Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 5) 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 a thousand knights and a night volume five section one three hundred and fifty seventh night to three hundred and sixtieth knight the ebony horse there was once in times of yore and ages long gone before a great and puissant king of the kings of the persians sabur by name who was the richest of all the kings in store of wealth and dominion and surpassed each and every in wit and wisdom he was generous open-handed and beneficent and he gave to those who sought him and repelled not those who resorted to him and he comforted the broken-hearted and honorably entreated those who fled to him for refuge moreover he loved the poor and was hospitable to strangers and did the oppressed justice upon the oppressor he had three daughters like full moons of shining light or flower-garden's blooming bright and a sun as he were the moon and it was his wont to keep two festivals in the twelvemonth those of the nowros or new year and mirgan the autonnal equinox on which occasions he threw open his palaces and gave larges and made proclamation of safety and security and promoted his chamberlains and viceroy's and the people of his realm came in to him and saluted him and gave him joy of the holy day bringing him gifts and servants and eunuchs now he loved science and john and one festival day as he sat on his kingly throne there came in to him three wise men cunning artificers and past masters in all manner of craft and inventions

Starting point is 00:01:57 skilled in making things curious and rare such as confounded the wit and versed in the knowledge of occult truths and perfect in mysteries and subtleties and they were of three different tongues and countries the first the hindi or Indian, the second a Rumi or Greek, and the third a Farsi or Persian. The Indian came forwards, and, prostrating himself before the king, wished him joy of the festival, and laid before him a present befitting his dignity, that is to say, a man of gold, set with precious gems and jewels of price, and holding in hand a golden trumpet. When Sabre saw this he asked, O sage, what is the virtue of this figure? And the Indian answered,

Starting point is 00:02:47 O my lord, if this figure be set at the gate of thy city, it will be a guardian over it, for if an enemy enter the place, it will blow this clarion against him, and he will be seized with the palsy and dropped down dead. Much the king marveled at this, and cried, By Allah, O sage, and this thy word, be true, I will grant thee thy wish and thy desire.

Starting point is 00:03:17 Then came forward the Greek, and prostrating himself before the king, presented him with a basin of silver, in whose midst was a peacock of gold, surrounded by four and twenty chicks of the same metal. Sabur looked at them, and turning to the Greek, said to him, O sage, what is the virtue of this peacock? oh my lord answered he as often as an hour of the day or night passeth it pecketh one of its young and crieth out and flappeth its wings till the four-and-twenty hours are accomplished and when the month cometh to an end it will open its mouth and thou shalt see the crescent therein and the king said and thou speak sooth i will bring thee to thy wish and thy desire then came forward the persian sage and prostrating himself before the king presented him with the horse of the blackest ebony wood inlaid with gold and jewels and ready harnessed with saddle bridle and stirrups such as befit kings

Starting point is 00:04:26 which when sabur saw he marveled with exceeding marvel and was confounded at the beauty of its form and the ingenuity of its fashion so he asked what is the use of this horse of wood and what is its virtue and what the secret of its movement and the person answered o my lord the virtue of this horse is that if one mount it it will carry him whither he will and fare with its rider through the air and cover the space of a year in a single day the king marvelled and was amazed at these three wonders following thus hard upon one another on the same day and turning to the sage said to him by allah the omnipotent and our lord the beneficent who created all creatures and feedeth them with meat and drink and thy speech be veritable and the virtue of thy contrivance appear i will assuredly give thee whatsoever thou lustest for and will bring thee to thy desire and thy wish then he entertained the sages three days that he might make trial of their gifts after which they brought the figures before him and each took the creature he had wroughton and showed him the mystery of its movement the trumpeter blew the trump the peacock pecked its cheeks and the persian sage mounted the ebony were upon its sword with him high in air and descended again. When King Sabur saw all this, he was amazed and perplexed, and felt like to fly for joy,

Starting point is 00:06:12 and said to the three sages, Now I am certified of the truth of your words, and it behoveth me to quit me of my promise. Ask ye therefore what ye will, and I will give you that same. Now the report of the king's daughters had reached the sages, so they answered, If the king be content with us and accept our gifts, and allow us to prefer a request to him, we crave of him that he give us his three daughters in marriage, that we may be his sons in law, for that the stability of kings may not be gainsaid. Quoth the king, I grant you that which you wish. and your desire, and bade summon the Cassie forthright, that he might marry each of the

Starting point is 00:07:03 sages to one of his daughters. Now it fortune that the princesses were behind a curtain, looking on, and when they heard this the youngest considered her husband to be, and, behold, he was an old man, and hundred years of age, with hair frosted, forehead drooping, eyebrows mangy, ears slitten, beard and moustaches stained and dyed, eyes red and goggle, cheeks bleached and hollow, flabby nose like a brindoll or egg plant, face like a cobbler's apron, teeth overlapping, and lips like camel's kidneys, loose and pendulous. In brief a terror, a horror, a monster, for he was of the folk of his time the unsightliest and of his age the frightfulest. Sundry of his grinders had been knocked out, and his eye-teeth the tusks of the jinny,

Starting point is 00:08:00 who frighteneth poultry in hen-houses. Now the girl was the fairest and most graceful of her time, more elegant than the gazelle, however tender. Then the gently sipher blander and brighter than the moon at her full, for amorous fraywrights suitable, confounding in graceful sway, the waving bow, and outdoing, in swimming-gate, the pacing row. In fine she was fairer and sweeter by far than all her sisters. So when she saw her suitor, she went to her chamber and strew dust on her head, and tore her

Starting point is 00:08:41 clothes, and fell to buffeting her face and weeping and wailing. Now the prince, her brother, Kamar al-Akmaar, or the Mona Moon's height, was then newly returned from a journey, and hearing her weeping and crying, came into her, for he loved her with fond affection, more than his other sisters, and asked her, What ail is thee? What hath befallen thee? Tell me and conceal not from me. So she smote her breast and answer, O, my brother, and my dear one, I have nothing to hide. If the palace be straightened upon thy father, I will go out, and if he be resolved upon a foul thing, I will separate myself from him, though he consent not to make provision for me, and my lord will provide. Quoth he, tell me what meaneth this talk, and what hath straightened thy breast and troubled

Starting point is 00:09:44 thy temper. Oh, my brother and my dear one, answered the princess, know that my father hath promised me in marriage to a wicked magician, who brought him as a gift a horse of black wood, and hath bewitched him with his craft and his necromancy. But as for me, I will none of him, and would because of him, I had never come into this world. Her brother soothed her and so last her, then fared to his sire and said, What be this wizard to whom thou hast given my youngest sister in marriage, And what is this present which he hath brought thee, So that thou hast killed my sister with chagring?

Starting point is 00:10:31 It is not right that this should be. Now the person was standing by, And when he heard the prince's words, He was mortified and filled with fury, and the king said, O, my son, and thou saw'st this horse, thy wit would be confounded, and thou wouldst be amated with amazement. Then he bade the slaves bring the horse before him, and they did so. When the prince saw it, it pleased him. So, being an accomplished cavalier, he mounted it forthright and struck its sides with a shovel-shaped stirrup irons,

Starting point is 00:11:09 but it stirred not, and the king said to the sage, Go show him its movement That he also may help thee to win thy wish Now the Persian bore the prince a grudge Because he will not he should have his sister So he showed him the pin of assent On the right side of the horse And saying to him, Trill this, left him

Starting point is 00:11:32 Thereupon the prince trilled the pin And lo, the horse forthwith sword With him high in ether As it were a bird and gave not over-flying till it disappeared from mensy spying, whereat the king was troubled and perplexed about his case, and said to the person, O sage, look how thou mayst make him descend. But he replied, O my lord, I can do nothing, and thou wilt never see him again till resurrection day, for he of his ignorance and pride, ask me not of the pin of descent, and I forgot to acquaint him therewith. The king heard this, he was enraged, with sore rage, and bade Bastinado the sorcerer and clap him in jail, whilst he himself cast the crown from his head and beat his face and smote his breast. Moreover, he shut the doors of his palaces, and gave himself up to weeping and keening.

Starting point is 00:12:32 He and his wife and daughters, and all the folk of the city, and thus their joy was turned to annoy, and their gladness changed into sore affliction, and, and sadness. Thus far concerning them. But as regards the prince, the horse gave not over-sawing with him till he drew near the sun, whereat he gave himself up for lost, and saw death in the skies, and was confounded at his case, repenting him of having mounted the horse, and saying to himself, Verily, this was a device of the sage to destroy me on account of my youngest sister, but there is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious, the great. I am lost without recourse, but I wonder, did not ye who made the descent-pin make also a descent-pin? Now he was a man of wit and knowledge and intelligence, so he fell to feeling all the parts of the horse,

Starting point is 00:13:35 but saw nothing save a screw like a cock's head on its right shoulder, and the like on the left, when quoth he to himself i see no sign save these things like buttons presently he turned the right-hand pin whereupon the horse flew heavenwards with increased speed so he left it and looking at the sinister shoulder and finding another pin he wound it up and immediately the steeds upwards motion slowed and ceased and it began to descend little by little towards the face of the earth while the rider became yet more cautious and careful of his life. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her, permitted save. When it was the three hundred and fifty-eight night, she said, It hath reached me, auspicious king, that when the prince wound up the sinister screw, the steeds upward motion slowed and ceased, and it began to descend, little by little,

Starting point is 00:14:39 towards the earth, while the rider became yet more cautious and careful of his life. And when he saw this and knew the uses of the horse, his heart was filled with joy and gladness, and he thanked Almighty Allah for that he had gained deliver him from destruction. Then he began to turn the horse's head, whither soever he would, making it rise and fall at pleasure, till he had gotten complete mastery over its every movement. he ceased not to descend the whole of that day for that the steed's ascending flight had borne him afar from earth and as he descended he diverted himself with viewing the various cities and countries over which he passed and which he knew not never having seen them in his life amongst the rest he described a city ordered after the fairest fashion in the midst of a verdant and riot land rich in trees and streams with gazelles pacing daintily over the plains whereat he fell amusing and said to himself would i knew the name of yon town and in what land it is and he took to circling about it and observing it right and left by this time the day began to decline

Starting point is 00:15:58 and the sun drew nearer to its downing, and he said in his mind, Verily I find no goodlier place to night in than this city, so I will lodge here, and early on the morrow I will return to my kith and kin, and my kingdom, and tell my father and family what hath passed and acquaint him with what mine eyes have seen. Then he addressed himself to seeking a place wherein he might safely bestow himself and his horse, and where none should descry him, and presently, behold, he espied the middlemost of the city, a palace rising high in upper air, surrounded by a great wall with lofty crannels and battlements, guarded by forty black slaves, clad in complete mail and armed with spears and swords,

Starting point is 00:16:49 bows and arrows. Quoth he, this is a goodly place, and turned the descent-pin, whereupon the horse sank down with him like a weary bird and alighted gently on the terrace roof of the palace. So the prince dismounted and ejaculating. Alham do lila, praise be to Allah. He began to go round above the horse and examine it, saying, by Allah, he who fashioned thee with these perfections was a cunning craftsman. And if the almighty extend the term of my life and restore me to my kind, country and kins, forkin safety, and reunite me with my father. I will assuredly bestow upon him

Starting point is 00:17:34 all manner bounties, and benefit him with the utmost beneficence. By this time night had overtaken him, and he sat on the roof till he was assured that all in the palace slept, and, indeed, hunger and thirst were sore upon him, for that he had not tasted food nor drunk water, since he parted from his sire. So he said within himself, surely the like of this palace will not lack of victual, and leaving the horse above, went down in search of somewhat to eat. Presently he came to staircase, and descending it to the bottom, found himself in a court paved with white marble and alabaster, which shone in the light of the moon. He marveled at the place, and the god. He marveled at the place, goodliness of its fashion, but sensed no sound of speaker, and saw no living soul, and stood in

Starting point is 00:18:31 perplexed surprise, looking right and left, and knowing not whither he should wend. Then said he to himself, I may not do better than return to where I left my horse, and passed the night by it, and as soon as day shall dawn, I will mount and ride away. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of day, and cease saying her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and fifty-ninth night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that quoth the king's son to himself, I may not do better than pass the night by my horse, and as soon as day shall dawn, I will mount and ride away.

Starting point is 00:19:18 However, as he tarried, talking to himself, he is, by delight within the palace, and making towards it found that it came from a candle that stood before a door of the Harim, at the head of a sleeping eunuch, as he were one of the Ephrits of Solomon, or a tribesman of the gin, longer than lumber, and broader than a bench. He lay before the door with a pommel of his sword gleaming in the flame of the candle, and at his head was a bag of leather hanging from a column of granite. When the prince saw this, he was affrighted and said, I crave help from Allah the supreme, O mine holy one, even as thou hast already delivered me from destruction, so vouchsafe me strength, to quit myself of the adventure of this palace.

Starting point is 00:20:13 So, saying, he put out his hand to the budget, and taking it, carried it aside and opened it, and found in it food of the best. He ate his fill and refreshed himself and drank water, after which he hung up the provision bag in its place, and drawing the eunuch's sword from its sheath took it whilst the slave slept on, knowing not whence destiny should come to him. Then the prince fared forwards into the palace, and ceased not till he came to a second door, with a curtain drawn before it. So he raised the curtain, and behold, on, On entering he saw a couch of the whitest ivory, inlaid with pearls and jacchins and jewels, and four slave-girls sleeping about it.

Starting point is 00:21:00 He went up to the couch to see what was thereon, and found a young lady lying asleep, chemised with her hair as she were the full moon rising over the eastern horizon, with flower-white brow and shining hair-pouring, and cheeks like blood-red anemones, and dainty moles thereon. He was amazed at her as she lay in her beauty and loveliness, her symmetry and grace, and erect no more of death, so he went up to her, trembling in every nerve, and, shuddering with pleasure,

Starting point is 00:21:37 kissed her on the right cheek, whereupon she awoke forthright and opened her eyes, and seeing the prince standing at her head, said to him, Who art thou, and when thou? comes thou quoth he i am thy slave and thy lover ask she and who brought thee hither and he answered my lord and my fortune then said shamsal nahar for such was her name haply thou art he who demanded me yesterday of my father in marriage and he rejected thee pretending that thou wast foul of favour by allah my sire lied in his throat when he spoke this thing, for thou art not other than beautiful.

Starting point is 00:22:26 Now the son of the king of Hind had sought her in marriage, but her father had rejected him, for that he was ugly and uncouth, and she thought the prince was he. So when she saw his beauty and grace, for indeed he was like the radiant moon, the synthism of love got hold of her heart, as it were a flea, flaming fire, and they fell to talk and converse. Suddenly her waiting-women awoke, and seeing the prince with her mistress said to her, O my lady, who is this with thee? Quoth she, I know not, I found him sitting by me when I woke up, happily tis he who seeketh me

Starting point is 00:23:11 in marriage of my sire. Quoth they, O my lady, by Allah the all-father, this is to-law. not he who seeketh thee in marriage, for he is hideous, and this man is handsome, and of high degree. Indeed the other is not fit to be his servant. Then the handmaidens went out to the eunuch, and finding him slumbering, evoke him, and he started up in alarm. Said they, How happyth it that thou art on guard at the palace, and yet men come in to us, whilst we are asleep?

Starting point is 00:23:47 when the black heard this he sprang in haste to his sword but found it not and fear took him and trembling then he went in confounded to his mistress and seeing the prince sitting atop with her said to him o my lord art thou man of jinny replied the prince woe to thee o unluckiest of slaves how darest thou even the sons of the royal choshrows with one of the unbelieving scy'est of slaves how dare thou even the sons of the royal chosrows with one of the unbelieving Satan's. And he was as a raging lion. Then he took the sword in his hand and said to the slave, I'm the king's son in law, and he hath married me to his daughter and bidden me go into her. And when the eunuch heard these words he replied, O my lord, if thou be indeed of kind a man as thou avouchest, she is fit for none but for thee, and thou art worthier of her than any other. Thereupon the eunuch ran to the king, shrieking loud and rending his raiment, and heaving dust upon his head, And when the king heard his outcry, he said to him,

Starting point is 00:24:59 What hath befallen thee? Speak quickly and be brief, for thou hast fluttered my heart, Answered the eunuch, O king, come to thy daughter's succor, for a devil of the gin, in the likeness of a king's son hath got possession of her, so up and at him. When the king heard this he thought to kill him and said, How came'st thou to be careless of my daughter, and let this demon come at her? Then he betook himself to the princess's palace, where he found her slave-women standing to await him and ask them. What is come to my daughter?

Starting point is 00:25:38 O king, answered they, slumber overcame us, And when we awoke we found a young man sitting upon our couch in talk with her, as he were the full moon, never so we ought fairer of favor than he. So we question him of his case, and he declared that thou hadst given him thy daughter in marriage. More than this we know not, nor do we know if he be a man or a jinny, but he is modest and well-bred, and doth nothing unseemly or which leadeth to disgrace. Now when the king heard these words, his wrath cooled, and he raised the curtain little by little, and looking in, saw sitting at talk with his daughter, a prince of the good-list with a face like the full moon for sheen. At this sight he could not contain himself of his jealousy for his daughter's honour, and, putting aside the curtain,

Starting point is 00:26:37 brushed in upon them, drawn sword in hand like a furious gall. Now when the prince saw him, he asked the princess, Is this thy sire? And she answered yes. And Chara Sad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her, permitted say. When it was the three hundred and sixtyth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when the prince saw the king rushing in upon them,

Starting point is 00:27:09 drawn sword in hand like a furious gall he asked the princess is this thy sire and she answered yes whereupon he sprang to his feet and seizing his sword cried out that the king was so terrible a cry that he was confounded then the youth would have fallen on him with a sword but the king seeing that the prince was dotier than he sheathed his scimitar and stood till the young man came up to him when he accosted him cautiously and said to him O youth, art thou a man or a jinny? Quoth the prince, Did I not respect thy right as mine host and thy daughter's honor? I would spill thy blood. How darest thou fellow me with devils? Me that am a prince of the sons of the royal Chosros,

Starting point is 00:28:01 who had they wished to take thy kingdom, could shake thee like an earthquake from thy glory and thy dominions, and spoil thee of all thy possessions? Now, when the king heard his words, he was confounded with Ave and bodily fear of him, and rejoined. If thou indeed be of the sons of the kings, as thou pretendest, how cometh it that thou entrust my palace without my permission, and smurchest mine honour, making thy way to my daughter, and feigning that thou art her husband, and claiming that I have given her to thee to wife, I that have slain kings and kings, sons who sought her of me in marriage. And now who shall save thee from my might and majesty,

Starting point is 00:28:48 when, if I cried out to my slaves and servants, and bade them put thee to the vilest of deaths, they would slay thee forthright? Who shall deliver thee out of my hand? When the prince heard this speech of the king, he answered, verily I wonder at thee, and at the shortness and denseness of thy wit. Say me, cast covet for thy daughter, a mate comelier than myself, and hast ever seen a stouter-hearted man, or one better fitted for a sultan, or a more glorious in rank, and dominion than I? Rejoined the king, nay, by Allah, but I would have had thee, O youth, act after the custom of kings, and demand her from me to wife before witnesses, that I might have married her to

Starting point is 00:29:36 thee publicly, and now even were I to marry her to thee privily, yet hast thou diso'rtis. yet hast thou dishonoured me in her person. Rejoined the prince, thou say'st, O king, but if thou summon thy slaves and thy soldiers, and they fall upon me and slay me, as thou pretendest, thou wouldst but publish thine own disgrace, and the folk would be divided between belief in thee and disbelief in thee. Wherefore, O king, thou wilt do well me seemeth,

Starting point is 00:30:08 to turn from this thought, that which I shall counsel thee. Quoth the king, let me hear what thou hast to advise, and quoth the prince. What I have to propose to thee is this. Either do thou meet me in combat singular. I am thou, and he who slayeth his adversary, shall be held the worthier, and having a better title to the kingdom, or else let me be this night, and whenest dawns the most, the more, morn, draw out against me thy horsemen and footmen and servants, but first tell me their number, said the king, they are forty thousand horse, beside my own slaves and their followers, who are the like of them in number.

Starting point is 00:30:57 Thereupon said the prince, when the day shall break, do thou array them against me and say to them, and Sharaad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her, permitted say. End of Section 1, read by Lars Rolander. Section 2, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org, reading by Lars Rolander. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 2, 361st Night to 364th night. When it was the 361st knight, she continued,

Starting point is 00:32:00 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that quoth the prince. When day shall break, do thou array them against me, and say to them, This man is a suitor to me for my daughter's hand, on condition, that he shall do battle single-handed against you all, for he pretendeth that he will overcome you and put you to the rout, and indeed that ye cannot prevail against him, after which leave me to do battle with them. If they slay me, then is thy secret sure guarded, and thine honour the better warded, and if I overcome them and see their backs, then is it the like of me a king should covet to his son-in-law? So the king approved of his opinion, and accepted his proposition, despite his eave at the boldness

Starting point is 00:32:51 of his speech, and amaze at the pretensions of the prince, to meet in fight his whole host, such as he had described to him, being at heart assured that he would perish in the fray, and so he should be quit of him, and freed from the fear of dishonor. Thereupon he called the eunuch, and bade him go to his vassir, without stay and delay, and command him to assemble the whole of the army, and cause them don their arms and armor, and mount their steeds. So the eunuch carried the king's order to the minister, who straightaway summoned the captains of the host and the lords of the realm, and bade them don their harness of daring do, and mount horse and sally forth in battle array. Such was their case,

Starting point is 00:33:39 but as regards the king, he sat along while conversing with the young prince, being pleased, with his wise speech and good sense and fine breeding and when it was daybreak he returned to his palace and seating himself on his throne commanded his merry men to mount and bade them saddle one of the best of the royal steeds with handsome cell and housings and trappings and bring it to the prince but the youth said o king i will not mount horse till i come in view of the troops and review them be it as thou wilt replied the king then the two repaired to the parade-ground where the troops were drawn up and the young prince looked upon them and noted their great number after which the king cried out to them saying who all ye men there is come to me a youth who seeketh my daughter in marriage and in very sooth never have i seen a goodlier than he no nor a stouter of heart nor a doubter of arm for he pretendeth that he can overcome you single-handed and force you to flight and that were ye an hundred thousand in number yet for him would ye be but few now when he charges down on you do ye receive him upon point of pike and sharp of sabre, for indeed he hath undertaken a mighty matter. Then quoth the king to the prince.

Starting point is 00:35:07 Up, O my son, and do thy debaure on them. Answered he, O king, thou deal'st not justly and fairly by me. How shall I go forth against them, seeing that I'm afoot and the men be mounted? The king retorted, I bade thee mount, and thou refusest, but choose thou which of my horses thou wilt. Then he said, Not one of thy horses pleaseth me, And I will read none but that on which I came.

Starting point is 00:35:38 Asked the king, And where is thy horse? Atop of thy palace? In what part of my palace? On the roof? Now, when the king heard these words, he cried, Out on thee! This is the first sign thou hast given of madness.

