without that ninth statue; it must certainly be a very rare piece, since
all these here are not of so great value together. I will set out
speedily for Grand Cairo; nor do I believe, madam, that you will oppose
my design. No, my son, answered the queen, I am not against it: you are
certainly under the special protection of our great prophet; he will not
suffer you to perish in this journey. Set out when you think fit; your
viziers and I will take care of the government during your absence. The
prince made ready his equipage, but would take only a small number of
slaves with him.
Nothing remarkable befell him by the way; but arriving at Cairo, he
inquired for Morabec. The people told him he was one of the wealthiest
inhabitants of the city; that he lived like a great lord, and that he
kept open house, especially for strangers. Zeyn was conducted thither,
knocked at the gate, which a slave opened, and said, What is your want?
and who are you? I am a stranger, answered the prince; and, having heard
much of lord Morabec’s generosity, am come to take up my lodging with
him. The slave desired Zeyn to stay a while, and went to acquaint his
master, who ordered him to desire the stranger to walk in. The slave
returned to the gate, and told the prince he was welcome.
Zeyn went in, crossed a large court, and entered into a hall
magnificently furnished, where Morabec expected him, and received him
very courteously, returning thanks for the honour he did him in accepting
of a lodging in his house. The prince, having answered his compliments,
said to Morabec, I am son to the late king of Balsora, and my name is
Zeyn Alasnam. The king, said Morabec, was formerly my master; but, my
lord, I never knew of any children he had. What age are you of? I am
twenty years old, answered the prince. How long is it since you left my
father’s court? Almost two and twenty years, replied Morabec. But how can
you convince me that you are his son? My father, replied Zeyn, had a
subterraneous place under his closet, in which I have found forty
porphyry urns full of gold. And what more is there? said Morabec. There
are, answered the prince, nine pedestals of massy gold, on eight whereof
are eight diamond statues, and on the ninth is a piece of white satin, on
which my father has written what I am to do to get another statue, more
valuable than all those together. You know where the statue is; for it
mentioned on the satin that you will conduct me to it.
As soon as he had spoken these words, Morabec fell down at his feet, and
kissing one of his hands several times, said, I bless God for having
brought you hither: I know you to be the king of Balsora’s son. If you
will go to the palace where the wonderful statue is, I will conduct you;
but you must first rest here a few days. This day I treat the great men
of the court: we were at table when word was brought me of your being at
the door. Will you vouchsafe to come and be merry with us? I shall be
very glad, replied Zeyn, to be admitted to your feast. Morabec
immediately led him into a dome where the company was, seated him at
table, and served him on his knee. The great men of Cairo were surprised,
and whispered to one another, Who is this stranger to whom Morabec pays
so much respect?
When they had dined, Morabec, directing his discourse to the company,
said, Great men of Cairo, do not think much to see me serve this young
stranger after this manner: be it known to you, that he is the son of the
king of Balsora, my master. His father purchased me with his money, and
died without making me free; so that I am still a slave, and consequently
all I have of right belongs to this young prince, his sole heir. Here
Zeyn interrupted him, saying, Morabec, I declare before all these lords,
that I make you free from this moment, and that I renounce all right to
your person, and all you possess. Consider what you would have me do more
for you. Morabec then kissed the ground, and returned the prince most
hearty thanks. Wine was then brought in, which they drank all the day,
and towards evening presents were distributed among the guests, who then
went away.
The next day, Zeyn said to Morabec, I have taken rest enough: I came not
to Cairo to take my pleasure; my design is to get the ninth statue: it is
time for us to set out in search of it. Sir, said Morabec, I am ready to
comply with your desires; but you know not what dangers you must
encounter to gain the precious conquest. Whatsoever the danger may be,
answered the prince, I am resolved to undertake it; I will either perish
or succeed. All that happens in this world is by God’s direction: do you
but bear me company, and let your resolution be equal to mine.
