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THE
ORIENTAL
STORY BOOK.
A COLLECTION OF TALES.
TRANSLATED FROM THE GERMAN OF
WILHELM HAUFF,
BY G. P. QUACKENBOS.
ILLUSTRATED BY J. W. ORR.
NEW YORK:
D. APPLETON AND COMPANY,
346 & 348 BROADWAY.
1855.
[Illustration]
OF NEW ORLEANS
IN REMEMBRANCE OF A LONG FRIENDSHIP,
AND MANY HAPPY HOURS SPENT WITH HIM OVER THE
GERMAN CLASSICS,
THIS LITTLE VOLUME
IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.
THE CARAVAN.
INTRODUCTION.
In a beautiful distant kingdom, of which there is a saying, that the
sun on its everlasting green gardens never goes down, ruled, from the
beginning of time even to the present day, Queen Phantasie. With full
hands, she used to distribute for many hundred years, the abundance of
her blessings among her subjects, and was beloved and respected by all
who knew her. The heart of the Queen, however, was too great to allow
her to stop at her own land with her charities; she herself, in the
royal attire of her everlasting youth and beauty, descended upon the
earth; for she had heard that there men lived, who passed their lives
in sorrowful seriousness, in the midst of care and toil. Unto these
she had sent the finest gifts out of her kingdom, and ever since the
beauteous Queen came through the fields of earth, men were merry at
their labor, and happy in their seriousness.
Her children, moreover, not less fair and lovely than their royal
mother, she had sent forth to bring happiness to men. One day
Märchen[A], the eldest daughter of the Queen, came back in haste from
the earth. The mother observed that Märchen was sorrowful; yes, at
times it would seem to her as if her eyes would be consumed by
weeping.
"What is the matter with thee, beloved Märchen?" said the Queen to
her. "Ever since thy journey, thou art so sorrowful and dejected; wilt
thou not confide to thy mother what ails thee?"
"Ah! dear mother," answered Märchen, "I would have kept silence, had I
not known that my sorrow is thine also."
"Speak, my daughter!" entreated the fair Queen. "Grief is a stone,
which presses down him who bears it alone, but two draw it lightly out
of the way."
"Thou wishest it," rejoined Märchen, "so listen. Thou knowest how
gladly I associate with men, how cheerfully I sit down before the huts
of the poor, to while away a little hour for them after their labor;
formerly, when I came, they used to ask me kindly for my hand to
salute, and looked upon me afterwards, when I went away, smiling and
contented; but in these days, it is so no longer!"
"Poor Märchen!" said the Queen as she caressed her cheek, which was
wet with a tear. "But, perhaps, thou only fanciest all this."
"Believe me, I feel it but too well," rejoined Märchen; "they love me
no more. Wherever I go, cold looks meet me; nowhere am I any more
gladly seen; even the children, who ever loved me so well, laugh at
me, and slyly turn their backs upon me."
The Queen leaned her forehead on her hand, and was silent in
reflection. "And how, then, Märchen," she asked, "should it happen
that the people there below have become so changed?"
"See, O Queen Phantasie! men have stationed vigilant watchmen, who
inspect and examine all that comes from thy kingdom, with sharp eyes.
If one should arrive who is not according to their mind, they raise a
loud cry, and put him to death, or else so slander him to men, who
believe their every word, that one finds no longer any love, any
little ray of confidence. Ah! how fortunate are my brothers, the
Dreams! they leap merrily and lightly down upon the earth, care
nothing for those artful men, seek the slumbering, and weave and paint
for them, what makes happy the heart, and brightens the eye with joy."
"Thy brothers are light-footed," said the Queen, "and thou, my
darling, hast no reason for envying them. Besides, I know these
border-watchmen well; men are not so wrong in sending them out; there
came so many boastful fellows, who acted as if they had come straight
from my kingdom, and yet they had, at best, only looked down upon us
from some mountain."
"But why did they make me, thine own daughter, suffer for this?" wept
forth Märchen. "Ah, if thou knewest how they have acted towards me!
They called me an old maid, and threatened the next time not to admit
me!"
"How, my daughter?--not to admit thee more?" asked the Queen, as
anger heightened the color on her cheeks. "But already I see whence
this comes; that wicked cousin has slandered us!"
"Fashion? Impossible!" exclaimed Märchen; "she always used to act so
friendly towards us."
"Oh, I know her, the false one!" answered the Queen. "But try it again
in spite of her, my daughter: whoever wishes to do good, must not
rest."
"Ah, mother! suppose, then, they send me back again, or slander me so
that men let me stay in a corner, disregarded, or alone and slighted!"