Starting point is 00:35:55 How can the horse be on the roof? but we shall at once see if thou speaketh the truth or lies then he turned to one of his chief officers and said to him go to my palace and bring me what thou findest on the roof so all the people marvelled at the young prince's words saying one to other how can a horse come down the steps from the roof verily this is a thing whose like we never heard in the meantime the king's messenger repaired to the palace and mounting to the roof found the horse standing there and never had he looked on a handsomer but when he drew near and examined it he saw that it was made of ebony and ivory now the officer was accompanied by other high officers who also looked on and they laughed to one another saying was it of the like of this horse that the youth spake we cannot deem him other than mad however we shall soon see the truth of his case and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the three hundred and sixty-second night she said it hath reached me auspicious king that when the high officials looked upon the horse they laughed one to other and said was it of the like of this horse that the youth spake we cannot deem him other than mad however we shall soon see the truth of his case Her adventure herein is some mighty matter, and he is a man of high degree.

Starting point is 00:37:40 Then they lifted up the horse bodily, and, carrying it to the king, set it down before him, and all the leeds flocked round to look at it, marveling at the beauty of its proportions, and the richness of its saddle and bridle. The king also admired it, and wandered at it with extreme wonder, and he asked the prince, O youth, is this thy horse? He answered, Yes, O king, this is my horse, And thou shalt soon see the marvel it showeth.

Starting point is 00:38:11 Rejoined the king. Then take and mount it. And the prince retorted, I will not mount till the troops withdraw far from it. So the king bade them retire a bow-shop from the horse, whereupon quoth its owner. O king, see thou, I am about to mount my horse, horse and charge upon thy host, and scatter them right and left, and split their hearts asunder.

Starting point is 00:38:38 Said the king, do as thou wilt, and spare not their lives, for they will not spare thine. Then the prince mounted, whilst the troops ranged themselves in ranks before him, and one said to another, When the youth cometh between the ranks, we will take him on the points of our pikes and the sharps of our sabers. quoth another by allah this is a mere misfortune how shall we slay youth so comely of face and shapely of form and a third continued he will have hard work to get the better of him for the youth had not done this but for what he knew of his own prowess and pre-eminence of valor meanwhile having settled himself in his saddle the prince turned the pin of assent whilst all eyes were strained to see what he would do where upon the horse began to heave and rock and sway to and fro, and make the strangest of movements

Starting point is 00:39:36 steed ever made, till its belly was filled with air, and he took flight with its rider, and soared high into the sky. When the king saw this, he cried out to his men, saying, Woe to you! Catch him, catch him, ere escape you! But his vassish and vicerys said to him, O king, can a man overtake the flying bird? This is surely none but some mighty magicians or marid of the gin or devil, and Allah save thee from him. So praise thou the almighty for deliverance of thee and of all thy host from his hand. Then the king returned to his palace after seeing the feet of the prince,

Starting point is 00:40:19 and, going in to his daughter, acquainted her with what had befallen them, both on the parade ground. he found her grievously afflicted for the prince and bewailing her separation from him wherefore she fell sick with violent sickness and took to her pillow now when her father saw her on this wise he pressed her to his breast and kissing her between the eyes said to her o my daughter praise allah almighty and thank him for that he hath delivered us from this craft enchanter this villain this low fellow this thief for thought only of seducing thee and he repeated to her the story of the prince and how he had disappeared in the firmament and he abused him and cursed him knowing not how dearly his daughter loved him but she paid no heed to his words and did but redouble in her tears and waves saying to herself by allah i will neither eat meat nor drain drink till allah reunite me with him her father was greatly concerned for her case and mourned much over her plight but for all he could do to soothe her love-longing only increased on her and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the three hundred and sixty-third night she said it hath reached me auspicious king that the king mourned much over his daughter's plight but for

Starting point is 00:41:57 for all he could do to soothe her love-longing only increased on her thus far concerning the king and princess shams al-nahar but as regards prince kamar alakmar when he had risen high in the air he turned his horse his head towards his native land and being alone mused upon the beauty of the princess and her loveliness now he had inquired of the king's people the name of the city and of its king and his daughter water. And men had told him that it was the city of Sana'a, so he journeyed with all speed till he drew near his father's capital, and making an airy circuit about the city, alighted on the roof of the king's palace, where he left his horse, whilst he descended into the palace, and seeing its threshold strewn with ashes, thought that one of his family was dead. then he entered as of want and found his father and mother and sister clad in morning raiment of black all pale of faces and lean of frames when his sire descried him and was assured that it was indeed his son he cried out with a great cry and fell down in a fit but after a time coming to himself threw himself upon him and embraced him clipping him to his bosom and rejoicing in him with exceeding joy and extreme gladness his mother and sisters heard this so they came in and seeing the prince fell upon him kissing him and weeping and joying with exceeding joyance then they questioned him of his case so he told them all that had passed from first to last and his father said to him prais'd be allah for thy safety o coolth of my eyes and core of my heart then the king bade hold high festival and the glad tyrants flew through the city so they beat drums and cymbals and doffing the weed of mourning they donned the gay garb of gladness and decorated the streets and markets whilst the folk-weed with one another who should be

Starting point is 00:44:12 the first to give the king joy, and the king proclaimed a general pardon, and opening the prisons, released those who were there in prison. Moreover, he made banquets for the people, with great abundance of eating and drinking, for seven days and nights, and all creatures were gladsomeest, and he took horse with his son, and rode out with him, that the folk might see him and rejoice. After a while the prince asked about the maker of the horse, saying, O my father, what hath fortune done with him? And the king answered, Allah never bless him nor the hour wherein I set eyes on him,

Starting point is 00:44:54 for he was the cause of thy separation from us. O my son, and he hath lain in jail since the day of thy disappearance. Then the king bade release him from prison, and, sending for him, investigated. him in a dress of satisfaction, and entreated him with the utmost favor and munificence, save that he would not give him his daughter to wife, whereat the sage raged with sore rage, and repented of that which he had done, knowing that the prince had secured the secret of the steed and the manner of its motion.

Starting point is 00:45:29 Moreover, the king said to his son, I reck thou wilt do, will not to go near the horse henceforth, and more especially not, to mount it up to this day for thou know'st not its properties and belike thou art in error about it now the prince had told his father of his adventure with the king of sanna and his daughter and he said had the king intended to kill thee he had done so but thine hour was not yet come when the rejoicings were at an end the people returned to their places and the king and his son to the palace where they sat down and fell to eating and drinking, and making merry. Now the king had a handsome handmaiden, who was skilled in playing the lute, so she took it and began to sweep the strings, and sing thereto before the king and his son of separation of lovers, and she chanted the following verses. Deem not that absence breeds in me aught of forgetfulness. What should remember I did you

Starting point is 00:46:36 fro my remembrance vain. Time dies, but never dies the fondest love for you we bear, and in your love I'll die, and in your love I'll arise again. When the prince heard these verses, the fires of longing flamed up in his heart, and pine and passion redoubled upon him. Grief and regret were sore upon him, and his bowels yearned in him for love of the king's daughter of Sana'a, so he rose forthright, and, escaping his father's notice when forth the palace to the horse, and mounting it, turned the pin of accent, whereupon bird-light it flew with him high in air, and soared towards the upper regions of the sky. In early morning his father missed him, and, going up to the pinnacle of the palace, in great concern, saw his sun rising into the firmament, whereat he was so reflected,

Starting point is 00:47:34 and repented in all penitence that he had not taken the horse and hidden it, and he said to himself, By Allah, if but my son returned to me, I will destroy the horse, that my heart may be at rest concerning my son, and he fell again to weeping and be wailing himself. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted save. when it was the three hundred and sixty-fourth night she said it hath reached me auspicious king that the king again fell to weeping and bewailing himself for his son such was his case but as regards the prince he ceased not flying on through air till he came to the city of sanna and alighted on the roof as before then he crept down stealthily and finding the eunuch asleep as of want raised the curtain and went on little by little till he came to the door of the princess's alcove chamber and stopped to listen when lo he heard her shedding plentious tears and reciting verses whilst her women slept round her presently overhearing her weeping and wailing quoth they o our mistress why wilt thou mourn for one who mourneth not for thee quoth she o ye little little

Starting point is 00:49:02 a whit is he for whom i mourn of those who forget or who are forgotten and she fell again to wailing and weeping till sleep overcame her hereat the prince's heart melted for her and his skull-bladder was like to burst so he entered and seeing her lying asleep without covering touched her with his hand whereupon she opened her eyes and despied him standing by her said he why all this crying and mourning and when she knew him she threw herself upon him and took him around the neck and kissed him and answered for thy sake and because of my separation from thee said he oh my lady i have been made desolate by thee all this long time but she replied tis thou who has desolated me and hadst thou tarried longer i had surely died rejoined he o my lady what thinkest thou of my case with thy father and how he dealt with me were it not for my love of thee o temptation and seduction of the three worlds i had certainly slain him and made him a warning to all beholders but even as i love thee so i love him for thy sake quoth she how couldst thou leave me can my life be sweet to me after thee quoth he let what hath happen suffice i am now hungry and thirsty so she bade her maidens make ready meat and drink and they sat eating and drinking and conversing till night was well-nigh ended and when day broke he rose to take leave of her and depart here the eunuch should awake chansalnar asked him whither goes thou and he answered to my father's house and i plight thee my troth that i will come to thee once in every week but she wept and said

Starting point is 00:51:07 i conjure thee by allah the almighty take me with thee whereso thou wendest and make me not taste anew the bitter gourd of separation from thee quoth he wilt thou indeed go with me and quoth she yes then said ye arise that we depart so she rose forthright and going to a chest arrayed herself in what was richest and dearest to her of a trinkets of gold and jewels of price and she fed forth her handmaise recking not so he carried her up to the roof of the palace and mounting the ebony horse took her up behind him and made her fast to himself binding her with strong bonds, after which she turned the shoulder-pin of a cent, and the horse rose with him high in air. When her slave-women saw this, they shrieked aloud, and told her father and mother, who in hot haste ran to the palace-roof, and looking up, saw the magical horse flying away with the prince and princess. At this the king was troubled with ever-increasing trouble, and cried out, saying, O king's son, I conjure thee by Allah, have ruth on me and my wife, and bereave us not of our daughter.

Starting point is 00:52:31 The prince made him no reply, but thinking in himself that the maiden repented of leaving father and mother, asked her, O ravishment of the age, say me, wilt thou that I restore thee to thy mother and father? Whereupon she answered, By Allah, O my lord, that is not my desire my only wish is to be with thee wherever thou art for i am distracted by the love of thee from all else even from my father and mother hearing these words the prince joyed with great joy and made the horse fly and fare softly with them so as not to disquiet her nor did they stay their flight till they came in sight of a green meadow wherein was a spring of running water here they alighted and ate and drank, after which the prince took course again, and set her behind him, binding her in his fear for her safety, after which they fed on till they came in sight of his father's capital. At this the prince was filled with joy, and we thought himself to show his beloved the seat of

Starting point is 00:53:43 his dominion and his father's power and dignity, and give her to know that it was greater than that of her sire. So he set her down in one of his father's gardens without the city, where his parent was wont to take his pleasure, and, carrying her into a doomed summer-house, prepare there for the king, left the ebony horse at the door, and charged the damsel, keep watch over it, saying, sit here till my messenger come to thee, for I go now to my father, to make ready a palace for thee, and show thee my royal estate. she was delighted when she heard these words and said to him doest thou wilt and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section two read by lars rolander section three volume five of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by richard burton this is a librevox recording all librevox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org reading by lars rolander the book of a thousand knights and a night volume five section three three hundred and sixty fifth night to three hundred and sixty fifth night to three hundred and sixty five When it was the 365th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That the maiden was delighted when she heard these words and said to him,

Starting point is 00:55:27 Do as thou wilt, for she thereby understood that she should not enter the city, But with due honour and worship as became her rank. Then the prince left her, and betook himself to the palace of the king his father, who rejoiced in his return, and met him and welcomed him. And the prince said to him, Know that I have brought with me the king's daughter of whom I told thee, and have left her without the city in such a garden, and come to tell thee that thou mayst make ready the procession of estate,

Starting point is 00:56:00 and go forth to meet her, and show her thy royal dignity and troops and guards. Answered the king, With joy and gladness! and straightway bade decorate the town with the goodliest adornment. Then he took course and rode out in all magnificence and majesty. He and his host, high officers and household, with drums and kettle drums, fives and clarions, and all manner instruments, whilst the prince drew forth of his treachery's jewelry and apparel,

Starting point is 00:56:33 and what else are the things which king hordes, and made a rare display of wealth and splendor. Moreover he got ready for the princess a canopied litter of brocades green, red and yellow, wherein he set Indian and Greek and Abyssinian slave-girls. Then he left the litter, and those who were therein, and preceded them to the pavilion, where he had set her down, and searched but fun not, neither princess nor horse. When he saw this he beat his face and rent his raiment, and began to wander round about the garden, as he had lost his wits, after which he came to his senses and said to himself,

Starting point is 00:57:16 How could she have come at the secret of this horse, seeing I told her nothing of it? May be the Persian sage who made the horse hath chanced upon her, and stolen her away in revenge, for my father's treatment of him. Then he sought the guardians of the garden, and asked them if they had seen any pass the precincts and said, "'Hath anyone come in here? Tell me the truth and the whole truth, or I will at once strike off your heads.'

Starting point is 00:57:44 They were terrified by its threats, but they answered with one voice, "'We have seen no man enter, save the person's sage, who came to gather healing herbs. So the prince was certified that it was indeed he that had taken away the maiden.'

Starting point is 00:58:03 And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her, permitted say. When it was the three hundred and sixty-six night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the prince heard their answer, he was certified that the sage had taken away the maiden, and abode, confounded and perplexed concerning his case. And as he was abashed before the fork,

Starting point is 00:58:30 and, turning to his sire, told him what had happened and said to him, Take the troops and march them back to the city. As for me, I will never return till I have cleared up this affair. When the king heard this, he wept and beat his breast and said to him, O my son, calm thy chowler and master thy chagrin, and come home with us, and look what king's daughter thou wouldst fain have, that I may marry thee to her. But the prince paid no heed to his words, and, farewelling him, departed whilst the king returned to the city and their joy was changed into sore annoy now as destiny issued her decree when the prince left the princess in the garden-house and betook himself to his father's palace for the ordering of his affair

Starting point is 00:59:23 the persian entered the garden to pluck certain samples and scenting the sweet savour of musk and perfumes that exhaled from the princess and impregnated the whole place followed it till he came to the pavilion and saw standing at the door of the horse which he had made with his own hands his heart was filled with joy and gladness for he had bemoaned its loss much since it had gone out of his hand so he went up to it and examining its every part found it whole and sound, whereupon he was about to mount and ride away, when he bethought himself and said, Needs must I first look what the prince hath brought, and left here with a horse. So he entered the pavilion, and seeing the princess sitting there, as she were the sun-shining sheen in the sky serene, knew her at the first glance to be some high-born lady, and doubted not but the prince had brought her thither on the horse and left her in the pavilion, whilst he went to the city to make ready for her entry in state procession with all splendor. Then he went up to her and kissed the earth

Starting point is 01:00:32 between her hands, whereupon she raised her eyes to him, and, finding him exceedingly foul of face and favour, asked, Who art thou? And he answered, O my lady, I'm a messenger sent by the prince, who hath bidden me bring thee to another pleasant sneer, and, the city, for that my lady the queen cannot walk so far, and is unwilling of her joy in thee, that another should forestall her with thee. Quoth she, where is the prince? And quoth the person, he is in the city, with his siren forthwith he shall come for thee in great state, said she, O thou, say me, could he find none handsomer to send to me, whereat loud laughed the sage, said, Yeah, verily, he hath not a mamelook as ugly as I am. But, oh, my lady, let not the ill favour of my face

Starting point is 01:01:27 and the foulness of my form deceive thee. Hadst thou profited of me as hath the prince, verily thou thou wouldst praise my affair. Indeed, he chose me as his messenger to thee, because of my uncomeliness and loathsomeness in his jealous love of thee. Else hath he mamelux and negro slaves, pages, eunuchs, and attendance out of number, each goodlier than other. When as she heard this, it commended itself to her reason, and she believed him. So she rose forthright. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her, permitted say. When it was the three hundred and sixty-seventh night, she said,

Starting point is 01:02:14 It hath reached me auspicious king, that when the Persian sage acquainted the princess with the case of the king's son. She believed him, so she wroth forthright, and putting her hand in his said, O my father, what hast thou brought me to ride? He replied, O my lady, thou shalt ride the horse thou camest on, and she, I cannot ride it by myself, whereupon he smiled and knew that he was her master, and said, I will ride with thee myself. So he mounted, and to him, and to him, he mounted, and taking her up behind him, bound her to himself with firm bonds, while she knew not what he would with her. Then he turned the ascent pin, whereupon the belly of the horse became full of wind, and it swayed to and fro like a wave of the sea, and rose with them high in air, nor slackened

Starting point is 01:03:09 in its flight till it was out of sight of the city. Now when Shamsal Nahir saw this, she asked him, "'Ho thou! What is become of that thou toldest me of my prince, making me believe that he sent thee to me?' answered the Persian. "'Alla, damn the prince! He is a mean and skin-flint knave!' she cried, "'Wo to thee! How darest thou disobey thy lord's commandment!' Whereto the person replied, "'Is no lord of mine, knows thou who I am!' rejoined the princess i know nothing of thee say what thou toldest me and retorted he what i told thee was a trick of mine against thee and the king's son i have long lamented the loss of this horse which is under us for i constructed it and made myself master of it but now i have gotten firm hold of it and thee too and i will burn his heart even as he hath burnt mine nor shall he ever have the horse again no never so be of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool and clear for i can be of more use to thee than he

Starting point is 01:04:25 and i am generous as i am wealthy my servants and slaves shall obey thee as their mistress i will robe thee in finest raiment and thine every wish shall be at thy will when she heard this she buffeted her face and cried out saying ah well away i have not won my beloved and i have lost my father and mother and she wept bitter tears over what had befallen her whilst the sage fed on with her without ceasing till he came to the land of the greeks and alighted in a verdant mead abounding in streams and trees now this meadow lay near a city wherein was a king of high potions and it chanced that he went forth that day to hunt and divert himself as he passed by the meadow he saw the persian standing there with the damsel and the horse by his side and before the sage was where the king's slaves fell upon him and carried him and the lady and the horse to their master who noting the foulness of the man's favour and his loathsomeness and the beauty of the girl and a loveliness said, O my lady, what kin is this oldster to thee? The person made haste to reply, saying,

Starting point is 01:05:44 She is my wife and the daughter of my father's brother. But the lady at once gave him the lie and said, O king by Allah, I know him not, nor is he my husband, nay, he is a wicked magician, who hath stolen me away by force and fraud. Thereupon the king bade Bastinado the prince, the prince, person, and they beat him till he was well night dead, after which the king commanded to carry him to the city, and cast him into jail, and taking from him the damsel and the ebony horse, though he knew not its properties nor the secret of its motion, set the girl in his serralio

Starting point is 01:06:23 and the horse amongst his hordes. Such was the case with the sage and the lady. But as regards Prince Kamar al-Aqmar he garbed himself in travelling gear and taking what he needed of money set out tracking their trail in very sorry plight and journeyed from country to country and city to city seeking the princess and inquiring after the ebony horse whilst all who heard him marvelled at him and deemed his talk extravagant thus he continued doing a long while but for all his inquiry and quest he could hit on no new news of her. At last he came to her father's city of Sana'a, and there asked for her, but could get no tidings of her, and found her father mourning her loss. So he turned back and made for the land of the Greeks, continuing to inquire concerning the

Starting point is 01:07:21 twain as he went. And Shara Sad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her, permitted say. When it was the three hundred and sixty-eight night, she said, It hath reached me, auspicious king, that the king's son made for the land of the Greeks, continuing to inquire concerning the two as he went along, till, as chance would have it, he alighted at a certain car and saw a company of merchants sitting at talk. So he sat down near them, and heard one say, "'Oh, my friends, Ely, witnessed a wonder of wonders they asked what was that and he answered i was visiting such a district in such a city naming the city wherein was the princess and i heard its people chatting of a strange thing which had lately befallen it was that the king went out one day hunting and coursing with the company of his courtiers and the lords of his realm and issuing from the city they came to a green meadow

Starting point is 01:08:31 where they spied an old man, standing with a woman sitting hard by a horse of ebony. The man was foulest foul of face and loathly of form, but the woman was a marvel of beauty and loveliness and elegance and perfect grace, and as for the wooden horse it was a miracle, never so eyes aught goodlier than it, nor more gracious than its make. Asked the others, and what did the king with them? And the merchant answered, as for the man the king seized him and questioned him of the damsel, and he pretended that she was his wife, and the daughter of his paternal uncle.

Starting point is 01:09:12 But she gave him the life forthright, and declared that he was a sorcerer and a villain. So the king took her from the old man, and they beat him and cast him into the trunk-house. As for the ebony horse, I know not what became of it. The prince heard these words, he drew near to the merchant, and began questioning him discreetly and cautiously touching the name of the city and of its king, which when he knew, he passed the night full of joy, and as soon as dawned the day he set out and traveled Saint-sur-Cise, till he reached that city. But, when he would have entered, the gate-keepers laid hands on him, that they might bring

Starting point is 01:09:56 him before the king to question him of his condition, and the craft in which he was skilled. and the cause of his coming thither, such being the usage and custom of their ruler. Now it was supper-time when he entered the city, and it was then impossible to go into the king or take counsel with him respecting the stranger, so the guards carried him to the jail, thinking to lay him by the heels there for the night. But when the warders saw his beauty and loveliness, they could not find it in their hearts to imprison him. they made him sit with them without the walls and when food came to them he ate with them what sufficed him as soon as they had made an end of eating they turned to the prince and said what countrymen art thou i came from farce answered he the land of chosros when they heard this they laughed and one of them said

Starting point is 01:10:55 o chosron i have heard the talk of men and their histories and i have looked into their conditions but never saw i or heard i a bigger liar than the chosron which is with us in the jail quoth another and never did i see aught fowler than his favour or more hideous than his vision o me asked the prince what have ye seen of his lying and they answered he pretended that he is one of the wise now the king came upon him as he went to hunting and found with him a most beautiful woman and a horse of the blackest ebony never saw i a handsomer as for the damsel she is with the king who is ennoured of her and would fain marry her but she is mad and where his man a leech as he claimeth to be he would have healed her for the king doth his utmost to discover a cure for her case and a remedy for her disease and this whole year past hath he spent treasure upon physicians and astrologers on her account but none can avail to cure her as for the horse it is in the royal hoard-house and the ugly man is here with us in prison and as soon as night falleth he weepeth and bemoaneth himself and will not let us sleep and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and cease to say her permitted say of section 3 read by Lars Rolander section 4 volume 5 of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by Richard Burton this is a Librevox recording all Librevox recordings are in the public

Starting point is 01:12:50 domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox.org reading by Lars Rolander The book of a thousand knights and a night, volume five, section four, 369th night to 372nd night. When it was the 369th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when the boarders had recounted the case of the Persian necromancer they held in prison, And his weeping and wailing,

Starting point is 01:13:27 the prince at once devised a device whereby he might compass his desire and presently the guards of the gate being minded to sleep led him into the jail and locked the door so he overheard the persian weeping and bemoaning himself in his own tongue and saying alack and alas for my sin that i sinned against myself and against the king's son in that which i did with the damsel for i neither left her nor won my will of her all this cometh of my lack of sense in that i sought for myself that which i deserved not and which befitted not the like of me for whoso seeketh what suiteth him not at all falleth with the like of my fall now when the king's son heard this he accosted him in persian saying how long will this weeping and wailing last say me thinkest thou that hath befallen thee that which never befell other than thou now when the persian heard this he made friends with him and began to complain to him of his case and misfortunes and as soon as the morning morrowed the warders took the prince and carried him before their king informing him that he had entered the city on the previous night at a time when audience was impossible quoth the king to the prince whence comest thou and what is thy name and trade and why hast thou travelled hither he replied as to my name i am called in persian as to my country i come from the land of farce and i am of the men of art and especially of the art of medicine and healing the sick and those whom the jinns drive mad for this i go round about all countries and cities to profit by adding knowledge to my knowledge

Starting point is 01:15:29 and whenever I see a patient, I heal him, and this is my craft. Now, when the king heard this, he rejoiced with exceeding joy, and said, O, excellent sage, thou hast indeed come to us at a time when we need thee. Then he acquainted him with the case of the princess, adding, If thou cure her and recover her from her madness, thou shalt have of me everything thou seekest. replied the prince allah save and favour the king describe to me all thou hast seen of her insanity and tell me how long it is since the excess attacked her also how thou camest by her and the horse and the sage so the king told him the whole story from first to last adding the sage is in jail quoth the prince o auspicious king and what hast thou done with the horse quoth the king o youth it is with me yet laid up in one of my treasure-chambers whereupon said the prince within himself

Starting point is 01:16:39 the best thing i can do is first to see the horse and assure myself of its condition if it be whole and sound all will be well and end well but if its motor works be destroyed i must find some other way of deliver my beloved. Thereupon he turned to the king and said to him, O king, I must see the horse in question, happily I may find in it somewhat that will serve me for the recovery of the damsel. With all my heart, replied the king, and taking him by the hand, showed him into the place where the horse was. The prince went round about it, examining its condition, and found it whole and sound, whereat he rejoiced greatly and said to the king. Allah save and exalt the king. I would fain go in to the damsel that I may see how it is with her,

Starting point is 01:17:39 for I hope in Allah to heal her by my healing hand through means of the horse. Then he bade them take care of the horse, and the king carried him to the princess's apartment, where her lover found her wringing her hands, and writhing and beating herself against the ground, and tearing her garments to tatters as was her wont. But there was no madness of gin in her, and she did this but that none might approach her.

