endeavouring to reconcile himself to death. While he was praying

for fortitude to bear him up in his last moments, a voice was

heard, saying, "Be comforted, and receive the reward of thy

charity to famished insects." Immediately after this the heavens

were obscured, as if by thick clouds, which descended on the

court, when, lo! this phenomenon proved to be myriads of locusts;

who, alighting on the vessel, in a few hours emptied it of all

the grain, which they disposed of, each in its kind, in three

several heaps, and having given a general buzzing of salutation,

took flight, and vanished into the air. The prince was overjoyed

at the miraculous accomplishment of his task by the grateful

locusts, and having offered up thanks to Allah and the prophet

for his deliverance from impending destruction, composed himself

to rest, doubting not but that they would assist him to overcome

the two remaining labours. Great was the surprise of the sultan

Amir bin Naomaun, when, on coming at daylight to the court, he

beheld his intended victim in a profound sleep, and the grain in

three separate heaps, neatly piled up in the form of domes. The

prince awaking, saluted him, and demanded to be informed of his

next task; but the sultan put him off to the evening, until when

he entertained him at the palace with a most magnificent feast;

and his obdurate heart was so softened by the noble address and

demeanour of his guest, that he wished he might be able to

overcome the remaining impositions and become his son-in-law. The

princess, also, who had the curiosity to look at him through the

blinds of her apartments, was so fascinated with his appearance

that she prayed for his success.

When night had set in, the prince was conducted to an open plain

in front of the palace, in the centre of which was a large

reservoir full of clear water, which the sultan commanded him to

drain off before sunrise, or forfeit his life. The prince

remained alone on the brink of the reservoir with rather somewhat

more hope of success than he had felt of overcoming his task of

the preceding night; nor was he disappointed, for about midnight

a voice was heard exclaiming, "Prince, benevolence is never

unrequited:" and, lo! the plain was filled with elephants,

rhinoceroses, camels, dromedaries, lions, tigers, and every

species of wild beasts, in such immense droves as could not be

numbered, who, advancing in turn to the reservoir, drank in such

quantity that it, at length, was completely emptied, and became

as dry as if just finished. The beasts then expressing pleasure

by their varying natural noises at having served their benefactor

departed, and left him to enjoy the deliverance from the labour

imposed upon him.

The prince, now more assured than ever that he was the favourite

of Allah and the prophet, after offering up prayers with a

relieved heart, slept comfortably in a building creeled on the

margin of the reservoir, and was only awakened by the call of the

sultan at sun-rise, who was more astonished at the accomplishment

of this labour than the former, though certainly each was equally

difficult. He conducted the prince to his palace, and the day was

spent in the highest festivity.

At the approach of night the prince was conducted to his third

task, which was to complete and fit up before daylight from a

vast mass of planks of the choicest timber ready stored the

doors, windows, and balconies of an unfinished palace, much

larger than that which the sultan inhabited. The prince at the

apprehension of the consequences of failure was somewhat alarmed;

but the recollection of his former aids supported him, and after

offering up his devotions he sat down, composedly waiting for the

decision of Providence on his fate. His resignation was accepted,

for at midnight he was roused from his contemplations by the

sounds of sawing, planing, hammering, nailing, and the songs of

happy work-men. Looking up he perceived his friends of the iron

mountains; who, all saluting him, cried out, "Prince, set your

heart at rest, for we are come to repay you for your hospitable

feast." Before daylight the palace was fitted up in a manner more

elegant than can be described, and every door, window, and

balcony painted with the most brilliant colours, flowered with

silver and gold. The grateful labourers of the iron mountains

having finished their work, respectfully saluted the prince and

departed.

The prince having taken a grateful leave of his useful friends, walked

through the palace, and was eagerly employed in admiring its elegance

and the magnificence of their finishing hand, when the sultan Amir bin

Naomaun, who from his apartments at sun-rise had observed the

miraculous completion, appeared, having hastened to examine the superb

workmanship, and to congratulate his son-in-law, for as such he now

acknowledged him, and as the favoured of Allah, and of the last of

prophets. He conducted the prince to the palace, and the most

magnificent preparations being made, the nuptials with his daughter

were celebrated in the new edifice, where the bride and bridegroom

enjoyed themselves for three months, at the expiration of which the

prince begged permission to return to his father's dominions, which he

reached just in time to release him from the attack of an inimical

sultan, who had invaded the country, and laid close siege to his

capital. His father received him with rapture, and the prince having

made an apology to the sultana for his former rude behaviour, she

received his excuses, and having no child of her own readily adopted

him as her son; so that the royal family lived henceforth in the

utmost harmony, till the death of the sultan and sultana, when the

prince succeeded to the empire.

STORY OF THE LOVERS OF SYRIA; OR, THE

HEROINE.

There formerly dwelt in the city of Damascus two brothers, one

poor and the other rich, the former of whom had a son, and the

latter a daughter. The poor man dying left his son, just emerging

from infancy, to the protection of his wealthy uncle, who behaved

to his unfortunate charge with paternal tenderness, till the

youth, who had exchanged vows of love with his cousin, requested

her in marriage; when the father refused, and expelled him from

his house. The young lady, however, who ardently loved him,

agreed to elope, and having one night escaped from her father's

dwelling, repaired to the object of her affection; who, having

had notice of her intentions, had prepared two horses and a mule

to carry their baggage. They travelled all night, and by morning

reached a sea-port, where they found a ship ready to sail, in

which, having secured a passage, the lady immediately embarked;

but the lover remained on shore to dispose of the horses and

mule. While he was seeking for a purchaser in the market, a fair

wind sprung up, and the master of the ship having weighed anchor,

hoisted sail and departed: the lady in vain entreating him to

wait the return of her beloved, or send her on shore, for he was

captivated with her beauty. Finding herself thus ensnared, as she

was a woman of strong mind, instead of indulging in unavailing

complaint, she assumed a satisfied air; and as the only way to

preserve her honour, received the addresses of the treacherous

master with pretended complacency, and consented to receive him

as a husband at the first port at which the ship might touch.