"If the old, deluded by Fashion, value thee at nothing, then turn thee
to the young; truly they are my little favorites. I send to them my
loveliest pictures through thy brothers, the Dreams; yes, already I
have often hovered over them in person, caressed and kissed them, and
played fine games with them. They, also, know me well, though not by
name; for I have often observed how in the night they laugh at my
stars, and in the morning, when my shining fleeces play over the
heavens, how they clap their hands for joy. Moreover, when they grow
larger, they love me still; then I help the charming maids to weave
variegated garlands, and the wild boys to become still, while I seat
myself near them, on the lofty summit of a cliff, steep lofty cities
and brilliant palaces in the mist-world of the blue mountains in the
distance, and, on the red-tinged clouds of evening, paint brave troops
of horsemen, and strange pilgrim processions."
"Oh, the dear children!" exclaimed Märchen, deeply affected. "Yes--be
it so! with them I will make one more trial."
"Yes, my good child," answered the Queen; "go unto them; but I will
attire thee in fine style, that thou mayest please the little ones,
and that the old may not drive thee away. See! the dress of an
Almanach[B] will I give thee."
"An Almanach, mother? Ah!--I will be ashamed to parade, in such a way,
before the people."
The Queen gave the signal, and the attendants brought in the rich
dress of an Almanach. It was inwrought with brilliant colors, and
beautiful figures. The waiting-maids plaited the long hair of the fair
girl, bound golden sandals on her feet, and arrayed her in the robe.
The modest Märchen dared not look up; her mother, however, beheld her
with satisfaction, and clasped her in her arms. "Go forth!" said she
unto the little one; "my blessing be with thee. If they despise and
scorn thee, turn quickly unto me; perhaps later generations, more true
to nature, may again incline to thee their hearts."
Thus spoke Queen Phantasie, while Märchen went down upon the earth.
With beating heart she approached the city, in which the cunning
watchmen dwelt: she dropped her head towards the earth, wrapped her
fine robe closely around her, and with trembling step drew near unto
the gate.
"Hold!" exclaimed a deep, rough voice. "Look out, there! Here comes a
new Almanach!"
Märchen trembled as she heard this; many old men, with gloomy
countenances, rushed forth; they had sharp quills in their fists, and
held them towards Märchen. One of the multitude strode up to her, and
seized her with rough hand by the chin. "Just lift up your head, Mr.
Almanach," he cried, "that one may see in your eyes whether you be
right or not."
Blushing, Märchen lifted her little head quite up, and raised her dark
eye.
"Märchen!" exclaimed the watchmen, laughing boisterously. "Märchen!
That we should have had any doubt as to who was here! How come you,
now, by this dress?"
"Mother put it on me," answered Märchen.
"So! she wishes to smuggle you past us! Not this time! Out of the way;
see that you be gone!" exclaimed the watchmen among themselves,
lifting up their sharp quills.
"But, indeed, I will go only to the children," entreated Märchen;
"this, surely, you will grant to me."
"Stay there not, already, enough of these menials in the land around?"
exclaimed one of the watchmen. "They only prattle nonsense to our
children."
"Let us see what she knows this time," said another.
"Well then," cried they, "tell us what you know; but make haste, for
we have not much time for you."
Märchen stretched forth her hand, and described with the forefinger,
various figures in the air. Thereupon they saw confused images move
slowly across it;--caravans, fine horses, riders gayly attired,
numerous tents upon the sand of the desert; birds, and ships upon the
stormy seas; silent forests, and populous places, and highways;
battles, and peaceful wandering tribes--all hovered, a motley crowd,
in animated pictures, over before them.
Märchen, in the eagerness with which she had caused the figures to
rise forth, had not observed that the watchmen of the gate had one by
one fallen asleep. Just as she was about to describe new lines, a
friendly man came up to her, and seized her hand. "Look here, good
Märchen," said he, as he pointed to the sleepers; "for these thy
varied creations are as nothing; slip nimbly through the door; they
will not suspect that thou art in the land, and thou canst quietly and
unobserved pursue thy way. I will lead thee unto my children; in my
house will give thee a peaceful, friendly home; there thou mayest
remain and live by thyself; whenever my sons and daughters shall have
learned their lessons well, they shall be permitted to run to thee
with their plays, and attend to thee. Dost thou agree?"
"Oh! how gladly will I follow thee unto thy dear children! how
diligently will I endeavor to make, at times, for them, a happy little
hour!"
The good man nodded to her cordially, and assisted her to step over
the feet of the sleeping men. Märchen, when she had got safely across,
looked around smilingly, and then slipped quickly through the gate.
FOOTNOTES:
[A] Märchen represents the fairy or legendary tales, of which the
Germans were at one time so fond.
[B] The German "Almanach" corresponds in a measure with the English
"Annual."
