THE
ARABIAN NIGHTS.
ILLUSTRATED
WITH ENGRAVINGS,
FROM DESIGNS
BY R. WESTALL, R.A.
IN FOUR VOLUMES.
VOL. III.
LONDON;
Printed for Rodwell & Martin; and the other Proprietors.
1819.
PRINTED FOR C. AND J. RIVINGTON; J. BOOKER; LONGMAN, HURST, REES,
ORME, AND CO.; BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY; RODWELL AND MARTIN;
G. B. WHITTAKER; SIMPKIN AND MARSHALL; AND HURST, ROBINSON, AND CO.
1825.
PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVIDSON, WHITEFRIARS.
CONTENTS.
VOL. III.
PAGE
The Story of Noureddin and the Fair Persian 1
The Story of Beder, prince of Persia, and Giahaure, princess of
Samarcand 70
The Story of Ganem, son to Abou Ayoub, and known by the surname
of Love’s Slave 155
The Story of Prince Zeyn Alasnam, and the king of the Genii 212
The Story of Codadad and his Brothers 233
The Story of the princess of Deryabar 243
The Story of the Sleeper awakened 269
ARABIAN NIGHTS’
ENTERTAINMENTS.
THE STORY OF
NOUREDDIN AND THE FAIR PERSIAN.
Balsora was for many years the capital of a kingdom tributary to the
caliphs of Arabia. The king who governed it in the days of caliph Haroun
Alraschid was named Zinchi. They were both cousins, the sons of two
brothers. Zinchi not thinking it proper to commit the administration of
his affairs to one single vizier, made choice of two, Khacan and Saouy.
Khacan was of a sweet, generous, and affable temper, and took a wonderful
pride in obliging those with whom he had any concern, to the utmost of
his power, without the least hinderance or prejudice to justice, whenever
it was demanded of him; so that he was universally respected both at
court, in the city, and throughout the whole kingdom; and every body’s
mouth was full of the praises he so highly deserved.
Saouy was of a quite different character: he was always sullen and
morose, and treated every body after a disrespectful manner, without any
regard to their rank or quality; instead of making himself beloved and
admired for his riches, he was so perfect a miser, as to deny himself the
necessaries of life. In short, nobody could endure him; and if ever any
thing was said of him, to be sure it was something of ill. But what
increased the people’s hatred against him the more was his implacable
aversion for Khacan; always interpreting in the worst sense the actions
of that worthy minister, and endeavouring to do him all the ill offices
imaginable with the king.
One day, after council, the king of Balsora diverted himself with his two
viziers, and some other members of the council: they fell into discourse
about the women slaves, that with us are daily bought and sold, and are
almost reckoned in the same rank with our wives. Some were of opinion,
that it was enough if the slave that one bought was beautiful and well
shaped, to make us amends for the wives, which, very often, upon the
account of alliance or interest in families, we are forced to marry, who
are not always the greatest beauties, nor mistresses of any perfection,
either of mind or body. Others maintained, and amongst the rest Khacan,
that neither beauty, nor a thousand other charming perfections of the
body, were the only things to be coveted in a mistress; but they ought to
be accompanied with a great deal of wit, prudence, modesty, and
agreeableness; and, if possible, abundance of sense and penetration. The
reason they gave for it was, that nothing in the world could be more
agreeable to persons on whom the management of important affairs depend,
than, after having spent the day in that fatiguing employment, to have a
companion in their retirement whose conversation is not only agreeable,
but useful and diverting; for, in short, continued they, there is but
little difference between brutes and those men who keep a mistress only
to look upon her, and gratify a passion that we have in common with them.
The king was entirely of their opinion who spoke last, and he quickly
gave some demonstration of it, by ordering Khacan to buy him a slave, one
that was a perfect beauty, mistress of all those qualifications they had
just mentioned, and especially very ingenious.
Saouy, jealous of the honour the king had done Khacan, and vexed at his
being of a contrary opinion, Sir, says he, it will be very difficult to
find a slave so accomplished as to answer your majesty’s demand; and,
should they light upon such a one, (as I scarce believe they will,) she
will be a cheap bargain at ten thousand pieces of gold. Saouy, replied
the king, I perceive plainly you think it too great a sum: it may be so
for you, though not for me. Then turning to the chief treasurer, he
ordered him to send the ten thousand pieces of gold to the vizier’s
house.
Khacan, as soon as he came home, sent for all the courtiers who used to
deal in women slaves, and strictly charged them, that, if ever they met
with a slave that answered the description he gave them, they should come
and acquaint him with it. The courtiers, partly to oblige the vizier, and
partly for their own interest, promised to use their utmost endeavours to
find out one to his liking. Accordingly there was scarce a day past but
they brought him one, yet he always found some fault or other with them.
One day as Khacan was getting on horseback very early in the morning to
go to court, a courtier came to him, and, with a great deal of eagerness,
catching hold of the stirrup, told him there was a Persian merchant
arrived very late the day before, who had a slave to sell so surprisingly
beautiful, that she excelled all women that his eyes ever beheld; and, as
for her parts and learning, the merchant engaged she could cope with the
finest wits and the most knowing persons of the age.
