Our voyage was very pleasant for forty days successively, but on

the forty-first night the wind became contrary, and withal so

boisterous that we were near being lost: about break of day the

storm abated, the clouds dispersed, and the weather became fair.

We reached an island, where we remained two days to take in fresh

provisions; and then put off again to sea. After ten days' sail

we were in hopes of seeing land, for the tempests we had

experienced had so much abated my curiosity, that I gave orders

to steer back to my own coast; but I perceived at the same time

that my pilot knew not where we were. Upon the tenth day, a

seaman being sent to look out for land from the mast head, gave

notice that on starboard and larboard he could see nothing but

sky and sea, but that right a-head he perceived a great

blackness.

The pilot changed colour at this account, and throwing his turban

on the deck with one hand, and beating his breast with the other,

cried, "Oh, Sir, we are all lost; not one of us can escape; and

with all my skill it is not in my power to effect our

deliverance." Having spoken thus, he lamented like a man who

foresaw unavoidable ruin; his despondence threw the whole ship's

crew into consternation. I asked him what reason he had thus to

despair? He exclaimed, "The tempest has brought us so far out of

our course, that to-morrow about noon we shall be near the black

mountain, or mine of adamant, which at this very minute draws all

your fleet towards it, by virtue of the iron in your ships; and

when we approach within a certain distance, the attraction of the

adamant will have such force, that all the nails will be drawn

out of the sides and bottoms of the ships, and fasten to the

mountain, so that your vessels will fall to pieces and sink.

"This mountain," continued the pilot, "is inaccessible. On the

summit there is a dome of fine brass, supported by pillars of the

same metal, and on the top of that dome stands a horse, likewise

of brass, with a rider on his back, who has a plate or lead fixed

to his breast, upon which some talismanic characters are

engraver. Sir, the tradition is, that this statue is the chief

cause why so many ships and men have been lost and sunk in this

place, and that it will ever continue to be fatal to all those

who have the misfortune to approach, until it shall be thrown

down."

The pilot having finished his discourse, began to weep afresh,

and all the rest of the ship's company did the same. I had no

other thought but that my days were there to terminate. In the

mean time every one began to provide for his own safety, and to

that end took all imaginable precaution; and being uncertain of

the event, they all made one another their heirs, by virtue of a

will, for the benefit of those that should happen to be saved.

The next morning we distinctly perceived the black mountain.

About noon we were so near, that we found what the pilot had

foretold to be true; for all the nails and iron in the ships flew

towards the mountain, where they fixed, by the violence of the

attraction, with a horrible noise; the ships split asunder, and

their cargoes sunk into the sea. All my people were drowned, but

God had mercy on me, and permitted me to save myself by means of

a plank, which the wind drove ashore just at the foot of the

mountain. I did not receive the least hurt, and my good fortune

brought me to a landing place, where there were steps that led up

to the summit of the mountain.

At the sight of these steps, for there was not a space of ground

either on the right or left whereon a man could set his foot, I

gave thanks to God; and recommended myself to his holy

protection, as I began to ascend the steps, which were so narrow,

that had the wind raged it would have thrown me into the sea.

But, at last, I reached the top, without accident. I went into

the dome, and kneeling on the ground, gave God thanks for his

mercies.

I passed the night under the dome. In my sleep an old grave man

appeared to me, and said, "Hearken, Agib; as soon as thou art

awake dig up the ground under thy feet: thou wilt find a bow of

brass, and three arrows of lead, that are made under certain

constellations, to deliver mankind from the many calamities that

threaten them. Shoot the three arrows at the statue, and the

rider will fall into the sea, but the horse will fall by thy

side; thou must bury it in the place where thou findest the bow

and arrows: this being done, the sea will swell and rise to the

foot of the dome. When it has come so high, thou wilt perceive a

boat with one man holding an oar in each hand; this man is also

of metal, but different from that thou hast thrown down; step on

board, but without mentioning the name of God, and let him

conduct thee. He will in ten days' time bring thee into another

sea, where thou shalt find an opportunity to return to thy

country, provided, as I have told thee, thou dost not mention the

name of God during the whole voyage."

This was the substance of the old man's discourse. When I awoke I

felt much comforted by the vision, and did not fail to observe

everything that he had commanded me. I took the bow and arrows

out of the ground, shot at the horseman, and with the third arrow

I overthrew him; he fell into the sea, and the horse fell by my

side; I buried it in the place whence I took the bow and arrows.

In the mean time, the sea swelled and rose up by degrees. When it

came as high as the foot of the dome upon the top of the

mountain, I saw, afar off, a boat rowing towards me, and I

returned God thanks that everything succeeded according to my

dream.

At last the boat made land, and I perceived the man was made of

metal, as I had dreamt. I stept aboard, and took great heed not

to pronounce the name of God, neither spoke I one word. I sat

down, and the man of metal began to row off from the mountain. He

rowed without ceasing till the ninth day, when I saw some

islands, which gave me hopes that I should escape all the danger

that I feared. The excess of my joy made me forget what I was

forbidden: "Blessed be God," said I; "God be praised."

I had no sooner spoken these words, than the boat sunk with the

man of metal, leaving me upon the surface. I swam the remaining

part of the day towards that land which appeared nearest. A very

dark night succeeded, and not knowing where I was, I swam at

random. My strength at last began to fail, and I despaired of

being able to save myself, but the wind began to blow hard, and a

wave vast as a mountain threw me on a flat, where it left me, and

retreated. I made haste ashore, fearing another wave might wash

me back. The first thing I did was to strip, wring the water out

of my clothes, and lay them on the dry sand, which was still warm

from the heat of the day.

Next morning the sun dried my clothes; I put them on, and went

forward to discover what sort of country I was in. I had not

walked far before I found I was upon a desert, though a very

pleasant, island, as it displayed several sorts of trees and wild

shrubs bearing fruit; but I perceived it was far from the

continent, which much diminished the joy I felt at having escaped

the danger of the seas. Nevertheless, I recommended myself to God

and prayed him to dispose of me according to his will.

Immediately after, I saw a vessel coming from the main land,

before the wind, directly towards the island. I doubted not but

they were coming to anchor there; and being uncertain what sort

of people they might be, whether friends or foes, I thought it

not safe to be seen. I got up into a very thick tree, from whence

I might safely view them. The vessel came into a little creek,

where ten slaves landed, carrying a spade and other instruments

for digging up the ground. They went towards the middle of the

island, where I saw them stop, and dig for a considerable time,

after which I thought I perceived them lift up a trap door. They

returned again to the vessel, and unloaded several sorts of

provisions and furniture, which they carried to the place where

they had been digging: they then descended, which made me suppose

it led to a subterraneous dwelling.

I saw them once more go to the ship, and return soon after with

an old man, who led in his hand a handsome lad of about fourteen

or fifteen years of age. They all descended when the trap door

had been opened. After they had again come up, they let down the

trap door, covered it over with earth, and returned to the creek

where the ship lay, but I saw not the young man in their company.

This made me believe that he had staid behind in the

subterraneous place, a circumstance which exceedingly surprised

me.

The old man and the slaves went on board, and getting the vessel

under weigh, steered their course towards the main land. When I

perceived they had proceeded to such a distance that I could not

be seen by them, I came down from the tree, and went directly to

the place where I had seen the ground broken. I removed the earth

by degrees, till I came to a stone that was two or three feet

square. I lifted it up, and found that it covered the head of a

flight of stairs, which were also of stone. I descended, and at

the bottom found myself in a large room, furnished with a carpet,

a couch covered with tapestry, and cushions of rich stuff, upon

which the young man sat, with a fan in his hand. These things,

together with fruits and flower-pot standing about him, I saw by

the light of two wax tapers. The young man, when he perceived me

was considerably alarmed; but to quiet his apprehensions, I said

to him as I entered, "Whoever you are, Sir, do not fear; a

sultan, and the son of a sultan, as I am, is not capable of doing

you any injury: on the contrary, it is probable that your good

destiny may have brought me hither to deliver you out of this

tomb, where it seems you have been buried alive, for reasons to

me unknown. But what surprises me (for you must know that I have

been witness to all that hath passed since your coming into this

island), is, that you suffered yourself to be entombed in this

place without any resistance."

The young man felt assured at these words, and with a smiling

countenance requested me to take a seat by him. When I had

complied, he said "Prince, I am to acquaint you with what will

surprise you by its singularity.

"My father is a merchant jeweller, who, by his industry and

professional skill, has acquired considerable property. He has

many slaves, and also agents, whom he employs as supercargoes in

his own ships, to maintain his correspondence at the several

courts, which he furnishes with precious stones.

"He had been long married without having issue, when it was

intimated to him in a dream that he should have a son, though his

life would be but short; at which he was much concerned when he

awoke. Some days after, my mother acquainted him that she was

with child, and what she supposed to be the time of her

conception agreed exactly with the day of his dream. At the end

of nine months she was brought to bed of me; which occasioned

great joy in the family.

"My father, who had observed the very moment of my birth,

consulted astrologers about my nativity; and was answered, ‘Your

son shall live happily till the age of fifteen, when his life

will be exposed to a danger which he will hardly be able to

escape. But if his good destiny preserve him beyond that time, he

will live to a great age. It will be' (said they) ‘when the

statue of brass, that stands upon the summit of the mountain of

adamant, shall be thrown into the sea by prince Agib, son of king

Cassib; and, as the stars prognosticate, your son will be killed

fifty days afterwards by that prince.'

"My father took all imaginable care of my education until this

year, which is the fifteenth of my age. He had notice given him

yesterday, that the statue of brass had been thrown into the sea

about ten days ago. This news alarmed him much.