THE CARAVAN.
Once upon a time, there marched through the wilderness a large
Caravan. Upon the vast plain, where one sees nothing but sand and
heaven, were heard already, in the far distance, the little bells of
the camels, and the silver-toned ones of the horses; a thick cloud of
dust, which preceded them, announced their approach, and when a gale
of wind separated the clouds, glittering weapons and brilliant dresses
dazzled the eye. Such was the appearance of the Caravan to a man who
was riding up towards it in an oblique direction. He was mounted on a
fine Arabian courser, covered with a tiger-skin; silver bells were
suspended from the deep-red stripe work, and on the head of the horse
waved a plume of heron feathers. The rider was of majestic mien, and
his attire corresponded with the splendor of his horse: a white
turban, richly inwrought with gold, adorned his head, his habit and
wide pantaloons were of bright red, and a curved sword with a
magnificent handle hung by his side. He had arranged the turban far
down upon his forehead; this, together with the dark eyes which
gleamed forth from under his bushy brows, and the long beard which
hung down under his arched nose, gave him a wild, daring expression.
When the horseman had advanced fifty paces farther, the foremost line
of the Caravan was near, and putting spurs to his steed, in the
twinkling of an eye he was at the head of the procession. It was so
unusual a thing to see a solitary rider travelling through the desert,
that the guard, apprehending an attack, put their lances in rest.
"What mean you?" exclaimed the horseman, as he saw himself received in
so hostile a manner. "Do you imagine that a single man would attack
your Caravan?"
Ashamed of their precipitation, the guards lowered their lances, and
their leader rode forth to the stranger, and asked to know his
pleasure.
"Who is the lord of this Caravan?" inquired the cavalier.
"It belongs to no single lord," answered the interrogated one; "but
to several merchants, who march from Mecca to their native country,
and whom we escort through the desert; for oftentimes scoundrels of
every kind alarm those who travel here."
"Then lead me to the merchants," responded the stranger.
"That cannot be now," rejoined the other, "for we must proceed without
delay, and the merchants are at least a quarter of a mile behind; if,
however, you would like to ride along with me until we halt to take
our siesta, I will execute your desire."
The stranger said nothing further; he drew forth a long pipe which he
had attached to his saddle, and began to smoke with slow puffs, as he
rode along by the leader of the van. The latter knew not what to make
of the stranger, and ventured not to ask his name in so many words;
but when he artfully endeavored to weave up a conversation, the
cavalier, to his remarks, "You smoke there a good tobacco," or, "Your
horse has a brave gait," constantly replied with only a brief "Yes,
yes!" At last they arrived at the place where they were to halt for
the siesta: the chief sent his people forward to keep a look-out,
while he remained with the stranger to receive the Caravan. First,
thirty camels passed by, heavily laden, guided by armed drivers. After
these, on fine horses, came the five merchants to whom the Caravan
belonged. They were, for the most part, men of advanced age, of grave
and serious aspect; one, however, seemed much younger, as well as more
gay and lively than the rest. A large number of camels and pack-horses
closed the procession.
Tents were pitched, and the camels and horses fastened around. In the
midst was a large pavilion of blue silk, to which the chief of the
escort conducted the stranger. When they reached the entrance, they
saw the five merchants seated on gold-embroidered cushions; black
slaves were carrying around to them food and drink. "Whom bringest
thou hither to us?" exclaimed the young merchant unto the leader:
before, however, the latter could reply, the stranger spoke.
"I am called Selim Baruch, and am from Bagdad; I was taken captive by
a robber-horde on a ride to Mecca, but three days ago managed to free
myself from confinement. The mighty Prophet permitted me to hear, in
the far distance, the little bells of your Caravan, and so I came to
you. Allow me to ride in your company; you will grant your protection
to no unworthy person; and when we reach Bagdad, I will reward your
kindness richly, for I am the nephew of the Grand Vizier."
The oldest of the merchants took up the discourse: "Selim Baruch,"
said he, "welcome to our protection! It affords us joy to be of
assistance to thee. But first of all, sit down, and eat and drink with
us."
Selim Baruch seated himself among the merchants, and ate and drank
with them. After the meal, the slaves removed the table, and brought
long pipes and Turkish sherbet. The merchants sat for some time in
silence, while they puffed out before them the bluish, smoke-clouds,
watching how they formed circle after circle, and at last were
dissipated in the ambient air. The young merchant finally broke the
silence. "Here sit we for three days," said he, "on horseback, and at
table, without doing any thing to while away the time. I feel this
tediousness much, for I am accustomed after dinner to see dancers, or
to hear singing and music. Know you nothing, my friends, that will
pass away the time for us?"
