Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 11) Arabian Nights - The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night by Anonymous ~ Full Audiobook [folklore]

Starting point is 00:00:00 The Book of the Thousand Nights and the Night, Volume 11. The Sleeper and the Waker. It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that there was once at Baghdad, in the Caliphate of Harun al-Rashid, a man and a merchant, who had a son, Abu al-Hassan al-Kaliyah by name. The merchant died, leaving great store of wealth to his heir, who divided it into two equal parts, whereof he laid up one and spent of the other half, and he felt to companying with Persians and with the sons of the merchants, and he gave himself up to good drinking and good eating, till all the wealth he had with him was wasted and wanted, whereupon he betook himself to his friends and comrades and cup companions, and expounded to them his case,

Starting point is 00:00:52 discovering to them the failure of that which was in his hand of wealth, but not one of them took heed of him, or even deigned answer him. So he returned to his mother, and indeed his spirit was broken, and related to her that which had happened to him and what had befallen him from his friends, how they had neither shared with him nor requited him with speech. Quote she, O Abu al-Hassan, on this wise are the sons of this time, and thou have aught, they draw thee near to them, and if thou have not, they put thee away from them. And she went on to condole with them, what while he bewailed himself, and his tears flowed,

Starting point is 00:01:37 and he repeated these lines, and wane my wealth, no mane will succour me, when my wealth waxed, all men friendly show. How many a friend for wealth showed friendliness, who, when my My wealth departed, turned to foe. Then he sprang up, and going to the place wherein was the other half of his good, took it and lived with it well, and he swear that he would never again consort with a single one of those he had known, but would company only with the stranger, nor entertain even him but one night, and that, when immoroughed, he would never know him more. Accordingly, he fell to sitting every even-tide on the bridge over Tigris, and looking at each one

Starting point is 00:02:27 who passed by him. And if he saw him to be a stranger, he made friends with him, and carried him to his house, where he conversed and caroused with him all night till morning. Then he dismissed him, and would never more salute him but the salaam, nor evermore drew near unto him, neither invited him again. Thus he continued to do for the space of a full year, till one day, while he sat on the bridge, as was his wont, expecting who should come to him so he might take him and pass the night with him. Behold, up came the Caliph and Masrur, the sorter of his vengeance disguised in merchant's dress, according to their custom. So Abu al-Hsan looked at them and rising, because he knew them not, asked them,

Starting point is 00:03:21 What say ye, will ye go with me to my dwelling place, so ye may eat what is ready and drink what is at hand, to which platter bread and meat cooked and wine strained? The caliph refused this, but he conjured him and said to him, Allah upon thee, O my lord, go with me, for thou art my guest this night, and balk not my hopes of thee. and he ceased not to press him till he consented, whereat Abu al-Hasan rejoiced and walking on before him,

Starting point is 00:03:57 gave not over talking with him, till they came to his house, and he carried the caliph into the saloon. Al-Rashid entered a hall, such as, and thou sawest it, and gazed upon its walls, thou hadst beheld marvels, and hadst thou looked narrowly at its water conduits, that would have seen a fountain cased with gold. The Caliph made his man abide at the door, and as soon as he was seated,

Starting point is 00:04:24 the host brought him somewhat to eat. So he ate, and Abu al-Hsan ate with him that eating might be grateful to him. Then he removed the tray, and they washed their hands, and the commander of the faithful sat down again, whereupon Abu al-Hsan set on the drinking vessels, and seating himself by his side, fell to filling and giving him to drink,

Starting point is 00:04:49 and entertaining him with discourse. And when they had drunk their sufficiency, the host called for a slave-girl, like a branch of ban, who took a lute and sang to it these two couplets. O thou I dwelling in my heart, while last thy form is far from sight, thou art my sprite by knee unseen,

Starting point is 00:05:12 yet nearest near art thou, my sprite. His hospitality pleased the Caliph and the goodliness of his manners, and he said to him, O youth, who art thou, make me acquainted with thyself, so I may requite thee by kindness. But Abu al-Hsan smiled and said, O my lord, far be it alas, that what is past should again come to pass, and that I company with thee at other time than this time. The Prince of true believers asked,

Starting point is 00:05:48 Why so? And wilt thou not acquaint me with thy case? And Abu al-Hsan answered, No, O my lord, that my story is strange, and that there is a cause for this affair. Quoth Arashid, And what is the cause? And quoth he,

Starting point is 00:06:07 The cause hath a tale. The caliph laughed at his tale. words and Abu al-Hsan said, I will explain to thee this saying by the tale of the lyrican and the cook. So hear thou, O my lord, the story of the lyrican and the cook. End of section one, recording by phone. Section 2 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and the Night, Volume 11. This is a Libervox recording.

Starting point is 00:06:39 All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Story of the Lariken and the Cook, Part 1 One of the ne'er-do-wells found himself one fine morning without aught, and the world was straightened upon him, and patience failed him, so he lay down to sleep and ceased not slumbering till the sun stang him and the foam came out upon his mouth, whereupon he arose, and he was penniless, and had not even so much as a single durham.

Starting point is 00:07:27 Presently he arrived at the shop of a cook, who had set his pots and pans over the fire, and washed his saucers and wiped his scales, and swept his shop and sprinkled it, And indeed, his fats and oils were clear and clarified, and his spices fragrant, and he himself stood behind his cooking pots, ready to serve customers. So the lariken, whose wits had been sharpened by hunger, went into him, and, saluting him, said to him, "'Way me half a durham's worth of meat and a quarter of a durham's worth of boiled grain, and the like of bread.' so the kitchener waited out to him and the good-for-not entered the shop whereupon the man set the food before him and he ate till he had gobbled up the hole and licked the saucers and sat perplexed

Starting point is 00:08:19 knowing not how he should do with the cook concerning the price of that he had eaten and turning his eyes about upon everything in the shop and as he looked behold he caught sight of an earthen pan lying arseversy upon its mouth So he raised it from the ground and found under it a horse's tail, freshly cut off and the blood oozing from it, whereby he knew that the cook adulterated his meat with horse flesh. When he discovered this default, he rejoiced therein, and washing his hands, bowed his head and went out. And when the kitchener saw that he went and gave him not, he cried out, saying, stay, oh pest, oh burglar! So the larkin stopped and said to him, Dost thou cry out upon me and call to me with these words, O cornute? Whereat the cook was angry, and coming down from the shop, cried,

Starting point is 00:09:19 What meanest thou by that speech, O lo, fellow, thou that devourth meat and millet and bread and kitchen, and goest forth with the peace be on thee, as it were the thing had not been, and payest thou not for it? quoth the lack penny thou liest o a cursed son of a cuckold whereupon the cook cried out and laying hold of his debtor's collar said o moslems this fellow is my first customer this day and he hath eaten my food and given me not So the folk gathered about them, and blamed the ne'er do well, and said to him, Give him the price of that which thou hast eaten.

Starting point is 00:10:03 Quoth he, I gave him a durham before I entered the shop. And quoth the cook, Be everything I sell this day forbidden to me if he gave me so much as the name of a coin. By Allah, he gave me not but ate my food, and went out, and would have made off without aught said. answered the lariken, I gave thee a durham, and he reviled the Kitchener, who returned his abuse,

Starting point is 00:10:30 whereupon he dealt him above it, and they gripped and grappled and frottled each other. When the folk saw them fighting, they came up to them and asked them, what is this strife between you, and no cause for it? And the lackpenny answered, Ay, by Allah,

Starting point is 00:10:48 but there is a cause for it, and the cause hath. a tale. Whereupon, cried the cook, Yea, by Allah, now thou mindest me of thyself and thy dirham. Yes, he gave me a dear ham, and but a quarter of the coin is spent. Come back and take the rest of the price of thy dear ham, for he understood what was to do at the mention of the tale. And I, oh my brother, added Abu al-Hassan, my story hath a cause, which I will tell thee. the caliph laughed at his speech and said by allah this is none other than a pleasant tale tell me thy story and the cause replied the host with love and godly gree

Starting point is 00:11:35 no o my lord that my name is abu al hasan al calia and that my father died and left me abundant wealth of which i made two parts one i laid up and with the other i betook myself to enjoying the place of friendship and conviviality, and consorting with intimates and boon companions, and with the sons of the merchants, nor did I leave one, but I caroused with him and he with me, and I lavished all my money on comrades and good cheer, till there remained with me not. Whereupon I betook myself to the friends and fellow topers upon whom I had wasted my wealth, so perhaps they might provide for my case, but when I visited them, and went round about to them all, I found no vantage in one of them,

Starting point is 00:12:26 nor would any so much as break a bituck of bread in my face. So I wept for myself, and repairing to my mother, complained to her of my case. Quoth she, Such are friends, and thou have ought, they frequent thee and devour thee,

Starting point is 00:12:43 but, and thou have not, they cast thee off and chase thee away. Then I brought out the other half of my, my money, and bound myself to an oath, that I would never entertain any, save one single night, after which I would never again salute him or notice him, hence my saying to thee, far be it, alas, that what is past should again come to pass, for I will never again company with thee after this night. When the commander of the faithful heard this, he laughed a loud laugh and said,

Starting point is 00:13:18 Ha, ha, ha, by Allah, oh, my brother, thou art indeed excused in this matter. Now that I know the cause, and that the cause hath a tale. Nevertheless, inshallah, I will not sever myself from thee. Replied Abu al-Hassan, Oh, my guess, did I not say to thee,

Starting point is 00:13:37 far be it, alas, that what is past should again come to pass? For indeed, I will never again for gather with any. Then the caliph rose, and the host set before him a dish of roast goose and a banach of first bread, and sitting down, fell to cutting off morsels and morseling the caliph therewith. They gave not overeating till they were filled, when Abu al-Hassan brought basin and dewer and potash,

Starting point is 00:14:06 and they washed their hands. Then he lighted three wax candles and three lamps, and spreading the drinking cloth, brought strained wine, clear, old and fragrant, whose scent was as that of virgin musk. He filled the first cup, saying, O my boon companion, be ceremony laid aside between us by thy leave. Thy slave is by thee.

Starting point is 00:14:30 May I not be afflicted with thy loss. D drank it off and filled a second cup, which he handed to the caliph with Jew reverence. His fashion pleased the commander of the faithful and the goodliness of his speech, and he said to himself, By Allah, I will assuredly requite him for this. Then Abu al-Hasan filled the cup again,

Starting point is 00:14:53 and handed it to the Caliph, reciting these two couplets. Had we thy coming known, we would, for sacrifice, have poured thee out heart's blood, or blackness of the eyes, I, and we would have spread our bosoms in thy way, that so thy feet might fare on eyelids, carpet-wise.

Starting point is 00:15:16 When the Caliph, heard his verses, he took the cup from his hand and kissed it and drank it off and returned it to Abu al-Hassan, who made him an obeisance and filled it and drank. Then he filled again, and kissing the cup thrice, recited these lines, Your presence on earth the base, and we confess the deed of grace, and you absent yourself from us, no freak we find to fill your place. Then he gave the cup to the Caliph, saying, Drink it in health and soundness, It doeth away malady,

Starting point is 00:15:52 And bringeth remedy, And setheth the runnels of health to flow free. So they ceased not carousing and conversing till middle night, When the Caliph said to his host, O my brother, Has thou in thy heart, A concubisance thou wouldest have accomplished, Or a contingency thou wouldest avert?

Starting point is 00:16:12 Said he, By Allah, there is no regret in my heart, save that I am not empowered with bidding and forbidding, so I might manage what is in my mind. Quoth, the commander of the faithful, Bay Allah, and again by Allah, oh, my brother, tell me what is in thy mind. And quoth Abu al-Hassan, Would heaven I might be caliph for one day, and avenge myself on my neighbors, for that in my vicinity is a mosque, and therein, four Shaikhs,

Starting point is 00:16:43 who hold it a grievance when there cometh a guest to me, and they trouble me with talk, and worry me in words and menace me, that they will complain of me to the prince of true believers, and indeed they oppress me exceedingly, and I crave of Allah the most high, power for one day, that I may beat each and every of them,

Starting point is 00:17:05 with four hundred lashes, as well as the imam of the mosque, and parade them round about the city of Baghdad, and bid cry, before them. This is the reward, and the least of the reward, of whoso exceedeth in talk, and vexeth the folk, and turneth their joy to annoy. This is what I wish, and no more. Said the caliph, Allah grant thee that thou seekest, let us crack one last cup, and rise, ere the dawn draw near, and to-morrow night I will be with thee again.

Starting point is 00:17:39 said Abu al-Hassan, Far be it. Then the Caliph crowned a cup, and putting therein, a piece of Cretan bang, gave it to his host and said to him, My life on thee, O my brother, drink this cup from my hand. And Abu al-Hassan answered, I, by thy life, I will drink it from thy hand.

Starting point is 00:18:03 So he took it and drank it off, but hardly had it settled in his stomach, when his head forewent his heels, and he fell to the ground like one slain. Whereupon the caliph went out and said to his slave, Masrur, go in to yonder young man, the housemaster, and take him up, and bring him to me at the palace, and when thou goest, shut the door. So saying he went away, whilst Masr entered, and taking up Abu al-Hassan, shut the door behind him, and made after him.

Starting point is 00:18:37 his master, till he reached with him the palace, what while the night drew to an end, and the cocks began crowing, and set him down before the commander of the faithful, who laughed at him. Then he sent for Jafar the barmecide, and when he came before him, said to him, knoweth thou yonder young man, pointing to Abu al-Hasan, and when thou shalt see him to-morrow seated in my place of estate and on the throne of my caliphate, and clad in my royal clothing, stand thou in attendance upon him, and enjoin the emirs and grantees, and the folk of my household, and the officers of my realm, to be upon their feet, as in his service, and obey him in what so he shall bid them do, and thou, if he speak to thee of aught, do it, and hearken unto his say, and gain say him not in

Starting point is 00:19:30 anything during this coming day. Jafar acknowledged the order with hearkening and obedience, and withdrew, whilst the prince of true believers went in to the palace women who came up to him, and he said to them, When this sleeper shall awake tomorrow, kiss ye the ground between his hands, and do ye wait upon him, and gather round about him, and clothe him in the royal clothing, and serve him with the service of the caliphate, and deny not aught of fath. his estate, but say to him, Thou art the caliph. Then he taught them what they should say to him, and how they should do with him, and withdrawing to a retired room, let down a curtain before himself, and slept. Thus fared it with the caliph. But as regards Abu al-Hassan, he gave not over-snoring in his

Starting point is 00:20:22 sleep till the day break clear, and the rising of the sun drew near, when a woman in waiting came up to him and said to him, O our Lord, the morning prayer. Hearing these words, he laughed, and opening his eyes, turned them about the palace, and found himself in an apartment whose walls were painted with gold

Starting point is 00:20:42 and lapis lazuli, and its ceiling dotted and starred with red gold. Around it were sleeping chambers, with curtains of gold-embroidered silk, let down over their doors, and all about vessels of gold and porcelain, and crystal,

Starting point is 00:20:59 and furniture and carpets to spread, and lamps burning before the niche wherein men prayed, enslave girls and eunuchs and mamelux, and black slaves and boys and pages and attendants. When he saw this, he was bewildered in his wit, and said, By Allah, either I am dreaming a dream, or this is paradise and the abode of peace, and he shut his eyes and would have slept again. Quoth one of the eunuchs, O my lord, this is a man. is not of thy want, O commander of the faithful. Then the rest of the handmaids of the palace came up to him and lifted him into a sitting posture,

Starting point is 00:21:39 when he found himself upon a mattress raised a cubit's height from the ground, and all stuffed with floss silk. So they seated him upon it, and propped his elbow with a pillow, and he looked at the apartment and its vastness, and saw those eunuchs and slave girls in attendance upon him, and standing about his head, whereupon he laughed at himself, and said, By Allah, tis not as I were on wake, yet I am not asleep. And in his perplexity he bowed his chin upon his bosom,

Starting point is 00:22:12 and then opened his eyes little by little, smiling and saying, What is this state wherein I find myself? Then he arose and sat up, whilst the damsels laughed at him privily, and he was bewildered in his wit and bit his finger. And as the bite pained him, he cried, Oh, and was vexed. And the caliph watched him, whence he saw him not, and laughed.

Starting point is 00:22:39 Presently, Abu al-Hasan turned to a damsel and called to her. Whereupon she answered, At thy service, O Prince of true believers, Quoth he, what is thy name? And quoth she, Shaharat al-Dur Then he said to her By the protection of Allah

Starting point is 00:22:59 O Damsel, am I commander of the faithful? She replied Yes, indeed, by the protection of Allah thou in this time art commander of the faithful. Quoth he, By Allah, thou liest! O thousand-fold whore!

Starting point is 00:23:16 Then he glanced at the chief eunuch and called to him, whereupon he came to him, and kissing the ground before him, said, yes, O commander of the faithful. Asked Abu al-Hassan, who is the commander of the faithful? And the eunuch answered, thou. And Abu al-Hasan said,

Starting point is 00:23:37 Thou liest, thousandfold, he whore that thou art. Then he turned to another eunuch and said to him, O my chief, by the perception of Allah, am I prince of the true believers? Said he, I, by Allah, oh my lord, thou art in this time, commander of the faithful and vice-regent of the Lord of the Three Worlds. Abu al-Hassan laughed at himself and doubted of his reason and was bewildered at what he beheld, and said,

Starting point is 00:24:07 In one night do I become caliph? Yesterday I was Abu al-Hassan the wag, and today I am commander of the faithful. Then the chief eunuch came up to him and said, O Prince of true believers, The name of Allah encompass thee, Thou art indeed commander of the faithful And vice-regent of the Lord of the Three Worlds And the slave-girls and eunuchs flocked round about him

Starting point is 00:24:33 Till he arose and abode Wondering at his case. Hereupon the eunuch brought him a pair of sandals Wrought with raw silk and green silk And purfled with red gold And he took them and after examining them set them in his sleeve, whereat the castrato cried out and said, Allah, Allah, O my lord, these are sandals for the treading of thy feet, so thou mayest went to the wardrobe. Abou al-Hassan was confounded, and shaking the sandals from his sleeve, put them on his

Starting point is 00:25:06 feet, whilst the caliph died of laughter at him. The slave forewent him to the chapel of ease, where he entered, and doing his job, came out into the chamber. whereupon the slave-girls brought him a basin of gold and a ewer of silver and poured water on his hands and he made the wuzoo ablution then they spread him a prayer carpet and he prayed now he knew not how to pray and gave not over bowing and prostrating for twenty inclinations pondering in himself the while and saying by allah i am none other than the commander of the faithful in very truth this is assuredly no dream, for all these things happened not in a dream. And he was convinced and determined in himself that he was Prince of True Believers. So he pronounced the Salam and finished his prayers, whereupon the Mamalukes and slave girls came round about him with bundled suits of silken and linen stuffs, and clad him in the costume of the Caliphate, and gave the royal dagger in his hand. Then the chief eunuch came in and said, O Prince of true believers,

Starting point is 00:26:17 the chamberlain is at the door craving permission to enter said he let him enter whereupon he came in and after kissing ground offered the salutation peace be upon thee o commander of the faithful at this abu al hasan rose and descended from the couch to the floor whereupon the official exclaimed allah allah o prince of true believers whatest thou not that all men are thy liegees and under thy rule, and that it is not meet for the caliph to rise to any man. Presently the eunuch went out before him, and the little white slaves behind him, and they ceased not going till they raised the curtain, and brought him into the hall of judgment and the throne room of the caliphate. There he saw the curtains and forty doors, and Al-Ijali, and Al-Rakashi the poet, and Ibn, and Jadim, and Abu-Ishak, the cup companion,

Starting point is 00:27:17 and beheld swords drawn, and the lions compassing the throne, as the white of the eye encircleth the black, and gilded glaves, and death-dealing bows, and azams and Arabs and Turks and Dalamites, and folk and peoples, and emirs and vazirs, and captains and grantees, and lords of the land, and men of war in band, and in very sooth there appeared the might of the house of Abbas, and the majesty of the Prophet's family.

Starting point is 00:27:46 So he sat down upon the throne of the caliphate and set the dagger on his lap, whereupon all present came up to kiss ground between his hands, and called down on him length of life and continuance of wail. Then came forward Jafar the barmecide, and kissing the ground said, Be the wide world of Allah, the treading of thy feet, and may paradise be thy dwelling place, and the fire the home of thy foes, never may neighbor defy thee, nor the lights of fire die out for thee, O caliph of all cities and ruler of all countries.

Starting point is 00:28:24 Therewithal, Abu al-Hassan cried out at him and said, O dog of the sons of Parmak, go down forthright, thou and the chief of the city police, to such a place, in such a street, and deliver a hundred dinners of gold to the mother of Abu al-Hasan the wag, and bear her myself. Then go to such a mosque and take the four shikes and the imam and scourge each of them with a thousand lashes and mouth them on beasts face to tail and parade them round about all the city and banish them to a place other than this city and bid the crier make cry before them saying this is the reward and the least of the reward of whoso multiplieth words and molesteth his neighbors and damages their delights and stinteth their eating and drinking ja'far received the command and answered with obedience after which he went down from before abu al hasan to the city and did all he had ordered him to do meanwhile abu al hasan abode in the caliphate taking and giving, bidding and forbidding, and carrying out his command till the end of the day,

Starting point is 00:29:44 when he gave leave and permission to withdraw, and the emirs and officers of state departed to their several occupations, and he looked towards the chamberlain and the rest of the attendants and said, Be gone. Then the eunuchs came to him, and calling down on him length of life and continuance of wail, walked in attendance upon him, and raised the curtain, and he entered the pavilion of the harem, where he found candles lighted and lamps burning, and singing women smiting on instruments, and ten slave girls, high-bosomed maids, when he saw this, he was confounded in his wit, and said to himself, By Allah, I am in truth, commander of the faithful, presently adding, or happily these are of the Jan, and he who was my guest yestern,

Starting point is 00:30:37 was one of their kings who saw no way to requite my favours save by commanding his ifrits to address me as prince of true believers but an these be of the jeanne may allah deliver me in safety from their mischief as soon as he appeared the slave-girls rose to him and carrying him up on to the dais brought him a great tray be spread with the richest viands so he ate thereof with all his might and main and main and, till he had gotten his fill, when he called one of the handmaids and said to her, What is thy name? replied she, my name is Miska, and he said to another, what is thy name? Quoth she, my name is Tarka. Then he asked a third, what is thy name? Who answered, My name is Tofa. And he went on to question the damsels of their names, one after another, till he had learned. the ten. When he rose from that place and removed to the wine chamber, he found it every way complete, and saw therein ten great trays, covered with all fruits and cakes, and every sort of sweetmeats.

Starting point is 00:31:52 So he sat down and ate thereof, after the measure of his competency, and finding there three troops of singing girls, was amazed and made the girls eat. Then he sat, and the singers also seated themselves, whilst the black slaves and the white slaves and the eunuchs and pages and boys stood, and of the slave-girls some sat and some stood. The damsels sang and warbled all varieties of melodies, and the place rang with the sweetness of the songs, whilst the pipes cried out, and the lutes with them wailed, till it seemed to Abu al-Hassan that he was in paradise, and his hearted and his breast-broadened. so he sported and joyance grew on him and he bestowed robes of honour on the damsels and gave and bestowed challenging this girl and kissing that and toying with a third plying one with wine and morseling another with meat till nightfall

Starting point is 00:32:52 All this, while the commander of the faithful was diverting himself with watching him and laughing, and when night fell, he bade, one of the slave girls, drop a piece of bang in the cup, and gave it to Abu al-Hasan to drink. So she did his bidding and gave him the cup, which no sooner had he drunk, than his head forewent his feet. Therewith, the caliph came forth from behind the curtain, laughing, and calling to the attendant who had brought Abu al-Hasan, to the palace, said to him, carry this man to his own place. So Masr took him up, and carrying him

Starting point is 00:33:30 to his own house, set him down in the saloon. Then he went forth from him, and shutting the saloon door upon him, returned to the caliph, who slept till the morrow. As for Abu al-Hassan, he gave not over slumbering till almighty

Starting point is 00:33:46 Allah brought on the morning, when he recovered from the drug and awoke, crying out and saying, Ho, to faha, ho, rahat al-culub, Ho, misca, oh, tofa. And he ceased not calling upon the palace handmaids, till his mother heard him summoning strange damsels, and rising, came to him and said,

Starting point is 00:34:08 Allah's name encompass thee. Up with thee, O my son, O, Abu al-Hasan, thou dreamst. So he opened his eyes, and finding an old woman at his head, raised his eyes and said to her, Who art thou? Quoth she, I am thy mother, and quoth he, Thou liest, I am the commander of the faithful, the vice-regent of Allah,

Starting point is 00:34:34 whereupon his mother shrieked aloud and said to him, Heaven preserve thy reason, be silent, O my son, and cause not the loss of our lives and the wasting of thy wealth, which will assuredly befall us if any hear this talk, and carry it to the caliph. So he rose from his sleep, and finding himself in his own saloon, and his mother by him, had doubts of his wit, and said to her, By Allah, oh, my mother, I saw myself in a dream in a palace,

Starting point is 00:35:05 with slave girls and mamelukes about me, and in attendance upon me, and I sat upon the throne of the caliphate and ruled. By Allah, oh my mother, this is what I saw, and in very sooth it was no dream. Then he bethought himself a while and said, Assuredly I am Abu al-Hasan al-Khalia, and this that I saw was only a dream when I was made caliph and bade and forbade. Then he bethoth himself again and said,

Starting point is 00:35:36 Nay, but twas not a dream, and I am none other than the caliph, and indeed I gave gifts and bestowed honour robes. Quoth his mother to him, O my son, thou sportest with thy reason, thou wilt go to the madhouse and become a gazing stock indeed that which thou hast seen is only from the foul fiend and it was an imbrogio of dreams for at times satan sporteth with men's wits in all manner of ways then she said to him o my son was there any one with thee yester night and he reflected and said yes one lay the night with me and i acquainted him with my case and told him my tale.

Starting point is 00:36:22 Doubtless, he was of the devils, and I, oh, my mother, even as thou sayest truly, I am Abu al-Hasan al-Khalia. She rejoined, O my son, rejoicing tidings of all good, for yesterday's record is that there came the wazir Jafar,

Starting point is 00:36:40 the barmecide, and his many, and beat the shayeks of the mosque and the imam, each a thousand lashes, after which they paraded them round, about the city making proclamation before them and saying this is the reward and the least of the reward for whoso faileth in good will to his neighbours and troubleth on them their lives and he banished them from baghdad moreover the caliph sent me a hundred dinars and sent to salute me whereupon abu al hasan cried out and said to her o ill omen crone wilt thou contradict me and tell me that i am not the prince of true believers. T'was I who commanded Jafar the Barmecide to beat the Shaikhs, and parade them about the city,

Starting point is 00:37:27 and make proclamations before them, and it was I, very I, who sent thee the hundred dinars, and sent to salute thee, and I, O bell damn of ill luck, am in very deed, the commander of the faithful, and thou art a liar who would make me out an idiot. So saying he rose up and fell upon her, and be, her with a staff of almond wood till she cried out, Help, oh, Muslims! And he increased the beating upon her till the folk heard her cries, and coming to her, found Abu al-Hasan, bashing his mother, and saying to her,

Starting point is 00:38:06 O, old woman of ill omen, am I not the commander of the faithful? Thou hast ensorseled me. When the folk heard his words, they said, This man raveth! and doubted not of his madness. So they came in upon him, and seizing him, pinioned his elbows, and bore him to the bedlam. Quoth the superintendent, What aileth this youth?

Starting point is 00:38:31 And quoth they, This is a mad man afflicted by the jin. By Allah! cried Abu al-Hassan. They lie against me. I am no madman, but the commander of the faithful. And the superintendent answered him, saying, none lieth but thou,

Starting point is 00:38:50 O foulest of the gin maddened. Then he stripped him of his clothes, and clapping on his neck a heavy chain, bound him to a high lattice, and fell to beating him two bouts a day and two a nights, and he ceased not abiding on this wise, the space of ten days. Then his mother came to him and said,

Starting point is 00:39:11 Oh, my son, O Abu al-Hassan, return to thy right reason, for this is the double. doing quoth he thou sayest sooth o my mother and bear thou witness of me that i repent me of that talk and turn me from my madness so do thou deliver me for i am nigh upon death accordingly his mother went out to the superintendent and procured his release and he returned to his own house now this was at the beginning of the month and when it ended abu al hasan longed to drink liquor, and, returning to his former habit, furnished his saloon, and made ready food, and bade bring wine. Then, going forth to the bridge, he sat there, expecting one whom he should converse and carouse with, according to his custom. As he sat thus, behold, up came the caliph

Starting point is 00:40:09 and must roar to him. But Abu al-Hassan saluted them not, and said to al-Rashid, no friendly welcome to thee, O king of the John! Quoth al-Rashid, What have I done to thee? And quoth Abu al-Hassan, What more couldst thou do Than what thou hast done to me,

Starting point is 00:40:28 O foulest of the Jan, I have been beaten and thrown into Bedlam, Where all said, I was gin-manned, And this was caused by none, save thyself, I brought thee to my house, And fed thee with my best, after which thou disempower thy satans and marids to disport themselves with my wits from morning to evening so avant and aroint thee and went thy ways the caliph smiled and said seating himself by his side said to him oh my brother did i not tell thee that i would return to thee quoth abu al hasan i have no need of thee and as the byword saith in verse from

Starting point is 00:41:13 my friend ter meter and wiser to part, for what I sees not born shall ne'er sorrow heart. And indeed, O my brother, the night thou camest to me, and we conversed and caroused together, I and thou, it was as if the devil came to me and troubled me that night. Asked the caliph, and who is he the devil? And answered Abu al-Hasan, he is none other than thou. whereat the caliph laughed and quaked him and spake him fair saying o my brother when i went out from thee i forgot the door and left it open and perhaps satan came in to thee quoth abu al hasan ask me not of that which hath betided me what possess thee to leave the door open so that the devil came into me and there befell me with him this and that and he related to him all that had betided him first and last and in repetition is no fruition what while the caliph laughed and hid his laughter

Starting point is 00:42:20 then said he to abu al hasan praise be to allah who hath done away from thee whatsoever irk thee and that i see thee once more in wheel and abu al hassan said never again will i take thee to cap companion or sitting comrade for the proverb saith whoso stumblet on a stone and thereto returneth upon him be blame and reproach and thou o my brother never more will i entertain thee nor company with thee for that I have not found thy heel propitious to me. But the caliph coaxed him and said, I have been the means of thy winning to thy wish anent the imam and the shikes. Abu al-Hasan replied, Thou hast, and Al-Rashid continued, and happily somewhat may betide thee,

Starting point is 00:43:11 which shall gladden thy heart yet more. Abu al-Hasan asked, What dost thou require of me? And the commander of the faithful answer, verily, I am thy guest, reject not the guest. Quoth Abu al-Hassan, on condition that thou swear to me by the caracts on the seal of Solomon David's son, on the twain be the peace, that thou wilt not suffer thine iffrit to make fun of me. He replied, To hear is to obey.

Starting point is 00:43:43 Whereupon the wag took him and brought him into the saloon, and set food before him, and entreated him with friendly speech. Then he told him all that had befallen him, whilst the Caliph was like to die of stifled laughter. After which, Abu al-Hassan removed the tray of food, and bringing the wine service, filled a cup, and cracked it three times, then gave it to the Caliph, saying, O boon companion of mine, I am thy slave,

Starting point is 00:44:13 and let not that which I am about to say offend thee, and be thou not vexed, Neither do thou vex me, and he recited these verses. Here one that wills thee well, lips none shall bless, save those who drink for drunk and all transgress. Neer will I cease to swill while night falls dark, till lout my forehead low upon my tassie. In wine like liquid sun is my delight,

Starting point is 00:44:42 which clears all care and gladdens aligresi. End of section two, recording by Mariselle Quix. Section 3 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and Tonight, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Story of the Lariken and the Cook Part 2

Starting point is 00:45:29 When the Caliph heard these his verses and saw how apt he was at couplets, he was delighted with exceeding delight and taking the cup, drank it off, and the twain ceased not to converse and carouse till the wine rose to their heads. Then quoth Abu al-Hasan to the Caliph, Oh, Boon companion of mine, of a truth I am perplexed, concerning my affair for me seemed I was commander of the faithful and ruled and gave gifts and largesse and in very deed oh my brother it was not a dream quoth the Caliph these were the imbrolios of sleep and crumbling a bit of bang into the cup said to him by my life do thou drink

Starting point is 00:46:18 this cup and said Abu al-Hassan surely I will drink it from thy hand Then he took the cup and drank it off, and no sooner had it settled in his stomach than his head fell to the ground before his feet. Now his manners and fashions pleased the Caliph, and the excellence of his composition and his frankness, and he said in himself, I will assuredly make him my cup companion and sitting comrade. So he rose fortright and saying to Masrur, take him up, return to the palace. Accordingly the eunuch took up Abu al-Hasan, and carrying him to the palace of the caliphate, set him down before Al-Rashid, who bade the slaves and slave-girls, compass him about, whilst he himself hid in a place where Abu al-Hasan could not see him.

Starting point is 00:47:12 Then he commanded one of the handmaidens to take the loot and strike it over the wag's head, whilst the rest smote upon their instruments. So they played and sang till Abu al-Hasana woke, at the last of the night, and heard the symphony of flutes and tambourines, and the sound of the flutes, and the singing of the slave-girls, whereupon he opened his eyes, and finding himself in the palace, with the handmaids and eunuchs about him, exclaimed, There is no majesty, and there is no might, save in Allah, the glorious, the great, come to my helpless night, which me seems more unlucky than the former.

Starting point is 00:47:51 Verily I am fearful of the madhouse, and of that which I suffered therein the first time, and I doubt not, but the devil has come to me again, as before, O Allah, my lord, put thou Satan to shame. Then he shut his eyes, and laid his head in his sleeve, and fell to laughing softly, and raising his head by times, but still found the apartment lighted, and the girls singing. Presently, one of the eunuchs sat down at his head and said to him,

Starting point is 00:48:24 Sit up, O Prince of true believers, and look on thy palace and thy slave-girls, said Abu al-Hsan, under the veil of Allah, am I in truth, commander of the faithful, and thus now not lie? Yesterday I rode not forth, neither ruled, but drank and slept, and this eunuch cometh to make me rise. Then he sat up and recalled to thought that which had betided him with his mother, and how he had beaten her, and he had beaten her, and he had. entered the bedlam, and he saw the marks of the beating, wherewith the superintendent had beaten him, and was perplexed concerning his affair and pondered in himself, saying, Bahá'i Allah, I know not how my case is, nor what is this that betiteth me?

Starting point is 00:49:12 Then, gazing at the scene around him, he said privily, All these are of the Jan in human shape, and I commit my case to Allah. presently he turned to one of the damsels and said to her, Who am I? Quoth she, Thou art the commander of the faithful, and quoth he, Thou liest, O calamity, if I be indeed the commander of the faithful, bite my finger. So she came to him and bid it with all her might, and he said to her, It doth suffice.

Starting point is 00:49:47 Then he asked the chief eunuch, Who am I? And he answered, Thou art the commander of the faithful. So he left him and returned to his wonderment. Then, turning to a little white slave, said to him, Bite my ear. And he bent his head low down to him and put his ear to his mouth. Now the Mameluk was young and lacked sense,

Starting point is 00:50:13 so he closed his teeth upon Abu al-Hassan's ear with all his might, till he came near to sever it. and he knew not arabic so as often as the wag said to him it does suffice he concluded that he said bite like a vice and redoubled his bite and made his teeth meet in the ear whilst the damsels were diverted from him with hearkening to the singing girls and abu al hasan cried out for succour from the boy and the caliph lost his sense for laughter then he dealt the boy a cuff and he let go his ear whereup upon all present fell down with laughter, and said to the little Mamiluk, Art mad that thou bitest the caliph's ear on this wise? And Abu al-Hasan cried to them, Sufficeth ye not, O ye wretched jinns, that which hath befallen me?

Starting point is 00:51:06 But the fault is not yours. The fault is of your chief who transmute you from jin-shape to mortal shape. I seek refuge against you this night by the throne verse, and the chapter of sincerity, and the two preventives. So saying, the wag put off his clothes till he was naked, with prickle and breach exposed, and danced among the slave girls. They bound his hands and he wantened among them, while they died of laughing at him,

Starting point is 00:51:37 and the caliph swooned away for excess of laughter. Then he came to himself, and going forth the curtain to Abu al-Hassan, said to him, out on thee, O Abu al-Hassan, thou slayest me with laughter. So he turned to him, and knowing him, said to him, by Allah, tis thou slayest me, and slayest my mother, and slewest the shahiks and the imam of the mosque.

Starting point is 00:52:03 After which he kissed ground before him, and prayed for the permanence of his prosperity and the endurance of his days. The caliph at once robed him in a rich robe and gave him a thousand dinars, and presently he took the wag into his special favour, and married him and bestowed largesse on him, and lodged him with himself in the palace,

Starting point is 00:52:24 and made him of the chief of his cup companions, and indeed he was preferred with him above them, and the Caliph advanced him over them all. Now they were ten in number, to wit, Al-Ijali and Al-Rakashi, and Ibn, and Hassan al-Farastak, and Al-Lawuz, and Al-Sakar, and Omar al-Tarthus, and Abu Ishak al-Nadim, and Abu al-Hasan al-Kaliyah, and by each of them hangeth a story which is told in other than this book.

Starting point is 00:52:59 And indeed, Abu al-Hasan became high in honour with the caliph and favoured above all, so that he sat with him, and the lady Subida Bint al-Kasim, whose treasurist Nuzat al-Faad Haid was given to him in marriage. After this, Abu al-Hasan the Wag abode with his wife in eating and drinking and all delight of life, till what so was with them, went the way of money. When he said to her, Harki, oh, Nuzat al-Fuad, said she, at thy service. And he continued, I have it in mind to play a trick on the caliph, and thou shalt do the same with the lady Subaida, and we will take of them at once, to begin with, two hundred dinars and two pieces of silk. She rejoined,

Starting point is 00:53:49 As thou willest, but what thinkest thou to do? And he said, We will feign ourselves dead, and this is the trick. I will die before thee, and lay myself out, and do thou spread over me a silken napkin, and loose my turban over me, and tie my toes, and lay on my stomach a knife and a little salt. Then let down thy hair and betake thyself to thy mrs. mistress Subaita, tearing thy dress and slapping thy face and crying out. She will ask thee, What aileth thee? And do thou answer her, May thy head outlive Abu al-Hasan the wag, for he is dead.

Starting point is 00:54:28 She will mourn for me and weep and bid her new treasurer give thee a hundred dinars and a piece of silk, and will say to thee, go, lay him out and carry him forth. So do thou take of her the hundred dinars. and the piece of silk, and come back, and when thou returnest to me, I will rise up and thou shalt lie down in my place, and I will go to the caliph and say to him, may thy head outlive Nuzhat al-Fuad, and rent my raiment and pluck out my beard. He will mourn for thee and say to his treasurer, give Abu al-Hassan a hundred dinars and a piece of silk. Then he will say to me, go, lay her out, and carry her forth, and I will come back.

Starting point is 00:55:13 back to thee. Therewith, Nuzat Al-Fuad rejoiced and said, Indeed, this is an excellent device. Then Abu al-Hassan stretched himself out forthright, and she shut his eyes and tied his feet and covered him with a napkin, and did what so her lord had bidden her, after which she tear her gear and bared her head, and letting down her hair, went in to the lady Subida, crying out and weeping. When the prince saw her in this state, she cried, What plight is this? What is thy story, and what maketh thee weep?

Starting point is 00:55:51 And Nuzhazal-Fuad answered, Weeping and loud wailing the while, O my lady, may thy head live, and mayest thou survive Abu al-Hasan al-Kaliyah, for he is dead. The lady Zubida mourned for him and said, Alas, poor Abu al-Hasan the wag, and she shed tears for him a while.

Starting point is 00:56:13 Then she bade her treasurer give Nuzat al-Fuad a hundred dinars and a piece of silk and said to her, O Nuzat al-Fuad, go, lay him out, and carry him forth. So she took the hundred dinars, and the piece of silk, and returned to her dwelling, rejoicing, and went in to her spouse, and acquainted him with what had befallen, whereupon he arose and rejoiced, and girdled his middle, and danced, and took the hundred dinars, and a piece of silk and laid them up. Then he laid out Nuzat al-Fuad

Starting point is 00:56:48 and did with her as she had done with him, after which he rent his raiment and plucked out his beard and disordered his turban, and ran out, nor ceased running, till he came into the Caliph, who was sitting in the judgment hall, and he in this plight beating his breast. The Caliph asked him,

Starting point is 00:57:08 What aileth thee, O Abu al-Hassan? And he wept and answered, Would heaven thy cup companion had never been, and would this hour had never come? Quoth the Caliph, tell me thy case, and quoth Abu al-Hassan, O my lord, may thy head outlive Nusat al-Fuad. The Caliph exclaimed, There is no God but God, and smote hand upon hand. Then he comforted Abu al-Hassan and said to him, Grieve not, for we will bestow upon thee a bedfellow other than,

Starting point is 00:57:43 than she, and he ordered the treasurer to give him a hundred dinners and a piece of silk. Accordingly, the treasurer did what the caliph bade him, and Al-Rashid said to him, Go, lay her out, and carry her forth, and make her a handsome funeral. So Abu al-Hasan took that which he had given him, and returning to his house rejoicing, went in to Nusat al-Fuat and said to her, Arise, for our wish is one. hereat she arose, and he laid before her the hundred ducats and the piece of silk, whereat she rejoiced, and they added the gold to the gold and the silk to the silk, and sat talking and laughing each to other.

Starting point is 00:58:27 Meanwhile, when Abu al-Hasan fared forth the presence of the caliph and went to lay out Nuzat al-Fuad, the commander of the faithful mourned for her and dismissing the divan, arose and betook himself, leaning upon Masrur the sordre of his vengeance, to the Lady Zubida, that he might condole with her for her handmaid. He found her sitting, weeping, and awaiting his coming, so she might condole with him for his boon companion, Abu al-Hasan the Wag. So he said to her, may thy head outlive thy slave-girl, Nuzat al-Fuad, and said she, O my lord, Allah preserve my slave-girl, mayest thou live and long survive thy boon companion,

Starting point is 00:59:13 Abu al-Hasan al-Kalia, for he is dead. The caliph smiled and said to his eunuch, O must rure, verily, women are little of wit. Allah upon thee, say, Was not Abu al-Hasan with me but now? Quoth the lady Subida, laughing from a heart full of wrath, wilt thou not leave thy jesting?

Starting point is 00:59:35 Suffiseth thee not that Abu al-Hasan is dead, but thou must put to death my slave-girl also, and bereave us of the twain, and stile me little of wit? The Caliph answered, Indeed, tis Nuzat al-Fuad who is dead. And the lady Zubayda said, Indeed he hath not been with thee, nor hast thou seen him, and none was with me but now save Nuzat al-Fuad,

Starting point is 01:00:03 and she sorrowful weeping with her clothes torn to tatters. I exhorted her to patience and gave her a hundred dinars and a piece of silk, and indeed I was awaiting thy coming, so I might console thee for thy cup companion Abu al-Hasad al-Khaliyah, and was about to send for thee. The Caliph laughed and said, None is dead save Nuzat al-Fuad. And she, no, no, good, my lord, none is dead but Abu al-Hasan the wag. With this, the caliph walt.

Starting point is 01:00:37 waxed wrath. The Hashimi vein started out from between his eyes and throbbed, and he cried out to Masrur and said to him, Fare thee forth to the house of Abu al-Hasan the wag, and see which of them is dead. So Masr went out, running, and the caliph said to the lady Zubida, will thou lay me a wager? And said she, Yes, I will wager, and I say that Abu al-Hasan is dead. Rejoined the caliph, and I wager and say that none is dead, save Nuzat al-Fuad, and the stake between me and thee shall be the garden of pleasance against thy palace and the pavilion of pictures. So they agreed upon this, and sat awaiting Masrur's return with the news. As for the eunuch, he ceased not running till he came to the by-street, wherein was the stead of Abu al-Hasan al-Kalia. Now the wag was comfortably seated, and leaning back

Starting point is 01:01:36 against the lattice, and chancing to look round, saw Masrur running along the street, and said to Nuzat al-Fuad, Mismith the caliph, when I went forth from him, dismissed the divan, and went in to the Lady Zubida to condole with her, whereupon she arose and condoled with him, saying, Allah increased thy recompense for the loss of Abu al-Hasana al-Kaliyah, and he said to her, None is dead, save Nusat al-Fuad, may thy head outlive her. Quoth she, tis not she who is dead, but Abu al-Hasan al-Kaliah, thy boon companion, and quoth he, none is dead save Nuzat al-Fuad.

Starting point is 01:02:16 And they waxed so obstinate that the caliph became wroth and they laid a wager, and he hath sent Masrude a sorder to see who is dead. Now therefore, to her best that thou lie down, so he may cite thee, and go and acquaint the caliph and confirm my saying. So Nuzat al-Fuad stretched herself out, and Abu al-Hasan covered her with her mantilla, and sat weeping at her head. Presently, Masrur the eunuch suddenly came into him and saluted him, and seeing Nuzat al-Fuad stretched out, uncovered her face and said,

Starting point is 01:02:52 There is no God but God, our sister Nuzat al-Fuad is dead indeed, how sudden was the stroke of destiny. Allah have ruth on thee and acquithee of all charge. Then he returned and belated what had passed before the Caliph and the Lady Zubaira, and he laughing as he spoke. Oh, what cursed one, cried the Caliph, this is no time for laughter. Tell us which is dead of them. Masrur replied,

Starting point is 01:03:22 By Allah, oh my lord, Abu al-Hassan is well, and none is dead but Nuzat al-Fuad. Quote the Caliph to Zubida, Thou hast lost thy pavilion in thy play. And he jeered at her and said, O Masr, tell her what thou sawest. Quoth the eunuch, verily, oh, my lady, I ran without ceasing till I came in to Abu al-Hasan in his house

Starting point is 01:03:47 and found Nuzat al-Fuad lying dead, and Abu al-Hasan sitting tearful at her head. I saluted him and condoled with him, and sat down by his side, and uncovered the face of Nuzat al-Fuad, and saw her dead, and her face swore. So I said to him, Carry her out forthwith, so we may pray over her. He replied, Tis well, and I left him to lay her out, and came hither that I might tell

Starting point is 01:04:16 you the news. The prince of true believers laughed and said, Tell it again and again to thy lady little wits. When the Lady Zubida heard Masrhus words, and those of the Caliph she was wroth and said, is little of wit save he who believeth a black slave and she abused masr whilst the commander of the faithful laughed and the eunuch vexed at this said to the caliph he spake sooth who said women are little of wits and lack religion then said the lady Zubida to the caliph oh commander of the faithful thou sportest and jestest with me

Starting point is 01:04:57 and this slave who winketh me the better to please please thee, but I will send and see which of them be dead. And he answered, saying, send one who shall see which of them is dead. So the lady Zubayda cried out to an old duena and said to her, Hi thee to the house of Nuzat al-Fuad in haste, and see who is dead and loiter not. And she used hard words to her. So the old woman went out running, whilst the prince of true believers and master, Rur laughed, and she ceased not running till she came into the street.

Starting point is 01:05:36 Abu al-Hasan saw her, and knowing her, said to his wife, Oh, Nuzat al-Fuad, Misimeth the lady Zubaira has sent to us to see who is dead, and hath not given credit to Masrr's report of thy death. Accordingly, she hath dispatched the old crone her duena to discover the truth, so it behooveth me to be dead in my turn for the sake of thy credit with the lady Zubida. Hereat he lay down and stretched himself out, and she covered him and bound his eyes and feet, and sat in tears at his head.

Starting point is 01:06:13 Presently the old woman came in to her, and saw her sitting at Abu al-Hassan's head, weeping and recounting his fine qualities, and when she saw the old trot, she cried out and said to her, see what hath befallen me indeed Abu al-Hasan is dead and he hath left me lone and lorn then she shrieked out and rent her raiment and said to the crown oh my mother how very good he was to me quoth the other indeed thou art excused for thou wast used to him and he to thee then she considered what Masr had reported to the caliph and the lady Zubida and said to her. Indeed, Masr goeth about to cast discord between the Caliph and the Lady Zubida.

Starting point is 01:07:01 Asked Nuzat al-Fuad, and what is the cause of discord, O my mother? And the other replied, O my daughter, Masr came to the Caliph and the Lady Zubida and gave them news of thee, that thou was dead, and that Abu al-Hasan was well. Nusat al-Fuad said to her, O nonti mine, I was with me. I was with me. my lady just now, and she gave me a hundred dinners and a piece of silk, and now see my case, and that which hath befallen me. Indeed, I am bewildered, and how shall I do? And I, lone and would heaven I had died and he had lived. Then she wept, and with her, wept the old woman, who, going up to Abu al-Hassan and uncovering his face, saw his eyes bound and swollen for the swathing.

Starting point is 01:07:53 so she covered him up again and said, Indeed, O Nuzat al-Fuad, thou art afflicted in Abu al-Hasan. Then she condoled with her, and going out from her, ran along the street until she came in to the Lady Zubaydah, and related to her the story, and the princess said to her laughing, Tell it over again to the Caliph, who maketh me out little of wit and lacking of religion, and who made this ill-omened liar of a slave,

Starting point is 01:08:23 if presumed to contradict me. Quoth Masrur, This old woman lieth, for I saw Abu al-Hasan well, and knew that al-Fuad it was who lay dead. Quoth the duen, "'Tis thou that liest, and was fain cast discord

Starting point is 01:08:41 between the Caliph and the Lady Zubayada.' And Masr cried, none lieth but thou, O old woman of ill omen, and thy lady believeth thee, and she must be in her daughter, Whopon Lady Zubayda cried out at him, and in very sooth she was enraged with him, and with his speech, and shed tears. Then said the Caliph to her, I lie, and my eunuch lieth, and thou liest, and thy waiting woman lieth.

Starting point is 01:09:12 So it is my reed we go, all four of us together, that we may see which of us tell us the truth. Masr said, Come, let us go, that I may do to this. this ill-omened old woman evil deeds, and deal her a sound-drobbing for her lying. And the duenna answered him, O dotard, is thy wit like unto my wit? Indeed, thy wit is as the hen's wit. Masr was incensed at her words, and would have laid violent hands on her. But the lady Zubayda pushed him away from her, and said to him,

Starting point is 01:09:48 her truth-speaking will presently be distinguished from thy truth-speaking, and her leasing from thy leasing. Then they all four arose, laying wagers with one another, and went forth a foot from the palace-gate, and hide on till they came in at the gate of the street, where Abu al-Hasan al-Kalia dwelt. He saw them and said to his wife, Nusat al-Fuad, Verily, all that is sticky is not a pancake they cook. nor every time shall the crock escape the shock. It seemeth the old woman hath gone and told her lady and acquainted her with our case, and she has disputed with Masr the eunuch,

Starting point is 01:10:30 and they have laid wagers each with other about our death, and are come to us, all four, the caliph and the eunuch and the lady Zubaydah and the old trot. When Nuzat al-Fuad heard this, she started up from her outstretched posture and asked, how shall we do? Where to he answered, we will both feign ourselves dead together,

Starting point is 01:10:53 and stretch ourselves out and hold our breath. So she hearkened unto him, and they both lay down on the place where they usually slept the siesta, and bound their feet, and shut their eyes, and covered themselves with a veil, and held their breath. Presently, up came the Caliph,

Starting point is 01:11:12 Subaida, Mazur, and the old woman, and entering, found Abu al-Hasan the wag and wife, both stretched out as dead, which when the lady saw, she wept and said, They ceased not to bring ill news of my slave-girl till she died. Methinketh Abu al-Hasan's death was grievous to her, and that she died after him. Quoth the caliph,

Starting point is 01:11:38 Thou shalt not prevent me with thy prattle and prate. She certainly died before Abu al-Hassan, for he came to me with his raiment rent, and his beard plucked out, beating his breasts with two bits of unbaked brick, and I gave him a hundred dinars in a piece of silk, and said to him, Go bear her forth, and I will give thee a bedfellow other than she and handsomer, and she shall be instead of her. But it would appear that her death was no light matter to him, and he died after her. So it is, who have beaten thee, and gotten thy stake. The Lady Zubida answered him in words galore, and the dispute between them waxed sore.

Starting point is 01:12:22 At last the Caliph sat down at the head of the pair and said, By the tomb of the apostle of Allah, whom may he save and assain, and the sepulchurs of my fathers and forefathers, whoso will tell me which of them died before the other, I will willingly give him a thousand dinars. When Abu al-Hasan heard the Caliph's words, He sprang up in haste and said, I died first, O commander of the faithful,

Starting point is 01:12:49 here with a thousand dinars, and acquit thee of thine oath, and thusware thou sworest. Nusat al-Fuad rose also, and stood up before the Caliph, and the Lady Zubida, who both rejoiced in this and in their safety, and the princess chid her slave-girl, then the Caliph and Zubida gave them joy of their well-being, and knew that this death was a trick to get the gold. and the lady said to Nuzat al-Fuad,

Starting point is 01:13:17 Thou shouldest have sought of me that which thou needest, without this fashion, and not have burned my heart for thee. And she, verily, I was ashamed, oh, my lady. As for the caliph, he swooned away for laughing and said,

Starting point is 01:13:34 O Abu al-Hasal, thou wilt never cease to be a wag and do peregrine things and prodigious. Quoth he, O commander of the faithful this trick I played off for that money, which thou gavest me was exhausted, and I was ashamed to ask of thee again. When I was single, I could never keep money in hand, but since thou merits me to this damsel, if I possessed even thy wealth, I should lay it waste. Wherefore, when all that was in my hand was

Starting point is 01:14:06 spent, I wrought this slight, so I might get of thee the hundred dinars and the piece of silk, and all this is an alms from our Lord. But now make haste to give me the thousand dinars and acquit thee of thine oath. The Caliph and the Lady Zubida laughed and returned to the palace, and he gave Abu al-Hasan the thousand dinars, saying, Take them as a douceur for thy preservation from death, whilst her mistress did the like with Nusat al-Fuad, honoring her with the same words.

Starting point is 01:14:40 Moreover, the Caliph increased the wag in his sold and supplies, and he and his wife ceased not to live in joy and contentment, till there came to them the destroyer of delights and severer of societies, the plunderer of palaces, and the gardener of graves. End of Section 3, recording by Mariselle Quay. Section 4 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Michael Moransky, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Starting point is 01:15:32 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, the Caliph Omar bin Abdelaziz and the poets. It is said that when the caliphate devolved on Omar bin Abd al-Aziziz, of whom Allah accept, the poets resorted to him as they had been used to resort to the caliphs before him, and abode at his door days and days, but he suffered them not to enter, till there came to him Adi bin Arta, who stood high in esteem with him. Jarrear accosted him and begged him to crave admission for them to the presence, so Adi answered, tis well, and going into Omar said to him,

Starting point is 01:16:13 him, the poets are at thy door and have been there days and days, yet hast thou not given them leave to enter, albeit their sayings abide, and their arrows from Mark never fly wide. Quoth Ommar, what have I to do with the poets? And quoth Adi, O commander of the faithful, the prophet, Abhak, was praised by a poet, and gave him largesse, and in him is an exemplar to every Muslim. Quoth Omar, and who praised him? And quoth Adi, Abbas bin Mirdas, praised him. he clad him with a suit, and said, O generosity, cut off from me his tongue.