With these assurances he was contented, and behaved to her with

honourable deference, and affectionate respect. At length the

vessel anchored near a city, to which the captain went to make

preparations for his marriage; but the lady, while he was on

shore, addressed the ship's crew, setting forth with such force

his treacherous conduct to herself, and offering such rewards if

they would convey her to her lover at the port they had left,

that the honest sailors were moved in her favour, agreed to obey

her as their mistress, and hoisting sail, left the master to

shift for himself. After some days of favourable weather, a

contrary gale blowing hard, the vessel was driven far out of her

course, and for shelter obliged to anchor in the first haven that

offered, which proved to be that of a large city, the capital of

a potent sultan, whose officers came on board to examine the

vessel, and inquire into her cargo and destination. These men, to

their great surprise, finding it commanded by a lady of exquisite

beauty, reported her charms to the sultan, who resolved to

possess them, and sent her an offer of marriage; to which she

seemingly consented, and the sultan commanded the most splendid

preparations to be made for the nuptials. When all was ready, he

sent onboard the vessel the daughter of his vizier, with other

ladies, thirty-nine in number, magnificently attired, to wait

upon his bride, and attend her on shore. They were graciously

received by the politic lady, and invited to refresh themselves

in the grand cabin, which she had elegantly adorned with costly

hangings, and prepared in it a superb collation, to which they

sat down. She then dismissed the boats in which they came,

sending a message to the sultan that she should entertain the

ladies on board till the next morning, when she would repair on

shore and conclude their marriage. She behaved towards her new

guests with such winning affability, that they one and all

admired their expected sultana, and partook of the entertainment

with the highest satisfaction; but what was their surprise when,

in the middle of the night, she commanded the crew to weigh

anchor, having first warned them, on pain of her displeasure and

immediate death, to keep silence, and raise no alarm in the

harbour. The vessel sailed, and put to sea without being

molested, when the intrepid commandress consoled the affrighted

ladies, related to them her own adventures, and assured them that

when she should have rejoined her lover, they should, if they

chose it, be honourably restored to their homes; but in the mean

time she hoped they would contentedly share her fortunes. This

behaviour, by degrees, so won upon their minds, that the ladies

forgot their sorrows, became pleased with their situation, and in

a short time were so attached to their new mistress, that they

would not have left her had it been in their power. After some

weeks sail, it became necessary to steer towards the first coast

that should present itself, to lay in a supply of fresh water and

provisions, and land appearing, the vessel anchored, when the

lady with her companions went on shore. Here they were surrounded

by forty robbers, who threatened to take them prisoners; when the

heroic lady, desiring her friends to conceal their fears, assumed

a smiling countenance, and addressing the chief of the banditti,

assured him there would be no occasion for force, as she and her

companions were ready to share their love, being women who were

above the prejudices of their sex, and had devoted themselves to

pleasure, in search of which they roved on board their vessel

from one coast to another, and would now stay with them as long

as they might wish for their company. This declaration suiting

the depraved minds of the robbers, they laid aside their fierce

looks and warlike weapons, bringing abundance of all sorts of

provisions to regale their expected mistresses, with whom they

sat down to a plentiful repast, which was heightened by a store

of wines which the lady had brought in her boats from the ship.

Mirth and jollity prevailed; but the fumes of the liquors, in

which the politic lady had infused strong opiates, suddenly

operated upon their senses, and they fell down one and all in a

state of stupefaction. She then with her companions drew the

sabres of their brutal admirers and put them all to death

excepting the chief, whom they bound hand and foot with strong

cords, and after cutting off his beard and mustachios, tied his

own cimeter round his neck, leaving him to feel mortification

worse than death on the recovery of his senses, namely, the sight

of his slaughtered fellows, and regret at the loss of his

imagined happiness. The ladies then stripped the caves of the

robbers of the vast wealth which they had hoarded up from their

plunders, and having carried it on board their boats, with a

stock of water and provisions, returned to the ship, weighed

anchor, and sailed triumphant and rejoicing from such a dangerous

coast. After some weeks' sail they again descried land, to which

they approached, and discovered a spacious harbour, round which

rose a vast city, the buildings of which were sublimely lofty,

adorned with flights of marble steps to the water's edge, and

crowned with domes and minarets topped with pinnacles of gold.