Starting point is 01:18:07 When the prince saw her thus he said to her, No horn should be tied thee, O ravishment of the three waltz, and went on to soothe her and speak her fair, till he managed to whisper. I am Kamar alakmar, whereupon she cried out with a loud cry and fell down fainting for excess of joy but the king thought this was epilepsy brought on by her fear of him and by her suddenly being startled then the prince put his mouth to her ear and said to her O Shamsal Nahar, O seduction of the universe, have a care for thy life and mine, and be patient and constant, for this our position needeth sufferance and skillful contrivance to make shift for our delivery from the tyrannical king.

Starting point is 01:19:02 My first move will be now to go out to him and tell him that thou art possessed of a gin, and hence thy madness, but that I will engage to heal. thee and drive away the evil spirit if he will at once unbind thy bonds so when he cometh into thee do thou speak him smooth words that he may think i have cured thee and all will be done for us as we desire quoth she hearkening and obedience and he went out to the king in joy and gladness and said to him o august king i have by thy good fortune discovered disease and its remedy and have cured her for thee so now do thou go into her and speak her softly and treat her kindly and promise her what may please her so shall all thou desirest of her be accomplished to thee and shahrazad proceed the dawn of day and cease to say her permitted say when it was the three hundred and seventyth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the prince feigned himself a leech and went into the damsel, and made himself known to her, and told her how he purposed to deliver her, she cried, harkening and obedience. He then fared forth from her, and sought the king, and said, Go thou into her, and speak her softly, and promise her what may please her, so shall all thou

Starting point is 01:20:40 desires of her be accomplished to thee. Thereupon the king went into her, and when she saw him, she rose and kissing the ground before him, bade him welcome, and said, I admire how thou hast come to visit thy handmaid this day, whereat he was ready to fly for joy, and bade the waiting women, and the eunuchs attend her and carry her to the hammam, and make ready for her dresses an adornment. So they went in to her and saluted her, and she returned their salams with the goodliest language, and after the pleasantest fashion, whereupon they clad her in royal apparel, and, clasping a collar of jewels about her neck, carried her to the bath, and served her there. Then they brought her forth as she were the full moon, and when she came into the king's presence,

Starting point is 01:21:34 she saluted him and kissed ground before him, whereupon he joyed in her with joy exceeding, and said to the prince, O sage, O philosopher, all this is of thy blessing. Allah increased to us the benefit of thy healing breath. The prince replied, O king, for the completion of her cure it behoveth that thou go forth, thou and all thy troops and guards to the place where thou foundest her not forgetting the beast of black wood which was with her for therein is a devil and unless i exercise him he will return to her and afflict her at the head of every month with love and gladness cried the king o thou prince of all philosophers and most learned of all who see the light of day then he brought out the ebony horse to the meadow in question, and rode thither with all his troops and the princess, little weeting the purpose of the prince. Now when they came to the pontiate place, the prince still

Starting point is 01:22:45 habited as a leech, bade them set the princess, and the steed as far as I could reach from the king and his troops, and said to him, "'With thy leave and at thy word, I will now proceed to the fumigations and conjurations, and here imprison the adversary of mankind, that he may never more return to her. After this I shall mount this wooden horse, which seemeth to be made of ebony, and take the damsel up behind me, whereupon it will shake and sway to and fro, and fare forwards till it come to thee, when the affair will be at an end. And after this thou mayst do with her as thou wilt. When the king heard his words, he rejoiced. with extreme joy, so the prince mounted the horse, and taking the damsel up behind him,

Starting point is 01:23:36 whilst the king and his troughs watched him, found her fast to him. Then he turned the ascending pin, and the horse took flight, and soared with them high in air, till they disappeared from every eye. After this the king abode half the day, expecting their return, but they return not. So when he despaired of them, repenting him greatly of that, which he had done and grieving sore for the loss of the damsel. He went back to the city with his troops. He then sent for the person who was in prison and said to him, O thou traitor, oh, thou villain, why didst thou hide from me the mystery of the ebony horse? And now a sharper hath come to me

Starting point is 01:24:21 and hath carried it off, together with a slave-girl, whose ornaments are worth a mint of money, and I shall never see anyone or anything of them again. So the person related to him all his past, first and last, and the king was seized with a fit of fury which well-nigh ended his life. He shut himself up in his palace for a while, mourning and afflicted, but at last his vassirs came into him and applied themselves to comfort him, saying, Verily, he who took the damsel is an enchant-y, and praised be Allah who hath delivered thee from his craft and sorcery, and they ceased not from him till he was comforted for her loss.

Starting point is 01:25:08 Thus far concerning the king, but as for the prince, he continued his career towards his father's capital in joy and chair, and stayed not till he alighted on his own palace, where he set the lady in safety, after which he went into his father and mother, and saluted them and acquainted them with her coming, whereat they were filled with solas and gladness. Then he spread great banquets for the town's folk. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say, When it was the three hundred and seventy-first night she said, It hath reached me, auspicious king, that the king's son spread great banquets for the town's folk, and they held high festival a whole month at the end of which time he went in to the princess and they took their joy of each other with exceeding joy

Starting point is 01:26:09 but his father brake the ebony horse in pieces and destroyed its mechanism for flight moreover the prince wrote a letter to the princess's father advising him of all that had befallen her and informing him how she was now married to him and in all health and happiness and sent it by a messenger together with costly presents and curious rarities and when the messenger arrived at the city which was and delivered the letter and the presents to the king he read the missive and rejoiced greatly thereat and accepted the presence honouring and rewarding the bearer handsomely moreover he forwarded rich gifts to his son-in-law by the same messenger who returned to his master and acquainted him with what had passed whereat he was much chaired after this the prince wrote a letter every year to his father-in-law and sent him presents till his father-in-law and sent him presents till in course of time his sire king sabur deceased and he reigned in his stead ruling justly of resligious legies and conducting himself well and righteously towards them so that the land submitted to him and his subjects did him loyal service and kamar alakmar and his wife shamsalnahar abode in the enjoyment of all satisfaction and solas of life till there came to them the destroyer of delights and sunderer of society and sunderer of society the plunderer of palaces, the carterer for cemeteries, and the garnerer of graves. And now glory be to the living one who dith not, and in whose hand is the dominion of the

Starting point is 01:27:53 world's visible and invisible. Moreover I've heard tell the tale of Unzal Vujud and the Vassi's daughter, Alvar'd Phil Akam, or rose in hood. There was once in days of yore, and in ages and times long gone before, a king of great power and lord of glory and dominion galore, who had a vassar Ibrahim height, and this Vassir's daughter was a damsel of extraordinary beauty and loveliness, gifted with passing brilliancy, and the perfection of grace, possessed of abundant wit, and in all good breeding complete. But she loved Vassel and wine, and wine, and she loved Vassel and wine, and the and the human face divine, and choice verses and rare stories, and the delicacy of her inner gifts invited all hearts to love, even as Seth the poet describing her. Like moon she shines amid the starry sky, robbing in tressy's blackest ink out by, the morning breezes give her bows fair drink, and like a branch she sways with supple ply, she smiles in power,

Starting point is 01:29:07 us o thou that art fairest in yellow road or cramosey thou play'st with my wit in love as though sparrow in hand of playful boy were i her name was rose in hood and she was so named for her young and tender beauty and the freshness of her brilliancy and the king loved her in his cups because of her accomplishments and fine manners now it was the king's the king loved her in his cups because of her accomplishments and fine manners now it was the king kings custom yearly to gather together all the nobles of his realm and play with a ball so when the day came round whereon the folk assembled for ball-play the minister's daughter seated herself at her lattice to divert herself by looking on at the game and as they were at play her glance fell upon a youth among the guards then whom never was seen a comelyer face nor a goodlier form for he was bright of favor, showing white teeth when he smiled, tall, statured and broad-shouldered. She looked at him again and again, and could not take her fill of gazing, and presently said to her nurse, What is the name of yonder handsome young man among the troops? Replied the nurse, Oh, my daughter, the dear fellows are all handsome, which of them dost thou mean?

Starting point is 01:30:36 said Rose in Hood, Wait till he come past and I will point him out to thee. So she took an apple, and as he rode by, dropped it on him, Whereupon he raised his head to see who did this, And espied the Basish daughter at the window, As she were the moon of fullest light in the darkness of the night, Nor did he withdraw his eyes, till his heart was utterly lost to her, And he recited these light.

Starting point is 01:31:06 lines. Was archer shot me, or was thine eyes, ruined lover's heart that thy charms espies? Was the notched shaft from a host outshot, or from latticed window, in sudden guise? When the game was at an end, and all had left the ground, she asked her nurse, What is the name of that youth I showed thee? And the good woman answered. His name is Unz al-Wudjad, where it rose in hood shook her head, and lay down on her couch with thoughts of fire for love. Then, sighing deeply, she improvised these couplets. He missed not who dubbed thee world's delight,

Starting point is 01:31:59 A world's love conjoining to bounties light. O thou whose favor the full moon favors, Whose charms make life and the living bright, Thou hast none equal among mankind, Sultan of beauty, and proof I'll sight. Thine eyebrows are likest a well-formed nun, And thine eyes a sud by his hand in date. Thy shape is the soft green bow that gives,

Starting point is 01:32:32 when asked to all with all gracious sprite, thou excels knights of the world in store, with delight and beauty and bounty dight. When she had finished her verses, she wrote them on a sheet of paper which she folded in a piece of gold embroidered silk and placed under her pillow. Now one of her nurses had seen her,

Starting point is 01:32:57 so she came up to her and held her in talk till she slept, when she stole the scroll from under her pillow and after reading it knew that she had fallen in love with unz al-wojad then she returned the scroll to its place and when her mistress awoke she said to her oh my lady indeed i am to thee a true counsellor and am tenderly anxious on thy account know that love is a tyrant and the hiding it melteth iron and entaileth sickness and unease, nor for whoso confesseth it is there aught of reproach. Rejoined Rosen-Hood, And what is the medicine of passion, O nurse mine? Answered the nurse, the medicine of passion is enjoyment, quoth she. And how may one come by enjoyment? Quoth the other.

Starting point is 01:33:55 By letters and messages, my lady, by whispered words of compliment, and by greetings before the world. All this bringeth lovers together, and makes hard matters easy. So if thou have ought at heart, mistress mine, I am the fittest to keep thy secret, and do thy desires, and carry thy letters. Now, when the damsel heard this, her reason flew and fled for joy, but she restrained herself from speech till she should see the issue of the matter, saying within herself, None knoweth this thing of me, nor will I trust this one with my secret

Starting point is 01:34:37 till I have tried her. Then said the woman, O my lady, I saw in my sleep as though a man came to me and said, Thy mistress and unsalvud should love each other, so do thou serve their case by carrying their messages and doing their desires, and keeping their secrets, and much good shall befall thee.

Starting point is 01:35:03 So now I have told thee my vision, and it is thine to decide. Quoth Rosen Hood after she heard of the dream, and Shahrazad proceed the dawn of day, and cease to say her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and seventy-second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that rose-in-hood asked her nurse after his, hearing of the dream tell me canst thou keep a secret o my nurse where to she answered and how should i not keep secrecy i that am of the flower of thee free then the maiden pulled out the scroll whereon she had written the verses and said carry me this my letter to unsal wudjud and bring me his reply the nurse took the letter and repairing to uns al wududh kissed his hands and greeted him right courteously then gave him the paper and he read it and comprehending the contents wrote on the back these couplets

Starting point is 01:36:13 i soothe my heart and my love repel but my state interprets my love too well when tears flow i tell them mine eyes are ill lest the censors see and my case foretell i was fancy free and anew i love but i fell in love and in madness fell i show you my case and complain of pain pine and ecstasy that your wrath compel I write you with tears of eyes so be like, They explain the love, Come my heart to quell. Allah, guard a face that is veiled with charms, Whose thrall is moon and the stars as well. In her beauty I never beheld the light, From her sway the branches learn sway and swell.

Starting point is 01:37:08 I beg you, and tis not too much of pains, to call twere boom without parallel. I give you a soul you will happily take, To which union is heaven, Dish union hell. Then he folded the letter, And kissing it gave it to the go-between, And said to her,

Starting point is 01:37:31 O nurse, incline the lady's heart to me. To hear is to obey, answered she, And carried the script to her mistress, Who kissed it and laid it on a, heart. Then she opened it and read it, and understood it and wrote at the foot of it these couplets. O, whose heart by our beauty is captive, ten, have patience and all thou shalt happily gain. When we knew that thy love was a true effect, and what pained our heart to thy heart gave pain, We had granted thee wished for call and more,

Starting point is 01:38:12 But hindered so doing the chamberlain. When the night grows dark, through our love's excess, Fire burns our vitals with might and main, And sleep from our beds is driven afar, And our bodies are tortured but passion bane. Hide love, in love's code is the first command, and from raising his veil thy hand restrain. I fell love fulfilled by John Gassel.

Starting point is 01:38:43 Would he never wonder from where I dwell? Then she folded the letter and gave it to the nurse, who took it and went out from her mistress to seek the young man, but as she would fare forth that Chamberlain met her and said to her, Whither away? To the bath, answered she, but in her fear and confusion she dropped the letter without knowing it, and went off unrecking what she had done, when one of the eunuchs seeing it lying in the way picked it up.

Starting point is 01:39:16 When the nurse came without the door she sought for it, but found it not, so turned back to her mistress and told her of this and what had befallen her. Meanwhile the vassir came out of the harem and seated himself on his couch, whereupon behold the junoac who had picked up the letter came into him, holding it in hand and said, Oh my lord, I found this paper lying upon the floor and picked it up. So the minister took it from his hand, folded as it was, and opening it, read the verses as above, sat down.

Starting point is 01:39:53 Then after mastering the meaning, he examined the writing and knew it for his daughter's hand, whereupon he went to her mother, weeping so, abundant tears that his beard was wetted. His wife asked him, What maketh thee weep, O my lord? And he answered, Take this letter and see what is therein. So she took it and found it to be a love-letter from her daughter, Rose in Hood, to Unz al-Wudjudud, whereupon the ready drop sprang to her eyes, but she composed her mind, and, gulping down her tears, said to her husband, O my lord, there is no profit in weeping,

Starting point is 01:40:35 the right course is to cast about for a means of keeping thine honour and concealing the affair of thy daughter. And she went on to comfort him and lighten his trouble. But he said, I am fearful for my daughter by reason of this new passion. Know'st thou not that the sultan loveth uns al-wadjid with exceeding love, and my fear hath two causes. The first concerneth myself. It is that she is my daughter. The second is on account of the king, for that unsal-Wududud is a favorite with the sultan,

Starting point is 01:41:13 and peradventure great trouble shall come out of this affair. What deemist thou should be done? And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 4 read by Lars Rolander. Section 5, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Librevox recording, who Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org, reading by Lars Rolander. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 5, 373rd night to 376 night. When it was the 373rd night, she said,

Starting point is 01:42:21 It hath reached me, auspicious king, that the vassir, after recounting the affair of his daughter, asked his wife, What deemest thou should be done? And she answered, Have patience whilst thy pray the prayer for right direction. So she prayed a two-bow prayer, according to the prophetic ordinance for seeking divine guidance, after which she said to her husband. In the midst of the sea of treasure standeth a mountain named the mount of the bereaved mother,

Starting point is 01:42:55 the cause of which being so called shall presently follow in its place, in Shala. And thither can none have access, save, with pains and difficulty and distress. Do thou make that same her abiding place? Accordingly the minister and his wife agreed to build on that mountain a virgin castle and lodged their daughter therein, with the necessary provision to be renewed year by year and attendance to cheer and to serve her. Accordingly, he collected carpenters, builders and architects,

Starting point is 01:43:31 and dispatched them to the mountain, where they builded the mountain, where they build her an impregnable castle never saw eyes the light thereof then he made ready vivers and carriage for the journey and going into his daughter by night made her prepare to set out on a pleasure excursion thereupon her heart presaged the sorrows of separation and when she went forth and saw the preparations for the journey she wept with sore weeping and roped that upon the door which might acquaint her lover with what had passed and with the transports of passion and grief that were upon her transports such as would make the flesh to shiver and hair to stare and melt the hardy stone with care and tear from every eye a tear and what she wrote were these couplets by allah o thou how's if my beloved a morn go by and greet with signs and signals lovers ever is wont to fly i pray thee give him our salams in pure and fragrant guise for he indeed may never know where we this eve shall lie i wot not whither they have fared thus bearing us afar at speed and lightly quipped the lighter from one love to fly when starkens night the birds in brake or branches snugly perched wail for our sorrow and announce our hapless destiny the tongue of their condition set alas alas for woe and heavy brunt of parting glow to lovers must abide

Starting point is 01:45:15 when viewed eye separation cups were filled to the brim and us with meris sorrow-wine fate came so fast to ply i mixed them with becoming share of patient self to excuse but patience for the loss of you her so last to ply i mixed them with becoming share of patient self to excuse but patience for the loss of you her so last doth refuse now when she ended her lines she mounted and they set forward with her crossing and cutting of a vold and wild and riant dale and rugged hill till they came to the shore of the sea of treasures here they pitched their tents and built her a great ship wherein they went down with her and her suite and carried them over to the mountain the minister had ordered them on reaching the journey's end to set her in the castle and to make their way back to the shore where they were to break up the vessel so they did his bidding and returned home weeping over what had befallen such was their case but as regards uns al-vudjud he arose from sleep and prayed the dawn prayer after which he took course and rode forth to attend upon the sultan on his way he passed by the vassir's house thinking for hans to see some of his followers as a want but he saw no one and looking upon the door he read written thereon the verses aforesaid at this sight his senses failed him fire was kindled in his vitals and he returned to his lodging where he passed the day in trouble and transports of grief without finding ease or patience till night darkened upon him when his journing and love-longing redoubled thereupon by way of concealment he disguised himself in the ragged garb of a fakir and set out wonder

Starting point is 01:47:15 at random through the glooms of night, distracted and knowing not whither he went. So he wandered on all that night and next day, till the heat of the sun waxed fierce, and the mountains flamed like fire and thirst was grievous upon him. Presently he spied a tree by whose side was a thin thread of running water, so he made towards it, and sitting down in the shade on the bank of the rivulet, said to drink but found that the water had no taste in his mouth and indeed his colour had changed and his face had yellowed and his feet were swollen with travel and travail so he shed copious tears and repeated these couplets the lover is drunken with love of friend on a longing that groweth his joys depend love distracted ardent bewildered lost from home not nor may food aught of pleasure lend how can life be delightsome to one in love and from lover parted twere strange unkend

Starting point is 01:48:26 i melt with the fire of my pine for them and the tears down my cheek in a stream descend shall i see them say me or one that comes from the camp who the afflicted heart shall tend and after thus reciting he wept till he wetted the hard dry ground but anon without loss of time he rose and fared on again over waist and wald till there came out upon him a lion with a neck buried in tangled mane ahead the bigness of a dome a mouth wider than the door thereof and teeth like elephant's tusks now when unsal wududud saw him he gave himself up for lost and turning towards the temple of mecca pronounced the professions of the faith and prepared for death he had read in books that whoso will flatter the lion beguileth him for that he is readily duped by smooth speech and gentled by being glorified so he began and said o lion of the forest o lord of the waste o terrible leo o father of fighters o sultan of wild beasts behold i am a lover in longing whom passion and severance have been wronging since i parted from my dear i have lost my reasoning gear wherefore to my speech do thou give air and have wrath on my passion and hope and fear When the lion heard this he drew back from him, and sitting down on his hind quarters,

Starting point is 01:50:09 graced his head to him, and began to frisk tail and pause, which, when unsalvududud saw, he recited these couplets. Lion of the world wilt thou murder me, ere I meet her who doone me to slavery. I'm not game, and I bear no fat, for the loss of my love makes me sickness tree. And estrangement from her hath so worn me down, I am like a shape in a shroud we see. O thou sire of spoils, O thou lion of war! Give not my pains to the blamers'grie. I burn with love, I am drowned in tears, for a parting from lover's sore misery,

Starting point is 01:50:58 And my thoughts of her in the murk of night, For love hath made my being un. be. As he had finished his lines the lion rose. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and seventy-fourth night, she said, It hath reached me auspicious king, that as unsal-vudud ended his lines, the lion arose and stalked slowly up to him, with eyes tear-railing, and licked him, and licked him with his tongue, then walked on before him, signing to him as though saying, Follow me.

Starting point is 01:51:42 So he followed him, and the beast ceased not leading him on for a while, till he brought him up a mountain, and guided him to the farther side, where he came upon the track of a caravan over the desert, and knew it to be that of Rosen Hood and her company. Then he took the trail, and when the lion saw that he knew the track for that of the party which escorted her he turned back and went his way whilst unsal voodjud walked along the footmarks day and night till they brought him to a dashing sea swollen with clashing surge the trail led down to the sandy shore and there broke off whereby he knew that they had taken ship and had continued their journey by water so he lost hope of finding his lover and with hot tears he repeated these couplets. Far is the feign and patience faileth me. How can I seek them over the abysmal sea? Or how be patient when my vitals burn, for love of them and sleepwaxed insomnia?