Starting point is 01:16:48 Asked the Caliph, dost thou remember what he said? And Adi answered, yes, rejoined Omar, then repeat it. So Adi repeated, I saw thee, O thou best of human race, bring out a book which brought to graceless grace. Thou showedst righteous road to men astray, from right when darkest wrong had ta'en its place. Thou with Islam didst like the gloomiest way, quenching with proof live coals of I own for prophet mine Muhammad's self, and man's award upon his word we base. Thou madeest straight the path that crooked ran, wherein old days foul growth or grew its

Starting point is 01:17:24 face. Exalt be thou in joyous imperian, and Allah's glory ever grow apace. And indeed, continued Addi, this elegy on the prophet, Abhack, is well known, and to comment it would be tedious. Quoth Omar, who is at the door? And quoth Adi, among them is Omar Ibn Abiyrabya, the Karashi, whereupon the caliph cried, May Allah show him no favor, neither quicken him. Was it not he who said these verses?

Starting point is 01:17:51 Would heaven what day death shall visit me? I smell as thy droppings and dripping smell. Could I in my clay bed, on Salma lie, there to me were better than heaven or hell? Had he not been, continued the caliph, the enemy of Allah, he had wished for her in this world, so he might after repent and return to righteous deal. By Allah he shall not come in to me. Who is at the door other than he? Quoth Adi, Jamil bin Ma'amar al-Uzri is at the door, and quoth Oommar, tis he who saith in one of his elegyes, would heaven conjoint we lived, and if I die, death only grant me a grave within her grave,

Starting point is 01:18:28 for I no longer deign to live my life if told upon her head is laid the pave. Quoth Omer, away with him from me, who is at the door? And quoth Adi, Kutayr Azah, where Ommar cried, "'Tis he who saith in one of his odes. Some talk of faith and creed and nothing else, and wait for pains of hell in prayer-seat, but did they hear what I from Aza heard, they'd make prostration fearful at her feet. Leave the mention of him who is at the door.

Starting point is 01:18:57 Quoth Adi al-Ahuas al-Ansari,' cried Ommar, "'Alla Almighty, put him away, and estrange him from his mercy. Is it not he who said, "'Beriming on a Medinite's slave-girl, so she might outlive her lord. A lobby judge betwixt me, and her lord, whoever flies with her, and I pursue. He shall not come into me, who is at the door, other than he.

Starting point is 01:19:21 Adir replied, Hamam bin Ghalibe al-Faravdak, and Omar said, tis he who saith, glorying in hoaring. Two girls let me down eighty fathoms deep, as low sweeps a falcon with pinions spread, and cried as my toes touched the ground, Dost live, to return, or the fall hath in. it done thee dead? He shall not come in to me who is at the door other than he. Adi replied Al-Achtal al-Tarribe, and Al-Mar said he is the miscreant who saith in his singing,

Starting point is 01:19:52 Ramadan I ne'er fasted in lifetime, nay, I ate flesh in public at undurned day, nor tried I the fair save in way of love, nor seek Makas plain in salvation way, nor stand I praying like rest who cry, high salvation words at the dawn's first ray, but I drink her cooled by fresh northern breeze, And my head at dawn to her prone, I lay. By Allah he treadeth no carpet of mine, Who is at the door other than he? Said Addi Jarir Ibn Al-Katafa,

Starting point is 01:20:23 And Omar cried, Tis he who saith, But for ill-spying glances, Had our eyes espied, Ein of the antelope and ringlets of the reams, A huntress of the eyes, By night-tide came, And I cried, Turn in peace,

Starting point is 01:20:36 No time for visit this, me seems. And it must be, and no help, admit Jarrear. So Adi went forth and admitted Jarre, who entered, saying, Yeh he who sent Muhammad unto man, a just successor for Imam assigned, His ruth and justice all mankind embrace, to daunt the bad and establish well-designed. Verily now I look to present good, for man hath ever transient wheel in mind. Quoth O Jarre, O Jarre, keep the fear of Allah before thine eyes, and say not save the sooth, And Jarre recited these couplets,

Starting point is 01:21:10 How many widows loose the hair in fair Yamaland? How many an orphan there abides feeble of voice and eye, Since faredest thou who wast to them instead of father lost, When they like nested fledglings were sand's power to creep or fly. And now we hope, since break the clouds their word and troth with us, Hope from the Caliph's grace to gain a rain that ne'er shall dry. When the Caliph heard this, he said, by Allah, O Jarear, Omar possesseth but a hundred dirhams.

Starting point is 01:21:41 Ho boy, do thou give them to him. Moreover, he gifted him with the ornaments of his sword, and Jadir went forth to the other poets who asked him, What is behind thee? And he answered a man who giveth to the poor, and denieth the poets, and with him I am well pleased. End of Section 4. Reading by Michael Moransky, Fort Collins, Colorado.

Starting point is 01:22:04 Section 5 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 11. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Al-Hajah and the three young men. they tell that al-hijah once bade the chief of police go his rounds about bas-orach city by night and whomsoever he found abroad after supper-tide that he should smite his neck so he went round one night of the knights and came upon three youths swaying and staggering from side to side and on them signs of wine-bibbing so the watch laid hold of them and the captain said to them

Starting point is 01:23:08 Who be you that ye durst transgress the commandment of the commander of the faithful, and come abroad at this hour? Quoth one of the youths, I am the son of him to whom all necks abase themselves, alike the nose pierced of them and the breaker, they come to him in their own despite, object and submissive, and he take us of their wealth and of their blood. The master of police held his hand from him, saying,

Starting point is 01:23:36 belike he is of the kinsman of the prince of the true believers, and said to the second, Who art thou? Quoth he, I am the son of him whose rank, time abaseth not, and if it be lowered one day, it will be assuredly returned to its former height, though seized the full crowd in troops to the light of his fire, some standing around it and some sitting. So the chief of police refrained from slaying him and asked the third, who are thou, he answered, I am the son of him

Starting point is 01:24:10 who plung us through the ranks with his might, and leveleth them with the sword, so that they stand straight. His feet are not loose from the stirrup, whereas the horsemen on the day of the battle are weary. So the master of the police held his hand from him also saying, Be like he is the son of a brave of the Arabs. Then he kept them under guard,

Starting point is 01:24:34 and when the morning morrowed, He referred their case to Al-Hajah, who caused bring them before him an inquiring into their affair. When behold, the first was the son of a barber-surgeon, the second of a bean-seller, and the third of a weaver. So he marvelled at their eloquent readiness of speech, and said to the men of his assembly, Teach your sons the rhetorical use of Arabic, for by Allah, but for they ready wit I had smitten off their heads. End of Section 5 Section 6 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night

Starting point is 01:25:18 Volume 11 This is the Librivox recording All Librivox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer Please visit Librivox.org The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 11 by Anonymous Translated by Richard Francis Burton

Starting point is 01:25:37 Harun Al-Rashid and the Woman of the Bermicides They tell that Harun al-Rashid was sitting one day to abate grievances, when there came up to him a woman and said, O commander of the faithful, may Allah perfect their purpose, and gladden thee in whatso he has given thee, and increased thee in elevation, indeed thou hast done justice and wrought equitably.

Starting point is 01:26:06 Quoth the Caliph to those who were present with him, know you what this one means by her saying? and quoth they, Of a surety, she meanest not otherwise than well, O prince of true believers. Al Rashid rejoined, Nigh in this she purposes only to curse me, as for her saying,

Starting point is 01:26:25 Allah perfect their purpose, she has taken it from the saying of the poet. When their purpose is affected, begineth its decay, when they say, Their wish is won, feel though sure, It will pass away.

Starting point is 01:26:39 As for her saying Allah gladdened thee in whatso he has given thee, she took it from the saying of Almighty Allah, till when as they were gladdened in that they were given, we suddenly laid hold of them, and lo, they were in despair. As for her saying, Allah increased thee in elevation, she took it from the saying of the poet, No fleer fleas hoover tall, but as he fleas shall come to fall. and as for her saying indeed thou hast done justice and wrote equitably it is from the saying of the almighty if ye swerve or lag behind or turn aside verily allah of that which ye do is well aware

Starting point is 01:27:25 and as for the swervers they are fuel for hell. Then he turned to the woman and asked her, Is it not thus? Answered she, yes, O commander of the faithful. And quoth he, what prompted thee to this? Quoth she, Thou slewest my parents and my kinsfolk, and despoilets their good. Inquired the Caliph, whom menest, though.

Starting point is 01:27:50 And she replied, I am of the house of Barmak. Then said he to him. her. As for the dead, they are of those who are passed away, and it bootest not to speak of them. But as for that which I took of wealth, it shall forthright be restored to thee, yea, and more than it. And he was bountifuled her to the uttermost of his bounties. End of Section 6. Section 7 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a Libre Vox recording.

Starting point is 01:28:31 All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. A recording by Aparna Bhat, Scotland. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The ten waziers are the history of King Azad Bak and his son. Once, of all days, a king of the kings, whose name was Azadba. His capital was Haid Kunaim Madhul, and his kingdom extended to the confines of Sestan and from the confines of Hindustan to the Indian Ocean. He had

Starting point is 01:29:18 ten wazirs, who ordered his kingship and his dominion, and he was possessed of judgment and exceeding wisdom. One day he went forth with certain of his guards to the chaise and felon and within eunuch riding a mare, and handing in hand the halter of a she-mule which he led along. On the mule's back was a domed litter of brocade, purfled with gold and girded with an embroidered band set with pearls and gems, and about it was a company of knights. When King Azad Bhakt saw this, he separated himself from his suite, and making for the horsemen and that mule, questioned them, saying, Do home belong with this letter, and what is therein? The eunuch answered, for he knew not that the speaker was King Azad Bak, saying,

Starting point is 01:30:05 This letter belongedeth to Isfahand, wazir to King Azad Bak, and therein is his daughter, whom he is minded to marry to the king Haizad Shah. As the yunuch was speaking with the king, behold, the maiden raised a corner of the curtain that shut in the letter so she might look upon the speaker and saw the king. When Azad Bakht beheld her and noted her fashion and her loveliness, and indeed never did Sir his spirit. by her life. His soul inclined to her, and she took hold upon his heart, and he was ravished by

Starting point is 01:30:36 her sight. So he said to the eunuch, turn the mule's head and return, for I am King Azad Vakt, and in very suit I will marry her myself, and as much as this Fahand, her sire is my wazir, and he will accept of this affair, and it will not be hard to him, answered the eunuch. O king, Allah, prolong thy continuance. Have patience till I acquaint my lord her parent, and thou shalt wed her in the way of consent for it be seated thee not neither is it seemly for thee to seize her on this wise seeing that it will be an affront to her father and if thou take her without his knowledge i have not patience to wait till thou repair to her sire and return and no shame will betide him if i marry her and quoth eunuch o my lord not that in haste is done long endureth nor doth the heart rejoice therein and indeed it behoveth thee not to take her on this unseemily wise whatsoever bethye thee thee destroy not thyself with haste for i know that her sire's breast will be straightened by this affair and this that thou dost will not win thy wish for the king said verily his fa'hand is my maimlo and a slave of my slaves and i reck not of her father and he be feign or unfaen so saying he drew the reins of the mule and carrying the damsel whose name was barger

Starting point is 01:31:59 door, to his house, married her. Meanwhile, the eunuch betook himself, he and the knights, to her sire, and said to him, O my lord, thou hast served the king a many year's service, and thou hast not failed him a single day, and now he hath taken thy daughter without thy consent and permission, and he related to him what had passed, and how the king had seized her by force. When Eswahan heard the eunuch's words, he was wrothed with exceeding wrath, and assembling many troops, said to them, When as the king was occupied with his woman, we took no wreck of him, but now he puteth out his hand to our harim, wherefore this might read that we look us out, a place wherein we may have sanctuary. Then he wrote a letter to King Azad Bakht, saying to him,

Starting point is 01:32:43 I am a maim luke of thy maelukes, and a slave of thy slaves, and my daughter at thy service is a handmaid, and Almighty Allah prolong thy days, and appoint thy times to be in joy and gladness. Indeed, I went ever waste girded in thy service, and in caring to conserve thy dominion and warding off from thee all thy foes. But now I abound yet more than earlwhile in zeal and watchfulness, because I have taken this charge upon myself since my daughter has become my wife.

Starting point is 01:33:14 And he dispatched a courier to the king with the letter and a present. When the messenger came to King Azad Bakht and he read the letter, and the present was laid before him, he rejoiced with joy, exceeding, unoccupied himself with eating and drinking, hour after hour. But the chief wazir of his wazirs came to him and said, O king, know that Isfahan the wazir is thine enemy, for that his soul liketh not that which thou hast done with him and this message he hath sent thee is a trick so rejoice thou not therein neither be thou mistlet by the sweets of his say and the softness of his speech the king hearkened to his wazir's speech but presently made light of the matter and busied himself with that which he was about of eating and drinking pleasuring and merry-making

Starting point is 01:34:02 Meanwhile, Isfahan, the vizier, wrote a letter and sent it to all the emirs, acquainting them with that which had betide him from King Azadba, and how he had forced his daughter, adding, And indeed he will do with you more than he had done with me. When the letter reached the chiefs, they all assembled together to Isfahand and said to him, What was his affair? Accordingly, he discovered to them the matter of his daughter,

Starting point is 01:34:27 and they all agreed of one accord to strive for the slaughter of the king, and taking horse with their troops they set out to seek him. Azad Bakht knew not till the noise of the revolt beset his capital city, when he said to his wife bargeor, How shall we do? She answered, Thou knowest best in I am at Thy commandment. So he bade fetch two swift horses and bestrored one himself, whilst his wife mounted the other.

Starting point is 01:34:54 Then they took what they could off gold, and went forth flying through the night to the desert of karma. while his Fahun entered the city and made himself king. Now King Azad Bhakt's wife was big with child, and the labour pains took her in the mountain, so they alighted at the foot by a spring of water, and she bare a boy as he were the moon. Barsour, his mother, pulled off a coat of cold woven brocade,

Starting point is 01:35:17 and wrapped the child therein, and they passed the night in that place, she giving him the breast till morning. Then the king said to her, We are hampered by this child, and cannot abide here, nor can we carry him with us, so methinks we had better leave him in this stead and mend our ways for allah is able to send him one who shall take him and rear him so they wept over him with exceeding sore weeping and left him beside the fountain wrapped in that code of brocade then they laid at his head a thousand gold pieces in a bag and mounting their horses fared forth and fled now by the ordnance of the most high lord a company of highway robbers fell upon a caravan heart by that mountain and they spoiled them of what was with them

Starting point is 01:35:59 of merchandise. Then they betook themselves to the Highlands, so they might share their loot, and looking at the foot thereof, despite the coat of brocade. So they descended to see what it was. And behold, it was a boy wrapped therein, and the gold laid at his head. They marveled and said, praised be Allah, by what misdeed cometh this child here. Thereupon they divided the money between them and the captain of the highwayman, took the boy, and made him his son, and fed him with sweet milk and dates till he came to his house. when he appointed a nurse for raring him. Meanwhile, King Azad Bakh and his wife stayed not in their flight

Starting point is 01:36:35 till they came to the court of the King of Fars, whose name was Kisra. When they presented themselves to him, he honoured them with all honour and entertained them with handsomest entertainment, and Azad Bakh told him his tale from Incept to conclusion. So he gave him a mighty power and wealth galore, and he abodes with some days till he was rested. when he made ready with his host and setting out for his own dominions, waged war with his faun, and falling in upon the capital, defeated the Willam minister and slough him.

Starting point is 01:37:09 Then he entered the city and sat down on the throne of his kingship, and whenas he was rested and his kingdom waxed peaceful for him, he dispatched messengers to the mountain aforesaid in search of the child, but they returned and informed the king that they had not found him. As time ran on, the boy, the son of the king, grew up and fell to cutting the way with the highwaymen and they used to carry him with them wherever they went banditing they sailed forth one day upon a caravan in the land of sastan and there were in that caravan strong men and valiant and with them a mighty store of merchandise now they had heard that in that land bandity abounded so they gathered themselves together and got ready their weapons and sent out spies who returned and gave them news of the plunderers

Starting point is 01:37:54 accordingly they prepared for battle and when the robbers drew near the karama they fell upon them and the twain fought a sore fight at last the karama folk overmastered the highwaymen by dint of numbers and sliv some of them whilst the others fled they also took the boy the son of king azad buck and seeing him as he were the moon a model of beauty and loveliness bright of face and engraced with grace asked him who is thy father and how cameest thou with these banditti and he answered answered, saying, I am the son of the captain of the highwayman, so they seized him and carried him to the capital of his sire, King Azad Bak. When they reached the city, the king heard of their coming, and commanded that they should attend him with what they fitted of their goods. Accordingly, they presented themselves before him and the boy with them, whom when the king saw, he asked them, To whom belongeth this boy, and they answered, O king, we were going on such a road, when there came out of the king, we were going on such a road, when there came out of the king, upon us a sort of robbers, so we fought them and beat them off and took this boy prisoner. Then we questioned him saying, Who is Thais-Syre? And he replied, I am the son of the robber captain,

Starting point is 01:39:07 quote the king, I would fain have this boy, and quote the captain of the karma. Allah maketh the gift of him, O king of the age, and we are all thy slaves. Then the king, who was not aware that the boy was his son, dismissed the karma and bade carry the lad into his palace, and he became as one of the pages, while his sire the king still knew not that he was his child. As the days rolled on, the king observed in him good breeding and understanding and handiness galore, and he pleased him, so he committed his treasuries to his charge and shortened the wazir's hand therefrom, commanding that not should be taken forth save by leave of the youth. On this wise, he abode a number of years, and the king saw in him only good conduct and the habit

Starting point is 01:39:52 of righteousness. Now the treasuries had been aforetime in the hands of the viziers to do with them what so they would, and when they came under the youth's hand, that if the ministers was shortened from them, and he became dearer than a son to the king who could not support being separated from him. When the wazirs saw this, they were jealous of him and envied him, and sought a device against him whereby they might oust him from the king's eye, but found no means. At last, when fate descended, it chanced that the youth was. One day of the days drank wine and became drunken, and wandered from his right wits, so he

Starting point is 01:40:29 fell to going round about within the king's palace, and destiny led him to the lodging of the woman, in which there was a little sleeping chamber where the king lay with his wife. Tither came the youth, and entering the dormitory, found there a spread couch, to wit, a sleeping place. So he cast himself on the bed, marvelling at the paintings that were in the chamber, which was slighted by one waxen taper. Presently he fell asleep and slumbered heavily till even-tide, when there came a handmaid, bringing with her,

Starting point is 01:41:01 as of want all the dessert, eatables and drinkables, usually made ready for the king and his wife, and seeing the youth lying on his bath, and none knowing of his case and he, in his drunkenness, unknowing where he was, thought that he was the king asleep on his couch. So she set the sensing vessel and laid the perfumes by the bedding, then shut the door and went her ways. soon after this the king arose from the wine-chamber and taking his wife by the hand repaired with her to the chamber in which he slept he opened the door and entered when lo and behold he saw the youth lying on the bed whereupon he turned to his wife and said to her

Starting point is 01:41:38 what dot this youth here this fellow cometh not he thar save on thine account said she i have no knowledge of him hereupon the youth awoke and seeing the king sprang up and prostrated himself before him and azat bach said to him O while of birth, O traitor of unworth, what hath driven thee to my dwelling, and he bade imprison him in one place and the queen in another. End of Section 7. Recording by Aparna Bhatt. Section 8 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a LibraWox recording. All Libre Walks recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please. visit Libravox.org. Recording by Aparna Bhat, The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous,

Starting point is 01:42:41 translated by Richard Francis Burton. The First Day of the Uselessness of Endeavor against Persistent Ill Fortune. When the morning morrowed and the king sat on the throne of his kingship, He summoned his grand wazir, the premier of all his ministers, and said to him, How seest thou the deed this robber youth had done? He hath entered my harem, and lain down on my couch, and I fear lest there be an object between him and the woman. What deemest thou of the affair? Said the wazir.

Starting point is 01:43:19 Allah prolonged the king's continuance. What sawest thou in this youth? Is he not ignoble of birth? The son of thieves, needs must a thief revert to his vile origin, And whoso rareth the serpent's brood shall get of them not but biting. As for the woman, she is not at fault, since from time ago until now, nothing appeared from her except good breeding and modest bearing, and at this present, and the king give me leave,

Starting point is 01:43:51 I will go to her and question her, so I may discover to thee the affair. the king gave him leave for this and the vizier went to the queen and said to her i am come to thee on account of a grave shame and i would fain have thee soothfast with me in speech and tell me how came the youth into sleeping chamber Quoth she, I have no knowledge whatsoever of it, no, none at all, and swear to him a binding oath to that intent, whereby he knew that the woman had no inkling of the affair, nor was in fault, and said to her, I will show thee a sleigh, wherewith thou mayst acquit thyself, and thy face be whitened before the king. Asked she, What is it? And he answered, When the king calleth for thee and questioneth,

Starting point is 01:44:43 thee of this, say thou to him. Yonder youth saw me in the boudoir chamber and sent me a message, saying, I will give thee an hundred grains of gem for whose price money may not suffice, so thou wilt suffer me to enjoy thee. I laughed at him, who bespeaked me with such proposal, and rebuffed him. But he sent again to me, saying, and thou consent not thereto, I will come one of the knights. drunken, and enter and lie down in the sleeping chamber, and the king will see me, and slay me, so wilt thou be put to shame, and thy face shall be blackened with him, and thine honour dishonoured. Be this thy saying to the king, and I will fare to him forthright, and repeat this to him. Quote the queen, and I will also say thus. Accordingly the minister returned to the king and said to him,

Starting point is 01:45:39 Verily, this youth hath merited grievous pains and penalties after the abundance of thy bounty, and no colonel which is bitter can ever wax sweet. But as for the woman, I am certified that there is no default in her. Thereupon he repeated to the king the story which he had taught the queen, which when Azad Bakh heard, he rent his raiment and bade the youth be brought. So he fetched him and set him before the king who bade summon this order. and the folk all fixed their eyes upon the youth to the end that they might see what the Suran should do with him then said Azad Bhakt to him and his words were words of anger and the speech of the youth was irreverent and well-bred i bought thee with my money and looked for fidelity from thee wherefore i chose thee over all my grandees and pages and made thee keeper of my treasuries why then hast thou outraged my

Starting point is 01:46:37 honour, and entered my house and played traitor with me, and tookest thou no thought of all I have done thee of benefits?' replied the youth, "'O king, I did this not of my choice and free will, and I had no business in being there, but of the lack of my luck, I was driven thither, for that fate was contrary, and fair fortune failed me. Indeed, I had endeavoured with all endeavour, that naught of foulness should come forth me, and I kept watch and ward over myself, lest a fault for showing me, and none may withstand an ill chance,

Starting point is 01:47:16 nor doth striving profit against adverse destiny, as appeareth by the example of the merchant, who was stricken with ill luck, and his endeavour availed him not, and he fell by the badness of his fortune. The king asked, What is the story of the merchant, and how was his luck changed upon him by the sorriness of his doom?

Starting point is 01:47:38 Answer the youth, may Allah prolong the king's continuance and began. The story of the merchant who lost his luck. There was once a merchant who prospered in trade, and at one time his every dharam won him fifty. Presently his luck turned against him and he knew it not. So he said to him, i have wealth galore yet do i toil and travel from country to country so better had i abide in my own land and rest myself in my own house from this traviere and trouble and sell and buy at home then he made two parts of his money and with one bought wheat and summer saying when as winter cometh i shall sell it at a great profit but when the coal set in wheat fell to half the price for which he had purchased

Starting point is 01:48:32 it, he was concerned with sore chagarin, and left it till the next year. However, the price then fell yet lower, and one of his intimates said to him, Thou hast no luck in this wheat, so do thou sell it at whatsoever price, said the merchant. Ah, long have I profited, so tis allowable that I lose this time. Allah is all knowing, and it abide with me tenful years, I will not sell it save for a gaining bar, Then he walled up in his anger the granary door with clay, and by the ordinance of Allah Almighty, there came a great rain and descended from the terrace roofs of the house wherein was the wheat, so that the grain rotted, and the merchant had to pay the porters from his purse

Starting point is 01:49:19 five hundred dirhams, for them to carry it forth and cast it without the city, the smell of it having become fulsome. So his friends said to him, How often did I tell Thet thou hadn'tst no luck and wheat, but thou wouldst not give air to my speech, and now it behoveth thee to go to the astrologer, and question him of thine ascendant. Accordingly, the traitor betook himself to the astrologer, and questioned him of his star. Anne Astrophel said to him, Thyne ascendant is adverse, put not forth thy hand to any business, but thou wilt not prosper thereby. However, he paid no heed to the astrologer's words, and said in himself,

Starting point is 01:50:00 If I do my business, I am not afraid of aught. Then he took the other half of his money, after he had spent the first in three years, and built him a ship, which he loaded with Cargison of what so seemed good to him, and all that was with him and embarked on the sea, so he might voyage questing gain. The ship remained in port some days till he should be certified,

Starting point is 01:50:23 whether he would wend, and he said, I will ask the traders what this merchandise profited, and in what land this wanted and how much can it gain. They directed him to a far country, where his Durham should produce an hundredfold. So he set sail and made for the land in question, but as he went there blow on him a fury scale, and the ship found out.

Starting point is 01:50:47 The merchant saved himself on a plank, and the wind cast him up, naked as he was, on the seashore. Where stood a town hard by? He praised Allah and gave him thanks for his preservation. Then seeing a great village nigh hand, he betook himself tither and saw, seated therein, a very old man, whom he acquainted with his case, and that which had betide him. The sheik grieved for him, with sore grieving when he heard his tale, and set food before him. He ate of it, and the old man said to him,

Starting point is 01:51:21 Terry here with me, so I may make thee my overseer, and factor over a farm I have here, and thou shalt have of me five theorems a day answered the merchant allah make fair thy reward and requite thee with his boons and bounties so he abode in this employ till he had sowed and reaped and threshed and winode and all was clean in his hand and the sheikh appointed neither agent nor inspector but relied utterly upon him then the merchant bethought himself and said I doubt me the owner of this grain will never give me my due, so the better read were to take of it after the measure of my wage, and if he give me my right, I will return to him that I have taken. So he laid hands upon the grain after the measure of that which fell to him, and hid it in a hiding place. Then he carried the rest, and metted it out to the old man, who said to him, come take thy wage for which i conditioned with thee and sell the grain and buy with the price clothes and what not else and thou abide with me ten years yet shalt thou still have this hire and i will acquit it to thee on this wise code the merchant in himself indeed i have done a foul deed by taking it without his permission then he went to fetch that which he had hidden of the grain but found it not and returned perplexed sorrowful to the sheikh who asked him what illeth thee to be mournful

Starting point is 01:52:58 and he answered me thought thou wouldst not pay me my due so i took of the grain after the measure of my hire and now thou hadst paid me all my right i went to bring back to thee that which i had hidden from thee but found it gone for those who had come upon it have stolen it the sheikh was wroth when he heard these words and said to the merchant there is no device against ill luck i had given thee this but of the sorriness of thy doom and thy fortune thou hadst done this deed o oppressor of thine own self thou deemest i would not fulfil to thee thy wage but by allah never more will i give thee aught then he drove him away from him so the merchant went forth woeful grieving-eyed and wandered along the seashore till he came to a sort of duckers diving in the sea for pearls they saw him weeping and wailing and said to him what is the case and what careth thee shed tears. So he acquainted them with his history from his sept to conclusion, whereby the duckers knew him, and asked him, Are thou such and such and one? Such of such and one? He answered, yes, whereupon they condoled with him, and wept sore for him, and said to him, Abide here till we dive upon thy luck this next time, and what so betideth us,

Starting point is 01:54:25 shall be between us and thee accordingly they ducked and brought up ten oyster shells in each two great unions where they marvelled and said to him by allah thy luck hath reappeared and thy good star is in the ascendant then the pearl-fisher's gave him the ten pearls and said to him sell two of them and make them thy stock in trade and hide the rest against the time of thy straightness so he took them joyful and condended and applied himself to sewing eight of them in his gown keeping the two others in his mouth but a thief saw him and went and advertised his fellows of him whereupon they gathered together upon him and took his gown and departed from him When they were gone away, he arose saying, The two unions I have will suffice me, and made for the nearest city where he brought out the pearls for sale. Now his destiny would have it, a certain jeweler of the town had been robbed of ten unions,

Starting point is 01:55:29 like those which were with the merchant. So, when he saw the two pearls in the broker's hand, he asked him, To whom do these belong? And the broker answered, To yonder man. The jeweller, seeing the merchant in pauper case and clad in tattered clothes, suspected him, and said to him,

Starting point is 01:55:50 "'Where we the other eight pearls?' The merchant thought he asked him of those which were in the gown, when as the man had purposed only to surprise him into confession, and replied, The thieves stole them from me. When the jeweller heard his reply, he was certified that it was the white who had taken his good, So he laid hold of him and hailing him before the chief of police, said to him, This is the man who stole my unions.

Starting point is 01:56:17 I have found two of them upon him, and he confesseth to the other eight. Now the woolly knew of the theft of the pearls, so he bade throw the merchant into jail. Accordingly, they imprisoned him and whipped him, and he lay in drunk a whole year, till by the ordinance of Allah Almighty, the chief of police arrested one of the divers of horses, and imprisoned him in the prison where the merchant was jailed. The ducker saw him and knowing him, questioned him of his case, whereupon he told them his tale and that which had befallen him, and the diver marvelled at the lack of his luck.

Starting point is 01:56:56 So when he came forth of the prison, he acquainted the sultan with the merchant's case and told him that it was he who had given him the pearls. The sultan bade bring him forth off the jail and asked him of him of a prison, his story whereupon he told him all that had befallen him, and the Suran pitied him and assigned him a lodging in his own palace, together with pay and allowances for his support. Now the lodging in question adjoined the king's house, and whilst the merchant was rejoicing in this and saying, verily, my luck hath returned, and I shall live in the shadow of this king the rest of my life, he espied in opening walled up with clay and stones. So he cleared the open, the open, and

Starting point is 01:57:40 the better to see what was behind it, and behold, it was a window giving upon the lodging of the king's woman. When he saw this, he was startled and affrighted, and rising in haste, fetched clay and stopped it up again. But one of the eunuchs saw him, and suspecting him, repaired to the sultan, and told him of this. So he came in seeing the stones pulled out, was wroth with the merchant, and said to him, be this my reward from thee, that thou seekest to unveil my harin? Thereupon he bade pluck out his eyes, and they did as he commanded.

Starting point is 01:58:18 The merchant took his eyes in his hand and said, How long, O star of ill omen, Walt thou afflict me? First my wealth and now my life? And he bewailed himself, saying, Striving profiteth me not against evil fortune. The compassionate aided me not, an effort was worse than useless.

Starting point is 01:58:42 Unlike wise, O King, continued the youth. Whilst fortune was favourable to me, all that I did came to good, but now that it hath turned against me, everything turneth to mine ill. When the youth had made an end of his tale, the king's anger subsided a little, and he said,

Starting point is 01:59:03 Return him to the prison, for the day draweth to an end, and tomorrow we will look into his affair and punish him for his ill deeds. End of Section 8, recording by Aparnabhatt, Edinburgh, Scotland. Section 9 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraWox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org.

Starting point is 01:59:45 recording by Aparna Bhatt, Edinburgh, Scotland. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Second Day Of Looking to the Ends of Affairs When it was the next day, the second of the king's wazirs, whose name was Baharun, came into him and said, Allah advanced the king, this deed which yonder youth had done,

Starting point is 02:00:15 is a grave matter, and a foul misdeed, and a highness against the household of the king. So Azad Bhakt bade fetched the youth because of the minister's speech, and when he came into the presence, said to him, Woe to thee, O youth, there is no help but that I do thee die by the dreadest of deaths, for indeed thou haste committed a grave crime, and I will make thee a warning to the folk. The youth replied, O king, Hesen not, for the looking to the ends of affairs is a column of the kingdom, and a cause of continuance and assurance for the kingship.

Starting point is 02:00:54 Whoso looketh not to the issues of actions, there befalleth him that which befell the merchant, and whoso looketh to the consequences of actions, there betideth him of joyance, that which betideth the merchant's son. The king asked, And what is the story of the merchant and his sons? And youth answered,

Starting point is 02:01:15 Here, O King, The tale of the merchant and his sons. There was once a merchant Who had abundant wealth And a wife to boot. He set out one day on a business journey Leaving his wife beg with child And said to her,

Starting point is 02:01:31 I'll bid I now leave thee, Yet I will return Before the birth of the babe, inshallah. Then he farewalled her and setting out He ceased not faring from country to country till he came to the court of one of the kings and for-gathered with him. Now this king needed one who should order his affairs and those of his kingdom, and seeing the merchant well-bred and intelligent,

Starting point is 02:01:53 he required him to abide at court and entreated him honourably. After some years, he sought his sovereign's leave to go to his own house, but the king would not consent to this, whereupon he said to him, O king, suffer me go and see my church, children and come again so he granted him permission for this and taking surety of him for his return gave him a purse wherein were a thousand gold in ours accordingly the merchant embarked in a ship and set sail intending for his motherland on such wise fared it with the trader but as regards his wife news had reached her that her husband had accepted service with king such an one so she arose in taking her two sons for she had borne twins in his absence set out seeking those parts as fate would have it they happened upon an island and her husband came to thur that very night in the ship

Starting point is 02:02:52 so the woman said to her children the ship cometh from the country where your father is hie ye to the sea-shore that ye may inquire of him accordingly their pair to the sea-shore and going up into the ship fell to playing about it and busied themselves with their play till evening now the merchant their sire lay asleep in the ship and the noisy disported the boys troubled him whereupon he rose to call out to them silence and let the purse with the thousand dinars fall among the bales of merchandise he sought for it and finding a knot puffeted his head and seized upon the boys saying none took the purse but you you were playing all about the bales so you might steal somewhat and there was none here but you between then he took his staff and laying hold of the children fell to beating them and flogging them whilst they wept and the crew came around about them saying the boys of this island are all rogues and robbers then of the greatness of the merchant's anger he swore an oath that except they brought out the purse he would drown them in the sea so when by reason of their denial his oath demanded the deed he took the two boys and binding them each to a bundle of reeds cast them into the water presently finding that they tatted from her the mother of the two boys went searching for them till she came to the ship and fell to saying who hath seen two boys of mine their fashion is so and so and their age thus and thus when the crew heard her words they said this is the description of the two boys who were drowned in the sea but now their mother hearing this began calling on them and crying alas my anguish for your loss o my sons where was the eye of your father this day that it might have seen you then one of the sailors asked her whose wife art thou and she answered i am the wife of such an one the trader i was on my way to him and there hath befallen me this calamity

Starting point is 02:04:52 when the merchant heard her words he knew her and rising to his feet rent his raiment and beat his head and said to his wife by allah i have destroyed my children with mine own hand this is the end of whose soul looketh not to the ending of affairs this is his reward who taketh not time to reflect then he took to wailing and weeping over them he and his wife and he said to his shipmates by allah i shall never enjoy my life till i light upon news of them and he began to go round about the sea in quest of his sons but found them not meanwhile the wind carried the two children from the ship towards the land and cast them up on the sea-shore as for one of them a company of the guards of the king of those parts found him and carried him to their lord who marvelled at him with exceeding marvel and adopted him giving out to the folk that he was his own son whom he had hidden of his love for him so the folk rejoiced in him with joy exceeding for their lord's sake and the king appointed him his heir apparent and the inheritor of his kingdom on this wise a number of years passed till the king died and they enthroned the youth suhran in his dead when he sat down on the seat of his kingship and his estate flourished and his affairs prospered with all regularity meanwhile his father and mother had gone round about in quest of him and his brother all the islands of the sea hoping that the tide might have cast them up but found no trace of them. So they despaired of them and took up their abode in a certain of the islands. One day, the merchant being in the market saw a broker,

Starting point is 02:06:31 and in his hand a boy he was crying for sale, and said in himself, I will buy yonder boy, so I may so lease myself with him for my sons. So he bought him and bore him to his house. And when his wife saw him, she cried out and said, by Allah, this is my son. Accordingly, his father and mother rejoiced in him with exceeding joy and asked him of his brother. But he answered, The waves parted us, and I knew not how it went with him. There with his father and mother consoled himself with him, and on this wise a number of years passed by. Now the merchant and his wife had homeed them in a city of the land where their other son was king, and when the boy they had recovered grew up, his father assigned a unto him merchandise to the end that he might travel therewith. Upon this, he fared forth and entered the city, wherein his brother ruled, and anon news reached the king, that a merchant had come to her with merchandise bifeting royalties. So he sent for him, and the young trader obeyed the summons,

Starting point is 02:07:39 and, going into him, sat down before him. Neither of them knew the other, but blood moved between them, and the king said to the merchant youth, I desire of thee that thou tarry with me, and I will exalt thy station, and give thee all that thou requir'st and cravest. Accordingly, he abode with him a while, never quitting him, and when he saw that he would not suffer him to depart from him, he sent to his father and mother, and bade them remove tither to him.

Starting point is 02:08:08 Hereat they resolved upon moving to that island, and their son still increased in honour with the king, albeit he knew not that he was his brother. Now it chanced one night that the king sallied forth without the city and drank, and the wine got the mastery of him, and he became drunken. So of the youth's fare for his safety, he said, I will keep watch myself over the king this night, seeing that he deserveth this from me, for that which he hath done with me of kindly deeds, and he arose forthright, and barring his brand, stationed himself at the door of the king's pavilion. but one of the royal pages saw him standing there with the drawn sword in his hand and he was of those who envied him his favour with the king therefore he said to him why dost thou on this wise at this time and in the like of this place said the youth i am keeping watch and ward over the king myself in requital of his bounties to me the page said no more to him however when it was mourning he acquainted a number of the king's servants with the matter and they said this is an opportunity for us come let us assemble together and acquaint the king therewith so the young merchant may lose regard with him and he rid us of him and we be at rest from him so they assembled together in going into the king said to him we have a warning wherewith we would warn thee,

Starting point is 02:09:37 go thee, And what is your warning? And quote they, This youth, the traitor, Whom thou hast taken into favour, And whose rank thou hast exalted About the chiefest of thy lords. We saw yesterday bear his brand

Starting point is 02:09:53 And designed to fall upon thee To the end that he might slay thee. Now when the king heard this, His colour changed, And he said to them, Have we a proof of this? they rejoined what proof wouldst thou have and thou desirest this feign thyself drunken again this night and lie down as if asleep and privily watch him and thou wilt see with thine eyes all that we have mentioned to thee then they went to the youth and said to him know that the king thanked thee for thy dealing years to knight and exceedeth in commendation of thy good deed and they prompted him again to do the like accordingly

Starting point is 02:10:34 When the next night came, the king abode unwake, watching the youth, and as for the latter, he went to the door of the pavilion, and unsheething his skim-tower, stood in the doorway. When the king saw him do thus, he was sore disquited, and Bays seized him and said to him, Is this my reward from thee? I showed thee favour, more than any else, and thou wouldst do with me this abominable deed? Then arose two of the king's pages, and said to him, O our lord, and thou order it we will smite his neck but the king said haste in killing is a vile thing for tis a grave matter the quick we can kill but the killed we cannot quicken and needs must we look to the end of affairs the slaying of this youth will not escape us therewith he bade imprison him whilst he himself went back to the city and his duties done fared forth to the chase then he returned to town and forgot the youth so the pages went into him and said to him o king

Starting point is 02:11:34 and thou keep silence concerning yonder youth, who designed to slaughter thee. All thy servants will presume upon the king's majesty, and indeed the folk-talk of this matter. Hereat the king waxed wrath and cried, Fetch him hither, and bade the head's man strike off his head. So they brought the youth and bound his eyes,

Starting point is 02:11:54 and the swore stood at his head and said to the king, Bythai leave, O lord, I will smite his neck. But the king cried, stay till i look into his affair needs must i put him to death and the despatching of him will not escape me then he restored him to the prison and there he abode till it should be the king's will to do him tie presently his parents heard of the matter whereupon his father arose and going up to the palace wrote a letter and presented it to the king who read it and behold therein was written saying have ruth on me so may allah have ruth on me so may allah have ruth on thee, and hasten not in the slaughter of my son, for indeed I acted hastily in a certain affair, and drowned his brother in the sea, and to this day I be mourn him, and thou must needs kill him, kill me in his stead. There with the old merchant weeping bitterly,

Starting point is 02:12:49 frustrated himself before the king, who said to him, tell me thy tale, said the merchant, O my lord, this youth had a brother, and I, in my haste cast the twain into the sea, and he related to him his story first and last whereupon the king cried with a mighty loud cry and casting himself down from the throne embraced his father and brother and said to the merchant by allah thou art my very father and this is my brother and thy wife is our mother and they abode weeping all three of them and the king acquainted his people with the matter and said to them o folk how deem ye of my looking to the consequences of action and they all marvelled at his wisdom and foresight. Then he turned to his sire, and said to him, Hadnst thou looked to the issue of thine affair, and made due delay in what so thou didst,

Starting point is 02:13:42 there had not betided thee, this repotence, and chagrin all this time. Thereupon, he sent for his mother, and they rejoiced one in other, and lived all their days in joy and gladness. What then, continued the young treasurer, is more grievous than the lack of thought, looking to the ends of things,

Starting point is 02:14:02 Wherefore hasten thou not in the slaying of me, lest penitence betide thee, and so chagrin? When the king heard this, he said, Return him to the prison till the morrow, so we may look into his affair, for that deliberation in such is advisable, and the slaughter of this youth shall not escape us. End of Section 9,

Starting point is 02:14:24 recording by Aparnabhud, Edinburgh, Scotland. Section 10 of the Book of the Thurth The 1,000 Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Libreworks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Aparna Bhat. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume 11, by Anonymous.

Starting point is 02:15:02 Translated by Richard Francis Burton. the third day of the advantages of patience when it was the third day the third wazir came into the king and said to him o king delay not the matter of this youth because his deed hath caused us fall into the mouths of folk and it behoved that thou slay him forthright that the talk may be cut from us and it be not said the king's on his bed a man will his wife and spared him. The king was chagrin by these words, and bade bring the youth. Accordingly, they fetched him at fetters, and indeed the king's angers was upstirred against him by the minister's speech, and he was troubled, so he said to him, O base of birth, thou hast dishonoured us, and marred our mention, and needs must I do away thy life from the world. quote the youth, O king, make use of patience in all thine affairs, so wilt thou win to thou wish,

Starting point is 02:16:12 for that Allah Almighty hath appointed the issue of long suffering to be an abounding good, and indeed, by patience, Abu Sabir ascended from the pit and sat down upon the throne. Asked the king, Who was Abu Sabir, and what is his tale? And youth answered, saying, Here thou, O king. The story of Abu Sabir. There was once a man, a village headman, Abu Sabir height, and he had much black cattle and a buxom wife,

Starting point is 02:16:48 who had borne him two sons. They abode in a certain hamlet, and there used to come thither a lion, and rend and devour Abu Sabir's herd, so that the most part thereof was wasted, and his wife said to him one day, This lion hath wasted the greater part of our property. Arise, mount thy horse, and take thy host,

Starting point is 02:17:11 and do thy best to kill him, so we may be at rest from him. But Abusabir said, Have patience, O woman, For the issue of patience is praised. This lion, it is which transgresseth against us, and that transgressor perforce must Almighty Allah destroy him. Indeed, tis our long suffering that shall slay him,

Starting point is 02:17:36 and be that doth evil needs must it recoil upon him. A few days after the king went forth one morning to hunt, and falling in with the lion, he and his host gave chase to him, and ceased not pursuit till they slow him. This news reached Abu Sabir, who improved the occasion, to his wife. Said I not to thee, O woman, that whoso doth evil, it shall recoil upon him? Happily, and I sought to slay the lion myself, I had not prevailed against him, and this is the issue of patience. It befell, after this, that a man was slain in Abu Sabir's village.

Starting point is 02:18:18 Therefore, the Sultan bade plunder the village, and they spoiled the patient one's goods with the rest. Thereupon his wife said to him, All the king's officers know thee, So do thou prefer thy plaint to the suvran That he may bid thy beast to be restored to thee? But he said to her, O woman, said I not to thee That he, who worketh wrong, shall be wronged.

Starting point is 02:18:47 Indeed, the king had done evil, And right soon he shall suffer the issues of his deed, for whoso taketh the goods of the folk, needs must his goods be taken? A man of his neighbours heard his speech, and he was an enviour of his. So he went to the Sultan and acquainted him therewith, whereupon the king sent and plundered all the rest of his goods

Starting point is 02:19:12 and drove him forth from the village, and his wife and family with him. They went wandering in the waste grounds about the hamlet, and his wife said to him, All that hath befallen us cometh of thy slowness in affairs, and thy helplessness. But he said to her, Have patience, for the issue of patience is good.

Starting point is 02:19:36 Then they walked on a little way, and thieves met them, and despoiling them of what so remained with them, stripped them of their raiment, and took from them the two children, whereupon the woman wept, and said to her husband, hirki ye my good man put away from thee this folly and up with us to follow the thieves so peradventure they may have compassion on us and restore the children to us he replied

Starting point is 02:20:07 o woman have patience for he who doth evil shall be requitted with evil and his frowardness shall revert upon him were i to follow them belike one of them would take his sword and smite my neck and slain me but have patience for the issue of patience is praised then they fared on till they made a village in the land of Kerman and by it a river of water so the man said to his wife tari thou here whilst I enter the village and look us out a place wherein we may home ourselves and he left her by the water and entered the village presently up came a horseman in quest of water we are with to water his horse he saw the woman and she was pleasing in his eyes so quoth he to her arise mount with me and i will take thee to wife and entreat thee kindly quote she spare me so may allah spare thee indeed i have a husband but he drew his dudgeon and said to her and thou obey me not i will smite thee and slay thee when she saw his frowardness she wrote on the ground in the sand with his finger saying o abu savir thou hast not ceased to be patient till thy good is gone from thee and thy children and now thy wife

Starting point is 02:21:38 who was more precious in thy sight than everything and in all thy monies and indeed thou abideest in thy sorrow the whole of thy life long so thou mayest see what thy patience will profit thee then the horseman took her and setting her behind him went his way as for abusabir when he returned he saw not his wife but he read what was writ upon the ground before he wept and sat awhile sorrowing then he said to himself o abu sabir it behovet thee to be patient for haply there shall betide thee an affair yet soarer than this and more grievous and he went forth a following his face like to one loud distraught and passion mattered till he came to a gang of labourers working upon the palace of the king by way of forced labour when the overseers saw him they laid hold of him and said to him work thou with these folk at the palace of the king as we will imprison thee for life so he fell to working with them as a labourer and every day they gave him a banach of bread he wrought with them a month's space till it chanced that one of the labourers mounted a ladder and falling break his leg whereupon he cried out and shed tears years. Kothabu Sabir to him, Have patience and weep not, for in thine endurance thou shalt find ease.

Starting point is 02:23:16 But the man said to him, How long shall I have patience? And he answered, saying, Long suffering bringeth a man forth of the bottom of the pit, and seated him on the throne of the kingdom. It's so fortunate that the king was seated at the lattice, hearkening, to their talk, and Abu Sabir's words angered him for the moment, before he bade bring him before him, and they brought him forthright.

Starting point is 02:23:45 There was in the king's palace an underground dungeon, and therein a vast silo, and deep into which the king caused cast Abu Sabir, saying to him, O little of wit, soon shall we see how thou wilt come forth of the pit to the throne of the kingdom. Then he used continuously to come and stand at the mouth of the pit and say, O little of wit, O Abu Sabir, I see if they not come forth of the pit and sit down on the king's throne. And he assigned him each day two banacks of bread, whilst Abu Sabir kept silence and spake not, but patiently for whatso betideed him. Now the king had a brother, whom he had imprisoned in that pit of over. time, and he had died there. But the folk of the realm deemed him still alive. And when his durance

Starting point is 02:24:42 grew long, the courtiers of the king used to talk of this and of the tyranny of their leech lord, and the brute spread abroad that the suvran was a tyrant. So they fell upon him one day and slow him. Then they sought the sealo and brought out there from Abu Sabir, deeming him the king's brother, for that he was the nearest of folk to him in favour and the likest, and he had been long in the pit. So they doubted not but that he was the prince, and said to him, reign thou in thy brother's room, for we have slain him, and thou art suvron in his stead. But Abu Sabir was silent and spoke not a word, and he knew that this was the result of his patience. Then he arose and sitting down on the king's throne, Don the royal dress, and dispensed justice and equity, and affairs prospered,

Starting point is 02:25:41 therefore the lieges obeyed him, and the subjects inclined to him, and many were his soldiers. Now the king, who erst had plundered Abu Sabir's goods and driven him forth of his village, had an enemy, and the foe mounted horse against him, and overcame him and captured his capital. wherefore he betook him to flight and came to Abu Sabir's city, craving support of him and seeking that he should succour him. He knew not that the king of the city was the headman whom he had spoiled, so he presented himself before him and made complaint to him. But Abu Sabir knew him and said to him,

Starting point is 02:26:24 this is somewhat of the issue of patience. Allah the Most High hath given me power worthy. Then he commanded his guards to plunder the unjust king and his suite, so they spoiled them, and stripping them of their clothes, put them forth of his country. When Abu Zabir's troops saw this, they marvelled, and said, What be this deed the king doth? There cometh a king to him, craving protection, and he spoilt him? This is not the fashion of kings.

Starting point is 02:26:58 But they dared not speak of this. Presently news came to the king of highwaymen in his land, so he set out in quest of them and ceased not to follow after them till he seized on them all. And behold, they were the very thieves who had plundered him and his wife, by the way, and had carried off his children. Accordingly, he bade bring them before him, and when they came into his presence, he questioned them, saying, Where are the two boys ye took on such a day? Said they, They are with us, And we will present them to our lord,

Starting point is 02:27:37 The king for maim looks to serve him, And give him wealth galore That we have gotten together, And of all we own repent from lawlessness and fight in thy service. Abu Sabir, however, paid no heed to their words, And seized all their good, And bade put them all to death. Furthermore, he took his two boys and rejoiced in them with exceeding joy,

Starting point is 02:28:04 indeed the troops murmured among themselves, saying, "'Badilly, this is a greater tyrant than his brother. There cometh to him a gang of thieves, and they seek to repent, and prefer two boys by way of peace offering, and he take at the two lads, and all their good, and slay at them.' Indeed, this be violent oppression. After this came the horseman, who had seized Abu Sabir's wife, and complained of her to the king that she would not give him possession of her person,

Starting point is 02:28:38 and solemnly declared that she was his wife. The king bade bring her before him, that he might hear her plea and pronounce judgment upon her. So the horseman came with her before him, and when the king saw her, he knew her, and taking her from her ravisher, Bait but him to death. Then he became aware of the troops. They murmured against him and spoke of him as a tyrant.

Starting point is 02:29:05 So he turned to his courtiers and ministers and said to them, As for me, by Allah of Almighty, I am not the king's brother. Nay. I am but one whom the king imprisoned upon a word he heard from me, and he used every day to come and taunt me therewith. You deem me the king's brother, but I am Abu Sabir, and the Lord hath given me the kingship in virtue of my patience. As for the king, who sought protection of me, and I plundered him, to was he who first wronged me, for that he plundered me aforetime, and drave me forth of my native land and banished me

Starting point is 02:29:48 without due cause. Wherefore I requited him, with that which he had done to me, in the way of lawful retribution. As for the highwaymen who preferred repentance, there was no repentance for them with me, because they began upon me with foul dealing, and waylaid me by the road, and they spoiled me, and seized my good and my sons, the two boys that I took of them, and those ye deemed maimelukes are my very sons. So I avenged myself on the thieves of that, which they did with me, Willowman acquitted them with strict justice. As for the horsemen whom I slive, this woman I took from him was my wife,

Starting point is 02:30:33 and he seized her by force, but Allah the most high hath restored her to me. So this was my right, and my deed that I have done was rightus, albeit ye, judging by the externals of the matter, deemed that I had done this by way of tyranny. When the folk heard these words, they marvelled and fell prostrate before him, and they redoubled in esteem for him, an exceeding affection, ensued pardon of him, admiring that which Allah had done with him, and how he had given him the kingship by reason of his long-suffering and his patience, and how he had raised himself by his endurance from the bottom of the bed to the throne of the kingdom. what while allah cast down the lay king from the throne into the pit then abu sabir four gathered with his wife and said to her how deemest thou of the fruit of patience and its sweetness and the fruit of haste and its bitterness

Starting point is 02:31:38 verily all that a man doth of good and evil he shall assuredly encounter the same on likewise o king continued the young treasurer it beceteth thee to practise patience whenever it is possible to thee for that long-suffering is the want of the noble and it is the chiefest of their reliance especially for kings When the king heard this from the youth, his rats subsided, so he bade return him to the prison, and the folk dispersed that day. End of Section 10. Recording by Aparna Bhat. Section 11 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libre Walk's recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org.

Starting point is 02:32:46 Recording by Aparna Bhad. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume 11, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Fourth Day of the Ill Effects of Impatience When it was the fourth day, the fourth wazir whose name was Dushad, made his parents and prostrating himself to his leech law. said to him, O King, let not the talk of yonder youth dilute thee, for that he is not a truth-teller. As long as he shall remain alive, the folk will not leave talking, nor will thy heart cease to be

Starting point is 02:33:28 occupied with him, cried the king, By Allah, thou say'st, and I will cause fetch him this day and slay him between my hands. Then bade he bring the youth, so they fetched him in fetters, and he said to him, Woe to thee, Think as thou to appease my heart with thy prate, whereby the days are spent in talk, I mean to do thee die this day, And be quit of thee.

Starting point is 02:33:55 Said the youth, O king, Disten thy power, To put me out of the world, When so thou wilt, But haste is the want of the ignoble, And patience the sign of the noble, And thou do me to death,

Starting point is 02:34:10 thou wilt repent. And when thou desire to bring me back to life, thou wilt not be able. Indeed, whose who acteth hastily in an affair? There befallen him what befell Bazaad, son of the king. Quote the king, And what is his deal?

Starting point is 02:34:30 replied the treasurer. O king, here. The story of Prince Bazaar. There was once of olden time a king and he had a son Bizaad Hyde. There was not in his tide a fairer than he, and he loved to fellow with the folk and to mix with the merchants,

Starting point is 02:34:51 and sit and talk with them. One day, as he was seated in an assembly amongst a number of people, he heard them talking of his own beauty and loveliness, and saying, there be not in his time a fairer than he. But one of the company said, indeed, the daughter of King's such and won.