Morabec finding him resolved to set out, called his servants, and ordered
them to make ready his equipage. Then the prince and he performed the
ablution, or washing, and the prayer enjoined, which is called Farz; and,
that done, they set out. By the way they took notice of abundance of
strange and wonderful things, and travelled many days; at the end
whereof, being come to a delicious place, they alighted from their
horses. Then Morabec said to all the servants that attended them, Do you
stay in this place, and take care of our equipage till we return. Next,
he said to Zeyn, Now, sir, let us two go on by ourselves: we are near the
dreadful place where the ninth statue is kept. You will stand in need of
all your courage.
They soon came to a lake; and Morabec sat down on the brink of it, saying
to the prince, We must cross this sea. How can we cross it, answered
Zeyn, when we have no boat? You will see one appear in a moment, replied
Morabec: the enchanted boat of the king of the genii will come for us.
But do not forget what I am going to say to you: you must observe a
profound silence; do not speak to the waterman, though his figure seem
ever so strange to you: whatsoever you observe, say nothing: for I tell
you beforehand, that if you utter the least word when you are embarked,
the boat will sink down. I shall take care to hold my peace, said the
prince: you need only tell me what I am to do, and I will strictly
observe it.
Whilst they were talking, he spied on a sudden a boat in the lake, and it
was made of red sanders. It had a mast of fine amber, and a blue satin
flag. There was only one waterman in it, whose head was like an
elephant’s, and his body like a tiger’s. When the boat was come up to the
prince and Morabec, the monstrous waterman took them up one after another
with his trunk, and put them into the boat, and then carried them over
the lake in a moment. He then again took them up with his trunk, set them
ashore, and immediately vanished with his boat.
Now we may talk, said Morabec: the island we are on belongs to the king
of the genii; there are no more such throughout the world. Look all about
you, prince; can there be a more delightful place? It is certainly a
lively representation of the charming place God has appointed for the
faithful observers of our law. Behold the fields, adorned with all sorts
of flowers and odoriferous plants: admire those fine trees, whose
delicious fruit makes the branches hang down to the ground: enjoy the
delight of those harmonious songs formed in the air by a thousand birds,
of as many various sorts, unknown in other countries. Zeyn could never
sufficiently admire the beauty of those things that were about him, and
still found something new as he advanced farther into the island.
At length they came before a palace all of fine emeralds, encompassed
with a ditch, on the banks whereof, at certain distances, were planted
such tall trees that they shaded the whole palace. Before the gate, which
was of massy gold, was a bridge made of one single shell of a fish,
though it was at least six fathoms long and three in breadth. At the head
of the bridge stood a company of genii, of a prodigious height, who
guarded the entrance into the castle with great clubs of china steel.
Let us go no farther, said Morabec; these genii will beat our brains out;
and if we would prevent their coming to us, we must perform a magical
ceremony. He then drew out of a purse he had under his garment four long
stripes of yellow taffety; one he put about his middle, and laid the
other on his back, giving the other two to the prince, who did the like.
Then Morabec laid on the ground two large table-cloths, on the edges
whereof he scattered some precious stones, musk, and amber. Then he sat
down on one of those cloths, and Zeyn on the other; and Morabec said to
the prince, I will now, sir, conjure the king of the genii, who lives in
the palace that is before us, that he may come peaceably to us. I confess
I am somewhat uneasy about the reception he is like to give us. If our
coming into this island is displeasing to him, he will appear in the
shape of a dreadful monster; but if he approves of our design, he will
come in the shape of a handsome man. As soon as he appears before us, you
must rise and salute him, without going off your cloth; for you would
certainly perish, should you stir off it. You may say to him, Sovereign
lord of the genii, my father, who was your servant, has been taken away
by the angel of death; I wish your majesty may protect me, as you always
protected my father. If the king of the genii ask you what favour you
desire of him, you must answer, Sir, I most humbly beg of you to give me
the ninth statue.
Morabec having thus instructed prince Zeyn, began his conjuration.
Immediately their eyes were dazzled with a long flash of lightning, which
was followed by a clap of thunder. The whole island was covered with a
hideous darkness, a furious storm of wind blew, a dreadful cry was heard,
the island felt a shock, and there was such an earthquake as that which
Asrasyel is to cause on the day of judgment.