The enterprising lady having anchored, clothed herself and her

companions in magnificent male habits; after which she ordered

the boats to be hoisted out, and they were rowed ashore by part

of their crew richly dressed. On landing, they found all the

inhabitants of the city in mourning, and making doleful

lamentation for their late sultan, who had died only a few days

before. The gallant appearance of a stranger so nobly attended

created much surprise, and intelligence of the arrival was

instantly conveyed to the vizier, who acted as regent till the

election of a new monarch, which ceremony was just on the point

of taking place. The minister, who thought he perceived in such a

critical arrival the work of fate, immediately waited on the now

supposed prince, whom he invited to be present at the election;

at the same time informing him that when in this kingdom a sultan

died without issue, the laws appointed that his successor should

be chosen by the alighting of a bird on his shoulder, which bird

would be let fly among the crowd assembled in the square before

the palace. The seeming prince accepted the invitation, and with

the disguised ladies was conducted to a gorgeous pavilion, open

on all sides, to view the ceremony. The ominous bird being

loosened from his chain, soared into the air to a great height,

then gradually descending, flew round and round the square

repeatedly, even with the faces of the spectators. At length it

darted into the pavilion, where the lady and her companions were

seated, fluttered around her head, and at length rested upon her

shoulder, giving at the same time a cry of exultation, stretching

its neck, and flapping its wings. Immediately upon this, the

viziers and courtiers bowed themselves to the ground, and the

assembled crowd prostrated themselves on the earth, crying out,

"Long live our glorious sultan, the chosen of Providence, the

elected by the decrees of fate!" The disguised lady was instantly

conducted to the palace, seated on a splendid throne, and

proclaimed amidst the acclamations of the people, sovereign of an

extensive empire; nor were the abilities of her mind unequal to

the task of government. In a few days the vizier offered to the

supposed sultan his daughter in marriage; and his offer being

accepted, the nuptials were celebrated with the utmost

magnificence; but what was the astonishment of the bride, when,

instead of being caressed, the sultan on retiring with her became

cold and reserved, rose from her, and spent the night in prayer.

In the morning the sultana was questioned by her mother; who, on

her relating the behaviour of the husband, observed, that

possibly from his youth he might be over reserved; but that love

would naturally in time operate its effect. Several evenings past

in the same manner, when the bride, mortified at such coldness,

could no longer restrain herself, and said, "Why, my lord, if you

disliked me, did you take me to wife? but if you love not as

other men, tell me so, and I will suffer my misfortune in

silence." The lady, moved by this remonstrance, replied, "Most

virtuous princess, would that for your sake I were of the sex you

suppose me; but, alas! I am like you a woman, disappointed in

love." She then related to her the wonderful adventures she had

undergone since leaving her father's house, at which the vizier's

daughter was so affected that she vowed for her a lasting

friendship, agreed to keep her secret, and live with her till

such times as chance should restore her lover. In return for this

kindness the lady promised that should the object of her

affections ever arrive, he should marry them both, and that she

should have the precedence in the ceremony of union. The two

friends having thus agreed, the vizier's daughter regained her

cheerfulness, and means were taken to convince her father,

mother, and friends of the consummation of the nuptials. From

this time they lived in perfect happiness together, one

exercising the authority of sultan to the satisfaction of the

subject, and the other acting the part of a satisfied and

obedient wife; but still both were anxious to meet their mutual

husband. As the capital of the kingdom was a mart for most

nations of the world, the pretended sultan formed the following

stratagem for discovering her beloved, not doubting but that he

would travel over all parts of the world in search of the object

of his affection. She erected a most magnificent caravanserai,

furnished with baths hot and cold, and every convenience for the

weary traveller. When it was finished, she issued a proclamation,

that sojourners from all parts should be welcome to lodge in it,

and be provided with every necessary till they could accommodate

themselves in the city, or pursued, if only travellers, their

journey to another part. Over the gate of this edifice she placed

an exact statue of herself, and gave orders to the guards that

whatever stranger, on looking at it, should shew signs of

agitation, or utter words signifying that he knew the original,

should be immediately seized and confined in the palace. Many

weeks had not passed when the father of this enterprising lady,

who had travelled many thousands of miles in search of his

daughter, arrived at the gate, and on seeing the statue,

exclaimed, "Alas! alas! how like my poor, lost child!" He was

immediately carried to the palace, lodged in a magnificent

apartment, treated with the highest respect; but kept in complete

ignorance as to the cause of his confinement and his future fate.

Not long after this, his disconsolate nephew, who, on the

departure of the treacherous captain, had wandered from city to

city in hopes of finding his mistress, arrived, and repaired to

the caravanserai.

On sight of the statue his feelings overcame him; he sighed and

fainted: when he was taken up by the guards and lodged in the

palace, where being come to himself, he was astonished at the

respect and attention paid him by the domestics, and the splendid

manner in which he was entertained; but it was in vain that he

inquired the cause of his detention, the only answer he could get

being, "Have patience, my lord, and repose yourself till

Providence shall free you from our confinement." Soon after this

the master of the ship, who had visited port after port in hopes

of recovering his vessel, reached the city, and hearing of the

hospitality with which all strangers were received at the

caravanserai of the sultan, repaired to the gateway; but no

sooner had he cast his eyes on the statue, than he exclaimed,

"Ah! how like to the artful yet virtuous woman who cheated me of

my property by stealing my ship." Immediately he was seized by

the guards, and conveyed to the palace, but treated with

kindness. Many days had not succeeded to this event, when the

sultan and the vizier, whose daughter with the thirty-nine ladies

had been so artfully carried away from them by the enterprising

heroine of this history, made their appearance at the gateway of

the caravanserai, and on beholding the statue, cried out, "Surely

this is the likeness of her who deprived us of our children; ah!

that we could find her and be revenged on her hypocrisy!" On

saying this they were apprehended and taken to the palace, where

they were conducted to apartments suitable to their rank. In a

few days afterwards the chief of the banditti, who, burning with

the ireful resolution of revenging the deaths of his associates,

had travelled from place to place in hopes of finding the object

of his fury, arrived at the gateway, and observing the statue,

roared out in a rage, "Surely this is the resemblance of my

tormenter; oh! that I could meet thy original, so that I might

have the satisfaction of making her blood atone for the murder of

my friends!" Instantly, as he had spoken, the guards at the gate

rushing upon him, bound him hand and foot, conveyed him to the

palace, where he was confined in a loathsome dungeon, and fed on

the coarsest viands.

