Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 12) 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 knights and a night volume twelve by anonymous section one al malik al zahir rukhan al-din bibhaz al-bundukhthari and the sixteen captains of police there was once in the climes of egypt and the city of cairo under the turks a king of the valiant kings and the exceeding mighty sultan's hight al-zahir rukhan al-dhid bbaz al-bundukhtari who was used to start stormed the islamite sconces and the strongholds of the shore and the nazarene citadels his chief of police in the capital of his kingdom was just to the folk all of them and ul malik al-zahir delighted in stories of the common sort and of that which men purposed in thought and he loved to see this with his own eyes and to hear their sayings with his own ears now at fortune that he heard one night from a certain of his nocturnal reciters that a must among women are those who are doughtier than the doughtiest men, and prowess, and among them are some who will engage in fight singular with the sword, and others who beguile the quickest witted of willies, and baffle them and bring down on them all manner of miseries. Wherefore, said the Saldan, I would leave here this of their ledger domain from one of those who have had to do with it, so I may hearken unto him, and cause him discourse. And one of the storytellers said, O king, send for the chief of police of this thy city.

Starting point is 00:01:34 Now, Alam al-Din Sanjar was at that time Wully, and he was a man of experience in affairs well versed. So the king sent for him, and when he came before him, he discovered to him that which was in his mind. Quoth Sanjar, I will do my endeavour for that which our lord seeketh. Then he arose, and returning to his house, summon the captains of the watch and the lieutenants of the ward, and said to them, know that I purpose to marry my son and make him a bridal banquet,

Starting point is 00:02:06 and I desire that ye assemble all of you in one place, I also will be present, I and my company, and do ye relate that which you have heard of rare occurrences, and that which hath betide you of experiences? And the captains and runners and agents of police answered him, tis well, bismillah in the name of Allah, we will make thee see all this with thine own eyes, and hear it with thine own ears. Then the chief of police arose and going up to Al-Malik al-Zahir, informed him that the assembly

Starting point is 00:02:39 would meet on such a day at his house, and the sultan said, tis well, and gave him somewhat of coin for his spending money. When the appointed day came, the chief of police set apart for his officers and constables a saloon, which had lattice casements ranged in order and giving upon the flower garden, and El Malik al-Zahir came to him, and he seated himself and the Sultan in the alcove, and the tables were spread for them with food and they ate, and when the bowl went round amongst them, and their souls were gladdened by meat and drink, they mutually related that which was with them, and revealed their secrets from concealment.

Starting point is 00:03:19 The first of discourse was a man, a captain of the watch, Hight Mouin Aldin, whose heart was wholly occupied with a love of fair women, and he said, Hark ye all ye people of high degree, I will acquaint you with an extraordinary affair which fortuned me aforetime. Then he began to tell, the first constable's history. Know ye that, when I entered the service of this emir, I had a great repute and every low fellow and lewd feared me most of all mankind, and when I rowed through the city, each and every of the folk would point at me with their fingers and sign at me with their eyes. It happened one day, as I sat in the palace of the prefecture, back propped against a wall, considering in myself,

Starting point is 00:04:03 suddenly there fell somewhat in my lap, and behold, it was a purse sealed and tied, so I hent it in hand and low, it had in it a hundred dirhams. But I found not who threw it, and I said, Lord it be the Lord, the King of the Kingdoms. Another day as I sat in the same way, somewhat fell on me and startled me and lucky. It was a purse like the first. I took it in hiding the matter, made as though I slept, albeit sleep, was not with me. One day as I thus shamed sleep, I suddenly sensed in my lap a hand, and in it a purse of the finest, so I seized the hand and behold, was that of a fair woman, quoth I to her, O my lady, who are thou? And quoth she, rise and come away from here, that I may make myself known to thee. Presently, I

Starting point is 00:04:51 rose up and following her walked on, without tarrying, till we stopped at the door of a high-builded house, whereupon I asked her, O my lady, who are thou? Indeed, thou hast done me kindness. And what is the reason of this? She answered, by Allah, O Captain Muin, I am a woman on whom love and logging I saw for desire of the daughter of the Qazi, Amin al-Hukham. Now, there was between me and her what was and fondness for her fell upon my heart and i agreed upon an assignation with her according to possibility and convenience but her father amin alhokam took her and went away and my heart cleaveth to her and yearning and distraction wax sore upon me for her sake i said to her marvelling the while at her words what wouldst thou have me do and said she o captain muin i would have thee

Starting point is 00:05:46 lend me a helping hand, quoth I, where am I and where is the daughter of the Qazi Amin al-Hukham? And quoth she, be assured that I would not have the intrude upon the Qazi's daughter, but I would fain work for the winning of my wishes. This is my will and my want, which may not be wrought and saved by thine aid. Then she added, I mean this night to go with heart and heartened and high me bracelets and armlets and anklets of price. Then I will hie me, and sit in the street wherein is the house of Amin al-Hukham, and when tis the season of the round and folk are asleep, do thou pass, thou and those who are with thee of the men, and thou wilt see me sitting, and on me fine raiment, and ornaments, and wilt smell on me the odour of otars, whereupon do thou question me of my

Starting point is 00:06:36 case, and I will say, I hail from the citadel, and I am of the daughters of the deputies, and I came down into the town for a purpose, but night overtook me all unawares, and the Zueila gate was shut against me, and all the other portals, and I knew not whither I should wend this night. Presently, I saw this street and noting the goodly fashion of its ordinance and its cleanliness. I sheltered me therein against break of day. When I speak these words to thee with complete self-possession, the chief of the watch will have no ill suspicion of me, but we'll say there's no help but that we leave her with one, who will take care of her till morning. There too do thou rejoin, to her best that she knight with a mean al-Hukham,

Starting point is 00:07:19 and lie with his wives and children until dawn of day. Then straight away knock at the Ghazi's door, and thus shall I have secured admission into his house, without inconvenience, and won my wish, and the peace. I said to her, by Allah, this is an easy matter. So when the night was blackest, we rose to make our round, followed by men with girded swords,

Starting point is 00:07:41 and went about the ways and compassed the city. So we came to the street, where was the woman, and it was the middle of the night. Here we smelt mighty rich scents and heard the clink of rings. So I said to my comrades, methinks I aspire spectre, and the captain of the watch cried, see what it is. Accordingly, I undertook the work,

Starting point is 00:08:02 and entering the thoroughfare presently, came out again and said, I have found a fair woman, and she telleth me that she is from the citadel, and that dark night surprised her and she saw this street, and noting its cleanness and goodly fashion of ordinance, knew that it belonged to a great man, and that needs must there be in it a guardian to keep watch over it. So she sheltered her therein. Quoth the captain of the watch to me,

Starting point is 00:08:27 take her, and carry her to thy house, but quoth I, I seek refuge with Allah. My house is no strong box, and on this woman are trinkets and fine clothing. By Allah we will not deposit the, the lady save with Aminal Huckham, in whose street she hath been since the first starkening of the darkness. Therefore do thou leave her with him till the break of day. He rejoined, Do what so thou willest. So I rapped to the Qazi's gate and out came a black slave of his

Starting point is 00:08:56 slaves to whom said I, O my lord, take this woman and let her be with you till day shall dawn. For that the lieutenant of the Emir Alamil Dhan hath found her with trinkets and fine apparel on her, sitting at the door of your house, and we feared lest her responsibility be unpun you, wherefore I suggested, to amitish she knight with you. So the chattel opened and took her in with him. Now, when the morning morrowed, the first who presented himself before the emir, was the kazi Amin al-Hukham, leaning on two of his negro slaves, and he was crying out and calling for aid and saying, O Amir, crafty and perfidious, Yesterday night thou deposited this with me a woman

Starting point is 00:09:42 And broughtest her into my house and home, And she arose in the dark, And took from me the monies of the little orphans my wards, Six great bags, each containing a thousand dinars, And made off, but as for me, I will say no syllable to thee except in the Saldan's presence. When the Wally heard these words, he was troubled, and rose and sat down in his agitation.

Starting point is 00:10:05 Then he took the judge and placing him by his side, soothed him, and exhorted him to patience, till he had made an end of talk. When he turned to the officers and questioned them of that, they fixed the affair on me and said, We know nothing of this matter but from Captain Muin Aldeen. So the Qazi turned to me and said, Now wots to Vakor to practise upon me with this woman, for she said she came from the citadel. As for me, I stood with my head bowed, roundwards, forgetting both sunnah and furze, and remained sunk in thought, saying, How came I to be the dupe of that Randy wench?

Starting point is 00:10:45 Then cried the emir to me, What ailest thee that thou answerest not? Thereupon I replied, O my lord, tis a custom among the folk that he who hath a payment to make at a certain date is allowed three days grace. Do thou have patience with me so long, and if, at the end of that time, the culprit be not found i will be responsible for that which is lost when the folk heard my speech they all approved it as reasonable and the woolly turned to the gazi and swear to him that he would do his utmost to recover the stolen monies adding and they shall be restored to thee then he went away whilst i mounted without stay or delay and began toing and throwing about the world without purpose and indeed i was become the underling of a woman without honesty or honour, and I went my rounds in this way, all that my day and that my night, but happened not upon tidings of her, and thus I did on the morrow. On the third day I said to myself, thou art mad,

Starting point is 00:11:48 or silly, for I was wandering in quest of a woman who knew me, and I knew her not, she being veiled when I met her. Then I went round about the third day till the hour of mid-afternoon prayer, and saw wax my carc and my care, for I ken that there remained to me of my life but the morrow, when the chief of police would send for me. However, as sundown time came, I passed through one of the main streets, and saw a woman at a window,

Starting point is 00:12:17 her door was ajar and she was clapping her hands and casting sidelong glances at me, as who should say, come up by the door. So I went up, without fear or suspicion, and when I entered, she rose and plastered, me to her breast. I marvelled at the matter and quoth she to me. I am she whom thou depositedest with Amin al-Hukham. Quoth I to her, O my sister, I have been going round and round in request of thee, for indeed thou hast done a deed which will be chronicled and hast cast me into red death

Starting point is 00:12:51 on thine account. She asked me, dost thou speak thus to me and thou a captain of men? And I answered, how should I not be troubled, seeing that I being concerned for an affair I turn over and over in mind, more by token that I continue my day long going about, searching for thee, and in the night I watch its stars and planets, cried she, naught shall be tied save wheel, and thou shalt get the better of him. So saying, she rose and going to a chest, drew out there from six bags full of gold, and said to me, This is what I took from Aminel Huckham's house,

Starting point is 00:13:31 So, and thou wilt restore it, Else the whole is lawfully thine. And if thou desire other than this, thou shalt obtain it. For I have monies in plenty, and I had no design herein save to marry thee. Then she arose, and opening other chests, brought out there from wealth galore, and I said to her,

Starting point is 00:13:52 O my sister, I have no wish for all this, nor do I want aught except to be quit of that wherein I am, quoth she. I came not forth of the Qazi's house without preparing for thine acquittance. Then said she to me, When the morrow shall mourn and Amin al-Hukham shall come to thee, Bear with him till he have made an end of his speech, And when he is silent, return him no reply. And if the woolly ask what ailest thee that thou answerest me not,

Starting point is 00:14:22 Do thou rejoin, O Lord and Master, know that the two words are not alike, but there is no helper for the conquered one, save Allah Almighty. The Qazi will cry, what is the meaning of thy saying, The two words are not alike, and do thou retort. I deposited with thee a damsel from the palace of the Sultan, and most likely sunn enemy of hers, in thy household, hath transgressed against her, or she hath been secretly murdered. Verily, there were on her reignment and ornaments worth a thousand ducats,

Starting point is 00:14:59 and hadst thou put to the question, those who are with thee of slaves and slave-girls, needs must thou have litten on some traces of the crime. When he hearest this from thee, his trouble with redouble, and he will be emated, and will make oath that thou hast no help for it, but to go with him to his house. However, do thou say, That will I not do, For I am the party aggrieved, More especially because I am under suspicion with thee,

Starting point is 00:15:29 If he redouble in calling on Allah's aid, And conjure thee by the oath of divorce, Saying, thou must assuredly come, Do thou reply, By Allah I will not go, unless the chief also go with me. Then, as soon as thou comest to the house, begin by searching the terrace roofs, then rummage the closets and cabinets,

Starting point is 00:15:51 and if thou find naught, humble thyself before the kazi, and be abject and feign thyself subjected, and after stand at the door, and look as if thou soughtest a place wherein to make water, because there is a dark corner there, then come forward, with heart harder than cyanite stone, and lay hold upon a jar of the jars,

Starting point is 00:16:14 and raise it from its place. Thou wilt find there under it a mantel. till a skirt. Bring it out publicly and call the woolly in a loud voice, before those who are present. Then open it, and thou wilt find it full of blood, exceeding for freshness, and therein a woman's walking boots, and a pair of petticoat trousers, and somewhat of linen. When I heard from her these words, I rose to go out and she said to me, Take these hundred sequins, so they may succour thee, and such is my guest gift to thee. Accordingly, I took them, and leaving her door ajar, returned to my lodging.

Starting point is 00:16:55 Next morning, up came the judge, with his face like the ox-eye, and asked in the name of Allah, where is my debtor and where is my property? Then he wept and cried out and said to the wally, Where is that ill-omened fellow, who aboundeth in robbery and villainy? Thereupon the chief turned to me and said, Why dost thou not answer the kazi? and i replied o amir the two heads are not equal and i i have no helper but and the right beyond my side twill appear at this the judge grew hotter of temper and cried out woe to thee o ill-omened white how wilt thou make manifest that the right is on thy side i replied o our lord the kazi i deposited with thee and in thy charge a woman whom we found at the

Starting point is 00:17:47 thy door, and on her raiment and ornaments of price, now she is gone, even as yesterday is gone, and after this thou turnest to punas, and sueest me for six thousand gold pieces. By Allah, this is none other than a mighty great wrong, and assuredly some foe of hers in thy household hath transgressed against her. With this the judge's wrath redoubled, and he swore by the most solemn of oaths, that I should go with him, and search his house. I replied, by Allah, I will not go, unless the will he go with us. For, and he be present, he and the officers thou wilt not dare to work thy wicked will upon me. So the Ghazi rose, and swore an oath, saying, by the truth of him who created mankind, we will not go but with the Amir. Accordingly, we repaired to the

Starting point is 00:18:41 judge's house, accompanied by the chief, and going up searched its through, but found naught, whereat fear fell upon me, and the willie turned to me and said, Fee upon thee, O ill-omened fellow, thou hast put us to shame before the men. All this, and I wept and went round about right and left, with the tears running down my face, till we were about to go forth and drew near the door of the house. I looked at the place which the woman had mentioned and asked, What is yonder dark place I see? Then said I to the men,

Starting point is 00:19:18 pull up this jar with me. They did my bidding, and I saw somewhat appearing under the jar, and said rummage, look of what is under it. So they searched. And behold, they came upon a woman's mantilla and petticoat trousers full of blood,

Starting point is 00:19:36 which, when I espied, I fell down in a fainting fit. Now when the woman, woolly saw this, he said by Allah the captain is excused. Then my comrades came round about me and sprinkled water on my face till I recovered. When I arose and accosting the Qazi, who was covered with confusion, said to him, thou seest that suspicion is fallen on thee, and indeed this affair is no light matter, because this woman's family will assuredly not sit down quietly under her loss. Therewith, the Ghazi's heart quaked, and fluttered, for that he knew the

Starting point is 00:20:14 suspicion had reverted upon him, wherefore his colour yellowed, and his limbs smote together, and he paid of his own money, after the measure of that he had lost, so we would quench that fire for him. Then we departed from him in peace, whilst I said within myself, indeed, the woman falsed me not. after that I tarried till three days had passed When I went to the humam and changing my clothes Betook myself to her home But found the door shut and covered with dust So I asked the neighbours of her and they answered

Starting point is 00:20:50 This house hath been empty of habitants these many days But three days gone there came a woman with an ass And at supper time last night she took her gear and went away Hereat I turned back bewildered in my wit and for many a day after i inquired of the dwellers in that street concerning her but could happen on no tidings of her and indeed i wondered at the eloquence of her tongue and the readiness of her talk and this is the most admirable of all i have seen and of what so hath betided me when al-zahir heard the tale of mouin al-din he marvelled thereat then rose another constable and said O Lord, hear what befell me in bygone days. End of Section 1. Recording by Sim.

Starting point is 00:21:43 Chapter number two of the Book of the Thousand Nights and A Night, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton.

Starting point is 00:22:19 Section 2. The Second Constable's History I was once an overseer in the household of the Emir Jamal Aldin Al-Atwash al-Mujahi, who was made governor of the two provinces, Sharkia and Garbilla. And I was dear to his heart, and he hid from me not of what so he desired to do. And he was eke master of his reason. It came to pass one day of the days that it was reported to him, how the daughter of such an one had a mint of monies and raiment and ornaments, and at that present she loved a Jewish man,

Starting point is 00:23:14 whom every day she invited to be private with her, and they passed the light hours eating and drinking in company, and he lay the night with her. The Wally feign not to believe a word of, this story. But he summoned the watchman of the quarter one night and questioned them of this titill-tattle. Quoth one of them. As for me, oh my lord, I saw none save a Jew enter the street in question one night, but I have not made certain to whom he went in. And quote the chief, Keep thine eye on him from this time forward and note what place he entereth.

Starting point is 00:24:07 So the watchman went out and kept his eye on the Judean. One day as the prefect sat in his house, the watchman came in to him and said, Oh my lord, in very sooth the Jew goeth to the house of such and one. whereupon Al-Avah sprang to his feet and went forth alone, taking with him none save myself. As he went along, he said to me, Indeed, this girl is a fat piece of meat. And we gave not overgoing till we came to the door of the house and stood there until a handmaid came out,

Starting point is 00:24:55 as if to buy them something wanted. We waited till she opened the door, whereupon, without question or answer, we forced our way into the house and rushed in upon the girl, whom we found seated with the Jew in a saloon, with four dais and cooking pots and candles therein. When her eyes fell on the wali, she knew him and rising to her feet said, Well, come and welcome and fair cheer. By Allah, great honor hath betided me. by my lord's visit, and indeed though dignifiedest by dwelling. Hereat she carried him up to the dais,

Starting point is 00:25:45 and seating him on the couch, brought him meat and wine, and gave him to drink, after which she put off all that was upon her of raiment and ornaments, and tying them up in a kerchief, said to him, O my lord, this is thy portion, all of it. Then she turned to the Jew and said to him, Rise thou also, and do even as I. So he arose in haste and went out very hardly crediting his deliverance.

Starting point is 00:26:23 When the girl was assured of his escape, she put out her hand to her clothes and jewels and taking them, said to the chief, O emir, is the requital of kindness other than kindness? Thou hast deign to visit me and eat of my bread and salt, so now arise and depart from us without ill-doing, or I will give a single outcry, and all who are in the street will come forth. So the emir went out from her, without having gotten a single Durham, and on this wise she delivered the Jew by the seemingness of her stratagem. The company admired this tale, and for the Wali and Al Malik Ah Zahir, they said,

Starting point is 00:27:23 ever devised any the like of this device, and they marveled with the utterest of marvel. Then arose a third constable and said, Hear what betided me, for it is yet stranger and rarer. End of Section 2. Recording by Lyndon Rie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 3 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 00:28:07 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org.org. Recording by Dick Bourgeois Doyle, The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 3. The Third Constable's History. I was one day abroad on business with certain of my comrades, and as we walked along, behold, we fell in with a company of women, as they were moons, and among them one, the tallest of them, and the handsomest, when I saw her and she saw me, she lagged behind her companions, and waited for me, till I came up to her, and bespeak her. quoth she, O my lord, Allah favor thee.

Starting point is 00:28:57 I saw thee prolong thy looking on me, and I fancied that thou knewest me. And it be thus, let me learn more of thee. Quoth I, by Allah, I know thee not, save that the most high lord hath cast the love of thee into my heart, and the goodliness of thy qualities hath confounded me, and that wherewith the Almighty hath gifted thee of those eyes that shoot with shafts hath captivated me. And she rejoined. By Allah, indeed, I feel the like of that which thou feelest. I, and even more, so that mesemeth, I have known thee from childhood.

Starting point is 00:29:43 Then, said I, a man cannot well affect all whereof he hath need in the marketplaces. She asked me, Has thou a house? And I answered, No, by Allah, nor is this city my dwelling place. Rejoined she, by Allah, nor have I a place, but I will contrive for thee. Then she went on before me, and I followed her till she came to a lodging house, and said to the housekeeper, Hast thou an empty room? The other replied, yes. And my mistress said, give us the key. We took the key and going up to see the room entered to inspect it, after which she went out to the housekeeper. And giving her a Durham, said to her, take the deucer of the key, for the chamber pleases us. And here is another Durham for thy trouble.

Starting point is 00:30:37 Go fetch us a gouglet of water so that we may refresh ourselves and rest till siesta time pass, and the heat decline. When the man will depart and bring our bag in baggage. Therewith the housekeeper rejoiced and brought us a mat, two gouglets of water on a tray, a fan, and a leather rug. We abode thus till the setting in of mid-afternoon, when she said, Needs must I make the guzzle abolution ere I fare. Said I? Get water, wherewith, we may both wash, and drew forth from my pocket a score or so of Durham's, thinking to give them to her, but she cried, Refuge with Allah, and brought out of her pocket a handful of silver, saying,

Starting point is 00:31:25 But for destiny, and that the Almighty hath caused the love of thee fall into my heart. There had not happened, that which hath happened, quote I, Except this in requital of that which thou hast spent, And quoth she, O my lord, by and by, When asked, mating is prolonged between us, thou wilt see, if the like of me looketh unto money, and means or no. Then the lady took a jar of water, and going into the lavatory, made the gushal abolution, and presently coming forth, prayed the mid-afternoon prayer and crave pardon of Allah Almighty

Starting point is 00:32:03 for the sin into which she had fallen. Now I had asked her name, she answered, Rehanna, and described to me her dwelling place. When I saw her make the ablution, I said within myself, This woman doth on this wise, and shall I not do the like of her doing. Then quoth I to her, Peradventure, thou wilt see us another jar of water. Accordingly she went out to the housekeeper and said to her, O my sister, take this nuss, and fetch us for it water,

Starting point is 00:32:38 wherewith we may wash the flags. So the housekeeper brought two jars of water, and I took one of them, and giving her my clothes, entered the laboratory and bathed. And when I had made an end of bathing, I cried out saying, Hark ye my lady, Rayana. However, none answered me. So I went out and found her not.

Starting point is 00:32:59 But I did find that she had taken my clothes, and all that was in them of silver, to wit, 400 Durhams. She had also carried off my turbaned, and my kerchief, and I lacked the wherewithal to veil my shame. So I suffered somewhat then, which death is less grievous, an abode looking about the place, hoping that happily I might espie a rag wherewith to hide my nakedness. Then I sat a little and presently going up to the door, smote upon it.

Starting point is 00:33:32 Whereat, up came the housekeeper, and I said to her, Oh, my sister, what hath all had done with the woman who was here? She replied, the lady came down just now and said, I'm going to cover the boys with the clothes, adding, and I have left him sleeping, and he awake, tell him not to stir till the clothes come to him. Then I cried, oh, my sisters, secrets are safe with the fair dealing and the freedom. By Allah, this woman is not my wife, nor ever in my life have I seen her before this day. And I recounted to her the whole affair and begged of her to cover me, informing her that my private parts were clean. unconcealed. She laughed and cried out to the women of the lodging house saying,

Starting point is 00:34:18 Ho Fatimah! Ho Kaddihah! O Harifa! Ho Sanina! Whereupon, all those who were in the place of women and neighbors flocked to me and fell am mocking me and saying, O pimp, what hath thou to do with gallantry? Then one of them came and looked in my face and laughed, and another said, by Allah thou mightest have known that she lied from the time she said she liked thee and was in love with thee. What is there in thee to love? A third said, this is an old man without wisdom, and all vied one with other in exercising their wits upon me. I, suffering mighty, sore chagrin. However, one of the women took compassion on me after a while, and brought me a rag of thin stuff and cast it on me. With this, I covered my shame, and no more an abode a while thus.

Starting point is 00:35:16 Then, said I, in myself, the husbands of these women will presently gather together upon me, and I shall be disgraced. So I went out by another door of the lodging-house, and young and old crowded about me, running after me and crying, a madman, a madman, till I came to my house and knocked on the door. Whereupon out came my wife, and seeing him, me naked, tall, bear of head, cried out and ran in again, saying, This is a maniac, a Satan. But when my family and spouse knew me, they rejoiced and said to me,

Starting point is 00:35:53 What ailethy! I told them that thieves had taken my clothes and stripped me, and had been like to slay me, and when I assured them that the rogues would have slaughtered me, they praised Allah Almighty and gave me joy of my safety. So consider the craft this woman practiced upon me, and I, pretending to cleverness and wilyness. Those present marveled at this story and at the doings of women, then came forth a fourth constable, and said, Now that which hath betided me of strange adventures is yet stranger

Starting point is 00:36:31 than this, and to us after the following fashion. End of Section 3 Section 4 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 12 This is a Librivox recording All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer Please visit liverybox.org

Starting point is 00:36:59 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 12 by Anonymous Translated by Richard Francis Burton Section 4 The Fourth Constable's History We were sleeping one night on the terrace roof When a woman made her way through the darkness into the house And gathering into a bundle all that was therein

Starting point is 00:37:27 Took it up that she might go away with it Now she was big with child and nigh upon her time of delivery So when she packed up the bundle And prepared to shoulder it and make off with it, she hastened the coming of the labour pangs and she bare a child in the dark. Then she sought for the fire-sticks, and when they burned, kindled the lamp and went round about the house with the little one, and it was weeping. The wail awoke us as we lay on the roof, and we marvelled. So we rose to see what was to do, and looking down through the opening

Starting point is 00:38:04 of the saloon, saw a woman who had lit the lamp and heard the little one, crying. As we were peering, she heard our words, and raising her head to us said, Are ye not ashamed, to deal thus with us and bear our shame? Wished ye not that the day belongeth to you and the knight to us. Be gone from us. By Allah, were it not that ye have been my neighbours these many years, I would assuredly bring down the house upon you. We doubted not but that she was of the jinn and drew back our heads but when we rose on the morrow we found that she had taken all that was with us and made off with it wherefore we knew that she was a thief and had practised on us a device such as was never before practised and we repented when as repentance availed us naught the company hearing this tale marvelled their at with the utmost marveling Then the fifth constable, who was the lieutenant of the bench, came forward and said,

Starting point is 00:39:13 This is no wonder, and there befell me a story which is rarer and stranger than this. End of Section 4. Section 5 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libby-Vox recording. All Libby-Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit liverybox.org The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 5 The Fifth Constable's History

Starting point is 00:40:01 As I sat one day at the door of the prefecture, behold, a woman suddenly entered and said as though consulting me, oh my lord i am the wife of such an one the leech and with him is a company of the notables of the city drinking fermented drinks in such a place when i heard this i misliked to make a scandal so i bluffed her off and sent her away unsatisfied then i rose and walked alone to the place in question and sat without till the door opened when i rushed in and entering and i rushed in and entering and i rose and walked alone to the place in question and sat with out till the door opened when i rushed in and entering and entering and, found the company even as the woman aforesaid had set out and she herself with them i saluted them and they returned my salaam and rising treated me with honour and seated me and served me with meat then i informed them how one had denounced them to me but i had driven him away and had come to them by myself so they thanked me and praising me for my kindness brought out to me for me for my kindness brought out to me for me for me from among them two thousand dirhams, and I took them and went away. Now two months after this adventure, there came to me one of the Khazi's officers,

Starting point is 00:41:23 with a paper wherein was the judge's writ, summoning me to him. So I accompanied the officer and went into the Qazi, whereupon the plaintiff, he who had taken out the summons, sued me for 2,000 dirhams, declaring that I had borrowed them from him as the agent or guardian of the woman. I denied the debt, but he produced against me a bond for that sum, attested by four of those who were in company on the occasion, and they were present and bore witness to the loan. I reminded them of my kindness and paid the amount, swearing that I would never again follow a woman's counsel. Is not this marvellous? The company admired the goodliness of his

Starting point is 00:42:10 tale, and it pleased Al-Malek al-Zahir, and the Wali said, By Allah, this is a strange story. Then came forward the sixth constable, and said to those present, Hear my adventure and that which befell me, to wit, that which befell such and one, the assessor, for tis rarer than this and finer. End of Section 5. Chapter number six of the Book of the Thurth thousand nights and a night. Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the

Starting point is 00:42:55 public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 6. The Six Constable's History. A certain assessor one day of the days was taken with a woman and much people assembled before his house, and the lieutenant of police and his posse came to him and wrapped at the door. The assessor peered from housetop and seeing the folk said, What do you want? replied they, speak with the lieutenant of police, such and one. So he came down, and as he opened the door, they cried to him, bring forth the woman who is with thee.

Starting point is 00:44:02 Are ye not ashamed? How shall I bring forth my wife? Is she thy wife by book, or without marriage, She is my wife, according to the book of Allah, and the institutes of his apostle. Where is the contract? Her lines are in her mother's house. Arise thou and come down and show us the writ. Go from her way, so she may come forth. Now, as soon as he got wind of the matter, he had written the bond and fast, it after the fashion of his wife, to suit with the case, and he had written therein the names of certain of his friends to serve as witnesses, and forged the signatures of the drawer and the wife's next friend, and made it a contract of marriage, with his wife and a legal deed. Accordingly, when the women was about to go out from him, he gave her the contract he had forged, and the emir sent with her a servant of his to carry her home to her father. So the servant went with her, and when she was inside, she said to him, I will not return to the

Starting point is 00:45:32 citation of the emir, but let the assessors present themselves and take my contract. Hereupon the servant carried this message to the lieutenant of police, who was standing at the assessor's door, and he said, this is permissible, then said the assessor to the servant, Fair O Enoch, and fetch us, such an one, the notary, for that he was his friend, and twas he whose name he had forged as a drawer up,

Starting point is 00:46:10 of the contract. So the lieutenant sent after him and fetched him to the assessor, who, when he saw him, said to him, get thee to such as one, her with whom thou marrest me, and cried out upon her, and when she cometh to thee, demand of her the contract, and take it from her and bring it to us. signed to him as much as to say, bear me out in the lie and scream me, for that she is a strange woman. And I am in fear of the lieutenant who standeth at the door, and we beseech Allah Almighty to screen us and you from the woes of this world. Amen. So that the notary went up to the lieutenant who was among the witnesses and said, Tiswell, is she not such an one whose marriage contract we drew up in such a place? Then he betook himself to the woman's house and cried out

Starting point is 00:47:26 upon her, whereat she brought him the forge contract, and he took it and returned with it to the lieutenant of police. When the officer had taken cognizance of the document and professed himself satisfied, the assessor said to the notary, go to our lord and master the kazi of the kazis, and acquaint him with that, which befalleth his assessors. The notary rose to go, but the Lieutenant feared for himself and was urgent in beseeching the assessor, and in kissing his hands till he forgave him, whereupon the lieutenant went away in the utmost concern and affright. On such wise the assessor ordered the case and carried out the forgery and feign marriage with the woman, and thus escaped calamity and calamity by the seemingness of his case.

Starting point is 00:48:29 his stratagem. The folk marveled at this with the uttermost marvel, and the seventh constable said, There befell me in Alexandria, the God guarded a wondrous thing, and twas, this. In of Section 6, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 7 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Laborvox recording. All LaborVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Bryce, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 7, The Seventh Constable's History. There came one day an old woman to the Stuff Bazaar with a casket of mighty fine workmanship containing trinkets and she was accompanied by a young baggage big with child.

Starting point is 00:49:44 The Crone sat down at the shop of a draper and giving him to know that the girl was pregnant by the prefect of police of the city, took of him on credit, stuffed to the value of a thousand dinars and deposited with him the casket as security. She opened the casket and showed him that which was therein, and he found it full of trinkets of price, so he trusted her with the goods, and she farewelled him, and carrying the stuffs to the girl who was with her went her way. Then the old woman was absent from him a great while, and when her absence was prolonged, the draper despaired of her, so he went up to the prefect's house and asked Anent the woman of his household, who had taken his stuffs on credit, but could obtain no tidings of her nor happen on any trace of her.

Starting point is 00:50:37 Then he brought out the casket of jewelry and showed it to experts, who told him that the trinkets were gilt and that their worth was but in hundred durms. When he heard this he was sore concerned thereat, in presenting himself before the deputy of the Sultan made his complaint to him, whereupon the official knew that a slight had been served, him, and that the sons of Adam had cozened him and conquered him and cribbed his stuffs. Now the magistrate in question was a man of experience and judgment, well versed in affairs, so he said to the draper, remove somewhat from thy shop, including the casket, and tomorrow

Starting point is 00:51:18 morning break the lock and cry out and come to me and complain that they have plundered all thy shop. also mind thou call Allah for aid and wail aloud and acquaint the people so that a world of folk may flock to thee and sight the breach of the lock and that which is missing from thy shop and on this wise display to every one who presented themselves that the news may be noised abroad and tell them that thy chief concern is for a casket of great value deposited with thee by a great man of the town and that thou standest in fear of him. But be thou not afraid, and still say ever and anon in thy saying, My casket was a casket of such an one, and I fear him, and dare not bespeak him. But you, O company, and all ye who are present, I call you to witness of this for me. And if there be with thee more than this saying, say it, and the old woman will assuredly come to thee.

Starting point is 00:52:21 The draper answered with, To hear is to obey, and going forth from the deputy's presence, he took himself to his shop, and brought out, thence the casket, and somewhat making a great display, which he removed to his house. At break of day he arose and going to his shop, broke the lock, and shouted and shrieked, and called on Allah for aid, till each and every of the folk assembled about him, and all who were in the same, city were present, whereupon he cried out to them, saying even as the prefect had bidden him, and this was brooded abroad. Then he made for the prefecture and presented himself before the chief of police, cried out and complained, and made a show of distraction. After three days the old woman

Starting point is 00:53:11 came to him and bringing him the thousand dinars, the price of the stuffs, demanded the casket. When he saw her, he seized her and carried her to the prefect of the city, and when she came before the kazi, he said to her, Woe to thee, O satanus, did not thy first deed suffice thee, but thou must come a second time? She replied, I am of those who seek their salvation in the cities, and we foregather every month, and yesterday we foregathered. He asked her, Canst thou cause me to catch them? And she answered, yes, but an thou wait till tomorrow, they will have dispersed, so I will deliver them to thee to-night. The emmer said to her, go, and she said,

Starting point is 00:54:00 Send me one who shall go with me to them and obey me and whatso I shall say to him, and all that I bid him he shall not gainsay, and therein conform to my way. Accordingly he gave her a company of men, and she took them, and bringing them to a certain door, said to them. them, stand ye here at this door, and whoso cometh out to you seize him, and I will come out to you last of all. Hearing and obeying, answered they, and stood at the door, whilst the crone went in. They waited a whole hour, even as a sultan's deputy had midden them, but none came out to them, and their standing waxed longsome. And when they were weary of waiting, they went up to the door

Starting point is 00:54:44 and smote upon it a heavy blow and a violent so that they came nigh to break the wooden bolt. Then one of them entered and was absent a long while, but found not, so he returned to his comrades and said to them, this is the door of a dark passage leading to such a thoroughfare, and indeed she laughed at you and left you and went away. When they heard his words they returned to the emmer and acquainted him with the case, whereby he knew that the old woman was a cunning craft mistress, and that she had mocked at them and cozened them and put a cheat on them to save herself. Witness then the wiles of this woman, and that which she contrived of guile

Starting point is 00:55:26 for all her lack of foresight in presenting herself a second time to the draper and not suspecting that his conduct was but a slight. Yet when she found herself hard upon calamity, she straightway devised a device for her deliverance. When the company heard the seventh constable story, they were moved to mirth galore, then which naught could be more, and Al Malik al-Zihir-Bibars rejoiced in that which he heard and said,

Starting point is 00:55:57 "'Barly there be tied things in this world where from kings are shut out "'by reason of their exalted degree.' Then came forward another person from amongst the company and said, There hath reached me through one of my friends a similar story bearing on the malice of women and their wiles, and it is more wondrous and marvellous, more diverting, and more delectable, than all that hath been told to you. Quoth, the company there present, tell us thy tale, and expound it unto us, so that we may see that which it hath of extraordinary, and he began to relate. End of Section 7.

Starting point is 00:56:38 Recording by Brise, Youngstown. Chapter 8 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. translated by Richard Francis Burton Section 8

Starting point is 00:57:15 The Eighth Constable's History Ye must know that a company amongst whom was a friend of mine once invited me to an entertainment so I went with him and when we came into his house and sat down on his couch he said to me this is a blessed day and a day of gladness and who is he that liveth to see the like of this day? I desired that thou practiced with us and disapproved not our proceedings, for that thou hast been accustomed

Starting point is 00:57:46 to fall in with those who offer this. I consented thereto, and their talk happened upon the like of this subject. Presently my friend, who had invited me, arose from among them, and said to them, Listen to me, and I will acquaint you with an adventure which happened to me. There was a certain person who used to visit me in my shop, and I knew him not, nor he knew me, nor ever in his life had he seen me, but he was wont, whenever he wanted a Durham or two, by way of loan, to come to me and ask me, without acquaintance or introduction between me and him, and I would give him what he required. I told none of him, and matters abode thus between us a long while, till he began a borrowing at a time ten or twenty durms, more or less. One day as I stood in my shop,

Starting point is 00:58:39 behold, a woman suddenly came up to me and stopped before me, and she was a presence as she were the full moon rising from among the constellations, and the place was alight by her light. When I saw her, I fixed my eyes on her and stared in her face, and she fell to be speaking me with soft voice. When I heard her words and the sweetness of her speech, I lusted after her, and as soon as she saw that I longed for her, she did her errand and promising me an assignation, went away, leaving my thoughts occupied with her and fire aflame in my heart. Accordingly, I abode, perplexed and pondering my affair, the fire still burning in my heart, till the third day when she came again and I could hardly credit her. her coming. When I saw her, I talked with her and cajoled her, and courted her, and craved her favor with speech, and invited her to my house. But hearing all this, she only answered, I will not go up into anyone's house, quote thy, I will go with thee, and quote she, arise and come with me.

Starting point is 00:59:52 So I rose and putting into my sleeve a kerchief, wherein was a fair sum of silver and a considerable, followed the woman who forewent me, and ceased not walking till she brought me to a lane and to a door, which she bade me unlock. I refused, and she opened it, and led me into the vestibule. As soon as I had entered, she bolted the entrance door from within and said to me, "'Sit here till I go into the slave-girls and cause them enter a place whence they shall not see me.' "'Tis well,' answered I, and sat down. Whereupon she entered and was, was absent from me, an eye twinkling, after which she returned to me, without a veil, and straightway, he said, arise and enter in the name of Allah. So I arose and went in after her,

Starting point is 01:00:42 and we gave not overgoing till we reached a saloon. When I examined the place, I found it neither handsome nor pleasant, but desolate and dreadful without symmetry or cleanliness. Indeed, it was loathsome to look upon, and there was in it a foul smell. After this inspection, I seated myself, a middle of most, the saloon, misdoubting, and lo and behold, as I sat, there came down on me from the dais, a body of seven naked men, without other clothing than leather belts about their waists. One of them walked up to me and took my turban, whilst another seized my kerchief that was in my sleeve, with my money, and a third stripped me of my clothes, after which a fourth came and bound my hands behind my back with his belt.

Starting point is 01:01:31 Then they all took me up, pinioned as I was, and casting me down, fell a-hailing me towards a sinkhole that was there, and were about to cut my throat, when suddenly there came a violent knocking at the door. As they heard the raps, they were afraid, and their minds were diverted from me by a fright, so the woman went out and presently returning, said to them, fear not no harm shall be tied you this day tis only your comrade who hath brought you your dinner with this the newcomer entered bringing with him a roasted lamb and when he came into them he asked what is it to do with you that ye have tucked up sleeves and bagged trousers replied they this is a head of game we've caught as he heard these words he came up to me and peering in my face cried out and said by allah this is my brother, the son of my mother and father. Allah, Allah!

Starting point is 01:02:31 Then he looted me from my pinion bonds and bust my head, and behold it was my friend who used to borrow silver of me. When I kissed his head, he kissed mine and said, O my brother, be not affrighted, and he called for my clothes and coin and restored all to me, nor was aught missing. Also he brought me a porcelain bowl full of sherbert of sugar, with lemons therein and gave me to drink, and the company came and seated me at a table. So I ate with them, and he said to me,

Starting point is 01:03:03 O my lord and my brother, now have bread and salt pass between us, and thou hast discovered our secret and our case, but secrets with the noble are safe. I replied, as I am a lawfully begotten child and a well-born, I will not name aught of this nor denounce you. They assured themselves of me by an oath, then they brought me out and I went my way, very hardly crediting but that I was of the dead. I lay ill in my house for a whole month, after which I went to the Haman and coming out, opened my shop and sat selling and buying,

Starting point is 01:03:40 as was my want, but saw no more of that man or that woman till one day there stopped before my shop a young Turkle Man, as he were the full moon, and he was a sheep merchant and had with him a leathern bag wherein was money, the price of sheep he had sold. He was followed by the woman, and when he stopped over against my shop, she stood by his side and cajoled him, and indeed he inclined to her with great inclination. As for me, I was dying of solicitude for him and began casting furtive glances at him and winked at him till he chanced to look round and saw me signing to him, whereupon the woman gazed at me and made a signal with her hand and went away. The turcomen followed her and I deemed him dead without a doubt,

Starting point is 01:04:31 wherefore I feared with exceeding fear and shut my shop. Then I journeyed for a year's space and returning opened my shop. Whereupon behold, the woman as she walked by, came up to me, and said, This is none other than a great absence. I replied, I have been on a journey, and she asked, why didst thou wink at that turklemen? I answered, Allah forfend. I did not wink at him, quoth she, beware lest thou thwart me, and went away. A while after this, a familiar of mine invited me to his house, and when I came to him, we ate and drank and chatted. Then he asked me, my friend, hath there befallen thee ought of sore trouble in the length of thy life.

Starting point is 01:05:20 Answered I, tell me first, hath there befallen thee ought. He rejoined, know that one day I espied a fair woman, so I followed her and sued her to come home with me. Quoth she, I will not enter anyone's house but my own, so come thou to my home, and thou wilt, and be it on such a day. Accordingly, on the appointingly, on the appointing today her messenger came to me proposing to carry me to her, and when he announced his purpose I arose and went with him till we arrived at a goodly house and a great door. He opened the door and I entered, whereupon he bolted it behind me, and would have gone in, but I feared with exceeding fear and foregoing him to the second door, whereby he would have had me enter,

Starting point is 01:06:09 bolted it and cried out at him, saying, by Allah, and thou opened not to you. to me, I will slay thee, for I am none of those whom you canst readily cozen. What deemest thou of cozening? Verily I am startled by the loneliness of the house and the lack of any keeper at its door, for I see none appear. Oh my lord, this is a private door. Private or public, opened to me. So he opened to me, and I went out and had gone but a little way from the door

Starting point is 01:06:41 when I met a woman who said to me, A long life was foreordained to thee, else hadst thou never come forth of yonder house. I asked, how so? And she answered, inquire of thy friend, Such an one, naming thee, and he will acquaint thee with strange things. So Allah upon thee, O my friend,

Starting point is 01:07:04 tell me what befell thee of wondrous and marvellous, for I have told thee what befell me. O my brother I am bound by a solemn oath. O my friend, false thine oath and tell me. Indeed, I dread the issue of this, but he urged me till I told him all, whereat he marveled. Then I went away from him and abode a long while without further news. One day I met another of my friends who said to me, A neighbor of mine hath invited me to hear singers. But I said, I will not foregather with anyone. However, he prevailed upon me, so we repeat. prepared to the place and found there a person who came to meet us and said,

Starting point is 01:07:47 Bismilla. Then he pulled out a key and opened the door whereupon we entered, and he locked the door after us. Quoth I, we are the first of the folk, but where be the singer's voices? He replied, They are within the house. This is but a private door, so be not amazed at the absence of the folk. My friend said to me, behold, we are too, and what can they dare to do with us. Then he brought us into the house, and when we entered the saloon, we found it desolate exceedingly and dreadful of aspect. Quoth, my friend, we are fallen into a trap. But there is no majesty, and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious, the great. And quote I, may God never requite thee for me with good. Then we sat down on the edge of the dais,

Starting point is 01:08:38 and suddenly I espied a closet beside me. So I peered into it, and my friend asked me, What seest thou? I answered, I see their wealth in store and corpses of murdered men galore. Look. So he looked and cried, By Allah, we are down among the dead, and we fell a weeping.

Starting point is 01:08:59 I and he, as we were thus, behold, four men came in upon us, by the door at which we had entered, and they were naked, wearing only, leather belts about their waists and made for my friend. He ran at them, and dealing one of them a blow with his sword pommel, knocked him down, whereupon the other three rushed upon him. I seized the opportunity to escape while they were occupied with him, and espying a door by my side, slipped into it and found myself in an underground room, without issue, even a window.

Starting point is 01:09:34 So I made sure of death and said, there is no majesty and there is no might. save in Allah, the glorious the great. Then I looked at the top of the vault and saw in it a range of glazed and colored lunettes, so I clambered up for dear life till I reached the lunettes, and I out of my wits for fear. I made shift to remove the glass and scrambling out through the setting, found behind them a wall which I bestroed. Thence I saw folk walking in the street, so I cast myself down on the ground, and Allah Almighty preserved me, and when I reached the face of earth, unhurt, the folk flocked round me, and I acquainted them with my adventure. Now, as destiny decreed, the chief of police was passing through the market street, so the people told him what was to do, and he made for the door and bade raise it off

Starting point is 01:10:27 its hinges. We entered with a rush and found the thieves as they had thrown my friend down and cut his throat, for they occupied not themselves with me, but said, Whither shall yonder fellow wind? Verily he is in our grasp. So the Wally hent them with the hand and questioned them of their case, and they confessed against the woman and against their associates in Cairo. Then he took them and went forth, after he had locked up the house and sealed it, and I accompanied him till he came without the first house. He found the door bolted from within, so he bade raised it, and we entered and found another door. This also he caused pull-up, and joining his men to silence till the door should be lifted,

Starting point is 01:11:14 and we entered and found the band occupied with new game, whom the woman had just brought in, and whose throat they were about to cut. The chief released the man and gave him back whatso the thieves had taken from him, and he laid hands on the woman and the rest, and took the rest, and took the man. forth of the house a mint of money, with which they found the purse of the Turcoman sheep merchant. They at once nailed up the thieves against the house wall, whilst, as for the woman, they wrapped her in one of her mantillas, and nailing her to a board, set her upon a camel, and went round about the town with her. Thus Allah raised their dwelling places and did away from me

Starting point is 01:11:56 that which I feared from them. All this befell, whilst I looked on, and I saw not my friend who had saved me from them the first time, whereat I wondered to the utterest of wonderment. However, some days afterward, he came up to me, and indeed he had renounced the world and donned a Focker's dress, and he saluted me and went away. Then he again began to pay me frequent visits, and I entered into conversation with him,

Starting point is 01:12:25 and questioned him of the band and how he came to escape, he alone of them all. He replied, I left them from the day on which Allah the Most High delivered thee from them, for that they would not obey my say, so I swear I would no longer consort with them. Quoth I, by Allah, I marvel at thee, for that assuredly thou wast the cause of my preservation. Quoth he, the world is full of this sort, and we beseech the Almighty to send us safety, for that these wretches practice upon men with every kind of malpractice. Then I said to him,

Starting point is 01:13:04 Tell me the rarest adventure of all that befell thee in this villainy thou wast wont to work. And he answered, O my brother, I was not present when they did such deeds, for that my part with them was to concern myself with selling and buying and feeding them. But it hath reached me that the rarest thing which befell them was on this wise. The Thief's Tale The woman who acted decoy for them and trapped their game and used to inveigled damsels from marriage banquets

Starting point is 01:13:37 once caught them a woman from a bride feast under pretense that she had a wedding in her own house and fixed for her a day when she should come to her. As soon as the appointed time arrived, the woman presented herself and the other carried her into the house by a door declaring that it was a private wicket. When she entered the saloon, she saw men and braves, and knew that she had fallen into a snare,

Starting point is 01:14:04 so she looked at them and said, Hark ye, my fine fellows, I am a woman, and in my slaughter there is no glory, nor have ye against me in a feud of blood-white, wherefore ye shall pursue me, and that which is upon me of raiment and ornaments, ye are free to take as lawful loot, Quoth they, we fear thy denunciation, but quoth she, I will abide with you, neither coming in nor going out. So they said, we grant thee thy life. Then the captain looked on her, and she pleased him, so he took her for himself, and she abode with him a whole year, doing her very best in their service, till they became familiar with her and felt assured of her faith. One night of the night she plied them with drink, and

Starting point is 01:14:54 they drank till they became drunken, whereupon she arose and took her clothes and five hundred dinars from the captain, after which she fetched a razor and shaved off all their beards. Then she took soot from the cooking pots and blackening their faces, opened the doors and fared forth, and when the thieves recovered from their drink, they abode confounded and knew that the woman had practiced upon them. All present marveled at this his story, and the 9th constable came forward and said, I will tell you a right pleasant tale I heard at a wedding.

Starting point is 01:15:30 End of section 8, the 8th constable's history and the thief's tale recording by Brise Youngstown. Section number 9 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume

Starting point is 01:15:50 12. 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 Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 9. The 9th Constable's History

Starting point is 01:16:24 A certain singing girl was fair of favor. and brooded of repute, and it happened one day that she fared forth to a garden of pleasuring. As she sat in the summer house, behold, a man lopped of the hand stopped to beg of her, and suddenly entered in at the door. Then he touched her with his stump, saying, An alms for the love of Allah. But she answered, Allah open and insulted him. Many days after this, there came to her a messenger and gave her the hire of her going forth. So she took with her a handmade and an accompaniness, and when she came to the place appointed,

Starting point is 01:17:21 the messenger brought her into a long passage. at the end whereof was a saloon. So, quote she, we entered therein and found nobody, but we saw the room made ready for an entertainment with candles, dried fruits and wine, and in another place we saw food, and in a third beds. Thereupon we sat down,

Starting point is 01:17:51 and I looked at him, who had opened the door to up, us, and behold, he was lopped of the hand. I misliked this, and when I sat a little longer, there entered a man who filled the candelabra in the saloon, and lit the waxing candles, and behold, he also was hand-lopped. Then flocked the folk, and there entered none except he, were lapped of the hand, and indeed the house was full of these companions.

Starting point is 01:18:32 When the session was complete, the host came in, and the company rose to him and seated him in the place of honor. Now he was none other than the man who had fetched me, and he was clad in sumptuous clothes, but his hands were in his sleeves, so that I knew not how it was with them. They brought him food, and he ate, he and the company,

Starting point is 01:19:04 after which they washed their hands, and the host began casting at me furtive glances. Then they drank till they were drunken, and when they had taken leave of their wits, the host turned to me and said, thou dealest not in friendly fashion With him who sought an alms of thee And those sayeth to him

Starting point is 01:19:31 How loathom art thou Ah, I considered him And behold He was the lop hand Who had accosted me in my pleasance So I asked O my lord, what is this Thou saith?

Starting point is 01:19:51 and he answered wait thou shalt remember it so saying he shook his head and stroked his beard whilst i sat down for fear then he put out his hand to my mantilla and walking boots and laying them by his side cried to me sing o accursed accordingly i sang till i was tired out what while they occupied themselves with their case and drank themselves drunk, and the heat of their drink redoubled. Presently the doorkeeper came to me and said, O my lady, fear not, but when thou hast a mind to go, let me know. Quoth I, thinkest thou to delude me? and quoth he, nay, by Allah. But I have Ruth on thee,

Starting point is 01:20:57 for that our captain and chief purposeth thee no good, and methinketh he will kill thee this night. Said I to him, and thou be minded to do me a favor. Now is its time. And said he, when, our chief riseth to his need and goeth to the chapel of ease. I will proceed him with the light and leave the door open,

Starting point is 01:21:30 and do thou wend whithersoever thou willest. Then I sang, and the captain cried, Tis good, replied I, nay, but there art loathsome. He looked at me and rejoined, by Allah thou shalt never more sent the odour of the world. But his comrades said to him, Do it not, and gentled him till he added, And it must be so, and there be no help for it.

Starting point is 01:22:09 She shall tarry here a whole year and not fareforth. My answer was, I am content, to submit to what so pleaseth thee, if I have failed in respect to thee, thou art of thee clement. He shook his head and drank, then arose, and went out to do his need, whilst his comrades were occupied

Starting point is 01:22:38 with what they were about, of merry-making and drunkenness and sport. So I wink to my friends, and we all slipped out into the corridor. We found the door open and fled forth. Unveiled and unknowingly whither we went, nor did we halt till we had fared afar from the house and happened on a cook cooking of whom I asked,

Starting point is 01:23:10 hast thou a mind to quicken the dead. He said, come up. So we went up in. into the shop, and he whispered, lie down. Accordingly we lay down, and he covered us with the half-a-grass, wherewith he was used to kindle the fire under the food. Hardly had we settled ourselves in the place when we heard a noise of kicking at the door,

Starting point is 01:23:40 and people running right and left and questioning the cook and asking, hath any one passed by thee? Answered he, none hath passed by me. But they ceased not to go round about the shop till the day broke, when they turned back disappointed. Then the cook removed the reeds and said to us, Rise, for ye are delivered from death. So we arose, and we were uncons.

Starting point is 01:24:14 covered, Sons Vale or Mantilla. But the cook carried us up into his house, and we sent to our homes and fetched us veils, and we repented to Allah, Almighty, and renounce singing, for indeed this was a mighty narrow escape after stress. Those present marveled at this, and the tenth constable came forward and said, As for me, there be found me that which was yet rarer than all ye yet heard.

Starting point is 01:24:55 Quoth Al Malik Al Zahir. What was that? And quote he, Dain, give ear to me. End of section 9. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen Vancouver, B.C.

Starting point is 01:25:13 Chapter number 10 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12. This is a Libra Vox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 10, The Tenth Constable's History

Starting point is 01:25:58 A robbery of stuffs had been committed in the city, and as it was a great matter, I was cited. I and my fellows, they pressed hard upon us, but we obtained of them some day's grace and dispersed in search of the stolen goods. As for me, I sallied forth with five men and went round about the city that day, and on the morrow we fared forth into the suburbs. When we found ourselves a parasang, or two parasangs away from the city, we waxed a thirst, and presently we came to a garden. There I went in alone, and going up to the water wheel, entered it and drank, and made the wuzoo ablution and prayed.

Starting point is 01:26:56 Presently up came the keeper of the garden and said to me, Woe to thee! Who brought thee to this water wheel? And he smote me and squeezed my ribs till I was like to die. Then he bound me with one of his bulls and made me work the water wheel, flogging me as I walked round with a cattle whip. He had with him till my heart was a fire, after which he loosened me and I went out, knowing not the way.

Starting point is 01:27:35 Now when I came forth I fainted, so I sat down till my trouble subsided. Then I made for my comrades and said to them, I have found money and malfactor, and I affrighted him, not neither troubled him, lest he should flee, but now come, let us go to him, so we may contrive to lay hold upon him. Then I took them, and we repaired to the keeper of the garden,

Starting point is 01:28:09 who had tortured me with tunding, with the intent to make him taste the like of that, which he had done with me and lie against him and caused him to eat many a stick. So we rushed to the water-wheel and seize the keeper. Now there was with him a youth, and as we were pinning the gardener, he said, by Allah, I was not with him.

Starting point is 01:28:39 him and indeed to six months since I entered the city, nor did I set eyes on the stuffs until they were brought hither. Quoth we, show us the stuffs, upon which he carried us to a place wherein was a pit beside the water-wheel, and digging there brought out the stolen goods, with not a thread or a stitch of them, So we took them and carried the keeper to the prefecture of police, where we stripped him and beat him with palm rods till he confessed to thefts manifold. Now I did this by way of mockery against my comrades, and it succeeded. The company marveled at this story with the utmost marveling, and the 11th constable rose and said, I know a story yet stranger than this, but it happened not to myself. End of Section 10, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC.

Starting point is 01:29:58 Chapter number 11 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12. 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 Lyndon-Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 11, the 11th Constable's History. There was once in times of Yore, a chief officer of police, and there passed by him one day of the days a Jew, handing in hand a basket, wherein were 5,000 dinars,

Starting point is 01:30:56 whereupon quoth that officer to one of his slaves, Art, able to take that money from yonder Jew's basket? Yes, quote, he, nor did he tarry beyond the next day, er he came to his lord, bringing the basket. So, said the officer, I bade him, go bury it in such a place whereupon he went, and buried it, and returned and told me. Hardly had he reported this, when there arose a clamour, like that of doomsday, and up came the Jew, with one of the king's officers declaring that the gold pieces belong to the Sultan, and that he looked to none but us for it. We demanded of him

Starting point is 01:31:52 three days delay, according to custom, and I said to him who had taken the money. Go and set in the Jew's house somewhat that shall occupy him. him with himself. Accordingly, he went and played a mighty fine trick, which was he laid in a basket a dead woman's hand, painted with Hannah and having a gold seal ring on one of the fingers, and buried that basket under a slab in the Jews' home. Then we came and searched and found the basket, whereupon, without a moment of delay, we clapped a Jew in irons for the murder of a woman. As soon as it was the appointed time, there entered to us the man of the Sultan's guards, who had accompanied the Jew when he came to complain of the loss of the money, and said,

Starting point is 01:32:55 The Sultan saith to you, nail up the Jew, and bring the money, for there is no way by which 5,000 gold pieces can be lost. Wherefore we knew that our device did not suffice. So I went forth and finding a young man, a Haruni, passing along the road, laid hands on him forthright, and stripped him, and whipped him with palm rods. Then I threw him in jail, ironed, and carried him to the prefecture, beat him again, saying to them, This be the robber who stole the coin, and we strove to make him confess, but he would not. Accordingly, we beat him a third and a fourth time, till we were a weary and exhausted, and he became unable to return a reply.

Starting point is 01:33:58 But when we had made an end of beating and tormenting him, he said, I will fetch the money this very moment. Presently we went with him till he came to the place where my slave had buried the gold, and he dug there and brought it out, whereat I marveled with the utmost marvel, and we carried it to the prefect's house. When the Wally saw the money and made sure of it with his own eyes, he rejoiced with joy exceeding and bestowed on me a robe of honor.

Starting point is 01:34:40 Then he restored the coin straight away to the Sultan, and we left the youth endurance vile, whilst I said to my slave who had taken the money, Say me, did yonder young man see thee? What time thou burrest the money? And he replied, No, by Allah the great. So I went in to the young man, the prisoner,

Starting point is 01:35:09 and plied him with wine till he recovered. When I said to him, Tell me how thou stoleest the money. Answered he, by Allah, I stole it not, nor did I ever set eyes on it till I brought it forth of the earth. Quoth I, how so, and quoth he, know that the cause of my failing in your hands was my parents' appreciation against me, because I entreated her evilly yesternight, and beat her, and she said to me, by Allah,

Starting point is 01:35:53 O my son, the Lord shall assuredly, Gar the oppressor prevail over thee. Now she is a pious woman. So I went out forthright, And though sawest me on my way and didest that, Which thou didst. And when beating was prolonged on me, My senses failed me,

Starting point is 01:36:18 And I heard a voice saying to me, Fetch it. So I said to you what I said, and the speaker guided me till I came to the place, and there befell what befell of the bringing out of the money. I admired this with the utmost admiration, and knew that he was of the sons of the Pius. So I bestirred myself for his release, and cured him, and besought him of acquittance, an absolution of responsibility. All those who were present marveled at this story,

Starting point is 01:37:00 with the utmost marvel, and the 12th constable, came forward and said, I will tell you a pleasant trait that I heard from a certain person, concerning an adventure which befell him with one of the thieves. End of Section 11. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 12 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Linda Marie Nielsen.

Starting point is 01:37:53 Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 12, The 12th Constable's History. I was passing one day in the market when I found that a robber had broken into the shop of a shroff, a changer of monies. And then, taken a casket, wherewith he had made off to the burial ground. Accordingly, I followed him thither and came up to him, as he opened the casket and fell a-looking into it, whereupon I accosted him, saying, Peace be on you, and he was startled at me, so I left him and went away from him. Some months after this, I met him again under arrest,

Starting point is 01:38:55 in the midst of the guards and men of violence. And he said to them, seize this man. So they laid hands on me and carried me to the chief of police, who said, What hast thou to do with this wheat? The robber turned to me, and looking a long while in my face, asked, Who took this man? And the officer answered, Though baitest us take him, so we took him. And he cried, I ask refuge of Allah. I know not this man, nor knoweth he me,

Starting point is 01:39:38 and I said not that to you, but of a person other than this. So they released me, and a while after the thief met me in the street and saluted me with the salam, saying, O my lord, fright for fright, hadst thou taken aught from me, thou hadest apart in the calamity. I replied to him, Allah be the judge between thee and me, and this is what I have to recount. Then came forward the 13th constable and said, I will tell you a tale which a man of my friends told me. End of Section 12, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC.

Starting point is 01:40:41 Chapter 13 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libre Vox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of The Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 13. The 13th Constable's History

Starting point is 01:41:19 I went out one night of the knights to the house of a friend, and when it was the middle of the night, I sallied forth alone to heed me home. When I came into the road, I espied a sort of thieves, and they espied me, whereupon my spittle dried up. But I feigned myself drunken and staggered from side to side, crying out and saying, am drunken. And I went up to the walls right and left and made as if I saw not the thieves who followed me afoot till I reached my home and knocked at the door when they went away. Some few days after this, as I stood at the door of my house, behold, there came up to me a young man with a chain about his neck and with him a trooper and he said to me oh my lord and alms for the love of allah i replied allah opened and he looked at me a long while and cried

Starting point is 01:42:36 That which thou shouldest give me would not come to the worth of thy turbaned, or thy waistcloth, or what not else of thy habit, to say nothing of the gold and the silver, which were about thy person. I asked, and how so? And he answered, on such a night when thou fellest into peril, and that these would have stripped thee, I was with them and said to them, Yonder man is my lord, and my master who reared me. So was I, and only I the cause of thy deliverance, and thus I saved thee from them. When I heard this, I said to him, stop, and entering my house, brought him that which Allah Almighty made easy to me. So he went his way, and this is all I have to say.

Starting point is 01:43:44 Then came forward the 14th constable and said, Know that the tale I have to tell is rarer and pleasanter than this, and tis as follows. End of Section 13. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 14 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a LibreVox recording. All LibreVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org.org.

Starting point is 01:44:29 Recording by Dick Bourgeois Doyle. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 14, the 14th Constable's History. I had a draper's shop before I entered this corporation, and there used to come to me, a person whom I knew not, saved by his face, and I would give him what so he sought, and have patience with him, till he could pay me. One night I foregathered with certain of my friends, and we sat down to liquor, so we drank, and were merry, and played at Tav, and we made one of us wazir, and another sultan, and a third torch-bearer or headsman.

Starting point is 01:45:11 Presently there came in upon us a sponger, without bidding, and we went on playing, whilst he played with us. Then quoth the sultan to the wazir, bring the parasite who cometh in to the folk, without leave or license, that we may inquire into his case. After which, I will cut off his head.

Starting point is 01:45:34 So the headsman arose and dragged the sponger before the sultan, who bade cut off his head. Now there was with them a sword that would not cut clotted curd, so the headsman smote him therewith, and his head flew from his body. When we saw this, the wine fled from our brains, and we became in the foulest of plights. Then my friends lifted up the corpse and went out with it, that they might hide it, whilst I took the head and made for the river. Now I was drunken and my clothes were drenched with blood, and as I passed along the road I met a robber. When he saw me, he knew me and cried to me.

Starting point is 01:46:17 Such and won. Well, said I, and he rejoined, What is that thou hast with thee? So I acquainted him with the case, and he took the head from me. Then we fared on till we came to the river, where he washed the head, and, considering it straightly,

Starting point is 01:46:35 exclaimed by Allah verily, This be my brother, the son of my sire, and he used to sponge upon the folk. After which he threw that head into the river. As for me, I was like a dead man for dread. But he said to me, Fear not, neither do thou grieve, for I quaint thee with my brother's blood.

Starting point is 01:46:59 Presently he took my clothes and washed them and dried them, and put them on me, after which he said to me, get thee gone to thy house. So I returned to my house, and he accompanied me till I came thither, when he said to me, Allah never desolate thee. I am thy friend, such an one, who used to take of thee goods on credit, and I owe thee a kindness, but henceforward thou wilt never see me more. Then he went his ways. The company marveled at the manliness of this man and his clemency and courtesy, and the sultan said, tell us another of thy stories, O Shahrazad. She replied, tis well, they set forth. A merry jest of a clever thief. A thief of thieves of the Arabs went one night to a

Starting point is 01:47:52 certain man's house to steal from a heap of wheat there, and the people of the house surprised him. Now on the heap was a great copper tas, and the thief buried himself in the corn and covered his head with the tass, so that the folk found him not, and went their ways. But as they were going, behold, there came a mighty great fart forth from the corn. So they went up to the tass, and raising it, discovered the thief, and laid hands on him. Quoth he, I have saved you the trouble of seeking me, for I purposed, in breaking wind, to direct you to my hiding place. Wherefore do you be easy with me and have Ruth on me? So may Allah have Ruth on you.

Starting point is 01:48:37 Accordingly, they let him go and harmed him not. And for another story of the same kind, she continued, hearkened to the tale of the old sharper. There once was an old man renowned for clever roguery, and he went, he and his mates, to one of the markets and stole fence a quantity of stuffs, Then they separated and returned each to his quarter. A while after this the old man assembled a company of his fellows,

Starting point is 01:49:05 and as they sat at drink, one of them pulled out a costly piece of cloth and said, Is there any one of you will dare sell this in its own market whence it was stolen, that we may confess his superior subtlety? Quoth the old man, I will. And they said, go, and Allah Almighty open to thee the door. So early on the moral, he took the stuff and carrying it to the market whence it had been stolen, sat down at the very shop out of which it had been purloined, and gave it to the broker, who hinted in hand and cried it for sale. Its owner knew it, and bidding for it, bought it, and sent after the chief of police, who seized the sharper, and seeing him an old man of grave presence and handsomely clad, said to him, whence hast thou this piece of stuff? Quoth he, I had it from this market and from yonder shop

Starting point is 01:50:01 where I was sitting. Quoth the Wally, did its owners sell it to thee? And quoth the robber. Not so. I stole it, this and other than it. Then said the chief, How cameest thou to bring it for sale to the place whence thou stoleest it? I will not tell my tale save to the sultan. For that, I have a profitable counsel wherewith I would leave bespeak him. Name it. Art thou the sultan? No. I'll not tell it, save to himself. Accordingly, the wali carried him up to the sultan, and he said, I have a counsel for thee, O my lord? asked the sultan, what is thy counsel? And the thief said, I repent and will deliver into thy hand all who are evil-doers, and whomesoever I bring not, I will stand in his stead.

Starting point is 01:50:54 Cried the sultan, give him a robe of honor, and accept his profession of penitence. So he went down from the presence, and returning to his comrades, related to them that which had passed, when they confessed his subtlety and gave him that which they had promised him, then he took the rest of the booty and went up therewith to the sultan, who seeing him, recognized him, and he was magnified in the royal eyes, and the king commanded that not should be taken from him. After this, when he went down, the sultan's attention was diverted from him, little by little, till the case was forgotten, and so he saved the booty for himself. Those present marveled at this, and the 15th constable came forward and said,

Starting point is 01:51:37 know that among those who make a trade of trickery are those whom Allah Almighty takeeth on their own testimony against themselves. It was asked of him, how so? And he began to relate. End of Section 14. Chapter 15 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libre Box recording. All Libre Box recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org.

Starting point is 01:52:17 Recording by Dick Bourgeois Doyle, The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, section 15, the 15th Constable's history. It is told of a thieving person, one of the braves, that he used to rob and cut the way by himself upon caravans, and whenever the chief of police and the governor sought him, he would flee from them and fortify himself in the mountains.

Starting point is 01:52:47 Now it came to pass that a certain man journeyed along the road wherein was that robber, and this man was single-handed and knew not the sore perils besetting his way. So the high women came out upon him and said to him, Bring out that which is with thee, for I mean to kill thee and no mistake. Quoth the traveler, Kill me not, but annex these saddlemen.

Starting point is 01:53:12 bags and divide that which is in them and take to thee the fourth part and the thief answered i will not take aught but the whole rejoined the traveler take half and let me go but the robber replied i will have not but the whole anik i will kill thee so the wayfarer said take it accordingly the highwayman took the saddlebags and offered to slay the traveler who said what is this Thou hast against me, no blood feud that should make my slaughter incumbent. Quote the other, Needs must I kill thee, whereupon the traveller dismounted from his horse, and grovelled before him, beseeching the thief and bespeaking him fair. The man hearken not to his prayers, but cast him to the ground, whereupon the traveller raised his eyes, and seeing a Frankolin flying over him, said in his agony, O Franklin bare testimony that this man slayeth me unjustly and wickedly, for indeed I have given him all that was with me,

Starting point is 01:54:19 and entreated him to let me go for my children's sake, yet would he not consent. But be thou witness against him, for Allah is not unmindful of deeds which the oppressors do. The high women paid no heed to what he heard, but smote him and cut off his head. After this the rulers compounded the high, women for his submission and when he came before them they enriched him and he

Starting point is 01:54:45 became in such favor with the lieutenant of the Sultan that he used to eat and drink with him and there befell between them familiar converse which lasted a long while till in fine that chanced a curious chance the lieutenant of the Sultan one day of the days made a banquet and therein was roasted a Frankelin which when the robber saw he laughed a loud laugh. The lieutenant was angered against him and said to him, What is the meaning of thy laughter? Seest thou any fault, or dost thou mock at us, of thy lack of good manners? Answered the high women. Not so by Allah, O my lord, but I saw

Starting point is 01:55:27 yonder Frankolin, which brought to my mind an extraordinary thing, and twas, on this wise, in the days of my youth, I used to cut the way, and one day I way laid a man who had with him a pair of saddle-bags and money therein. So I said to him, leave these saddle-bags, for I mean to slay thee. Quoth he, take the fourth part of that which is in them and leave me the rest, and quoth I, needs must I take the hole and kill thee without mistake. Then said he, take the saddle-bags, and let me win my way, but I answered, there is no help but that I slay thee. As we were in this contention, behold, he saw a Frankolinth, and in turning to it, said, bare testimony against him, O Frankolin, that he slayeth me unjustly, and leteth me not go to my children, for all he hath

Starting point is 01:56:21 taken my money. However, I had no pity on him, neither hearken to that which he said, but smote him and slew him, and concerned not myself with the evidence of the Frankolinth. His story troubled the lieutenant of the Sultan, and he was enraged against him with sore rage. So he drew a sword, and smiting him, cut off his head while he sat at the table, whereupon a voice recited these couplets. And wouldst not be injured, injure not, but do good, and from Allah win goodly lot. For what hapeth by Allah is doomed to be, yet thine axe are the root, I would have thee what. Now this voice was the Franklund which bore witness against him.

Starting point is 01:57:08 The company present marveled at this tale, and all cried, Woe to the oppressor. Then came forward the 16th constable and said, And I, for another, will tell you a marvelous story, which is on this wise. End of Section 15. Chapter 16 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight. Volume 12. This is a Libre Vox recording.

Starting point is 01:57:42 All Librevox recording. are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton,

Starting point is 01:58:07 Section 16 The 16th Constable's History I went forth one day of the days, intending to travel, and suddenly fell upon a man whose won't it was to cut the way. When he came up with me he offered to slay me, and I said to him, I have not with me whereby thou mayest profit. Quote he, my prophet shall be the taking of thy life. I asked, what is the cause of this? Hath there being enmity between us aforetime? And he answered, nay, but needs must I slay thee.

Starting point is 01:58:58 Thereupon I ran away from him to the river's side. But he caught me up and casting me to the ground, sat down on my breast. So I sought help of the shakab, of the pilgrims, and cried to him, Protect me from this oppressor. And indeed, he had drawn a knife to cut my throat when, lo and behold, there came a mighty great crocodile forth of the river,

Starting point is 01:59:32 and snatching him up from off my breast, plunged into the water, with him still handing knife in hand, even with the jaws of the beast, whilst I abode extolling Almighty Allah, and rendering thanks for my preservation to him who had delivered me from the hand of that wrongdoer. End of Section 16, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 17 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 02:00:23 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Dick Bourgeois Doyle. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 17. Tale of Harun al-Rashis. and Abdullah bin Nafi. Know thou, O king of the age, that there was in days of yore, and in ages and times long gone before, in the city of Baghdad, the abode of peace, a caliph, Harun al-Rashid Haid, Haid.

Starting point is 02:00:59 And he had cup companions and tale-tellers to entertain him by night. Among his inquiries was a man named Abdullah bin Nafi, who stood high in favor with him and dear to him, so that he did not forget him a single hour. Now it came to pass by the decree of destiny that it became manifest to Abdullah how he had grown of small account with the Caliph, who paid no heed unto him, nor, if he absented himself, did he ask after him, as had been his habit.

Starting point is 02:01:30 This was grievous to Abdullah, and he said within himself, verily the soul of the commander of the faithful and his wazir are changed towards me, and nevermore shall I see in him that cordiality and affection wherewith he was wont to treat me. And this was chagrinful to him, and concern grew upon him, so that he recited these couplets. Whoso's contempt in his home and land should do better his case in self-exile he. So fly the house where contempt awaits, nor on fires of grief, for the parting fry. Crude amber gris is but awful where tis born but abroad on our necks shall stye,

Starting point is 02:02:18 and coal at home is a kind of stone, cast on face of earth and on roads to lie. But when born abroad, it wins highest worth, and thrones between eyelid and ball of eye. Quoth the sayer. Then he could brook this matter no longer. So he went forth from the demon, minions of the prince of true believers, under presence of visiting certain of his kith and kin, and took with him, nor servant, nor comrade, neither acquainted any with his intent, but he betook himself to the road and fared deep into the wold and the sand-wasters, unknowing whither he went. After a while he unexpectedly fell in with travelers, who were making the land of Hind and journeyed with them. When he came thithered, he lighted down in

Starting point is 02:03:07 a city of that country and housed himself in one of the lodging houses. And there he abode a while of days, relishing not food, neither solacing himself with sleep, nor was this for lack of Durham's or dinars, but for that his mind was occupied with musing upon the shifts of destiny, and bemoaning himself for that the revolving sphere had turned against him in enmity. And the days had decreed unto him the disfavor of our Lord the Imam. After such fashion, he abode a space of days, and presently he homed him in the land that took to himself friends and got him many familiars,

Starting point is 02:03:50 with whom he addressed himself to diversion and good cheer. He used also to go a pleasing with his companions and their hearts were solaced by his company, and he entertained them every evening with stories and displays of his manifold accomplishments, and diverted them with delectable verses and told them abundance of stories and histories. Presently, the report of him reached King Jamhur, Lord of Khashgar of Hind, who sent in quest of him, and great was his desire to see him. So Abdullah repaired to his court, and going in to him, kissed the ground before him.