Zeyn was somewhat startled, and began to look upon that noise as a very
ill omen, when Morabec, who knew better than he what to think of it,
began to smile, and said, Be not dismayed, my prince, all goes well. In
short, that very moment the king of the genii appeared in the shape of a
very handsome man; yet there was something of sternness in his air.
As soon as prince Zeyn had made him the compliment he had been taught by
Morabec, the king of the genii, smiling, answered, My son, I loved your
father; and every time he came to pay me his respects, I presented him
with a statue, which he carried away with him. I have no less kindness
for you. I obliged your father, some days before he died, to write that
which you read on the piece of white satin. I promised him to receive you
under my protection, and to give you the ninth statue, which in beauty
surpasses those you have already. I have begun to perform my promise to
him. It was I whom you saw in a dream in the shape of an old man: I
caused you to open the subterraneous place where the urns and the statues
are: I have a great share in all that has befallen you, or rather am the
occasion of it. I know the motive that brought you hither; and you shall
obtain what you desire. Though I had not promised your father to give it,
I would willingly grant it you; but you must first swear to me by all
that is sacred, that you will return to this island, and that you will
bring a maid that is in her fifteenth year, and who has never known man,
nor desired to know any. She must also be perfectly beautiful, and you so
much master of yourself, as not even to desire to enjoy her, as you are
conducting her hither.
Zeyn took the rash oath that was required of him. But, sir, said he, then
suppose I should be so fortunate as to meet with such a maid as you
require, how shall I know that I have found her? I own, answered the king
of the genii smiling, that you might be mistaken in her mien: that
knowledge is above the sons of Adam, and therefore I do not intend to
depend upon your judgment in that particular; I will give you a
looking-glass, which will be surer than your conjectures. When you shall
have seen a maid fifteen years of age, perfectly beautiful, you shall
only need to look into the glass, in which you shall see the maiden’s
representation. If she be chaste, the glass will remain clear and
unsullied; but if, on the contrary, it sullies, that will be a certain
sign that she has not been always undefiled, or at least that she has
desired to cease being so. Do not forget the oath you have taken; be sure
to keep it, as becomes a man of honour, otherwise I will take away your
life, as much kindness as I have for you. Prince Zeyn Alasnam protested
over again that he would faithfully keep his word.
Then the king of the genii delivered to him a looking-glass, saying, My
son, you may return when you please: there is the glass you are to make
use of. Zeyn and Morabec took leave of the king of the genii, and went
towards the lake. The waterman with the elephant’s head brought his boat,
and carried them over the lake as he had done before. They joined their
servants, and returned with them again to Cairo.
Prince Alasnam rested a few days at Morabec’s house, and then said to
him, Let us go to Bagdad, to seek a maiden for the king of the genii.
Why, are we not at Grand Cairo? said Morabec: shall we not there find
beautiful maidens enough? You are in the right, answered the prince; but
how shall we do to find where they are? Do not trouble yourself about
that, sir, answered Morabec; I know a very cunning old woman, whom I will
intrust with that affair, and she will acquit herself well of it.
Accordingly the old woman found means to show the prince a considerable
number of beautiful maidens of fifteen years of age; but when he had
viewed them, and came to consult his looking-glass, the fatal touchstone
of their virtue, the glass always appeared sullied. All the maidens in
the court and city, that were in their fifteenth year, underwent the
trial one after another, and the glass never remained bright and clear.
When they saw there were no chaste maids to be found in Cairo, they went
away to Bagdad, where they hired a magnificent palace in one of the chief
corners of the city, and began to live splendidly. They kept open house;
and, after all people had eaten in the palace, the fragments were carried
to the dervises, who, by that means, had convenient subsistence.