The pretended sultan having now all the parties in her power, one

morning ascended her throne in full audience, and commanded them

to be brought before her. When they had made their obeisance, she

commanded them to relate the cause of their having journeyed to

her capital; but the royal presence rendered them incapable of

uttering a word: upon which she exclaimed, "Since you cannot

speak, I will;" and then discovered to their astonished minds the

adventures of each, which had occasioned their travelling. She

then discovered herself, and fell upon the necks of her father

and lover, with whom she retired into the private apartments. The

sultan and his vizier were made happy in the company of the

daughter of the latter and the other ladies. The master of the

ship, as his troubles had atoned for his irregular behaviour, was

received into favour, and had his vessel restored; but the savage

chief of the banditti was put to death, by being cast into a

burning pile, that no further injury might be offered to mankind.

In a few days, the most magnificent preparations being made, the

double nuptials of the heroic lady and her friend the vizier's

daughter were celebrated with her constant lover, to whom she

resigned her throne, and the happy wives lived together in

felicity, undisturbed by jealousy of the husband's attention to

either, so equally did they share his love. The sultan and

vizier, after being long entertained at the court, took leave,

and returned, under an escort, to their own country; but the

daughter and the thirty-nine ladies could not be prevailed upon

to accompany them, only to visit and bid farewell to their

parents, for such was their attachment to their gallant mistress,

that they came back immediately, and were espoused to the

principle nobles of her court. Years of unusual happiness passed

over the heads of the fortunate adventurers of this history,

until death, the destroyer of all things, conducted them to a

grave which must one day be the resting-place for ages of us all,

till the receiving angel shall sound his trumpet.

STORY OF HYJAUJE, THE TYRANNICAL GOVERNOR

OF COUFEH, AND THE YOUNG SYED.

As Hyjauje (the Ommiad caliph) was was one day seated in his hall

of audience, surrounded by his nobles and dependents, tremblingly

awaiting his commands, for his countenance resembled that of an

enraged lion, there suddenly entered, unceremoniously, into the

assembly a beardless youth of noble but sickly aspect, arrayed in

tattered garments, for misfortune had changed his original

situation, and poverty had withered the freshness of his opening

youth. He made the customary obeisance to the governor, who

returned his salute, and said, "Who art thou, boy? what hast thou

to say, and wherefore hast thou intruded thyself into the company

of princes, as if thou wert invited? who art thou, and of whom

art thou the son?" "Of my father and mother," replied the youth.

"But how earnest thou here?" "In my clothes." "From whence?"

"From behind me." "Where art thou going?" "Before me." "Upon what

dost thou travel?" "Upon the earth" Hyjauje, vexed at the

pertness of the youth, exclaimed, "Quit this trifling, and inform

me whence thou comest." "From Egypt." "Art thou from Cairo?" "Why

askest thou?" said the boy? "Because," replied Hyjauje, "her

sands are of gold, and her river Nile miraculously fruitful; but

her women are wanton, free to every conqueror, and her men

unstable." "I am not from thence, but from Damascus," cried the

youth. "Then," said Hyjauje, "thou art from a most rebellious

place, filled with wretched inhabitants, a wavering race, neither

Jews nor Christians." "But I am not from thence," replied the

youth, "but from Khorassan." "That is a most impure country,"

said Hyjauje, "whose religion is worthless, for the inhabitants

are of all barbarians the most savage. Plunderers of flocks, they

know not mercy, their poor are greedy, and their rich men

misers." "I am not of them," cried the youth, "but of Moussul."

"Then," exclaimed Hyjauje, "thou art of an unnatural and

adulterous race, whose youths are catamites, and whose old men

are obstinate as asses." "But I am from Yemen," said the boy. "If

so," answered the tyrant, "thou belongest to a comfortless

region, where the most honourable profession is robbery, where

the middling ranks tan hides, and where a wretched poor spin wool

and weave coarse mantles." "But I am from Mecca," said the boy.

"Then," replied Hyjauje, "thou comest from a mine of

perverseness, stupidity, ignorance, and slothfulness; for from

among its people God raised up his prophet, whom they

disbelieved, rejected, and forced away to a strange nation, who

loved, venerated, and assisted him in spite of the men of Mecca.

But whence comest thou, youth? for thy pertness is become

troublesome, and my inclination leads me to punish thee for thy

impertinence." "Had I been assured that thou durst kill me,"

cried the youth, "I should not have appeared before thee; but

thou canst not." "Woe to thee, rash boy," exclaimed Hyjauje; "who

is he that can prevent my executing thee instantly?" "To thee be

thy woe," replied the youth: "he can prevent thee who directs man

and his inmost thoughts, and who never falsifieth his gracious

promises." "He it is," cried the tyrant, "who instigates me to

put thee to death." "Withhold thy blaspheming," replied the

youth; "it is not God, but Satan that prompts thy mind to my

murder, and with God I hope for refuge from the accursed: but

know, that I am from the glorious Medina, the seat of religion,

virtue, respectability, and honour, descended of the race of Bin

Ghalib, and family of Ali, son of Abou Talib, whom God has

glorified and approved, and will protect all his posterity, which

you would extirpate; but you cannot root it out, for it will

flourish even to the last day of the existence of this world."