Starting point is 02:35:10 is similar than he. When Bizarth heard this saying, his reason fled and his heart fluttered, and he called the last speaker and said to him, Repeat to me that which thou sest, and tell me the truth concerning her whom thou vouchest to be goodlier than I, and whose daughter she is, code the man. She is the daughter of King Such an One. Whereupon Bizarth's heart claved her, and his colour changed, presently the news reached his sire who said to him o my son this maiden to whom thy heart cleaveth is at thy command and we have power over her so wait till i demand her in wedlock for thee

Starting point is 02:35:55 but the prince said i will not wait so the king hastened in the matter and sent to demand her of her sire who required of him and hundred thousand dinars paid down to his daughter's dowry Coth Bizat's father, so be it, and weighed out what was in his treasuries, and there remained to his charge but little of the tower. So he said, Have patience, O my son, till we gather together the rest of the money, and sent to fetch her for thee, since now she has become thine. Therewith the prince waxed Rothwit exceeding wrath, and cried, I will not have patience. So he took his sword and his lance, and mounting his horse, went forth and fell to cutting the way. It chanced one day that he fell upon a company of folk, who overcame him by dint of numbers, and taking him prisoner, pinioned him, and carried him to the lord of that land wherein he was a high-waying. The king saw his semblance and loveliness, and misdoubting of him, said,

Starting point is 02:37:01 This be no robber's favour, tell me truly your youth, who thou art? Bizad was ashamed to acquaint him with his condition, and preferred death for himself, so he answered, I am not but a thief and a bandit. Good the king, it behoveth us not to act hastily in the matter of this youth, but that we look into his affair, for that impatience, gendereth penitence. So he imprisoned him in his palace, and assigned him one to serve him. Meanwhile, the news spread abroad that Bazaad, son of the suveron, was lost,

Starting point is 02:37:38 whereupon his father sent letters in quest of him to all the kings, including him, with whom he was imprisoned. When the letter reached the latter, he praised Almighty Allah, for that he had not anyways hastened in Bizarre's affair, and bidding them bring him before himself, said to him, art thou minded to destroy thy life? Godbizad, I did this for fear of shame. And the king said, and thou fair shame, thou shouldst not practice hast in thy doings. Knowest thou not that the fruit of impatience is repentance?

Starting point is 02:38:13 Had we hasted, we also, like thee, had repented. Then he conferred on him a robe of honour, and engaged to him for the completion of the dowry and sent to his father, giving him the glad tidings and comforting his heart with news of his son's safety. After which, he said to Bazaad, Arise, O my son, and go to Thais-Syre. Rejoined the prince, O King, complete thy kindness to me by hastening my going in to my wife. For, and I go back to my sire,

Starting point is 02:38:47 the time will be long till he sent a messenger, and he returned, promising me dispatch. The King laughed and marvelled at him and said to him, i fear for thee from this precipitancy lest thou come to shame and wineth not thy wish then he gave him mutual of wealth and wrote him letters commending him to the father of the princess and despatched him to them When he drew near their country, the king came forth to meet him with the people of his realm, and assigned him a fine lodging, and bade hasten the going-in of his daughter to him, in compliance with the other king's letter. He also advised the prince's father of his son's coming, and they busied themselves with the affair of the young lady. When it was the day of the brides going in, bizarre of his impetuosity and lack of patience betook himself to the wall.

Starting point is 02:39:41 which was between himself and her lodging, and wherein was a hole pierced, and off his haste looked through it, so he might see his bride. But her mother espied him, and this was grievous to her, so she took from one of the pages two red-hot iron spits and thrust them into the hole through which the prince was looking.

Starting point is 02:40:04 The spits ran into his eyes and put them out, and he fell down fainting, and the wedding festival was changed, to mourning and sore concern see then o king continued the youth the issue of the prince's haste and lack of deliberation for indeed his impatience bequeathed him long penitence and his joy turned to annoy and on likewise was it with the woman who hastened to put out his eyes and delayed not to deliberate all this was the doing of haste wherefore it behoved the king not to be hasty in putting me to death for that i am under the hold of his hand and whatso time thou desirest my slaughter it shall not escape when the king heard this his anger subsided and he said return him back to the prison till to-morrow so we may look into his case end of section eleven recording by a parna bhat section twelve of the book of the thousand knights and A Knight, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraWox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 02:41:25 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Aparna Bhatt. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. The fifth day of the issues of course. good and evil actions. When it was the fifth day, the fifth wazir, whose name was Jarbor, came in to the king, and prostrating himself before him said, O king, it behoveth thee, and thou see or hear one look on thy house, that thou pluck out his eyes. How then should it be with him whom thou sawest, a middlemost thy palace, and on thy royal

Starting point is 02:42:15 bed, and he suspected with thy harim, and not of thy lineage, or of thy kindred. So do thou away this shame by putting him to death? Indeed, we urge thee not to this, except for the assurance of thine empire, and of our zeal for thy loyal counselling, and of our affection to thee. How can it be lawful that this youth should live for a single hour? therewith the king was filled with fury and cried bring him forthright so they fetched the youth whom they set before him in fetters and the king said to him woe to thee thou hast sinned a great sin and the time of thy survival hath been long but needs must we put thee to death because there is no ease for us in thy life till we take it go to youth know o king that i by allah am guiltless and by reason of this i hope for life for that he who is innocent of all offence goeth not in fear of pains and penalties neither grateneth his mourning and his concern

Starting point is 02:43:31 But whoso hath sinned. Needs must his sin be expiated upon him, though his life be prolonged, and it shall overtake him, even as it overtake, Dada bin, the king and his wazir. Asked Azad Vakt. How was that?

Starting point is 02:43:49 And the youth said, Here, O king, Whose days may Allah increase. The story of King Dadin and his wazir's. There was once a king in the land of Taberistan by name Dad Bean, and he had two wazirs, one called Zor Khan and the other Kardan.

Starting point is 02:44:13 The minister Zor Khan had a daughter. It was not in her day a fairer than she, nor yet a chaster or a more pious, for she was a faster, prayer, and an adorer of Allah, the Almighty, and her name was Arwa. Now, D'ad-Been, the king, heard tell of her praises, so his heart claved her, and he called the wazir our sire, and said to him, I desire of thee that thou marry me to thy daughter. Quotsor Khan, O my liegeest lord, suffer me to consult her, and if she consent, I will marry thee with her. And the king said, Haste thee with this. So the minister went into his daughter and said to her,

Starting point is 02:45:00 O my daughter, the king seeketh thee of me, and desireth to marry thee, she said. O my father, I desire not a husband, And if thou wilt marry me, Marry me not, but with a mate who shall be mine inferior in rank, And I nobler than he, So he may not turn to thar than myself, Or lift his eyes upon me,

Starting point is 02:45:24 and marry me not to one who is nobler than I, lest I be with him, as a slave-girl, and a serving-woman. Accordingly, the wazir returned to the king, and acquainted him with that which his daughter had said, Vinas, he redoubled in desire in love- longing for her, and said to her sire, And thou marry me not to her of good grace, I will take her in thy despite, and by force. The minister again betook himself to his daughter and repeated to her the king's words, but she replied, I want no husband. So he returned to the king and told him what she said,

Starting point is 02:46:06 and he was wroth and threatened him, whereupon the father took his daughter and fled with her. When this came to the king's knowledge, dispatched troops in pursuit of Zorkan to stop the road upon him, whilst he himself went out, and overtaking the vizier, smote him on the head with his mace, and slive him. Then he took his daughter by force and returning to his dwelling-place, went into her and married her.

Starting point is 02:46:34 Arwa resigned herself with patience to that which betided her, and committed her case to Allah Almighty, and indeed she was used to serve him, night and day, with a goodly service in the house of Gingdad bin, her husband. It befell one day that the king had occasion to make a journey, so he called his second wazir Kardan and said to him, I have a charge to commit to Tha Keir, and it is yonder lady, my wife, the daughter of the wazir Zorkan,

Starting point is 02:47:05 and a desire that thou keep her and guard her thy very self, because I have not in the world ought dareer than she. Both Karadhan in his mind. Of the truth, the king honoureth me. me with an exceeding honour in entrusting me with his lady and he answered with love and all gladness when the king had departed on his journey cardan said in himself needs must i look upon this lady whom the king loveth with all this love so he hid himself in a place that he might despise her and saw her surpassing description before he was confounded at her and his wit was wildered and love gat the lordship of him, so that he sent to her saying, Have pity on me, for indeed I perish for the love of thee.

Starting point is 02:47:58 She sent back to him and replied, O, Azir, thou art in the place of faith and confidence, So do not thou betray thy trust, But make thine inward life like unto thine outward, And occupy thyself with thy wife, And that which is lawful to thee. As for this, this mere lust and woman are all of one, and the same taste, and if thou wilt not be forbidden from this talk, I will make thee a by word, and a reproach among folk.

Starting point is 02:48:31 When the minister heard her answer, he knew that she was chaste of soul and body, therefore he depended with the utmost repentance and fared for himself from the king, and said, needs must I devise a device whereby I may destroy her Else shall I be disgraced with the king Now when the king returned from his journey He questioned Cardan of the affairs of his kingdom And the wazir answered

Starting point is 02:48:57 All is right well, O king Save a while matter Which I have espied here And with which I am ashamed to confront the suvran But if I hold my peace thereof I fear less other than I discover it and i shall have played traitor to the king in the matter of my warning and my trust go that being speak for me thou art none other than a truth-teller a trustworthy and a loyal counsellor and what so thou sayest undistrusted in aught and the minister said o king this woman to whose love thy heart cleaveth and of whose piety thou talkest and her fasting and her praying

Starting point is 02:49:42 I will plainly prove to thee that this is craft and guile. Hiri, the king was troubled, and said, What may be the matter? And the wazir replied, I would have thee wot that some days after thy departure. One came to me and said to me, Come, O wazir, and look. So I went to the door of the queen's sleeping chamber,

Starting point is 02:50:07 and behold, she was sitting with Abu al-Kair, her father's page whom she favoured, and she did with him what she did, and such is the manner of that which I saw and heard. When thou being heard this, he burnt with rage, and said to one of his eunuchs, Go and slay her in her chamber. But the eunuchs said to him, O king, Allah prolong thy life. Indeed, the killing of her may not be in this way, neither at this time. but do thou bid one of thine castratos take her up on a camel and carry her to one of the trackless wolds and cast her down there so if she be guilty allah shall cause her to perish and if she be innocent he will deliver her and the king shall be free from the fault against her for that this lady is dared thee and thou slavest her father by reason of thy love for her

Starting point is 02:51:08 quote the king by allah thou say'st sooth then he bade one of his eunuchs carry her on a camel to one of the far-off wiles and cut-off walls and there leave her and wend his ways and he forbade her torment to be prolonged so he took her up and betaking himself with her to the desert left her there without for want or water and returned whereupon she made for one of the hills and ranging stones before her in form of prayer-niche stood praying now it chanced that a camel-driver belonging to kisra the king lost certain camels and his lord threatened him if he found them not that he would slay him accordingly he set out and plunged into the waste till he came to the place where the lady was, and seeing her standing at prayer utterly alone, waited till she had made an end of her orisons when he went up to her and saluted her with the salaam, saying, Who art thou? Cote she,

Starting point is 02:52:21 I am a handmaid of the Almighty, he asked. What doth thou in this desolate place? and she answered, I serve Allah, the most high. When he saw her beauty and loveliness, he fell in love with her, and said to her, Her kie,

Starting point is 02:52:40 do thou take me to mate, and I will be tender to thee, and use thee with exceeding ruth, and I will further thee in obedience to Allah Almighty. But she answered, saying, I have no need of wedlaw, and I desire to abide here alone with my lord, and his worship. But an thou wouldn'tst have ruth upon me, and further me in the obedience of

Starting point is 02:53:04 Allah, the most high, carry me to a place where there is water, and thou wilt have done me a kindness. Thereupon he took her to a place wherein was running water, and setting her down on the ground, left her and went his ways, marveling at her. After he left her, he found his camels by her blessing, and when he returned, King Kisra asked him, Has thou found the camels? He answered, yes, and acquainted him with the affair of the damsel, and detailed to him her beauty and loveliness, whereupon the king's heart claved her, and he mounted with a few men, and betook himself to the place, where he found the lady,

Starting point is 02:53:49 and was amazed at her, because he saw her surpassing the description wherewith the camel-driver had described her to him. so he cast it her and said to her i am king kisra greatest of the kings wilt thou not have me to husband quoth she what wilt thou do with me o king and i a woman abandoned in the waste and quoth he needs must this be and if thou wilt not consent to me i will take up my abode here and devote myself to allah's service and thy service and with thee worship thee worship thee worship thee Almighty. Then he bates set up for her a tent and another for himself, facing hers, so he might adore Allah with her, and fell to sending her food. And she said to herself, This is a king, and it is not lawful for me that I suffer him for my sake to forsake his lieges and his land. Presently, she said to the serving woman, who used to bring her the food,

Starting point is 02:54:51 speak the king that he returned to his woman, for he hath no need of me, and I desire to abide in this place, so I may worship there in Allah the most high. The slave-girl returned to the king, and told him this, whereupon he sent back to her saying, I have no need of the kingship,

Starting point is 02:55:12 and I also desire to tarry here and worship Allah with thee in this waste. When she found this earnestness in him, she fell in love with his wishes and said o king i will consent to that which thou desirest and will be to thee a wife but on condition that thou bring me that being the king and his wazir cardan and his chamberlain the chief and that they be present in thine assembly so i may speak a word with them in thy presence to the intent that thou mayest read double in affection for me koth kisra and what is thy want unto this so she related to him her story from first to last how she was the wife of dad bean the king and how the wazir kardan had misspoken of her honour when king kisra heard this he redoubled in love longing for her and affection and said to her do what so thou willest then he let bring a letter and carrying her there into his dwelling place and treated her with her with the utmost honour and espoused her.

Starting point is 02:56:22 Presently, he sent a great army to King D'adbeen, in fetching him and his wazir Kardan and the eunuch Chamberlain, caused bring them before him, they, unknowing the while, what he might purpose to do with them. Moreover, he caused set up for Arwa, a pavilion in the courtyard of his palace, and she entered it, and let down the curtain before herself. when the servants had set their seats and they had seated themselves arwa raised a corner of the curtain and said o cardan rise to thy feet for it besitteth not that thou sit in the like of this assembly before this mighty king when the wazir heard those words his heart fluttered and his joints were loosened and he rose to his feet of his fare then said she

Starting point is 02:57:16 to him. By the virtue of him who hath made thee stand up to judgment, and the standing stead, and thou abject and humiliated, I conjure thee speak the truth, and say what egg thee, unto lie against me and drive me from my home, and from the land of my husband, and made thee practice thus against a man, and Muslim, so as to slay him? This is no place wherein lying availeth, nor may artifice be herein. When the vizier was aware that she was Arwa and heard her speech, he knew that it behoved him not to lie, and that naught would avail him save truth.

Starting point is 02:57:59 So he bowed his head groundwards and wept and said, Whoso doth evil, needs must he incurred, I'll be his day be prolonged. By Allah, I am he who hath sinned. and transgressed and not prompted me unto this but fair and overmastering desire and the misery writ upon my bro. And indeed this woman is pure and chaste and free from all fault. When King D'admin heard this, he beat his face and said to Cardan his wazir.

Starting point is 02:58:34 Allah slay-thi, tis thou that hast parted me and my wife and wronged me. But Kisra the king said to him, Allah shall surely slay thee, because thou haddnst and looketh into thine affair, and knewest not the guilty from the guiltless, hadn't thou wrought deliberately, the unright had been made manifest to thee from the right. So when this villain, wazir proposed thy ruin,

Starting point is 02:59:04 where was thy judgment, and whither went thy sight? Then he asked Arwa, What wilt thou that I do with them? And she answered. Accomplish on them the ordinance of Almighty Allah. Let the slayer be slain, and the transgressor transgressed against, even as he transgressed against us.

Starting point is 02:59:27 Yeah, and to the weldower wheel shall be done even as he did unto us. So she gave her officer's order concerning Dada-Been, and they smote him on the head, with a mace and slive him. And she said, This is for the slaughter of my sire. Then she bade set the wazir on a beast And bear him to the desert

Starting point is 02:59:51 Whether he had caused her to be born. Leave him there without pruant or water. And she said to him, And thou be guilty, Thou shalt suffer the punishment of thy guilt And die in the desert of hunger and thirst. But an there be no guilt in thee, thou shalt be delivered, even as I was delivered.

Starting point is 03:00:13 As for the eunuch Chamberlain, who had counselled King Dadby not to slay her, but to cause carry her to the desert, she bestowed on him a costly robe of honour, and said to him, the like of thee it befitteth kings to hold in favour, and promote to high place, for that thou spakeest loyally and well, and a man is required according to his deed. and kisra the king made him wally in a certain province of his empire know therefore a king continued the youth that whoso doeth good is requitted with good and he who is guiltless of sin and offence feareth not the issue of his affair and i o my liege lord am free from guilt wherefore i hope in allah that he will show forth the truth to mine auspicious king and vouch face me the victory over enemies and enviers.

Starting point is 03:01:11 When the king heard this, his wrath subsided, and he said, Return him to the prison till the morrow, so we may look into his case. End of Section 12. Recording by Aparna Bhat. Section 13 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and Knight, volume 11. This is a Libre Vox recording.

Starting point is 03:01:42 All Libre Walk's recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. Recording by Aparna Bhat. The Book of the Thousandites and a Knight, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Sixth Day of Trust in Allah. When it was the sixth day, the wrath of the wazirs redoubled, because they had not won their will of the youth, and they feared for their lives from the leech-lord.

Starting point is 03:02:19 So three of them went into him, and prostrating themselves between his hands, said to him, O king, indeed we are loyal counsellors to thy dignity, and fondly solicitous, for thy wheel. Verily thou persistest long in leaving this youth alive, and we know not what is thine advantage therein. every day findeth him yet on life and the talk of folk-reed doublet suspicion on thee, so do thou do him dead, that the talk may be made an end of. When the king heard the speech, he said, By Allah, verily ye say sooth and speak her rightly. Then he bade them bring the young treasurer,

Starting point is 03:03:02 and when he came into the presence said to him, How long shall I look into thy case, And find no helper for thee, and see them a thirst, for thy blood? The youth answered, O king, I hope for succor only from Allah, not from created beings. And he aid me, none shall have power to harm me,

Starting point is 03:03:24 and if he be with me and on my side, because of the truth from whom shall I fare, because of untruth? Indeed, I have made my intent with Allah, a pure intent, and a sincere, and I have severed my expectation from the help. of the creature. And whoso seeketh aid of Allah, findeth of his desire, that which Bakht Zaman found, quote the king, who was Bhakt Zaman, and what is his story? And quote the youth, here, O king,

Starting point is 03:03:57 the story of king Bhaktzaman. There was once a king of the kings whose name was Bhaktzaman, and he was a great eater and drinker and carouser. Now enemies of his men, he was a man. made their appearance in certain parts of his realm, which they coveted. And one of his friends said to him, O king, the foe intendeth for thee, be on thy guard against him. Quote, bucked zaman. I reg not of him, for that I have weapons and wealth and warmen, and am not afraid of ought. Then said his friends to him, ask aid of Allah, O king, for he will help thee more than thy wealth, and thy weapons, and thy warriors.

Starting point is 03:04:44 But he turned a deaf air to the speech of his loyal counsellors, and presently the enemy came upon him, and waged war upon him and got the victory over him, and profited him not, his trust in other than Allah the most high. So he fled from him, and seeking one of the Surans, said to him, I come to thee and lay hold upon thy skirts, and take refuge with thee, so thou mayst help me against my, my foe. The king gave him money and men and a mighty many and Bhakt Saman said in himself,

Starting point is 03:05:16 Now am I fortified with this force and needs must I conquer my foe with such combatants and overcome him? But he said not. With the aid of Allah, Almighty. So his enemy met him and overcame him again, and he was defeated and put to the rout and fled at random. His troops were dispersed from him, and his money lost and the enemy pursued him. thereupon he sought the sea and passing over to the other side saw a great city and therein a mighty citadel he asked its name and that of its owner and they said to him it belonged to khadidane the king so he fared on till he came to the royal palace and concealing his condition passed himself off for a horseman and sought service with king khadidan who attached him to his attendants who attached him to his attendants and entreated him with honour, but his heart still clung to his motherland and his home. Presently, a chance that an enemy came out against King Khadidan,

Starting point is 03:06:21 so he sent his troops to meet him, and made Bhaktzaman head of the host. Then they went forth to the field, and Khadidadan also came forth, and ranged his troops, and levelled the lance and sallied out in person, and fought a sore fight and overcame his foe. who with his troops ignominiously fled. When the king and his army returned in triumph, Bakhtzaman said to him, Hark ye, O king,

Starting point is 03:06:49 this be a strange thing I see in thee that thou art come past about with this mighty great army. Yet, dost thou apply thyself in person to battle, an adventu'est thy life. Go to the king. Dost thou call thyself a knight and a learned white and deemest that victory is in the many of men. Quoth, Baked Saman, such is indeed my belief.

Starting point is 03:07:18 And Khadidan the king cried, By Allah, then thou rest in this Thai belief. Presently adding, Woe and again woe to him whose trust is in other than Allah. Indeed, this army is appointed only for fantasy and majesty, and victory is from Allah alone. I too, O Bhaktzaman. We alone believed that victory was in the number of men,

Starting point is 03:07:44 and an enemy came out against me with 800 head, whilst I had 800,000. I trusted in the tale of my troops, whilst my fore-trusted in Allah, so he defeated me and routed me. And I was put to shameful flight and hid myself in one of the mountains, where I met with the religious,

Starting point is 03:08:03 who had withdrawn himself from the world. So I joined myself to him, and complained to him of my case, and acquainted him with all that had befallen me. Quote the recluse, Whatest thou why this befell thee, and thou wast defeated? Quote I. I know not, and he said, because thou didst put thy trust in the multitude of thy warmen and reedledst,

Starting point is 03:08:32 not upon Allah the most high. Hadst thou put thy trust in the Almighty and believed of him, that it is he alone who advantageeth and endamagedeth thee, never had thy foe avail to cope with thee. Return unto Allah. So I returned to my right senses, and repented at the hands of that religious, who said to me,

Starting point is 03:08:56 turn back with what remaineth of thee of troops, and confront thy foes, for if their intents be changed, and turned away from Allah, thou wilt overcome them. Inward thou alone. When I heard the solitary's words, I put my trust in Allah of all might. And gathering together those who remained with me fell upon mine enemies at unawares in the night. They deemed as many and fled with the shamefulest flight, whereupon I entered my city and repossessed myself of my place by the might of all.

Starting point is 03:09:31 Almighty Allah, and now I fight not but trusting in his aid. When Bakhtzaman heard these words, he awoke from his heedlessness and cried, Extoled be the perfection of God the great. O king, this is my case and my story, nothing added and not subtracted, for I am king Bhakt Zaman, and all this happened to me, wherefore I will seek the gate of Allah's mercy and repent unto him. So he went forth to one of the mountains and worshipped Allah there awhile, till one night, as he slept, a personage appeared to him in dream, and said to him, O Bhaktzaman, Allah accepteth thy repentance, and openeth on thee the door of succour, and will aid thee against thy foe. When he was assured of this in the dream, he arose and turned back, intending for his own city.

Starting point is 03:10:28 and when he drew near thereunto he saw a company of the king's retainers who said to him, "'Wence art thou? We see that thou art a foreigner, and fear for thee from this king. For that every stranger who entereth the city, he destroyeth him of his dread of king, Bakhtzaman,' said Bhaktzaman. "'None shall prejudice him, nor profit him save Allah the most high.' And they replied, Indeed, he hath a vast army, and his heart is fortified in the multitude of his many. When King Bakht Saman heard this, his mind was comforted, and he said to himself,

Starting point is 03:11:09 I place my trust in Allah, and he will, I shall overcome mine's enemy by the knight of the Lord of omnipotence. So he said to the folk, Wot ye not who I am? And they said, No by Allah, cried he. I am King Bakhtzaman. When they heard this and knew that it was indeed he, they dismounted from their horses and kissed his stir-up to do him honour, and said to him,

Starting point is 03:11:38 O King, why this risk thy life? Quoth he, indeed, my life is a light matter to me, and I set my trust in Almighty Allah, looking to him for protection. And Kote, may that suffice thee, presently adding, we will do with thee that which is in our power and whereof thou art worthy heart in thy heart for we will succour thee with our substance and our existence and we are his chief officers and the most in favour with him of all folk so we will take thee with us and cause the lieges follow after thee because the inclination of the people all of them is the words said he

Starting point is 03:12:24 do whatso allah almighty enablet you to do so they carried him into the city and hid him with them then they agreed with the company of the king's chief officers who had aforetime been those of buck'szaman and acquainted them with this where they rejoiced with joy exceeding then they assembled together to bucktzaman and made a covenant and hand fast of fealty with him and fell upon the foe and slive him and seated king's Bakhtzaman again on the throne of his kingship. And his affairs prospered and Allah amended his estate and restored to him his bounty, and he ruled his subjects justly and abode in the obedience of the Almighty. On this wise, O king, continue the youth treacher, he with whom Allah is, and whose intent is pure, meeteth not save good. As for me, I have no helper other than the Almighty, and I am content to submit myself to his ordinance, for that he knoweth the purity of my intent. With this the king's wrath subsided, and he said, return him to the prison till the morrow,

Starting point is 03:13:38 so we may look into his case. End of section 13. Recording by Aparnabhat. Section 14 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a Librewox recording. All Libreworks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libreworks.org. Recording by Aparna Bhat. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Seventh Day of Clemency. When it was the seventh day, the seventh wazir. When it was the seventh wazir, whose name was Bechamal, came into the king, and prostrating himself to him, said, O king, what doth thy long-suffering with this youth prophet thee?

Starting point is 03:14:43 Indeed, the folk-talk of thee and of him, why then dost thou postpone the putting him to death? The minister's words aroused the anger of the king, and he bade bring the youth, so they fetched him before him in fetters, and Azad Bhakt said to him, O woe to thee, by Allah after this day there abideth no deliverance for thee from my hand, by reason that thou hast outraged mine honour, and there can be no forgiveness for thee. The youth replied, O king, there is no great forgiveness, save in case of a great default, for according as the offence is great and so much magnified is mercy, and it is no grace to the like of thee if he spare the like of me.

Starting point is 03:15:30 Verily, Allah knoweth that there is no crime in me, and indeed he commandeth to clemency, and no clemency is greater than that which spareth from slaughter, for that thy pardon of him, whom thou purposed to put to death, is as the quickening of a dead man, and whoso doth evil, shall find it before him, even if it was the king Bacard? asked the king. And what is the story of King Bacard? And the youth answered, here, O King. The story of King Bacard. There was once a king named Bacard,

Starting point is 03:16:12 and he had mickle of wealth and many troops. But his deeds were evil, and he would punish for a slight offense, and he never forgave any offender. He went forth one day to hunt, and a certain of his pages shot a shaft, which lit on the king's air, and cut it off. Bechard cried, Who shot that arrow? So the cards brought him in haste, the misdemeanant, whose name was Yatru, and he of his fare fell down on the ground in a fainting fit.

Starting point is 03:16:43 Then quote the king, slay him. But Yathu said, O king, this which hath befallen was not of my choice, nor of my knowledge, so do thou pardon me in the hour of thy power over me, for that mercy is of the goodliest of deeds, and belike it shall be in this world a provogen and a good work for which thou shalt be repaid one of these days, and a treasure laid up to thine count with Allah in the world to come. Pardon me, therefore, and fend off evil from me,

Starting point is 03:17:17 so shall Allah fend off from thee like evil. when the king heard this, it pleased him, and he pardoned the page, albeit he had never before pardoned any. Now this page was of the sons of the kings, and had fled from his sire on account of a sin he had committed. Then he went and took service with Bacard the king, and there happened to him what happened. After a while, it chanced that a man recognized him, and went and told his father, who sent him a letter comforting him his heart and mind in calling upon him to return to him. Accordingly, he returned to his father, who came forth to meet him, and rejoiced in him, and the prince's affairs were set right with his sire.

Starting point is 03:18:05 Now it befell one day of the days that King Bacard shipped him in a ship and put out to sea, so he might fish. The wind blew on them and the craft sank. The king made the land upon a place. unknown of any and came forth mother naked on one of the coasts and a chance that he landed in the country whereof the father of the page aforesaid was king so he came in the night to the gate of the souvran's capital and finding it shut lodged him in a burying place there when the morning morrowed and the folk came forth of the city behold they found a man lately muttered and cast down in a corner of the burial ground and seeing bachard there doubted not, but it was he who had slain him during the night. So they laid hands on him, and carried him up to the king, and said to him,

Starting point is 03:18:58 This fellow had slain a man. The king bade imprison him whereupon they threw him in jail, and he fell to saying in himself, what while he was in the prison? All that had befallen me is of the abundance of my sins, and my tyranny, for indeed I have slain much people unrighteously, and this is. the requital of my deeds, and that which I have wrought willowm of oppression. As he was thus wandering in himself, there came a bard, and lighted down on the pinnacle of the prison, whereupon, of his passing eagerness in the chaise, he took a stone and threw it at the

Starting point is 03:19:36 board. Now the king's son was playing in the exercise ground with the ball and the bat, and the stone lit on his air, and cut it off, whereupon the prince fell down in a fit. So they inquired who had thrown the stone and finding that it was Bechard took him and carried him before the king's son who bade do him die. Accordingly they cast the turban from his head and were about to fill at his eyes when the prince looked at him and seeing him cropped off an ear said to him, but for thy villainies thine ear had not been cut off, said Bechard, not so by Allah, nay, but the story of the loss of my ear is so and so, and I pardoned him who smote me with an arrow and cut off my ear.

Starting point is 03:20:25 When the prince heard this, he looked in his face, and knowing him, cried out and said, Are thou not Bacard the king? Yes, replied he. And the prince said to him, What ill chance through thee here. Thereupon he told him all that had betide his, him, and the folk wondered and extolled the perfection of the Almighty, crying,

Starting point is 03:20:50 Suban Allah, Lord to the Lord. Then the prince rose to him, and embraced him, and kissed him, and entreating him with respect, seated him in a chair, and bestowed on him a robe of honour, and he turned to his sire and said to him, This be the king who pardon me, and this be his ear, which I cut off with a shaft, and indeed he deserveth my pardon by having pardoned me. Then he said to Picard, Verily the issue of mercy hath been a provision for thee in such hour as this, and they entreated him with the utmost kindness,

Starting point is 03:21:28 and sent him back to his own country in all honour. No, then, O king, continued the youth, that there is no goodlier quality than mercy, and that all thou dost of clemency, thou shalt find before thee a treasure for thee treasured up. When the king heard this, his wrath subsided and he said, Return him to the prison till the morrow, so we may look into his case. End of Section 14, recording by Aparna Bhat.

Starting point is 03:22:07 Section 15 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Eighth Day Of Envy and Malice

Starting point is 03:22:39 When it was the eighth day, the wazirs all assembled and had speech together and said, How shall we do with this youth, who overcometh us with his much talk? Indeed, we fear lest he be saved, and we fall into destruction. So let us all go into the king and unite our efforts to gain our cause, ere he appear without guilt and come forth and get the better of us. Accordingly, they all went into the king, and prostrating themselves before him, said to him, O king, beware lest this youth ensorsel thee with his sorcery, and beguile thee with his wiles. And thou heardest what we hear, thou wouldst not suffer him to live, no, not a single day. Wherefore heed not his speech, for we are thy ministers, who endeavor for thy permanence,

Starting point is 03:23:31 and if thou hearken not to our word, to whose word wilt thou hearken? See, we are ten wazirs who testify against this youth that he is guilty, and enteretheth, not the king's sleeping chamber save with ill intent, so he might put the king to shame and outrage his honour. And if the king slay him not, let him banish him his realm, that the tongue of the folk may desist from him. When the king heard his minister's words, he was wroth with exceeding wrath, and bade bring the youth, and when he came into the king, the wazirs all cried out with one voice, saying, O lackwits, thinkest thou to save thyself from slaughter by guile and slight, that thou wildest the king with thy talk and hopeest pardon for the like of this mighty

Starting point is 03:24:15 great crime thou hast committed? Then the king bade fetch the sordor so he might smite his neck, whereupon each of the wazirs fell to saying, I will slay him, and they sprang upon him. Quoth the youth, O king, consider and ponder the eagerness of these thy ministers, is this of envy or is it not? They would fain make severance between me and thee, so there may fall to them what they shall plunder as aforetime. And the king said to him, Consider their witness against thee.

Starting point is 03:24:47 The young man said, O king, how shall they testify of that which they saw not? This is but envy and despite. And thou, and thou slay me, wilt indeed regret me. And I fear lest there betide thee of repentance, that which betided Aylaan Shah, by reason of the malice of his wazirs. Asked Azad Bacht, and what is his story? And the youth answered, Here, O King, the story of Aylan Shah and Abu Tamam.

Starting point is 03:25:18 Weilam, there was a merchant named Abu Tamam, and he was a clever man and a well-bred, quick-witted and truthful in all his affairs, and he was moneyed to boot. Now there was in his land a king as unjust as he was jealous, and Abu Tamam feared for his wealth from this king and said, I will remove hence to another place where I shall not be in dread. So he made for the city of Ilaan Shah, and built himself a palace therein, and transporting his wealth thither, took up his abode there. Presently, the news of him reached King Ilan Shah, so he sent to invite him to his presence and said to him, We know of thy coming to us and thine entering under our allegiance, and indeed we have heard of thine excellence and wit and generosity, so welcome to thee and fair welcome. The land is thy land,

Starting point is 03:26:10 and at thy command, and whatsoever need thou needest of us, tis already accomplished to thee, and it behoveth that thou be near our person and of our assembly. Abutam prostrated himself before the king, and said to him, O king, I will serve thee with my monies and with my life, but do thou excuse me from nearness to thee, for that an I took office about thee, I should not be safe from enemies and enviers. Then he applied himself to the royal service with presents and largeses, and the king saw him to be intelligent, well-bred, and of good counsel. So his heart inclined to him, and he committed to him the ordinance of his affairs, and the power to bind and to loose was in his hand. Now Ilan Shah had to be.

Starting point is 03:26:57 three wazirs, in whose hands public affairs were wont to be, and they had been accustomed not to quit the king night or day, but they became shut out from him by reason of Abu Tamam, and the king was occupied with him to their exclusion. Herewith, the ministers took counsel together upon the matter, and said, What is your read we should do, seeing that the king is occupied from us with yonder man, and indeed he honoreth him with more honor than us? But now come, let us devise some device whereby we may alienate. him from the king. So each of them spoke forth that which was in his mind, and one of them said, The king of the Turks hath a daughter, whose like there is not in the world, and whatso messenger goeth to

Starting point is 03:27:41 demand her in marriage, him her father slaughtereth. Now our king hath no knowledge of this. So come, let us foregather with him and bring up the mention of her. When his heart is taken with her, we will advise him to dispatch Abu Tamam to seek her hand in marriage, whereupon her father will slay him and we shall be quit of him and settle his affair once for all. Accordingly, they went into the king one day, Abu Tamam being present among them, and mentioned the affair of the damsel, the daughter of the Turks king, and enlarged upon her charms till the king's heart was taken with her,

Starting point is 03:28:16 and he said to them, We will send one to demand her to wife for us, but who shall be our messenger? Quoth the wazirs, There is none fit for this business but Abu Tamam, by reason of his wit and good breeding. And the king said, Indeed, even as ye say, none is fitting for this affair save ye. Then he turned to Abu Tamam and said to him,

Starting point is 03:28:38 Will thou not go with my message and seek me in marriage the daughter of the Turks king? And he answered, To here is to obey, O my sovereign. So they made ready his affair, and the king conferred on him a robe of honor, and he took with him a present and a letter under the king's hand, and setting out, fared on till he came to the capital city of Turkestan. When the king of the Turks knew of his coming, he dispatched his officers to receive him, and entreated him with honor, and lodged him as befitted his rank. Then he guested him three days, after which time he summoned him to his presence, and Abu Tamam went into him,

Starting point is 03:29:16 and, prostrating himself as besiemeth before kings, laid that present before him, and gave that present before him, and gave him the letter. The king read the writ, and said to Abu Tamam, We will do what behoveth in the matter. But, O Abu Tamam, needs must thou view my daughter, and she view thee, and needs must thou hear her speech, and she hear thine. So saying, he sent him to the lodging of the princess, who had had notice of this, so that they had adorned her sitting-room with the costliest that might be of vessels of gold and silver and the like, and she seated herself on a chair of gold, clad in the richest of royal robes and ornaments. When Abu Tamam entered, he took thought and said,

Starting point is 03:29:59 The wise declare that whoso governeth his sight shall suffer not unright, and he who guardeth his tongue shall hear not a foul taunt, and he who keepeth watch over his hand, it shall be lengthened and not shortened. So he entered, and seating himself on the floor, cast down his eyes, and covered his hands and feet with his dress. Quoth the king's daughter to him, Raise thy head, O Abu Tamam, and look on me, and speak with me. But he spake not, neither raised his head, and she continued,

Starting point is 03:30:32 They sent thee only to view me and talk with me, and yet behold thou sayest not a word, presently adding, Take of these union pearls that be round thee, And of these jewels and gold and silver. But he put not forth his hand to aught, and when she saw that he paid no heed to anything, she was angry and cried, They have messaged me with a messenger blind, dumb, deaf.

Starting point is 03:30:57 Then she sent to acquaint her father with this, whereupon the king called Abu Tamam to him and said to him, Thou camest not save to view my daughter. Why then hast thou not looked upon her? Quoth Abu Tamam, I saw everything, and quoth the king, Why didst thou not take somewhat of that which thou sawest of jewels and the like? indeed they were set out for thee but he answered it behoveth me not to put out my hand to aught that is not mine when the king heard his speech he gave him a sumptuous robe of honour and loved him muchly and said to him come look at this well so abu tamam went up to the pit-mouth and looked and behold it was full of heads of the sons of adam and the king said to him these are the heads of envoys whom i slew because i saw them

Starting point is 03:31:47 without loyalty to their lords, and I was used, when as I beheld an envoy without good manners, to say, He who sent him is worse mannered than he, because the messenger is the tongue of him who sendeth him, and his breeding is of his master's breeding, and whoso is after this fashion, it befitteth not that he be akin to me. For this reason, I used to put the envoys to death, but as for thee, thou hast overcome us and won my daughter, of the excellence of thy manners, so hearten thy heart, for she is thy lords. Then he sent him back to King Eilan Shah with presents and rarities and a letter, saying, This that I have done is in honor of thee and of thine envoy.

Starting point is 03:32:32 When Abu Tamam returned after accomplishing his mission and brought the presence and the letter, King Eilan Shah rejoiced in this and redoubled all his favors and showed him honor the highest. Some days after, the King of Turkestan sent his daughter, and she went in to King Ilan Shah, who rejoiced in her with exceeding joy, and Abu Tamam's worth was exalted in the royal sight. When the wazirs saw this, they redoubled in envy and despite, and said, And we contrive us not a contrivance to rid us of this man, we shall die of rage. So they bethought them and agreed upon a device they should practice. Then they betook themselves to two boys, pages affected to the service of the king,

Starting point is 03:33:16 who slept not but on their knee, and they lay at his head, for that they were his bedchamber pages. So the ministers gave them each a thousand dinars of gold, saying, We desire of you that ye do somewhat we require, and take this gold as a provision against your time of need. Quote the lads, what is it you would have us do? And quote the wazirs. This Abu Tamam hath marred matters for us, and if his case abide in this way, he will remove us all from the king's favor. And what we want of you, Twain, is that, when ye are alone with the king and he leaneth back, as he were asleep, one of you say to his fellow, verily, the king hath taken Abu Tamam into high favor and hath advanced him to exalted rank, yet he is a transgressor against the king's honor, and in a cursed white.

Starting point is 03:34:05 Then let the other of you ask, And what is his transgression? And let the first answer, He outrageth the king's honor, and saith, The king of Turkestan was used when a messenger went to him to seek his daughter in marriage To slay him, but me he spared, because she liked me, And by reason of this her sire sent her hither, for that she loved me. Then let the other say, Knowest thou this for truth? And let the first reply,

Starting point is 03:34:33 By Allah, this is familiar to all the folk, but of their first, fear of the king, they dare not divulge it to him. And as often as the king is absent a hunting or a wayfaring, Abu Tamam cometh to her and is private with her. Whereupon the boys answered, we will say this. Accordingly, one night, when they were alone with the king and he leaned back, as he were asleep, they said these words, and the king heard all, and was like to die of fury and despite, and said to himself, These are young boys, not come, to years of discretion, and have no business with any, and unless they had heard these words from someone, they had not spoken thereof each with other. When it was mourning, wrath overmastered him,

Starting point is 03:35:20 so that he stayed not, neither deliberated, but summoned Abutamam, and, taking him apart, said to him, "'Whoso guardeth not the honour of his liege-lord, what deserveth he?' said abutamam he deserveth that his lord guard not his honour ilan shah continued and whoso entereth the king's house and playeth traitor with him what behoveth unto him and abutamomom replied he shall not be left alive whereupon the king spat in his face and said to him both these deeds hast thou done then he drew his point art on him in haste in haste in haste it and smiting him in the belly slit it and abutam died fathright, whereupon the king dragged him along and cast him into a well that was in his palace. After he had slain him, he fell into repentance and mourning increased and chagrin waxed sore upon him, and he would acquaint none who questioned him with the cause, nor of his love for his wife did he tell her of this, and whenever she asked him wherefore he grieved, he answered her not.

Starting point is 03:36:25 When the wazirs knew of Abutamam's death, they rejoiced with exceeding joy, and knew that the king's sorrow arose from regret for him. As for Ilan Shah, after this he used to betake himself by night to the sleeping chamber of the two boys and spy upon them, that he might hear what they said concerning his wife. As he stood one night privily at the door of their chamber, he saw them spread out the gold between their hands and play with it, and heard one of them say, Woe to us! What doth this gold profit us? Indeed we cannot buy there with anything,

Starting point is 03:37:02 nor spend it upon ourselves. Nay, but we have sinned against Abu Tamam and done him dead unjustly. And said the other, had we known that the king would slay him on the spot, we had not done what we did. When the king heard that, he could not contain himself,

Starting point is 03:37:19 but rushed in upon them and said to them, Woe to you, what did ye, tell me! And they cried, Amman, O king, he cried, and he would have pardon from Allah and me, you are bound to tell me the truth, for nothing shall save you from me but soothfastness. Hereat, they prostrated themselves before him and said,

Starting point is 03:37:40 By Allah, O king, the wazirs gave us the scold and taught us to lie against Abu Tamam, so thou mightest kill him, and what we said was their speech. When the king heard this, he plucked his beard, till he was like to tear it up by the roots, and bit upon his fingers till he well-nigh cut them in twain, for repentance and sorrow that he had wrought hastily, and had not delayed with Abu Tamam, so he might consider his case. Then he sent for the ministers and said to them, O villainous wazirs, ye deemed that Allah was heedless of your deed,

Starting point is 03:38:15 but right soon shall your wickedness revert upon you. Know ye not that whoso digeth for his brother a pit shall himself fall into it, take for me the punishment of this world, and tomorrow you shall receive the punishment of the next world, and requital from Allah. Then he bade put them to death, so the headsmen smote off their heads before the king, and he went into his wife and acquainted her with whatso he had misdone to Abu Tamam, whereupon she grieved for him with mighty great grief, and the king and his household ceased not weeping and repenting all their lives.

Starting point is 03:38:50 Moreover, they brought Abu Tamam forth of the well, and the king built him a dome in his palace and buried him therein. See then, O auspicious king, continued the youth, what jealousy doth and injustice, and how Allah caused the wazir's malice to revert upon their own necks, and I trust in the Almighty that he will empower me over all who envy me my favor with the king and show forth the truth unto him. Indeed, I dread not for my life from death, only I fear lest the king repent of my slaughter, for that I am guiltless of offence, and if I knew that I were guilty on any wise, my tongue would be dumbstruck. When the king heard this, he bowed his head groundwards in perplexity and confusion, and said, Restore him to the prison till the morrow, so we may look into his case.

Starting point is 03:39:45 End of Section 15. Section 16 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Ninth Day

Starting point is 03:40:21 Of Destiny, or That Which is Written on the Forehead Now when it was the ninth day, the wazirs met and said to one another, Verily, this youth bafflet us, for as often as the king is minded to kill him, he beguileth him and bewitcheth him with the story, So what be your read we should do, that we may slay him and be at rest from him? Then they advised together and agreed that they should go to the king's wife. So they betook themselves to her, and said to her, Thou art careless of this affair wherein thou art,

Starting point is 03:40:56 and this uncare shall not profit thee. Whilst the king, occupied with eating and drinking and diversion, forgeteth that the folk beat upon tambourines and sing of thee, and say, the wife of the king loveth the youth, and as long as he abideth alive, the talk will increase and not diminish. Quoth she, By Allah, twas ye egged me on against him,

Starting point is 03:41:19 and what shall I do now? And quoth they, Go thou into the king and weep, and say to him, Verily, the women come to me and inform me that I am dishonoured throughout the city, and what is thine advantage in the sparing of this youth? And thou wilt not slay him, slay me to the end that this talk may be cut off from us. So the woman arose, and rending her raiment, went in to the king, in the presence of the wazirs, and cast herself upon him, saying, O king, is my shame not upon thee, or fearest thou not shame? Indeed, this is not the fashion of kings

Starting point is 03:41:55 that their jealousy over their women should be such as this. Thou art heedless, and all the folk of the realm prate of thee, men and women. Either slay him that the talk may be cut off, or slay me if thy soul will not consent to his slaughter. Thereupon the king's wrath waxed hot, and he said to her, I have no pleasure in his continuance, and needs must I slay him this very day. so return to thy palace and solace thy heart. Then he bade fetched the youth, whereupon they brought him before him, and the wazir said,

Starting point is 03:42:28 O base of base, thye upon thee, thy life term is at hand, and earth hungreth for thy flesh, so it may make a meal of it. But he said to them, Death is not in your word or in your envy, nay, it is a destiny written upon the forehead, wherefore, if ought be writ upon my foot,

Starting point is 03:42:47 front, there is no help but it come to pass, and neither striving nor thought-taking nor precaution-seeking shall deliver me therefrom, even as happened to King Ibrahim and his son. Quoth the King, who was King Abraham and who was his son? And quote the youth, here, O King, the story of King Ibrahim and his son. There was once a king of the kings, Sultan Ibrahim Haidt, to whom the sovereigns abased themselves and did obedience. But he had no son, and was straightened of breast because of that, fearing lest the kingship go forth of his hand. He ceased not to long for a son, and to buy slave-girls and lie with them, till one of them conceived, whereat he rejoiced with passing joy and gave great gifts and the largest largesse.

Starting point is 03:43:42 When the girl's months were complete and the time of her lying in drew near, the king summoned the astrologers, and they watched for the hour of childbearing, and raised their astrolabes and carefully noted the time. The handmaid gave birth to a man-child, whereat the king rejoiced exceedingly, and the people congratulated one another with this glad news. Then the astrophils made their calculations, and looked into his nativity and his ascendant,

Starting point is 03:44:12 whereupon their color changed, and they were confounded. Quost the king to them, Acquaint me with his horoscope, and ye shall have assurance of pardon and have not to fear. They replied, O king, this princely child's nativity denoted that, in the seventh year of his age, there is fearful danger for him from a lion, which shall attempt to rent him, and if he be saved from the lion,

Starting point is 03:44:38 they will betide a matter yet soarer and more grievous even than that, asked the king, what is it? And they answered, We will not speak, except the king command us and give us assurance from fear. Quoth the king, Allah assure you, and quoth they, And he be saved from the lion, the king's destruction shall be at his hand. When the king heard this, his complexion changed and his breast was straightened. But he said to himself, I will be watchful and do my endeavor and suffer not the lion to eat him.

Starting point is 03:45:14 It cannot be that he will kill me, and indeed the astrologers lied. Then he caused rear him among the wet nurses and the noble matrons, but with all he ceased not to ponder the prediction of the astrophils, and verily his life was troubled. So he betook himself to the top of a high mountain, and hollowed there a deep excavation, and made in it many dwelling places and room, and filled it with all that was needful of rations and raiment and what not else,

Starting point is 03:45:44 and laid in it pipe conduits of water from the mountains, and lodged the boy therein with a nurse who should rear him. Moreover, at the first of each month he used to go to the mountain and stand at the mouth of the hollow, and let down a rope he had with him and draw up the boy to him, and strain him to his bosom and kiss him and play with him a while, after which he would let him down again to his place and return, and he was wont to count the days till the seven years should pass by.

Starting point is 03:46:14 Now, when arrived the time of the fate for ordered and the fortune graven on the forehead, and there remained for the boy but ten days till the seven years should be complete, there came to that mountain hunters chasing wild beasts, and, seeing a lion, they attacked him. He fled from them, and seeking refuge in the mountain, fell into the hollow in its midst. The nurse saw him forthwith, and escaped from him in his own. to one of the chambers, upon which the lion made for the lad, and seizing upon him, tear his shoulder, after which he sought the room wherein was the nurse, and falling upon her, devoured her, whilst the boy lay in a swoon.

Starting point is 03:46:53 Meanwhile, when the huntsman saw that the lion had fallen into the pit, they came to the mouth and heard the shrieking of the boy and the woman, and after a while the cries died away, whereby they knew that the lion had slain them. presently, as they stood by the mouth of the excavation, behold, the lion came scrambling up the sides and would have issued forth, but as often as he showed his head, they pelted him with stones, till they beat him down and he fell, whereupon one of the hunters descended into the pit and dispatched him,

Starting point is 03:47:24 and saw the boy wounded, after which he went to the chamber, where he found the woman dead, and indeed the lion had eaten his fill of her. Then he noted that which was therein of clothes and what, not else, and notifying his mates, fell to passing the stuff up to them. Lastly, he took up the boy, and, bringing him forth of the pit, carried him to their dwelling place where they dressed his wounds. He grew up with them, but acquainted them not with his affair, and indeed, when they questioned him, he knew not what he should say, because they let him

Starting point is 03:47:55 down into the pit when he was a little one. The hunters marvelled at his speech, and loved him with exceeding love, and one of them took him to sun and abode, rearing him by his side and training him in hunting and horse riding, till he reached the age of twelve and became a brave, going forth with the folk to the chase and to the cutting of the way. Now it chanced one day that they sallied forth to stop the road, and fell in with a caravan during the night. But its stout fellows were on their guard, so they joined battle with the robbers and overcame them and slew them, and the boy fell wounded and tarried cast down in that place till the morrow, when he opened his eyes and finding his comrade slain, lifted himself up and arose to walk the road.

Starting point is 03:48:42 Presently there met him a man, a treasure-seeker, and asked him, Whither away, O lad? So he told him what had betided him, and the other said, be of good heart, for that the tide of thy good fortune is come, and Allah bringeth thee joy and gladness. I am one who am in quest of a hidden treasure, wherein is a mighty muckle of wealth. So come with me that thou mayst help me, and I will give thee monies with which thou shalt provide thyself all thy life long. Then he carried the youth to his dwelling and dressed his wounds, and he tarried with him some days till he was rested, when the treasure-seeker took him and two beasts, and all that he needed, and they fared on till they came to a towering highland.

Starting point is 03:49:26 Here, the man brought out a book, and reading therein, dug in the crest of the mountain five cubits deep, whereupon there appeared to him a stone. He pulled it up, and behold, it was a trap door covering the mouth of a pit. So he waited till the foul air was come forth from the midst of the pit, when he bound a rope about the lad's middle and let him down bucket-wise to the bottom, and with him a lighted waxen taper. The boy looked and beheld at the upper end of the pit, wealth abundant, so the treasure-seeker let down a rope and a basket, and the boy fell to filling and the man to drawing up, till the fellow had got his sufficiency, when he loaded his beasts and ceased working, whilst the boy looked for him to let down the rope and draw him up.

Starting point is 03:50:14 but he rolled a great stone to the mouth of the pit and went his ways. When the boy saw what the treasure-seeker had done with him, he relied upon Allah, extolled and exalted Be He, and abode perplexed concerning his case, and said, How bitter be this death! For indeed the world was darkened on him and the pit was blinded to him. So he fell a weeping and saying, I escaped the lion and the robbers, and now is my death to be in this pit,

Starting point is 03:50:43 where I shall die by slow degrees, and he abode perplexed and looked for nothing but death. But as he stood pondering, behold, he heard a sound of water rushing with a thunderous noise, so he arose and walked in the pit, following the sound, till he came to a corner and heard the mighty coursing of water. Then he laid his ear to the sound of the current, and hearing it rushing in great strength, said to himself, This is the flowing of a mighty watercourse, and needs must I depart life in this place, be it today or tomorrow,

Starting point is 03:51:19 so I will throw myself into the stream and not die a slow death in this pit. Thereupon he called up his courage, and gathering up his skirts, cast himself into the water, and it bore him along with force exceeding, and carrying him under the earth, stayed not till it brought him out into a deep wadi,

Starting point is 03:51:37 a down which ran a great river that whiled up from under the ground. When he found himself on the face of earth, he abode dazed and a swoon all that day, after which he came to himself, and, rising, fared on along that valley, and he ceased not his wayfar, praising Almighty Allah the while, till he came to an inhabited land and a great village in the reign of the king his sire. So he entered and foregathered with the villagers, who questioned him of his case, whereupon he told them his tale, and they admired how Allah had delivered him from all those dangers. Then he took up his abode with them, and they loved him much.

Starting point is 03:52:19 On this wise happened it to him, but as regards the king his father, when he went to the pit, as was his wont, and called the nurse, she returned him no answer, whereat his breast was straightened, and he let down a man who found the woman dead and the boy gone, and acquainted therewith the king, who when he heard this, buffeted his head and wept with sore weeping, and descended into the midst of the pit that he might see how the case stood. There he espied the nurse slain and the lion dead, but beheld not the boy. So he returned and acquainted the astrologers with the soothfastness of their saying, and they replied,

Starting point is 03:52:59 O king, the lion hath eaten him, destiny hath been rotten upon him, and thou are delivered from his hand. For had he been saved from the lion, we indeed by Allah had feared for thee from him, because the king's destruction would have been at his hand. So the king ceased to sorrow for this, and the days passed by, and the affair was forgotten. Meanwhile, the boy grew up and abode with the people of the village,

Starting point is 03:53:28 and when Allah willed the accomplishing of his commandment, which no endeavor availeth to avert, he went forth with a party of the villagers to cut the way. The folk complained to King Ibrahim, his father, who sallied out with a company of his men and surrounded the highwaymen. Now that boy was with them, and he drew forth an arrow and launched it at them, and it smote the king and wounded him in a mortal place.

Starting point is 03:53:54 So they carried him to his palace, after they had laid hands upon the youth and his comrades and brought them before the sovereign, saying, What biddest us to do with them? Quoth he, I am presently in trouble for myself, so bring me the astrologers. Accordingly, they brought them before him, and he said to them, Ye said to me, Thy death shall be by slaying at the hand of thy son. How then befalleth it that I have got my death hurt by yonder thieves?

Starting point is 03:54:22 The astrologers marveled and said to him, O king, tis not beyond the lore of the stars, together with the doom of Allah, that he who hath smitten thee should be thy son. When King Abraham heard this, he bade fetch the thieves and said to them, Tell me truly, which of you shot the shaft that wounded me? Said they, T'was this youth that is with us. Whereupon the king fell to considering him and said,

Starting point is 03:54:51 O youth, acquaint me with thy case, and tell me who was thy father, and thou shalt have assurance of safety from Allah. The youth replied, O my lord, I know no father. As for me, my father lodged me in a pit with a nurse to rear me, and one day there fell in upon us a lion, which tear my shoulder, then left me and occupied himself with the nurse and rent her in pieces. And Allah vouchsafed me one who brought me forth the pit.