Starting point is 02:04:28 And Jamur welcomed him and treated him with kindness, and bade lodge him in the the guest-house, where he abode three days. At the end of which the king sent to him a chamberlain of his chamberlains, and bade bring him to the presence. When he came before him, he greeted him, and the truchman accosted him, saying, verily, king Jammur, hath heard of thy report, that thou art a pleasant cup companion, and an eloquent teller of knight-tails, and he would have thee company with him, O knights, and entertain him, with that which thou know list of histories and pleasant stories and verses. And he made answer, to hear is to obey, quote Abdullah bin Nafi. So I became his boon companion and entertained him by night with tales and

Starting point is 02:05:15 talk, and this pleased him with yet most pleasure, and he took me into favor and bestowed on me robes of honor, and set apart for me a lodging. Indeed, he was bountiful exceedingly to me, and could not brook to be parted from me a single hour. So, I sojourned with him a while of time, and every night I caroused and conversed with him, till the most part of the dark hours was past. And when drowsiness overcame him, he would rise and betake himself to his sleeping place, saying to me, forsake not my service, and forego not my presence. And I made answer with hearing and obeying.

Starting point is 02:05:57 Now the king had a son, a nice child, called the Amir Muhammad, who was winsome of youth and sweet of speech. He had read books and had perused histories, and he loved above all things in the world the telling and hearing of verses and tales and anecdotes. He was dear to his father, King Jamur, for that he owned no other son than he on life, and indeed he had reared him in the lap of love,

Starting point is 02:06:24 and he was gifted with exceeding beauty and loveliness, brilliancy, and perfect grace. He had also learned to play upon the lute and upon all manner of instruments, and he was used to converse in company with friends and brethren. Now it was his want, when the king arose, seeking his sleeping chamber, to sit in his place and require me to entertain him with tales and verses and pleasant anecdotes. And on this wise, I abode with them, both a great while, in all joyance and delight. and the prince still loved me with mighty great love, and treated me with the utmost tenderness. It fortuneed one day that the king's son came to me after his sire had withdrawn, and cried, O Ibn Nafi, at thy service, O my lord, I would have thee tell me a wondrous story in a marvelous matter,

Starting point is 02:07:15 which thou hast never related either to me or to my father, Jamur. Oh, my lord, what story is this that thou desirest of me, and of what kind, shall it be of the kinds? It mattereth little, so it be a goodly story, whether it befell of olden tide or in these times. O my lord, I know by wrote many stories of various kinds, so which of the kinds preferest thou, and wilt thou have a story of mankind, or of gin kind?

Starting point is 02:07:49 Tis well, and thou have espied aught with thine eyes, and heard it with thine ears, tell it me. Then he bethought himself and said to me, I conjured thee by my life, tell me a tale of the tales of the gin, and that which thou hast heard of them and seen of them. I replied, O my son, indeed thou conjurest me by a mighty conjuration. So lend an ear to the goodliest of stories, I, and the strangest of them, and the pleasantest and rarest.

Starting point is 02:08:22 Quoth the prince, say on, for I am attentive to thy speech, speech. Quoth I, hear then, oh my son. End of section 17. Chapter 18 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. 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 a Night, volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. 18. The tale of the damsel Tofat al-Kalub and the Caliph Harun al-Rashid. The vice-region of the Lord of the Three Worlds, Harun al-Rashid, had a boon companion of the number of

Starting point is 02:09:16 his boon companions, by name Ishaq bin Ibrahim al-Nadim al-Mausili, who was the most accomplished of the folk of his time in smiting upon the loot. And of the commander of the faithful's love for him, he set apart for him a palace of the choicest of his palaces, wherein he was want to instruct handmaidens in the art of singing and of loot playing. If any slave girl became, by his instruction, clever in the craft, he carried her before the caliph, who bade her perform upon the loot, and if she pleased him, he would order her to the harem, else would he restore her to Ishaq's palace. One day, the commander of the faithful's breast was strained.

Starting point is 02:09:55 So he sent after his wazir Jafar, the barmecide, and Ishaq the cup companion, and Mosher the eunuch, the swore of his vengeance. and when they came, he changed his habit and disguised himself, whilst Jafar and Ishaq and Mouserun al-Fazel and Eunice, who were also present, did the like. Then he went out, he and they, by the post-turn, to the Tigris, and taking boat fared on till they came to near Altaf. When they landed and walked till they came to the gate of the high street. Here there met them an old man, handsome in his oriness, and of a venerable bearing, and a dignified, agreeable of aspect and apparel. He kissed the earth before a shock almostly, for that he knew only him of the company, and the caliph being disguised, and deemed the others certain of his friends, and said to him, O my lord, there is presently with me a handmaid, a lieutenantist, never saw eyes the like of her nor the like of her grace,

Starting point is 02:10:50 and indeed I was on my way to pay my respects to thee, and give thee to know of her. But Allah, of his favour, hath spared me the trouble, so now I desire to show her to thee, and if she take thy fancy well and good, otherwise I will sell her, quoth Ishaq, Go before me to thy quarters till I come to thee and see her. The old man kissed his hand and went away, whereupon quoth all Rashid to him, O Ishaq, who is yonder man, and what is his want? The other replied, O my lord, this is a man, sighed the slave-dealer height, and tis he that buyeth us maidens and Mamelukes. He declared that with him is a fair slave, a lutenist, whom he hath withheld from sale, for that he could not fairly sell her till he had passed her before me in review. Quote the Caliph, let us go to him so we may see her, by way of solace, and sight what is in the

Starting point is 02:11:43 slave-dealer's quarters of slave-girls, and quoth Ishaq, command-belongeth to Allah and to the commander of the faithful. Then he forewent them, and they followed in his track, till they came to the slave-dealer's quarters and found a building tall of wall and large of lodgment, with sleeping cells and chambers therein, after the number of the slave-girls and folk sitting upon the wooden benches. So Ishaq entered, he and his company, and seating themselves in the place of honour, amused themselves by looking at the handmaids and mom-looks, and watching how they were bought and sold till the vending came to an end, when some of the folk went away and some remained seated. Then cried the slave-dealer,

Starting point is 02:12:21 Let none sit with us except whoso purchaseth by the thousand diners and upwards. Accordingly, those present withdrew, and there remain none but all Rashid and his suite. Whereupon the slave-dealer called the damsel, after he had caused set her a chair of Fawak, lined with Gratian brocade, and she was like the sun shining high in the shimmering sky. When she entered, she saluted, and sitting down, took the loot and smote upon it, after she had touched its strings and tuned it so that all present were amazed. Then she sang there to these couplets. Breeze, oh, morn, on though breathe over the loved one's land, deliver my greeting to all the dear

Starting point is 02:13:00 band, and declare to them I am still pledged to their love, and my longing excels all that lover unmanned. O ye who have blighted my heart, ears, and eyes, my passion and ecstasy grow out of hand, and torn as my sprite every night with desire, and of nothing sleep can. my eyelids command. Ishok exclaimed, Bravo, O damsel! By Allah, this is a fair hour!

Starting point is 02:13:23 Whereupon she sprang up and kissed his hand, saying, Oh, my lord, in very sooth the hand stand still before thy presence and the tongues at thy sight, and the locant one confronting thee waxedum, but thou art the looser of the veil. Then she clung to him and cried, stand. So he stood and said to her, Who art thou, and what is thy need?

Starting point is 02:13:45 She raised a corner of the veil, and behold she was a damsel as she were the full moon rising or the levy glancing, with two side locks of hair which fell down to her anklets. She kissed his hand and said to him, O my lord, know that I have been in these quarters some five months, during which I have withheld myself from sale till thou shouldst be present and see me, and yonder slave-dealer also made thy coming a pretext for not vending me, and forbade me for all I sought of him night and day that he should cause thee come hither, and vouchsafe me thy company, and garr me and thee for gaither, quoth Ishaq, tell me what thou wouldst have, and quoth she, I beseech thee by all

Starting point is 02:14:24 almighty, that thou buy me, so I may be with thee by way of service. He asked, is that thy desire? And she answered, yes. So Ishaq returned to the slave dealer and said to him, Ho thou, Shaak Saeed, said the old man, at thy service, oh my lord. And Ishaq continued, in the corridor is a chamber and therein wands, a damsel pale in one. What is her price in dirhams, and how much does thou ask for her? Quoth the slave dealer, she hum thou mention'st, O my lord, is called Tofat al-Humaka. Ishach asked, What is the meaning of al-Humaka? And the old man answered, Her price hath been weighed and paid and a hundred times, and she's still safe.

Starting point is 02:15:05 Show me him who would buy me, and when I show her to him, she saith. This one I mislike. he hath in him such and such a default, and in every one who would feign by her, she noteth some defect or other, so that none careth now to purchase her, and none seeketh her, for fear lest she finds some fault in him, quoth, she seeketh at this present to sell herself, so go thou to her, and inquire of her, and see her price, and send her to the palace. Quoth side, O my lord, her prices and hundred diners, though were she free of this paleness that is upon her face, she would be worth a thousand gold pieces, but wanton folly and whineness have diminished her

Starting point is 02:15:45 value, and behold, I will go to her and consult her of this. So he bestook himself to her, and inquired of her, wilt thou be sold to Ishaq bin Ibrahim al-Mausili? She replied, yes, and he said, leave folly, for to whom doth it happen to be in the house of Ishaq the cup companion. Thereupon Ishaq went forth the slave-dealer's quarters and overtook Al-Rashid who had preceded him, and they seized not walking till they came to their landing-place, where they embarked in the boat and fared on to Thagar al-Kanaka. As for the slave-dealer, he went to the damsel to the house of Ishaq al-Nadim, whose slave-girls took her and carried her to the hamon.

Starting point is 02:16:24 Then each damsel gave her somewhat of her gear, and they decked her with earrings and bracelets, so that she redoubled in beauty and became a shan, she were the moon on the night of its full. When Ishaq returned home from the Caliph's place, Tofa rose to him and kissed his hand, and he saw that which the handmaids had done with her, and thanked them for being so doing, and said to them, let her home in the house of instruction and bring her instruments of music, and if she be apt at song, teach her, and may Allah Almighty vouchsafe her health and wheel.

Starting point is 02:16:55 So there passed over her three months, while she homed with him in the house of instruction, and they brought her the instruments of music. Furthermore, as time went on, she was vouchsafed health and soundness and her beauty waxed many times brighter than before, and her pallor was changed to white and red, so that she became a seduction to all who saw her. One day, Ishak bade some and all who were with him of slave-girls from the house of instruction and carried them up to all Rashid's palace, leaving none in his house save Tofa and a cookmaid, for that he not nod of Tofa, nor did she come to his memory, and none of the damsels

Starting point is 02:17:31 reminded him of her. When she saw that the house was empty of the slave-girls, she took the loot, now she was singular in her time for smiting upon the loot, nor had she her like in the world, no, not Ishak himself nor any other, and sang thereto these couplets. When Saul desireth one that it is mate, it never winneth dear desire of fate. My life for him, whose tortures tear my frame, and dealt me pine he can alone abate. he saith that only he to heal mine ill, whose sight is medicine to my doleful state, O scoffer-white, how long wilt mock my woe,

Starting point is 02:18:08 as though did Allah nothing else create. Now Ishak had returned to his house on an occasion that called for him, and when he entered the vestibule, he heard a sound of singing. The like whereof he had never heard in the world, for that it was soft as the breeze and more strengthening than oil of almonds, so the pleasure of it got hold of him and delight so seized, him, that he fell down, fainting in the vestibule. Tofa heard the noise of footfalls, and laying the loot from her hand, went out to see what was the matter. She found her Lord Ishak laying a

Starting point is 02:18:39 swoon in the entrance, so she took him up and strained him to her bosom, saying, I conjure thee in Allah's name, O my lord, tell me, hath aught of ill befallen thee? When he heard her voice, he recovered from his fainting and asked her, Who art thou? She answered, I am thy slave girl, Tofa. And he said to her, are thou indeed Tofa? yes replied she and he by allah i had indeed forgotten thee and remembered thee not till this moment then he looked at her and said fairly thy case is altered to the other case and thy wanness is changed to rosiness and thou hast redoubled in beauty and loveliness but was it thou who was singing just now even i o my lord whereupon ishak seized upon her hand and carrying her into the house said to her take the lute and sing for never saw i nor heard thy love like and smiting upon the lute. No, not even myself, quat thee. Oh, my lord, thou mockest me. Who am I that thou should stay all of this to me? Indeed, this is but of thy kindness.

Starting point is 02:19:41 Quoth he, nay, by Allah, I said but the truth to thee, and I am not of those on whom pretense imposes. For these three months nature hath not moved thee to take the lute and sing thereto. And this is not save a rare thing and strange. But all this cometh of strength in the art and thyself restraint. Then he bade her sing, and she said, harkening an obedience. So she took the lute, and tightening its strings to the sticking point, smote thereon a number of heirs, so that she confounded Ishaq's wit, and for delight he was like to fly. Then she returned to the first mode, and sang thereto these couplets. By your ruin's stead a aye stand and stay, nor shall change or dwelling depart us tway.

Starting point is 02:20:23 No distance of homestead shall garr me forget, your love, oh friends, but yearn all, away. Never flies your phantom the babes of these Ayn, your moons in night-tide's murkest array, and with growing passion mine unrest grows, and each morn I find union dissolves in woes. When she had made an end of her song and laid down the loot, Ishaug looked fixedly on her, then took her hand and offered to kiss it, but she snatched it from him and said to him, Allah, oh my lord, do not do that, cried he, be silent, by Allah I had said that there was not in the world the like of me, but now I have found my dinar in the art but identical, for thou art more excellent of skill than I, beyond comparison or approximation or calculation.

Starting point is 02:21:08 This very day will I carry thee up to the commander of the faithful, Harun al-Rashid, and when his glance lighteth on thee, thou would become a princess of womankind. So Allah, Allah upon thee, O my lady, whenest thou becomeest of the household of the prince of true believers, do not thou forget me. She replied, Allah, O my lord, thou art the root of my fortunes, and in thee is my heart forfeited. There it he took her hand and made a covenant with her of his, and she swore to him that she would not forget him. Then he said to her, by Allah, thou art the desire of the commander of the faithful.

Starting point is 02:21:44 Now take the lute and sing a song which thou shalt sing to the caliph, when thou goest into him. So she took the lute and tuning it, improvised these couplets. His lover hath Ruth on his wooful mode, and o'er wept him as still by his couch he stood, and guard him drink of his lip-dews and wine ere he died and this food was his latest good. Isheg stared at her and seizing her hand, said to her, Know that I am bound by an oath that when the singing of a damsel pleaseth me, she shall not end her song but before the prince of true believers. But now tell me, how came it that thou tarriest with the slave-dealer five months,

Starting point is 02:22:21 and was not sold to anyone, and thou of this skill, especially when the price set on thee was no great matter." Harriet, she laughed and answered, Oh, my lord, my story is of wondrous and my case a marvellous. Know that I belonged aforetime to a Maghribi merchant, who bought me when I was three years old, and there were in his house many slave-girls and eunuchs, but I was the dearest to him of them all, so he kept me with him and used not to address me otherwise than, oh, daughterling. And indeed to this moment I am a clean maid. Now there was with him a damsel, a lutenist,

Starting point is 02:22:53 and she reared me and taught me the art, even as thou seest. Then was my master removed to the mercy of Allah Almighty, and his sons divided his monies. I fell to the lot of one of them, but t'was only a little while ere he had wasted all his wealth and there was left him not of coin. So I gave up the loot, fearing lest I should fall into the hand of a man who knew not my worth. For while I wot that needs must my master sell me. And indeed but a few days past year he carried me forth to the quarters of the slave merchant who buyeth damsels and displayeth them to the commander of the faithful. Now I desired to learn the art and mystery, so I have refused to be sold to other than thou, until Allah extolled and exalted be he. Vouch saved me my desire of thy presence, whereupon I came out to

Starting point is 02:23:38 thee as soon as I heard of thy coming, and besought thee to buy me. Thou heartenedest my heart and bodest me, and since I entered thy house, O my lord, I have not taken up the loot till now. But today, when I was left private by the slave-girls, I took it, and my purpose in this was that I might see if my hand were changed or not. As I was singing, I heard a footfall in the vestibule, so springing up, I laid the loot from my hand and going forth to see what was to do, found thee, O my lord, after this fashion. Quoth Ishuk, indeed, this was of thy fair fortune. By Allah, I know not that which thou knowest in this art. Then he arose, and opening a chest, brought out there from striped clothes, netted with jewels and great pearls and other costly gems, and said to her,

Starting point is 02:24:22 In the name of Allah, donned these, O my lady Tofa. So she arose and donned that dress, unveiled herself, and went up with Ishak to the palace of the caliphate, where he made her stand without, whilst he himself went into the prince of true believers, with whom was Jafar the Barmakhi, and kissing the ground before him, said to him, O commander of the faithful, I have brought thee a damsel, never saw eyes of sear her like for excellence in singing and touching the lute, and her name is Tofa. Al-Rashid asked, And where be this Tofa, who hath not her like in the world? Answered Ishaq, yonder she standeth, O commander of the faithful, and he acquainted the

Starting point is 02:25:01 Caliph with her case from first to last. Then said Al-Rashid, tis a marvel to hear thee praise a slave-girl after this fashion. Admit her that we may look upon her, for verily the mourning may not be hidden. Accordingly, Ishok Bade admit her, so she entered, and when her eyes fell upon the prince of true believers, she kissed ground before him and said, The peace be upon thee, O commander of the faithful fold and Aslam of all who the true creed hold and quickener of justice in the world's threefold. Allah make thy feet tread on safest wise and give thee joy of what he gave thee in generous guise, and make thy harbourage, paradise and hellfire, that of thine enemies. Quoth all reshish,

Starting point is 02:25:42 and on thee be the peace, O damsel, sit. So she sat down and he bade her sink, whereupon she took the lute and tightening its strings, played thereon in many modes, so that the prince of true believers and Jafar were confounded in sprite and liked to fly for delight. Then she returned to the first mode and improvised to these couplets. O mine eyes, I swear by him I adore,

Starting point is 02:26:04 whom pilgrims seek thronging arafat. On thou call my name on the graves of me, I'll reply to thy call, though my bones go, wrought. I crave none for friend of my heart save thee. So believe me, for true are the well-begot. End of section number 18. Section number 19 of the Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12. 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 in a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 19, The Tale of the Damsel Tofat

Starting point is 02:27:00 Al-Kalub and the Caliph Harun Al-Rashid, part two. El-Rashid considered her comeliness and the goodliness of her singing and her eloquence and what other qualities she comprised and rejoiced with joy exceeding. And for the stress of that which overcame him of delight, he descended from the couch and sitting down with her upon the floor, said to her, thou hast done well, O Tofa, by Allah, thou art indeed a choice gift, 155. Again, the usual pun upon the name. Then he turned to Ishaq and said to him, thou dealtest not justly, O Ishaq, in the description of this damsel, nor didst thou fairly set forth all that she comprised of charms and art. For that, by Allah, she is inconceivably more skilful than thou, and I know of this craft that which none knoweth say by.

Starting point is 02:27:59 Exclaimed the wazir, Ja'afar. By Allah, thou say it sooth, O my lord, O commander of the faithful. Indeed, she hath done away my wit, hath this damsel. Quoth Ishaq, by Allah, O prince of true believers. I had said that there was not on the face of the earth, one who knew the art of the lute like myself, but when I heard her, my skill became nothing worth in mine eyes. Then said the caliph to her, repeat thy playing, O Tofar. So she repeated it, and he cried to her, Well done. Moreover, he said to Ishak, thou hast indeed brought me a marvelous thing, one which is worth in mine eyes the empire of the world. Then he turned to Masr, the eunuch, and said to him, Carri Tofa to the Chamber of Honor. Accordingly, she went away with the Castrato, and the Caliph looked at

Starting point is 02:28:57 her raiment and ornaments, and seeing her clad in clothing of choice, asked Ishak. Oh, Ishaq, whence hath she these robes? Answered he, O my lord, these are somewhat of thy bounties and thy largesse, and they are a gift to her from me. By Allah, O commander of the faithful, the world, all of it, were little in comparison with her. When the caliph turned to the wazir Jhaafar and said to him, Give Ishak 50,000 dirhams and a robe of honor of the choicest apparel, hearing and obeying, replied Ja'afar, and gifted him with that which the caliph ordered him.

Starting point is 02:29:40 As for Al Rashid, he was private with Tofah that night and found her a pure virgin and rejoiced in her. And she took high rank in his heart so that he could not suffer her absence a single hour and committed to her the keys of the affairs of the realm, for that which he saw in her of good breeding and fine wit and little will. He also gave her 50 slave girls and 200,000 dinars and a quantity of raiment and ornaments, gems and jewels worth the kingdom of Egypt. And of the excess of his love for her, he would not entrust her to any of the handmaids or eunuchs,

Starting point is 02:30:18 but whenever he went out from her, he locked the door upon her and took the key with him, against he should return to her, forbidding the damsels to go into her, of his fear lest they should slay her or poison her or practice on her with the knife, and in this way he abode a while. One day, as she sang before the,

Starting point is 02:30:38 commander of the faithful, he was delighted with exceeding delight, so that he offered to kiss her hand. 156. Throughout the east, this is the action of a servant or slave, practiced by freemen only when in danger of life or extreme need, and therefore humiliating. But she drew it away from him, and smote upon her loot and broke it and wept. Al Rashid wiped away her tears and said, O, desire of my heart, what is it, maketh thee weep? May Allah not cause an eye of thine to shed tears? Said she, O, my lord, what am I that thou should kiss my hand? Will thou have Allah punish me for this, and my term come to an end, and my felicity pass away? For this is what none ever attained unto. He rejoined, well said, O Tofa, know that thy rank in my esteem is high,

Starting point is 02:31:35 and for that which delighted me of what I saw in thee, I offered to do this, but I will not return unto the like thereof. So be of good cheer with eyes cool and clear, for I have no desire to other than thyself, and will not die but in the love of thee, and thou to me art queen this day, to the exclusion of all humankind. Therewith she felt a kissing his feet, and this her fashion pleased him so that his love for her redoubled, and he became unable to brook severance from her a single hour. Now, Al-Rashid one day went forth to the chase and left Tofa in her pavilion, as she sat perusing a book with a candle branch of gold before her,

Starting point is 02:32:20 wherein was a perfumed candle. Behold, a musk apple fell down before her from the top of the saloon. 1.57. It had been thrown down from the Mamrack, or small dome, built over such pavilions, for the purpose of light by day and ventilation by night. See volume I, 257, where it is called by the Persian term, Beidhaanj. So she looked up and beheld the lady Zubeda Bint el-Kassim, 158.

Starting point is 02:32:53 The knights of more than once applied this patronymic to Zubeda. See, volume 8, 56, 158. Oh, my lady, were I not of the number of the new? 159. Arabic, mutahatisen equals novi hominess. Upstarts. I had daily sought thy service, so do not thou bereave me of those noble steps. 160, i.e. thine auspicious visits.

Starting point is 02:33:28 The lady Zubeda called down blessings upon her and replied, i knew this of thee and by the life of the commander of the faithful but that it was not of my want to go forth of my place i had come out to do my service to thee then quoth she to her know o tophar that the commander of the faithful have deserted all his concubines and favourites on thine account even myself hath he abandoned on this wise and i am not content to be as one of the mistresses yet hath he made me of them and forsaken me and i have sought thee so thou mayest beseech him to come to me though it be but once a month, in order that I may not be the like of the handmaids and concubines, nor take rank with the slave-girls, and this is my need of thee. Answered to her, harkening in obedience, by Allah, O my lady, I would that he might be with thee a whole month, and with me but one night, so that thy heart might be heartened, for that I am one of thy handmaids,

Starting point is 02:34:34 and thou in every case art my lady. The princess Zubeda thanked her for this, and taking leave of her, returned to her palace. When the Caliph came back from the chase, and course, he betook himself to Tofah's pavilion, and bringing out the key, opened the lock, and went into her. She rose to receive him, and kissed his hand, and he gathered her to his breast, and seated her on his knee, 161, he being seated on the carpet at the time. Then food was brought to them, and they ate and washed their hands, after which she took the l. Roshid was moved to sleep. When aware of this, she ceased singing, and told him her adventure with the lady Zubeda, saying, Oh, Prince of true believers, I would have thee favor me with a favor, and hearten my heart, and accept my intercession, and reject not my supplication, but fare thee forthright to the lady Zubeda. Now, this Togbe fell after he had stripped himself naked, and she also had doffed her dress, and he said,

Starting point is 02:35:41 Thou shouldst have named this air we stripped ourselves naked, I and thou. But she answered, saying, Oh, Commander of the Faithful, I did this not accept in accordance with the saying of the poet in these couplets. Of all intercession can none succeed, save what so Tofa bin Tmint Marjan sued. No intercessor who comes unveiled, she sues the best who sues mother nude. 162. Parentheses. A quotation from Al-Farazdat, who had quarreled with his wife, Al-Hawar. See the tale in Ibn Caliqan, 1, 521.

Starting point is 02:36:22 Hence, quote, the naked intercessor, unquote, became proverbial for one who cannot be withstood. When Al-Rashid heard this, her speech pleased him, and he strained. her to his bosom. Then he went forth from her and locked the door upon her as before, whereupon she took the book and sat perusing it a while. Presently, she set it aside and taking the lute, tightened its strings and smote thereon, after a wondrous fashion, such as would have moved inanimate things to dance, and fell to singing marvelous melodies, and chanting these couplets. Cease for change to wail, the world blames who rail, bear patient its shafts that for I prevail. How often a joy grief garved thou shalt hail, how oft-gladding bliss shall appear

Starting point is 02:37:12 amid bail. Then she turned and saw within the chamber an old man, handsome in his horiness and stately of semblance, who was dancing and goodly and winning wise, a dance who's like non-might dance. So she sought refuge with Allah Almighty from Satan the stoned and said, I will not give over what I am About, for whatso the Lord willeth, he fulfilleth. Accordingly, she went on singing till the Sheikh came up to her and kissed ground before her saying, Well done, O Highmost of the East and the West. May the world be not bereaved of thee. By Allah, indeed, thou art perfect of manners and morals. O Tofat al-Soudou!

Starting point is 02:37:57 163 Parentheses, i.e. choice gift of the breasts. the continents for the contentum. Parentheses. Dost thou know me? cried she. Ne, by Allah, but me thinks thou art of the Jan. Quoth he,

Starting point is 02:38:16 Thou say es sooth, I am Abu al-Tawaiif, Iblis. 164. Parentheses, pronoun. Abu Ta-Waif, the father of the Jin tribes. It is one of the Muslim Satan's manifold names, alluding to the number of his servants and worshippers, so far agreeing with that amiable Christian doctrine, quote, few shall be saved, unquote, parentheses. And I come to thee every night, and with me thy sister, Kamariah, for that she loveth thee

Starting point is 02:38:49 and sweareth not but by thy life, and her pastime is not pleasant to her, except she come to thee, and see thee, whilst thou seest her not. As for me, I approach thee upon an efferves, whereby thou shalt gain and rise to high rank with the kings of the Jan and rule them, even as thou rulest mankind, and to that end I would have thee come with me and be present at the festival of my daughter's wedding and the circumcision of my son, 165. Parentheses, Mr. Payne supplies this last clause from the sequence, parentheses, for that the Jan or agreed upon the manifestation of thy command. And she answered,

Starting point is 02:39:36 Bishmalah, in the name of the Lord, 166. Parentheses, i.e., quote, let us go, unquote, with a euphemistic formula to defend her from evil influences. Eblis uses the same word to prevent her being frightened, parentheses. So she gave him the loot, and he forewent her. till he came to the Chapel of Ease, 167. Parantheses, Arabic. Al-Muhastara, a favorite haunting place of the Jin,

Starting point is 02:40:09 like for Hamam and other offices for human impurity. For its six names, Al-Kala, Al-Hushush, Al-Mutawazah, Al-Khanif, Al-Mustara, and Mirhaz. See El-Masuri, Chapter 113. and Shidi-she's commentary to Hararese 47

Starting point is 02:40:34 Assembly and behold therein was a door and a stairway when Tofa saw this her reason fled but Iblis cheered her with chat Then he descended the steps

Starting point is 02:40:49 and she followed him to the bottom of the stair where she found a passage and they fared on therein till they came to a horse standing ready saddles and bridled and accoutred. Quoth Iblis, bishmalah, oh my lady Toffa, and he held the stirrup for her. So she mounted, and the horse heaved like a wave under her, and putting forth wings soared upward with her,

Starting point is 02:41:13 while the shake flew by her side, whereat she was affrighted, and clung to the pommel of the saddle. 168. Parentheses, which, in the east, is high and prominent, whilst the cantle forms a back to the seat and the righter, sits as in a baby's chair. The object is a firm seat when fighting, quote, across country, unquote, it is exceedingly dangerous, parentheses. Nor was it but an hour ere they came to a fair green meadow, fresh-flowered as if the soil thereof were a fine robe, per fled with all manner

Starting point is 02:41:48 bright hues. A middlemost, that mead was a palace towering high in the air with crannels of red gold, set with pearls and gems and a two-leaf door, and about the gateway were much people of the chiefs of the Jan, clad in costliest clothing. When they saw the shake, they all cried out, saying, The Lady Tofa is come! And as soon as she reached the palace gate, they pressed forward in a body, and dismounting her from the horse's back, carried her into the palace, and fell to kissing her hands. when she entered she beheld a palace whereof seers ne'er saw the like for therein were four halls one facing other and its walls were of gold and its ceilings of silver it was high-builded of base wide of space and those who described it would be posed to describe it at the upper end of the hall stood a throne of red gold set with pearls and jewels up to which led five steps of silver and And on its right and on its left were many chairs of gold and silver.

Starting point is 02:42:58 Quoth Tofa, the sheikh led me to the astrad and seated me on a chair of gold beside the throne, and over the dais was a curtain let down, gold and silver wrought and broidered with pearls and jewels. And she was amazed that which she beheld in that place, and magnified her lord. extolled and exalted be he and hollowed him. Then the kings of the Jan came up to that throne and seated themselves thereon and they were in the semblance of Adam's sons, accepting two of them, who appeared in the form and aspect of the Jan, each with one eye slit and long and jutting horns and projecting tusks. 169. In Swedenborg's Arcana Celestia, we read, quote, When man's inner sight is opened, which is that of his spirit, then there appear the things of another life which cannot be made visible to the bodily sight, unquote.

Starting point is 02:43:57 Also, quote, evil spirits, when seen by eyes other than those of their infernal associates, present themselves by correspondence in the beast, Farah, which represents their particular lust in life, in aspect direful and atrocious, unquote. These are the Jinns of Northern Europe. After this, there came up a young lady, fair of favor and seemly of stature. The light of whose face outshone that of the waxen flambeau, and about her were other three women, than whom non-farer abode on face of earth. They saluted Tofa with the salam,

Starting point is 02:44:37 and she rose to them and kissed ground before them, whereupon they embraced her after returning her greeting. 170. Parentheses. This exchange of salams was a sign of her being in safety. Parantheses. And sat down on the chairs, Afr said. Now, the four women who thus accosted Tofa were the princess Kamariah,

Starting point is 02:44:59 daughter of King Al-Sishpan, and her sisters, and Kamaraya loved Tofa with exceeding love. So, when she came up to her, she felt a kissing and embracing her, and shakey bleas cried, Fair, before the Akulad, take me between you. At this, Tofa laughed, and Kamarayas said, Oh, my sister, I love thee, and doubtless hearts have their witnesses. 171.

Starting point is 02:45:29 Parantheses, Arabic, Shah Wahid, meaning that heart testifies to heart, parenthesis. For, since I saw thee, I have loved thee, replied Tofa. By Allah, hearts have sea-like deeps, and thou, by Allah, art dear to me, and I am thy handmaid. Camaraya thanked her for this, and kissing her once more, said, These be the wives of the king of the Jan. greet them with the salam. This is Queen Jamra, 172, parentheses, i.e. A live coal afterwards called Zalzala, an earthquake, sea post, page 105.

Starting point is 02:46:14 Wakhimah equals an unhealthy land and Sharera equals a spark, parentheses. That is Queen Wahima, and this other is Queen Sharera, and they come not but for thee. So Tofa rose to her feet and bust their hands, and the three queens kissed her and welcomed her and honored her with the utmost honor. Then they brought trays and tables, and amongst the rest a platter of red gold inlaid with pearls and gems. Its raised rims were of ore and emerald, and thereupon were graven 173. I need hardly note the inscriptions upon the metal tray sold to Europeans. They are usually imitation words so that the infidel eyes may not look upon the formulae of prayer, and the same as the case with tablecloths, etc. showing a fancy togra or sultanic sign

Starting point is 02:47:11 manual. Parentheses. These couplets. To bear Provant assigned by hands noble designed, for the generous I made, not for a niggardly hind. So eat safe all I hold and praise God of mankind. After reading the verses, they ate, and Tofa looked at the two kings who had not changed shape, and said to Camariah, Oh, my lady, what be this feral and that like unto him? By Allah, mine I may not suffer the sight of them. Camaraya laughed and answered, Oh, my sister, that is my sire, Al-Sishpahn, and the other is Haid memon the sworder. And of the arrogance of their souls and their insolence, they consented not to change their created shapes. Indeed, all whom thou seest here are nature fashioned like them, but on thine account, they have changed favor, for fear lest thou be disquieted, and for the comforting of

Starting point is 02:48:09 thy mind, so thou mightest become familiar with them, and be at thy knees. Quoth Tofa, oh, my lady, verily, I cannot look at them. How frightful is this Maimon, with his monocular face! Mine eye cannot brook the sight of him, and indeed I am in a fright of him. Comeraya laughed at her speech, and Tofa continued, By Allah, oh my lady, I cannot fill my eye with the twain. 174. Parentheses, i.e. I cannot look at them for long. Parentheses.

Starting point is 02:48:44 Then cried her father, our shishpan, to her. What be this laughing? So she bespoke him in a tongue, none understood, but they too, and acquainted him with that which Tofa had said, whereat he laughed a prodigious loud laugh, and it were the roaring thunder. Presently they ate, and the tables were removed. moved, and they washed their hands, after which Iblis the accursed came up to Tofa and said to her,

Starting point is 02:49:10 Oh, my lady, thou gladness the place and enlightenest and embellishest it with thy presence. But now, fain would these kings hear somewhat of thy singing, for knight hath to spread her opinions for departure, and there abideth of it but a little. Quote she, hearing and obeying, so she took the lute and touching its strings with rare touch played thereon after wondrous wise so that it seemed to those who were present as if the palace surged like a wave with them for the music then she began singing and chanting these couplets folk of my faith and oath peace be with you quoth ye not i shall meet you you meet me i'll chide you softer wise than breeze o morn sweeter than spring of coolest clarity. I, faith, mine eyelids, are with tears chafed sore, my vitals plain to you some cure to see. My friends, our union to disunion changed, was I, my fear, for twas my certainty. Our plain to Allah of all ills I bore, for pine and yearning, misery, still I dream. The kings of the John were moved to delight by that sweet singing and seemly speech,

Starting point is 02:50:30 and thanked Tofa therefore. And Queen Camaraya rose to her and threw her arms round her neck and kissed her between the eyes, saying, By Allah, tis good, O my sister, and cooleth of mine eyes and core of my heart. Then said she, I conjure thee by Allah, give us more of this lovely singing. And Tofa answered with, To hear is to obey. So she took the lute, and playing thereon in a mode different from the former fashion, sang these couplets.

Starting point is 02:51:02 I, oft as ever grows the pine of me, console my soul with hope, Thy sight to see, Happily shall Allah join our parted lives, In as my fortunes, far from thee cast he. Then, O, who thrallest me by force of love, Seized by fond affection's mastery, All hardship easy wax,

Starting point is 02:51:26 When thou art nigh, and all the far draws near when near thou be. Ah, be the ruthless light to lover fond, Love-lorn, frame wasted, ready, death to dream. Were hope of seeing thee cut off, my loved, After thine absence, sleep mine eyes would flee. I mourn no worldly joyance, my delight, Is but to sight thee while thou seest my sight.

Starting point is 02:51:57 At this, the accursed Iblis was hugely pleased and thrust his finger up his fundament. 175. Parentheses. Evidently, a diabolical way of clapping his hands and applauds. This description of the foul fiend has an element of grotesqueness which is rather Christian than Moslem. Parentheses. Whilst Maimon danced and said, O to fat al-sudur, soften the sound.

Starting point is 02:52:27 176. Parantheses, Arabic. Riki al-sot, which may also mean either, quote, lower thy voice, quote, or, quote, change the air to one less touching, unquote. Parentheses. For, as pleasure entereth into my heart, it arrestest my breath and blood. So, she took the lute, and altering the tune, played a third air. Then she returned to the first and sang these couplets. The waves of your love or my life have rolled. I sink while I see you all aid withhold. You have drowned my vitals in deeps of your love, nor can heart and sprite for your loss be consoled.

Starting point is 02:53:12 Deem not I forget my troth after you. How forget what Allah decreed of old. Love clings to the lover who nights in grief, and planes of unrest and of woes and sold. 177. Your for thy. 178, parentheses, i.e., written on the, quote, guarded tablet, unquote, from all eternity. End of section 19.

Starting point is 02:53:47 recording by Trish Rutter, San Diego, Trish at audibleimpact.org. Section 20 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibovox.org. of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 20 The tale of the damsel Tofat al-Kalubb and the Khalif Harun al-Rashid part three.

Starting point is 02:54:45 The kings and all those who were present rejoiced in this with joy exceeding, and the accursed Iblis came up to Tofa, and kissing her hand, said to her, Verily there abideth but little of the night. So tarry with us till the morrow, when we will apply ourselves to the wedding and the circumcision. Then all the Jan went away, whereupon Tofa rose to her feet, and Diblas said, Go ye up with Tofa to the garden for the rest of the night. So Kamaraya took her and went with her into the garden, which contained all manner birds, nightingale and mockingbird, and ring-dove and curlew, and other than these of all the kinds. Therein were all manner of fruits, its channels were of gold and silver, and the water thereof as it broke forth of its conduits was like the bellies of fleeing serpents, and indeed it was, as it were, the garden of Eden.

Starting point is 02:55:56 When Tofa beheld this, she called to mind her lord, and wept sore, and said, i beseech allah the most high to vouchsafe me speedy deliverance and return to my palace and to my high estate and queendom and glory and reunion with my lord and master al-rashid then she walked about that garden and saw in its midst a dome of white marble raised on columns of black teak where to hung curtains purfold with pearls and gems and gems and gems A middlemost this pavilion was a fountain inlaid with all kinds of Jacinths, and thereon a golden statue of a man, and beside it a little door. She opened the door and found herself in a long corridor, so she followed it and entered a hamam bath walled with all kinds of costly marbles and floored with a mosaic of pearls and jewels. Therein were four cisterns of alabaster, one facing other, and the ceiling of the bath was of glass, colored with all varieties of colors, such as confounded the understanding of those who have insight and amaze the wit of every white. Tofa entered the bath, after she adduffed her dress,

Starting point is 02:57:23 and behold, the Hammam basin was overlaid with gold, set with pearls, and red ballasses and green emeralds and other jewels. So she extolled Allah Almighty and hallowed him for the magnificence of that which she saw of the appointments of that bath. Then she made her woo-zoo ablution in that basin and pronouncing the prohibition, prayed the dawn prayer, and what else had escaped her of horizons, after which she went out and walked in that garden among jessamine and lavender and roses and camomile and gilly flowers and thyme and violets and basil royal till she came to the door of the pavilion of forest said there she sat down pondering that which would betide al-rashid after her when he should come to her apartment and find her not and she plunged into the sea of her solicitude till slumber overtook her and soon she slept presently she felt a breath of upon her face, whereupon she awoke and found Queen Kama raya, kissing her, and with her three

Starting point is 02:58:36 sisters, Queen Jarmra, Queen Huakima, and Queen Shurara. So she arose and kissed their hands, and rejoiced in them with the utmost joy, and they ceased not she and they to talk and conversed, but while she related to them her history from the time of her purchase by the Magarabi to that of her coming to the quarters of her. of the slave dealer, where she was sought Ishak al-Dadeem to buy her until she won union with al-Rashid till the moment when Iblis came to her and brought her to them. They gave not overtaking till the sun declined and yelled, and the hour of its setting drew near and the day departed, whereupon Tofa was urgent in supplication to Allah Almighty on the

Starting point is 02:59:26 occasion of the sundown prayer that he would reunite her with her Lord Al Rashid. After this she abode with the four queens till they arose and entered the palace, where she found the wax and tapers lit and ranged in candlesticks of gold and silver, and sensing vessels of silver gold filled with line, allows, and abner grits, and there were the kings of the Jan sitting, so she saluted them with the salam, kissing the earth, before them and doing them service, and they rejoiced in her and in her sight. Then she ascended the astrayed and sat down upon her chair, whilst King Al Shispon and King al-Muse-Fir and Queen Lulua and other kings of the Jan sat on chairs, and they brought

Starting point is 03:00:16 choice tables spread with all manner meats, befitting royalties. They ate their fill, after which the tables were removed, and they washed their hands and wiped them with napkins. Then they brought the wine service and set on tasses And cups and flagons and beakers of golden Silver and bowls of crystal and gold And they poured out the wines and they filled the flagons The niblis took the bowl and signed to Tofah To sing and she said to hear is to obey

Starting point is 03:00:45 So she hath the lute in hand And tuning it sang these couplets Drink wine O ye lovers I read you all way And praise his worth who loves night and day, mid the myrtle narcissus and lamander, and the scented herbs that bedeck the tray. So Iblest the damnned drank and said, Brava, O desire of hearts, but thou o'est me still another aria, then he filled the cup and signed to her to sing,

Starting point is 03:01:14 quoth she, hearkening, and obedience, and chant of these couplets. Ye what, I'm wellbed in despair, and despite ye, dight me, blight, that delights your sight, your woan is between my unrest and my eyes nor tears to melt you nor sighs have might how oft shall i sue you for justice and you with a pining death my dear love requite but your harshness is duty your farness near your hate is union your wrath is delight like your fill of reproach as you will you claim all my heart and i reck not of safety or blame all present were delighted and the sitting-chamber was moved like your fill of reproach as you will you claim all my heart and i reck not of safety or blame all present were delighted and the sitting-chamber was moved like like a wave with mirth and ibus said brave tovot all seduer then they left not liquor bibbing and rejoicing and making merry and tambourining and piping till the night waned and the dawned wax near and indeed exceeding delight entered into them the most of them in mirth was the sheikh iblis and for the stress of that which befell him of joyance he doffed all that was on him of coloured clothes and cast them over tophah and among the rest robe brooded with jewels and jacinths worth ten thousand dinars then he kissed the earth and danced and he thrust his finger up his fundament and handing his beard and hands said to her sing about this beard and endeavour after mirth and pleasance and no blame shall betide thee for this so she improvised and sang these couplets bar above the golden the one-eyed goat what words shall thy foulness of deed denote be not of our praise so pompous proud thy worth for it

Starting point is 03:02:56 t'-tails dogs i wot by allah to-morrow shall see medrob thy nape with a cowhide and dust thy coat all those present laughed at her mockery of iblis and wondered at the wittiness of her viznami and her readiness and versifying whilst the sheik himself rejoiced and said to her o tophat al seduer barely the night be gone so arise and rest thyselfare the day and to-morrow there shall be naught save weel then all the kings of the jinn departed together with those who were present of guards and tophah abode alone pondering the case about rashid and bethinking her of how it went with him after her going and of what had betided him for her loss till the dawn lightened when she arose and walked about the palace suddenly she saw a handsome door so she opened it and found herself in a flower-garden finer than the first ne'er saw eyes of sear a fairer than it. When she beheld this garth, she was moved to delight, and she called to mind her lord, Al-Rashid, and wept with sore weeping, and cried, I crave of the bounty of Allah, almighty, that my return to him and to my palace and to my home may be nearer hand, then she walked about the partiers, till she came to a pavilion, high-builded of base, and wide of space, never espied mortal nor heard of a grander than it. So she entered and found herself in a large,

Starting point is 03:04:26 long corridor which led to a hamam gurdlier than that aforetime described and its cisterns were full of rose-water mingled with musk quoth tophah extolled be allah indeed this is none other than a mighty great king then she pulled off her clothes and washed her body and made her goosele ablution of the whole person and prayed that which was due from her of prayer from the evening of the previous day when the sun rose upon the the gate of the garden, and she saw the wonders thereof, with that which was therein, of all manner, blooms and streams, and heard the voices of its birds. She marvelled at what she beheld of the rareness of its ordinance, and the beauty of its disposition, and sat musing over the case of Al Rashid, and pondering what was come of him after her. Her tears coursed down her cheeks, and the zephyr blew on her, so she slept anew no more, till she suddenly felt a breath on her, side face, whereat she awoke in a fright and found Queen Ka Mariah, kissing her, and she was

Starting point is 03:05:33 accompanied by her sisters who said, Rise for the sun has set. So Tofa arose and making the wuzoo ablution, prayed her due of prayers, and accompanied the four queens to the palace, where she saw the wax candles lighted and the kings sitting. She saluted them with the salam and seated herself upon her couch, and beaul king al-Shisbon. had shifted his semblance for all the pride of his soul. Then came up iblis whom Allah damn, and Tofa rose to him and kissed his hands. He also kissed her hand and blessed her,

Starting point is 03:06:10 and asked how deemest thou, is not this place pleasant for all its deserateness and desolation, answered she, none may be desolate in this place, and he cried, know that this is a sight whose soil, no mortal dare tread, but she rejoined, I've dared and trodent it, this is one of thy many favors then they brought tables and dishes and vines and fruits and sweetmeats and other matters whose description passed the powers of mortal man and they ate their sufficiency after which the tables were removed and the dessert trays and platters set on and they ranged the bottles and flagons and vessels and files together with all manner of fruits and sweet-scented flowers the first who raised the bowl was iblis the accursed who said o to-fat al-sadur sing over my cup so she

Starting point is 03:06:57 took the lute and touching it caroled these couplets wake ye ho's sleepersall and take your joy of time and boons he deignaned to bestow then hail the wine bride drain the wine bidsane which poured from flaggant flows with flaming glow o cup-boy serve the wine bring round the red whose draughts all we hope for here below what's worldly pleasure save my lady's face drafts of pure wine and song of musico so iblis drained his bowl and when he had made an end of his draught waved his hand to tophah then throwing off that which was upon him of clothes delivered them to her the suit would have brought ten thousand dinars and with it was a trayful of jewels worth of mint of money presently he filled again and gave the cup to his son al shishbon who took it from his hand in kissing it stood up and sat down again now there was before him a tray of roses so he said to her o tophah sing thou somewhat upon these roses she replied hearkening and obedience, enchanted these two couplets. It proves my price for all the flowers that I seek you each year,

Starting point is 03:08:07 yet stay but little stown, and I, my vaunt, I am dyed by my lord, whom Allah made the best air trot on ground. So Al Jusban drank off the cup in his turn and said, Brava, O desire of hearts, and he bestowed on her, that was upon him to wit a dress of cloth of pearl, fringed with great unions, and rubies and purr fled with precious gems and a tray wherein were fifty thousand dinars then maimun the sorter took the cup and began gazing intently upon tophah now there was in his hand a pomegranate flower and he said to her sing thou somewhat

Starting point is 03:08:43 o queen of mankind and gin kind upon this pomegranate flower for indeed thou hast dominion over all hearts quoth she to hear is to obey and she improvised and sang these couplets breeze sweet the zephyr on fair partair robing lute in the flamings that fell from air and moaned from the boughs with its cooling rhyme voice of ring-doves planing their love and care the branch dresses in suit of fine sandal green and in rind hues barred from bloom gulnre maimun the sorter drained his bowl and said to her brava o perfection of qualities then he signed to her and was absent a while after which he returned and with him a tray of jewels worth an hundred thousand ducats which he gave to tophah with thereupon camerraya arose and bade her slave-girl open the closet behind the songstress wherein she laid all that well and committed the key to her saying whatso of riches cometh to thee lay thou in this closet that is by thy side and after the festivities it shall be borne to thy palace on the heads of the gin tofog kissed her hand and another king by name munir took the bowl and filling it said to her o fairly fair sing to me over my bowl somewhat upon the jasmine she replied with hearkening and obedience and improvised these couplets twir as though the jasmine when self she in robes on her bows death displayed to my wondering in sky a green barrel which beauty enclose star-groups like studs of the silver mine munir drank off his cup and ordered her eight hundred thousand dinars whereat kamaraya rejoiced and rising to her feet kissed tophah on her face and said to her be the world never bereaved of thee of thou who lordest it over the hearts of gin kind and mankind then she returned to her place and the sheik iblis arose and danced till all present were confounded

Starting point is 03:10:46 after which the songstress said barely thou embellishest my festivities o thou who commandest men and gin and rejoicest their hearts with thy loveliness and the beauty of thy faithfulness to thy lord all that the hands possess shall be borne to thee in thy palace and place to thy service but now the dawn is near hand so do thou rise and rest thee according to thy custom tophah turned and found with her none of the gin she laid her head on the floor, and slept though she had gotten her repose, after which she arose and betaking herself to the lakelet, made the wuzoo ablution, and prayed. Then she sat beside the water a while, and meditated the matter of her lord Al-Rashid, and that which had betided him after her loss, and wept with sore weeping. Presently she heard a blowing behind her, and so she turned, and behold, a head without a body, and with eyes slit and long. It was of the bigness of an elephant's skull, and bigger, and head and mouth, as it were, an oven,

Starting point is 03:11:49 and projecting canines as they were, grapennels and hair, which trailed upon the ground. So Tofa cried, I take refuge with Allah from Satan the stone, and recited the two preventives that what while the head drew near her, and said, peace be with thee, O princess of gin, and men in eugen pearl of her age and her time, Allah continued thee on life, for all the lapsing of the days, and reunite thee with thy lord the imam. She replied, And upon thee be peace of thou Whose like I have not seen among the Jan?

Starting point is 03:12:21 Quoth the head, We are a folk who may not change their favors, And we are height, ghouls. Mortal summon us to their presence, But we cannot present ourselves before them without leave. As for me, I've gotten leave of the Sheikh Abu al-Tawath To appear before thee, And I desire of thy favor that thou sing me a song,

Starting point is 03:12:40 so i may go to thy palace and question its haunters concerning the plight of thy lord after thee and return to thee and now o tophat i'll so do that between thee and thy lord be a distance of fifty years journey for the bona fide traveller she rejoined indeed thou grievous me annant him between whom and me is fifty years journey but the head cried to her be of good cheer and of eyes cool and clear for the sovereigns of the general restore thee to him in less than the twinkling of an eye quoth she are will sing thee an hundred songs so thou wilt bring me news of my lord and that which betided him after me and quoth ahead do thou favor me and sing me a song so i may go to thy lord and fetch the tidings of him for that i desire before i go to hear thy voice so happily my thirst may be quenched so she took the lute in tuning it sang these couplets they have marched yet no empty stead left they they are gone nor heart grieves me that fled be the my heart forebode the berevel of friends allah ne'er bereave steads wherefrom sped be they though they hid the stations where led were they i follow till stars fall in disarray ye slumber but wake shall ne'er fly these lids tis i bear what ye never bore well away it had irk them not to farewell who fares with the parting fires that my heart way lay my friends your meeting to me as much but more is the parting befell us twa ye're my heart's delight or you present be or absent with you is my soul for a thereupon the head wept exceeding sore and cried o my lady indeed thou hast solaced my heart and i have naught but my life so take it she replied nay and i but knew that thou would spring me news of my lord al-rashid twere fainer to me than the reign of the world

Starting point is 03:14:40 and the head answered her, it shall be done as thou desirest. Then it disappeared and returning to her at the last of the night, said, O my lady, know that I have been to thy palace, and have questioned one of its haunters, of the case of the command of the faithful, and that which befell him after thee, and he said when the prince of true believers came to Tofah's apartment, and found her not, and saw no sign of her, he buffeted his face and head, and rent his raiment. Now there was in thy chamber the castrival,

Starting point is 03:15:10 the chief of thy household and the caliph cried out at him saying bring me ja'er the barmakhi and his father and brother at this very moment the eunuch went out bewildered in his wit for fear of the king and when he stood in the presence of jaiphar he said to him come to the command of the faithful thou and thy father and thy brother so they arose in haste and betaking themselves to the presence said o prince of true believers what may be the matter quoth he there is a matter which passeth description know that i locked the door and taking the key with me but took myself to my uncle's daughter with whom i lay the night but when i rose in the morning and came and opened the door i found no sign of tophal quoth de'afar o commander of the faithful have patience for that the damsel hath been snatched away and needs must she return seeing that she took the lute with her and tis her own lute the gins have assuredly carried her off and we trust in allah almighty that she will return cried the caliph this is a thing which may no wise be and he abode in her apartment nor eating nor drinking while the barmecides besought him to fare forth to the folk and he wot but sought him to fare forth to the folk and he weepeth and tarieth on such fashion till she shall return this then is that which hath betided him after thee when tophah heard his words they were grievous to her and she wept with sore weeping whereupon quoth the head to her the relief of allah the most high is near hand but now let me hear somewhat of thy speech so she took the lute and sang three songs weeping the while the head exclaimed by allah thou hast been bountiful to me the lord be with thee then it disappeared and the season of sundown came so she rose and but took herself to her place in the hall whereupon behold the candles sprang up from under the earth and kindled themselves then the kings of the jan appeared and saluted her and kissed her hands and she greeted them

Starting point is 03:17:07 with the salam presently appeared camaria and her three sisters and saluted tofa and sat down whereupon the tables were brought and they ate and when the tables were removed there came the wine-tray and the drinking service so tophal and her three sisters and the table were removed there came the wine-tray and the drinking service so tophal took to loot and one of the three queens filled the cup and signed to the songstress now she had in her hand violet so tophah improvised these couplets i'm glad in a leaf cloak of green in an honor robe ultramarine i'm a wee thing of loveliest mien but all flowers as my vassals are seen and rose title her more in pride i ween nor before me nor after she's queen end of section twenty 21 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume 12. This is a Library Vox recording. All Library Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. Recording by Nicole

Starting point is 03:18:15 And by Devorah Allen. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 21. The tale of the damsel Toffat Al-Kulub and the Caliph Harun al-Rashid. The queen drank off her cup and bestowed on Tofa a dress of cloth of pearl, fringed with red rubies, worth twenty thousand ducats, and a tray whereon were ten thousand sequins. All this while, Maimon's eye was upon her,

Starting point is 03:18:49 and presently he said to her, Hark ye Tofa, sing to me! But Queen Zalzala cried out at him, and said, Desist, O Ma'amun, thou sufferest not Tofa to pay heed to us? Quoth he, I will have her sing to me, and many words passed between them, and Queen's Al-Zala cried aloud at him. Then she shook, and became like unto the gins, and taking in her hand a mace of stone, said to him, Bye upon thee, what art thou that thou shouldst bespeak us thus? By Allah, but for the respect due to kings and my fear of troubling the session and the festival

Starting point is 03:19:27 and the mind of the Sheikh Iblis, I would assuredly beat the folly out of thy head. When My moon heard these her words, he rose with the fire shooting from his eyes, and said, O daughter of Imlach, what art thou that thou shouldst outrage me with the like of this talk?

Starting point is 03:19:46 Replied she, woe to thee, O dog of the gin, knowest thou not thy place? So saying, she ran at him, and offered to strike him with the men, But the Sheikh Iblis arose, and casting his turbaned on the ground, cried, Out on thee, O my moon, thou dost always with us on this wise. Wheresoever thou art present, thou troublest our pleasure.

Starting point is 03:20:08 Canst thou not hold thy peace until thou go forth of the festival in this bride-feast be accomplished? When the circumcision is at an end, and ye all return to your dwellings, then do as thou willest. Fye upon thee, O my moon, wottest thou not, that Imlack is of the chiefs of the chiefs of But for my good name, thou shouldst have seen what would have betided thee of humiliation and chastisement. Yet on account of the festival none may speak. Indeed, thou exceedest. Does thou not ken that her sister, Wakima, is doubtier than any of the Jan? Learn to know thyself. Has thou no regard for thy life? So my moon was silent, and Iblis turned to Tofa, and said to her,

Starting point is 03:20:49 sing to the kings of the gins this day and to night until the morrow, when the boy will be circumcised and each shall return to his own place. Accordingly she took the lute, and Camarria said to her, Now she had a citron in hand, Oh, my sister, sing to me somewhat on this citron. Tofa replied, to hear as to obey, and improvising, sang these couplets. I'm a dome of fine gold and right cunningly dight,

Starting point is 03:21:17 and my sweetness of youth gladdeth every sight. My wine is ever the drink of kings, and I'm fittest gift to the friendliest sprite. At this, Queen Camarria rejoiced with joy exceeding, and drained her cup, crying, Bravo, O thou choice gift of hearts. Furthermore, she took off a sleeved robe of blue brocade, fringed with red rubies,

Starting point is 03:21:41 and a necklace of white jewels worth an hundred thousand ducats, and gave them topha. Then she passed the cup to her sister Zalzala, who hent in her hand herb basil, and she said to Tofa, sing to me somewhat on this basil. She replied, hearing and obeying, and improvised in saying these couplets. I'm the queen of herbs in the seance of wine, and in heaven Naim are my name and sign, and the best are promised in Garth of Kooled, repose sweet scents and the peace divine. What prizes then with my price shall vie?

Starting point is 03:22:18 What rank even mine in all mortals ein?' Thereat, Queen Zalzala rejoiced with joy exceeding, and bidding her treasurer's bring a basket, wherein were fifty pairs of bracelets and the same number of earrings, all of gold, crusted with jewels of price, whose like nor mankind nor gin kind possessed, and an hundred robes of very-colored brocades, and an hundred thousand ducats,

Starting point is 03:22:44 gave the hole to Tofa. Then she passed the cup to her sister, Shirara, who had in her hand a stalk of narcissus. So she took it from her, and turning to the songstress, said to her, O Tofa, sing to me somewhat on this. She replied, hearkening and obedience, and improvised these couplets. With the smar-aged wand doth my form compare, mid the finest flowers my worth's rarest rare, my eyes are likened to beauty's e'en, and my gaze is still on the bright parterre. When she had made an end of her song, Shurara was moved to delight exceeding, and drinking off her cup said to her, Brava, O thou choice gift of hearts.

Starting point is 03:23:29 Then she ordered her a hundred dresses of brocade and an hundred thousand ducats, and passed the cup to Queen Wakima. Now she had in her hand somewhat of Newman's bloom, the anemone, So she took the cup from her sister, and turning to the songstress, said to her, O Tofa, sing to me on this. Quoth she, I hear and I obey, and improvise these couplets. Ima die was dyed by the ruthless might, and all confess me the goodliest sight. I began in the dust and the clay, but now, on the cheeks of fair women I rank by right. Therewith, Wakima rejoiced with joy exceeding, and drinking off the cup,

Starting point is 03:24:11 ordered her twenty dresses of Romie brocade and a tray, wherein were thirty thousand ducats. Then she gave the cup to Queen Shu'a, regent of the Fourth Sea, who took it and said, Oh, my lady Tofa, sing to me on the gilly flower. She replied, hearing and obeying, and improvised these couplets. The time of my presence ne'er draws to a close, amid all whose joyance with mirth overflows, When Topers gather to sit at wine, Or in nightly shade, or when morning shows, I filch from the flagon to fill the bowls,

Starting point is 03:24:48 And the crystal cup where the wine beam glows. Queen Chihuahua'a rejoiced with joy exceeding, And emptying her cup, gave Tofa an hundred thousand ducats. Then upspring Iblis, whom Allah curse, And cried, Verily, the dawn lighteneth, Whereupon the folk arose and disappeared all of them, and their abode not one of them save the songstress, who went forth to the garden,

Starting point is 03:25:13 and entering the Haman, made her wuzu ablutions, and prayed what so lacked her of prayers. Then she sat down, and when the sun rose, behold, there came up to her near a hundred thousand green birds, which filled the branches of the trees with their multitudes, and they warbled in various voices, whilst Tofa marvelled at their fashion. Suddenly appeared eunuchs, bearing a threan,

Starting point is 03:25:38 throne of gold, studded with pearls and gems and jacinths, both white and red, and having four steps of gold, together with many carpets of sandal and brocade, and coptic cloth of silk spriged with gold. And all these they spread in the center of the garden, and setting up the throne thereon, perfumed the place with virgin musk, nad, and ambergris. After that, there came a queen, never saw eyes a fairer than she, nor than her qualities. She was robed in rich raiment, broidered with pearls and gems, and on her head was a crown set with various kinds of unions and jewels. About her were five hundred slave-girls, high-bosomed maids, as they were moons, screening her right and left, and she among them like the moon on the night of its full, for that she was the most worthy of them in majesty and dignity.

Starting point is 03:26:30 She ceased not walking till she came to Tofa, whom she found gazing on her in amazement. And when the songstress saw her turn to her, she rose to her, standing on her feet, and saluted her and kissed ground between her hands. The queen rejoiced in her, and putting out her hand to her, drew her to herself, and seated her by her side on the couch. Whereupon the songstress kissed her hands, and the queen said to her, know O Tofa that all which thou treadest of these carpets Belongeth not to any of the gin who may never tread them without thy leave

Starting point is 03:27:06 For that I am the queen of them all, And the Sheikh Abu Altaweif Iblis sought my permission to hold festival And prayed me urgently to be present at the circumcision of his son. So I dispatched to him in might stead, A slave girl of my slave girls, namely Shua'a, queen of the fourth sea, who is vice-rein of my reign. When she was present at the wedding and saw thee and heard thy singing,

Starting point is 03:27:33 she sent to me, informing me of thee, and setting forth to me thy grace and amiability, and the beauty of thy breeding and thy courtesy. So I am come to thee, for that which I have heard of thy charms, and hereby I do thee a mighty great favour in the eyes of all the Jan. Thereupon Tofa arose and kissed the earth,

Starting point is 03:27:53 and the queen thanked her for this and bade her sit. so she sat down and the queen called for food when they brought a table of gold inlaid with pearls and jacinths and jewels and bearing kinds manifold of birds and viands of various hues and the queen said o tofa in the name of allah let us eat bread and salt together i and thou accordingly the songsters came forward and ate of those meats and found therein somewhat the like whereof she had never eaten no nor aught more delicious than it while the slave-girl stood around the table, as the white compasseth the black of the eye, and she sat conversing and laughing with the queen. Then said the lady, O my sister, a slave-girl told me of thee that thou saidst, How loathly is what yonder jinny my moon eateth. Tofa replied, By Allah, O my lady, I have not any eye that can look at him,

Starting point is 03:28:50 and indeed I am fearful of him. When the queen heard this, she laughed till she fell backwards. and said, Oh, my sister, by the might of the graving upon the seal-ring of Solomon, prophet of Allah, I am queen over all the Jan, and none dare so much as cast on thee a glance of the eye, whereat Tofa kissed her hand. Then the tables were removed, and the twain sat talking.

Starting point is 03:29:15 Presently up came the kings of the gin from every side, and kissed ground before the queen and stood in her service, and she thanked them for this, but moved not for one of them. Then appeared the Sheikh Abu Altawef Iblis, Allah curse him, and kissed the earth before her, saying, O my lady, may I not be bereft of these steps. She replied, O Sheikh Abu Altawaif, it behoveth thee to thank the bounty of the Lady Tofa, who was the cause of my coming. Rejoined he, thou sayest sooth, and kissed ground. Then the queen fared on towards the palace, and there arose and alighted upon the trees and hundred thousand birds of manifold hues.

Starting point is 03:29:58 The songstress asked, How many are these birds? And Queen Wakima answered her, No, O my sister, that this queen is height Queen al-Shaba, and that she is queen over all the Jan from east to west. These birds thou seest are of her host, and unless they appeared in this shape, earth would not be wide enough for them.

Starting point is 03:30:20 Indeed, they came forth with her, and are present with her presence at this circumcision. She will give thee after the measure of that which hath been given to thee from the first of the festival to the last thereof. And indeed she honoreth us all with her presence. Then the queen entered the palace and sat down on the couch of the circumcision at the upper end of the hall, whereupon Tofa took the lute, and pressing it to her breast,

Starting point is 03:30:46 touched its strings such wise that the wits of all present were bewildered, and Sheikh Iblis cried to her, O my lady Tofa, I conjure thee by the life of this noble queen, Sing for me and praise thyself and cross me not. Quoth she, To hear is to obey. Still but for thine adjuration I had not done this. Say me, doth any praise himself?

Starting point is 03:31:10 What manner thing is this? Then she improvised these couplets. In all fet's I'm choice gift to the minstrel race. folk attest my worth, rank, and my pride of place, while fame, merit, and praises with honour and grace. Her verses pleased the kings of the Jan, and they cried, By Allah thou sayest sooth. Then she rose to her feet,

Starting point is 03:31:36 hending lute in hand and played and sang, whilst the Jins and the Sheikh Abu Altauif danced. Presently the father of the tribes came up to her, busing her bosom, and gave her a Brahmani carbuncle he had taken from the hidden horde of Yavis bin Nhu, on whom be peace, and which was worth the reign of the world. Its light was as the sheen of the sun, and he said to her, take this and be equitable therewith to the people of the world. She kissed his hand and rejoiced in the jewel and said,

Starting point is 03:32:09 By Allah, this befiteth none save the commander of the faithful. Now Queen Al-Shaba laughed with delight at the dancing of Iblis, and she said to him, by Allah this is a goodly pavain. He thanked her for this and said to the songstress, O Tofa, there is not on earth's face a skillfuler than Ishak al-Nadim, but thou art more skillful than he. Indeed, I have been present with him many a time and have shown him his positions on the lute,

Starting point is 03:32:39 and there has betided me with him that which betided. Indeed, the story of my dealings with him is a long one, but this is no time to repeat it. For now I would show thee a shift on the lute, whereby thou shalt be exalted over all folk. Quoth she, Do what seemeth good to thee. So he took the lute, and played thereon a wondrous playing, with rare divisions and marvellous modulations, and showed her a passage she knew not,

Starting point is 03:33:07 and this was goodlier to her than all that she had gotten. Then she took the lute from him, and playing thereon, sang and presently returned to the passage which he had shown her, and he said, Thy Allah thou singest better than I. As for Tofa, it became manifest to her that her former practice was all of it wrong,

Starting point is 03:33:27 and that what she had learned from the Sheikh Abu Alt-Hawaf Iblis was the root and foundation of all perfection in the art and its modes. So she rejoiced in that which she had won of skill in touching the loot, far more than in all that that had fallen to her lot of wealth and honor robes,

Starting point is 03:33:45 and kissed the master's hand. Then said Queen Al-Shaba, by Allah, O Sheikh, My sister Tofa is indeed singular among the folk of her time, And I hear that she singeth upon all sweet-smelling blooms. Iblis replied, Yes, O my lady, And I am in extremist wonderment thereat. But there remaineth somewhat of sweet-scented flowers, Which she hath not besung,

Starting point is 03:34:10 Such as Myrtle and tuberose and jessamine and the moss-rose and the like. Then the sheikh signed to her to sing somewhat upon the rest of the flowers that Queen Al-Shaba might hear, and she said, hearing and obeying. So she took the lute, and played thereon in many modes, then returned to the first and sang these couplets. I'm one of the lover retinue, whom long pine and patience have doomed rue, and sufferance of parting from kin and friends hath clothed me, O folk, in this yellow hue. Then, after the joints had passed away, heartbreak, abasement, and cargai knew. Through the long, long day when the lift is light, nor when night is murk, my pangs cease-persew. So twixt fairest hope and unfailing fear, my bitter tears ever flow anew.

Starting point is 03:35:06 Thereat, Queen al-Shaba, rejoiced with joy exceeding, and cried, Bravo, O Queen of delight, No one is able to describe thee. sing to us on the apple quoth tofa hearkening and obedience then she recited these couplets i surpass all forms in my cockatry for mine inner worth and mine outer blee Tend me noble hands in the sight of all, And slack with pure waters the thirst of me. My robe is of sendle, and eke my veil, is of sunlight the ruthless half-bidden be, When my fair companions are marched afar, in sorrow frahom they are forced to flee. But noble hands deign heart in my heart, with beds where I sit in my high degree, and where, like full moon at its rise my light, mid the garden fruits thou shalt ever see.

Starting point is 03:36:05 Queen Al-Shaba rejoiced in this way, with exceeding joy, and cried, Brava! By Allah, there is none, exceleth thee! Tofa kissed the ground, then returned to her place, and versified all the tuberose, saying, I'm a marvel bloom to be worn on head. Though a stranger among you fro home I fled, Make use of wine in my company, And flout at time, Who in languish sped, E'en so doth camphor my hue attest, O my lords,

Starting point is 03:36:38 As I stand in my present's deed, So gar me your gladness when dawneth day. And to highmost seat in your homes, be I led, And quaff your cups in all jollity, And cheer and ease shall nereth, cease to be. At this, Queen al-Shaba rejoiced with exceeding joy and cried, Brava, O Queen of delight, by Allah I know not how I shall do to give thee thy due. May the most high grant us the grace of thy long continuance. Then she strained her to her breast

Starting point is 03:37:15 and bust her on the cheek, whereupon quoth I bliss on whom be a curse. This is a mighty great honor. Quoth the queen, know that this lady Tofa is my sister, and that her biddance is my biddance, and her forbidsence my forbids. So all of you hearken to her word, and render her worshipful obedience. Therewith the kings rose in a body and kissed ground before Tofa, who rejoiced in this. Moreover, Queen Al-Shaba doffed dress, inhabited her in a suit adorned with pearls, jewels, and jacinths, worth an hundred thousand dukets, and wrote for her on a slip of paper, a patent appointing her to be her deputy. So the songstress rose and kissed ground before the queen, who said to her, O thy favour sing to us somewhat concerning the rest of the sweet-scented

Starting point is 03:38:13 flowers and herbs, so I may hear thy chant and solos myself, with witnessing thy skill. She replied, To hear is to obey, O lady mine, And taking the lute improvised these couplets. My hue excelleth all hues in light, And I would all eyes should enjoy my sight. My sight is the sight of fillets and pearls, Where the fairest brows are with dustman delight. My light's upprest, and what light it shows, is a sovereign zone on the waist of night. Then she changed the measure and improvised these couplets. I'm the gem of herbs, and in seasons twain, My trist I keep with my lover's tain,

Starting point is 03:39:02 I stint not union for length of time, nor visits, Though some be of severance fain. The true one am I, and my troth I keep, And easy of plucking, no hand disdain. Then changing measure and demode, she played so that she bewildered the wits of those who were present and queen al shaba moved to mirth and merriment cried brava o queen of delight presently she returned to the first mode and improved these couplets on i fear me lest freak espy me in air when i fain deny me so i root me beneath the wave and my stalks to bow down apply me hereat queen alshaba rejoiced with exceeding joy and cried brava o'tofa let me hear more of thy chant accordingly she smote the lute and changing the mode recited on the moss rose these couplets

Starting point is 03:40:05 look at nasrin those branchy shoots around with greenest leafery tis decket and crowned its graceful bending stem draws every gaze while beauteous bearing makes their love abound. Then she changed measure and mowed, and sang these couplets on the water-lily. O thou who askest, Susan of her scent, hear thou my words and beauty of my lay. Amir am I whom all mankind desire, quoth she, or present, or when ta'en, away. End of Section 21, recording by Nicole. Section 22 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Library Vox recording. All LibraryVox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 03:41:04 For more information or to volunteer, please visit librarybox.org. Recording by Nicole The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 22. the tale of the damsel Tofat al-Kulub and the Caliph Harun al-Rashid. When Tofa had made an end of her song, Queen Al-Shaba rose and said, I never heard from any the like of this, and she drew the songsters to her and fell to kissing her.

Starting point is 03:41:42 Then she took leave of her and flew away, and on likewise all the birds took flight with her, so that they walled the horizon, whilst the river. whilst the rest of the kings tarried behind. Now as soon as it was the fourth night, there came the boy who was to be circumcised, adorned with jewels such as never saw eye nor heard ear of, and amongst the rest a crowd of gold crusted with pearls and gems. The worth whereof was an hundred thousand sequins.

Starting point is 03:42:12 He sat down upon the couch, and Tofa sank to him, till the surgeon came and he snipped his foreskin in the pretext. presents of all the kings, who showered on him a mighty great store of jewels and jacents and gold. Queen Camariah bade her in Nucks gather up all this and lay it in Tofa's closet, and it was as much in value as all that had fallen to her, from the first of the festivities to the last thereof. Moreover, the Sheikh Eiblis, whom Allah curse, bestowed upon the songstress the crown worn by the boy, and gave the circumcise another, whereat Tofa's reason took flight. Then the Jin departed, in order of rank, whilst Iblis farewelled them, band after band.