Khacan, overjoyed at this news, which made him hope for a favourable
reception at court, ordered him to bring the slave to his palace against
his coming back, and so continued his journey.
The courtier failed not of being at the vizier’s at the appointed hour;
and Khacan, finding the lovely slave so much beyond his expectation,
immediately gave her the name of the Fair Persian. As she had an infinite
deal of wit and learning, he soon perceived by her conversation that it
was in vain to search any farther for a slave that surpassed her in any
of those qualifications required by the king, and therefore he asked the
courtier at what rate the Persian merchant valued her.
Sir, replied the courtier, he is a man of few words in bargaining, and he
tells me, that the very lowest rate he can part with her at, is ten
thousand pieces of gold: he has also sworn to me, that without reckoning
his pains and trouble from the time of his first taking care of her, he
has laid out pretty near the sum upon her education, on masters to
instruct and teach her, besides clothes and maintenance; and, as he
always thought her fit for a king, so from her very infancy, in which he
bought her, he has not been sparing in any thing that might contribute
towards advancing her to that high honour. She plays on all sorts of
instruments to perfection, she dances, sings, writes better than the most
celebrated authors, understands poetry; and, in short, there is scarce
any book but what she has read; so that there never was a slave of so
vast a capacity heard of before.
The vizier Khacan, who understood the merit of the Fair Persian better
than the courtier, that only reported what he had heard from the
merchant, was unwilling to drive off the bargain to another time; and
therefore he sent one of his servants to look after the merchant, where
the courtier told him he was to be found.
As soon as the Persian merchant came, It is not for myself, but the king,
says the vizier Khacan, that I buy your slave; but, however, you must let
him have her at a more reasonable price than what you have already set
upon her.
Sir, replied the merchant, I should do myself an unspeakable honour in
offering her as a present to his majesty, were I able to make him one of
so inestimable a value. I barely ask no more than what her education and
breeding up has cost me; and all I have to say is, that I believe his
majesty will be extremely pleased with the purchase.
The vizier Khacan would stand no longer bargaining with the merchant, but
paid him the money down immediately. Sir, says he to the vizier, upon
taking his leave of him, since the slave is designed for the king’s use,
give me leave to tell you, that being extremely fatigued with our long
journey together, you see her at a great disadvantage; and though she has
not her equal in the world for beauty, yet if you please to keep her at
your own house but for a fortnight, and strive a little to please and
humour her, she will appear quite another creature: after that, you may
present her to the king with abundance of honour and credit; for which, I
doubt not but you will think yourself much obliged to me. The sun, you
see, has a little tarnished her complexion; but after two or three times
bathing, and when you have dressed her according to the fashion of your
country, she will appear to your eyes infinitely more charming than now.
Khacan was mightily pleased with the advice the merchant gave him, and
was resolved to follow it. Accordingly the Fair Persian was lodged in a
particular apartment near his lady’s, whom he desired to invite her to an
entertainment, and henceforth to treat her as a mistress designed for the
king: he also entreated his lady to get the richest clothes for her that
possibly could be had, and especially those that became her best. Before
he took his leave of the Fair Persian, he says, Your happiness, madam,
cannot be greater than what I am about to procure for you, since it is
for the king himself I have bought you; and I hope he will be better
pleased with the enjoyment of you, than I am in discharging the trust his
majesty has laid upon me: however, I think it my duty to warn you of my
son, who, though he has a tolerable share of wit, yet is a young, wanton,
forward youth; and therefore have a care how you suffer him to come near
you. The Fair Persian thanked him for his good advice; and after she had
given him an assurance of her intention to follow it, he withdrew.
Noureddin, for so the vizier’s son was named, had all the liberty
imaginable in his mother’s apartment, with whom he usually ate: he was
very genteel, young, agreeable, and bold; and being master of abundance
of wit and readiness of expression, he had the art of persuading people
to whatever he pleased. He saw the Fair Persian; and from their first
interview, though he knew his father had bought her purposely for the
king, and he himself had declared the same, yet he never used the least
endeavour to put a stop to the violence of his passion. In short, he
resigned himself wholly to the power of her charms, by which his heart
was at first conquered: and being ravished with her conversation, he was
resolved to employ his utmost endeavours to get her from the king.
On the other hand, the Fair Persian had no dislike to Noureddin. The
vizier, says she to herself, has done me a particular honour in buying me
for the king of Balsora; but I should have thought myself very happy if
he had designed me only for his son.
Noureddin was not backward in making use of the advantage of seeing,
entertaining, and conversing with a beauty he was so passionately in love
with; for he would never leave her until his mother forced him to do it.
My son, she would say, it is not proper for a young man, as you are, to
be always amongst the ladies; go mind your studies, that in time you may
be worthy to succeed your father in his high posts and honours.