Starting point is 03:55:19 Then he related to him all that had befallen him first and last. Which one King Ibrahim heard, he cried out and said, By Allah, this is my son! Presently adding, bear thy shoulder. So he uncovered it, and behold, it was scarred. Then the king assembled his lords and lieges and the astrologers, and said to them, Know that what Allah hath writ upon the forehead, be it fair fortune or misfortune, none may efface, and all that is decreed to a man must perforce befall him. Indeed, this my caretaking and my

Starting point is 03:55:54 endeavour profited me not, for what weird Allah decreed for my son, he hath dread, and whatso he decreed to me, I have endured. Nevertheless, I praise Allah and thank him, because this was at my son's hand and not at the hand of another, and alamdolila, loud to the Lord, for that the kingdom is come to my son. And he strained the youth to his bosom and embraced him and kissed him, saying, Oh, my son, this matter was after such fashion, and of my watchfulness over thee from fate I lodged thee in that pit, but caretaking availed not. Then he took the crown of the kingship and set it on his son's head, and caused the lieges and the people to do homage to him, and commanded the subjects to his care, and enjoined to him justice and equity. And he farewelled him that night, and died,

Starting point is 03:56:45 and his son reigned in his stead. "'Unlike wise, O King,' continued the young treasurer, "'tis with thee. If Allah have written aught on my forehead, Needs must it befall me, and my speech to the king shall not avail me. No, nor am I illustrating it to him with instances, against the doom of Allah. And so it is with these wazirs, for all their eagerness and endeavor for my destruction. This shall not profit them, because, if Allah determined to save me, he will give me the victory over them. When the king heard these words, he became perplexed and said, Return him to the prison till the morrow, so we may look into his affair,

Starting point is 03:57:25 For the day draweth to an end, and I'd mean to do him dead in foulest sort, And to-morrow we will visit him with that which he meritedth. End of Section 16. Section 17 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton.

Starting point is 03:58:06 The 10th Day. Of the appointed term, which, if it be advanced, may not be deferred, and if it be deferred, may not be advanced. When it was the 10th day, now this day was called Al-Me-drawn, and it was the day of the coming in of the folk, gentle and simple, to the king, so they might give him joy and salute him to go forth. The council of the wazirs agreed that they should speak with the company of the city notables. So they said to them, when ye go in today to the king and salute him, do ye say to him, O king, to the Lord be the laud, thou art praiseworthy of policy and procedure, and just to all thy subjects, but respecting this youth whom thou hast favoured, and who nevertheless hath reverted to his base origin,

Starting point is 03:58:58 and done this foul deed, what is thy purpose in his continuance? Indeed, thou hast imprisoned him in thy palace, and every day thou hearest his palaver, and thou knowest not what the folk say. And they answered, hearing is obeying. Accordingly, when they entered with the folk, and had prostrated themselves before the king and congratulated his majesty, he raised their several degrees. Now it was the custom of the folk to salute and go forth, but they took seat, and the king knew that they had a word they would fain address to him. So he turned to them,

Starting point is 03:59:38 the wazirs being also present, and said, ask your need. Therefore, they repeated to him all that the ministers had taught them, and the wazirs also spoke with them. them, and Azad Baked said to them, O folk, I would have it known to you that there is no doubt with me concerning this your speech proceeding from love and loyal counsel to me, and ye can that, were I inclined to kill half these folk, I would do them die, and this would not be hard to me. So how shall I not slay this youth, and he in my power, and in the handing of my hand? Indeed, his crime is manifest, and he hath incurred death penalty, and I have deferred it only by reason of the greatness of the offense.

Starting point is 04:00:26 For, and I do this with him, and my proof against him be strengthened, my heart is healed, and the heart of my whole folk, and if I slay him not today, his slaying shall not escape me tomorrow. Then he bade fetch the youth who, when present between his hands, prostrated to him and blessed him, whereupon quoth the king, Woe to thee. How long shall the folk upbraid me on thine account, and blame me for delaying thy death? Even the people of my city reproach me because of thee, so that I am grown a prating-stock amongst them, and indeed they come into me and reproach me for not putting thee to death. How long shall I delay this? Verily, this very day I mean to shed thy blood, and rid the folk of thy

Starting point is 04:01:15 prattling. The youth replied, O king, and there have betided thee talk because of me, by Allah, and again by Allah the great, those who have brought on thee this talk from the folk, are none but these wicked wazirs, who chatter with the crowd, and tell them foul tales and ill things of the king's house, but I hope in the most high that he will cause their malice to recoil upon their own heads. As for the king's menace of slithes, as for the king's menace of slaying me, I am in the grip of his hand. So let not the king occupy his mind with my slaughter, because I am like the sparrow in the grasp of the fowler. If he will, he cutteth his throat, and if he will he letteth him go. As for the delaying of my death, tis not from the king,

Starting point is 04:02:05 but from him in whose hand is my life. For by Allah, O king, and the Almighty willed my slaughter, thou couldst not postpone it. No, not for a single hour. And indeed, man availeth not to fend off evil from himself, even as it was with the son of King Suleiman Shah, whose anxiety and carefulness for the winning of his wish in the matter of the newborn child availed him not, for his last hour was deferred how many a time, and Allah saved him until he had accomplished his period and had fulfilled his life term. cried the king, Fye upon thee, how great is thy craft and thy talk. Tell me what was their tale. And the youth said, hear, O king, the story of King Suleiman Shah and his niece. There was once a king named Suleiman Shah, who was goodly of policy and read, and he had a brother

Starting point is 04:03:06 who died and left a daughter, so Suleiman Shah reared her with the best of rearing, and the girl became a model of reason and perfection, nor was there in her time a more beautiful than she. Now the king had two sons, one of whom he had appointed in his mind to wed her, while the other purposed to take her. The elder son's name was Baloo-wan, and that of the younger Malik Shah, and the girl was called Shakatoon. Now one day, King Suleiman Shah went into his brother's daughter, and kissing her head, said to her, Thou art my daughter and dearer to me than a child, for the love of thy late father who hath found mercy. Wherefore I purpose espousing thee to one of my sons, and appointing him my heir apparent, so he may be king after me. Look then, which thou wilt have of my sons, for that thou hast been

Starting point is 04:04:03 reared with them and knowest them. The maiden arose, and kissing his hand, said to him, O my lord, I am thine handmaid, and thou art the ruler over me. So whatever liketh thee, do that same, inasmuch as thy wishes higher and honourableer, and holier than mine, and if thou wouldst have me serve thee as a handmaid for the rest of my life, twere fairer to me than any maid. The king commended her speech, and conferred on her a robe of honor and gave her magnificent gifts, after which his choice having fallen upon his younger son, Malik Shah, he wedded her with him and made him his heir apparent, and bade the folks wear fealty to him. When this reached his brother, Baluan, and he was where that his younger brother had by favor been

Starting point is 04:04:57 preferred over him, his breast was straightened, and the affair was sore to him, and envy entered into him and hate. But he hid this in his heart, whilst fire raged therein, because of the damsel and the dominion. Meanwhile, Shah Khatun went in bridal splendor to the king's son, and conceived by him and bear a son, as he were the illumining moon. When Bahuans saw this betide his brother, envy and jealousy overcame him, so he went in one night to his father's palace, and coming into his brother's chamber, saw the nurse sleeping at the door with the cradle before her, and therein his brother's child asleep. Bahluan stood by him and fell to looking upon his face, whose radiance was that of the moon, and Satan insinuated himself into his heart so that he bethought himself and said,

Starting point is 04:05:54 Why be not this babe mine? Verily I am worthier of him than my brother, yea, and of the damsel and the dominion. Then the idea got the mastery of him, and anger drave him, so that he took out a knife and setting it to the child's gullet, cut his throat, and would have severed his windpipe. So he left him for dead, and entering his brother's chamber, saw him asleep with the princess by his side, and thought to slay her, but said to himself, I will leave the girl wife for myself. Then he went up to his brother, and cutting his throat, parted head from bow, body, after which he left him and went away. But now the world was straightened upon him, and his life was a light matter to him, and he sought the lodging of his sire,

Starting point is 04:06:45 Suleiman Shah, that he might slay him also, but could not get admission to him. So he went forth from the palace, and hid himself in the city till the morrow, when he repaired to one of his father's fortiluses, and therein fortified himself. On this wise it was with him, but as regards the nurse, she presently awoke that she might give the child suck, and seeing the cradle running with blood cried out, whereupon the sleepers started up, and the king was aroused, and making for the place found the child with his throat cut, and the bed running over with blood,

Starting point is 04:07:23 and his father, dead with a slit, weazened in his sleeping chamber. They examined the child, and found life in him and his windpipe hole, and they sewed up the place of the wound. Then the king sought his son Baluan, but found him not, and saw that he had fled. So he knew that it was he who had done this deed, and it was grievous to the king and to the people of his realm, and to the lady Shah Khatun. Whereupon the king laid out his son Malik Shah and buried him and made him a mighty funeral, and they mourned with passing sore mourning, after which he applied himself to rearing the infant. As for Balhuan, when he fled and fortified himself, his power waxed a mane, and there remained for him but to make war upon his father,

Starting point is 04:08:16 who had cast his fondness upon the child, and used to rear him on his knees and supplicate Almighty Allah that he might live, so he might commit the command to him. When he came to five years of age, the king mounted him on horseback, and the people of the city rejoiced in him, and prayed for him length of life, that he might take vengeance for his father and heal his grandsire's heart. Meanwhile, Bathlouan the rebel addressed himself to pay court to Caesar, king of the room, and crave eight of him in debelling his father, and he inclined unto him and gave him a numerous army. His sire the king, hearing of this, sent to Caesar saying, O glorious king of might illustrious, succor not an evil-doer, this is my son, and he hath done so-and-so,

Starting point is 04:09:10 and cut his brother's throat, and that of his father's son in the cradle. But he told not the king of the room that the child had recovered and was alive. When Caesar heard the truth of the matter, it was grievous to him, as grievous could be, and he sent back to Suleiman Shah, saying, And it be thy wish, O king, I will cut off his head and send it to thee. But he made answer, saying, I care not for him. Soon and surely, the reward of his deed and his crimes shall overtake him, if not today, then tomorrow. And from that date, he continued to exchange letters and presence with Caesar. Now the king of the room heard tell of the widowed princess, and of the beauty and loveliness wherewith she was endowed, wherefore his heart clave to her, and he sent to seek her in wedlock of Suleiman Shah, who could not refuse him. So he arose, and going into Shah Khatun, said to her, O my daughter, the king of the room hath sent to me to seek thee in marriage, what sayest thou? She wept and replied,

Starting point is 04:10:23 King, how canst thou find it in thy heart to address me thus? As for me, abideth their husband for me, after the son of my uncle? Rejoined the king, O my daughter, tis indeed as thou sayest. But here let us look at the issues of affairs. I must now take comte of death, for that I am a man shot in years, and fear not save for thee and for thy little son. And indeed I have written to the king of the room and others of the kings, and said, his uncle slew him, and said not that he hath recovered and is living, but concealed his affair. Now the king of the room hath sent to demand thee in marriage, and this is no thing to be refused, and fain would we have our back strengthened with him. And she was silent and spake not. So King Suleiman Shah made answer to Caesar

Starting point is 04:11:19 with hearing and obeying. Then he arose and dispatched her to him, and Caesar went into her and found her passing the description wherewith they had described her, wherefore he loved her every day more and more, and preferred her over all his women, and his affection for Suleiman Shah was increased, but Shah Katoon's heart still claved to her child, and would say not. As for Suleiman Shah's son, the rebel Bahuan, when he saw that Shah Khatun had married the king of the room, this was grievous to him, and he despaired of her. Meanwhile, his father Suleiman Shah watched over the child and cherished him and named him Malik Shah after the name of his sire. When he reached the age of ten, he made the folk do homage to him and appointed him his heir apparent, and at a parent, and at a parent.

Starting point is 04:12:16 after some days, the old king's time for paying the debt of nature drew near, and he died. Now a party of the troops had banded themselves together for Barthuan, so they sent to him, and bringing him privily, went into the little Malik Shah, and seized him, and seated his uncle Bahluan on the throne of kingship. Then they proclaimed him king, and did homage to him all, saying, verily we desire thee and deliver to thee the throne of kingship, but we wish of thee that thou slay not thy brother's son, because we are still bounden by the oaths we swear to his sire and his grandsire, and the covenants we made with them.

Starting point is 04:13:00 So Bahuan granted this to them, and imprisoned the boy in an underground dungeon, and straightened him. Presently the grievous news reached his mother, and this was to her a fresh grief. But she could not speak, and committed her affair to Allah Almighty, for that she durst not name this to King Caesar her spouse, lest she should make her uncle King Suleiman Shah a liar. But as regards Bahuan the rebel, he abode king in his father's palace, and his affairs prospered, while the young Malik Shah lay in the Sioux terrain for full-told years, till his favor faded and his charms changed. When he, extolled and exalted be he, willed to relieve him and to bring him forth of the prison, Bahuan sat one day with his chief officers and the lords of his land,

Starting point is 04:13:55 and discoursed with them of the story of his sire, King Suleiman Shah, and what was in his heart. Now there were present certain wazirs, men of worth, and they said to him, O king, verily Allah hath been bountiful to thee, and hath brought thee to thee to thy wish, so that thou art become king in thy father's palace, and hast won what so thou wishest. But as for this youth, there is no guilt in him, because he, from the day of his coming into the world, hast seen neither ease nor pleasure, and indeed his favor is faded, and his charms changed. What is his crime that he should merit such pains and penalties? Indeed, others than he were to blame, and here too Allah hath given thee the victory over them, and there is no fault in this poor lad.

Starting point is 04:14:49 Quoth Bahluan, verily tis as ye say, but I fear his machinations, and am not safe from his mischief. Happily the most part of the folk will incline unto him. They replied, O king, what is this boy, and what power hath he, and thou fear him, send him to one of the frontiers, and, and Bahluan said, ye speak sooth, so we will send him as captain of war to reduce one of the outlying stations. Now over against the palace in question was a host of enemies, heart of heart, and in this he designed the slaughter of the youth. So he bade bring him forth of the underground dungeon, and caused him drawn near to him and saw his case. Then he robed him, whereat the folk rejoiced, for him the banners, and, giving him a mighty many, dispatched him to the quarter aforesaid,

Starting point is 04:15:47 whither all who went, or were slain or were taken. Accordingly, Malik Shah fared thither with his force, and when it was one of the days, behold, the enemy attacked them in the night, whereupon some of his men fled, and the rest the enemy captured, and they seized Malik Shah also, and cast him into a pit with a company of his own. his men. His fellows mourned over his beauty and loveliness, and there he abode a whole twelve-month in evilest plight. Now at the beginning of every year, it was the enemies wont to bring forth their prisoners, and cast them down from the top of the citadel to the bottom. So at the customed time, they brought them forth and cast them down, and Malik Shah with them. However, he fell upon the other men,

Starting point is 04:16:39 and the ground touched him not, for his term was God guarded. But those who were cast down there were slain upon the spot, and their bodies ceased not to lie there till the wild beasts ate them, and the winds scattered their bones. Malikshah abodes strewn in his place and a swoon all that day and that night, and when he revived and found himself safe and sound, he thanked Allah the most high for his safety, and rising, left the place. He gave not over walking, unknowing whether he went, and dieting upon the leaves of the trees, and by day he hid himself where he might, and fared on at hazard all his night, and thus he did for some days till he came to a populous part, and seeing folk there accosted them.

Starting point is 04:17:32 He acquainted them with his case, giving them to know that he had been prisoned in the the fortress and that they had thrown him down, but Almighty Allah had saved him and brought him off alive. The people had Ruth on him and gave him to eat and drink, and he abode with them several days. Then he questioned them of the way that led to the kingdom of his uncle, Bahluan, but told them not that he was his father's brother. So they showed him the road, and he ceased not to go barefoot till he drew near his uncle's capital, naked and hungered, and indeed his limbs were lean and his color changed. He sat down at the city gate, when behold, up came a company of King Bahlewan's chief officers, who were out a-hunting and wished to water their horses. They lighted down to rest,

Starting point is 04:18:26 and the youth accosted them, saying, I would ask you of somewhat that ye may acquaint me therewith. Quoth they, ask, what thou wilt, and quoth he, is King Bahluan well? They derided him and replied, What a fool art thou, O youth! Thou art a stranger and a beggar, and whence art thou that thou shouldst question concerning the king? cried he, in very sooth he is my uncle, whereat they marveled and said, "'Twas one catch question, and now tis become two.' Then said they to him, O youth, it is as if thou wert gin mad.

Starting point is 04:19:07 Whence comest thou to claim kinship with the king? Indeed we know not that he hath any kith in kin, save a nephew, a brother's son, who was prisoned with him, and he dispatched him to wage war upon the infidels so that they slew him. Said Malik Shah, I am he and they slew me not, but there befell me this and that. They knew him forthwith, and rising to him, kissed his hands, and rejoiced in him, and said to him,

Starting point is 04:19:38 O our Lord, thou art indeed a king, and the son of a king, and we desire thee not but good, and we pray for thy continuance. Look how Allah hath rescued thee from this wicked uncle, who sent thee to a place whence none ever came off, safe and sound, purposing not in this but thy destruction, and indeed thou fellest upon death from which Allah delivered thee. How then, wilt thou return and cast thyself again into thy foeman's hand? By Allah, save thyself, and return not to him this second time. Happily thou shalt abide upon the face of the earth till it please Almighty Allah to receive thee. But, and thou fall again into his hand, he will not suffer thee to live a single hour. The prince thanked them, and said to them,

Starting point is 04:20:30 Allah reward you with all weal, for indeed ye give me loyal counsel, but whither would ye have me when, quoth they, to the land of the room, the abiding place of thy mother. But, quoth he, my grandfather Suleiman Shah, when the king of the room wrote to him, demanding my mother in marriage, hid my affair and secreted my secret, and she hath done the same, and I cannot make her a liar. Rejoined they, thou sayest sooth,

Starting point is 04:21:02 but we desire thine advantage, and even wert thou to take service with the folk, twere a means of thy continuance. Then each and every one of them brought out to him money, and gave him a modicum, and clad him and fed him, and fared on with him the length of a pair sang,

Starting point is 04:21:20 until they brought him far from the city, and letting him know that he was safe, departed from him, whilst he journeyed till he came forth of his uncle's reign and entered the dominion of the room. Then he made a village, and taking up his abode therein, applied himself to serving one there in caring and seating and the like. End of Section 17. Section 18 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:22:04 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Lisa Murphy, Richmond, Virginia. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. As for his mother, Shah Kutin, great was her longing for her child, and she thought of him ever and news of him was cut off from her, so her life was troubled, and she forswear sleep and could not make mention of him before King Caesar her spouse. Now, she had a castrato who had come with her from the court of her uncle, King Suleiman Shah, and he was intelligent, quick-witted, right-readed. So she took him apart one day and said to him, shedding tears. the while. Thou has been my eunuch from my childhood to this day. Canst thou not, therefore,

Starting point is 04:22:57 get me tidings of my son, seeing that I cannot speak of his matter? He replied, O my lady, this is an affair which thou hast concealed from the commencement, and were thy son here, twould not be possible for thee to entertain him, lest thine honour be smirched with the king, for they would never credit thee, since the news hath been brooded abroad, that thy son was slain by his uncle. Quoth she, the case is even as thou sayest, and thou speaketh sooth, but, provide I know that my son is alive, let him be in these parts pasturing sheep, and let me not sight him, nor he sight me. He asked, How shall we manage in this matter? And she answered, Here be my treasures and my wealth. Take all thy wilt, and bring me my son, or else tidings of him. Then they devised a device between them,

Starting point is 04:23:51 which was that they should feign some business in their own country, to wit that she had wealth there buried from the time of her husband, Malik Shah, and that none knew of it but this eunuch who was with her, so it behoved him to go fetch it. Accordingly, she acquainted the king her husband with that, and sought his permit for the eunuch to fare, and the king granted him leave of absence for the journey, and charged him to devise a device lest he come to grief. The castrable, therefore disguised himself in merchant's habit, and, repairing to Balwan City, began to make espial concerning the youth's case, whereupon they told him that he had been prisoned in a soterain, and that his uncle had released him, and dispatched him to such a place, where they had slain him.

Starting point is 04:24:41 When the eunuch heard this, the mishap was grievous to him, and his breast was straightened, and he knew not what to do. It chanced one day of the days that a certain of the horse who had fallen in with young Malik Shah by the water, and clad him and given him spending money, saw the eunuch in the city, habited as a merchant, and recognizing him, questioned him of his case and of the cause of the coming.

Starting point is 04:25:07 Quoth he, I came to sell merchandise, and quote the horseman, I will tell thee somewhat, and thou canst keep it secret. Answered the neutral, That I can, what is it? And the other said,

Starting point is 04:25:19 We met the king's son, Malik Shah, I, and sundry of the Arabs who were with me, and saw him by such a water, and gave him spending money, and sent him towards the land of the Rome, near his mother, for that we feared for him lest his uncle Baloen slay him. Then he told him all that had passed between them, whereat the eunuch's countenance changed, and he said to the cavalier, thou art safe, the knight replied, Thou also art safe, though thou come in quest of him. And the eunuch rejoined, saying, truly, that is my errand. There is no rest for his mother,

Starting point is 04:25:57 lying down or rising up, and she hath sent me to seek news of him. Quote the cavalier, go in safety, for he is in a quarter of the land of the Rome, even as I said to thee. The castrato thanked him and blessed him, and mounting returned upon his road, following the trail, whilst the knight rode with him to a certain highway, when he said to him, this is where we left him. Then he took leave of him and returned to his own city, whilst the eunuch fared on along the road, inquiring in every village he entered of the youth by the description which the rider had given him, and he seized not thus to do till he came to the village, wherein was young Malik Shah. So he entered, and dismounting made inquiry after the prince, but none gave him news of him,

Starting point is 04:26:45 whereat he abode perplexed concerning his affair and made ready to depart. Accordingly he mounted his horse, but as he passed through the village he saw a cow bound with a rope and a youth asleep by her side, handing the halter in hand. So he looked at him and passed on, and heeded him not in his heart, but presently he halted and said to himself, and the youth who am I requesting have become like of this sleeping youth whom I passed, but now how shall I know him? Alas, the length of my travail and travel, how shall I go about in search of a somebody I know not, one whom, if I saw him face to face, I should not know. So saying he turned back, musing anent that sleeping youth, and coming to him, he's still sleeping,

Starting point is 04:27:35 dismounted from his mare and sat down by his side. He fixed his eyes upon his face, and considered him a while and said in himself, For aught I wot this youth may be Malik Shah. Then he began hemming and saying, Hark ye, O youth, whereupon the sleeper awoke and sat up. And the eunuch asked him, Who be thy father in this village, and where be thy dwelling? The youth sighed and replied, I am a stranger.

Starting point is 04:28:03 and quote the castrato, From what land art thou, and who is thy sire? Quote the other, I am from such a land, and the eunuch ceased not to question him, and he to answer his queries, till he was certified of him and knew him. So he rose and embraced him and kissed him and wept over his case. He also told him that he was wandering about in search of him,

Starting point is 04:28:27 and informed him that he come privily from the king, his mother's husband, and that his mother would be be satisfied to weat that he was alive and well, though she saw him not. Then he re-entered the village, and buying the prince a horse, mounted him, and they ceased not going till they came to the frontier of their own country, where there fell robbers upon them, by the way, and took all that was with them and pinioned them, after which they threw them in a pit heard by the road, and went their ways and left them to die there. And indeed they had cast many folk into that pit, and they had perished. The eunuch fell a weeping in the pit, and the youth said to him,

Starting point is 04:29:07 What is this weeping, and what shall it profit here? Quote the castrato, I weep not for fear of death, but of Ruth for thee and the cursedness of thy case, and because of thy mother's heart, and for that which thou hast suffered of horrors, and that thy death should be this ignoble death, after the endurance of all manner dire distresses. But the youth said, that which hath betided me was writ to me, and that which is written none hath power to efface, and if my life term be advanced, none may defer it. Then the twain passed that night and the following day, and the next night, and the next day in the hollow, till they were weak with hunger, and came nigh upon death, and could but groan feebly. Now it fortuned by the decree of Almighty Allah

Starting point is 04:29:56 and his destiny, that Caesar, king of the Greeks, the spouse of Malik Shah's mother, Shaq went forth a hunting that morning. He flushed ahead of game, he and his company, and chased it, till they came up with it by that pit, whereupon one of them lighted down from his horse to slaughter it, hard by the mouth of the hollow. He heard a sound of low moaning from the soul of the pit, whereat he arose and mounting his horse, waited till the troops were assembled. Then he acquainted the king with this, and he bade one of his servants to send into the hollow, so the man climbed down and brought out the youth and the eunuch in fainting condition. They cut their pinion bonds and poured wine down their throats till they came to themselves. When the king looked at the eunuch

Starting point is 04:30:43 and recognizing him said, Hark ye, so shone one, the castrata replied, yes, oh lord my king, and prostrated himself to him, whereat the king wondered with exceeding wonder and asked him, how cameest thou to this place, and what hath befallen thee? The eunuch answered, I went and took out the treasure, and brought it thus far. But the evil eye was behind me, and I, unknowing. So the thieves took us alone here, and seized the money, and cast us into this pit we might die, the slow death of hunger, even as they had done with others. But Allah, the Most High, sent thee in pity to us. The king marveled, he and his, and praised the law.

Starting point is 04:31:25 Lord, for that he had come thither, after which he turned to the castrato and said to him, What is this youth thou hast with thee? He replied, O king, this is the son of a nurse who belonged to us, and we left him when he was a little one. I saw him today, and his mother said to me, take him with thee. So this morning, I brought him that he might be a servant to the king, for that he is a joint youth and a clever. Then the king fared on, he and his company, and with them the eunuch and the youth, who questioned his companion of Balawan and his dealing with his subjects, and he replied, saying, as thy head liveth, O my lord the king, the folk are in sore annoy with him, and not one of them wisheth a sight of him, be they high or low.

Starting point is 04:32:13 When the king returned to his palace, he went into his wife, Shakiton, and said to her, I give thee the glad tidings of thine eunuch's return. And he told her what had bethirted, and of the youth whom he had brought with him. When she heard this, her wits fled, and she would have screamed, but her reason restrained her, and the king said to her, what is this? Art thou overcome with grief for the loss of the monies, or for that which hath befallen the eunuch? Said she, nay, as thy head liveth, O king, but women are weaklings. Then came the castrato, and going into her, told her all that had happened to him, and also acquainted her with her son's case, and with that which he had suffered, of distresses, and how his uncle had exposed him to slaughter. And he had been taken prisoner,

Starting point is 04:33:01 and they had cast him into the pit, and hurled him from the highmost of the citadel, and how Allah had delivered him from these perils, all of them, and whilst he recounted to her all this, she wept. Then she asked him, when the king saw him and questioned thee of him, what was it thou saidest to him? And he answered, I said to him, this is the son of a nurse who belong to us. We left him a little one, and he grew up, so I brought him that he might be a servant to the king. cried she, thou didst well, and she charged him to serve the prince with faithful service. As for the king, he redoubled in kindness to the castrato, and appointed the youth a liberal allowance, and he abode going into and coming out of the king's house and standing in his service,

Starting point is 04:33:48 and every day he waxed better with him. As for Shah Khatan, She used to station herself at watch for him at the windows and in the balconies and gaze upon him, and she frying on coals of fire on his account, yet she could not speak. In such condition she abode a long while, and indeed yearning for him was killing her. So she stood and watched for him one day at the door of her chamber, and straining him to her bosom, bust him on the breast and kissed him on either cheek. At this moment, behold, out came the major-domo of the king's head. household, and seeing her embracing the youth started in amazement.

Starting point is 04:34:28 Then he asked to whom that chamber belonged and was answered, to Shah Katan, wife of the king, whereupon he turned back, quaking as one smitten by a leavenbolt. The king saw him in a tremor and said to him, Out on thee, what is the matter? Said he, O king, what matter can be more grievous than that which I see? Ask the king, what seest thou? And the officer answered, I see that the youth, who came with the eunuch, was not brought with him save on account of Shah Khitan,

Starting point is 04:34:59 for I passed but now by her chamber door, and she was standing, watching, and when the youth came up, she rose to him, and clipped him and kissed him on his cheek. When the king heard this, he bowed his head, amazed, perplexed, and sinking into a seat, clutched at his beard, and shook it until he came nigh upon plucking it out. Then he arose forthright, and laid hands on the youth and clapped him in jail. He also took the eunuch and cast them both into a soterrain under his palace. After this he went into Shakaton and said to her, brava by Allah, O daughter of nobles, O thou whom king sought to wed, for the purity of thy repute and the fairness of the fame of thee. How seemly is thy semblance! Now may Allah curse her, whose inward contrarieth her outward,

Starting point is 04:35:48 after the likeness of thy base favor, whose exterior is handsome and its interior fulsome, face fair and deeds foul. Verily, I mean to make of thee and of yonder near dwell an example among the lieges, for that thou sentest not thine eunuch but of intent on his account, so that he took him and brought him into my palace, and thou hast trampled my head with him. And this is none other than exceeding boldness, but thou shalt see what I shall see what I, I will do with you all. So saying, he spat in her face and went out from her, while Shakatan said nothing. Well, knowing that, and she spoke at the time, he would not credit her speech. Then, she humbled herself in supplication to Allah Almighty, and said, O God the great, thou knowest the things by

Starting point is 04:36:38 secrecy and sealed, and their outwards revealed, and their inwards concealed. If an advanced life term be appointed to me, let it not be deferred. And if a different deferred one, let it not be advanced. On this wise she passed some days, whilst the king fell into bewilderment and forceware meat and drink and sleep, an abode knowing not what he should do in saying to himself, and I slay the eunuch and the youth, my soul will not be solaced, for they are not to blame, seeing that she sent to fetch him, and my heart careth not to kill them all three. But I will not be hasty in doing them die, for that I fear repentance. Then he left them so he might look into the affair. Now, he had a nurse, a foster mother, on whose knees he had been reared, and she was a woman

Starting point is 04:37:30 of understanding, and suspected him, yet dared not question him. So she went into Shakotan, and finding her in yet sadder plight than he, asked her what was to do, but she refused to answer. However, the nurse gave not over coaxing and questioning her till she swore her to concealment. Accordingly, the old woman made oath that she would keep secret all that she should say to her, whereupon the queen to her related her history, first and last, and told her that the youth was her son. With this, the old woman prostrated herself before her and said to her, This is a right, easy matter. But the queen replied, by Allah, oh my mother, I prefer my destruction and that of my son to defending myself by a plea, which they will not believe,

Starting point is 04:38:18 for they will say, she pleadeth this only that she may fend off shame from herself, and naught will profit me save long suffering. The old woman was moved by her speech and her wisdom, and said to her, indeed, O my daughter, tisest thou sayest, and I hope in Allah that he will show forth the truth. Have patience, and I will presently go into the king, and hear his word, and machinates somewhat in this matter. Inshallah. Thereupon, the ancient dame arose, and going into the king, found him with his head between his knees in sore pain of sorrow.

Starting point is 04:38:55 She sat down by him a while, and bespake him with soft words, and said to him, Indeed, O my son, thou consumest my vitals, for that these many days thou hast not mounted horse, and thou grievous, and I know not what aileth thee. He replied, O my mother, All is due to yonder accursed, of whom I deem so well, and who hath done this and that. Then he related to her the whole story from beginning to end, and she cried to him, This thy chagrin is on account of a no better than she should be. Quoth he, I was but considering by what death I should slay them, so the folk may take warning and repent.

Starting point is 04:39:35 And quoth she, O my son, wear precipitance, for it gendereth repentance, and the slaying of them shall not escape thee. When thou art assured of this affair, do what so thou willest. He rejoined, O my mother, there needeth no assurance anent him for whom she dispatched her eunuch, and he fetched him.

Starting point is 04:39:59 But she retorted, There is a thing wherewith we will make her confess, and all that is in her heart shall be discovered to thee. Ask the king, what is that? And she answered, I will bring thee the heart of a hoop-who, which when she sleepeth, do thou lay upon her bosom, and question her of everything thou wouldst know, and she will discover the same unto thee, and show forth the truth to thee.

Starting point is 04:40:24 The king rejoiced in this, and said to the nurse, hastened thou, and let none know of thee. So she arose, and going into the queen, said to her, I have done thou business, and tis as follows. This night the king will come into thee, and do thou seem asleep, and if he ask thee of not, do thou answer him, as in thy sleep. The queen thanked her, and the old dame went away, and fetching the bird's heart, gave it to the king. Hardly was the night come, when he went into his wife and found her lying back a slumbering. So he sat down by her side, and laying the hoopoo's heart on her breast, waited a while, so he might be assured that she slept. Then he said to her, Shakaton, Shakatan, Shakatan, is this my reward from

Starting point is 04:41:12 thee, quoth she, what offense have I committed, and quote he, what offense can be greater than this? Thou sentest after yonder youth, and broughtest him hither, on account of the lust of thy heart, so thou mightest do with him, that for which thou lusted, said she, I know not carnal desire, verily among thy pages are those who are comelier and seemlier than he, yet have I never desired one of them. he asked, why then didst thou lay hold of him and kiss him? And she answered, This youth is my son and a piece of my liver, and of my longing and affection for him I could not contain myself, but sprang upon him and kissed him. When the king heard this, he was dazed and amazed and said to her, Has thou a proof that this youth is thy son? Indeed, I have a letter

Starting point is 04:42:07 from thine uncle, King Suleiman Shah, informing me that his uncle Balowen cut his throat. Said she, yes, he did indeed cut his throat, but severed not the windpipe, so my uncle sewed up the wound and reared him, for that his life term was not come. When the king heard this, he said, This proof sufficeeth me,

Starting point is 04:42:29 and rising forthright in the night, bade bring the youth and the eunuch. Then he examined his stepson's throat with a candle, and saw the scar where it had been cut from ear to ear, and indeed the place had healed up, and it was like a thread stretched out. Thereupon the king fell down prostrate before Allah, who had delivered the prince from all these perils,

Starting point is 04:42:52 and from the distresses he had suffered, and rejoiced with joy exceeding because he had delayed and not made haste to slay him, in which case mighty sore repentance had betided him. Asked for the youth, continued the young treasurer, he was not saved, but because his life term was deferred, and in like manner, O King, tis with me. I too have a deferred term, which I shall attain, and a period which I shall accomplish, and I trust in Almighty Allah that he will give me the victory over these villain wazirs.

Starting point is 04:43:26 When the youth had made an end of his speech, the king said, Restore him to the prison, and when they had done this, he turned to the ministers and said to them, yonder youth lengtheneth his tongue upon you, but I know your tenderness for the wheel of mine empire, and your loyal counsel to me. So be of good heart, for all that ye advise me I will do. They rejoiced when they heard these words,

Starting point is 04:43:51 and each of them set his say. Then, quote the king, I have not deferred his slaughter, but to the intent that the talk might be prolonged, and that words might abound. Yet shall he now be slain, without let her stay, and I desire that forthright ye set up for him a gibbet without the town, and that the crier cry among the folk, bidding them assemble, and take him, and carry him in procession to the

Starting point is 04:44:18 gibbet, with the crier crying before him, and saying, this is the reward of him whom the king delighted to favor, and who hath betrayed him. The wazirs rejoiced when they heard this, and for their joy slept not that night and they made proclamation in the city and set up gallows. End of section 18. Section 19 of the Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard

Starting point is 04:45:07 Francis Burton, the 11th day, of the speedy relief of Allah. When it was the 11th day, the wazirs repaired an early morning to the king's gate and said to him, O king, the folk are assembled from the portals of the palace to the gibbet. To the end, they may see the king's order carried out on the youth. So, Azad Bacht bade fetch the prisoner, and they brought him, whereupon the ministers turned to him and said to him, O vile birth! Can any lusts to be it? for life remain with thee and cast thou hope for deliverance after this day? said he, O wicked wazirs, shall a man of understanding renounce all aspirants in almighty Allah?

Starting point is 04:45:50 Howsoever, a man be oppressed, there cometh to him deliverance from the midst of distress and life from the midst of death, as in the case of the prisoner and how Allah delivered him. Ask the king, what is his story? And the youth answered, saying, O king, they tell, the story of the prisoner and how Allah gave him relief. There was once a king of the kings, who had a high palace, overlooking his prison,

Starting point is 04:46:18 and he used to hear in the night one saying, O ever-present deliverer, O thou whose deliverance is a-present, Relieve thou me. One day the king waxed wroth and said, Yonder fool looketh for relief from the pains and penalties of his crime. Then said he to his officers, who is in yonder jail, and said thy, folk upon whom blood hath been found. Herein this, the king bade bring the man before him, and said to him, O fool, O little of wit,

Starting point is 04:46:51 How shall thou be delivered from this prison, seen that thy crime is mortal? Then he committed him to accompany of his guards, and said to them, Take this white and crucify him within sight of the city. Now, it was the night season, so the soldiers carried him without the city, thinking to crucify him. When behold, there came out upon them robbers and fell upon them with swords and other weapons. Thereat the guards left him whom they purposed to slay and fled, whilst the man who was going to slaughter also took to flight and plunging deep into the desert, knew not whether he went before he found himself in a copse. And there came out upon him a lion of terrible aspect, who snatched him up and cast him under him.

Starting point is 04:47:39 Then he went up to a tree, and uprooting it, covered the man therewithal and made off into the thicket. In quest of the lioness, as for the man, he committed his affair to Allah the most high, relying upon him for deliverance, and said to himself, What is this affair? Then he removed the leaves from himself and rising, saw great plenty of men's bones there, of those whom the lion had devoured. He looked again, and behold,

Starting point is 04:48:06 he saw a heap of gold lying alongside a purse belt, whereat he marveled, in gathering up the gold in the breast of his gabardine, went forth of the corpse, and fled at haphazard, turning neither to the right nor to the left, in his fear of the lion, nor did he cease flying till he came to a village and cast himself down as he were dead. He lay there till the day appeared and he was rested from his travail. When he arose and burying the gold entered the village.

Starting point is 04:48:37 Thus Allah gave him relief and he got the gold. Then said the king, How long wilt thou begolos, O youth, with thy preyed, but now the hour of thy slaughter is come. So he bade crucify him upon the jibet, But as they were about to hoist him up, lo and behold, the captain of the thieves, who had found him and reared him, came up at that moment and asked, What be this assembly in the cause of the crowds here gathering together? They informed him that a page of the king had committed a mighty great crime, and that he was about to do him die.

Starting point is 04:49:15 So the captain of the thieves pressed forward, and looking upon the prisoner, knew him, whereupon he went up to him, and strained him to his bosom, and threw his arms round his neck, and fell to kissing him upon his mouth. Then said he, this is a boy I found under such a mountain, wrapped in a gown of brocade, and I reared him and he fell to cut in the way with us. One day we set upon a caravan, but they put us to flight, and wounded some of us, and took the lad, and ganged their gate. From that day to this, I have gone round about the lands seeking him, but I have had been round about the lands seeking him, not found news of him till now, and this is he. When the king heard this, he was assured that the youth was his very son, so he cried out at

Starting point is 04:50:02 the top of his voice, and casting himself upon him, embraced him, and kissed him, and shedding tears said, Had I put thee to that, as was mine intent, I should have died of regret for thee. Then he cut his pinion bonds, and taken his crown from his head, sit around the head of his son, whereupon the people raised cries of joy, whilst the trumpets blared, and the kittledrums beat in their befall a mighty great rejoicent. They decorated the city, and it was a glorious day. Even the birds stayed their flight in the Wilkin.

Starting point is 04:50:40 For the greatness of the greeting and the clamour of the crying, the army and the folk carried the prince to the palace in splendid procession. When the news came to his mother Bahrajour, who fared forth and threw herself upon him. Moreover, the king bathed up in the prison and bring forth all who were therein. And they held a high festival seven days and seven nights and rejoiced with a mighty rejoicing. Thus it betided the youth, but as regards the ministers, terror and silence, shame and affright fell upon them, and they gave themselves up for loss. After this the king sat with his son by his side and the wazirs on their knees before him

Starting point is 04:51:25 and summoned his chief officers and the subjects of the city. Then the prince turned to the ministers and said to them, See, O villain wazirs, the work of Allah in his speedy relief. But they answered Nair a syllable and the king said, It sufficed me that there is nothing alive but rejoiced with me this day, even to the birds in the sky, but ye, your breasts are straightened. Indeed, this is the greatest of hostility in yew me wards, and had I hearkened to you, my regret had been prolonged, and I had died miserably of sorrow. Quoth the prince,

Starting point is 04:52:05 O my father, but for the fairness of thy thought and thy perspicacity, and thy longanimity, and deliberation in affairs, there had not betided thee, this great, great joy, hadst thou slain me in haste, repentance would have been sore on thee, and longsome annoy, and on this wise, whoso prefereth haste shah rue. Presently the king sent for the caption of the robbers, and bade into him with a rob of honor, commanding that all who loved the king should doff their dresses and cast them upon him. So there fell robes of honor on him, till he was awaried with their weight.

Starting point is 04:52:46 and Azad Bacht invested him with the mastership of the police of his city. Then he bade set up other nine gibbets by the side of the first and said to his son, Thou art innocent, and yet these villain wazirs stray for thy slaughter, replied the prince, O my sire, I had no faults in their eyes, but that I was a loyal counsellor to thee and still kept watch over thy wealth, and withdrew their hands from thy home. hordes and treasuries. Wherefore, they were jealous, and envied me, and plotted against me,

Starting point is 04:53:22 and planned to slay me. Quothed the king, The time of retribution is at hand, O my son, but what be thy read we should do with them, and requital of that they did with thee, and indeed they have striven for thy slaughter, and exposed thee to disgrace and smirched my honor among the kings. Then he turned to the wazirs and said to them, What you? What liars you are, and is out of excuses left to you? Sevee.

Starting point is 04:53:57 O king, there remaineth no excuse for us, and we are huffed by the deed we would have done to him. Indeed, we planned evil to this youth, and it hath reverted upon us, and we plotted mischief against him, and it hath overtaken us. Yeah, we digeth for him a pit, and we ourselves have for us. fallen into it. So the king bade hoists up the wazirs upon the gibbets and crucified them there because Allah is just and decreed that which is due. Then Azad Bacht and his wife and son abode in joyance and gladness till there came to them the destroyer of the lights and they died all. And extolled be the living one who dith not, to whom be glory and whose mercy be upon

Starting point is 04:54:45 forever and ever. Amen. End of section 19. Recording by Isamilari. Section 20 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is the Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Amatollah Talks, the book of the Thameshawks.

Starting point is 04:55:20 Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Jaffar bin Yahya and Abd al-Malik bin Salith, the Abbaside. It is told of Jaffar bin Yahya the barmecide that he sat down one day to whine, and being minded to be private, sent for his boon companions, with whom he was most familiar, and charged the Chamberlain that he suffered none of the creatures of Almighty Allah to enter, save a man of his cupmates by name Abd al-Malik bin Salih, who was behind hand with them. Then they donned brightly dyed dresses, for it was their want, as often as they sat in the wine seance to endure raiment of red and yellow and green silk,

Starting point is 04:56:16 and they sat down to drink and the cups went round the lutes, thrilled and shrilled. Now, there was a man of the kinsfolk of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid by name Abdel Malik bin Salih bin Ali bin Abdullah bin al-Abas who was great of gravity and sedateness,

Starting point is 04:56:39 piety and propriety. And El Rashid used instantly to require that he should company him in converse and carouse and drink with him and had offered him to such and abounding wealth, but he never would. It fortuned that this Abd al-Malik bin Salih came to the door of Jafar bin Yahya, so he might bespeak him of certain requisitions of his. And the Chamberlain, doubting not but that he was the Abd al-Badhaelan, the Abd

Starting point is 04:57:16 al-Malek bin Salih aforesaid, whom Jafar had permitted him admit, and that he should suffer none but him to enter, allowed him to go in to his master. Accordingly, Abdul Malik went in, garbed in black, with his Rusafia on his head. When Jafar saw him, his reason was like to depart for shame, and he understood the case. to wit that the chamberlain had been deceived by the likeness of the name and abdel malik also perceived how the matter stood and perplexity was manifest to him in jafar's face so he put on a cheery countenance and said no harm be upon you bring us of these dyed clothes thereupon they brought him a dyed robe and he donned it and sat discoursing gaily with Jafar and jesting with him. Then, said he, allow us to be a partaker in your pleasures

Starting point is 04:58:24 and give us to drink of your nabees. So they bought him a silken robe and poured him out a pint when he said, We crave your indulgence, for we have no want of this. Accordingly, Jafar ordered a flagon of nabees

Starting point is 04:58:44 beset before him, that he might drink what so he pleased. Then, having anointed himself with perfumes, he chatted and jested with them, till Jafar's bosom broadened, and his constraint ceased from him, and his shame, and he rejoiced in this with joy exceeding,

Starting point is 04:59:06 and asked Abdel Malik, What is thine errand? Inform me thereof, for I cannot sufficiently acknowledge thy courtesy. Answered the other, I come, amend the allah, on three requirements, of which I would have thee bespeak the caliph. To wit, firstly, I have on me a debt to the amount of a thousand, thousand dirhams, which I would have paid. Secondly, I desire for my son, the office of Wali, or governor of a province

Starting point is 04:59:46 whereby his rank may be raised and thirdly I would fain have thee marry him to Al-Aliah the daughter of the commander of the faithful for that she is his cousin and he is a match for her Jafar said

Starting point is 05:00:05 Allah accomplisheth unto thee these three occasions and as for the money it shall be carried to thy house this very hour. As for the government, I make thy son Viceroy of Egypt. And as for the marriage, I give him to make such an one, the daughter of our Lord the Prince of true believers, at a dowry of such and such a sum. So depart in the assurance of Allah Almighty. accordingly, Abdul Malik went away, much astonished at Jafar's boldness in undertaking such engagements.

Starting point is 05:00:47 He fared straight for his house, whither he found that the money had preceded him, and in the morrow Jafar presented himself before Al-Rashid and acquainted him with what had passed, and that he had appointed Abdel Malik's son, Wally of Egypt, and had promised him his daughter Al-Ali to wife. The Caliph was pleased to approve of this, and he confirmed the appointment and the marriage. Then he sent for the young man, and he went not forth of the palace of the caliphate,

Starting point is 05:01:26 till Al-Rashid wrote him the patent of investiture with the government of Egypt, and he let bring the Qazis, and the witnesses and drew up the contract of marriage. End of Section 20. Recording by Amatollah Talks. Section 21 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libri-Vox recording. All Libre-Vox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 05:02:03 For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Sunil Goswamy. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Al Rashid and the Barmicides. It is said that the most wonders of matters which happened to Al Rashid was this. His brother Al-Hadi, when he succeeded to the Caliphate, inquired of a seal ring of great prize,

Starting point is 05:02:32 which had belonged to his father, Al-Mahadi, and it preached him that Al-Rashid had taken it. So he required it of him, but he refused to give it up. and alhadi insisted upon him yet he still denied the seal ring of the caliphate now this was on tigris bridge and he threw the ring into the river when al-hadi died and al-rashid succeeded to the caliphate he went in person to the very place with the seal-ring of lead which he cast into the stream at the same stead and bade the divers seek it so the dechers did his bidding and brought up the first ring and this was counted an omen of al-rashid's good fortune

Starting point is 05:03:12 and of the continuance of his reign. When Al Rashid came to the throne, he invested Jafar bin Yahya bin Khalid al-Barmaki with the wazirate. Now Jafar was eminently noted for generosity and munificence, and the histories of him to this purport are renowned and have been documented. None of the viziers rose to the rank and favor

Starting point is 05:03:35 where to he attained with Al Rashid, who was wont to call him brother and used to carry him with him into his house. The period of his wazirate was nineteen years and Yahya one day said to his son Jaafar, O my son, as long as thy reed tremblet, water it with kindness. Men differ concerning the reason of Jaffar's slaughter, but the better opinion of it is follows. Al-Rashid could not bear to be parted from Jaffar nor from his own sister Abasa, daughter of Almadi, a single hour, and she was the loveliest woman of her day.

Starting point is 05:04:08 So he said to Jaffar, I will marry thee to Jaffir. her that it may be lawful to thee to look upon her but thou shalt not touch her after this time the twain used to be present in al-rashid's sitting-chamber now the caliph would give up by times and leave the chamber and they being filled with wine as well as being young jaffer would rise to her and know her carnally she conceived by him and bare a handsome boy and fearing al-rashid she dispatched a newborn child by one of her confidants to maca the magnified may allah Almighty, greaten it in honor and increase it in venerance and nobility and magnification. The affair aboard concealed till there befell a brable between Abbasah and one of our handmaidens, whereupon the slave girl discovered the affair of the child to all Rashid, and acquainted him with its abiding place. So when the Caliph pilgrimage, he sent one who brought him the boy, and found the matter true, where he caused befall the barmecides what so befell.

Starting point is 05:05:10 End of Section 21, recording by Sunil Ghos farming. by Richard Francis Burton, Ibn Al-Somac and Al-Rashid. It is related that Ibn Al-Sahmec went in one day to Al-Rashid, and the Caliph, being a thirst, called for drink. So his cup was brought to him, and when he took it, Ibn Al-Samak said to him, softly, O prince of true believers, and thou wert denied this draught, with how much wouldst thou buy it? He replied, with the half of my reign, And Ibn Al-Samak said,

Starting point is 05:06:23 Drink and Allah make it grateful to thee. Then when he had drunken, he asked him, And thou wert denied the issuing forth of the draught from thy body, With what wouldst thou by its issue? Answered al-Rashid, with a whole of my reign. And Ibn al-Samek said, O commander of the faithful, verily,

Starting point is 05:06:48 that weigheth not in the balance against a draught of water or avoiding of urine is not worth the striving for. And Harun Watt. End of Section 22. Section 23 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11,

Starting point is 05:07:31 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Al-Mamun and Zubeda. It is said that Al-Mamun came one day upon Zubeda, mother of Alameen, and saw her moving her lips and muttering somewhat he understood not. So he said to her, Oh, mother mine, art thou cursing me

Starting point is 05:07:50 because I slew thy son and spoiled him of his realm? said she, not so, by Allah O commander of the faithful. And quoth he, What then was it thou saidest? Quoth she, let the prince of true believers excuse me. But he was urging with her, saying there is no help but that thou tell it. And she replied, I said, Allah confound importunity. He asked how so. And she answered, I played one day at chess with the commander of the faithful, Harun al-Rashid, and he imposed on me the condition of forfeits. He won, and made me doff my dress, and walk round about the palace stark naked.

Starting point is 05:08:28 So I did this, and I felt incensed against him. Then we fell again to playing, and I won, whereat I made him go to the kitchen, and lie with the foulest and fulsomest wench of the wences thereof, but I found not a slave-girl fowler and filthier than thy mother. So I so bade him tumble her. He did my bidding, and she conceived by him of thee, and thus was I the cause of the slaying of my son and the spoiling of him of his realm. When Alma Moon heard this, he turned away, saying,

Starting point is 05:08:57 Allah curse the importunate, that is, himself, who had importuned her till she acquainted him with that affair. End of Section 23. Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. Section 24 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Candace Tuttle.

Starting point is 05:09:40 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. Al-Numon and the Arab of the Banu Thai. It is said that Al-Numon had two boon companions, one of whom was Haid Abin Sa'ad and the other Amra bin al-Malik. And he became one night drunken and bade bury them alive, so they buried him. When he arose on the morrow he asked for them and was acquainted with their affair, whereupon he built over them a building, and appointed to himself a day of ill luck and a day of good fortune. if any met him on his unlucky day he slew him and with his blood he washed that monument which is placed well known in kufa and if any met him on his day of good fortune he enriched him

Starting point is 05:10:39 now there accosted him once on his day of ill omen an arab of the banatai and al-numon would have done him dead but the arab said allah quickened the king i have two little girls and have made none guardian over them wherefore and the king see fit to grant me leave to go to them i will give him the covenant of allah that i will return to him as soon as i shall have appointed unto them a guardian al-Numann had ruth on him and said to him and a man will be surety for thee of those who are with us i will let thee go and if thou return not i will slay him now there was with al-numon his wazir sharik bin amru so the ta'a looked at him and said ho thou shirik o amru son is there from death repair o brother to men brotherless brother of all in care. O brother of Al-Numann, an old man this day spare, an old man slain, and Allah deign fair meed for thee prepare. Quoth Sharik, on me be his warranty, Allah assassin the king. So the Ta-A departed after a term had been assigned him for his returning. Now when the appointed day arrived, Al-Numon sent for Sharik, and said to him,

Starting point is 05:12:07 Verily, the high noon of this day is past, and Sharik answered, The king hath no procedure against me till it be even-tied. Whenas evened the evening there appeared one far off, And Al-Numon fell to looking upon him, and on Sharik who said to him, Thou hast no right over me till yonder person come, for haply he is my man. As he spake, up came the taha in haste, and Al-Numan, said, By Allah, never saw I any more generous than you two. I know not which of you be the nobler, whether this one, who became warrant for thee and death-risk, or thou who returnest to thy slaughter.

Starting point is 05:12:52 Then quoth he to Sharik, what drave thee to become warrant for him, knowing the while it was death? And quoth he, I did this lest it be said, generosity hath departed from wazirs. Then Al-Numon asked the Ta-A, And thou, what prompted thee to return, Knowing that therein was death and thine one destruction? And the Arab answered, I did this lest it be said, Fidelity hath departed from the folk,

Starting point is 05:13:23 For such thing would be a shame to mine issue and to my tribe. Al-Numon cried, By Allah, I will be the third of you, lest it be said, mercy hath departed from the kings. So he pardoned him, and bade abolish the day of ill-luck, whereupon the Arab began to say, Amen urged me that I faults my faith, but I refused what so the whites could plead, for I'm a man in whom faith dwells for I, and every true man's word is pledge of deed. Quoth Al-Numon, what prompted thee to keep faith, the case being as thou sayest?

Starting point is 05:14:03 Quoth he, O king, it was my religion. Al-Numann asked, What is thy religion? And he answered, the Nazarene. The king said, expound it to me. So the ta-a expounded it to him, and Al-Numon became a Christian. End of Section 24.