Starting point is 01:52:52 Since the sad day they left the home and fled, my hearts consumed by love's ardency. Sayun, Jain, Eufratz like my tears, Make flood no deluge rain, Its light can see. Mine eyelids chaffed with running tears remain. My heart from fiery sparks is never free. The hosts of love and longing pressed me, And made the hosts of patience break and flee.

Starting point is 01:53:23 I've risked my life too freely for their love, And risk of life the least of each, Ill shall be. Allah never punish I that saw those charms, enshrined and passing full moon's brilliancy, I found me felled by fair wide-opened eyes, which pierced my heart with stringless archery, and soft lithe swaying shape and raptured me, as sway the branches of the willow-tree, with them I covet union that I win, over love-pain's car, and rapture'd me, and, and sovay the branches of the willow-tree, love pains carc and care a mastery for love of them i mourn and eve i pine and doubt all came to me from evil

Starting point is 01:54:11 and when his lines were ended he wept till he swoon away and abode in his wound a long while but as soon as he came to himself he looked right and left and seeing no one in the desert he became fearful of the while beasts, so he cloned to the top of a high mountain, where he heard the voice of a son of Adam speaking within a cave. He listened, and lo, they were the accents of a devotee who had forsworn the world, and given himself up to Pire's works and worship. He knocked thrice at the cavern door, but the hermit made him no answer. Neither came forth to him, wherefore he groaned allowed and recited these couplets what pathway find i my desire to obtain how scape from care and carc and pain and bane all terrors join to make me old and whole of head and heart ere youth from me is tain nor find i any aid in my passion nor a friend to lighten load of vain and pain how great and many troubles i've endured, fortune hath turned her back, I see unfeign. A mercy, mercy on the lover's heart,

Starting point is 01:55:35 doomed cup of parting and desertion drain. A fire is in his heart, his vitals waste, and severance made his reason vainest vain. How dread the day I came to her abode, and saw the writ they wrote on doorway lane. I wept till gave I earth to drink my grieve, But still, to near and far I did but fain, Then strayed I till in waste a lion sprang, On me and but for flattering words had slain, I soothed him, so he spared me, and lent me aid,

Starting point is 01:56:15 He too might happily of love's taste complain. O devotee, that idlest in thy cave, Me seems eke thou hast learned love's might and main, But if at end of woes with them I leave, Straight I'll forget all suffering and fatigue. Hardly had he made an end of these verses, When behold the door of the cavern opened, and he heard one say, Alas, the pity of it!

Starting point is 01:56:47 So he entered and saluted the devotee, who returned his salam, and asked him, What is thy name? Answered the young man, Unz al-Wudjud, and what caused thee to come hither? Quoth the hermit. So he told him his story in its entirety, omitting not of his misfortunes, whereat he wept and said, O uns al-Wudud, these twenty years have I passed in this place, but never beheld i any man here until yesterday when i heard a noise of weeping and lamentation and looking forth in the direction of the sound so many people and tents pitched on the seashore and the party at once proceeded to build a ship in which certain of them embarked and sailed over the waters

Starting point is 01:57:39 then some of the crew returned with the ship and breaking it up went their way and i suspect that those who embarked in the ship and returned not are they whom thou seekest in that case o unsal wududud thy grief must needs be great and sore and thou art excusable though never yet was lover but suffered love longing then he recited these couplets hunsal wudud dost deem me fancy free when pine and longing slay and quicken me i've known love and yearning from the years since mother milk i drank nor ever was free long struggled i with love till learned his smite ask thou of him he'll tell with willing gree love-sick and pining drank i passion cup and well nigh perish in mine agony strong was i I but my strength to weakness turned, and I soar break through patience armory. Hope not to win love-joys without annoy, contrary ever links with contrary. But fear not change from lover true, be true, unto thy wish some day thine own twill be. Love hath forbidden to his votaries, relinquishment as steadliest heresy. The aramit having ended

Starting point is 01:59:07 his verse rose and coming up to uns al-Wudjad embraced him, and Shara Sad proceed the dawn of day, and cease saying her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and seventy-fifth night, she said, It hath reached me auspicious king, that the Eremit having ended his verse, rose and coming up to uns al-Wudjut, embraced him, and they wept together till the hills rang with their cries, and they fell down, fainting. When they revived, they swore brotherhood in Allah Almighty, after which said unsal-Wudjud, This very night will I pray to God, and seek of him direction, an end what thou shouldst do to attain thy desire. Thus it was with them, but as regards rose in hood, when they brought her to the mountain, and set her in the castle, and she beheld its ordering, she wept and exclaimed, by a

Starting point is 02:00:08 allah thou art a goodly place save that thou lackest in thee the presence of the beloved then seeing birds in the island she bade her people set snares for them and put all they caught in cages within the castle and they did so but she sat at a lattice and bethought her of what had passed and desire and passion and distraction redoubled upon her till she burst into tears and repulsed her repeated these couplets o to whom now of my desire complaining sore shall i bewail my parting from my fair compel thus to fly flames rage within what underlies my ribs yet hide them i in deepest secret reading i the jealous hostile spy i'm grown as lean attenuate as any pick of tooth by sore estrangement absence ardor ceaseless sob and sigh where is the eye of my beloved to see how i'm become like trees strip bare of leafage left to linger and to die they tyrannized over me whom they confined in place whereto the lover of my heart may never draw him nigh I begged the sun for me to give greetings a thousandfold, a time of rising, and again when setting from the sky. To the beloved one who shames a full moon's loveliness, when shows that slender form that doth the willow branch outweigh,

Starting point is 02:01:52 If rose herself would even with his cheek, I say of her, thou art not like it, if to me my portion thou deny. His honey dew of lips is like the grateful water-draft, would cool me when a fire in heart upflameth fears and high. How shall I give him up, who is my heart and soul of me? My malady, my wasting cause, my love, so leech of me. Then as the glooms of night closed around her, her yearning increased and she called to mind the past, and recited also these couplets. Tis dark, my transport and unease now gather might and main, and love desire provoketh me to wake my wonted pain.

Starting point is 02:02:47 The pang of parting takes forever place within my breast, and pining makes me desolate in destitution lane. Ecstasy sore maltreates my soul, and yearning burns my breast, sprite, and tears betray love's secrecy which I would leaf contain. I weat no way, I know no case that can make light my load, or heal my wasting body, or cast out from me this bane. A hell of fire is in my heart up flames, with lambent tongue, and Lassa's furnace fires within my liver place have tain.

Starting point is 02:03:31 O thou exaggerating blame for what befell enough, I bear with patience whatsoever hath writ for me the pen. I swear by Allah never to find aught comfort for their loss. Tis oath of passion's children, and their oath are never in vain. O night, Salam so meet to friends, and let to them be known, of thee true knowledge how I wake and waking ever wone. Meanwhile the hermit said to Unzalvudjud, Go down to the palm grow in the valley and fetch some fiber. So he went and returned with a palm fiber,

Starting point is 02:04:16 which the hermit took and twisting into ropes, make there with a net, such as is used for carrying straw, after which he said, O uns al-Wududud, in the heart of the valley growth a gourd which springeth up and dryeth upon its roots go down there and fill this sack with their wind then tie it together and casting it into the water embark thereon and make for the midst of the sea so happily thou shalt win thy wish for whoso never ventureth shall not have what he seeketh i hear and obey answered unsal voodjud then he bade the hurd then he bade the hurried permit farewell after the holy man had prayed for him, and betaking himself to the soul of the valley, did as his advisor had cancelled him, made the sack, launched it upon the water, and pushed from shore.

Starting point is 02:05:12 Then there arose a wind which drave him out to sea, till he was lost to the Hermit's view, and he ceased not float over the abysses of the ocean, one billow tossing him up and another bearing him down, and he, beholding the while the dangers and marvels of the deep, for the space of three days. At the end of that time, fate cast him upon the mount of the bereft mother, where he landed, giddy and tottering like a chick, unfledged, and at the last of his strength for hunger and thirst, but finding there streams flowing, and birds on the branches cooing, and fruit-laden trees in clusters, and singly growing. He ate to the fruits and drank of the rills.

Starting point is 02:05:59 Then he walked on till he saw some white thing afar off, and making for it found that it was a strongly fortified castle. So he went up to the gate, and seeing it locked, sat down by it, and there he sat for three days, when behold the gate opened, and an eunuch came out, who finding unsalvudjad there seated, said to him, Whence came'st thou, and who brought thee hither? Quoth he, from Ispahan, and I was voyaging with merchandise when my ship was wrecked, and the waves cast me upon the farther side of this island,

Starting point is 02:06:38 whereupon the eunuch wept and embraced him, saying, Allah preserve thee, O thou friendly face, Ispahan is mine own country, and I have there a cousin, the daughter of my father's, brother, whom I loved from my childhood, and cherished with fond affection. But the people stronger than we fell upon us in foray, and taking me among other booty, cut off my yard, and sold me for a castrato, whilst I was yet a lad, and this is how I came to be in such case. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say.

Starting point is 02:07:19 when it was the three hundred and seventy-six night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the eunuch who came forth from the castle where rose in hood was confined told unsalvududjord all his tale and said the raiders who captured me cut off my yard and sold me for a castrato and this is how i came to be in such case and after saluting him and wishing him long life the youth had he carried him into the courtyard of the castle where he saw a great tank of water surrounded by trees on whose branches hung cages of silver with doors of gold and therein words were warbling and singing the praises of the requiting king and when he came to the first cage he looked in and lo a turtle dove on seeing him raised her voice and cried out saying o thou bounty fraught where it came to the first cage he looked in and lo a turtle dove on seeing him raised her voice and cried out saying o thou bounty fraught where it he fell down fainting, and after coming to himself he sighed heavily, and recited these couplets. O turtle thou, like me, art thou distraught? Then pray the Lord and sing, O bounty fraud. Would I knew, and thy moan were sign of joy, or cry of love desire, in heart in wrought, and moan thou pining for a lover gone, Who left thee,

Starting point is 02:08:51 begun to pine in thought or if like me has lost thy fondest friend and severance long desire to memory brought o allah guard a faithful lover's lot i will not leave her though my bones go rot then after ending his verses he fainted again and presently reviving he went on to the second cage wherein he found a ringdow when it saw him it sang out o eternal i thank thee and he groaned and recited these couplets i heard a ringed-out chanting plaintively i thank thee o eternal for this misery haply perchance may allah of his grace send me by this long round my love to sea full oft she comes with honey'd lips dark red and heaves up low upon love's ardency quoth i while longing fires flame high and fears in heart and wasting life's vitality and tears like goats of blood go railing down in torrents over cheeks now pale of blea None ever trod earth That was not born to woe, But I will patient dream mine agony, So help me Allah till that happy day, When with my mistress I unite shall be. Then will I spend my good on lover whites, Who are of my tribe and of the faith of me,

Starting point is 02:10:32 And lose the very birds from Yale set free, And change my grief for gladdest grie and glee. Then he went on to the third cage, wherein he found a mockingbird which, when it saw him, set up a song, and he recited the following couplets. Pleaseth me on Hazer of mocking strain, like voice of lover pained by love in vain. Woe's me for lovers, and how many men, by knights and pine and passion lo are lain. As thou by stress of love they had been made, mournless and sleepless by their pain and bane. When I went daft for him who conquered me, and pine for him who proved of proudest strain, My tears in streams down-tricled, and I cried, These long-linked tears bind like an adamant chain,

Starting point is 02:11:28 grew concupisens severance long and i lost patience hordes and grief wax'd sovereign if justice bide in world and me unite with him i love and allah ve'l astane i'll strip my clothes that he my form shall sight with parting distance grief how poor of plight then he went to the fourth cage where he found a bull bull which at sight of him began to sway to and fro and sing its plaintive descant and when he heard its complaint he burst into tears and repeated these couplets the bulbul's note when as dawn is nigh tells the lover from strains of strings to fly complaineth for passion unsal voodudud for pine that would being to him deny how many strain do we hear who sound soften stones and the rock can mollify and the breeze of morning that sweetly speaks of meadows in flowered greenery and scents and sounds in the morning tide of birds and zifers in fragrance but i think of one of an absent friend and tears ray like rain from a showery sky and the flamy tongues in my breast uproar'd rise, has sparks from glee'd that in dark air fly. Allah deign vouchsaf to a lover distraught,

Starting point is 02:13:07 Someday the face of his dear to descry, For lovers indeed, no excuse is clear, Save excuse of sight, an excuse of eye. Then he walked on a little, and came to a goodly cage, Then which was no goodlier there, and in it a culver of the forest that is to say a wood-pigeon the bird renowned among birds as the minstrel of love-longing with a collar of jewels about its neck marvellous fine and fair he considered it awhile and seeing it absently broading in its cage he shed tears and repeated these couplets o calver of copse with salams i greet o brother of love who woe must weat. I love a gazelle who is slender slim, whose glass is for keenest the skim at

Starting point is 02:14:05 her beat, for her love are my heart and my vitals of fire, and my frame consumes in love's fever heat. The sweet taste of food is unlawful for me, and forbidden is slumber, unlawful is sweet, endurance and solas have travelled from me, and love homes in. in my heart, and grief takes firm seat, how shall life deal joy when they flee my sight, who are joy and gladness and life and sprite? As soon as Unsal Voodiud had ended his verse, And Sharazov proceed the dawn of day, and cease saying her permitted say. End of Section 5, read by Lars Rolander.

Starting point is 02:15:02 of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by richard burton this is a libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libravox dot org reading by lars rolander the book of a thousand nights and a night volume five section six when it was the three hundred and seventy-seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that as soon as unsal voodut had ended his verse the wood culver evoke from its brooding and could a reply to his lines and shrilled and trilled with its thrilling notes till it all but spake with human speech and the tongue of the case talked for it and recited these couplets O lover thou bring'st to thought a tide, When the strength of my youth first faded and died, And a friend of whose form I was enamoured, Seductive and dight with beauty's pride, Whose voice as he sat on the sand-hill tree, From the nays sweet sound, turned my heart aside,

Starting point is 02:16:26 A fowler snared him in net the while, Oh, that man would leave me at large, he cried. I had hoped he might somewhat of mercy show, when a hapless lover he so espied. But alas might him who tore me away, in his hardness of heart from my lover's side. But eh my desire for him groweth more, and my heart with the fires of disjunction, is fried. Allah guard a true lover, who strives with love, and hath borne the torments I still abide, and seeing me bound in this cage with mind of wrath release me my love to find. Then unsalvudyo turned to his companion, the Ispahi, and said, What palace is this? Who built it and who abideth in it? Quoth the eunuch.

Starting point is 02:17:26 the vassir of a certain king built it to guard his daughter fearing for her the accidents of time and the incidents of fortune and lodged her herein her and her attendants nor do we open it say once in every year when their provision cometh to them And unsal Wudjud said to himself, I have gained my end, though I may have longed to wait. Such was his case, but as regards rose in hood, of a truth she took no pleasure in eating or drinking, sitting or sleeping. But her desire and passion and distraction redoubled on her, and she went wondering about the castle corners, but could find no issue, wherefore, she shed tears and recited these couplets. They have cruelly tain me from him, my beloved, and made me taste anguish in prison tain. They have fired my heart with the flames of love, bear'd all sight of him, whom to see

Starting point is 02:18:35 I'm fain. In a lofty palace they prisoned me, on a mountain placed in the middle main, If they'd have me forget him Right veins their wish, For my love is grown of a stronger strain. How can I forget him, Whose face was cause of all I suffer, of all I plain? The whole of my days in sorrow spent, And in thought of him through the night I'm lain.

Starting point is 02:19:08 Remembrance of him cheers my solitude, while I mourned of his presence and lone remain. Would I knew it after this all my fate to oblige the desire of my heart will deign? When her verses were ended, she ascended to the terrace roof of the castle, after donning her richest clothes and trinkets, and throwing a necklace of jewels around her neck. Then, binding together some dresses of Balbach-stuff,

Starting point is 02:19:41 by way of rope she tied them to the crannels and let herself down thereby to the ground and she fared on over wastes and waterless wilds till she came to the shore where she saw a fisherman plying here and there over the sea for the wind had driven him on to the island when he saw her he was affrighted and pushed off again flying from her but she cried out and made pressing signs to him to return versifying with these couplets o fishermen no care hast thou to fear i'm but an earth-born made in mortal sphere i pray thee linger and my prayer grant and to my true unhappy tale give ear pity so allah spare thee warmest love say hast thou seen him my beloved fear i love a lovely youth whose face exiles sunlight and passes moon when clearest clear the fawn that sees his glance is feign to cry i am his thrall and own himself no peer beauty hath written on his winsome cheek rare lines of pregnant sense for every sear whose sights the light of love his soul is saved whose trace is infidel to hell an ear and thou in mercy show his sight o rare thou shalt have every wish the dearest dear of rubies and what likest are to them fresh pearls and unions new the sea shall tear my friend thou wilt for sure grant my desire whose heart is melted in love's hottest fire-and-yre my friend thou wilt for sure grant my desire whose heart is melted in love's hottest fire

Starting point is 02:21:39 When the fisherman heard her words, he wept and made moan and lamented, then recalling what had betided himself in the days of his youth, when love had the master over him and longing and desire and distraction were sore upon him, and the fires of passion consumed him, replied with these couplets. What fair excuse is this my pining plight, With wasted limbs and tears unceasing blight, And eyelids open in the nightly murk, And heart like fire-stick ready fire to smite, Indeed love burdened us in early youth, And true from false coin soon we learned aright, Then did we sell our soul on way of love, And drunk of many, a well to win her side, venturing very life to gain her grace, and make high profit perilling a might. Tis love's religion, who so buys with life, his lover's grace, with highest gain is dight. And when he ended his verse, he mored his boat to the beach, and said to her,

Starting point is 02:22:56 Embark so I may carry thee whither thou wilt. Thereupon she embarked, and he put off with her, but they had not gone far from land, before there came out a stern wind upon the boat, and row it swiftly out of sight of shore. Now the fisherman knew not whither he went, and the strong wind blew without ceasing three days, when it fell by leave of Allah Almighty, and they sailed on and ceased not sailing

Starting point is 02:23:28 till they came in sight of a city, sitting upon the seashore. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her, permitted say. When it was the three hundred and seventy-eight night, she said, It hath reached me, auspicious king, that when the fisherman's craft carrying rose in hood, made the city sitting upon the seashore, the man set about making fast to the land. Now the king of the city was a prince of pith and Pusans, named Dierbus the lion, and it charged at that moment to be seated with his son at the window in the royal palace,

Starting point is 02:24:15 giving upon the sea, and happening to look out seawards, they saw the fishing-boat make the land. They observed it narrowly, and despite therein a young lady as she were the full moon overhanging the horizon edge, with pendants in her ears of costly ballast rubies, and a collar of precious stones about her throat. Hereby the king knew that this must indeed be the daughter of some king or great noble, and, going forth of the sea-gate of the palace, went down to the boat, where he found the lady asleep, and the fisherman busied in making fast to shore. So he went up to her, and aroused her, whereupon she awoke, weeping, and he asked her, "'Wence comest thou and whose daughter art thou, and what be the cause of thy coming hither?'

Starting point is 02:25:10 And she answered, "'I am the daughter of Ibrahim, Vasir to King Sharmic, and the manner of my coming hither is wondrous, and the cause thereof marvellous, and she told him her whole story, first and last, hiding not from him. Then she groaned aloud and recited these couplets. Teardrops have chaffed mine eyelids and rail down in wondrous wise, for parting pain that fills my sprite and turns to springs mine eyes. For sake of friend who ever dwells within my vitals honed, and I may never win my wish of him in any guise.

Starting point is 02:25:55 He hath the favour fair and bright, And brilliant is his face, Which every Turk and Arab wait in loveliness outweise, The sun and fullest moon, Lout low, Whenas his charms they sight, And lover-like they bend to him, Whenever he deigneth rise, A wondrous bell of grammery, Like call bedex his e'en, And shows thee bow we shaft on string, make ready ere it flies. O thou, to whom I told my case, expecting all excuse, pity a lover-white for whom love shafts such fate devise. Verily love hath cast me on your coast despite of me, a will now weak and fain I trust mine honour thou wilt prize. For noble men when as perhance a light upon their bound, graceworthy guests confess their worth and raise to dignities, then, O thou, hope, of me, to lovers' folly veil afford, And be to them reunion cause, thou only leafest lord. And when she had ended her verses, she again told the king her sad tale, and shed plentious tears, And recited these couplets bearing on her case.

Starting point is 02:27:25 we live till so we all the marvel's love can bear each month to thee we hope shall fare as radjap fare is it not wondrous when i saw them march a morn that i with water o eyes in heart-lit flames that flare that these mine eyelids rain fast dropping goats of blood that now my cheek rose gold where rose and lily were as though the safflower yew that overspread my cheeks where joseph's coat made stain of lying blood to wear now when the king heard her words he was certified of her love and longing and was moved to wrath for her so he said to her fear nothing and be not troubled thou hast come to the term of thy wishes for there is no help but that i win for thee thy will and bring thee to thy desire. And he improvised these couplets. Daughter of nobles, who thy name shalt gain. Here gladdest news nor fear ought hurt of bane. This day I'll pack up wealth and send it on, to Shamik, guarded by a champion train. Fresh pods of musk I'll send him and brocades, and silver-white and gold of yellow vein.

Starting point is 02:28:52 Yes, and a letter shall inform. him eke, that I of kinship with that king am fain, and I this day will lend thee bestest aid, That all thou covet'st thy soul asain, I too have tasted love, and know its taste, And can excuse whoso the same cup train. Then, ending his verse, he went forth to his troops, and summoned his vassier, and causing him to pack up countless treasure, commanded him carry it to King Shamik, and say to him, Needs must thou send me a person named Unzalvujud, and say, moreover, the king is minded to ally himself with thee by marrying his daughter to Unsalwudud, thine officer, so there is no help but thou

Starting point is 02:29:45 dispatch him to me, that the marriage may be solemnized in her father's king, and he, and he, and kingdom. And he wrote a letter to King Shamik to this effect, and gave it to the minister, charging him strictly to bring back unsal-Wudjud, and warning him. And thou fail, thou shalt be deposed and degraded, answered the vassir. I hear and obey, and setting out forthright with the treasures, in due course arrived at the court of King Sharmic, whom he saluted in the name of King Dirbas, and his word. delivered the letter and the presents. Now, when King Shamik read the letter and saw the name of Unsal Vodjud, he burst into tears and said to the vassir, and where, or where is unsalvudud?

Starting point is 02:30:36 He went from us and we know not his place of abiding, only bring him to me, and I will give thee double the presents thou hast brought me. And he wept and groaned and lamented, saying these couplets, to me restore my dear i want not wealth untold nor crave i gifts of pearls or gems or store of gold he was to us a moon in beauty's heavenly fold passing in form and soul with row compare withhold his former will o'-wond his fruit lures manifold but will of lacketh power men's hearts to have and hold. I reared him from a babe, on cot of coaxing rolled, and now I mourn for him, with woe in soul and souled. Then, turning to the vassir, who had brought the presence and the missive, he said, Go back to thy liege, and acquaint him that unsalvudud hath been missing this year past, and his lord knoweth not whither he is gone, nor hath any tidings of him, answered the minister,

Starting point is 02:31:51 of King Derbas. O my lord, my master said to me, and thou fail to bring him back, thou shalt be degraded from the vassirate and shall not enter my city. How then can I return without him?