It being a great while since the Fair Persian had bathed, on account of
her late fatiguing journey, the vizier’s lady, five or six days after she
was bought, ordered a private bath in her own house to be got ready
purposely for her. She had a great many women slaves to wait upon her,
who were charged by the vizier’s lady, to be as careful of her as of her
own person, and, after bathing, to put on her a very rich suit of clothes
that she had provided for her; and all this pains and care was taken
purely to ingratiate herself the more into her husband’s affection, by
letting him see how much she concerned herself in every thing that
contributed to his pleasure.
As soon as she came out of the bath, the Fair Persian, a thousand times
more beautiful than ever she appeared to Khacan when he bought her, went
to make a visit to his lady, who at first sight hardly knew her. After
having saluted her in a very graceful manner, Madam, says she, I know not
how you like me in this dress you have been pleased to order for me; but
your women, who tell me it becomes me so extremely well they should
scarce know me, are such gross flatterers, that it is from you alone I
expect to hear the truth: but, however, if what they say be really so, it
is to you entirely, madam, that I owe the advantage it has given me.
Oh! my daughter, cries the vizier’s lady, quite transported with joy, you
have no reason in the world to believe my women have flattered you: I am
better skilled in beauty than they are; and, setting aside your dress,
which becomes you admirably well, you appear so much handsomer than you
did before your bathing, that I hardly knew you myself: if I thought the
bath was yet hot enough, I would willingly take my turn, for I am now of
an age that requires frequent use of it. Madam, replies the Fair Persian,
I have nothing to say to the undeserved civilities you have been pleased
to show me; but, as for the bath, it is wonderfully fine; and if you
design to go in, you must be quick, for there is no time to be lost, as
your women can inform you as well as I.
The vizier’s lady, considering that she had not bathed for some days
past, was willing to make use of that opportunity; and accordingly she
acquainted her women with her intention, who immediately prepared all
things necessary on such an occasion. The Fair Persian withdrew to her
apartment; and the vizier’s lady, before she went to bathe, ordered two
little slaves to stay with her, with a strict charge, that if Noureddin
came they should not give him admittance.
While the vizier’s lady was bathing, and the fair slave alone in her
apartment, in came Noureddin, and not finding his mother in her chamber,
went directly to the Fair Persian’s, where he found the two little slaves
in the antechamber: he asked them where his mother was. They told him, in
the bath. Where is the Fair Persian, then? replied Noureddin. In her
chamber, answered the slaves; but we have positive orders from your
mother not to let you go in.
The entrance into the Fair Persian’s chamber being only covered with a
piece of tapestry, Noureddin went to lift it up in order to go in, but
was opposed by the two slaves, who clapped themselves just before it on
purpose to stop his passage: he presently caught hold of both their arms,
and thrusting them out of the antechamber, locked the door upon them.
Away they immediately ran with a great outcry to the bath, and with
weeping eyes told their lady that Noureddin, having driven them away by
force, had got into the Fair Persian’s chamber.
The vizier’s lady received the astonishing news of her son’s presumption
with the greatest concern that could be: she immediately left off
bathing, and dressing herself with all possible speed, came directly to
the Fair Persian’s chamber; but before she could get thither, Noureddin
was fairly marched off.
The Fair Persian was extremely surprised to see the vizier’s lady enter
her chamber all in tears, and in the utmost confusion imaginable: Madam,
says she to her, may I presume to ask you the occasion of your concern;
and what accident has happened in the bath, that makes you leave it so
soon?
What! cries the vizier’s lady, can you so calmly ask that question, after
your entertaining my son Noureddin alone in your chamber? or can there
happen a greater misfortune either to him or me?
I beseech you, madam, says the fair slave, what injury can this action of
Noureddin’s do either to you or him?
How! replied the vizier’s lady, did not my husband tell you that you were
designed for the king, and sufficiently caution you to have a care of
Noureddin?
I have not forgot it, madam, replied the Fair Persian; but your son came
to tell me the vizier his father had changed his mind, and, instead of
reserving me for the king, as he first designed, has made him a present
of my person. I easily believed him, madam; for oh! think how a slave as
I am, accustomed from my infant years to the bonds of servitude, could
have the heart and power to resist him! I must own I did it with the less
unwillingness on account of a violent passion for him, which the freedom
of conversation, and seeing one another daily, has raised in my soul. I
could freely lose the hopes of ever being the king’s, and think myself
the happiest of creatures in spending my whole life with Noureddin.
At this discourse of the Fair Persian’s, Would to God, cries the vizier’s
lady, that what you say were true! for then I should have no reason to be
concerned: but, believe me, Noureddin is an impostor, and you are
deceived; for it is impossible his father should ever make him the
present you spoke of. Ah! wretched youth, how miserable hast thou made
me, but more thy father, by the dismal consequences we must all expect to
share with him! Neither my prayers nor tears will be able to prevail, or
obtain a pardon for him; but, as soon as his father hears of his violence
to you, he will inevitably sacrifice him to his just resentment. At the
end of these words she fell a-weeping bitterly; and the slaves, who had
as tender a regard for Noureddin as herself, bore her company.
A little after this, in came the vizier Khacan; and being mightily
surprised to find his lady and her slaves all in tears, and the Fair
Persian very melancholy, asked the reason of it; but they, instead of
answering him, kept on weeping and making hideous lamentations. He was
more astonished at this than he was before; at last, addressing himself
to his wife, I command you, says he, to let me know the occasion of your
tears, and to tell me the whole truth of the matter.