"Upon the prediction the astrologers, he sought by all means

possible to falsify my horoscope, and to preserve my life. He

took the precaution to form this subterranean habitation to hide

me in, till the expiration of the fifty days after the throwing

down of the statue; and therefore, as it is ten days since this

happened, he came hastily hither to conceal me, and promised at

the end of forty days to return and fetch me away. For my own

part I am sanguine in my hopes, and cannot believe that prince

Agib will seek for me in a place under ground, in the midst of a

desert island."

While the jeweller's son was relating this story, I laughed at

the astrologers who had foretold that I should take away his

life; for I thought myself so far from being likely to verify

their prediction, that he had scarcely done speaking, when I told

him with great joy, "Dear Sir, trust in the goodness of God, and

fear nothing; consider it as a debt you had to pay; but that you

are acquitted of it from this hour. I rejoice that after my

shipwreck I came so fortunately hither to defend you against all

who would attempt your life. I will not leave you till the forty

days have expired, of which the foolish astrologers have made you

apprehensive; and in the mean while I will do you all the service

in my power: after which, with leave of your father and yourself,

I shall have the benefit of getting to the main land in your

vessel; and when I am returned into my kingdom, I will remember

the obligations I owe you, and endeavour to demonstrate my

gratitude by suitable acknowedgments."

This discourse encouraged the jeweller's son, and inspired him

with confidence. I took care not to inform him I was the very

Agib whom he dreaded, lest I should alarm his fears, and used

every precaution not to give him any cause to suspect who I was.

We passed the time in various conversation till night came on. I

found the young man of ready wit, and partook with him of his

provisions, of which he had enough to have lasted beyond the

forty days, though he had had more guests than myself. After

supper we conversed for some time; and at last retired to bed.

The next morning, when he arose, I held the basin of water to

him; I also provided dinner, and at the proper time placed it on

the table: after we had dined I invented a play for our

amusement, not only for that day, but for those that followed. I

prepared supper after the same manner as I had done the dinner;

and having supped, we retired to bed as before. We had sufficient

time to contrast mutual friendship and esteem for each other. I

found he loved me; and I on my part regarded him with so much

affection, that I often said to myself, "Those astrologers who

predicted to his father that his son should die by my hand were

impostors; for it is not possible that I could commit so base a

crime." In short, madam, we spent thirty-nine days in the

pleasantest manner possible in this subterraneous abode.

The fortieth day appeared: and in the morning, when the young man

awoke, he said to me with a transport of joy that he could not

restrain, "Prince, this is the fortieth day, and I am not dead,

thanks to God and your good company. My father will not fail to

make you, very shortly, every acknowledgment of his gratitude for

your attentions, and will furnish you with every necessary

accommodation for your return to your kingdom: but," continued

he, "while we are waiting his arrival, I beg you will provide me

some warm water in that portable bath, that I may wash my body

and change my dress, to receive my father with the more respect."

I set the water on the fire, and when it was hot poured it into

the moveable bath; the youth went in, and I both washed and

rubbed him. At last he came out, and laid himself down in his bed

that I had prepared. After he had slept a while, he awoke, and

said, "Dear prince, pray do me the favour to fetch me a melon and

some sugar, that I may eat some to refresh me."

Out of several melons that remained I took the best, and laid it

on a plate; and as I could not find a knife to cut it with, I

asked the young man if he knew where there was one. "There is

one," said he, "upon this cornice over my head:" I accordingly

saw it there, and made so much haste to reach it, that, while I

had it in my hand, my foot being entangled in the carpet, I fell

most unhappily upon the young man, and the knife pierced his

heart.

At this spectacle I cried out with agony. I beat my head, my

face, and breast; I tore my clothes; I threw myself on the ground

with unspeakable sorrow and grief! "Alas!" I exclaimed, "there

were only some hours wanting to have put him out of that danger

from which he sought sanctuary here; and when I thought the

danger past, then I became his murderer, and verified the

prediction. But, O Lord!" said I, lifting up my face and my hands

to heaven, "I intreat thy pardon, and if I be guilty of his

death, let me not live any longer."

After this misfortune I would have embraced death without any

reluctance, had it presented itself to me. But what we wish,

whether it be good or evil, will not always happen according to

our desire. Nevertheless, considering that all my tears and

sorrows would not restore the young man to life, and, the forty

days being expired, I might be surprised by his father, I quitted

the subterranean dwelling, laid down the great stone upon the

entrance, and covered it with earth.

I had scarcely done, when, casting my eyes upon the sea towards

the main land, I perceived the vessel coming to fetch away the

young man. I began then to consider what I had best do. I said to

myself, "If I am seen by the old man, he will certainly seize me,

and perhaps cause me to be massacred by his slaves, when he has

discovered that his son is killed: all that I can allege to

justify myself will not convince him of my innocence. It is

better then to withdraw while it is in my power, than to expose

myself to his resentment."

There happened to be near a large tree thick with leaves, which I

ascended in hopes of concealment, and was no sooner fixed in a

place where I could not be perceived, than I saw the vessel come

to the creek where she lay the first time.

The old man with his slaves landed immediately, and advanced

towards the subterranean dwelling, with a countenance that shewed

some hope; but when they saw the earth had been newly removed,

they changed colour, particularly the old man. They lifted up the

stone, and went down; they called the young man by his name, but

he not answering, their fears increased. They proceeded to seek

him; and at length found him lying upon the bed with the knife in

his heart, for I had not power to take it out. At this sight they

cried out lamentably, which increased my sorrow: the old man fell

down in a swoon. The slaves, to give him air, brought him up in

their arms, and laid him at the foot of the tree where I was

concealed; but notwithstanding all the pains they took to recover

him, the unfortunate father continued a long while insensible,

and made them more than once despair of his life; but at last he

came to himself. The slaves then brought up his son's corpse,

dressed in his best apparel, and when they had made a grave they

buried it. The old man, supported by two slaves, and his face

covered with tears, threw the first earth upon the body, after

which the slaves filled up the grave.

This being done, all the furniture was brought up, and, with the

remaining provisions, put on board the vessel. The old man,

overcome with sorrow, and not being able to stand, was laid upon

a litter, and carried to the ship, which stood out to sea, and in

a short time was out of sight.

After the old man and his slaves were gone, I was left alone upon

the island. I lay that night in the subterranean dwelling, which

they had shut up, and when the day came, I walked round the

island, and stopped in such places as I thought most proper for

repose.

I led this wearisome life for a whole month. At the expiration of

this time I perceived that the sea had receded; that the island

had increased in dimensions; the main land too seemed to be

drawing nearer. In fact, the water sunk so low, that there

remained between me and the continent but a small stream, which I

crossed, and the water did not reach above the middle of my leg.

I walked so long a way upon the slime and sand that I was very

weary: at last I got upon more firm ground, and when I had

proceeded some distance from the sea, I saw a good way before me

something that resembled a great fire, which afforded me some

comfort; for I said to myself, I shall find here some persons, it

not being possible that this fire should kindle of itself. As I

drew nearer, however, I found my error, and discovered that what

I had taken for a fire was a castle of red copper, which the

beams of the sun made to appear at a distance like flames.

I stopped in the neighbourhood of the castle, and sat down to

admire its noble structure, and to rest myself. Before I had

taken such a view of this magnificent building as it deserved, I

saw ten handsome young men coming along, as if they had been

taking a walk; but what surprised me was, that they were all

blind of the right eye. They were accompanied by an old man, who

was very tall, and of a venerable aspect.

I could not suppress my astonishment at the sight of so many half

blind men in company, and every one deprived of the same eye. As

I was conjecturing by what adventure these men could come

together, they approached, and seemed glad to see me. After the

first salutations, they inquired what had brought me thither. I

told them my story would be somewhat tedious, but if they would

take the trouble to sit down, 1 would satisfy their curiosity.

They did so, and I related to them all that had happened to me

since I had left my kingdom, which filled them with astonishment.

After I had concluded my account, the young gentlemen prayed me

to accompany them into the castle. I accepted their offer, and we

passed through a great many halls, ante-chambers, bed-chambers,

and closets, very well furnished, and came at last into a

spacious hall, where there were ten small blue sofas set round,

separate from one another, on which they sat by day and slept at

night. In the middle of this circle stood an eleventh sofa, not

so high as the rest, but of the same colour, upon which the old

man before-mentioned sat down, and the young gentlemen occupied

the other ten. But as each sofa could only contain one man, one

of the young men said to me, "Comrade, sit down upon that carpet

in the middle of the room, and do not inquire into anything that

concerns us, nor the reason why we are all blind of the right

eye; be content with what you see, and let not your curiosity

extend any farther."

The old man having sat a short time, arose, and went out; but he

returned in a minute or two, brought in supper, distributed to

each man separately his proportion, and likewise brought me mine,

which I ate apart, as the rest did; and when supper was almost

ended, he presented to each of us a cup of wine.

They thought my story so extraordinary, that they made me repeat

it after supper, and it furnished conversation for a good part of

the night. One of the gentlemen observing that it was late, said

to the old man, "You do not bring us that with which we may

acquit ourselves of our duty." At these words the old man arose,

and went into a closet, and brought out thence upon his head ten

basins, one after another, all covered with blue stuff; he placed

one before every gentleman, together with a light.

They uncovered their basins, which contained ashes, coal-dust,

and lamp-black; they mixed all together, and rubbed and bedaubed

their faces with it in such a manner as to make themselves look

very frightful. After having thus blackened themselves, they wept

and lamented, beating their heads and breasts, and crying

continually, "This is the fruit of our idleness and debauches."