Starting point is 02:32:07 So King Sharmic said to his vassir Ibrahim, take a company and go with him, and make his search for unsalvujud everywhere. He replied, hearkening and obedience, and taking a body of his own retainers set out, accompanied by the vassir of King Dirvas, seeking unsalvujud.

Starting point is 02:32:30 And Shahrazad proceed the dawn of day, and cease saying her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and seventy-ninth night, she said, It hath reached me, auspicious king, that Ibrahim, Vasir to King Sharmic, took him a body of his retainers, and accompanied by the minister of King Dirba. set out seeking unsalvutjud. And as often as they fell in with wild Arabs or others they asked of the youth saying, Tell us, have you seen a man whose name is so and so, and his semblance thus and thus? But they all answered, we know him not. Still they continued their quest, inquiring in city and hamlet, and seeking in fertile plain and stony hall, and in the wild, and in the vogue, till they made the mountain of the bereaved mother, and the vassir of King Dirba said to Ibrahim,

Starting point is 02:33:31 Why is this mountain thus called? He answered, Once of old time here sojourned a jinjai of the gin of China, who loved a mortal with passionate love, and being in fear of her life from her own people, searched all the earth over for a place where she might hide him from them till she happened on this mountain and finding it cut off from both men and gin there being no excess to it carried off her beloved and lodged him therein there when she could escape notice of her kith and kin she used privily to visit him and continued so doing till she had borne him a number of children and the merchants sailing by the mountain in their voyages over the main heard the weeping of the children as it were the wailing of a woman bereft of her babes and said is there here a mother bereaved of her children for which reason the place was named the mountain of the bereaved mother and the vassir of king dirbas marvelled at his words then they landed and making for the castle knocked at the gate which was opened to them by anjunuk who knew the vassir ibrahim and kissed his hands the minister entered and found in the courtyard among the serving men a fakir which was unsal wudjud but he knew him not and said whence cometh yonder white quoth they he is a merchant who has lost his goods but saved himself and he is in ecstatic so the vassir left him and went on into the castle where he found no trace of his daughter and questioned her women who answered we wot not how or whither she went this place misliked her and she tarried in it but a short time whereupon he wept sore and repeated these couplets

Starting point is 02:35:35 Who, thou, the house whose birds was singing gay, Whose silts their wealth and pride were wont display, Till came the lover wailing for his love, And found thy doors wide open to the way. Would heaven I knew, where is my soul that hearest, Was home'd in house whose owners fared away. T'was stored with all things bright and beautiful, And showed its portress ranged in fair,

Starting point is 02:36:05 array. They clothed it with brocades a bride become. Would I knew whither went its lords assay. After ending his verses he again shed tears, and groaned and bemoaned himself, exclaiming, There is no deliverance from the destiny decreed by Allah, nor is there any escape from that which he hath predestined. Then he went up to the roof, and found the strips of Balbachstaff, tied to the crannels, and hanging down to the ground, and thus it was he knew that she had descended thence and had fled forth, as one distracted and demented with desire and passion. Presently he turned, and seeing there two birds, a gore-crow and an owl, he justly deemed this an omen of ill, so he groaned and recited these couplets.

Starting point is 02:37:00 I came to my dear friend's door of my hopes the goal, Whose sight mote assuage my sorrow and woes of soul. No friends found I there, nor was there another thing, To find save a corby crow, and an ill-omened owl. And the tongue of the case to me seemed to say, Indeed, this parting two lovers fond was cruel and foul, So taste not Thou the sorrow thou madeest them taste and live, In grief when thy ways, And now in thy sorrow prowl. Then he descended from the castle-rope, Weeping, and bade the servants fare forth And searched the mound for their mistress. So they sought for her, but found her not.

Starting point is 02:37:50 Such was their case, But as regards Unsal Vujud, When he was certified that Rose in Hood was indeed gone, he cried with a great cry and fell down in a fainting fit, nor came to himself for a long time, whilst the folk deemed that his spirit had been withdrawn by the compassionating one, and that he was absorbed in contemplation of the splendour, majesty and beauty of the requiting one. Then despairing of finding unsal-wojud, and seeing that the Baser Ibrahim was distracted for the loss of his daughter, the minister of King Dirbas addressed himself to return to his own country, albeit he had not attained the object of his journey. And while bidding his companion adieu said to him, I have a mind to take the faker with me, it may be Allah Almighty will incline the king's heart to me by his blessing, for that he is a holy man, and thereafter I will send him to his bahan, which is near our country.

Starting point is 02:38:53 do as thou wilt answered ibrahim so they took leave of each other and departed each for his own motherland the vassir of king dirbas carrying with him unsalvut and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the three hundred and eightieth night she said it hath reached me auspicious king that the vassar of king dirba carried with him unsalvudud who was still insensible they bore him with them on muleback he unknowing if he were carried or not for three days when he came to himself and said where am i thou art in company with the minister of king dirbas replied they and went and gave news of his recovering to the vassir who sent him rose-water and sherbet of sugar of which they gave him to drink and restore him. Then they ceased not faring on till they drew near King Dirba's capital, and the king, being advised of his vassi's coming,

Starting point is 02:40:03 wrote to him, saying, If Wunsalwudjud be not with thee, come not to me ever. Now, when the vassi read the royal mandate, it was grievous to him, for he knew not that Rosenhood was with the king, nor why he had been sent in quest of Wonsalwudud, nor the king's reason for desiring the alliance, whilst unsal-Wudud also knew not whither they were bearing him, or that the Vassir had been sent in quest of him.

Starting point is 02:40:33 Nor did the Vassir know that the fucker he had with him was Unsal Vodjad himself. And when the minister saw that the sick man was whole, he said to him, I was dispatched by the king on an errand which I have not been able to accomplish, so when he heard of my return he wrote to me saying, except thou have fulfilled my need, enter not my city. And what is the king's need? asked unsalvujud. So the vassir told him the whole tale, and he said, Fear nothing, but go boldly to the king and take me with thee,

Starting point is 02:41:11 and I will be surety to thee for the coming of unsalvud. At this the vassir rejoiced and cried, Is this true what thou say'st? Yes, replied he. whereupon the vassir mounted, and carried him to King Dirbas, who, after receiving their salutations, said to him, Where is Unsal-Wudjud? answered the young man. O, king, I know where he is. So the king called him to him and said, Where? returned Unsal-Wududud. He is near hand, and very near, but tell me what thou

Starting point is 02:41:50 wouldst with him, and I will fetch him into thy presence. The king replied, With joy and good grie, But the case calleth for privacy. So he ordered the folk to withdraw, and carrying unsal-Wudud into his cabinet, told him the whole story, whereupon quoth the youth. Rove me in rich raiment, and I will forthright bring unsal-Wudud to thee. So they brought him a sumptuous dress, and he donned it and said, I am, unsal-Wudgut, the world. delight, and to the envious a despite, and presently he smote with his glances every sprite, and began these couplets to recite. My loved one's name, in cheerless solitude, ay cheereth me, and driveth me of my desperance and despondency. I have no helper but my tears that ever flow in fount, and as they flow, they lighten woe, and force my grief.

Starting point is 02:42:53 to flee. My longing is so violent, not like it ere was seen. My love-tail is a marvel, and my love a sight to see. I spend the night with lids of eye that never close in sleep, and pass in passion twixt the hells of Eden's heavenly. I had of patience fairish store, but now no more have I, and love's sole gift to my. And love's sole gift to me. I had of patience fairish store, but now no more have I, and love's sole gift to me hath been I growing misery. My frame is wasted by the pain of parting from my own, and longing changed my shape and form and made me other be. Mine eyelids by my torrent tears are chaffed and ulceret, the tears whose flow to stay

Starting point is 02:43:44 is mere impossibility. My manly strength is sore impaired, for I have lost my heart. How many grieves upon my griefs have I been doomed to dream? My heart and head are like enaged with similar horiness, by loss of beauty's lord, of lords the galaxy. Despite our wills they parted us, and doomed us parted won, while they, our lord's lord's, desire no more than love in unity. Then, ah, would heaven that I wot if stress of parting-dom, The world will grant me sight of them in union fain and free. Roll up the scroll of severance, which others would unroll,

Starting point is 02:44:35 Eface my trouble by the grace of meetings jubilee, And shall I see them home with me in cup company, and change my melancholic mood for joy and jollity. And when he had ended his verses, the king cried aloud, By Allah, ye are indeed a pair of lovers true and fain, and in beauty's heaven of shining stars, said Twain. Your story is wondrous, and your case marvellous. Then he told him all that had befallen rose in hood,

Starting point is 02:45:11 and unsalvudjut said, where is she, O king of the age? She is with me now, answered Dirbas, and sending for the Kasi and the witnesses, drew up the contract of marriage between her and him. Then he honed unsalvujut with favours and bounties, and sent to King Shamik, acquainting him with what had befallen, whereat this king joyed with exceeding joy,

Starting point is 02:45:37 and wrote back the following purport. Since the ceremony of contract hath been, performed at thy court, it behooveth that the marriage and its consummation be at mine. Then he made ready camels, horses, and men, and sent them in quest of the pair. And when the embassy reached King Dirbas, he gave the lovers much treasure and dispatched them to King Shamik's court, with a company of his own troops. The day of their arrival was a notable day, never was seen a grander, for the king gathered together all the singing women and players of instruments of music, and made wedding banquets,

Starting point is 02:46:19 and held high festival seven days, and on each day he gave Lages to the folk, and bestowed on them sumptuous robes of honour. Then, Unsal Vujud went in to Rosen Hood, and they embraced and sat weeping for excess of joy and gladness, whilst she recited these couplets. Joyance is come, dispelling carque and care. We are united, enviers may despair. The breeze of union blow in quickening, forms hearts and vitals fresh with fragrant air. The splendor of delight with sense appears, and round as flags and drums show gladness rare. Deem not were weeping for our stress of grief, it is for joy our tears as torrents fare how many fears we've seen that now are past and bore we patient what was sore to bear one hour of joyance made us both forget what from excess of terror grayed our hair and when the verses were ended they again embraced and ceased not from their embrace till they fell down

Starting point is 02:47:38 in a swoon and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section six read by lars section seven volume five of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by richard burton this is a librevox recording all librevox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit it Librivox.org, reading by Lars Rolander. The book of a thousand knights and a night, volume five, section seven, 381st night to 384th night. When it was the 381st night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that unsalvududud and Rosenhood embraced when they four gathered,

Starting point is 02:48:43 and ceased not from their embrace. till they fell down in a swoon for the delight of reunion and when they came to themselves uns al-wojud recited these couplets how joyously sweet are the knights that unite when my dearling deans keep me the troth she did plight when union conjoins us in all that we have and parting is severed and sundered from sight to us comes the world with her favours of fare after frown and aversion and might despite hath planted her banner good fortune for us and we drink of her cup in the purest delight we have met and complained of the pitiful past and of nights a full many that doomed us to blight but now o my lady the past is forgot the compassionate pardon the past for unright. How sweet is existence! How glad is to be! This union my passion doth only in sight. And when he ended his verses they once more embraced, drowned in the sea of passion, and lay down together in the private apartment, carousing and conversing, and quoting

Starting point is 02:50:06 verses and telling pleasant tales and anecdotes. On this wise seven days passed over, them whilst they knew not night from day and it was to them for very stress of gaiety and gladness pleasure and possession as if the seven days were but one day with never a morrow nor did they know the seventh day but by the coming of the singers and players on instruments of music where it rose in hood beyond measure wandered and improvised these couplets in spite of envier's jealousy at end we have won all we hoped of the friend we've crowned our meeting with a close embrace on quilts where new brocades with sandal blend on bed of perfumed leather which the spoils of downy birds luxuriously distend but i abstain me from unneeded wine when honeydews of lips sweet musk can lend. Now, from the sweets of union we unknow, time near and far, if slow or fast it went, The seventh night hath come and gone, O strange, How went the nights we never wrecked or kend? Till on the seventh wishing joy they said, Allah prolong the meat of friend with friend.

Starting point is 02:51:39 When she had finished her song, Unsal Vujud kissed her more than a hundred times and recited these couplets. O day of joys to either lover feign! The loved one came and freed from lonely pain. She blessed me with all inner charms she hath, and accompanied with inner grace deep lane. She made me drain the wine of love till she blessed me. I was faint with joys her love had made me drain. We toyed and joyed, and on each other lay, Then fell to wine and soft melodious strain,

Starting point is 02:52:23 And for excess of joyance never knew, How went the day and how it came again, Fair fall each lover, may he union win, And gain of joy like me, the amplest gain, nor wheat the taste of severe and bitter fruit and joys assain them as they us assain then they went forth and distributed to the folk arms and presents of money and raiment and rare gifts and other tokens of generosity after which rose in hood bade clear the bath for her and turning to unsal wudjud said to him o coolth of my eyes i have a mind to see thee in the hammam and therein we will be alone together he joyfully consented to this and she let scent the hammam with all sorts of perfumed woods and essences and light the wax candle then of the excesses excess of her contentment, she recited these couplets.

Starting point is 02:53:36 O, who didst win my love in other date, and present there must speak of past estate, And, oh, who art my soul's sufficiency, nor want I other friends with me to mate, Come to the Hammam, O my light of eyes, And enter Eden through Jehenna Gate, will scent with amber grease and alo's wood till float the heavy clouds with fragrant freight and to the world will pardon all her sins and sue for mercy the compassionate and i will cry when i descried thee there good cheer sweet love all blessings on thee wait whereupon they arose and fared to the bath and took their pleasure sweet love all blessings on thee wait whereupon they arose and fared to the bath and took their pleasure therein, after which they return to their palace, and there abode in the fullness of enjoyment, till there came to them the destroyer of delights and the sunderer of societies, and glory be to him who changes not neither, ceaseth, and to whom everything returneth. And they also tell a tale of

Starting point is 02:54:52 Abunovas with the three boys and the Caliph Harun al-Rashid. one day shut himself up and making ready a richly furnished feast collected for it meats of all kinds and of every color that lips and tongue can desire then he went forth to seek a minion worthy of such entertainment saying allah my lord and my master i beseech thee to send me one who befitteth this banquet and who is fit to carouse with me this day hardly had he made an end of speaking when he espied three youths handsome and beardless as they were of the boys of paradise differing in complexion but fellows in incomparable beauty and all hearts yearned with desire to the swaying of their bending shapes even to what saith the poet's i passed a beardless pair without compare and cried i love you both you fairly fair money'd quoth one quoth i and lavish two then said the fair pair pere se notre a fair now abenovas was given to these joys and love to sport and make merry with fair boys and cull the rose from every brightly blooming cheek even as the bard. Full many a reverend Sheikh-filled sting of flesh, Love's pretty faces shows at pleasure's depot, awakes in Mosul land of purity, and all the day dreams only of Aleppo. So he

Starting point is 02:56:42 accosted them with a salutation, and they returned his greeting with civility and all honor, and would have gone there several ways, but he stayed them, repeating these couplet, Stere ye your steps to none but me, Who hath a mine of luxury, Old wine that shines with brightest blee, Made by the monk in monastery, And mutton meat, the tooth summits, And birds of all variety,

Starting point is 02:57:13 The neat of these and drink of those, Old wines that bring you jollity, And have each other turn by turn, Champoying this my tool, you see. thereupon the youths were beguiled by his verses and consented to his wishes and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the three hundred and eighty-second night she said it hath reached me auspicious king that when abenovas beguiled the youths with his wishes saying we hear and obey and accompany his him to his lodging, where they found all ready that he had set forth in his couplets. They sat down and ate and drank, and made merry a while, after which they appealed

Starting point is 02:58:06 to Abonovas to decide which of them was handsomith of face and shapeless of form. So he pointed to one of them, and having kissed him twice over, recited the following verses. I'll ransom that beauty spot with my soup. wears it and worries a money dole praise him who hairless hath made that cheek and bid beauty bide in that mole that mole then he pointed to another and kissing his lips repeated these couplets and loveling weareth on his cheek a mole like musk which virgin camphor never lets off it my peepers marvels such a contrast seeing and cried the the mole to me now bless the prophet then he pointed to the third and after kissing him half a score times repeated these couplets melted pure gold in silver bowl to drain the youth whose fingers wore a winy stain he with the drawer served one cup of wine and served his wondering eyes the other twain a loveling of the sons of turks a fawn

Starting point is 02:59:23 whose waist conjoins the double mounts or nine could eve's corrupting daughters tempt my heart content with two-fold lure twould bear the bane unto diar ibacher made land this one lures that lures two mosques cities of the plain now each of the youths had drunk two cups and when it came to the turn of abo novas he took the goblet and rey repeated these couplets. Drink not strong wine, save at the slender dearling's hand, Each like to other in all gifts the spirit grace, For wine can never gladden Toper's heart and soul, Unless the cup-boy show a bright and sparkling face. Then he drank off his cup, and the bowl went round,

Starting point is 03:00:18 And when it came to Abanovas again, Joyans got the mastery of him. And he repeated these couplets. For cup friend's cup succeeding cup a sign, brimming with grape-use brought in endless line, By hand of brown-lip beauty, who is sweet, At wake as apple or musk finest fine, Drink not the wine except from hand of fawn,

Starting point is 03:00:46 Whose cheek to kiss is sweeter than the wine. Presently the drink got into his snob, nodal drunkenness mastered him and he knew not hand from head so that he lolled from side to side in joy and inclined to the youth one and all anon kissing them and anon embracing them leg overlying leg and he showed no sense of sin or shame but recited these couplets none wotteth best joyance but generous youth when the pretty ones deign with him company keep. This sings to him, sings to him that when he wants, a pick me up, lying there all of a heap, and when of a loveling he needeth a kiss, he takes from his lips or a draught or a nip. Heaven bless them, how sweetly my day with them sped, a wonderful harvest of pleasure I reap. Let us drink our good liquor, both watered and pure, and agree to swive, all who dare slumber and sleep.

Starting point is 03:01:57 While they were in this debauched state, behold, there came a knocking at the door, so they bade him who knocked enter, and behold it was the commander of the faithful Haron al-Rashid. When they saw him, they all rose and kissed ground before him, and Abu Novas threw off the fumes of the wine for Evo the Caliph, who said to him, Hala Abunovas! He replied,

Starting point is 03:02:24 Adsoom at thy service, O commander of the faithful, whom Allah preserve. The Caliph asked, What state is this? And the poet answered, O prince of true believers, My state indubitably dispenseth with questions, Quoth the Caliph. O Abu Novas, I have sought direction of Allah Almighty, and have appointed the Kasi of pimps and panders, asked he, Does thou indeed invest me with that high office, O commander of the faithful? And the Caliph answered, I do, whereupon Abbaugh's rejoined. O, commander of the faithful, hast thou any suit to prefer to me? Hereat the Caliph was wroth, and presently turned away and left.

Starting point is 03:03:18 them full of rage and past the night sore and angered against abenovas who amid the party he had invited spent the merriest of nights and the jolliest and the joyousest and when day break dawned and the star of morn appeared it sheen and shone he broke up the sitting and dismissing the youth's dondis courtres and leaving his house set out for the palace of the caliph now it was the custom of the commander of the faithful when the divan broke up to withdraw to his sitting saloon and summoned thither his poets and cup companions and musicians each having his own place which he might not over pass so it happened that day he retired to his saloon and the friends and familiars came and seated themselves each in his rank and degree presently in walked abenovas and was about to take his usual seat when the caliph cried to mazr the sordher and bade him strip the poet of his clothes and bind an asp's pack-saddle on his back and a halter about his head and a crupper under his rump and lead him round to all the lodgings of the slave-girls and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the three hundred and eighty-third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the caliph commanded mazra the sorter to strip abenovas of his courtsuit and bind an asp-pack saddle on his back and a halter about his head and a crupper under his ramp and lead him round to all the lodgings of the slave-girls and the chambers of the harem that the women might make mock of him then cut off his head and bring it to him

Starting point is 03:05:18 hearkening and obedience replied masr and doing with abenovas as the caliph had bidden him led him round all the chambers whose number equalled the days of the year But Abanovas was a funny fellow, so he made all the girls laugh with his buffooneries, and each gave him something whereby he returned, not save with a pocketful of money. And while this was going on, behold Ja'afar the barmecid, who had been absent on an important business for the commander of the faithful, entered and recognizing the poet, albate in his plight said to him holla abonovas he said here at thy service o our lord ja'afar asked what offence hast thou committed to bring this punishment on thee thereupon he answered none whatsoever except that i made our lord the caliph a present of the best of my poetry and he presented me in return with the best of his raiment when the prince of true believers heard this, he laughed from a heart, full of wrath, and pardoned Abanovas, and also gave him a myriad of money. And they also recount the tale of Abdallah bin Ma'amar with the man of Basura and his slave-girl. A certain man of Basura once bought a slave-girl, and reared and educated

Starting point is 03:06:51 her right well. Moreover, he loved her very dearly, and spent all his substance in pleasuring and matter-making with her, till he had not left, and extreme poverty was sore upon him. So she said to him, O, my master, sell me, for thou needest my price, and it maketh my heart ache to see thy sorry and wantful plight. If thou vend me and make use of my value, will be better for thee than keeping me by thee, and happily Almighty Allah will ample thee and amend thy fortune. He agreed to this, for the straightness of his case, and carried her to the bazaar, where the broker offered her for sale to the governor of Basura by name Abdallah bin Ma'amar al-Taimi, and she pleased him. so he bought her for five hundred dinars and paid the sum to her master but when he took the money and was about to go away the girl burst into tears and repeated these two couplets

Starting point is 03:08:00 may coins thou gains joy in heart in still for me remaineth not save saddest ill i say unto my soul which sorely grieves thy friend departeth and thou will nor nil and when her master heard this he groaned and replied in these couplets albeit this thy case lack all resource nor findeth aught but death doom pardon still evening and morning thoughts of thee will dole comfort to heart all woes and griefs fulfil peace be upon thee meet we now no more nor pair except at ibn ma'am Now when Abdullah bin Ma'amar heard these verses and saw their affection, he exclaimed, By Allah, I will not assist fate in separating you, for it is evident to me that ye too indeed love each other. So take the money and the damsel. O man and Allah bless thee in both, for verily parting be grievous to love. lovers so they kissed his hand and going away cease not to dwell together till death did them part and glory be to him whom death overtaketh not

Starting point is 03:09:31 and among stories is that of the lovers of the banu osra there was once among the banu osra a handsome and accomplished man who was never a single day out of love and it chanced and it chanced that he became enamored of a beauty of his own tribe and sent her many messages but she ceased not to entreat him with cruelty and disdain till for stress of love and longing and desire and distraction he fell sick of a sore sickness and took to his pillow and murdered sleep his malady redoubled on him and his torments increased and he was well-nigh dead when his case became known among the folk and his passion notorious and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the three hundred and eighty-fourth night she said it hath reached me auspicious king that the man took to his pillow and murdered sleep so his case became known and his passion notorious and his infirmity grew upon him and his pains redoubled until he was well-nigh dead his family and hers were urgent with her to visit him but she refused till he was at the point of death when being told of this she relented towards him and vouchsafed him a visit as soon as he saw her his eyes ran over with tears and he repeated from a broken heart and by the life passed thee my funeral train a bear upborne upon the necks of fall wilt thou not follow it and greet the grave where shall my corpse be grave for evermore