Starting point is 03:43:02 Seeing the sheikh thus occupied with taking leave of the kings, Mayamon seized his opportunity, the place being empty, and taking up Tofa on his shoulders, soared aloft with her, to the confines of the lift, and flew away with her. presently eiblus came to look for the songstress and see what she proposed but found her not and sighted the slave-girls slapping their faces so he said to them fee on you what may be the matter They replied, O our lord, Mamon hath snatched up Tofa and flown away with her. When Iblis heard this, he gave a cry, where to earth trembled and said, What is to be done? Then he buffeted his face and head exclaiming,

Starting point is 03:43:50 Woe to you, this be none other than exceeding insolence! Shall he carry off Tofa from my very place and attain't mine honour? Doubtless this maiman hath lost his wits. Then he cried out a second time, so that the earth quaked and rose on his wings high in air. The news came to the rest of the king, so they flew after him, and overtaking him, found him full of anxiety and a fright, with fire issuing from his nostrils, and said to him, O Sheikh Altawif, what is to do? He replied,

Starting point is 03:44:27 Know ye that maimun hath carried off Tofa from my palace, and attainted mine honour. When they heard this, they cried, There is no majesty, and there is no might, save in Allah the glorious, the great. By God he hath ventured upon a grave matter, And verily he destroyeth self and folk. Then Sheikh Eiblis ceased not flying, till he fell in with the tribes of the Jan,

Starting point is 03:44:54 And they gathered together a world of people, None may tell the tale of them, save the Lord of all might. so they came to the fortress of copper and the citadel of lead and the people of the sconsors saw the tribes of the jan issuing from every deep mountain pass and said what be the news then eiblis went in to king al-shishban and acquainted him with that which had befallen whereupon quoth he verily allah hath destroyed maiman and his many he pretendeth to possess tophah and she has become queen of the jan but have patience till we devise that which befitteth in the matter of tofa iblis asked and what befitteth it to do and al-shishban answered we will fall upon him and kill him and his host with cut of brand then quoth sheikis t'r better to acquaint queen camariah and queen zalzala and queen charara and queen wakima and queen and when they are assembled allah shall ordain what so he deemeth good in the matter of her release quoth al-shishpan write is thy read and they despatched to queen camariah and ifrid high salhab who came to her palace and found her sleeping so he roused her and she said what is to do o salhab cried he o my lady come to the surcore of thy sister the songstress

Starting point is 03:46:31 for maiman hath carried her off and attainted thine honour and that of sheikh iblis quoth she what say'st thou and she sat up straight and cried out with a great cry and indeed she feared for tofa and said by allah in very sooth she used to say that he gazed at her and prolonged the gaze but ill is that whartoo his soul hath prompted him then she rose in haste and mounting a satanist of her satan's said to her fly so she flew off with her and alighted in the palace of her sister's charara whereupon she sent for her sisters zalzala and wakima and acquainted them with the tidying saying no that maiman hath snatched up tofa and flown off with her swiftlyer than the blinding leaven then they all flew off in haste and lightning down in the place where her father al-shishpan and their grandfather the sheikh abu al-tawi found the folk on the sorriest of situations when their grandfather iblis saw them he rose to them and wept and they all wept for the songstress then said iblis to them yonder hound hath a

Starting point is 03:47:47 attained mine honour, and taken Tofa, and I think not otherwise, but that she is like to die of distress for herself, and her lord Al-Rashid, and saying the whole that they said and did was false. Quoth Camaraya, O grandfather mine, nothing is left for it but stratagem, and devise for her deliverance, for that she is dearer to me than everything, and know that yonder accursed when he waxeth, whereof your coming upon him, will ken that he, he hath no power to cope with you, he who is the least and meanest of the Jan, but we dread that he, when assured of defeat, will slay Tofa, wherefore nothing will serve, but that we contrive a slight, for saving her, else will she perish. He asked,

Starting point is 03:48:36 "'And what hast thou in mind of device?' And she answered, "'Let us take him with fair means, and if he obey all will be well, else we will practice stratagem against him, and expect not her deliverance from other than myself. Quoth I blest, the affair is thine, contrive what thou will, for that tofa is thy sister and thy solicitude for her is more effectual than that of any other. So, Cameriah cried out to an effrit of the effrites, and a calamity of the calamities, by name Al-Assad Altayar, the flying line, and said to him, Hi, with my message to the crescent mountain, the wown of Maimon this order, and enter and say to him, My lady saluteth thee with a salam, and asketh thee, how canest thou be assured for thyself

Starting point is 03:49:28 of safety? After what thou hast done, O Maimon, couldst thou find none to maltreat in thy drunken humor save Tofa, she too being a queen, but thou art excused because thou didest not this deed, but twas thy drink, and the sheikh Abu Altawif pardoneth thee, because thou wast drunken. Indeed thou hast attainted his honour, but now restore her to her palace, for that she hath done well and favoured us and rendered us service, and thou wottest that she is this day our queen. Be like she may be speak, Queen Al-Shaba, whereupon the matter will become grievous, and that wherein there is no good shall be tied thee, and thou wilt get no title of gain. Therily I give thee good counsel, and so the peace.

Starting point is 03:50:21 Al-Assad answered, hearing and obeying, and flew till he came to the crescent mountain, where he sought audience of maimun, who bade admit him, so he entered, and kissing round before him, gave him queen-count. Amariah's message, which when he heard he cried to thee, Freit, Return whence thou comest, and say to thy mistress, Be silent, and thou wilt show thy good sense, Else will I come and seize upon her, and make her serve Tofa, and if the kings of the Jin assemble together against me, and I be overcome by them, I will not leave her to scent the wind of this world, and she shall be neither mine nor theirs, for that she is presently my spright,

Starting point is 03:51:03 from between my ribs, and how shall any part with his sprite? When the Ephrit heard Maimon's words, he said to him, By Allah, O Maimon, art thou a changeling in thy wits, that thou speakest these words of my lady, and thou one of her page-boys, whereupon Maimon cried out and said to him, Woe to thee, O dog of the jinns, wilt thou be speak the like of me with these words? Then he bade those who were about him, Bastinado, Allah sad, but he took flight and soaring high in air, betook himself to his mistress, and told her the tidings, when she said, Thou hast done well, O good knight. Then she turned to her sire, and said to him, Hear that which I shall say to thee, quoth he, say on, and quoth she, I read thee take thy troops and go to him, for when he he heareth this, he will in turn levy his many and come forth to thee, whereof

Starting point is 03:52:02 upon, do thou offer him battle and prolong the fight with him, and make a show to him of weakness and giving way. Meantime, I will devise me a device for getting at Tofa, and delivering her. What while he is busied with you in battle, and when my messenger cometh to thee and informeth thee that I have gotten possession of Tofa, and that she is with me, return thou upon maim and forthwith, and overthrow him, and his hosts, and take him prisoner. but, and my device succeed not with him and we fail to deliver Tofa, he will assuredly practice to slay her, without recourse, and regret for her will remain in our hearts.

Starting point is 03:52:44 Quoth Iblis, this is the right reed, and bade call a march among the troops whereupon an hundred thousand knights, doughty whites of war, joined themselves to him and set out for the country of Mamon. As for Queen Cameriah, she flew off to the palace of her sister Wakima, and told her what deed Maimon had done and how he declared that, whenas he saw defeat near hand, he would slay Tofa, adding, and indeed he is resolved upon this, otherwise had he not dared to work such slight, so do thou contrive the affair as thou see fit, for in read thou hast no superior. Then they sent for Queen Zazala and Queen Sharara and sat down to take counsel one with other. what they had best do in the matter.

Starting point is 03:53:35 Presently, said Wakima, To are advisable we fit out a ship in this our island home, and embark therein, disguised as Adam's sons, and fare on until we come to anchor under a little island that lieeth over against Mamon's palace. There will we sit drinking and smitting the lute and singing, for Tofa will assuredly be seated there overlooking the sea, and needs must she see us and come down to us, whereupon we will take her by force, and she will be under our hands, so that none shall be able to molest her any more, or an maiman be gone forth to do battle with the Jinns. We will storm his stronghold and take Tofa, and raise his palace and slay all therein. When he hears of this his heart will be broken, and we will send to let our father know whereat he will return upon him with his troops, and he will be destroyed, and we shall have rest of him. They answered her, saying,

Starting point is 03:54:31 This is good counsel. Then they bade fit out a shine from behind the mountain, and it was fitted out in less than the twinkling of an eye. So they launched it on the sea, and embarking therein, together with four thousand effreits set out, intending for Maimon's palace. They also bade other five thousand iffrites betake themselves to the island under the crescent mountain, and there lie in wait for them ambushed well,

Starting point is 03:54:58 thus fared it with the kings of the Jan, But as regards Sheikh Abu al-Daiwi F, Eiblis and his son Al-Sishpan, the twain set out, as we have said, with their troops, who were of the doughtiest of the gin and the prowess of them in wing-flying and horsemanship, and feared on till they drew near the crescent mountain. When the news of their approach reached Mayman, he cried out with a mighty great cry to the troops, who were twenty thousand riders, and bade them make ready for departure. Then he went into Tofa and kissing her, said, Know that thou art this day my life of the world, And indeed the jinns are gathered together to wage war on me for thy sake, And I win the day from them, and am preserved alive, I will set all the kings of the Jan under thy feet,

Starting point is 03:55:47 And thou shalt become queen of the world. But she shook her head and shed tears, And he said, Weep not, for I swear by the virtue of the mighty inscription born on the seal-ring of Solomon. Thou shalt never again see the land of men. No, never. Say me, can anyone part with his life? Give ear, then, to my words, else will I slay thee? So she was silent and forthright. He sent for his daughter, whose name was Jamra, and where she came, he said to her, know that I am going to fight the clans of Al-Sishban and Queen Kamaraya and the kings of the Jain,

Starting point is 03:56:26 and I be vouchsafe'd the victory over them, To Allah be the land, and thou shalt have of me largest. But, and thou see or hear that I am worsted, And any come to thee with ill news of me, hasten to kill Tofa, So she may fall neither to me nor to them. Then he farewelled her and mounted, saying, When this cometh about, pass over to the crescent mountain, And take up thine abode there,

Starting point is 03:56:55 and await what shall befall me, and what I shall say to thee. And Jamra answered, Harkening and obedience. Now when the songstress heard these words, she fell to weeping and wailing, and said, By Allah, not irketh me, but severance from my lord al-Rashid. However, when I am dead, let the world be ruined after me. And she was certified in herself that she was assuredly lost. Then Maimon set forth with his army and departed in quest of the hosts of the Jin, leaving none in the palace save his daughter, Jamra, and Tofa and an Ephrit, which was dear to him.

Starting point is 03:57:35 They fared on till they met with the army of Al-Sishban, and when the two hosts came face to face, they fell each upon other, and fought a fight, a passing sword then which naught could be more. After a while Al-Sishban's troops began to give way, and when Maimon saw them do thus, he despised them and made sure of victory over them. On this wise it befell them, but as regards Queen Camaraya and her company, they sailed on without ceasing till they came under the palace wherein was Tofa to wit that of Maimon the Sorder, and by the decree of the Lord of Destiny, the songstress herself was at that very time, sitting on the belvedere of the

Starting point is 03:58:18 palace, pondering the affair of Harun al-Rashid, and her own, and that which had befallen her, and weeping for that which she was doomed to death. She saw the vessel and what was therein of those who have named, and they in mortal disguise, and said, Alas, my sorrow for this ship, and for the men that be therein. As for Cameraya and her many, when they drew near the palace, they strained their eyes, and seeing the songstress sitting, cried. yonder sitteth Tofa, may Allah not bereave us of her. Then they moored their craft and making for the island which lay over against the palace

Starting point is 03:58:58 spread carpets and sat eating and drinking. Whereupon quoth Tofa, Well, come and welcome to yonder faces. These be my kins, woman, and I conjure thee by Allah, O Jamra, that thou let me down to them, so I may sit with them a while, and enjoy kindly converse with them, and rest. return. Quoth Jamra, I may on no wise do that. And Tofa wept, then the folk brought out wine and drank, while Cameraya took the loot and sang these couplets. By Allah had I never hoped to greet you. Your guide had failed on camel to seat you. For bore you parting from friend would greet you, till me seems mine eyes for your worn entreat you. End of section 22. Recording by

Starting point is 03:59:49 Section 23 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Leibervox recording. All Lebevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libavox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 23. The tale of the damsel Tofa al-Kalub and the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, Part 6

Starting point is 04:00:32 When Tofa heard this, she cried out so great a cry that the folk heard her, and Camaria said, Relief is near hand. Then the songs thrift looked out to them and called to them, saying, O daughters of mine uncle, I am a lonely maid, and exile from kin and country, so for the love of Allah Almighty, repeat that song. Accordingly, Camaria repeated it, and Tofa swooned away. When she came to herself, she said to Jamra, by the rights of the Apostle of Allah, who may he save and assain,

Starting point is 04:01:09 unless you suffer me, go down to them and look on them and sit with them for a full hour, I will hurl myself headlong from this palace, for that I am weary of my life, and know that I am slain to all certainty, wherefore will I kill myself, ere you pass sentence upon me? And she was instant with her in asking. When Jammer heard her words, she knew that,

Starting point is 04:01:33 and she led her not down, she would assuredly destroy yourself. So she said to her, O Tofa, between thee and them are a thousand cubits, that I will bring the women up to thee. The songstress replied, nay, there is no help but that I go down to them, and solace me in the island, and look upon the sea and near. Then will we return, I and thou, for that and thou bring them up to us, they will be affrighted,

Starting point is 04:02:04 and there will betide them neither joy nor gladness. As for me, I wish but to be with them, that they may cheer me with their company, neither give over their merry-making, so peradventure, broaden my breast with them, and indeed I swear that needs must I go down to them, else I will cast myself upon them. And she cajoled Jamra, and kissed her hands, till she said, Arise, and I will set thee down beside them. Then she took Tofa under her armpit, and flying up swiftlyer than the blinding leaven, set her down with Camaria and her company, whereupon she went up to them and accosted them,

Starting point is 04:02:46 saying, Fear ye not, no harm shall befall you, for I am immortal, like unto you, and I would fain look on you and talk with you and hear your singing. So they welcomed her, and kept their places whilst Jammer sat down beside them, and fell as snuffing their odors, and saying, I smell the scent of the gin. Would I wot whence it cometh? Then said Wacama to her sister, Kamaria, yonder foul slut smelleth us, and presently she will take to flight. So what be this inaction concerning her? Thereupon Kamaria put out an arm as long as a camel's neck, and dealt Jamra a buffet on the head that made it fly from her body and cast it into the sea. Then cried she, Allah is all great, and they uncovered their faces, whereupon Tofa knew them and said to them,

Starting point is 04:03:43 Protection. Queen Camaria embraced her, as also did Queen Zalzala and Queen Wachima and Queen Sharara, and the first name said to her, received the good tidings of assured safety, for there abideth no harm for thee, but this is no time for talk. Then they cried out, whereupon up came the Ephreits ambushed in that island, handing swords and maces in hand, and taking up Tofa flew with her to the palace and made themselves masters of it, whilst the Afrit Afrasid, who was dearer to Mamun, and whose name was Duckin, fled like an arrow and stinted not flying till he came to Mamon and found him fighting a sore fight with the gin. When his lord saw him, he cried out at him, saying, Fye upon thee, whom hast thou left in the palace. Duckin answered,

Starting point is 04:04:40 saying, and who abideth in the palace? Thy beloved Tofa, they have captured, and Jamra is slain, and they have taken the palace, all of it. At these ill tidings, Mamon buffeted his face and head and said, Oh, out on it for a calamity! Then he cried aloud. Now Camaria had sent to her sire and reported to him the news, where at the Raven of the Wald, croaked for the foe.

Starting point is 04:05:08 So when Maimon saw that which had betided him, and indeed the gins smote upon him, and the wings of eternal severance overspread his host, he planted the heel of his lance in the earth, and turning its head to his heart, urged his charger thereat, and pressed upon it with his breast till the point came forth gleaming from his back. Meanwhile, the messenger had made their friendly hosts with the news of Tofa's deliverance, whereat the Sheikh Abu al-Tawaii rejoiced, and bestowed upon the bringer of leaf tidings a sumptuous robe of honor and made him commander over a company of the Jan. Then they charged home upon Maimon's host and wiped them out to the last man. And when they came to Maimon, they found that he had slain himself and was even as we have said. Presently Camaria and her sister, Wakama, came up to their grandfather and told him what they had done.

Starting point is 04:06:09 Whereupon he came to Tofa and saluted her with his salaam and congratulated her on deliverance. Then he made over Maimans Palace to Salab, and taking all the rebels' wealth gave it to the songstress while the troops encamped upon the Crescent Mountain. Furthermore, the Sheikh Abu al-Tawaf said to Tofa, blame me not, and she kissed his hands, when behold there appeared to them the tribes of the Jin,

Starting point is 04:06:37 as they were clouds, and Queen al-Shaba flying in their van, drawn sword and grip. As she came in sight of the folk, they kissed ground between her hands, and she said to them, Tell me what hath betide it, Queen Tofa from yonder dog maiman, and why did ye not send to me and report to me quoth they and who was this dog that we should send to thee on his account indeed he was the least and lowest of the gin Then they told her what Camaria and her sisters had done and how they had practiced upon Mammon and delivered the songstress from his hand, fearing lest he should slay her when he found himself defeated.

Starting point is 04:07:22 And she said, by Allah, the accursed was wont to lengthen his looking upon her. And Tofa felt a kissing Al Shabah's hand, whilst the queen strained her to her bosom and kissed her, saying, Trouble is passed, so rejoice in assurance of deliverance. Then they rose and went up to the palace, whereupon the trays of food were brought, and they ate and drank, after which quoth Queen Ah Shabah, O Tofa sing to us by way of sweetmeat, for thine escape, and favor us with that which shall solace our minds, for that indeed my thoughts have been occupied with thee.

Starting point is 04:08:02 And quoth Tofa, hearkening and obedient, O my lady, so she improvised and sang these couplets. Breeze of east, and thou breathe o'er the dear one's land, speed I pray thee, my special salute and salam, and say them I'm pledged to love them, and in pine that passeth all pine I am. Thereat Queen al-Shaba rejoiced and with her all who were present, and they admired her speech and felt a kissing her,

Starting point is 04:08:34 And when she had made an end of her song, Queen Camaria said to her, O my sister, ere thou go to thy palace, I would fain bring thee to look upon Al Anka, daughter of Baram Jure, whom Al Anka, daughter of the wind, carried off, and her beauty, for that there is not her fellow on earth's face. And Queen Al-Shaba said, O Camaria, I also think it were well and I beheld her. Quoth Camaria, I saw her three years ago, but my sister Wacama seeth her at all times, for she is near to her people, and she saith that there is not in the world fairer than she. Indeed, this Queen Al Anka has become a byword for beauty and comeliness.

Starting point is 04:09:23 And Wachemaw said, by the mighty inscription on the seal ring of Solomon, there is not her like for loveliness here below. Then said Queen Al-Shabaab. and it needs must be and the affair is, as ye say, I will take Tofa and go with her to Al Anka, so she may look upon her. So they all arose and repaired to Al Anka, who abode in the mountain calf. When she saw them, she drew near to them and saluted them, saying, O my ladies, may I not be bereaved of you. Quoth Wakama to her, Who is like unto thee, O Anca? Behold, Queen Al-Shaba.

Starting point is 04:10:04 is come to thee. So Al Anka kissed the queen's feet and lodged them in her palace, whereupon Tofa came up to her and fell to kissing her and saying, Never saw I as seemlier than this semblance. Then she set before them somewhat of food, and they ate and washed their hands, after which the songstress took the lute and smote it well. And Al Anka also played, and they fell to improvising verses and turns, whilst Tohankah. Tofa embraced Al Anka every moment. Al-Shaba cried, O my sister,

Starting point is 04:10:40 each kiss is worth a thousand in ours. And Tofa replied, And a thousand in ours were little therefore, whereat Al Anka laughed, and after nighting in her pavilion on the morrow, they took leave of her and went away to Maimon's palace. Here Queen Al-Shaba farewelled them, and taking her troops,

Starting point is 04:11:01 returned to her capital, whilst the kings also went away to their abodes, and the Sheikh Abu al-Tawaf applied himself to diverting Tofa till nightfall, when he mounted her on the back of one of the effreets, and bade other thirty, gathered together all that she had gotten of treasure and raiment, jewels and robes of honor. Then they flew off whilst Ibiz went with her, and in less than the twinkling of an eye he set her down in her sleeping room,

Starting point is 04:11:32 where he and those who were with him bade adieu to her and went away. When Tofa found herself in her own chamber and on her couch, her reason fled for joy and it seemed to her as if she had never stirred thence. Then she took the lute and tuned it and touched it in wondrous fashion and improvised verses and sang. The eunuch heard the smiting of the lute within the chamber and cried, by Allah, that is the touch of my lady Tofa. So he arose and went, as he were a madman, falling down and rising up, till he came to the castrato on guard at the gate of the

Starting point is 04:12:13 commander of the faithful, and found him sitting. When his fellow neutral saw him, and he like a madman slipping down and stumbling up, he asked him, What aileth thee, and what bringeth thee hither at this hour? The other answered, Will thou not make haste and awaken the prince of true believers, and he fell to crying out at him? Whereupon the Caliph awoke, and heard them banding words together, and Tofa's slave, crying to the other. Woe to thee, awaken the commander of the faithful in haste. So quoth he, O Suab, what hast thou to say? And quoth the chief eunuch, O our lord, the eunuch of Tofa's lodging, hath lost his wits, and crieth,

Starting point is 04:12:59 awaken the commander of the faithful in haste then said al-rashid to one of the slave-girls see what may be the matter accordingly she hastened to admit to castrato who entered at her order and when he saw the commander of the faithful he salammed not neither kissed ground but cried in his hurry quick up with thee my lady tofa sitteth in her chamber singing a goodly diddy come to her in haste and see all that I say to thee. Haysen, she sitteth awaiting thee. The Caliph was amazed at his speech and asked him, What sayest thou? He answered, Didst thou not hear the first of the speech? Tofa sitteth in the sleeping chamber, singing and lute playing. Come thy quickest, hasten. Accordingly, al-Rashid sprang up and donned his dress, but he believed not the eunuch's words and said to him, Fye upon thee, what is this thou sayest? Has thou not seen this in a dream? Quoth the eunuch, by Allah, I wot not what thou sayest, and I was not asleep. And quoth Al Rashid, and thy speech be

Starting point is 04:14:11 soothfast, it shall be for thy good luck, for I will free thee and give thee a thousand gold pieces, but an it be untrue, and thou have seen this in dreamland, I will crucify thee. The eunuch said within himself, O Protector, let me not have seen this in vision. Then he left the Caliph and running to the chamber door, heard the sound of singing and lute playing, whereupon he returned to Al Rashid and said to him, Go and hearken and see who is asleep. When the prince of true believers drew near the door of the sleeping chamber, he heard the sound of the lute and Tofa's voice singing,

Starting point is 04:14:51 whereat he could not restrain his reason and was like to be. faint for excess of delight. Then he pulled out the key, but his hand refused to draw the bolt. However, after a while, he took heart on applying himself, opened the door, and entered, saying, methinks this is none other than a vision or an enbroglio of dreams. When Tofa saw him, she rose and coming to meet him, pressed him to her breast, and cried out a cry wherein his sprite was like to depart and fell down in a fit. She again strained him to her bosom, him and sprinkled on him rosewater mingled with musk and washed his face till he came to himself as he were a drunken man and shed tears for the stress of his joy and Tofa's return to him

Starting point is 04:15:38 after he had despaired of her returning. Then she took the lute and smote thereon after the fashion she had learned from Sheikh Ibli so that Al Rashid's wit was bewildered for excess of joy and his understanding was confounded for exaltation, after which she improvised and sang these couplets. That I left thee my heart to believe is unleaf, for the life that's in it neared leafeth brief. And thou say I went, saith my heart what a fib, and I bide twixt believing and unbelief.

Starting point is 04:16:15 When she had made an end of her verses, Al Rashid said to her, O Tofa, thine absence, was wondrous, yet is thy presence still more marvelous? She replied, by Allah, O my lord, thou sayest sooth. Then, taking his hand, she said to him, O commander of the faithful, see what I have brought with me. So he looked and spied treasures such as neither words could describe nor registers could document,

Starting point is 04:16:45 pearls and jewels and jacinths and precious stones, and unions and gorgeous robes of honor, adorned with marguerites and jewels, and purpled with red gold. There he beheld what he never had beheld all his life long, not even an idea. And she showed him that which Queen al-Shaba had bestowed on her of those carpets which she had brought with her,

Starting point is 04:17:11 and that throne, the like were of, neither Kisra possessed nor Caesar, and those tables inlaid with pearls and jewels, and those vessels which amazed all who looked on them, and that crown which was on the head of the circumcised boy, and those robes of honor, which Queen Al-Shaba and Sheikh Abu Al-Tuaf had doffed and donned upon her, and the trays wherein were those treasures. Brief she showed him wealth, whose like he had never in his life espied, and which the tongue availeth not to describe, and whereat all who looked thereon were bewildered. Al Rashid was like to lose his wist for amazement at this spectacle, and was confounded at that he sighted and witnessed.

Starting point is 04:17:58 Then said he to Tofa, Come tell me thy tale from beginning to end, and let me know all that hath betided thee, as if I had been present. She answered, hearkening and obedience, and acquainting him with all that had betided her first and last, from the time when she first saw the Sheikh Abu out to waif, how he took her and descended with her through the side of the chapel of ease,

Starting point is 04:18:25 and she told him of the horse she had ridden, till she came to the meadow, aforesaid, and described it to him, together with the palace and that was therein of furniture, and related to him how the gin rejoiced in her, and whatsoever she had seen of their kings, masculine and feminine, and of Queen Camaria and her sisters, and Queen Shuaha, regent of the Fourth Sea, and Queen Al-Shaba, Queen of Queens, and King Al-Shishban, and that which each one of them had bestowed upon her.

Starting point is 04:18:59 Moreover, she recited to him the story of Mamun disorder, and described to him his fulsome favor, which he had not deign to change, and related to him that which befell her from the kings of the Jews. gin, male and female, and the coming of the queen of queens, Al-Shaba, and how she had loved her and appointed her her vice reign, and how she was thus become ruler over all the kings of the Jan, and she showed him the writ of investiture which Queen Al-Shaba had written her, and told him what had betided her with the ghoulish head when it appeared to her in the garden, and how she had dispatched it to her palace, beseeching it to bring her news of the commander of the faithful

Starting point is 04:19:44 and of what had betided him after her. Then she described to him the flower gardens wherein she had taken her pleasure, and the Hamon baths inlaid with pearls and jewels, and told them that which had befallen mammon this order when he bore her off, and now he had slain himself. In fine she related to him everything she had seen of wonders and marvels, and that which she had beheld of all kinds and colors among the gin. Then she told him the story of Al Anka, daughter of Bamarjur, with Al Anka, daughter of the wind, and described to him her dwelling place and her island, whereupon Quoth Al Rashid, O Tofa As Sidur, tell me of Al Anka, daughter of Barman Jure. Is she of the Jin kind or of mankind?

Starting point is 04:20:37 or of the bird kind. For this long time I have desired to find one who should tell me of her. Tofa replied, Tis well, O commander of the faithful, I asked the queen of this, and she acquainted me with her case, and told me who built her the palace. Quoth al-Rashid, Allah upon thee, tell it me, and quote Tofa, I will well, and proceeded to tell him. And he was amazed at that which he heard from her and what she reported to him, and that which she had brought back of jewels and jacinths of various hues and precious stones of many sorts, such as amazed the beholder and confounded thought and mind. As for this, Tofa was the means of the enrichment of the barmesides and the Abbasids, and they had endurance in their delight. Then the Caliph went forth and

Starting point is 04:21:31 they decorate the city, so they decorated it and the drums of glad tidings were beaten, and they made banquets to the people for whom the tables were spread seven days. And Tofa and the commander of the faithful ceased not to enjoy the most delightsome of life and the most prosperous till there came to them the destroyer of delights and the severer of societies, and this is all that hath come down to us of their story. 203, recording by Bryce Youngstown. 7.24 of the Book of Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a LibreVox recording.

Starting point is 04:22:18 All LibreVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. The Book of Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Defensive, written. section twenty four women's wiles on the following night donyaz said to her sister shahrazette oh sister mine and though inclined not on to sleep pretty tell us a tale which i'll beguile are watching through the dark hours she replied with love and gladness e'en hath reached me o magnificent king that while i'm there was in city of Baghdad who calmly youth and will bread pay of favor told of stature and slender of shape his name was Alaldeen and he was of the chiefs of the sons of the merchants and had a shop wherein he stole and bought one day as he sat in his shop there passed by him a merry girl who

Starting point is 04:23:36 raised her head and casting a glance at the young merchant. Saw are written in a flowing hand on the forehead of his shop, there be no craft save men's craft, for as much as it, overcomes women's craft. When she beheld this, she was wrothed and took counsel with herself, saying as my head lived there is no hell but i show him a marvel trick of the wiles of women and put to a note this is inscription thereupon she hid her home and on the morrow she made her ready and donning the finest of dress adorned herself with the costliest of ornano and the highest of prize and the stain her hand she let down her tresses upon and went forth walking with cockatish gate and amorous grace followed by her slave girl carrying a parcel till she came to the young merchant shop and sitting down under predicts of seeking stuffs saluted him with a salam and demanded of him

Starting point is 04:25:08 somewhat of clothes. So he brought out to her various kinds, and she took them and turned them over, talking with him a while. Then she said to him, Look at the shapeliness of my shape and my semblance, see though in my out of default, he replied, no, oh, my lady. and she continued is it lawful in anyone that he should slender me and say that I am humpbacked then she discovered to him a part of her boss and when he saw her breasts his reason took flight from his head and he cried cover it up so may Allah feel thee cow three is it fair of anyone to decry my chance and killed he how shall any decried their charms and though the son of loveliness a full moon breaking forth on its fourteenth night and said to him is it lawful for any to decry me and declare that my face is pitted with his mull-pox or that i am one-eyed or crop-eared and said he oh my lady what is it moved thee to discover unto me that lovely face and those fair limbs want to be so jealousy veiled and guarded tell me the truth of the matter may i beat thy ransom and he began to improvise white fair now drawn from sheth then in the blackest tresses head from sight flasheth like day a radiating earth while round her glooms some mark of

Starting point is 04:27:24 nightless night. In Jahazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say, whereupon cried Donyazat her sister. Oh, sister mine, how delictible is this tale, and how desirable she replied, saying, And where is this compared with that, which I will recount to, the next night, inshallah? End of section 24 by Shahat. Chapter 25 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:28:13 For more information in order to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12, by Anonymous. translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 25, the hundred and ninety-eight night. Now when asked came the night, quoth Dunyazed to her sister, Shara Zed, O sister mine,

Starting point is 04:28:43 and thou incline not unto sleep, Preet thee finish thy story which shall begal our watching through the dark hours, for indeed tis a fine tale and a wondrous. She replied, with love and gladness, it hath reached me o generous king that the unhappy merchant carnally knew the lovely bride soar against the grain and abode that night troubled in mind as he were in the prison of al de laam hardly had the day dawned when he rose from her side and betaking himself to one of the haman's dozed there awhile after which he made the guzzle abolition of ceremonial impurity and donned his everyday dress.

Starting point is 04:29:31 Then he went out to the coffee house and drank a cup of coffee, after which he returned to his shop and opening the door, sat down with concern and chagrin manifest on his continents. After an hour or so his friends and intimates among the merchants and people of the market began to come up to him by ones and twos to give him joy and said to him, laughing, A blessing, a blessing. Where be the sweetmeats?

Starting point is 04:30:00 Where be the coffee? Whould seem thou hast forgotten us, and nothing made thee oblivious, save that the charms of the bride have disordered thy wit and taken thy reason. Allah help thee. We give thee joy, we give thee joy. And they mocked at him whilst he kept silence before them, trying like to rent his raiment and shed tears for rage. Then they went away from him, and when it was the hour of noon, up came his mistress, the crafty girl,

Starting point is 04:30:33 trailing her skirts and swaying to and fro in her gate as she were a branch of ban and a garden of bloom. She was yet more richly dressed and adorned and more striking and cutting in her symmetry and grace than on the previous day, so that she made the passers stop and stand in the spolier to gaze upon her. When she came to Allah al-Din's shop, she sat down thereon and said to him, Blessed be the day to thee, O my lord, Allah al-Din. Allah prosper thee and be good to thee and perfect thy gladness, and make it a wedding of wheel and welfare. He knitted his brows and frowned an answer to her,

Starting point is 04:31:16 then asked her, Wherein have I failed of thy due, or what have I done to harm thee, that thou shouldest requite me after this fashion. She answered, thou hast been no wise in default, but tis yonder inscription written on the door of thy shop that irketh me, and vexeth my heart. And thou have the courage to change it, and write up the contrary thereof, I will deliver thee from thine evil plight.

Starting point is 04:31:47 And he answered, Thy requirement is right easy, on my head and eyes. So saying, he brought out a sequin and summoning one of his Mamelukes, said to him, Get thee to such an one, the scribe, and bid him write us an epigraph, adorned with gold and lapis loosely, in these words. There be no craft save women's craft, for indeed their craft is a mighty craft, and overcometh and humbleth the falses of men. And she said to the white slave, fare thee forthright so he repaired to the scribe who wrote him the scroll and he brought it to his master who set it on the door and asked the damsel is thy heart satisfied she answered yes arise forthwith and get thee to the place before the citadel where do thou foregather with all the montebanks and ape-dancers and bear-leaders and drummers and pipers and bid them come to thee to-morrow early with their kettle-drums and flageolets.

Starting point is 04:32:54 Whilst thou art drinking coffee with thy father-in-law, the kazi, and congratulate thee and wish thee joy, saying, A blessing, O son of our uncle, indeed thou art the vein of our eye. We rejoice for thee, and if thou be ashamed of us, verily we pride ourselves upon thee. So although thou banish us from thee, know that we will not forsake thee,

Starting point is 04:33:19 albeit thou forsake us, and do thou fall to throwing dinars and durms amongst them. Whereupon the Qazi will question thee, and do thou answer him, saying, My father was an ape dancer, and this is our original condition. But our Lord opened on us the gate of fortune, and we have gotten us a name amongst the merchants, and with their provost. Upon this he will say to thee, Then thou art an ape leader of the tribe of the Malta Banks.

Starting point is 04:33:50 and do thou rejoin, I may in no wise deny my origin for the sake of thy daughter and in her honor. The kazi will say, it may not be that thou shalt be given the daughter of a sheikh who sitteth upon the carpet of the law, and whose descent is traceable by genealogy to the loins of the apostle of Allah. Nor is it meet that his daughter be in the power of a man who is an ape dancer, a minstrel. then do thou reply nay o effendi she is my lawful wife and every hair of her worth is worth a thousand lives and i will not put her away though i be given the kingship of the world at last be thou persuaded to speak the word of divorce and so shall the marriage be voided and ye be saved from other quoth allah al din write as thy read and locking up his shop betook himself to the place and Shazirad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say, whereupon cried Donyazad, her sister, O sister mine, how goodly is thy story and how sweet.

Starting point is 04:35:04 She replied, saying, and where is this compared to that which I will recount to thee next night? Ishalala. End of section 25, recording by Brise, Youngstown. Chapter 26 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Libre Vox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC.

Starting point is 04:35:50 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 26, the one hundred and ninety-ninth night. And whereas came the night? Quoth Danyazzad to her sister, O sister mine, and thou incline not unto sleep, pray finish thy tell, which shall beguile our watching through the dark hours. She replied, with love and gladness. It hath reached me, O generous king, that the young merchant

Starting point is 04:36:32 betook himself to the place before the citadel, where he foregathered with the dancers, the drummers and pipers, and instructed them how they should do, promising them a mighty fine reward.

Starting point is 04:36:50 They received his word with hearing and obeying, and he be able to, took himself on the morrow. After the morning prayer to the presence of the judge, who received him with humble courtesy, and seated him by his side. Then he addressed him and began questioning him of matters of selling and buying and the price current of the various commodities which were carried to Baghdad from all quarters, whilst his son-in-law replied to all, whereof he was questioned. As they were thus conversing, behold, up came the dancers and drummers, with their drums and pipers, with their

Starting point is 04:37:39 pipes, whilst one of their number preceded them with a long pennon-like banner in his hand, and played all manner, antics with voice and limbs. When they came to the courthouse, the Kazai cried, I seek refuge with Allah from yonder Satan's, and the young merchant laughed, but said not. Then they entered, and saluting his worship, the Kazi kissed Allah Adin's hands and said, A blessing on thee, O son of our uncle, indeed thou coolest our eyes in what so thou dost. And we beseech Allah for the enduring greatness of our Lord the Kazai, who hath honored us by emitting thee to his connection and hath allotted to us a portion in his high rank and degree.

Starting point is 04:38:43 When the judge heard this talk, it bewildered his wit, and he was dazed and his face flushed with rage, and quoth he to the son-in-law. What words are these, quoth the merchant? Knowest thou not, O my lord, that I am of this tribe. Indeed this man is the son of my maternal uncle, and that other the son of my paternal uncle, and if I be reckoned of the merchants, tis, but by courtesy.

Starting point is 04:39:21 When the Kazi heard these words, his color changed, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, whereupon cried Dunyazad, her sister. O sister mine, how delectable is the story, and how desirable, she replied saying, and where is its first compared with its last? But I will forthwith relate it to you, and I be spared and suffered to live by the king,

Starting point is 04:39:58 whom may Allah the Most High keep. Quote the king within himself, by the Almighty, I will not slay her until I hear the end of her tale. End of Section 26. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 27 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC.

Starting point is 04:40:50 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 27, The 200th Night. Now, when as came the knight, Quoth Dunyazid to her sister, O sister mine,

Starting point is 04:41:16 and thou incline not unto sleep, pre thee finish thy tale which shall beguile are watching through the dark hours. She replied, with love and gladness, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the Cazai's color changed, and he was troubled and waxed, woth with exceeding wrath, and was like to burst for stress of rage. Then said he to the young merchant, Allah forfend that this should last.

Starting point is 04:41:57 How shall it be permitted that the daughter of the Kazai of the Muslims co-habit with a man of the dancers and vile of origin? By Allah, unless thou reputed, her forthright, I will bid beat thee and cast thee into prison, and there confine thee till thou die. Had I foreknown that thou wast of them, I had not suffered thee near me, but had spat in thy face,

Starting point is 04:42:37 for that thou art more ill omen than a dog or a horse. Then he kicked him down from his place and commanded him to divorce. But he said, Be rueful to me, O Fn.D. For that Allah is ruthless and hasten not. I will not divorce my wife, though thou give me the kingdom of ill Iraq. The judge was perplexed and knew that compulsive. was not permitted of holy law. So he bestake the young merchant fair and said to him,

Starting point is 04:43:24 Vail me, so may Allah veil thee. And thou divorce her not. This dishonor shall cleave to me till the end of time. Then his fury got the better of his wit, and he cried, And thou divorce her, not of thine own will. I will forthright bid strike off thy head and slay myself. Hell flame, but not shame. The merchant be thought himself a while, then divorced her

Starting point is 04:44:01 with a manifest divorce and a public, and on this wise he won free from that unwelcome worry. Then he returned to his shop and presently sought in marriage of her father, her, who had done with him what she did, and who was the daughter of the Shaka, of the guild of the blacksmiths. So he took her to wife, and they abode each with other, and lived the pleasantness of lives and the most delightsome. till the day of death and praise be to Allah the Lord of the Three Worlds End of Section 27, recording by Linda Brine Nelson, Vancouver, BC. Section 28 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Labor Vox recording. All Labor Vox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:45:11 For more information in order to volunteer, please, visit Libravox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 28. Nour al-Din Ali of Damascus and the damsel sit al-Mala.

Starting point is 04:45:35 There was once in the days of yore and in ages and times long gone before, a merchant of the merchants of Damascus, by name Abu al-Hasasas. son, who had money and means, slave blacks and slave girls, lands and gardens, houses and hamanes in that city, but he was not blessed with boon of child, and indeed his age waxed great. So he addressed himself to supplicate Allah Almighty in private and in public, and in his bows and his prostrations, and at the season of prayer call, beseeching him to fauchatium

Starting point is 04:46:11 before his decease, a son who should inherit his wealth and possessions. The Lord answered his prayer, his wife conceived in the days of her pregnancy were accomplished, and her months and her nights, and that travail pangs came upon her, and she gave birth to a boy as he were a slice of Luna. He had not his match for beauty, and he put to shame the sun and the resplendent moon, for he had a beaming face and black eyes of but bea-belewitchery and aquiline nose and carnallian lips. And fine he was perfect of attributes, the loveliest of folk of his time,

Starting point is 04:46:51 sans dubitation or gainsaying. His father joyed in him with exceeding joy and his heart was solaced and he was at last happy. He made banquets to the folk and he clad the poor and the widows. Presently he named the boy C.D. Nour al-din Ali and reared him in fondness and delight among the handmaids and thralls. When he had passed his seventh year, his father put him to school, where he learned the sublime Koran and the arts of writing and reckoning. And when he reached

Starting point is 04:47:23 his tenth year, he was taught horsemanship and archery, and to occupy himself with arts and sciences of all kinds, part and parts. He grew up pleasant and polite, winsome and lovesome, a ravishment to all who saw him, and he inclined to accompanying with brethren and comrades, and mixing with merchants and traveled men. From these he heard tell of that which they had witness of the wonders of the cities in their wayfar, and heard them say, Whoso journeyeth not enjoyeth not, especially of the city of Baghdad. So he was concerned with exceeding concern for his lack of travel, and disclosed this to his sire, who said to him, O my son, why do I see thee chagrined? Quoth he, I would fain to fain, I would fain

Starting point is 04:48:11 travel. And quoth Abu al-Hassan, O my son, none travelleth, save those whose need is urgent, and those who are compelled thereto by want. As for thee, O my son, thou enjoyest ample means. So do thou content thyself with that which Allah hath given thee, and be bounteous to others, even as he hath been bountiful to thee, and afflict not thyself with the toil and tribulation of travel, for indeed it is said that travel is that travel is, of peace of hell torment. But the youth said, Needs Must I journey to Baghdad,

Starting point is 04:48:47 the House of Peace. When his father saw the strength of his resolve to travel, he fell in with his wishes and fitted him out with $5,000 dinars in cash and the like in merchandise, and sent him two serving men. So the youth fared forth on the blessing of Allah Almighty, and his parent went out with him

Starting point is 04:49:08 to take leave of him and returned to Damascus. As for near al-Din Ali, he ceased not traveling days and nights till he entered Baghdad City and laying up his loads in the Wakala made for the Haman bath, where he did away that which was upon him of the soil of the road, and doffing his traveling clothes, donned a costly suit of Yamani stuff worth an hundred dinars. Then he loaded his sleeve with a thousand mescales of gold and sallied forth, a walking and swaying gracefully as he paced along. His gait confounded all those who gazed upon him, as he shamed the branches with his shape and belittled the rose with the redness of his cheeks, and his black eyes of Bibli witchcraft. Thou would esteem

Starting point is 04:49:57 that whoso looked on him would surely be preserved from bane and bail, for he was even as saith of him one of his describers in these couplets. Thy haters and enviers say, for jeer, a truce say that prophets what ears will hear. No boast is his whom the gear adorns, the boast be his who adorns the gear. So C.D. Nour al-Din went walking in the highways of the city and viewing its edifices and its bazaars and thoroughfares and gazing on his folk. Presently, Abu Nawaz met him. Now he was of those of whom it is said they love fair lads, and indeed there is said what is said concerning him. When he saw near Alden Ali, he stared at him in amazement and exclaimed, Say, I take refuge with the Lord of the daybreak. Then he accosteth the youth, and saluting him,

Starting point is 04:50:53 asked him, Why do I see my Lord lone and lorn? Miss seemeth thou art a stranger, and knowest not this country, so with leave of my Lord, I will put myself at his service, and acquaint him with the streets, for that I know this city. NER al-Din answered, This will be of thy favor, old uncle. Abu Noahs rejoiced at this and fared on with him, showing him to streets and bazaars till they came to the house of a slave-dealer, where he stopped and said to the youth,

Starting point is 04:51:24 From what city art thou? From Damascus, replied, Nir al-Din, and Abu Noah said, By Allah, thou art from a blessed city, even as saith of it, the poet in these couplets. Now is Damascus Agarthe adorned, for her seekers, the Horries, and Paradise Boys. City near Aldin thanked him, and the Twain entered the mansion of the slave merchant. When the people of the house saw Abu Nawas, they rose to do him reverence

Starting point is 04:51:54 for that which they knew of his rank with the commander of the faithful, and the slave dealer himself came up to them with two chairs, whereon they seated themselves. Then the slave merchant went inside and returning with a slave girl, as she wore a branch of ban or a rattan cane, clad in a vest of damask silk, and tired with a black and white headdress whose ends fell down over her face, seated her on a chair of ebony, after which he cried to those who were present. I will discover to you a favor as it were a full moon breaking forth from under a cloud bank. They replied, do so. whereupon he unveiled the damsel's face, and behold, she was like the shining sun,

Starting point is 04:52:39 with shapely shape and dawned bright cheeks, and thready waist and heavy hips, briefs she was endowed with an elegance, whose description is unfound, and was even as saith of her the poet. A fair one to idolaters, if she herself should show, they'd leave their idols and her face, for only Lord would know. and if into the briny sea one day she chanced to spit assuredly the salt seas floods straight fresh and sweet would grow. The dealer stood at the handmaid's head and one of the merchants said, I bid a thousand dinars for her. Quoth another, I bid one thousand one hundred dinars. And a third, I bid twelve hundred. Then said a fourth merchant,

Starting point is 04:53:27 Bishi mine for fourteen hundred ducats, and the bidding standing still a thousand hundred ducats. and the bidding standing still at that sum, her owner said, I would not sell her save with her consent, and if she desired to be sold, I will sell her to whom she willeth. The slave dealer asked him, what is her name? Answered the other, her name is Sit al-Mala, whereupon the dealer said to her, With thy leave, I will sell thee to yonder merchant for this price of fourteen hundred dinars.

Starting point is 04:53:56 Quote she, come hither to me, so the man-bender came up, to her, and when he drew near, she gave him a kick with her foot, and cast him to the ground, saying, I will not have that ulster. The slave-dealer arose, shaking the dust from his dress and head, and cried, Who biddeth more of us? Who is desirous? Said one of the merchants, I. And the dealer said to her, O sit al-Mala, shall I sell thee to this merchant. She replied, come hither to me, but he rejoined, nay, speak, and I will hear thee from my place, for I will not trust myself to thee, nor hold myself safe when near thee. So she cried, indeed, I will not have him. Then the slave-dealer looked at her and seeing her fix eyes on the young Damasc scene, for that, in very deed, he had fascinated her with his beauty and loveliness went up to him and said to him, O my lord, art thou a looker on or a buyer? Tell me, Quoth near Al-Din, I am both looker-on and buyer.

Starting point is 04:55:02 Wilt thou sell me yonder slave-girl for sixteen hundred ducats? And he pulled out the purse of gold, hereupon the dealer returned, dancing and clapping his hands and saying, So be it, so be it, or not at all. Then he came to the damsel and said to her, O sit amala, shall I sell thee to yonder young Damascene for sixteen hundred deniers. but she answered no of bashfulness before her master and the bystanders,

Starting point is 04:55:32 whereupon the people of the bazaar and the slave merchant departed, and Abu Nawas and Ali Dur al-Din arose and went each his own way, whilst the damsel returned to her owner's house, full of love for the young Damascene. When the night darkened on her, she called him to mind, and her heart hung to him, and sleep visited her or not, and on this wise, she abode days and nights till she sickened and abstained from food. So her lord went into her and asked her, O sit amala, how findest thou thyself?

Starting point is 04:56:08 Answered she, O my lord, dead without chance of deliverance, and I beseech thee to bring me my shroud, so I may look upon it ere I die. Therewith he went out from her, sore concern for her, and betaking himself to the bazaar, found a friend of his, a draper, who had been present on the day when the damsel was cried for sale. Quoth his friend to him, Why do I see thee troubled? And quoth he, sit al-Malal is at the point of death, and for three days she hath neither eaten nor drunken. I questioned her today of her case, and she said, O my lord, buy me a shroud,

Starting point is 04:56:48 so I may look upon it ere I die. The draper replied, methinks not aileth her, but that she is in love with the young Damascene, and I counsel thee to mention his name to her, and declared to her that he has foregathered with thee on her account, and is desirous of coming to thy quarters, so he may hear somewhat of her singing. And she say, I reck not of him, for there is that to do with me which distracteth me from the Damascene and from other than he, know that she saith sooth concerning her sickness, but, and she say thee other than the other than this, acquaint me therewith. So the man returned to his lodging, and going into his slave-girl, said to her, O sit al-Mala, I went out for thy need, and there met the young man of Damascus,

Starting point is 04:57:39 and he saluted me with the salam, and saluted thee. He seeketh to win thy favor, and prayed me to admit him as a guest in our dwelling, so thou mayest let him hear somewhat of thy singing. When she heard speak of the young Damascene, she gave a sob that her soul was like to leave her body and answered, He knoweth my plight, and how these three days pass I have not eaten or drunken, And I beseech thee, O my lord, by Allah of all might, to do thy duty by the stranger and bring him to my lodging, and make excuse to him for me. When her master heard this, his reason fled for joy, and he went to his familiar the draper, and said to him, thou wast right in the matter of the damsel, for that she is in love with the young

Starting point is 04:58:28 damascene, so how shall I manage? Said the other, go to the bazaar, and when thou seest him, salute him, and say to him, thy departure the other day, without winning thy wish, was grievous to me, so, and thou be still minded to buy the maid, I will abate thee of that which thou abatest for her, and hundred sequins by way of gaining thy favor, seeing thou be a stranger in our land. If he say to thee, I have no desire for her, and hold off from thee, be assured that he will not buy, in which case let me know, so I may devise thee another device, and if he say to thee other than this, conceal not from me ought. So the girl's owner betook himself to the bazaar, where he found the youth seated at the upper end of the place where the merchants mostly do meet,

Starting point is 04:59:22 selling and buying and taking and giving, as he were the moon on the night of its full, and saluted him. The young man returned his salaam and said to him, O my lord, be not offended at that damsel speech the other day, for her price shall be lowered to the intent that I may secure thy favor. And thou desire her for naught, I will send her to thee, or, and thou wouldest have me abate to thee her price. I will well, for I desire nothing save what shall content thee, seeing thou art a stranger in our land, and it behoveth us to treat thee hospitably, and have consideration for thee. The youth replied, by Allah I will not take her from thee but at an advance on that which I bade thee for her afore. So wilt thou sell her to me for one thousand and seven hundred dinars. And the other rejoined, Oh my lord, I sell her to thee, may Allah bless thee and her.

Starting point is 05:00:22 Thereupon the young man went to his quarters, and fetching a purse sent for the girl's owner, and weighed out to him the price aforesaid, whilst the draper was between the twain. then said he, bring her forth. But the other replied, she cannot come forth at this present. But be thou my guest the rest of this day and night, and on the morrow thou shalt take thy slave-girl and go in the war de Vala. The youth agreed with him on this, and he carried him to his house, where, after a little, he bade meat and wine be brought, and they ate and drank.

Starting point is 05:00:58 Then said Nair al-din to the girl's owner, I would have thee bring me the dam-es-y-y-reed. because I bought her not but for the like of this time. So he arose and going into the girl, said to her, O sit al-Mala, the young man hath paid down thy price, and we have bidden him hither, so he hath come to our quarters and we have entertained him, and he would fain have thee be present with him. Therewith the damsel rose deftly, and doffing her dress, bathed in don's sumptuous apparel, and perfumed herself, and went out to him, as she were a branch of ban or a cane of Rattan, followed by a black slave girl bearing the loot. When she came to the young man, she saluted him and sat down by his side.

Starting point is 05:01:44 Then she took the loot from the slave girl and, scoring up its pegs, smote thereon, in four-and-twenty modes, after which she returned to the first and sang these couplets. My joy in this world is to see and sit near thee. Thy loves my religion. Thy union my pleasure attested these tears when in memory I spear thee, and unchecked down my cheeks pour the flood without measure. By Allah no rival in love hast to fear thee. I'm thy slave as I swear, and this troth is my treasure. Be not this our last meeting. By Allah, I swear thee, thy severance to me were most bitter displeasure. The young man was moved, to delight and cried, by Allah, thou sayest well, O sit ah Malah. Let me hear more. Then he largest

Starting point is 05:02:38 her with fifty gold pieces, and they drank, and the cups made circuit among them, and her cellars said to her, O sit al-Mala, this is the season of farewelling, so let us hear somewhat thereon. Accordingly, she struck the loot, and touching upon that which was in her heart, improvised these couplets. I thole longing, remembrance, and sad repine, nor my heart can brook rose and so lengthened line. O my lords think not I forget your love, my case is pure case and cure shows no sign. If creature could swim in the flood of his tears, I were first to swim in those floods of brine. O cup-boy with whole cup and bowl from a wretch who ne'er seethetheth to drink of her tears for wine. Had I known that parting would do me die, I had shirked to part, but twas fate's design.

Starting point is 05:03:33 End of part 28. Recorded by Brise, Youngstown. Section 29 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Brise, Youngstown The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night

Starting point is 05:04:05 Volume 12 by Anonymous Translated by Richard Francis Burton Section 29 Near Aldinale of Damascus and the damsel Sit Al-Malaa Part 2 Now whilst they were thus enjoying Whatso is most delicious of ease and delight

Starting point is 05:04:24 And indeed the wine was to them sweet And the talk a treat behold there came a knocking at the door. So the housemaster went out, that he might see what might be the matter, and found ten head of the Caliph's eunuchs at the entrance. When he saw this he was startled and said, What is to do? The commander of the faithful saluted thee and requirth of thee the slave-girl whom thou hast exposed for sale, and whose name is sit al-Mala. By Allah I have sold her. by the head of the commander of the faithful that she is not in thy quarters. The slaver made oath that he had sold her and that she was no longer at his disposition, yet they paid no heed to his word,

Starting point is 05:05:10 and forcing their way into the house, found the damsel and the young Damascene in the sitting chamber. So they laid hands upon her, and the youth said, This is my slave girl whom I have bought with my money. But they hearkened not to his speech and taking her, carried her off to the Prince of true believers. Therewith Nair Aldin's pleasure was troubled. He arose and donned his dress, and his host said, Whither away this night, O my lord? Said he, I purpose going to my quarters, and tomorrow I will betake myself to the palace of the commander of the faithful, and demand my slave-girl. The other replied, Sleep till the morning, and fare not for it. at the like of this hour. But he rejoined, Needs Must I Go, and the host said to him,

Starting point is 05:06:00 Go in Allah, his safeguard. So the youth went forth, and drunkenness having got the mastery of his wits, he threw himself down on a bench before one of the shops. Now the watchmen were at that hour making their rounds, and they smelt the sweet scent of essences and wine that reeked from him. So they made for it, and suddenly beheld the youth lying on the bench. without sign of recovering. They poured water upon him, and he awoke, whereupon they carried him off to the office of the chief of police, and he questioned him of his case. He replied, Oh my lord, I am an alien in this town, and have been with one of my friends. I came forth from his house and drunkenness overcame me. The Wally bade carry him to his lodging, but one of those

Starting point is 05:06:49 in attendance upon him, Al Maradi, Haidt, said, him, what wilt thou do? This man is robed in rich raiment, and on his finger is a golden ring, whose bezel is a ruby of great price, so we will carry him away and slay him, and take that which is upon him of clothes, and bring to thee all we get, for that thou will not often see profit the like thereof, especially as this fellow is a foreigner, and there is none to ask after him. quote the chief, This white is a thief, and that which he saith is leasing. Nerealdin said,

Starting point is 05:07:28 I'll have forfend that I should be a thief, but the wali answered, thou liest. So they stripped him of his clothes, and taking the seal ring from his finger, beat him with a grievous beating, while he cried out for succor, but none succored him, and besought protection, but none protected him.

Starting point is 05:07:48 Then said he to them, O folk, you are quit, of that which ye have taken from me, but now restore me to my lodging. They replied, leave this neighbor, old rascal, thine intend is to sue us for thy clothes on the morrow. The youth cried, By the truth of the one, the eternal one, I will not sue any for them. But they said, We find no way to this, and the prefect bade them bear him to the Tigris, and there slay him and cast him into the stream. So they dragged him away while he wept and said the words which shall know wise shame the sayer. There is no majesty and there is no might save an Allah, the glorious, the great.

Starting point is 05:08:33 When they came to the tigris, one of them drew the sword upon him and Al-Murati said to this order, smite off his head. But one of them, Haid, cried, O folk, deal softly with his poor wretch, and slay him not unjustly and wickedly, for I stand in fear of Allah Almighty, lest he burn me with his fire, quoth al-Miradi,

Starting point is 05:08:57 a truce to this talk, and quoth the Ahmad Afr said, and ye do with him aught, I will acquaint a commander of the faithful. They asked, How then shall we do with him? And he answered, Let us deposit him in prison,

Starting point is 05:09:12 and I will be answerable to you for his provision, so shall we be quit of his blood, for indeed he is a wronged man. Accordingly they agreed to this and taking him up, cast him into the prison of blood, and then went their ways. So far as regards them, but returning to the damsel, they carried her to the commander of the faithful, and she pleased him. So he assigned her a chamber of the chambers of choice. She tarried in the palace, neither eating nor drinking, and weeping sans surceased night and day, till one night the caliph sent for her to his sitting-hall, and said to her, O sit al-Mala, be of good cheer, and keep thine eyes cool of tear, for I will make thee rank higher than any of the

Starting point is 05:09:59 concubines, and thou shalt see that which shall rejoice thee. She kissed the ground and wept, whereupon the prince of true believers called for her loot, and bade her sing. So in accordance with that, which was in her heart, she sang. She sang, improvised couplets. By the sheen of thy soul and the sheen of thy smile, say moaned's thou for doubt, or is it ring-doves moan? How many have died, who by love were slain, fails my patience but blaming my blamers won't. Now when she had made an end of her song, she threw the loot from her hand and wept till she fainted away, whereupon the caliph bade carry her to her chamber. But he was fascinated by her, and she threw the lute from her hand, and

Starting point is 05:10:44 and loved her with exceeding love, so after a while he again commanded to bring her to the presence, and when she came he ordered her to sing. Accordingly, she took the lute and chanted to it that which was in her heart and improvised these couplets. Have I patience and strength to support this despair? Ah, how couldst thou purpose afar too fair? Thou art swayed by the spy to my carcan care. No marvel and brand-es. ch'-lid sway here and there. With unbearable load thou wouldest load me still, thou loadest with love which I theewards bear. Then she cast the lute from her hand and fainted away, so she was carried to her sleeping-chamber, and indeed passion grew upon her. After a long while the Prince of True Believer sent for her a third time and commanded her to sing.

Starting point is 05:11:39 So she took the lute and chanted these couplets. O of piebald wild ye dunes sandy and drear, Shall the teenful lover scape teen and tear? Shall ye see me join with a lover who still flies, Or shall we meet in joyful cheer? O hail to the fawn with a hoary eye, Like sun or moon on horizon clear. He saith to lovers, what look ye on,

Starting point is 05:12:08 And to stony hearts, say what love ye dear? I pray to him who departed us, with Severn Stoom, be our union near. When she had made an end of her verse, the commander of the faithful said to her, O damsel, thou art in love. She replied, yes, and he asked, with whom? Answered she, with my lord and sovereign of my tenderness, for whom my love is as the love of the earth for rain, or as a desire of the female for the male. And indeed the love of him is bingled with my flesh and my blood, and hath entered into the channels of my bones.

Starting point is 05:12:48 O prince of true believers, whenever I call him to mine, my vitals are consumed, for that I have not yet won my wish of him, and but that I fear to die without seeing him, I am assuredly slain myself. Thereupon quoth he, art thou in my presence, and durst be speaking, me with the like of these words, for sure I will gar thee, forget thy lord. Then he bade take her away, so she was carried to her pavilion, and he sent her a concubine,

Starting point is 05:13:19 with a casket wherein worth three thousand ducats and a collar of gold set with seed pearls and great unions and jewels worth other three thousand, saying to her, the slave girl and that which is with her are a gift from me to thee. When she heard this, She cried, Allah forfend that I be consoled for the love of my Lord and my master, though with an earth full of gold, and she improvised and recited these couplets. By his life I swear, by his life I pray. For him fire I'd enter, unfold dismay. Consul thee, cry they, with another fair, thou lovest an eye by life nay, nay. He's moon, whom beauty and grace array, from whose cheeks and brow shinedeth light of day. Then the commander of the faithful summoned her to his presence a fourth time and said,

Starting point is 05:14:15 O sit al-Malas, sing. So she recited and sang these couplets. The lover's heart by his beloved is often disheartened, and by the hand of sickness he could sprite dispirited. One asks, what is the taste of love? and I to him replied, Love is a sweet at first, but oft in fine unsweetened. I am the thrall of love who keeps the troth of love to them. But oft they proved themselves,

Starting point is 05:14:44 Rukub, and packed with me they made. What in their camp remains? They bound their loads and fared away. To other fairs, the veiled fares and curtain-litters sped. At every station the beloved showed all of Joseph's charms, the lover wone with Jacob's woe in every shift of stead. When she had made an end of her song, she threw the loot from her hand and wept herself a swoon.

Starting point is 05:15:10 So they sprinkled on her musk-mingled rose-water and willow-flower water, and when she came to her senses, Al Rashid said to her, O sit al-Mala, this is not just dealing in thee. We love thee, and thou lovest another. She replied, O commander of the faithful, there is no help for it. Thereupon he was wroth with her and cried, by the virtue of Hamza and Akeel and Muhammad, Prince of the Apostles, and thou name in my presence, one other than I,

Starting point is 05:15:42 I will assuredly order strike off thy head. Then he bade return her to her chamber whilst she wept and recited these couplets. O brave, I'd cry and I my death could view, my death were better than these griefs to rue. Did Saber Humee limb, This were not to affright a lover, Leal True. Then the Caliph went into the ladies of Beda, complexion altered with anger,

Starting point is 05:16:10 and she noted this in him, and said to him, How cometh it that I see the commander of the faithful changed of color? He replied, O daughter of my uncle, I have a beautiful slave girl, who recited verses by rote, and telleth various tales, and she hath taken my whole heart. But she loveth other than myself, and declares that she affecteth her former lord.

Starting point is 05:16:35 So I have sworn a great oath that, if she come again to my sitting-hall, and sing for other than for me, I will assuredly shorten her highest part by a span. Quote Sabeda, Let the commander of the faithful favor me by presenting her, so I may look on her and hear her singing. Accordingly he bade fetch her, and she came,

Starting point is 05:16:56 upon which the Lady Zubeda withdrew behind the curtain where the damsel saw her not, and now Rashid said to her, sing to us. So she took the lute and tuning it, recited these couplets. O my lord, since the day when I lost your sight, my life was ungladdened, my heart full of teen. The memory of you kills me every night, and by all the worlds is my trace unseen. All for love of a fawn who hath snared my sprang. by his love and his brow is the morning sheen. Like a left hand parted from Brother Wright, I became by parting through a fortune's spleen.

Starting point is 05:17:37 On the brow of him beauty deigned in dight, Bless be Allah whom best of creators I wean. In him I pray, who could disunite, To reunite us, then cry amin. When Al Rashid heard the end of this, He waxed succeeding wrath and said, may Allah not reunite you twain in gladness. Then he summoned the headsman, and when he presented himself, he said to him,

Starting point is 05:18:03 Strike off the head of this accursed slave-girl. So Mesru took her by the hand and led her away. But when she came to the door, she turned and said to the caliph, O commander of the faithful, I conjure thee by thy fathers and forefathers, Behead me not till thou give ear to that I shall say. Then she improvised and recited these couplets. E mirror of justice be to legious kind, for justice ever guides thy generous mind.

Starting point is 05:18:34 And O who blamest love to him inclining, Our lovers blame for latches undesigning. By him who gave thee rule, Dain spare my life, For rule on earth he hath to thee assigned. Then Masr carried her to the other end of the sitting hall and bound her eyes, and making her sit, stood awaiting a second order. Whereupon, quote, the ladies of Beda,

Starting point is 05:18:59 O prince of true believers, with thy permission, wilt thou not vouchsafe this damsel, a portion of thy clemency, and thou slay her twere in justice. Quoth he, what is to be done with her, and quoth she, forbear to slay her and send for her lord. If he be as she describeth him in beauty and loveliness, she is excused, and if he be not on this wise, then kill her, and this shall be thy plea against her. Al Rashid replied, No harm in this reed, and cause returned the damsel to her chamber, saying to her, the lady subeda say thus and thus. She rejoined, God requite her for me with good.

Starting point is 05:19:43 Indeed thou dealest equitably, O commander of the faithful in this judgment. And he retorted, go now to thy place, and tomorrow we will bid them bring thy Lord. So she kissed ground and recited these couplets. I indeed will well for whom love I will. Let chide or chide and let blame or blame. All lives must die at fixed tide and term, but I must die ere my life term came. Then, O whose love hath afflicted me,

Starting point is 05:20:15 while I will but thy presence in haste I claim. and she arose and returned to her chamber. Now on the morrow, the commander of the faithful said in his hall of audience, and his wazir, Jaffer bin Yaha, the barmecide, came in to him, whereupon he called to him, saying, I would have thee bring me a youth who has lately come to Baghdad, height seedy near Aldin Ali to Damascene, quote Jafer, hearing and obeying,

Starting point is 05:20:46 and going forth in quest of the youth, sent to the bazaars, Wakala's and Khans for three successive days, but discovered no trace of him, neither happened upon the place of him. So on the fourth day he presented himself before the caliph and said to him, O our Lord, I have sought him these three days but have not found him. Said al-Rashid, make ready letters to Damascus. Per adventure he hath returned to his own land. Accordingly, Ja Afar wrote a letter and dispatched it by a dromedary courier to the Damascus city, and they sought him there and found him not. Meanwhile, news was brought that Kerasin had been conquered, whereupon Al Rashid rejoiced and bade decorate Baghdad and release all in the gaol, giving each of them a ducat and a dress.

Starting point is 05:21:38 So Ja Afar applied himself to the adornment of the city and bade his brother Al-Fizzi ride to the prison, and robe had set free the prisoners. Alpha Z did as his brother commanded, and released all save the young Damascene, who abode still in the prison of blood, saying, There is no majesty, and there is no might, save in Allah, the glorious, the great. Verily we are gods, and to him we are returning.

Starting point is 05:22:06 Then quoth Alpha Z to the gaoler. Is there any left in the prison? Quoth he, no. And Alpha Z was about to depart when, Mir al-din called out to him from within the prison, saying, O our Lord, Terry a while, for there remaineth none in the prison other than I, and indeed I am wronged. This is a day of pardon, and there is no disputing concerning it. Al-Fazee made release him, so they set him free, and he gave him a dress and a ducat.

Starting point is 05:22:37 Thereupon the young man went out, bewildered, and unknowing whether he should wend, for that he had surjourned in Nagal a year or so, and indeed his condition was changed and his favor fouled, and he abode walking and turning round lest Al Maradi come upon him and cast him into another calamity. When Almeradi learned his release, he betook himself to the Wally and said, O our Lord, we are not assured of our lives from that youth because he hath been freed from prison, and we fear lest he complain of us. Quoth the chief, how shall we do? And quoth Al Maradi,

Starting point is 05:23:16 I will cast him into a calamity for thee. Then he ceased not to follow the Damascene from place to place till they came up with him in a narrow stead and cul-de-sac, whereupon he accosted him, and casting a cord about his neck, cried out, A thief! The folk flocked to him from all sides and fell to beating and abusing near Al-Din. Willsey cried out for aidance, but none aided him, and Al Maradi kept saying to him,

Starting point is 05:23:44 but yesterday the commander of the faithful released thee, and today thou robest. So the hearts of the mob were hardened against him, and again Al Maradi carried him to the chief of police, who bade hew off his hand. Accordingly, the hangman took him, and bringing out the knife, proceeded to cut off his hand,

Starting point is 05:24:04 while Al Maradi said to him, cut and sever the bone, and fry not in oil the stump for him, so he may lose all his blood and we may be at rest from him. But Ahmad, he who had before been the cause of his deliverance, sprang up to him and cried, O folk, fear Allah, in your action with this youth, for that I know his affair, first and last,

Starting point is 05:24:27 and he is clear of offence and guiltless. He is of the lords of houses, and unless ye desist from him, I will go up to the commander of the faithful and acquaint him with the case from beginning to end, and that the youth is innocent of sin or crime. Quoth Al Maradi, indeed we are not assured from his mischief, and quoth Ahmed, set him free and commit him to me, and I will warrant you against his doings, for ye shall never see him again after this. So they delivered near Al-Din to him,

Starting point is 05:24:58 and he took him from their hands and said to him, O youth have rule on thyself, for indeed thou hast fallen into the hands of these folk twice, and if they prevail over the a third time, they will make an end of thee. And I, in doing thus with thee, aim at reward for thee and recompense in heaven and answer of prayer. So Nour al-Din felt the kissing his hand and blessing him, said, know that I am a stranger in this your city, and the completion of kindness is better than its commencement. Wherefore I pray thee of thy favor, that thou make perfect to me thy good, offices and generosity, and bring me to the city gate. So will thy beneficence be accomplished unto me, and may God Almighty requite thee for me with good. Amad replied, no harm shall be tied thee,

Starting point is 05:25:50 go, I will bear thee company till thou come to thy place of safety. And he left him not till he brought him to the city gate, and said to him, O youth go in Allah's guard and return not to the city, for, and they fall in with thee again, they will make an end of thee. Nereldin kissed his hand, and going forth the city, gave not over-walking till he came to a mosque that stood in one of the suburbs of Baghdad, and entered therein with the knight. Now he had with him not wherewith he might cover himself, so he wrapped himself up in one of the mats of the mosque and thus abode till dawn,

Starting point is 05:26:28 when the Mouazins came in and finding him seated in such case, said to him, O youth, what is this plight? Said he, I cast myself on your protection, imploring your defense from a company of folk who seek to slay me unjustly and wrongously without cause. And one of the Mouazins said, I will protect thee, so be of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool of tear. Then he brought him old clothes and covered him therewith.

Starting point is 05:26:57 He also set before him somewhat a victual and seeing upon him signs of fine breed. said to him, O my son, I grow old and desiring help from thee, I will do away thy necessity. Neroldin replied, To hear is to obey, an abode with the old man who rested and took his ease,

Starting point is 05:27:16 while the youth did his service in the mosque, celebrating the praises of Allah and calling the faithful to prayer, enlighting the lamp, and filling the spout pots, and weeping and cleaning out the place of worship. On this wise it befell the young Damascene, but as regards sit al malah the lady zubeda the wife of the commander of the faithful made a banquet in her palace and assembled her slave-girls and the damsel came weeping eyed and heavy-hearted and those present blamed her for this whereupon she recited these couplets you blame the mourner who weeps as woe needs musty mourner sing weeping sore and i see not some happy day i'll weep brine tears till followed by gouts of gore End of Section 29, recording by Brise, Youngstown.

Starting point is 05:28:14 Section 30 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Labor Vox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. translated by Richard Francis Burton Section 30

Starting point is 05:28:43 Nur al-in Ali of Damascus and the damsel sit al-Mala Part 3 When she had made an end of her verses The Lady Zubida bade each damsel sing a song till the turn came round to sit al-Mala Whereupon she took the lute and tuning it caroled thereto four-and-twenty carols

Starting point is 05:29:04 In four-and-twenty modes then she returned to the first and sang these couplets. The world hath shot me with all her shafts, departing friends parting grief to buy, so in heart the burn of all hearts I bear, and in eyes the teardrops of every eye. When she had made an end of her song, she wept till she guard the bystanders weep, and the lady Zubeda condoled with her and said to her, Allah upon the O Sit al-Mala sing us somewhat, so we may hearken, to thee. The damsel replied, hearing and obeying, and sang these couplets. People of passion,

Starting point is 05:29:43 assemble ye, this day be the day of our agony. The raven, O severance, croaks at our doors, Our raven which nigh to us I see we. The friends we love have appointed us, a grievousist, parting duel to dree. Rise by your lives, and let all at once, fare to seek our friends where their sight we see. Then she threw the loot from her hand and shed tears till she drew tears from the Lady Zubeda, who said to her, O sit Amala, he whom thou lovest methinks is not in this world, for the commander of the faithful has sought him in every place, but hath not found him. Whereupon the damsel arose, and kissing their princess's hands, said to her, O my lady, and thou wouldest have him found, I have this night a request to make whereby thou mayest win my need with the caliph. Quoth the lady, and what is it? And quoth sit Amalah,

Starting point is 05:30:45 tiseth thou give me leave to fare forth by myself and go roundabout in quest of him three days, for the adage saith, whoso keeneth for herself, is not like whoso is hired to keen. And if I find him, I will bring him before the command. commander of the faithful, so he may do with us what he will, and if I find him not, I shall be cut off from hope of him, and the heat of that which is with me will be cooled. Quoth the Lady Zubeda, I will not get thee leave from him but for a whole month, so be of good cheer and eyes cool and clear. Whereat Sit al-Mala rejoiced and rising, kissed ground before her once more, and went away to her own place, and right glad was she. As for Zubeda, she went into the caliph and talked with him a while. Then she fell to kissing him between the eyes and on his hand, and asked him for that which she had

Starting point is 05:31:41 promised to sit al-Mala, saying, O commander of the faithful, I doubt me her lord is not found in this world, but an she go about seeking him and find him not, her hopes will be cut off, and her mind will be set at rest, and she will sport and laugh, and indeed, while she nourisheth hope, she will never take the right direction. And she ceased not cajoling him till he gave Sit al-Mala leave to fareforth, and make search for her lord a month's space, and ordered a riding mule and an enoch to attend her, and bade the privy purse give her all she needed, were at a thousand Durhams a day or even more. So the lady Zubeda arose, and returning to her palace, bade summons, sit al-Mala, and, as soon as she came, acquainted her with that which had passed, whereupon she kissed her hand and thanked her and called down blessings on her. Then she took leave of the princess, and, veiling her face with a mask, disguised herself, after which she mounted the she-mule, and sallying forth went roundabout seeking her lord in the highways of Baghdad three days.

Starting point is 05:32:52 space, but happed on no tidings of him, and on the fourth day she rode forth without the city. Now it was a noon hour, and fierce was the heat, and she was a weary, and thirst came upon her. Presently she reached the mosque of the Sheikh, who had lodged the young Damascene, and dismounting at the door, said to the old mausen, O shake, hast thou a draught of cold water, verily I am overcome with heat and thirst, said he, tis with me in my house. so he carried her up into his lodging and spreading her a carpet seated her after which he brought her cold water and she drank and said to the eunuch go thy ways with the mule and to-morrow come back to me here accordingly he went away and she slept and rested herself When she awoke, she asked the old man,

Starting point is 05:33:44 O Sheikh hast thou aught of food, and he answered, O my lady, I have bread and olives. Quoth she, That be food which befitteth only the light of thee. As for me, I will have not save roast lamb and soups and red and fowls, write fat, and ducks farsis with all manner stuffing on pistachio nuts and sugar. Quoth the Mouazin,

Starting point is 05:34:08 O my lady, I have never heard of this chapter in the Koran. nor was it revealed to our Lord Muhammad, whom Allah save and assain. She laughed and said, O Sheikh, the matter is even as thou sayest, but bring me pen case and paper. So he brought her what she sought, and she wrote a note and gave it to him, together with a sealing ring from her finger, saying, Go into the city and inquire for such and one the shraff, and give him this my note. accordingly the old sir betook himself to the city as she bade him and asked for the money-changer to whom they directed him. So he gave him ring and writ, seeing which he kissed a letter and breaking it open, read it and apprehended its contents.