They continued this strange employment nearly the whole of the

night, and when they left off, the old man brought them water,

with which they washed their faces and hands; they changed all

their clothes, which were spoiled, and put on others; so that

they exhibited no appearance of what they had been doing.

You may judge how uneasy I felt all this time. I wished a

thousand times to break the silence which had been imposed upon

me, and ask questions; nor was it possible for me to sleep that

night.

The next day, soon after we had arisen, we went out to walk, and

then I said to them, "Gentlemen, I declare to you, that I must

renounce the law which you prescribed to me last night, for I

cannot observe it. You are men of sense, you have convinced me

that you do not want understanding; yet, I have seen you do such

actions as none but madmen could be capable of. Whatever

misfortune befalls me, I cannot forbear asking, why you bedaubed

your faces with black? How it has happened that each of you has

but one eye? Some singular circumstance must certainly be the

cause; therefore I conjure you to satisfy my curiosity." To these

pressing instances they answered only, that it was no business of

mine to make such inquiries, and that I should do well to hold my

peace.

We passed that day in conversation upon indifferent subjects; and

when night was come and every man had supped, the old man brought

in the blue basins, and the young gentlemen as before bedaubed

their faces, wept and beat themselves, crying, "This is the fruit

of our idleness and debauches," and continued the same actions

the following night. At last, not being able to resist my

curiosity, I earnestly prayed them to satisfy me, or to shew me

how to return to my own kingdom; for it was impossible for me to

keep them company any longer, and to see every night such an odd

exhibition, without being permitted to know the reason.

One of the gentlemen answered on behalf of the rest, "Do not

wonder at our conduit in regard to yourself, and that hitherto we

have not granted your request: it is out of kindness, to save you

the pain of being reduced to the same condition with ourselves.

If you have a mind to try our unfortunate destiny, you need but

speak, and we will give you the satisfaction you desire." I told

them I was resolved on it, let what would be the consequence.

"Once more," said the same gentleman, "we advise you to restrain

your curiosity: it will cost you the loss of your right eye." "No

matter," I replied; "be assured that if such a misfortune befall

me, I will not impute it to you, but to myself."

He farther represented to me, that when I had lost an eye I must

not hope to remain with them, if I were so disposed, because

their number was complete, and no addition could be made to it. I

told them, that it would be a great satisfaction to me never to

part from such agreeable gentlemen, but if there were a necessity

for it, I was ready to submit; and let it cost me what it would,

I begged them to grant my request.

The ten gentlemen perceiving that I was so fixed in my

resolution, took a sheep, killed it, and after they had taken off

the skin, presented me with a knife, telling me it would be

useful to me on an occasion which they would soon explain. "We

must sew you in this skin," said they, "and then leave you; upon

which a bird of a monstrous size, called a roc, will appear in

the air, and taking you for a sheep, will pounce upon you, and

soar with you to the sky: but let not that alarm you; he will

descend with you again, and lay you on the top of a mountain.

When you find yourself on the ground, cut the skin with your

knife, and throw it off. As soon as the roc sees you, he will fly

away for fear, and leave you at liberty. Do not stay, but walk on

till you come to a spacious castle, covered with plates of gold,

large emeralds, and other precious stones: go up to the gate,

which always stands open, and walk in. We have each of us been in

that castle; but will tell you nothing of what we saw, or what

befell us there; you will learn by your own experience. All that

we can inform you is, that it has cost each of us our right eye,

and the penance which you have been witness to, is what we are

obliged to observe in consequence of having been there. The

history of each of us is so full of extraordinary adventures,

that a large volume would not contain them. But we cannot explain

ourselves farther."

When the gentleman had thus spoken, I wrapt myself in the sheep's

skin, held fast the knife which was given me; and after the young

gentlemen had been at the trouble to sew the skin about me, they

retired into the hall, and left me alone. The roc they spoke of

soon arrived; he pounced upon me, took me in his talons like a

sheep, and carried me up the summit of the mountain.

When I found myself on the ground, I cut the skin with the knife,

and throwing it off, the roc at the sight of me flew sway. This

roc is a white bird, of a monstrous size; his strength is such,

that he can lift up elephants from the plains, and carry them to

the tops of mountains, where he feeds upon them.

Being impatient to reach the castle, I lost no time; but made so

much haste, that I got thither in half a day's journey, and I

must say that I found it surpassed the description they had given

me of its magnificence.

The gate being open, I entered a square court, so large that

there were round it ninety-nine gates of wood of sanders and

aloes, and one of gold, without reckoning those of several superb

staircases, that led to apartments above, besides many more which

I could not see. The hundred doors I spoke of opened into gardens

or store-houses full of riches, or into apartments which

contained many things wonderful to be seen.

I saw a door standing open just before me, through which I

entered into a large hall. Here I found forty young ladies of

such perfect beauty as imagination could not surpass: they were

all most sumptuously appareled. As soon as they saw me they

arose, and without waiting my salutations, said to me, with

demonstrations of joy, "Noble Sir, you are welcome." And one thus

addressed me in the name of the rest, "We have long been in

expectation of such a gentleman as you; your mien assures us,

that you are master of all the good qualities we can desire; and

we hope you will not find our company disagreeable or unworthy of

yours."

They obliged me, notwithstanding all the opposition I could make,

to sit down on a seat that was higher than their own; and when I

expressed my uneasiness, "That is your place," said they, "you

are at present our lord, master, and judge, and we are your

slaves, ready to obey your commands."

Nothing, madam, so much astonished me, as the solicitude and

eagerness of those fair ladies to do me all possible service. One

brought hot water to wash my feet, a second poured sweet scented

water on my hands; others brought me all kinds of necessaries,

and change of apparel; others again brought in a magnificent

collation; and the rest came with glasses in their hands to fill

me delicious wines, all in good order, and in the most charming

manner possible. I ate and drank; after which the ladies placed

themselves about me, and desired an account of my travels. I gave

them a full relation of my adventures, which lasted till night

came on.

When I had finished my narrative to the forty ladies, some of

them who sat nearest me staid to keep me company, whilst the

rest, seeing it was dark, rose to fetch tapers. They brought a

prodigious number, which by the wonderful light they emitted

exhibited the resemblance of day, and they disposed them with so

much taste as to produce the most beautiful effect possible.

Other ladies covered a table with dry fruits, sweetmeats, and

everything proper to relish the liquor; a side-board was set out

with several sorts of wine and other liquors. Some of the ladies

brought in musical instruments, and when everything was ready,

they invited me to sit down to supper. The ladies sat down with

me, and we continued a long while at our repast. They that were

to play upon the instruments and sing arose, and formed a most

charming concert. The others began a kind of ball, and danced two

and two, couple after couple, with admirable grace.

It was past midnight ere these amusements ended. At length one of

the ladies said to me, "You are doubtless wearied by the journey

you have taken to-day; it is time for you to retire to rest; your

lodging is prepared: but before you depart choose which of us you

like best to be your bedfellow." I answered, "That I knew not how

to make my own choice, as they were all equally beautiful, witty,

and worthy of my respects and service, and that I would not be

guilty of so much incivility as to prefer one before another."

The lady who had spoken to me before answered, "We are very well

satisfied of your civility, and find it is your fear to create

jealousy among us that occasions your diffidence; but let not

this hinder you. We assure you, that the good fortune of her whom

you choose shall cause no feeling of the kind; for we are agreed

among ourselves, that every one of us shall in her turn have the

same honour; and when forty days are past, to begin again;

therefore make your selection, and lose no time to take the

repose you need." I was obliged to yield to their entreaties, and

offered my hand to the lady who spoke, and who, in return, gave

me hers. We were conducted to a sumptuous apartment, where they

left us; and then every one retired to her own chamber.

I was scarcely dressed next morning, when the other thirty-nine

ladies came into my chamber, all in different dresses from those

they had worn the day before: they bade me good-morrow, and

inquired after my health. After which they conveyed me to a bath,

where they washed me themselves, and whether I would or no,

served me with everything I needed; and when I came out of the

bath, they made me put on another suit much richer than the

former.

We passed the whole day almost constantly at table; and when it

was bed-time, they prayed me again to make choice of one of them

for my companion In short, madam, not to weary you with

repetitions, I must tell you that I continued a whole year among

those forty ladies, and received them into my bed one after

another: and during all the time of this voluptuous life, we met

not with the least kind of trouble. When the year was expired, I

was greatly surprised that these forty ladies, instead of

appearing with their usual cheerfulness to ask me how I did,

entered my chamber one morning all in tears. They embraced me

with great tenderness one after another, saying, "Adieu, dear

prince, adieu! for we must leave you." Their tears affected. I

prayed them to tell me the reason of their grief, and of the

separation they spoke of. "Fair ladies, let me know," said I, "if

it be in my power to comfort you, or if my assistance can be any

way useful to you." Instead of returning a direct answer,

"Would," said they, "we had never seen or known you! Several

gentlemen have honoured us with their company before you; but

never one of them had that comeliness, that sweetness, that

pleasantness of humour, and that merit which you possess; we know

not how to live without you." After they had spoken these words,

they began to weep bitterly. "My dear ladies," said I, "have the

kindness not to keep me any longer in suspense: tell me the cause

of your sorrow." "Alas!" said they, "what but the necessity of

parting from you could thus afflict us? Perhaps we shall never

see you more; but if it be your wish we should, and if you

possess sufficient self-command for the purpose, it is not

impossible but that we may again enjoy the pleasure of your

company." "Ladies," I replied, "I understand not what you mean;

pray explain yourselves more clearly."