Starting point is 03:11:28 hearing this she wept with sore weeping and said to him by allah i suspected not that passion had come to such a pass with thee as to cast thee into the arms of death had i wist of this i had been favourable to thy wish and thou shouldst have had thy will at this his tears streamed down even as the clouds rail rain and he repeated this verse she drew near when as death was departing us and deigned union grant when twas useless all then he groaned one groaned one groan and died so she fell on him kissing him and weeping and cease not weeping until she swooned away and when she came to herself she charged her people to bury her in his grave and with streaming eyes recited these two couplets we lived on earth a life of fair content and tribe and house and home of us were proud but time in whirling flight departed us to join us to join us to join us now in womb of earth and shroud. Then she fell again to weeping, nor gave over shedding tears and lamenting, till she fainted away, and she lay three days senseless, then she died and was buried in his grave. This is one of a strange chances of love, and I have heard related a tale of

Starting point is 03:13:08 the vassir of Al Jaman and his young brother. It is said that, Badr al-Din, Vasir of Al-Jaman, had a young brother of singular beauty, and kept straight watch over him, so he applied himself to seek a tutor for him, and coming upon a sheikh of dignified and reverend aspect, chased and religious, lodged him in a house next his own. This lasted a long time,

Starting point is 03:13:38 and he used to come daily from his dwelling to that of Sahib Badir al-Din and teach the young brother. After a while the old man's heart was taken with love for the youth, and longing grew upon him, and his vitals were troubled, till one day he bemoaned his case to the boy, who said, What can I do, seeing that I may not leave my brother night or day, and thou thyself seized, how careful he is over me. Quoth the sheikh, My lodging adjoineth thine, So there will be no difficulty when thy brother sleepeth, To rise, and entering the privy, feign thyself asleep. Then come to the parapet of the terrace-roof, and I will receive thee on the other side of the wall. So shalt thou sit with me,

Starting point is 03:14:31 an eye twinkling, and return without thy brother's knowledge. hear and obey answered the lad and the tutor began to prepare gifts suitable to his degree now when a while of the night was past he entered the water-closet and waited until his brother lay down on his bed and took patience till he was drowned in sleep when he rose and going to the parapet of the terrace-roof found standing there to await him the old man who gave him his hand and carried him to the sea chamber, where he had made ready various dainties for his entertainment, and they sat down to Carouse. Now it was the night of the full moon, and as they sat with the wine-cup going round, her rays shone upon them, and the governor fell to singing. But whilst they were thus in joy and jollity, and mirth and merriment, such as confoundeth the wit and the sight, and defieth description lo the vassir awoke and missing his brother arose in a fright and found the door open so he went up to the roof and hearing a noise of talk climbed over the parapet to the adjoining terrace and saw a light shining from the lodging he looked in from behind the wall and despied his brother and his tutor sitting at carouse but the sheikh became aware of him and sang cup in hand to a lively measure these couplets he made me drain his wine of honeyed lips toasting with cheeks which rose and myrtle's mother

Starting point is 03:16:17 then knighted in embrace cheek to my cheek a loveling midst mankind without another when the full moon arose on us and shone pray she traduce us not to the big brother and it proved the perfect politeness of the vassir bader al-din that when he heard this he said by allah i will not betray you and he went away and left them to their diversions they also tell a tale concerning the loves of the boy and girl at school a free boy and a slave girl once learned together in school and the boy fell passionately in love with the girl and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section seven read by lars rolander section eight volume five of the book of a thousand knights and a night translated by richard burton this is a libravox recording all librevox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer to volunteer please visit Librevox.org, reading by Lars Rolander. The book of a thousand knights and a night, volume five, section eight, 385th night to 388 night.

Starting point is 03:17:56 When it was the 385th night, she said, It hath reached me an auspicious king, That the lad fell passionately in love with the slave-lars, So one day when the other boys were healed, he took her tablet and wrote on it these two couplets what say'st thou of him by sickness waste until his clean distraught for love of thee who in the transport of his pain complains nor can bear load of heart in secrecy now when the girl took her tablet she read the verses written thereon and understanding them wept for wrath of him then she wrote thereunder these two couplets and if we behold a lover love for don desiring us our favours he shall see yea what he wills of us he shall obtain and so befall us what befalling befalling be now it chanced that the teacher came in on them and taking the tablet unnoticed read what was written thereon so he was moved to pity of their case and wrote on the tablet beneath those already written these two couplets addressed to the girl

Starting point is 03:19:18 consol'd thy lover fear no consequence he's daft with loving loath's insanity but for the teacher fear not aught from him love pain'd he learnt long before learnt ye presently it so happened that the girl's owner entered the school about the same time and finding the tablet read the above verses indicted by the boy the girl and the school-lawful master, and wrote under them these two couplets. May Allah never make you parting-dry, and be your censerer shamed wearily, but for the teacher never by Allah I of mine beheld a bigger pimp than he. Then he sent for the Kasi and witnesses, and married them on the spot. Moreover, he made them a wedding feast, and treated them with a. exceeding munificence, and they cease not abiding together in joy and happiness, till there came to them the destroyer of delights and the severer of societies.

Starting point is 03:20:31 And equally pleasant is the story of Al-Mutalamis and his wife, Umayma. It is related, Al-Mutalamis once fled from Al-Nu-Uman bin Munsyr, and was absent so long that folk deemed him dead. Now he had a beautiful wife, Umayma, by name, and her family urged her to marry again. But she refused for that she loved her husband al-Mutalamis very dearly. However they were urgent with her, because of the multitude of her suitors, and importuned with her till at last she consented. All be reluctantly, and they espoused her to a man of her. her own tribe. Now on the night of the wedding, Al-Mutalamis came back, and hearing in the camp a

Starting point is 03:21:27 noise of pipes and tabrets, and seeing signs of a wedding festival, ask some of the children, what was the merry-making, to which they replied, They have married Umaima, wife of Al-Mutalamis, to such an one, and he goes into her this night. When he heard this, he planned this, he planned, to enter the house amongst the mob of women, and saw the twain seated on the bridal couch. By and by the bridegroom came up to her, whereupon she sighed heavily, and weeping recited this couplet. "'Would heaven I knew, but many are the shifts of joy and woe, in what far distant land thou art, my Mutalamis owe.'

Starting point is 03:22:14 now almutalamis was a renowned poet so he answered her saying right near at hand o ma'amain whenever the caravan halted i never ceased for thee to pine i would thou know when the bridegroom heard this he guess how the case stood and went forth from them in haste improvising i was in bestest luck but now now my luck goes contrary. A hospitable house and room contain your loves, you two. And he returned not but left the twain to their privacy. So Almutalamis and his wife abode together in all comfort and solas of life, and in all its joys and jollities, till death parted them, and glory be to him at whose command the earth and the heavens shall arise. and among other tales is that of the caliph haron al-rashid and queen subaida in the bath the caliph haron al-rashid loved the lady suba with exceeding love and laid out for her a pleasance wherein he made a great tank and set thereabouts a screen of trees and led thither water from all sides hence the trees grew and interlaced over the basin so dense the trees grew and interlaced over the basin so dense

Starting point is 03:23:44 that one could go in and wash without being seen of any for the thickness of the leafage. It chanced one day that Queen Subayda entered the garden, and coming to the swimming bath, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 386 night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Queen Subbishop, bida entered the garden one day and coming to the swimming-bath gazed upon its goodliness and the sheen of the water and the overshading of the trees pleased her now it was a day of exceeding heat so she doffed her clothes and entering the tank which was not deep enough to cover the whole person fell to pouring the water over herself from an ewer of silver it also happened that the caliph heard she was in the pool so he left his palace and came down to spy upon her through the screen of the foliage he stood behind the trees and espied her mother nude showing everything that is

Starting point is 03:24:57 kept hidden. Presently she became aware of him, and turning saw him behind the trees, and was ashamed that he should see her naked. So she laid her hands on her parts, but the mount of Venus escaped from between them, by reason of its greatness and plumpness, and the caliph at once turned and went away, wondering and reciting this couplet. I looked on her with loving Ain, and grew. grew anew my old repine. But he knew not what to say next, so he sent for Abanovas, and said to him, Make me piece of verse, commencing with this line.

Starting point is 03:25:40 I hear and obey, replied the poet, and in an eye twinkling extemporized these couplets. I looked on her with longing ein, and grew anew my old repine, for the gazelle who captured me, where the two lotus-trees incline. There was the water poured on it, from ewer of the silver mine, and seen me she had hidden it, but was too plump for fingers fine. Would heaven that I were on it, an hour or better two hours line? Thereupon the commander of the faithful smiled, and made him a handsome present, and he went away rejoicing. And I have heard another story of Haron al-Rashid and the three poets. The prince of true believers Caliph Harun al-Rashid was exceeding restless one night,

Starting point is 03:26:40 so he rose and walked about his palace till he happened upon a handmaid overcom with wine. Now he was prodigiously enumored of this damsel, so he played with her and pulled her to him. whereupon her zone fell down and her petticoat trousers were loosed and he besought her of amorous favour but she said to him o commander of the faithful wait till to-morrow night for i am unprepared for thee knowing not thy coming so he left her and went away but when the morrow showed its light and the sun shone bright he sent a page to her saying the commander of the faithful is about to visit thine apartment but she replied day doth away with the promise of night so he said to his courtiers make me somewhat averse introducing these words the promise of night is effaced by day answered they we hear and obey and al rakashi came forward and recited the following couplets by allah khaji came forward and recited the following couplets by allah couldst thou but feel my pain thy rest had turned and had fled away hath left me in sorrow and love distraught unseen and unseeing that fairest may she promised me grace then jilted and said the promise of night is effaced by day then abbe musab came forward and recited these couplets

Starting point is 03:28:21 when wilt thou be wise and love heat allay that from food and sleeping so leads astray suffices thee not ever weeping eye and vitals on fire when thy name they say he must smile and love laugh and in pride must cry. The promise of night is effaced by day. Last came Abanovas and recited the following couplets. As Lau waxed longer, less met withway, and fell out but ended the youthless fray. One night in the palace I found her foe, yet of modesty still there was some display. The veil from her shoulders had slid. and showed her loosened trousers love's seat and stay and rattle the breezes her huge hind cheeks and the branch where two little pom-grenates lay quoth i give me trist where to quoth she to-morrow the fain shall wear best array next day i asked her thy word said she the promise of night is effaced by day The Caliph bade give a myriad of money, each, to Al-Rakashi and Aba Musab,

Starting point is 03:29:46 but bade strike off the head of Abanova's saying, Thou wast with us yesterday night in the palace, said he, By Allah I slept not but in my own house, I was directed to what I said by thine own words as to the subject of the verse, And indeed quoth Almighty Allah, and he is the truest of all speakers. As for poets, devils pursue them. Does thou not see that they row as bereft of their senses through every valley, and that they say that which they do not?

Starting point is 03:30:26 So the caliph forgave him, and gave him two myriads of money. And another tale is that of that of the caliph, is that of all right, and that. of Musab bin al-Subair and Aisha his wife. It is told of Musab bin al-Subair that he met in al-Medina Issa, who was one of the shrewdest of women, and said to her, I have a mind to marry Aisha, daughter of Talha, and I should like thee to go here, wards and spy out for me how she is made. So she went away, and returning to Musab said, I have seen her, and her face is fairer than health.

Starting point is 03:31:09 She has large and well-opened eyes, And under them are no straight and smooth as a cane, Oval cheeks and a mouth like a cleft pom-grenate, A neck as a silver-ewer, and below it a bosom, With two breasts like twin pom-grenates, And further down a slim waist and a slender stomach, with a naval therein as it were a casket of ivory and back parts like a hummock of sand and plumpy rounded thighs and calves like columns of alabaster but i saw her feet to be large and thou wilt fall short with her in time of need upon this report he married her and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted

Starting point is 03:32:01 say. When it was the 387th night she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Issa, this wise reported of Aisha bin Tala, Musab married her, and went into her. And presently Issa invited Aisha and the women of the tribe Couryash to her house, when Aisha sang these two couplets with Mousab's down. by and the lips of girls that are perfume sweet so nice to kiss when with smiles they greet yet never tasted i them but in thought of him and by thought the ruler rules worldly seat the night of moosab's going in unto her he departed not from her till after seven bouts and on the morrow a free woman of his met him and said to him may i be thy sacrifice thou art perfect even in this and a certain woman said i was with ayesha when her husband came into her and she lusted for him so he fell upon her and she snarked and snorted and made use of all wonder of movements and marvellous new inventions and i the while within hearing

Starting point is 03:33:29 so when he came out from her i said to her how canst thou do thus with thy rank and nobility and condition and i in thy house quoth she verily a woman should bring her husband all of which she is mistress by way of excitement and rare buckings and wrigglings and motivations what dislikes thou of this and i answered i would have this by nights rejoined she thus is it by day and by night i do more than this for when he seeth me desire stirrith him up and he falleth in heat so he putteth it out to me and i obey him and it is as thou seest and there also hath reached me an account of abu al azvad and his slave-girls Abou al-Asvad bought a native-born slave-girl who was blind of an eye, and she pleased him, but his people decried her to him, whereat he wandered and, turning the palms of his hands upwards, recited these two couplets. They find me fault with her, where I default never find, save happily that a speck in either I may show.

Starting point is 03:34:56 but if her eyes have fault a fault for her form hath none slim built above the waist and heavily made below and this is also told of haron al-rashid and the two slave-girls the caliph haron al-rashid lay one night between two slave-girls one from al-medina and the other from kufah and the kufite rubbed his hands whilst the medinite rubbed his feet and made his concern stand up quoth the kufite i see thou wouldst keep the whole of the stock in trade to thyself give me my share of it and the other answered i have been told by malif on the authority of hisham ibn orva who had it of his grandfather that the prophet said who so quickeneth the dead the dead belongeth to him and is his but the kufite took her unawares and pushing her away seized it all in her own hand and said al aamasha telleth us on the authority of kaisama who who had it of Abdallah bin Masood, that the prophet declared, Game belongeth to him who taketh it, not to him who raiseth it. And this is also related of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid and the three slave-girls.

Starting point is 03:36:34 The Caliph Harun al-Rashid once slept with three slave girls, a meccan, a Medinite, and an Irekite. The Medina girl put her hand to her. his yard and handled it, whereupon it rose, and the mechon sprang up and drew it to herself. Quoth the other, what is this unjust aggression? A tradition was related to me by Malik, after al-Suri, after Abdallah Ibn Salim, after side bin side, that the apostle of Allah, whom Allah bless and keep, said, Whoso and quickeneth a dead land, it is. is his. And the mecken answered, it is related to us by Sufyan from Abus Sanad,

Starting point is 03:37:23 from al-Aaray, from Abu Harjaira, that the apostle of Allah said, The quarry is his who catcheth it, not his who starteth it. But the Iraq girl pushed them both away, and taking it to herself, said, This is mine, till your contention be decided. and they tell a tale of the miller and his wife. There was a miller who had an ass to turn his mill, and he was married to a wicked wife, whom he loved, while she hated him because she was sweet upon a neighbor, who misliked her, and held aloof from her. One night the miller saw in his sleep one who said to him,

Starting point is 03:38:11 Dig in such a spot of the asses round in the mill, and thou shalt find a hoard. When he awoke he told his wife the vision, and bade her keep the secret, but she told her neighbor, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 388 night, she said, it hath reached me auspicious king, that the miller's wife, told the secret to the neighbor whom she loved, thinking to win his favor, and he agreed with her to come to her by night. So he came, and they dug in the mill, and found the treasure, and took it forth. Then he asked her, How shall we do with this? And she answered, We will divide it into two halves, and will share it equally between us, and do thou leave thy wife,

Starting point is 03:39:10 and I will cast about to rid me of my husband. Then shalt thou marry me, and when we are conjoined, we will join the two halves of the treasure, one to other, and all will be in our hands. Quoth he, I fearless Satan seduce thee, and thou take some other man other than myself, for gold in the house is like the sun in the world. I reck, therefore, it were right that the might. money be all in my hands, so thou give thy whole mind to getting free of thy husband and coming to me. Quoth she, I fear even as thou fearest, nor will I yield up my part to thee, for it was I directed

Starting point is 03:39:58 thee to it. When he heard this greed of gain prompted him to kill her. So he slew her, and threw her body into the empty hoard-hole. But they overtook him, and hindered him from covering it up he therefore took the money and went his way now after a while the miller awoke and missing his wife went into the mill where he fastened the ass to the beam and shouted to it it went on a little then stopped whereupon he beat it grievously but the more he bashed it the more it drew back for it was affrighted at the dead woman and could not go forward thereupon the miller unknowing what hindered the donkey took out a knife and goaded it again and again but still it would not budge then he was wroth with it knowing not the cause of its obstinacy and row the knife into its flanks and it fell down dead but when the sun rose he saw his donkey lying dead and likewise his wife in the place of the treasure and great was his rage and sore his wrath for the loss of his hoard and the death of his wife and his ass all this came of his letting his wife into his secret and not keeping it to himself and i have heard this tale of the simpleton and the sharper a certain simpleton was one once walking along, hauling his ass after him by the halter, when a pair of shoppers saw him,

Starting point is 03:41:36 and one said to his fellow, I will take that ass from yonder white, asked the other, How wilt thou do that? Follow me, and I will show thee how, answered the first. So the conic catcher went up to the ass, and losing it from the halter, gave the beast to his fellow. Then he haltered his own head, and followed, Tom Fool till he knew the other had got clean off with the ass when he stood still. The oath hailed at the halter, but the rascal stirred not,

Starting point is 03:42:10 So he turned, and seeing the halter on a man's neck said to him, What art thou? Quoth the sharper. I'm thine ass, and my story is a wondrous one, and tis this. Know that I have a pious old mother, and come into her one day drunk, and she said to me, O my son, repent to the almighty of these thy transgressions, but I took my staff and beat her, whereupon she cursed me,

Starting point is 03:42:42 and Allah changed me into an ass, and caused me fall into thy hands, where I have remained till this moment. However, today my mother called me to mind, and her heart yearned towards me, So she prayed for me, and the Lord restored me to my former shape amongst the sons of Adam, cried the silly one, there is no majesty, and there is no might save in Allah the glorious, the great. Allah upon thee, O my brother, acquit me of what I have done with thee, in the way of riding, and so forth. Then he let the conicatcher go,

Starting point is 03:43:22 and returned home drunken with chagrin and concern as with what. wine. His wife asked him, What aileth thee, and where is the donkey? And he answered, Thou knows not what was this ass, but I will tell thee. So he told her the story, and she exclaimed, Alak and alas for the punishment we shall receive from Almighty Allah. How could we have used a man as a beast of burden all this while? And she gave arms by way, of atonement, and prayed pardon of heaven. Then the man abode a while at home, idle and feckless, till she said to him, How long wilt thou sit at home, doing not? Go to the market, and buy an ass and ply thy work with it. Accordingly he went to the market, and stopped by the

Starting point is 03:44:19 ass stand, where, behold, he saw his own ass for sale. So he went up to it, and, clapping his mouth to its ear, said to it, Woe to thee, thou never do well. Doubtless thou hast been getting drunk again, and beating thy mother, but by Allah, I will never by thee more, and he left it and went away. And they tell a tale concerning the Kasi Abu Yusuf with Harun al-Rashid and Queen Subbaidah.

Starting point is 03:44:52 The Caliph Harun al-Rashid went up one noontide to his couch, to lie down and mounting found upon the bedcloth's semen freshly emitted whereat he was startled and troubled with sore trouble so he called the lady sobida and said to her what is that spilt on the bed she looked at it and replied o commander of the faithful it is semen quoth he tell me truly what this meaneth or i will lay violent hands on thee forthright quoth she by allah o commander of the faithful indeed i know not how it came there and i am guiltless of that whereof you suspectest me so he sent for the kasi abu joseph and acquainted him of the case the judge raised his eyes to the ceiling and seeing a crack therein said to the caliph o commander of the faithful in very sooth the bat hath seeth like that of a man and this is bat's simmon then he called for a spear and thrust it into the crevice whereupon down fell the bat in this manner the caliph's suspicions were dispelled and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section eight read by lair shrewlander section nine volume five of the book of a thousand nights and a night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 03:46:40 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Mori Cunin. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Knight, Volume 5, Section 9. When it was the 389th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the Kazi Abu Yusuf took the beer and thrust it into the crevice, down fell the bat, and thus the Khalif's suspicions were dispelled, and the innocence of Zubairdha was made manifest. Whereat she gave loud and liberal vent to her joy, and promised Abiyuzov a magnificent reward. Now there were with her certain delicious fruits out of their season, and she knew of others in the garden. So she asked Abiyusuf, O Imam of the faith, which wouldst thou rather have of the two kinds of fruit,

Starting point is 03:47:37 those that are here, or those that are not here? And he answered, Our code forbiddeth us to pronounce judgment on the absent. When as they are present, we will give our decision. So she let bring the two kinds of fruit before him, and he ate of both. Quoth she, what is the difference between them? And quoth he, As often as I think to praise one kind, the adversary putteth in the claim.

Starting point is 03:48:05 The Caliph laughed at his answer and made him a rich present, and Zubaira also gave him what she had promised him, and he went away rejoicing. See then, the virtues of this Imam and how his hands were manifest the truth and the innocence of the Lady Zubida. And amongst other stories is that of the Caliph al-Hakim and the merchant. the caliph al hakeem be amrallah was riding out in state procession one day when he passed along a garden wherein he saw a man surrounded by negro slaves and eunuchs he asked him for a draught of water and the man gave him to drink saying be like the commander of the faithful will honor me by alighting in this my garden so the caliph dismounted and with his suite entered the garden whereupon the said man brought out to them a hundred rugs and and a hundred leather mats and a hundred cushions,

Starting point is 03:49:02 and set before them a hundred dishes of fruits, and a hundred bowls of sweetmeats, and a hundred jars of sugared sherberts, at which the Caliph marvelled with much amaze and said to his host, O man, verily this thy case is wondrous. Didst thou know of our coming, and make preparation for us? He replied, No, by Allah, O commander of the faithful,

Starting point is 03:49:26 I knew not of thy coming, and I am a merchant of the rest of thy subjects. But I have a hundred concubines. So, when the commander of the faithful honored me by alighting with me, I sent to each of them, bidding her send me her morning meal in the garden. So they sent me each of her furniture and the surplus of her meat and drink. And every day each sendeth me a dish of meat, and another of cooling maranades, and also a platter of fruits, and a bowl of food.