There lived in that quarter an iman, whose name was Boubekir Mouesm, a
vain, haughty, and envious person: he hated the rich, only because he was
poor, his misery incensing him against his neighbour’s prosperity. He
heard talk of Zeyn Alasnam, and of the plenty his house afforded. This
was enough for him to take an aversion to that prince; and it proceeded
so far, that one day, after the evening prayer, in the mosque, he said to
the people, Brethren, I have been told a stranger is come to live in our
ward, who is at a prodigious expense every day. How can we tell but that
this unknown person is some villain, who has committed a great robbery in
his own country, and comes hither to make much of himself? Let us take
heed, brethren; if the caliph should happen to be informed that such a
man is in our ward, it is to be feared that he will punish us for not
acquainting him with it: I declare, for my part, I wash my hands of it;
and if any thing should happen amiss, it shall not lie at my door. The
multitude, who were easily led away, unanimously cried to Boubekir, It is
your business, doctor; do you acquaint the council with it. The iman went
home well pleased, and drew up a memorial, resolving to present it to the
caliph the next day.
But Morabec, who had been at prayers, and heard all that was said by the
doctor as well as the rest of the company, put five hundred pieces of
gold into a handkerchief, made up with a parcel of several silks, and
went away to Boubekir’s house. The doctor asked him in a harsh tone what
he wanted. Doctor, answered Morabec, with an obliging air, and at the
same time putting into his hand the gold and the silk, I am your
neighbour and your servant; I come from prince Zeyn, who lives in this
ward. He has heard of your worth, and has ordered me to come and tell
you, that he desires to be acquainted with you; and, in the mean time,
desires you to accept of this small present. Boubekir was transported
with joy, and answered Morabec thus: Be pleased, sir, to beg the prince’s
pardon for me: I am ashamed I have not yet been to see him, but I will
atone for my fault, and wait on him to-morrow.
Accordingly the next day, after morning prayer, he said to the people,
You must understand, brethren, that no man is without some enemies. Envy
pursues those chiefly who are very rich. The stranger I spoke to you
about yesterday in the evening is no ill man, as some ill-designing
persons would have persuaded me: he is a young prince, endued with all
manner of virtues. It behoves us to take care how we go about to give any
ill account of him to the caliph.
Boubekir, having thus wiped off the ill impression he had the day before
given the people concerning Zeyn, returned home, put on his best apparel,
and went to visit that young prince, who gave him a courteous reception.
After several compliments had passed on both sides, Boubekir said to the
prince, Sir, do you design to stay long at Bagdad? I shall stay, answered
Zeyn, till I can find a maid fifteen years of age, perfectly beautiful,
and so chaste, that she has not only never known a man, but even never
desired to know one. You seek after a rarity, replied the iman; and I
should be apt to fear your search would prove unsuccessful, did I not
know where there is a maid of that character. Her father was formerly
vizier; but he has left the court, and lived a long time in a house out
of the way, where he applies himself only to the education of his
daughter. If you please, I will go ask her of him for you: I do not
question but he will be overjoyed to have a son-in-law of your quality.
Not so fast, said the prince; I shall not marry that maid before I know
whether I like her. As for her beauty, I can depend on you: but what
assurance can you give me in relation to her virtue? What assurance do
you require? said Boubekir. I must see her face, answered Zeyn; that is
enough for me to come to a resolution. You are skilful, then, in
physiognomy? replied the iman, smiling. Well, come along with me to her
father’s: I will desire him to let you see her one moment in his
presence.
Mouesm conducted the prince to the vizier’s, who, as soon as he was
acquainted with the prince’s birth and design, called his daughter, and
made her take off her veil. Never had the young king of Balsora beheld
such a perfect and powerful beauty. He stood amazed; and, since he could
then try whether the maid was as chaste as fair, he pulled out his glass,
which remained bright and unsullied.
When he perceived he had at length found such a person as he desired, he
entreated the vizier to grant her to him. Immediately the lady was sent
for, and came; the contract was signed, and the marriage-prayer said.
After which ceremony, Zeyn carried the vizier to his house, where he
treated him magnificently, and gave him considerable presents. Next, he
sent a prodigious quantity of jewels to the bride by Morabec, who brought
her to his house, where the wedding was kept with all the pomp that
became Zeyn’s quality. When all the company was dismissed, Morabec said
to his master, Let us be gone, sir; let us not stay any longer at Bagdad,
but return to Cairo: remember the promise you made the king of the genii.