"Well," said one of them, "to satisfy you, we must acquaint you

that we are all princesses, daughters of kings. We live here

together in the manner you have seen; but at the end of every

year we are obliged to be absent forty days upon indispensable

duties, which we are not permitted to reveal: and afterwards we

return again to this castle. Yesterday was the last of the year;

to day we must leave you, and this circumstance is the cause of

our grief. Before we depart we will leave you the keys of

everything, especially those of the hundred doors, where you will

find enough to satisfy your curiosity, and to relieve your

solitude during our absence. But for your benefit, and our own

personal interests, we recommend you to forbear opening the

golden door; for if you do we shall never see you again; and the

apprehension of this augments our grief. We hope, nevertheless,

that you will attend to our advice; your own peace, and the

happiness of your life, depends upon your compliance; therefore

take heed. If you suffer yourself to be swayed by a foolish

curiosity, you will do yourself a considerable injury. We conjure

you to avoid the indiscretion, and to give us the satisfaction

finding you here again at the end of forty days. We would

willingly take the key of the golden door with us; but that it

would be an affront to a prince like you to question your

discretion and firmness."

This speech of the fair princesses grieved me extremely. I

omitted not to declare how much their absence would afflict me. I

thanked then for their good advice, assuring them that I would

follow it, and expressed my willingness to perform what was much

more difficult, to secure the happiness of passing the rest of my

days with ladies of such beauty and accomplishments. We separated

with much tenderness, and after I had embraced them all, they

departed, and I remained alone in the castle.

The agreeableness of their company, their hospitality, their

musical entertainments, and other amusements, had so much

absorbed my attention during the whole year, that I neither had

time nor desire to see the wonders contained in this enchanted

palace. I did not even notice a thousand curious objects that

every day offered themselves to my view, so much was I charmed by

the beauty of those ladies, and the pleasure they seemed to take

in promoting my gratification. Their departure sensibly afflicted

me; and though their absence was to be only forty days, it seemed

to me an age to live without them.

I determined not to forget the important advice they had given

me, not to open the golden door; but as I was permitted to

satisfy my curiosity in everything else, I took the first of the

keys of the other doors, which were hung in regular order.

I opened the first door, and entered an orchard, which I believe

the universe could not equal. I could not imagine any thing to

surpass it, except that which our religion promises us after

death. The symmetry, the neatness, the admirable order of the

trees, the abundance and diversity of unknown fruits, their

freshness and beauty, delighted my senses.

Nor must I omit to inform you, that this delicious orchard was

watered in a very particular manner. There were channels so

artificially and proportionately dug, that they carried water in

considerable quantities to the roots of such trees as required

much moisture. Others conveyed it in smaller quantities to those

whose fruits were already formed: some carried still less to

those whose fruits were swelling, and others carried only so much

as was just requisite to water those which had their fruits come

to perfection, and only wanted to be ripened. They far exceeded

in size the ordinary fruits of our gardens. Lastly, those

channels that watered the trees whose fruit was ripe had no more

moisture than just what would preserve them from withering.

I should never have tired in examining and admiring so delightful

a place; nor have left it, had I not conceived a still higher

idea of the other things which I had not seen. I went out at last

with my mind filled with the wonders I had viewed: I shut the

door, and opened the next.

Instead of an orchard, I found here a flower garden, which was no

less extraordinary in its kind. It contained a spacious plot, not

watered so profusely as the former, but with greater niceness,

furnishing no more water than just what each flower required. The

roses, jessamines, violets, daffodils, hyacinths, anemonies,

tulips, pinks, lilies, and an infinite number of flowers, which

do not grow in other places but at certain times, were there

flourishing all at once, and nothing could be more delicious than

the fragrant smell which they emitted.

I opened the third door, and found a large aviary, paved with

marble of several fine and uncommon colours. The trellis work was

made of sandal wood and wood of aloes. It contained a vast number

of nightingales, gold-finches, canary birds, larks, and other

rare singing-birds, which I had never heard of; and the vessels

that held their seed and water were of the most precious jasper

or agate.

Besides, this aviary was so exceedingly neat, that, considering

its extent, I judged there must be not less than a hundred

persons to keep it clean; but all this while not one appeared,

either here or in the gardens I had before examined; and yet I

could not perceive a weed, or any thing superfluous or offensive

to sight. The sun went down, and I retired, charmed with the

chirping notes of the multitude of birds, who then began to perch

upon such places as suited them for repose during the night. I

went to my chamber, resolving on the following days to open all

the rest of the doors, excepting that of gold.

The next day I opened the fourth door. If what I had seen before

was capable of exciting my surprise, what I now beheld

transported me into perfect ecstacy. I entered a large court

surrounded with buildings of an admirable structure, the

description of which I will omit, to avoid prolixity.

This building had forty doors, all open, and through each of them

was an entrance into a treasury: several of these treasuries

contained as much wealth as the largest kingdoms. The first was

stored with heaps of pearls: and, what is almost incredible, the

number of those stones which are most precious, and as large as

pigeons' eggs, exceeded the number of those of the ordinary size.

In the second treasury, there were diamonds, carbuncles, and

rubies; in the third, emeralds; in the fourth, ingots of gold; in

the fifth, money; in the sixth, ingots of silver; and in the two

following, money. The rest contained amethysts, chrysolites,

topazes, opals, turquoises, and hyacinths, with all the other

stones known to us, without mentioning agate, jasper, cornelian,

and coral, of which there was a store house filled, not only with

branches, but whole trees.

Filled with astonishment and admiration at the view of all these

riches, I exclaimed, "If all the treasures of the kings of the

universe were gathered together in one place, they could not

equal the value of these. How fortunate am I to possess all this

wealth with so many admirable princesses! "

I will not tire you, madam, with a detail of all the other

objects of curiosity and value which I discovered on the

following day. I shall only say, that thirty-nine days afforded

me but just as much time as was necessary to open ninety-nine

doors, and to admire all that presented itself to my view, so

that there was only the hundredth door left, which I was

forbidden to open.

The fortieth day after the departure of those charming princesses

arrived, and had I but retained so much self-command as I ought

to have had, I should have been this day the happiest of all

mankind, whereas now I am the most unfortunate. They were to

return the next day, and the pleasure of seeing them again ought

to have restrained my curiosity: but through my weakness, which I

shall ever repent, I yielded to the temptations of the evil

spirit, who allowed me no rest till I had involved myself in the

misfortunes I have since suffered.

I opened that fatal door! But before I had moved my foot to

enter, a smell pleasant enough, but too powerful for my senses,

made me faint away. However, I soon recovered: but instead of

taking warning from this incident to close the door, and restrain

my curiosity, after waiting some time for the external air to

correct the effluvia of the place, I entered, and felt myself no

longer incommoded. I found myself in a spacious vaulted

apartment, the pavement of which was strewed with saffron. It was

illuminated by several large tapers which emitted the perfume of

aloes and ambergris, and were placed in candlesticks of solid

gold. This light was augmented by gold and silver lamps, burning

perfumed oils of various kinds.

Among the many objects that attracted my attention was a black

horse, of the most perfect symmetry and beauty that ever was

beheld. I approached in order the better to observe him, and

found he had on a saddle and bridle of massive gold, curiously

wrought. One part of his manger was filled with clean barley and

sesame, and the other with rose-water. I laid hold of his bridle,

and led him out to view him by daylight. I mounted, and

endeavoured to make him move: but finding he did not stir, I

struck him with a switch I had taken up in his magnificent

stable. He had no sooner felt the blow, than he began to neigh in

a most horrible manner, and extending his wings, which I had not

before perceived, flew up with me into the air. My thoughts were

fully in keeping my seat; and considering the fear that had

seized me, I sat well. At length he directed his course towards

the earth, and lighted upon the terrace of a castle, and, without

giving me time to dismount, shook me out of the saddle with such

force, as to throw me behind him, and with the end of his tail he

struck out my eye.

Thus it was I became blind of one eye. I then recollected the

predictions of the ten young gentlemen. The horse again took

wing, and soon disappeared. I got up much vexed at the misfortune

I had brought upon myself. I walked upon the terrace, covering my

eye with one of my hands, for it pained me exceedingly, and then

descended, and entered into a hall. I soon discoved by the ten

sofas in a circle, and the eleventh in the middle, lower than the

rest, that I was in the castle whence I had been carried by the

roc.

The ten young gentlemen were not in the hall when I entered; but

came in soon after, attended by the old man. They seemed not at

all surprised to see me, nor at the loss of my eye; but said, "We

are sorry that we cannot congratulate you on your return, as we

could wish; but we are not the cause of your misfortune." "I

should do you wrong," I replied, "to lay it to your charge; I

have only myself to accuse." "If," said they, "it be a subject of

consolation to the afflicted to know that others share their

sufferings, you have in us this alleviation of your misfortune.

All that has happened to you we have also endured; we each of us

tasted the same pleasures during a year; and we had still

continued to enjoy them, had we not opened the golden door, when

the princesses were absent. You have been no wiser than we, and

have incurred the same punishment. We would gladly receive you

into our company, to join with us in the penance to which we are

bound, and the duration of which we know not. But we have already

stated to you the reasons that render this impossible: depart,

therefore, and proceed to the court of Bagdad, where you will

meet with the person who is to decide your destiny." After they

had explained to me the road I was to travel, I departed.

On the road I caused my beard and eye-brows to be shaven, and

assumed a calender's habit. I have had a long journey, but at

last I arrived this evening, and met these my brother calenders

at the gate, being strangers as well as myself. We were mutually

surprised at one another, to see that we were all blind of the

same eye; but we had not leisure to converse long on the subject

of our misfortunes. We have only had time enough to bring us

hither, to implore those favours which you have been generously

pleased to grant us.