The poor disconsolate lady being forced to satisfy her husband, Sir, says
she, you shall first promise not to use me unkindly upon the discovery of
what you are desirous to know, since I tell you beforehand that what has
happened has not been occasioned by any fault of mine. While I was
bathing with my women, continued she, your son, laying hold of that fatal
opportunity to ruin us both, came hither, and made the Fair Persian
believe that, instead of reserving her for the king, as you once
designed, you had given her to him as a present: I do not say he has done
this out of any ill design, but shall leave you to judge of it yourself.
It is upon your account, and his, for whom I want confidence to implore
your pardon, that I am so extremely concerned.
It is impossible to express the vizier Khacan’s distraction upon the
hearing of the insolence of his son Noureddin: Ah! cried he, beating his
breast, and tearing his beard, Miserable son! unworthy of life! hast thou
at last thrown thy father from the highest pinnacle of happiness into a
misfortune that must inevitably involve thee also in its ruin? Neither
will the king be satisfied with thy blood nor mine, but will revenge
himself after a more severe manner for the affront offered to his royal
person.
His lady used her utmost endeavours to comfort and assuage his sorrow.
Concern yourself no more about the matter, my dear, said she; I will sell
part of my jewels for ten thousand pieces of gold, with which you may buy
another slave, handsomer, and more agreeable to the king’s fancy than
this.
Ah! replied the vizier, could you think me of so mean a spirit, as to be
so extremely afflicted at the losing ten thousand pieces of gold? It is
not that, nor the loss of all my goods, which I can easily part with; but
the forfeiting of my honour, more precious than all the riches in the
world, that torments and touches me so nearly. However, methinks, replied
the lady, this can be no very considerable damage, since it is in the
power of money to repair it.
How! cried the vizier, you know Saouy is my mortal enemy; and as soon as
this affair comes to his knowledge, do you think he will not insult over
me, and mock my misfortunes before the king? Your majesty, he will say to
him, is always talking of Khacan’s zeal and affection for your service:
but see what a proof he has lately given of his being worthy the respect
you have hitherto shown him. He has received ten thousand pieces of gold
to buy a slave with; and, to do him justice, he has honourably performed
that commission, in buying the most beautiful that ever eyes beheld; but,
instead of bringing her to your majesty, he has thought it better to make
a present of her to his son: Here, my son, said he, take this slave,
since thou art more worthy of her than the king. Then, with his usual
malice, will he go on: His son has her now entirely in his possession,
and every day revels in her arms, without the least disturbance: this,
sir, is the whole truth of the matter, that I have done myself the honour
of acquainting you with; and if your majesty questions the truth of it,
you may easily satisfy yourself. Do you not plainly see, my dear,
continued the vizier, how, upon such a malicious insinuation as this, I
am every moment liable to have my house forced open by the king’s guards,
and the Fair Persian taken from me, besides a thousand other misfortunes
that will unavoidably follow? Sir, said the vizier’s lady to her husband,
after he had finished his discourse, I am sensible the malice of Saouy is
very great, and that, if he has had but the least intimation of this
affair, he will certainly give it a turn very disadvantageous to your
interest: but how is it possible that he or any body else should come to
the knowledge of what has been privately transacted in your family?
Suppose it comes to the king’s ear, and he should ask you about it,
cannot you say, that upon strict examination, you did not think the slave
so fit for his majesty’s use as you did at the first view; that the
merchant has cheated you; that, indeed, she has a great deal of beauty,
but is nothing near so witty or agreeable as she was reported to be? The
king will certainly believe what you say, and Saouy be vexed to the soul
to see all his malicious designs of ruining you eternally disappointed.
Take courage, then, and, if you will follow my advice, send for all the
courtiers, tell them you do not like the Fair Persian, and order them to
be as expeditious as possible in getting another slave.
The vizier Khacan, highly approving of this advice, was resolved to make
use of it; and though his passion began to cool a little, yet his
indignation against his son Noureddin was not in the least abated.
Noureddin came not in sight all that day; and, not daring to hide himself
among his companions, lest his father should search their houses for him,
he went a little way out of town, and took sanctuary in a garden where he
had never been before, and where his person was utterly unknown. It was
very late when he came back, being willing to stay till his father was
a-bed, and then his mother’s women opening the door very softly, let him
in without any manner of noise. The next morning he went out before his
father was stirring; and thus for a whole month was he put to his shifts,
which was a terrible mortification to him. Indeed the women never
flattered him, but told him plainly his father’s anger was as great as
ever, and if he came in his sight he would certainly kill him.
Though the vizier’s lady was informed by her women of Noureddin’s lying
every night in the house, yet she durst not presume to entreat her
husband to pardon him. At last, one day, says she to him; I have hitherto
been silent, not daring to take the liberty of talking to you about your
son; but now give me leave to ask you what you design to do with him.