Starting point is 05:14:26 Recording by Candace Tuttle. Section 25 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libervox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Fieruz and his wife. They relate that a certain king sat one day on the terrace roof of his palace, solacing himself with a view, and presently his wandering glances espied on a housetop over against his palace, a woman seer never saw her like. So he turned to those

Starting point is 05:15:23 present and asked them, To whom belongeth yonder house? When they answered, to thy servant Fierreus, and that is his spouse. So he went down, and indeed passion had made him drunken as with wine, and he was deeply in love of her, and calling Fieruz, said to him, Take this letter and go with it to such a city, and bring me the reply. Fierreuse took the letter and going to his house, laid it under his head, and passed that night, and when the morning morrowed, he farewelled his wife and fared for that city, unknowing what his sovereign purposed against him. As for the king, he arose in haste after the husband had set out, and repairing to the house of Fyruz in disguise, knocked at the entrance. Quoth Feroos's wife, who's at the door? And quoth he, saying, I am the king, thy husband's master. So she opened, and he entered and sat down, saying, We are come to visit thee. She cried, I seek refuge from

Starting point is 05:16:37 this visitation, for indeed I deem not well of it, but the king said, O desire of hearts, I am thy husband's master, and methinks thou knowest me not. She replied, nay, I know thee, O my lord and master, and I want thy purpose and whatso thou wantest, and that thou art my husband's lord. I understand what thou thou wishest, and indeed the poet hath forestalled thee in his saying of the verses, referring to thy case. Now will I leave your waterway untrod, for many treading that same way I see. When fall the clustering flies upon the food, I raise my hand, whatever my hunger be. And lions eke avoid the waterway, when dogs too lap at fountain-side are free. then said she o king comest thou to a water-place whereat thy dog hath drunk and wilt thou drink thereof the king was abashed at her and at her words and fared forth from her but forgot his sandal in the house

Starting point is 05:17:52 such was his case but as regards phirus when he went forth from his house he sought the letter but found it not in pouch so he returned home now his return fell in with the king's going forth and he came upon the sandal in his house whereat his wit was wildered and he knew that the king had not sent him away save for a device of his own however he kept his wilted he kept his wildered and he knew that the king had not sent him away save for a device of his own however he kept silence and spake not a word, but taking the letter went on his mission and accomplished it and returned to the king, who gave him an hundred dinars. So, Fieruz betook himself to the bazaar, and bought what be seemeth women of goodly gifts, and returning to his wife, saluted her, and gave her all he had purchased, and said to her, arise and hide thee to thy father's home? Asked she, wherefore? And he answered, verily, the king hath been bountiful to me, and I would have thee make this public, so thy father may joy in that which he seeth upon thee. She rejoined, with love and gladness,

Starting point is 05:19:11 and arising forthwith, betook herself to the house of her father, who rejoiced in her coming and in that which he saw upon her, and she abode with him a month's space, and her husband made no mention of her. Then came her brother to him, and said, O Fierreuse, and thou wilt not acquaint me with the reason of thine anger against thy wife, come and plead with us before the king. Quoth he, if ye will have me plead with you, I will ye in plead. So they went to the king, and found, found the Kazi sitting with him, whereupon the damsel's brother began. Allah, assist our lord the Kazi, I let this man on hire a flower garden, high-walled,

Starting point is 05:20:03 with a well, well-conditioned, and trees fruit-laden. But he beat down its walls and ruined its well and ate its fruits, and now he desireth to return it to me. The Kazi turned to Firus, and asked him, what sayest thou, O youth? When he answered, Indeed, I delivered him the garden in better case than it was before. So the Qazi said to the brother,

Starting point is 05:20:32 Hath he delivered to thee the garden as he avoucheth? And the pleader replied, No, but I desire to question him of the reason of his returning it. Quoth the Qazi, what sayest thou, O yeweth, youth. And quoth, Ferus, I returned it willy-nilly, because I entered it one day and saw the trail of the lion. So I feared, lest then I entered it again, the lion should devour me. Wherefore, that which I did, I did of reverence to him, and for fear of him. Now the king was leaning back upon the cushion, and when he heard the young man's words,

Starting point is 05:21:18 he comprehended the purport thereof. So he sat up and said, Return to thy flower garden in all ease of heart. For by Allah, never saw I the like of the garth, nor stronger of guard than its walls over its trees. So Firus returned to his wife, and the kazi knew not the truth of the affair, No, nor any of those who are in that assembly,

Starting point is 05:21:49 save the king and the husband and the wife's brother. End of Section 25. Section 26 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 26

Starting point is 05:22:32 King Shabacht and his wazil Al-Rawain They relate that there was once in days of yore and in bygone ages and times long gone before, a king of the kings of the time, Shabach Haight, who had troops and servants and guards in hosts and a wazir called Al-Rawain, who was learned understanding a lawyer, counsellor, and a cheerful acceptor of the commandments of Almighty Allah, to whom belong honor and glory. The king committed to this minister the affairs of his kingdom and his legions, and spoke according to his word, and in this way he abode a long space of time. Now this wazir had many foes, who envied his position and sought to do him harm. But thereunto found no way, and the Lord in his immemorial forciarial, forciarer.

Starting point is 05:23:22 knowledge and his foreordance, decreed that the king dreamt that the minister Arrahuan gave him a fruit from off a tree, and he ate it and died. So he awoke, startled and troubled, and when the wazir had presented himself before him, and had retired and the king was alone with those in whom he trusted, he related to them his vision, and they advised him to send for the astrologers and interpreters, and commended to him a sage, whose skills and wisdom they attested. Accordingly, the king bade him be brought and entreated him with honor and made him draw near to himself. Now there had been in private intercourse with that sage, a company of the wazir's enemies,

Starting point is 05:24:03 who besought him to slander the minister to the king and counsel him to do him dead, in view of what they promised him of much wealth, and he made agreement with them on this, and acquainted the king that the minister would slay him within the coming month, and bade him hasten to put him to do. death, else would he surely be killed. Presently the wazir entered, and the king signed to him to clear the place. So he signed to those who were present to withdraw and they withdrew, whereupon quoth

Starting point is 05:24:33 the king to him. How deem is thou, O minister of loyal counsel and all matter of contrivance, concerning a vision I have seen in my sleep? What is it, O king? asked the wazir, and Chapacht related to him his dream, adding, And indeed the sage interpreted it to me and said to me, And thou do not the wazir did within a month, assuredly, he will slay thee. Now to put the like of thee to death, I am loath exceedingly,

Starting point is 05:25:06 Yet to leave thee on life do I solely fear. How then dost thou advise me act in this affair? The wazir bowed his head earthwards the while, then raised it and said, Allah prospered the king. Verily it availeth not to continue him on life of whom the king is afraid, and my counsel is that thou hasten

Starting point is 05:25:28 to put me out of the world. When the king heard his speech and dove into the depth of his meaning, he turned to him and said, "'Tis grievous to me, O wazir of good greed, and he told him that the other sages had attested the wit and the wisdom of the astrophal.

Starting point is 05:25:45 Now, hearing these words Arrahuan's side and knew that the king went in fear of him, but he showed him fortitude and said to him, Allah is saying the sovereign, my reader that the king carry out his commandment and his decree be died, for that needs must death be, and it is fainter to me that I die oppressed, than that I die an oppressor. But then the king judged proper to postpone the putting of me to death till the morrow, and will pass the night with me and farewell me when, as I shall, the morning comth, the king shall do what so he willeth. Then he wept till he wetted his grey hairs, and the king was moved to Ruth for him, and granted him that which he craved,

Starting point is 05:26:30 and vouchsaved him a respite for that night. End of Section 26 Section 27 of the Book of the Thousand Nights on the Night, Volume 11. This is a Lubrevox according. all Librevox Accordines are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by phone The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous,

Starting point is 05:27:08 translated by Richard Francis Burton. The first night of the month. When it was even tight, the king caused clear his sitting chamber and summoned the wazir, who presented himself, and making his obeisance to the king, kissed ground before him, and related to him the tale of the man of Kerasan, his son and his tutor. There was once a man of Khorasan, and he had a son, whose moral wheel he ardently wished, but the young man sought to be alone and far from the eye of his father, so he might give himself up to pleasuring and pleasance.

Starting point is 05:27:52 Accordingly, he sought of his sire leave to make the pilgrimage to the Holy House of Allah and to visit the tomb of the prophet, whom Allah save and assame. Now between them and Mecca was a journey of 500 parasams, but his father could not contrary him, for that the Holy Law had made pilgrimage incumbent on him, and because of that which he hoped for him of improvement. So he joined unto him a tutor, in whom he trusted, and gave him much money and took leave of him.

Starting point is 05:28:28 The son set out with his governor on the holy pilgrimage, and abode on the likewise, spending freely and using not thrift. Also, there was in his neighbourhood a poor man who had a slave-girl of passing beauty and grace, and the youth conceived a desire for her, and suffered sore carc and care for the love of her and her loveliness, so that he was like to perish for passion, and she also loved him with a love yet greater than his love for her.

Starting point is 05:29:03 Accordingly, the damsel summoned an old woman who used to visit her and acquainted her with her case, saying, and I foregather not with him, I shall die. The crown promised her that she would do her best to bring her to her desire. So she veiled herself, and repairing to the young man, saluted him with the salam and acquainted him with the girl's case, saying, her master is a greedy white, so do thou invite him and lure him with lucre,

Starting point is 05:29:37 and he will sell thee to handmaiden. accordingly he made a banquet and standing in the man's way invited him and brought him to his house for they sat down and ate and drank and abode in talk presently the young man said to the other i hear thou hast with thee a slave-girl whom thou desirest to sell but he said by allah o my lord i have no mind to sell her quoth the youth i have heard that she cost thee a thousand dinars and i will give thee six hundred over and above that sum and quoth the other i sell her to thee at that price so they fetched notaries who wrote out the contract of sale and a young man weighed to the girl's master half the purchase money saying let her be with thee till i complete to thee the rest of the price and take my hand by you The owner consented to this, and took of him a written bond for the rest of the money, and a girl abode with her master, on deposit. As for the youth, he gave his governor a thousand dirhams,

Starting point is 05:30:54 and sent him to his sire to fetch money from him, so he might pay the rest of the handmaid's price, saying to him, be not long away. But the tutor said in his mind, How shall I fare to his father, and say to him, Thy son hath wasted thy money and made love with it? With what eye shall I look on him, and indeed I am he in whom he confided, and to whom he hath entrusted his son.

Starting point is 05:31:24 Verily this were ill-reed. Nay, I will fare on with this pilgrimage caravan, in despite of my fool of a youth, and when he is weary of waiting, he will demand back, his money and returned to his father, and I shall be quit of travail and trouble. So he went on with the pilgrimage caravan, and took up his abode there. Meanwhile, the youth tarried expecting his tutor's return, but he returned not, wherefore concern and chagrin grew upon him because of his mistress, and his yearning for her redoubled,

Starting point is 05:32:03 and he was like to kill himself. She became aware of this, and sent him a messenger, bidding him visit her. Accordingly he went to her, and she questioned him of the case, when he told her what was to do of the matter of his tutor, and she said to him, With me is longing the like of that which is with thee, and I doubt me thy messenger hath perished, or thy father has slain him. But I will give thee all my jewelry and my dresses, do thou sell them, and weigh out the rest of my price, and we will go, I and thou, to thy sire.

Starting point is 05:32:44 So she handed to him all she had, and he sold it and paid the rest of her price, after which there remained to him for spending money a hundred dirhams. These he spent, and laid at night with the damsel in all the light of life, and his sprite was like to fly for joy. But when he arose in the morning He sat weeping And the damsel said to him What causeth thee to weep?

Starting point is 05:33:12 Said he, I know not and my father be dead And he hath none other heir Save myself But how shall I get to him Seeing I owe not a dirham Forth she I have a bangle

Starting point is 05:33:27 Sell it and buy seed pearls With the price Then round them and fashion them into great unions, and thereby thou shalt gain much money, with the which we may find our way to thy country. So he took the bangle, and repairing to a goldsmith, said to him, break up this bracelet and sell it. But he said, The king seeketh a perfect bracelet, I will go to him and bring thee its price. Presently he bore the bangle to the sultan, and it pleased him greatly by reason. of its goodly workmanship. Then he called an old woman who was in his palace and said to her,

Starting point is 05:34:10 Needs must I have the mistress of this bracelet, though but for a single knight, or I shall die. And the old woman replied, I will bring her to thee. Thereupon she donned a devotee's dress, and be taking herself to the goldsmith, said to him, To whom belongeth the Bengal, which is now with the king, and said he, it belongeth to a stranger who hath bought him a slave-girl from this city, and lodged with her in such a place. Upon this the old woman repaired to the young man's house and knocked at the door. The damsel opened to her, and seeing her clad in devotees garb, saluted her with the salam, and asked her, saying,

Starting point is 05:34:58 Happily thou hast some need of us? Answered the old woman. Yes, I desire a private place where I can perform the wuzoo ablution, and quote the girl, enter. So she entered, and did her requirement, and made the ablution and prayed. Then she brought out a rosary and began to tell her beads thereon, and the damsel said to her, "'Wence comest thou, O pilgrimus,' said she, from visiting the idol of the absent in such a church. There standeth up no woman before him,

Starting point is 05:35:37 who hath a distant friend and disclosed to him her desire, but he acquainteth her with her case, and giveth her news of her absent one. Said the damsel, O pilgrimus, we have an absent one, and my lord's heart cleaveth to him, and I desire to go question the idol of him. Quoth the crone,

Starting point is 05:35:59 Do thou wait till tomorrow And ask leave of thy spouse, And I will come to thee And fare with thee in wheel and welfare. Then she went away, And when the girl's master came, She sought his permission to go with the old trot, And he gave her leave.

Starting point is 05:36:18 So the bell dame came, And took her and carried her to the king's door, She, unknowing whether she went. The damsel entered with her, and beheld a goodly house and decorated apartments which were no idol's chamber. Then came the king, and seeing her beauty and loveliness, went up to her to bus her, whereupon she fell down in a fainting fit and struck out with her hands and feet. When he saw this, he held aloof from her in Ruth and left her. But the matter was grievous to her, and she was,

Starting point is 05:36:55 refused meat and drink, and as often as the king drew near to her, she fled from him in fear. So he swore by Allah that he would not approach her save with her consent, and fell to presenting her with ornaments and raiment. But her aversion to him only increased. Meanwhile, the youth, her master, abode expecting her, but she returned not, and his heart already tasted the bitter draft of separation. So he went forth at haphazard, distracted, and knowing not what he should do, and began strewing dust upon his head, and crying out, the old woman hath taken her and gone away. The little boys followed him with stones and pelted him, trying, a madman, a madman. presently the king's chamberlain who was a personage of years and worth met him and when he saw

Starting point is 05:37:56 this youth he forbade the boys and draved him away from him after which he accosted him and asked him of his affair so he told him his tale and the chamberlain said to him fear not i will deliver thy slave-girl for thee so calm thy concern and he went on to speak him fare and comfort him, till he had firm reliance on his word. Then he carried him to his home, and stripping him of his clothes, clad him in rags, after which he called an old woman, who was his housekeeper, and said to her, Take this youth, and bind on his neck yon iron chains, and go round about with him in all the great thoroughfares of the city, and when thou hast done this, go up with him to the palace of the king. And he said to the youth, in whatsoever stead thou seest the damsel, speak not a

Starting point is 05:38:55 syllable, but acquaint me with her place, and thou shalt owe her deliverance to none save to me. The youth thanked him, and went with the old woman in such fashion as the chamberlain bade him. She fared on with him till they entered the city, and walked all about it, after which she went up to the palace of the king and fell to say, O fortune's favourites, look on a youth whom the devils take twice in the day and pray to be preserved from such affliction. And she ceased not to go round with him

Starting point is 05:39:31 till she came to the eastern wing of the palace, whereupon the slave-girls hurried out to look upon him, and when they saw him, they were amazed at his beauty and loveliness and wept for him. Then they informed the damsel, who came forth and considered him and knew him not, but he knew her, so he drooped his head and shed tears. She was moved to pity for him, and gave him somewhat, and went back to her place, whilst the youth returned with the housekeeper to the Chamberlain,

Starting point is 05:40:05 and told him that she was in a king's mansion, whereat he was chagrant and said, by Allah, I will assuredly devise a device for her and deliver her, whereupon the youth kissed his hands and feet. Then he turned to the old woman and bade her change her habit and her semblance. Now this ancient dame was sweet of speech and winsome of wit, so he gave her costly and delicious otters and said to her, get thee to the king's slave-girls, and sell them these essences, and win thy way to the damsel, and ask her if she desire her master or not. So the old woman went out, and making her way to the palace, went in to the handmaid,

Starting point is 05:40:55 and drew near her, and recited these couplets. Allah preserve our union days, and there the lights. Ah, me, how sweet was life, how joy. were ever new. May he not be who cursed us twain with parting day, how many a bone he break, how many a life he slew. He shed my faultless tear-floats and my sinless blood, and beggaring me of love himself, no richer grew. When the damsel heard the old woman's verses, she wept till her clothes were drenched and drew near the speaker who asked her, Knowest thou such a one? And she wept and answered, He is my lord. Whence knowest thou

Starting point is 05:41:45 him? Rejoined the old woman. O my lady, saulst thou not the madman who came hither yesterday with the old woman. He was thy lord. Presently adding, but this is no time for talk. when tis night get thee to the top of the palace and wait on the terrace till thy lord come to thee and compass thy deliverance then she gave her what she would of perfumes and returning to the chamberlain acquainted him with what so had passed and he told the youth now as soon as it was evening the chamberlain bad bring two hackneys and great store of water and provont and a riding camel and a fellow to show them the way These he ambushed without the town, whilst he and the young man, taking with them a long rope, made fast to a staple, went and stood below the palace. When as they came thither, they looked and behold, the damsel was standing on the terrace roof, so they threw her the rope and the staple, which she made fast, and, tucking up her sleeves above her wrists, slid down and landed with them. They carried her without the town Where they mounted, she and her lord,

Starting point is 05:43:08 And fared on with the guide in front Directing them on the way, And they ceased not fairing night and day Till they entered his father's house. The young man greeted his sire, Who was gladdened in him, And to whom he related all that had befallen him, Whereupon he rejoiced in his safety.

Starting point is 05:43:29 As for the tutor, he wasted, what so was with him and returned to the city, where he saw the youth and excused himself. Then he questioned him of what had betided him, and he told him, whereat he admired, and returned to companionship with him. But the youth ceased to have regard for him, and gave him nor sold, nor ration, as was his wont, neither discovered to him ought of his secrets. When the tutor saw that there was no profit from him, he returned to the king,

Starting point is 05:44:04 the ravisher of the slave girl, and recounted to him what the Chamberlain had done, and counseled him to slay that official and egged him on to recover the damsel, promising to give his friend a poison draught in return.

Starting point is 05:44:20 Accordingly, the king sent for the Chamberlain and chid him for the deed he had done, whereat the king's servant. incontinently fell upon the chamberlain and put him to death. Meanwhile, the tutor returned to the youth, who asked him of his absence, and he told him that he had been in the city of the king who had taken the slave-girl. When the youth heard this, he misdoubted of his governor,

Starting point is 05:44:46 and never again trusted him in anything, but was always on his guard against him. Then the tutor, without stay or delay, caused prepare great sense. store of sweetmeats, and put in them deadly poison, and presented them to the youth, who, when he saw those sweetmeats, said to himself, this is an extraordinary thing of the tutor. Needs must there be in this sweetmeat some mischief, and I will make proof of his confectionery upon himself. Accordingly, he got ready food, and set amongst it a portion of the sweetmeat, and inviting the governor to his house, placed the provant before him. He ate, and amongst the rest which they brought him, the poisoned sweetmeat.

Starting point is 05:45:36 So, while in the act of eating, he died, whereby the youth knew that this was a plot against himself, and said, Whoso seeketh his fortune by his own force, attaineth a failure. Nor, continued the vizier, is this, O king of the aid, stranger than the story of the druggist and his wife and the singer. When King Shabacht heard the tale of Al-Ghavan, he gave him leave to withdraw to his own house, and he tarried there the rest of the night, and the next day, till even-tide-event. End of Section 27, recording by phone. Section 28 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11.

Starting point is 05:46:29 This is a Libre Vox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton The Second Night of the Month When the Evened, the King sat private in his sitting chamber and his mind was occupied with the story of the Singarendh, the druggist.

Starting point is 05:46:56 So he called the wazir and bade him tell the tale. Answered he, I will well. They recount, oh my lord, the following. Tale of the singer and the druggist. There was once in the city of Hamadan, a young man of seemly semblance and skilled in singing to the lute. Wherefore he was well seen of the citizens. He went forth one day of his home with intent to travel, and gave not over-journeying till his travel brought him to a town and a goodly. Now he had with him a lute and its appurtenance, so he entered and went round about,

Starting point is 05:47:31 the streets till he happened upon a druggist who when he espied him called to him so he went up to him and bade him sit down accordingly the youth sat down by his side and the druggist questioned him of his case the singer told him what was in his mind and the pharmacist took him up to into his shop and brought him food and fed him then said he to him rise and take up thy loot and beg about the streets and wainest thou smellest the reek of wine break in upon the drinkers and say to them i am a singer they will laugh and cry come in to us and when thou singest the folk will know thee and speak one to other of thee so shalt thou become known about town and thou shalt better thy business he went round about as the druggist bade him till the sun waxed hot but found none drinking then he entered a lane that he might take rest and seeing there a handsome house and a lofty stood in its shade and fell to observing the excellence of its edification now while he was thus engaged behold a casement opened and there appeared there at a face as it were the moon quoth the owner of the face what aileth thee to stand there dost thou want out and quoth he i must thou want out and quoth he i must

Starting point is 05:48:45 stranger, and acquainted her with his adventure, whereupon, asked she, What sayest thou to meet and drink, and the enjoyment of a fair face and getting thee spending money? And he answered, O mistress mine, this is my desire, where off, I'm going about in quest. So she opened the door to him, and brought him in, then she seated him at the upper end of the room and served him with food. He ate and drank, and lay with her and fuddered her. This ended, she sat down in his lap, and they toyed and lapped and exchanged kisses to

Starting point is 05:49:15 the day was half done when her husband came home and she had no recourse but to hide the singer and a mat in which she rolled him up the husband entered and seeing the battle place disordered and smelling the reek of liquor questions her of this quoth she i had with me a bosom friend of mine and i conjure here to crack a cup with me and so we drank a jar full i and she and but now before thy coming in she fared forth her husband deemed her words true and went away to his shop he being none other than the singer's friend the druggist, who had invited him and fed him. Whereupon the lover came forth, and he and the lady returned to their pleasant pastime, and abode on this wise till evening, when she gave him money and said to him,

Starting point is 05:49:58 Tomorrow and the forenoon, come hither to me, he replied, yes, and departed. And at nightfall he went to the hammam bath. On the morrow he betook himself to the shop of his friend the druggist, who welcomed him as soon as he saw him, and questioned him of his case and how he had fared that day. Quot the singer. Allah requite thee with welfare, oh my brother, for indeed thou hast directed me to a restful life. Then he acquainted him with his adventure

Starting point is 05:50:25 and told him the tale of the woman, till he came to the mention of her husband, when he said, and at midday came the horned cuckold, her husband, and knocked at the door. So she wrapped me in the mat, and when he had wended his ways, I came forth and we returned to our pleasant play.

Starting point is 05:50:41 This was grievous to the druggist, and he repented of having taught him how he should do, and suspected his wife. Accordingly, he asked the singer, And what said she to thee at thy going away? And the other answered, she said, Come back to me on the morrow. So behold, I am off to her,

Starting point is 05:50:59 and I came not hither, but that I might acquaint thee with this, lest thy thoughts be preoccupied with me. Then he farewelled him, and walked out. As soon as the druggist was assured that he had reached the house, he cast the net over his shop, and made for his home, in suspicion of his wife,

Starting point is 05:51:14 and knocked at the door. Now the singer had entered, and the druggist wife said to him, Up with thee and entered this chest. Accordingly, he entered it, and she shut it down on him, and opened to her husband, who came in all distraught, and searched the house, but found none, and overlooked the chest. Hereat, he said in his mind, the house is one which favoureth my house, and the woman is one who favoreth my wife, and returned to his shop, whereupon the singer came forth of the chest, and falling upon the druggist's wife, had his wicked will of her, and spent upon her what was her due, and weighed down the scale for her with full measure. Then they ate and drank and kissed and clipped necks,

Starting point is 05:51:54 and in this way they abode till the evening, when she gave him money, because she found his weaving nice and good, and made him promise to come to her on the morrow. So he left her and slept his night, and on the morrow he returned to the shop of his friend the druggist and saluted him. The other welcomed him and questioned him of his case, whereat, he told his tale, till he ended with the mention of the woman's husband, when he said, then came the horned cuckold, her mate, and she stowed me away in the chest and shut down the lid upon me, while her adle-pated pander of a husband went about the house, top and bottom,

Starting point is 05:52:29 and when he had gone his way, we returned to our pleasant pastime. With this, the druggist was assured that the house was his house, and the wife his wife, and quoth he, now what wilt thou do today? quot the singer i shall return to her and weep for her and full her yarn and i came not save to thank thee for thy dealing with me then he went away whilst the fire was loosed in the heart of the druggist and he shut his shop and returning to his house wrapped at the door said the singer let me jump into the chest or he saw me not yesterday but said she no wrap thyself up in the mat so he wrapped himself up and stood in a corner of the room whilst the druggist entered and went no whither else saved to the chest, but found not inside. Then he walked around about the house and searched it, top and bottom, but came upon nothing and no one an abode between belief and disbelief,

Starting point is 05:53:24 and said to himself, Happily, I suspect my wife of what is not in her, so he was certified of her innocence, and going forth content, returned to his shop. Whereupon out came the singer, and they resumed their former little game, as was their want, till even tied when she gave him one of her husband's shirts, and he took it and going away, knighted in his own lodging. Next morning he repaired to the druggist, who saluted him with the salaam and came to meet him,

Starting point is 05:53:50 and rejoiced in him and smiled in his face, deeming his wife innocent. Then he questioned him of his case on yesterday, and he told him how he had fared, saying, Oh, my brother, when the corneut knocked at the door, I would have jumped into the chest, but his wife forbade me and rolled me up in the mat. The man entered and thought of nothing save the chest, so we break it open and woned like one day,

Starting point is 05:54:12 gin mad, going up and coming down. Then he went about his business, and I came out, and we abode on our custom case till even-time, when she gave me the shirt of her husbands, and behold, I am now off to her. When the druggist heard the singer's words, he was assured of the adventure, and knew that the calamity, all of it, was in his own house, and that the wife was his wife, and he considered the shirt, whereupon he redoubled in assuredness, and said to the singer, art thou now going to her said he yes oh my brother and taking leave of him went away whereupon the druggist started up as he were stark mad and dismantled his shop whilst he was thus doing the singer won to the house and presently up came the druggist and knocked at the door the lover would have wrapped himself up in the mat but she forbade him and said get thee down to the ground floor of the house and enter the oven jar and close the cover upon thyself so we did her bidding and she went down to the ground floor of the house and enter the oven-jar and close the cover upon thyself so we did her bidding and she went down to her husband and opened the door to him whereupon he came in and went around the house but found no one and overlooked the oven-jar then he stood musing and swear that he would not again go forth of the house till the morrow as for the singer when his stay in the oven-jar grew lonesome upon him he came forth therefrom

Starting point is 05:55:25 thinking that her husband had gone away and he went up to the terrace roof and looking down beheld his friend the druggist whereat he was sore concerned and said in himself alas the disgrace ah this is my friend the druggist who of me was fain and dealt me fair and i have paid him with foul he feared to return to the druggist so he stepped down and opened the first door and would have gone out at a venture unseen of the husband but when he came to the outer door he found it locked and saw not the key hereat he returned to the terrace and began dropping from roof to roof till the people of the house heard him and hastened to fall upon him deeming him deeming him now that house belonged to a persian man so they laid hands on him and the house-master fell to beating him saying to him thou art a thief. He replied, No, I'm not a thief, but a singing man, a stranger, who, hearing your voices, came to sing to you. When the folk heard his words, they talked of letting him go, but the Persian said, O folk, let not his speech cozen you. This one is none other than a thief, who knoweth how to sing. And when he cometh upon the like of us, he is a singer, said they,

Starting point is 05:56:31 O our lord, this man is a stranger, and needs we must release him. quothi by allah my heart heaveth at this fellow let me kill him with a beating but quat they thou mayst no ways do that so they delivered the singer from the persian the master of the house and seated him amongst them whereupon he began singing to them and they rejoiced in him now the persian had a mameluk as he were the full moon and he arose and went out and the singer followed him and went before him professing lustful love to him and kissing his hands and feet the mameluk took compassion on him and said to him when the night cometh and my master entereth the harem and the folk fare away i will grant thee thy desire and i sleep in such a place then the singer returned and sat with the cup companions and the persian rose and went out with the mameluke by his side now the singer knew the place by which the mameluke occupied at the first of the night but a chance that the youth rose from his stead and the waxen taper went out the persian who was drunk fell over on his face and the singer supposing him to be the mameluke said by all it's good and threw himself upon him and began to work at his bag trousers till the string was loosed then he brought out his prickle upon which he spat and slipped it into him thereupon the persian

Starting point is 05:57:51 started up crying out and laying hands on the singer pinioned him and beat him a grievous beating after which he bound him to a tree that stood in the house court now there was in the house a beautiful singing girl and when she saw the singer tight pinioned and tied to the tree, she waited till the person laid down on his couch, when she arose, and going up to the singer, fell to condoling with him, over what had betide him, and making eyes in him, and handling his yard, and rubbing it till it rose upright. Then said she to him, Do with me the deed of kind, and I will loose thy pinion bonds, lest he return and beat thee again, for he purposed that thee an ill purpose.

Starting point is 05:58:30 Quoth he, loose me and I will do it, but quoth she, I fear that, that, and I lose thee, thou wilt not do it. But I will do it, and thou have me standing, and when I have done, I will lose thee. So saying, she opened her clothes, and introducing the singer's prickle, felt to towing and froing. Now there was in the house a fighting ram, which the Persian had trained to budding. And when he saw what the woman was doing, he thought she wished to do battle with him, so he broke his halter, and running at her, budded her and split her skull. She fell on her back and shrieked, whereupon the Persians started up hastily from the sleep, and seeing the singing girl on her back, and the singer with yard on end,

Starting point is 05:59:07 cried to him. O occurs, doth not what thou, asked her while, done suffest thee? Then he beat him, a shrewd beating, and opening the door, thrust him out in the middle of the night. He lay the rest of the dark hours in one of the ruins, and when he arose in the morning, he said, none is in fault. I, for one, saw my own good, and he is no fool who seeketh good for himself, and the druggist's wife also saw good for herself, but predestination overcomeeth precaution, and for me there remaineth no tearing in this town. So we went forth from the place. Nor, continued the wazzer, is the story, strange though it be, stranger than that of the king and his son, and that which betide them of wonders and rear marvels. When the king heard the story, he deemed it pretty and

Starting point is 05:59:49 pleasant, and said, This tale is near unto that which I know, and tis my reed I should do well to have patience and ass and not to slay my minister, so I might get of him the profitable story of the king and his son. Then he gave the wazir, leave to go away to his own house, so he thanked him, and tarried in his home all that day. End of Section 28. Section 29 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org.

Starting point is 06:00:33 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, the third night of the month. When it was suppertime, the king sought the sitting chamber, and summoning the wazir, sought of him the story he had promised him. And the minister said, they tell, O King, the tale of the king who kenned the quintessence of things. There came to a king of the kings in his old age, a son, who grew up comely, quick-mitted, clever, and when he reached years of discretion and became a young man,

Starting point is 06:01:14 his father said to him, Take this realm and rule it in lieu of me, for I desire to flee from the sin of sovereignty to allah the most high. and don the woolen dress and devote all my time to devotion. Quoth the prince, and I am another who desireth to take refuge with the Almighty. So the king said, arise, let us flee forth and make for the mountains, and there worship in shame before God the most great. Accordingly, the twain gat them gear of wool and clothing themselves therewith,

Starting point is 06:01:54 fared forth and wandered in the wolds and wastes, but when some days had passed over them, both became weak for hunger, and repented them of that they had done, when its penitence profited them not, and the prince complained to his father of weariness and hunger. Cried the king, Dear my son, I did with thee that which behooved me, but thou wouldst do not hearken to me, and now there is no means of returning to thy former estate, for that another hath taken the kingdom and defendeth it from all foes. But indeed I will counsel thee of somewhat, wherein do thou pleasure me by compliance?

Starting point is 06:02:41 The prince asked, what is it? And his father answered, Take me, and go with me to the market street, and sell me, and receive my price, and do with it what so that. thou willest, and I shall become the property of one who shall provide for my wants. The prince inquired, Who will buy thee of me, seeing thou art a very old man?

Starting point is 06:03:07 Nay, do thou rather sell me, inasmuch as the demand for me will be more. But the king replied, and thou wert king, thou wouldst require service of me? accordingly the youth obeyed his father's bidding and taking him carried him to the slave-dealer and said sell me this old man said the dealer who will buy this white and he a son of eighty years then quoth he to the king in what crafts art thou cunning and quoth he i ken the quintessence of jewels and i can the quintessence of jewels and i can the the quintessence of horses, and I ken the quintessence of men. Brief, I ken the quintessence of all things. So the sleeve dealer took him and went about, offering him for sale to the folk, but none would buy. Presently, up came the chef of the Sultan's kitchen and asked, what is this man? And the dealer answered, this be a mameluke for sale. The Kitchener marvelled at this and bought the king after questioning him of what he could do for 10,000 derums. Then he weighed out the money and

Starting point is 06:04:30 carried him to his house, but dared not employ him in aught of service, so he appointed him an allowance, a modicum sufficient for his maintenance, and repented him of having bought him, saying, what shall I do with the like of this white? Presently, the king of the city was minded to go forth to his garden, a pleasuring, and bad the cook precede him, and appoint in his stead one who should dress the royal meat, so that when he returned, he might find the meal ready. The chef fell to thinking of whom he should appoint, and was perplexed concerning his affair. As he was thus, the Sheikh came to him, and seeing him distraught as to how he should do,

Starting point is 06:05:21 said to him, tell me what is in thy mind. Happily, I may bring me relief. So he acquainted him with the king's wishes, and he said, Have no care for this, but leave me one of the serving men, and do thou go accompanying thy lord in peace and surety, for I will suffice thee of this. Hereat the cook departed with the king, after he had brought the old man what he needed, and left him a man of the guards.

Starting point is 06:05:54 And when he was gone, the shake bade the trooper wash the kitchen battery, and made ready food exceedingly fine. When the king returned, he set the meat before him, and he tasted dishes whose like he had never savoured, whereat he was startled and asked to had dressed it. Accordingly, they acquainted him with the Sheikh's case,

Starting point is 06:06:21 and he summoned him to his presence, and asking him an int the mystery, increased his allowance of rations. Moreover, he bade that they should cook together, he and the kitchener, and the old man obeyed his bidding. Some time after this, there came two, merchants to the king with two pearls of price, and each of them declared that his pearl was worth

Starting point is 06:06:46 a thousand dinars, but the folk was incompetent to value them. Then said the cook, Allah prosper the king. Verily, the Sheikh whom I bought affirmed that he knew the quintessence of jewels and that he was skilled in cookery. We have tried him in his cuisine and have found him the most knowing of men, and now, if we send after him and prove him on jewels, his second claim will be made manifest to us, whether true or false. So the king bad fetched the shake, and he came and stood before the sultan, who showed him the two pearls. Quoth he, now for this one, tis worth a thousand dinars, and quoth the king, so so, it's owner. But for this other, continued the old man,

Starting point is 06:07:45 it is worth only five hundred. The people laughed and admired his saying, and the merchant, who owned the second pearl, asked him, how can this, which is bigger of bulk, and worthier for water and writer of round you, be less of value than that? And the old man answered, I have said what is with me. Then quoth the king to him. Indeed, the outer semblance thereof is like that of the other pearl. Why then is it worth but the half of its price?

Starting point is 06:08:22 And quoth the old man, yes, but its inward is corrupt. Asked to the merchant, have a pearl then, an inward and an outward? And the shake answered, yay! in its interior is a terredo a boring worm but the other pearl is sound and secure against breakage the merchant continued give us the proof of this thy knowledge and confirm to us the truth of thy saying and the old man rejoined we will break it and i prove a liar here is my head and if i speak sooth thou wilt have lost thy pearl and the merchant said i agree to that so they break the pearl and it was even as the old man had declared to wit in the heart of it was a boring worm the king marvelled at what he saw and questioned him of how he came by the knowledge of this. The Sheikh replied,

Starting point is 06:09:33 O King, this kind of jewel is engendered in the belly of a creature called the oyster, and its origin is a drop of rain, and it resisteth the touch, and groweth not warm whilst hent in hand. So when its outer coat became tepid to my touch, I knew that it harboured some living thing, for that things of life thrive not save in heat. Therefore the king said to the cook, increase his allowance,

Starting point is 06:10:06 and the chef appointed to him fresh rations. Now, some time after this, two merchants presented themselves to the king with two horses, and one said, I ask a thousand ducats for my horse, and the other, I seek five thousand ducats for mine, quoth the cook we are now familiar with the old man's just judgment what deemeth the king of fetching him so the king bad fetch him and when he saw the two horses he said this is worth a thousand and that two thousand ducats quoth the folk this horse thou misjudgest is evidently a thoroughbred and he is younger and faster and compacter of limb and finer of head and clearer of colour and skin than the other

Starting point is 06:11:03 presently adding what assurance hast thou of the sooth of thy saying and the old man said this ye state is true all true but his side is true but his side is old, and this other is the son of a young horse. Now, when the son of an old horse standeth still a breathing, his breath returneth not to him, and his rider falleth into the hand of him who followeth after him. But the son of a young horse, and thou put him to speed, and after making him run, a light from him, thou wilt find him by reason of his robustness untired.

Starting point is 06:11:49 Quoth the merchant, tis even as the sheikh avoucheth, and he is an excellent judge. And the king said, increase his allowance. But the sheik stood still and did not go away. So the king asked him, why dost thou not go about thy business? and he answered, my business is with the king. Said the king, name what thou wouldst have. And the other replied, I would have thee question me of the quintessence of men,

Starting point is 06:12:26 even as thou hast questioned me of the quintessence of horses. Quoth the king, we have no occasion to question thee thereof. But quoth the old man, I have occasion to acquaint thee. Say what thou wilt, rejoined the king, and the Sheikh said, Verily the king is the son of a baker, cried the king,

Starting point is 06:12:54 How and whereby canest thou that? And the Sheikh replied, Know, O king, that I have examined into degrees and dignities, and have learned this. Thereupon the king went into his mother and asked her and ent his sire, and she told him that the king her husband was impotent. So, quoth she, I feared for the kingdom lest it pass away after his death. Wherefore, I yielded my person to a young man, a baker, and conceived by him and bear a man-child.

Starting point is 06:13:32 and the kingship came into the hand of my son, that is, thyself. So the king returned to the shake and said to him, I am indeed the son of a baker, so do thou expound to me the means whereby thou thou knewest me for this? Quoth the other, I knew that, hadst thou been the son of a king, thou wouldst have gifted me with things of price such as rubies and the life, and wert thou the son of Akazi, thou hadst given largesse of a dirham or two durams. And wert thou the son of any of the merchants, thou hadst given me mutual of money.

Starting point is 06:14:18 But I saw that thou bestowedst upon me naught save two banics of bread and other rations, wherefore I knew thee to be the son of a baker, and quoth the king, thou hast hit the mark. Then he gave him wealth galore and advanced him to higher state. The tale aforesaid pleased King Sharbach, and he marvelled thereat. But the vizier said to him, This story is not stranger than that of the Richard who married his beautiful daughter to the poor sheikh. The king's mind was occupied with the promised tale, and he bade the vizier withdraw to his lodging,

Starting point is 06:15:01 so he went an abode there the rest of the night and the whole of the following day. End of Section 29. Recording by Jane Bennett. Section 30 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, Please visit Libravox.org.

Starting point is 06:15:41 Recording by Charles Conover. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Fourth Night of the Month. When the evening evened, the king sat private in his sitting chamber and bade fetch the wazir. When he presented himself before him, he said to him, Tell me the tale of the Richard. The minister replied, I will. Hear, O precent king. The tale of the Richard who married his beautiful daughter to the poor old man. A certain rich merchant had a beautiful daughter, who was as the full moon, and when she attained the

Starting point is 06:16:36 age of 15, her father betook himself to an old man, and spreading him a carpet in his sitting chamber, gave him to eat, and conversed, and caroused with him. Then said he to him, I desire to marry thee to my daughter. The other drew back because of his poverty, and said to him, I am no husband for her, nor am I a match for thee. The merchant was urgent with him, but he repeated his answer to him, saying, I will not consent to this till thou acquaint me with the cause of thy desire for me, and I find it reasonable I will fall in with thy wish, and if not, I will not do this ever. Quoth the merchant, thou must know that I am.

Starting point is 06:17:31 am a man from the land of China and was in my youth well-favored and well-to-do. Now I made no account of womankind, one and all, but followed after youths, and one night I saw, in a dream, as it were, a balance set up, and hard by it a voice said, this is the portion of such and one. I listened, and presently I heard my own name. So I looked, and behold, there stood a woman loathly to the uttermost, whereupon I awoke in fear and cried, I will never marry least happily this fulsome female fall to my lot. Then I set out for this city with merchandise, and the journey was pleasant to me and the sojourn here, so that I took up my abode in the place for a length of time and gat me friends and factors. At last I sold all my stock in trade and collected its

Starting point is 06:18:36 price, and there was left me nothing to occupy me till the folks should depart and I depart with them. One day I changed my clothes and putting gold into my sleeve, sallied forth to inspect the holes and corners of the city, and as I was wandering about, I saw a handsome house. It seemed like, pleased me, so I stood looking on it and beheld a lovely woman at the window. When she saw me, she made haste and descended, whilst I abode confounded. Then I betook myself to a tailor there and questioned him of the house, and anent whose it was. Quoth he, it belongeth to such an one the notary, God damn him. I asked, is he her sire?

Starting point is 06:19:28 and he answered, yes. So I repaired in great hurry to a man with whom I had been wont to deposit my goods for sale, and told him I desired to gain access to such and one the notary. Accordingly, he assembled his friends, and we betook ourselves to the notary's house. When we came into him, we saluted him and sat with him, and I said to him, I come to thee as a suitor, desiring in marriage the hand of thy daughter. He replied, I have no daughter befitting this man. And I rejoined, Allah aid thee, my desire is for thee and not for her.

Starting point is 06:20:14 But he still refused, and his friends said to him, This is an honorable match and a man thine equal, nor is it lawful for thee that thou hinder the young lady of her good luck. Quoth he to them, She will not suit him. Nevertheless, they were insistent with him, till at last he said, Verily, my daughter whom ye seek is passing ill-favored, and in her are all blamed qualities of person.

Starting point is 06:20:45 And I said, I accept her, though she be as thou sayest. Then said the folk, extolled be Allah, cease we to talk of a thing settled, so say the word how much wilt thou have to her marriage settlement. Quoth he, I must have four thousand sequins, and I said, To here is to obey. Accordingly, the affair was concluded, and we drew up the contract of marriage, and I made the bride feast.

Starting point is 06:21:19 But on the wedding night, I beheld a thing than which never made Allah Almighty ought more fulsome. We thought her folk had devised this freak by way of fun. So I laughed and looked for my mistress, whom I had seen at the window to make her appearance, but saw her not. When the affair was prolonged and I found none but her, I was like to lose my wits for vexation and fell to beseeching my lord and humbling myself in supplication before him that he would deliver me from her. When I arose in the morning, there came the chamberwoman and said,

Starting point is 06:21:57 said to me, Hast thou need of the bath? I replied, no. And she asked, art thou for breakfast? But still I answered, no. And on this wise, I abode three days, tasting neither meat nor drink. When the young woman, my wife, saw me in this plight, she said to me, Oh man, tell me thy tale, for by Allah, if I may affect her, thy deliverance, I will assuredly further thee thereto. I gave ear to her speech, and put faith in her sooth and acquainted her with the adventure of the damsel who I had seen at the window, and how I had fallen in love with her. Whereupon quoth she, Ah, that girl belonged to me, what so I possesses thine, and if she belonged to my sire,

Starting point is 06:22:54 I will demand her of him and detain her from him and deliver her to thee. Then she fell to summoning handmaiden after handmaiden and showing them to me, till I saw the damsel who I loved and said, This is she! Quoth my wife, Let not thy heart be troubled, for this is my slave girl. My father gave her to me, and I give her to thee. So comfort thyself. and be of good cheer and of eyes, cool and clear.

Starting point is 06:23:29 Then when it was night, she brought the girl to me, after she had adorned her and perfumed her, and said to her, Cross not this thy lord in aught and every that he shall seek of thee. When she came to bed with me, I said to myself, Verily this my spouse is more generous than I. Then I sent away the slave-girl, and drew not near her, but arose forthwith, and betaking myself to my wife, lay with her,

Starting point is 06:24:00 and abated her maidenhead. She conceived by me at the first bout, and, accomplishing the time of her pregnancy, gave birth to this dear little daughter, in whom I rejoiced, for that she was beautiful exceedingly, and she hath inherited her mother's sound sense and the comeliness of her sire. Indeed, many of the notables of the people have sought her of me and wedlock, but I would not wed her to any, because I saw in a dream one night that same balance set up, and men and women being therein weighed, one against other, and me seemed I saw thee and her, and the voice said to me, this is such a man, the portion of such a woman. Wherefore I knew that Almighty Allah had allotted her unto none other than thyself,

Starting point is 06:24:54 and I chose rather to marry thee to her in my lifetime than that thou shouldst marry her after my death. When the poor man heard the merchant's story, he became desirous of wedding his daughter, so he took her to wife, and was blessed of her with exceeding love. nor, continued the wazir, is this story on any wise stranger or this tell rare than that of the sage and his three sons. When the king heard his minister's story, he was assured that he would not slay him and said, I will have patience with him, so I may get of him the story of the sage and his three sons. and he bade him depart to his own house. End of Section 30.

Starting point is 06:25:54 Section 31 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night volume 11. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Vivian Liu. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The fifth night of the month.

Starting point is 06:26:29 When the evening evened, the king sat private in his chamber, and summoning the wazir, required of him the promised story. So, our Rawan said, here o'came the tale of the sage and his three songs there was once a sage of the sages who had three songs and song-sons and when they waxed many and their seed multiplied there befell dissension between them so he assembled them and said to them bea single-handed against all others and despite not one another lest the folk despise you and know that your case is the case of the man and the robe which he cut easily when it was single then he doubled it and could not cut it on this wise is division and union and beware lest yet seek help of others against your own selves or yet will fall into perdition for by what means so ever yet when your wish at his hand his word will rank higher than your word

Starting point is 06:27:52 now i have money which i will presently bury in a certain place that it may be a store for you against the time of your need then they left him and dispersed and one of the songs fell to spying upon his sire so that he saw him hide the hoard outside the city when he had made an end of burying it the sage returned to his house and as soon as the morning marrothed his son repaired to the place where he had seen his father buried the treasure and dug and took all the wealth he found and fared forth when the old man felt that his death drew high he called his songs to him and accruiting them with the place where he had hidden his hoard as soon as he was dead they went and dug up the treasure and came upon much wealth for that the money which the first song had taken singly and by stealth was on the surface and he knew not that under it were other monies so they carried it off and divided it and first son claimed he share with the rest and added it to that which he had before taken behind the backs of his father and his brethren's then he married his cousin the daughter of his father's brother and was

Starting point is 06:29:26 blessed for her with a male child who was the goodness of the folk of his time when the boy grew up his father feared for him poverty and decline of case so he said to him, Dear my son, know that during my green days I wrong my brothers in the matter of our father's good, and I see thee in will, but and thou come to want, ask not one of them nor any other than they, for I have laid up for they in yonder chamber a treasure, but do not thou open it until thou come to like thy daily bread. Then the man died, and his mourning, which was a great matter, fell to his song. The young man had not patience to wait till he had made an end of that which was with him, but rose and opened the chamber,

Starting point is 06:30:25 and behold, it was empty, and its walls were whitened, and in its midst was a rope hanged down as for a bucket, and ten bricks upon other, and a scroll, wherein was written there is no help against death so harn thyself and back not of any but kick away the bricks with thy toes that there may be no escape for thy life and thou shalt be at rest from the exaltation of enemies and envious and the bitterness of beggary now when the youth saw this he marvelled at that which his father had done said this is an yield treasure then he went forth and fell to eating and drinking with the folk till not was left him and he passed two days without tasting food at the end of which time he took a handkerchief and sending it for two dear hams bought bread and milk with the price and left it on the shelf and went out whilst he was gone a dog came and seized the bread and polluted the milk and when the young man returned and saw this he beat his face and fared forth distraud. Presently, he met a friend to whom he discovered his case,

Starting point is 06:31:57 and the other said to him, Are thou not ashamed to talk thus? How hast thou wasted all the wealth, and now cometh telling lies and saying, the dog hath mounted on the shelf and talking such nonsense, and he reviled him. So the youths returned to his house, and verily the world had waxed black in his eyes, and he cried,

Starting point is 06:32:26 My sire said sooth. Then he opened the chamber door, and pining up the bricks under his feet, put the robe about his neck and kicked away the bricks and swung himself off. Whereupon the rope gave way with him, and he fell to the ground and the singing cleave asunder, and there poured down on him a world of him. wealth so he knew that his style meant to chastain him by means of this and he invoked Allah's mercy on him then he got him again that which he had sold of lands and houses and

Starting point is 06:33:07 what not else and became once more in good case his friends also returned to him and he entertained them for some time then said he to them to them once day. There was with us breed and the locusts ate it. So we sat in its place a stone, one cubit long, and the like brought, and the locusts came and nibbled away the stone, because of the smell of the breed, growth one of his friends, and it was he who had given him the lie concerning the dog and the bread and the milk. Marvel not at this. For rats, and mice do more than that. Thereupon he said, get you home. In the days of my poverty, I was a liar when I told you of the dogs jumping upon the shelf and eating the bread and defining the

Starting point is 06:34:02 milk. And today, because I'm rich again, I say sooth, when I tell you the locusts devoured the stone, one cubit long, and one cubit broad. They were abashed by his speech, and then departed from him. And the youth's good prospered, and his case was amended, nor continued the wazir. Is this stranger or more self-seeing than the story of the prince, who fell in love with the picture, crooth the king, Shah, Banquet. Happily, when I hear this story, I shall gain wisdom from it, so I will not hasten in the slaying of this minister. nor will I do him die before the thirsty days have expired. Then he gave him leave to withdraw, and he hide away to his own house.

Starting point is 06:35:01 End of Section 31. Recording by Vivian Liu. Section 32 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Lynette Calkins The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by

Starting point is 06:35:40 Richard Francis Burton. The sixth night of the month When the day absconded and the evening arrived, the king sat private in his chamber and, summoning the wazir, who presented himself to him, question him of the story. So the minister said, Here, O auspicious king. The tale of the prince who fell in love with the picture. There was once in a province of Persia a king of the kings who was great of degree, a magnifico, endowed with majesty and girt by soldiery, but he was childless.

Starting point is 06:36:17 Towards the end of his life, his lord vouchsafed him a male child, and that boy grew up and was comely and learned all manner of lore. He made him a private place, which was a towering palace, edified with colored marbles and jewels and paintings. When the prince entered the palace, he saw in its ceiling the picture of a maiden, then whom he had never beheld a fairer of aspect, and she was surrounded by slave-girls, whereupon he fell down in a fainting fit and became distracted for love of her. Then he sat under the picture till his father came into him one day, and finding him lean of limb and changed of complexion, which was by reason of his continual looking on that picture, imagined that he was ill, and summoned the sages and the leeches

Starting point is 06:37:07 that they might medicine him. He also said to one of his cup companions, and thou canst learn what aileth my son, thou shalt have of me the white hand. Thereupon he went into him and spake him fair and conjured him till he confessed to him that his malady was caused by the picture. Then the courtier returned to the king and told him what ailed his son, whereupon he transported the prince to another palace, and made his former lodging the guest-house, and whoso of the Arabs was entertained therein, him he questioned of the picture, but none could give him tidings thereof, till one day, when there came away fairer, who seeing the picture cried,

Starting point is 06:37:49 There is no God but the God. My brother painted this portrait. So the king sent for him and questioned him of the affair of the picture and where was he who had painted it. He replied, Oh, my lord, we are two brothers, and one of us went to the land of Hind

Starting point is 06:38:06 and fell in love with the Indian king's daughter, and tis she who is the original of the portrait. He is wont in every city he entereth to limb her likeness, and I follow him, and longsome is my way. When the king's son heard this, he said, Needs must I travel to this damsel? So he took all manner rare store and riches galore,

Starting point is 06:38:29 and journeyed days and nights till he entered the land of Hind, nor did he reach it save after sore travail. Then he asked of the king of Hind, who also heard of him, and invited him to the palace. When the prince came before him, he sought of him his daughter in marriage, and the king said, Indeed, thou art her match. But there is one objection to wit, none dare name a male before her because of her hate for men.

Starting point is 06:38:58 So he pitched his tents under her palace windows till one day of the days he got hold of a girl, one of her favorite slave girls, and gave her a mint of money. Quoth she to him, hast thou a need? And quoth he, yes. and presently acquainted her with his case, when she said, In very sooth thou putst thyself in peril. Then he tarried, flattering himself with false hopes, till all that he had with him was gone,

Starting point is 06:39:27 and the servants fled from him, whereupon he said to one in whom he trusted, I am minded to repair to my country, and fetch what may suffice me, and return hither. The other answered, "'Tis for thee to judge.' So they set out to return, but the way was long to them, and all that the prince had with him was spent, and his company died,

Starting point is 06:39:49 and their abode but one with him whom he loaded with the little that remained of the victual, and they left the rest and fared on. Then there came out a lion, and devoured the servant, and the king's son found himself alone. He went on till his hackney stood still, whereupon he left it, and walked till his feet swelled. Presently he came to the land of the Turks, and he naked, hungry, nor having with him ought but somewhat of jewels bound about his forearm. So he went to the bazaar of the goldsmiths, and calling one of the brokers gave him the gems. The broker looked, and seeing two great rubies, said to him, follow me. Accordingly, he followed him, till he brought him to a goldsmith, to whom he gave the jewels,

Starting point is 06:40:36 saying, buy these. He asked, when's hatst thou these? and the broker answered, This youth is the owner of them. Then said the goldsmith to the prince, "'Wince hast thou these rubies.' And he told him all that had befallen him, and that he was a king's son. The goldsmith sat astounded at his adventures,

Starting point is 06:40:56 and bought of him the rubies for a thousand gold pieces. Then said the prince to him, equip thyself to go with me to my country. So he made ready, and went with him till the king's son drew near the frontiers of his sire's kingdom, where the people received him with most honorable reception, and sent to acquaint his father with his son's arrival. The king came out to meet him, and they entreated the goldsmith with respect and regard. The prince abode a while with his sire,

Starting point is 06:41:25 then set out, he and the goldsmith, to return to the country of the fair one, the daughter of the king of Hind. But there met him highwaymen, by the way, and he fought the sorest of fights, and was slain. The goldsmith buried him, and set a mark upon his grave, and returned to his own country, sorrowing and distraught, without telling any of the prince's violent death. Such was the case of the king's son and the goldsmith, but as regards the Indian king's daughter of whom the prince went in quest, and on whose account he was slain, she had been wont to look out from the topmost terrace of her palace, and to gaze on the youth and on his beauty and loveliness, so she said to her slave girl one day. Out on thee. What has become of the troops which were camped beside my palace?

Starting point is 06:42:13 The maid replied, They were the troops of the youth, son to the Persian king, who came to demand thee in wedlock, and wearied himself on thine account, but thou hast no ruth on him, cried the princess, Woe to thee! Why dost thou not tell me? And the damsel replied, I feared thy fury. Then she saw an audience of the king her sire and said to him, by Allah, I will go in quest of him, even as he came in quest of me, else should I not do him justice as due. So she equipped herself, and setting out, traversed the wastes, and spent treasures till she came to Sistan, where she called a goldsmith to make her somewhat of ornaments. Now as soon as the goldsmith saw her, he knew her, for that the prince had talked with him of her, and had dep pictured her to him. So he questioned her of her case,

Starting point is 06:43:07 and she acquainted him with her errand, whereupon he buffeted his face, and rent his raiment, and hove dust on his head, and fell a weeping. Quoth she, Why dost thou all this? And he acquainted her with the prince's case, and how he was his comrade, and told her that he was dead, whereat she grieved for him, and faring on to his father and mother, acquainted them with the case. Thereupon the prince's father and his uncle, and his mother and the lords of the land, repaired to his grave, and the princess made mourning over him, crying aloud. She abode by the tomb a whole month. Then she caused fetch painters, and bade them limb her likeness and the portraiture of the king's son. She also set down in writing their

Starting point is 06:43:53 story, and that which had befallen them of perils and afflictions, and placed it, together with the pictures at the head of the grave, and after a little they departed from the spot. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger, O king of the age, than the story of the Fuller and his wife, and the trooper, and what passed between them. With this, the king bade the minister high away to his lodging, and when he arose in the morning, he abode his day in his house. End of Section 32. Section 33 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 06:44:40 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Lynette Calkins, Monument Colorado. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, the seventh night of the month. At eventide, the king sat in his wanted seat and sending for the wazir said to him,

Starting point is 06:45:11 Tell me the story of the Fuller and his wife. The minister replied, With joy and goodly grie, So he came forward and said, Here, O king of the age, the tale of the Fuller and his wife and the trooper. There was once in a sense, city of the cities, a woman fair of favor, who took to love her a trooper white.