The third calender having finished this relation of his

adventures, Zobeide addressed him and his fellow calenders thus:

"Go wherever you think proper, you are at liberty." But one of

them answered, "Madam, we beg you to pardon our curiosity, and

permit us to hear the stories of those gentlemen who have not yet

spoken." Then the lady turned to the caliph, the vizier Jaaffier,

and Mesrour, and said to them, "It is now your turn to relate

your adventures, therefore speak."

The grand vizier who had all along been the spokesman, answered

Zobeide: "Madam, in order to obey you, we need only repeat what

we have already said. We are merchants of Moussol come to Bagdad

to sell our merchandize, which lies in the khan where we lodge.

We dined today with several other persons of our condition, at a

merchant's house of this city; who, after he had treated us with

choice dainties and excellent wines, sent for men and women

dancers, and musicians. The great noise we made brought in the

watch, who arrested some of the company, and we had the good

fortune to escape: but it being already late, and the door of our

khan shut up, we knew not whither to retire. We chanced as we

passed along this street to hear mirth at your house, which made

us determine to knock at your gate. This is all the account that

we can give you, in obedience to your commands."

Zobeide having heard this statement, seemed to hesitate what to

say, which the calenders perceiving, prayed her to grant the same

favour to the three Moussol merchants as she had done to them.

"Well then," said she, "you shall all be equally obliged to me; I

pardon you all, provided you immediately depart."

Zobeide having given this command in a tone that signified she

would be obeyed, the caliph, the vizier Mesrour, the three

calenders, and the porter departed, without saying one word: for

the presence of the seven slaves with their weapons awed them

into silence. As soon as they had quitted the house, and the gate

was closed after them, the caliph said to the calenders, without

making himself known, "You gentlemen, who are newly come to town,

which way do you design to go, since it is not yet day?" "It is

this," they replied, "that perplexes us." "Follow us," resumed

the caliph, "and we will convey you out of danger." He then

whispered to the vizier, "Take them along with you, and tomorrow

morning bring them to me; I will cause their history to be put in

writing, for it deserves a place in the annals of my reign."

The vizier Jaaffier took the three calenders along with him; the

porter went to his quarters, and the caliph and Mesrour returned

to the palace. The caliph went to bed, but could not sleep, being

perplexed by the extraordinary things he had seen and heard. But

above all, he was most concerned to know the history of Zobeide;

what reason she could have to be so severe to the two black

bitches, and why Amene had her bosom so scarred. Day began to

appear whilst he was thinking upon these things; he arose and

went to his council chamber, and sat upon his throne.

The grand vizier entered soon after, and paid his respects as

usual. "Vizier," said the caliph, "the affairs that we have to

consider at present are not very pressing; that of the three

ladies and the two black bitches is the most urgent: my mind

cannot rest till I am thoroughly satisfied, in all those matters

that have so much surprised me. Go, bring those ladies and the

calenders at the same time; make haste, and remember that I

impatiently expect your return."

The vizier who knew his master's quick and fiery temper, hastened

to obey, and went to the ladies, to whom he communicated, in a

civil way,. the orders with which he was charged, to bring them

before the caliph, without taking any notice of what had passed

the night before at their house.

The ladies put on their veils, and went with the vizier As he

passed his own house, he took along with him the three calenders,

who in the interval had learnt that they had seen and spoken with

the caliph, without knowing him. The vizier conducted them to the

palace with so much expedition, that the caliph was much pleased.

This prince, that he might observe proper decorum before the

officers of his court who were then present, ordered that the

ladies should be placed behind the hangings of the door which led

to his own chamber, and placed the three calenders near his

person, who, by their respectful behaviour, sufficiently evinced

that they were not ignorant before whom they had the honour to

appear.

When the ladies were thus disposed of, the caliph turned towards

them, and said, "When I acquaint you that I was last night in

your house, disguised in a merchant's habit, you may probably be

alarmed, lest you may have given me offence; you may perhaps

believe that I have sent for you for no other purpose than to

shew some marks of my resentment; but be not afraid; you may rest

assured that I have forgotten all that has past, and am well

satisfied with your conduct. I wish that all the ladies of Bagdad

had as much discretion as you evinced before me. I shall always

remember the moderation with which you acted, after the rudeness

of which we were guilty. I was then a merchant of Moussol, but am

at present Haroon al Rusheed, the fifth caliph of the glorious

house of Abbas, and hold the place of our great prophet. I have

only sent for you to know who you are, and to ask for what reason

one of you, after severely whipping the two black bitches, wept

with them? And I am no less curious to know, why another of you

has her bosom so full of scars."

Though the caliph pronounced these words very distinctly, the

three ladies heard him well enough, yet the vizier out of

ceremony, repeated them.

Zobeide, after the caliph by his address had encouraged her,

began thus:

The Story of Zobeide.

Commander of the faithful, the relation which I am about to give

your majesty is singularly extraordinary. The two black bitches

and myself are sisters by the same father and mother; and I shall

acquaint you by what strange accident they came to be

metamorphosed. The two ladies who live with me, and are now here,

are also my sisters by the father's side, but by another mother:

she that has the scars upon her breast is named Amene; the name

of the other is Safie, and my own Zobeide.

After our father's death, the property that he left was equally

divided among us, and as soon as these two sisters received their

portions, they left me to live with their mother. My other two

sisters and myself stayed with our mother, who was then alive,

and who when she afterwards died left each of us a thousand

sequins. As soon as we had received our portions, the two eldest

(for I am the youngest) married, and left me alone. Some time

after, my eldest sister's husband sold all that he had, and with

that money and my sister's portion they went both into Africa,

where her husband, by riotous living and debauchery' spent all;

and finding himself reduced to poverty, found a pretext for

divorcing my sister, and put her away.

She returned to this city, and having suffered incredible

hardships by the way, came to me in so lamentable a condition

that it would have moved the hardest heart to compassion to

behold her. I received her with every possible tenderness, and

inquiring into the cause of her distress, she told me with tears

how inhumanly her husband had behaved towards her. Her

misfortunes affected me: and I mingled my tears with hers. I took

her to a bath, clothed her with my own apparel, and thus

addressed her: "Sister, you are the elder, and I esteem you as my

mother: during your absence, God has blest the portion that fell

to my share, and the employment I follow of breeding silk-worms.

Assure yourself there is nothing I have but is at your service,

and as much at your disposal as my own."

We lived very comfortably together for some months. As we were

one day conversing about our third sister, and wondering we

received no intelligence of her, she came in as bad a condition

as the eldest: her husband had treated her after the same manner;

and I received her likewise with the same affection as I had done

the former.

Some time after, my two sisters, on presence that they would not

be chargeable to me, told me they intended to marry again. I

observed, that if putting me to expense was the only reason, they

might lay those thoughts aside, and be welcome to remain: for

what I had would be sufficient to maintain us all three, in a

manner answerable to our condition. "But," I added, "I rather

believe you wish to marry again; I shall feel much surprised if

such be the case. After the experience you have had of the little

satisfaction there is in wedlock, is it possible you dare venture

a second time? You know how rare it is to meet with a husband

perfectly virtuous and deserving. Believe what I say, and let us

live together as comfortably as we can." All my persuasion was in

vain; they were resolved to marry, and soon accomplished their

wishes. But after some months were past, they returned again, and

begged my pardon a thousand times for not following my advice.

"You are our youngest sister," said they, "but abundantly more

wise than we; if you will vouchsafe to receive us once more into

your house, and account us your slaves, we shall never commit a

similar fault again." My answer was, "Dear sisters, I have not

altered my mind with respect to you since we last parted: come

again, and take part of what I have." Upon this I embraced them,

and we lived together as before.

We continued thus a whole year in perfect love and harmony.

Seeing that God had increased my small stock, I projected a

voyage, to embark some of it in a commercial speculation. To this

end, I went with my two sisters to Bussorah, where I bought a

ship ready fitted for sea, and laded her with such merchandise as

I had carried with me from Bagdad. We set sail with a fair wind,

and soon cleared the Persian gulf; when we had reached the open

sea, we steered our course to the Indies; and the twentieth day

saw land. It was a very high mountain, at the bottom of which we

perceived a great town: having a fresh gale, we soon reached the

harbour, and cast anchor.

I had not patience to wait till my sisters were dressed to go

along with me, but went ashore alone in the boat. Making directly

to the gate of the town, I saw there a great number of men upon

guard, some sitting, and others standing with sticks in their

hands; and they had all such dreadful countenances that I was

greatly alarmed; but perceiving they remained stationary, and did

not so much as move their eyes, I took courage, and went nearer,

when I found they were all turned into stones. I entered the town

and passed through several streets, where at different intervals

stood men in various attitudes, but all motionless and petrified.

In the quarter inhabited by the merchants I found most of the

shops shut, and in such as were open I likewise found the people

petrified.

Having reached a vast square, in the heart of the city, I

perceived a large folding gate, covered with plates of gold,

which stood open; a curtain of silk stuff seemed to be drawn

before it: a lamp hung over the entrance. After I had surveyed

the building, I made no doubt but it was the palace of the prince

who reigned over that country: and being much astonished that I

had not met with one living creature, I approached in hopes to

find some. I lifted up the curtain, and was surprised at

beholding no one but the guards in the vestibule all petrified;

some standing, some sitting, and some lying.

I came to a large court, where I saw before me a stately

building, the windows of which were inclosed with gates of messy

gold: I concluded it to be the queen's apartments. I entered; and

in a large hall I found several black eunuchs turned into stone.