Starting point is 03:49:56 sweetmeats and a jar of sherbert. This is my noon-day dinner, nor have I added, ought thereto for thee. Then the commander of the faithful, Al-Hakim be Amrallah, prostrated himself in thanksgiving to the almighty, extolled and exalted be his name, and said, Praise be Allah, who hath been so bountiful to one of our lieges, that when he entertaineth the caliph and his host, without making ready for them, nay, he feedeth them with the sultan. surplusage of his day's provision. Then he sent for all the Durhams and the treasury that had been struck that year, and they were in number, 3,700,000. Nor did he mount until the money came, when he gave it to the merchant, saying, use this as thy state may require, and thy generosity

Starting point is 03:50:47 deservedeth more than this. Then he took his horse and rode away. And I have heard a story concerning King Kisra Anusharwan and the village Damsel. The just king, Kisra Anusharwan, one day rode forth to the chase, and in pursuit of a deer became separated from his suite. Presently he caught sight of a hamlet near hand, and being sore a thirst, he made for it, and presenting himself at the door of a house that lay by the wayside, asked for a draft of water. So a damsel came out and looked at him, then, going back into the house, pressed the juice from a single sugar cane into a bowl and mixed it with water, after which she strewed on the top some scented stuff as it were dust and carried it to the king. Thereupon he seeing in it what resembled dust,

Starting point is 03:51:42 drank it little by little till he came to the end. And when he said to her, Oh damsel, the drink is good, and how sweet it has been, but for the dust in it, that troubleth it. Answered she, O guest, I put in that powder for a purpose. And he asked, Why didst thou thus? So she replied, I saw thee exceedingly thirsty, and feared that thou would strain the hole at one draught, and that this would thee mischief. And but for this dust that troubled the drink, so hadst thou done. The king wondered at her words, knowing that they came of her wit in good sense, and said to her, From how many sugarcains didst thou express this draft?

Starting point is 03:52:30 One, answered she, whereat Anushawan marvelled, and calling for the register of the village taxes, saw that its assessment was but little, and bethought him to increase it on his return to his palace, saying in himself, a village where they get this much juice out of one sugarcane, why is it so lightly taxed? He then left the village and pursued his chase, and as he came back at the end of the day, he passed alone by the same door, and calling again for drink, whereupon the same damsel came out, and knowing him at a look, went in to fetch him water. It was some time before she returned, and Anusharwan wondered thereat, and said to her, Why hast thou tarried? And, Sharazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say.

Starting point is 03:53:22 when it was the three hundred and ninetieth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when Anusharwan hurried the damsel and asked her, Why hast thou tarried? She answered, Because a single sugarcane gave not enough for thy need, So I pressed three, But they yielded not so much as one did before.

Starting point is 03:53:44 Rejoined he, What is the cause of that? And she replied, The cause of it is that when the sultan's mind is changed against a folk, their prosperity ceaseth, and their good waxeth less. So Anusharwan laughed, and dismissed from his mind that which he had purposed against the villagers. Moreover, he took the damsel to wife then and there, being pleased with her much wit and acuteness and the excellence of her speech. And they tell another tale of the water carrier and the goldsmith's wife. There was once in the city

Starting point is 03:54:20 of Bokhara, a water carrier, who you, used to carry water to the house of a goldsmith and had done this thirty years. Now that goldsmith had a wife of exceeding beauty and loveliness, brilliancy, and perfect grace, and she was withal renowned for piety, chastity, and modesty. One day the water carrier came, as of custom, and poured the water into the cisterns. Now the woman was standing in the midst of the court,

Starting point is 03:54:48 so he went up close to her and taking her hand, stroked it, and pressed it, and then went away and left her. When her husband came home from the bazaar, she said to him, I would have thee tell me what thing thou hast done in the market this day to anger Almighty Allah. Quoth he, I have done nothing to offend the Lord. Nay, rejoined she, but by Allah thou hast indeed done something to anger him. And unless thou tell me the whole truth, I will not abide in thy house, and thou shalt not see me.

Starting point is 03:55:22 nor will I see thee. So he confessed, I will tell thee the truth of what I did this day. It's so chanced that as I was sitting in my shop, as of want, a woman came up and made me make her a bracelet of gold. Then she went away and I wrought her a bracelet and laid it aside. But when she returned and I brought her out the bracelet, she put forth her hand and I clasped the bracelet on her wrist,

Starting point is 03:55:50 and I wondered at the whiteness of her hand. and the beauty of her wrist, which would captivate any beholder. And I recalled what the poet saith. Her forearms dight with their bengal's show, like fire ablaze on the waves aflo. As by purest gold were the water girt, and belted around by living low. So I took her hand and pressed it and squeezed it. said the woman, Great, God! Why didst thou this ill thing? Know that the water carrier,

Starting point is 03:56:25 who hath come to our house these thirty years, nor sawst thou ever any treason in him, took my hand this day, and pressed it and squeezed it. Said her husband, O woman, let us crave pardon of Allah. Verily, I repent of what I did. And do thou ask forgiveness of the Lord for me?

Starting point is 03:56:46 She cried, Allah, pardon me and thee, and receive us into his holy keeping. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and ninety-first night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the goldsmith's wife cried out, Allah pardon me and thee, and receive us into his holy keeping. And on the next day, the water-carrier came to the jeweler's wife, and throwing himself at his feet, grovelled in the dust, and besought pardon of her, saying, O my lady, acquit me of that which Satan deluded me to do, for it was he who seduced me and led me

Starting point is 03:57:33 astray. She answered, Go thy ways, the sin was not in thee, but in my husband, for that he did what he did in his shop, and Allah hath retaliated upon him in this world. And it related that the goldsmith, when his wife told him how the water carrier had used her, said, tit for tat and blow for blow. Had I done more, the water carrier had done more, which became a current byword among the folk. Therefore, it behoveth a wife to be both outward and inward with her husband, contenting herself with little from him, if he cannot give her much, and taking pattern by Ayesha the truthful and Fatima, the Virgin Mother, Allah Almighty, except of them the twain, that she may be of the company

Starting point is 03:58:22 of the righteous ancestry. And I have heard of the following tale of Kuzrao and Shirin and the fisherman. King Kuzra Shahinsha of Persia loved fish, and one day as he sat in his saloon, he and Shiren his wife, there came a fisherman with a great fish, and he laid it before the king, who was pleased and ordered the man four thousand urhams. Thereupon Sheeran said to the king, Thou hast done ill. Asked he, and why? And she answered, because if after this thou give one of thy courtiers a like some, he will disdain it, and say, He hath given me the like of what he gave the fisherman. and if thou give him less, the same will he say. He despieth me, and giveth me less than he gave the fisherman.

Starting point is 03:59:17 Rejoined Kusrael, Thou art right, but it would dishonor a king to go back on his gift, and the thing is done. Quoth Sharon, If thou wilt, I will contrive thee a means to get it back from him. Quoth he, how so? And she said, call back if thou please the fisherman and ask him if the fish be male or female. If he say male, say thou we want a female.

Starting point is 03:59:47 And if he say female, say we want a male. So the king sent for the fisherman, who was a man of wit and astuteness, and said to him, Is this fish male or female? Whereupon the fisherman kissed the ground and answered, This fish is a hermaphrodite. Neither male nor female. Kuzrow laughed at his clever reply and ordered him other 4,000 dirhams.

Starting point is 04:00:15 So the fisherman went to the treasurer and taking his 8,000 dirhams, placed them in the sack he had with him. Then, throwing it over his shoulder, he was going away when he dropped a durham. So he laid the bag off his back and stooped down to pick it up. Now the king and Sharon were looking on,

Starting point is 04:00:34 and the queen said, O king, didst thou note the meanness of the man, in that he must need stoop down to pick up the one Durham, and could not bring himself to leave it for any of the king's servants? When the king heard these words, he was exceeding wroth with the fisherman, and said, Thou art right, O Sheeran. So he called the man back, and said to him, Thou low-minded Carl, thou art no man. how couldst thou put the bag with all this money off thy back and bend thee groundwards to pick up the one durham and grudge to leave it where it fell thereupon the fisherman kissed the earth before him and answered may allah prolong the king's life indeed i did not pick up the durham off the ground because of its value in my eyes but i raised it off the earth because on one of its faces is the likeness of the king and on the other his name

Starting point is 04:01:32 and I feared lest any should unwittingly set foot upon it, thus dishonoring the name and the presentment of the king, and I be blamed for this offense. The king wondered at his words, and approved of his wit and shrewdness, and ordered him yet another four thousand dirhams. Moreover, he bade cry abroad in his kingdom, saying,

Starting point is 04:01:55 It behoveth none to be guided by women's counsel, for whoso followeth their advice, Luseth with his wonder ham, other twain. And here is the tale they tell of Yaha bin Khalid the barmecide and the poor man. Yaha bin Khalid the barmecide was returning home one day from the Khalif's palace when he saw at the gate of his mansion a man who rose as he drew near and saluted him, saying, O Yaha, I am in sore need of that which is in thy hand, and I make Allah my intermediary with thee.

Starting point is 04:02:35 So Yahaha caused a place to be set aside for him in his house, and bade his treasurer carry him a thousand dirhams every day, and ordered that his diet be of the choicest of his own meat. The man abode in this case a whole month, at the end of which time, having received in all thirty thousand dirhams, and fearing lest Yahah should take the money from him because of the greatness of the sum, he departed by stealth, and Sherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the 392nd night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the man taking with him the money departed by stealth.

Starting point is 04:03:20 But when they told Yaha of this, he said, by Allah, though he had tarried with me to the end of his days, yet had I not stinted. him of my largesse, nor cut off from him the bounties of my hospitality. For indeed the excellences of the barmecides were past count, nor can their virtues be committed to description, especially those of Yaha bin Khalid, for he was an ocean of noble qualities. Even as saith the poet of him, I asked of bounty, art thou free,

Starting point is 04:03:55 Quoth she, no, I am slave to Yaha Khalid's son. batten asked i allah forfend quoth she by airship sire to sire's transmission and the following is related of mohammed al-a-mein and the slave-girl ja'afar bin musa al-hadi once had a slave-girl a ludist called al-bader al-cabir then whom there was not in her time a fairer of face nor a shapely or a shape nor a more elegant of manners nor a more accomplished in the art of singing and striking the strings she was indeed perfect in beauty and extreme in every charm now mohammed al-a-mean son of zubaydah heard of her and was urgent with ja'afar to sell her to him but he replied thou knowest it beseemeth not one of my rank to sell slave-girls nor set prices on concubines. But, were she not a rearling, I would send her to thee as a gift, not grudge her to thee. And Muhammad al-Amin, some days after this, went to Jafar's house to make merry, and the host set before him that which behooveth to set before true friends, and bade the damsel

Starting point is 04:05:20 al-Badr al-Kabir to sing to him and to gladden him. So she tuned the lute and sang with a ravishing melody, whilst Muhammad al-Amin felled to drinking and jollity and bade the cupbearers ply Jafar with much wine till they made him drunken, when he took the damsel and carried her to his own house, but laid not a finger on her. And when the morrow dawned, he bade invite Jafar, and when he came, he set wine before him and made the girl sing to him from behind the curtain. Jafar knew her voice and was angered at this, but of the nobleness of his nature and the magnanimity of his mind, he showed no change. Now when the carousal was at an end, Al-Amin commanded one of his servants to fill the boat wherein Jafar had come with Durhams and Dinar's, and all manner of jewels and Jusin's, and rich raiment and goods galore. So he laid therein a thousand myriads of money and a thousand.

Starting point is 04:06:23 fine pearls, each worth twenty thousand dirhams. Nor did he give over loading the barge with all manner of things precious and rare, till the boatman cried out for help, saying, This boat cannot hold any more! Whereupon he bade them carry all this to Jafar's palace. Such are the exploits of the magnanimous. Allah have mercy on them. And a tale is related of the sons of Yaha bin Khalid and Sa'i, and Sa'i, bin Salim al-Bahili quoth Saeed bin Salim al-Bahili I was once in a very narrow case during the days of Harun al-Rashid and debts accumulated upon me burdening my back and these I had no means of discharging I was at my wits end what to do for my doors were blocking up with creditors and I was without cease impotuned for payment by claimants

Starting point is 04:07:21 who dunded me in crowds till at last I was sore perplexed and troubled. So I betook myself to Abdallah bin Malik al-Kuzai, and besought him to extend the hand of aid with his judgment and direct me of his good counsel to the door of relief. And he said, None can save thee from this thy strait and sorrowful state save the barmecides. Quoth I, Who can brook their price?

Starting point is 04:07:51 and put up patiently with their arrogant pretensions, and quoth he, thou wilt put up with all this for the bettering of thy case. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of section 9, recording by Mori Cunin. Section number 10, Volume 5 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 04:08:36 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Mori Cunin. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 10. When it was the 393rd night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Abdallah Ibn Malik al-Kuzai said to Saeed bin Salim, Thou wilt put up with all this for the bettering of thy case. So I left him suddenly, continued Saeed,

Starting point is 04:09:09 and went straight to Alfazel and Jafar, sons of Yaha bin Khalid, to whom I related my circumstances. Where too they replied, Allah give thee his aid, and render thee by his bounties, independent of his creatures, and vouchsafe thee abundant wheel and bestow on thee what shall suffice thee, without the need of any but himself.

Starting point is 04:09:35 For whatso he willeth, that he can, and he is gracious with his servants, and knoweth their wants. So I went out from the twain, and returned to Abdallah, with straightened breast, and mind perplexed and heavy of heart, and repeated to him what they had said. Quoth he, thou wouldst do well to abide with us this day, that we may see what Allah Almighty will decree. So I sat with him a while, when lo, up came my servant who said to me, O my lord, there are, at our door, many laden mules, and with them a man who says he is the agent of Al-Fazel and Jafar Ben Yaha.

Starting point is 04:10:19 Quoth Abdallah, I trust that relief is come to thee. up and go see what is the matter. So I left him, and hastening to my house, found at the door a man who gave me a note wherein was written the following. After thou hadst been with us, and we heard thy case, we betook ourselves to the Caliph, and informed him that ill-condition had reduced thee to the humiliation of begging. Whereupon he ordered us to supply thee with a thousand thousand dirhams from the treasury. We represented to him, the dead. The debtor will spend this money in paying off creditors and wiping off debt. Whence then shall he provide for his subsistence.

Starting point is 04:11:02 So he ordered thee other three hundred thousand, and each of us hath also sent thee, of his proper wealth, a thousand thousand dirhams, so that thou hast now three thousand and three hundred thousand dirhams, wherewithal, to order and amend thine estate. See then the munificence of these magnificos. Almighty Allah have mercy on them. And a tale is told of the woman's trick against her husband. A man brought his wife a fish one Friday, and bidding her to cook it against the end of the congregational prayers,

Starting point is 04:11:42 went out to his craft and business. Meanwhile, in came her friend who bade her to a wedding at his house. So she agreed, and laying the fish in a jar of water went off with him and was absent a whole week till the Friday following. Whilst her husband sought her from house to house and inquired after her, but none could give him any tidings of her. So on the next Friday she came home and he fell foul of her, but she brought out to him the fish, alive from the jar, and assembled the folk against him and told them of her tale. and Shara Zad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 394th night, she said,

Starting point is 04:12:30 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the woman brought out the fish alive from the water-jar, and assembled the folk against her husband, and told them her tale. He also told his, but they credited him not, and said, It cannot be that the fish should have remained alive. all this while. So they proved him mad and imprisoned him and mocked him, whereupon he shed tears in floods and recited these two couplets. Old hag of high degree in filthy life, whose face her monstrous lewdness witness, when menstruous she bodes, when clean she hoards, and all her time

Starting point is 04:13:11 bode or adulterous is. And a tale is related, of the devout woman and the two wickens. elders. There was, in times of your, and in ages long gone before, a virtuous woman among the children of Israel, who was pious and devout and used every day to go out to the place of prayer, first entering a garden which adjoined thereto, and there making the minor ablution. Now there were in this garden two old men, its keepers, and both sheikhs fell in love with her and sought her favors. But she refused, whereupon said they, Unless thou yield thy body to us, we will bear witness against thee of fornication. Quoth she, Allah will preserve me from your frowardness.

Starting point is 04:14:06 Then they opened the garden gate and cried out, and the folk came to them from all places, saying, What aileth you? Quoth they, we found this damsel in company with a youth who was doing lewdness with her, but he escaped from our hands. Now it was the want of the people in those days to expose adulterer and adulterists to public reproach for three days, and after stone them. So they cried her name in the public streets for three days, while the two elders came up to her daily, and laying their hands on her head, said, Praise be Allah, who hath sent down on thee his righteous indignation.

Starting point is 04:14:48 now on the fourth day when they bore her away to stone her they were followed by a lad named daniel who was then only twelve years old and this was to be the first of his miracles upon our prophet and upon him the blessing and peace and he ceased not following them to the place of execution till he came up with them and said to them hasten not to stone her till i judge between them so they set him in a chair and he sat down and summoned the old men separately now he was the first ever separated witnesses then he said to the first what sawest thou so he repeated to him the story and daniel asked in what part of the garden did this befall? And he answered, on the eastern side under a pear tree. Then he called the other old man and asked him the same question, and he replied, on the western side of the garden under an apple tree. Meanwhile, the damsel stood by, and with her hands and eyes raised heavenwards, implored the Lord for deliverance. Then Allah Almighty sent down his blasting leaven fire upon the elders and consumed them. And on this wise, the Lord made manifest

Starting point is 04:16:08 the innocence of the damsel. Such was the first of the miracles of the prophet Daniel, on whom be blessing and peace. And they relayed a tale of Jafar the Barmicide and the old Badawi. The commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid went out one day with Abu Yacoub, the cup champion, and Jafar the barmecide and Abu Nawas into the desert, where they fell in with an old man propped against his ass. The Caliph bade Jafar learn of him whence he came. So he asked him, Whence comeest thou? And he answered, from Basora. And Sharaad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 395th night, she said, she said, said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Jafar asked the man,

Starting point is 04:17:07 whence comest thou, he answered from Basura. Quoth Jafar, and whither goest thou? Quoth the other, to Baghdad. Then Jafar inquired, And what wilt thou do there? And the old man replied, I go to seek medicine for my eye. Said the Caliph, O Jafar, make thou sport with him. And answer Jafar, I shall hear what I shall exceedingly mislike. But Al-Rashid rejoined, I charge thee on my authority, jest with him. Thereupon Jafar, Jafar said to the Badawi, If I prescribe thee a medicine that shall profit thee, what wilt thou give me in return? Quoth the other, Allah Almighty will requite this kindness with what is better for thee than any requital of mine.

Starting point is 04:18:02 Continue, Jafar. Now lend me an ear, and I will give thee a prescription, which I have given to none but thee. What is that? Asked the Badawi, and Jafar answered, Take three ounces of wind breaths, and the like of sunbeams, and the same of moonshine, and as much of lamplight. Mix them well together, and let them lie in the wind three months. then place them three months in a mortar without a bottom and pound them into a fine powder,

Starting point is 04:18:35 and after triteration set them in a cleft platter, and let it stand in the wind other three months, after which use of this medicine three drachms every night in thy sleep, and inshallah thou shalt be healed and whole. Now, when the Badawi heard this, he stretched himself out to full length on the donkey's back, and let fly a terrible loud fart, and said to Jafar, Take this fart in payment of thy prescription. When I have followed it, if Allah grant me recovery, I will give thee a slave girl, who shall serve thee in thy lifetime a service,

Starting point is 04:19:15 wherewith Allah shall cut short thy term. And when thou diest, and the Lord hurieth thy soul to hellfire, she shall blacken thy face with her scyte, of her mourning for thee, and shall keen and beat her face, saying, O frosty beard, What a fool thou wast. Thereupon Harun al-Rashid laughed till he fell backward, and ordered the Badawi three thousand silver pieces. And a tale is told of the Caliph Omar bin Al-Katab and the young Badawi.

Starting point is 04:19:50 The Sharif Hussein bin Riyan relatedeth that the Caliph Omar bin al-Katab was sitting one day, judging the folk and doing justice between his subjects, attended by the best and wisest of his counsellors. When there came up to him a youth, comely and cleanly attired, upon whom two very handsome youths had laid hold and were hauling by the collar till they set him in the presence. Whereupon the commander of the faithful Omar looked at him and looked at them, and bade them loose him. Then, calling him near to himself, ask the Twain, What is your case with him? They answered, O Prince of true believers, we are two brothers by one mother, and as followers of verity known we are. We had a father,

Starting point is 04:20:43 a very old man of good counsel, honored by the tribes, sound of baseness, renowned for goodliness, who reared us tenderly in childhood, and loaded us, with favors in manhood, and Shara Zad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and ninety-sixth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the two youths said to the commander of the faithful Omar, Son of Khatab, Our father was a man honored by the tribes, Sound of baseness, and renowned for goodliness, who reared us delicately in child, childhood and loaded us with favors in manhood, in fine, a sea of noble and illustrious qualities,

Starting point is 04:21:31 worthy of the poet's praise. Is Ab's soccer of Shaibon? they asked, quoth I, nay, by my life, of hymns Shaibon. How many a sire rose high by a noble son, as Allah's prophet glorified Adnan? Now he went forth this day to his garden, to refresh himself amongst its trees and plucked the ripe fruits, when this young man slew him wrongously and swerved from the road of righteousness. Wherefore we demand of thee the retribution of his crime, and call upon thee to pass judgment upon him, according to the commandment of Allah. Then Omar cast a terrible look at the accused youth, and said to him, Verily, thou hearest the complaint these two young men prefer. What hast thou

Starting point is 04:22:23 in reply to aver. But he was brave of heart and bold of speech, having doffed the robe of pusillanimity, and put off the garb of cowardry. So he smiled, and spake in the most eloquent and elegant words, and after paying the usual ceremonial compliments to the caliph, said, By Allah, O commander of the faithful, I have indeed given ear to their complaint, and they have told the truth, in that which they tell, so far as they have set out what befell. And the commandment of Allah is a decreed decree. But I will forthright state my case between thy hands, and it is for thee to give commands. Know then, O Prince of the faithful, that I am a very Arab of the Arabis, the noblest of those that are beneath the skies. I grew up in the dwellings of the wold and fell till evil

Starting point is 04:23:22 times my tribe befell. When I came to the outskirts of this town with my family and whatso goods I own, and as I went along one of the paths leading to its gardens, orchards, and garths, with my she-camels highly esteemed, and by me most precious deemed, and in the midst of them a stallion of noble blood and shape right good, a plenteous getter of brood, by whom the females abundantly bore and walked among them as though a kingly crown he wore. One of the she-camels broke away, and running to the garden of these young men's father, where the trees showed above the wall, put forth her lips and began to feed as in a stall. I ran to her to drive her away when behold there appeared at a breach of the wall, an old man and

Starting point is 04:24:14 gray, whose eyes sparkled with angry ray. Holding in his right a stone to throw, and swaying to and fro with a swing like a lion ready for a spring, he cast the stone at my stallion, and it killed him, for it struck a vital part. When I saw the stallion drop dead beside me, I felt live coals of anger kindled in my heart, so I took up the very same stone, and throwing it at the old man, it was the cause of his bane and ban. Thus, it was his own wrongful act returned to him anew, and the man was slain of that wherewith he slew. When the stone struck him, he cried out with a great cry and shrieked out a terrible shriek, whereupon I hastened from the spot. But these two young men hurried after me, and laid hands on me, and before thee carried me. Quoth Omar,

Starting point is 04:25:13 Almighty Allah accept of him. Thou hast confessed what thou committedest, and of acquittal there is no possible occasion. For urgent is the law of retaliation, and they cried for mercy, but it was not a time to escape. The youth answered, I hear and obey the judgment of the Imam, and I consent to all required by the law of al-Islam. But I have a young brother, whose old father before his decease, appointed to him wealth in great store and gold galore, and committed his affair to me before Allah, saying, I give this into thy hand for thy brother, keep it for him with all thy might. So I took the money and buried it, nor doth any know of it but I. Now, if thou adjudge me to be justest forthright, the money will lost and thou wilt be the cause of its loss.