Starting point is 06:45:34 Her husband was a fuller, and when he went out to his work, the trooper used to come to her and tarry with her till the time of the fallers return, when he would go away. After this fashion they abode a while, till one day the trooper said to his mistress, I mean to take me a tenement close to thine, and dig a sardab suterrain from my house to thy house, and do thou say to thy spouse, my sister hath been absent with her husband, and now they have returned from their travels, and I have made her home herself in my neighborhood, in order that I may foregather with her at all times. So go thou to her mate, the trooper, and offer him thy wares for sale, and thou wilt see my sister with him, and wilt see that she is I, and I am she, without a doubt.

Starting point is 06:46:21 Now Allah, Allah, go to my sister's husband, and give ear to that which he shall say to thee. So the trooper bought him a house near hand, and made therein a tunnel abutting upon his mistress's house. When he had accomplished this affair, the wife bespoke her husband as the trooper had lessened her. And he went out to go to the trooper's house, but turned back by the way, whereupon said she to him, By Allah, go at once, for my sister asketh of thee. The fool of a fuller went out, and made for the trooper's house, whilst his wife, forewent him thither by the underground passage, and going up, sat down beside the soldier, her leman. Presently the fuller entered and saluted the trooper and salammed to his own wife, and was confounded

Starting point is 06:47:08 at the coincidence of the case. Then, doubt befalling him, he returned in haste to his dwelling, but she preceded him by the Sardab to her chamber, and donning her wanted clothes, sat awaiting him and said to him, did I not bid thee go to my sister and greet her husband and make friends with them? Quoth he, I did this, but I misdoubted of my affair when I saw his wife, and quoth she, did I not tell thee that she favoreth me and I her, and there is not to distinguish between us but our clothes? Go back to her and make sure. Accordingly, of the heaviness of his wit he believed her, and returning on his way, went into the trooper, but she had foregone him, and when he saw her by the side of her lover, he began looking on her

Starting point is 06:47:55 and pondering. Then he saluted her, and she returned him the salaam, and when she spoke, he was clean bewildered, so the trooper asked him, What aileth thee to be thus? And he answered, This woman is my wife, and the speech is her speech. Then he rose in haste, and, returning to his own house saw his wife, who had preceded him by the secret passage. So he went back to the trooper's house and found her sitting as before. Whereupon he was abashed in her presence, and seating himself in the trooper's sitting-chamber, ate and drank with him, and became drunken and abode senseless all that day till nightfall. When the trooper arose, and the fuller's hair being long and flowing, he shaved off a portion of it after the fashion of the Turks, clipped the rest short, and clapped a tarbush on his head.

Starting point is 06:48:47 Then he thrust his feet into walking boots and girt him with a sword and a girdle, and bound about his middle a quiver, and a bow and arrows. He also put some silvers in his poke, and thrust into his sleeve letters patent addressed to the governor of Isfahan, bidding him a sign to Rastam Kamar Takani, a monthly allowance of an 100 dirhams and 10 pounds of bread, and and five pounds of meat, and enroll him among the Turks under his commandment. After which he took him up, and carrying him forth, left him in one of the mosques. The Fuller ceased not sleeping till sunrise, when he awoke, and finding himself in this plight, misdoubted of his affair and fancied that he was a Turk, and fell of putting one foot

Starting point is 06:49:32 forward and drawing the other back. Then he said in himself, I will go to my dwelling, and if my wife know me, then I am Ahmad the Fuller, But, and she know me not, I am a Turk. So he betook himself to his house, but when his wife, the cunning witch, saw him, she cried out in his face, saying, Whither now, O trooper? Wilt thou break into the house of Ahmaud the Fuller, and he a man of repute, having a brother-in-law a Turk, a man of rank, with the Sultan? And thou depart not, I will acquaint my husband, and he will requit thee thy deed. When he heard her words, the dregs of his drink wabbled in his,

Starting point is 06:50:11 his brain, and he fancied that he was indeed a Turk. So he went out from her, and putting his hand to his sleeve, found therein a writ, and gave it to one who read it to him. When he heard that which was in the scroll, his mind was confirmed in his fantasy, but he said to himself, My wife may be seeking to put a cheat on me, so I will go to my fellows the Fullers, and if they recognize me not, then am I for sure Camar Takani the Turk? So he betook himself to the fullers, and when they espied him afar off, they thought that he was really Kim Marta Kani, or one of the Turks, who used to send their washing to them without payment, and give them never a stiver. Now, they had complained of them aforetime to the Sultan, and he said,

Starting point is 06:50:57 If any one of the Turks come to you, pelt him with stones. Accordingly, when they saw the fuller, they fell upon him with sticks and stones, and pelted him, whereupon quoth he, verily, I am a Turk, and knew it not. Then he took one of the dirhams in his pouch and bought him victual for the way, and hired a hackney, and set out for Isfahan, leaving his wife to the trooper. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger than the story of the merchant and the crone and the king? The minister's tale pleased King Shah Bacht, and his heart clave to the story of the merchant and the old woman, so he bade Al-Rawain withdraw to his lodging, and to his lodging, and to his last. he went away to his house and abode there the next day till he should be summoned to the presence.

Starting point is 06:51:44 End of Section 33. Section 34 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libervox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. Recording by Lynette Culkins. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The eighth night of the month. When the evening evened, the king sat private in his chamber and bade fetch the wazir,

Starting point is 06:52:28 who presented himself before him, and the king required of him the story. So the wazir answered, with love and gladness, hear O king. The tale of the merchant, the cromers, the crime, the tale of the merchant, and the king. There was once a family of affluence and distinction in a city of Khorasan, and the town's folk used to envy them for that which Allah had vouchsafed them. As time went on, their fortune ceased from them, and they passed away, till they remained of them but one old woman. When she grew feeble and decrepit, the town's folk succoured her not with aught, but thrust her forth of the city, saying, this old woman shall not neighbor with us, for that we do good to her, and she requitteth us with evil.

Starting point is 06:53:13 So she took shelter in a ruined place, and strangers used to be so alms upon her, and in this way she tarried a length of time. Now the king of that city had a foretime contended for the kingship with his uncle's son, and the people disliked the king, but Allah Almighty decreed that he should overcome his cousin. However, jealousy of him abode in his heart, and he acquainted the wazir, who hid it not, and sent him money. Furthermore, he fell to summoning all strangers who came to the town, man after man, and questioning them of their creed and their goods, and whoso answered him not satisfactory, he took his wealth.

Starting point is 06:53:54 Now a certain wealthy man of the Muslims was wayfaring, without knowing aught of this, and it befell that he arrived at that city by night, and coming to the ruin gave the old woman money, and said to her, No harm upon thee. Whereupon she lifted up her voice and blessed him, so he sat down his merchandise by her and abode with her the rest of the night and the next day. Now highwaymen had followed him that they might rob him of his monies, but succeeded not in aught. Wherefore he went up to the old woman and kissed her head and exceeded in bounty to her. Then she warned him of that which awaited strangers entering the town, and said to him, I like not this for thee, and I

Starting point is 06:54:36 fear mischief for thee from these questions that the wazir hath appointed for addressing the ignorant, and she expounded to him the case according to its conditions. Then she said to him, But have thou no concern, only carry me with thee to thy lodging, and if he questioned thee of aught enigmatical, whilst I am with thee, I will expound the answers to thee. So he carried the crone with him to the city, and lodged her in his lodging, and entreated her honorably.

Starting point is 06:55:06 Presently the wazir heard of the merchants coming, so he sent to him, and bade him bring him to his house, and talked with him a while of his travels, and of what so had befallen him therein, and the merchant answered his queries. Then said the minister, I will put certain critical questions to thee, which an thou answered me, twill be well for thee. And the merchant rose and made him no answer. Quoth the wazir, what is the weight of the elephant? The merchant was perplexed and returned him no reply, giving himself up for lost. However, at last he said, Grant me three days of delay. The minister granted him the time he sought, and he returned to his lodging and related what had passed to the old woman, who said, When the morrow cometh,

Starting point is 06:55:54 Go to the wazir and say to him, Make a ship, and launch it on the sea, and put in it an elephant, and when it sinketh in the water, mark the place whereunto the water riseth. Then take out the elephant and cast in stones in its place till the ship sink to that same mark whereupon do thou take out the stones and weigh them and thou wilt presently know the weight of the elephant accordingly when he arose in the morning he went to the wazir and repeated to him that which the old woman had taught him whereat the minister marvelled and said to him what saith thou of a man who seeth in his house four holes and in each hole a viper offering to sally out upon him and slay him, and in his house are four sticks, and each hole may not be stopped, but with the ends of two sticks. How then shall he stop all the holes, and deliver himself

Starting point is 06:56:47 from the vipers? When the merchant heard this there befell him such concern that it guard him forget the first, and he said to the wazir, grant me delay, so I may reflect on the reply, and the minister cried, Go out and bring me the answer, or I will seize thy monies. The merchant fared forth, and returned to the old woman, who, seeing him changed of complexion, said to him, What did his horiness ask thee? So he acquainted her with the case, and she cried, Fear not, I will bring thee forth of this straight, quoth he, Allah requit thee with wheel. Then quoth she. Tomorrow, go to him with a stout heart, and say, The answer to that whereof thou asketh me is this, put the heads of two sticks into one,

Starting point is 06:57:34 of the holes, then take the other two sticks and lay them across the middle of the first two, and stop with their two heads, the second hole, and with their pharaohs, the fourth hole. Then take the ferules of the first two sticks, and stop with them the third hole. So he repaired to the wazir, and repeated to him the answer, and he marvelled at its justness, and said to him, Go, by Allah, I will ask thee no more questions, for thou with thy skill marrest my foundation. then he treated him as a friend, and the merchant acquainted him with the affair of the old woman, whereupon, quoth, the wazir, needs must, the intelligent company with the intelligent.

Starting point is 06:58:15 Thus did this weak woman restore to that man his life and his monies on the easiest wise. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger than the story of the simpleton husband. When the king heard this, he said, how like it must be to this our own case! Then he bade the minister retire to his lodging, so he withdrew, and on the morrow he abode at home till the king should summon him to his presence. End of Section 34 Recording by Lynette Calkins, Monument Colorado Section 35 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 06:59:07 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The Ninth Night of the Month When the knight came, the king sat private in his chamber, and sending after the wazir, sought of his, him the story, and he said, Here, oh August King, the tale of the simpleton husband.

Starting point is 06:59:44 There was once in olden time a foolish man and an ignorant, who had abounding wealth, and his wife was a beautiful woman, who loved a handsome youth. The Chichis Beio used to watch for her husband's absence, and come to her, and on this wise he abode a long

Starting point is 06:59:59 while. One day of the days, as the woman was closeted with her lover, he said to her, O my lady and my beloved, and thou desire me and love me, give me possession of thy person, and satisfy my need in the presence of thy husband. Otherwise, I will never again come to thee, nor draw near thee while I live my life. Now she loved him with exceeding love, and could not suffer his separation an hour, nor could endure to anger him. So when she heard his words, she said to him, Bismala, so be it in Allah's name. O my darling and coolth of my

Starting point is 07:00:35 eyes, may he not live who would vex thee. Quoth he, today, and quoth she, yes, by thy life, and made an appointment with him for this. When her husband came home, she said to him, I want to go a pleasuring, and he said, with all my heart. So he went, till he came to a goodly place, abounding in vines and water, with her he carried her and pitched her a tent by the side of a tall tree, and she betook herself to a place alongside the tent, and made her there a Sardab. in which she hid her lover. Then she said to her husband, I want to climb this tree, and he said, Do so. So she clom it, and when she came to the treetop, she cried out and slapped her face, saying, O thou letcher, are these thy lewd ways, thou swearest faith to me, and thou lightest,

Starting point is 07:01:25 and she repeated her speech twice and thrice. Then she came down from the tree and rent her raiment, and said, O, Lecher, and these by thy dealings with me before my eyes, how dost thou when thou art absent from me quoth he what aileth thee and quoth she i saw thee futter the woman before my very eyes cried he not so by allah but hold thy peace till i go up and see so he cloned the tree and o sooner did he begin to do so than out came the lover from his hiding-place and taking the woman by the legs felt to shagging her when the husband came to the top of the tree he looked and beheld a man fluttering his wife so he called out Oh, whore, what doings are these? And he made haste to come down from the tree to the ground. But meanwhile, the lover had returned to his hiding place, and his wife asked him, What sawest thou? And he answered, I saw a man shag thee. But she said, thou liest, thou sawest not, and sayest this only by way of fantasy. The same they did three several times,

Starting point is 07:02:29 and every time he cloned the tree the lover came up out of the underground place and mounted her, whilst her husband looked on, and she still said, "'Seeest thou aught, O laia?' "'Yes,' would he answer, and came down in haste, but saw no one, and she said to him, "'By my life, look and speak naught but sooth.' Then he cried to her, arise, let us depart this place, for tis full of gin and marids.

Starting point is 07:02:55 Accordingly, they returned to their house and knighted there, and the man arose in the morning, assured that this was all but fantasy and fascination, and so the lover won his wicked will. Nor, O King of the Age, continued the wazir, is this stranger than the story of the king and the tither. When the king heard this from the minister, he bade him go away, and he went. End of Section 35.

Starting point is 07:03:20 Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. Section 36 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a LibriVox recording. recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org the book of the thousand nights and a night volume 11 by anonymous translated by Richard Francis Burton section 36 the 10th night of the month when it was even tied the king summoned the wazir and sought of him the

Starting point is 07:04:00 story of the king and the tider and he said hero king the tale of the unjust king and the There was once a king of the kings of the earth who dwelt in a flourishing city, abounding in good, but he wronged its people and entreated them foully, so that he roamed the city, and he was named not else but tyrant and oppressor. Now he was wont when, as he heard of a violent man in another land, to send after him, to lure him with Luker to take service with him. And there was a certain tither who exceeded all other tithers in oppression of the people and foul dealing.

Starting point is 07:04:36 so the king sent after him, and when he stood before him, he found him a man of mighty fine presence, and said to him, thou hast been described to me, but I see thou surpasses the description. Sit out to me some of thy doings and sayings, so I may be dispensed therewith from inquiring into the whole of their case. Answered the other, with all my heart now, O king, that I oppress the folk and people the land, whilst other than I ruined it and people said not. Now the king was leaning back, but presently he sat upright and said, Tell me of this.

Starting point is 07:05:13 The tither replied, It is well, I go to the man whom I purposed to tithe and cousin him, and fain to be busy with certain business, so that I seclude myself therewith from the people. And meanwhile, the man is squeezed with the foulest of extortion, till not of money is left him. Then I appear and be come into me, and questions arise concerning him, and I say, Indeed, I was ordered worse than this, for someone may Allah curse him, hath slandered him to the king.

Starting point is 07:05:44 Presently I take half of his good, and return him the rest publicly before the folk, and dismiss him to his house in all honour and worship, and he gareth the money returned be carried before him, whilst he blesseth me, and all who are with him also bless me. so it's rooted abroad in the city that i have restored him to his monies and he himself notifies the light to the intent that he may have a claim on me for the favour to those who praise me then i seem to forget him till the year hath passed over him on this wise i keep half his property then i seem to forget him till the year hath passed over him when i send for him and recall to him somewhat of that which hath befallen aforetime and require of him somewhat of money in secret. Accordingly, he taught this, and hastened to his house, and forward what so I bid him, with a contented heart.

Starting point is 07:06:40 Then I sent to another man, between whom and the first is empty, and lay hands upon him, and feign to the other man that it is he who hath slandered him to the king, and hath taken half of his good. And the people praised me. The king wandered at this, and at his wily dealing and clever contrivance, and made him controller of all his affairs and of his kingdom, and the land was placed under his governance. And he said to him, Take and people. One day the tither went out and saw an old man.

Starting point is 07:07:13 I would cutter, and with him would. So he said to him, Pieter hunt tithe for thy load. Quoth the sheikh, Behold, thou kuls me and kills my family. And koh the tither, what, who kaltz the folk? And the oldster answered, and thou let me enter the city i shall there sell the lord for three dirhams whereof i will give thee one and buy with the other two sellers what will support my family

Starting point is 07:07:42 but and thou praise me for the tide outside the city the lord will sell but for one dirham and thou will take it and i shall abide without food i and my family indeed thou and i in this circumstance alike unto david and solomon on the twain be the peace how so ask the either, and the woodcutter answered, Do thou hear? The story of David and Solomon Served in husband and once made complaint to David on whom be the peace, against some sheep owners whose flocks had come down upon their crops by night, and had devoured them, and he bade value the crops and that the shepherds should make good the damage. But Solomon, in whom be the peace, Rosen said, Nay, but let the sheep be delivered to the,

Starting point is 07:08:30 the husbandmen, so they may take their milk and wool till they have recouped the value of their crops, then let the sheep return to their owners. Accordingly, David reversed his own decision and caused execute that of Solomon. Yet was David no oppressor, but Solomon's judgment was the jester and he showed himself therein bitter verse in jurisprudence and holy law. When the tither heard the old man's speech, he felt truthful, and said to him, o sheikh i make thee a gift of that which is due from thee and do thou cleaves to me and leave me not so happily i may get to thee gain which shall do away from me my wrongness and guide me on the path of righteousness so the old man followed him and there met him another with a load of wood quoth the tither to him pay me that which thou oest me and quoth he have patience with me till to-morrow for i owe the hire of a house and I will sell another load of fuel and pay thee two days tight.

Starting point is 07:09:33 But he refused him this, and the sheikh said to him, And thou constrain him unto this, thou wilt compel him quit thy country, Because he is a stranger here, and hath no domicile, And if he remove on account of one dirham, The wilt forfeit of him three hundred and sixty dirhams a year. Thus will thou lose the macle in keeping the little. quoth the tither verily will i give him a durham every month to the rent of his lodging then he went on and presently there met him a third woodcutter and he said to him pay thy due but he said i will pay thee a jahm when i enter the city or take of me four danicks now quoth the tither i will not do it but the sheikh said to him take of him the four danes now quoth the tyther i will not do it but the sheikh said to him take of him the four danis

Starting point is 07:10:28 presently for it is easy to take and hard to give back exclaimed the tither by allah tis good and he arose and hide on crying out at the top of his voice and saying I have no power this day to do evil then he doffed his dress and went forth wandering at a venture repenting unto his lord nor continued the wazir is this story stranger than that of the robber who believed the woman and sought refuge with Allah against falling in with her like, by reason of her coming contrivance for herself. When the king heard this, he said to himself, Since the titha repented, in consequence of the woodcutter's warnings,

Starting point is 07:11:14 It behofficed I leave the wazir in life so I may hear the story of the robber and the woman, and he bade Arrahwan return to his lodging. End of Section 36 Section 37 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is the Librevox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. Recording by Chad Horner from Ballyclair in County Andrew, Northern Ireland.

Starting point is 07:11:51 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Arabian Nights, Volume 11 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, the 11th night of the month. When the evening came and the king had taken his seat, he summoned the vizier and required of him the story of the robber and the woman. Quoth the minister, Here, O King, the tale of the robber and the woman.

Starting point is 07:12:15 A certain robber was a cunning workman, and used not to steal aught till he had wasted all that was with him. Moreover, he stole not from his neighbours, neither accompanied with any of the thieves, for fear lest someone should betray him, and his case become public. After this fashion, he abode a great while in flourishing condition, and his secret was concealed, till Almighty Allah decreed that he broke. In upon a beggar a poor man whom he deemed rich.

Starting point is 07:12:46 When he gained access to the house, he found naught, whereat he was wroth, and necessity prompted him to wake that man who lay asleep alongside of his wife. So he aroused him and said to him, Show me thy treasure. Now he had no treasure to show, but the robber believed him not, and was instant upon him with threats and blows. When he saw that he got no profit of him,

Starting point is 07:13:10 he said to him, swear by oath of divorce from thy wife, that thou hast nothing. So he swear, and his wife said to him, Fye on thee, wilt thou divorce me? Is not the hoard buried in yonder chamber? Then she turned to the robber

Starting point is 07:13:25 and conjured him to be, weightier of blows upon her husband till he should deliver to him the treasure and in which he had forsorn himself so he drubbed him with a grievous drubbing till he carried him to a certain chamber wherein she signed to him that the hoard was and that he should take it up so the robber entered he and the husband and when they were both in the chamber she locked on them the door which was a stout and strong and said to the robber woe to thee o fool thou hast fallen into the trap but now I have but to cry out and the officers of police will come and take thee and thou wilt lose thy life O Satan. Quoth he, let me go forth, and quoth she,

Starting point is 07:14:07 Thou art a man and I am a woman, and in thy hand is a knife, and I am afraid of thee. He cried, take the knife from me. So she took it and said to your husband, art thou a woman and he a man? Pain, his neck nape, with tunding, even as he tended thee. And if he put out his hand to thee, I will cry, out a single cry and the policeman will come and take him and he him in two so the husband said to him oh thousand horned oh dog oh dodger i owe thee a deposit wherefore thou hast june me and he fell to banishing him grievously with a stick of home oak whilst he called out the woman for help and prayed her to deliver him

Starting point is 07:14:46 but she said keep thy place till the morning and thou shalt see queer things and her husband beat him within the chamber till he killed him, and he swund away. Then he left beating him, and when the robber came to himself, the woman said to her husband, O man, this house is on hire, and we owe its owners, much money, and we have not. So how wilt thou do? And she went on, to bespeak him thus. The robber asked, and what is the amount of the rent? The husband answered,

Starting point is 07:15:15 Twill be eighty dirhams, and the thief said, I will pay this for thee, and do thou, let me go my way. Then the wife inquired, O man, how much do we owe the baker and the green grocer? Quoth the robber, what is some of this? And the husband said, 60 dirms. Rejoined the other, that makes 200 dirms. Let me go my way and I will pay them. But the wife said, O my dear, and the girl groweth up, and needs must we marry her and equip her, and do what else is needful. So the robber said to the husband, how much dost thou want? And he rejoined, and hundred dirhams in a modest way. quoth the robber that maketh three hundred dirms and the woman said o my dear when the girl is married thou wilt need money for winter expenses charcoal and firewood and other necessaries the robber asked what wouldest thou have and she answered an hundred dirms he rejoined be at four hundred dirms and she continued o my dear and o killeth of mine eyes needs must my husband have capital in hand wherewith he may buy goods and open him a shop said he how much will that be and she an hundred dirms quoth the robber that maketh five hundred dirms i will pay it but may i be triply divorced from my wife if all my possessions amount to more than this and they be the savings of twenty years let me go my way so i may deliver them to thee

Starting point is 07:16:35 cried she o full how shall i let thee go thy way utterly impossible be pleased to give me a right token so he gave her a token for his wife and she cried out to her young daughter and said to her keep this door then she charged her husband to watch over the robber till she should return and repairing to his wife acquainted her with his case and told her that her husband the thief had been taken and had compounded for his release at the price of seven hundred dirhams and named to her the token accordingly she gave her the money and she took it and returned to her house by this time the dawn had dawned so she let the thief go his way and when he went out she said to him o my dear when shall i see thee come and take the treasure and he o indebted one when thou needest other seven hundred dirhams wherewith to mend thy case and that of thy children and to pay thy debts and he went out hardly believing in his deliverance from her nor continued the wazir is this stranger than the story of the three men and our lord isa so the king bade him high to his own home end of section thirty seven recording by chad horner from baleigh in county antin northern ireland Section 38 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 07:18:03 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The twelfth night of the month. When it was even tied, the king summoned the minister and bade him tell the promised tale. He replied, Hearing and obeying, give ear, O glorious king, too,

Starting point is 07:18:36 The tale of the three men and our Lord Issa. Three men once went out questing treasure, and came upon a nugget of gold, weighing fifty mons. When they saw it, they took it up on their shoulders, and carried it till they drew near a certain city. when one of them said, Let us sit in the cathedral mosque, whilst one of us shall go and buy us what we may eat. So they sat down the mosque, and one of them arose and entered the city.

Starting point is 07:19:01 When he came therein, his soul prompted him to false his two fellows and get the gold to himself alone. Accordingly, he bought food and poisoned it. But when he returned to his comrades, they sprang upon him and slew him in order that they might enjoy the gold without him. Then they ate of the poisoned food and died,

Starting point is 07:19:19 and the gold lay cast down over against them. Presently, Issa bin Mariam, on whom be the peace, passed by, and seeing this, besought Allah Almighty for tidings of their case. So he told him what had betided them, whereat great was his surprise, and he related to his disciples what he had seen. Quoth one of them, O spirit of Allah, not resemblet this but my own adventure? Quoth Issa, how so?

Starting point is 07:19:47 And the other began to tell. The Disciples Story Once I was in such a city, where I hid a thousand durams in a monastery, After a while, I went thither, and taking the money, bounded about my waist. Then I set out to return, and when I came to the Sahara waste, the carrying of the money was heavy upon me. Presently, I espied a horseman, pushing on after me. So I waited till he came up and said to him, Oh, rider, carry this money for me, and earn reward and recompense in heaven.

Starting point is 07:20:19 said he, no I will not do it, for I should tire myself and tire out my horse. Then he went on, but before he had gone far, he said in his mind, And I take up the money, and put my steed to speed and advance him. How shall he overtake me? And I also said in my mind, verily I erred, for had he taken the money and made off, what could I have done? Then he turned back to me and cried to me, hand over the money that I may carry it for thee, but I replied to him, that which hath occurred to thy mind hath occurred to mine also, so go thou and go safe. Quoth Issa, on whom be the peace. Had these done prudently, they had taken thought for themselves,

Starting point is 07:21:01 but they unheeded the issues of events, for that whoso acteth cautiously is safe and winneth his wish, and whoso neglecteth precaution, is lost and repenteth. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger or rarer than the story of the king, whose kingdom was restored to him, and his wealth, after he had become poor, possessing not a single duram. When the king heard this, he said in himself, How like is this to my own story in the matter of the minister and his slaughter? Had I not used deliberation, I had done him dead. And he bade al-Rawan high to his own house.

Starting point is 07:21:38 End of Section 38. Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. Section 39 of the Book of the Thousand-Nignton. in a night, volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard

Starting point is 07:22:11 Francis Burton, the 13th night of the month. When the even-evened, the king sent for the wazir to his sitting chamber and bade him till the promised tale. So he said, hearkening in obedience, they relate, O king. The tale of the dethroned ruler whose reign and wealth were restored to him. There was once in a city of the cities of the Hind, a just king and a beneficent, and he had a wazir, a man of understanding upright in his read, and praiseworthy in his policy, a minister in whose hand was the handling of all the affairs of the realm,

Starting point is 07:22:49 for he was firmly based on the sultan's favour and high in esteem with the folk of his time. And the king set great store by him and entrusted himself to him in all his transactions, by reason of his excellent management of the lieges, and he had guards who were content with him and grateful to him. Now that king had a brother who envied him and would leave have taken his place, and when he was a weary of looking for his death and the term of his life seemed distant, he took counsel with certain of his partisans, and they said, The minister is the monarch's counsellor, and but for this wazir, the king were kingdomless.

Starting point is 07:23:33 So the pretender cast about for the ruin of the defender, but could find no means of furthering his design, and when the affair grew longsome upon him, he said to his wife, What deemest thou will gar us gain heron? What is it? I mean, in the matter of yonder minister, who inciteth my brother to worship with all his might, and bideth him unto devoutness,

Starting point is 07:23:58 and indeed the king doteth upon his counsel, and establisheth him, governor, of all monies and matters. True, but how shall we devise with him? I have a device, so thou will help me in that wish I'll say to-day. thou shalt have my help and whatsoever thou desirest. I mean to dig him a pit in the vestibule and conceal it artfully.

Starting point is 07:24:24 Accordingly, he did this, and when it was night, he covered the pit with a light covering, so that when the wazir trod upon it, it would give way under his tread. Then he sent to him and summoned him to the court in the king's name, and the messenger bade him enter by the private wicked way,

Starting point is 07:24:42 So he came in alone, and when he stepped upon the covering of the pit, it caved in with him, and he fell to the bottom, whereupon the king's brother fell to pilton him with stones. When the minister beheld what had betided him, he gave himself up for loss. So he stirred not for a while and lay still. The prince, seeing him make no side, deemed him dead. So he took him forth and wrapping him up in his robes, cast him into the surges of the of the sea in the middle night. When the wazir felt the water, he awoke from the swum and swam for an hour or so, till a ship passed by him, whereupon he shouted to the sailors,

Starting point is 07:25:24 and they took him up. Now, when the morning morrowed, the people went seeking for him, but found him not, and the king learning this, was perplexed concerning his affair and abode unknowing what so he should do. Then he sought for a minister to stand in his seat,

Starting point is 07:25:41 and the king's brother said, I have for a wazir an efficient man, said the king, bring him to me. So he brought him a man whom he set at the head of affairs, but he seized upon the kingdom and threw the king in fetters and made his brother king in lieu of him. The new ruler gave himself up to all manner of forwardness, whereas the folk murmured and his minister said to him,

Starting point is 07:26:08 I fear lest the Indians take the old, old king and restore him to the kingship, and we both come to ruin. So, if we seize him and cast him into the sea, we shall be at rest from him, and we will publish among the folk that he is dead. And they, agreeing upon this, took him up and carrying him out to sea, cast him in. When he felt the water, he struck out, and seized not swim in till he landed upon an island, where he tarried five days finding nothing which he might eat or drink. on the sixth day when he despaired of his life, behold, they're past the ship.

Starting point is 07:26:46 So he made signals to the crew, and they came and took him up and fared on with him to an inhabited country, where they set him ashore, mother naked as he was. There, seeing a man's seating. He sought guidance of him, and the husbandman asked,

Starting point is 07:27:03 "'Art thou a foreigner?' "'Yes,' answered the king, and sat with him, and they talked. The peasant found him clever. and quick-witted, and said to him, And thou beheld a comrade of mine, thou wouldst see him the like of what I see thee, for his case is even as thy case,

Starting point is 07:27:22 and he has out this present, my friend. Quoth the king, verily thou marked me long to look at him, canst thou not bring us together, me and him? Quoth the husbandman, with joy and goodly agree, and the king sat with him till he had made an end of his seat, seeding. When he carried him to his homestead and brought him in company with the other stranger, and behold it was his wazir. When each saw other, the twain wept and embraced and the sour wept for their weepin, but the king hid their affair and said to him, this man is from my motherland

Starting point is 07:28:01 and he is as my brother. So they homed with the husbandman and helped him for a hire, wherewith they supported themselves a long spell. Meanwhile, they sought news of their partial stead and learned that which its people suffered of strainedness and severity. One day, there came a ship and in it a merchant from their own country, who knew them and rejoiced in them with joy exceeding and clad them in goodly clothing. He also acquainted them with the manner of the treasury that had been practiced upon them and counseled them to return to their own land.

Starting point is 07:28:40 They and he, with whom they had made friends, assuring them that Almighty Allah would restore them to their former rank. So the king returned, and the folk joined themselves to him, and he fell upon his brother and his wazir, and took them and threw them into jail. Then he sat down again upon the throne of his kingship, whilst the minister stood between his hands, and they returned to their former estate,

Starting point is 07:29:06 but they had not affordly well. Presently, the king said to his wazir, how shall we continue Tarian in this city, and we thus poorly conditioned? And he answered, Be at thine ease, and have no concern. Then he singled out one of the soldiers, and said to him,

Starting point is 07:29:26 send us thy service for the year. Now, there were in the city fifty thousand subjects, and in the hamlets and villages a like number, and the minister sent to each of these saying, Let each and every of you get an egg and sit it under a hand. They did this, and it was neither burden nor grievance to them. And when 20 days had passed by, each egg was hatched, and the wazir bade them pair of the chickens,

Starting point is 07:29:52 male with female, and rear them well. They did accordingly, and it was found a charge unto no one. Then they waited for them a while, and after this, the minister asked of the chickens, and was answered that they were become fowls. Furthermore, they brought him all their eggs, and he bade said them. And after 20 days, there were hatched from each pair of them, 30, or 5 and 20, or 15 chickens at the least.

Starting point is 07:30:20 The wazir bade note against each man the number of chickens, which pertained to him, and after two months, he took the old partlets and cock-rolls, and there came to him from each man some half-score, and he left the young partlets with them. Even so, he sent to the country folk and led the cocks remain with them. Thus he got him whole broods of young poultry and appropriated to himself the sale of the fowls,

Starting point is 07:30:47 and on this wise he gained for him. In the course of a year, that which the kingly estate required of the king, and his affairs were set right for him by the cunning contravence of the minister, and he caused the country to thrive, and dealt justly by his subjects and returned to them all that he took from them and lived the grateful and prosperous life. Thus, right counsel and prudence are better than wealth, for that understanding profiteth at all time in seasons. Nor continued the wazir, is this stranger than the story of the man whose caution slew him. When the king heard the

Starting point is 07:31:28 words of his wazir, he wondered with the outmost wonder, and bade him, retired to his logic. End of Section 39. Recording by Isam El Arabi. Section 40 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org.

Starting point is 07:32:01 Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a knight, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 14th Night of the Month. When the minister returned to the presence, the king sought of him the story of the man whose cautions slew him, and he said, here, O auspicious king, the tale of the man whose caution slew him. There was once a man who was cautious exceedingly concerning himself, and he set out one day

Starting point is 07:32:34 on a journey to a land abounding in wild beasts. The caravan, wherewith he fared, came by night to the gate of a city, but the warders would not open to them, for there were lions there. So they knighted without the walls. Now that man, of the excess of his caution, could not determine a place wherein he should pass the night, for fear of the wild beasts and reptiles. So he went about, seeking an empty stead wherein he might lie. At last, as there was a ruined building hard by, he climbed up onto a high wall and ceased not clamoring hither and thither of the excess of his carefulness, till his feet betrayed him, and he slipped and fell to the bottom and died, whilst his companions arose in the morning safe and sound. Now, had he overmastered his wrongest read, and had he submitted

Starting point is 07:33:21 himself to fate and fortune, it had been safer and better for him. But he made light of the folk and belittled their wit, and was not content to take example by them, for his soul whispered him that he was a man of wits and he fancied that, and he abode with them, he would perish. So his folly cast him into perdition. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger than the story of the man who was lavish of his house and his provision to one he knew not. When the king heard this, he said, I will not separate myself from the folk and slay my minister, and he bade him high to his own house.

Starting point is 07:33:57 End of Section 40. Section 41 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 15th night of the month. When the evening evened, the king bade fetch the wazir and required of him the story.

Starting point is 07:34:30 So he said, here, O king, the tale of the man who was lavish and, of his house and his provisions to one whom he knew not. There was once an Arab of high rank and noble presence, a model of magnanimity and exalted generosity, and he had brethren with whom he consorted and caroused, and they were wont to assemble by rotation at one another's homes. When it came to his turn, he got ready in his house all manner of goodly meats and pleasant and dainty drinks and the fairest flowers and the finest fruits, and he provided all kinds of instruments of music and store of wondrous dicks and marvelous stories and pleasant instances and histories and witty anecdotes and verses and whatnot else. But there was none among these with whom he was not wont to

Starting point is 07:35:14 company, but enjoyed this in every goodly fashion. And the entertainment he provided contained all wherever each had need. Then he sallied forth in quest of his friends and went round about the city, so he might assemble them, but he found none of them at home. Now in that town, was a man of pleasant conversation and large generosity, a merchant of conditioned young of years and bright of blee, who had come to that place from his own country with merchandise and great store and wealth galore. He took up his abode therein, and the town was pleasant to him, and he was large in lavishing, so that he came to the end of all this wealth, and there remained in his hand not save what was upon him of raiment. So he left the lodging, which had homed him in the days of his

Starting point is 07:35:58 prosperity, after he had wasted, that which was there in her furniture, and fell to finding refuge in the houses of the town folk from night to night. One day he went wandering about the streets. He beheld a woman of the uttermost beauty and loveliness, and what he saw her charms amazed him, and there happened to him what made him forget his sorry plight. She accosted him and jested with him, and he besought her of union and intimacy, so she consented to this, and said to him, let us go to thy lodging. Herewith he repented and was perplexed concerning his procedure and greed for that which must escape him of her company by reason of the straightness of his hand, for that he had not a wit of spending money, but he was ashamed to say no after he had sued and wooed

Starting point is 07:36:42 her, wherefore he went on before her, bethinking him how he should rid himself of her, and seeking some excuse which he might pull off on her, and gave not overgoing from street to street, till he entered one that had no issue, and saw at the farther end a door whereupon was a padlock. Then he said to her, do thou excuse me, for my land hath locked the door, and how shall we open it? Said she, O my lord, the padlock is worth only some ten derams, and presently she tucked up her sleeves from forearms as they were crystal, and taking a stone, smote the padlock and broke it, and opening the door, said to him, enter, oh my lord. accordingly he went in, committing his affair to Allah, to whom belong honor and glory, and she entered after him and locked the door from within.

Starting point is 07:37:32 They found themselves in a pleasant house, collecting all good and gladness, and the young man fared forward till he came to the sitting chamber, and behold it was furnished with the finest of furniture as hath before been set out. He seated himself and leaned upon a cushion while she put out her hand to her veil, and duffed it. then she threw off her heavy outer clothes till she was clad in the thinnest which showed her charms whereupon the young man embraced her and kissed her and enjoyed her after which they washed with the ghoul ablution and returned to their place and he said to her know that i have little knowledge of what goes on in my own house for that i trust to my servant so arise thou and see what the lad hath made ready in the kitchen accordingly she arose and going down into the kitchen saw cooking pots over the fire wherein were all manner of dain fainty vions and first bread and fresh almond cakes. So she said bread on a dish and ladled out what she would from the pots and brought it to him.

Starting point is 07:38:29 They ate and drank and played and made Mary a while of the day. And as they were thus engaged, suddenly up came the master of the house with his friends, whom he had brought with him that they might converse together as of want. He saw the door open and knocked a light knock, saying to his company, Have patience with me, for some of my family are come to visit me. wherefore excuse belongeth first to Allah Almighty and then to you. So they farewelled him and fared their ways whilst he wrapped another light wrap at the door. When the young man heard this, he changed colour, and the woman said to him,

Starting point is 07:39:03 Methinks thy lad hath returned. He answered yes. And she arose, and opening the door to the master of the house, said to him, Where hast thou been? Indeed thy master is angry with thee. And he said, O my lady, I have not been, saying, about his business. Then he girt his waist with a kerchief, and entering, saluted the young merchant, who said to him, where hast thou been? Quote he, I have done mine errands, and quote the youth, go and eat, and come hither and drink. So he went away, as he bade him, and ate. Then he washed

Starting point is 07:39:39 hands, and returning to the sitting-room, sat down on the carpet, and fell to talking with them, whereupon the young merchant's heart was hardened, and his breast broadened, and he applied himself to pleasure. They were all enjoients of life, and the most abounding pleasance, till the third part of the night was past, when the housemaster arose, and spreading them abed, invited them to take their rest. So they lay down, and the youth wide awake, pondering their affair till daybreak, when the woman roused herself from sleep, and said to her companion, I wish to go. He farewelled her, and she departed, whereupon the master of the house followed her with a purse of silver, and gave it to her, saying, blame not my lord, and made his excuse to her for his master.

Starting point is 07:40:19 Then he returned to the youth and said to him, Arise and come to the hammam, and he fell to shampooing his hands and feet, whilst the youth called down blessings on him and said, Oh, my lord, who art thou? He thinks there is not in the world the like of thee, no, nor a pleasanter in thy disposition. Then each of the twain acquainted the other with his case and condition,

Starting point is 07:40:39 and they went to the bath, after which the master of the house conjourned the young merchant to return with him and summoned his friends. So they ate and drank and he told him the tale, wherefore they thanked the housemaster and praised him, and their friendship was complete, while the young merchant abode in the town. Till Allah made easy to him a means of travel, whereupon they fareweled him, and he departed. And this is the end of the tale. Nor, continued the wazir, O king of the age, is this stranger than the story of the Richard, who lost his wealth and his wit. When the king heard the minister's story, it pleased him, and he bade him hide to his house.

Starting point is 07:41:21 End of Section 41. Section 42 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous,

Starting point is 07:42:01 translated by Richard Francis Burton, The 16th night of the month. When the evening evened, the king sat in his sitting chamber, and, sending for his wazir, bade him relate the story of the wealthy man, who lost his wealth and his wit. So he said,

Starting point is 07:42:21 here, O King The tale of the melancholist and the sharper There was once a Richard Haidt-Ajlan, the hasty, who wasted his wealth and concern and chagrin Gat the mastery of him, so that he became a melancholist and lost his wit. There remained with him of his monies about twenty dinars, and he used to beg alms of the folk,

Starting point is 07:42:45 and what so they gave him in charity, he would gather together and add to the gold pieces that were left him, Now there was in that town a sharper, who, made his living by roguery, and he knew that the melancholus had somewhat of money, so he fell to spying upon him, and ceased not watching him till he saw him put into an earthen pot, that which he had with him of silvers, and entered a deserted ruin, where he sat down, as if to make water, and dug a hole, wherein he laid the pot, and covering it up, smoothed the ground as it had been. then he went away and the sharper came and taking what was in the pot restored it to its former place. Presently, Oslon returned, with somewhat to add to his hoard, but found it not.

Starting point is 07:43:34 So he bethought him of who had followed him and remembered that he had found that sharper assiduous in sitting with him and questioning him. So he went in search of him, assured that he had taken the pot, and gave not overlooking for him till he saw him sitting, whereupon he ran to him, and the sharper saw him. Then the melancholy stood with an earshot and muttered to himself and said, In the pot of sixty ducats, and I have with me other twenty in such a place,

Starting point is 07:44:05 and today I will unite the hole in the pot. When the sharper heard him say this to himself, muttering and mumbling, repeating and blundering in his speech, He repented him of having taken the sequence and said, He will presently return to the pot, and find it empty, Wherefore that for which I am on the lookout will escape me, And me seemeth, to where best I replace the dinars,

Starting point is 07:44:29 So he may see them, and leave all which is with him in the pot, And I can take the whole. Now he feared to return to the pot at once, lest the melancholy should follow him to the place and find nothing, And on this wise his arrangements be marred. So he said to him, O'Lon, I would have thee come to my lodging and he'd bread with me. Thereupon the melancholus went with him to his quarters, and he seated him there, and going to the market, sold somewhat of his clothes, and pawned somewhat from his house, and bought the best of food. Then he betook himself to the ruin, and replacing the money in the pot, buried it again, after which he returned to his lodging and gave the melancholus to eat and drink, and they went out together.

Starting point is 07:45:14 the sharper walked away and hid himself lest his guest should see him whilst oslon repaired to his hiding-place and took the pot presently the sharper returned to the ruin rejoicing in that which he deemed he should get and dug in the place but found naught and knew that the melancholest had outwitted him so he began buffeting his face for regret and fell to following the other whither so he went to the intent that he might win what was with him but he failed in this because the melancholys knew what was in his mind and was assured that he spied upon him, so he kept watch over himself. Now, had the sharper considered the consequences of haste, and that which is begotten of loss therefrom, he had not done on such wise. Nor, continued the wazir, is this tale, O king of the age, rarer or stranger, or daintier, than the story of Calbas, and his wife,

Starting point is 07:46:11 and the learned man in that which befell between the three, When the king heard this story, he left his purpose of putting the minister to death, and his soul bade him to continue him on life, so he ordered him off to his house. End of Section 42 Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. Section 43 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org.

Starting point is 07:46:56 Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 17th Night of the Month When the evening evened, the king summoned the minister, and as soon as he presented himself, he required of him the story. So he said, Hawkinging and Obedience, Hereo, August King, The tale of Calbas and his wife,

Starting point is 07:47:28 and the learned man. There was once a man called Calbas, who was a fulsome fellow, a calamity, notorious for this note, and he had a charming wife, renowned for beauty and loveliness. A man of his townsfolk

Starting point is 07:47:44 fell in love with her, and she also loved him. Now Calbas was a wilywhite and full of guile. and there was in his neighborhood a learned man, to whom the folk used to resort every day, and he told him histories and admonished them with moral instances, and Kabas was wont to be present in his assembly, for the sake of making a show before the folk. This learned man also had a wife, famed for comeliness and seemly head,

Starting point is 07:48:09 and quickness of wit, and understanding, and the lover sought some device whereby he might manage to meet Kalbas's wife. So he came to him and told him as a secret, he had seen of the learned man's wife, and confided to him that he was in love with her, and besought his assistance in this. Calbas told him that she was known as a model of chastity, incontinence, and that she exposed herself not to ill doubts. But the other said, I cannot renounce her, in the first place, because the woman inclineth to me, and coveteth my wealth, and secondly, because of the greatness of my fondness for her, and naught is wanting but thy help." Quoth Calbas, I will do thy will, and quoth the other.

Starting point is 07:48:53 Thou shalt have of me every day two silver and durams, on condition that thou sit with the learned man, and that when he riseth from the assembly, thou speak a word which shall notify to me the breaking up of the meeting. So they agreed upon that, and Cabas entered and sat in the session, whilst the lover was assured in his heart that the secret was safe and secure with him, wherefore he rejoiced and was content to pay the two derams. Then Calbas used to attend the learned man's assembly, whilst the other would go into his wife and be very much with her, on such wise as he thought good. Till the learned man arose from his meeting, and when Calbas saw that he proposed rising, he would speak a word for the lover to hear, whereupon he went forth from the wife of Calbas,

Starting point is 07:49:38 who knew not that doom was in his own house. But when the learned man saw Calbas do the same thing every day, he began to suspect him, especially on account of that which he knew of his bad name, and suspicion grew upon him. So one day he resolved to advance the time of his rising, erred the wounded hour, and hastened up to Calbas, seized him and said to him, By Allah, and now say a single syllable, I will do thee a damage. Then he went into his wife, with Calbas and his grip, and behold, she was sitting, as of her wont, nor was there about her aught of suspicious or unseemly, The learned man bethought him a while of this,

Starting point is 07:50:22 then made for Calbas's house, which adjoined his own, still holding his man, and when they entered, they found the young lover lying on the bed with Calbas's wife, whereupon quoth the learned man to him. O a curse,

Starting point is 07:50:35 the doom is with thee and in thine own house, so Cabas divorced his wife and went forth, fleeing, and returned not to his own land. This then, continued the wazir, is the consequence of lewdness, for whoso purposeth in himself while in perfidious guile they get possession of him, and had Kabas conceived of himself that dishonor and calamity which he conceived of the folk, there had betided him nothing of this.

Starting point is 07:51:04 Nor is this tale rare, and curious though it be, stranger or rare than the story of the devotee whose husband's brother accused her of lewdness. When the king heard this, Wanderment gat hold of him, and his admiration for the wazir redoubled, so he bade him high to his home and returned to him on the morrow, according to his custom. So the minister withdrew to his lodging, where he passed the night and the ensuing day. End of Section 43 Recording by George Diaz of Spring Hill, Florida. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Lisa Murphy, Richmond, Virginia. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, the 18th night of the month. When the evening evened, the king summoned the wazir and required of him the story. So he said, Tis well, here, O King, the tale of the devotee accused of lewdness.

Starting point is 07:52:26 There was once a man of Nishabar, who, having a wife of the uttermost beauty and piety, yet was minded to set out on the pilgrimage. So, before leaving home, he commended her to the care of his brother, and besought him to aid her in her affairs, and further her wishes till he should return, for the brothers were on the most intimate terms. Then he took ship and departed. and his absence was prolonged. Meanwhile, the brother went to visit his brother's wife at all times and seasons,

Starting point is 07:52:58 and questioned her of her circumstances and went about her wants, and when his calls were prolonged and he heard her speech and saw her face, the love of her got hold upon his heart and he became passionately fond of her, and his soul prompted him to evil. So he besought her to lie with him, but she refused and showed him how foul was his deed, and he found him no way to win what he wished, wherefore he wooed her with soft speech and gentle ways. Now, she was righteous in all her doings, and never swerved from one saying so. When he saw that she consented not to him, he had no doubts, but that she would tell his brother when he returned from his journey.

Starting point is 07:53:41 And quoth he to her, and thou consent not to whatso I require of thee. I will cause a scandal to befall thee, and will cause a scandal to befall thee, thou wilt perish. Quoth she, Allah extolled and exalted be he, judge betwixt me and thee, and know that, should thou sew me limb from limb, I would not consent to that thou biddest me to do. His ignorance of womankind persuaded him that she would tell her spouse, so he betook himself of his exceeding despite to accompany of people in the mosque, and informed them that he had witnessed a man commit adultery with his brother's wife. They believed his word, and documented his charge and assembled to stone her.

Starting point is 07:54:23 Then they dug her a pit outside the city, and seating her therein stoned her till they deemed her dead when they left her. Presently, a Shakira of a village passed by the pit, and finding her alive carried her to his house and cured her of her wounds. Now he had a youthful son, who, as soon as he saw her, loved her, and besought her of her person. But she refused and consented not to him. whereupon he redoubled in love and longing, and his case prompted him to suborn a youth of the people of his village,

Starting point is 07:54:56 and agree with him that he should come by night and take somewhat from his father's house, and that, when he was seized and discovered, he should say that she was his accomplice in this, and avouch that she was his mistress and had been stoned on his account in the city. Accordingly he did this, and coming by night to the villagers' house, stole therefrom goods and clothes, whereupon the owner awoke, and seizing the thief, pinioned him straightly and beat him to make him confess, and he confessed against the woman that she was a partner in the crime, and that he was her lover from the city. The news was brooded abroad, and the citizens assembled to put her to death, but the sheiketh with whom she was forbade them and said,

Starting point is 07:55:40 I brought this woman hither, coveting the recompense of Allah, and I know not the truth of that which is said of her, and will not empower her, any to hurt or harm her. Then he gave her a thousand dirhams by way of alms and thrust her forth of the village. As for the thief, he was imprisoned for some days, after which the folk interceded for him with the old man saying, this is a youth, and indeed he erred, and he released him from his bonds. Meanwhile, the woman went out a haphazard and donning a devotee's dress, fared on without ceasing, till she came to a city and found the king's deputies dunning the townsfolk for the tribute out of season.

Starting point is 07:56:23 Presently she saw a man whom they were pressing for the tribute, so she asked of his case, and being acquainted with it, paid down the thousand dirhams for him, and delivered him from the bastanado, whereupon he thanked her and those who were present. When he was set free, he walked with her, and besought her to go with him to his dwelling. accordingly she accompanied him thither and supped with him and passed the night.

Starting point is 07:56:49 When the dark hours gloomed on him, his soul prompted him to evil, for that which he saw of her beauty and loveliness, and he lusted after her, and required her of her person. But she rejected him, and threatened him with Allah the most high, and reminded him of that which she had done with him of kindness, and how she had delivered him from the stick and his disgrace. However, he would not be denied, and when he saw her persistent refusal of herself to him, he feared lest she should tell the folk of him. So when he arose in the morning, he wrote on a paper, what he would of forgery and falsehood, and going up to the Sultan's palace said, I have an advisement for the king. So he bade admit him, and he delivered him the writ he had forged, saying,

Starting point is 07:57:35 I found this letter with the woman, the devotee, the ascetic, and indeed she is a spy, a secret informer against the sovereign to his foe, and I deem the king's due more incumbent on me than any other claim, and warning him to be the first duty, for that he untieeth in himself all the subjects, and but for the king's assistance the liege would perish, wherefore I have brought the good counsel. The king gave credit to his word, and sent with him who should lay hands upon the devotee and do her to death, but they found her not. As for the woman, when the man went out from her, she resolved to depart, so she fared forth, saying to herself, there is no wayfaring for me in woman's habit. Then she donned men's dress, such as his worn of the pious, and set out

Starting point is 07:58:27 and wandered over the earth, nor did she cease wandering till she entered a certain city. Now the king of that city had an only daughter, in whom he gloried and whom he loved. and she saw the devotee, and deeming her a pilgrim youth, said to her father, I would fain have this youth take up his lodging with me, so I may learn of him, Lyrr, and piety and religion. Her father rejoiced in this, and commanded the pilgrim to take up his abode with his daughter in his palace. So they were in one place, and the princess was strenuous to the uttermost incontinence and chastity and nobility of mind, and magnanimity and devotion.

Starting point is 07:59:05 but the ignorant tattled and then to her and the folk of the realm said, The king's daughter loveth the pilgrim youth, and he loveth her. Now, the king was a very old man, and destiny decreed the ending of his life term. So he died, and when he was buried, the lieges assembled, and many were the sayings of the people, and of the king's kinsfolk and officers, and they counseled together to slay the princess and the young pilgrim, saying, This fellow dishonoreth us with yonder hore, and none accepteth shame, save the base.

Starting point is 07:59:39 So they fell upon them and slew the king's daughter in her mosque, without asking her of aught, whereupon the pious woman, who they deemed a youth, said to them, woe to you, O miscreants, you have slain the pious lady. Quoth they, O thou fulsome fellow, dost thou bespeak us thus?

Starting point is 07:59:58 Thou loves her and she loved thee, and we will assuredly slay thee. And quoth she, Allah forfend, indeed, the affair is the clear reverse of this. They asked, What proof hast thou of that? And she answered, Bring me women. They did so, and when the matrons looked on her, they found her a woman. As soon as the townsfolk saw this, they repented of that they had done, and the affair was grievous to them.

Starting point is 08:00:24 So they sought pardon of Allah, and said to her, By the virtue of him whom thou serviced, do thy cry pardon for us. said she, as for me, I may no longer tarry with you, and I am about to depart from you. Then they humbled themselves before her, and shed tears, and said to her, We conjure thee by the might of Allah and the most high, that thou take upon thyself the rule of the realm and the lieges. But she refused and drew her back, whereupon they came up to her and wept, and ceased not supplicating her,

Starting point is 08:00:58 till she consented and undertook the kingship. Her first commandment to them was that they bury the princess and build over her a dome, and she abode in that palace, worshipping the Almighty and dealing judgment between the people with justice, and Allah, extolled and exalted be he, vouchsafed her, for the excellence of her piety and her patience and renunciation. The acceptance of her prayers, so that she sought not ought of him, to whom belong might and majesty, but he granted her petition, and her fame was rooted abroad in all lands. Accordingly, the folk resorted to her from all parts, and she used to pray Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, for the oppressed, and the Lord granted him relief, and against his oppressor,

Starting point is 08:01:45 and he break him asunder, and she prayed for the sick, and they were made sound, and in this goodly way she tarried a great space of time. So fared it with the wife, but as for her husband, when he returned from the pilgrimage, his brother, and the neighbors acquainted him with the affair of his spouse, whereat he was sore concerned and suspected their story, for that which she knew of her chastity and prayerfulness, and he shed tears for the loss of her. Meanwhile, she prayed to Almighty Allah that he would establish her innocence in the eyes of her spouse and the folk, and he sent down upon her husband's brother a sickness so sore that none knew a cure for him. Wherefore he said to his brother, in such a city is a devotee, a worshipful woman, and a recluse whose prayers are accepted.