I went from thence into a room richly furnished, where I

perceived a lady in the same situation. I knew it to be the

queen, by the crown of gold on her head, and a necklace of pearls

about her neck, each of them as large as a nut; I approached her

to have a nearer view of it, and never beheld a finer objets.

I stood some time admiring the riches and magnificence of the

room; but above all, the carpet, the cushions, and the sofas,

which were all ornamented with Indian stuff of gold, and

representations of men and beasts in silver, admirably executed.

I quitted the chamber where the petrified queen was, and passed

through several other apartments and closets richly furnished,

and at last came into a large room, where there was a throne of

massive gold, raised several steps above the floor, and enriched

with large enchased emeralds, and upon the throne there was a bed

of rich stuff embroidered with pearls. What surprised me most was

a sparkling light which came from above the bed. Being curious to

know whence it proceeded, I ascended the steps, and lifting up my

head, saw a diamond as large as the egg of an ostrich, lying upon

a low stool; it was so pure, that I could not find the least

blemish in it, and it sparkled with so much brilliancy, that when

I saw it by day-light I could not endure its lustre.

At the head of the bed there stood on each side a lighted

flambeau, but for what use I could not comprehend; however, it

made me imagine that there was some living creature in this

place; for I could not believe that the torches continued thus

burning of themselves. Several other rarities detained my

curiosity in this room, which was inestimable in value, were it

only for the diamond I mentioned.

The doors being all open, or but half shut, I surveyed some other

apartments, that were as beautiful as those I had already seen. I

looked into the offices and store-rooms, which were full of

riches. In short, the wonders that everywhere appeared so wholly

engrossed my attention, that I forgot my ship and my sisters, and

thought of nothing but gratifying my curiosity. In the mean time

night came on, which reminded me that it was time to retire. I

proposed to return the way I had entered, but I could not find

it; I lost myself among the apartments; and perceiving I was come

back again to the large room, where the throne, the couch, the

large diamond, and the torches stood, I resolved to take my

night's lodging there, and to depart the next morning early, to

get aboard my ship. I laid myself down upon a couch, not without

some dread to be alone in a desolate place; and this fear

hindered my sleep.

About midnight I heard a voice like that of a man reading the

Koraun, after the same manner, and in the same tone as it is read

in our mosques. Being extremely glad to hear it, I immediately

arose, and taking a torch in my hand, passed from one chamber to

another on that side from whence the sound proceeded. I came to

the closet-door, and stood still, not doubting that it came from

thence. I set down my torch upon the ground, and looking through

a window, found it to be an oratory. It had, as we have in our

mosques, a niche, to direct us whither we are to turn to say our

prayers: there were also lamps hung up, and two candlesticks with

large tapers of white wax burning.

I saw a little carpet laid down like those we have to kneel upon

when we say our prayers, and a comely young man sat on this

carpet reading with great devotion the Koraun, which lay before

him on a desk. At this sight I was transported with admiration. I

wondered how it came to pass that he should be the only living

creature in a town where all the people were turned into stones,

and I did not doubt but there was something in the circumstance

very extraordinary.

The door being only half shut, I opened it, went in, and standing

upright before the niche, I repeated this prayer aloud: "Praise

be to God, who has favoured us with a happy voyage, and may he be

graciously pleased to protect us in the same manner, until we

arrive again in our own country. Hear me, O Lord, and grant my

request."

The young man turned his eyes towards me, and said, "My good

lady, pray let me know who you are, and what has brought you to

this desolate city? And, in return, I will you who I am, what has

happened to me, why the inhabitants of this city are reduced to

the state you see them in, and why I alone am safe in the midst

of such a terrible disaster."

I told him in a few words whence I had come, what had made me

undertake the voyage, and how I safely arrived at the port after

twenty days' sailing; when I had done, I prayed him to perform

his promise, and told him how much I was struck by the frightful

desolation which I had seen in the city.

"Lady," said the young man, "have patience for a moment." At

these words he shut the Koraun, put it into a rich case, and laid

it in the niche. I took that opportunity to observe him, and

perceiving in him so much good nature and beauty, I felt emotions

I had never known before. He made me sit down by him, and before

he began his discourse, I could not forbear saying, with an air

that discovered the sentiments I felt, "Amiable sir, dear object

of my soul, I can scarcely have patience to wait for an account

of all these wonderful objects that I have seen since I came into

your city; and my curiosity cannot be satisfied too soon:

therefore pray, sir, let me know by what miracle you alone are

left alive among so many persons that have died in so strange a

manner."

"Madam," said the young man, "by the prayer you just now

addressed to him, you have given me to understand that you have a

knowledge of the true God. I will acquaint you with the most

remarkable effect of his greatness and power. You must know, that

this city was the metropolis of a mighty kingdom, over which the

sultan my father reigned. That prince, his whole court, the

inhabitants of the city, and all his other subjects, were magi,

worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of the

giants, who rebelled against God.

"But though I was born of an idolatrous father and mother, I had

the good fortune in my youth to have a governess who was a good

Moosulmaun. ‘Dear prince,' would she oftentimes say, ‘there is

but one true God; take heed that you do not acknowledge and adore

any other.' She taught me to read Arabic, and the book she gave

me to study was the Koraun. As soon as I was capable of

understanding it, she explained to me all the passages of this

excellent book, and infused piety into my mind, unknown to my

father or any other person. She happened to die, but not before

she had perfectly instructed me in all that was necessary to

convince me of the truth of the Moosulmaun religion. After her

death I persisted with constancy in the belief of its divinity:

and I abhor the false god Nardoun, and the adoration of fire.

"About three years and some months ago, a thundering voice was

suddenly sounded so distinctly, through the whole city, that

nobody could miss hearing it. The words were these: ‘Inhabitants,

abandon the worship of Nardoun, and of fire, and worship the only

God who shews mercy.'

"This voice was heard three years successively, but no one was

converted. On the last day of that year, at four o'clock in the

morning, all the inhabitants were changed in an instant into

stone, every one in the condition and posture they happened to be

in. The sultan, my father, shared the same fate, for he was

metamorphosed into a black stone, as he is to be seen in this

palace, and the queen, my mother, had the like destiny.

"I am the only person who did not suffer under that heavy

judgment, and ever since I have continued to serve God with more

fervency than before. I am persuaded, dear lady, that he has sent

you hither for my comfort, for which I render him infinite

thanks; for I must own that this solitary life is extremely

irksome."

All these expressions, and particularly the last, greatly

increased my love for him. "Prince," said I, "there is no doubt

but Providence has brought me into your port, to afford you an

opportunity of withdrawing from this dismal place. The ship I

came in may serve in some measure to convince you that I am in

some esteem at Bagdad, where I have left considerable property;

and I dare engage to promise you sanctuary there, until the

mighty commander of the faithful, vicegerent to our prophet whom

you acknowledge, shew you the honour that is due to your merit.

This renowned prince lives at Bagdad, and as soon as he is

informed of your arrival in his capital, you will find that it is

not in vain to implore his assistance. It is impossible you can

stay any longer in a city where all the objects you behold must

renew your grief: my vessel is at your service, where you may

absolutely command as you shall think fit." He accepted the

offer, and we conversed the remainder of the night concerning our

embarkation.

As soon as it was day we left the palace, and went aboard my

ship, where we found my sisters, the captain, and the slaves, all

much troubled at my absence. After I had presented my sisters to

the prince, I told them what had hindered my return the day

before, how I had met with the young prince, his story, and the

cause of the desolation of so fine a city.

The seamen were taken up several days in unlading the merchandize

I brought with me, and embarking in its stead all the precious

things in the palace, such as jewels, gold, and money. We left

the furniture and goods, which consisted of an infinite quantity

of plate, &c., because our vessel could not carry it, for it

would have required several vessels more to convey to Bagdad all

the riches that we might have chosen to take with us.

After we had laden the vessel with what we thought most

desirable, we took such provisions and water aboard as were

necessary for our voyage (for we had still a great deal of those

provisions left that we had taken in at Bussorah); at last we set

sail with a wind as favourable as we could wish.

The young prince, my sisters and myself, enjoyed ourselves for

some time very agreeably. But alas! this good understanding did

not last long, for my sisters grew jealous of the friendship

between the prince and myself, and maliciously asked me one day,

what we should do with him when we came to Bagdad? I perceived

immediately that they put this question on purpose to discover my

inclinations; therefore, resolving to put it off with a jest, I

answered, "I will take him for my husband;" and upon that,

turning myself to the prince, said, "Sir, I humbly beg of you to

give your consent, for as soon as we come to Bagdad I desire to

offer you my person to be your slave, to do you all the service

that is in my power, and to resign myself wholly to your

commands."

The prince replied, "I know not, madam, whether you be in jest or

no; but for my part, I seriously declare before these ladies,

your sisters, that from this moment I heartily accept your offer,

not with any intention to have you as a slave, but as my lady and

mistress: nor will I pretend to have any power over your

actions." At these words my sisters changed colour, and I could

perceive afterwards that they did not love me as before.

We entered the Persian gulf, and had come within a short distance

of Bussorah (where I hoped, considering the fair wind, we might

have arrived the day following), when in the night, while I was

asleep, my sisters watched their opportunity, and threw me

overboard. They did the same to the prince, who was drowned. I

floated some minutes on the water, and by good fortune, or rather

miracle, I felt ground. I went towards a dark spot, that, by what

I could discern, seemed to be land, and proved to be a flat on

the coast, which, when day appeared, I found to be a desert

island, lying about twenty miles from Bussorah. I soon dried my

clothes in the sun, and as I walked along I found several kinds

of fruit, and likewise fresh water, which gave me some hopes of

preserving my life.