The four elder merchants smoked away, and seemed to be seriously
reflecting, but the stranger spoke: "If it be allowed me, I will make
a proposition to you. I think one of us, at this resting-place, could
relate something for the amusement of the rest: this, certainly, would
serve to pass the time."
"Selim Baruch, thou hast well spoken," said Achmet, the oldest of the
merchants; "let us accept the proposal."
"I am rejoiced that it pleases you," answered Selim; "and, in order
that you may see that I desire nothing unreasonable, I will myself
begin." The five merchants, overjoyed, drew nearer together, and
placed the stranger in their midst. The slaves replenished their cups,
filled the pipes of their masters afresh, and brought glowing coals
for a light. Selim cleared his voice with a hearty draught of sherbet,
smoothed back the long beard from his mouth, and said, "Listen then to
THE HISTORY OF CALIPH STORK."
[Illustration]
THE HISTORY OF CALIPH STORK.
CHAPTER I.
Once upon a time, on a fine afternoon, the Caliph Chasid was seated on
his sofa in Bagdad: he had slept a little, (for it was a hot day,) and
now, after his nap, looked quite happy. He smoked a long pipe of
rosewood, sipped, now and then, a little coffee which a slave poured
out for him, and stroked his beard, well-satisfied, for the flavor
pleased him. In a word, it was evident that the Caliph was in a good
humor. At this season one could easily speak with him, for he was
always very mild and affable; on which account did his Grand-Vizier,
Mansor, seek him at this hour, every day.
On the afternoon in question he also came, but looked very serious,
quite contrary to his usual custom. The Caliph removed the pipe, a
moment, from his mouth, and said, "Wherefore, Grand-Vizier, wearest
thou so thoughtful a visage?"
The Grand-Vizier folded his arms crosswise over his breast, made
reverence to his lord, and answered: "Sir, whether I wear a thoughtful
look, I know not, but there, below the palace, stands a trader who has
such fine goods, that it vexes me not to have abundant money."
The Caliph, who had often before this gladly indulged his Vizier, sent
down his black slave to bring up the merchant, and in a moment they
entered together. He was a short, fat man, of swarthy countenance and
tattered dress. He carried a chest in which were all kinds of
wares--pearls and rings, richly-wrought pistols, goblets, and combs.
The Caliph and his Vizier examined them all, and the former at length
purchased fine pistols for himself and Mansor, and a comb for the
Vizier's wife. When the pedler was about to close his chest, the
Caliph espied a little drawer, and inquired whether there were wares
in that also. The trader drew forth the drawer, and pointed out
therein a box of black powder, and a paper with strange characters,
which neither the Caliph nor Mansor could read.
"I obtained these two articles, some time ago, from a merchant, who
found them in the street at Mecca," said the trader. "I know not what
they contain. They are at your service for a moderate price; I can do
nothing with them." The Caliph, who gladly kept old manuscripts in his
library, though he could not read them, purchased writing and box, and
discharged the merchant. The Caliph, however, thought he would like to
know what the writing contained, and asked the Vizier if he knew any
one who could decipher it.
"Most worthy lord and master," answered he, "near the great Mosque
lives a man called 'Selim the Learned,' who understands all languages:
let him come, perhaps he is acquainted with these mysterious
characters."
The learned Selim was soon brought in. "Selim," said the Caliph to
him, "Selim, they say thou art very wise; look a moment at this
manuscript, and see if thou canst read it. If thou canst, thou shalt
receive from me a new festival-garment; if not, thou shalt have twelve
blows on the cheek, and five and twenty on the soles of the feet,
since, in that case, thou art unjustly called Selim the Learned."
Selim bowed himself and said, "Sire, thy will be done!" For a long
time he pored over the manuscript, but suddenly exclaimed, "This is
Latin, sire, or I will suffer myself to be hung."
"If it is Latin, tell us what is therein," commanded the Caliph. Selim
began to translate:--
"Man, whosoever thou mayest be that findest this, praise Allah for his
goodness! Whoever snuffs of the dust of this powder, and at the same
time says, MUTABOR, can change himself into any animal, and shall also
understand its language. If he wishes to return to the form of a man,
then let him bow three times to the East, and repeat the same word.
But take thou care, if thou be transformed, that thou laugh not;
otherwise shall the magic word fade altogether from thy remembrance,
and thou shalt remain a beast!"
When Selim the Learned had thus read, the Caliph was overjoyed. He
made the translator swear to tell no one of their secret, presented
him a beautiful garment, and discharged him. To his Grand-Vizier,
however, he said: "That I call a good purchase, Mansor! How can I
contain myself until I become an animal! Early in the morning, do thou
come to me. Then will we go together into the country, take a little
snuff out of my box, and hear what is said in the air and in the
water, in the forest and in the field."