Starting point is 05:34:55 Then he repaired to the bazaar and buying all that she bade him, laid it in a porter's crate and made him go with the shake. The old man took the Hamal and went with him to the mosque, where he relieved him of his burden, and carried the rich viands into Sit al-Mala. She seated him by her side, and they ate, he and she, of those dainty kates, till they were satisfied, when the shake rose and removed the food from before her. She passed that night in his lodging, and when she got up in the morning, she said to him, O elder, may I not lack thy kind offices for the breakfast. to the Shroff and fetch me from him the like of yesterday's food. So he arose and betaking himself

Starting point is 05:35:38 to the money-changer, acquainted him with that which she had bidden him. The Shroff brought him all she required and set it on the heads of the Hamals, and the sheikh took them and returned with them to the damsel. When she sat down with him and they ate their sufficiency, after which he removed the rest of the meats, then she took the fruits and the flowers and setting them over against herself, wrought them into rings and knots and writs whilst the sheikh looked on at a thing who's like he had never in his life seen and rejoiced in the sight presently said she to him o elder i would fain drink so he arose and brought her a gugglet of water but she cried to him who said to thee fetch that quoth he saidest thou not to me i would fain drink and quoth she i want not this nay i will fain drink and quoth she i want not this nay i will want wine. The solace of the soul so happily, O Sheikh, I may refresh myself therewith, exclaimed the old man. Alah forfend that strong drink be drunk in my house, and I a stranger in the

Starting point is 05:36:44 land, and a Mouazen and an Iman, who leadeth the true believers in prayer, and a servant of the house of the Lord of the three worlds. Why wilt thou forbid me to drink thereof in thy house? Because tis unlawful. O elder, Allah, ha, is forbidden only the eating of blood and carrion and hogs flesh. Tell me, are grapes and honey lawful or unlawful? They are lawful. This is the juice of grapes and the water of honey. Leave this thy talk, for thou shalt never drink wine in my house. O shake, people eat and drink and enjoy themselves,

Starting point is 05:37:22 and we are of the number of the folk, and Allah is indulgent and merciful. This is a thing that may not be. hast thou not heard what the poets saith and she recited these couplets cease thou to hear o simmon's son aught save the say of me how bitter twas to quit the monks and fly the monastery when on the fate of palms there stood amid the hallowed feign a pretty fawn whose lovely pride guard me sore wrong to drie may allah bless the night we spend when he to us was third while Mosam Jew and Nazarene all sported feign and free, quoth he from out whose locks appeared the gleaming of the morn. Sweet as a wine and sweets of flowers a joyous comrades three. The garden of the garths of cooled were roll and rail amain,

Starting point is 05:38:17 rivulets neath the myrtle shade and bands fair branchery, and birds make carol on the boughs and sing in Blythus lay, yea, this indeed is life, but ah, how soon it fades away. She then asked him, O Sheikh, and Muslims and Jews and Nazarenes drink wine, Who are we that we should reject it? Answered he, by Allah, O my lady, spare thy pains, for this be a thing whereeto I will not hearken. When she knew that he would not consent to her desire, she said to him, O Sheikh, I am of the slave-girls of the commander of the faithful, and the food waxeth heavy on me,

Starting point is 05:39:00 and if I drink not I shall die of indigestion, nor wilt thou be assured against the issue of my case. As for me, I acquit myself a blame towards thee, for that I have bidden thee, beware of the wrath of the commander of the faithful, after making myself known to thee. when the sheke heard her words and that wherewith she threatened him he sprang up and went out perplexed and unknowing what he should do and there met him a jewish man which was his neighbour and said to him how cometh it that i see thee o sheik straight abreast eke i hear in thy house a noise of talk such as i am on want to hear with thee quoth muazen tis of a damsel who declares that she is of the slave-girls of the slave-girls of the commander of the faithful, Heron Al Rashid, and she hath eaten meat and now would drink wine in my house, but I forbade her. However, she asserteth that unless she drink thereof she will die, and indeed I am bewildered concerning my case. Answered the Jew, know, O my neighbor, that the slave

Starting point is 05:40:08 girls of the commander of the faithful are used to drink wine, and when they eat and drink not, they die, and I fear lest happen some mishap to her, when thou wouldst not be safe from the caliph's fury. The sheikh asked, What is to be done? And the Jew answered, I have old wine that will suit her, quote the sheik, By the right of neighborship, deliver me from this descent of calamity, and let me have that which is with thee. Quote the Jew, Bismilla, in the name of Allah, and passing to his quarters brought out a glass flask of wine, wherewith the Sheikh returned to Sit al-Mala. This pleased her, and she cried to him, "'Wence hadst thou this?' he replied. I got it from the Jew, my neighbor. I set forth to him my case

Starting point is 05:40:59 with thee, and he gave me this. Thereupon Sid al-Mala filled a cup and emptied it, after which she drank a second and a third. Then she crowned the cup a fourth time and handed it to the shake, but he would not accept it from her. However, she conjured him by her own head and that of the Prince of true believers, that he take the cup from her till he received it from her hand and kissed it, and would have set it down, but she sweared him by her life to smell it. Accordingly he smelt it, and she said to him, How deemest thou? Said he, I find its smell is sweet, and she conjured him by the Caliph's life to taste thereof. So he put it to his mouth, and she rose to him and made him drink. Whereupon, quote, he, O princess of the fair, this is none other than good. Quote she, so deem I.

Starting point is 05:41:54 Hath not our Lord promised us wine in paradise? He answered, yes, the most high saith, and rivers of wine, delicious to the drinkers, and we will drink it in this world and in the next world. she laughed and emptying the cup gave him to drink and he said o princess of the fair indeed thou art excusable in thy love for this then he hinted in hand from her another and another till he became drunken and his talk wax great and his prattle The folk of the quarter heard him and assembled under the window, and when the sheikh was aware of them, he opened the window and said to them, Are ye not ashamed, O pimps? Everyone in his own house doth whatso he willeth, and none hindereth him, but we drink one single day and ye assemble and come, panders that ye are. Today wine and tomorrow business, and from hour to hour cometh relief. So they laughed together and dispersed. Then the girl drank till she was drunken, when she called to mind her lord and wept, and the sheik said to her, What maketh thee weep, O my lady? said she, O elder, I am a lover and a separated. He cried, O my lady, what is this love?

Starting point is 05:43:13 Cried she, and thou, hast thou never been in love? He replied, by Allah, oh my lady, never in all my life heard I of this thing, nor have I ever known it. Is it the sons of Adam or of the gin? She laughed and said, Barely thou art even as those of whom the poet speaketh in these couplets. How oft shall they admonish and ye shun this nourishment when e'en the shepherd's bidding is obeyed by his flocks. I see you like in shape and form to creatures whom we term mankind, but in your acts and deeds you are a sort of ox. The Sheikh laughed at her speech and her verses pleased him. Then cried she to him, I desire of thee of loot. So he arose and brought her a bit of fuel.

Starting point is 05:44:03 Quoth she, what is that? And quote he, didst thou not say, bring me fuel? Said she, I do not want this, and said he, What then is it that is height fuel other than this? She laughed and replied, The lute is an instrument of music, whereunto I say. thing. Asked he, where is this thing found, and of whom shall I get it for thee? And answered she, of him who gave thee the wine. So he arose and betaking himself to his neighbor, the Jew, said to him,

Starting point is 05:44:38 thou favorest us before with the wine, so now complete thy favors, and look me out such a thing, height, lute, which be an instrument for singing, for she seeketh this of me, and I know it not. replied the jew hearkening in obedience and going into his house brought him a lute the old man carried to sit ah malah whilst the jew took his drink and sat by a window adjoining the sheikh's house so he might hear the singing the damsel rejoiced when the old man returned to her with the lute and taking it from him tuned its strings and sang these couplets remains not after you are gone or trace of you or sign but hope to see this parting end and break its lengthy line you went and by your wending maid the whole world desolate and none may stand this day instead to fill the yearning ein indeed you've burdened weakling me by strength and force of you with load no hill hath power to upheave nor yet the plain low lion and i whenever feign i scent the breeze your land or breathes lose all my wits as though they were bemused with heady wine o folk no light affair is love or lover woe to dree nor easy tis to satisfy its sorrow and repine i've wandered east and west to hap upon your trace and when spring camps i find the dwellers cry they've marched those friends o thine Never accustomed me to part these intimates I love, nay when I left them all will want new meetings to design.

Starting point is 05:46:22 End of Section 30, recording by Brise Youngstown. Section 31 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Labor Vox recording. All Labor Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit laborvox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 31. NER al-Din Ali of Damascus and the damsel sit al-Mala, part four.

Starting point is 05:47:08 Now when she had ended her song, she wept with sore weeping, till presently sleep overcame her and she slept. On the morrow she said to the shake, Get thee to the shroff and fetch me the ordinary. So he repaired to the money-changer and delivered him the message, whereupon he made ready meat and drink, according to his custom, with which the old man returned to the damsel,

Starting point is 05:47:33 and they ate their sufficiency. When she had eaten, she sought of him wine, and he went to the Jew and fetched it. Then the twain sat down and drank, and when she waxed drunken, she took the loot and smiting it, fell a-singing and chanted these couplets. How long ask I the heart, the heart drowned and eke,

Starting point is 05:47:54 refrain my complaint while I, my tear-floods speak. They forbid Ian the Phantom to visit me, O Marvel, her phantom my couch, to seek. And when she had made an end of her song, she wept with sore weeping. All this time the young Damascene was listening, and now he likened her voice. to the voice of his slave-girl, and then he put away from him this thought, and the damsel had no

Starting point is 05:48:20 knowledge whatever of his presence. Then she broke out again into song and chanted these couplets. Quothay, forget him, what is he? To them I cried, Allah forget me, when forget I mine adored. Now in this world shall I forget the love o you, heaven grant the thrall may ne'er forget to love his Lord. I pray that Allah, pardon all accept thy love, which when I meet him may my bestest plea afford. After ending this song, she drank three cups and filling the old man other three, improvised these couplets. His love he hid, which telltale tears betrayed, for a burn of coal that neath his ribs was laid, given that he seek his joy in spring and flowers. Someday his springs the face of dear loved maid. O ye who blame me for who balks my love, what sweeter thing than boon to man denade.

Starting point is 05:49:22 A sun yet scorcheth, he my very heart, a moon but riseth he from breasts a shade. When she had made an end of her song, she threw the lute from her hand and wept, whilst the shake wept for her weeping. Then she fell down in a fainting fit, and presently recovering, crowned the cup, and drinking it off, gave the elder to drink, after which she took the loot, and breaking out into song, chanted these couplets. Thy parting is bestest of woes to my heart, and changed my case till all sleep it eschewed. The world to my being is desolate, then, O grief, and O lingering solitude! May be the ruthless incline thee to me, and join us despite what our foes have sued. Then she wept till her voice rose high and her wailing was discovered to those without,

Starting point is 05:50:18 after which she again began to drink and, plying the shake with wine, sang these couplets. And they hid thy person from eye and sight, thou hid not thy name for my mindful sprite, or meet me thy ransom for meeting I'll be, or fly me and ransom I'll be for thy flight. mine outer speaks for mine inner case, and mine inner speaks for mine outer plight. When she had made an end of her verses she threw the lute from her hand and wept and wailed. Then she slept a while, and presently awaking, said, O shake, say me, hast thou what we may eat. He replied, O my lady, I have the rest of the food, but she cried,

Starting point is 05:51:02 I will not eat of the orts I have left, go down to the bazaar and fetch us what we may eat, he rejoined, excuse me, O my lady, I cannot rise to my feet, because I am bemused with wine. But with me is the servant of the mosque, who is a sharp youth and an intelligent. I will call him so he may buy thee whatso thy wantest. Asked she, whence hast thou this servant? And he answered, He is of the people of Damascus. When she heard him say, of the people of Damascus, she sobbed such a sob, that she swooned away, and when she came to herself she said,

Starting point is 05:51:43 "'Wo was me for the people of Damascus and for those who are therein. Call him, O Sheikh, that he may do our need.' Accordingly the old man put his head forth of the window and called the youth, who came to him from the mosque and sought leave to enter. The Mouazen bade him come in, and when he appeared before the damsel, he knew her and she knew him. whereupon he turned back in bewilderment and would have fled at haphazard, but she sprang up to him and held him fast, and they embraced and wept together till they fell to the floor in a fainting

Starting point is 05:52:19 fit. When the sheikh saw them in this condition he feared for himself and fared forth in fright, seeing not the way for drunkenness. His neighbor the Jew met him and asked him, how is it that I behold the astounded? Answered the old man, how should I not be astounded, seeing that the damsel who is with me is fallen in love with the mosque's servant, and they have embraced and slipped down in a swoon. Indeed, I fear lest the caliph come to know of this and be wroth with me, so tell me thou what is thy device for that wherewith I am afflicted in the matter of this damsel? Quoth the Jew, for the present, take this casting bottle of rose-water, and go forthright and sminkle them therewith, as they be a swoon.

Starting point is 05:53:06 for this their union and embrace, they will recover, and if otherwise, then take to flight. The sheikh snatched the casting-bottle from the Jew, and going up to the twain, sprinkled their faces, whereupon they came to themselves and fell to relating each to other, that which they had suffered, since both had been parted for the pangs of severance. Nair al-Din also acquainted Sitt al-Mala with that which he had endured from the folk who would have killed him and utterly annihilated him. And she said to him, O my lord, let us for the nonce leave this talk and praise Allah for reunion of loves, and all this shall cease from us. Then she gave him the cup, and he said,

Starting point is 05:53:51 By Allah, I will not wise drink it, whilst I am in this case. So she drank it off before him, and taking the loot, swept the strings and sang these couplets. O absent fro me, and yet present in place, thou art far from mine eyes, and yet ever nigh. Thy fairness bequeathed me, all sorrow and care, and my troublest life can no joy espy. Lone, forlone, weeping-eyed, I lidded, miserableness, I abide for thy sake as though banished I. Then, ah, grief, O me, fair thou hast fared from sight, yet canst no more, depart me than apple of I. When she had made an end of her verse, she wept and the young man of Damascus, near Al-Din, wept also. Then she took the loot and improvised these couplets.

Starting point is 05:54:45 Well, Allah, wots I never named you, but tears over-brimming eyes and floods out burst, and passion raged and pine would do me die, yet my heart rested with a thought it nursed. O cast light mine, O wish, and O my heart, hope, your face can never quench mine eyes hot thirst. When Nair Aldin heard these his slave-girls verses, he fell a-weeping while she strained him to her bosom and wiped away his tears with her sleeve and questioned him and comforted his mind. Then she took the lute and sweeping its strings, played thereon with such performing as would move the status to delight and sang these couplets. indeed what day brings not your sight to me, that they I remember not as dight to me,

Starting point is 05:55:36 and when I vainly long on you to look, my life is lost, O life and light O me. After this fashion they fared till the morning, tasting not the nourishment of sleep, and when the day lightened, behold the Enoch came and the she-mule, and said to sit al-Mala, the commander of the faithful calleth for thee. So she arose, and, taking by the hand her lord, committed him to the sheikh, saying, This is the deposit of Allah, then thy deposit till this eunuch cometh to thee, and indeed, O elder, my due to thee, is the white hand of favor, such as filleth the interval betwixt heaven and earth.

Starting point is 05:56:18 Then she mounted the mule, and repairing to the palace of the commander of the faithful, went into him and kissed ground before him. Quoth he to her, as who should make mock of her, I doubt not that thou hast found thy Lord, and quote she, By thy felicity and the length of thy continuance on life, I have indeed found him. Now Ah Rashid was leaning back, but when he heard this, he sat upright and said to her, By my life, true? She replied, A, by thy life. He said, bring him into my presence, so I may see him. But she said, O my lord, there have happened to him many hardships,

Starting point is 05:56:59 and his charms are changed, and his favor faded. And, indeed, the prince of true believers, thou shafed me a month, wherefore I will tend him the rest of the month, and then bring him to do his service to the commander of the faithful. Quoth Al Rashid, Sue thou sayest, the condition certainly was for a month, but tell me what hath betided him. Quoth she, O my lord, Allah prolong thy continuance,

Starting point is 05:57:26 and make paradise thy place of returning, and thine asylum, and the fire the abiding place of thy foes, when he presenteth himself to serve thee, he will assuredly expound to thee his case and will name to thee his wrongdoers, and indeed this is an arrear that is due to the prince of true believers, by whom may Allah fortify the faith, and vouchsafe him the victory over rebel and froward wretch.

Starting point is 05:57:55 Thereupon he ordered her a fine house and bade furnish it with carpets and vessels of choice, and commanded them to give all she needed. This was done during the rest of the day, and when the night came she sent the eunuch with a suit of clothes and the mule to fetch Nour al-Din from the Mouazen's lodging. So the young man donned the dress and mounting, rode to the house, where he abode in comfort and luxury a full-told month, while she solaced him with four things, the eating of fowls and the drinking of wine, and the sleeping upon brocade and the entering the bath after horizontal refreshment. Furthermore, she brought him six suits of linen stuffs and took to changing his clothes day by day,

Starting point is 05:58:40 nor was the appointed time of delay accomplished ere his beauty and loveliness returned to him, nay, his favor waxed tenfold fairer, and he became a seduction to all who looked upon him. One day of the days Al Rashid bade him to the presence, so his favor waxed. slave-girl changed his clothes and robing him in sumptuous raiment, mounted him on the she-mule. Then he rode to the palace, and presenting himself before the caliph, saluted him with the goodliest of salutations, and bespake him with truckman's speech eloquent and deep-thoughted. When Al Rashid saw him, he marveled at the seemliness of his semblance and his loquence and eloquence, and asking of him, was told that he was seat al-Mala.

Starting point is 05:59:27 Lord, whereupon quoth he, indeed she is excusable in her love for him, and if we had put her to death wrongfully, as we were minded to do, her blood would have been upon our heads. Then he accosted the young man and entering into discourse with him, found him well-bred, intelligent, clever, quick-witted, generous, pleasant, elegant, excellent. So he loved him with exceeding love and questioned him of his native city and of his sire and of the cause of his journey to Baghdad. Nair al-Din acquainted him with that which he would know in the goodliest words and concise phrases, and the caliph asked him, and where hast thou been absent all this while? Verily we sent after thee to Damascus and Mosul and all other cities, but happened on no tidings of

Starting point is 06:00:23 thee. Answered the young man, O my lord, there betided thy slave and thy capital, that which never yet betided any. Then he acquainted him with his case first and last, and told him that which had befallen him of evil from Al Marandi and the chief of police. Now when Al Rashid heard this, he was chagrined, with sore chagrin, and waxed wroth with succeeding wrath and cried, shall this thing happen in a city wherein I am? And the Hashimi vein started out between his eyes. Then he bade fetched Jafar, and when he came between his hands, he acquainted him with the adventure and said to him, Shall this thing come to pass in my city, and I have no news of it? Thereupon he bade Jafar fetch all whom the young Damascene had named, and when they came he bade smite their necks.

Starting point is 06:01:17 He also summoned him whom they called Ahmad and who had been the means of the young man's deliverance a first time and a second, and thanked him and showed him favor, and bestowed on him a costly robe of honor, and made him chief of police in his city. Then he sent for the Sheikh, the Mouazin, and when the messenger came to him and told him that the commander of the faithful summoned him, he feared the denunciation of the damsel and walked with him to the palace, farting for fear, as he went. Well Saul who passed him by laughed at him. When he came into the presence of the commander of the faithful, he fell a trembling, and his tongue was tied, so that he could not speak. The Caliph smiled at him and said, O Sheikh, thou hast done no offense, so why fearst thou? Answered the old man, and indeed he was in the sorest of that which may be of fear.

Starting point is 06:02:12 O my lord, by the virtue of thy pure forefathers, indeed I have done none. and do thou inquire of my manners and morals. The Caliph laughed at him and ordering him a thousand dinars, bestowed on him a costly robe of honor, and made him headman of the moizens in his mosque. Then he called Sit al-Malal and said to her, The house wherein thou lodgest with all its constraineth is a largest to thy lord,

Starting point is 06:02:41 so do thou take him and depart with him in the safeguard of Allah Almighty, but absentat yourselves from our presence. Accordingly, she went forth with the young Damascene, and when she came to the house, she found that the prince of true believers had sent them gifts galore and good things in store. As for Nere Aldin, he sent for his father and mother, and appointed for himself agents in the city of Damascus,

Starting point is 06:03:08 to receive the rent of the houses and gardens and Wakala's and Hamans. And they occupied themselves with collecting that which accrued to him and sending it to him every year. Meanwhile, his father and mother came to him with that which they had of monies and merchandise of price, and four gathering with their son, found that he was become of the chief officers and familiars of the commander of the faithful and of the number of his sitting companions and nightly entertainers, wherefore they rejoiced in reunion with him, and he also rejoiced in them. The Caliph assigned them. The Caliph assigned them sold and allowances, and as for Nour al-Din, his father brought him those riches and his wealth

Starting point is 06:03:53 waxed, and his estate was established, till he became the richest of the folk of his time in Baghdad, and left not the presence of the commander of the faithful, or by night or by day. He was vouchsafed issue by Sit al-Mala, and he ceased not to live the goodliest of lives, he and she and his father and his mother, a while of time, till Abu al-Hassan sickened of a sore sickness and departed to the mercy of Allah Almighty. Presently his mother also died, and he carried them forth and shrouded them and buried and made them expiations and funeral ceremonies. In due course his children grew up and became like moons, and he reared them in splendor and

Starting point is 06:04:37 affection, while his wealth waxed and his case never waned. He ceased not to pay frequent visits to the commander of the faithful. He and his children and his slave girl sit al-Mala, and they abode in all solace of life and prosperity till there came to them, the destroyer of delights, and the sunderer of societies, and laud to the abiding, the eternal. This is all that hath come down to us of their story. End of Section 31, recording by Brise Youngstown.

Starting point is 06:05:17 32 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Annie Mars. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 32. Tale of King Inns bin Kays and his daughter with the son of King Al Abbas, Part 1.

Starting point is 06:05:58 There was once in days of yore and in ages and times long before, in the city of Baghdad, the House of Peace, a king mighty of estate, Lord of understanding and beneficence and generosity and magnificence, and he was strong of Sultanate and endowed with might and majesty and magnificence. His name was Inns bin Kays bin Rabi al-Shabani. And when he took horse, they wrote about him, riders from the father's parts of the two Iraqs. Almighty Allah decreed that he should take to wife,

Starting point is 06:06:39 A woman, Haid, aifa, daughter of Assad al-Sundusi, who was endowed with beauty and loveliness and brightness and perfect grace and symmetry of shape and stature. Her face was like the crescent moon, and she had eyes as they were gazelle's eyes, and aquiline nose like Luna's kimp. She had learned cavalrous and the use of arms and had mastered the sciences of the Arabs, Ech she had gotten by heart all the dragomanish tongues, and indeed she was a ravishment to mankind. She abode with Innsbin Kays twelve years, during which time he was not blessed with children by her. So his breast was straightened by reason of the failure of lineage, and he besought his lord to forsay him a son. Accordingly, the queen conceived, by permission of Allah,

Starting point is 06:07:39 Almighty, and when the days of her pregnancy were accomplished, she gave birth to a maid-shad, then whom never saw eyes fairer, for that her face was as it were a pearl, pure bright, or a lamp-raying light, or a candle gilt with gold, or a full moon-breaking cloudy fold. It stole be he, who heard from vile water dight, and made her to the beholders a delight. When her father saw her in this fashion of loveliness, his reason fled for joy, and when she grew up, he taught her writing and Bell's letters and philosophy and all manners of tongues. So she excelled the folk of her time and surpassed her peers, and the sons of the kings heard of her, and all of them longed to look upon her. The first who sought her to wife was King Naban. of Mosul, who came to her with a great company, bringing a hundred she camels laden with

Starting point is 06:08:45 musk and liner loz and ambergri, and five score loaded with camphor and jewels and other hundred laden with silver monies, and yet other hundred loaded with remnant of silkenstaffs, sendle and brocade, besides a hundred slave-girls and a century of choice steeds, of swift and generous breeds, completely housed and accounted as they were brides, and all this he had laid before her father, demanding her of him in wedlock. Now King Innsbin Cays had bound himself by an oath, he would not marry his daughter, save to him who she should choose. So when King the Barnes sought her in marriage, her father went into her, and consulted her, concerning his affair. She consented not, and he repeated to Naban that which she said,

Starting point is 06:09:45 whereupon he departed from him. After this came King Bahrain, Lord of the White Island, with treasures richer than the first, but she accepted not of him, and he returned disappointed. Nor did the king cease coming to her sire, on her account one after another from the fathers of the lands and the climbs, each glorying in bringing more than those who forewent him, but she heeded not any one of them. Presently, Al-Abas, son of King Al-Aziz, Lord of the land of Al-Yaman, and Zabidun, and Mecca, which Allah increases in honour and brightness and beauty, heard of her. And he was of the great ones of Mecca and Al-Hijaz, and was a youth without hair on his side-face,

Starting point is 06:10:37 So he presented himself one day in his sire's assembly, whereupon the folk made way for him, and the king seated him on a chair of red gold, crusted with pearls and gems. The prince sat, with his head bowed groundwards, and spake not to any, whereby his father knew that his breast was straightened and bade the cup companions, and men of wit relate marvellous histories, such as besiecinge, the sessions of kings, nor was there one of them, but spoke forth the goodliest of that which was with him. But al-Abah still abode with his head bowed down. Then the king bade his sitting companions withdraw, and when the chamber was private, he looked at his son and said to him,

Starting point is 06:11:27 By Allah, thou cheerest me with thy coming into me, and chagrinest me, for that thou prayest no heed to any of the familiars, nor of the cup companions. What is the cause of this? Answered the prince, Oh my papa, I have heard tell that in the land of Al-Iraq is a woman of the daughters of the kings, and her father is called King Inns bin Kays, Lord of Baghdad.

Starting point is 06:11:57 She is famed for beauty and loveliness and brightness and perfect grace, and indeed many of the kings have sought her in marriage, but her soul consented not unto any of them. Wherefore my thought prompteth me to travel herewards, for that my heart cleaveth to her, and I beseech thee suffer me to go to her. His sayer replied, O my son, thou knowest that I have none other than thyself of children,

Starting point is 06:12:27 and thou art the coolth of mine eyes, and the fruit of my vitals. Nay, I cannot brook to be parted from, thee a single hour, and I proposed to seat thee on the throne of the kingship, and espoused thee to one of the daughters of the kings, who shall be fairer than she. Alabas gave ear to his father's word, and dared not gainsay him, wherefore he abode with him a while, whilst the love-fire raged in his vitals. Then the king took ready, with himself, to build his son a hamam, and adorn it with various

Starting point is 06:13:04 paintings, so he might display it to him and divert him with the sight thereof, to the intent that his body might be solaced thereby, and that the accident of travel might cease from him, and he be turned from his purpose of removal from his parents. Presently, he addressed himself to the building of the bath and assembling architects and artisans from all the cities and citadels and islands, assigned them a foundation site, and marked its boundaries. Then the workmen occupied themselves with the building of the hammam and the ordinance and adornment of its cabinets and roofs. They used paints and precious minerals of all kinds according to the contrast of their colours, red and green and blue and yellow and what

Starting point is 06:13:53 not else of all manner tinks, and each artesian wrought at his craft and each painter at his art whilst the rest of the folk busied themselves with the transporting thither, very coloured stones. One day, as the master painter wrought at his work, they came into him a poor man who looked long upon him and observed his mystery, whereupon quoth the artist to him, knowest thou ought of painting, quoth the stranger, yes, so he gave him tools and paints and said to him, Limbed for us a rare semblance. Accordingly, the pauper stranger entered one of the bath-chambers and drew on its walls a double border

Starting point is 06:14:39 which he adorned on both sides after a fashion, then which eyes never saw a fairer. Moreover, amidst the chamber, he limned a picture to which they lacked but the breath, and it was the portraiture of Mariah, daughter to the King of Baghdad. Then, when he had finished the portrait, he went his way, and told none of what he had done, nor knew any white the chambers and doors of the bath, and the adornment and the ordinance thereof.

Starting point is 06:15:11 Presently, the chief artisan came to the palace and sought audience of the king, who bade admit him. So we entered, and, kissing the earth, saluted him with a salam besieming sultan, and said, O king of the time and lord of the age and the tide, May prosperity endure to thee and acceptance and eke thy degree Over all the kings both morning and evening, exalted be. The work of the bath is accomplished by the king's fair fortune And the purity of his purpose, and indeed we have done all that behooved us And there remainth, but which behooved the king.

Starting point is 06:15:51 Alaziz ordered him a costly robe of honour, and expanded monies galore, giving unto each who had wharton after the measure of his work. Then he assembled in the Hamam all the lords of his realm, emirs and wazirs and chamberlums and nabobs, and the chief officers of his kingdom and household, and sending for his son al-Abas, said to him, O my son, I have builded thee a bath wherein thou mayst take thy pleasance. So enter that thou mayst take thy pleasance.

Starting point is 06:16:24 thou may see it, and divert thyself, by gazing upon it, and viewing the beauty of its ordinance and decoration. With love and gladness, replied the prince, and entered the bath. Hay and the king and the folk about them, so they might divert themselves with the viewing, that which the workman's hands had worked. Alibas went in, and passed from place to place, and chamber to chamber, till he came to the room aforesaid, and aspired the portrait of Murphor. Mariah, whereupon he fell down in a fainting fit, and the workman went to his father and

Starting point is 06:17:00 said to him, The son, al-Abas, had swooned away. So the king came, and finding his son cast down, seated himself at his head, and bathed his face with rose-water. After a while he revived, and the king said to him, I seek refuge with Allah for thee, my son. What accident hath befallen thee? replied, O my father, I did but look on yonder picture, and it bequeathed me a thousand qualms, and there befell me, that which thou beholdest. Therewith the king bade fetch the master painter, and when he stood before him, he said to him, Tell me of yonder portrait, and what girl is this of the daughters of the king, else I will take thy head. said the painter by Allah O King

Starting point is 06:17:53 I lim did not Neither know I who she is But there came to me a poor man And looked hard at me So I asked him Knowest thou the art of painting And he answered yes Whereupon I gave him the gear

Starting point is 06:18:08 And said to him Lim for us a rare semblance Accordingly he painted yonder portrait And went away And I want him not neither have I ever set eyes on him save that day. Hearing this, the king ordered all his officers to go round about in the thoroughfares and colleges and bring before him all strangers they found there.

Starting point is 06:18:32 So they went forth and brought him much people, amongst whom was the pauper who had painted the portrait. When they came into the presence, the Sultan bade the crier make public proclamation, that whoso wrought the portrait should discover himself and have whatso he wished. Thereupon the poor man came forward, and kissing the ground before the king, said to him, O king of the age, I am here who limned yonder likeness. Quoth Alice is, and knowest thou who she is? And quoth the other, yes, this is the portrait of Mariah, daughter of the king of Baghdad.

Starting point is 06:19:12 The king ordered him a robe of honour and a slave-dash-dash-a-law. girl, and he went his way. Then said Alabas, Oh, my papa, give me leave to seek her, so I may a look upon her. Else shall I farewell the world without and fail. The king, his father, wept and answered, Oh, my son, I builded thee a hammam, that it might turn thee from leaving me, and behold it have been the course of thy going forth, but the behest of Allah's is a determinate decree.

Starting point is 06:19:45 Then he wept again, and alabas said to him, Fear not for me, for thou knowest my prerous and puissance in returning answers in the assemblies of the land, and my good breeding and accomplishments, together with my skill in rhetoric. And indeed for him whose father thou art, and whom thou hast reared and bred, and in whom thou hast united praiseworthy qualities, the repute whereof hath traversed the east and the west, thou needest not fear aught, more especially as I propose, but to seek pleasuring and return to thee. And be it the will of Allah Almighty, quoth the king, whom wilt thou take with thee of attendance and what of monies?

Starting point is 06:20:32 Replied Al-Aubath, O my papa, I have no need of horses or camels or weapons, for I propose not warfare, and I will have none go forth with me, save my page, and no more. Now, as he and his father were thus engaged in talk, in came his mother and caught hold of him, and he said to her, Allah upon thee, let me gang my gate, and strive not to divert me from what purpose I have proposed, for needs must I go. She replied, oh my son, if it must be so, and there be no help for it, swear to me that thou wilt not be absent, from me for more than a year. And he swore to her. Then he entered his father's treasuries and took there from what he would need of jewels and jacens and everything weighty of worth and light of load. He also bade his servant Amir saddle him two steeds and the like for

Starting point is 06:21:34 himself. And when as the knight beset his back, he rose from his couch and mounting the horse set out for Baghdad, he and Amir, whilst the page knew not whither he intended. He gave not overgoing, and the journey was joyous to him, till he came to a goodly land, abounding in birds and wild beast, whereupon Al-Albas started a gazelle, and shot it with a shaft. Then he dismounted, and cutting its throat, said to his servant, alight thou and skin it and carry it to the water. Amir answered him with hearkening and obedience, and going down to the water, built a fire and broiled the gazelle's flesh. Then they ate their fill and drank of the water, after which they mounted again, and fared on with diligent fearing.

Starting point is 06:22:28 And Amir, still unknowing whether al-A-Bas, was minded to when, so he said to him, O my lord, I conjure thee by Allah of all might, wilt thou not tell me whither thou intendest. Allobus looked at him, and in reply improvised these couplets. And my vitals are fires of desire and repine, and nought I reply when they flare on high. Baghdad wards I hie me on life and death work, loving one who distorts my right judgment awry. A swift cannibal under me Shortcuts the world And deem it a cloud

Starting point is 06:23:09 All who near hence Aspy O Amir make haste after model of her Who would heal mine Ill and love's cup Drain dry For the leaven of love burns the vitals of me So with me seek my tribe

Starting point is 06:23:25 And stint or reply When Amir heard his lord's verses He knew that he was a slave of love, and that she whom he loved abode in Baghdad. Then they fared on night and day, traversing plain and stony way, till they sighted Baghdad and lighted down in its environs, and there they lay their night. When they arose in the morning, they were moved to the bank of the Tigris, where they encamped and sojourned a second day and a third. As they abode thus, on the fourth day, behold a company of folk, giving their beasts of reign,

Starting point is 06:24:02 and crying aloud and saying, Quick, quick, haste to our rescue, Ho thou the king! There with the king's chamberlains and officers accosted them, and said, What is behind you, and what hath betided you? Quoth they, Bring us before the king.

Starting point is 06:24:20 So they carried them to Inns bin Kays, and when they saw him, they said to him, O king, and lest thou succour us, we are dead men, for that we are a folk of Banu, who have taken up our abode in the parts of Pissora and Hodhaefar, the wild Arab hath come down on us, and with his steeds and his men had slain our horsemen and carried off our women and children.

Starting point is 06:24:47 Nor was one saved of the tribe but he who fled, wherefore we crave help, first by Allah Almighty, then by thy life. When the king heard their speech, He bade the cry a proclaim in the highways of the city that the troops should bust them to march, and that the horsemen should mount, and the footmen fare forth. Nor was it but the twinkling of the eye ere the kettle-drums beat and the trumpets blared, and scarce was the forenoon of the day past when the city was blocked with horse and foot. Presently the king reviewed them, and behold, there were four-and-twenty-thousand-number, cavalry and infantry. He bade them go forth to the enemy, and gave them to the enemy, and gave them, and behold, they were four and

Starting point is 06:25:30 enemy and gave the command of them to Saab ibn al-Wakiri, a doughty cavalier and dauntless champion, to the horsemen set out and fared on along the Tigris bank. Al-Aubas, son of King Al-Aziz, looked at them and saw the flags flaunting and the standers stirring and heard the kettle-jum's beating. So he bade his page, saddle him at blood-steed, and looked to the circlingles, and bring him his harness of war, for indeed horsemanship was rooted in his heart. Quoth Amir, and indeed I saw Allah bus, his eyes waxed red, and the hair were on his hands on end. So he mounted his charger, whilst Amir also bestowed a destriere, and they went forth with the commander and fared on two days.

Starting point is 06:26:22 On the third day, after the hour of the mid-afternoon prayer, they came in sight of the foe, and the two armies met and their two ranks joined in fight. The strife raged amain and sore was the strain whilst the dust rose in clouds and hung in vaulted troughs so that all eyes were blinded.

Starting point is 06:26:43 And they ceased not from the battle till the night overtook them. When the two hosts drew from the melee and passed the night perplexed concerning themselves. When Allah caused the morning tomorrow, the two hosts were aligned in line and their thousands fixed their aine and their troops stood looking one at other. Then sallied forth Al Harris Ibn Saad between the two lines and played with his lance and cried out and improvised these couplets.

Starting point is 06:27:16 You are in every way this day I pray, and ever we prayed your sight to see. The ruthless drave you Hodhaefar wards. brave the lion who sways the free, say amid you's a man who would heal his ills, with whose lust of battle shrewd blows agree, then by Allah meet me who come to you, and whoso is wronged shall the wronger be. End of Section 32, recording by Annie Mars. Section 33 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information,

Starting point is 06:28:08 order volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Annie Mars. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 33, tale of King Inns bin Kays and his daughter with the son of King Alain. Abbas part two. Thereupon there sallied forth to him, Zahaya bin Habib, and they wheeled about and while a while. Then they exchanged strokes. Al-Haris forewent his foe in smiting and stretched him weltering in his gore.

Starting point is 06:28:48 Whereupon Hodhaefa cried out to him, gifted of Allah art thou, Oharas, call out another of them. So he cried aloud, I say who be champion, but they of Baghdad held back from him, and when it appeared to El Haris that consternation was amongst them, had charged down upon them, and overrolled the first of them upon the last of them, and slew of them twelve men. Then the evening caught him, and the Baghdaddies began addressing themselves to fight. No sooner had the morning morrowed than they found themselves reduced to a fourth part of their number, and there was not one of them had dismounted from his

Starting point is 06:29:34 horse. Wherefore they made sure of destruction, and Haudhaefa rushed out between the two lines. Now he was reckoned good for a thousand knights, and cried out, Harakai, my masters of Baghdad, let none come forth to me, but you're a mere, so I may talk with him and he with me, and he shall meet me in combat, singular, and I will meet him, and may he who is clear of offence come off safe. Then he repeated his words and said, How is it? I see your emir refuse me reply.

Starting point is 06:30:10 But Sa'ad, the emir of the army of Baghdad, answered him not, and indeed his teeth chattered in his mouth when he heard him summon him to the dwello. Now when El Abbas heard Hodhaefa's challenge and saw Sa'ad in this case, He came up to the mere and asked him, Will thou suffer me to answer him, and I will be thy substitute in replying him, and in Monomakee with him, and will make my life thy sacrifice?

Starting point is 06:30:41 Sa'ad looked at him, and seeing night-hawd shining from between his eyes, said to him, O youth, by virtue of Mustafa the chosen prophet, whom Allah save and assain, Tell me who thou art, and whence thou comest, to bring us victory. Quoth the prince, this is no place for questioning, and quoth sa'ad to him, O knight, up and at Hodhaifa, yet if his Satan proved too strong for thee, afflict not thyself on thy youth. Al-Al-Albass cried, Allah is he of whom help is to be sought,

Starting point is 06:31:19 and taking his arms fortified his purpose, and went down into the field, as he were a fort of the forts, mountains contrafort. Thereupon Hodhafer cried out to him, saying haste thee not, O youth, who art thou of the folk? Here reply, I am Sa'ad Ibn al-Wakiri,

Starting point is 06:31:41 commander of the host of King Inns, and but for thy pride in challenging me, I had not come forth to thee, for thou art no peer for me to front, nor as mine equal, dost thou count, nor canst thou bear my brunt.

Starting point is 06:31:56 Wherefore get thee ready for the last march, seeing that there abetteth but a little of thy life. When Hodhaifa heard this speech, he threw himself backwards, as if in mockery of him, whereat al-Abas was wroth, and called out to him saying, O Hodhaifa, guard thyself against me, then he rushed upon him as he were a swooper of the chin, and Hodhaifa met him, and they wheeled him. about a long while. Presently Al-Al-Albas cried out at Hodhaefa, a cry which astounded him, and struck him a stroke, saying, Take this from the hand of a brave who feareth not the like of thee. Hodhafer met the Sabreusway with his shield, thinking to ward it off from him. But

Starting point is 06:32:48 the blade shaw the target in sunder, and ascending upon his shoulder, came forth gleaming from the tendons of his throat and severed his arm at the armpit. Whereupon he fell down, wallowing in his blood, and al-Abas turned upon his host. Not had the sun departed the dome from the welkin air, Hodhaifa's army was in full flight before al-Aubas and the saddles were empty of men. Quelt Sa'ad, By the virtue of Mustafa the chosen prophet whom Allah save and assain, I saw Al-Al Abbas with the blood upon his saddle-pads, enclots like camel's livers, smiting with the sword right and left till he scattered them abroad in every gorge and wold,

Starting point is 06:33:40 and when he hied him back to the camp, the men of Baghdad were fearful of him. But as soon as they saw this victory, which had betided them over their foes, they turned back and gathering together weapons and treasures and horses, of those they had slain, returned to Baghdad victorious, and all by the nightly valour of al-Abas. As for Sa'ad, he foregathered with his lord, and they fared on in company till they came to the place where Al-Abaath had taken horse, whereupon the prince dismounted from his charger, and Sa'ad said to

Starting point is 06:34:17 him, O youth, wherefore alitest thou in other than thy place? Indeed thy rights be incumbent upon us, and upon our sultan, so go thou with us to the dwellings that we may ransom thee with our souls. Replied El Abbas, O Amir Sa'ad, from this place I took horse, with thee and heron is my lodging, so Allah upon thee, mention not me to the king, but make as if thou hadst never seen me, because I am a stranger in the land. So saying, he turned away from him, and Sa'ad, fared on to his palace, where he found all the courtiers in attendance on the king, and recounting to him that which had betided them with al-Aubas, quote the king, where is he? And quoth they, he is with Amir Sa'ad.

Starting point is 06:35:13 So when the Amir entered, the king looked but found none with him, and Sa'ad, seeing at a glance that he longed to look upon the youth, cried out to him saying, Allah prolong the king's days. Indeed, he refuses to present himself before thee, without order or leave, asked the king. So Sa'ad, whence cometh this man? And the emir answered, O my lord, I know not. But he is a youth fair of favour, amiable of respect, accomplished in a dress, ready of weptate, and valour shined from between his eyes. Quoth the king, O Sa'ad, fetch him to me, for indeed thou describes to me at full length a mighty matter. And he

Starting point is 06:35:59 answered saying, by Allah O my lord, hadst thou but seen our case with Hoth Haifa. When he challenged me to the field of fight and the stead of cut and thrust I held back from doing battle with him. Then as I

Starting point is 06:36:15 thought to go forth to him, behold a knight gave loose to his bridal reign and gave out to me saying, O Sa'ad, wilt thou suffer me to be thy substitute in waging war with him, and I will ransom thee with myself. And quoth I, but Allah, O youth, whence comest thou, and quoth he, this be no time for thy questions, while Hodhafa standeth awaiting thee.

Starting point is 06:36:42 Thereupon he repeated to the king all that had passed between himself and al-Abas from first to last, whereat cried Inns bin Kays, bring him to me in haste, so we may learn his tidings and questioned him of his case. Tis well, replied Sa'ad, and going forth from the king's presence, who appeared to his own house, where he doffed his war harness and took rest for himself. On this wise fared it with the Emir of Sa'ad, but as regards Al-Abas, when he dismounted from his destrier, he doffed his war gear and reposed himself a while, after which he brought out a body dress of Venetian silk and a gown of green Demosk, and donning them,

Starting point is 06:37:29 bound about his head a turban of Damietta stuff, and zoned his waist with a kerchief. Then he went out a walking in the highways of Baghdad, and fared until he came to the bazaar of the traders. There he found a merchant with chess before him, so the prince stood watching him, and presently the other looked up at him and asked him, O youth, what wilt thou bet upon the game? He answered, Be it thine to decide, said the merchant, Then be it at a hundred diners, and Al-Aabas consented to him, whereupon quoth he, produce the money, O yeath,

Starting point is 06:38:09 so the game may be fairly established. Accordingly, Al-A-Bas brought out a satin-past, wherein were a thousand diners, and laid down a hundred diners therefrom on the edge of the carpet, whilst the merchant produced alike, and indeed his reason fled for joy when he saw the gold in possession of alabas. The folk flocked about them to divert themselves while watching the play,

Starting point is 06:38:36 and they called the bystanders to witness the wager, and after the stakes were Julie's stake, the twain fell of playing. Alabas forbore the merchant, so he might lead him on, and dallied with him a full hour. And the merchant won and took of him the hundred diners. Then said the prince,

Starting point is 06:38:56 Will thou play another party? And the other said, Oh youth, I will not play again, save for a thousand diners. Quote the youth, Whatsoever thou stakedest, I will match thy stake with its like. So the merchant brought out a thousand diners, and the prince covered them with other thousand.

Starting point is 06:39:14 Then the game began, but Alibas was not long with him, air, he beat him in the house of the elephant. Nor did he cease to do thus, till he had beaten him four times, and one of him four thousand diners. This was all the merchant had of money, so he said, O youth, I will play thee another game for the shop. Now the value of the shop was four thousand diners, so they played and alabas beat him and won his shop, with what so was therein, upon which the other arose, shaking. his clothes and said to him,

Starting point is 06:39:50 Up, O youth, and take thy shop. Accordingly, Al-Albasa rose, and repairing to the shop, took possession thereof, after which he returned to the place where he had left his servant, Amir, and found there the Amir Sa'ad, who was come to bid him to the presence of the king. The prince consented to this, and accompanied him, till they came before King Inns bin Kay's,

Starting point is 06:40:14 whereupon he kissed to ground and saluted him, and exaggerated the salutation. So the king asked him, Whence comest thou, O youth, And whither goest thou? And he answered, I come from al-Yaman, then said the king,

Starting point is 06:40:29 Hast thou a need we may fulfil for thee? For indeed thou hast strong claims to our favour after that which thou didst in the matter of Hodhaifa and his folk. And he commanded to cast over him a mantle of Egyptian saturn worth a hundred diners. He also bade his treasurer, give him a thousand diners, and said to him, O youth, take this and part of that which thou disservice of us,

Starting point is 06:40:55 and if thou belong thy sojourn with us, we will give thee slaves and servants. Allahabas kissed the ground and said, O king, Allah grant thee abiding wheel, I deserve not all this. Then he put his hand to his pouch and pulling out two caskets of gold in each, of which were rubies whose value none could estimate, gave them to the king saying, O king, Allah caused thy welfare to endure, I conjure thee by that which the almighty hath for safety.

Starting point is 06:41:28 Heal my heart by accepting these two caskets, even as I have accepted thy present. So the king accepted the two caskets, and al-Abas took his leave and went away to the bazaar. Now when the merchants saw him, They accosted him and said, O youth, wilt thou not open thy shop? As they were addressing him, up came a woman, having with her a boy bare of head, and stood looking at Allah-Bas till he turned to her.

Starting point is 06:41:57 When she said to him, O youth, I conjure thee by Allah, look at this boy, and have Ruth on him, for that his father hath forgotten his skull-cap in the shop he lost to thee. So an thou se fit to give it to him, thy reward be with Allah. for indeed the child maketh our heart's ache with his excessive weeping, and the Lord be witness for us that had they left us ought wherewith to buy him a cap in its stead. We had not sought it of thee, replied Al-Aubah, O adornment of womankind, indeed thou speakest me with thy fair speech, and supplicatest me with thy goodly words, but bring me thy husband, so she went and fetched a merchant whilst the crowd collected to see what Allah Abbas would do. When the men came,

Starting point is 06:42:49 he returned him the gold he had won of him, art and part, and delivered him the keys of the shop, saying, requite us with thy pious prayers. Therewith the woman came up to him and kissed his feet, and in like fashion did the merchant her husband, and all who were present blessed him, and there was no talk but of al-Aubas. Thus fared it with him, but as for the merchant he bought him a head of a sheep and slaughtering it roasted it and dressed birds and other meats of various kinds and colours and purchased dessert and sweet meats and fresh fruits then he repaired to al-a-a-abas and conjured him to accept of his hospitality and visit his home and eat of his provant the prince consented to his wishes and went with him till they came to his house when the merchant bade him enter So Al-Albas went in and saw a goodly house, wherein was a handsome saloon with a vaulted ceiling. When he entered the saloon, he found that the merchant had made ready food and dessert and perfumes,

Starting point is 06:43:57 such as may not be described, and indeed he had adorned the table with sweet-scented flowers and sprinkled musk and rose-water upon the food, and he had smeared the salon walls with amber ghee, and had burned alo's wood therein and nad. Presently, Allah-Bass looked out of the window of the saloon, and saw by its side a house of goodly ordinance, tall of base and wide of space, with rooms manifold, and two upper stories crowning the whole, but therein was no sign of inhabitants. So he said to the merchant, Verily thou exaggeratesest in doing us honour, but by Allah I will not eat of thy meat until thou

Starting point is 06:44:41 tell me what hath caused the voidance of yonder house said he, O my lord, that was Al Gritreif's house and he passed away to the mercy of the Almighty and left no heir save myself whereupon the mansion

Starting point is 06:44:56 became mine and by Allah and thou have a mind to sojourn in Baghdad. Take up thine abode in this house whereby thou mayest be in my neighbourhood. For that verily my heart inclineth unto thee with affection, and I would have thee never absent from mine eyes, so I may still have my fill of thee, and hearken to thy speech.

Starting point is 06:45:20 Allah Basth thanked him, and said to him, by Allah, thou art indeed friendly in thy converse, and thou exaggerates in thy discourse, and needs must I sojourn in Baghdad. As for the house, if it please thee to lodge me, I will abide therein, so except of me its price. Therewith he put his hand to his pouch, and bringing out from it three hundred diners, gave them to the merchant, who said in himself,

Starting point is 06:45:50 unless I take his dirhams, he will not darken my doors. So he pocketed the monies, and sold him the mansion, taking witnesses against himself of the sale. Then he arose and set food before al-Abas, and they set down to his good things, after which he brought him dessert and sweetmeat,

Starting point is 06:46:11 whereof they ate their sufficiency, and when the tables were removed, they washed their hands with must rose water and willow water. Then the merchant brought alabas a napkin, scented with the smoke of aloeswood, on which he wiped his right hand and said to him, O my lord, the house is become thy house, so bid thy page transport thither the horses and arms and stuffs.

Starting point is 06:46:36 The prince did this, merchant rejoiced in his neighbourhood and left him not night nor day, so that al-Abaas said to him, By the Lord, we distract thee from thy livelihood. He replied, Allah upon thee, O my lord, name not to me order this, or thou wilt break my heart, for the best of traffic art thou, and the best of livelihood, and there befell straight friendship between them, and all ceremony was laid aside. Meanwhile, the king said to his wazir, How shall we do in the matter of yonder youth, the Yemeni, on whom we thought to confer gifts?

Starting point is 06:47:16 But he have gifted us with tenfold our largesse and more. And we know not, and he be a sojourner with us or not. Then he went into the harim and gave the rubies to his wife Afifa, who asked him, What is the worth of these with thee, and with the other of the kings. Quoth he, they are not to be found save with the greatest of sovereigns,

Starting point is 06:47:42 nor can any price them with monies. Quote she, whence gotest thou then? So he recounted to her the story of Allah Abbas from beginning to end, and she said, By Allah, the claims of honour are imperative on us, and the king hath fallen short of his devoir, for that we have not seen him bid the youth to his assembly,

Starting point is 06:48:04 nor hath he seated him on his left hand. When the king heard his wife's words, it was as if he had been asleep and awoke. So he went forth the harim, and bade kill poultry and dressed meats of every kind and colour. Moreover, he assembled all his courtiers and let bring sweetmeats and desserts, and all the besiemed the tables of kings.

Starting point is 06:48:28 When he adorned his palace and dispatched after al-Aubas, a man of the chief officers of his household, have found him coming forth of the hammam, clad in a jerkin of fine goat's hair and over it a Baghdadi's scarf. His waist was girt with a rostaki kuchif, and on his head he wore a light turban of Damietta stuff. The messenger wished him joy of the bath and exaggerated in doing him honour. Then he said to him,

Starting point is 06:48:56 The king bidded thee in wheel. To hear is to obey, quote, al-Abas, and accompanied the officer to the king's palace. Now Afifa and her daughter Mariah were behind the curtain, both looking at him, and when he came before the sovereign, he saluted him and greeted him with the greeting of kings, whilst all present gazed at him and at his beauty and loveliness and perfect grace. The king seated him at the head of the table, and when Afifa saw him and considered him, straightly she said, By the virtue of Muhammad, Prince of the Apostles, this youth is the

Starting point is 06:49:33 son of the kings and cometh not to these parts, save for some noble purpose. Then she looked at Mariah, and saw that her favour was changed, and indeed her eyeballs were as dead in her face as she turned not her gaze from al-Abas, a twinkling of the eyes, for that the love of him had sunk deep into her heart. When the queen saw what had befallen her daughter, she feared for her from reproach concerning al-A-A-Bas, so she shut the casement wicked that the princesses, might not look upon him any more. Now there was a pavilion set apart for Mariah,

Starting point is 06:50:09 and therein were boudoirs and bowers, balconies and lattices, and she had with her a nurse who served her as is the fashion with the daughters of the kings. When the banquet was ended and the folk had dispersed, the king said to Al-Albas, I would fain have thee abide with me, I will buy thee a mansion, so happily we may requite. thee for thy high services, and indeed imperative upon us is thy Jew, and magnified in our eyes is thy work.

Starting point is 06:50:42 And soothly we have fallen short of thy deserts, in the matter of distance. When the youth heard the king's speech, he rose and sat down, and kissing the ground, returned thanks for his bounty, and said, I am the king's thrall, wheresoever I may be, and under his eye. Then he told him the tale of the merchant and the manner of the buying. of the house, and the king said, In very truth, I would fain have had thee in my neighbourhood

Starting point is 06:51:09 and by sight of me. Presently, Al-Albas took leave of the king and went away to his own house. Now it chanced that he passed under the palace of Mariah, the king's daughter, and she was sitting at the casement. He happened to look

Starting point is 06:51:25 round and his eyes met those of the princess, whereupon his wit departed, and he was ready to swoon away, whilst his Colour changed and he said, Verily we are Allah's and unto him are we returning. But he feared for himself, less severance betide him. So he concealed his secret and discovered not his case

Starting point is 06:51:47 to any of the creatures of Allah Almighty. When he reached his quarters, his page and mea said to him, I seek refuge for thee with Allah, O my Lord, from change of colour, hath there betided thee a pain from the Lord of Almighty, or aught of vexation. In good soothed sickness hath an end, and patience doeth away trouble. But the prince returned him no answer. Then he brought out ink-case and paper and wrote these couplets. I cry, and mind's a frame that pines away, a mind which fires of passion air away lay,

Starting point is 06:52:26 eyeballs never tasting sweets of sleep, yet fortunes spare its cause I ever pray, while from world perfidy and parting I, like Bishram with hind, that well-loved may, yea grown by word, mid the folk but I, spend life unwinning wish or night or day, I say, what she my love, when her I spied At the high lattice shedding Sun like ray Her glances keener than the brand When bared

Starting point is 06:53:01 Cleave soul of man Nor ever escapes her prey I looked on her in lattice pierced aloft When bare her cheat of veil Had slipped away And shot me thence A shaft my liver pierced

Starting point is 06:53:16 When thrall to care And dire despair I lay Knowest thou O fawn, O the palace, how for thee? I fared from fairness, O'er the lands astray. Then read my writ dear friends and show some Ruth. To white who won't black face distraught sans day. End of Section 33.

Starting point is 06:53:42 Recording by Annie Mars. Section 34 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Annie Mars The Book of A Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton.

Starting point is 06:54:21 Section 34. Tale of King Innsbin Kays and his daughter, the son of King al-Abas Part 3 And when he ended indicting He folded up the letter Now the merchant's wife aforesaid Who was the nurse of the king's daughter

Starting point is 06:54:40 Was watching him from a window Unknown of him And when she saw him writing and reciting She knew that some rare tale attached to him So she went to him and said Peace be with thee O afflicted white Who acquaintance not lead to

Starting point is 06:54:58 with thy plight. Verily thou exposes thy life to grievous blight, I conjure thee by virtue of him who hath afflicted thee, and with great constraint of love-liking hath stricken thee, that thou acquaint me with thine affair, and disclose to me the truth of thy secret. For indeed I have heard from thee verses which trouble the mind and melt the body. accordingly he acquainted her with his case and enjoined her to secrecy, whereof she consented saying, What shall be the recompense of whoso goeth with thy letter, and bringeth thee its reply?

Starting point is 06:55:40 Her bowed his head for shame before her and was silent, and she said to him, Raise thy head and give me thy writ. So he gave her the letter, and she hinted carrying it to the princess, said to her, Take this epistle and give me its answer. Now the dearest of all things to Mariah

Starting point is 06:56:01 was the recitation of poetry and verses and linked rhymes and the twanging of lute strings, and she was versed in all tongues, wherefore she took the writ, and opening it read that which was therein and understood its purport. Then she threw it to the ground and cried, Oh, nurse, I have no answer to make to this letter,

Starting point is 06:56:23 Quoth the nurse, indeed, this is weakness in thee, and our reproach to thee, for that the people of the world have heard of thee, and commend thee for keenness of wit and understanding, so did thou return him an answer, such as shall trick his heart and tire her soul, quoth she, O nurse, may be the man who presumeth upon me with this correspondence, happily tis the stranger youth who gave my father the rubies. The woman said, it is himself, and Mariah said, I will answer his letter in such fashion that thou shalt not bring me other than it, cried the nurse, so be it. Thereupon the princess called for ink-case and paper and wrote these couplets. Thou art bold in the copy thou sentest, may be to will increase the jewel foreign white must-dry. Thou hastied me with a glance that request thee woe. Ah, far is thy hope, a mere foreigner's plea. Who art thou, poor freck, that wouldst win my love? Why thy verse, what seeks thine insanity? And thou hope for my favours and greed, therefore, where find thee a leech for such foolish gree. Then rhyme-linking, leave and fool like

Starting point is 06:57:47 be not, hanged to cross at the doorway of ignomie. Dime not that to shalt, to shalt, not that to thee I incline, O youth, mid the sons of the path is no place for me. Thou art homeless waif in the wide, wide world, so return thee home, where they keen for thee. Leave verse spouting, O thou who a wall dost wone, or men shall name thee in lay and glee. For many a friend who will meet his love, as bulked when the goal is right clear to see. So be gone and ne'er grieve For what canst not win I'll be time be near

Starting point is 06:58:26 Yet thy grass twill flee Now such is my say And the tale I tell So master my meaning And fare thee well When Mariah had made an end To her verses She folded the letter and delivered it to the nurse

Starting point is 06:58:43 Who hinted it and went with it To al-Aubas When she gave it to him, he took it and breaking it open, read it and comprehended its contents, and when he reached the end of it, he swooned away. After a while he came to himself and cried, Praise be to Allah, who had caused her to return a reply to my writ. Canst thou carry her another missive, and with Allah Almighty be thy requital? Said she, and what shall letters profit thee,

Starting point is 06:59:16 seeing that such is her reply, but he said, Pre-adventure, she may yet be softened. Then he took in case and paper and wrote these couplets. Reached me, the writ, and what therein didst right, Whence grew my pain and bane and blight, I read the marvel line made wax my love, and wore my body out till slighter slight, Would heaven ye what the whole I bear for love,

Starting point is 06:59:45 of you with vitus clean for you undight, And all I do to out drive you from my thought Vails naught and gains thee obsession loses might, Cuts for thy lover feel'd twould ease his soul, E'n thy dear phantom would his spite delight. Then on my weakness lay not coyness load, Nor in such breach of troth be traitor white, And weat ye well,

Starting point is 07:00:13 for this your land I fared, hoping to joy the union boon forthright. How many a stony walled for this I spanned. How oft I waked when men kept watch o'night. To fare throw another land

Starting point is 07:00:29 For sight of you, Love bade while length of way Forbade my spite. So by his name Who malt my frame, Have Ruth and quench their flames They love in me did light. Thou fillest arrayed with glory's robes

Starting point is 07:00:43 and rays, heaven stars with joy and lunar with despite, that who dare chide or blame me for my love, of one that can all but his boons unite. When Al-Albas had made an end of his verses, he folded the letter, and delivering it to the nurse, charged her keep the secret. So she took it, and carrying it to Mariah, gave it to her. The princess broke it open and read it, and apprehended its perpetu. Then cried she, O nurse, my heart is chagrined with exceeding chagrin. Never knew I a soreer because of this correspondence and of these verses. And the nurse made answer to her,

Starting point is 07:01:26 O my lady, thou art in thy dwelling, and thy palace and thy heart is void of care. So return to him a reply and reck not. Accordingly, the princess called for ink case and paper and wrote these couplets. O thou who wouldst want thee of cark and care, How many love, Moulton, Trist craving, be there, And haste wandered the wold in the murks of night, Bound afar and anear on the tracks to fare, And her iron haste forbidden the sweets of sleep, Born by devils and marred's to dangerous lair, and beggest my boons on in tribeland home and to urge thy wish and desire what's there. Now woo patience fare and thou bear a mind what the ruthless promise to patient prayer.

Starting point is 07:02:21 How many a king for my sake have fide craving love and in marriage with me to pair. Alna Barnes sent when awoing me, camels bailed with musk and nad scent, They brought camphor in boxes, unlike thereof, of pearls and rubies and countless were, brought pregnant lasses and negro lads, blood steeds and arms, and gear rich and rare, brought us remnant of silk and of sandal sheen, and came courting us but no bride he bare, nor could win his wish for I bode content to part with far parting and love for swear, so for me greed not, O thou stranger white, lest thou come to ruin and dire despair. When she had made an end of her verses, she folded the letter and delivered it to the nurse,

Starting point is 07:03:17 who took it and carried it to Al-Bas. He broke it open and read it and comprehended its contents, then took in case and paper and wrote these improvised couplets. Thou hast told me tale of the kings, and of them, each was written, rending lion, a furious foe, and thou stoleest the wits of me, all of them, and shotest me with the shaft of thy magic bow. Thou hast boasted of slaves and of steeds and wealth, and of beauteous lasses near man did know, how presents in mighty sword did spurn, and disdainest lovers both high and low, and I followed their tracks in desire for thee, with naught save my scimitar keen of blow,

Starting point is 07:04:02 nor slaves nor camels that run have I, Nor slave-girls the litters and veil are no. But grant me union and soon shall sight My trenchant blade with the forearms woe, Shall see the horseman engirred Baghdad, Like clouds that wall the whole world below, Obeying behest which to them I deal, And hearing the word to the foes I throw,

Starting point is 07:04:28 And of negro chattel's ten thousand head, wouldst have or kings who would be proud and proud, or charges led for thee day by day, and virgin girls high of bosom low, Al Yaman land my command doth bear, and my biting blade to my foes I show. I have left this all for the sake of thee, left Aziz and my kinsmen forevermore,

Starting point is 07:04:54 and made Al-Iraq making my way to thee, under mighty murks over rocks a row, and the couriers brought me account of thee, the beauty, perfection, and sunny glow, that I sent thee verses whose very sound burns the heart of shame with the fiery throw, and yet the world with falsehood had falsed me, though fortune was never so false as thou,

Starting point is 07:05:20 who dubbed me stranger and homeless one, a witness fool and a slave girl's son. Then he folded the letter and committed it to the nurse, and gave her 500 diners, saying, Except this from me, for by Allah, thou hast indeed weary thyself between us. She replied, Pa Allah, O my Lord, my aim is to bring about for gathering between you, though I lose that which my right hand possesseth.

Starting point is 07:05:47 And he said, May the Lord of all might requite thee with good. Then she carried the letter to Mariah and said to her, Take this letter, happily it may be the end to the correspondence. So she took it, and breaking it open, read it, and when she had made an end of it, she turned to the nurse and said to her, This one foist lies upon me, and asserteth unto me,

Starting point is 07:06:11 he hath cities and horsemen and footmen at his command, and submitting to his allegiance, and he wisheth of me that which he shall not win, for thou knowest, O nurse, that king's sons have sought me in marriage, with presents and rarities, but I have paid no heed unto all of this. How then shall I accept of this fellow who is ignoramus of his time, and possesseth north save two caskets of rubies, which he gave to my sire, and indeed he had taken up his abode in the house of Alcatrieff, and abideth without silver or gold,

Starting point is 07:06:47 wherefore Allah upon thee, O nurse, returned to him, and cut off his hope for me. Accordingly, the nurse rejoined Al-Albas without letter or answer, and when she came to him, He looked at her and saw that she was troubled, and he noted the marks of anger on her face, so he said to her, What is this plight? Quoth she, I cannot set forth to thee that which Mariah said, for indeed she charged me return to thee without writ or reply quoth he, O nurse of kings, I would have thee, carry her this letter, and return not to her without it. Then he took ink-case and paper and wrote these couplets.

Starting point is 07:07:29 My secret now to men is known, who hidden well and true by me. Enough is that I have of love, and love of you, I left familiars friends and kin to weep the loss of me, with floods of tears which like the tide I flowed and flowed anew, then left my home and myself I bore to Baghdad town one day. When parting drave me there, his pride and cruelty to rue, I have indeed drained all the bowl whose short repression was, handed by friend who bitter gourd therein for drinking through, and oft as strove I to rejoin the ways of truth and faith, so often on refusal's path he left my soul to sue. Indeed my body molten is with care I'm doomed the dream.

Starting point is 07:08:19 And yet I hoped relenting and to win with some grace, my due. But wrong rigour waxed on me and changed to worse my case, and love hath left me weeping-eyed for woes that I pursue. How long must I keep watch for you throughout the nightly gloom? How many a path pining pace and garb of grief and dew? And you, what while you joy your sleep, your restful pleasant sleep, Wreck not of sorrow and of shame that your friend accrue. For wakefulness I watched the stars before the peeper day,

Starting point is 07:08:57 Praying that union with my dear in bliss my soul and brew, And deed the throes of long desire laid waste in frame and eye, Rise every morn in weaker plight with hopes air few of few. Be not, I say, so hard of heart, For did you only deign in phantom guise to visit me, To a joy enough to view? But when ye saw my writ, Ye grudged to me the smallest boon,

Starting point is 07:09:27 And cast it down the flag of faith, Though well my troth ye knew, Nor ought of answer you vat safe, Or be you wotful well. The words therein address the heart, and pierced the spirit through. You deemed yourself all too secure for charges of the days, and of the far and nearer like you ever careless grew.

Starting point is 07:09:51 Hadst thou, dear maid, been doomed like me to woes for you, hadst felt the low of love and laza hell, which parting doff am new, yet soon shall suffer torment such as those from thee I bear, and storm of palpitation pangs in vitals thine shaltzance, shall brew, yea thou shalt taste a bitter smack of charges false and foul, and public make the privacy best hid from meddling crew. A he thou lovest shall approve him heart of heart and soul, and heedless of the shifts of time they vary life undo.

Starting point is 07:10:29 Then hear the fond salam I send, and wish thee every day, while swayeth spray and sparklet all good thy life and shoe. When Al-Aubas had made an end of his verses, he folded the scroll and gave it to the nurse, who took it and carried it to Mariah. When she came into the princess's presence, she saluted her, but Mariah returned not her salutation, and she said, O my lady, how hard is thy heart that thou grudges to return the salam? Accept this letter because tis the last that shall come to thee from him.

Starting point is 07:11:06 Quoth Mariah, Take my warning and never again enter my palace, or twill be the cause of thy destruction. For I am certified that thou purportest my disgrace, so get thee gone from me, and she beat the nurse who went forth, fleeing from her presence, charged of colour and wildred of wits,

Starting point is 07:11:26 and gave not over going till she came to the house of alabas. When the prince saw her in this plight, he became like a sleeper awakened and cried out to her, What hath befallen thee, equate me with thy case, she replied, Allah upon thee, never more send me to Mariah, and do thou protect me? So the Lord protect thee from the fires of Gehenna. Then she related to him that which had betided her with Mariah, which when Alabas heard, and there took him the pride and high spirit of the generous and this was grievous to him. The love of Mariah fled forth of his heart, and he said to the nurse,

Starting point is 07:12:08 How much hath thou of Mariah every month? Quote she, ten diners, and quote he, Be not concerned. Then he put hand to pouch, and bringing out two hundred ducats, gave them to her, and said, Take this wage for a whole year, and turn not again to serve anyone of the folk. When the twelve months shall have passed away, I will give thee a two-year wage,

Starting point is 07:12:32 for that thou hast wearied thyself with us, and on account of the cutting off the tie which bound thee to Mariah. Also he gifted her with a complete suit of clothes, and raising his head to her, said, When thou toldest me that which Mariah had done with thee, Allah uprooted the love of her from out of my heart, and never again will she occur to my thought. So extol be he who turneth hearts and eyes, to she who was the cause of my coming out from Al Yaman. And now the time is past, for which I engaged with my folk, and I fear lest my father levy his forces, and ride forth in quest of me.

Starting point is 07:13:15 For that he hath no child other than myself, nor can he brook to be parted from me, and in like way tis with my mother. Then the nurse heard his words, she asked of him, Oh my lord, and which of the kings is thy sire? He answered saying, My father is Al-Aziz, Lord of Al-Yaman and Nubia, and the islands of Banu-Katan, and the two sanctuaries. Allah of all might have them in his keeping.

Starting point is 07:13:42 And whenever he taketh horse, there ride with him, a hundred and twenty and four thousand horsemen, each and every smiters with the sword besides attendants and servants and followers, all of whom give ear to my word and obey my bidding. asked the nurse, Then why, O my lord,

Starting point is 07:14:00 didst thou conceal the secret of their rank and lineage, and pass thyself off for a foreigner and wayfarer? Alas, for our disgrace before thee by reason of our shortcoming in rendering thee thy Jew, what shall be our excuse with thee, and thou of the son of the kings? But he rejoined, By Allah thou hast not fallen short.

Starting point is 07:14:23 Indeed, this incumbent on me to requite thee, what while I live though from thee I be far distant. Then he called his man Amir and said to him, Settle the steeds. When the nurse heard his words and indeed she saw that Amir brought him the horses and they were resolved upon departure, the tears ran down upon her cheeks and she said to him, By Allah, thy separation is saddening to me.

Starting point is 07:14:50 O coolth of the eye, then quote she, where is the goal of thine intent, so we may know thy news, and solace ourselves with thy report? Quoth he, I go hence to visit Achille, the son of my paternal uncle, for that he hath his sojourn in the camp of Kunda bin Hisham, and these twenty years have I not seen him, nor hath he seen me. So I proposed to repair to him, and discover his news and return. Then I will go hence to Al Yaman. So saying he took leave of the nurse and her husband had set out, intending for Akil the son of his father's brother. Now there was between Baghdad and Akil's abiding place, 40 days' journey. So al-Aubar settled himself on the back of his seat, and his servant Amir mounted also, and they fared forth on their way.

Starting point is 07:15:48 Presently, Al-Aubaz turned right and left and recited these couplets. I'm the singular night, and my peers I slay, I lay low the foe and his whole array. I fear me to visit my friend Al-Al-A-Kil, and in safety and al-A-Louds shorten the way. And roll up the width of the world while still, here's ameer my word, or in earnest or play. I spring with the spring of the lynx or apart, upon whose so dareth our course to stay. O'er throw him in ruin and object shame, Make him drain the death-cup in fatal fray. My lance is long with its steely blade,

Starting point is 07:16:31 A brand-keen gritted thin edge I sway. With a stroke and it fell on a towering hill, Of the hardest stone this would cleave in tway. I lead no troops nor seek aid save gods, The creating Lord, to whom Lord or way, on whom I rely in adventures all and who pardoneth latches of free men and thrall End of Section 34

Starting point is 07:16:58 Recording by Annie Mars Section 35 Of the Book of a Thousand Nights in a Night Volume 12 This is a Librevox recording All Librevox recordings are in the public domain For more information Or to volunteer

Starting point is 07:17:17 Please visit Libravox.org Recording by Annie Mars The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 35, Tale of King Inns Bin Kays and his daughter with the son of King Al-Abas, Part 4. Then they fell, a faring night and day, and as they went, behold, they sighted a camp of the camps of the Arabs. So Al-Albas inquired thereof and was told that it was the camp of the Banu Zora.

Starting point is 07:17:58 Now, there were around them herds and flocks such as filled the earth, and they were enemies to Al-Aqil, the cousin of Al-Aubas, upon whom they made daily raids and took his cattle, wherefore he used to pay them tribute every year because he lacked the power to cope with them. When Al-Aubas came to the skirts of the camp, dismounted from his destrier, and his servant Amir also dismounted, and they set down the proven, and ate their sufficiency, and rested an hour of the day. Then said the prince to his page, fetch water from the well and give the horses to drink, and draw up a supply for us in thy bag,

Starting point is 07:18:40 by way of provision for the road. So Amir took the water-skin and made for the well. But when he came there, behold two young men-slaves were leading gazelles, And when they saw him, they said to him, Whither when dost thou, O youth, and of which of the Arabs art thou? Quoth he, Harkai, lads, fill me my water-skin, for that I am a stranger astray and a fairer of the way, and I have a comrade who awaiteth me. Quoth the thralls, though art no wayfarer, but a spy from Al-Kil's camp,

Starting point is 07:19:16 then they took him and carried him to their king, Zuhir bin Shahib, And when he came before him, he said to him, Of which of the Arabs art thou? Quote Amir, I am a wayfarer. So Zahir said, Whence comest thou and whither wendest thou? And when Amir replied, I am on my way to Al-Aul-Kil.

Starting point is 07:19:37 When he named Al-L-Kil, those who were present were excited, but Zahir signed to them with his eyes and asked him, What is thine errand with Al-L-Kil? And he answered, We would fain to see him, my friend and I. As soon as Zahir heard his words, he bade smite his neck, but his wazir said to him, Slay him not till his friend be present. So he commanded the two slaves to fetch his friend,

Starting point is 07:20:06 whereupon they repaired to Al-Bas, and called to him saying, O youth, answer the summons of King Zahir. He inquired, what would the king with me? And they replied, We know not. he, who gave the king news of me? And quote they, We went to draw water and found a man by the well, So we questioned him of his case, But he would not acquaint us therewith.