Indeed it is impossible for a son to be more criminal towards a father
than Noureddin has been towards you; he has robbed you of the honour and
satisfaction of presenting the king with a slave so accomplished as the
Fair Persian: but, after all, are you absolutely resolved to destroy him;
and, instead of a light evil, draw upon yourself a far greater than
perhaps you imagine at present? Are you not afraid that the world, which
spitefully inquires after the reason of your son’s absconding, should
find out the true cause which you are so desirous of keeping secret? and
if that should happen, you would justly fall into a misfortune which it
is so much your interest to avoid.
Madam, said the vizier, there is abundance of sound reasoning in what you
have urged: however, I cannot think of pardoning Noureddin till I have
humbled him a little more. He shall be sufficiently mortified, replied
the lady, if you will put in execution what is just come into my mind.
You must know, then, your son comes hither every night after you are
a-bed; he lies here, and steals out every morning before you are
stirring: you shall wait for his coming in to-night; make as if you
designed to kill him; upon which I will run to his assistance, and when
he finds his life entirely owing to my prayers and entreaties, you may
oblige him to take the Fair Persian on what condition soever you please.
He loves her, and I am sensible the fair slave has no aversion for him.
Khacan was very willing to make use of this stratagem: so, when Noureddin
came at the usual hour, before the door was opened, he placed himself
behind it: as soon as ever he entered, he rushed suddenly upon him, and
got him down under his feet. Noureddin, lifting up his head, saw his
father with a dagger in his hand, ready prepared to stab him.
At that very instant, in came his mother, and, catching hold of the
vizier’s arm, Sir, cried she, what are you a-doing? Let me alone, replied
the vizier, that I may kill this base unworthy son. You shall kill me
first, cried the mother; nor will I suffer you to imbrue your hands in
your own blood: speak to him, Noureddin, speak to him, and improve this
tender moment. My father, cried he, with tears in his eyes, I implore
your clemency and compassion; nor must you deny me pardon, since I ask it
in His name before whom we must all appear at the last day.
Khacan suffered the poniard to be taken out of his hand; and as soon as
Noureddin was released, he threw himself at his father’s feet, and kissed
them, to show how sincerely he repented of his having ever offended him.
Noureddin, said he, return your mother thanks, since it is purely for her
sake I pardon you. I design also to give you the Fair Persian, on
condition that you will oblige yourself by an oath not to look upon her
any longer as a slave, but as your wife, that you will not sell her, nor
ever be divorced from her; for, having abundance of wit and prudence,
besides much better conduct than you, I am persuaded she will be able to
moderate those rash sallies of youth which are enough to ruin you.
Noureddin, who little expected to be treated after so kind and indulgent
a manner, returned his father a thousand thanks, with all the gratitude
and sincerity imaginable; and, in the conclusion, the vizier, the Fair
Persian, and he, were well pleased and satisfied with the match.
The vizier Khacan would not stay in expectation of the king’s asking him
about the order he had given him, but took particular care to mention it
often, in representing to his majesty the many difficulties he met with
in that affair, and how fearful he was of not acquitting himself to his
majesty’s satisfaction. In short, he managed the business with so much
cunning and address, that the king insensibly forgot it; and, though
Saouy had got some small information of the matter, yet Khacan was so
much in the king’s favour, that he was afraid to speak of it.
It was now above a year that this nice affair had been kept with greater
secrecy than at first the vizier expected; when, being one day in the
bath, and some important business obliging him to leave it all in a
sweat, the air, which was then a little moist, struck a damp to his
breast, caused a defluxion of rheum to fall upon his lungs, which threw
him into a violent fever, and confined him to his bed. His illness
growing every day worse, and perceiving he had but a few moments to live,
he thus addressed himself to his son Noureddin, who never stirred from
him during his whole sickness: My son, I know not whether I have made a
good use of the riches Heaven has blessed me with, but you see they are
not able to save me from the hands of death: the last thing I desire of
you, with my dying breath, is, that you would be mindful of the promise
you made concerning the Fair Persian; and, with a certainty of that, I
shall die pleased and well contented.
These were the vizier’s last words; who, dying a few moments after, left
his family, the court, and the whole city in great affliction for his
death. The king lamented him, as having lost a wise, zealous, and
faithful minister; and the whole city wept for him as their protector and
benefactor. Never was there a funeral at Balsora solemnized with greater
pomp and magnificence; the viziers and emirs, and, in general, all the
grandees of the court, strove for the honour of bearing his coffin, one
after another, upon their shoulders to the place of burial; and both rich
and poor accompanied him thither with tears.
Noureddin gave all the demonstration of a sorrow equal to the loss he had
lately sustained, and lived a great while without ever seeing any
company. At last, he admitted of a visit from an intimate friend of his.
His friend endeavoured to comfort him all he could; and, finding him a
little inclinable to hear reason, he told him, that, having paid what was
due to the memory of his father, and fully satisfied all that custom and
decency required of him, it was now high time to appear again in the
world to converse with his friends, and maintain a character suitable to
his birth and merit: For, continued he, we should sin both against the
laws of nature and civility, and be thought insensible, if, upon the
death of our fathers, we neglected to pay them what filial love and
tenderness require at our hands; but having once performed that duty, and
put it out of the power of any man to reproach us upon that account, we
are obliged to return to our usual method of living. Dry up your tears
then, and re-assume that wonted air of gaiety which always inspires with
joy those that have the honour of your conversation.