The tyrant was now overcome with rage, and commanded the youthful

Syed to be slain; but his nobles and officers interceded for him,

saying, while they bowed their necks before him, "Pardon, pardon;

behold our heads and our lives a ransom for his! For God's sake

accept our intercession, O ameer, for this youth is not deserving

of death." "Forbear your entreaties," exclaimed the tyrant, "for

were an angel to cry from Heaven, 'Do not slay him!' I would not

attend." Upon this the young Syed said, "Thou ravest, O Hyjauje;

who art thou that an angel should be commissioned for thy sake?"

The tyrant, struck with his magnanimity, became calm, and

commanding the executioner to release the youth, said, "For the

present I forbear, and will not kill thee unless thy answers to

my further questions shall deserve it." They then entered on the

following dialogue; Hyjauje hoping to entrap him in discourse.

Hyjauje. How can the creature approach the perfection of the

Almighty?

Syed. By prayer, by fasting, by the commanded alms, by

pilgrimage, and fighting for the cause of God.

H. I serve him by shedding the blood of infidel man. You pretend

that Hassan and Houssain, your ancestors, were descendants of the

prophet; but how can that be, when God has declared in the Koran

Mahummud was not of your obstinate race; but the prophet of God,

and last of divine messengers?

S. Hear the answer to that in the verse following it. "Hath not a

prophet come unto you of your own nation? Receive him, and from

what he hath forbidden be forbidden." Surely, then, God hath

forbidden the shedding of the blood of him whom he sanctified.

H. Thou hast spoken justly, young man; but inform me what God

hath daily and nightly commanded us as obligatory to do?

S. To pray five times.

H. What to observe in each year?

S. To keep the month of Ramzaun as a fast.

H. What to perform in the course of life?

S. To make a pilgrimage to Mecca, the temple of God.

H. Truly said; but what hath mostly dignified and enlightened

Arabia?

S. The tribe of Koreish.

H. Wherefore?

S. Because of our holy prophet's being a member of it.

H. Who were the most skilful in horsemanship in all Arabia, the

most valiant, and of best conduct in war?

S. The tribe of Hashim.

H. Why think you so?

S. Because my grandfather Imaum Ali, son of Abou Talib, was one

of it.

H. What tribe of Arabs is most famous for benevolence, and

celebrated for liberality?

S. The family of Tai.

H. Wherefore?

S. Because Hatim belonged to it.

H. Which of the tribes have been most disgraceful to Arabia, and

most oppressive to its inhabitants?

S. The tribe of Sukkeef.

H. Why so?

S. Because thou belongest to it.

The tyrant could scarcely now contain his anger; but said, hoping

to cut the youth off from reply, "Tell me, is the Capricorn of

the heavens male or female?" To which he answered, "Shew me its

tail, that I may inform thee." The tyrant laughed, and continued

his questions as follows:

H. Wert thou ever in love?

S. Yes, completely immersed in it.

H. With whom?

S. With my God, who will, I trust, pardon me for my errors, and

deliver me from thee this day.

H. Knowest thou thy God?

S. Yes.

H. By what means?

S. By the scriptures, which he caused to descend to his prophet.

H. Dost thou guard the Koran?

S. Does it fly from me, that I should guard it?

H. What dost thou learn from it?

S. That God commanded its rules to be obeyed.

H. Hast thou read and understood it?

S. Yes.

H. If so, tell me, first, What passage in it is most sublime.

Secondly, Which most commanding. Thirdly, Which most just.

Fourthly, Which most alarming. Fifthly, Which most encouraging.

Sixthly, That which Jews and Christians both believe in.

Seventhly, That in which God has spoken purely of himself; that

where he speaks of the angels; that in which he mentions the

prophets; that where he alludes to those destined to Paradise;

and that in which he speaks of those devoted to hell; that which

includes ten points; and that which Eblis the accursed delivered.

S. By God's help I will answer thee. The most sublime passage is

the Koorsee: the most commanding, "God insisteth on justice:" the

most just, "Whoever diminishes the least of a measure, God will

requite him doubly, and the same to whoever addeth the least:"

the most alarming, "All expect to enter Paradise:" the most

encouraging, "O my servants, who have mortified yourselves,

despair not of the mercy of God!" that in which are ten points,

"God created the heavens and the earth, the revolutions of night

and day; also, the firmament over the waters that it might profit

man:" that which is believed alike by jews and christians, "The

Jew saith that the Christian is in error, and the Christian saith

that the Jew is mistaken, they both believe so; and both are in

error:" that in which God hath spoken purely of himself, "I have

not created genii and men but to worship me:" that in which he

speaks of the angels, "They said, we have no knowledge, but what

thou hast taught us; for thou only art wise and all-knowing:"

that which speaks of the prophets, "How could we deliver you a

verse without the order of God, on whom the faithful will rely:"

that which mentions the devoted to hell, "God hath cast us down

from heaven, for we were transgressors:" that which describes the

blessed, "Praised be God, who hath divested us of all sorrow, for

our Lord is merciful and gracious:" that which satan spoke, "None

will profit by thy mercy but thy servants the blessed."

Hyjauje involuntarily exclaimed, "Praised be God, who giveth

wisdom to whom it pleaseth him; but I have found none so learned

of such tender age." Having thus spoken, he put many other

questions to the youth in every science, and he answered them so

readily that the tyrant was overcome with admiration, and offered

him a residence at his court; but the young man declined it, and

requested his dismission, which he granted, conferring upon him a

beautiful female slave richly habited, a thousand pieces of gold,

and a steed elegantly caparisoned. The courtiers were astonished

at the bounty of the tyrant, which he perceiving, said, "Be not

surprised, for the advice he hath given me was worthy of reward,

and 'Cursed is he who doth not requite a sincere adviser,'

declareth our sacred Koran."