Starting point is 07:20:35 Wherefore we carried him willy-nilly to King Zahir, Who asked him of his adventure, And he told him that he was going to Alal Kiel. Now Al-Kil is the king's enemy, And he intended to betake himself to this king. and make prize of his offspring and cut off his traces, said Allelbus, and what hath Alal Kille done with King Zuhir? They replied, He engaged for himself that he would bring the king every year a thousand diners

Starting point is 07:21:06 and a thousand she camels, besides the thousand head of thoroughbred seeds, and two hundred black slaves, and fifty handmaids, but it hath reached the king that Alal Kil proposes to give him nought of this, wherefore he is minded to go to him. So hasten thou with us, ere the king be wroth with thee, and with us. Then said Allah al-Bas to them, O youths, sit by my weapons and my stallion till I return. But they said, by Allah thou prolongest discourse with that which besiemeth not of words. Make haste, or we will go with thy head. For indeed the king proposes to slay thee and to slay thy comrade and take that which is with you. When the prince heard this, his skin bristled with rage, and he cried out at them

Starting point is 07:21:58 with a cry which made them tremble. Then he sprang upon his horse, and settling himself in the saddle, galloped till he came to the king's assembly, when he shouted at the top of his voice, saying, To horse, O horseman, and crouched his spear at the pavilion wherein was to hear. Now there were about the king, a thousand smiters with the sword, but Al-Bas charged home upon them and dispersed them from around him, and there abode none in the tent save Zahir and his wazir. Then Al-Aubas came up to the door of the tent,

Starting point is 07:22:35 wherein were four and twenty golden doves, so he took them, after he had tumbled them down with the end of his lance. Then he called out saying, "'Ho Zahir, doth it not suffice thee.' that thou hast abated Alokil's repute, but thou art minded to abate that of those who sojourn around about him. Knowest thou not that he is of the lieutenants of Kunda bin Hisham,

Starting point is 07:23:01 of the Banu Sheban, a man renowned for his preris. Indeed, greed of his gain hath entered into thee, and envy of him hath gotten the mastery of thee. Doth it not suffice thee, that thou hast orphaned his children, and slain his men. By the virtue of Mustafa the chosen prophet, I will make thee drain the cup of death.

Starting point is 07:23:26 So saying, he bared his brand and Zemiteing Zahir on his shoulder blade caused a steel issue gleaming from his throat tendons. Then he smoked the wazir and clove his crown surrender. As he was thus, behold, Amir called out to him and said, Oh my lord, come help me or I be a dead man. Al-Albas went up to him, guided by his voice, and found him cast down on his back and chained with four chains to four pickets of iron.

Starting point is 07:23:58 He loosened his bonds and said to him, Go in front of me, O Amir, so he fared on before him a little, and presently they looked, and behold horsemen were making to Sahir's succour, and they numbered twelve thousand riders, led by Sal bin Ka'aab, besr, besriding a coliarding a coal-black steed. He charged upon Amir, who fled from him, then upon Al-Al-Bas, who said, O Amir, hold fast to my horse and guard my back. The page did as he bade him, whereupon Al-Aubas cried out to the folk, and falling upon them overthrew their braves, and slew of them some two thousand riders, whilst not one

Starting point is 07:24:43 of them knew what was to do nor with whom he fought. then said one of them to other verily the king is slain so with whom do we wage war indeed ye flee from him but twere better ye enter under his banners or not one of you will be saved thereupon all dismounted and doffing that which was upon them of war-gear came before alabas and preferred him with allegiance and sued for his protection so he withheld his brand from them from them and bade them gather together the spoils. Then he took the riches and the slaves and the camels, and they all became his legions and his retainers, to the number, according to that which is reported, of fifty thousand horses. Furthermore, the folk heard of him and flocked to him from all sides, whereupon he divided the loot amongst them, and gave Lages, and dwelt thus three days, and there came gifts to him. After this, he, he divided the loot amongst them, and gave Lages, and dwelt thus three days, and there came gifts to him.

Starting point is 07:25:45 After this, he bade march for Al-Kil's abiding palace, so they fared on six days, and on the seventh they sighted the camp. Al-Al-Bahs bade his man Amir precede him and give Al-Kil the good news of his cousins coming. So he rode on to the camp and going in to Al-Kil acquainted him with the glad tidings of Zahir's slaughter and the conquest of his clan. Allal Kiel rejoiced in the coming of Al-Albas and the slaughter of his enemy, and all in his camp rejoiced also, and cast robes of honour upon Amir, while Al-Kil bade go forth to meet Al-Bas, and commanded that none, great or small, freeman or slave, should tarry behind. So they did his bidding, and going forth all met Al-Bas at three Parasang's distance from the camp, and when they met him, They dismounted from their horses and Alal Kiel, and he embraced and clapped palm to palm.

Starting point is 07:26:49 Then, rejoicing in the coming of Al-Bas and the killing of their foeman, they returned to the camp where tents were pitched for the newcomers, and skin rugs spread, and game-slain and beasts slaughtered and royal guest-meal spread, and after this fashion they abode twenty days in the enjoyment of all delight of life. on this wise fared it with Al al-Aubass and his cousin Al-Aul-Kil but as regards King Al-Aziz, when his son left him he was desolated for him with exceeding desolation both he and his mother and when tidings of him tarried long and the trist-time passed without his returning the king caused public proclamation to be made commanding all his troops to get ready to mount

Starting point is 07:27:37 and ride forth in a quest of his son Al-Aubas at the end of three days after which no cause of hindrance or excuse would be admitted to any. So on the fourth day the king bade master the troops who numbered four and twenty thousand horse besides servants and followers. Accordingly, they reared the standards and the kettle drums beat. The general and the king set out with his power intending for Baghdad, nor did he cease to press forward with all diligence until he came within half a day's journey of the city,

Starting point is 07:28:11 when he bade his army and camp on the green meadow. There they pitched the tents, till the lowland was straightened with them, and set up for the king a pavilion of green brocade, perflued with pearls and precious stones. When Alal Ziz had sat a while, he summoned the mamelukes of his son, Alalbas, and they were five and twenty in number besides ten slave girls,

Starting point is 07:28:35 as they were moons. Five of them the king had brought, with him and the other five he had left with the prince's mother. When the Mamalukes came before him, he cast over each and every of them a mantle of green brocade and bade them mount similar horses of the one and same fashion and enter Baghdad, and asked after their lord Al-Albas. So they rode into the city and passed through the market streets, and there remained in Baghdad, nor man nor boy, but came forth to gaze on them and divert himself with the sight of

Starting point is 07:29:07 their beauty and loveliness and the seemliness of their semblance, with the goodliness of their garments and horses, for all were even as moons, and they gave not over going till they came to the palace, where they halted, and the king looked at them, and seeing their beauty and the brilliancy of their apparel and the brightness of their faces said, Would heaven I knew of which of their tribes these are, and he bade the eunuch bring him news of them. The castrato went out to them and questioned them of their case, where too they replied, Return to the Lord and inquire of him concerning Prince Al-Albas, and he have come unto him, for that he left his sire, King Al-Aziz, a full-told year ago, and indeed longing for him

Starting point is 07:30:00 troubeth the king, and he hath levied a division of his army and his guards, and has come forth in quest of his son. So happily he may lie upon tidings of him, quoth the eunuch. Is there amongst you a brother of his or a son? And quoth day, Nay, by Allah, but we are all his mamelukes, and the purchased of his money, and his sire Al-Aziz, hath sent us to make inquiry of him. Do thou go to thy lord and question him of the prince, and return to us with that which we shall answer thee? Ask the eunuch, and where is King Alal's is? And they answered, He is encamped in the green meadow. The eunuch returned and told the king, who said,

Starting point is 07:30:49 Indeed, we have been unduly negligent with regard to Al-Bas. What shall be our excuse with the king? By Allah my soul suggested to me that this, the youth was of the sons of the kings. His wife, the lady of FIFA, saw him lamenting for his neglect of Al-Aubas, and said to him, O king, what is it thou regrettest with this mighty regret? Quoth he, thou knowest the stranger youth who gifted us with the rubies? Quoth she, assuredly, and he, yonder youth who have halted in the palace court are his mamelukes and his father, and King Alaziz, Lord of Al Yaman, have pitched his camp on the green meadow, for he has come with his army to seek him, and the number of his troops are four-and-twenty-thousand horsemen.

Starting point is 07:31:44 Then he went out from her, and when she heard his words, she wept sore for him and had compassion on his case, and sent after him, counselling him to summon the Mamalukes, and lodged him in the palace and entertained them. The king hearkened to her ready, and dispatched in the eunuch for the mamelukes, assigned unto them a lodging, and said to them, Have patience, till the king gives you tidings of your lord Alalbus. When they heard his words, their eyes ran over with a rush of tears, of their mighty longing for the sight of their lord. Then the king bade the queen enter the private chamber upon the throne room, and let down the curtain before the door, so she might. might see and not be seen. She did this, and he summoned them to his presence,

Starting point is 07:32:35 and when they stood before him, they kissed a ground to do him honour, and showed forth their courtly breeding and magnified his dignity. He ordered them to sit, but they refused till he conjured them by their side, Lord Allahabas. Accordingly, they sat down and bade set before them food of various kinds of fruits and sweetmeats. Now within the lady of FIFA's palace was a sotterrain communicating with the pavilion of the Princess Mariah. So the Queen sent after her, and she came to her, whereupon she made her stand behind the curtain, and gave her to know that Alalbas was the son of King Al Yaman, and that these were his mamelukes, and she also told her that the prince's father had levied his troops, and was come with his army in quest of him,

Starting point is 07:33:23 that he had pitched his camp on the green meadow and had dispatched these mamelukes to make inquiry of their lord. Their Mariah abode, looking upon them, and upon their beauty and loveliness and the goodliness of the remand, till they had eaten their fill of food and the tables were removed, whereupon the king recounted to them the story of Alalbas, and they took leave of him and went their ways. So fortunate it with the mamalukes, As for the Princess Mariah, when she returned to her palace, she bethought herself concerning the affair of Al-Albas, repenting of what she had done and the love of him took root in her heart.

Starting point is 07:34:05 And when the night darkened upon her, she dismissed all her women, and bringing out the letters to writ those which Al-Albas had written her, fell to reading them and weeping. She left not weeping her night long, and when she arose in the morning she called a damsel of her slave-girls, Shefika by name, and said to her, O damsel, I propose to discover to thee mine affair, and I charge thee, keep my secret, which is that thou betake thyself to the house of the nurse who used to serve me, and fetch her to me, for that I have grave need of her. Accordingly, Shefika went out, and repairing to the nurse's house, entered, and found her clad in clothing other and richer than what she had, while I'm being wont to wear.

Starting point is 07:34:53 So she saluted her and asked her, Whence hath thou this dress, Then which there is no goodlier? Answered the nurse, O Shafika, thou deemest that I have seen no good save of thy mistress, But by Allah I have endeavoured for her destruction. I have acted righteously, seeing that she did with me what she did

Starting point is 07:35:14 And bade the eunuch beat me, Without offence by me offered. So tell her that he, or whose behalf I bestirred my, myself with her, have made me independent of her, and her humours that he have habited me in this habit, and given me two hundred and fifty diners, and promised me the like every year, and charged me to serve none of the folk, Quoth Shafika, my mistress had need for thee, so come thou with me, and I will engage to restore thee to thy dwelling in safety and satisfaction.

Starting point is 07:35:49 But quoth the nurse, indeed her palace is become unlawful and forbidden to me, and never again will I enter therein, for that Allah extolled and exalted be he of his favour and bounty hath rendered me, independent of her. Presently, Shafika returned to her mistress and acquainted her with the nurse's words, and that wherein she was of prosperity, whereupon Mariah confessed her unmannily dealing with her, and repented when repentance profited her not. and she abode in that her case days and night, whilst the fire of longing flamed in her heart on this wise happened to her.

Starting point is 07:36:30 But as regards Al-Bas, he tarried with his cousin Al-L-Killed 20 days, after which he made ready for the journey to Baghdad, and bidding bring the booty he had taken from King Zahir, divided it between himself and his cousin. Then he sent out a marching Baghdad wards, and when he came within two days' journey of the city he summoned his servant Amir and said to him,

Starting point is 07:36:56 Mount they charger and for go me with the caravan and the cattle. So Amir took horse and fared on till he came to Baghdad, and the season of his entering was the first of the day, nor was there in the city, little child or old grey beard, but came forth to divert himself with gazing on those flocks and herds upon the bee. beauty of those slave-girls, and their wits were bewildered at what they saw. Soon afterwards, the news reached the king that the young man, Al-Albus, who had gone forth from him, was come back with booty and rarities, and black slaves and a conquering host,

Starting point is 07:37:36 and had taken up his sojourn without the city, whilst his servant Amir was presently come to Baghdad, so he might get ready for his lord dwelling places wherein he should take up his abode. When the king heard these tidings of Amir, he sent for him, and caused bring him before him, and when he entered his presence, he kissed the ground and saluted him with the salam, and showed him his fine breeding and greeted him with the goodliest of greetings. The king bade him raise his head, and this done questioned him of his lord al-Albas, whereupon he acquainted him with his adventures and told him that which had betided him with King Zahir and of the army that was become at his command and of the spoil he had secured. He also gave him to know that Al-Albas was

Starting point is 07:38:29 to arrive on the morrow, and with him more than 50,000 cavatiers obedient to his orders. When the king heard his words, Hebei decorate Baghdad and commanded the citizens to equip themselves with the richest of their apparel in honor of the coming Al-Albus. Furthermore, he sent to give King Al-Ziz the glad tidings of his son's return and inform him of all which he had heard from the prince's servant. When the news reached King Al-Ziz, he joyed with exceeding joy in the approach of his son and straightway to horse he and all his host, while the trumpets bled and the musicians played so that the earthquake and Baghdad also trembled. And it was a notable day when Mariah

Starting point is 07:39:15 beheld all this, she repented in all possible penitence of that which she had done against Al-Albuss and the fires of desire raged in her vitals. Meanwhile, the troops sallied forth of Baghdad and went out to meet those of Al-Bus, who had halted in the Garth called the Green Island. When he aspired the approaching host, He strained his sight, and seeing horsemen coming, and troops and footmen, he knew not, said to those about him, among yonder troops are flags and banners of various kinds, but as for the great green standard you see, tis the standard of my sire, the which is reserved to him and never displayed save over his head, and thus I know that he himself is come out in quest of me, and he was certified of this, he and his troops.

Starting point is 07:40:08 He fared on towards them, and when he drew near them, he knew them, and they knew him, whereupon they lighted down from their horses, and saluting him, gave him joy of his safety, and the folk flocked to him. When he came to his father, they embraced, and each greeted other a long time, whilst neither of them could utter a word for the greatness of that which betided them of joy in reunion. Then Al-Albas bade the folk take his horse, so they mounted. and his Mama Luke surrounded him, and they entered Baghdad on the most splendid wise, and in the highest honour and glory.

Starting point is 07:40:47 Now the wife of the shopkeeper, that is, the nurse came out, and with the rest of those who flocked forth to divert herself with gazing upon the show, and when she saw Al-Bus and beheld his beauty and the beauty of his host, and that which he had brought back with him of herds and slave-girls, mamelukes and negroes, She improvised and recited these couplets. Al al-Bus from the side of a kill is come. Caravans and steed he hath plundered. Ye horses he brought of pure blood whose necks

Starting point is 07:41:21 ring with collars like anklets where they are led. With domed hoofs they pour torrent-like As they prance through dust on the level steed. And bestriding their saddles come men of war Whose fingers play on the kettlejom's head and crouched are their lances that bear the points. King gritted which fill every soul with dread, Who with them would fence draweth down his death,

Starting point is 07:41:46 For one deadly lunds, soon shall do him dead. Charge comrades, charge ye, and give me joy, Saying welcome to thee, O our dear comrade, And who joys at this meeting shall joy delight, Of large gifts when he from his steeds shall light. End of Section 35. Recording by Annie Mars. Section 36 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12.

Starting point is 07:42:21 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 Annie Mars. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 12. by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 36, Tale of King Inns Bin Kays and his daughter with the son of King Al-Albas, Part 5. When the troops entered Baghdad, each of them alighted in his tent,

Starting point is 07:43:00 whilst Al-Bas encamped apart on a place near the Tigris, and issued orders to slaughter for the soldiers each day, that which should suffice them of oxen and sheep, and to bake them bread and spread the tables. So the folk ceased not to come to him and eat of his banquet. Furthermore, all the country people flocked to him with presents and rarities, and he requited them many times the like of their gifts, so that the lands were filled with his renown, and the fame of him

Starting point is 07:43:31 was brooded abroad among the habitants of world and town. Then, as soon as he rode to the house he had bought, the shopkeeper and his wife came to him and gave him joy of his safety, whereupon he ordered them three head of swift steeds and thoroughbred and ten dromedaries, and a hundred head of sheep, and clad them both in costly robes of honour. Presently he chose out ten slave-girls and ten negro slaves, and fifty mares, and the like number of sheep camels and three hundred of sheep, together with twenty ounces of musk and as many of Canfer, and sent all of this to the king of Baghdad. When the present came to Innsbin

Starting point is 07:44:16 Kay's, his wit fled for joy, and he was perplexed wherewith to requite him. Al-Aubas also gave gifts and largesseh and bestowed robes of honour upon noble and simple, each after the measure of his degree save only Mariah, for to her indeed he sent nothing. This was grievous to the princess, and it irked her sore that he should not remember her. So she called her slave girl Shefika, and said to her, Hire thee to Albas, and salute him, and say to him, what hindereth thee from sending my lady, Mariah, her part of thy booty? So Shafika betook herself to him, and when she came to his door the Chamberlains refused her admission

Starting point is 07:45:02 until they should have got her leave and permission. When she entered, Al-Albus knew her and knew that she had somewhat of speech with him. So he dismissed his mamelukes and asked her, What is thine errand, O handmaid of good?

Starting point is 07:45:18 Answered she, O my lord, I am a slave-girl of the Princess Mariah, who kisseth thy hands and offereth her salutation to thee. Indeed she rejoiceth in thy safety, and blemeth thee for that thou breakest her heart, alone of all the folk, because thy largesse embraceth great and small, yet hast thou not remember her with anything of thy plunder,

Starting point is 07:45:43 as if thou hast hardened thy heart against her, Quoth he, extol be he who turneth hearts. By Allah my vitals were consumed with the love of her, and of my longing after her, I came forth to her, from my motherland, and left my people and my home and my wealth, and it was with her that began the hard-heartedness and cruelty. Nevertheless, for all this, I bear her no malice, and there is no help, but that I send her somewhat whereby she may remember me, for that I sojourn in her country, but a few days after

Starting point is 07:46:19 which I set out for the land of Aliaman. Then he called for a chest, and then springing out a necklace of Greek workmen. ship, worth a thousand diners, wrapped it in a mantle of Greek silt, set with pearls and gems, and perflid with red and gold, and joined there too a couple of caskets containing musk and amber gris. He also put off upon the girl a mantle of Greek silt, striped with gold wherein were divers figures and portraitures depicted, never saw eyes its like. There withal the girl's wit fled for joy, and she went forth from his presence, and

Starting point is 07:46:57 returned to her mistress. When she came into her, she acquainted her with that which she had seen of al-Albass, and that which was with him of servants and attendants, and set out to her the loftiness of his station, and gave her that which was with her. Mariah opened the mantle, and when she saw the necklace, and indeed the place was illuminated with the luster thereof, she looked at her slave girl and said to her, by Allah, O Shafika, one look at him would dear it to me than all my hand possesseth. Oh, would heaven I knew what I shall do when Baghdad is empty of him and I hear of him no news. Then she wept, and calling for inkcase and paper and pen of brass, she wrote these couplets. Longsome my sorrows are, my liver's fired with ecstasy, and severance shaft hath shot me

Starting point is 07:47:50 through when sorest pangs I dream, and how so could my soul forget the love I bear to you? You wards my will perforce, return's nor passion sets me free. I prison all desires I feel for fear of spies thereon, yet tears that streak my cheek betray for every eye to see. No place of rest or joy I find to bring me life delight. No wine tastes well, nor vines, please however, savour. are me, to whom shall I complain of case and seek its cure, save unto thee whose phantom deigns to show me sight of thee. Then name me not, or chide for thought, I did in passion stress, where vitals gone and frame consumed by yearning malady.

Starting point is 07:48:40 Secret I keep the fire of love which I for severance burns, swanslave to love who robs my rest and wakes me cruelly. Ceaseth not my thought to gaze upon your ghost by night, With false inc comes, and he I love still, still unloveth me. Would heaven ye wist the blight that I for you are doomed to bear, The love of you which tortures me with parting agony. Then read between the lines I wrote, I mark and learn their sense, For such my tale and destiny Made me an outcast be.

Starting point is 07:49:17 Learn eck the circumstance of love, and love of love woe nor deign, devolved its mysteries to men nor grudge its secrecy. Then she folded the scroll and giving it to her slave-girl, bade her to bear it to al-Aubas and bring back his reply. So Shefika took the letter and carried it to the prince, after the doorkeeper had sought leave of him to admit her. When she came into him, she found him with five damsels, as there were moons clad in rich remand and ornaments, and when he saw her he said to her,

Starting point is 07:49:51 What is thy need, O handmaid of good? Presently she put out her hand to him with the writ, after she had kissed it, and he bade one of his slave-girls receive it from her. Then he took it from the girl, and breaking the seal, read it and comprehended its contents. Whereupon he cried, Verily, we be allahs, and unto him we shall return, and calling for ink-case and paper wrote these improvised couplets i wonder seeing how they love to me inclined while i in heart from love decline equest thou wont to say in verseful writ son of the road no road to me shall find how oft kings flock to me with mighty men and bales on back of booktie beasts they bind and noble steed the purest blood and all they bore of choicest boons to me to me-men

Starting point is 07:50:45 me can sign, yet won no favour, then came I to woo, and the long tale of love I had design. I feign set forth in writ of mine, with words like strings of pearls and goodly line aligned, sit forth my severance griefs, tyrannic wrong, and ill-device ill-suting lover-kind. How oft love Clermont craving secrecy! How oft have lovers plain'd and sore they pine! How many a brimming bitter cup I've quothed And wept my woes When speech was vain in wind And thou, be patient Tis thy best discourse

Starting point is 07:51:23 And choice as medicine for mortal mind Then unto patience worthy praise cleave thou Easy of issue and bee life resign Nor hope thou ought of me lest ill o'eroy Or ought of dross affect my blood refined Such is my speech read and mark and learn my say to what thou deemest ne'er I'll tread the way. Then he folded the scroll and sealing it, entrusted it to the damsel who took it and bore it to her mistress.

Starting point is 07:51:56 When the princess read the letter and mastered its meaning, she said, Me seemeth he recalleth bygones to me. Then she called for pens, ink and paper, and wrote these couplets. Love thou did show me till I learnt its words. woe, then to the growth of grief did Severance show. I banished joys of slumber after you, and Ian my pillow gowd me wake to grow. How long in parting shall I pine with pain, while Severance spies through night watch every throw? I've left my kingly couch and self-wred therefrom and taught mine eyes sleep to unknow. Twas thou didst teach me what I ne'er can bear,

Starting point is 07:52:41 Then didst thou waste my frame with parting blow. By oath I swear thee, blame and chide me not, Be kind to mourn a love hath stricken low. For parting rigours drive him nearer still, To narrow home, air-clad and shroud for clow. Have Ruth on me since love laid waste my frame, Mithralls enrolled me and lit fires that flame. Mariah rolled up the letter and gave it to Shafika,

Starting point is 07:53:10 bidding her bear it to al-Abas. Accordingly she took it, and going with it to his door, proceeded to enter, but the Chamberlains and serving men forbade her, till they had obtained her leave from the prince. When she went to him, she found him sitting in the midst of the five damsels before mention, whom his father had brought for him, so she gave him the letter, and he'd tear it open and read it. Then he bade one of the damsels whose name was Kaffifa, and who had come from the love. land of China, tuned her loot and seeing an end separation. Thereupon she came forward and tuning her loot played thereon in four-on-twenty modes, after which she returned to the

Starting point is 07:53:53 first and sang these couplets. Our friends, when leaving us on parting day, drive us in walls of Severance grief to stray. When bound the camel's litters bearing them, and cries of drivers urged them on their way. Out rushed my tears to spare get hold of me, and sleep betrayed mine eyes to wake a prey. The day they went I wept, but showed no ruth, the severance spy and flared the flames away. Alas for lo! O love that fires me still!

Starting point is 07:54:26 A lack for pine that melts my heart away. To whom shall I complain of care, When thou art gone nor feign a pillow head I lay, and day by day loves ardors grow on me, And far as the tent that holds my fondest may, O breeze o heaven bear for me a charge, Nor tray to light my troth in love betray, Whene thou breatheth o'er the loved one's land,

Starting point is 07:54:52 Greet him with joy salam from me, I pray, Dust him with musk and powdered ambergy, While time endures, such is my wish for I. When the damsel had made an end of her song, Alaba swooned, and they sprinkled on him, must rose water, till he recovered from his fainting fit, when he called another damsel. Now there was on her of linen and raiment, an ornament that which undue with description, and she was a model of beauty and brightness and loveliness and symmetry and perfect grace, such a shame the crescent moon, and she was a Turkish girl from the land of Rome,

Starting point is 07:55:31 and her name was Hafizar, and he said to her, O Hafizah, close thine eyes and tune thy lute, and sing to us upon the day of severance. She answered him, To hear is to obey, and taking the loot, tightened its strings, and cried out from her head in a plaintive voice, and sung these couplets. My friends tear flow and painful mockery, and seek my heart from parting agony, my frame is wasted and my vitals wrung, and love-fires grow, and love-fires grow, and eyes that tear floods free, and then the fire burns high beneath my ribs, with tears I quench it as sad day I see. Love left me wasted baffled pain be gone, sore frightened, bup-despying enemy.

Starting point is 07:56:22 When I recall sweet union with their loves, I chase dear sleep from sick frame of me, long as I'll partain last the rival joys, and spies with fearful prudence gain their gie. I fear me for my sickly languorous frame, lest dread of parting slay me incontinently. When Hafizah had ended her song, Al-Albas cried to her, Brava, verily thou quickened hearts from griefs. Then he called another maiden of the daughters of Dalam,

Starting point is 07:56:54 My name Majana, and said to her, Oh, Majana, sing to me upon the days of parting. She said, hearing and obeying and recited these couplets. Cleave to fair patience, patience gendereth will. Such is the ready to us all sages deal. How oft I planed the low of grief and love, Mid passions cast my soul and sore and heel. How oft I wait and drain the bitter cup,

Starting point is 07:57:22 And watch the stars nor sleep mine eyes would seal. Enough it were and deal you grace to me, In wit or mourn and God no hope to feel. By thoughts which probed its depths would sear my, heart and start from our bright streams that ever seal, nor cease I suffering in baleighful doom and nights, wakeful and heart by sorrow's rent-piece meal, by Allah purged my soul from love of you. When all new secrets cared I not reveal, I march to-morrow from your country, and happily you'll speed me nor fear aught

Starting point is 07:57:59 unwheel. And when in person you be far from us, would heaven we knew you shall your news reveal, who can's if home will air us to contain, in dearest life with union naught can stain. When Majana had made an end of her song, the prince said to her, brava, O damsel, indeed thou sayest a thing which had occurred to my mind and my tongue was near to speaking it. Then he signed to the fourth damsel, who was a Koran by name Sid al-Husin, and bade her tune her lute and sing to him upon the same theme. So the Lady of Beauty tuned her lute and sang these couplets. Patience is blessed for will comes after woe, and all things state to time and ordinate show. Haps the salt and height fortune prove unjust, shifting the times and man excuse shall know,

Starting point is 07:58:56 bitter and sweet sweet in law of change, and after crookedness things straightest grow. Thank God thine honour, nor to any save, The noble knowledge of the hid bestow. These be vicissitudes the Lord commands, Poor men endure the sinner and the low. When Al-Albas heard her make an end of her verses, They pleased him and he said to her, Bravo, O Sit al-Husin,

Starting point is 07:59:25 Indeed thou hast done away with anxiety from my heart, And hast banished the things which had occurred, to my thought. Then he sighed, and signing to the fifth damsel, who was from the land of the Persian, and whose name was Masaya. Now she was the fairest of them all, and the sweetest of speech, and she was like unto a lustrous star, a model of beauty and loveliness and perfection, and brightness, and justness of shape, and symmetric grace, and had a face like the new moon and eyes as they were a gazelle's eyes, and said to her, O Ma Zaya, come forward and tune thy loot, and sing to us on the same theme,

Starting point is 08:00:09 for indeed we are resolved upon faring to the land of Al-Yaman. Now this maiden had met many of the monarchs, and had foregathered with the great. So she tuned her lute and sang these couplets. Friend of my heart, why leave thou alone and desolate these aine? fair union of our lots ne'er fail'd this sitting state of mine and ah who dwellers singly in the heart and spright of me be i thy ransom desolate for loss of friend i pine by allah o thy richest form in charms and loveliness Give arms to lover who can show of patience ne'er a sign, Arms of what pass between us twey, Which ne'er will I divulge,

Starting point is 08:00:55 Of privacy between us twey, That man shall ne'er divine, Grant me approval of my lord, whereby to overwhelm the foe, And let my straightness pass away, And doubtful thoughts malign, A proof of thee, And gain the me high rank shall gain,

Starting point is 08:01:16 and show me robed in richest weed to eyes of envy feign. End of Section 36. Recording by Annie Mars Section 37 of the Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer,

Starting point is 08:01:44 please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Annie Mars. The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 37 Tale of King Inns Bin Kays and his daughter with the son of King Al-Albas, Part 6. When she had ended her song,

Starting point is 08:02:13 all who were in the assembly wept for the daintiness of her delivery and the sweetness of her speech, and Al-Albass said to her, brava o Marzaya indeed thou bewildest the wits with the beauty of thy verse and the polish of thy speech all this while Shafika abode gazing upon her and when she beheld the slave-girls of al-Bas and considered the charms of their clothing and the subtlety of their senses and the delicacy of their delivery her reason flew from her head then she sought leave of al-Aubas and returning to her, her mistress, Mariah, Sarnes, letter or reply, acquainted her with what she had espied of the damsels, and described to her the condition wherein he was of honour and delight,

Starting point is 08:03:05 majesty, venerance, and loftiness of rank. Lastly, she enlarged upon what she had seen of the slave-girls, and their case, and that which they had said, and how they had incited Al-A-Bus, and meant returning to his own country, by the recitation of songs to the sound of the strings. When the princess heard this, her slave-girl's report, she wept and wailed, and was like to leave the world. Then she took to her pillow and said,

Starting point is 08:03:35 Oh, Shafika, I will inform thee of a something which is not hidden from Allah the most high, and tis that thou watch over me till the almighty decree the accomplishment of his destiny, and when my days are ended, take thou the necklace and the mantle, with which Allah Abbas gifted me and returned them to him. I deem not he will survive me.

Starting point is 08:03:58 And if the Lord of Almighty determine against him, and his days come to an end, do thou give one charge to shroud us and entomb us both in one tomb? Then her case changed, and her colour waxed wan, and when Shafika saw her mistress in this plight,

Starting point is 08:04:15 she repaired to her mother and told her that the Lady Mariah refused meat and drink. Asked the queen, since when had this befallen her? And Shafika answered, since yesterday's date, whereat the mother was confounded and betaking herself to her daughter that she might inquire into her case. Lo and behold, found her as one dying. So she sat down at her head, and Mariah opened her eyes,

Starting point is 08:04:42 and seeing her mother sitting by her, sat up for shame before her. The queen questioned her of her case, and she said, I entered to her mum, and it stupefied me, and prostrated me, and left me in my head, an exceeding pain, but I trust in Allah Almighty that it will cease. Then her mother went out from her. Mariah took to chiding the damsel for that which she had done, and said to her, "'Ferily, death were dearer to me than this,

Starting point is 08:05:12 "'so discover thou not my affair to any, "'and I charge thee return, not to the like of this fashion.' Then she fainted and lay swooning for a whole hour, and when she came to herself she saw Shafika weeping over her, whereupon she plucked the necklace from her neck and the mantle from her body, and said to the damsel, lay them in a damasked napkin, and bear them to Al-Aubas, and acquaint him with that wherein I am for the stress of severance and the strain of forbiddance. So Shafika took them and carried them to Al-Aubas, whom she found in readiness to depart and being about to take horse for Al-Yaman. She went to him and gave him the napkin and that which was therein,

Starting point is 08:05:59 and when he opened it and saw what it contained, namely the mantle and the necklace, his chagrin was excessive and his eyes turned in his head and his rage shot out of them. When Shafika saw that which betided him, she came forward and said to him, O bountiful Lord, verily my mistress, returneth not the mantle and the necklace for despite, but she is about to quit this world, and thou hast the best right to them. Asked he, what is the cause of this? And Shafika answered, Thou knowest, by Allah never among the Arabs or the Ajams,

Starting point is 08:06:36 nor among the sons of the kings, saw I a harder heart than thou. Can it be a slightest matter to thee that thou troublest, Mariah's life, and causes her to mourn for herself, and quit the world for the sake of their youth? Thou wast the cause of her acquaintance with thee, and now she departed this life on thine account. She, who, like Allah Almighty, hath not created among the daughters of the king. When Allah Abbas heard from the damsel these words, his heart burned from Mariah, and her case was not liked him. him. So he said to Shafika, Canst thou bring me in company with her, so happily I may discover her concern,

Starting point is 08:07:19 and allay whatsoever aileth her? Said she, Yes, I can do that, and thine will be the bounty and thy favour. So he arose, and followed her, and she proceeded him till they came to the palace, then she opened and locked behind them, four and twenty doors,

Starting point is 08:07:39 and made them fast with padlock, And then he came to Mariah. He found her as she wore the Downing Sun, shown upon a tafe rug of perfumed leather, surrounded by cushions, stuffed with ostrich down, and not a limb of her quivered. When her maid saw her in this state, she offered to cry out,

Starting point is 08:07:58 but Allah Abba said to her, Do it not. But have patience till we discover her affair, and if Allah be he extolled and exalted, have decreed her death, wait till thou have opened the doors to me, and I have gone forth, then do what seemeth good to thee. So saying, he went up to the princess, and laying his hand upon her bosom,

Starting point is 08:08:20 found her heart fluttering like a doveling, and the life, yet hanging to her breast. So he placed his hand on her cheek, whereat she opened her eyes, and beckoning to her maid, said to her by signs, Who is this that treadeth my carpet and transgresseth against me? Oh, my lady, cried Shafika, this is Prince Alal. for whose sake thou forsakest the world. When Mariah heard speak of Al-Albas, she raised her hand from under the covlar, and laying it upon his neck, inhaled a while his scent.

Starting point is 08:08:54 Then she sat up, and her complexion returned to her, and they abode talking till a third part of the night was past. Presently, the princess turned to her handmaid, and bade her fetched them somewhat of food, sweetmeats and fruits, fresh and dry. So Shafika brought what she desired, and they ate and drank, and abode on this wise without lewdness, till night went and light came. Then said Allah Abbas, indeed the morn breaketh. Shall I hire to my sire, and bid him to go to thy father, and seek of him in wedlock

Starting point is 08:09:28 for me, in accordance with the book of Allah Almighty, and the practice of his apostle, whom may he save in a saying, so we may not enter into transgression. Mariah answered saying, By Allah, tis well counseled of thee. So he went away to his lodging, and nought befell between them, and when the daylightened she recited these couplets. O friends mourn breeze with mourn draws on amain, a voice bespeaks us, gladdening us with pain, up to the convent where our friend will sight,

Starting point is 08:10:03 and wine more subtle than the dust will drain, Whereon our friends spent all the coin he owned And made the nursling in his cloak contain And when we op the jar light opuline Struck down the singers in it search were lane From all sides flocking came the convent monks Crying at top of voices welcome fain And we carousing sat and cups went round

Starting point is 08:10:29 Till rose the Venus star o'er eastern plain No shame in drinking wine which means good cheer and love and promise of prophetic strain. Ho thou the morn our union's sundering, these joy is ours to find thou dost constrain. Show grace to us until our pleasures end, and lead us drop of joy for friends we gain. You have affection candid and sincere,

Starting point is 08:10:56 and love and joy our best of faiths for men. Such was the case with Mariah, but as regards Alabas, he betook himself to his father's camp, which was pitched on the green meadow by the Tigris side, and none might thread his way between the tents, for the dense network of the tent ropes. When the prince reached the first of the pavilion, the guards and servants came out to meet him from all sides, and walked in his service till he drew near the sitting place of Isaiah,

Starting point is 08:11:26 who knew of his approach, so he issued forth his marquis, and coming to meet his son, kissed him and made much of him. Then they returned together to the Royal Pavilion, and when they had seated themselves therein, and the guards had taken up their station in attendance on them. The king said to Al-Albas, O my son, get ready thine affair so we may go to our own land, for that the legions in our absence are become as they were sheep-l-bishop lacking shepherd. Al-Bas looked at his father and wept till he fainted,

Starting point is 08:11:59 and when he recovered from his fit, he improvised and recited, these couplets. I embraced him and strayed at wax-drunk with the smell, of a fresh young branch wont in wealth to dwell. Yea, drunken, but not by the wine, nay, twas by draught from his lips that like wine-cups well, for beauty wrote on his cheeks fair page, O his charms take refuge for danger fell, Mine eyes be easy since him ye saw, Nor moat more blearness with you shall mel in him beauty showeth thou first to fine and bindeth on hearts bonds unfrangible and thou call thyself with his cheek of light thou find but jasper o'er in stell the chiders came in reproach me when from longing and pining my heart befell but i fear not i end not i turn me not from his life let tell-tale his tale even tell but allah for allah for allah for allah for forgetting ne'er crossed my thought, while by lifetime bound, or when ends my spell,

Starting point is 08:13:09 and I live, I will live in this love, and I die, of love and longing, I'll cry, tis well. Now when Allah Abbas had ended his verses, his father said to him, I seek refuge for thee with Allah, O my son, hast thou any want thou art powerless to win, so I may endeavour for thee therein, and lavish my treasures in its quest, cried Al-Aubbas, O my papa, I have indeed an urgent need, on whose account I came forth of my motherland and left my people and my home, and affronted perils and horrors and became an exile, and I trust in Allah that it may be accomplished by their magnanimous endeavour. Quoth the king, what is it thou I want, and quoth Alalbas, I would have thee go and ask for me to wife Mariah. daughter of the king of Baghdad, and for that my heart is distracted with love for her. And then he recounted to his father his adventure from first to last,

Starting point is 08:14:14 and when the king heard from his son, he rose to his feet, and calling for his charger of parade, took horse with four-and-twenty emirs of the chief officers of his empire. Then he betook himself to the palace of the king of Baghdad, who, when he saw him coming, bade his chamberlain to open the doors to them, and going down himself to meet them, received him with all honour and hospitality, and carried him and his into the palace, then causing make ready for them carpets and cushions, sat down upon his golden throne, and seated the guest by his side upon a chair of gold, framed in juniper wood, set with pearls and jewels. Presently, he must be able to be able to beware of gold, presently, he must. made bring sweetmeats and confections and scents and commanded to slaughter four-and-twenty head of sheep and the like of oxen and make ready geese and chickens and pigeons stuffed and boiled and spread the tables nor was it long before the meats were served up in vessels of gold and silver so when they ate their sufficiency and when they had eaten their fill the tables were removed and the wine-servers set on and the cups and flaggons ranged in ranks

Starting point is 08:15:30 whilst the Mama Luke's and the Fair Slave Girls sat down, the zones of gold about their wrists, started with all manner of pearls, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and other jewels. Moreover, the king bade fetched the musicians, so there presented themselves before him, twenty damsers with lutes, sultries and vials, and smote upon instruments of music playing and performing on such wise

Starting point is 08:15:55 that they moved the assembly to delight. Then said Alain, to the king of Baghdad, I would fain speak a word to thee, but do thou not exclude from us those who are present, and thou consent unto my wish thine is ours, and on thee shall be what so is on us, and we shall be to thee a mighty forum against all unfriends and foes. Quoth ins bin case, so what thou wilt, O king, for indeed thou excelest in speech, and in whatso thou sayest dost hit the mark. So Al-A-Ziz said to him,

Starting point is 08:16:32 I desire that thou marry thy daughter Mariah to my son, Al-Aubas, for thou knowest that he hath of beauty and loveliness, brightness and perfect grace, and in his frequentation of the valiant, and in his constancy in the stead of cut and thrust. Said Inns bin, Kay's, by Allah, O king, of my love for Mariah I have appointed her mistress of her own hand

Starting point is 08:16:59 accordingly whomever she chooseth of the folk to him will I wed her then he arose to his feet and going into his daughter found her mother with her so he set out to them the case and Mariah said

Starting point is 08:17:14 O Papa my wish followeth thy word and my will ensueeth thy will so whatsoever thou chooseth I am obedient to thee and under thy dominion. Therewith the king knew that Mariah inclined to Al-Aubus and therefore returned forthright

Starting point is 08:17:33 to King Al-A-Ziz and said to him, May Allah amend the king, verily the wish is one, and there is no opposition to that thou commandest. Quoth Al-Ziz, by Allah's leave our wishes one, how deemest thou,

Starting point is 08:17:49 O king, of fetching Allah-Bus and documenting the marriage contract between Mariah and him. And quoth inns being case, Thine be read. So Al-Aziz sent after his son and acquainted him with that which had passed. Whereupon Al-Al-Bas called for four and twenty mules

Starting point is 08:18:09 and ten horses, and as many camels, and loaded the mules with fathom-long pieces of silk and rugs of leather, and boxes of camphor and musk, and the camels and horses with chests of gold and silver. Eck, he took the richest of the stuffs And wrapping them in wrappers of gold Perflared silk Led them on the heads of porters

Starting point is 08:18:32 And they fared on with the treasures Till they reached the king of Baghdad's palace Whereupon all who were present Dismounted in honour of Al-Aubas And escorting him in a body To the presence of Inbin's case Displayed to the king All that they had with them of things of price

Starting point is 08:18:50 The king bade carry all this into the storerooms of the harim and sent for the Khazis and the witnesses who wrote the contract and married Mariah to Al-Bas whereupon the prince commanded slaughter 1,000 head of sheep and 500 buffaloes

Starting point is 08:19:08 so they spread the bride-feast and bade here to all the tribes of the Arabs men of tents and men of towns and the banquet continued for the space of ten days Then Al-Albas went into Mariah in a commendable and auspicious hour, and lay with her, and found her a pearl, unthridden, and a goodly feeling no rider had ridden. Wherefore he rejoiced, and was glad and made Mary, and care and sorrow ceased from him, and his life was pleasant and troubled departed, and he ceased not abiding with her in the most joyful case, and in the most easeful of life, till seven days were passed,

Starting point is 08:19:50 when King Al-Ale-Zir resolved to set out and returned to his realm, and bade his son to seek leave of his father-in-law, to depart with his wife to his own country. So Al-Al-Bah spoke of this to King Inns, who granted him the permission he sought, whereupon he chose out a red camel, taller and more valuable than the rest of the camels, and loading it with apparel and ornaments,

Starting point is 08:20:17 mounted Mariah in a litter thereon. Then they spread the, the Endisons and the standards, whilst kettle drums beat and the trumpets blared and set out upon the homewards way. The King of Baghdad rode forth with them and accompanied them three days' journey on their route, after which he farewelled them and returned with his troops to Baghdad. As for King Al-Aleziz and his son, they fared on night and day and gave not over going till there remained but three days' journey between them and Al-Yaman. When they despatched three men of the couriers to the prince's mother to report that they were bringing with them Mariah, the king's daughter of Baghdad, and returning safe and laden would spoil.

Starting point is 08:21:02 When the queen mother heard this, her wit took wings for joy, and she adorned the slave-girls of Al-Bas after the finest fashion. Now he had ten handmaids, as they were moons, whereon his father had carried five with him to Baghdad, as hath erst been, set forth, and the remaining five abode with his mother. When the dromedary post came, they were certified of the approach of Al-Albuss, and when the sun eastered and their flags were seen flaunting, the prince's mother came out to meet her son. Nor on that day was their great or small boy or grey beard, but went forth to greet the king. Then the kettle-drums of glad tidings beat, and they entered in the utmost of pomp, and the extreme of magnanimous. so that the tribes and the townspeople heard of them and brought them the richest of gifts and the rarest of presents, and the prince's mother rejoiced with joy exceeding.

Starting point is 08:22:02 They butchered beasts and spread mighty bridefeasts for the people and kindled fires that it might be visible afar to townsmen and tribesmen, that this was the house of hospitality and the stead of the wedding festival, to the intent that if any, passed them by, it should be of his own sin against himself. So the folk came to them from all districts and quarters, and in this way they abode days and months. Presently the prince's mother bade fetch the five slave-girls to that assembly, whereupon they came and the ten damsels met. The queen seated five of them on her son's right hand, and the other five on his left, and the folk gathered around them.

Starting point is 08:22:44 Then she bade the five who had remained with her, speak forth somewhat of posy, so they might entertain therewith the seance and that alabas might rejoice thereat. Now she had clad them in the costliest of clothes, and adorned them with trinkets and ornaments and moulded work of gold and silver and colours of gold, wrought with pearls and gems, so they paced forward with harps and lutes and zithers and recorders and other instruments of music before them. One of them, a damsel came from the land of China and whose name was Ba'utha advanced and screwed up the strings of her loot. Then she cried out from the top of her head and recited these couplets. Indeed your land returned when you returned, to while on light which overgrew its gloom. Green grew the land that was afore-dust brown, and fruits that failed again showed riping bloom, And clouds rent treasures after rain had lacked, and plenty poured from earthry opening womb.

Starting point is 08:23:48 Then cease the woes, my lords, that gait us weep, with tears like dragons' blood our severance doom, whose length by Allah made me yeam and pine. Would heaven, O lady, mine, I were thy groom. End of Section 37. Recording by Annie Mars. Section 38 of the Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recording are in the public domain.

Starting point is 08:24:25 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Annie Mars The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 38 tale of King Inns bin Kays and his daughter with the son of King Al-Aubass Part 7 When she had ended her song, all who were present were delighted, and Al-Aubas rejoice in this. Then he bade the second damsel sing somewhat on the same theme.

Starting point is 08:25:02 So she came forward and tightening the strings of her harp, which was of Balas Ruby, raised her voice in a plaintive air and improvised these couplets. brought the courier glad news of our absentees to please us through those who had wrought us unease. Cried I, my life ransomed thee, messenger man, thou hast kept thy faith thy boons are these, and the nightlets of union in you we joyed. When fared you naught would our grief appease. You swear that folk would to folk be true, and you kept your oaths as good faith decrees. To you made I oath

Starting point is 08:25:41 True lover am I Heaven guard me when sworn from all perjuries I fared to meet you and loud I cried Aha fair welcome when come you please And I joyed to meet you and when you came Decked all the dwelling with tapestries And death in your absence to us was dight But your presence bringeth us life and light

Starting point is 08:26:05 When she made an end of her verse alabas bade the third damsel who came from some account of Ajumlan and whose name was Romana Singh and she answered to hear is to obey then she took the scyther and crying out from the midst of her head

Starting point is 08:26:23 recited and sang these couplets my watering mouth declares thy my myrtle cheek my food to be and calm my lips thy side face rose who lily art to me and twixt the june and down their shows the fairest flower that blooms, whose fruitage is Granado's fruit with all Granado's blee. Forget my lids of ein their sleep for magic eyes of him. Not since he fared but drowsy charms and languorous air I see.

Starting point is 08:26:56 He shot me down with shaft of glance from bow of eyebrow's bed. What chamberlain betwixt his eyes, God all my pleasure flee. Happily shall heart of me, his heart by weakness force, Ian adds his own seductive grace, "'Dard me love ailment three, "'for and by him forgotten be "'out packed and covenant. "'I have a king who will never forget my memory.

Starting point is 08:27:23 "'His sides been mocked the bending charms "'of waving tamarisk, "'and in this beauty pride he walks "'as drunk with coquetry, "'his feet and legs be feathered light "'when ere he deigns to run, "'and did any of any, ride the wind except where Solomon. Therewith Al-Alba smiled and her verses pleased him,

Starting point is 08:27:45 then he bade the fourth damsel come forward and sing. Now she was from the Sundan land, and her name was Balakshah, so she came forward and taking the loot and the sither, tuned the strings, and smote them in many modes. Then she returned to the first, and improvising sang these couplets. Went to the seance for all pleasure hide, Thy lamping eyes illumined its every side, While playing round us o'er the wineful bowl, Those necklace pearls old wine with pleasure plied, Till wits the wiser drunken by her grace, Betrayed for joyous secret sages hide, And seen the cup we bade its circle round, While sun and moon spread radiant side and wide, We raised for love a veil of love perforce,

Starting point is 08:28:34 and came glad tidings which new joy is applied. Loud sang the camel guide, one was our wish, nor was the secret by the spy espied. And where my days were blessed by union bliss, and to all parting time was aid denied, each bowed the other, clear of meddling spy, nor feared we hate of foe or neighbour pride. The sky was bright, friends came and severance fared,

Starting point is 08:29:01 and love in union rain boons multiplied, replied, saying fulfilled fair union all are gone, rivals and fears less shaming foe deride, friends now conjoined our wrong past away, and meeting cup goes round and joys abye on you by Allah's peace with every boon, till end the dooming years and time and tide. When Balakshah had ended her verse, All present were moved to delight, and Allah said to her, Bravo, O damsel, then he bade the fifth damsel come forward and sing. Now she was from the land of Syria, and her name was Rehanna. She was passing her voice, and when she appeared in an assembly, all eyes were fixed upon her.

Starting point is 08:29:48 So she came forward and taking the viol, for she was used to play upon all instruments, recited and sang these couplets. Your mewards coming I hail to sight. Your look is joy, driving woe from spite. With you love is blessed, pure and white of soul. Life sweet and my planet grows green and bright. By Allah you wards my pine ne'er ceased. And your like is rare and right worthy height.

Starting point is 08:30:17 Ask my eyes and air since the day he went. They tasted sleep, looked on lover white. My heart by the parting day, was broke, and my wasted body betrays my plight. Could my blamers see in what grief am I? They had wept in wonder, and I lost my blight. They had joined me in shedding torrential tears, and like me a mourn had shone thin and slight. How long for your love shall your lover bear this weight, oh, much for the hill's strong height? By Allah what them for your sake was doomed, to my heart a heart by its woes turned white,

Starting point is 08:30:58 and showed I the fires that I flare in me. They had flamed eastern world and earth's western sight, but after this is my love fulfilled, with joy and gladness and mere delight, and the Lord who scattered hath brought us back, for who doeth good shall of good near lack. When King Alalziz heard the damsel song, Both words and verses pleased him, and he said to Al-Albas,

Starting point is 08:31:25 O my son, verily long, versifying, hath tied these damsels, and indeed they make us yearn after the houses and the homesteads, with the beauty of their songs. These five have adorned our meeting with the charm of their melodies, and have done well in that which they have said before those who are present. So we counsel thee to free them for the love of Allah Almighty. With Allah-Bas, there is no command but thy command, and he enfranchised the ten damsels in the assembly, whereupon they kissed the hands of the king and his son, and prostrated themselves

Starting point is 08:32:03 in thanksgiving to the Lord of Almighty. Then they put off that which was upon them of ornaments, and laying aside the lutes and other instruments of music, kept to their houses like modest women and veiled and fared not forth, as for King Al-Ale-Ziz, he lived after this seven years, and was removed to the mercy of Almighty Allah when his son, Al-Aubbas, bore him forth to burial as besiemed kings and let make for him, perlections and professional recitations of the Quran. He kept up the morning of his father during four successive weeks, and when a full-told month had elapsed, he sat down on the throne of kingship and judged, and did justice and distributed

Starting point is 08:32:47 silver and gold, and also loosed all who were in the jails and abolished grievances and customs due, and rioted the oppressor, so the lieges prayed for him and loved him, and invoked on him endurance of glory and continuance of kingship and length of life and eternity of prosperity and happiness. The troops submitted to him and the hosts from all parts of the kingdom, and there came to him presents from each and every land. The kings obeyed him, and many were his warriors and his grandees. And his subjects lived with him the most easeful of lives, and the most delightsome. Meanwhile, he ceased not, he and his beloved Queen Maria in the most enjoyable of life,

Starting point is 08:33:33 and the pleasantest, and he vouchsafed by her children, and indeed there befell friendship and affection between them, and the longer their companionship was prolonged, the more their love waxed, so that they became unable to endure from each other a single hour, save the time of his going forth to the divan when he would return to her in the liveliest that might be of longing. And after this fashion they abode in all solace of life and satisfaction, till they came to them the destroyer of delights and the severer of societies. So extol be the eternal, who sway endureth for ever and A, who never unheedeth, neither dieth nor sleepeth. This is all that hath come down to us of their tale, and so the peace.

Starting point is 08:34:25 End of Section 38. Recording by Annie Mars. Section number 39 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous,

Starting point is 08:35:05 translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 39. Shaharazad and Shah Raiar King Shah Raiar marveled at the history and said by Allah verily injustice slayeth its folk and he was edified by that wherewith Shadurazad bespoke him and sought help of Allah the most high

Starting point is 08:35:37 then said he to her tell me another of thy tells O Shahrazad, supply me with a pleasant story, and this shall be the completion of the story-telling. Shahrazad replied, with love and gladness, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that a man once declared to his mates, I will set forth to you a means of security against an A friend of mine once related to me and said, We attained to security against annoy, and the origin of it was other than this. That is, it was the following.

Starting point is 08:36:29 End of Section 39, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. Chapter 40 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 40, Tale of the Two Kings and the Wazir's Daughters. I over-traveled Willowm lands and, and, climbs and towns and visited the cities of high renown and traversed the ways of dangers and hardships. Towards the last of my life, I entered a city of the cities of China, wherein was a king of the Chasros and the Tobas and the Caesars. Now that city had been peopled with its inhabitants by means of justice and equity, but its then king was a tyrant dire who despoiled lives and souls at his

Starting point is 08:37:44 desire. In fine, there is no warming oneself at his fire, for that indeed he oppressed the believing band and wasted the land. Now he had a younger brother, who was king in Samarkand of the Persians, and the two kings sojourned a while of time, each in his own city and stead, till they yearned unto each other, and the elder king dispatched his wazir to fetch his younger brother. When the minister came to the king of Samarkand and acquainted him with his errand, he submitted himself to the bidding of his brother and answered, to hear is to obey. Then he quipped himself and made ready for wayfar and brought forth his tents and pavilions. A while after midnight he went into his wife that he might farewell her and found her with a strange man lying by her in one bed. So he slew them both and he slew them both and, dragging them out by the feet, cast them away, and set forth on his march. When he came to his brother's court, the elder king rejoiced in him, with joy exceeding, and lodged him in the pavilion of hospitality beside his own palace. Now this pavilion overlooked a flower garden belonging to the elder

Starting point is 08:39:00 brother, and there the younger abode with him some days. Then he called to mind that which his wife had done with him and remembered her slaughter, and bethought him how he was a king, yet was not exempt from the shifts of time, and this affected him with exceeding effect, so that it drave him to abstain from meat and drink, or, if he ate anything, it profited him not. When his brother saw him on such wise, he deemed that this had betided him by reason of severance from his folk and family, and said to him, come, let us fare forth a coursing and a hunting. But he refused to go with him, so the elder brother went to the chase, while the younger abode in the pavilion aforesaid. Now, as he was diverting himself by looking out upon the flower garden from the latticed window of the palace,

Starting point is 08:39:54 behold he saw his brother's wife, and with her ten black slaves and ten slave girls. Each slave laid hold of a Amsel and another slave came forth, and did the like with the queen, and when they had their wills, one of other they all returned whence they came. Hereat there betided the king of Samarkand, exceeding surprise and solace, and he was made whole of his malady, little by little. After a few days his brother returned, and finding him cured of his complaint, said to him, tell me o my brother what was the cause of thy sickness and thy power and what is the reason of the return of health to thee and of rosiness to thy face after this so he acquainted him with the whole case and this was grievous to him but they hid their affair and agreed to lead the kingship and fare forth of pilgrimaging and adventuring at a haphazard for the deem that there had befallen none the like of what had befallen none them. Accordingly, they went forth, and as they journeyed, they saw, by the way, a woman

Starting point is 08:41:02 imprisoned in seven chests, whereon were five padlocks, and sunken deep in the midst of the salt sea, under the guardianship of an affrit. Yet for all this, that woman issued out of the ocean and opened those padlocks, and coming forth of those chests, did what she would with the two brothers after she had practiced upon the Ephrith. When the two kings saw that woman's fashion and how she circumvented the Ephrit who had lodged her in the abyss of the main, they turned back to their kingdoms and the younger betook himself to Samarkand, whilst the elder returned to China and contrived for himself accustomed in the slaughter of damsels, which was his wazir used to bring him every night a girl, with whom he laid that night, and when he arose in the

Starting point is 08:41:53 morning he gave her to the minister and bade him do her die. After this fashion he abode a long time, whilst the folk murmured and God's creatures were destroyed, and the commons cried out by reason of that grievous affair into which they were fallen, and feared the wrath of Allah Almighty, dreading lest he destroyed them by means of this. Still the king, persisted in that practice and in his blameworthy intent of the killing of damsels and the despoilment of maidens concealed by veils, wherefore the girl sut succor of the Lord of all might and complained to him of the tyranny of the king and of his oppression. Now the king's wazir had two daughters, sisters German, the elder of whom had read the books and made herself mistress of the

Starting point is 08:42:43 sciences and studied the writings of the sages and the stories of the cup companions, and she was a maiden of abundant lore and knowledge galore and wit than which not can be more. She heard that which the folk suffered from that king and his misceuage of their children, whereupon Ruth for them got hold of her and jealousy, and she besought Allah Almighty that he would bring the king to renounce that his new and a cursed custom, and the Lord answered her prayer. Then she consulted her younger sister and said to her, I mean to devise a device for freeing the children of folk, to wit, I will go up to the king and offer myself to marry him, and when I come to his presence I will send to fetch thee. When thou comest into me, and the king had his

Starting point is 08:43:35 carnal will of me, do thou say to me, O my sister, let me hear a story of thy goodly stories, wherewith we may beguile the waking hours of our night till the dawn, when we take leave of each other, and let the king hear it likewise. The other replied, tis well, for sure this contrivance will deter the king from this innovation he practiseth, and thou shalt be requited with favor exceeding, and recompense abounding in the world to come. For that indeed thou perilous thy life, and wilt either perish or win to thy wish. So she did this, and fortune favored her,

Starting point is 08:44:17 and the divine direction was vouchsafed to her, and she discovered her design to her sire, the wazir, who thereupon forbade her, fearing her slaughter. However, she repeated her words to him a second time and a third, but he consented not. Then he cited to her a parable, which should deter her, and she cited to him a parable of import contrary to his, and the debate was prolonged between them,

Starting point is 08:44:46 and the adducing of instances, till her father saw that he was powerless to turn her from her purpose, and she said to him, there is no help but that I marry the king, so happily I may be a sacrifice for the children of the Muslims. either I shall turn him from this his heresy or I shall die. When the minister despaired of dissuading her, he went up to the king and acquainted him with the case, saying, I have a maiden daughter, and she desireth to give herself in free gift to the king.

Starting point is 08:45:19 Quoth the king, how can thy soul consent to this? Seeing that thou knowest, I abide but a single night with the girl, and when I arise on the morrow I do her dead, and tis thou who slayest her, and again and again thou hast done this. Quote the wazir, No, O king, that I have set forth all this to her, yet consented she not to aught, but needs she must have thy company, and she chooseth to come to thee, and present herself before thee, albeit I have cited to her the sayings of the sages,

Starting point is 08:45:55 but she hath answered me with more than that which I said to her, and contrary wise. then quoth the king suffer her visit me this night and to-morrow morning come thou and take her and kill her and by allah and thou slay her not i will slay thee and her also the minister obeyed the king's bidding and going out from their presence returned home when it was night he took his elder daughter and carried her up to the king and when she came before him she wept whereupon he asked her what causeth thee to weep Indeed, twas thou who willest this. She answered, I weep not but of longing after my little sister. For that since we grew up, I and she, I have never been parted from her till this day. So, and it pleased the king to send for her, that I may look on her and listen to her speech, and take my fill of her till the morning, this were a boon and an act of kindness of the king.

Starting point is 08:46:56 So he bade fetch the damsel, and she came. then there befell that which befell of his union with the elder sister and when he went up to his couch that he might sleep the younger sister said to her elder allah upon thee o my sister and thou be not asleep tell us a tale of thy goodly tales wherewith me may beguile the watches of our night ere day dawn and parting said she with love and gladness and fell to relating to her whilst the king listened. Her story was goodly and delectable, and whilst she was in the midst of telling it, the dawn break. Now the king's heart claved to the hearing of the rest of the story, so he respited her till the morrow, and when it was the next night, she told him a tale concerning the marvels of the land and the wonders of Allah's creatures, which was yet stranger and rarer than the first. In the midst of the recital appeared the day, and she was silent from the permitted say.

Starting point is 08:48:00 so he let her live till the following night that he might hear the end of the history and after that slay her on this wise it fortuneed with her but as regards the people of the city they rejoiced and were glad and blessed the rizier's daughters marvelling that three days had passed and that the king had not put his bride to death and exulting in that he had returned to the ways of righteousness and would never again berth in himself with blood-gilt against any of the maidens of the city. Then on the fourth night she related to him a still more extraordinary adventure, and on the fifth night she told him anecdotes of kings and wazirs and notables. Brief she ceased not to entertain him many days and nights, while the king still said to himself, when as I shall have heard the end of the tale, I will do her die, and the people redoubled their marvel and admiration. Also, the folk of the circuits and cities heard of this thing, to wit, that the king had turned from his custom, and from that which he had imposed upon

Starting point is 08:49:08 himself and had renounced as heresy, wherefore they rejoiced, and the legions returned to the capital, and took up their abode therein, after they had departed thence, and they were constant in prayer to Allah Almighty, that he would establish the king in his present state. said. And this, said Shahrazad, is the end of that which my friend related to me. Quoth Shariar, O Shahrazad, finished for us a tale thy friend told thee, inasmuch as it resemblet the story of a king whom I knew, but fain would I hear that which betided the people of this city, and what they said of the affair of the king, so I may return from the case wherein I was. She replied, with love and gladness. No, O auspicious king and Lord of right read and praiseworthy mead and prowess of deed,

Starting point is 08:50:03 that, when the folk heard how the king had put away from him his malpractice and returned from his unrighteous want, they rejoiced in this with joy exceeding, and offered up prayers for him. Then they talk one with other of the cause of the slaughter of the maidens, and the wise said, women are not all alike, nor are the fingers of the hand alike. Now when King Shariar heard this story, he came to himself, and awakening from his drunkenness, said, By Allah, this story is my story, and this case is my case, for that indeed I was in reprobation and danger of judgment till thou turnest me back from this into the right way. extolled be the causes of causes and the liberator of necks presently adding indeed o shahrazad thou hast awaken me to many things and hast to rouse me from mine ignorance of the right then said she to him

Starting point is 08:51:02 o chief of the kings the kingship is a building whereof the troops are the base and when the foundation is strong the building endureth wherefore it behoveth the king to strengthen the foundation for that they say, when as the base is weak, the building falleth. In like fashion, it befitteth the king to care for his troops and do justice among his lieges, even as the owner of the garden careth for his trees, and cutteth away the weeds that have no profit in them, and so it befitteth the king to look into the affairs of his riots and fend off oppression from them. as for thee o king it behoveth thee that thy wazir be virtuous and experienced in the requirements of the people and the peasantry and indeed allah the most high hath named his name in the history of musa on whom be the peace when he saith and make me a wazir of my people aaron now could a wazir have been dispensed withal moses son of imran had been worthier than any to do without a minister as for the wazir the sultan discovereth unto him his affairs private and public and know o king that the likeness of thee with the people is that of the leech with the sick man and the essential condition of the minister is that he be soothfast in his sayings

Starting point is 08:52:29 reliable in all his relations rich in ruth for the folk and in tenderness of transacting with them verily it is said o king that good troops be like the druggish if his perfumes reach thee not, thou still smellest the fragrance of them, and bad entourage be like the blacksmith. If his sparks burn thee not, thou smelest his evil smell. So it befitteth thee to take to thyself a virtuous wazir, a voracious counsellor, even as thou take us unto thee a wife displayed before thy face, because thou needest the man's righteousness for thine own right directing, seeing that, if thou do righteously, the commons will do right, and if thou do wrongestly, they will also do wrong. When the king heard this, drowsiness overcame him, and he slept, and presently awaking, called for the candles, so they were lighted, and he sat down on his couch, and seating shawrazad by him,

Starting point is 08:53:32 smiled in her face. She kissed the ground before him and said, O king of the age and lord of the time and the years, extolled be the forgiving. the bountiful who hath sent me to thee of his grace and good favor. So I have incited thee to longing after paradise, for verily this which thou wast wont to do was never done of any of the kings before thee. Then laud be to the Lord who hath directed thee into the right way, and who from the paths of forwardness hath diverted thee. As for women, Allah Almighty, makeeth mention of them also,

Starting point is 08:54:09 when he saith in his holy book. Truly the men who resign themselves to Allah and the women who resign themselves and the true believing men and the true believing women and the devout men and the devout women and truthful men and truthful women and long-suffering men and long-suffering women and the humble men and the humble women

Starting point is 08:54:32 and charitable men and charitable women and the men who fast and the women who fast and men who guard their privities and women who guard their privities, and men who are constantly mindful of Allah, and women who are constantly mindful, for them Allah hath prepared forgiveness and a rich reward. As for that which hath befallen thee, verily it hath befallen many kings before thee,

Starting point is 08:54:59 and their women have false them, for all they were more majestic of puycence than thou, and mightier of kingship, and had troops more manifold. if I would I could relate unto thee, O King, concerning the wiles of women, that whereof I should not make an end all my life long, and indeed in all these my knights that I have passed before thee, I have told thee many tales of the wheedling of women and of their craft, but soothily the things abound on me. So, and thou please, O King, I will relate to thee somewhat of that which befell olden kings, perfidy from their women and of the calamities which overtook them by reason of these deceivers. Ask the king, how so, tell on. And she answered, hearkening and obedience. It hath been told me,

Starting point is 08:55:53 O King, that a man once related to a company the following tale of. End of section 40. Recording by Bryce Youngstown. Chapter 41 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12. 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 Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC.

Starting point is 08:56:34 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 41, The Concubine and the Caliph. One day of the days, as I stood at the door of my house and the heat was excessive, behold, I saw a fair woman approaching, and with her a slave girl carrying a parcel, They gave not over, going till they came up to me, when the woman stopped and asked me, Has thou a drop of water? Answered I, yes, enter the vestibule, O my lady,

Starting point is 08:57:27 So thou mayest drink. Accordingly she came in, and then went up into the house and fetched two gouglets of earthenware, smoked with musk and full of cold water. She took one of them and discovered her face, the better to drink. Whereupon I saw that she was as the rising moon or the resplendent sun, and said to her, O my lady, will thou not come up into the house, so thou mayest rest thyself till the air cool and air.

Starting point is 08:58:07 afterwards fare thee to thine own place, quote she, is there none with thee? And quoth I, indeed, I am a bachelor, and have none belonging to me, nor is there a white in the sight. Whereupon she said, and thou be a stranger, thou art he in quest of whom I was going about. So she went up into the house and doffed her walking dress, and I found her as she were the full moon. I brought her what I had by me of food and drink, and said to her, Oh, my lady, excuse me, this is all that is ready, and said she, this is right, good, And indeed, tis what I sought. Then she ate and gave the slave girl that, which was left.

Starting point is 08:59:15 After which I brought her a casting bottle of must-rose water, and she washed her hands an abode with me till the season of mid-afternoon prayer. When she brought out of the parcel she had with her a shirt and trousers and an upper garment and a gold work kerchief and gave them to me, saying, Know that I am one of the concubines of the Caliph, and we be forty concubines, each of whom hath a Sisybo, who cometh to her as often as she would have him, and none is without a lover save myself.

Starting point is 09:00:07 Wherefore I came forth this day to get me a gallant, and now I have found thee. Thou must know that the Caliph lieth each night with one of us, whilst the other nine and thirty concubines take their ease with the nine and thirty masculines, and I would have thee company with me on such a day. When do thou come up to the palace of the Caliph, and sit awaiting me in such a place? Tell a little eunuch come out to thee and say to thee a certain watchword,

Starting point is 09:00:52 which is, art thou sandal? Answer, yes, and wend thee with him. Then she took leave of me and I of her, after I had strained her to my bosom, and throw my arms round her neck, and we had exchanged kisses a while. So she fared forth, and I abode patiently, expecting the appointed day till it came, when I arose and went out, intending for the tristing place. but a friend of mine met me by the way and made me go home with him. I accompanied him, and when I came up into his sitting chamber, he locked the door on me and walked out to fetch what we might eat and drink. He was absent until midday, then till the hour of mid-afternoon prayer,

Starting point is 09:01:54 whereat I was chagrined with sore, concern. Then he was missing until sundown, and I was like to die of vexation and impatience, and indeed he returned not, and I passed my night on wake. Nigh upon death, for the door was locked on me, and my soul was like to depart my body on account of the assignation. At daybreak my friend returned, and opening the door came in, bringing with him meat pudding, and fritters and bees honey, and said to me, by Allah, thou must needs excuse me, for that I was with a company, and they locked the door on me, and have let me go but this very moment. I returned him no reply. However, he said before me, that which was with him, and I ate a single mouthful and went

Starting point is 09:03:04 a running at speed so happily I might overtake the rendezvous which had escaped me. When I came to the palace, I saw over against it eight and thirty gibbets set up, whereupon were eight and thirty men crucified, and under them eight and thirty concubines as they were moons. So I asked the cause of the crucifixion of the men, and concerning the women in question, and it was said unto me, the men thou seest crucified, the caliph found with yonder damsels, who be his bedfellows. When I heard this, I prostrated myself in Thanksgiving to Allah, and said, The Almighty required thee with all good.

Starting point is 09:04:03 O my friend, for had he not invited me and locked me up in his house that night, I had been crucified with these men, wherefore Alamondolaia lost, to the Lord. On this wise, continued Chaderes, none is safe from the calamities of the world and the vicissitudes of time, and in proof of this, I will relate unto thee yet another story, still rarer and stranger than this. No, O king, that one said to me, a friend of mine, a merchant told me the following tale of End of Section 41, recording by Linda Brie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Section 42 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12.

Starting point is 09:05:12 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 sim the book of the thousand knights and the night volume twelve by anonymous translated by richard francis burton section forty two the concubine of alma moon as i sat one day in my shop there came up to me a fair woman as she were the moon at its rising and with her a handmaid now i was a handsome man in my time so that lady sat downed down on my shop, and buying stuffs off me, paid the price, and went her ways. I asked the girl and enter, and she answered, I know not her name. Quoth I, where is her abode? Quoth she in heaven. And I, she is presently on the earth,

Starting point is 09:06:09 so when doth she ascend to heaven, and where is the ladder by which she goeth up? The girl retorted, She hath her lodging in a palace between two rivers, that is, in the palace of al-mammun al-hakeem be umrilla and then said i i am a dead man without a doubt but she replied have patience for needs must she return to thee and buy other stuffs of thee i asked and how cometh it that the commander of the faithful trusteth her to go out and she answered he loveth her with exceeding love and is wrapped up in her and crosses her not and the slave-girl went away running after her mistress, whereupon I left the shop and followed them, so I might see her abiding place. I kept them in view all the way till she disappeared from mine eyes. When I returned to my place with heart of fire, some days after, she came to me again and bought stuffs off me. I refused to take the price, and she cried,

Starting point is 09:07:16 We have no need of thy goods, quoth I, O my lady, accept them from me as a gift but quoth she wait till i try thee and make proof of thee then she brought out of her pocket a purse and gave me there from a thousand dinars saying prayed with this till i returned to thee so i took the purse and she went away and returned not till six months had passed meanwhile i traded with the money and sold and bought and made other thousand dinars profit on it at last she came to me again and i said to her here is thy money and i have gained with it other thousand ducats and she let it lie by thee and take these other thousand dinars as soon as i have departed from thee go thou to el rossar the garden home and build there a goodly pavilion and when the edifice is accomplished give me to know thereof so saying she left me and went away as soon as she was gone i betook myself to el rossar and fell to building the pavilion and when it was finished i furnished it with the finest of furniture and sent to tell her that i had made an end to the edifice whereupon she sent back to me saying let him meet me to-morrow about daybreak at the zuayla gate and bring with him a strong ass i did as she bade and betaking myself to the zuayla gate at the appointed time found there a young man on horseback awaiting her even as i awaited her as we stood behold up she came and with her a slave-girl when she saw that young man she asked him art thou here and he answered yes o my lady quoth she

Starting point is 09:09:06 today i am invited by this man wilt thou wend with us and quoth he yes then said she thou hast brought me hither against my will and par forth will thou go with us in any case he cried yes yes and we fared on all three till we came to el rosa and entered the pavilion the dame diverted herself awhile with viewing its ordnance and furniture after which she doffed her walking dress and sat down with the young man in the goodliest and chiefest place. Then I fared forth and brought them what they should eat at the first of the day. Presently I again went out and fetched them what they should eat at the end of the day and brought for the twain wine and dessert and fruits and flowers. After this fashion I abode in their service, standing on my feet and she said not unto me, sit nor take eat nor take drink, while she and the young man sat toying and laughing.