Starting point is 08:02:34 So do thou carry me to her, that she may pray for my healing and Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, may give me ease of this disease. Accordingly, he took him up and journeyed with him, till they came to the village where dwelt the Shakya, the gray beard who had rescued the devout woman from the pit, and carried her to his dwelling, and healed her in his home. Here they halted and lodged with the old man, who questioned the husband of his case, and that of his brother, and the cause of their journey. And he said, I purpose to go with my brother, this sick white, to the holy woman, her whose petitions are answered, so she may pray for him, and Allah may heal him by the blessing of her orisons.

Starting point is 08:03:19 Quoth the villager, by Allah my son is in parlous plight for sickness, and we have heard that this devotee prayeth for the sick, and they are made sound. Indeed, the folk counsel me to carry him to her, and behold, I will go in company with you. And they said, tis well. So they all knighted in that intent, and on the morrow they set out for the dwelling of the devotee, this one carrying his son, and that one bearing his brother. Now the man who had stolen the clothes, and had forged against the pious woman a lie to wit that he was her lover, sickened of a sore sickness, and his people took him up and set out with him to visit the devotee and crave her prayers, and destiny brought them all together by the way. So they fared forward in a body till they came to the city wherein the man dwelt

Starting point is 08:04:10 for whom she had paid the thousand dirhams to deliver him from torture, and found him about to travel to her by reason of a malady which had betided him. Accordingly, they all journeyed on together, unknowing that the Holy Woman was she whom they had so foully wrong, and seized not going till they came to her city, and foregathered at the gates of her palace. That wherein was the tomb of the princess. Now the folk used to go into her and salute her with the solemn, and crave her orisons, and it was her custom to pray for none till he had confessed to her or his sins, when she would ask pardon for him, and pray for her.

Starting point is 08:04:51 for him that he might be healed, and he was straightway made whole of sickness by permission of Almighty Allah. When the four sick men were brought into her, she knew them forthright, though they knew her not, and said to them, each of you confess and specify his sins, so I may sue pardon for him and pray for him. And the brother said, as for me, I required my brother's wife of her person, and she refused. Whereupon, despite and ignorance prompted me, and I lied against her, and accused her to the townspew of adultery, so they stoned her and slew her wrongously and unrightously, and this, my complaint, is the issue of unright and falsehood, and the slaying of the innocent soul, whose slaughter Allah hath made unlawful to man.

Starting point is 08:05:38 Then said the youth, the old villager's son, and I, O holy woman, my father brought to us a woman who had been stoned, and my people nursed her till she recovered. Now, she was rare of beauty and loveliness so I required of her her person, but she refused enclave in chastity to Allah, to whom belong might and majesty. Wherefore ignorance prompted me, so that I agreed with one of the youths that he should steal clothes and coin from my father's house. Then I laid hands on him and carried him to my sire and made him confess. He declared that the woman was his mistress from the city and had been stoned on his account, and that she was his accomplice in the theft, and had opened the doors to him. But this was a lie against her, for that she had not yielded to me, in which I

Starting point is 08:06:26 sought of her. So there befell me what ye see of requital. And the young man, the thief, said, I am he with whom thou agreeest concerning the theft, and to whom thou openest at the door, and I am he who accused her falsely, and calumulously, and Allah, extolled be he, well knoweth that I never did evil with her. No, nor knew her in any way before that time. Then, said he whom she had delivered from torture by paying down a thousand Durhams, and who had required of her her person in his house,

Starting point is 08:07:02 for that her beauty pleased him, and when she refused had forged a letter against her and treacherously denounced her to the sultan, and required her graciousness with ingratitude, I am he who wronged her and lied against her, and this is the issue of the oppressor's affair. When she heard their words in the presence of the phone, she cried, Alhamdalala, praised to be Allah, the king who over all things is omnipotent,

Starting point is 08:07:28 and blessing upon his prophets and apostles. Then quoth she to the assembly, bear testimony, O ye here present, to these men's speech, and know ye I am that woman whom they confess to have wronged. And she turned to her husband's brother and said to him, I am thy brother's wife, and Allah, extolled and exalted be he, delivered me from that whereunto thou casted me of calumny and suspicion, and from the folly and forwardness whereof thou hast thou hast spoken, and now hath he shown forth my innocence of his bounty and generosity. Go, for thou art quit of the wrong thou didst me,

Starting point is 08:08:08 and she prayed for him, and he was made sound of his sickness. Thereupon she said to the son of the village shock, know that I am the woman whom thy father delivered from strain and stress, and whom there be tidied from thee of calumny and ignorance, that which thou has named. And she sued pardon for him, and he was made sound of his sickness. Then she said to the thief, I am the woman against whom thou liest, avouching that I was the lemon who had been stoned on thine account, and that I was thine accomplice in robbing the house of the village Shaka,

Starting point is 08:08:42 and had opened the doors to thee. and she prayed for him and he was made whole of his malady. Then she said to the townsman, him of the tribute, I am the woman who gave thee the thousand dirhams, and thou didst with me what thou didst. And she asked pardon for him and prayed for him and he was made whole, whereupon the folk marveled at her enemies, who had all been afflicted alike.

Starting point is 08:09:07 So Allah, extolled and exalted be he, might show forth her innocence upon the heads of witnesses. Then she turned to the old man who had delivered her from the pit, and prayed for him, and gave him presents manifold, and among them a myriad, a badra, and the sick made whole departed from her. When she was alone with her husband, she made him draw near unto her, and rejoiced in his rival, and gave him the choice of abiding with her. Presently she assembled the citizens, and notified to them his virtue and worth, and counseled them to invest him with management of their rule, and besought them to make him king over them.

Starting point is 08:09:46 They consented to her on this, and he became king, and made his home amongst them, while she gave herself up to his orisons and cohabitated with her husband, as she was with him aforetime. Nor, continued the wazir, is this tale, O king of the time, stranger or pleasanter, than that of the hireling, and the girl whose ma he slit and fled. When King Shah Bak heard this, he said, most like all they say of the minister is leasing, and his innocence will be made manifest, even as that of the devotee was manifested. Then he comforted the wazir's hurt, and bade him high to his house. End of Section 44. Section 45 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more

Starting point is 08:10:45 information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Paul Fleischman. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 19th Night of the Month. When the evening evened, the king bid fetch the wazir and sought of him the story of the hireling and the girl. So he said,

Starting point is 08:11:17 Harkening and obedience, Give ear, O auspicious king, To the tale of the hireling and the girl. There was once, of old time, In one of the tribes of the Arabs, A woman pregnant by her husband, And they had a hired servant, A man of insight and understanding.

Starting point is 08:11:36 When the woman came to her delivery time, She gave birth to a girl child in the night, And they sought fire of the neighbors, so the hireling went in quest of fire. Now there was in the camp a divineress, and she questioned him of the newborn child, and it was male or female. Quoth he tis a girl,

Starting point is 08:11:58 and quoth she, that girl will whore with an hundred men, and a hireling shall wed her, and a spider shall slay her. When the hired man heard this, he returned upon his steps and going into the woman, took the child from her by wily management and slid its maw.

Starting point is 08:12:22 Then he fled forth into the wold at haphazard, an abode in strangerhood, while Allah so willed. He gained much money, and, returning to his own land, after twenty years' absence, alighted in the neighbourhood of an old woman, whom he wheedled and treated with liberality, requiring of her a young person whom he might enjoy without marriage, marriage. Said she, I know none, but a certain fair woman who is renowned for this industry.

Starting point is 08:12:55 Then she described her charms to him, and made him lust after her, and he said, hastened to her this minute, and lavish upon her whatso she asketh. So the crone betook herself to the girl, and discovered his wishes to her, and invited her to him. But she answered, "'Tis true that I was in the habit of whoredom, "'but now I have repented to Almighty Allah "'and have no more longing to this. "'Nay, I desire lawful wedlock. "'So if he be content with what is legal,

Starting point is 08:13:29 "'I am between his hands.' "'The old woman returned to the man "'and told him what the damsel said, "'and he lusted after her, "'because of her beauty and her penitence. "'So he took her to wife. "'And when he went into her, He loved her, and after like fashion she loved him.

Starting point is 08:13:51 Thus they abode a great while, till one day he questioned her of the cause of a scar he espied on her body. And she said, I wot not, thereof, save that my mother told me a marvelous thing concerning it. Asked he, what was that? And she answered, my mother declared that she gave birth to me one night of the wintry nights and dispatched a hired man who was with us in quest of fire for her. He was absent a little while and presently returning, took me, and slit my maw, and fled. When my mother saw this, chagrin seized her, and compassion possessed her.

Starting point is 08:14:35 So she sewed up my stomach and nursed me till the wound healed by the ordinance of Allah, to whom belong might and majesty. When her husband heard this, he said to her, What is thy name, and what may be the name of thy mother, and who may be thy father? She told him their names, and her own, whereby he knew that it was she whose maw he had slit, and said to her, and where are thy father and mother?

Starting point is 08:15:05 They are both dead. I am that hireling who slit thy stomach. Why didst thou that? Because of a saying, I heard from the wise woman. What was it? She declared thou wouldst play the whore with an hundred men, and that I, after that, should wed thee. I, I have whored with an hundred men,

Starting point is 08:15:30 no more and no less, and behold, thou hast married me. The divinress also foresaid that thou shouldst die, at the last of thy life of the bite of a spider. Indeed, her saying hath been verified of the fornication and the marriage, and I fear lest her word come true, no less in the death. Then they betook themselves to a place without the city,

Starting point is 08:15:58 where he built him a mansion of solid stone and white stucco, and stopped its inner walls and plastered them, leaving not therein, or cranny, or cranny, or crevice, and he set in it two slave-girls whose services were sweeping and wiping for fear of spiders. Here he abode with his wife a great while, till one day the man espied a spider on the ceiling and beat it down. When his wife saw it, she said, This is that which the wise woman foresaid would slay me. So, by thy life, suffer me to kill it with mine own hand.

Starting point is 08:16:37 her husband forbade her from this, but she conjured him to let her destroy the spider. Then, of her fearfulness and her eagerness, she took a piece of wood and smote it. The wood break of the force of the blow, and the splinter from it entered her hand and wrought upon it so that it swelled. Then her forearm also swelled,

Starting point is 08:17:04 and the swelling spread to her side, and then grew till it reached her heart, and she died. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger or more wondrous than the story of the weaver who became a leech by commandment of his wife. When the king heard this, his admiration redoubled, and he said, In very truth, destiny is written to all creatures, and I will not accept aught that is said against my minister, the loyal counsellor. And he bade him high to his home.

Starting point is 08:17:43 End of Section 45. Recording by Paul Fleischman. Section 46 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. recording by shreya sati the book of the thousand knights under night volume eleven by anonymous translated by richard francis burton the twentieth night of the month when the evening evened and the king bade summon his minister and he presented himself before him whereupon he required of him the hearing of the story

Starting point is 08:18:42 so the vizier said hearkening and obedience give ye o king to the tale of the weaver who became a leech by order of his wife there was once in the land of farce a man who wedded a woman higher than himself in rank and nobler of lineage but she had no guardian to preserve her from bond she loth to marry one who was beneath her yet she wived with him because of need and took of him a bond in writing to the effect that he would ever be under her order to bid and forbid and would never thwart her in word or in Now the man was a fever and he bound himself in writing to pay his wife ten thousand dirhams in case of default. After such fashion, they abode a long while, till one day the wife went out to fetch water, of which she had need, and saw a leech who had spread a carpet hard by the road, whereon he had set out great store of simples and implements of medicine, and he was speaking and muttering charms, whilst the folk flocked to him from all quarters and girt him about on every side.

Starting point is 08:20:01 The weaver's wife marvelled at the largeness of the physician's fortune, and said in herself, where my husband thus he would lead an easy life, and that wherein wear of straightness and poverty would be widened to him. Then she returned home, carkful and careful, and when her husband saw her husband saw her her, in this condition he questioned her of her case, and she said to him, Verily, my breast is harrowed by reason of thee and of the very goodness of thine intent. Presently adding, Narrow means suit me not, and thou in thy present craft canest not. So either do thou seek out a business other than this, or pay me my rightful due,

Starting point is 08:20:50 and let me went my ways. Her husband tried her for this, and advised her to take patience, but she would not be turned from her design, and said to him, Go forth and watch yonder physician, how he doth, and learn from him what he saith, said he,

Starting point is 08:21:08 Let not thy heart be troubled, and added, I will go every day to the session of the leech. So he began resorting daily to the physician, and committing to memory his, answers and that which he spoke of jargon till he had gotten a great matter by rote and all this he learned and thoroughly digested it. Then he returned to his wife and said to her, I have stored up the physician's sayings in mind and have mastered his manner of muttering

Starting point is 08:21:38 and diagnosis and prescribing remedies, and I wot by heart the names of the medicines and of all the diseases, and here abideth of thy bidding. not undone. So what dost thou command me now to do? Goeth she, leave the loom and open thyself a leecher's shop, but goeth he, My fellow townsman know me, and this affair will not profit me, save in a land of strangerhood, so come, let us go out from the city and get us to a foreign land, and live there. And she said, Do what so thou willest. Accordingly, he arose and taking his weaving gear, sold it, and bought with the price,

Starting point is 08:22:28 drugs and simples, and wrought himself a carpet, with which they set out and journeyed to a certain village where they took up their abode. Then the man fell to going round about the hamlets and villages and outskirts of towns, after dawning Leach's dress, and he began to earn his livelihood and make much gain. Their affairs prospered and their circumstances were bettered, wherefore they praised Allah for their present ease and the village became to them a home. In this way, he lived for a long time, but at length he wandered anew and the days and the nights ceased not to transport him from country to country till he came to the land of the room and lighted down in a city of the cities thereof, wherein was Yal Nus, the sage.

Starting point is 08:23:19 But the weaver knew him not, nor was aware who he was. So he fared forth, as was his wont, in quest of a place where the folk might be gathered together and hired the courtyard of Yalnus. There, he spread his carpet, and setting out on it, his simples and instruments of medicine, praised himself and his skill, and claimed, the cleverness such as none but he might claim. Yalneus heard that which he affirmed of his understanding, and it was certified unto him, and established in his mind

Starting point is 08:23:56 that the man was a skilled leech of the leeches of the Persians, and he said in himself, unless he had confidence in his knowledge, and were minded to confront me and contend with me, he had not sought the door of my house. neither had he spoken that which he had spoken and care and doubt gat hold upon yelnus so he drew near the weaver and addressed himself to see how his doings should end whilst the folk began to flock to him and described to him their ailments and he would answer them thereof hitting the mark one while and missing it another while so that not appeared to yelnoose of his fashion whereby his mind might be a show that he had justly estimated his skill.

Starting point is 08:24:47 Presently, up came a woman with a urinal, and when the weaver saw the file afar off, he said to her, This is the water of a man, a stranger, said she, yes, and he continued, Is he not a Jew, and is not his ailment, flatulence? Yes, replied the woman, and the folk marvelled at this, Therefore, the man was magnified in the eyes of Yalneus.

Starting point is 08:25:16 For that he heard speech, such as was not of the usage of doctors, seeing that they know not urine but by shaking it and looking straightly thereon. Neither what they a man's water from a woman's water, nor a stranger's from a countryman's, nor a Jew's, from a Sharif's. Then the woman asked, What is the remedy? And the we were answered, Bring the honouration. honorarium. So she paid him a dirham and he gave her medicines contrary to that ailment and such as would only aggravate the complaint. When Yel Nus saw what appeared to him of the man's incapacity,

Starting point is 08:25:55 he turned to his disciples and pupils and bade them fetch the mock doctor with all his gear and drugs. Accordingly, they brought him into his presence without stay or delay and when Yel Nus saw him before him, he asked him, Knowest thou me? And the other answered, No, nor did I ever set eyes on thee before this day? Coth the sage, dost thou know Yarleneus? And quotes the weaver,

Starting point is 08:26:27 No, then said Yarlinus, What brave thee to do that which thou dost? So he acquainted him with his adventure, especially with the dowry and the obligation by which he was bound. With regard to his wife, whereat the sage marvelled, and certified himself anent

Starting point is 08:26:46 the matter of the marriage settlement, then he bade lodge him near himself, and entreated him with kindness, and took him apart and said to him, expound to me the story of the urine file, and whence thou knewest that the water therein was that of a man, and he a stranger, and a Jew, and that his ailment was flatulence,

Starting point is 08:27:07 The weaver replied, Tiswell, thou must know that we people of Persia are skilled in physiognomy, and I saw the woman to be rosy-cheeked, blue-eyed, and tall statured. Now these qualities belong to women who are enamoured of a man and are distracted full love of him. Moreover, I saw her burning with anxiety, so I knew that the patient was her husband. As for his strangerhood, I noted that the dress of the woman

Starting point is 08:27:37 differed from that of the town's folk, whereof I knew that she was a foreigner, and in the mouth of the file, I saw a yellow rag, which guard me what, that the sick man was a Jew, and she a Jewess. Moreover, she came to me on the first day, and tis the Jew's custom to take meat, puddings, and food that hath passed the night, and eat them on the Saturday their Sabbath, hot and cold, and they exceed in eating, wherefore flatulence and indigestion betide them. Thus I was directed and guessed that which thou hast heard. Now when Yelunus heard this, he ordered the weaver, the amount of his wife's dowry, and bade him pay to her, and said to him,

Starting point is 08:28:25 Divorce her. Furthermore, he forbade him from returning to the practice of physic, and warned him never again to take. take to wife a woman of rank higher than his own, and he gave him his spending money and charged him return to his proper craft. Nor continued the vizier, is this tale stranger or rarer than the story of the two shoppers who each cozened his compier? When King Shah Bakht heard this, he said to himself, how like is this story to my present case with this minister, who hath not his like? Then he bade him high to his own house, and come again at even

Starting point is 08:29:10 died. End of Section 46, recording by Shreya Saiti. Section 47 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. recording by lisa murphy richmond virginia the book of the thousand nights and a night volume eleven by anonymous translated by richard francis burton the twenty-first night of the month when as nighted the night the wazir presented himself before the king who bade him relate the promised story so he said hearkening in obedience give ear o king to the tale of the two sharpers who each cozened his compier There was once in the city of Baghdad, a man Haid al-Marazi, who was a sharper and ruined the folk with his rogueries, and he was renowned in all quarters for knavery. He went out one day, carrying a load of sheep's droppings, and swear to himself that he would not return to his lodging till he had sold it at the price of raisins.

Starting point is 08:30:30 Now there was in another city a second sharper, Height Al-Razi, one of its worst, who went out the same day, bearing a load of goat's droppings, anent which he swore to himself that he would not sell it, but at the price of sun-dried figs. So, the twain ferridaon with that which was by them, and ceased not going till they met in one of the cons, and one complained to other of what he had suffered on travel, in quest of gain, and of the little demand for his wares. Now, each of them had it in mind to cheat his fellow, so the man of Marr, said to the man of Ray, wilt thou sell that to me? He said yes, and the other continued, and wilt thou buy, which is with me? The man of Ray consented, so they agreed upon this, and each of them sold to his mate,

Starting point is 08:31:19 that which was with him in exchange for the others, after which they bade farewell, and both fared forth. As soon as the twain were out of sight, they examined their loads to see what was therein, and one of them found that he had a load of sheep's droppings, and the other that he had a load of goats-droppings, whereupon each of them turned back in quest of his fellow. They met again in the con, and laughing at each other, cancelled their bargain. Then they agreed to enter into partnership, and that all they had of money and other goods should be in common, share and share alike.

Starting point is 08:31:52 Then, quoth Al-Razi to El Marwazi, Come with me to my city, for that tis nearer than thine. So he went with him, and when he arrived at his quarters, he said to his wife and household and neighbors, this is my brother, who hath been absent in the land of Corrassan, and has come back. And he abode with him in all honor for a space of three days. On the fourth day, Al-Razi said to him, No, O my brother, that I purpose to do something.

Starting point is 08:32:20 The other asked, what is it? And the first answered, I mean to feign myself dead, and do thou go to the bazaar and hire two porters in a beer. Then, take me up and go about the streets and markets with my body, and collect alms on my account. Accordingly, the Mar-man repaired to the market, and fetching, that which he saw, returned to the Rayman's house,

Starting point is 08:32:42 where he found his fellow cast down in the entrance passage, with his beard tied and his eyes shut, and his complexion was paled, and his belly was blown, and his limbs were loose. So he deemed him really dead, and shook him, but he spoke not. Then he took a knife and pricked his feet, but he budged not.

Starting point is 08:33:01 Presently, said Al, Razi, what is this, oh fool? And said El Marazi, I deem that was dead in very deed. Al Razi cried, get thee to business and leave funding. So, he took him up and went with him to the market and collected alms for him that day till even tide, when he bore him back to his abode and waited till the morrow. Next morning he again took up the beer and walked around with it as before in quest of charity. Presently, the chief of police, who was of those who had given him alms on the previous day, met him. So he was angered, and fell on the porters and beat them, and took the dead body saying, I will bury him and win reward in heaven. So, his followers took him up, and carrying him

Starting point is 08:33:46 to the police officer, fetched grave-diggers, who dug him a grave. Then they brought him a shroud and perfumes, and fetched an old man of the quarter to wash him. So the Shakir, recited over him the appointed prayers, and laying him on the bench washed him and shrouded him. After he had been shrouded, he skided, so the gray beard renewed the washing, and went away to make the wazoo ablution, whilst all the folk departed to do likewise, before the orisons of the funeral. When the dead man found himself alone, he sprang up, as he were a Satan, and donning the corpse-washers' dress, took the cups and water-can, and wrapped them up in the napkins. Then he clapped his shroud under his armpit and went out. The doorkeepers thought he was

Starting point is 08:34:33 the washer and asked him, Has thou made an end of the washing, so we may acquaint the emir? The Sharper answered yes, and made off to his abode, where he found the mar-man awoing his wife and saying to her, By thy life, thou wilt never again look upon his face, for the best reason that by this time he is buried. I myself escaped not from them, but after Toriwain. I, myself escaped not from them, but after toil and trouble, and if he speak, they will do him to death. Quoth she, and what wouldst thou have of me? And quoth he, satisfy my desire and heal my disorder, for I am better than thy husband. And he began toying with her as a prelude to possession. Now, when the Rayman heard this, he said, Yonder whittle, pimp, lusteth after my wife,

Starting point is 08:35:20 but I will at once do him a damage. Then he rushed in upon them, and when Al Marazzi saw him, he wondered him, and it said, how did thou make thine escape? Accordingly, he told him the trick he had played, and they abode talking of that which they had collected from the folk, and indeed they had gotten great store of money. Then, said the man of Mar, in very sooth, mine absence hath been prolonged, and leaf would I return to my own land. El Razi said, as thou wilt, and the other rejoined, let us divide the monies we have made, and do thou go with me to my home, so I may show thee my tricks and my works, replied the man of Ray, Come to-morrow, and we will divide the coin. So, the mar man went away, and the other turned to his wife and said to her, We've collected us great plenty of money, and the dog would fain take the half of it, but such things shall never be, for my mind hath been changed against him, since I hurt him making love to thee.

Starting point is 08:36:22 Now, therefore, I propose to play him a trick and enjoy all the money, and do thou not oppose me. She replied, Tis well, and he said to her, Tomorrow, at peep a day, I will feign myself dead, and do thou cry aloud and tear thy hair, whereupon the folk will flock to me. Then lay me out and bury me, and when the folk are gone, away from the grave, dig down to me and take me, and fear not for me, as I can abide without harm two days in the tomb-nitch. Where to she made answer, do in what's how thou wilt. Accordingly, when it was the dawn hour, she bound his beard, and spreading a veil over him shrieked aloud, whereupon the people of the

Starting point is 08:37:06 quarter flocked to her, men and women. Presently, up came Al Marazi for the division of the money, and hearing the Keening asked, what may be the news? Quoth they, thy brother is dead, and he quoth he, in himself, the accursed fellow cozeneth me, so he may get all the coin for himself, but I will presently do with him what shall soon re-quicken him. Then he tarred the bosom of his robe and bared his head, weeping and saying, alas, my brother, ah, alas my chief, ah, alas my lord, ah! Then he went into the men who rose and condoled with him. Then he accosted the raised-man wife and said to her,

Starting point is 08:37:48 How came his death to occur? Said she, I know nothing, except that when I arose in the morning I found him dead. Moreover, he questioned her of the money which was with her, but she cried, I have no knowledge of this and no tidings. So, he sat down at his fellow Sharper's head and said to him, No, Arrasi, that I will not leave thee till after ten days with their nights, wherein I will wake and sleep by thy grave. so rise and don't be a fool.

Starting point is 08:38:18 But he answered him not, and the man of Marr drew his knife and fell to sticking it into the other's hands and feet, purposing to make him move. But he stirred not, and he presently grew wary of this, and determined that the sharper was really dead. However, he still his suspicions and said to himself, This fellow is falsing me, so he may enjoy all the money. Therewith, he began to prepare the body for burial,

Starting point is 08:38:43 and bought for it perfumes and what so was needed. Then they brought him to the washing place, and El Marazi came to him, and heating water till it boiled and bubbled and a third of it was evaporated, fell to pouring it on his skin, so that it turned bright red and lively blue and was blistered, but he abode still on one case. Presently they wrapped him in the shroud and set him on the beer, which they took up, and, bearing him to the burial place, placed him in the grave, ravenage, and filled in the earth, after which the folk dispersed.

Starting point is 08:39:18 But the marman and the widow abode by the tomb, weeping, and seized not sitting till sundown, when the woman said to him, Come, let us high us home, for this weeping will not profit us, nor will it restore the dead. He replied to her, by Allah, I will not budge hence till I have slept, and waked by this tomb ten days with their nights. When she heard this, his speech, she feared lest he should keep his word in his oath. And so her husband perish, but she said in her mind, This one disassemblet, and I leave him and return to my house, he will tarry by him a little while and go away. And Al Marwazi said to her, Arise thou and hie thee home, so she arose and repaired to her house, whilst the man of Mar abode in his place, till the night was half spent. When he said to himself, How long? Yet how can I let this day?

Starting point is 08:40:13 knavish dog die and lose the money. Better, I open the tomb on him and bring him forth, and take my due of him by dint of grievous beating and torment. Accordingly, he dug him up and pulled him forth of the grave, after which he took himself to a garden hard by the burial ground, and cut then staves and palm fronds. Then he tied the dead man's legs and laid on to him with the staff and beat him with grievous beating, but the body never budged. When the time grew long, on him, his shoulders became a wary, and he feared, lest some of the watch passing on his round should surprise and seize him. So he took up Al-Razi, and carrying him forth of the cemetery, stayed not till he came to the Maghans mortuary place, and casting him down in a tower of silence,

Starting point is 08:41:01 rained heavy blows upon him till his shoulders failed him, but the other stirred not. Then he seated him by his side and rested, after which he rose and renewed the beating upon him. And thus he did till the end of night, but without making him move. Now, as destiny decreed a band of robbers whose want it was, when they had stolen anything to resort to that place, and their divide their loot, came thither in early dawn, according to their custom. They numbered ten, and they had with them much wealth which they were carrying. When they approached the tower of silence, they heard a noise of blows within it, and their captain cried, this is Majin, whom the angels are tormenting. So they entered the cemetery, and as soon as they arrived over against him,

Starting point is 08:41:49 the man of Mar feared less they should be the watchman come upon him. Therefore he fled and stood among the tombs. The robbers advanced to the place, and finding a man of Rai, bound by the feet, and by him some seventy sticks, wondered at this with exceeding wonder, and said, Allah confound thee. This was a miscreant, a man of many crimes, for earth hath rejected him from her womb, and by my life he is yet fresh. This is his first night in the tomb, and the angels were tormenting him, but now, so whoso of you hath sin upon his soul, let him beat him by way of offering to Almighty Allah. The robber said, we be sinners one and all, so each of them went up to the corpse and dealt it about a hundred blows, one saying the while, this is for my father, and another

Starting point is 08:42:39 laid on to him crying, this is for my grandfather. Whilst a third muttered, this is for my brother. And a fourth exclaimed, This is for my mother. And they gave not overtaking turns at him and beating him till they were weary, whilst Al-Marazi stood laughing and saying in self. Tis not I alone who have entered into default against him.

Starting point is 08:43:01 There is no majesty, and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious the great. Then the robbers applied themselves to sharing their loot, wherein was a sword, which called the sword, which called them to fall out anent the man who should take it. Quoth the captain, "'Tis my read that we make proof of it, and it be a fine blade.

Starting point is 08:43:22 We shall know its worth, and if it be worthless, we shall know that.' Where too they said, "'Try it on this corpse, for it is fresh.' So the captain took the sword in drawing it, brandished it, and made a false cut with it. But when the man of Ray saw this, he felt sure of death and said in his mind,

Starting point is 08:43:39 I have borne the washing slab and the boiling water and the prickling with the knife point, in the grave niche and its straightness, in all this, trusting in Allah that I might be delivered from death, and indeed I have been delivered, but the sword I may not suffer, seeing that one stroke of it will make me a dead man. So saying, he sprang to his feet, and seizing a thigh bone of one departed, shouted at the top of his voice, O ye dead ones, take them to yourselves. And he smote one of them, while his mate of Mars smote another, and they cried out at them and buffeted them on their necknapes, whereupon the robbers left that which was left of the loot and ran away. And indeed their wits took flight for terror, and they ceased not running till they came forth

Starting point is 08:44:26 of the Magian's mortuary ground, and left it at a perisang's length behind them, when they halted, trembling, and affrighted for the muchness of that which had befallen them of fear and awe of the dead. As for El Rase and El Marwasi, they made peace with each other, and sat down to share the spoil. Quote the man of Mar, I will not give thee a durham of this money, till thou pay me my due of the monies that be in thy house. And quote the man of Ray, I will do not of the kind, nor will I withdraw this from aught of my due. So they fell out thereupon, and disputed each other, with other and either of the twain went saying to his fellow, I will not give thee a Durham.

Starting point is 08:45:10 Wherefore, words reigned high between them, and the brawl was prolonged. Meanwhile, when the robbers halted, one of them said to the others, let us go back and see, and the captain said, This thing is impossible of the dead. Never heard we that they came to life in such a way.

Starting point is 08:45:29 Return we and take our monies, for that the dead have no need of money, and they were divided in opinion, as to returning, but presently one said, Indeed, our weapons are gone, and we may not prevail against them, and will not draw near the place. Only let one of us go look at it, and, if he hear no sound of them, let him suggest to us what we should do.

Starting point is 08:45:52 At this they agreed that they should send a man of them, and assigned him for such mission two parts of the plunder. Accordingly, he returned to the burial ground, and gave not over going till he stood at the door of the Tower of Silence, when he heard the words of El Marwaazzi to his fellow, I will not give thee a single Durham of the money. The other said the same, and they were occupied with brawling and abuse and talk. So the robber returned in haste to his mates, who said,

Starting point is 08:46:20 What is behind me? Quoth he, Get you gone and run for your lives, O fools, and save yourselves. Much people of the dead are come to life, and between them are words and brawls. Hereat the robbers fled. whilst the two sharpers returned to the man of Ray's house, and made peace, and added the robber's spoil to the monies they had gained, and lived a length of time. Nor, O King of the Age, continued the Wazir,

Starting point is 08:46:48 is this stranger or rarer than the story of the four sharpers with the Shroff and the ass? When the king heard this story, he smiled, and it pleased him, and he bade the minister to his own house. End of Section 47 Section 48 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 11. This is a Librebox recording. All Libreworks recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librebox.org.

Starting point is 08:47:27 Recording by Shria Sati. The Book of the Thousen Nights and a Night. Volume 11 by Anonymous. translated by Richard Francis Burton, the 22nd night of the month. When the evening evened, King Shah Bakht summoned the vizier and required of him the hearing of the story. So Al Ravan said, Harkening and obedience, give ear, O king.

Starting point is 08:47:58 Two, the tale of the sharpers with the shroff and the ass. Four sharpers once plotted. it against a shroff, a man of much wealth, and agreed upon a slight for securing some of his coins. So one of them took an ass and laying on it a bag wherein were dirhams, lighted down at the shop of the shroff, and sought of him small change. The man of monies brought out to him the silver bits and bartered them with him. Whilst the sharper was easy with him in the matter of exchange, so he might gar him long for more gain. As they were thus, up came the other three sharpers and surrounded the donkey, and one of them

Starting point is 08:48:46 said, "'Tis he!' and said another, "'Wait till I look at him.' Then he took to considering the ass and stroking him from the crest, to the tail, whilst the third went up to him, and handled him, and felt him from the head to ram. saying, yes, tis in him, said another, no, tis not in him. And they left not doing the like of this for some time. Then they accosted the donkey's owner and chaffled with him, and he said, I will not sell him but for ten thousand dirhams. They offered him a thousand dirhams, but he refused and swore that he would not wend the ass,

Starting point is 08:49:31 but for that which she had said. they ceased not adding to their offer till the price reached five thousand dirhams whilst their mate still said i'll not wend him save for ten thousand silver pieces the shawf advised him to sell but he would not do this and said to him ho sheik thou wottest not the case of this donkey stick to silver and gold and what pertaineth thereto of exchange and small change Because indeed the virtue of this ass is a mystery to thee. For every craft, its crafty men, and for every means of livelihood, its peculiar people. When the affair was prolonged upon the three shoppers, they went away and sat down aside. Then they came up, privily to the money-changer, and said to him, and thou can buy him for us, do so, and we will give thee twenty dirhams.

Starting point is 08:50:35 Goeth he, go away and sit down at a distance from him. So they did as he bade, and the shroff went up to the owner of the ass, and seized not, luring him with a lucre and saying, Leave these whites and sell me the donkey, and I will reckon him a present from thee, till he sold him the animal for five thousand and five hundred dirhams. accordingly the money-changer weighed out to him that sum of his own monies and the owner of the ass took the price and delivered the beast to him saying what so shall be tied though he abide a deposit upon thy neck sell him not to yonder cheats for less than ten thousand dirhams for that they would wain by him because of a hidden hoard they know

Starting point is 08:51:23 where too naught can guide them save this donkey so close thy hand on him and cross me not or thou shalt repent with these words he left him and went away whereupon up came the three other shappers the comrades of him of the ass and said to the shrof god requite thee for us with good in that thou hast bought him how can we reward thee quoth he i will not sell him but for ten thousand dirhams when they heard that they returned to the ass and fell again to examining him like buyers and handling him then said they to the money-changer indeed we were deceived in him this is not the ass we sought and he is not worth to us more than ten nussiffs then they left him and offered to go away whereat the shroth was sore and he was not the ass we sought and he is not worth to us more than ten nussiffs then they left him and offered to go away whereat the shrough was sore chagrined and cried out at their speech saying o folk he asked me to buy him for you and now i have bought him ye say we were deceived in him and he is not worth to us more than ten they replied we thought that in him was whatso we wanted but behold in him is the contrary of that which we wish and indeed he hath a blemish for that he is shot of back then they made long nose at him and went away from him and dispersed. The money-changer deemed they did, but play him off,

Starting point is 08:52:59 that they might get the donkey at their own price, but when they walked away from him and he had long awaited their return, he cried out saying, well away, and ruin, and sorry, case I am in, and shrieked aloud and rent his raiment. So the market people assembled to him and questioned him of his case, whereupon he acquainted them with his condition and told them what the knaves had said, and how they had cozzled him, and how they had cajoled him into buying an ass worth fifty dirhams

Starting point is 08:53:32 for five thousand and five hundred. His friends blamed him, and a gathering of the folk laughed at him, and admired his folly and over-faith in believing the talk of the shoppers without suspicion, and meddling with that which he understood not, and thrusting himself into that whereof he had no sure knowledge. On this vice, O King Shah Bucks, continued the vizier, is the issue of greed for the goods of the world, and indeed coveting that which our knowledge containeth not shall lead to ruin and repentance. Nor, O king of the age, he added,

Starting point is 08:54:12 is this story stranger than that of the cheat and the merchants, When the king heard these words, he said in himself, Indeed, had I given ear to the sayings of my courtiers, and inclined to their idol-prate in the matter of my minister, I had repented to the utterest of penitence, but alhhah Lord be to the Lord, who hath disposed me to endurance and long suffering, and hath vouchsafed to me patience.

Starting point is 08:54:45 Then he turned to him. the vizier and dismissed him to his dwelling and gave conge to those who were present according to his custom. End of Section 48, Recording by Shreya Saiti. Section 49 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit.

Starting point is 08:55:21 Librevox.org. Recording by Shreya Saiti. The book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 23rd night of the month. When the evening evened, the king summoned the minister, and when he presented himself before him, he required of him the hearing of the story. So he said, hearing and obeying give ear o illustrious lord to the tale of the cheat and the merchants there was once in olden time a certain cheat who could turn the ear inside out by his talk and he was a model of cleverness and quick wit and skill and mischief it was his wont to enter a town and make a show of being a trader and engage in intimacy with people of birth and sit in session with the merchants for his name was noted as a man of virtue and piety when he would put a slight on them and take off them what he might spend and fare forth to another stead and he ceased not to do thus for a while of time it chanced one day that he entered a certain city and sold somewhat that was with him of merchant-ise and made friends of the merchants of the place and took to sitting with them and entertaining them and inviting them to his quarters and his assembly whilst they also invited him to their houses

Starting point is 08:56:56 he abode after such fashion a long time until he was minded to quit the city and this was brooded among his intimates who grieved for parting from him then he betook himself to one of them who was the richest in substance and the most conspicuous for generosity and sat with him and borrowed his goods and when rising to depart he bade him return the deposit that he had left with him quoth the merchant and what is the deposit and quoth the cheat tis such a purse with the thousand dinars therein the merchant asked and when didst thou give me that same and the cheat answered extolled be all might was it not on such a day by such a token which is thus and thus the man rejoined i know not of this and words were bandied about between them whilst the folk who heard them disputed together concerning their sayings and doings till their voices rose high and the neighbours had knowledge of that which passed between them then said the cheat O people, this is my friend, and I deposited with him a deposit which he denieth having received. So, in whom shall men put trust after this? And they said,

Starting point is 08:58:24 This person is a man of worth, and we have known in him not but trustiness and good faith, and the best of breeding, and he is endowed with sense and manliness. Indeed, he affirmeth no false claim. For that, we have consorted an association. with him and he with us and we know the sincerity of his religion then got one of them to the merchant ho such an one we think thee of the past and refresh thy memory it cannot be that thou hast forgotten but quoth he o people i wot nothing of what he saith for indeed he deposited not with me and the matter was prolonged between them then set the cheat to the merchant I am about to travel and I have, praised be Allah Almighty, much wealth, and this money shall not escape me, but do thou make oaths to me? And the folk said, indeed, this man doth

Starting point is 08:59:25 justice upon himself, whereupon the merchant fell into that which he disliked and came nigh upon loss and ill fame. Now he had a friend who pretended to sharpness and intelligence, So he came up to him secretly and said to him, Let me do so, I may cheat this cheat, For I know him to be a liar, And thou art near upon having to weigh out the gold, But I will parry of suspicion from thee, And say to him,

Starting point is 08:59:54 The deposit is with me, And thou erredst in suspecting that it was with other than myself, And so I will divert him from thee. The other replied, Do so, and rid the people of him, such pretended deaths accordingly the friend turned to the cheat and said to him o my lord i am such an one and thou goest under a delusion the purse is with me for it was with me that thou depositedst it and this sheikh is innocent of it but the cheat answered him with impatience and impetuosity saying extolled be allah as for the purse that is with thee o noble and faithful man i know tis under allah's charge and my heart is easy anent it because tis with thee as it were with me but i began by demanding the purse which are deposited with this man of my knowledge that he coveteth the goods of folk

Starting point is 09:00:55 at this the friend was confounded and put to silence and returned not a reply and the only result of his meddling was that each of them merchant and friend had to pay a third thousand gold pieces. So the cheat took the two thousand dinars and made off, and when he was gone, the merchant said to his friend, the man of pretended sharpness and intelligence, "'Hose such an one, thou and I, are like the falcon and the locust.' The friend asked, "'What was their case?' And the merchant answered with the story of the falcon and the locust. There was once of old time, a falcon who made himself a nest hard by the home of a locust, and his neighbour gloried in such neighbourhood, and betaking herself to him, saluted him with the salam, and said, O my lord and lord of all the birds! Indeed, the nearness to thee delighteth me,

Starting point is 09:01:57 and thou honourest me with thy vicinity, and my soul is fortified with thee, The falcon thanked her for this, and friendship between them followed. One day the locust said to the bird, O prince of the flying race, How is it that I see thee alone, solitary, having with thee no friend of thy kind, The volatiles, on whom thou mayest repose in time of gladness, And of whom thou mayest seek aid in tide of sadness?

Starting point is 09:02:31 Indeed, tis said, man goeth about seeking ease of body and ward of strength, and there is not in this more necessary to him than a true friend who shall be the crown of his comfort and the column of his career, and on whom shall be his dependence, in his distress, and in his delight. Now I, although ardently desiring thy will in that which befitteth their rank and degree, yet am weak in that which the soul craveth. But, and thou doth, and thou dain't thou, give me leave, I will seek out for thee one of the birds who shall fellow thee in body and strength, and the falcon said, I commit this to thee, and rely upon thee herein.

Starting point is 09:03:15 Thereupon, O my brother, court the merchant, the locust began going round the company of the birds, but saw not resembling the falcon in bulk and body, save the kite, and thought well of her. So she brought the twain together, and counselled the falcon. falcon to foregather with the kite. Presently it fortuned that the falcon fell sick, and the kite tarried with and tended him a long while till he recovered and became sound and strong. Wherefore he thanked her and she fared from him. But after some days the falcon's sickness returned to him and he needed succor of the kite.

Starting point is 09:03:56 So the locust went out from him and was absent from him a day, after which she returned to him with another locust, saying, I have brought thee this one. When the falcon saw her, he said, God requite thee with good. Indeed, thou hast done well in the quest and thou hast shown subtlety and discrimination in the choice. All this befell because the locust had no knowledge of the essence which lurketh in the outer semblance of bodies. As for thee, O my brother, Allah requite thee with veal. Thou wast subtle and devised. Thou wast subtle and devised. and used precaution, but forethought aveleth not against fate, and fortune foreordained, baffleth force of fence.

Starting point is 09:04:42 How excellent is the saying of the poet when he spake these couplets? It chances wiles that the blind man escapes a pit, whilst he, who is clear of sight, falls into it, the ignorant man may speak with impunity, a word that is death to the wise and the ripe of wit, The true believer is pinched for his daily bread, whilst infidel rogues enjoy all benefit. Where is a man's resource, and what can he do? It is the Almighty's will we must submit. Nor, continued the vizier, is this, O king of the age, rarer or stranger, than the story of the king and his Chamberlain's wife? Nay, this is more wondrous than that and more delectable.

Starting point is 09:05:32 When the king heard this story, he was strengthened in his resolve to spare the minister and to eschew haste in an affair whereof he was not certified. So he comforted him and bade him high to his home. End of Section 49, recording by Shreya Sati. Section 50 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Libreworks Recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit Librivox.org.

Starting point is 09:06:13 Recording by Shreya Saiti. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 24th Night of the Month When it was the knight, the king summoned the vizier and sought of him the hearing of the story. Al-Rawain replied, Hearkening and obedience, Listen, O August Sovran, To the tale of the king and his chamberlain's wife.

Starting point is 09:06:49 There was once in days of yore and in ages and times long gone before, A king of the kings of the Persians, Who was much addicted to the love of fair women. His courtiers spoke him of the wife, of a certain of his chamberlains, a model of beauty and loveliness and perfect grace, and this egged him on to go into her. When she saw him, she knew him and said to him, What urgeth the king to this that he doeth? And the king replied, saying, Verily, I long for thee with excess of longing, and there is no help but that I enjoy thy favours.

Starting point is 09:07:30 and he gave her of wealth that after whose like women lust, and she said, I cannot do the deed whereof the king speaketh for fear of my husband, and she refused herself to him with the most rigorous of refusals, and would not suffer him to win his wish. So the king went out in wrath and forgot his girdle in the place. Now it chanced that her husband entered immediately, after his lord had departed, and saw the girdle and knew it. He was aware of the king's love for women, so quoth he to his wife,

Starting point is 09:08:10 what be this I see with thee? Quoth she, I'll tell thee the truth, and recounted to him the occurrence. But he believed her not, and suspicion entered his heart. As for the king, he passed that night in care and concern, and when the morning morrowed, he summoned that Chamberlain and made him governor of one of his provinces. Then he bade him betake himself thither, purposing after he should have departed and fared afar to foregather with his wife. The Chamberlain perceived his project and kent his intent. So he answered, saying, To hear is to obey, presently adding, I will go and order my affairs,

Starting point is 09:08:58 and give such injunctions as may be needed for the well-doing of my affairs. Then will I go about the sovereign's command, and the king said, Do this and make haste. So the Chamberlain went about that which he needed, and assembling his wife's kinfolk, said to them, I am determined to dismiss my wife. They took this ill of him and complained of him

Starting point is 09:09:23 and summoning him before the sovereign, sat prosecuting him. Now the king had no knowledge of that which I had passed, so he said to the Chamberlain, Why wilt thou put her away, and how can thy soul consent through this? And why takest thou unto thyself, a fine and fertile piece of land, and presently forsakest it? Answered the husband, Allah amend the king, by the Almighty, O my king, I saw therein the trail of the lion and fear to enter that land, lest the The lion devour me. And the like of my affair with her is that which befell between the crone and the draper's wife.

Starting point is 09:10:07 The king asked, what is their adventure? And the Chamberlain answered, Here, king, the story of the crone and the draper's wife. There was once a man of the drapers who had a beautiful wife, and she was curtained and chased. A certain young man saw her coming forth of the Hammam and loved her. and his heart was ingrossed with her. So he devised for access to her all manner of devices, but availed not to foregather with her. And when he was a weary, and his patience failed for travail,

Starting point is 09:10:45 and trouble and his fortitude betrayed and forsook him, and he was at an end of his resources against her, he complained of this to an ill-omened groan, who promised him to bring about union between him and his beloved. he thanked her for this and promised her all manner of deuceers and she said to him hie thee to her husband and buy of him a turbaned cloth of fine linen and let it be of the very best of stuff so he repaired to the draper and buying of him a turban cloth of lawn returned and gave it to the old woman who took it and burned it in two places then she donned the dress of a devotee and taking the turbant cloth with her went to the the Draper's house and knocked at the door. When the Draper's wife saw her thus habited as a holy woman, she opened to her and admitted her with kindly reception, and made much of her and welcomed her.

Starting point is 09:11:45 So the crone went in to her and conversed with her a while. Then said she to her, I want to make the Fadu ablution preparatory to prayer. At these words the wife brought the water and she made the ablution standing up to pray, prayed and satisfied herself, and when she had ended her orisons, she left the turbaned cloth in the place of the prayer and fared forth. Presently, in came the draper at the hour of night devotions, and sitting down in the prayer place where the old woman had prayed, looked about him and espied the turbaned. He knew it and suspected foul play.

Starting point is 09:12:27 So wrath showed in his face and he was furious with his voice. wife and reviled her, and abode his day and his night without speaking to her, during all which, while she knew not the cause of his rage. Then, she looked and seeing the turbaned cloth before him, and noting the traces of burning thereon, understood that his anger was on account of this, and concluded that he was in ill temper because it was burnt. When the morning morrowed, the draper went out, still wrothed with his wife, and the crone returned to her and found her changed of colour, pale of complexion, dejected and heart-broken.

Starting point is 09:13:05 So she questioned her of the cause and the wife told her how her husband was angered against her on account of the burns in the turbaned cloth. Rejoined the old woman, O my daughter be not chagrined, for I have a son, a fine drawer, and he, by thy life, shall fine draw the holes and restore the turbaned cloth as it was. The wife rejoiced in her saying and asked her, And when shall this be? The crone answered,

Starting point is 09:13:35 Tomorrow, inshallah, and it please Allah the most high, I will bring him to thee, at the time of thy husbands going forth from thee, and he shall find right and depart forthwith. Then she comforted her heart and going away from her, returned to the young man, and acquainted him with what had passed. Now when the draper saw the turbaned cloth, he determined to divorce his wife, and waited only till he could collect that which was obligatory on him of the contingent dowry and what not else, for fear of her people. When the crone arose in the morning, she took the young man and carried him into the draper's house. The wife opened the door to her and the ill-omened old woman entered with him and said to the lady,

Starting point is 09:14:24 go fetch that which thou wouldest have find drawn and give it to my son so saying she bolted the door on her whereupon the young man raped her against her will and did his want of her and went forth then cried the crone know that this is my son and that he loved thee with exceeding love and was like to lose his life for longing after thee so i devised for thee with this device and came to thee with this turbaned cloth which is the not thy husbands but my sons. Now have I won to my wish, so do thou trust in me, and I will put a slight on thy husband for setting thee right with him, and thou wilt be subject to me, and to him and to my son. And the wife replied, Tis well, do so. Presently the old woman returned to the lover and said, Know thou that I have engineered the affair for thee with her, and now we must mend that we have not. Hide thee and sit with the dress. and mentioned to him the turbaned cloths, saying, The turbaned I bought of thee I chanced to burn in two places,

Starting point is 09:15:32 So I gave it to a certain old woman to have fine drawn, And she took it and went away, And I know not her dwelling place. When thou seest me pass by, rise and lay hold of me, And demand of me the cloth, To the intent that I may arrange her affair with her spouse, And that matters go right with thee in her regard. Accordingly he repaired to the trepired, to the draught.

Starting point is 09:15:54 paper's shop and sat down by him and asked him, Thou knowest the turbaned cloth I bought of thee? Yes, knowest thou what has come of it? No. After I bought it of thee, I fumigated myself, and it fortuned that the turbaned cloth was burnt in two places. So I gave it to a woman whose son they said was a fine roar, and she took it and fared forth with it, and I know not her home. When the draper heard this, he was startled by the thought that he had suspected his wife wrongfully and marvelled at the story of the turbaned cloth, and his mind was made easy and end her. After a short while, up came the old woman, whereupon the young man sprang to his feet and seizing her demanded of her the turbaned cloth. Said she, Know that I entered one of the houses, and Vaduddin prayed in the prayer place. and I forgot the turbaned cloths there and went out.

Starting point is 09:16:58 Now I wreat not the house in which I prayed, nor have I been divinely directed there too, and I go round about every day till the night, so happily I may light on the dwelling, for I knew not its owner. When the draper heard these words, he said to the old woman, Verily, Allah restoreth to thee,

Starting point is 09:17:18 that which thou hast lost. Be gladdened by good news for the turbaned cloth, is with me and in my house and he arose forthright and handed to her the turban cloth as it was and she handed it to the young man then the draper made peace with his wife and gave her raiment and jewellery till she was content and her heart was appeased when the king heard this chamberlain's story he was dazed and amazed and said to him abide on thy service and hear thy field for that the lion entered it but marred it not and he will never more return thither. Then he bestowed on him an honourable robe and made him a costly present and the man returned to his wife and people,

Starting point is 09:18:06 rejoicing, his heart having been set at rest concerning his wife. Nor continued the vizier, O king of the age, is this rarer or stranger than the story of the beautiful wife? A woman gifted of amorous grace with the ugly man her. husband. When King Shah Bakht heard the minister's speech, he deemed it delectable, and it pleased him,

Starting point is 09:18:32 so he bade him high to his house, and there he tarried his day long. End of Section 50, recording by Shreya Saiti. Section 51 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Lisa Stump, Visit my website at Lisa Stumpbooks.com. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous,

Starting point is 09:19:10 translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 25th night of the month. When the evening eaved, the king summoned his wazir and bade him tell the tale. So he said, Tis well, here, O King, the tale of the ugly man and his beautiful wife. There was once a man of the Arabs who had a number of children, and amongst them a boy. Never was seen a fairer than he of favor, nor a more complete in comeliness. No, nor a more perfect of prudence. When he came to man's estate, his father married him to his first cousin, the daughter of one of

Starting point is 09:19:45 his paternal uncles, and she excelled not in beauty, neither was she laudable for qualities, wherefore she pleased not the youth, but he bore with her for the sake of kinship. One day he fared forth in quest of certain camels of his, which had strayed and hide him on all his day and night till even tide, when he was fain to seek hospitality in an Arab camp. So he alighted at one of the tents of the tribesmen, and there came forth to him a man short of stature and foul of favor, who saluted him with the sala, and, lodging him in a corner of the tent, sat entertaining him with chat, the cheeriest that might be. When his food was dressed, the Arab's wife brought it to the guest, and he looked at the man. mistress of the tent and saw a semblance then which no seemlier might be. Indeed, her beauty and loveliness, her symmetry and perfect grace amazed him, and he was struck with astonishment, gazing now at her and then at her mate. When his looking grew long, the man said to him,

Starting point is 09:20:43 Ho, thou son of the worthy, busy thyself with thine own business, for by me and this woman hangeth a wondrous tale, which is even better than that thou seest of her beauty, and I will tell it to thee when we have made a finish of our food. So, when they had ended eating and drinking, the young man asked the host for the story, and he said, know that in my youth I was the same as thou seest me in the matter of loathliness and foul favor, and I had brethren of the fairest of the folk, wherefore my father preferred them over me, and used to show them kindness to my exclusion, and made me serve in their stead, like as a master employeth slaves. One day, a dromedary of his strayed from the herd of camels, and he said to me, go forth in quest of her, and return not but with her. I replied,

Starting point is 09:21:29 sent other than I of thy sons, but he would not consent to this, and scolded me and insisted upon me, till the matter came to such a pass with him that he took a thong-whip and fell to beating me. So I arose, and, saddling a riding camel, mounted her and sallied forth at random, purposing to go out into the walt and the wilds, and returned to him nevermore. I fared on all my night in the next day, and coming in even to, to the encampment of this my wife's people, alighted down with and became the guest of her father, who was a sheik well-stricken in years. Now, when it was the noon of night, I arose and went forth the tent at a call of nature, and none knew of my case save this woman. The dogs followed me as a

Starting point is 09:22:11 suspected stranger and ceased not worrying me till I fell on my back into a pit, wherein was water, a deep hollow and a steep, and a dog of those dogs fell in with me. The woman, who was then a girl in the bloom of youth, full of strength and spirit, was moved to Ruth on me. For the calamity wherein to I was fallen, and coming to me with a rope, said to me, catch hold of the rope. So I hinted and clung to it, and she hailed me up. But when I was halfway up, I pulled her down and she fell with me into the pit. And there we abode three days, she and I and the hound. When her people arose in the morning did not see her. They sought her in the camp, but finding her not and missing me also, never doubted but she had fled with me. Now she had four brothers, as they were Sakerhawks, and they took

Starting point is 09:22:57 horse and dispersed in search of us. When the day yellowed on the fourth dawn, the dog began to bark, and the other hounds answered him, and coming to the mouth of the pit, stood howling to him. My wife's father, hearing the howling of the hounds, came up and standing at the brink of the hollow, looked in and beheld a marvel. Now he was a brave man and a sensible, an elder experienced in affairs, so he fetched accord, and bringing forth the three, question us twain, of our case. I told him all that had be tided, and he fell a pondering the affair. Presently, her brothers returned, whereupon the old man acquainted them with the whole case, and said to them, All my sons, know that your sister intended not aught but good,

Starting point is 09:23:39 and if ye kill this man, ye will earn abiding shame, and ye will wrong him, and wrong your own souls, and eke your sister. For indeed there appeareth no cause such as, calleth for killing, and it may not be denied that this accident is a thing whose like may well occur, and that he may easily have been the victim of such like chance. Then he addressed me and questioned me of my lineage, so I set forth to him my genealogy, and he, exclaiming, a man of her match, honourable, understanding, offered me his daughter in wedlock. I consented to this and marrying her, took up my abode with him, and Allah hath opened on me the gates of wheel and wealth, so that I become the richest in monies of the tribesmen, and the Almighty hath established me in that which he

Starting point is 09:24:21 hath given me of his bounties. The young man marvelled at his tale and lay the night with him, and when he arose in the morning he found his astrays. So he took them, and returning to his folk, acquainted them with what he had seen and all that had befallen him. Nor, continued the wazir, is this stranger or rarer than the story of the king who lost kingdom and wealth and wife and children, and Allah restored them to him and requited him with a realm more magnificent than that which he had forfeited and better and finer and greater of wealth and degree. The minister's story pleased the king and he bade him depart to his abode. End of Section 51. Recording by Lisa Stumpf. Visit my website at Lisa Stumpbooks.com.