I had just laid myself down to rest in a shade, when I perceived

a very large winged serpent coming towards me, with an irregular

waving movement, and hanging out its tongue, which induced me to

conclude it had received some injury. I instantly arose, and

perceived that it was pursued by a larger serpent which had hold

of its tail, and was endeavouring to devour it. This perilous

situation of the first serpent excited my pity, and instead of

retreating I assumed courage to take up a stone that lay near me,

and to throw it with all my strength at the other, which I hit

upon the head and killed. The other, finding itself at liberty,

took wing and flew away. I looked after it for some time till it

disappeared. I then sought another shady spot for repose, and

fell asleep.

Judge what was my surprise when I awoke, to see standing by me a

black woman of lively and agreeable features, who held in her

hand two bitches of the same colour, fastened together. I sat up,

and asked her who she was? "I am," said she, "the serpent whom

you lately delivered from my mortal enemy. I did not know in what

way I could better requite the important services you have

rendered me than by what I have just done. The treachery of your

sisters was well known to me, and to avenge your wrongs, as soon

as I was liberated by your generous assistance, I called together

several of my companions, fairies like myself, conveyed into your

storehouses at Bagdad all the lading of your vessel, and

afterwards sunk it.

"These two black bitches are your sisters, whom I have

transformed into this shape. But this punishment will not

suffice; and my will is that you treat them hereafter in the way

I shall direst."

As soon as she had thus spoken the fairy took me under one of her

arms, and the two bitches under the other, and conveyed us to my

house in Bagdad; where I found in my storehouses all the riches

with which my vessel had been laden. Before she left me, she

delivered to me the two bitches, and said, "If you would not be

changed into a similar form, I command you, in the name of him

that governs the sea, to give each of your sisters every night

one hundred lashes with a rod, as the punishment of the crime

they have committed against yourself, and the young prince, whom

they have drowned." I was forced to promise obedience. Since that

time I have whipped them every night, though with regret, whereof

your majesty has been a witness. My tears testify with how much

sorrow and reluctance I perform this painful duty; and in this

your majesty may see I am more to be pitied than blamed. If there

be any thing else relating to myself that you desire to know, my

sister Amene will give you full information in the relation of

her story.

After the caliph had heard Zobeide with much astonishment, he

desired his grand vizier to request Amene to acquaint him

wherefore her breast was disfigured with so many scars.

Amene addressed herself to the caliph, and began her story after

this manner:

The Story of Amene.

Commander of the faithful, to avoid repeating what your majesty

has already heard in my sister's story, I shall only add, that

after my mother had taken a house for herself to live in, during

her widowhood, she gave me in marriage, with the portion my

father left me, to a gentleman who had one of the best estates in

the city.

I had scarcely been a year married when I became a widow, and was

left in possession of all my husband's property, which amounted

to 90,000 sequins. The interest of this money was sufficient to

maintain me very honourably. When the first six months of my

mourning was over, I caused to be made for me ten different

dresses, of such magnificence that each came to a thousand

sequins; and at the end of the year I began to wear them.

One day, while I was alone engaged in my domestic affairs, I was

told that a lady desired to speak to me. I gave orders that she

should be admitted. She was a person advanced in years; she

saluted me by kissing the ground, and said to me kneeling, "Dear

lady, excuse the freedom I take to trouble you, the confidence I

have in your charity makes me thus bold. I must acquaint your

ladyship that I have an orphan daughter, who is to be married

this day. She and I are both strangers, and have no acquaintance

in this town; which much perplexes me, for we wish the numerous

family with whom we are going to ally ourselves to think we are

not altogether unknown and without credit: therefore, most

beautiful lady, if you would vouchsafe to honour the wedding with

your presence, we shall be infinitely obliged, because the ladies

of our country, when informed that a lady of your rank has strewn

us this respect, will then know that we are not regarded here as

unworthy and despised persons. But, alas! madam, if you refuse

this request, how great will be our mortification! we know not

where else to apply."

This poor woman's address, which she spoke with tears, moved my

compassion. "Good woman," said I, "do not afflict yourself, I

will grant you the favour you desire; tell me whither I must go,

and I will meet you as soon as I am dressed." The old woman was

so transported with joy at my answer, that she kissed my feet

before I had time to prevent her. "My compassionate lady," said

she, rising, "God will reward the kindness you have shewed to

your servants, and make your heart as joyful as you have made

theirs. You need not at present trouble yourself; it will be time

enough for you to go when I call for you in the evening. So

farewell, madam, till I have the honour to see you again."

As soon as she was gone, I took the suit I liked best, with a

necklace of large pearls, bracelets, pendents for my ears, and

rings set with the finest and most sparkling diamonds; for my

mind presaged what would befall me.

When the night closed in, the old woman called upon me, with a

countenance full of joy. She kissed my hands, and said, "My dear

lady, the relations of my son-in-law, who are the principal

ladies of the city, are now met together; you may come when you

please; I am ready to conduct you." We immediately set out; she

walked before me, and I was followed by a number of my women and

slaves properly dressed for the occasion. We stopt in a wide

street, newly swept and watered, at a spacious gate with a lamp,

by the light of which I read this inscription in golden letters

over the entrance: "This is the everlasting abode of pleasure and

joy." The old woman knocked, and the gate was opened immediately.

I was conducted towards the lower end of the court, into a large

hall, where I was received by a young lady of admirable beauty.

She drew near, and after having embraced me, made me sit down by

her upon a sofa, on which was raised a throne of precious wood

set with diamonds. "Madam," said she, "you are brought hither to

assist at a wedding; but I hope it will be a different wedding

from what you expected. I have a brother, one of the handsomest

men in the world: he is fallen so much in love with the fame of

your beauty, that his fate depends wholly upon you, and he will

be the unhappiest of men if you do not take pity on him. He knows

your quality, and I can assure you he is in no respect unworthy

of your alliance. If my prayers, madam, can prevail, I shall join

them with his, and humbly beg you will not refuse the proposal of

being his wife."

After the death of my husband I had not thought of marrying

again. But I had no power to refuse the solicitation of so

charming a lady. As soon as I had given consent by my silence,

accompanied with a blush, the young lady claps her hands, and

immediately a closet-door opened, out of which came a young man

of a majestic air, and so graceful a behaviour, that I thought

myself happy to have made so great a conquest. He sat down by me,

and I found from his conversation that his merits far exceeded

the eulogium of his sister.

When she perceived that we were satisfied with one another, she

claps her hands a second time, and out came a Cauzee, who wrote

our contract of marriage, signed it himself, and caused it to be

attested by four witnesses he brought along with him. The only

condition that my new husband imposed upon me was, that I should

not be seen by nor speak to any other man but himself, and he

vowed to me that, if I complied in this respect, I should have no

reason to complain of him. Our marriage was concluded and

finished after this manner; so I became the principal actress in

a wedding to which I had only been invited as a guest.

About a month after our marriage, having occasion for some

stuffs, I asked my husband's permission to go out to buy them,

which he granted; and I took with me the old woman of whom I

spoke before, she being one of the family, and two of my own

female slaves.

When we came to the street where the merchants reside, the old

woman said, "Dear mistress, since you want silk stuffs, I must

take you to a young merchant of my acquaintance, who has a great

variety; and that you may not fatigue yourself by running from

shop to shop, I can assure you that you will find in his what no

other can furnish." I was easily persuaded, and we entered a shop

belonging to a young merchant who was tolerably handsome. I sat

down, and bade the old woman desire him to shew me the finest

silk stuffs he had. The woman desired me to speak myself; but I

told her it was one of the articles of my marriage contract not

to speak to any man but my husband, which I ought to keep.

The merchant shewed me several stuffs, of which one pleased me

better than the rest; but I bade her ask the price. He answered

the old woman, "I will not sell it for gold or money, but I will

make her a present of it, if she will give me leave to kiss her

cheek." I ordered the old woman to tell him, that he was very

rude to propose such a freedom. But instead of obeying me, she

said, "What the merchant desires of you is no such great matter;

you need not speak, but only present him your cheek." The stuff

pleased me so much, that I was foolish enough to take her advice.

The old woman and my slaves stood up, that nobody might see, and

I put up my veil; but instead of kissing me, the merchant bit me

so violently as to draw blood.

The pain and my surprise were so great, that I fell down in a

swoon, and continued insensible so long, that the merchant had

time to escape. When I came to myself, I found my cheek covered

with blood: the old woman and my slaves took care to cover it

with my veil, that the people who came about us could not

perceive it, but supposed I had only had a fainting fit.

The old woman who accompanied me being extremely troubled at this

accident, endeavoured to comfort me. "My dear mistress," said

she, "I beg your pardon, for I am the cause of this misfortune,

having brought you to this merchant, because he is my countryman:

but I never thought he would be guilty of such a villainous

action. But do not grieve; let us hasten home, I will apply a

remedy that shall in three days so perfectly cure you, that not

the least mark shall be visible." The fit had made me so weak,

that I was scarcely able to walk. But at last I got home, where I

again fainted, as I went into my chamber. Meanwhile, the old

woman applied her remedy; I came to myself, and went to bed.