Starting point is 09:10:06 and he failed to kissing her and pinching her and hopping over the ground and laughing they remained thus awhile and presently she said hitherto we have not become drunken let me pour out so she took the cup and crowning it gave him to drink and plied him with wine till he lost his wits when she took him up and carried him into a closet then she came out with the head of that youth in her hand while i stood silent fixing not mine eyes on her eyes neither questioning her of the case and she asked me what be this i what not answered i and she said take it and throw it in the river i accepted her to her to-and she asked me what be this i what not answered i and she said take it and throw it in the river i accepted her to her to her commandment and she arose and stripping herself of her clothes took a knife and cut the dead man's body in pieces which she laid in three baskets and said to me throw them into the river i did her bidding-um when i returned she said to me sit so i may relate to thee yonder fellow's case lest thou be affrighted at what accident hath befallen him thou must know her i am the cleef's favourite concubine nor is there any higher in honour with him than i and i am allowed to be affrighted to him than i and i am allowed to six nights in each month, wherein I go down into the city, and tarry with my will-o-me mistress who reared me. And when I go down thus, I dispose of myself as I will. Now this young man was the son of certain neighbours of my mistress. When I was a virgin girl, one day my mistress was sitting with the chief officers of the palace, and I was alone in the house. And as the night came

Starting point is 09:11:45 on. I went up to the terrace roof in order to sleep there, but here I was where. This youth came up from the street and falling upon me knelt on my breast. He was armed with a dagger, and I could not get free of him till he had taken my maidenhead by force, and this sufficed him not, but he must needs disgrace me with all the folk for, as often as I came down from the palace, he would stand in wait for me by the way, and footed me against my will, and follow me withsoever. I went. This then is my story, and as for thee, thou pleasest me, and thy patience pleadest me, and thy good faith and loyal service, and there abideth with me none dearer than thou. Then I lay with her that night, and there befell what befell between us till the morning,

Starting point is 09:12:34 when she gave me abundant wealth, and took to meeting me at the pavilion six days in every month. After this wise we passed a whole year, at the end of which she could, herself off from me a month's space, wherefore fire raged in my heart on her account. When it was the next month behold, a little eunuch presented himself to me and said, I am a messenger to thee from such an one, who givest thee to know that the commander of the faithful hath ordered her to be drowned, her and those who are with her, six and twenty slave-girls, on such a day at Dere al-Thin, for that they have come, confessed of lewdness, one against other, and she saith to thee,

Starting point is 09:13:20 Look how thou mayest do with me, and how thou mayest contrive to deliver me, even an thou gather together all my money, and spend it upon me, for that this be the time of manhood. Quoth I, I know not this woman, be like it is other than I to whom this message is sent. So beware, O eunuch, lest thou cast me into a cleft. quoth he behold i have told thee that i had to say and went away leaving me in sore concern on her account now when the appointed day came i arose and changing my clothes and favour don sailor's apparel then i took with me a purse full of gold and buying a right good breakfast accosted a boatman at d'heraldine and sat down and ate with him after which i asked him wilt thou hire me thy boat, answered he, the commander of the faithful hath commanded me to be here, and he told me the

Starting point is 09:14:20 tale of the concubines, and how the caliph purpose to drown them that day. When I heard this from him, I brought out to him ten gold pieces, and discovered to him my case, whereupon he said to me, O my brother, get thee empty gourds, and when thy mistress cometh, give me to know of her, and I will contrive the trick. So I can, I can't. kissed his hand and thanked him and, as I was walking about, waiting, up came the guards and eunuchs escorting the women, who were weeping and shrieking and farewelling one another. The castratos cried out to us, whereupon we came with the boat, and they said to the sailor, who be this? said he, this be my mate whom I have brought to help me, so one of us may keep the boat,

Starting point is 09:15:11 whilst another doth your service then they brought out to us the women one by one saying throw them in by the island and we replied tis well now each of them were shackled and they had made fast about her neck a jar of sand we did as the neutrals bade us and ceased not to take the women one after other and cast them in till they gave us my mistress and i winked to my mate so we took her and carried her out into mid-stream where i threw to her the empty gourds and said to her wait for me at the mouth of the canal then we cast her in alongside the boat after we had loosed the jar of sand from her legs and done off her shackles and returned now there remained one woman after her so we took her and drowned her and the eunuchs went away whilst we dropped down the river with the craft till we came to the mouth of chalij where i saw my mistress awaiting me we hailed her into the canoe and returned to our pavilion on Ulrazah, then I rewarded the sailor, and he took his boat and went away. Whereupon quoth she to me, thou art indeed the friend ever faithful, found for the shifts of fortune, and I sojourned with her some days. But the shock wrought upon her so that she sickened and fell to wasting away, and redoubled in languor and weakness till she died.

Starting point is 09:16:38 I mourned for her with exceeding mourning and buried her, after which I removed all that was in the pavilion, and abandoned the building. Now she had brought to that pavilion a little coffer of copper, and laid it in a place whereof I knew not, so when the inspector of inheritances came, he rummaged the house and found the coffer, with the key in the lock. Presently he opened it, and seeing it full of jewels,

Starting point is 09:17:04 and jacinths, and earrings, and seal rings, and precious. stones, and twas a matter such as is not found save with kings and sultans, took it and me with it, and he and his men ceased not to put me to the question with beating and torment, till I confessed to them the whole affair, from beginning to end, thereupon they carried me to the caliph, and I told him all that had passed between me and her, and he said to me, O man, depart this city, for I released thee on account of thy courage, and because of thy constancy in keeping thy secret and thy daring in exposing thyself to death. So I arose forthwith and fared from his city, and this is what befell me. End of Section 42. Recording by Sim. Section 43 of the book

Starting point is 09:18:04 of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown, The Book of the Thousand Nights and the Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 43, The Sleeper and the Waker Variants and Analogues of Some of the Tales in volumes 11 and 12. A. Klausen, author of popular tales and fictions, their migrations and transformations, etc.

Starting point is 09:18:49 The Sleeper and the Waker Volume 11, Part 1. Few, if the stories in the Arabian Nights, which charmed our marveling boyhood, were greater favorites than this one, under the title of Abu Hassan, or The Sleeper Awakened. What wrecked me in those days whence it was derived. The story, The story was the thing. As Sir R. F. Burton observed in his first note, this is the only one of the eleven added by Galland, whose original had been discovered in Arabic.

Starting point is 09:19:22 And it is probable that Gallant heard it recited in a coffee house during his residence in Constantinople. The plot of the induction to Shakespeare's comedy of the Taming of the Shrew is similar to the adventure of Abu al-Hassan, the Wag, and is generally believed to have been adapted. from a story entitled The Waking Man's Fortune in Edward's Collection of Comic Tales, 1570, which were retold somewhat differently in Goulart's admirable and memorable histories, 1607. Both versions are reprinted in Mr. Haslett's Shakespeare Library,

Starting point is 09:20:00 Volume 4, Part 1, Pages 403 to 414. In Percy's relics of ancient English poetry, we find the adventure told in a ballad of a ballad entitled The Frolixom Duke or the Tinker's Good Fortune. From the Peeps Collection, whether it may be thought to have suggested the hint to Shakespeare or is not rather of latter date, says Percy, the reader must determine. Now, as fame does report, a young Duke keeps a court. One that pleases his fancy with frolicsome sport, but amongst all the rest, here is one I protest, which will make you to smile when you hear the true jest. A poor tinkery found lying drunk on the ground,

Starting point is 09:20:46 as secure and asleep as if laid and is swound. The Duke said to his men, William Richard and Ben, take him home to my palace, we'll sport with him then. Or a horse he was laid, and with care soon conveyed, to the palace, although he was poorly arrayed. Then they stripped off his clothes, both his shirt, shoes, and hose, and they put him in bed for to take his repose.

Starting point is 09:21:13 Having pulled off his shirt, which was all over dirt, they did give him clean holland, this was no great hurt. On a bed of soft down, like a lord of renown, they did lay him to sleep the drink out of his crown. In the morning when day, then admiring he lay, for to see the rich chamber both gaudy and gay. Now he lay something late, in his rich, bed of state till at last knights and squires they on him did wait and the chamberlain bear then did likewise declare he desired to know what apparel he'd wear the poor tinker amazed on the gentleman gazed and admired how he to this honor was raised though he seemed something mute yet he chose a rich suit which he straightways put on without longer dispute with a star on his side which the tinker oft eye

Starting point is 09:22:07 and it seemed for to swell him no little with pride, for he said to himself, where is Joan, my sweet wife, sure she never did see me so fine in her life. From a convenient place, the right duke, his good grace, did observe his behavior in every case, to a garden of state on the tinker they wait. Trumpets sounding before him thought he this is great,

Starting point is 09:22:33 where an hour or two pleasant walks he did view, with commanders and squires in scarlet and blue. A fine dinner was dressed, both for him and his guests. He was placed at the table above all the rest, in a rich chair or bed lined with fine crimson red with a rich golden canopy over his head. As he sat at his meat, the music played sweet, with the choicest of singing his joys to complete. While the tinker did dine, he had plenty of wine, rich canary with sherry and tent super fine. Like a right honest soul, faith he took off his bowl, till at last he began for to tumble and roll.

Starting point is 09:23:16 From his chair to the floor where he sleeping did snore, being seven times drunker than ever before. Then the Duke did ordain they should strip him amain and restore him his old leather garments again. T'was a point next the worst, yet performance. they must, and they carried him straight where they found him at first. Then he slept all the night, as indeed well he might, but when he did waken, his joys took their flight, for his glory to him so pleasant did seem that he thought it had to be but a mere

Starting point is 09:23:52 golden dream, till at length he was brought to the Duke where he sought for a pardon as fearing he had set him at naught. But His Highness he said, thou art a jolly bold blest, he said, thou art a jolly bold played such a frolic before i think never was played then his highness bespoke him a new suit and cloak which he gave for the sake of this frolicsome joke nay and five hundred pound with ten acres of ground thou shalt never said he range the countries round crying old brass demand for i'll be thy good friend nay and joan thy sweet wife shall my duchess attend then the tinker replied why Must you own my sweet bride, be a lady in chariots of pleasure to ride? Must we have gold and land every day at command? Then I shall be a squire, I well understand. Well, I thank you, your good grace, and your love I embrace.

Starting point is 09:24:51 I was never before and so happy a case. The same story is also cited in the Anatomy of Melancholy, Part 2, Section 2, Member 4, from Ludophicus vivus in Epist and Pont, Heuter in Rurham Burgund as follows. It is reported of Philippus Bonus, that good Duke of Burgundy, that the said Duke at the marriage of Eleanor, sister to the King of Portugal, at Bruges in Flanders, which was solemnized in the deep of winter, when as by reason of the unseasonable weather he could neither hawk nor hunt

Starting point is 09:25:30 and was now tired with cards, dice, etc., and such other domesticical sports, or to see ladies dance with some of his courtiers, he would in the evening walk disguised all about the town. It's so fortunate as he was walking late one night, he found a country fellow dead drunk snorting on a bulk. He caused his followers to bring him to his palace, and there stripping him of his old clothes and attiring him after the court fashion, When he waked, he and they were all ready to attend upon his excellency,

Starting point is 09:26:05 persuading him that he was some great duke. The poor fellow, admiring how he came there, was served in state all the day long. After supper he saw them dance, heard music, and the rest of those court-like pleasures, but late at night when he was well tippled and again fast asleep, they put on his old robes and so conveyed him to the place where they first found him. Now the fellow had not made them so good sport the day before, as he did when he returned to himself. All the jest was to see how he looked upon it. In conclusion, after some little admiration, the poor man told his friends she had seen a vision,

Starting point is 09:26:45 constantly believed it, would not otherwise be persuaded, and so the jest ended. I do not think that this is a story imported from the east. The adventure is just as likely to have happened in Bruges as in Baghdad. but the exquisite humor of the Arabian tale is wanting. Even Shakespeare's Christopher Sly is not to be compared with the honest Abu al-Hassan, the Wag. This story of the sleeper and the waker recalls the similar device practiced by the chief of the assassins, that formidable murderous association, the terror of the crusades, on promising novices. Von Hammer, in his history of the assassins, end of book,

Starting point is 09:27:28 4 gives a graphic description of the charming gardens into which the novices were carried while insensible from hashish. In the center of the Persian as well as the Assyrian territory of the assassins, that is to say, both at Alamut and Maziat were situated in a space surrounded by walls, splendid gardens, true eastern paradises. There were flower beds and thickets of fruit trees intersected by canals, shady walk, and verdant glades, where the sparkling stream bubbled at every step, bowers of roses and vineyards, luxurious halls and porcelain kiosks, adorned with Persian carpets and Grecian stuffs,

Starting point is 09:28:11 where drinking vessels of gold, silver, and crystal glittered on trays of the same costly materials, charming maidens and handsome boys of Muhammad's paradise, soft as the cushions on which they reposed, and intoxicating as a wine which they present, The music of the harp was mingled with the songs of birds and the melodious tones of the songstress harmonized with the murmur of the books. Everything breathed pleasure, rapture and sensuality. A youth who is deemed worthy by his strength and resolution to be initiated into the assassin service was invited to the table in conversation of the Grand Master or Grand Pryor.

Starting point is 09:28:54 He was then intoxicated with Hashish and carried into the garden. which on awakening he believed to be paradise. Everything around him, the Hurries in particular, contributing to confirm the delusion. After he had experienced as much of the pleasures of Paradise, which the Prophet had promised to the faithful, as his strength would admit, after quafing, enervating delight from the eyes of the Hurries,

Starting point is 09:29:20 and intoxicating wine from the glittering goblets, he sank into the lethargy produced by debility and the opiate, on awakening from which, after a few hours, he again found himself by the side of his superior. The latter endeavored to convince him that corporeally he had not left his side, but that spiritually he had been wrapped into paradise and had there enjoyed a foretaste of the bliss which awaits the faithful, who devote their lives to the service of the faith and the obedience of their chiefs. End of Section 43, recording by Brise Youngstown. Chapter 44 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12.

Starting point is 09:30:09 This is a Librevox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Dick Bourgeois Doyle. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 44. The Ten Wazirs, or the history of King Azad, Bach, and his son. The precise date of the Persian original of this romance, Bakyar Nama, has not been ascertained,

Starting point is 09:30:47 but it was probably composed before the beginning of the 15th century, since there exists in the Bodlian Library a unique Turkey version, in the Uyghur language and characters, which was written in 1434. Only three of the tales have hitherto been found in other Asiatic storybooks. The Turkey version, according to M. Joubert, who gives an account of the manuscript in a translation of one of the tales in the journal Asiatic, Tome 10, 1827, is characterized by great sobriety of ornament and extreme simplicity of style, and the evident intention on the part of the translator to suppress all that may not have appeared to him sufficiently probable

Starting point is 09:31:33 and all that might justly be taxed with exaggeration. And he adds that apart from the interest which the writing and phraseology of the work may possess for those who study the history of languages, it is rather curious to see how a Tatar translator sets to work to bring within the range of his readers stories embellished in the original with descriptions and images familiar, doubtless to a learned and refined nation like the Persians, but foreign to shepherds. At least three different versions are known to the meleys,

Starting point is 09:32:05 different in the frame or leading story, if not in the subordinate tales. One of those is described in the second volume of Newbold's work on Malika, the frame of which is similar to the Persian original and its Arabian derivative, accepting that the name of the king is Zad Bakhtin, and that of the minister's daughter, who is nameless in the Persian, is Marwan.

Starting point is 09:32:28 Two others are described in Vandenberg's account of melee Arabic, Javanese, and other manuscripts published at Batavia 1877, page 21, number 132, is entitled The History of Gulam, son of Zadbutton, king of Adan in Persian. And the frame also corresponds with our version, with the important difference that the robber chief, who had brought up Gulam, learning that he had become a person of consequence, came to his residence to visit him. But finding him imprisoned, he was much concerned and asked the king's pardon on his behalf,

Starting point is 09:33:07 telling him at the same time how he had formerly found Goulam in the jungle, from which the king knew that Goulam was his son. The second version noticed by Vandenberg, page 32, number 179, though similar in the title to the Persian original, history of Prince Bakkhyar, differs very material. in the leading story, the outline of which is as follows. This prince, when his father was put to flight by a younger brother who wished to dethrone him, was born in a jungle and abandoned by his parents. A merchant named Idris took charge of him and brought him up. Later on, he became one of the

Starting point is 09:33:48 officers of state with his own father, who had, in the meanwhile, found another kingdom, and decided with fairness the cases brought before him. He was, however, put in prison on account of a supposed attempt on the king's life, and would have been put to death had he not stayed the execution by telling various beautiful stories. Even the king came repeatedly to listen to him. At one of these visits, Bactyar's foster father, Idris, was present, and related to his adopted son how he had found him in the jungle. The king, on hearing this, perceived that it was his son who had been brought up by Idris, recognized Bactiard. Yard as such and made over to him the kingdom.

Starting point is 09:34:32 I have little doubt that this romance is of Indian extraction. End of section 44. Chapter 45 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Dick Bourgeois Doyle. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton.

Starting point is 09:35:11 Section 45. Story of King Dadbin and his Wazirs. This agrees pretty closely with the Turkey version of the same story rendered into French by Monsieur Joubert, though in the latter the names of the characters are the same as in the Persian. King Dadin and the Wazirs, Kamgar, and Khmer. In the Persian story, the damsel is tied hands and feet and placed upon a camel, which is then turned into a dreary wilderness. Here she suffered from the intense heat and from thirst, but she resigned herself to the will of providence, conscious of her own innocence. Just then, the camel lay down, and on the spot a fountain of delicious water suddenly sprang forth.

Starting point is 09:35:59 The cords, which bound her hands and feet, dropped off. She refreshed herself by a draft of the water and fervently returned thanks to heaven for this blessing and her wonderful preservation. This two-fold miracle does not appear in the Turkey and Arabian versions. It is not the chameleer of the king of Persia, but of King Dadin, who meets with the pious damsel in the wilderness. He takes her to his own house and one day relates his adventure to King. Daden, who expresses a wish to see such a prodigy of sanctity. The conclusion of the Persian story is quite dramatic. The camellier, having consented, returned at once to his house, accompanied by the king who waited at the door of the apartment where the daughter of Kamgar

Starting point is 09:36:46 was engaged in prayer. When she had concluded, he approached, and with astonishment recognized her, having tenderly embraced her, he wept and entreated her forgiveness. This, she readily granted, but begged that he would conceal himself in the apartment while she would converse with Cardar, whom she sent for. When he arrived and beheld her with a thousand expressions of fondness, he inquired how she had escaped and told her that on the day the king had banished her into the wilderness, he had sent people to seek her and bring her to him. How much better would it have been, he added, had you followed my advice and agreed to my my proposal of poisoning the king, who I said would one day destroy you as he had done your father.

Starting point is 09:37:36 But you rejected my advice and declared yourself ready to submit to whatever providence should decree. Hereafter, you will pay more attention to my words. But now, let us not think of what is past. I am your slave, and you are dearer to me than my own eyes. So saying, he attempted to clasp the daughter of the daughter of, of Kamgar in his arms, when the king, who was concealed behind the hangings, rushed furiously on him and put him to death. After this, he conducted the damsel to his palace, and constantly lamented his precipitancy in having killed her father. This tale seems to have been taken from the Persian

Starting point is 09:38:18 Tutinama, or Parrot Book, composed by Naxabby about the year 1306. It occurs in the 51st night of the India Office manuscript, 2573, under the title of of Story of the Daughter of the Vizier Kasa and how she found safety through the blessing of her piety. The name of the king is Bahram, and the wazirs are called

Starting point is 09:38:44 Kasa and Kalaasa. End of Section 45. Section 46 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knights, volume 12. This is a livery box recording or livery box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverybox.org the book of the thousand knights and a knight volume 12 by anonymous translated by richard francis burton

Starting point is 09:39:20 section forty six story of elan shah and abu tamam volume eleven page one hundred and twelve The catastrophe of this story forms the subject of the lady's 37th tale in the text of the Turkish 40 Viziers, translated by Mr E. J. W. Gibb. This is how it goes. In the palace of the world there was a king, and that king had three viziers, but there was rivalry between them. Two of them day and night incited the king against the thirds. saying, he is a traitor, but the king believe them not. At length they promised two pages much gold and instructed them thus. When the king has lain down, ere he yet fall asleep, do ye feign to think him asleep, and while talking with each other, say at a fitting time, I have heard from

Starting point is 09:40:24 such a one that yon vizier says this and that concerning the king, and that he hates him. Many people say that vizier is an enemy to our king. So they did this, and when the king heard this he said in his heart, what those viziers said is then true. When the very pages have heard somewhat, it must indeed have some foundation. Till now I believe not those viziers, but it is then true. And the king executed that vizier. The other viziers were glad and gave the pages,

Starting point is 09:41:00 is the gold they had promised. So they took it and went to a private place, and while they were dividing it, one of them said, I spake first, I want more. The other said, if I had not said he was an enemy of our king, the king would not have killed him, I shall take more. And while they were quarreling with one another, the king passed by there, and he listened attentively to their words and when he learned of the matter he said, Dost thou see, they have by a trick made us kill that hapless vizier. And he was repentant. End of section 46.

Starting point is 09:41:43 Recording by Alan Mapstone. Chapter 47 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Kimberly Welch, Tampa, Florida. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 47, the story of King Salaman Shah and his niece.

Starting point is 09:42:27 The Persian original has been very considerably amplified by the Arabian translator. In the Baktir Naima, there is not a word about the two brothers and their fair cousin, the attempted murder of the infant, and the adventures of the fugitive young prince. This story has also been taken from the Tata Naima of Nakhshaba, night of the 50th of the India office MS-2573, where under the title of Story of the Daughter of the Kaiser of Room and her trouble by reason of her son, it is told somewhat as follows. In former times there was a great king, whose army was numerous and whose treasury was full to overflowing. But having no enemy to contend with, he neglected to pay his soldiers, in consequence of which they were in a state of destitution and discontent. At length one day, the soldiers went to the prime minister and made their condition known to him. The vizier promised that he would speedily devise a plan by which they should have employment and money.

Starting point is 09:43:30 Next morning he presented himself before the king and said that it was widely reported the Kaiser of Rome had a daughter unsurpassed for beauty, one who was fit only for such a great monarch as his majesty, and suggested that it would be advantageous if an alliance were formed between two such great potentates. The notion pleased the king well, and he forthwith dispatched to Room an ambassador with rich gifts, and requested the Kaiser to grant, him his daughter in marriage. But the Kaiser waxed wroth at this and refused to give his daughter to the king. When the ambassador returned thus unsuccessful, the king enraged at being made of no account, resolved to make war upon the Kaiser. So, opening the doors of his treasury, he distributed much money among his troops, and then, with a woe-bringing host and a blood-drinking army, he trampled room and the folk of room in the dust. And when the Kaiser was become powerless,

Starting point is 09:44:34 he sent his daughter to the king, who married her according to the law of Islam. Now, that princess had a son by a former husband, and the Kaiser had said to her before she departed, Beware that thou mention not thy son, for my love for his society is great, and I cannot part with him. But the princess was sick at heart for the king,

Starting point is 09:44:56 the absence of her son, and she was ever pondering how she should speak to the king about him, and in what manner she might contrive to bring him to her. It happened one day, the king gave her a string of pearls and a casket of jewels. She said, With my father is a slave who is well skilled in the science of jewels. The king replied, if I should ask that slave of thy father, would he give him to me? nay said she for he holds him in the place of a son but if the king desire him i will send a merchant to room and i myself will give him a token and with pleasant wiles and fair speeches will bring him hither then the king sent for a clever merchant who knew arabic eloquently in the language of room and gave him goods for trading and sent him to room with the object of procuring the slave but the daughter of the kaiser said privily to the merchant. That slave is my son. I have for a good reason said to the king that he is a

Starting point is 09:46:00 slave, so thou must bring him as a slave, and let it be thy duty to take care of him. In due course, the merchant brought the youth to the king's service, and when the king saw his fair face and discovered in him many pleasing and varied accomplishments, he treated him with distinction and favor, and conferred on the merchant a robe of honor and gifts. His mother saw him from afar and was pleased with receiving a secret salutation from him. One day, the king had gone to the chase, and the palace remained void of rivals. So the mother called in her son, kissed his fair face, and told him the tale of her great sorrow. A chamberlain became aware of the secret, and another suspicion fell upon him.

Starting point is 09:46:47 And he said to himself, the harem of the king is the sanctuary of security and the palace of protection. If I speak not of this, I shall be guilty of treachery and shall have wrought unfaithfulness. When the king returned from the chase, the chamberlain related to him what he had seen, and the king was angry and said, This woman hath deceived me with words and deeds, and has brought hither her desire by craft and cunning. This conjecture must be true, else,

Starting point is 09:47:17 why did she play such a trick? And why did she hatch such a plot? And why did she send the merchant? Then the king enraged, went into the harem, and the queen saw from his countenance that the occurrence of the night before had become known to him, and she said, Be it not that I see the king angry? He said, How should I not be angry? thou, by craft and trickery and intrigue and plotting, hast brought thy desire from room, what wantonness is this that thou hast done? And then he thought to slay her, but he forbore, because of his great love for her. But he ordered the Chamberlain to carry the youth to some obscure place, and straightway sever his head from his body.

Starting point is 09:48:07 When the poor mother saw this, she well-nigh fell on her face, and her soul was near leaving her body. But she knew that sorrow would not avail, and so she restrained herself. And when the Chamberlain took the youth into his own house, he said to him, Oh, youth, knowest thou not that the harem of the king is the sanctuary of security?

Starting point is 09:48:30 What great treachery is this that thou hast perpetrated? The youth replied, That queen is my mother, and I am her true son, because of her natural delicacy she said not to the king that she had a son by another husband, and when yearning came over her, she contrived to bring me here from room. And while the king was engaged in the chase, maternal love stirred in her, and she called me to her and embraced me. On hearing this, the Chamberlain said to himself,

Starting point is 09:49:03 What is passing in his mother's breast? What I have not done I can yet do, and it were better that I preserve this youth some days, for such a rose may not be wounded through idle words, and such a bow may not be broken by a breath. For some day the truth of this matter will be disclosed, and it will become known to the king when repentance may be of no avail. So he went before the king and said, That which was commanded have I fulfilled. On hearing this, the king's wrath was to some extent removed, but his trust in the Kaiser's daughter was departed,

Starting point is 09:49:41 while she, poor creature, was grieved and dazed at the loss of her son. Now, in the palace harem there was an old woman who said to the queen, How is it that I find thee sorrowful? And the queen told the whole story, concealing nothing. This old woman was a heroine in the field of craft, and she answered, Keep thy mind at ease. I will devise a stratagem.

Starting point is 09:50:08 by which the heart of the king will be pleased with thee, and every grief he has will vanish from his heart. The queen said that if she did so, she should be amply rewarded. One day, the old woman, seeing the king alone, said to him, why is thy former aspect altered, and why are their traces of care and anxiety visible on thy countenance?

Starting point is 09:50:32 The king then told her all. Then said the old woman, I have an amulet of the charms of Salaman in the Syriac language and in the writing of the gin. When the queen is asleep, do thou place it on her breast, and whatever it may be, she will tell the truth of it. But take care, fall not asleep, but listen well to what she says. The king wondered at this and said, Give me that amulet, that the truth of this matter may be learned. So the old woman gave him the amulet, and then went to the queen and explained what she had done, and said,

Starting point is 09:51:12 Do thou fain to be asleep, and relate the whole of thy story faithfully? When a watch of the night was passed, the king laid the amulet upon his wife's breast, and she thus began, By a former husband I had a son, and when my father gave me to this king, I was ashamed to say I had a tall son. When my yearning past all bound, I brought him here by an artifice. One day that the king was gone to the chase, I called him into the house, when, after the way of mothers, I took him in my arms and kissed him. This reached the king's ears. He unwittingly gave it another construction, and cut off the head of that innocent boy,

Starting point is 09:51:58 and withdrew from me his own heart. Alike is my son lost to me and the king angry. When the king heard these words, he kissed her and exclaimed, Oh, my life, what an error is this thou hast committed? Thou hast brought calumny upon thyself, and hast given such a son to the winds, and hast made me ashamed. Straightway he called the chamberlain and said, That boy whom thou hast killed is the son of my beloved and the darling of my beauty.

Starting point is 09:52:30 Where is his grave that we may make there a guest house? The Chamberlain said, That youth is yet alive. When the king commanded his death, I was about to kill him, but he said, That queen is my mother. Through modesty before the king,

Starting point is 09:52:47 she revealed not the secret that she has a tall son. Kill me not. It may be that some day the truth will become known, and repentance profiteth not, and regret is useless. The king commanded them to bring the youth, so they brought him forthwith. And when the mother saw the face of her son, she thanked God and praised the Most High and became one of the Muslims. And from the sect of unbelievers

Starting point is 09:53:14 came into the faith of Islam. And the king favored the Chamberlain in the highest degree. And they passed the rest of their lives in comfort and ease. End of Section 47. Recording by Kimberly Welch, Tampa, Florida. Chapter 48 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 48

Starting point is 09:54:05 Feruze and his wife Volume 11, page 185 This tale, as Sir R. F. Burton remarks, is a reshofe of that of the king and the wazirs' wife in The Malice of Women or the Seven Wazirs, Volume 6-129. And at page 308, we have yet, another variant. It occurs in all the eastern texts of the Book of Sindibad, and it is commonly

Starting point is 09:54:39 termed by students of that cycle of stories the lion's track, from the parabolic manner in which the husband justifies his conduct before the king. I have cited some versions in the appendix to my edition of the Book of Sindibad, page 256, and to these may be added the following Venetian variant from Crane's Italian popular tales as an example of how a story becomes garbled in passing orally from one generation unto another generation. A king, averse to marriage, commanded his steward to remain single. The latter, however, one day saw a beautiful girl called Vignan, and married her secretly. Although he kept her closely confined in her chamber, the king became suspicious and sent the steward on an embassy.

Starting point is 09:55:36 After his departure, the king entered the apartment occupied by him and saw his wife asleep. He did not disturb her, but in leaving the room accidentally dropped one of his gloves on the bed. When the husband returned, he found the glove, but kept a discreet silence, ceasing, however, all demonstration of affection, believing his wife had been unfaithful. the king desirous to see again the beautiful woman made a feast and ordered the steward to bring his wife he denied that he had one but brought her at last and while everyone else was talking gaily at the feast she was silent the king observed it and asked the cause of her silence and she answered with a pun on her own name vineyard i was and vineyard i am i was loved and no longer am i know not for what reason the vineyard has lost its season her husband who had heard this replied vineyard thou wast and vineyard thou art the vineyard lost its season for the lion's claw the king who understood what he meant answered i entered the vineyard i touched the leaves but i swear by my crown that i have not tasted the fruit

Starting point is 09:56:59 then the steward understood that his wife was innocent and the two made peace and always after lived happy and contented so far as i am aware this tale of the lion's track is not popularly known in any european country besides italy it is not popularly known in any european country besides italy it is not a very well as i am aware this tale of the lion's it is not found in any of the western versions of the book of sindibad generally known under the title of history of the seven wise masters how then did it reach venice and become among the people familiar in their mouths as household words i answer that the intimate commercial relations which long existed between the venetian republic and egypt and syria are amply sufficient to account for the currency of this and scores of other eastern tales in italy this is not one of those fictions introduced into the south of europe through the ottomans since baccaccio made use of the first part of it in his decameron day one nov five And it is curious to observe that the garbled Venetian popular version has preserved the chief characteristic of the Eastern story, the allegorical reference to the king as a lion, and his assuring the husband that the lion had done no injury to his vineyard.

Starting point is 09:58:24 End of Section 48, recording by Alan Mapstone. Night. Volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 49, King Shah Bak and his wazir al-Rawan. While the framed story of this interesting group is similar to that of the Ten Wazirs, Volume 1, page 55, in so much as in both a king's favorite is sentenced, to death in consequence of the false accusations of his enemies and obtains a respite from day to day

Starting point is 09:59:46 by relating stories to the king, there is yet a very important difference. Like those of the renowned Shara'ad, the stories which Al-Rawan tells have no particular, at least no uniform purpose. his sole object being to prolong his life by telling the king an entertaining story, promising when he has ended his recital to relate one still stranger the next night. If the king will spare his life another day, on the other hand, Bacatar, while actuated by the same motive, appeals to the king's reason by relating stories distinctly designed to exhibit the evils of hasty judgments and precipitate conduct.

Starting point is 10:00:44 In fact, to illustrate the maxim. Each order given by a reigning king should after long reflection be expressed, for it may be that endless woe will spring from a command he paused. He paused. not to digest. And in this respect, they are consistent with the circumstances of the case, like the tales of the book of Sinibad, from which the frame of the ten wazirs was imitated, and in which the wazirs relate stories showing the depravity and prophagasy of women, and that no reliance should be placed on their unsupported assertions. And to these, the lady opposes equally congent stories setting forth the wickedness and perfidity of men.

Starting point is 10:01:52 Closely resembling the framed story of the ten wazirs, however, is that of a Tamil romance entitled Alacuara Catha, a copy of which, written on palm leaves, was in the celebrated McKenzie collection, of which Dr. H. H. Wilson published a descriptive catalog. It is a story of the Raja of Ella Kapura and his four ministers, who, being falsely accused of violating the sanctity of the inner apartments, vindicate their innocence and disarm the king's wrath by relating a number of stories. Judging by the specimen given by Wilson, the well-known tale of the lost camel, it seems probable that the minister's stories, like those of Baha' here, are suited to their own case and illustrate the truth of the act.

Starting point is 10:03:02 that appearances are often deceptive. Whether in the Siamese collection Non Thak Pacharanam referred to in volume 1, page 191, the stories related by the Princess Cancras to the king of Palai Put, Palibothra, to save her father's life or similarly design does not appear from Benfrey's notice of the work in his paper in Orient and Occident 3-171-F-F he says that the title of the book non-thuck pacheranam is taken from the name of a wise ox. non-thuck that plays the principal part in the longest of the tales, which are all apparently translated from the Sanskrit, in which language the title would be Nandaka Prakaneram, the history of Nandaka. Most of the tales related by the wazir al-Rawan are not only,

Starting point is 10:04:26 in themselves entertaining, but are of very considerable importance from the story comparers' point of view, since in the group occur eastern forms of tales, which were known in Italy in the 14th century, and some had spread over Europe even earlier. The reader will have seen from Sir R. F. Burton's notes that not a few of the stories have their parallels or analogs in countries far apart and it is interesting to find four of them which properly belong to the eastern text of the book of Sinibad with the frame story of which that of this group has so close an affinity end of section 49 recording by linda brinealson vanc Chapter number 50 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night.

Starting point is 10:05:37 Volume 12. This is a Libre Vox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreVox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 50, The Art of Enlarging Pearls. Quote she, I have a bangle, sell it and buy seed pearls with the price, then round them and fashion them into great pearls. For want of a more suitable place, I shall here reproduce an account of the method of making false pearls, nothing else being meant in the

Starting point is 10:06:39 above passage, cited in volume 26 of Reese's Cyclopedia, London, 1819. Take of thrice-distilled vinegar two pounds. Venice turpentine, one pound, mix them together into a mass, and put them into a cacurbot, fit a head and receiver to it, and after you have looted the joints, set it when dry on a sand furnace, to distill the vinegar from it. Do not give it too much heat, lest the stuff swell up. After this put the vinegar into another glass, cacurbit, in which there is a quantity. of seed pearls wrapped in a piece of thin silk, but so as not to touch the vinegar, put a cover or head upon the cacurbot, loot it well, and put it in Bain-Marie, where you may let it remain a fortnight. The heat of the baleum will raise the fumes of the vinegar, and they will soften the pearls in the silk, and bring them to the

Starting point is 10:08:02 consist of a paste, which, being done, take them out and mold them to what bigness, form, and shape you please. Your mold must be of fine silver, the inside guilt. You must also refrain from touching the paste with your fingers, but use silver gilt utensils with which fill your molds. When they are molded, bore them through with a hogs bristle or gold wire, and then tread them again on gold wire,

Starting point is 10:08:43 and put them into a glass, close it up and set them in the sun to dry. After they are thirred, burly dry, put them in a glass mattress into a stream of running water, and leave them there 20 days. By that time, they will contract the natural hardness and solidity of pearls, then take them out of the mattress and hang them in mercurial water, where they will moisten, swell, and assume their oriental beauty, after which shift them into a mattress hermetically closed to prevent any water coming to them, and let it down into a well to continue there about eight days. Then draw the mattress up,

Starting point is 10:09:40 and in opening it you will find pearls exactly resembling oriental ones. Here follows a recipe for making the mercurial water used in the process, with which I need not occupy more space. A similar formula to make of small pearls a necklace of large ones is given in the Ladies Magazine for 1831, Volume 4, Page 119, which is said to be extracted from a scarce old book. Thus, whatever mystery may surround the art is Asiatic countries. There is evidently none about it in Europe. The process appears to be somewhat tedious and complicated, but is doubtless profitable. In Philostratus's life of Apollionus, there is a curious passage about pearl making, which has been generally considered as a mere traveler's tale.

Starting point is 10:10:56 Apollyonus relates that the inhabitants of the shores of the Red Sea, after having calmed the water by means of oil, dived after the shellfish, enticed them with some bait to open their shells and having pricked the animals with a sharp-pointed instrument, received the liqueur that flowed from them in small holes made in an iron vessel, in which it hardened into real pearls. It is stated by several reputable writers that the Chinese do likewise at the present day, and Sir R. F. Burton, informs me that when he was on the coast of Median, he found the Arabs, were in the habit of growing pearls by inserting a green of sand into the shells.

Starting point is 10:11:58 End of Section 50, recording by Lyndon B.S.N.ry Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. Chapter 51 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Labor Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, section 51, The Singer and the Drugest, Volume 11, page 203.

Starting point is 10:12:45 The diverting adventures related in the first part of this tale should be of peculiar interest to the student of Shakespeare, as well as to those engaged in tracing the genealogy of popular fiction. Jonathan Scott has given, for reasons of his own, a meager abstract of a similar tale which occurs in the Bahari Danish, Volume 3, Appendix, page 291, as follows. Persian Version A young man, being upon business in a certain city, goes on a hundred hundred, hunting excursion and, fatigued with the chase, stops at a country house to ask refreshment. The lady of the mansion receives him kindly and admits him as her lover.

Starting point is 10:13:30 In the midst of their dalliance, the husband comes home, and the young man had no recourse to escape discovery but to jump into a basin which was in the court of the house and stand with head in a hollow gourd that happened to be in the water. The husband, surprised to see the gorge stationary in the water, which was at sea. agitated by the wind, throws a stone at it, when the lover slips from beneath it and holds his breath till almost suffocated. Fortunately, the husband presently retires with his wife into an inner room of the house, and thus the young man was unable to make good his escape. The next day he relates his adventure before a large company at a coffee house. The husband

Starting point is 10:14:13 happens to be one of the audience, and meditating revenge, pretends to admire the gallantry of the young man and invites him to his house. The lover accompanies him, and on seeing his residence is overwhelmed with confusion. But recovering himself resolves to abide all hazards in hopes of escaping by some lucky stratagem. His host introduces him to his wife and begs him to relate his merry adventure before her, having resolved when he should finish, to put them both to death. The young man complies, but with an artful presence of mine, exclaims at the conclusion, Glad was I when I woke from so alarming a dream. The husband upon this, after some questions, is satisfied that he had only told his dream,

Starting point is 10:15:02 and having entertained him nobly, dismisses him kindly. The story is told in an elaborate form by Sir Giovanni Fierentino in Ill Pecorone, the Big Sheep, or as Dunlop has it, the Dunst, which was begun in 1378 but not published till 1554 at Milan. It is the second novel of the first day and has been thus translated by Roscoe. Serge Giovanni's version. There were once two very intimate friends, both of the family of Civelli in Rome, the name of one of whom was Bucilio and that of the other, Pietro. Paulo, both of good birth and easy circumstances.

Starting point is 10:15:48 Expressing a mutual wish to study for a while together at Bologna, they took leave of their relatives and set out. One of them attached himself to the study of the civil law, the other to that of the canon law, and thus they continue to apply themselves for some length of time. But the subject of the cretals takes a much narrower range and is embraced by the common law, so Buccio, who pursued the former, made greater progress in Pietro Paolo, and having taken a licentiate's degree, he began to think of returning to Rome. You see, my dear fellow student, he observed to his friend Paolo, I am now a licentiate, and it is time for me to think

Starting point is 10:16:31 of moving homewards. Nay, not so, replied his companion. I have to entreat you will not think of leaving me here this winter. Stay for me till spring and we can return together. In the meantime, you may pursue some other study so that you may not lose any time, and to this Bucciolo at length consented, promising to await his relatives' own good time. Having thus resolved, he had immediate recourse to his former tutor, informing him of his determination to bear his friend company a little longer and entreating to be employed in some pleasant study to begal the period during which he had to remain. The professor begged him to suggest something he should like, as he should be very happy to assist him in its attainment. My worthy tutor, replied Bousiolo, I think I should

Starting point is 10:17:23 like to learn the way in which one falls in love and the best manner to begin. Oh, very good, cried the tutor, laughing. You could not have hit upon anything better, for you, you must know that, if such be your object, I am a complete adept in the art. To lose no time in the first place, go next Sunday to the Church of the Frati Minori, Friars Minor of St. Francis, where all the ladies will be clustered together and pay proper attention during service in order to discover if any one of them in particular happens to please you. When you have done this, keep your eye upon her after service to see the way she takes to her. residence and then come back to me. And let this be the first lesson, the first part of that

Starting point is 10:18:10 in which it is my intention to instruct you. Bucciolo went accordingly, and taking his station the next Sunday in the church as he had been directed, his eyes, wandering in every direction, were fixed upon all the pretty women in the place, and upon one in particular who pleased them above all the rest. She was by far the most beautiful and attractive lady he could discover, and on leaving church he took care to obey his master and follow her until he had made himself acquainted with her residence. Nor was it long before the young lady began to perceive that the student was smitten with her, upon which Bucciolo returned to his master and informed him of what he had done. I have, said he, learned as much as you ordered me, and have found somebody I like the master. very well. So far, good, cried the professor, not a little amused at the sort of science to which his pupil had thus seriously devoted himself. So far, good. And now observe what I have next to say to you.

Starting point is 10:19:15 Take care to walk two or three times a day very respectfully before her house, casting your eyes about you in such a way that no one may catch you staring in her face. Look in a modest and becoming manner so that she cannot fail to notice and be struck with it, and then return to me, and this, sir, will be the second lesson in this gay science. So the scholar went and promenaded with great discretion before the lady's door, who observed that he appeared to be passing to and fero out of respect to one of the inhabitants. This attracted her attention, for which Bucciolo very discreetly expressed its gratitude by looks and bows, which being as often return, the scholar began to be aware that the lady liked him. He immediately went and told

Starting point is 10:20:03 the professor all that had passed, who replied, Come, you have done very well. I am hitherto quite satisfied. It is now time for you to find some way of speaking to her, which you may easily do by means of those gypsies who haunt the streets of Bologna, crying ladies' veils, purses, and other articles for sale. Send word by her that you are the lady's most faith devoted servant, and that there is no one in the world you so much wish to please. In short, let her urge your suit and take care to bring the answer to me as soon as you have received it. I will then tell you how you are to proceed. Departing in all haste, he soon found a little old peddler woman, quite perfect in the trade,

Starting point is 10:20:48 to whom he said he should take it as a particular favor if she would do one thing, for which he would reward her handsomely. Upon this she declared, her readiness to serve him in anything he pleased. For you know, she added, it is my business to get money in every way I can. Bucciolo gave her to Florence, saying, I wish you to go for me today as far as the Via Macaella, where resides a young lady of the name of Giovanna, for whom I have the very highest regard.

Starting point is 10:21:20 Pray tell her so, and recommend me to her most affectionately, so as to obtain for me her good graces by every means in your power. I entreat you to have my interest at heart and to say such pretty things as she cannot refuse to hear. Oh, leave that to me, sir, said the little old woman. I will not fail to say a good word for you at the proper time. Delay not, said Bucciolo, but go now and I will wait for you here, and she set off at once, taking her basket of trinkets under her arm. On approaching the place, she saw the lady before the door, enjoying the air, and curtsying to her very low. Do I happen to have anything here you would fancy, she said, displaying her wares?

Starting point is 10:22:05 Pray take something, madame, whatever pleases you best. Veils, stays, purses, and mirrors were now spread in the most tempting way before the lady's eyes. Out of all these things, her attention seemed to be most attracted by a beautiful purse, which she observed. if she could afford she should like to purchase. Nay, madame, exclaimed the crone. Do not think anything about the price. Take anything you'll please, since they are all paid for already, I assure you.

Starting point is 10:22:36 Surprised at hearing this and perceiving the very respectful manner of the speaker, the lady rejoined. Do you know what you are saying? What do you mean by that? The old woman, pretending now to be much affected, said, well, madame, if it must be so, I shall tell you. It is very true that a young gentleman of the name of Buseolo sent me hither, one who loves you better than all the world besides. There is nothing he would not do to please you, and indeed he appears to be wretched because he cannot speak to you, and he is so very good

Starting point is 10:23:10 that it is quite a pity. I think it will be the death of him, and then he is such a fine, such an elegant, young man, the more is the pity. On hearing this, the lady, blushing deeply, turned sharply round upon the little old woman, exclaiming, O you wicked creature, were it not for the sake of my own reputation, I would give you such a lesson that you should remember it to the latest day of your life. A pretty story to come before decent people with. Are you not ashamed of yourself to let such words come out of your mouth? And seizing an iron bar that lay across the door, doorway. "'I'll be tied, you little wretch,' she cried, as she brandished it. "'If you ever come back this way again, depend on it, you will never go back alive.'

Starting point is 10:23:57 The trembling old trot, quickly bundling up her wares, scampered off, in dread of feeling that cruel weapon on her shoulders. Nor did she think of stopping till she had reached the place where Bucciolo stood waiting her return. Eagerly inquiring the news and how she succeeded, "'Oh, very badly, very badly,' answered the crone. I was never in such a fright in all my life. Why, she would neither see nor listen to you, and if I had not run away, I should have felt the weight of a great iron bar upon my shoulders.

Starting point is 10:24:29 For my own part, I shall go there no more, and I advise you, signor, to look to yourself how you proceed in such affairs and future. Poor Bucciolo became quite disconsolate, and returned in all haste to acquaint the professor with this unlucky result. But the professor, not a wit cast down, consoled him, saying, Do not despair, a tree is not leveled at a single stroke, you know. I think you must have a repetition of your lesson tonight. So go and walk before her door as usual.

Starting point is 10:25:02 Notice how she eyes you and whether she appears angry or not, and then come back again to me. Bucciolo accordingly proceeded without delay to the lady's house. The moment she perceived him, she called her, made and said to her, quick, quick, hasten after the young man, that is he, and tell him from me that he must come and speak with me this evening without fail, without fail. The girl soon came up with Bucciolo, and thus addressed him. My lady, signor, my lady Giovanna, would be glad of your company this evening. She would be very glad to speak with you. Greatly surprised at this, Bucciola replied,

Starting point is 10:25:42 tell your lady I shall be most happy to wait upon her. So saying he set off once more to the professor and reported the progress of the affair. But this time the master looked a little more serious. For, for some trivial circumstances put together, he began to entertain suspicions that the lady was, as it really turned out, no other than his own wife. So he rather anxiously inquired of Uciolo

Starting point is 10:26:09 whether he intended to accept the invitation. "'To be sure I do,' replied his pupil. "'Then,' said the professor, "'promise that you will come here before you set off. "'Certainly I will,' answered Bucciolo readily, and took his leave. Now Bucciolo was far from suspecting that the lady bore so near a relationship to his respected tutor,

Starting point is 10:26:32 although the latter began to be rather uneasy as to the result, feeling some twinges of jealousy, which were by no means pleasant, for he passed most of his winter evenings at the college where he gave lectures, and not unfrequently remained there for the night. I should be sorry, said he to himself, if this young gentleman were learning these things at my expense, and I must therefore know the real state of the case.

Starting point is 10:26:58 In the evening his pupil called according to promise, saying, Worthy master, I am now ready to go. Well, go, replied the professor, but be wise, signor Bucciolo, Be wise and think more than once what you are about. Trust me for that, said the scholar, a little peaked. I shall go well provided and not walk into the mouth of danger unarmed. And away he went, furnished with a good cuirass, a rapier, and a stiletto in his belt. He was no sooner on his way than the professor slipped out quietly after him,

Starting point is 10:27:33 dogging his steps closely, until, trembling with rage, he saw him stop at his own house door, which, on a smart tap being given, was quickly opened by the lady herself, and the pupil admitted. When the professor saw that it was indeed his own wife, he was quite overwhelmed and thought, Alas, I fear this young fellow has learned more than he confesses at my expense. And vowing to be revenged, he ran back to the college, where, arming himself with sword and dagger, he then hastened to his house in a terrible passion. arriving at his own door he knocked loudly and the lady sitting before the fire with busiolo instantly knew it was her husband so taking hold of buceolo she concealed him hurriedly under a heap of damp clothes lying on a table near the window for ironing which done she ran to the door and inquired who was there open quickly exclaimed the professor you vile woman you shall soon know who is here on opening the door she beheld him with a drawn sword

Starting point is 10:28:37 and cried in well-affected alarm, "'Oh, my dearest life, what means this?' "'You know very well what it means,' said he. "'The villain is now in the house.' "'Good heaven, what is that you say?' exclaimed the lady. "'Are you gone out of your wits? "'Come and search the house, and if you find anybody, "'I will give you leave to kill me on the spot.

Starting point is 10:28:58 "'What, do you think I should now begin to misconduct myself "'as I never did before? "'A, as none of my family ever did before? beware lest the evil one should be tempting you and suddenly depriving you of your senses, draw you to perdition. But the professor, calling for candles, began to search the house from the cellar upwards, among the tubs and casks in every place but the right place, running his sword through the beds and under the beds and into every inch of the bedding, leaving no corner or crevice of the whole house untouched. The lady accompanied him with a candle in her hand, frequently

Starting point is 10:29:35 interrupting him with, say your beads, say your beads, good signor, it is certain that the evil one is dealing with you, for where I half so bad as you esteem me, I would kill myself with my own hands. But I entreat you not to give way to this evil suggestion, oppose the adversary while you can. Hearing these virtuous observations of his wife and not being able to discover anyone after the strictest search, the professor began to think that he must, after all, be possessed, and presently extinguished lights and returned to the college. The lady, on shutting the door after him, called out the Bucciolo to come from his hiding place, and then, stirring the fire, began to prepare a fine capon for supper, with some delicious wines and fruits, and thus

Starting point is 10:30:25 they regaled themselves, highly entertained with each other, nor was it their least satisfaction that the professor had just left them, apparently convinced that they had learned nothing at his expense. Proceeding to college the next morning, Bucciolo, without the least suspicion of the truth, informed his master that he had something for his ear, which he was sure would make him laugh. How so, demanded the professor. Why, said his pupil, you must know that last night, just as I had entered the lady's house, who should come in but her husband, and in such a rage, He searched the whole house from top to bottom without being able to find me. I lay under a heap of newly washed clothes, which were not half dry.

Starting point is 10:31:10 In short, the lady played her part so well that the poor gentleman, forthwith, took his leave, and we afterwards ate a fine capon for supper, and drank such wines, and with such zest was really one of the pleasantest evenings I ever spent in my life. But I think I'll go and take a nap for our promise to return this evening about the same hour. then be sure before you go said the professor trembling with suppressed rage be sure to come and tell me when you set out oh certainly responded buceolo and away he went such was now the unhappy tutor's condition as to render him incapable delivering a single lecture during the whole day and such was his extreme vexation and eagerness for eating that he spent his time in arming himself with sword and dagger and cuirass meditating only upon deeds of blood At the appointed time came Bucciolo, with the utmost innocence, saying, My dear master, I am going now.

Starting point is 10:32:09 Yes, go, replied the professor, and come back tomorrow morning if you can, and tell me how you have fared. I intend doing so, said Bucciolo, and departed at a brisk pace for the house of the lady. Armed, cap a p, the professor ran out after him, keeping pretty close to his heels, with the intention of catching him just as he entered. But the lady, being on the watch, opened the door suddenly for the pupil and shed it in her husband's face. The professor began to knock and to call out with a furious noise. Extinguishing the light in a moment, the lady placed Bucciolo behind the door, and throwing her arms round her husband's neck as he entered,

Starting point is 10:32:49 motioned to her lover while thus she held his enemy to make his escape, and he, upon the husband's rushing forward, slipped out from behind the door unperceived, She then began to scream as loud as she could. Help, help. The professor has gone mad. Will nobody help me? For he was in an ungovernable rage, and she clung faster to him than before. The neighbors running to her assistance and seeing the peaceable professor armed with deadly weapons and his wife crying out.

Starting point is 10:33:20 Help for the love of heaven. Too much study hath driven him mad. They readily believed such to be the fact. Come, good signor, they said. What is all this about? Try to compose yourself. Nay, do not struggle so hard, but let us help you to your couch. How can I rest, thank you, he replied,

Starting point is 10:33:39 while this wicked woman harbors paramedars in my house. I saw him come in with my own eyes. Rich that I am, cried his wife. Inquire of all my friends and neighbors whether any one of them ever saw anything the least unbecoming in my conduct. The whole party with one voice entreated the professor to lay such thought. thoughts aside, for there is not a better lady breathing, or one who set a higher value upon her reputation. But how can that be, said he, when I saw him enter the house, and he is in it now?

Starting point is 10:34:12 In the meanwhile, the lady's two brothers arrived, when she began to weep bitterly, exclaiming, Oh, my dear brothers, my poor husband has gone mad, quite mad, and he even says, there is a man in the house. I believe he would kill me if he could, but you know me too well to listen for a moment to such a story, and she continued to weep. The brothers then accosted the professor in no gentle terms. We are surprised, signor. We are shocked to find that you bear distouse epithets on our sister. What can have led you after living so amicably together to bring these charges against her now? I can only tell you, answered the professor, that there is a man in the house. I saw him enter. Then come and let us find him. Show him to us.

Starting point is 10:34:59 retorted the incensed brothers, for we will sift this matter to the bottom. Show us the man, and we will then punish her in such a way as will satisfy you. One of the brothers, taking his sister aside, said, First tell me, have you really got anyone hidden in the house? Tell the truth. Heavens, cried his sister, I tell you, I would rather suffer death. Should I be the first to bring a scandal on our house? I wonder you are not ashamed to mention such a thing.

Starting point is 10:35:27 rejoiced to hear this the brothers directed by the professor at once commenced a search half frenetic he led them at once to the great bundle of linen which he pierced through and threw with his sword firmly believing that he was killing buceolo all the while taunting him at every blow There, I told you, cried his wife, that he was mad, to think of destroying your own property thus. It is plain he did not help to get them up, she continued, whimpering, all my best clothes. Having now sought everywhere in vain one of the brothers observed, he is indeed mad, to which the other agreed, while he again attacked the professor in the bitterest terms. You have carried matters too far, signor. Your conduct to our sister is shameful, nothing but insanity can excuse it. Vexed enough before, the professor upon this flew into a violent passion and brandished his naked sword in such a way that the others were obliged to use their sticks,

Starting point is 10:36:28 which they did so very effectively that, after breaking them over his head, they chained him down like a maniac upon the floor, declaring he had lost his wits by excessive study and taking possession of his house they remained with their sister all night. Next morning they sent for a physician who ordered a couch to be placed as near as possible to the fire, that no one should be allowed to speak or reply to the patient, and that he should be strictly dieted until he recovered his wits, and this regimen was diligently enforced. A report immediately spread through Bologna that the good professor had become insane,

Starting point is 10:37:06 which caused very general regret his friends observing to each other. It is indeed a bad business, but I suspect he, yesterday how it was, he could scarcely get a word out as he was delivering his lecture. Did you not perceive? Yes, said another. I saw him change color, poor fellow, and by everybody everywhere it was decided that the professor was mad. In this situation, numbers of his scholars went to see him, and among the rest Bucciolo,

Starting point is 10:37:34 knowing nothing of what had happened, agreed to accompany them to the college, desirous of acquainting his master with last night's adventure. What was his surprise to learn that he had actually taken leave of his senses, and being directed on leaving the college to the professor's house, he was almost panic-struck on approaching the place, beginning to comprehend the whole affair. Yet, in order that no one might be led to suspect the truth, he walked into the house along with the rest, and on reaching a certain apartment, which he knew, he beheld his poor tutor almost beaten to a mummy and chained down upon his bed close to the fire. His pupils were standing ground condoling with him and lamenting his piteous case.

Starting point is 10:38:18 At length it came to Buseiolo's turn to say something to him, which he did as follows. My dear master, I am truly concerned for you as if you were my own father, and if there is anything in which I can be of service to you, command me as your own son. To this the poor professor only replied, no, Buccio, depart in peace, my pupil. Depart, for you have learned much, very much at my expense. Here his wife interrupted him. You see how he wanders? Heed not what he says. Pay no attention to him, Signor. Buccio, however, prepared to depart, and taking a hasty leave of the professor, proceeded to the lodging of his friend Pietro Paolo, and said to him, Fair you well. God bless you, my friend. I must away. And I have lately lived.

Starting point is 10:39:06 learned so much at other people's expense that I'm going home. So saying he hurried away and in due course arrived in safety in Rome. The affliction of the professor of Giovanni's sprightly tale will probably be considered by most readers as well-merited punishment. The young gallant proved an apt scholar in the art of love and here was the insider to evil repaid with the same coin. Strapzerola also tells a story but in a different form. In his pleasant nights, Piazzavoli Natti, First Day, Second Novella, and his version is taken into a small collection entitled Tarleton's News Out of Purgatory, first published in or before 1590. A catch-penny tract in which, of course, Dick Tarleton had never a hand any more than he had in the collection of jests which go under his name. End of Section 51, recording by Brise, Youngstown.

Starting point is 10:40:11 Section 52 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. 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 Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 52, Straparola's Version. In Pizza, a famous city of Italy, there lived a gentleman of good lineage and lands,

Starting point is 10:40:49 feared as well for his wealth as honored for his virtue, but indeed well thought on for both, yet the better for his riches. This gentleman had one only daughter, called Margaret, who for her beauty was liked of all, and desired of her. many, but neither might their suits nor her own prevail about her father's resolution, who was determined not to marry her, but to such a man as should be able in abundance to maintain the excellency of her beauty. Divers young gentlemen proffered large fiefments, but in vain, a maid she must be still, till last an old doctor in the town, that professed physic, became a suitor to her who was a welcome man to her father in that he was one of the wealthiest man in all pisa a tall stripling he was and our proper youth his age about fourscore his head as white as milk where and for offence's sake there was left never a tooth

Starting point is 10:41:50 but it is no matter what he wanted in person he had in the purse which the poor gentlewoman little regarded wishing rather to tie herself to one that might fit her content though they lived meanly than to him with all the wealth in italy but she was young and forced to follow her father's direction who upon large covenants was content his daughter should marry with the doctor and whether she liked him or no the match was made up and in short time she was married the poor wench was bound to the stake and had not only an old impotent man but one that was so jealous as none might enter into his house without suspicion nor she do anything without blame the least glance suspicious but was but one that was so jealous as none might enter into his house without suspicion nor she do anything without blame the least glance suspicious smallest continents, any smile was a manifest instance to him that she thought of others better than himself. Thus he himself lived in a hell and tormented his wife in as ill perplexity. At last it chanced a young gentleman of the city coming by her house and seeing her look out at her window, noting her rare and excellent proportion, fell in love with her, and that so exemplary as his passions had no means till her favor might mitigate his heart sick discontent.

Starting point is 10:43:10 The young man that was ignorant in amorous matters and had never been used to court any gentlewoman thought to reveal his passions to someone friend that might give him counsel for the winning of her love and thinking experience was a surest master on a day seeing the old doctor walking in the church that was Margaret's husband, little knowing who he was, he thought that this the fittest man to whom he might discover his passions, for that he was old and knew much, and was a physician that with his drugs might help him forward in his purposes, so that seeing the old man walk solitary, he joined unto him, and after a courteous salute, told him that he was to impart a matter of great import to him, wherein if he would not only be secret but endeavour to pleasure him, his pain should be every way to the full considered.

Starting point is 10:44:05 You must imagine, gentlemen, quote Moutio, for so was the doctor's name, that men of our perfection are no blabs, but hold their secrets and their hearts bottomed, and therefore reveal what you please, it shall not only be concealed but cured, if either my art or counsel may do it. Upon this, Lionel, so was the young gentleman called, told and discoursed unto him from point to point, how he was fallen in love with the gentlewoman that was married to one of his profession,

Starting point is 10:44:38 discovered her dwelling and the house, and for that he was unacquainted with the woman, and a man little experience in love matters. He required his favor to further him with his advice. Mutio, at this motion, was stung to the heart, knowing it was his wife he was fallen in love with all, yet to conceal the matter, and to experience his wife's chastity, and that if she played false he might be revenged on them both, he dissembled the matter, and answered that he knew the woman very well, and commended her highly,

Starting point is 10:45:11 but said she had a churl to her husband, and therefore he thought she would be the more tractable. Try her, man, quoth he, faint heart never won fair lady, and if she will not be brought to the bent of your bow, I will provide such a potion as shall dispatch all to your own content, and to give you further instructions for opportunity, know that her husband is fourth very afternoon from three till six. Thus far I have advised you because I pity your passions, as myself being once a lover, but now I charge thee revealed to none whomsoever. These that do disparage my credit to meddle and amorous matters. The young gentleman not only promised all careful secrecy, but gave him hearty thanks for his good counsel,

Starting point is 10:46:02 promising to meet him there the next day and tell him what news. Then he left the old man, who was almost mad for fear his wife, anyway, should play false. He saw by experience brave men came to besiege the castle, and seeing it was in a woman's custody, and had so weak a governor as himself, he doubted it would in time. time be delivered up, which fear made him almost frantic, yet he derived of the time great torment till he might hear from his rival. Lionello, he hastes him home and suits him in his bravery, and goes down toward the house of Mutio, where he sees her at the window, whom he courted with a passionate look, with such humble salute as she might perceive how the gentleman was affectionate.

Starting point is 10:46:49 margaretta looking earnestly upon him and noting the perfection of his proportion accounted him in her eye the flower of all pizza think herself fortunate if she might have him for her friend to supply the defaults that she found in mutio sundry times that afternoon he passed by her window and he cast not up more loving looks than he received gracious favors which did so encourage him that the next day between three and six he went to her house, and knocking at the door, desired to speak with the mistress of the house, who, hearing by her maid's description what he was, commanded him to come in, where she entertained him with all courtesy. The youth that never before had given the attempt to court a lady, began his exhorneum with a blush, and yet went forward so well that he discoursed unto her how he loved her, and that if it might please her to accept of his service as of a friend over-vowed in all duty to be at her command the care of her honour should be dearer to him than his life and he would be ready to prize her discontent with his bloud at all times the gentlewoman was a little coy but before they part they concluded that the next day at four of the clock he should come thither and eat a pound of cherries which was resolved on with a succado de labras

Starting point is 10:48:18 and so with a loath to depart they took their leaves lionello as joyful a man as might be hide him to the church to meet his old doctor where he found him in his old walk What news, sir, quote Muteo, have you sped? Even as I can wish, quote, Lionello, for I've been with my mistress and have found her so tractable that I hope to make the old peasant, her husband, look broad-headed by a pair of bravo-wantlers. How deep this strook into Moutio's heart! Let them imagine that can conjecture what jealousy is,

Starting point is 10:48:54 in so much that the old doctor asked when should be the time. Mary, quoth Lionello, tomorrow, at four of the clock in the afternoon, and then, Meister, doctor, quoth he, will I dub the old squire night of the forked order? Thus they passed on that till it grew late, and then Lionelho went home to his lodging, and Mutio to his house, covering all his sorrows with the merry continents, with full resolution to revenge them both the next day with extremity. He passed the night as patiently as he could, and the next day, after dinner, away he went, watching when it should be four of the clock.

Starting point is 10:49:36 At the hour, justly came Lionello, and was entertained with all courtesy, but scarce had they kissed, ere the maid cried out to her mistress that her master was at the door, for he hasted, knowing that a horn was but a little while in grafting. Margaret, at this alarm, was amazed, and yet for a shift, chopped Lionello into a great refet, full of feathers, and sat her down close to her work. By that came Mutio in blowing, and as he came to look somewhat in haste, called for the keys of his chamber, and looked in every place, searching so narrowly in every corner of the house that he left not the very privy unsearched. Seeing he could not find him, he said nothing, but feigning himself not well at ease,

Starting point is 10:50:27 stayed at home so that poor Lionel was feigned to stay in the Drifat till the old churl was in bed with his white. And then the maid let him out at a back door who went home with a flea in his ear to his lodging. Well, the next day he went again to meet his doctor, whom he found in his wanted walk. What news? Quote Muteo, how have you sped? A pox of the old slave, quote Lionello. I was no sooner in and had given my mistress one kiss, but the jealous ass was at the door. The maid spied him and cried her master, so that the poor gentlewoman, for very shift, was fain to put me in a treet of feathers that stood in an old chamber, and there I was fain to tarry while. He was in bed and asleep, and then the maid let me out, and I departed. But it is no matter.

Starting point is 10:51:19 "'Twas but a chance, and I hope to cry quittance with him ere it be long.' "'As how?' Quote Muteo. "'Mary thus,' quote Lionello. "'She sent me word by her maid this day that upon Thursday next the old Churl suppeth with a patient of his a mile out of pizza, and then I fear not but to quit him for all. "'It is well,' quoth Muteo. "'Fortune be your friend.' "'I thank you,' quote Lionello.

Starting point is 10:51:47 and so after a little more prattle they departed. To be short, Thursday came, and about six of the clock, forth goes Musio no further than a friend's house of his, from whence he might descry who went into his house. Straight he saw Lionelho enter in, and after goes he, in so much that he was scarcely sitting down, before the maid cried out again, my master comes. The good wife, that before had provided,

Starting point is 10:52:17 for after-claps, had found out a privy place between two ceilings of a plancher, and there she thrust Lionelho, and her husband came sweating. What news, quoth she, drives you home again so soon, husband? Mary, sweet wife, quote he, a fearful dream that I had this night, which came to my remembrance, and that was this. Me thought there was a villain that came secretly into my house, with a naked pointered in his hand, and hid himself, but I could not find the place. With that mine nose bled, and I came back. And by the grace of God I will seek

Starting point is 10:52:55 every corner in the house for the quiet of my mind. Mary, I pray you do, husband, quote she. With that, he looked in all the doors and began to search every chamber, every hole, every chest, every tub, the very well. He stabbed every feather bed through and made havoc like a madman, which made him think all was in vain. and he began to blame his eyes that thought they saw that which they did not upon this he rest half lunatic and all night he was very wakeful that towards the morning he fell into a dead sleep and then was lionelho conveyed away In the morning when Mutio awakened, he thought how by no means he should be able to take Lionel Tarty, yet he laid in his bed a most dangerous plot, and that was this. Wife, quoth he, I must the next Monday ride to Vikenza to visit an old patient of mine,

Starting point is 10:53:52 till my return, which will be some ten days. I will have thee stay at our little grunge house in the country. Mary, very well content, quoth she. with that he kissed her and was very pleasant as though he had suspected nothing in a way he flings to the church where he meets lionello what sir quoth he what news is your mistress yours in possession no a plague of the old slave quoth he i think he is either a witch or else works by magic for i can no sooner enter into the doors but he is at my back and so he was again yesterday night for i was not warm in my seat before the the maid cried, my master comes. And then was the poor soul, feigned to convey me between two ceilings of a chamber, in a fit place for the purpose, where I laughed heartily to myself to see how he sought every corner, ransacked every tub, and stabbed every featherbed, but in vain. I was safe

Starting point is 10:54:51 enough until the morning, and then, when he was fast asleep, I leapt out. Fortune frowns on you, quote Mutio, I, but I hope, quote, flying now, This is the last time, and now she will begin to smile, for on Monday next he rides to Vicenza, and his wife lies at the Grange House a little out of the town, and there in his absence I will revenge all four past misfortunes. God sent it be so, quote Muccio, and so took his leave. These two lovers longed for Monday, and at last came. Early in the morning, Muccio hoarse himself and his wife, his maid and a man, and no more, and away he rides to his Grange House, where, after he had broke his fast, he took his leave and away towards Vecenza. He rode not far air by false way,

Starting point is 10:55:46 he returned into a thicket, and there, with a company of country peasants, lay in an ambush to take the young gentleman. In the afternoon comes Lionelho galloping, and as soon as he came within sight of the house, he sent back his horse by his boy and went easily afoot, and there at the very entry was entertained by Margaret, who led him up the stairs and conveyed him into her bed-chamber, saying he was welcome into so mean a cottage. But, quote she, now I hope fortune shall not envy the purity of our loves. Alas, alas, mistress cried the maid, here is my master and one hundred men with him, with bills and staves. We are betrayed, quote Lionel, and I am but a dead man. Fear not, quote she, but follow me, and straight she carried him down into a low parlor,

Starting point is 10:56:39 where stood an old rotten chest full of writings. She put him into that, and covered him with old papers and evidences, and went to the gate to meet her husband. Why, Signor Mutio, what means this hurly, burly, quote she, vile and shameless, it as thou art, thou shalt know by and by, quoth he. Where is thy love? All we have watched him and seen him enter in. Now, quote thee, shall neither thy tub of feathers nor thy ceiling serve, for perish he shall with fire, or else fall into my hands.

Starting point is 10:57:14 Do thy worst, jealous fool, quoth she, I ask thee no favor. With that in a rage he beset the house round, and then set fire on it. Oh, and what perplexity was poor Lionello in that he was shut in a chest and the fire about his ears! And how was Margaret passionate that knew her lover was in such danger? Yet she made light of the matter, and as one in a rage called her made to her and said, Come on wench, seeing thy master, mad with jealousy, hath set the house and all my living on fire, I will be revenged on him. Help me here to lift this old chest for all his righting, and deeds are, let that burn first, and as soon as I see that on fire I will walk towards my

Starting point is 10:58:00 friends, for the old fool will be beggared, and I will refuse him. Muccio, who knew all his obligations and statutes, lay there, pulled her back and bade two of his men carry the chest into the field, and see it were safe, himself standing by and seeing his house burn down, stick and stone. Then, quieted in his mind, he went home with his wife and began to flatter her, thinking assuredly that he had burned her pyromor, causing his chest to be carried in a cart to his house and pizza. Margaret, impatient, went to her mothers and complained to her and her brethren of the jealousy of her husband, who maintained her it to be true and desired but a day's respite to prove it. Well, he was bidden to supper the next night had her mother's, she thinking to make

Starting point is 10:58:52 her daughter and him friends again. In the meantime, he to his wounded walk in the church, and there, prayed her expectation him, he found Lionella walking. Wondering at this, he straight inquiries, what news? What news, Master Dr. Quotee, and he fell in a great laughing. In faith yesterday, I scraped a scouring for Sera. I went to the Grange House, where our I was appointed to come, and I was no sooner gotten up the chamber, but the magical villain, her husband, beset the house with bills and staves, and that he might be sure that no ceiling nor corner should shroud me. He set the house on fire, and so burnt it down to the ground. Why, quoth Muteo, and how did you escape? Alas, quote he, welfare or woman's wit.

Starting point is 10:59:41 She conveyed me into an old chest full of writings, which she knew her husband durst not burn. and so I was saved and brought to Pisa, and yesterday night by her maid led home to my lodging. This, quoth he, is the pleasantest jest that ever I heard, and upon this I have a suit to you. I am this night bidden forth to supper, you shall be my guest, only I will crave so much favor, as after supper for a pleasant sport, to make relations what success you have had in your loves. For that I will not stick, quote he, and so much, so he conveyed Lionelho to his mother-in-law's house with him, and discovered to his wife's brethren who he was, and how at supper he would disclose the whole matter. For, Quoth he, he knows not that I am

Starting point is 11:00:29 Margaret's husband. At this all their brethren bade him welcome, and so did the mother too, and Margaret she was kept out of sight. Supper time being come, they fell to their victuals, and Lionelho was caroused unto by Muteo, who was very pleasant, to draw him into a merry humor, that he might to the full discourse the effect and fortunes of his love. Supper being ended, Muccio requested him to tell to the gentleman what had happened between him and his mistress. Lionello, with a smiling countenance, began to describe his mistress, the house and street where she dwelt, how he fell in love with her, and how he used the counsel of this doctor, who in all his affairs was his son. secretary. Margaret heard all this with a great fear, and when he came to the last point,

Starting point is 11:01:18 she caused a cup of wine to be given him by one of her sisters, wherein was a ring that he had given Margaret. As he had told how he had escaped burning and was ready to confirm all for a trough, the gentlewoman drunk to him, who, taking the cup and seeing the ring, having a quick wit and a reaching head, spied the fetch, and perceived that all this while this was his lover's husband to whom he had revealed these escapes. At this, drinking the wine and swallowing the ring into his mouth, he went forward. Gentlemen, quoth thee, how like you all of my loves and my fortunes? Well, quote the gentleman, I pray you, is it true? As true, quote thee, as if I would be so simple as to reveal what I did to Margaret's husband. For know you, gentlemen,

Starting point is 11:02:07 that I knew this Mutio to be her husband whom I notified to be my lover, and for that he was generally known throughout Pisa to be a jealous fool. Therefore, with these tales I brought him into paradise, which are follies of mine own brain. For trust me, by the faith of a gentleman, I never spake to the woman, was never in her company, neither do I know her if I see her. At this they all fell in a laughing at Mutio, who was ashamed that Lionelho had. so scoffed him. But all was well, they were made friends, but the jest went so as to his heart that he shortly after died, and Lionella enjoyed the lady. Sir Giovanni's story, Roscoe observes, is curious as having, through the medium of translation, suggested the idea

Starting point is 11:02:57 of those amusing scenes in which the renowned Falstaff acquaints Master Ford, disguised under the name of Brooke with his progress in the good graces of Mrs. Ford. The contrivances likewise by which he ludes the vengeance of the jealous husband are similar to those recounted in the novel, with the addition of throwing the unwieldy knight into the river. Dunlop says that the same story has been translated is a collection entitled The Fortunate, Deceived, and Unfortunate Lovers, and that Shakespeare may probably also have seen it in Tarleton's News out of purgatory, where the incidents related in the lovers of Pisa are given according to Straparola's story. Moliere made a happy use of it in his Ecole

Starting point is 11:03:47 de Femmes, where the humor of the peace turns upon a young gentleman confiding his progress in the affections of a lady to the ear of her guardian, who believed he was on the point of espousing her himself. Two other French plays were based upon the story, one of which was written by La Fontaine under the title of the Maitre D'Eau. Readers of Gil Blas will also recollect how Don Raphael confides to Balthazar the progress of his armouar with his wife and expresses his vexation at the husband's unexpected return. It is much to be regretted that nothing is known as to the date and place of the composition of the Breslau edition of the Knights, which alone contains this and several other tales found in the collections of the early Italian novelists.

Starting point is 11:04:38 End of Section 52, recording by Brise, Youngstown. Chapter 53 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 Derek Trial. The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 53, The King Who Kend the Quintessence of Things, Volume 11. Although we may find, as already stated, the direct source of this tale in the 46th chapter of Almasud,

Starting point is 11:05:33 Meadows of Gold and Mines of Gems, which was written about AD 943, yet there exists a much older version, if not the original form, in a Sanskrit collection entitled Vitala Pancha Vinsati, or 25 Tales of a Vampire. This ancient work is incorporated with the Kata Sarit Sagara, or Ocean of the Streams of Story, composed in Sanskrit verse by Somadeva in the 11th century. After a similar work, now apparently lost, entitled Rihat Katha, or a great story written by Gunaja in the 6th century. In the opinion of Benfi, all the vampire tales are of Buddhist extraction. Some are unquestionably so, and they probably date from before our era.