This advice seeming very reasonable to Noureddin, he was easily persuaded
to follow it; and, if he had been ruled by his friend in every thing, he
would certainly have avoided all the misfortunes that afterwards befell
him. He treated him very nobly; and, when he took his leave, Noureddin
desired him to come the next day, and bring three or four friends of
their acquaintance. By this means he insensibly fell into the society of
about ten young gentlemen, pretty near his own age, with whom he spent
his time in continual feasting and entertainments; and scarce a day came
over his head but he made every one of them some considerable present.
Sometimes, to oblige his friends after a more particular manner,
Noureddin would send for the Fair Persian to entertain them; who,
notwithstanding her obedience to his command, never approved of his
extravagant way of living, and often took the liberty of speaking her
mind freely. Sir, said she, I question not but your father has left you
abundance of riches; but, how great soever they are, be not angry with
your slave for telling you that, at this rate of living, you will quickly
see an end of them. We may indeed sometimes afford to treat our friends,
and be merry with them; but, to make a daily practice of it, is certainly
the high road to ruin and destruction. Therefore, for your own honour and
reputation, you would do much better to follow the footsteps of your
deceased father, that, in time, you may rise to that dignity by which he
acquired so much glory and renown.
Noureddin hearkened to the fair Persian’s discourse with a smiling
countenance; and, when she had done, My charmer, said he, with the same
air of mirth, say no more of that; let us talk of nothing but mirth and
pleasure. In my father’s lifetime I was always under restraint, and I am
now resolved to enjoy the liberty I so much sighed for before his death.
It is time enough for me to think of leading a sober regular life; and a
man of my age ought to taste the pleasures of youth.
What contributed very much towards ruining Noureddin’s fortune, was his
unwillingness to reckon with his steward; for, whenever he brought in his
accounts, he still sent him away without examining them. Go, go, said he,
I trust wholly to your honesty; therefore only take care to let me have
wherewith to make merry.
You are the master, sir, replied he, and I but the steward; however, you
would do well to think upon the proverb, He that spends much and has but
little, must at last insensibly be reduced to poverty. You are not
contented with keeping an extravagant table, but you must lavish away
your estate with both hands: and were your coffers as large as mountains,
they would not be sufficient to maintain you. Begone, replied Noureddin;
your grave lessons are needless; only take care to provide good eating
and drinking, and trouble your head no farther about the rest.
In the mean time Noureddin’s friends were constant guests at his table,
and never failed making some advantage of the easiness of his temper.
They praised and flattered him, extolling his most indifferent actions to
the very skies. But, above all, they took particular care to commend
whatever belonged to him and his; and this, they found, turned to some
account. Sir, says one of them, I came the other day by your estate that
lies in such a place: certainly there is nothing so magnificent, or so
handsomely furnished, as your house; and the garden belonging to it is a
paradise upon earth. I am very glad it pleases you, says Noureddin. Here,
bring me pen, ink, and paper: but, without more words, it is at your
service, and I make you a present of it. No sooner had others commended
his house, baths, and some public buildings erected for the use of
strangers, the yearly revenue of which was very considerable, than he
immediately gave them away. The Fair Persian could not forbear letting
him know how much injury he did himself; but, instead of taking any
notice of it, he continued his extravagances, and, upon the first
opportunity, squandered away the little he had left.
In short, Noureddin did nothing for a whole year together, but feasted
and made himself merry, wasting and consuming, after a prodigal manner,
the riches that his predecessors, and the good vizier his father, had,
with so much pains and care, heaped together and preserved.
The year was but just expired, when somebody one day knocked at the hall
door, where he and his friends were at dinner together by themselves,
having sent away their slaves, that they might enjoy a greater liberty
and freedom of conversation.
One of his friends offered to rise, but Noureddin stepped before him, and
opened the door himself. It seems it was the steward; and Noureddin going
a little out of the hall to know his business, left the door half open.
The friend that offered to rise from his seat, seeing it was the steward,
and being somewhat curious to know what he had to say to Noureddin,
placed himself between the hangings and the door, where he plainly
overheard the steward’s discourse to his master. Sir, said the steward, I
ask a thousand pardons for my coming to disturb you in the height of your
joys; but this affair is of such importance, that I thought myself bound
in duty to acquaint you with it. I come, sir, to make up my last
accounts, and to tell you that what I all along foresaw, and have often
warned you of, is at last come to pass. Behold, sir, says he, (showing
him a small piece of money,) the remainder of all the sums I have
received from you during my stewardship; the other funds you were pleased
to assign me are all exhausted. The farmers, and those that owe you rent,
have made it so plainly appear to me that you have assigned over to
others whatever remains in their hands due to you, that it is impossible
for me to get any more from them upon your account. Here are my books; if
you please, examine them: and if you think fit to continue me in the
place I am now in, order me some other funds, or else give me leave to
quit your service. Noureddin was so astonished at this discourse, that he
gave him no manner of answer.