STORY OF INS AL WUJJOOD AND WIRD AL

IKMAUM, DAUGHTER OF IBRAHIM, VIZIER TO

SULTAN SHAMIKH.

Many ages past there was a very powerful sultan who had a vizier

named Ibrahim, and this minister had a daughter the most

beautiful of her sex and accomplished of her age, so that she

became distinguished by the appellation of Wird al Ikmaum, or the

rose among flowers. It was the custom of sultan Shamikh to hold

annually a general assembly of all the nobles of his kingdom, and

persons eminent for science or the arts, during which they were

magnificently entertained at the royal expense. The former

displayed their prowess in martial exercises before the

sovereign, and the latter the productions of their genius and

skill; when valuable prizes were bestowed by the arbitration of

appointed judges on those who deserved them. On one of the days

of this festival, the vizier's daughter from a latticed balcony

of the palace, in which she sat to view the sports, was so struck

with the manly figure and agility of a young nobleman named Ins

al Wujjood (or the perfection of human nature), that love took

possession of her mind. She pointed him out to a female

confidant, and gave her a letter to convey to the object of her

affections. The young nobleman, who had heard her praises, was

enraptured by his good fortune, and the next day, having obtained

as full a sight of her beauties as could be had through the

golden wires of the balcony, retired overcome by love. Letters

now passed daily, and almost hourly, between them; but they were

impatient for a meeting, which was at length planned; but the

note fixing the place and time was unfortunately dropped by the

confidant and carried to the vizier; who, alarmed for the honour

of his family, sent his daughter the same night to a far distant

castle belonging to himself, and situated on an island in a vast

lake, surrounded by mountainous deserts thinly inhabited. The

unfortunate lady was obliged to submit to her fate, but before

her departure contrived to write on the outside of her balcony

the following words, "They are carrying me off, but I know not

where." In the morning her lover repairing, as usual, in hopes of

seeing his mistress in the balcony, read the unwelcome

intelligence, which for a time deprived him of his senses. When

somewhat recovered he resolved to leave the court, though then

the chief favourite of the sultan, and go in search of his

beloved. Having put on the habit of a wandering devotee, he, on

the following evening, quitted the city, and recommending himself

to Providence, set out, but knew not whither. Many weeks did he

travel, but could find no traces of his beloved object; when

suddenly, passing through a thick forest, there met him a

monstrous lion, from whom he thought it impossible to escape, and

having uttered a prayer for the happiness of his beloved, and

repeated the testimony of martyrdom, he resigned himself to his

fate, and waited the spring of his expected devourer. What was

his surprise when the majestic animal, instead of making him his

prey, on approaching close to him, having looked compassionately

in his face, licked his hands, and turning round, walked gently

onwards, moving his head, as if to signify the youth should

follow him. Ins al Wujjood did so, and was conducted through the

forest by the lion; who, ascending a high mountain, suddenly

stopped at the entrance of a cave, to which was a door of iron,

then moving his head, and once more licking the hands of his

companion, the generous animal left him, and retired back to the

woods. The youth now went to the cave, and having knocked at the

door, it was opened by a venerable hermit, who bade him welcome,

brought him warm water to wash his feet, and set before him

refreshments of various kinds. When he had eaten, he inquired the

cause of his coming to such a desolate country; and Ins al

Wujjood having related his adventures, the old man exclaimed,

"Thou art a favourite of Heaven, or the lion would have devoured

thee; despair not, therefore, of success, for my mind presages

that thou wilt be happy, nor shalt thou want my assistance." Ins

al Wujjood having thanked him for his hospitality and generous

offers, the hermit informed him, that for nearly twenty years

past he had not beheld a human face till a few days prior to his

coming, when, wandering over the mountains, he had seen an

encampment on the margin of the great lake below, in which

appeared a crowd of men and women, some very richly habited, part

of whom had embarked on board a stately yacht, and the remainder

having taken leave of them, struck their tents, and returned by

the road they had come. "Most probably," said the hermit, "the

yacht may have conveyed thy mistress to the castle which stands

on an island in the middle of the lake, and if so thou shalt soon

be safely landed: for the rest Providence must be thy guide. I

will this night remember thee in my prayers, and meditate on what

can be done for thy benefit." Having said this, the hermit

conducted the wanderer to a chamber, and left him to his repose.

The beautiful Wird al Ikmaum during this time remained

overwhelmed with uneasiness in her confinement, and it was in

vain that her attendants tried to amuse her. She wandered

melancholy through the magnificent gardens of the castle, the

groves of which were filled with every variety of birds, whose

harmony was delightful; but the soft cooing of the turtle dove

and the plaintive note of the lovelorn nightingale alone caught

her attention. To these she would listen for hours together,

reclined on a mossy bank, and fancy their pensive strains the

language of her beloved. Such was her daily employment, nor would

she quit the garden till forced by her attendants to take shelter

from the falling dews of night. We now return to her lover.

Fatigue and the consoling assurances of the friendly hermit had

greatly composed the mind of Ins al Wujjood, who enjoyed a

refreshing sleep, nor did he awake till the sun was mounted high

in the heavens, when he joined his venerable host in his

devotions; after which they partook of a repast of bread, milk,

and fresh fruits. This ended, the old man requested him to fetch

from the forest a bundle of the filaments of palm bark, which,

when brought to him, he plaited into a shape resembling a little

boat, and giving it to Ins al Wujjood, said, "Repair to the lake,

and put this into the water, when it will become instantly large

enough to hold thee, then embark in it, and trust to Heaven for

the rest. Farewell!"