Let us go, answered the prince; I must take care to perform it exactly:
yet I must confess, my dear Morabec, that, if I obey the king of the
genii, it is not without reluctancy. The person I have married is
charming, and I am tempted to carry her to Balsora, and place her on the
throne. Alas! sir, answered Morabec, take heed how you give way to your
inclination. Make yourself master of your passions; and, whatsoever it
costs you, be as good as your word to the king of the genii. Well then,
Morabec, said the prince, do you take care to conceal that lovely maid
from me: let her never appear in my sight. Perhaps I have already seen
too much of her.
Morabec having made all ready for their departure, they returned to
Cairo, and thence set out for the island of the king of the genii. When
they were there, the maid, who had performed the journey in a
horse-litter, and whom the prince had never seen since his wedding-day,
said to Morabec, Where are we? shall we be soon in the dominions of the
prince my husband? Madam, answered Morabec, it is time to undeceive you.
Prince Zeyn married you, only in order to get you from your father; he
did not engage his faith to you to make you sovereign of Balsora, but to
deliver you to the king of the genii, who has asked of him a virgin of
your character. Hearing these words, she wept bitterly, which moved the
prince and Morabec. Take pity on me, said she; I am a stranger: you will
be accountable to God for your treachery towards me.
Her tears and complaints were of no effect, for she was presented to the
king of the genii, who, having gazed on her very earnestly, said to Zeyn,
Prince, I am satisfied with your behaviour; the virgin you have brought
me is beautiful and chaste, and I am pleased with the force you have put
upon yourself to be as good as your word to me. Return to your dominions,
and when you shall enter the subterraneous room where the eight statues
are, you shall find the ninth which I promised you. I will go and make my
genii carry it thither. Zeyn thanked the king, and returned to Cairo with
Morabec, but did not stay long there; his impatience to see the ninth
statue made him hasten his journey. However, he could not but often think
of the young virgin he married; and, blaming himself for having deceived
her, he looked upon himself as the cause and instrument of her
misfortune. Alas! said he to himself, I have taken her from a tender
father to sacrifice her to a genie. O incomparable beauty! you deserve a
better fate.
Prince Zeyn, disturbed with these thoughts, at length reached Balsora,
where his subjects made extraordinary rejoicings for his return. He went
directly to give his mother an account of his journey, who was in a
rapture to hear he had obtained the ninth statue. Let us go, my son, said
she, let us go and see it; for it is certainly in the chamber under
ground, since the king of the genii told you you should find it there.
The young king and his mother, being both impatient to see that wonderful
statue, went down into the subterraneous place, and into the room of the
statues: but how great was their surprise, when, instead of a statue of
diamonds, they spied on the ninth pedestal a most beautiful virgin, whom
the prince knew to be the same he had conducted into the island of the
genii! Prince, said the young maid, you are amazed to see me here: you
expected to have found something more precious than I; and I question not
but that you now repent having taken so much trouble: you expected a
better reward. Madam, answered Zeyn, Heaven is my witness, that I more
than once thought to have broke my word with the king of the genii, to
keep you to myself. Whatsoever the value of a diamond statue may be, is
it worth the satisfaction of enjoying you? I love you above all the
diamonds and wealth in the world.
Just as he had done speaking these words, a clap of thunder was heard,
which made that subterraneous place shake. Zeyn’s mother was frightened;
but the king of the genii, immediately appearing, dispelled her dread.
Madam, said he to her, I protect and love your son: I had a mind to try
whether, at his age, he could subdue his passions. I know the charms of
this young lady have wrought on him, and that he did not punctually keep
the promise he had made me, not to desire to enjoy her; but I am too well
acquainted with the frailty of the human race. This is the ninth statue I
designed for him; it is more rare and precious than the others. Live,
said he, (directing his discourse to the young prince,) live happy, Zeyn,
with this young lady, who is your wife; and, if you would have her true
and constant to you, love her always, and love her alone. Give her no
rival, and I will answer for her fidelity. Having spoken these words, the
king of the genii vanished; and Zeyn, ravished with that young lady,
consummated the marriage the same day, and caused her to be proclaimed
queen of Balsora. Those two ever faithful and loving consorts lived
together many years.
THE STORY OF
CODADAD AND HIS BROTHERS.