The friend who had been listening all this while, and had heard every
syllable of what the steward said, immediately came in and told the
company what he had lately overheard. It is your business, gentlemen,
says he, to make use of this caution; for my part, I declare it openly to
you, this is the last visit I design to make Noureddin. Nay, replied
they, if matters go thus, we have as little business here as you; and,
for the future, shall take care not to trouble him with our company.
Noureddin returned presently after; yet, notwithstanding his carrying it
pleasantly to his guests, by putting them into a merry humour again, he
could not so handsomely dissemble the matter but they plainly perceived
the truth of what they had been informed of. He was scarce sat down in
his place, when one of his friends rose up, saying, Sir, I am sorry I
cannot have the honour of your company any longer; and, therefore, I hope
you will excuse my rudeness of leaving you so soon. What urgent affair
have you, replied Noureddin, that obliges you to be going? My wife, sir,
said he, was brought to bed to-day, and upon such an occasion, you know a
husband’s company is very acceptable; so, making a very low bow, away he
went. A minute afterwards, a second took his leave upon another sham
excuse; and so one after another, till at last not one of those ten
friends that had hitherto kept Noureddin company, was left in the room.
As soon as they were gone, Noureddin, little suspecting the resolution
they had made of never visiting him, went directly to the Fair Persian’s
apartment, to whom, in private, he related all the steward had told him,
and seemed extremely concerned at the ill posture of his affairs. Sir,
said the Fair Persian to him, you would never take my advice, but always
managed your concerns after your own way, and now you see the fatal
consequences of it. I find I was not mistaken, when I presaged to what a
miserable condition you would bring yourself at last; but what afflicts
me the more, is, that at present you do not see the worst of your
misfortunes. Whenever I presumed freely to impart my thoughts to you, Let
us be merry, said you, and in pleasures improve the time that fortune has
kindly given us; perhaps she will not always be so prodigal of her
favours. But was I now to blame in telling you that we are the makers or
undoers of our own fortunes, by a prudent or foolish management of them?
You indeed would never hearken to me; so, at last, much against my will,
I was forced to desist, and let you alone.
I must own, replied Noureddin, I was extremely in the wrong in not
following the advice that you, out of your abundance of prudence and
discretion, was pleased to give me. It is true I have spent my estate;
but do you not consider it is among friends of a long acquaintance, who,
I am persuaded, have more generosity and gratitude in them than to
abandon and forsake me in distress? Sir, replied the Fair Persian, if you
have nothing but the gratitude of your friends to depend on, you are in a
desperate condition; for, believe me, that hope is vain and ill-grounded,
and you will tell me so yourself in a very little time.
To this Noureddin replied, Charming Persian, I have a much better opinion
of my friends’ generosity than you. To-morrow I design to make a visit to
them all, before the usual time of their coming hither, and you shall see
me return with a vast sum, that they will raise among them to support me.
I am resolved to change my way of living, and, with the money they lend
me, set up for a merchant.
The next morning, Noureddin failed not to visit his ten friends, who
lived in the very same street. He knocked at the first door he came at,
where one of the richest of them lived. A slave came to the door; but,
before he would open it, he asked who was there? Go to your master, says
he to the slave, and tell him it is Noureddin, the late vizier’s son.
Upon this the slave opens the door, and shows him into a hall, where he
left him to go and tell his master, who was in an inner room, that
Noureddin was come to wait on him. Noureddin! cried he, in a disdainful
tone, loud enough for Noureddin to hear it with surprise. Go, tell him I
am not at home; and whenever he comes hither, be sure you give him the
same answer. The slave came back, and told Noureddin he thought his
master was within, but he was mistaken.
Noureddin came away in the greatest confusion in the world. Ah! base,
ungrateful wretch! said he to himself, to treat me so basely to-day,
after the vows and protestations of love and friendship that you made me
yesterday! From thence he went to another door, but that friend ordered
his slaves also to say he was gone out. He had the same answer at the
third; and, in short, all the rest denied themselves, though every one of
them was at home at the same time.
It was now that Noureddin began in earnest to reflect with himself, and
be convinced of the folly of his too credulous temper, in relying so much
upon the vows and protestations of amity, that his false friends in the
time of his prosperity had solemnly made him. It is very true, said he to
himself, that a fortunate man, as I was, may be compared to a tree laden
with fruit, which, as long as there is any remaining on its boughs,
people will be crowding round; but, as soon as it is stripped of all,
they immediately leave it, and go to another. He smothered his passions
as much as possible while he was abroad; but, no sooner was he got home,
than he gave loose to his sorrow, and resigned himself wholly to it.