Ins al Wujjood having taken leave of his venerable friend the

hermit, with many thanks, did as he had been commanded, and soon

arrived on the margin of the lake, into which he launched his

little vessel, when, to his great surprise, it instantaneously

became a handsome boat with the sails set. He got into it, and a

fair wind springing up was soon out of sight of land. For some

days he was wafted over the deep; but at length the shore of an

island appeared, on which he landed, and made his boat fast to

the trunk of a large tree. He then walked into the country, and

found it beautifully interspersed with green meadows, clear

streams, and shady groves of bending fruit trees, on the branches

of which all sorts of birds were warbling in their different

strains. Having refreshed himself with several fruits, he

proceeded onwards, and at length came in sight of a superb

edifice, to the gateway of which he advanced; but found it

locked. For three days he waited in hopes of seeing some of its

inhabitants, but in vain. However on the fourth morning the gate

was opened by a man, who seeing Ins al Wujjood, advanced towards

him, and inquired who he was, whence he came, and what was his

reason for waiting at the gate. "I am of Ispahaun," replied Ins

al Wujjood, "and was shipwrecked in a trading voyage upon this

coast, to the shore of which I alone of all my companions had the

good fortune to escape." Upon hearing this the man burst into

tears, embraced him, and said, "May God preserve thee from future

calamities! I am also a native of Ispahaun, where also dwelt my

cousin, whom I dearly loved, and by whom I was beloved. At this

happy period of my youth a nation stronger than ours made war

against us, overcame us, and among other captives forced me from

my country; after which they sold me as a slave to my present

master: but come, my dear countryman, enter the palace, and

repose thyself in my apartment, where we will endeavour to

console each other under our misfortunes till Providence shall

restore us to our homes."

Ins al Wujjood gladly accepted such a friendly invitation, and on

entering the court beheld a lofty and wide-spreading tree, from

the branches of which were suspended several golden cages, each

inhabited by a beautiful bird, and each striving to rival the

other in melody, as if in welcome of his approach. He inquired of

his host to whom the splendid edifice belonged, and was informed

to the vizier of sultan Shamikh; who, to secure his daughter from

the vicissitudes of fortune, had lodged her here, and only

visited her annually to inquire after her health, and bring the

necessary supplies for her convenience and the support of her

attendants in the castle. Upon hearing the above circumstances,

Ins al Wujjood was nearly overcome with ecstacy; but restraining

his feelings, exclaimed to himself, "At length I have reached the

abode of my beloved, and may hope for success;" which was yet,

however, afar off. His charming mistress, little thinking that

her lover was so near, and weary of absence and the solitude of

her abode, had that very evening resolved to escape from

confinement. In the darkness of night she accordingly let herself

down from the battlements by a silken rope, which she had twisted

from slips of various robes, and reached the ground unhurt. With

haste she fled towards the sea shore, where she perceived a

fishing boat, the owner of which, though at first alarmed,

supposing her, from her dazzling appearance (for she was covered

with jewels), to be an ensnaring genie, at length, on her

assurances that she was really a woman, admitted her into his

vessel. She thanked him for his kindness, which she rewarded by

the gift of many rich jewels, and requested to be conveyed across

the lake. The fisherman hoisted sail, and for some hours the wind

was prosperous; but now a heavy tempest arose, which tossed them

constantly in imminent danger for three days, and drove them far

from their intended course. At length the gale subsided, the sea

became assuaged, and land appeared. As they approached the shore

a stately city rose to their view, the buildings of which seemed

unusually magnificent. Under the terrace of the sultan's palace

they safely, at last, cast anchor; and it chanced that the

prince, who was named Dara, was then sitting with his daughter in

a balcony to enjoy the fresh sea breeze, and the view of the

extensive harbour, crowded with the vessels of every country.

Perceiving the boat, the sultan commanded his officers to bring

the master and his crew to the presence. Great was his surprise

at the introduction of the beautiful Wird al Ikmaum. From her

rich dress, dignified air, and demeanour, he concluded her to be

of superior rank, and having seated her near his daughter, he

graciously requested to be informed of the name of her country,

and the cause of her having travelled to his capital; to which

she replied in eloquent language, giving a summary detail of all

her adventures. The sultan consoled her by encouraging assurances

of his protection, promised to exert his authority to effect a

union with her beloved, and immediately dispatched his vizier

with costly presents to sultan Shamikh, requesting him to send

Ins al Wujjood to his court.