Starting point is 09:25:14 Section 52 of the Book of 1,000 Nights and a Knight, Volume 11. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Deanna Terrio. The Book of One Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 26th Night of the Month When came the night, the king summoned his wazir and bade him tell the story of the king who lost kingdom and wife and wealth. He replied, hearing and obeying, give ear, O sovereign, to the tale of the king who lost kingdom and wife and wealth, and Allah restored them to him. There was once a king of the kings of hind, who was a model of morals, praiseworthy in policy, leaf of justice to his lieges, lavish to men of learning and piety and abstinence and devoutness

Starting point is 09:26:34 and worship, and shunning mischief-makers and forward folk, fools and traitors. After such goodly fashion he abode in his kingship what Allah the most high-willed of watches and days in twelve months, and he married the daughter of his father's brother, a beautiful woman and a winsome, endowed with brightness and perfection, who had been reared in the king's house in delicacy and delight. She bear him two sons, the most beuteous that might be of boys, when came destiny, from whose decree is no deliverance, and Allah the most high raised up against the king, another king, who came forth upon his realm, and was joined by all the folk of the city that had a mind to lewdness and forwardness. So he strengthened himself by means of them against the king,

Starting point is 09:27:31 encompassed his kingdom, routing his troops, and killing his guards. The king took his wife, the mother of his sons, and what he might have monies, and saved his life and fled in the darkness of the night, unknowing whither he should wend. When as wayfair grew sore upon them, there met them highwaymen on the way, who took all that was with them, so that they that not remained to each of them save a shirt and trousers. The robbers left them without even Provant or camels or other riding cattle, and they ceased not to fare on a foot till they came to a copse, which was an orchard of trees on the ocean shore. Now the road which they would have followed was crossed by a sea-arm, but it was shallow and scant of water. Wherefore when they reached that

Starting point is 09:28:21 place, the king took up one of his children, and fording the water with him, set him down on the further bank, and returned for his other son, whom also he seated by his brother. Lastly, returning for their mother, he took her up, and passing the water with her, came to the place where he had left his children, but found them not. Thereupon he looked at the midst of the island and saw an old man and an old woman engaged in making themselves a reed hut. So he set down his wife over against them and started off in quest of his children. But none gave him news of them, and he went round about right and left, yet found not the whereabouts they were. On this wise fared it with him, but as to the children,

Starting point is 09:29:12 they had entered the cops to make water, and they found there a forest of trees, wherein if a sturdy horseman strayed, he might wander by the weak and never know its first from its last. So the boys pushed into it and wanted not how they should return, and went to stray in that wood, for a purpose-willed of Allah Almighty, whilst their father sought them, but found them not. So he returned to their mother, and, and they abode weeping for their children. As for whom, when they entered the forest, it swallowed them up, and they fared at haphazard,

Starting point is 09:29:51 wandering in it many days, knowing not whence they came or whither they went, till they issued forth at another side upon the open country. Meanwhile their parents, the king and queen, tarried in the island, over against the old man and his old woman, and ate of the fruits and drank of the rills that were in it till, one day of the days, as they sat, behold, up came a ship, and made fast to the island side for provisioning with water.

Starting point is 09:30:25 Whereupon they looked one at other and spoke. The master of the craft was a Magian man, and all that was therein both crew and goods belonged to him, for he was a trader and went round about to the world. Now greed of gain Deluded the old man, the owner of the island And he fared to the ship And gave the Guebra news of the king's wife Setting out to him her charms

Starting point is 09:30:51 Till he made him long for her And his soul moved him to practice treachery And cousinage upon her and take her from her husband Accordingly he sent to her saying "'Aboard with us is a woman with child and we dread lest she be delivered this night. Hast thou aught of skill in midwifery? She replied, yes.

Starting point is 09:31:16 Now it was the last of the day, so he sent her to come up into the ship and deliver the woman for that the labour pangs were come upon her, and he promised her clothes and spending money. Hereat she embarked confidently with heart at ease for herself, and transported her gear to the ship. But no sooner had she come thither than the sails were hoisted, and the canvas was loosed, and the ship set sail.

Starting point is 09:31:45 When the king saw this he cried out, and his wife wept in the ship and would have cast herself into the waves, but the Magian bade his men lay hands on her, so they seized her, and it was but a little while ere the night darkened, and the ship vanished from the king's eyes. whereupon he fainted away for excess of weeping and lamentation, and past his night bewailing his wife and his children. And when the morning morrowed, he began improvising these couplets. O world, how long this spite, this enmity! Say me, dost ever spare what spared can be.

Starting point is 09:32:30 And look, my friends have faired. fain and free. They went and went with them, my dear delight, e'en from the day when friends to part were dight, and turbid made their lost life's clarity. By Allah, ne'er I wist there worth aright, nor'er what I worth of friends unite, till fared they leaving flame and heart of me. I'll never forget them since what day each white hide and withdrew from me his well-loved sight, and yet I weep this parting blow to Dree. I vow in heaven deign my friend's return, and cry the crier in mine ears that yearn, the far is near, right soon their sight shall see.

Starting point is 09:33:21 Upon their sight my cheeks all place, to sprite I'll say, rejoice, thy friends return to thee, nor blame my heart when friends were leaf to flee. I rent my heart, ere rent my raimentry. He sat weeping for the severance of his wife and children till the morning, when he went forth wandering at a venture, unweeting what he should do, and ceased not walking along the seashore days and nights,

Starting point is 09:33:56 unknowing whither he went, and taking no food save the herbs of the earth, and seeing neither man nor wildling nor other living thing, till his wayfar brought him to a mountain top. He sojourned in the highland, and abode a while there alone, eating of its fruits and drinking of its founts. Then he came down then he came down thence

Starting point is 09:34:19 and trudged along the high road three days when he hit upon tilled fields and villages and gave not overgoing till he made a great city on the shore of the Salt Sea, and came to its gate-gate at the last of the day. The gatekeepers allowed him no admission, so he spent his night and hungered, and when he arose in the morning, he sat down hard by the portal. Now the king of the city was dead and had left no sun,

Starting point is 09:34:50 and the citizens fell out and then who should be ruler over them, and their words and reads differed, so that civil war was like to befall them thereupon. But it came to pass that, after long jangle, they agreed to leave the choice to the late king's elephant, and that he unto whom he consented should be king, and that they would not contest with him this way. So to this they swear, and on the morrow they brought out their elephant, and fared to a sight within sight of the city. Nor was there man or woman but was present at that moment. Then they adorned the elephant, and raising the throne on his back, gave him the crown in his trunk,

Starting point is 09:35:33 and he went round about examining the countenances of the folk, but stopped not over against any of them till he came at last to the forlorn king. The exile, who had lost his children and his wife. When the beast prostrated himself to him, and placing the crown on his head, took him up and set him upon his back. Thereupon the people all prostrated themselves and gave mutual joy of this and the drums of good tidings beat before him, and he entered the city and went on till he reached the House of Justice and the audience hall of the palace, and sat down upon the throne of the kingdom, crown on head. Whereat the lieges entered to congratulate

Starting point is 09:36:22 him and to bless him. Then he addressed himself, as was his want in the kingship, to forwarding the affairs of the folk and ranging the troops according to their ranks, and looking into their affairs and those of all the riots. He also released those who were in the dungeons, and abolished the custom dues, and gave honorable robes and lavished great gifts, and bestowed largesse and conferred favors on the emirs and wazirs and wazirs and lords and lords of the realm, and the Chamberlains and Nababs presented themselves before him and did him homage. So the city people rejoiced in him and said, Indeed, this be none other than a king of the greatest of the kings.

Starting point is 09:37:09 And presently he assembled the sages and the theologians and the sons of the sovereigns, and conversed with them and asked them subtle questions and casuistical problems, and talked over with them things manifold of all fashions that might direct him to rectitude in the kingship. And he questioned them also of mysteries and religious obligations, and of the laws of the land and the regulations of rule, and of that which it besiemed the liege lord to do of looking into the affairs of the lieges, and repelling the foe, and fending off his malice with force and fight. So the subject's contentment redoubled, and their education.

Starting point is 09:37:49 exaltation in that which Allah Almighty had vouchsafed them of his kingship over them. On such wise he upheld the ordinance of the realm, and the affairs abode established upon the accepted custom and local usage. Now the late king had left a wife and two daughters, and the people would fain have married the Princess Royal to the new king that the role might not pass clean away from the old rulers. Accordingly they proposed to him that he should wed her or the other of the deceased king's daughters, and he promised them this, but he put them off from him of his respect for the covenant he had made with his former wife, his cousin, that he would marry none other than herself. Then he betook himself to fasting by day and praying through the night,

Starting point is 09:38:39 multiplying his almsd deeds, and beseeching Allah, extolled and exalted be he, to reunite him with his children and his wife, the daughter of his father's brother. when a year had elapsed there came to the city a ship wherein were many merchants and much merchandise now it was their custom from time immemorial that the king whenever a ship-made port sent to it such of his pages as he trusted in who took agency of the goods to the end that they might be first shown to the sovereign, who bought as much of them as befitted him, and gave the merchant's leave to sell whatso he wanted not. So he commissioned, according to his custom, a man who should fare to the ship and seal up the bales

Starting point is 09:39:26 and set over them one who could watch and ward them. Meanwhile, the queen, his wife, when the Magian fled with her and proffered himself to her and lavished upon her abounding wealth, rejected him, and was like to kill herself for chagrin at that which had befallen, and for concern and end her separation from her husband. She also refused meat and drink, and resolved to cast herself into the sea.

Starting point is 09:39:52 But the Magian chained her, and straightened her, and clothed her in a coat of wool, and said to her, I will continue thee in wretchedness and humiliation until thou obey me and accept me. So she took patience and looked for the Almighty to deliver her from the hand of that accursed, and she ceased not traveling with him from country to country till they came with her and find to the city wherein her husband was king, and his goods were put under seal.

Starting point is 09:40:27 Now the woman was in a chest, and two youths of the late King's pages, who were now in the new King's service, were those who had been charged with the watch and ward of the craft and her cargosan. When the evening evened on them, the Twain began talking and recounted that which had befallen them in their days of childhood, and the manner of the faring forth of their father and mother from their country and kingdom when the wicked overcame their realm, and how they had gone astray in the forest, and how fate had severed them from their parents.

Starting point is 09:41:00 For short, they told their tale from first to last. When the woman heard their talk, she knew that they were her sons and cried out to them from the chest, I am your mother, such an one, and the token between you twain and me is thus and thus. The young men knew the token, and falling upon the chest, break the lock and brought out their mother, who seeing them strained them to her bosom, and they fell upon her and fainted away, all three. When they came to themselves, they wept a while, and the people assembled about them, marvelling at that they saw and questioned them of their case. So the young princes vied each with other who should be the first to discover the story to the folk.

Starting point is 09:41:47 And when the Magian saw this, he came up crying out, Halak and ruin, and said to them, Why, and where far have you broken open my chest? Verily, I had in it jewels and ye have stolen them, and this damsel is my slave-girl, and she hath agreed with you both upon a device to take my wealth. Then he rent his raiment, and cried for aid, saying, I appeal to Allah and to the just king, so he may quit me of these wrongest yous. They both replied, This is our mother, and thou stoleest her.

Starting point is 09:42:24 whereupon words waxed manifold between them, and the folk plunged into talk with many a he-said, and twas said concerning their affair and that of the pretended slave-girl, and the strife increased between them so that at last they carried them all four to the king's court. When the two young men presented themselves between his hands, and stated their case to him and to the folk, and the sovereign heard their speech, he knew them and his heart was like to fly for joy the tears poured from his eyes at their sight and the sight of his wife and he thanked allah almighty and praised him for that he had deigned reunite them then he bade the folk who were present about him be dismissed and commanded the magean and the woman and the two youths be to-morrow committed to his armory for the night ordering that they should keep guard them all until the Lord should make the morning tomorrow, so that he might assemble the

Starting point is 09:43:29 kiziz and the justiciaries and assessors, and determined between them, according to holy law, in the presence of the four judges. So they did this, and the king passed the night, praying and praising Allah of all might for that which he had vouchsafed him of kingship and power, and victory over the white who had wronged him. When the morning morrowed, he assembled the kiziz and deputies and assessors and summoning the megyan and the two youths and their mother questioned them of their case whereupon the two young men began and said we are the sons of king such and one and foemen and lewd fellows gat the mastery of our realm so our sire fled forth with us and wandered at haphazard for fear of the foe and they recounted to him all that had betided them from beginning to end quoth he ye tell a marvellous tale but what hath fate done with your father quoth they we know not how fortune dealt with him after our loss and he was silent then he bespake the woman and thou what sayest thou so she set forth to him her case and all that had betided her and her husband from the beginning of their hardships to the end

Starting point is 09:44:54 and recounted to him their adventures up to the time when they took up their abode with the old man and woman who dwelt on the seashore. Then she reported that which the Magian had practised on her of fraud, and how he had carried her off in the craft and everything that had betided her of humiliation and torment. All this while the Kaziz and judges and deputies hearkening to her speech, as they had lent ear to the other's adventures. When the king heard the last of his wife's tale, he said, Verily, there hath betided thee a mighty grievous matter. But hast thou knowledge of what thy husband did and what came of his affair?

Starting point is 09:45:36 She replied, Nay. By Allah, I have no knowledge of him, save that I leave him no hour unremembered in righteous prayer, and that never, whilst I live, will he cease to be to me the father of my children and my cousin, and my flesh and my blood. Then she wept, and the king bowed his head, whilst his eyes welled tears at her tail. Presently he raised his head to the Magian and cried to him, Say thy say thou also. So the Magian replied, This is my slave girl, whom I bought with my money from such a country for so many dinars,

Starting point is 09:46:25 and I made her my betrothed and loved her exceedingly and gave my monies into her charge. But she falsed me in my substance and plotted with one of my lads to slay me, tempting him by a promise that she would kill me and become his wife. When I knew this of her, and was assured that she purposed treason against me, I awoke from my dream of happiness, and did with her that which I did, fearing for my life from her craft and perfidy. For indeed she's a trickstress with her tongue, and she has taught these two use this pretense by way of slight and of her guile and her malice. so be you not deluded by her and by her talk. Thou liest, oh, accursed, cried the king, and bade lay hands on him and iron him.

Starting point is 09:47:25 Then he turned to the two youths, his sons, and strained them to his breast, weeping sore and saying, O all ye people who are present of Cazis and assessors and lords of the land, know that these twain are my sons, and that this is my wife and the daughter of my father's brother, for that will o'm I was king in such a realm. And he recounted to them his history from commencement to conclusion, nor is there ought of fruition and repetition. Whereupon the folk cried out with weeping and wailing for the stress of what they heard of marvellous chances and that wondrous story.

Starting point is 09:48:09 As for the king's wife, he bade care of. her into his palace, and lavished upon her and upon her sons all that befitted and beseemed them of bounties, whilst the lieges flocked to offer up prayers for him, and give him joy of his reunion with his wife and children. When they had made an end of blessings and congratulations, they besought the king to hasten the punishment of the Magian, and heal their hearts with tormenting and abasing him. So he appointed them for a day on which they should assemble to witness his requitment and that which should betide him of torment, and shut himself up with his wife and two sons, and abode thus private with them three days, during which time they were

Starting point is 09:48:53 veiled from the folk. On the fourth day the king entered the Hamam, and faring forth sat down on the throne of his kingship, crown on head, whereupon the folk came into him, according to their custom, and after the measure of their several dignities and degrees. and the emirs and wazirs entered and deek the chamberlains and nabobs and captains of war and the falconers and arm-bearers and commanders of the body-guard then he seated his two sons one on his right and the other on his left hand whilst the subjects all stood before him and lifted up their voices in thanksgiving to allah the most high and glorification of him and were instant in orisons for the king and in setting forth his virtues and excellent qualities. He answered them with the most gracious of answers, and bade carried the Magian outside the city, and set him on a high scaffold which had been built for him there. And he said to the folk, Behold, I will torture him with torments of all kinds and fashions.

Starting point is 09:50:02 Then he began telling them that which he had wrought of villainy with his cousin wife, and what he had caused her of severance between her and her husband, and how he had required her person of her. But she had sought refuge for her chastity against him with Allah, to whom belong honor and glory, and chose abasement rather than obedience to him, despite stress of torture, neither wrecked she ought of that which he lavished to her

Starting point is 09:50:30 of monies and raiment, jewels and ornaments. When the king had made an end of his story, he bade the bystanders spit in the Magian's face and curse him. and they did this. Then he bade cut out his tongue, and on the next day he bade lop off his ears and nose and pluck out both his eyes. On the third day he bade hew off his hands, and on the fourth his feet, and they ceased not to dismember him limb after limb, and each member they cast into the fire after its amputation before his face, till his soul departed, after he had endured torments of all kinds and fashions. Then the king bade crucify his trunk on the city wall for three days,

Starting point is 09:51:18 after which he gave orders to burn it and reduce its ashes to powder and scatter them abroad in the air. And when this was done, the king summoned the Caziz and the witnesses, and commanded them marry the old king's daughter and her sister to his own sons. So the youth wedded them, after the king had made a bride feast three days, and displayed their brides to them from nightfall to day dawn. Then the two princes went in unto their brides, and abated their maidenheads, and loved them, and were vouchsafed issue by them. As for the king their sire, he abode with his cousin wife, their mother, that while Allah, to whom belong honor and glory, willed. And they rejoiced in reunion each with other. The kingship endured unto them and high degree and victory, and the sovereign

Starting point is 09:52:16 continued to rule with justice and equity, so that the lieges loved him and prayed for him and for his son's length of life and durance of days. And they lived the most delightsome of existences, till there came to them the destroyer of delights, and severer of societies. the depopulator of palaces, and garnerer of graves. And this is all that hath come down to us of the story of the king and his wife and sons. Nor, continued the wazir, if this story be a solace and a diversion, is it pleasanter or more diverting than the tale of the youth of Corazon, and his mother and sister. When King Shah Bak heard this story, it pleased him, and he bade the minister high away to his own house. End of Section 52.

Starting point is 09:53:25 Section 53 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. recording by Shreya Saiti. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Sir Francis Richard Burton.

Starting point is 09:53:53 The 27th night of the month, part one. When evening came, the king Shah Bakht paid fetch the vizier, so he presented himself before the king, and the king ordered him to tell the tale. So he said, hearkening an obedience, Give here, O Savran, to the tale of Salim, the youth of Khorasan, and Salma, his sister.

Starting point is 09:54:20 No, or king, but Allah alone knoweth his secret purpose, and is worst in the past and the foredone among folk bygone, that there was once, in the parts of Khorasan, a man of its affluent, who was a merchant of the chiefest of the merchants, and was blessed with two children, a son and a daughter. He was diligent exceedingly in rearing them, and they were educated with the fairest of education, for he used to teach the boy, who taught his sister all that he learnt, so that, by means of her brother,

Starting point is 09:54:56 the damsel became perfect in the knowledge of the traditions of the prophet and in polite letters. Now the boy's name was Salim, and that of the girl was Salma. When they grew up and were fully grown, their father built them a mansion beside his own, and lodged them apart therein and appointed them slave-girls and servants to tend to them, and assigned to each of them, pay and allowances, and all that they needed of high and low, meat and bread, wine, dresses, and vessels, and what not else. So Salim and Salma abode in that palace, as they were once so young,

Starting point is 09:55:37 in two bodies, and they used to sleep on one couch and rise a mourn with single purpose, while firmly fixed in each one's heart were foreign affection and familiar friendship for the other. One night, when the half was spent as Salim and Salma sat recounting and conversing, they heard a noise on the ground floor, so they looked out from a latticed casement, which gave upon the gate of their father's mansion, and saw a man of fine presence, whose clothes were hidden under a wide cloak. He came straight up to the gate and laying hold of the door-ring, wrapped a light-rap,

Starting point is 09:56:16 whereupon the door opened and behold, out came their sister, with a lighted taper, and after her their mother, who saluted the stranger and embraced him saying, O dearling of my heart and light of mine eyes, and fruit of my vitals enter. So he went in and shut the door, whilst Salim and Salma abode amazed.

Starting point is 09:56:39 The youth turned to the girl and said to her, O sister mine, how deemest thou of this trouble, and what advice hast thou to offer? She replied, O my brother, indeed I know not what I shall say, and end the like of this, but he is not disappointed who divine direction seeketh, nor doth he repent who counsel taketh.

Starting point is 09:57:04 One geteth not the better, of the traces of burning by haste, and know that this is an affliction that hath descended on us, and a calamity foreordained to us, so we have need of wise reed to do it away, and contrivance which shall wash our shame from our faces. And they ceased not, watching the gate till daybreak, when the young man opened the door, and their mother farewelled him, after which he went his way, and she entered, she and her handmaid, hurried, said Selim to his sister. Know thou I am resolved to slay this man, and he return the next night, and I will say to the

Starting point is 09:57:44 folk, he was a robber, and none shall meet that which hath be fallen. Then I will address myself to the slaughter of whosoever knoweth what is between the fellow and my mother. But Salma said, I fear, lest thou slay him in our dwelling place, and he be not convicted. of robberhood, suspicion and ill fame will revert upon ourselves, and we cannot be assured that he belongeth not to a tribe whose mischief is to be feared, and whose enmity is to be dreaded, and thus wilt thou have fled from hidden shame to open shame, and to disgrace public and abiding? asked Salim, What then is it thy read to do? And she answered,

Starting point is 09:58:29 Is there no help but thou kill him? Let us not haste. and unto slaughter, for that the slaughter of a soul without just cause is a mighty grave matter. When Shahban heard this, he said within himself, By Allah, I have indeed been hasty and reckless in the slaying of women and girls, and Allah Maudela. Lord it be the Lord, who hath occupied me with this damsel from the slaughter of souls, for that the slaughter of souls is a grave matter and a grievous. By the Almighty, if Shah Bakht spare the wazir, I will assuredly spare Scheherazad.

Starting point is 09:59:10 Then he gave here to the story and heard her say to her sister. Coach Salma to Salim hasten not to slay him, but overthink the matter and consider the issue where to it may tend. For whoso considereth not of actions, the end hath not fortune to friend. when they arose on the morrow and busied themselves with contriving how they should turn away their parent from that man, and the mother forfeelt mischief from them, for what she saw in the rise of change, she being wily and keen of wit. So she took precaution for herself against her children, and Salma said to Salim, Thus seest what we have fallen upon through this woman, and very sooth she had sensed our purpose, and what it's that we have discovered her secret.

Starting point is 10:00:01 So doubtless, she will plot against us the like of that which we plot for her, for indeed up to now, she had concealed her affair, and from this time forth she will become harsh to us. wherefore methinks there is a thing forewritten to us where of allah extolled and exalted be he knew in his foreknowledge and wherein he carryeth out his commandments he asked what is that and she answered it is that we arise i and thou and go forth this night from this land and seek out a town wherein we may warn and witness not of the doings of yonder traitress for whoso is absent from the eye is absent from the heart, and Coth one of the poets in the following couplet, tis happiest best for thee the place to leave, for then no eye can see, nor heart can grieve.

Starting point is 10:01:01 Coth solemn to her, tis for thee to decide and write as thy read. So let us do this, in the name of Allah the Almighty, trusting in him for guiding and grace. Accordingly they arose and took the richest of the raiment and the lightest of that which was in their treasuries of gems and things of price and gathered together much matter. Then they equipped ten mules and hired them servants of other than the people of the country and Salim Bade his sister Salmadan Nan's dress. Now she was the likest of all creatures to him, so that, when she was clad in man's clothing, the folk knew no difference between them. extolled be the perfection of him, who hath no like? There is no god but he.

Starting point is 10:01:48 Then he told her to Mount Amir, whilst he himself took another, and they set out under cover of the night, nor did any of their family or household know of them, so they fared on into Allah's wide world, and gave not overgoing night and day, for a space of two months, at the end of which they came to a city on the seashore of the land of Makran, by name Al-Shaar, and it is the first city in Sindh. They lighted down within sight of the place,

Starting point is 10:02:17 and when they arose in the morning, they saw a populous city, and a goodly, seemingly of semblance, and great abounding in trees, and rils and fruits and wide of suburbs, which stretched to the neighboring villages. So the young man said to his sister Salma, tarry thou here in thy place, till I enter the city and make proof of it, and its people and seek our a stead which we may buy and where to we may remove and it befit us we will make us a home therein otherwise will we take counsel of departing elsewhere koth she do this trusting in the bounty of allah to whom belong honour and glory and in his blessing accordingly he took a belt wherein were a thousand gold pieces and girdling it about his waist entered the city and seized not not going round about its streets and bazaars, and gazing upon its houses and sitting with those of its citizens, whose aspect showed signs of worth and wealth, till the day was half spent, when he resolved to return to his sister, and said to himself, Needs must I buy what we may eat of ready-cooked food? I and my sister. Hereupon he addressed a man who sold roast meat, and who was clean of person, alfowl, in the food.

Starting point is 10:03:40 his way of getting a living, and said to him, Take the price of this dish full, and add there two of fowls and chickens and what not else is in your market of meats, and sweet meats and bread, and arrange it in the plates. So the kitchener took the money and set apart for him what he desired, then calling a porter, he laid it in the man's crate, and salim, after paying the price of provisions and porterage in fullest fashion, was about to go away, when the cook said to him, O youth, doubtless thou art a stranger, he replied, Yes, and the other rejoined, Tis reported in one of the traditions that the apostle said, Loyal admonition is a part of religion, and the wise and where have declared counsel is of the characteristics of true believers, and verily that which I have seen, of thy ways pleaseeth me, and I would fain give thee a warning.

Starting point is 10:04:38 rejoined Salim, speak out their warning, and may Allah strengthen thy purpose. Then said the cook, No, O my son, that in this our city, when a stranger entereth and eateth of flesh meat and drinketh not old wine upon it, tis harmful to him and disturbeth his body with disorders which may be dangerous. Therefore, and thou have provided thee somewhat of wine it is well, but if not haste to procure it ere thou take the meat and carry it away. Coth Salim, Allah requite thee with veal,

Starting point is 10:05:16 Canst thou show me where liquor is sold? And quoth the cook, With me is all thou seekest, the youth asked, Is there a way for me to see it? And the cook sprang up and answered, Pass on. So he entered and the man showed him somewhat of fine, But he said,

Starting point is 10:05:34 I desire better than this, whereupon he opened a door and entering, said to Salim, Come in and follow me. Accordingly, Salim followed him till he brought him to an underground chamber, and showed him somewhat of wine that suited him. So, he occupied with him looking at it, and taking him unawares, sprang upon him from behind and threw him to the ground and sat upon his breast. Then he drew a knife and set it to his jugular, whereupon there bet I did Salim.

Starting point is 10:06:05 That wherewith, Allah made him forget all that he had decreed to him, and cried to the cook, Why dost thou this thing? O good fellow, be mindful of the Almighty and fear him. Seest thou not I am a stranger man, and knowest thou not I have behind me a forlorn defenceless woman? Wherefore wilt thou kill me? Cotes the Kitchener.

Starting point is 10:06:29 Needs must I kill thee, so I may be. take thy money. And coach Salim, take my money, but kill me not, neither enter into sin against me, and do with me kindness, for indeed the taking of my coin is more venial than the taking of my life. The cook replied, This is nonsense. Thou canst not deliver thyself herewith, O youth, because in thy deliverance is my destruction. cried Salim, I swear to thee and give thee the bond of Allah, to whom belong honour and glory, and his covenant which he took of his prophets that I will not discover thy secret, no never. But the Kitchener replied, away, away, alas, alas, to this there is no path. However, Salim ceased not to conjure him, and humble himself to him, and weep, while the cook

Starting point is 10:07:23 persisted in his intent to cut his throat. Then he shed tears and recited these couplets. Haste not to that thou dost desire, for haste is still unblessed. Be merciful to men, as thou own mercy reconest, for no hand is there but the hand of God is over it, and no oppressor but shall be with worse than he oppressed. Quoth the Kitchener, there is no help save that I slay thee, O fellow, for an I spare thee I shall myself be slain, but Salim said, O my brother, I will Why is thee somewhat other than this? Asked the cook, What is it?

Starting point is 10:08:04 Say it and be brief ere I cut thy throat. And Salim answered, Suffer me to live and keep me as thy mameluke, their white slave, And I will work at a craft of the skilled workmen Wherefrom there shall result to the everyday two dinars. Quoth the Kitchener, What is the craft?

Starting point is 10:08:23 And quote Salim, The cutting of gems and jewels. When the man heard this, he said, to himself, "'Twill do me no hurt if I imprison him and fetter him and bring him that whereat he may work, and he tell truth, I will let him live, and if you prove a liar, I will kill him.' So he took a pair of stout shackles, and fitting them on Salim's legs, jailed him within his house, and charged a man to guard him. Then he asked him what tools he needed for work, and Salim described to him what so he required, and the cook went out from him a while and brought him all he wanted. then salim sat down and brought at his craft and he used every day to earn two dinars and this was his wont and custom with the kitchener who fed him not but half his fill thus befell it with salem but returning to his sister salma she awaited him till the last of the day yet he appeared not and she expected him a second day and a third and a fourth yet there came no news of him so she wept and beat hand on breast and we thought her of her affair, and her strangerhood and the disappearance of her brother, and she improvised these

Starting point is 10:09:35 couplets. Salam to you, would I could see you again, to the joy of my heart and the cooleth of my eyes, you are not but my hope and the whole of my hope, and under my ribs, love for you buried lies. She tarried on this wise awaiting him till the end of the month, but no tidings of him came, nor happened she upon out of his trace, wherefore she was troubled with exceeding trouble, and sending her servants hither and thither in search of him, abode in the sorest that might be of chagrin and concern.

Starting point is 10:10:10 When it was the beginning of the new month, she arose in the morning and bidding one of her men, cry her brother throughout the city, sat to receive visits of condolence, nor was there any in town but made act of presents to condole with her, and they were all sorry for her doubting not her being a man when three knights had passed over her with their days of the second month she despaired of him and her tears never dried then she resolved to take up her abode in that city and making choice of a dwelling removed thither the folk resorted to her from all paths to sit with her and hear her speech and witness a fine breeding nor was it but a little while ere the king died and the folk differed an end whom they should invest with the kingship after him, so that civil war was like to befall them.

Starting point is 10:11:02 However, the men of the judgment and the folk of understanding and the people of experience directed them to crown the youth who had lost his brother, for that they still held Salma to be a man. They consented to this one and all, and betaking themselves to her, offered the kingship. She refused, but they were urgent with her till she consented, saying within herself, my sole desire in the kingship is to find my brother. Then they seated her upon the throne of the realm and set the crown upon her head, after which she undertook the business of governance and ordinance of affairs,

Starting point is 10:11:38 and they rejoiced in her with the utmost joy. On such wise fared it with her, but as for Salim, he abode with the cooker whole year's space, bringing him to dinars a day, and when his affair waxed longsome, the man felt for him and pitied, him. Presently, he promised him release on condition that if he let him go, he should not discover his ill deeds to the Sultan, for that it was his want now, and then to entrap a man,

Starting point is 10:12:07 and carry him to his house and slay him and take his money, and cook his flesh and give it to the folk to eat. So he asked him, O youth, wilt thou that I release thee from this thy misery, on condition that thou be reasonable and never discover art of thine affair, such as to you. alim answered i will swear to thee by whatsoever oath thou wilt administer that i will keep thy secret and will not speak one syllable enat thee what while i am in the land of the living quoth the kitchener i purpose to send thee forth with my brother and cause thee voyage with him over the sea unconditioned that thou be to him a marmaluke a botan slave and when he cometh to the land of hind he shall sell thee and thus wilt thou be delivered from prison and slaughter." And quote Salim, tis well, be it as thou sayest, may Allah the most high requite thee with Veal.

Starting point is 10:13:03 Accordingly, the cook equipped his brother, and freighting him a craft, stored therein a carousand of merchandise. Then he committed Salim to him, and they set out with the ship. The Lord decreed them safety, so that they arrived at the first city of Hind, which is known as Almansoorah, and cast anchor there. Now the king of that city had died, leaving a daughter and a widow, who, being the quickest witted of women and cleverest of the folk of her day, gave out that the girl was a boy, so that the kingship might be established unto them. The troops and the emirs gave credit

Starting point is 10:13:41 that the case was as she avouched, and that the princess was a prince, wherefore they obeyed her bidding and the queen-mother took order for the matter, and used to dress the girl in man's habit and seat her on the throne of the kingship, so that the lords of the land and the chief officers of the realm used to go into her, and salute her, and do her service and depart, nothing doubting but she was a boy. After this fashion they fared for months and years, and the queen-mother ceased not to do thus till the cook's brother came to the town, in his ship, and with him solemn. He landed with the youth and displayed him for sale to the queen, who, when she saw him, prognosticated well of him.

Starting point is 10:14:24 Presently, she bought him, and was kind to him, and entreated him with honour. Then began she to prove him in his moral paths, and make essay of him in his affairs, and she found in him all that is in king's sons of understanding and fine reading, and good manners and qualities. Thereupon she sent for him in private and said to him, I am minded to do thee a service, so thou canst keep a secret. he promised her all that she desired and she discovered to him her mystery in the matter of her daughter saying i will marry thee to her and commit to thee the governance and constitute the king and ruler over this city he thanked her and promised to carry out all she should order him and she said to him go forth to such an one of the neighbouring provinces privily so he went forth and on the morrow she made ready loads and gear and gifts and bestowed on him

Starting point is 10:15:20 abundant substance, all of which they loaded on the backs of baggage camels. Then she gave out among the folk that the nephew of the king, the son of his brother, was come and bade the grandees and troops go forth to meet him in a body. She also decorated the city in his honour, and the kettle-rums of good tidings beat for him, whilst all the king's household, went out and dismounting before him, escorted him into, and lodged him with the queen-mother in the palace. palace. Then she bade the headman of the state attend his assembly, so they obeyed and witnessed of his breeding and good paths, that which amazed them, and made them forget the

Starting point is 10:16:00 breeding of the kings who had preceded him. When they were grown to like him, the queen mother began sending privily for the emirs and councils one by one, and swearing them to conceal her project, and when she was assured of their discretion, she discovered to them that the king had left not save a daughter, and that she had done this only that she might continue the kingship in his family, and that the rule should not go forth from them, after which she informed them that she was minded to marry her daughter with her nephew, the newcomer, and that he should be the holder of the kingship. They approved her proposal, and when she had discovered the secret to the last of them, and assured herself of their aid, she published the news abroad and threw off

Starting point is 10:16:45 all concealment. Then she sent for the kazis and assessors who drew up the contract of marriage between Salim and the princess, and they lavished gifts upon the soldiery and overwhelmed them with larges. The bride was incontinently carried in procession to the young man, and the kingship was established to him. They tarried after this flash in a whole year, when Salim said to the queen-mother, know that my life is not pleasing to me, nor can I abide with you in consent. till I get me tidings of my sister, and learn how her affair hath ended, and how she hath fared after me, so I will go forth, and be absent from your year's space. Then will I return to you, inshallah, and it please God the most high, and I win of this that which I hope.

Starting point is 10:17:33 Quoth she, I will not trust to thy word, but will go with thee, and help thee to what so thou wishest, and further thee myself therein. Then she took a ship and loaded it with all manner, and she took her ship, and loaded it with all manner, things of price, goods, and monies, and the like. Furthermore, she appointed one of the viziers, a man in whom she trusted for his conduct and contrivance to rule the realm, saying to him, abide in governance a full year and ordain all thou needest. Presently, the queen mother and her daughter and son-in-law Salim went down to the ship and sailed on till they made the land of Makran. Their arrival there befell at

Starting point is 10:18:12 the last of the day, so the knighted in their ship, and when the morn was near to dawn, the young king landed, that he might go to the hammam, and walked marketwards. As he drew near the baths, the cook met him on the way and knew him, so he seized him, and pinning him straightly, carried him to his house, where he clapped the old fetters to his feet and cast him back into the former place of Durand's while, Salim, finding himself in that sorry condition, and considering that wherewith he was afflicted with tribulation and the reverses of his fair fortune, in that he had been a king, and was now returned to fetters and prison and hunger, wept and groaned and lamented, and improvised these

Starting point is 10:18:55 couplets. My God, no patience now can aid afford, straight is my breast, O thou of lords the Lord! my god who in resource you like thine hath force and thou the subtle dost my case record end of section 53 recording by shreya seti section 54 of the book of the thousand knights and a night volume eleven this is a librivox recording all librewox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org Recording by Shreya Saiti. The book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 11 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. The 27th Night of the Month, Part 2. On this wise fared it with solemn,

Starting point is 10:19:58 but as regards his wife and her mother, when she awoke in the morning and her husband returned not to her with break of dawn, she forbore all manner of calamity, and straight away arising, she dispatched her servants and all who were with her in quest of her spouse. But they happened not on any trace of him, nor could they hear out of his news. So, she bethought herself concerning the case, and plained and wept and groaned, and sighed and blamed fortune the fickle,

Starting point is 10:20:30 bevailing the changes of time and reciting these couplets. God keep the days of love delight. How passing sweet they were! how joyous and how so laceful was life in them while there would he not who sundered us upon the parting day how many a body hath he slain how many a bone laid bare sands fault of mine my blood and tears he shed and beggared me of him i love yet for himself gained not thereby whatever When she had made an end of her verses, she considered her affair and said within herself, By Allah, all these things have vitided by the predestination of Almighty Allah and his decree, and this upon the forehead was written in lines.

Starting point is 10:21:27 Then she landed and walked on till she came to a spacious place, and an open where she asked of the folk and hired a house. hither she transported forthright all that was in the ship of goods and sending after brokers sold all that was with her presently she took part of the price and began inquiring of the folk so happily she might send out tidings of the lost one and she addressed herself to lavishing arms and preparing medicines for the sick clothing the naked and watering the ground of the forlorn she ceased not so doing a whole year and little by little she sold off her goods and gave charitable gifts to the sick and sorry whereby her report was rooted abroad in the city and the folk abounded in her praise all this while Salim lay in fetters and straight prison and melancholy get hold of him by reason of that wherein to he had fallen off this affliction at last

Starting point is 10:22:31 when care waxed on him and calamity grew longsome he fell sick of a sore sickness. Then, the Kitchener, seeing his plight, and warily he was like to sink for much suffering, loosed him from the fetters, and bringing him forth of the prison, committed him to an old woman, who had a nose, the bigness of a gugglet,

Starting point is 10:22:54 and bade her nurse him, and medicine him, and serve him and entreat him kindly, so happily he might be made whole of that his sickness. accordingly the old woman took him and carrying him to her lodging began nursing him and giving him to eat and drink and when he was delivered of that torment he recovered from the malady which had afflicted him now the old woman had heard from the folk of the lady who gave arms to the sick and indeed the news of her bounties reached the poor and rich so she arose and bringing out solemn to the door of her house laid him upon a mat and wrapped him in an Abba gown and sat over against him. Presently it befell that the lady passed by them and the old woman seeing her rose to her and blessed her saying, O my daughter, O thou to whom belong goodness and beneficence and charity and arms doing, know that this young man is a foreigner and indeed

Starting point is 10:23:59 black and lice and hunger and nakedness and cold slay him. When the lady heard this, she gave her arms and presented her with a part of that which was with her, and indeed her charitable heart inclined to Salim, but she knew him not for her spouse. The old woman received the arms from her, and carrying it to Salim took part for herself, and with the rest bought him an old shirt, in which she clad him, after she had stripped him of that he had on.

Starting point is 10:24:32 Then she threw away the frock she had taken from off him, and arising forthwith washed his body of that which was thereon of grime and scented him with somewhat of scent she also bought chickens and made him broth so he ate and his life returned to him and he abode with her in all comfort of condition till the morrow next morning the old woman said to salem when the lady cometh to thee arise and buss her hand and say to her i am a homeless man and indeed cold and hunger kill me so happily she may give thee somewhat that thou mayst expend upon thy case and he answered to hearest to obey then she took him by the hand and carrying him without her house seated him at the door and as he sat behold the lady came up to him, whereupon the old woman rose to her, and Salim kissed her hand, and looking at her the while blessed her. But when he saw her, he knew her for his wife, so he shrieked and shed tears and groaned and planed, at which she came up to him and threw herself upon him, for indeed she

Starting point is 10:25:45 knew him with all knowledge, even as he knew her. So she hung to him, and embraced him, and called to her serving men, and he knew him. attendants and those who were about her, and they took him up and carried him forth of that stead. When the old woman saw this, she cried out to the cook within the house, and he said to her, Fared thou before me. So she forewent him, and he ran after her, and seized not running till he overtook the party. And seizing solemn exclaimed, What aileth you to take my slave lad? whereupon the queen cried out at him, saying, Know that this is my husband whom I had lost,

Starting point is 10:26:30 And Salim also cried out saying, Mercy, mercy, I appeal to Allah and to the Sultan against this Satan. Therewith, a world of folk straightway gathered together, And loud rose the cries and the clamors between them, But the most part of them said, carry their case up to the Sultan. So they referred the matter to the king, who was none other than Salim's sister Salma.

Starting point is 10:26:58 Then they repaired to the palace, and the drago man went into Salma and said to her, O king of the age, here is a Hindi woman who cometh from the land of Hind, and she hath laid hands on a servant, a young man claiming him as her husband, who hath been lost to her these two years, and she journeyed not hither save for his sake, and in very suits these many days she hath done arms deeds in thy city, and here is a fellow, a kitchener, who declares that the young man is his

Starting point is 10:27:32 slave. When the queen heard these words, her vitals quivered, and she groaned from a grieving heart, and called to mind her brother and that which had betided him. Then she bade those around her, bring them between her hands, and when she saw them, she knew her brother and was about to cry aloud, but her reason restrained her. Yet she could not prevent herself rising up and sitting down. At last, however, she enforced her soul to patience, and said to them, Let each and every of you acquaint me with his case. So Salim came forward, and kissing the ground before the king, lauded him, and related to him his story from first to last until the time of their coming to that city he and his sister telling him how he had entered the place and had fallen into the hands of the cook and that which had betided him and whatso he had suffered from him of beating and collars of fetters and pinioning

Starting point is 10:28:33 till the man had made him his brother's maamalu a botan slave and how the brother had sold him in hind and he had become king by marrying the princess and how life was not lovesome to him till he should foregather with his sister, and now the same cook had fallen in with him a second time, and had pinioned and fettered him. Brief he acquainted her with that which had betided him of sickness and sorrow for the space of a whole year. When he had made an end of his speech, his wife straightways came forward and told her story, from incept to termination, how her mother bought him. From the cook's partner and the people of the kingdom came under his rule, nor did she cease telling till she came in her history to that city,

Starting point is 10:29:22 and acquainted the king with the manner of her meeting her husband. When she had made an end of her adventure, the Kitchener exclaimed, Alack! What befalls us from lying rascals? By Allah, O king this woman lieeth against me, for this youth is my rearling, and he was born of one of my slave girls. He fled from me, and I found him again. When the queen heard the last of the talk, she said to the cook, The decree between you shall not be save in accordance with justice.

Starting point is 10:29:55 Then she dismissed all those who were present, and turning to her brother, said to him, Indeed, their truth is established with me, and the sooth of their speech and praised be Allah who hath brought about reunion between thee and thy wife. So now, be gone with her to thy country and ceased to seek thy sister Salma and depart in peace. But hearing this, Salim replied, by Allah, by the might of the all-knowing king, I will not turn back from seeking my sister till I die or I find her, inshallah. Then, he called his sister to mind and impoverished from a heart disappointed, troubled, afflicted these couplets. O thou who blamest me for my heart, in anger tweeting me, hadst tasted what my heart did taste, thou wouldst be pitying me. By Allah, O my chider, for my sister leave, ah, leave.

Starting point is 10:31:03 to mourn its grief and feel the woes befitting me. Indeed, I grew to hold her dear privily, publicly, and in my bosom bides a pang at no time quitting me, and in my vitals burns a flame that never was equalled by the fire of hell and blazeeth high to death committing me. Now when his sister Salma heard what he said, she could no longer restrain her soul, but threw herself upon him and discovered to him her case. When he knew her, he threw himself upon her swooning a while, after which she came to himself and cried, Lord it be the Lord, the bountiful, the beneficent.

Starting point is 10:31:48 Then they plained each to other, of that they had suffered from the pangs of parting, whilst Salim's wife wondered at this, and Salma's patience and endurance, please. her. So she saluted her with this alarm and thanked her for her fair boons, saying, By Allah, O my lady, all that we are in of gladness never befell us, save by thy blessing. So praised be Allah who deigned vouchsafe as thy sight. Then they tarried all three, Salma, Salim and his wife, in joy and happiness and delight three days wailed from the folk, and it was brooded abroad in the city that the king had found his

Starting point is 10:32:34 brother, who was lost for many a year, and had saved him from the cook's house. On the fourth day, all the troops and the lieges assembled together to see the king, and standing at his gate, craved leave to enter. Salma bade admit them, so they entered, and paid her royal suit and service, and gave her joy of her brother's safe return. She bade them do homage to Salem, and they consented, and swear fealty to him, after which they kept silence a while, so they might hear what the king should command. Then quote Salma, Ho ye gathering of soldiers and subjects, ye what that, ye forced me willingly to accept the kingship, and besought me thereof, and I consented to

Starting point is 10:33:24 your desires and end my being raised to rule over you. And I did this against my will, for I would have you know that I am a woman, and that I disguised myself and donned man's dress, so poor adventure my case might be concealed when I lost my brother. But now, Allah hath taint reunite me with my brother, and it is no longer lawful to me that I be king and sultan over the people, and I a woman, because there is no sultanate for women, when as men are present. For this reason, and it suit you, set my brother on the throne of the kingdom, for this is he, and I will busy myself with the worship of Allah the most high and thanksgiving to him, for my reunion with my brother, or, and ye prefer it, take your kingship,

Starting point is 10:34:18 and make whom he will ruler and liege lord thereof. Upon this the folk all cried out saying, We accept him to king over us, And they did him suit and service and gave him joy of the kingship. So the preachers preached a sermon in his name, And the court poets praised him, And he lavished loudness upon the soldiery And the suit and overwhelmed them with favours,

Starting point is 10:34:46 And was prodigal to the royotes of justice and equity, With goodly policy and polity, when he had effected this much of his effect he caused bring forth the cook and his household to the divan but spared the old woman who had nursed him because she had been the cause of his deliverance when all assembled without the town and he tormented the cook and those who were with him with all manner torments after which he did him to die by the foulest of deaths and burning him with fire scattered his ashes far and wide in the air. After this, Salim abode in the governance, invested with the sultanate, and ruled the people a whole year, when he returned to Almansoora, and sojourned there another year, and he and his wife ceased not to go from city to city and tarry in this a year and that a year, till he was vouchsafed children, and they grew up, whereupon he appointed him of his sons,

Starting point is 10:35:49 who was found fitting to be his deputy in one kingdom, and he ruled in the other, and he lived, he and his wife and children, what while Almighty Allah willed, nor continued the vizier, O king of the age, is this story, rarer or stranger than the king of Hind and his wronged and envied minister. When the king heard this, his mind was occupied, and he bade the vizier high to his own house, and of section 54 recording by streya seti section 55 of the book of the thousand nights and a night volume 11 this is a libra fox recording all liver fox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit leberfox dot work recording by phone the book of the thousand nights and the night volume 11 by anonymous translated by Richard Francis Burton The 28th and last night of the month

Starting point is 10:37:03 When the evening evened, the king summoned the minister and bade him tell the story of the king of hind and his wazir So he said, Harkening and obedience, give ear, O auspicious king, to the tale of the king of hind and his wazir. There was once in the hindland a king illustrials, of worth, endowed with understanding and policy, and his name was Shah Bakht. He had a minister, a godly man, and a sagacious, right prudent in reed, conformable to him in governance and just

Starting point is 10:37:41 in judgment, for which cause his enviers from many, and many were the hypocrites who sought faults in him and set snares for him, so that they insinuated into King Shah Bakht's eyes, hatred against him, sowed in his heart the spite towards him, and plot followed plot, and their rancor waxed until the king was brought to arrest him, and lay him in jail, and to confiscate his wealth, and degrade him from his degree. When they knew that there was left him no possession for which the king might lust, they feared lest the sovereign release him, by the influence of the vizier's good counsel upon the king's heart, and he returned to his former case, so should their machinations be marred and their degrees degraded, for that they knew that the king would need whatso he had known from that man, nor would forget ought wherewith

Starting point is 10:38:38 he was familiar in him. Now it came to pass that a certain person of perverted belief found a way to the adorning of falsehood with a semblance of fair seeming, and there proceeded from him that whereby the hearts of the folk were occupied, and their minds were corrupted by his lying tales. For that he made use of Indian quiddities, and forged them into proof for the denial of the maker, the creator, extolled be his might, and exalted be he, and glorified and magnified above the speech of the deniers. He avowed that it is the planets which order all-worldly affairs, and he set down twelve mansions to twelve zodiacal signs and made each sign thirty degrees after the number of the days of the month,

Starting point is 10:39:31 so that in twelve mansions there are three hundred and sixty after the number of the days of the year. And he wrought a work wherein he lied and was an infidel and denied the deity be he forever blessed. Then he laid hold of the king's heart and the envirmed, and haters aided him against the minister, and won the royal favour, and corrupted his intent against the wazir, so that he got of him that which he got, and that last his lord banished him and thrust him away. By such means the wicked man obtained that which he sought of the minister,

Starting point is 10:40:10 and the case was prolonged till the affairs of the kingdom became disordered, by dint of ill-government, and the most part of the king's reign fell off from him, and he came nigh unto ruin. On this wise he was assured of the loyalty of his Wylam's sagacious wazir, and the excellence of his ordinance and the rectitude of his reed. So he sent after him, and brought him and the wicked man before him, and summoning to his presence the lords of his land, and the chiefs of his chieftainship, gave them leave to talk and disdainment. and forbade the wicked man from his perverted belief.

Starting point is 10:40:52 Then arose that wise minister, and skillful and praised Allah Almighty, and lauded him and glorified him, and hallowed him, and attested his unity, and disputed with the miscreant, and overcame him and silenced him. Nor did he cease from him till he compelled him to make confession of repentance from that which he had misbelieved. Therewith King Shabacht rejoiced, with exceeding great joy, and cried, Praise be to the Lord who hath saved me from this man, and hath preserved me from the loss of my kingship and my prosperity. So the affair of the wazir returned to order and establishment, and the king restored him to his place, and raised him to higher rank. lastly he assembled the folk who had striven against him and destroyed them all to the last man and how like continued the wazir is this story to that of myself and king shah bacht with regard to that which befell me of the changing of the king and his crediting others against me but now is the fairness of my fashion fulfilled in thine eyes for that allah almighty hath inspired thee

Starting point is 10:42:12 with wisdom, and endowed thee with longevity and patience to hear from me what so he allotted to those who forewent us, till he hath shown forth my innocence, and made manifest unto thee the truth. For lo and behold, the days are now past, wherein it was declared to the king that I should labour for the loss of my soul, that is within the month, and look ye, the probation time is gone by, and past is the season of evil, and it hast seized by the protection of the king and his good fortune. Then he bowed his head and was silent. When King Shah Baked heard his wazir speech, he was abashed before him and confounded, and he marvelled at the gravity of his intellect and his long-suffering.

Starting point is 10:43:06 So he sprang up to him and embraced him and the minister kissed his feet. then the king called for a costly robe of honour and cast it over Al Ravan and honoured him with the highmost honour and showed him a special favour and restored him to his degree and wazirat. Furthermore he imprisoned those who had devised his destruction with lies and leasing and gave him full leaf and licence to pass judgment upon the interpreter who had expounded to him the dream. So the wazir abode in the ordering of the realm until death came to them. And this, Adicharazad, is all, O king of the age, that has come down to us of King Shabbat and his wazir. End of Section 55, recording by phone. Section 56 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and the Night, Volume 11. This is a Lubrefox recording.

Starting point is 10:44:11 All Librefox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreFox.org, recording by phone. The Book of the Thousand Nights and the Night, Volume 11, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Chavezad and Chariar. As for King Chariar, he wondered at Charrazade with the utmost wonder, and drew her near to his heart of his abounding affection for her. And she was magnified in his eyes, and he said within himself, By Allah, the like of this is not deserving of slaughter,

Starting point is 10:44:55 for indeed the time favoured us not with her equal. By the Almighty, I have been reckless of mine affair, and had not the Lord overcome me with his Ruth, and put this one at my service, so she might recount to me instances manifest, and cases truthful, and admonitions goodly and traits edifying, such as should restore me to the right road, I had come to ruin, wherefore, to Allah be the praise herefore, and I beseech the most high, to make my end with her like that of the wazir and Chebacht. Then sleep overcame the king,

Starting point is 10:45:33 and glory be unto him who sleepeth not. When it was the nine hundred and thirtieth night, Sharazad said, O King, there is present in my thought A tale which treateth of women's trickery And wherein is a warning to whoso will be warned And an admonishment to who so will be admonished And whoso hath sight and insight But I fear lest the hearing of this belittle me

Starting point is 10:46:01 With the liege lord and lower my degree in his esteem Yet I hope that this will not be Because tis a rare tale women are indeed mischief-makers. Their craft and their cunning may not be told, nor may their wiles be known. While men enjoy their company, and are not instant to uphold them in the right way, neither are they vigilant over them with all vigilance, but relish their society, and to take what so is winsome, and regard not that which is other than this. Indeed, they are like unto the crooked rib, which, and thou go about to straighten, thou distortest it, and which, and thou persist in straitening, thou breakest it, so it behooved the wise man to be silent concerning them. Thereupon quoth Dinaazad, O sister mine, bring forth that which is with thee, and that which is present to thy mind of the story concerning the guile of women and their wiles, and have no fear lest this lessen thee with the king.

Starting point is 10:47:09 for that women are like jewels of all kinds and colours. When a gem falleth into the hand of an expert, he keepeth it for himself and leave us all beside it. Eke prefereth some of them over others, and in this he is like the potter, who filleth his kiln with all the vessels he hath moulded, and under them kindleeth his fire. When the baking is done,

Starting point is 10:47:35 and he taketh out that which is in the kiln, he findeth no help for it, it, but that he must break some of them, whilst others are what the folk need, and whereof they make use, while yet others there are which return to be as they were. So fear thou not, nor deem it a grave matter, to adduce that which thou knowest of the craft of women, for that in this is profit for all folk. Then said Sharazad, then relate, O king, but Allah alone knoweth The Secret Things, The Tale of End of Section 56.

Starting point is 10:48:15 End of the Book of the Thousand Nights on the Night, Volume 11.

Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 11) Arabian Nights - The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night by Anonymous ~ Full Audiobook [folklore]

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