My husband came to me at night, and seeing my head bound up,

asked me the reason. I told him I had the head-ache, which I

hoped would have satisfied him, but he took a candle, and saw my

cheek was hurt: "How comes this wound?" said he. Though I did not

consider myself as guilty of any great offence, yet I could not

think of owning the truth. Besides, to make such an avowal to a

husband, I considered as somewhat indecorous; I therefore said,

"That as I was going, under his permission, to purchase some silk

stuff, a porter, carrying a load of wood, came so near to me, in

a narrow street, that one of the sticks grazed my cheek; but had

not done me much hurt." This account put my husband into a

violent passion. "This act," said he, "shall not go unpunished. I

will to-morrow order the lieutenant of the police to seize all

those brutes of porters, and cause them to be hanged." Fearful of

occasioning the death of so many innocent persons, I said, "Sir,

I should be sorry so great a piece of injustice should be

committed. Pray refrain; for I should deem myself unpardonable,

were I to be the cause of so much mischief." "Then tell me

sincerely," said he, "how came you by this wound." "I answered,

"That it was occasioned by the inadvertency of a broom-seller

upon an ass, who coming behind me, while he was looking another

way, his ass came against me with so much violence, that I fell

down, and hurt my cheek upon some glass." "If that is the case,"

said my husband, "to-morrow morning, before sun-rise, the grand

vizier Jaaffier shall be informed of this insolence, and cause

all the broom-sellers to be put to death." "For the love of God,

Sir," said I, "let me beg of you to pardon them, for they are not

guilty." "How, madam," he demanded, "what then am I to believe?

Speak, for I am resolved to know the truth from your own mouth."

"Sir," I replied, "I was taken with a giddiness, and fell down,

and that is the whole matter."

At these words my husband lost all patience. "I have," said he,

"too long listened to your falsehoods." As he spoke he clapped

his hands, and in came three slaves: "Pull her out of bed," said

he, "and lay her in the middle of the floor." The slaves obeyed,

one holding me by the head, another by the feet; he commanded the

third to fetch a cimeter, and when he had brought it, "Strike,"

said he, "cut her in two, and then throw her into the Tygris.

This is the punishment I inflict on those to whom I have given my

heart, when they falsify their promise." When he saw that the

slave hesitated to obey him, "Why do you not strike?" said he.

"What do you wait for?"

"Madam," said the slave then, "you are near the last moment of

your life, consider if you have any thing to dispose of before

you die." I begged permission to speak one word, which was

granted me. I lifted up my head, and casting an affectionate look

on my husband, said, "Alas! to what a condition am I reduced!

must I then die in the prime of my youth!" I could say no more,

for my tears and sighs choked my utterance. My husband was not at

all moved, but, on the contrary, went on to reproach me; and it

would have been in vain to attempt a reply. I had recourse to

intreaties and prayers; but he had no regard to them, and

commanded the slaves to proceed to execution. The old woman, who

had been his nurse, came in just at that moment, fell down upon

her knees, and endeavoured to appease his wrath. "My son," said

she, "since I have been your nurse and brought you up, let me beg

the favour of you to grant me her life. Consider, that he who

kills shall be killed, and that you will stain your reputation,

and forfeit the esteem of mankind. What will the world say of

such sanguinary violence?" She spoke these words in such an

affecting manner, accompanied with tears, that she prevailed upon

him at last to abandon his purpose,

"Well then," said he to his nurse, "for your sake I will spare

her life; but she shall bear about her person some marks to make

her remember her offence." When he had thus spoken, one of the

slaves, by his order, gave me upon my sides and breast so many

blows, with a little cane, that he tore away both skin and flesh,

which threw me into a swoon. In this state he caused the same

slaves, the executioners of his fury, to carry me into a house,

where the old woman took care of me. I kept my bed four months;

at last I recovered: the scars which, contrary to my wish, you

saw yesterday, have remained ever since.

As soon as I was able to walk, and go abroad, I resolved to

retire to the house which was left me by my first husband, but I

could not find the site whereon it had stood. My second husband,

in the heat of his resentment, was not satisfied with the

demolition of that, but caused every other house in the same

street to be razed to the ground. I believe such an act of

violence was never heard of before; but against whom could I

complain? The perpetrator had taken good care to conceal himself.

But suppose I had discovered him, is it not easily seen that his

conduct must have proceeded from absolute power? How then could I

dare to complain?

Being left thus destitute and helpless, I had recourse to my dear

sister Zobeide, whose adventures your majesty has just heard. To

her I made known my misfortune; she received me with her

accustomed goodness, and advised me to bear my ambition patience.

"This is the way of the world," said she, "which either robs us

of our property, our friends, or our lovers; and some. times of

all together." In confirmation of her remark, she at the same

time gave me an account of the loss of the young prince,

occasioned by the jealousy of her two sisters. She told me also

by what accident they were transformed into bitches: and in the

last place, after a thousand testimonials of her love towards me,

she introduced me to my youngest sister, who had likewise taken

sanctuary with her after the death of her mother.

Having returned our grateful acknowledgments to God for having

thus brought us together, we resolved to preserve our freedom,

and never again to separate. We have now long enjoyed this

tranquil life. As it was my business to manage the affairs of the

house, I always took pleasure in going myself to purchase what we

wanted. I happened to go abroad yesterday for this purpose, and

the things I bought I caused to be carried home by a porter, who

proving to be a sensible and jocose fellow, we kept with us for a

little diversion. Three calenders happened to come to our door as

it began to grow dark, and prayed us to give them shelter till

the next morning We admitted them upon certain conditions which

they agreed to observe; and after we had made them sit at table

with us, they in their own way entertained us with a concert of

music. At this time we heard knocking at our gate. This proceeded

from three merchants of Moussol, men of good appearance, who

begged the same favour which the calenders had obtained before.

We consented upon the same conditions, but neither of them kept

their promise. Though we had power, as well as justice on our

side, to punish them, yet we contented ourselves with demanding

from them the history of their lives; and afterwards confined our

revenge to dismissing them, after they had done, and denying them

the asylum they requested.

The caliph was well pleased to be thus informed of what he

desired to know; and publicly expressed his admiration of what he

had heard.

The caliph having satisfied his curiosity, thought himself

obliged to shew his generosity to the calender princes, and also

to give the three ladies some proof of his bounty. He himself,

without making use of his minister, the grand vizier, spoke to

Zobeide. "Madam, did not this fairy, that shewed herself to you

in the shape of a serpent, and imposed such a rigorous command

upon you, tell you where her place of abode was? Or rather, did

she not promise to see you, and restore those bitches to their

natural shape?"

"Commander of the faithful," answered Zobeide, "I forgot to tell

your majesty that the fairy left with me a bundle of hair,

saying, that her presence would one day be of use to me; and

then, if I only burnt two tufts of this hair, she would be with

me in a moment, though she were beyond mount Caucasus." "Madam,"

demanded the caliph, "where is the bundle of hair?" She answered,

"Ever since that time I have been so careful of it, that I always

carry it about me." Upon which she pulled it out, opened the case

which contained it, and shewed it to him. "Well then," said the

caliph, "let us bring the fairy hither; you could not call her in

a better time, for I long to see her."

Zobeide having consented, fire was brought in, and she threw the

whole bundle of hair into it. The palace at that instant began to

shake, and the fairy appeared before the caliph in the form of a

lady very richly dressed.

"Commander of the faithful," said she to the prince, "you see I

am ready to receive your commands. The lady who gave me this call

by your order did me essential service. To evince my gratitude, I

revenged her of her sisters' inhumanity, by changing them to

bitches; but if your majesty commands me, I will restore them to

their former shape."

"Generous fairy," replied the caliph, "you cannot do me a greater

pleasure; vouchsafe them that favour, and I will find some means

to comfort them for their hard penance. But besides, I have

another boon to ask in favour of that lady, who has had such

cruel usage from an unknown husband. As you undoubtedly know all

things, oblige me with the name of this barbarous wretch, who

could not be contented to exercise his outrageous and unmanly

cruelty upon her person, but has also most unjustly taken from

her all her substance. I only wonder how such an unjust and

inhuman action could be performed under my authority, and even in

my residence, without having come to my knowledge."

"To oblige your majesty," answered the fairy, "I will restore the

two bitches to their former state, and I will so cure the lady of

her scars, that it shall never appear she was so beaten; and I

will also tell you who it was that abused her."

The caliph sent for the two bitches from Zobeide's house, and

when they came, a glass of water was brought to the fairy by her

desire. She pronounced over it some words which nobody

understood; then throwing some part of it upon Amene, and the

rest upon the bitches, the latter became two ladies of surprising

beauty, and the scars that were upon Amene disappeared. After

which the fairy said to the caliph, "Commander of the faithful, I

must now discover to you the unknown husband you enquire after.

He is very nearly related to yourself, for it is prince Amin,

your eldest son, who falling passionately in love with this lady

from the fame of her beauty, by stratagem had her brought to his

house, where he married her. As to the blows he caused to be

given her, he is in some measure excusable; for the lady his

spouse had been a little too easy, and the excuses she had made

were calculated to lead him to believe she was more faulty than

she really was. This is all I can say to satisfy your curiosity."

At these words she saluted the caliph, and vanished.

The prince being filled with admiration, and having much

satisfaction in the changes that had happened through his means,

acted in such a manner as will perpetuate his memory to all ages.

First, he sent for his son Amin, told him that he was informed of

his secret marriage, and how he had ill-treated Amene upon a very

slight cause. Upon this the prince did not wait for his father's

commands, but received her again immediately.

After which the caliph declared that he would give his own heart

and hand to Zobeide, and offered the other three sisters to the

calenders, sons of sultans, who accepted them for their brides

with much joy. The caliph assigned each of them a magnificent

palace in the city of Bagdad, promoted them to the highest

dignities of his empire, and admitted them to his councils.

The chief Cauzee of Bagdad being called, with witnesses, wrote

the contracts of marriage; and the caliph in promoting by his

patronage the happiness of many persons who had suffered such

incredible calamities, drew a thousand blessings upon himself.