The vizier, after a prosperous voyage, having reached the capital

of sultan Shamikh, presented his offerings, and made known the

request of his master; to which the sultan replied, That nearly a

year had elapsed since Ins al Wujjood had, to his great regret,

absented himself from his court, nor had any tidings been

obtained of the place of his retirement; but that he would order

his vizier to accompany the ambassador in search of his retreat,

being willing to oblige his master the sultan to the utmost of

his power. Accordingly, after a repose of some days, the two

viziers departed in search of Ins al Wujjood, but without knowing

where to bend their journey. At length they reached the shore of

the ocean of Kunnooz, on which they embarked in a hired vessel,

and sailed to the mountainous island of Tukkalla, of which the

vizier of sultan Shamikh gave to his companion the following

account. "This island was some ages back inhabited by genii; a

princess of whom became violently enamoured of a handsome young

man, a son of an ameer of the city of Misr, or Cairo, whom she

beheld in her flight sleeping in his father's garden in the heat

of the day. She sat down by him, and having gently awoke him, the

youth, on looking up, to his astonishment and rapture saw a most

beautiful damsel who courted his addresses: he was not backward

in offering them; and mutual protestations of love and constancy

took place. After some hours of happiness the genie princess took

an affectionate leave, promising soon to visit him again, and

vanished from sight. The youth remained musing on his fortunate

adventure till the dews of night began to fall, when his parents,

fearful of some injury, sent attendants to conduct him to their

palace, but he refused to go; and talked, as it appeared to them,

so incoherently concerning his beloved, that they thought him

distracted; seized him roughly, and forced him homewards. His

father and mother were alarmed: it was in vain that they courted

him to partake of refreshment; he was sullen and gloomy, and at

length abruptly retired to his chamber, where he remained in

restless anxiety all night, waiting impatiently for morning, that

he might revisit the happy spot where his charmer had promised

again to meet him.

"At early dawn the ameer's son repaired to the garden, and was

soon gratified with the sight of his beloved; but while they were

exchanging mutual protestations of regard, the mother of the

genie princess, who had suspected from her daughter's conduct

that she was carrying on some intrigue, and had followed her in

the air unperceived, suddenly appeared. Rushing upon the lovers,

she seized her daughter by the hair, beat, and abused her in the

harshest language for having disgraced the honour of the genii by

an amour with a wretched son of mortality: to all which the genie

princess replied, that her remonstrances were vain; she had fixed

her affections, and would rather be torn into a thousand pieces

than desert the object of her heart. The mother upon this finding

the case desperate, and being herself softened by the uncommon

beauty of the youth, who had fallen at her feet, entreating mercy

for his beloved, at length relented, and agreed to sanctify their

loves by her consent to their marriage. It was accordingly

celebrated; and this island, which after the name of the genie

princess was called Tukkalla, was fixed upon for the place of

their residence. Its magnificent palace still remains, after the

lapse of many ages, and is at present in my possession. Here I

hope to meet my only daughter, whom I brought to reside in it

nearly a year ago, to secure her from the attempts of a young

courtier, on whom she had, against my consent, fixed her

affections."

The two viziers now disembarked, and proceeded up the island; but

what was the astonishment and mortification of Ibrahim on

learning, when he arrived at the palace, that his daughter had

escaped, nor had the attendants heard of her since her departure,

though they had repeatedly searched every quarter of the island.

Perceiving among his attendants whom he had left at the palace a

strange young man of pallid countenance, wasted frame, and

melancholy air, the vizier inquired how he had come among them;

and received for reply, that he was a shipwrecked merchant of

Ispahaun, whom they had taken in for the sake of charity. Ibrahim

now requested of the vizier of sultan Dara that he would return

to his master, and inform him of their vain search after Ins al

Wujjood; at the same time desiring him to receive into his suite

the supposed merchant as far as the city of Ispahaun, which lay

in his route. To this the vizier of sultan Dara consented: and

the two ministers having taken a friendly leave of each other

separated, and departed for their several capitals.

The vizier of sultan Dara, in the course of the journey, became

so pleased with the agreeable manners of the supposed merchant,

that he often conversed with him familiarly; and at length the

young man, emboldened by his condescending attention, ventured to

inquire the cause of his travels to regions so distant from his

own country: upon which he was informed of the arrival of the

beautiful Wird al Ikmaum at the court of sultan Dara; of the

compassion of that sultan for her misfortunes; his generous

protection; and his own fruitless mission in search of her lover

Ins al Wujjood. A this happy intelligence, the latter, overcome

with ecstacy, could no longer contain himself, but discovered who

he was; and the vizier was also overjoyed at knowing, when least

expected, that he had found the despaired of object of his long

journey. He embraced the young man, congratulated him upon the

speedy termination of absence from his beloved, and the happy

union which awaited him. He then made him an inmate of his own

tents, supplied him with rich attire, and every necessary

becoming the condition of a person for whose fortunes he knew his

sovereign to be so highly concerned. Ins al Wujjood, now easy in

mind, and renovated by the happy prospects before him, daily

recovered health and strength, so that by the time of their

arrival at the capital of sultan Dara he had regained his

pristine manliness and vigour.

When the vizier waited upon his master the sultan Dara to

communicate his successful commission, the sultan commanded the

youth to his presence. Ins al Wujjood performed the usual

obeisance of kissing the ground before the throne, with the

graceful demeanour of one who had been used to a court. The

sultan graciously returned his salutation, and commanded him to

be seated; after which he requested him to relate his adventures,

which he did in eloquent language, interspersing in his narrative

poetical quotations, and extempore verses applicable to the

various incidents and situations. The sultan was charmed with his

story; and when he had finished its relation, sent for a cauzee

and witnesses to tie the marriage knot between the happy Ins al

Wujjood and the beautiful Wird al Ikmaum; at the same time

dispatching a messenger to announce the celebration of the

nuptials to sultan Shamikh and Ibrahim his vizier, who were

bewailing their supposed irrecoverable losses; one that of his

favourite, and the latter that of his daughter. Sultan Dara

detained the happy couple at his court for some time, after which

he dismissed them with valuable presents to their own country,

which they reached in safety, and were received with the most

heart-felt rejoicings by the sultan and the repentant vizier, who

now recompensed them by his kindness for the former cruelty of

his behaviour towards them; so that in favour with the sultan,

and happy in their own family, the lovers henceforth enjoyed

every earthly felicity, sweetened by the reflection on past

distresses, till the angel of death summoned them to submit to

the final destination of mortality.