The Fair Persian, seeing him so extremely concerned, fancied he had not
found his friends so ready to assist him as he expected. Well, sir, said
she, are you now convinced of the truth of what I told you? Ah! cried he,
my dear, thou hast been too true a prophetess; for not one of them would
so much as know me, see me, or speak to me. Oh! who could ever have
believed that persons so highly obliged to me as they are, and on whom I
have spent my estate, could ever have used me so barbarously? I am
distracted, and I fear committing some dishonourable action, below
myself, in the deplorable condition I am reduced to, without the aid and
assistance of your prudent advice. Sir, replied the Fair Persian, I see
no other way of supporting yourself in your misfortunes, but selling off
your slaves and moveables, and living upon the money, till Heaven shall
find out some other means to deliver you from your present misery.
Noureddin was very loath to make use of this expedient; but what could he
do in the necessitous circumstance he was in? He first sold off his
slaves; those unprofitable mouths, which were a greater expense to him
than what his present condition could bear. He lived on the money for
some time; and when all of it was spent, he ordered his goods to be
carried into the market-place, where they were sold for half their worth;
among which were several valuable things that cost immense sums. Upon
this he lived for a considerable time: but that supply failing at last,
he had nothing at all left by which he could raise any more money; of
which he complained to the Fair Persian in the most tender expressions
that sorrow could inspire.
Noureddin only waited to hear what answer this prudent creature would
make. Sir, said she, at last, I am your slave, and you know that the late
vizier your father gave ten thousand pieces of gold for me: perhaps I am
a little sunk in value since that time, but I believe I shall sell for
pretty near that sum yet. Let me entreat you then instantly to carry me
to the market, and expose me to sale; and with the money that you get for
me, which will be very considerable, you may turn merchant in some city
where you are unknown, and by that means find a way of living, if not in
splendour, yet with happiness and content.
THE STORY OF NOUREDDIN AND THE FAIR PERSIAN CONTINUED.
Ah! lovely and adorable Persian, cried Noureddin, is it possible you can
entertain such a thought of me? Have I given you such slender proofs of
my love, that you should think me capable of so base an action? But
suppose me so vile a wretch, could I do it without being guilty of
perjury, after the oath I have taken never to sell you? No, I could
sooner die than part with you, whom I love infinitely beyond myself;
though by the unreasonable proposition you have made me, it is plain your
love is not so tender as mine.
Sir, replied the Fair Persian, I am sufficiently convinced that your
passion for me is as violent as you say it is; and Heaven, who knows with
what reluctance I have made this proposition that you dislike, is my
witness, that mine is as great as yours; but, to silence reason at once,
I need only bid you remember that necessity has no law. I love you to
that degree, it is impossible for you to love me more: and be assured,
that to what master soever I shall belong, my passion shall always
continue the same: and if you are ever able to redeem me, as I hope you
may, it will be the greatest pleasure in the world to be in your
possession again. Alas! to what a fatal and cruel necessity are we
driven! But I see no other way of freeing ourselves from the misery that
involves us both.
Noureddin, who very well knew the truth of what the Fair Persian had
spoken, and that there was no other way of avoiding a shameful poverty,
was in the end forced to yield to her first request. Accordingly he led
her to the market, where the women-slaves are exposed to sale, with a
regret that cannot be easily expressed. He applied himself to a courtier
named Hagi Hassan: Hagi Hassan, said he, here is a slave that I have a
mind to sell; I pray thee to see what they will give for her. Hagi Hassan
desired Noureddin and the Fair Persian to walk into a room; and when she
had pulled off the veil that covered her face, Sir, said Hagi Hassan to
Noureddin, in a great surprise, if I am not mistaken, this is the slave
your father, the late vizier, gave ten thousand pieces of gold for?
Noureddin assured him it was the same; and Hagi Hassan gave him some
hopes of selling her at a good rate, and promised to use all his art and
cunning to raise her price as high as it would bear.
Hagi Hassan and Noureddin went out of the room, and locked the Fair
Persian in; after which Hagi Hassan went to look after the merchants; but
they being busy in buying slaves that came from different countries, he
was forced to stay till the market was done. When their sale was over,
and the greatest part of them got together, My masters, said he to them,
with an air of gaiety in his looks and actions, every thing that is round
is not a nut; every thing that is long is not a fig; all that is red is
not flesh; and all eggs are not fresh. It is true you have seen and
bought a great many slaves in your lives, but you never yet saw one
comparable to her I am going to tell you of; in short, she is the very
pearl of slaves. Come, follow me, and you shall see her yourselves, and
by that judge at what rate I shall cry her.
The merchants followed Hagi Hassan into the chamber where the Fair
Persian was; and, as soon as they beheld her, they were so surprised at
her beauty, that at the first word they unanimously agreed that four
thousand pieces of gold was the very lowest price that they could set
upon her. The merchants then left the room, and Hagi Hassan, who came out
with them, without going any farther, proclaimed with a loud voice, Four
thousand pieces of gold for the Persian slave.
None of the merchants had yet offered any thing, and they were but just
consulting together about what they might afford to give for her, when
the vizier Saouy, perceiving Noureddin in the market, appeared. Said he
to himself, Noureddin has certainly made some more money of his goods,
(for he knew of his exposing them to sale,) and is come hither to buy a
slave with it. Upon this he advanced forward just as Hagi Hassan began to
proclaim a second time, Four thousand pieces of gold for the Persian
slave.