Starting point is 11:06:32 As a separate work, they exist, more or less modified, in many of the Indian vernaculars. In Hindi, under the title of Vaital Pachisi, in Tamil, Vidala Kadai, and there are also versions in Telugu, Marada, and Canarees. The following is from Professor. C. H. Tani's complete translation of the Kata Sarit Sagara. It is the eighth recital of the Vatala. Indian Version There is a great tract of land assigned to Brahmins in the country of Anga called Rikshah Gata. In it there lived a rich sacrificing Brahmin named Vishnu's Vaman, and he had a wife equal to himself in birth,

Starting point is 11:07:24 and by her he had three sons born to him, who were distinguished for preternatural acuteness. In course of time, they grew up to be young men. One day, when he had begun a sacrifice, he sent those three brothers to the sea to fetch a turtle. So off they went, and when they had found a turtle, the eldest said to his two brothers, Let one of you take the turtle for our father's sacrifice. I cannot take it, as it is all slippery with slime. When the eldest said this, the two younger ones answered him. If you hesitate about taking it, why should not we? When the eldest heard that, he said, You two must take the turtle. If you do not, you will have obstructed your father's sacrifice,

Starting point is 11:08:14 and then you will certainly sink down to hell. When he told the younger brothers this, they laughed and said to him, If you see our duty so clearly, why do you not see that your own is the same? Then the eldest said, What, do you not know how fastidious I am? I am very fastidious about eating, and I cannot be expected to touch what is repulsive. The middle brother, when he heard this speech of his, said to his brother, then I am a more fastidious person than you, for I am a most fastidious connoisseur of the fair sex.

Starting point is 11:08:52 When the middle one said this, the eldest went on to say, Then let the younger of you two take the turtle. Then the youngest brother frowned, and in his turn, said to the two elder, You fools, I am very fastidious about beds, so I am the most fastidious of the lot. So the three brothers felt to quarrelling with one another, and being completely under the dominion of conceit, they left that turtle, and went off immediately to the court of the king of that country, whose name was Prasinajit, and who lived in a city named Vitan Kapura, in order to have the dispute decided. There they had themselves announced by the warder,

Starting point is 11:09:35 and went in, and gave the king a circumstantial account of their case. The king said, Wait here, and I will put you all in turn to the proof. So they agreed and remained there. And at the time that the king took his meal, he had them conducted to a seat of honor and given delicious food fit for a king, possessing all the six flavors.

Starting point is 11:09:59 And while they were feasting around him, the Brahman, who was fastidious about eating, alone of the company did not eat, but sat there with his face puckered up with disgust. The king himself asked the Brahmin why he did not eat his food, though it was sweet and fragrant, and he slowly answered him. I perceive in this food an evil smell of the wreak from corpses, so I cannot bring myself to eat it, however delicious it may be. When he said this before the assembled multitude, they all smelled it by the king's orders and said, this food is prepared from white rice and is good and fragrant.

Starting point is 11:10:39 But the Brahmin, who was so fastidious about eating, would not touch it, but stopped his nose. Then the king reflected, and proceeded to inquire into the matter, and found out from his officers that the food had been made from rice, which had been grown in a field, near the burning gut of a certain village. Then the king was much astonished, and being pleased, he said to him, And truth, you are very particular as to what you eat, so eat of some other dish. And after they had finished their dinner, the king dismissed the Brahmins to their apartments,

Starting point is 11:11:16 and sent for the loveliest lady of his court. And in the evening he sent that fair one, all whose limbs were of faultless beauty, splendidly adorned, to the second Brahmin, who was so squeamish about the fair sex. And that matchless kindler of Cupid's sands, flame, with a face like the full moon of midnight, went, escorted by the king's servants, to the chamber of the Brahmin. But when she entered, lighting up the chamber with her brightness, that gentleman, who was so fastidious about the fair sex, felt quite faint, and stopping his nose

Starting point is 11:11:55 with his left hand, said to the king's servants, take her away. If you do not, I am a dead man. a smell comes from her like that of a goat. When the king's servants heard this, they took the bewildered fair one to their sovereign and told him what had taken place. And the king immediately had the squeamish gentleman sent for and said to him, How can this lovely woman who has perfumed herself

Starting point is 11:12:22 with sandalwood, camphor, black aloes, and other splendid scents, so that she diffuses exquisite fragrance through the world smell like a goat. But though the king used this argument to the squeamish gentleman, he stuck to his point, and then the king began to have his doubts on the subject, and at last by artfully framed questions, he elicited from the lady herself that having been separated in her childhood from her mother and nurse, she had been brought up on goat's milk. Then the king was much astonished and praised highly the discernment of the man who is fastidious

Starting point is 11:13:01 about the fair sex, and immediately had given to the third Brahmin who was fastidious about beds, in accordance with his taste, a bed composed of seven mattresses placed upon a bedstead. White smooth sheets and coverlets were laid upon the bed, and the fastidious man slept upon it in a splendid room. But before half a watch of the night had passed, he rose up from that bed with his hand pressed to his side, screaming in an agony of pain. And the king's officers, who were there, saw a red crooked mark on his side, as if a hair had been pressed deep into it. And they went and told the king, and the king said to them, Look and see if there is not something under the mattress. So they went and examined the

Starting point is 11:13:53 bottom of the mattresses, one by one, and they found a hair in the middle of the bedstead. underneath them all. And they took it and showed it to the king, and they also brought the man who was fastidious about beds. And when the king saw the state of his body, he was astonished, and he spent the whole night in wondering how a hair could make so deep an impression on his skin through seven mattresses. And the next morning the king gave 300,000 gold pieces to those fastidious men, because they were persons of wonderful discernment and refinement, and they remained in great comfort in the king's court forgetting all about the turtle, and little did they wreck of the fact that they had incurred sin by obstructing their father's sacrifice.

Starting point is 11:14:41 The story of the brothers who was so very knowing is common to most countries with occasional local modifications. It is not often we find the knowledge of the quintessence of things, concentrated in a single individual, as in the case of the ex-kish, king of our tale, but we have his exact counterpart and the circumstances significant in number two of the Cento Novelli Antique, the first Italian collection of short stories, made in the 13th century, where a prisoner informs the king of Greece that a certain horse has been suckled by a she-ass, that a jewel contains a flaw, and that the king himself is a baker. Mr. Tani, in a note on the a Talas story, as above, refers also to the decisions of Hamlet in Saxo-Gramaticus

Starting point is 11:15:35 1839, page 138, in Simrocks, Quelen de Shakespeare, Section 1, pages 81 through 85, 5, page 170, he lays down that some bread tastes of blood, the corn was grown on a battlefield, that some liquor tastes of iron, the malt was mixed with water taken from a well, in which some rusty swords had lain, that some bacon tastes of corpses, the pig had eaten a corpse, lastly that the king is a servant,

Starting point is 11:16:14 and his wife a serving maid. But in most versions of the story, Three brothers are the gifted heroes. In Melocene, for Five November, 1885, Monsieur René Basset cites an interesting variant, in which, as is often the case, the lost camel plays a part, but we are not concerned about it at present, from Radloff's Probin der Volks literature de Turkish Stama Sud Siberians as follows.

Starting point is 11:16:48 Siberian version Meat and bread were set before the three brothers, and the prince went out. the eldest said, The prince is a slave. The second, this is dog's flesh. The youngest, this bread has grown over the legs of a dead body. The prince heard them.

Starting point is 11:17:08 He took a knife and ran to find his mother. Tell me the truth, cried he. Were you unfaithful to my father during his absence? A man who is here has called me a slave. My son, replied she, If I don't tell the truth, I shall die. If I tell it, I shall die. When thy father was absent, I gave myself up to a slave. The prince left his mother and ran to the house of the shepherd. The meat which you have cooked today, what is it? Tell the truth, otherwise I'll cut your head off.

Starting point is 11:17:44 Master, if I tell it, I shall die. If I don't, I shall die. I will be truthful. It was a lamb whose mother had no milk on the day of its birth. It was suckled by a bitch. That is today's you. The prince left the shepherd and ran to the house of the husbandman. Tell the truth, or else I'll cut off your head. Three young men have come to my house. I have placed bread before them, and they say that the grain has grown over the limbs of a dead man. I will be frank with you. I plowed with my plow in a place where we're buried the limbs of a man without knowing it. I sowed some wheat which grew up. The prince quitted his slave and returned to his house where were seated the strangers.

Starting point is 11:18:35 He said to the first, young man, how do you know that I am a slave? Because you went out as soon as the repast was brought in. He asked the second, How do you know that the meat which was served was that of a dog? Because it has a disagreeable taste like the flesh of a dog. Then to the third, How come you to know that this bread was grown over the limbs of a dead person? What shall I say?

Starting point is 11:19:06 It smells of the limbs of a dead body. That is why I recognized it. If you do not believe me, ask you a slave. He will tell you that what I say is true. In the same paper, column 516, Monsieur René Basset cites a somewhat elaborate variant from Steyer's Ungarishasagan Unmerchen, in which once more the knowledge of the quintessence of things

Starting point is 11:19:33 is concentrated in a single individual. End of Section 53. Chapter 54 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night volume 12. 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 Derek Trial. The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 54, The King Who Kend the Quintessence of Things.

Starting point is 11:20:19 Volume 11 Hungarian version A clever Magyar is introduced with his companions in disguise into the camp of the king of the Tatars, who is menacing his country. The prince, suspicious, causes him to be carefully watched by his mother, a skillful sorceress. They brought in the evening's repast. What good wine the prince has, said she.

Starting point is 11:20:47 Yes, replied one, but it continues. human blood. The sorceress took note of the bed from once these words proceeded, and when all were asleep, she duffly cut a lock of hair from him who had spoken, crept stealthily out of the room, and brought this mark to her son. The strangers started up, and when our hero discovered what had been done to him, he cut a lock from all to render his detection impossible. When they came to dinner, the king knew not, from whom the lock had been taken. The following night, the mother of the prince again slipped into the room and said, What good bread has the prince of the Tatar's? Very good, replied one. It is made with the milk of a

Starting point is 11:21:34 woman. When all were asleep, she cut a little off the mustache of him who was lying in the bed from which the voice proceeded. This time the Magyars were still more on the alert, and when they were apprised of the matter, They all cut a little from their mustaches, so that next morning the prince found himself again foiled. The third night the old lady hid herself, and said in a loud voice, What a handsome man is the prince of the Tatar's. Yes, replied one, but he is a bastard. When all were asleep, the old lady made a mark on the visor of the helmet, of the one from whence had come the words, and then, acquainted her,

Starting point is 11:22:18 pointed her son of what she had done. In the morning, the prince perceived that all the helmets were similarly marked. At length he refrained and said, I see that there is among you, a master greater than myself. That is why I desire very earnestly to know him. He may make himself known. I should like to see and know this extraordinary man, who is more clever and powerful than myself. The young man started up from his seat and said, I have not wished to be stronger or wiser than yourself. I have only wished to find out what you had preconcerted for us. I am the person who has been marked three nights.

Starting point is 11:23:01 It is well, young man, but prove now your words. How was there human blood in the wine? Call your butler, and he will tell you. The butler came in, trembling all over, and confessed that when he corked the wine, he had cut his finger with the knife, and a drop of blood had fallen into the cask. But how was there a woman's milk in the bread? asked the king. Call the bakeress, he replied, and she will tell it you.

Starting point is 11:23:31 When they questioned her, she confessed that she was kneading the bread, and at the same time suckling her baby, and that on pressing it to her breast some milk flowed and was mixed with the bread. The sorceress, the mother of the king, when they came to the third revelation of the young man confessed in her turn that the king was illegitimate. Mr. Tani refers to the Chevalier de Mali's version of the three princes of Serendip, Salon.

Starting point is 11:24:01 The three are sitting at table and eating a leg of lamb sent with some splendid wine from the table of the emperor Baram. The eldest maintains that the wine was made of grapes that grew in a cemetery. The second, that the lamb was brought up on dog's milk, while the third asserts that the emperor had put to death the son of the wazir, and that the latter is bent on vengeance. All these statements turn out to be well-grounded.

Starting point is 11:24:31 Mr. Tani also refers to parallel stories in the Breslau edition of the knights, namely in Knight 458. It is similarly conjectured that the bread was baked by a sick woman, that the kid was suckled by a bitch and that the sultan is illegitimate, and in Knight 459, a gem cutter guesses that a jewel has an internal flaw. A man skilled in the pedigrees of horses divines that a horse is the offspring of a female buffalo, and a man skilled in human pedigrees that the mother of the favorite queen was a rope dancer. Similar incidents occur in the Sultan of Yemen. and his three sons, one of the additional tales translated by Scott from the Wortley-Montague manuscript,

Starting point is 11:25:21 now in the Bodleian Library, and comprised in volume 6 of his edition of the Arabian Nights Entertainment, published at London in 1811. An analogous tale occurs in Mr. E.J. W. Gibbs, recently published translation of the history of the 40 Viziers, the lady's fourth story, page 69 and following, the motif of which is that all things

Starting point is 11:25:49 return to their origin. Turkish analog. There was in the palace of the world a king who is very desirous of seeing Kuzer peace on him, and he would even say, if there be anyone who will show me

Starting point is 11:26:07 Kizur, I will give him whatsoever he may wish. Now there was at that time a man poor of estate, and from the stress of his poverty, he said to himself, let me go and speak to the king, that if he provide for me me during three years, either I shall be dead, or the king will be dead, or he will forgive me my fault, or I shall on some wise wind to escape, and in this way shall I make Mary for a time. So he went to the king and spake these words to him. The king said, And thou show him not, then I will kill thee.

Starting point is 11:26:46 And that poor man consented. Then the king let give him much wealth and money. And the poor man took that wealth and money and went to his house. Three years he spent in merriment and delight, and he rested at ease till the term was accomplished. At the end of that time he fled and hid himself in a trackless place. and he began to quake for fear. Of a sudden he saw a personage with white remit and shining face who saluted him.

Starting point is 11:27:17 The poor man returned to the salutation, and the radiant being asked, Why art thou thus sad? But he gave no answer. Again the radiant being asked him, and swear to him, saying, Do indeed tell to me thy plight that I may find thee some remedy. So that hapless one narrated his story from its beginning to its end, and the radiant being said, Come, I will go with thee to the king, and I will answer for thee. So they arose. Now the king wanted that hapless one, and while they were going, some of the king's officers

Starting point is 11:27:56 who were seeking met them, and they straightway seized the poor man and brought him to the king. Quote the king Lo, the three years are accomplished Come now and show me Kizor The poor man said My king, grace and bounty Are the work of kings Forgive my sin

Starting point is 11:28:17 Quote the king I made a pact Till I have killed thee I shall not have fulfilled it And he looked to his chief vizier And said How shall this be done Quote the vizier

Starting point is 11:28:31 this man should be hewn in many pieces and then hung up on butcher's hooks that others may see and lie not before the king said that radiant being true spake the vizier all things returned to their origin then the king looked to the second vizier and said what sayest thou

Starting point is 11:28:53 he replied this man should be boiled in a cauldron said that radiant being true spake the the vizier, all things returned to their origin. The king looked to the third vizier and said, What sayest thou? The vizier replied, This man should be hewn in small pieces and baked in an oven. Again, said that elder, true spake the vizier, all things returned to their origin. Then quoth the king to the fourth vizier, let's see what sayest thou. The vizier replied,

Starting point is 11:29:33 O king, the wealth thou gavest this poor creature, was for the love of Kuzer, peace on him. He, thinking to find him, accepted it. Now that he has not found him, he seeks pardon. This were befitting, that thou set free this poor creature for the love of Kisor. Said that elder, True spake the vizier,

Starting point is 11:29:57 all things returned to their origin. Then the king said to him, to the elder, O elder, my viziers have said different things, contrary, the one to the other, and thou hast said concerning each of them. True spake the vizier, all things return to their origin. What is the reason thereof? That elder replied, O king, thy first vizier is a butcher's son, therefore did he draw to his origin. Thy second vizier is a cook's son, and he like proposed a punishment as became his origin. Thy third vizier is a baker's son.

Starting point is 11:30:38 He likewise proposed a punishment as became his origin. But thy fourth vizier is of gentle birth. Compassion therefore becomes his origin. So he had compassion on that hapless one and sought to do good and counseled liberation. O king, all things returned to their origin, and he gave the king much counseousness. and at last said, lo, I am Kizir, and vanished.

Starting point is 11:31:07 The discovery of the king's illegitimate birth, which occurs in so many versions, has its parallels in the story of the nephew of Hippocrates in the seven wise masters, and the lady's second story in Mr. Gibbs' translation of the 40 Viziers. The extraordinary sensitiveness of the third young Brahmin in the Vatala story, whose side was scratched by a hair that was under the seventh of the mattresses on which he lay, Rode, says Tani, in his Grikisha novelistic, page 62, compares with a story told by alien, of the ciburite Smindirides, who slept on a bed of rose leaves and got up in the morning covered with blisters. He also quotes from the Chronicle of Tabari, a story of a princess, who

Starting point is 11:32:00 was made to bleed by a rose-leaf lying in her bed. The 11th recital of the Vatala is about a king's three sensitive wives. As one of the queens was playfully pulling the hair of the king, a blue lotus leaped from her ear and fell on her lap. Immediately a wound was produced on the front of her thigh by the blow, and the delicate princess exclaimed, oh, oh, and fainted. At night, the second retired with the king to an apartment on the roof of the palace, exposed to the rays of the moon, which fell on the body of the queen, who was sleeping by the king's side, where it was exposed by her garment blowing aside. Immediately she woke up exclaiming, Alas, I am burnt, and rose up from the bed rubbing her limbs.

Starting point is 11:32:53 The king woke up in a state of alarm, crying out, What is the meaning of this? Then he got up and saw, that blisters had been produced on the queen's body. In the meanwhile, the king's third wife heard of it, and left her palace to come to him. And when she got into the open air, she heard distinctly, as the night was still, the sound of a pestle pounding in a distant house. The moment the gazelle-eyed one heard it, she said,

Starting point is 11:33:23 Alas, I am killed, and she sat down on the path, shaking her hands in an agony of pain. Then the girl turned back and was conducted by her attendants to her own chamber, where she fell on her bed and groaned. And when her weeping attendants examined her, they saw that her hands were covered with bruises and looked like lotuses upon which black beetles had settled. To this piteous tale of the three very sensitive queens, Tanya appends the following note. rode in his Grikisha novelistic, page 62, compares with this a story told by Tamaeus, of a Cybriot who saw a husbandman hoeing a field and contracted rupture from it. Another cyborite, to whom he told the tale of his sad mishap, got earache from hearing it.

Starting point is 11:34:15 Oosterly, in his German translation of the Baikal Pachisi, points out that Grim, in his Kindermerchin, 3, page 238, quotes a similar incident from the travels of the three sons of Giafar. Out of four princesses, one faints because a rose twig is thrown into her face among some roses. A second shuts her eyes in order not to see the statue of a man. A third says, Go away. The hairs in your fur cloak run into me. And the fourth covers her face, fearing that some of the fish in the tan. may belong to the male sex. He also quotes a striking parallel from the Elite de Kant desir de Anvil.

Starting point is 11:35:03 Four ladies dispute as to which of them is the most delicate. One has been lame for three months, owing to a rose leaf having fallen on her foot. Another has had three ribs broken, by a sheet in her bed, having been crumpled. A third has held her head on one side for six weeks. Owing to one half of her head, having three more hairs on it than the other. A fourth has broken a blood vessel by a slight movement, and the rupture cannot be healed without breaking the whole limb. Poor things!

Starting point is 11:35:41 End of Section 54 Chapter 55 of the Book of the Thousand Nights. And a Knight, Volume 12. This is a Libra Vox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12 by Anonymous,

Starting point is 11:36:20 translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 55. The Prince Who Fell in Love, with the picture. In the Persian tales of the thousand and one days, a young prince entered his father's treasury one day and saw there a little cedar chest set with pearls, diamonds, emeralds, and tapazes. On opening it, for the key was in the lock, he beheld the picture of an exceedingly beautiful woman, with whom he immediately fell in love. Accertaining the name of the lady from an inscription on the back of the portrait, he set off with a companion to discover her,

Starting point is 11:37:13 and having been told by an old man at Baghdad that her father at one time reigned in Salon, he continued his journey thither, encountering many unheard-of adventures by the way. Ultimately, he is informed that the lady with whose portrait he had become enamored was one of the favorites of King Solomon. One should suppose that his would have effectually occurred the lovesick prince, but no, he could never banish her sweet image from his heart.

Starting point is 11:37:54 Two instances of falling in love with the picture of a pretty woman occur in the Katha Seri saga. In Book 10, Chapter 51, a painter shows King Privyrupa the counterfeit presentment of a beauteous princess Rapalata, and as the king gazed on it, his eye was drowned in that sea of beauty, her person, so that he could not draw it out again. For the king, whose longing was excessive, could not be satisfied with devouring her form, which poured forth a stream of the nectar of beauty, as the partridge cannot be satisfied with devouring.

Starting point is 11:38:49 devouring the moonlight. In book 12, chapter 100, a female assigne, shows a wandering prince, the portrait of the princess Mandaraviti and Sundaracena, when he beheld that maiden, who, though she was present, there only in a picture, seemed to be of romantic beauty. And like a flowing forth of joy, immediately felt as if he had been pierced with the arrows of the god of the flowery bow, i.e. Kama. In chapter 35 of Scott's translation of the Bahir adanish, Prince Farokka Fall opens a volume, which he has scarcely done when the fatal portrait of the fair princess, who the astrologers had foretold, was to occasion him so many perils,

Starting point is 11:39:57 presented itself to his view. He instantly fainted when the slave alarmed, conveyed intelligence of his condition to the Sultan, and related the unhappy cause of the disorder. In Gomberville's romance of Polyzan, the African prince, Abdel Malik, falls in love with a portrait of

Starting point is 11:40:27 a Sidiana and similar incidents occur in the romance of a Gisselis of Colchus and in the story of the seven wazirs Volume 6. But why multiply instances? Nothing is more common in

Starting point is 11:40:49 Asiatic Fictions. End of Section 55. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, B.C. Section 56 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is the Librivox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Levina

Starting point is 11:41:22 The Book of Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 56, The Fuller, his wife and the trooper, Volume 11 In addition to the versions of this amusing story referred to on page 231, all of which will be found in the second volume of my work on popular tales and fictions, pages 2112 to 228 There is yet another

Starting point is 11:41:55 in the Persian story book of unknown date entitled Shamsa U Khoo Kuhuhah returned by Mirza Barquodar Turkman of which an account

Starting point is 11:42:06 together with specimens is given in a recently published little book Quarich Persian portraits a sketch of Persian history literature and politics by Mr. F. F. Arbethnot

Starting point is 11:42:18 author of Early Ideas, a group of Hindu stories. This version occurs in a tale of three artful vibes or to employ the storyteller's own graphic terms, three wales of the sea of fraud and deceit, three dragons of the nature of thunder and the quickness of lightning, three defamers of honour and reputation, namely three men deceiving, lesheavious women, each of whom had, from the chicanery of a cunning, issued the diploma of turmoil to a hundred cities and countries, and in the arts of fraud they accounted Saturn as an admiring spectator in the theatre of their stratagems. One of them was sitting in the court of justice of the Qazi's embrace.

Starting point is 11:43:11 The second was the precious gem of the bazaar master's diadem of compliance, and the third was the biazal and ornament of the signet ring of the life and soul of the superintendent of police. They were constantly entrapping the fauns of the prairie of deceit within the grasp of cunning and plundered the wares of the caravans of tranquillity of hearts of strangers and acquaintances by means of the edge of the scimitar of fraud. One day this trefoil of Roggery met at the public bath and according to their homogeneous nature they intermingled as intimately as the comb with the hair. They tucked up their garment of enmity to the waste of union, entered the tank of agreement, seated themselves in the hot house of love and poured from the dish of folly by means of the key of hypocrisy, the water of profusiness, the water of profusiness. fusion upon the head of winter coast. They rubbed with a brush of familiarity and the soap of affection

Starting point is 11:44:19 the stains of jealousies from each other's limbs. After a while, when they had brought the pot of Concord to boil by the fire of mutual laudation, they warmed the bath of association with a breeze of kindness and came out. In the dressing room, all three of them happened simultaneously to find a ring, the gem of which surpassed the imagination of the dweller of destiny, and the like of which he had never beheld in the storehouse of possibility. In short, these worthy ladies contented with each other for possession of the ring, until at length the mother the batman came forward and proposed that they should entrust the ring to her in the meanwhile, and it should be the price of the one who most cleverly deceived and be fooled her husband

Starting point is 11:45:11 to which they all agreed and then departed for their respective domiciles. Mr. Arbuthnot's limits pertained only of abstracts of the tricks played upon their husbands by the three ladies, which the storyteller gives at great length, and that of the Kazi's wife is as follows. The Kazi's wife knows that. that a certain carpenter who lived close to her was very much in love with her. She sends her maid to him with a message to say that the flame of his love had taken effect upon her heart and that he must make an underground passage between his house and her dwelling

Starting point is 11:45:54 so that they might communicate with each other freely by means of the mind. The carpenter digs the passage and the lady pays him a visit and says to him, tomorrow I shall come here and you must bring the kazi to marry me to you. The next day the kazi goes to his office, the lady goes to the carpenter's house and sends him to bring her husband the kazi to marry them. The carpenter fetches him and as the kazi hopes for a good peasant, he comes willingly enough, but is much surprised at the extreme likeness between his bride and his own wife. The more he looks at her, the more he is in doubt, and at last offering an excuse to fit something, he rushes off to his own house, but is forestalled by his spouse, who has gone thither by the passage,

Starting point is 11:46:46 and on his arrival, is lying on her bed. The kazi makes some excuses for his sudden entry into her room and after some words goes back to the carpenter's house, but his wife had preceded him and is sitting in her place. again he begins the ceremony and is attracted by a black mole on the corner of the bride's lip which he could have sworn was the same as that possessed by his wife making some more excuses and in spite of the remonstrances of the carpenter he hurries back to his house once more but his wife had again got there before him and he finds her reading a book and much astonished at his second visit She suggests that he is mad and he admits that his conduct is curious and returns to the carpenter's house to complete the ceremony. This is again frequently interrupted but finally he marries his own wife to the carpenter. In having behaved in such an extraordinary manner throughout is sent off to a lunatic asylum.

Starting point is 11:47:54 For the tricks of the two other ladies and for many other equally diverting tales, I refer the reader to Mr. Arbuthnot's pleasing and instructive little book, which is indeed an admirable epitome, of the history and literature of Persia, and one which was greatly wanted in these days, when most men, like the dogs in Egypt, for fear of the crocodiles, must drink of the waters of information as they run in dread of the old enemy time. I have discussed the question of the genealogy of this tale else fear, but after somewhat more minute comparative analysis of the several versions, I am disposed to modify the opinion which I then entertained. I think we must consider as the direct or indirect source of the versions and variants, the mild gloriosis of plotters, the plot of which it is taken. in the prologue to the second act was taken from a Greek play.

Starting point is 11:49:04 It is, however, not very clear whether Berni adapted the story from Plotus or the seven wise masters, probably from the former, since in both the lady is represented to the captain and the cuckold as a twin sister, while in the seven wise masters the crafty knight pretends that she is his lemon, come from Hungary with tidal. that he may now with safety return home. On the other hand, in the seven wise masters, as in plotters, the lovers make their escape by a sea, an incident which Bernie had altered to a journey by land,

Starting point is 11:49:44 no doubt, in order to introduce further adventures for the development of his main plot. But then, we find a point of resemblance between Bernie and the seven wise masters in the incident of the cacold accompanying the lovers part of their way. In the latter to the seashore, while in Plotus, the deceived captain remains at home to persecute an amor and get a thrashing for his reward. In Plotus instead of a wife, it is a captain's slave girl.

Starting point is 11:50:17 It is curious that amidst all this masquerade of the Arabian story, the cacol's wife also personates her supposititious twin sister. as in Plotus and Berni. In Plotus, the houses of the lover and the captain adjoined, as is also the case in modern Italian and Sicilian virgins. While in Berni, the seven wise masters, the Arabian and the Persian story cited in this note that they are at some distance. With these resemblances and variations, it is not easy to say which version was derived

Starting point is 11:50:53 from another. evidently the Arabian story has been deliberately modified by the compiler and he has, I think, considerably improved upon the original. The ludicrous perplexity of the poor fuller when he awakes to find himself apparently transformed into a Turkish trooper, recalls the nursery rhyme of the little woman who went to market her ex-for to sell and falling asleep on the king's highway, a peddler, cut off her petticoors up to the knees and when she awoke and saw her conditions she exclaimed law come mercy me this is none of i and so on and not less diverting is the pelting the blockhead receives from his brother fullers altogether a capital story end of section fifty six section fifty seven of the book of the thousand knights and a knight volume twelve

Starting point is 11:51:58 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 Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, section 57. The Tale of the Simpleton husband. The curious reader will find European and Asiatic versions

Starting point is 11:52:38 of this amusing story in originals and analogs of some of Schosser's Canterbury Tales published for the Schosser Society, pages 177 to 188, and in a paper contributed by Me, The Enchanted Tree, pages 341 to 364. End of Section 57, recording by Lyndermeree Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Section number 58 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12.

Starting point is 11:53:26 This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 58, The Tale of the Three Men and Our Lord Issa. Under the title of The Robbers and the Treasure Trove, I have brought together many European and Asiatic versions

Starting point is 11:54:10 of this widespread tale in Schosser Analoges, pages 415 to 436. End of Section 58, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Section 51 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. 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 Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12 by Anonymous.

Starting point is 11:54:58 Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 59 The Melancholist and the Sharper, Volume 11, page 264. A similar but much shorter story is found in Gladwin's Persian Munchy and story books in several of the Indian vernaculars, which have been rendered into English. A miser said to a friend,

Starting point is 11:55:23 I have now a thousand rupees, which I will bury out of the city, and I will not tell the secret to anyone besides yourself. They went out of the city together and buried the money under a tree. Some days after, the miser went alone to the tree and found no signs of his money. He said to himself, accepting that friend, no other has taken it away. But if I question him, he will never confess. He therefore went to the friend's house and said, A great deal of money has come into my hands, which I want to put in the same place.

Starting point is 11:55:57 If you will come tomorrow, we will go together. The friend, by coveting this large sum, replaced the former money, and the miser next day went there alone and found it. He was delighted with his own contrivance and never again placed any confidence in friends. One should suppose a miser the last person to confide the secret of his wealth to anyone, but the Italian versions bear a closer resemblance to the Arabian story. From number 74 of the Santo Novelle Antich Sesh Seshetti, who was the Italian, Born in 1335 and is ranked by Cresciumbini as next to Baccio adapted his 198 novella, which is a most pleasing version of the Asiatic story.

Starting point is 11:56:45 Italian version. A blind man of Oviedo of the name of Cola hit upon a device to recover a hundred Florence he had been cheated of, which showed he was possessed of all the eyes of Argus, though he had unluckily lost his own, and this he did not without wasting a farthing, either upon law or arbitration, by sheer dexterity, for he had formerly been a barber and accustomed to shave very close, having then all his eyes about him, which had now been closed for about thirty years. Alms seemed then the only resource to which he could betake himself, and such was a surprising progress he in a short time made in his new trade, that he counted a hundred florins in his

Starting point is 11:57:28 purse, which he secretly carried about him until he could find a safer place. His gains far surpassed anything he had realized with his razor and scissors. Indeed, they increased so fast that he no longer knew where to bestow them. Until one morning, happening to remain the last, as he believed, in the church, he thought of depositing his purse of a hundred florins under a loose tile in the floor behind the door, knowing the situation of the place perfectly well. After listening some time without hearing a foot stirring, he very cautiously laid it in the spot. But unluckily there remained a certain Ucio Pizirnolo, offering his adoration before an image of San Giovanni Bacadaro,

Starting point is 11:58:14 who happened to see Cola busily engaged behind the door. He continued his adoration until he saw the blind man depart, when not in the least suspecting the truth, he approached and searched the place. He soon found the identical tile, and on removing it with the help of his knife, he found the purse, which he very quietly put into his pocket, replacing the tile just as they were, and resolving to say nothing about it, he went home. At the end of three days, the blind mendicant, desirous of inspecting his treasure, took a quiet time for visiting the place, and removing the towel, searched a long while in great perturbation, but all in vain, to find his treasure. his beloved purse. At last, replacing things just as they were, he was compelled to return in no very enviable state of mind to his dwelling, and there meditating on his loss, the harvest of the toil of so many days, by dint of intense thinking, a bright thought struck

Starting point is 11:59:14 him, as frequently happens by cogitating in the dark, how he had yet a kind of chance of redeeming his loss spoils. Accordingly in the morning he called his young guide, a lad about nine years old, saying, My son, lead me to church. And before setting out, he tutored him how he was to behave, seating himself at his side before the entrance, and particularly remarking every person who should enter into the church. Now, if you happen to see anyone who takes particular notice of me

Starting point is 11:59:45 and who either laughs or makes any sign, be sure you observe it and tell me. The boy promised he would, and they proceeded accordingly and took their station before the church. When the dinner hour arrived, the father and son prepared to leave the place, the former inquiring, by the way, whether his son had observed anyone looking hard at him as he passed along. That I did, answered the lad, but only one, and he laughed as he went past us. I do not know his name, but he is strongly marked with the smallpox and live somewhere near the Frati Minori. Do you think, my dear lad, said his father, that you could take me to his shop and tell me when you say you.

Starting point is 12:00:26 see him there? To be sure I could, said the lad. Then come, let us lose no time, replied the father. And when we are there, tell me, and when I speak to him, you can step on one side and wait for me. So the sharp little fellow led him along the way until he reached the cheesemonger's stall, when he acquainted his father and brought him close to it. No sooner did the blind man hear him speaking with his customers that he recognized him for the same Jusio with whom he had formerly been acquainted during his days of light. When the coast was a little clear, our blind hero entreated some moment's conversation, and Jusio, half suspecting the occasion, took him on one side into a little room, saying, "'Cola, friend, what good news?'

Starting point is 12:01:12 "'Why,' said Cola, "'I am come to consult you, in great hopes you will be of use to me.' you know it is a long time since i lost my sight and being in a destitute condition i was compelled to earn my subsinence by begging alms now by the grace of god and with the help of you and other good people of orvieto i have saved a sum of two hundred florins one hundred of which i have deposited in a safe place and the others in the hands of my relations which i expect to receive with interest in the course of a week now if you would consent to receive and to employ for me to the best advantage the whole sum of two hundred florins it would be doing me a great kindness for there is no one besides in all orvieto in whom i dare to confide nor do i like to be at the expense of paying a notary for doing business which we can as well transact ourselves only i wish you would say nothing about it but receive the two hundred florins from me to employ as you think best say not a word about it for there would be an end of my calling were it known i had received so large a sum in alms here the blind mendicent stopped and the sly euccio imagining he might thus become master of the entire sum said he should be very happy to serve him in every way he could and would return an answer the next morning as to the best way of laying out the money cola then took his leave while ucio going directly for the purse deposited it in its old place being in full expectation of soon receiving it again with the addition of the other hundred as it was clear that cola had not yet missed the money the cunning old mendeson on his part expected that he would do no less and

Starting point is 12:03:01 And trusting that his plot might have succeeded, he set out the very same day to the church and had the delight on removing the tile to find his purse really there. Seizing upon it, with the utmost eagerness, he concealed it under his clothes and placing the tiles exactly in the same position, he hastened home whistling, troubling himself very little about his appointment of the next day. The sly thief, Yusio, set out accordingly the next morning to see his friend Cola and actually met him on the road. "'Whither are you going?' inquired UCO. "'I was going,' said Cola, to your house.

Starting point is 12:03:38 The former, then taking the blind man aside, said, "'I am resolved to do what you ask, and since you are pleased to confide in me, I will tell you of a plan that I have in hand for laying out your money to advantage. If you will put the 200 Florens into my possession, I will make a purchase in cheese and salt meat, a speculation with cannot fail to turn to good account. Thank you, Quoth Cola. I am going today for the other hundred, which I mean to bring, and when you have got them both, you can do with them what you think proper. Ucio said, then let me have them soon, for I think I can secure this bargain, and as the soldiers

Starting point is 12:04:19 are come into the town who are fond of these articles, I think it cannot fail to answer. So go, and heaven speed you. And Cola went, but with you. very different intentions from those imagined by his friend. Cola being now clear-sighted and UCO truly blind. The next day, Cola called on his friend with very downcast on melancholy looks, and when UCO bade him good day, he said, I wish for my soul it were good or even a middling day for me. Why, what is the matter?

Starting point is 12:04:53 The matter, echoed Cola. Why, it is all over with me. Some rascal has stolen a hundred florins from the place where they were hidden, and I cannot recover a penny from my relations, so that I may eat my fingers off or anything I have to expect." UCO replied, this is like all the rest of my speculations. I have invariably lost where I expected to make a good hit. What I shall do I know not, for if the person should choose to keep me to the agreement I have made for you, I shall be in a pretty dilemma indeed. Yet, said Cola, I think my condition

Starting point is 12:05:30 is still worse than yours. I shall be sadly distressed and shall have to amass a fresh capital, which will take me ever so long. And when I have got it, I will take care not to conceal it in a hole in the floor, or trusted, UCO, into my friend's hands. But, said U.S.O, if we could contrive to recover what is owing by your relations, we might still make some pretty profit of it. I doubt not, for he thought, if he could only get hold of the hundred he had returned, it would still be something in his way. Why, said Cola, to tell the truth if I were to proceed against my relations, I believe I might get it.

Starting point is 12:06:09 But such a thing would ruin my business, my dear UCO, forever. The world would know I was worth money, and I should get no more money from the world. So I fear I shall hardly be able to profit by your kindness, though I shall always consider myself as much obliged as if I had actually cleared a large sum. Moreover, I am going to teach another blind man my profession, and if we have luck you shall see me again, and we can venture a speculation together. So far the wily mendicent, to whom Ucio said, Well, go and try to get money soon, and bring it.

Starting point is 12:06:45 You know where to find me, but look sharp about you, and the Lord speed you. Farewell. Farewell, said Cola, and I am well rid of thee, he whispered to himself, and going upon his way in a short time he doubled his capital, but he no longer went near his friend Yusio to know how he should invest it. He had great diversion in telling the story to his companions during their feasts, always concluding. By St. Lucia, Yuccio is a blinder of the two.

Starting point is 12:07:14 He thought it was a bold stroke to risk his hundred to double the amount. End of Section 59, recording by Brise, Youngstown. Section 60 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recording by Brise, Youngstown. The Book of the Thousand Nights and the Night, volume 12 by Anonymous,

Starting point is 12:07:53 translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 60, The Melancholist and the Sharper Part 2. For my own part, I think the blind must possess a more acute intellect than other people, inasmuch as the light, exhibiting such a variety of objects to view, is apt to distract the attention of which many examples might be adduced. For instance, two gentlemen may be conversing together on some matter of business, and in the middle of a sentence a fine woman happens to pass by, and they will suddenly stop gazing after her, or find a quipage or any other object is enough to turn the current of their thoughts.

Starting point is 12:08:33 And then we are obliged to recollect ourselves, saying, where was I? What was it that I was observing? A thing which never occurs to a blind man. The philosopher, Democritus, very properly on his account, knocked his eyes out in order to catch objects and adjust their light with his mind's eye. It is impossible to describe UCO's vexation on going to church and finding the Florens were gone. His regret was far greater than if he had actually lost a hundred of his own, as is known to be the case with all inveterate rogues, half of whose pleasure consists in depriving others of their lawful property. There are many analogous stories, one of which is the well-known tale of the merchant who, before going on a journey,

Starting point is 12:09:22 deposited with a dervish 1,000 sequins, which he thought it prudent to reserve in case of accidents. When he returned and requested his deposit, the dervish flatly denied that he ever had any of his money. Upon this the merchant went and laid his case before the kazi, who advised him to return to the dervish and speak pleasantly to him, which he does but receives nothing but abuse. He informed the kazi of this and was told not to go near the dervish for the press. present, but to be at ease, for he should have his money next day. The cause he then sent for the dervish, and after entertaining him sumptuously, told him that for certain reasons he was desirous of removing a considerable sum of money from his

Starting point is 12:10:07 house, that he knew of no person in whom he could confide so much as himself, and that if he would come the following evening at a late hour he should have their precious deposit. On hearing this, the dervish expressed his gratification. that so much confidence should be placed in his integrity and agreed to take charge of the treasure. Next day the merchant returned to the kazi, who bade him go back to the dervish and demand his money once more, and should he refuse, threaten to complain to the kazi? If the result may be readily guessed, no sooner did the merchant mention the kazi than the rascally dervus said,

Starting point is 12:10:46 My good friend, what need is there to complain to the kazi? Here's your money. It is only a little joke on what? my part. But in the evening, when he went to receive the Kasi's pretended deposit, he experienced the truth of the saw that covetedness soes up the eyes of cunning. A variant of this is found in the Continental Jester Romanorum, Chapter 118 of Swan's translation, in which a knight deposits ten talents with a respectable old man, who when called upon to refund the money, denies all knowledge of it. By the advice of an old woman, the knight has ten chests made and employs a person to take them to the old man and represent them as containing treasure.

Starting point is 12:11:31 And while one of them is being carried into his house, the knight enters and in the stranger's presence demands his money, which is at once delivered to him. In Mr. Edward Rahatsik's translated selections from the Persian storybook Shamsa U. Kukuha, Cante, page 329, printed at Bombay in 1871, under the title of amusing stories, there is a tale, number 18, which also bears some resemblance to that of the melancholist and the sharper, and as Mr. Rahatsik's little work is exceedingly scarce, I give it in extensal as follows. There was in Damascus a man of the name of Zain al-Arab, with the honey of whose life the poison of hardships was always mixed.

Starting point is 12:12:22 Day and night he hastened like the breeze from north to south in the world of exertion, and he was burning brightly like straw from his endeavors in the oven of acquisition in order to gain a loaf of bread and feed his family. In course of time, however, he succeeded in accumulating a considerable sum of money, but as he had tasted the bitter poison of destitution, and had for a very long time carried the heavy load of poverty upon his back, and fearing to lose his property by the chameleon-like changes of fortune, he took up his money on a certain night, carried it out of the city, and buried it under a tree.

Starting point is 12:13:02 After some time had passed, he began sorely to miss the presence of his treasure, and betook himself to the tree to refresh his eyes with the sight of it. But when he dug up the ground at the foot of the tree, he discovered that his, his sole exhilarating deposit was refreshing the palate of someone else. The morning of his prosperity was suddenly changed into the evening of bitterness and disappointment. He was perplexed to what friend to confide his secret and to what remedy to fly for the recovery of his treasure. The lancet of grief had pierced the liver of his peace, and the huntsman of distress had tied up the wings and feet of the bird of his serenity. One day he went on some sort of his serenity. One day he went on

Starting point is 12:13:45 some business to a learned and wise man of the city with whom he was on a footing of intimacy. This man said to him, It is some time since I perceived the glade of your circumstances to have been destroyed by the burning coals of restlessness, and a sad change to have taken place in your health. I do not know the reason, nor what thorn of misfortune has pierced the foot of your heart, nor what hardship has dawned from the east of your mind. Zane Al-Arab wept tears of sadness and said, O thou standard coin from the mint of love,

Starting point is 12:14:21 the treachery of misfortune has brought a strange accident upon me, and the bow of destiny has let fly an unpropitious arrow upon my feeble target. I have a heavy heart and great sorrow, and were I to reveal it to you, perhaps it would be of no use and would plunge you also into grief. The learned man said, since the hearts of intimate friends are like looking-glasses and are receiving the figures of mutual secrets, it is at all times necessary that they should communicate to each other any difficulties which they have fallen into, that they may remove them by taking in common those steps which prudence and foresight should recommend.

Starting point is 12:15:02 Zane L. Arab replied, Dear friend, I have some gold, and fearing l. it should be stolen, I carried it to such and such a place and buried in such a place and buried in under a tree, and when I again visited the place, I perceived the garment of my beloved Joseph to be sprinkled with the blood of the wolf of deception. The learned man said, this is a grave accident, and it will be difficult to get on the track of your gold. Perhaps someone saw you bury it. He who has taken it will have to give an account of it in the next world, for God is omniscient. Give me ten days delay that I may study the book of expedients and stratagems when mayhap somewhat will occur to me.

Starting point is 12:15:45 That knowing man sat down for ten days in the school of meditation, and how much so ever he turned over the leaves of the volume of his mind from the preface to the epilogue he could hit upon no plan. On a tenth day they met again in the street, and he said to Zane Alarab, although the diver of my mind has plunged deeply and searched diligently in this deep sea, He has been unable to seize the precious pearl of a wise plan of operation. May God recompense you from the stores of his hidden treasury. They were conversing in this way when a lunatic met them and said, Well, my boys, what secret-mongering have you got between you?

Starting point is 12:16:27 The learned man said to Zane Al-A-Rab. Come, let us relate our case to this crazy fellow to see the flower of the plant that may bloom from his mind. Zane Al-A-Rab replied, dear friend, you with all your knowledge, cannot devise anything during ten days. What information are we likely to gain from a poor lunatic who does not know whether it is now day or night? The learned man said, there is no telling what he may say to us, but you know that the most foolish as well as the most wise have ideas, and a sentence uttered at random has sometimes furnished a clue

Starting point is 12:17:04 by which the desired object may be attained. Meanwhile, a little boy also came up, and perceiving the lunatic stopped to see his tricks. The two friends explained their case to the lunatic, who then seemed immersed in thought for some time, after which he said, He who took the root of that tree for medicine also took the gold. And having thus spoken, he turned his back upon them and went his way. They consulted with each other what indication this remark might furnish, when the little boy who had overheard the conversation, asked what kind of tree it was, Zane Al-A-Rab replied that it was a ju-jub tree. The boy said, this is an easy matter, you ought to inquire of all the doctors of this

Starting point is 12:17:49 town for whom a medicine has been prescribed of the roots of this tree. They greatly admired the boy's acuteness and also of the lunatic's lucky thought. A learned man was well acquainted with all the physicians of the city and made his inquiries till he met with one who informed him that about 20 days ago he had prescribed for a merchant of the name of Koja Seminder who suffered from asthma and that one of the remedies was the root of the ju-jube tree. The learned man soon discovered the merchant's house, found him enjoying excellent health, and said to him, ah, Kosha, all the goods of this world ought to be surrendered to procure health. By the blessing of God, you have recovered your health, and you ought to give up what you found at the root of that tree, because your owner of it is a worthy man and possesses nothing else.

Starting point is 12:18:43 The honest merchant answered, it is true I have found it, and it is with me. If you will describe it, I will deliver it into your hands. The exact sum being stated, the merchant at once delivered up the gold. In the Kathas Sirit Sagara, Book 6, Chapter 6. 33, we have probably the original of this last story. A wealthy merchant provided a Brahmin with a lodging near his own house, and every day gave him a large quantity of unhushed rice and other presents, and in course of time he received light gifts from other great merchants. In this way, the miserly fellow gradually accumulated a thousand dinars, and going into the forest he dug a hole

Starting point is 12:19:27 and buried it in the ground, and he went daily to carefully examine the spot. One day, however, he discovered that his hoard had been stolen, and he went to his friend, the merchant, near whose house he lived, and, weeping bitterly, told him of his loss, and that he had resolved to go to a holy bathing place, and there starve himself to death. The merchant tried to console him and dissuade him from his resolution, saying,

Starting point is 12:19:55 "'Brahman, why do you long to die for the loss of your life?' wealth. Wealth like an unseasonable cloud suddenly comes and goes. But the Brahmin would not abandon his fixed determination to commit suicide, for wealth is dearer to the miser than life itself. When he was about to depart for the holy place, the king, having heard of it, came and asked him, Brahmin, do you know of any mark by which you can distinguish the place where you buried your dinars? He replied, there is a small tree in the wood at the foot of which I buried that money. Then said the king, I will find the money and give it back to you, or I will give it you from my own treasury. Do not commit suicide, Brahmin.

Starting point is 12:20:39 When the king returned to his palace, he pretended to have a headache and summoned all the physicians in the city by proclamation with beat of drum. And he took aside every one of them singly and questioned them privately, saying, what patients have you and what medicines have you prescribed for each, and they thereupon, one by one, answered the king's questions. At length the physician said, the merchant, Matradata, has been out of sorts, O king, and this is the second day I have prescribed for him Nagabala, the plant Uraria, Lagapodotus. Then the king sent for the merchant and said to him, Tell me, who fetched you the Nagabala?

Starting point is 12:21:20 The merchant replied, My servant, Your Highness. On hearing this, the king at once summoned the servant and said to him, Give up that treasure belonging to a Brahman, consisting of a store of dinars, which you found when you were digging at the foot of the tree for Nagabala. When the king said this to him, the servant was frightened and confessed immediately, and bringing the money left it there. Then the king summoned the Brahmin and gave him, who had been fasting meanwhile,

Starting point is 12:21:50 the dinars, lost and found again, like a second soul external to his body. Thus did the king by his wisdom recover to the Brahmin his wealth, which had been taken away from the root of the tree, knowing that that simple grew in such spots. End of Section 60. Recording by Bryce Youngstown. Section 61 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight. Volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night. Volume 12 by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. The tale of the devout woman accused of lewdness. This is one of three Arabian variants of Chaucer's Man of Law's Tale, The Story of Constance,

Starting point is 12:23:11 of which there are numerous versions. See my paper entitled The Innocent Persecuted Wife, Pages, 365 to 414, of A originals and analogues of some of chaucers, Caterbury Tales. In of Section 61, recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Section 62 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.

Starting point is 12:23:59 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 62 The Weaver Who Became a Leech by Order of His Wife. Somewhat resembling this, but much more elaborate, is the amusing story of Ahmed the Cobbler in Sir John Malcolm's Sketches of Persia, Chapter 20. The original of which is probably found in the tale of Harisarman, book 6, chapter 30, of the Catha Sarit Sagara.

Starting point is 12:24:39 And it has many European variants, such as the German story of Dr. Alwesand in Grimm's collection, and that of the charcoal burner in Sir George Dacens' tales from the field. to the Persian story, Ahmed the cobbler had a young and pretty wife, of whom he was very fond. She was ever forming grand schemes of riches and splendor, and was firmly persuaded that she was destined to great fortune. It happened one evening, while in this frame of mind, that she went to the public baths, where she saw a lady retiring dressed in a magnificent robe, covered with jewels, but she was a woman, and surrounded by slaves.

Starting point is 12:25:26 This was the very condition she had always longed for, and she eagerly inquired the name of the happy person who had so many attendants and such fine jewels. She learned it was the wife of the chief astrologer to the king. With this information she returned home. Ahmed met her at the door, but was received with a frown, nor could all his caresses obtain a smile or a word. For several hours she continued silent, and in apparent misery. At length, she said, cease your caresses.

Starting point is 12:26:04 Unless you are ready to give me a proof that you do really and sincerely love me. What proof of love? Exclaimed poor Ahmed, can you desire that I will not give? Give over-cobling. It is a vile, low trade, and never yields more than ten or twelve dinars a day. Turn astrologer. Your fortune will be made,

Starting point is 12:26:29 and I shall have all I wish and be happy. Astrologer, cried Ahmed. Astrologer! Have you forgotten who I am? A cobbler, without any learning? That you want me to engage in a profession which requires so much skill and knowledge? I neither think nor care about your qualifications,

Starting point is 12:26:53 said the enraged wife. All I know is that if you do not turn astrologer immediately, I will be divorced from you tomorrow,' the cobbler remonstrated, but in vain. The figure of the astrologer's wife, with her jewels and her slaves, took complete possession of her imagination. All night it haunted her. She dreamt of nothing else, and on awakening declared that she would leave the house if her husband did not comply with her wishes. What could poor Ahmed do? He was no astrologer,

Starting point is 12:27:33 but he was dotingly fond of his wife, and he could not bear the idea of losing her. He promised to obey, and, having sold his little stock, bought an astrolabe, an astronomical almanac, and a table of the twelve signs of the zodiac. Furnished with these, he went to the marketplace, crying, I am an astrologer. I know the sun and the moon and the stars, and the twelve signs of the zodiac. I can calculate nativities.

Starting point is 12:28:11 I can foretell everything that is to happen. No man was better known than Ahmed the cobbler. A crowd soon gathered round him. What friend Ahmed, said one, have you worked till your head is turned? Are you tired of looking down at your last? cried another, that you are now looking up at the stars? These and a thousand other jokes assailed the ears of the poor cobbler,

Starting point is 12:28:38 who, notwithstanding, continued to exclaim that he was an astrologer, having resolved on doing what he could to please his beautiful wife. It so happened that the king's jeweler was passing by. He was in great distress. having lost the richest ruby belonging to the king. Every search had been made to recover this inestimable jewel, but to no purpose. And as the jeweler knew he could no longer conceal its loss from the king,

Starting point is 12:29:13 he looked forward to death as inevitable. In this hopeless state, while wandering about the town, he reached the crowd around Ahmed, and asked what was the matter. Don't you know Ahmed the cobbler? said one of the bystanders laughing. He has been inspired and has become an astrologer. A drowning man will catch at a broken reed.

Starting point is 12:29:42 The jeweler no sooner heard the sound of the word astrologer. Then he went up to Ahmed, told him what had happened, and said, If you understand your art, you must be able to discover the king's ruby. Do so, and I will give you two hundred pieces of gold. But if you do not succeed within six hours, I will use my influence at court to have you put to death as an impostor. Poor Ahmed was thunderstruck. He stood long, without being able to speak,

Starting point is 12:30:20 reflecting on his misfortunes. and grieving above all, that his wife, whom he so loved, had by her envy and selfishness, brought him to such a fearful alternative. Full of these sad thoughts, he exclaimed aloud, O woman, woman, thou art more baneful to the happiness of man than the poisonous dragon of the desert. Now the lost ruby had been secreted by the jeweller's wife, who, disquieted by those alarms which ever attend guilt, sent one of her female slaves to watch her husband. This slave, on seeing her master speak to the astrologer, drew near.

Starting point is 12:31:09 And when she heard Ahmed, after some moments of abstraction, compare a woman to a poisonous dragon, she was satisfied that he must know everything. She ran to her mistress, and, breathless with fear, cried, you are discovered by a vile astrologer. Before six hours are passed, the whole story will be known, and you will become infamous, if you are even so fortunate as to escape with life, unless you can find some way of prevailing on him to be merciful.

Starting point is 12:31:43 She then related what she had seen and heard, and Ahmed's exclamation carried as complete conviction to the mind of the terrified lady, as it had done to that of her slave. The jeweler's wife, hastily throwing on her veil, went in search of the dreaded astrologer. When she found him, she cried, Spare my honor and my life, and I will confess everything. What can you have to confess to me? said Ahmed in amazement.

Starting point is 12:32:15 Oh, nothing, nothing with which you were not already acquainted. You know too well that I stole the king's ruby. I did so to punish my husband, who uses me most cruelly, and I thought by this means to obtain riches for myself, and have him put to death. But you, most wonderful man, from whom nothing is hidden, have discovered and defeated my wicked plan. I beg only for mercy, and will do whatever you command me. An angel from heaven could not have brought more consolation to Ahmed than did the

Starting point is 12:32:54 Duler's wife. He assumed all the dignified solemnity that became his new character, and said, Woman, I know all thou hast done, and it is fortunate for thee that thou hast come to confess thy sin and beg for mercy before it was too late. Return to thy house. Put the ruby under the pillow of the couch on which thy husband sleeps. Let it be laid on the side farthest from the door. and be satisfied thy guilt shall never be even suspected. The jeweller's wife went home, and did as she was instructed. In an hour, Ahmed followed her,

Starting point is 12:33:38 and told the jeweller he had made his calculations, and found by the aspect of the sun and moon, and by the configuration of the stars, that the ruby was at that moment lying under the pillow of his couch, on the side farthest from the door. The jeweler thought Ahmed must be crazy, but as a ray of hope is like a ray from heaven to the wretched, he ran to his couch, and there, to his joy and wonder, found the ruby in the very place described. He came back to Ahmed, embraced him, called him his dearest friend, and the preserver of his life,

Starting point is 12:34:18 gave him two hundred pieces of gold, declaring that he was the first astrologer, of the age. Ahmed returned home with his lucky gains, and would gladly have resumed his cobbling. But his wife, insisting on his continuing to practice his new profession, there was no help but to go out again next day and proclaim his astrological accomplishments. By mere chance, he is the means of a lady recovering a valuable necklace,

Starting point is 12:34:51 which she had lost at the bath, and 40 chests of gold stolen from the king's treasury and is finally rewarded with the hand of the king's daughter in marriage. End of Section 62. Recording by Mike Atkinson, Victoria, Canada Chapter 63 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libri-Vox recording.

Starting point is 12:35:28 LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Diane Castillo. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 63, The Story of the King Who Lost Kingdom, Wife and Welf. Part 1, Kashmiri Version. In the Indian Antiquary for June 1886, the Reverend J. Hinton Knowles gives a translation of what he terms a Kashmiri tale under the title of Pride Abashed, which he says was told him by a Brahman named Mukund Bayou, who resides at Sathu Srinagar, and which is an interesting variant of the Wazir Er Rawan's second story of the king who lost his realm and wealth. Kashmiri Version

Starting point is 12:36:37 There was once a king who was noted throughout his dominions for daily boasting of his power and riches. His ministers at length became wary of this self-glorification, and one day when he demanded of them, as you, usual, whether there existed in the whole world, another king as powerful as he, they plainly told him that there was such another potentate, upon which he assembled his troops and rode forth at their head, challenging the neighboring kings to fight with him. Air long, he met with more than his match, for another king came with a great army and utterly defeated him and took possession of his kingdom. Disguising himself, the humbled king escaped with his wife and two boys, and arriving at the

Starting point is 12:37:34 seashore, found a ship about to sail. The master agreed to take him and his family, and land them at the port for which he was bound. But when he beheld the beauty of the queen, he became enamored of her, and determined to make her his own. The queen was the first to go on board the ship, and the king and his two sons were about to follow when they were seized by a party of ruffians, hired by the shipmaster, and held back until the vessel had got fairly under way. The queen was distracted on the seeing her husband and children left behind, and refused to listen to the master's suit, who, after having tried to win her love for several days without success, resolved to sell her as a slave.

Starting point is 12:38:28 Among the passengers was a merchant, who, saying that the lady would not accept the shipmaster for her husband, thought that if he bought her, he might in time gain her affection. accordingly he purchased her of the master for a large sum of money, and then told her that he had done so with a view of making her his wife. The lady replied that, although the shipman had no right to thus dispose of her, yet she would consent to marry him at the end of two years,

Starting point is 12:39:04 if she did not during that period meet with her husband and their two sons. and to this condition the merchant agreed in the meanwhile the king having sorrowfully watched the vessel till it was out of sight turned back with his two boys who wept and lamented as they ran beside him after walking a great distance he came to a shallow but rapid river which he wished to cross and as there was no boat or bridge he was obliged to wade through the water taking up one of his sons he contrived to reach the other side in safety and was returning for the other when the force of the current overcame him and he was drowned when the two boys noticed that their father had perished they wept bitterly their separation too was a further cause for grief there they stood one on either side of the river with no no means of reaching each other. They shouted and ran about hither and thither in their grief, till they had almost wearied themselves into sleep.

Starting point is 12:40:23 When a fisherman came past, who, seeing the great distress of the boys, took them into his boat, and asked them who they were, and who were their parents. And they told him all that had happened. When he had heard their story, he said, You have not a father or mother, and I have not a child. Evidently, God has sent you to me. Will you be my own children and learn to fish and live in my house? Of course, the poor boys were only too glad to find a friend and shelter.

Starting point is 12:41:04 Come, said the fisherman kindly, leading them out of the boat, to a house close by. I will look after you. The boys followed most happily and went into the fisherman's house, and when they saw his wife, they were still better pleased, for she was very kind to them, and treated them as if they had been her own children. The two boys went to school, and, when they had learned all that the master could teach them, they began to help their adoptive father, and in a little while became most expert and diligent young fishermen. Thus, time was passing with them, when it happened that a great fish threw itself onto the bank of the river and could not get back again into the water.

Starting point is 12:41:58 Everybody in the village went to see the monstrous fish and cut a slice of its flesh and took it home. A few people also went from the neighboring villages, and amongst them was a maker of earthenware. His wife had heard of the great fish and urged him to go and get some of the flesh. So he went, although the hour was late. On his arrival, he found that all the people had returned to their homes. The potter had taken an axe with him, thinking that the bones would be so great and sure. strong as to require its use in breaking them. When he struck the first blow, a voice came out of the fish, like that of someone in pain, at which the potter was greatly surprised.

Starting point is 12:42:48 Perhaps, thought he, the fish is possessed by a boot. I'll try again. Whereupon he struck another blow with his axe. Again, the voice came forth from the fish, saying, Woe is me! Woe is me! On hearing this, the Potter thought, Well, this is evidently not a boot, but the voice of an ordinary man, all cut the flesh carefully. May be that I shall find some poor distressed person. So he began to cut away the flesh carefully, and presently he perceived a man's foot, then the legs appeared,

Starting point is 12:43:34 and then the entire body. Praise be to God, he cried. The soul is yet in him. He carried the man to his house as fast as he could, and on arriving there did everything in his power to recover him. A large fire was soon got ready, and tea and soup given the man. And great was the joy of the potter and his wife

Starting point is 12:44:00 when they saw him reviving. For some months, the stranger lived with those good people, and learnt how to make pots and pans and other articles, and thereby helped them considerably. Now it happened that the king of that country died, and it was the custom of the people to take for their sovereign, whomsoever the late king's elephant and hawk should select. And so on the death of the king, the royal elephant was driven all over the country, and the hawk was made to fly about in search of a successor. And it came to pass that the person before whom the elephant saluted and on whom the hawk alighted was considered as the divinely chosen one.

Starting point is 12:44:53 Accordingly, the elephant and the hawk went about the country, and in the course of their wanderings, came by the house of the potter, who had so kindly succored the poor man whom he found in the belly of the monstrous fish. And it chanced that as they passed the place, the stranger was standing by the door. And behold, no sooner did the elephant and hawk see him than the one bowed down before him, and the other perched on his hand. Let him be king, let him be king, shouted the people who were in attendance on the elephant, and they prostrated themselves before the stranger and begged him to accompany them to the palace. The ministers were glad when they heard the news, and most respectfully welcomed their new king.

Starting point is 12:45:49 As soon as the rights and ceremonies necessary for the installation of a king had been observed, his majesty entered on his duties. The first thing he did was to send for the potter and his wife and grant them some land and money. In this and other ways, such as just judgments, proper laws and kindly notices of all who are clever and good, he won for himself the good opinion and affection of his subjects and prospered in consequence thereof. After a few months, however, his health was impaired, and his physicians advised him to take outdoor exercise. Accordingly, he alternately rode, hunted, and fished. He was especially fond of fishing, and whenever he indulged in this amusement, he was attentive. by two sons of a fisherman who were clever and handsome youths.

Starting point is 12:46:55 About this time, the merchant who bought the wife of the poor king that was carried away by the rapid river, visited that country for purposes of trade. He obtained an interview with the king and displayed before him all his precious stones and stuffs. The king was much pleased to see such treasures, and asked many questions about them, and the countries once they had been brought. The merchant satisfied the king's curiosity, and then begged permission to trade in that country, under his majesty's protection, which the king readily granted and ordered that some soldiers should be placed on guard in the merchant's courtyard, and sent the fisherman's two sons to sleep in the premises.

Starting point is 12:47:45 One night, those two youths, not being able to sleep, the younger asked his brother to tell him a story to pass the time. So he replied, I will tell you one out of our own experience. Once upon a time, there lived a great and wealthy king, who was very proud, and his pride led him to utter ruin, and caused him the sorest afflictions.

Starting point is 12:48:14 One day, when going about with his army, challenging other kings to fight with him, a great and powerful king appeared and conquered him. He escaped with his wife and two sons to the sea, hoping to find a vessel by which he and his family might reach a foreign land. After walking several miles, they reached the seashore and found a ship ready to sail. The master of the vessel took the queen, but the king and his two sons were held back by some men who had been hired by the master for this purpose until the ship was underway.

Starting point is 12:48:53 The poor king, after this, walked long and far till he came to a rapid river. As there was no bridge or boat near, he was obliged to wait across. He took one of his boys and got over safely, and was returning for the other. when he stumbled over a stone, lost his footing, and was carried down the stream, and he has not been heard of since. A fisherman came along, and seeing the two boys crying, took them into his boat, and afterwards to his house, and became very fond of them, as did also his wife, and they were like father and mother to them. All this happened a few years ago, and the two boys are generally believed to be the fisherman's own sons. Oh, brother, we are these two boys.

Starting point is 12:49:50 And there you have my story. The tale was so interesting and its conclusion so wonderful that the younger brother was more awake than before. It had also attracted the attention of another. The merchant's promised wife, who happened to be lying awake at the time, and whose room was separated from the warehouse by a very thin partition, overheard all that had been sad. And she thought within herself, Surely these two boys must be my own sons. Presently, she was sitting beside them and asking them many questions.

Starting point is 12:50:32 Two years or more had made great difference in the persons of both the boys, but there were certain signs which a hundred years could not efface from a mother's memory. These, together with the answers which she elicited from them, assured her that she had found her own sons again. Tears streamed down her face as she embraced them and revealed to them that she was the queen, their mother, about whom they had just been speaking. She then told them all that had happened to her since she had been parted from them and their poor father the king. After which she explained that although the merchant was a good man and very wealthy,

Starting point is 12:51:26 yet she did not like him well enough to become his wife, and proposed a plan for her getting rid of him. my device said she is to pretend to the merchant that you attempted my honor i shall affect to be very angry and not give him any peace until he goes to the king and complains against you then will the king send for you in great wrath and inquire into this matter in reply you may say it is all a mistake for you regard me as your own mother, and in proof of this you will beg the king to summon me into his presence, that I may corroborate what you say. Then I will declare that you are really my own sons, and beseech the king to free me from the merchant, and allow me to live with you in any place I may choose for the rest of my days. The sons agreed to this proposal, and next night, when the

Starting point is 12:52:33 merchant was also sleeping in the house, the woman raised a great cry, so that everybody was awakened by the noise. The merchant came and asked because of the outcry, and she answered, The two youths who look after your warehouse have attempted to violate me, so I screamed in order to make them desist. On hearing this, the merchant was enraged. He immediately bound the two youths, and as soon as there was any chance of seeing the king, took them before him, preferred his complaint. What have you to say in your defense, said the king, addressing the youths, because if what this merchant charges against you be true, I will have you at once put to death. Is this the gratitude you manifest for all my kindness and condescension towards you?

Starting point is 12:53:34 Say quickly what you have to say. Oh, King, our benefactor, replied the elder brother, we are not affrighted by your words and looks, for we are true servants. We have not betrayed your trust in us, but have always tried to fulfill your wishes to the utmost of our power. The charge is brought against us by this merchant, are unfounded. We have not attempted to dishonor his wife. We have rather always regarded her as our own mother.

Starting point is 12:54:09 May it please your majesty to send for the woman and inquire further into this matter? The king consented, and the woman was brought before him. Is it true? he asked her, what the merchant, your affianced husband, witnesses against these two youths? Oh, King, she replied, the youths whom you gave to help the merchant have most carefully tried to carry out your wishes. But the night before last, I heard their conversation. The elder was telling the younger a tale from his own experience, he said. It was a story of a conceited king, who had been defeated by another more powerful than he, and obliged to fly with his wife and two children to the sea. There, through the vile trickery of the master of a vessel, the wife was

Starting point is 12:55:09 stolen and taken away to far-distance lands, where she became engaged to a wealthy traitor, while the exiled king and his two sons wandered in another direction, till they came. And to a river in which the king was drowned. The two boys were found by a fisherman and brought up as his own sons. These two boys, O king, are before you, and I am their mother who was taken away and sold to the traitor, and who after two days must be married to him. For I promised that if within a certain period I should not meet with my husband and two sons, I would be his wife. But I entreat Your Majesty to free me from this man. I do not wish to marry again, now that I have found my two sons.

Starting point is 12:56:06 In order to obtain an audience of your majesty, this trick was arranged with the two youths. By the time the woman had finished her story, the king's face was suffused with teeth. tears, and he was trembling visibly. When he had somewhat recovered, he rose from the throne, and going up to the woman and the two youths, embraced them long and fervently. You are my own dear wife and children, he cried.

Starting point is 12:56:43 God has sent you back to me. I, the king, your husband, your father was not drowned as. you supposed, but was swallowed by a great fish and nourished by it for some time, and then the monster threw itself upon the river's bank, and I was extricated. A potter and his wife had pity on me, and taught me their trade, and I was just beginning to earn my living by making earthen vessels when the late king of this country died, and I was chosen king. by the royal elephant and hawk. I, who am now standing here. Then his majesty ordered the queen

Starting point is 12:57:30 and her two sons to be taken into the inner apartments of the palace, and explained his conduct to the people assembled. The merchant was politely dismissed from the country, and as soon as the two princes were old enough to govern the kingdom, the king committed to them the charge of all affairs, while he retired with his wife to a sequestered spot and passed the rest of his days in peace. The tale of Sawar and Nir, as told by a celebrated bard from Barat, in the Mirath District in Volume 3 of Captain R.C. temples, Legends of the Punjab, pages 97 through 125, though differing and form somewhat from the Kashmary version, yet possesses the leading incidents in common with it, as will be seen from the following abstract.

Starting point is 12:58:37 End of Section 63, recording by Diane Castillo. This is a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit levervox.org. Recording by Derek Trial. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night,

Starting point is 12:59:11 Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 64. Story of the King Who Lost Kingdom, Wife, and wealth. Punjabi version. Amba, the Raja of Puna,

Starting point is 12:59:29 had a beautiful wife named Amli and two young sons, Sarwar and Nir. There came to his court one day a fakir. The Raja promised to give him whatsoever he should desire. The faker

Starting point is 12:59:44 required Amba to give up to him all he possessed, or lose his virtue, and the Raja gave him all, save his wife and two children, receiving in return the blessings of the fakir. Then the Raja and the Rani went away, he carrying Sarwar in his bosom, and she with near in her lap. For a time they lived on the fruits and roots of the forest. At length, the Rani gave her husband, her jeweled bodice, to sell in the bazaar, in order to procure food. He offered it to Kundan, the merchant,

Starting point is 13:00:22 who made him sit down and asked him where he had left the Ronnie and why he did not bring her with him. Amba told him that he had left her with their two boys under the banyan tree. Then, Kundan, leaving Amba in the shop, went and got a litter, and proceeding to the banyan tree, showed the Rani the bodice and said, Thy husband wishes thee to come to him. Nothing doubting, the Rani entered the litter, and the merchant sent it off to his own house. Leaving the boys in the forest, he returned to Amba and said to him that he had not enough money to pay the price of the bodice, so the Raja must take it back.

Starting point is 13:01:09 Amba took the bodice, and coming to the boys, learned from Sarwar how their mother had been carried away in a litter, and he was sorely grieved in his heart. but consoled the children saying that their mother had gone to her brother's house and that he would take them to her at once. Placing the two boys on his shoulders, he walked along till he came to a river. He sat down near and carried Sarwar safely across, but as he was going back for the other, behold, an alligator seized him. It was the will of God what remedy is there against the right of of fate. The two boys, separated by the river, sat down and wept in their sorrow. In the early morning, a washerman was up and spreading his clothes. He heard the two boys weeping and came to

Starting point is 13:02:04 see. He had pity on them and brought them together. Then he took them to his house and washed their faces and gave them food. He put them into a separate house and a Brahmin cooked for them. and gave them water. He caused the brothers to be taught all kinds of learning, and at the end of 12 years they both set out together to seek their living. They went to the city of Ujjjain and told the Raja their history, how they had left their home and kingdom. The Raja gave them arms and suitable clothing and appointed them guards over the female apartments. One day, a fisherman caught an alligator in his net. When he cut open its body, he found in it Raja Amba alive.

Starting point is 13:02:57 So he took him to the Raja of Ejain and told how he had found him in the stomach of an alligator. Amba related his whole history to the Raja, how he gave up all his wealth and his kingdom to a fakir, how his wife had been stolen from him. and how, after safely carrying one of his young sons over the river, in returning for the other, he had been swallowed by an alligator. On hearing of all these misfortunes, the Raja of Ejain pitied him and loved him in his heart. He adopted Amba as his son, and they lived together 20 years, when the Raja died and Amba obtained the throne. Meanwhile, the beautiful Ronnie Amli, the wife of Amba, had continued to refuse the merchant

Starting point is 13:03:52 Kundun's reiterated proffers of love. At length he said to her, Many days have passed over thee, live now in my house as my wife. And she replied, Let me bathe in the Ganges, and then I will dwell in thy house. So he took elephants and horses and locks of coin. and set the Rani in a litter and started on the journey. When he reached the city of Ujjain, he made a halt and pitched his tents. Then he went before Raja Amba and said, Give me a guard, for the knights are dark.

Starting point is 13:04:34 Hitherto I have had much trouble and no ease at nights. I am going to bathe in the Ganges to give alms, to give alms, and much food to Brahmin. I am come, Raja, to salute thee, bringing many things from my house. The Raja sent Sarwar anir as guards. They watched the tents, and while the rain was falling, the two brothers began, talking over their sorrows, saying, What can our mother be doing?

Starting point is 13:05:06 Whither hath our father gone? Their mother overheard them talking, and by the will of God she recognized the princes. Then she tore open the tent and cried aloud, All my property is gone. Who brought this thief to my tent? The Rani had both Sarwar and near seized, and brought before Raja Hamba

Starting point is 13:05:29 on the charge of having stolen her property. The Raja held the court and began to ask questions, saying, Tell me, what hath passed during the night? How much of thy property hath gone, my friend. I will do thee justice. according to thy desire. My heart is grieved, that thy goods are gone. Then said the Rani, be careful of the young elephant. The lightning flashes, and the heavy rain is falling. Said near, here, brother Sarwar, who knows whither our mother hath gone, and I recognized my son,

Starting point is 13:06:08 so I made all this disturbance, Raja, in order to get access to thee. Here, this, Raja Amba rose up and took her to his breast. Amli and Amba met again, through the mercy of God. The Raja gave orders to have Kundan hanged, saying, do it at once. He is a scoundrel. Undo him that he may not live. They quickly fetched the executioners and put on the noose, and then was Kundan strangled. Therani dwelt in the palace, and all her trusses. And all her passed far away. She fulfilled all her obligations and obtained great happiness through her virtue. Tibetan version Under the title of Krisa Gatami in the collection of Tibetan tales from Indian sources,

Starting point is 13:07:05 translated by Mr. Reistin from the German of von Schieffner, we have what appears to be a very much garbled form of an old Buddhist version of our story. The heroine is married to a young merchant, whose father gives him some arable land in a hill district, where he resides with Kreeza Gatami, his wife. When the time came for her to expect her confinement, she obtained leave of her husband to go to her parents' house in order that she might have the attendance of her mother. After her confinement and the naming of the boy, she returned home. When the time of her second confinement drew near, she again expressed to her husband a desire to go to her parents. Her husband set out with her and the boy in a wagon, but by the time they had gone halfway, she gave birth to a boy. When the husband saw that this was to take place, he got out of the wagon, sat under a tree, and fell asleep.

Starting point is 13:08:14 while he was completely overcome by slumber, a snake bit him and he died. When his wife in her turn alighted from the wagon and went up to the tree in order to bring him the joyful tidings that a son was born unto him, he, as he had given up the ghost, made no reply. She seized him by the hand and found that he was dead. then she began to weep. Meantime, a thief carried off the oxen. After weeping for a long time and becoming very mournful, she looked around on every side,

Starting point is 13:08:57 pressed the newborn babe to her bosom, took the elder child by the hand, and set out on her way. As a heavy rain had unexpectedly fallen, all the lake's ponds and springs were full of water, and the road was flooded by the river. She reflected that if she were to cross the water with both children at once, she and they might meet with a disaster,

Starting point is 13:09:25 and therefore the children had better be taken over separately. So she seated the elder boy on the bank of the river and took the younger one in her arms, walked across to the other side, and laid him down upon the bank. Then she went back for the elder boy. But while she was in the middle of the river, the younger boy was carried off by a jackal. The elder boy thought that his mother was calling him

Starting point is 13:09:55 and sprang into the water. The bank was very steep, so he fell down and was killed. The mother hastened after the jackal, who let the child drop and ran off. When she looked at it, she found that it was dead. So, after she had wept over it, she threw it into the water. When she saw that the elder was being carried along by the stream, she became still more distressed. She hastened after him and found that he was dead.

Starting point is 13:10:30 Bereft, of both husband and children, she gave way to despair, and sat down alone on the bank with only the lower part of her body covered. she listened to the howling of the wind, the roaring of the forest, and of the waves, as well as the singing of various kinds of birds. Then, wandering to and fro, with sobs and tears of woe, she lamented the loss of her husband and her two children. She meets with one of her father's domestics, who informs her that her parents and their servants had all been destroyed by a hurricane, and that he only had escaped to tell her the sad tidings. After this, she is married to a weaver, who ill uses her, and she escapes from him one night. She attaches

Starting point is 13:11:27 herself to some travelers returning from a trading expedition in the north, and the leader of the caravan takes her for his wife. The party are attacked by robbers, and the leader is killed. She then becomes the wife of the chief of the robbers, who in his turn finds death at the hands of the king of that country, and she is placed in his xenana. The king died, and she was buried alive in his tomb, after having had great honor shown to her by the women, the princes, the ministers, and a vast concourse of people. Some men from the north, who were wont to rob, graves broke into this one also. The dust they raised entered into Kresa Gatami's nostrils and made her sneeze. The grave robbers were terrified, thinking that she was a demon,

Starting point is 13:12:25 Yatala, and they fled, but Kresa Gatami escaped from the grave through the opening which they had made. Conscious of all her troubles, and affected by the want of food, just as a violent storm arose, went out of her mind. Covered with merely her underclothing, her hands and feet, foul and rough, with long locks and pallid complexion, she wandered about until she reached shravasti. There at the sight of Bhagavant, she recovered her intellect. Bhagavant ordered Ananda to give her an overrobe, and he taught her the doctrine, and admitted her into the ecclesiastical body, and he appointed her the chief of the Bixunis, who had embraced discipline. This remarkable story is one of those which reached Europe long anterior to the Crusades.

Starting point is 13:13:25 It is found in the Greek martyr acts, which were probably composed in the 8th century, where it is told of St. Eustace, who was before his baptism a captain of Trajan named Placidus, and the same legend reappears with modifications of the details in many medieval collections and forms the subject of several romances. In most versions, the motif is similar to that of the story of Job. The following is the outline of the original legend, according to the Greek Martyr Acts. End of Section 64. Chapter 65 of the Book of the Thurgeon.

Starting point is 13:14:14 Thousand Nights and a Knight, volume 12. 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 Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton Section 65 The Story of the King Who Lost Kingdom, Wife and Wealth

Starting point is 13:14:53 Part 3 Legend of St. Eustache As Placidius one day hunted in the forest the Savior appeared to him between the antlers of a heart and converted

Starting point is 13:15:10 him. Placidius changed his name into Eustache. When he was baptized with his wife and sons, God announced to him by an angel, His future martyrdom. Eustache was afflicted by dreadful calamities, lost all his estate, and was compelled to go abroad as a beggar with his wife and his children. As he went on board a ship bound for Egypt, his wife was seized by the shipmaster and carried off. Soon after, when Eustace was traveling along the shore, his two children were born off by a lion and a leopard. Eustace then worked for a long time as a journeyman, till he was discovered by the Emperor Trajan, who had

Starting point is 13:16:12 sent out messengers for him and called him to court. Re-appointed Captain Eustache undertook an expedition against the Dacians. During this war he found his wife in a cottage as a gardener. The shipmaster had fallen dead to the ground as he ventured to touch her, and in the same cottage he found again his two sons as soldiers, Hartsmen had rescued them from the wild beasts and brought them up. Glad was their meeting again. But as they returned to Rome, they were all burnt in a glowing bull of brass by the emperor's order, because they refused to sacrifice to the heathen gods. The story of Placidus,

Starting point is 13:17:07 which forms chapter 110 of the continental yesta roman orium presents few and unimportant variations from the foregoing. Eustaceous came to a river, the water of which ran so high that it seemed hazardous to attempt to cross it with both children, at the same time. one therefore he placed upon the bank and then passed over with the other in his arms and having laid it on the ground he returned for the other child but in the midst of the river looking back he beheld a wolf snatch up the child he had just carried over and run with it into the adjoining wood he turned to rescue it But at that instant, a huge lion approached the other child and disappeared with it. After the loss of his two boys, Eustaceus journeyed on till he came to a village where he remained for 15 years, pending sheep as a hired servant when he was discovered by Trajan's messengers and so on.

Starting point is 13:18:32 The story is so differently told in one of the early English translations of the Gesta Romanorium in the Harlean manuscript 7333, re-edited by Hurtage for the EET Society, page 87 to 91, that it is worthwhile for purposes of comparison. reproducing it in here in fall. End of Section 65. Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. Chapter 66 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is the Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org.

Starting point is 13:19:36 Recording by Derek Trial The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, Section 66. The Story of the King, who lost Kingdom, wife, and wealth, Volume 11, Part 4. Old English guest aversion. Averios was a wise emperor reigning in the city of Rome, and he let cry a great feast, and who, Whosoever would come to that feast and get victory in the tournament,

Starting point is 13:20:10 he should have his daughter to wife, after his decease. So there was a doughty night, and hearty in arms, and especially in tournament, the witch had a wife, and two young children of age three year, and when this night had heard this cry, in a clear morning, he entered into a forest, and there he heard a nightingale sing upon a tree, so sweetly, did he heard never so sweet a melody afore that time,

Starting point is 13:20:36 The knight set him down under the tree and said to himself, Now, Lord, if I might know what this bird should be mean. There come an old man, and said to him, Thou shalt go within these three days to the emperor's feast, and thou shalt suffer great persecution, or thou come there, and if thou be constant, and patient in all thy tribulation, thy sorrow shall turn thee to great joy,

Starting point is 13:21:05 and, sir, this is the unlawful, interpretation of his song. When this was said, the old man vanished, and the bird fly away. Though the knight had great Merveille, he yeed to his wife and told her the case. Sir, quothed she, The will of God be fulfilled, but I counsel that we go to the feast of the emperor, and that you think on the victory in the tournament, by the which we may be avanced in Holpen. When the knight had made all thing ready, there come a great fire in the night and burnt up all his house and all his goods, for which he had great sorrow and heart. Nevertheless, notwithstanding all this, he yeed forth toward the sea with his wife and with his two

Starting point is 13:21:50 children, and there he hired a ship to pass over. When they come to land, the maister of the ship asked of the night his hire for his passage, for him and for his wife and for his two children. Dear friend said the knight to him, Dear friends suffer me, and thou shalt have all thine, For I go now to the feast of the emperor, Where I trust to have the victory in tournament, And then thou shall be well ye paid. Nay, by the faith that I owe to the emperor,

Starting point is 13:22:23 Quote that other, it shall not be so. For but if you pay now, I shall ye hold thy wife to wed, till time that I be paid fully my salary. and he said that, for he desired the love of the lady. Though the knight profaned his two children to wed, so that he might have his wife, and the shipman said, Nay, such words beeth vain, for, quote he,

Starting point is 13:22:49 or I will have my mead, or else I will hold thy wife. So the knight left his wife with him, and kissed her with bitter tears, and took the two children, skill, one on his arm, and that other in his neck, and so he yeed, forth to the tournament. After the maister of the ship would have lain by the lady, but she denied it, and said that she had Lever died and consent there too. So within short time, the meister drew to a far

Starting point is 13:23:19 land, and there he died, and the lady begged her bread from door to door, and knew not in what land her husband was dwelling. The night was gone toward the palace, and at the last he come by a deep water that was impossible to be passed, but it were in certain time when it was at the lowest. The knight set down one child, and bare the other over the water, and after that he come again to fetch over the other, but or he might come to him, there come a lion, and bear him away to the forest. The knight pursued after, but he might not come to the lion, and then he wept bitterly, and yeed a yen over the water to the other child, and, or he were ye come, a bear had take the child, and ran therewith to the forest. When the knight saw that, sore he wept, and said, Alas, that ever I was bore, for now I have lost wife and children. O thou bird, thy song that was so sweet, is it turned to great sorrow, and hath take away mirth from my heart. after this he turned toward the feast and made him ready toward the tournament

Starting point is 13:24:35 and there he bare him so manly and so doughty in the tournament and that twice or thrice that he won the victory and worship and winning of that day for the emperor highly avonsed him and made him maister of his host and commanded that all should obey to him and he increased and arose from day to day in honor and richess and he went afterward in a certain day in the city, and he found a precious stone, colored with three manner of colors,

Starting point is 13:25:08 as in one part white, in another part red, and in the third part black. And on he went to a lapidary that was expert in the virtue of stones, and he said that the virtue of the like stone was this. Whosoever beareth the stone upon him, His heaviness shall turn into joy,

Starting point is 13:25:30 And if he be pauver, he shall be made rich, And if he hath lost anything, He shall find it again with great joy. And when the knight heard this, He was glad and blithe, and thought in himself. I am in great heaviness and poverty, For I have lost all that I had, And by this stone I shall recover all again,

Starting point is 13:25:54 Whether it be so or no, God wote. after when he must go to battle of the emperor he gathered together all the host and among them he found two young knights seemly in harness and welly shape the which he hired for to go with him in battle of the emperor and when they were in the battle there was not one in all the battle that did so doubtily as did though two knights that he hired and thereof this knight maister of the host was highly glad. When the battle was ye due, these two young knights yeed to their host in the city, and as they sat together, the elder said to the younger, Dear friend, it is long, sithen, that we were fellows, and we have great grace of God, for in every battle we have the victory. And therefore I pray you, tell me of what country, ye were ye bore, and in what nation. For I asked to you,

Starting point is 13:26:56 never this of thee or now, and if thou wilt tell me sooth, I shall tell my kindred, and where I was born. And when one fellow spake thus to the other, a fair lady was lodged in the same ostry, and when she heard the elder knight speak, she hearken to him, but she knew neither of them, and yet she was mother of both, and wife of the maister of the host, the which also the maister of the ship withheld for shiphire, but ever God kept her from sin. Then spake the younger knight. Forsooth, good man, I note who was my father or who was my mother, nay, in what stead I was born, but I have this well in mind, that my father was a knight, and that he bare me over the water, and left my elder brother in the land, and as he

Starting point is 13:27:50 passed over again to fetch him, there come a lion, and took me up, but a man of the city come with hounds and when he saw him he made him to leave me with his hounds now soothly quoth that other and in the same manner it happened with me for i was the son of a knight and had only a brother and my father brought me and my brother and my mother over the sea towards the emperor and for my father had not to pay the maister of the ship for the fraught he left my mother and my mother and my father had not to pay the maister of the ship for the fraught he left my mother to wed. And then my father took me with my young brother, and brought us on his back, and in his arms, till that we come unto a water, and there left me in a side of the water, and bear over my young brother, and or my father might come to me again, to bear me over they come a bear, and bore me to wood, and the people that saw him made great cry, and for fear the bear let me fall. And so with the like people, I dwelt ten year, and there I was ye nourished.

Starting point is 13:29:00 When the mother heard these words, she said, Without doubt these being my sons, and ran to them anon, and fell upon their necks, and wept sore for joy, and said, Ah, dear sons, I am your mother, that your father left with the maister of the ship, and I know well by your words and signs that ye beeth true brethren. but how it is with your father that I know not but God that all seeth. Yieve me grace to find my husband. And all that night these three were in gladness.

Starting point is 13:29:37 On the morrow, the mother rose up and the children's gill, the nights followed, and as they yeed, the maister of the host met with them in the street, and though he were their father, he knew them not, but as they had manly fought the day afore, and therefore he saluted them honourably, and asked of them what fair lady that was that come with them. Anon, as his lady heard his voice, and perceived a certain sign in his front. She knew fully thereby that it was her husband. And, therefore, she ran to him, and clipped him, and kissed him,

Starting point is 13:30:16 and for joy fell down to the earth, as she had be dead. So after this passion, she was raised up, and then the maister said to her, Tell me, fair woman, why thou clippest me, and kissest me so. She said, I am thy wife, that thou leftest with the maister of the ship, and these two knights being your sons, look well on my front and see. Then the knight beheld her well, with a good advisement, and knew well by diverse tokens that she was, his wife, and Anon kissed her and the son Zeke, and blessed highly God, that so had visited them.

Starting point is 13:30:59 Though went he again to his fond, with his wife and with his children, and ended fair his life. From the legend of St. Eustace, the romances of Sir Isumbrus Octavian, Sir Eglomor of Artois, and Sir Torrent of Portugal are derived. In the last, while the hero is absent, aiding the King of Norway with his sword, his wife, Desanel, is delivered of twins, and her father, King Kalamond, out of hatred of her, causes her and the babes to be put to sea in a boat, but a favorable wind saves them from destruction and drives the boat upon the coast of Palestine. As she is wandering aimlessly along the shore, a huge griffin appears and seizes one of her children, and immediately after a leopard drags away the other. With submission, she suffers her miserable fate,

Starting point is 13:31:59 relying on the help of the Holy Virgin. The king of Jerusalem, just returning from a voyage, happened to find the leopard with the child, which he ordered to be saved and delivered to him, seeing from the foundling's golden ring that the child was of noble descent and pitying its helpless state, he took it into his palace and brought him up as if he were his own son, at his court. The dragon with the other child was seen by a pious hermit, St. Anthony, who though son of the king of Greece, hadn't his youth forsaken the world. through his prayer St. Mary made the dragon put down the infant. Antony carried him to his father, who adopted him and ordered him to be baptized. Dazanel wandered up and down after the loss of her children

Starting point is 13:32:54 till she happened to meet the King of Nazareth hunting. He, recognizing her as the King of Portugal's daughter, gave her a kind welcome and assistance, and at his court she lived. several years in happy retirement. Ultimately, she is reunited to her husband and her two sons, when they have become famous knights. End of Section 66. Chapter 67 of the Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 13:33:35 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Derek Trial. The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 67 The Story of the King

Starting point is 13:33:59 Who Lost Kingdom, Wife, and Wealth, Volume 11, Part 5. The following is an epitome of Surisumbrus, from Ellis's, specimens of early English metrical romances, Boers Edition, page 479 and following. Romance of Surisumbras There was once a knight who, from his earliest infancy, appeared to be the peculiar favorite of fortune. His birth was noble, his person equally remarkable for strength and beauty, his possessions so extensive as to furnish the amusements of hawking and hunting in the

Starting point is 13:34:39 highest perfection. Though he had found no opportunity of signalizing his courage in war, he had borne away the prize at numberless tournaments. His courtesy was the theme of general praise, his hall was the seat of unceasing plenty, it was crowded with mistrals whom he entertained with princely liberality, and the possession of a beautiful wife and three lovely children completed the sum of earthly happiness. had many virtues, but he had one vice. In the pride of his heart, he forgot the giver of all good things, and considered the blessings so abundantly showered upon him as the proper and just reward of his distinguished merit. Instances of this overweening presumption might perhaps be found in all ages, among the possessors of wealth and power, but few sinners have the good fortune to be

Starting point is 13:35:36 recalled, like Sirisumbus, by a severe but salutary punishment to the pious sentiments of Christian humility. It is usual with knights to amuse themselves with hawking or hunting whenever they were not occupied by some more serious business, and as business seldom intervened, they thus amused themselves every day of the year. One morning, being mounted on his favorite steed, surrounded by his dogs, and with a hawk on his wrist, Surisumbrus cast his eyes on the sky and discovered an angel, who hovering over him, reproached him with his pride, and announced the punishment of instant and complete degradation. The terrified night immediately fell on his knees,

Starting point is 13:36:24 acknowledged the justice of his sentence, returned thanks to heaven for deigning to visit him with adversity, while the possession of youth and health enabled him to endure it, and filled with contrition, prepared to return from the forest. But scarcely had the angel disappeared, when his good steed suddenly fell dead under him, the hawk dropped from his wrist, his hounds wasted and expired,

Starting point is 13:36:50 and, being thus left alone, he hastened on foot towards his palace, filled with melancholy forebodings, but impatient to learn the whole extent of his misfortune. He was presently met by a part of his, his household who, with many tears, informed him that his horses and oxen had been suddenly struck dead with lightning, and that his capons were all stung to death with adders. He received the tidings, with humble resignation, commanded his servants to abstain from

Starting point is 13:37:22 murmurs against Providence, and passed on. He was next met by a page, who related that his castle was burned to the ground, that many of his servants had lost their lives, and that his wife and children had with great difficulty escaped from the flames. Surisumbrus rejoiced that heaven had yet spared those who were most dear to him, bestowed upon the astonished page his purse of gold as a reward for the intelligence. A doleful sight then gone he see, his wife and children three, out of the fire were fled. There they sat under a thorn, barren naked as they were born, brought out of their bed. A woeful man, then was he, when he saw them all naked be.

Starting point is 13:38:13 The lady said, Also blive, for nothing, sir, be ye adrod. He did off his surcoat of Pallad. And with it clad his wife, his scarlet mantle, then sure he, Therein he closed his children three, that naked before him stood. He then proposed to his wife that as an expiation of their sins, they should at once undertake a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. So, cutting with his knife a sign of the cross on his bare shoulder, he set off with the four companions of his misery, resolving to beg his bread till they should arrive at the Holy Sepulchre.

Starting point is 13:38:54 After passing through seven lands, supported by the scanty alms of the charitable, they arrived at length at a forest where they wandered during three days without meeting a single habitation. Their food was reduced to the few berries which they were able to collect, and the children, unaccustomed to such hard fare, began to sink under the accumulated difficulties of their journey. In this situation, they were stopped by a wide and rapid, though shallow river. Surisumbrus, taking his eldest son in his arm, arms, carried him over to the opposite bank, and placing him under a bush of broom, directed him to dry his tears, and amuse himself by playing with the blossoms till his return with his brothers.

Starting point is 13:39:45 But scarcely had he left the place, when a lion, starting from a neighboring thicket, seize the child and bore him away into the recesses of the forest. The second son became, in like manner, the prey of the tree of the, an enormous leopard, and the disconsolate mother, when carried over with her infant to the fatal spot, was with difficulty persuaded to survive the loss of her two elder children. Surisumbras, though he could not repress the tears extorted by this cruel calamity, exerted him to console his wife in humbly confessing his sins, contented himself with praying that his present misery might be accepted by heaven as a partial

Starting point is 13:40:31 expiation. Through the forest they went days three, till they came to the Greekish sea, they greet and were for woe. As they stood upon the land, they saw a fleet sail-end. Three hundred ships and mo, with top castles set on loft, richly then were they wrought, with joy and mickle-pride. A heathen king was therein, that Christendom came to win, His power was full-wide. It was now seven days, since the pilgrims had tasted bread or meat. The Suden's galley, therefore, was no sooner moored to the beach than they hastened on board to beg for bread. The Suden, under the apprehension that they were spies, ordered them to be driven back on shore.

Starting point is 13:41:23 But his attendants observed to him that these could not be common beggars, that the robust limbs and tall stature of the husband proved him to be a knight in disguise, and that the delicate complexion of the wife, who was bright as blossom on tree, formed a striking contrast to the ragged apparel with which he was imperfectly covered. They were now brought into the royal presence, and the Sudin, addressing Surisumbrus, immediately offered him as much treasure as he should require. on condition that he should renounce Christianity and consent to fight under the Saracen banners.

Starting point is 13:42:04 The answer was a respectful but peremptory refusal concluded by an earnest petition for little food. But the Suden, having by this time turned his eyes from Surisumbrus to the beautiful companion of his pilgrimage, paid no attention to his request. The Suden beheld that lady there, him thought an angel that she were, coming adown from heaven.

Starting point is 13:42:30 Man, I will give thee gold and fee, and now that woman will sell in me, more than thou can nevin. I will give thee an hundred pound of pennies that had been whole and round, and rich robes seven. She shall be queen of my land, and all men bow unto her hand,

Starting point is 13:42:49 and none withstand her steven. Surysumbrus said, nay, my wife I will not sell away, though ye me for her slew. I wedded her and goddess lay, to hold her to mine ending day, both for wheel and woe. Yet evidently would require no small share of casuistry to construe this declaration into an acceptance of the bargain, but the Saracens, having heard the offer of their sovereign, deliberately counted out the stipulated sum on the mantle of Surisumbrus, took possession of the lady,

Starting point is 13:43:31 carried the knight with his infant son on shore, beat him till he was scarcely able to move, and then returned for further orders. During this operation, the Sudin, with his own hand, placed the regal crown on the head of his intended bride. but recollecting that the original project of the voyage to Europe was to conquer it, which might possibly occasion a loss of some time, he delayed his intended nuptial and ordered a fast-sailing vessel to convey her to his dominions,

Starting point is 13:44:04 providing her at the same time with the charter, addressed to his subjects, in which he enjoined them to obey her, from the moment of her landing as their legitimate sovereign. the lady emboldened by these tokens of deference on the part of her new lord now fell on her knees and entreated his permission to pass a few moments in private with her former husband and the request was instantly granted by the complacent suracen suri sombrus still smarting from his bruises was conducted with great respect and ceremony to his wife who embracing him with tears earnestly conjured him to seek her out as soon as possible in her new dominions, to slay his infidel rival, and to take possession of a throne, which was probably reserved to him by heaven, as an indemnification for his past losses. She then supplied him with provisions for a fortnight, kissed him and her infant son,

Starting point is 13:45:07 swooned three times, and then set sail for Africa. Surisumbrus, who had been set on shore, quite confounded by this quick-sum, succession of strange adventures, followed the vessel with his eyes till it vanished from his sight, and then taking his son by the hand, led him up to some rocky woodlands in the neighborhood. Here they sat down under a tree, and after a short repast, which was moistened with their tears, resumed their journey. But they were again bewildered in the forest, and after gaining the summit of the mountain, without being able to descry a single habitation, lay down on the bare ground, and resigned themselves to sleep. The next morning, Sarisumbrus found that his misfortunes

Starting point is 13:45:56 were not yet terminated. He had carried his stock of provisions, together with his gold, the fatal present of the Sudin, enveloped in a scarlet mantle, and scarcely had the sun, darted its first rays on the earth, when an eagle, attracted by the red cloth, swooped down upon the treasure, and bore it off in his talons. Surisumbrus, waking at the moment, perceived the theft, and for some time hastily pursued the flight of the bird, who he expected would speedily drop the heavy and useless burden. But he was disappointed for the eagle, constantly towering as he approached the sea, at length directed his flight towards the opposite shore of Africa. Surisumbrus slowly returned to his child, whom he had no longer the means of feeding,

Starting point is 13:46:51 but the wretched father only arrived in time to behold the boy snatched from him by a unicorn. The night was now quite disheartened, but his last calamity was so evidently miraculous that even the grief of the father was nearly absorbed by the contrition of the sinner. He fell on his knees and uttered a most fervent prayer to Jesus and the Virgin, and then proceeded on his journey. His attention was soon attracted by the sound of a smith's bellows. He quickly repaired to the forge, and requested the charitable donation of a little food, but was told by the laborers that he seemed as well able to work as they did, and they had nothing to throw away in charity. Then answered the night again, for meat I would swink,

Starting point is 13:47:43 fain. Fast he bear and drow. They'd given him meat and drink anon and taughton him to bear stone. Then he had shame and ow. This servitude lasted a twelve month and seven years expired before he had fully attained all the mysteries of his new profession. He employed his few leisure hours in fabricating a complete suit of armor. Every year had brought him an account of the progress of the Saracens and he could not help entertaining a hope that his arm, though so ignobly employed, was destined at some future day to revenge the wrongs of the Christians, as well as the injury which he had personally received from the unbelievers. At length he heard that the Christian army had again taken the field,

Starting point is 13:48:35 that the day was fixed for a great and final effort, and that a plane at an inconsiderable distance from his own, his shop was appointed for the scene of action. Sir Isumbras rose before day, buckled on his armor, and mounting a horse which had hitherto been employed in carrying coals, proceeded to the field, and took a careful view of the disposition of both armies. When the trumpets gave the signal to charge, he dismounted, fell on his knees, and after a short but fervent prayer to heaven, again sprang into his saddle and rode into the thickest ranks of the enemy. His uncouth warhorse and awkward armor had scarcely less effect than his wonderful address

Starting point is 13:49:26 and courage in attracting the attention of both parties, and when, after three desperate charges, his sorry steed was slain under him, one of the Christian chiefs make a powerful effort for his rescue, wore him to a neighboring eminence, and presented to him a more suitable coat of armor, and a horse more worthy of the heroic rider. When he was armed on that steed, it is seen where his horse yeed,

Starting point is 13:49:56 and shall be evermore, as sparkle glides off the glee'd, in that stour he made many bleed, and wrought them wonder sore. He rode up into the mountain, the sudden hath he slain, and many that with him were. All that day lasted the fight. Surrey Sumbrus, that noble knight, won the battle there. Knights and squires have him sought, and before the king him brought,

Starting point is 13:50:26 full sore wounded was he. They asked what was his name, he said, sire, a smith's man. What will ye do with me? The Christian king said, Dan, I trow never Smith's man, in war was half so white. I bid you, give me meat and drink, and what that I will after think, till I have covered my might. The king a great oath swear, as soon as he whole were, that he would dub him knight, in a nunnery they him leaveed to heal the wound in his haved, that he took in that fight. The nuns of him were full fain, for he had the sootin slain, and many heathen hounds, for his sorrow they gan sworeau every day they savved him anew and stopped well his wounds. End of Section 67

Starting point is 13:51:21 Chapter 68 of the Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 12. 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 Derek Trial The Book of the Thousand Nights in a Night Volume 12 by Anonymous Translated by Richard Francis Burton Section 68

Starting point is 13:51:55 The Story of the King Who Lost Kingdom, Wife and Wealth Volume 11 Part 6 We may fairly presume without derogating from the merit of the Holy Sisters or from the virtue of their saves and bandages that the night's recovery was no less accelerated by the pleasure of having chastised the insolent possessor of his wife and the author of his contumelious beating. In a few days, his health was restored, and having provided himself

Starting point is 13:52:28 with a scrip and pike, and the other accoutrements of a palmer, he took his leave of the nuns, directed his steps once more to the Greekish sea, and embarking on board of a vessel, which he found ready to sail, speedily arrived at the port of Ocker. During seven years, which were employed in visiting every part of the Holy Land, the penitent Surisumbrus led a life of continued labor and mortification, fed during the day by the precarious contributions of the charitable, and sleeping at night in the open air, without any addition to the scanty covering, which his pilgrims' weeds, after seven years' service, were able to afford.

Starting point is 13:53:15 At length, his patience and contrition were rewarded, after a day spent in fruitless applications for little food. Beside the burgh of Jerusalem, he set him down by a well stream. Soar wapened for his sin, and as he sat about midnight, there came an angel, fair and bright, and brought him bread and wine. He said, Palmer, well thou be. The king of heaven greeteth well thee, Forgiven his sin thine.

Starting point is 13:53:48 Siriusumbrus accepted with pious gratitude, The donation of food, By which his strength was instantly restored, And again set out on his travels. But he was still a widower, Still deprived of his children, And as poor as ever. Nor had his heavenly monitor afforded him,

Starting point is 13:54:09 any hint for his future guidance. He wandered, therefore, through the country, without any settled purpose, till he arrived at a rich bird built around a fair castle, the possessor of which he was told, was a charitable queen who daily distributed a florin of gold to every poor man who approached her gates, and even condescended to provide food and lodging within her palace, for such as were distinguished by superior misery. Surysumbrus presented himself with the rest, and his emaciated form and squalid garments procured him instant admittance. The rich queen in hall was set,

Starting point is 13:54:55 knights her served at hand and feet, in rich robes of Paul. In the floor a cloth was laid, the poor Palmer, the steward said, shall sit above you all. Meet and drink, forth they brought. He sat still and ate right not, but looked about the hall.

Starting point is 13:55:16 So Mickle he saw of game and glee, switched mirthus he was wont to see, the tears he let down fall. Conduct, so unusual, attracted the attention of the whole company, and even of the queen, who, ordering a chair with a cushion, to be placed near the Palmer, took her seat in it, entered into conversation with him on the subject

Starting point is 13:55:42 of his long and painful pilgrimage, and was much edified by the moral lessons which he interspersed in his narrative. But no opportunity could induce him to taste food. He was sick at heart, and required the aid of solitary meditation to overcome the painful recollections which continually assailed him. The queen was more and more astonished, but at length left him to his reflections after declaring that, for her Lord's soul, or for his love, if he were still alive, she was determined to retain the Holy Palmer in her palace, and to assign him a convenient apartment, together with a servant to attend him. an interval of fifteen years, passed in the laborious occupations of blacksmith and pilgrim, may be supposed to have produced a very considerable alteration in the appearance of Siriusumbrus,

Starting point is 13:56:43 and even his voice, subdued by disease and penance, may have failed to discover the gallant knight under the disguise which he had so long assumed, but that his wife, for such she was, should have been equally altered by the sole operation of time, that the air and gestures and actions of a person once so dear and so familiar to him should have awakened no trace of recollection in the mind of a husband, though in the midst of scenes which painfully recalled the memory of his former splendor, is more extraordinary. Be this as it may,

Starting point is 13:57:23 The knight and the queen, though lodged under the same roof and passing much of their time together, continued to bewail the miseries of their protracted widowhood. Surisumbrus, however, speedily recovered, in the plentiful court of the rich queen, his health and strength, and with these, the desire of returning to his former exercises. A tournament was proclaimed, and the lists, which were formed immediately, under the windows of the castle, were quickly occupied by a number of Saracen knights, all of whom Surisumbrus successively overthrew. So dreadful was the stroke of his spear, that many were killed at the first encounter, some escaped with a few broken bones,

Starting point is 13:58:13 others were thrown headlong into the castle ditch, but the greater number consulted their safety by a timely flight, while the Queen's contemplated with pleasure and astonishment the unparalleled exploits of her favorite palmer then fell it upon a day the night went him for to play as it were ere his kind a fowl's nest he found on high a red cloth therein he sigh wave and in the wind to the nest he gone when his own mantle he found therein the gold there gone he find the painful recollection awakened by this discovery weighed heavily on the soul of surisumbrus he bore the fatal treasure to his chamber concealed it under his bed and spent the remainder of the day in tears and lamentations the images of his lost wife and children now began to haunt him continually, and his altered demeanor attracted the attention and excited the curiosity of the whole court, and even of the queen, who could only learn from the Palmer's attendant that his melancholy seemed to originate in the discovery of something

Starting point is 13:59:31 in a bird's nest. With this strange report, she was compelled to be satisfied, till Sirisumbrus, with the hope of dissipating his grief, began to resume his usual exercises in the field, but no sooner had he quitted his chamber than the squires, by her command, broke open the door, discovered the treasure, and hastened with it to the royal apartment. The sight of the gold and the scarlet mantle immediately explained to the queen the whole mystery of the Palmer's behavior. She burst into tears, kissed with fervent devotion, the memorial of her lost husband, fell into a swoon, and on her recovery told the story to her attendance, and enjoined them to go in quest of the Palmer, and to bring him at once before her. A short explanation removed her few remaining

Starting point is 14:00:30 doubts. She threw herself into the arms of her husband, and the reunion of this long-separated couple was immediately followed by the coronation of Surisumbrus and by a protracted series of festivities. The Saracen subjects of the Christian sovereign continued with unshaken loyalty to partake of the plentiful entertainments provided for all ranks of people on this solemn occasion, but no sooner had the pious surisumbrus signified to them the necessity of their immediate conversion then his whole Parliament adopted the resolution of deposing and committing to the flames their newly acquired sovereign, as soon as they should have obtained the concurrence of the neighboring princes. Two of these readily joined their forces for the accomplishment of this salutary purpose,

Starting point is 14:01:27 and invading the territories of Surisumbrus with an army of 30,000 men, sent him, according to usual custom, him a solemn defiance. Surisimbrus boldly answered the defiance, issued the necessary orders, called for his arms, sprang upon his horse, and prepared to march out against the enemy, when he discovered that his subjects had,

Starting point is 14:01:55 to a man, abandon him, and that he must encounter singly the whole host of the invaders. Surisimbrus was bold and keen, and took his leave at the queen and sighed wonder sore he said madam have a good day sickerly as you i say for now and evermore help me sir that i were dight in arms as it were a knight i will with you fair gift god would us grace send that we may together end then done were all my care soon was the lady dight in arms as it were a knight he gave her spear and shield again thirty thousand saracens and mo there came no more but they too when they met in field never probably did a contest take place between such disproportionate forces sirisumbrus was rather encumbered than assisted by the presence of his beautiful but feeble helpmate and the faithful couple were upon the point of being crushed by the charge of the enemy when three unknown knights suddenly made their appearance and as suddenly turned the fortune of the day The first of these was mounted on a lion, the second on a leopard, and the third on a unicorn.

Starting point is 14:03:22 The Saracen cavalry, at the first sight of these unexpected antagonists, dispersed in all directions. But flight and resistance were equally hopeless. Three and twenty thousand unbelievers were soon laid lifeless on the plain by the talons of the lion and leopard, and by the resistless horn of the unicorn, or by the swords of their young and intrepid writers, and the small remnant of the Saracen army who escaped from the general carnage

Starting point is 14:03:55 quickly spread through every corner of the Mohammedan world, the news of this signal and truly miraculous victory. Sir Isumbrus, who does not seem to have possessed the talent for unraveling mysteries, had never suspected that his three wonderful auxiliaries were his own children, whom Providence had sent to his assistance at the moment of his greatest distress. But he was not the less thankful when informed of the happy termination of all his calamities. The royal family were received in the city, with every demonstration of joy by his penitent subjects, whose loyalty had been completely revived by the recent miracle.

Starting point is 14:04:40 magnificent entertainments were provided after which suri sombrus having easily overrun the territories of his two pagan neighbors who had been slain in the last battle proceeded to conquer a third kingdom for his youngest son and the four monarchs uniting their efforts for the propagation of the true faith enjoyed the happiness of witnessing the baptism of all the inhabitants of their respective dominions they lived and died in good intent unto heaven their souls went when that they dead were jesu christ heaven's king give us eye his blessing and shield us from care on comparing these several versions it will be seen that while they differ one from another in some of the details yet the fundamental outline is identical with the single exception of the Tibetan story, which in common with Tibetan tales generally, has departed very considerably from the original. A king or knight is suddenly deprived of all his possessions, and with his wife and two children becomes a wanderer on the face of the earth. His wife is forcibly taken from him, he afterwards loses his two sons, he is once more raised to affluence, his

Starting point is 14:06:10 His sons having been adopted and educated by a charitable person, enter his service, their mother recognizes them through overhearing their conversation. Finally, husband, and wife and children are happily reunited. Such is the general outline of the story, though modifications have been made in the details of the different versions, probably through its being transmitted orally in some instances. Thus in the Arabian story, the king is ruined, apparently in consequence of no fault of his own. In the Punjabi version, he relinquishes his wealth to a fakir as a pious action. In the Kashmiri, and in the romance of Surisumbras, the hero loses his wealth as a punishment for his overweening pride.

Starting point is 14:07:03 In the legend of St. Eustace, as in the story of Job, the clob, the clueless, the clueless calamities which overtake the Christian convert are designed by heaven as a trial for his patience and fortitude, while even in the corrupted Tibetan story, the ruin of the monarch is reflected in the destruction of the parents of the heroin by a hurricane. In both the Kashmiri and the Punjabi versions, the father is swallowed by a fish or an alligator in recrossing the river to fetch his second child. In the Tibetan story, the wife loses her husband, who is killed by a snake, and having taken one of her children over the river, she is returning for the other when, looking back, she discovers her babe in the jaws of a wolf. Both her children perish. In the European versions,

Starting point is 14:07:58 they are carried off by wild beasts and rescued by strangers. The romance of Sarisumbras is singular, and representing the number of children to be three only in the arabian story do we find the father carrying his wife and children in safety across the stream and the latter afterwards lost in the forest the kashmiri and guest diversions correspond exactly in representing the shipmen as seizing the lady because her husband could not pay the passage money in the arabian she is entrapped in the ship's owned by a Magian on the pretext that there is on board a woman in labor. In Surisumbras, she is forcibly bought by the Sudan. She is locked up in a chest by the Magian, sent to rule his country by the Sudan, respectfully treated by the merchant in the Kashmiri story, and apparently also by the Kandan in the Punjabi legend.

Starting point is 14:09:03 in the story of St. Eustace, her persecutor dies and she is living in humble circumstances when discovered by her husband. I think there is internal evidence, apart from the existence of the Tibetan version, to lead to the conclusion that the story is of Buddhist extraction, and if such be the fact, it furnishes a further example of the indebtedness of Christian hegeology, to Buddhist tales and legends. End of Section 68. Section 69 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 14:09:52 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Larry Wilson. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 69 Al-Malek Al-Zahir and the 16 captains of police. Volume 12, page 3. We must, I think, regard this group of tales as being genuine narratives of the exploits of Egyptian sharpers. From the days of Herodotus to the present time, Egypt has bred the most

Starting point is 14:10:33 expert thieves in the world. The policemen don't generally exhibit much ability for coping with the sharpers whose tricks they so well recount. But indeed, our homegrown bobby's are not particularly quick-witted. The Thief's Tale of Volume 12, page 42. A parallel to the woman's trick of shaving off the beards and blackening the faces of the robbers is found in the well-known legend, as told by Herodotus, Uterpy 121, of the robbery of the treasure house of Rampsonitis, king of Egypt, where the clever thief, having made the soldiers dead drunk, shaves off the right side of their beards, and then decamps with his brother's

Starting point is 14:11:16 headless body. The Ninth Constable Story, Volume 12, page 46. The narrow escape of the singing girl hidden underneath the pile of half a grass may be compared with an adventurer of a fugitive Mexican prince, whose history is related by Prescott, is a full of romantic daring and haresbreds scapes as that of schenderberg or the young chevalier this prince had just time to turn the crest of the hill as his enemies were climbing it on the other side when he fell in with a girl who was reaping chion a mexican plant the seed of which is much used in the drinks of the country he persuaded her to cover him with the stalks she had been cutting when his pursuers came up and inquired if she had seen the fugitive the girl coolly answered that she had and pointed out a path as the one he had taken the fifteenth constable story volume twelve page fifty nine the concluding part of this story differs very materially from that of the greek legend of ipecus floren c five forty which is thus related in a small manuscript collection of arabian and persian attic notes in my possession done into english from the french it is written in the history of the first kings that in the reign of a grecian king there lived a philosopher named ibecus who surpassed in sagacity all other sages of greece

Starting point is 14:12:48 abacus was once sent by the king to a neighboring court on the way he was attacked by robbers who suspecting him to have much money formed the design of killing him your object in taking my life said ibecus is to obtain my money i give it up to you by you by but allowed me to live. The robbers paid no attention to his words, and persisted in their purpose. The wretched Ibecus, in his despair, looked about him to see if anyone was coming to his assistance, but no person was in sight. At that very moment a flock of cranes flew overhead. "'Oh, cranes!' cried Apicus. "'Know that I have been seized in this desert by these wicked men, and I die from their blows. Avenge me, and demand from them, my blood. At these words, the robbers burst into laughter. To take away life from those who have lost their reason, they observed, is to add nothing to their hurt. So saying they killed Ibechus

Starting point is 14:13:50 and divided his money. On receipt of the news that Ibechus had been murdered, the inhabitants of the town were exasperated and felt great sorrow. They caused strict inquiries to be made for the murderers, but they could not be found. After some time the Greeks were celebrating a feast. The inhabitants of the adjoining districts came in crowds to the temples. The murderers of Ibrahimus also came, and everywhere showed themselves. Meanwhile, a flock of cranes appeared in the air and hovered above the people, uttering cries so loud and prolonged that the prayers and ceremonies were interrupted.

Starting point is 14:14:30 One of the robbers looked with a smile at his comrade, saying, by way of joke, "'These cranes come without doubt to avenge the blood of Ibechus.' Someone of the town, who was near them, heard these words, repeated them to his neighbor, and they together reported them to the king. The robbers were taken, strictly cross-examined, confessed their crime, and suffered for it a just punishment.

Starting point is 14:14:56 In this way the cranes inflicted vengeance on the murderers of Ipicus. But we ought to see in this incident, a matter which is concealed in it the philosopher although apparently addressing his words to the cranes was really imploring help from their creator he hoped in asking their aid that he would not suffer his blood to flow unavenged so god accomplished his hopes and willed that cranes should be the cause that his death was avenged in order that the sages of the world should learn from it the power and wisdom of the creator this ancient legend was probably introduced into arabian literature in the ninth century when translations of so many of the best greek works were made and no doubt it was adapted in the following indian muslim story from an early volume of the asiatic journal the number of which i did not make note of thus for once at least disregarding the advice of the immortal captain cuttle in footnote there was a certain purr or saint of great wisdom, learning, and sanctity, who sat by the wayside expounding the Quran to all who would listen to him. He dwelt in the outbuildings of a ruined mosque close by, his only companion

Starting point is 14:16:13 being a minor, or hill-starling, which he had taught to proclaim the excellence of the formula of his religion, saying, The prophet is just. It chanced that two travelers passing that way beheld the holy man at his devotions, and though far from being religious persons, yet tarried a while to hear the words of truth evening now drawing on the saint invited his apparently pious auditors to his dwelling and set before them such coarse food as he had to offer having eaten and refreshed themselves they were astonished at the wisdom displayed by the bird who continued to repeat holy texts from the koran the meal ended they all lay down to sleep and while the good man reposed his treacherous guests who envied him the possession a bird that in their hands might be the means of enriching them determined to steal the treasure and murder its master so they stabbed the sleeping devotee to the heart and then seized hold of the bird's cage. But unperceived by them, the door of it had been left open, and the bird was not to be found. After searching for the bird in vain, they considered it necessary to dispose of the body,

Starting point is 14:17:28 since if discovered suspicion would assuredly fall upon them, and carrying it away to what they deemed a safe distance, they buried it. Vexed to be obliged to leave the place without obtaining the reward of their evil deeds, they again looked carefully for the bird, and but without success. It was nowhere to be seen, and so they were compelled to go forward without the object of their search. The mina had witnessed the atrocious deed, and unseen had followed their murderers to the place where they had buried the body. It then perched upon the tree beneath which the saint had been wont to enlighten the minds of his followers, and when they assembled flew into their midst, exclaiming, the prophet is just making short flights and then returning these unusual motions together with the absence of their preceptor induced the people to follow it and directing its flight to the grave of its master it uttered a mournful cry over the newly covered grave

Starting point is 14:18:30 the villagers astonished began to remove the earth and soon discovered the bloody course surprised and hoarse-stricken they looked about for some traces of the murderers and perceiving that the bird had resumed the movements which had first induced them to follow it they suffered it to lead them forward before evening fail the avengers came up with two men who no sooner heard the mina exclaim the prophet is just and saw the crowd that accompanied it that they fell upon their knees confessing that the prophet had indeed brought their evil deeds to light so their crime being thus made manifest summary justice was inflicted upon them End of Section 69. Chapter 70 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 14:19:41 Recording by Linda Marie Nielsen, Vancouver, BC. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, section 70. The Tale of the Damsel, Takfat al-Kulub, Volume 12, page 70. An entertaining story, but very inconsistent in the character of Iblis, who is constantly turned, in good Muslim fashion, the accursed, yet seems to be somewhat of a follower of the prophet, and on the whole a good-natured sort of fellow. His mode of expressing his approval of the damsel's musical talent is to say the least original. End of Section 70, recording by Linda Marine Hilsen, Vancouver.

Starting point is 14:20:45 B. C. Section 71 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 12. This is a Libri-Wox recording. All Libri-Wox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libriwarks.org. Recording by Sindhu Ravenren. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burden. Section 71, Women's Wiles A variant, perhaps an older form of this story, occurs in the tale of Prince Fadlala, which is interwoven with the history of Prince Caliph and the Princess of China in the Persian tales of the Thousand-And-One Days. The prince on his way to Baghdad is attacked by,

Starting point is 14:21:47 robbers. His followers are all sling and himself made prisoner, but he is set at liberty by the compassionate wife of the robber chief during his absence on a plundering expedition. When he reaches Baghdad, he has no resource but to beg his bread, and having stationed himself in front of a large mansion, an old female slave presently comes out and gives him a loaf. At this moment Augusta Wind blew aside the curtain of a window, and discovered to his admiring eyes, a most beautiful damsel, of whom he became immediately enamored. He inquired of a passerby, the name of the owner of the mansion, and was informed that it belonged to a man called Muafat, who had been lately governor of the city, but having quarrel with the Khazi, who was of a revengeful disposition, the latter had found means to disgrace him with the

Starting point is 14:22:47 caliph and to have him deprived of his office after lingering near the house in wane till nightfall in hopes of once more obtaining a glimpse of this beauty he retired for the night to a burying-ground where he was soon joined by two thieves who pressed upon him a share of the good cheer with which they had provided themselves for while the thieves were feasting and talking over a robbery which they had just accomplished the police suddenly pounced upon them them and took all three and cast them into prison. In the morning they were examined by the kazi and the thieves, seeing it was useless to deny it, confessed their crime. The prince then told the kazi how he chanced to fall into company of the thieves, who confirmed all he said and he was set at liberty. Then the kazi began to question him as to how he had employed his time since he came to Baghdad, to which he answered very frankly but concealed his rank. Onus mentioning the brief glance he had of the beautiful lady at the window of the ex-governor's house, the Kazi's eyes sparkles with apparent satisfaction, and he assured the prince that he should

Starting point is 14:24:02 have the lady for his bride. For believing the prince to be a mere beggarly adventurer, he resolved to foist him on Muafak as the son of a great monarch. so having sent the prince to the bath and provided him with rich garments the kazi despatched a messenger to request moaffa to come to him on important business when the ex-governor arrived the kazi told him blandly that there was now an excellent opportunity for doing away the ill-will that had so long existed between them it is this continued he the prince of bazra having fallen in love with your daughter from report of her great beauty, has just come to Baghdad, unknown to his father, and intends to demand her of you in marriage. He is latched in my house, and is most anxious that this affair should be arranged by my interposition, which is the most agreeable to me, since it will, I trust, be the means of reconciling our differences. Mouafak expressed his surprise that the Prince of Basra should think of

Starting point is 14:25:11 marrying his daughter, and especially that the proposer should come through the Khazi of all men. But the Khazi begged him to forget their former animosity and consent to the immediate celebration of the nuptials. While they were thus talking, the prince entered in a magnificent dress, and was not a little astonished to be presented to Muafat by the treacherous Khazi as the prince of Basra, who had come as a suitor for his daughter in marriage. the ex-governor saluted him with every token of profound respect and expressed his sense of the honour of such an alliance his daughter was unworthy to wait upon the meanest of the prince's slaves in brief the marriage is at once celebrated and the prince duly retires to the bridal chamber with the beauteous daughter of muafak but in the morning at an early hour a servant of the kazi knocks at his door and on the prince opening it says that he brings him his rags of clothes and is required to take back the dress which the kazi had lent him yesterday to personate the prince of bazra the prince having donned his tattered garments said to his wife

Starting point is 14:26:27 the kazi thinks he has married you to a wretched beggar but i am no whit inferior in rank to the prince of basra i am also a prince being the only son of the king of mosul and then proceeded to recount all his adventures when he had concluded his recital the lady despatched a servant to procure a suitable dress for the prince which when he had put on she said i see it all the kazi no doubt believes that by this time we are all overwhelmed with shame and grief but what must be his feelings when he learns that he has been a benefactor to his enemies before you disclose to him your real rank however we must contrive to punish him for his malicious intent there is a dyer in this town who is a frightfully ugly daughter but leave this affair in my hands the lady then dressed herself in plain but becoming apparel and went out of the house alone she proceeded to the court of the kazi who no sooner cast his eyes upon her than he was stuck with her elegant form he sent an officer to inquire of her who she was and what she had come about she made answer that she was the daughter of her an artisan in the city and that she desired to have some private conversation with the kazi when the officer reported the lady's reply the kazi directed her to be conducted into a private chamber where he presently joined her and gallantly placed his services at her disposal the lady now removed her wail and asked him whether he saw anything ugly or repulsive in her features the kazi on seeing her beautiful face was suddenly plunged in the sea of love and declared that her forehead was of polished silver her eyes were sparkling diamonds her mouth of ruby casket containing a bracelet of pearls then she displayed her arms so white and plump the sight of which threw the chasin to ecstasies and almost caused him to faint

Starting point is 14:28:33 called the lady i must tell you my lord that with all the beauty i possess my father a diet in the city keeps me secluded and declares to all who come to ask me in marriage that i am an ugly deformed monster a mere skeleton lame and full of diseases on this the kazi burst into a tyrant against the brutal father who could thus reduce so much beauty and vowed that he would make her his wife that same day the lady after expressing her fears that he would not find it easy to gain her father's consent took her leave and returned home the kazi lost no time in sending for the dyer and after complimenting him upon his reputation for piety said to him i am informed that behind the curtain of chastity you have a daughter ripe for marriage is not this true replied the dyer my lord you have been rightly informed i have a daughter who is indeed fully ripe for marriage for she is more than thirty years of age but the poor creature is not fit to be a wife to any man she is very ugly lame leprous and foolish in short she is such a monster that i am obliged to keep her out of all people's sight ha exclaimed the kazi you can't impose on me with such a tale i was prepared for it but let me tell you that i myself am ready and willing to marry that's same ugly and leprous daughter of yours, with all her defects. When the dair heard this, he looked the kazi full in the face and said,

Starting point is 14:30:11 My lord, you're welcome to divert yourself by making a jest of my daughter. No, replied the kazi. I'm quite in earnest. I demand your daughter in marriage. The dyer broke into laughter, saying, By Allah, someone has meant to play you a trick, my lord. I forewarn you that she is ugly, lame and leperous. true responded the kazi with a knowing smile i know her by these tokens i shall take her notwithstanding the dyer seeing him determined to marry his daughter and being now convinced that he had been imposed upon by some ill-wisher said to himself i must demand of him a round sum of money which may cause him to cease troubling me any further about my poor daughter so he said to the kazi my lord i am ready to obey your command but i will not part with my daughter unless you pay me beforehand a dowry of a thousand sequins replied the kazi although me thinks your demand is somewhat exorbitant yet i will pay you the money at once which having done he ordered the

Starting point is 14:31:20 the contract to be drawn up. But when it came to be signed, the Dyer declared that he would not sign save in the presence of a hundred men of the law. Thou art very distrustful, said the Qazi, but I will comply in everything, for I am resolved to make sure of thy daughter. So he sent for all the men of law in the city, and when they were assembled in the house of the Qazi, the Dyer said that he was now willing to sign the contract. But I declared he added, in the presence of these honourable witnesses that i do so on the condition that if my daughter should not prove to your liking when you have seen her and you should determine to divorce her you shall oblige yourself to give her a thousand sequence of gold in addition to the same amount which i have already received from you agreed said the kazi i oblige myself to it and call this whole assembly to be witnesses are thou now satisfied i am replied the dyer who then went his way saying that he would at once send him his bride as soon as the dyer was gone the assembly broke up and the kazi was left alone in his house

Starting point is 14:32:32 he had been two years married to the daughter of a merchant of baghdad with whom he had hitherto lived on very amicable terms when she heard that he was arranging for a second marriage she came to him in a great rage how now said she two hands in one glove two swords in one scabbard two wives in one house go fickle man since the carresses of a young and faithful wife cannot secure your constancy i am ready to eel my place to my arrival and retire to my own family repudiate me returned my dowry and you shall never see me more i am glad you have thus anticipated me answered the kazi for i was somewhat perplexed how to acquaint you of my new marriage so saying he opened a coffer and took out a purse of five hundred sequins of gold and putting it into her hands there woman said he thy dowry is in that purse be gone and take with you what belongs to you i divorce thee once i divorce thee twice three times i divorce thee and that thy parents may be satisfied thou are divorced from me i shall give thee a certificate signed by myself and my knave this he did accordingly and his wife went to her father's house with her bill of divorce and her dowry the kazi then gave orders to furnish an apartment sumptuously for the reception of his bride the floor was spread with velvet carpets the walls were high hung with rich tapestry and couches of gold and silver brocade were placed around the room the bridal chamber was decked with caskets filled with the most exquisite perfumes when everything was in readiness the kazi impatiently expected the arrival of his bride and at last was about to dispatch a messenger to the diars when a porter entered carrying a wooden chest covered with a piece of green taffeta

Starting point is 14:34:30 what hast thou brought me there friend asked the kazi my lord replied the porter setting the chest on the floor i bring your bride the kazi opened the chest and discovered a woman of three feet and a half defective in every limb and feature he was horrified at the sight of this object and throwing the covering hastily over it demanded of the porter what wouldst thou have me do with this frightful creature my lord said the porter this is the daughter of omar the dyer who told me that you had espoused her out of pure inclination oh allah exclaimed the kazi is it possible to marry such a monster as this just then the dire well knowing that the kazi must be surprised came in thou wretch cried the kazi how dost thou dare to trifle with me in place of this hideous object sent hither your other daughter, whose beauty is beyond comparison. Otherwise, thou shalt soon know what it is to insult me. Called the Dyer, my lord, I swear by him who out of darkness produced light, that I have no other daughter but this. I told you repeatedly that she was not for your purpose, but you would not believe my words. Who then is to blame? Upon this the

Starting point is 14:35:57 Khazi began to cool, and said so the dyer, I must tell you, friend Omar, that this morning there came to me a most beautiful damsel who pretended that you were her father, and that you represented her to everybody as a monster on purpose to deter all suitors that came to ask her in marriage. My lord, answered the dyer, this beautiful damsel must be an imposter. Someone undoubtedly owes you a grudge. then the kazi having reflected for a few minutes said to the dyer bid the porter carry thy daughter home again keep the thousand sequins of gold which i gave thee but ask no more of me if thou desirest that we should continue friends the dyer knowing the implacable disposition of the kazi thought it advisable to contend himself with what he had already gained and the kazi having formerly divorced his hideous bride sent her away with her father the affair soon got wind in the city and everybody was highly diverted with the trick practised on the kazi

Starting point is 14:37:09 it will be observed that in the arabian story there are two clever devices that of the lady who tricks the boastful merchant whose motto was that men's craft is superior to women's craft into marrying the ugly daughter of the kazi and that of the merchant to get rid of his business bad bargain by disgusting the Khazi with the alliance. The scene at the house of the worthy judge, the crowd of low rascals piping, drumming, and capering, and felicitating themselves on their pretended kingsman, the merchant's marriage, is highly humorous. This does not occur in the Persian story, and because it is the Khazi who has been duped into marrying the diar's deformed daughter, and she is therefore simply packed off again to her father's house. That the tales of the thousand and one days are not, as is supposed by the writer of an article on the several English versions of the Knights in the

Starting point is 14:38:14 Edinburgh Review for July 1886, page 167, mere imitations of Galland, is most certain. Apart from the statement in the preface to Pettis French translation, which there is no reason to doubt. See Volume 10 of the Knights, page 166, note 1. Sir William Ausley in his travels, volume 2, page 21, note, states that he brought from Persia a manuscript which comprised in Taralia, a portion of the Hazar Yulayek-Ruse, or the thousand, days, which agreed with Peta's translation of the same stories. In the Persian collection entitled Shamsha Kukuhha occur several of the tales and incidents.

Starting point is 14:39:07 For example, the story of Naziridoli King of Mosul, the merchant of Baghdad and the fair Zainib, while the story of the king of Tibet and the princess of the nymphs has its parallel in the Turkish. Kirk vizier, or 40 wazirs. Again, the story of Kuluf and the beautiful Dilara reminds us of that of Hajie, the cross-grained in Malcolm's sketches of Persia. But of the French translation, not a single good word can be said. The oriental costume and phraseology have almost entirely disappeared, and between Petit de la Croix and the author of Gil Blas, who is said to have had a hand in the work, the tales have become ludicrously Frenchified. The English translation made from the French is, if possible, still worse.

Starting point is 14:40:06 We there meet with persons of quality, persons of fashion, with Segnoirs and a thousand and one other inconsistencies and absurdities. A new translation is much to be desired. The copy of the Persian text, made by Pettis is probably in the Paris Library, and Ossley's fragment is doubtless among his other Oriental MSS in the Bodleian. But one should suppose that copies of the Hazar-Yoye-Ek ruse may be readily procured at Ispahan or Tehran and at a very moderate cost, since the Persians nowadays are so poor in general that they are eager to exchange any books they for the circulating medium. End of Section 71.

Starting point is 14:41:05 Chapter 72 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Libri-Vox recording. All Libri-Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libri-Vox.org. The Book of the Thousand-A-Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. translated by richard francis burton section seventy two nur al din and the damsel sit al malol volume twelve page one this is an excellent tale the incidents occur naturally and the reader's interest in the fortunes of the hero and heroine never flags the damsels sojourn with the old mezzouin her despatching him daily to the Shroff bears some analogy to part of the tale of Ghanim the slave of love,

Starting point is 14:42:04 Volume 2 of the Knights, which, by the way, finds close parallels in the Turkish 40 Viziers, the lady's 18th story in Mr. Gibbs' translation. The Persian 1,001 Days, story of Abu Qasem of Basra, and the Bagobahar, story of the first dervish. This tale is in fact a compound of incidents occurring in a number of different Arabian fictions. End of Section 72. Chapter 73 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12.

Starting point is 14:42:52 This is a Libri-Vox recording. All Libri-Vox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libri-Wox.org. The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 12 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 73 Tale of King Innsbin Case and his daughter, Volume 12, Page 191.

Starting point is 14:43:23 Here we have another instance of a youth falling in love with the portrait of a pretty girl. See Ante, Page 91. 38 the doughty deeds performed by the young prince against thousands of his foes throw into shade the exploits of the Bedouin hero Antar and those of our own famous champions Sir Guy of Warwick and Sir Bevis of Hampton End of section 73 recording by Alan Mapstone Chapter 74 of the book of the thousand knights and a knight volume 12 this is a liverybox recording all liby box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit liverybox dot org the book of the thousand nights and a knight volume twelve by anonymous translated by richard francis burton phiruz and his wife page three hundred one i find yet another variant of this story in my small ms collection of arabian and persian anecdotes translated from the french i have not ascertained its source

Starting point is 14:44:47 they relate that a lord of basra while walking one day in his garden saw the wife of his gardener who was very beautiful and virtuous he gave a commission to his gardener which required him to leave his home he then said to his wife go and shut all the doors she went out and soon returned saying i have shut all the doors except one which i am unable to shut the lord asked and where is that door she replied that which is between you and the respect due to your maker there is no way of closing it when the lord heard these words he asked the woman's pardon and became a better and a wiser man we have here a unique form of the widespread tale of the lion's track which while it omits the husband's part yet reflects the virtuous wife's rebuke of the enamoured sultan End of Chapter 74. Recording by Alan Mapstone. Chapter 75 of The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. This is a Librivox recording. All Librivox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org.

Starting point is 14:46:16 The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12 by Anonymous. by Richard Francis Burton. Section 75 The Singer and the Druggest, page 305. If Straparola's version is to be considered an adaptation of Sir Giovanni's novella, which I do not think very probable,

Starting point is 14:46:42 it must be allowed to be an improvement on his model. In the Arabian story, the singer is first concealed in a mat, next in the oven, and again in the mat, after which he escapes by clambering over the parapet of the druggist roof to that of an adjoining house, and his subsequent adventures seem to be added from a different story. In Sir Giovanni's version, the lover is first hid beneath a heap of half-dried clothes, and next behind the street door, from which he escapes the instant the husband enters, and the latter is treated as a madman by the wife's relatives and the neighbours,

Starting point is 14:47:22 an incident which has parallels in other tales of women's craft and its prototype, perhaps in the story of the man who compiled a book of the wiles of women, as told in Sintipas, the Greek version of the book of Sindibad. In Straparola, the lover, as in the Arabian story, is concealed three times, first in a basket, then between two boardings, and lastly in a chest containing lawpapers, and the husband induces him to recount his adventures in presence of the lady's friends, which, having concluded, the lover declares the story to be wholly fictitious. This is a much more agreeable ending than that of Giovanni's story, and, moreover, it bears a close analogy to the latter part of the Persian tale, where the lover's

Starting point is 14:48:15 exclaims he is right glad to find it all a dream. Straparola's version has another point of resemblance to the Persian story. So far as can be judged from Scott's abstract, and also from the Arabian story, the lover discovers the lady by chance and is not advised to seek out some object of love, as in Giovanni. In the Arabian, the singer is counseled by the druggist to go about and entertain wine parties. story comparers have too much cause to be dissatisfied with jonathan scott's translation of the behar e danish a work avaredly derived from indian sources although it is far superior to dow's garbled version the abstracts of a number of the tales which scott gives in an appendix while of some use are generally tantalizing

Starting point is 14:49:10 some stories he has altogether omitted because they are similar to tales already well known unfortunately the comparative study of popular fictions was hardly begun in his time while of others bare outlines are furnished because he considered them unfit for general perusal but his work even as it is has probably never been generally read and he seems to have had somewhat vague notions of propriety to judge by his translations from the arabic and persian a complete english rendering of the bahar a danish would be welcomed by all interested in the history of fiction end of section seventy five recording by allan mapstone Chapter 76 of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12. 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 12, by Anonymous,

Starting point is 14:50:27 translated by Richard Francis Burton. Section 76. the fuller, his wife, and the trooper. The trick played on the silly fuller of dressing him up as a Turkish soldier resembles that of the three deceitful women who found a gold ring in the public bath, as related in the Persian storybook Shamsa Ukuka. When the wife of the superintendent of police was a prize that her turn had come, she revolved and meditated for some time what trick she was to play off on her lord.

Starting point is 14:51:01 And after having come to a conclusion, she said one evening to him. Tomorrow I wish that we should both enjoy ourselves at home without interruptions, and I mean to prepare some cakes. He replied, Very well, my dear. I have also longed for such an occasion. The lady had a servant who was very obedient,

Starting point is 14:51:21 and always covered with the mantle of attachment to her. The next morning, she called this youth and said to him, I've long contemplated the hyacinth grove of thy symmetrical stature, and I know that thou travelest constancy and faithfully on the road of compliance with all my wishes, and that thou seekest to serve me. I have a little business which I wish thee to do for me. The servant answered, I shall be happy to comply. Then the lady gave him a thousand diners and said,

Starting point is 14:51:52 Go to the convent which is in our vicinity. Give this money to one of the calendars there and say to him, A prisoner whom the emir had surrendered to the police has escaped last night. He closely resembles thee, and as the superintendent of the police is unable to account to the emir, he has sent a man to take thee instead of the escaped criminal. I have compassion for thee, and mean to rescue thee. Take this sum of money, give me thy dress, and flee from the town. For if thou remains in it till morning, thou wilt be subjected to torture

Starting point is 14:52:28 and wilt lose thy life. The servant acted as he was bid, and brought the garments to his mistress. When it was mourning, she said to her husband, I know you have long wished to eat sweetmeats, and I shall make some today. He answered, very well. His wife made all her preparations, and commenced to bake the sweetmeats. He said to her, last night a theft was committed in a certain place, and I sat up late to extort confessions, and as I have spent a sleepless night,

Starting point is 14:52:58 I feel tired and wish to repose a little." The lady replied, very well. Accordingly, the superintendent of the police reclined on the pillow of rest, and when the sweetmeat was ready, his wife took a little and putting an opiate into it, she handed it to him, saying, How long will you sleep? Today is a day of feasting and pleasure, not of sleep and laziness. Lift up your head and see whether I have made the sweets according to your taste. He raised his head, swallowed a piece of the hot cake, and lay down again.

Starting point is 14:53:42 The morsel was still in his throat when consciousness left and a deep sleep overwhelmed him. His wife immediately undressed him and put on him the garments of the calendar. The servant shaved his head and made some tattoo marks on his body. When the night set in, the lady called her servant. servant and said, Hyacinth, be kind enough to take the superintendent on thy back, and carry him to the convent instead of that calendar. And if he wishes to return to the house in the morning, do not let him. The servant obeyed.

Starting point is 14:54:18 Towards dawn, the superintendent recovered his senses a little, but as the opiate had made his palate very bitter, he became extremely thirsty. He fancied that he was in his own house, and so he exclaimed, Narcissus, bring water. The calendars awoke from sleep, and after hearing several shouts of this kind, they concluded that he was under the influence of Bang, and said, Poor fellow! The narcissist is in the garden. This is a convent of sufferers, and there are green garments enough here. Arise and sober thyself for the mourning and a harbinger of benefits, as well as of the acquisition of the victuals for subsistence is approaching.

Starting point is 14:55:01 When the superintendent heard these words, he thought they were a dream, for he had not yet fully recovered his senses. He sat quietly, but was amazed on beholding the walls and ceiling of the convent. He got up, looked at the clothes in which he was dressed, and at the marks tattooed on his body, and began to doubt whether he was awake or asleep. He washed his face and perceived that the caravan of his mustachios had likewise departed from the plain of his countenance. In this state of perplexity, he went out of the convent and proceeded to his house. There, his wife with her male and female servants was expecting his arrival. He approached the house and placed his hand on the knocker of the door, but was received by Hyacinth, who said,

Starting point is 14:55:49 "'Callender, whom seekest thou?' The superintendent rejoined. "'I want to enter the house.' Hyacinth continued, "'Thou hast today evidently taken thy morning, trot of bang earlier and more copiously than usual, since thou hast foolishly mistaken the road to thy convent. Depart!

Starting point is 14:56:09 This is not a place in which vagabond calendars are harbored. This is the palace of the superintendent of the police, and, if the Simmerk looked with incivility from the fastness of the west of Mount Kaft at this place, the wings of its impertinence will at once become singed. The superintendent said, what nonsense art thou speaking, Go out of my way, for I do not relish thy imbecile prattle. But when he wanted to enter, Hyacinth struck him with a bludgeon on the shoulder,

Starting point is 14:56:41 which the superintendent returned with a box on the ear, and both began to rustle together. At that moment, the lady and her maid-servants rushed forth from the rear and assailed him with sticks and stones, shouting. This calendar wishes in plain daylight to force his wife, way into the house of the superintendent. What a pity that the superintendent is sick, or else this crime would have to be expatiated on the gallows.

Starting point is 14:57:08 In the meantime, all the neighbors assembled, and on seeing the shameless calendar's proceedings, they cried, look at this impudent calendar who wants forcibly to enter the house of the superintendent. Ultimately, the crowd amounted to more than 500 persons, and the gentleman was put to flight and pursued by all the little boys who pelded him with the stones till they expelled him from the town. At the distance of three farcings from the town, there was a village where the superintendent concealed himself in the corner of a mosque. During the evenings, he went from house to house and begged for food to sustain life, until his moustachios again grew, and the tattooed scars

Starting point is 14:57:51 gradually began to disappear. Whenever anyone inquired for the superintendent at his house, He was informed by the servants that the gentleman was sick. After one month had expired, the grief of separation and the misery of his condition had again driven him back to the city. He went to the convent because fear hindered him from going to the house. His wife happened one day to catch a glimpse of him from her window and perceived him sitting in the same dress with a company of calendars. She felt compassion for him, called the servant and said,

Starting point is 14:58:27 The superintendent has had enough of this. She made a loaf of bread and put some opiate into it, and said, When the calendars are asleep, you must go and place this loaf under the pillow of the superintendent. The servant obeyed, and when the gentleman awoke in the middle of the night he was surprised to find the loaf. He fancied that when his companions had, during the night returned from begging, they had placed it there, and so he ate some of it.

Starting point is 14:58:54 During the same night the servant went there by the command of the lady. took his master on his back and carried him home. When it was morning, the lady took off the calendar's clothes from her husband and dressed him in his own garments and began to make sweetmeats, as on the former occasion. After some time, he began to move, and his wife exclaimed, Oh, superintendent, do not sleep so much. I have told you that we shall spend this day in joy and pleasure, and it was not fair of you to pass the time in this lazy way.

Starting point is 14:59:25 lift up your head and see what beautiful sweetmeats I have baked for you. When he opened his eyes and saw himself dressed in his own clothes and at home, the rose-bush of his amazement again brought forth the flowers of astonishment. And he said, God be praised! What has happened to me? He sat up and exclaimed, Wife,

Starting point is 14:59:47 Things have happened to me which I can scarcely describe, she replied, From the uneasy motions which you have. made in your sleep, it appears that you have had extraordinary dreams. Dreams for sooth, said he. Since the moment I lay down, I've experienced the most strange adventures. Certainly, rejoined the lady. Last night you have been eating food disagreeing with your constitution, and today the vapors

Starting point is 15:00:15 of it have ascended into your brain and have caused you all this distress. The superintendent said, yes, last night we went to a party in the house of Sergeant Pahm, and there was roasted Palau, of which I ate somewhat more than usual, and the vapor of it has occasioned me all this trouble. Strikingly similar to this story is the trick of the First Lady on her husband in the Fablio de Troi, damequeyreau me an anel, having made him drunk, she causes his head to be shaved, dresses him in the habit of a monk, and carries him assisted by her lover, to the entrance of a convent.

Starting point is 15:00:57 When he awakes and sees himself thus transformed, he imagines that God, by a miraculous exercise of his grace, had called him to the monastic life. He presents himself before the abbot and requests to be received among the brethren. The lady hastens to the convent in well-fained despair and is exhorted to be resigned and to congratulate her husband on the saintly vow he has taken.

Starting point is 15:01:23 Many a good man, says the poet. has been betrayed by a woman and by her harlotry. This one became a monk in the abbey, where he abode a very long time, wherefore I counsel all people who hear this story told, that they ought not to trust in their wives, nor in their households, if they have not first proved that they are full of virtues. Many a man has been deceived by women and by their treachery. This one became a monk against Wright, who would not,

Starting point is 15:01:55 never have been such in his life if his wife had not deceived him. The second lady's trick in the Fubbleu is a very close parallel to the story in the nights. She had for dinner on a Friday some salted and smoked eels, which her husband bade her cook. But there was no fire in the house. Under the pretext of going to have them cooked at a neighbor's fire, she goes out and finds her lover, at whose house she remains a whole week. On the following Friday, at the hour of dinner, she enters a neighbor's house and asks leave to cook the eels, saying that her husband is angry with her for having no fire, and that she

Starting point is 15:02:34 did not dare to go back, lest he should take off her head. As soon as the eels are cooked, she carries them piping hot to her own house. The husband asks her where she has been for eight days and commences to beat her. She cries for help, and the neighbors come in, and amongst them, the one who's fire the eels had been cooked. Who swears that the wife had only just left her house and ridicules the husband for his assertion that she had been away a whole week. The husband gets into a great rage and is locked up for a madman. The device of the third lady seems a reflection of the elopement, but without the underground tunnel between the houses of the wife and the lover, the lady proposes

Starting point is 15:03:19 to her lover to marry him and he believes that she is only just seeing that she is already married, but she assures him that she is quite in earnest and even undertakes that her husband will consent. The lover is to come for her husband and take him to the house of Dan Eustace, where he has a fair niece, whom the lover is to pretend he wishes to his spouse. He will give her to him, the wife will go thither, and she will have done her business with Eustis before they arrive. Her husband cannot but believe that he has left her at home, and she will be so apparel

Starting point is 15:03:52 that he cannot recognize her. This plan is accordingly carried out. The lover asked the husband for the hand of his niece in marriage, to which he joyously consents, and without knowing it, makes a present of his own wife. All his life long the lover possessed her, because the husband gave and did not lend her, nor could he ever get her back. Le Grand mentions that this Fablou is told at great lengths in the tales of S. the Livetton, and the Facite Bebelini, three women wager which of them will play the best trick on her husband. One causes him to believe he is a monk, and he goes on and sings mass.

Starting point is 15:04:30 The second husband believed himself to be dead, and allows himself to be carried to that mass on a beer, and the third sings in it quite naked. There's a very similar story in Camp Bill's popular tales of the West Highlands, and is also found, says Le Grand, and the convivales Cermones. the Delices Vibro-Cote, and the Facete of Lord Domenici, and the Contes-Bore, three women find a diamond, and the arbiter whom they select promises it, as in the Fablio, to her who concox the best device for deceiving her husband, but their ruses are different. End of Supplemental Nights, Volume 2.

Starting point is 15:05:09 End of Section 76. End of the Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 12, by Anonymous. Thank you.

Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 12) Arabian Nights - The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night by Anonymous ~ Full Audiobook [folklore]

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