Starting point is 04:26:14 Wherefore the child will sue thee for his due on the day when the creator shall judge between his creatures. But if thou will grant me three days delay, I will appoint some guardian to administer the affairs of the boy and return to answer my debt, and I have one who will be my surety for the fulfillment of this, my promise. So the commander of the faithful bowed his head a while, then raised it, and looking round upon those present, said, Who will stand surety by my side for his return to this place? And the youth looked at the faces of those who were in company, and pointing to Abu Zar, in the preference to all present, said, This man shall answer for me and be my bail. And Sharazade perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 04:27:07 and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 10. Recording by Mori CUNN. Section 11, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer,

Starting point is 04:27:45 here, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by eBay Easton. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 11, 397th night to 400th night. When it was the 397th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the youth pointed to, Abu Zar and said, This man shall answer for me and be my bail. Omar, Allah accept of him, said, O Abu Zar, dost thou hear these words, and wilt thou be surety to me for the return of this youth?

Starting point is 04:28:35 He answered, yes, O commander of the faithful, I will be surety for him for three days. So the Caliph accepted his guarantee, and let the young man. go. Now when the appointed time passed, and the days of grace were nearly or quite at end, yet the youth came not, the Caliph took seat in his counsel, with the companion surrounding him, like the constellations about the moon, Abouzar and the plaintiffs being also present, and the avengers said, Where is the defendant, O Abouzar, and how shall he return, having once fled? But we will not stir from our places till thou bring him to us that we may take of him our blood revenge.

Starting point is 04:29:25 Replied Abu Zar, by the truth of the all-wise king, if the three days of grace expire and the young man returneth not, I will fulfill my warranty and surrender my person to the imam, and added Omar, whom Allah accept, by the Lord if the young man appear not, I will assure execute on Abu Zar that which is prescribed by the law of al-Islam. Thereupon the eyes of the bystanders ran over with tears. Those who looked on groaned aloud, and great was the clamor. Then the chiefs of the companions urged the plaintiffs to accept the blood-wit and deserve the thanks of the folk. But they both refused and would accept nothing save the Talian. However, as the folk were swaying to and fro like waves, and loudly bemoaning Abu Zar, behold, up came the young Badawi,

Starting point is 04:30:24 and standing before the Imam, saluted him right courteously, with sweat-beated face, and shining with the crescent's grace, and said to him, I have given the lad in charge to his mother's brothers, and have made them acquainted with all that pertaineth to his affairs, and let them into the secrets of his monies, after which I braved the heats of noon, and have kept my word as a free-born man. Thereupon the folk marvelled, seeing his good faith and loyalty, and his offering himself to death, with so stout a heart, and one said to him,

Starting point is 04:31:03 How noble a youth art thou, and how loyal to thy word of honour, and thy devour! Rejoined he, Are ye not convinced, that when death presenteth itself, none can escape, from it, and indeed I have kept my word, that it be not said good faith is gone from among mankind. Said Abouzar, by Allah, O commander of the faithful, I became warrant for this young man, without knowing to what tribe he belonged, nor had I seen him before that day. But when he turned away from all who were present and singled me out, saying, this man shall answer for me and be my bail, I thought it not right to refuse him, and generosity forbade to disappoint his desire, there being no harm in compliance therewith,

Starting point is 04:31:56 that it be not brooded abroad, benevolence is gone from among mankind. Then said the two young men, O commander of the faithful, we forgive this youth our father's blood, seeing that he hath changed desolation into cheerfulness, that it be not said, humanity is gone from among mankind. So the Caliph rejoiced in the acquittance of the youth and his truth and good faith. Moreover, he magnified the generosity of Abouzar, extolling it over all his companions, and approved the resolve of the two young men for its benevolence, giving them praise with thanks, and applying to their case the saying of the poet. Who doth kindness to men shall be paid again?

Starting point is 04:32:48 There is kindness lost betwixt God and men. Then he offered to pay them from the treasury, the blood-wit for their father, but they refuse, saying, We forgave him only of our desire unto Allah, the bountiful, the exalted, and he who is thus intentioned, Followeth not his benefits with reproach or with mischief.

Starting point is 04:33:14 And amongst the tales they relate is that of the Caliph al-Mahmoun and the pyramids of Egypt. It is told that the Caliph al-Mamun, son of Harun al-Rashid, when he entered the god-guarded city of Cairo, was minded to pull down the pyramids, that he might take what was therein. But when he went about to do that, do this, he could not succeed, albeit his best was done. He expended a mint of money in the attempt,

Starting point is 04:33:52 and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the three hundred ninety-eighth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Al-Mamun, attempting to pull down the pyramids, expended his mint of money, but succeeded only in opening of a small tunnel in one of them, where in it it said he found treasure to the exact amount of the monies he had spent in the works, neither more nor less, whereat he marveled, and taking what he found there, desisted from his determination. Now the pyramids are three, and they are one of the wonders of the world. Nor is there on the face of earth ought like them for height and fashion and mysteries, for they are built of huge rocks, and the builders proceeding by piercing one block of stone and setting therein upright rods of iron, after which they pierced a second block of stone, and lowered it upon the first. Then they poured melted lead upon the

Starting point is 04:35:07 clamps, and set the blocks in geometrical order till the building was complete. now the height of each pyramid was an hundred cubits of the normal measure of the day and it had four faces each three hundred cubits long from the base and thence battering upwards to a point the ancients say that in the western pyramid are thirty chambers of party-coloured cyanite full of precious gems and treasures galore and rare images and utensils and costly weapons which are anointed with ergonautic unguents so that they may not rest until the day of resurrection therein also are vessels of glass which bend and break not containing various kinds of compound drugs and sympathetic waters In the second pyramid are the records of the priests, written on tablets of cyanide, to each priest his tablet, whereupon are engraved the wonders of his craft and his feats, and on the walls are the human figures like idols, working with their hands at all manner of mechanism and seated on stepped thrones.

Starting point is 04:36:27 Moreover, to each pyramid there is a guardian treasurer, who keepeth watch over it, and wardeth it to all eternity against the ravages of time and the shifts of events and indeed the marvels of these pyramids astound all who have sight and insight many are the poems that describe them thou shalt thereby profit no small matter and among the rest quoth one of them if kings would see their high imprise preserved twill be by tongues of monuments they laid. Seest not the pyramids? These two endure, despite what change time and change have made.

Starting point is 04:37:15 And quoth another. Look on the pyramids and hear the twain. Recount their annals of the long-gone past. Could they but speak, High marvels had they told, of what time did to man from first to last, and quoth a third. My friend I prithee tell me, neath the sky, is aught with Egypt's pyramids can compare?

Starting point is 04:37:47 Buildings which frightened time, all be what dwells, on back of earth, in fear of time, must fare. If on their marvels rest my sight no more, yet these I ever shall in memory bear. And quoth a fourth. Where is the man who built the pyramids? What was his tribe? What day and where his tomb? The monuments survived the men who built a while till overthrown by touch of doom. And men also tell a tale of the thief and the merchant.

Starting point is 04:38:30 There was once a thief who repented to Almighty Allah with sincere penitence, so he opened himself a shop for the sale of stuffs, where he continued to trade a while. It so chanced one day that he locked his shop and went home, and in the night there came to the bazaar, an artful thief disguised in the habit of the merchant, and pulling out keys from his sleeve, said to the watchman of the market,

Starting point is 04:39:04 Light me this wax candle. The watchman took the taper and went to light it, and Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the three hundred and ninety-ninth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the watchman took the taper and went to light, it, whilst the thief opened the shop and lit another candle he had by him. When the watchman

Starting point is 04:39:40 came back, he found him seated in the shop, account books in hand, and reckoning with his fingers, nor did he cease to do thus till point of day, when he said to the man, fetch me a camel-driver and his camel, to carry some goods for me. So the man fetched him a camel, and the thief took four bales of stuffs and gave them to the camelier, who loaded them on his beast. Then he gave the watchman two dirhams, and went away after the camel-driver, leaving the watchman believing him to be the owner of the shop. Now when the morning dawn and day broke, the merchant came, and the watchman began greeting him with blessings, because of the two dirhams.

Starting point is 04:40:31 But the shopkeeper wondered at his words as one not knowing what he meant. When he opened his shop, he saw the droppings of the wax in the account book lying on the floor, and looking round, found four bales of stuffs missing. So he asked the watchman what had happened,

Starting point is 04:40:52 and he told him what has passed in the night and what had been said to the camelier. whereupon the merchant bade him fetch the man and asked him whither didst thou carry the stuffs this morning answered the driver to such a landing-place and i stowed them on board such a vessel said the merchant come with me thither so the camel-driver carried him to the landing-place and said to him this be the bark and this be her owner quoth the merchant to the seaman whither didst thou carry the merchant and the stuff answered the boat-master to such a place where he fetched a camel-driver and setting the bales on the camel went his ways i know not whither fetch me the camilleur who carried the goods said the merchant so he fetched him and the merchant said to him whither didst thou carry the bales of goods from the ship to such a con answered he and the merchant rejoined come thither with me and show it to me so the camelman went with him to a place far distant from the shore and showed him the con where he had set down the stuffs and at the same time the false merchant's magazine which he opened and found therein his four bales bound up as they had been packed the thief had laid his cloak over them so the merchant took the cloak as well as the bales and delivered them to the camel-driver who laid his cloak over them who laid his cloak over them as well as the bales and delivered them to the camel-driver who laid the camel-driver who laid the cloak

Starting point is 04:42:31 who laid them on his camel. After which he locked the magazine and went away with the camelier. On the way he was confronted with the thief who followed him till he had shipped the bales, when he said to him, O my brother, Allah have thee in his holy keeping, thou hast indeed recovered thy goods, and naught of them is lost. So give me back my cloak. The merchant laughed, and giving him back his cloak, Let him go unhindered, whereupon both went their ways. And they tell a tale of Masrur the eunuch and Ibn Al-Karibi. The commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid was exceedingly restless one night.

Starting point is 04:43:23 So he said to his wazir Jaafar, I am sleepless to-night, and my breast is straightened, and I know not what to do. Now his castrato, Masrur, was standing before him, and he laughed. Whereupon the Caliph said, At whom laughest thou, is it to make mock of me, or hath madness seized thee? Answered Masrur, nay, by Allah, O commander of the faithful, And Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 04:43:57 And ceased to say, her permitted say, when it was the four hundredth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that harun al-rashid said to masr the sorter dost thou laugh to make mock of me or hath madness seized thee answered masr nay by allah o commander of the faithful i swear by thy kinship to the prince of apostles i did it not of my free will but i went out yesterday to walk with insight of the palace and coming to the bank of the tigris saw there the folk collected so i stopped and found a man ibn al-caribi height who was making them laugh but just now i recalled what he said and laughter got the better of me and i crave pardon of thee o commander of the faithful quoth the caliph bring him to me forthright so masr repaired in all haste to ibn al caribbe and said to him answer the summons of the commander of the faithful whereto he replied i hear and obey but on condition added masrur that if he had been give thee aught, thou shalt have a quarter, and the rest shall be mine. Replied the drill, Nay, thou shalt have half, and I half. Rejoined Masr, not so, I will have three quarters.

Starting point is 04:45:34 Lastly said Ibn al-Karibi, thou shalt have two-thirds, and I the other third, to which Masrud agreed, after much higgling and haggling, and they returned to the palace together. Now, when Ibn Al-Karibi came into the Caliph's presence, he saluted him as men greet the caliphate, and stood before him. Whereupon said Al-Rashid to him, If thou do not make me laugh, I will give thee three blows with this bag. Quoth Ibn Al-Karibi in his mind, and a small matter were blows with that bag, seeing that beating with whips hurteth me not,

Starting point is 04:46:16 for he thought the bag was empty. Then he began to deal out his drolleries, such as would make the dismalest jemigafa, and gave vent to all manner of buffooneries. But the Caliph laughed not, neither smiled, whereat Ibn Al-Qaribi marvelled and was chagrined and affrighted. Then, said the commander of the, the faithful, now hast thou earned the beating, and gave him a blow with the bag, wherein were four

Starting point is 04:46:46 pebbles, each two rotholes in weight. The blow fell on his neck, and he gave a great cry, then calling to mind his compact with Masrur said, Pardon, O commander of the faithful, hear two words from me, quote the caliph, Sayan, and quote Ibn al-Karibi, Masur made it a condition with me, and I a covenant with him, that whatsoever large jest might come to me of the bounties of the commander of the faithful, one-third thereof should be mine, and the rest his. Nor did he agree to leave me so much as one-third, save after much higgling and haggling. I have had my share, and here standeth he, ready to receive his portion, so pay him the two other blows. now when the caliph heard this he laughed until he fell on his back then calling masrur he gave him a blow whereat he cried out and said o commander of the faithful the one-third sufficeth me give him the two-thirds and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section eleven recording by iva

Starting point is 04:48:06 Eastern. Section 12, Volume 5 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 Eva Easton. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night Volume 5, Section 12 401-4th-night When it was the four-hundred-first-night, she said,

Starting point is 04:48:56 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That Masrull cried out, O commander of the faithful, The one-third sufficeth me, give him the two-thirds. So the Caliph laughed at them and ordered them a thousand dinars each, and they went away, rejoicing at the largesse. And of the tales they tell is one of the devotee prince. The commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid had a son, who from the time he attained the age of 16, renounced the world, and walked in the way of ascetics and devotees. He was wont to go out to the graveyards and say,

Starting point is 04:49:44 Ye once ruled the world, but that saved you not from death, and now are ye come to your sepulchres. What heaven I knew what ye said, and what is said to you, and he wept, as one weepeth who is troubled with fear and apprehension, and repeated the world's of you. the poet. Afright me funerals at every time, and wailing women grieve me to the soul. Now it chanced one day, as he sat among the tombs, according to his custom, his father passed

Starting point is 04:50:20 by in all his state, surrounded by his wazirs and lords of the realm. And the officers of his household, who seen the Caliph's son with a gown of woolen stuff on his body, and a twist of wool on his head, by way of turbaned, said to one another. Verily this youth dishonoreth the commander of the faithful among kings, but if he reproved him, he would leave his present way of life. The Caliph heard these words, so quoth he to his son, O my dear child, of a truth thou disgracesst me by thy present way of life. The young man, looked at him and made no reply. Then he beckoned to a bird, perched on the battlements of the palace, and said to it, O thou bird, I conjure thee by him who created thee, alight upon my hand,

Starting point is 04:51:18 whereupon straightway it swooped down and perched on his finger. Then quoth he, returned to thy place, and it did so. Presently he said, alight on the hand of the commander of faithful, but it refused there to perch. And he cried to his father, It is thou that disgraces me amongst the holy ones by the love of the world. And now I am resolved to part from thee, never to return to thee, save in the world to come. Then he went down to Basora, where he took to working with those which wrought in clay, receiving as his days higher, but a dirham and the Danes And with the Danik he fed himself and gave alms of the dirham. Quoth Abu Amir of Basorah,

Starting point is 04:52:12 There fell down a wall in my house, So I went forth to the station of the artisans To find a man who should repair it for me, And my eyes fell on a handsome youth of a radiant countenance. So I saluted him and asked him, Oh, my friend dost thou seek work? yes answered he and i said come with me and build a wall he replied on certain conditions i will make with thee quoth i what are they o my friend and quoth he my wage must be a dirham and a danik and again when the moizen calleth to prayer thou shalt let me go pray with the congregation

Starting point is 04:52:59 it is well answered i and carried him to my lace where he fell to work such work as i never saw the like of presented i named to him the morning meal but he said no and i knew that he was fasting when he heard the call to prayer he said to me thou knowest the condition yes answered i so he loosed his girdle and applying him himself to the lesser ablution, made it after a fashion than which I never saw a fairer. Then he went to the mosque and prayed with the congregation, and returned to his work. He did the same upon the call to mid-afternoon prayer, and when I saw him fall to work again thereafter I said to him, O my friend, verily the hours of labor are over, a workman's day is but till the time of afternoon prayer. But he replied, praise to the Lord my services till the night, and he ceased not to work till nightfall, when I gave him two dirhams. Whereupon he asked,

Starting point is 04:54:15 What is this? And I answered, By Allah, this is but part of thy wage, because of thy diligence in my service. But he threw them back to me, saying, I will have have no more than was agreed upon between us twain. I urged him to take them, but could not prevail upon him. So I gave him the dirham and the Danik, and he went away. And when morning dawned, I went to the station, but found him not. So I inquired for him, and was told, he cometh thither only on Sabbaths. Accordingly, when Saturday came, I bid to him, I bid to him, and he be took me to the market, and finding him there, said to him, Bismillah, do me the favor to come and work for me, said he,

Starting point is 04:55:09 upon the conditions thou wottest, and I answered yes. Then carrying him to my house, I stood to watch him where he could not see me, and he took a handful of puddled clay, and laid it on the wall. When behold, the stones ranged the me, themselves one upon other. And I said, On this wise are Allah's holy ones. He worked out his day, and did even more than before. And when it was night I gave him his hire, and he took it and walked away. Now when the third Saturday came round, I went to the place of standing, but found him not. So I asked a after him, and they told me, he is sick and lying in the shanty of such a woman. Now this was an old wife, renowned for piety, who had a hovel of reeds in the burial ground. So I fared thither, and found him stretched on the floor, which was bare, with a brick for a pillow, and his face beaming,

Starting point is 04:56:27 like the new moon with light. I saluted him, and he returned my salam, and I sat down at his head, weeping over his fair young years, and absence from home, and submission to the will of his Lord. Then said I to him, hast thou any need? Yes, answered he, and I said, what is it? He replied, Come hither to-morrow in the forenoon, and thou wilt find me dead. Wash me, and dig my grave, and tell none thereof. But shroud me in this my gown, after thou hast unsewn it, and taken out what thou shalt find in the bosom-pocket, which keep with thee.

Starting point is 04:57:17 Then, when thou hast prayed over me, and laid me in the dust, go to baghdad and watch for the caliph harun al-rashid till he come forth when do thou give him what thou shalt find in the breast of my gown and bear him my salutation then he ejaculated the profession of the faith and glorified his god in the most eloquent of words reciting these couplets carry the trust of him whom death awaits to al-rashid and god reward thy care and say an exile who desired thy sight long loving from afar sends greeting fair nor hate nor irk know him from thee withdrew kissing thy right to heaven brought him near but what estranged his soul o sire from thee is that thy worldly joys it would not share then he betook himself to prayer asking pardon of allah and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her made it say, when it was the four hundred and second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the youth then betook himself to asking pardon of Allah, and to invoking

Starting point is 04:58:53 prayer and praise upon the apostle, and the Lord of the just, and repeating verses of the Quran, after which he recited these couplets. O sire, be not deceived by worldly joys, for life must pass, and joy must learn to mourn. When thou are told of folk in evil plight, think thou must answer for all hearts forlorn. And when thou bear thy dead towards the tombs, know thou wilt likewise on that way be born.

Starting point is 04:59:31 continued Abu Dabasri. Now, when the youth had ended his charge and his verses, I left him and went home. On the morrow I returned at the appointed hour, and found him indeed dead. The mercy of Allah be upon him. So I washed him, and unsewing his gown, found in the bosom, a ruby, with thousands of gold pieces, and said to myself, By Allah this youth was indeed weaned from worldly things. After I had buried him, I made my way to Baghdad, and going to the Caliph's palace,

Starting point is 05:00:15 waited till he came forth, when I addressed him in one of the streets, and gave him the ruby, which when he saw he knew and fell down in a fainting fit. His attendants laid hands on me, but he revived and said, to them, release him, and bring him courteously to the palace. They did his bidding, and when he returned he sent for me, and carrying me into his chamber, said to me, How doth the owner of this ruby? Quoth I, verily he is dead, and told him what had passed. Whereupon he fell a weeping, and said, The son hath gained, but the sire hath lost. then he called out saying ho such a one and behold there came out to him a lady who when she saw me would have withdrawn but he cried to her come and mind him not

Starting point is 05:01:16 so she entered and saluted and he threw her the ruby which when she saw and she knew she shrieked a great shriek and fell down in a swoon as soon as she came to herself she said o commander of the faithful what hath the law done with my son and he said to me do thou tell her his case as he could not speak for weeping accordingly i repeated the story to her and she began to shed tears and say in a faint and wailing voice how i have longed for thy sight o solace of mine eyes would i might have given thee to drink when thou hadst none to slake thy thirst would i might have cheered thee whenas thou foundest never a cheerer and she poured forth tears and recited these couplets i weep for one whose lot a lonely death befell without a friend to whom he might complain and moan and after glory and glad union with his friends he woke to desolation, friendless, lorn, and lone. What fortune hides a while she soon, to all men, shall show. Death never spared a man, no, not a single one. O absent one, my lord, decreed thee strangerhood, far from thy nearest friends, and to long exile gone, though death forbid my hope of meeting here again. on doom day's morrow we shall meet again my son quoth i commander of the faithful was he indeed thy son quoth he yes and indeed before i succeeded to this office he was wont to visit the learned and company with the devout but when i became caliph he grew estranged from me and withdrew himself apart

Starting point is 05:03:27 then said i to his mother verily this thy son hath cut the world and devoted his life to almighty allah and it may be that hard times shall befall him and he be smitten with trial of evil chance wherefore do thou given him this ruby which he may find useful in our of need so she gave it to him conjuring him to take it and he obeyed her bidding then he left to us the things of our world and removed himself from us nor did he cease to be absent from us till he went to the presence of allah to whom be honor and glory pious and pure then said he come show me his grave so i traveled with him to basora and showed him his son's grave and when he sawed he wept and lamented and when he sawed he wept and lamented till he fell down in a swoon, after which he recovered, and asked pardon of the Lord, saying, We are alas, and unto him we are returning, and involved blessings on the dead. Then he asked me to become his companion, but I said to him, O commander of the faithful, verily in thy son's case is for me the most momentous of admonitions,

Starting point is 05:04:55 And I recited these couplets. Tis I am the stranger visited by none. I am the stranger, though in town my own. Tis I am the stranger, lacking kith and son, and friend to whom I moat for aidance run. I house in mosques, which are my only home, my heart there wones and shall forever wone. Then lodge ye allah.

Starting point is 05:05:25 Lord of Worlds, as long as soul and body dwell in union. And a famous tale is told of, The unwise schoolmaster who fell in love by report. Quoth one of the learned, I passed once by a school, wherein a schoolmaster was teaching children. So I entered, finding him a good-looking man, and a well-dressed, when he rose to me and made me sit with him. Then I examined him in the Koran, and in syntax, and prosody, and lexicography, and behold, he was perfect and all required of him, so I said to him, Allah strengthen thy purpose, thou art indeed versed in all that is requisite. Thereafter I frequented him a while, discovering daily some new excellence in him, and quote

Starting point is 05:06:28 I to myself, this is indeed a wonder in any domini, for the wives are agreed upon a lack of wit in children's teachers. Then I separated myself from him, and sought him, and visited him only every few days, till coming to see him one day as of want, I found the school shut shut, and made inquiry of his neighbors who replied, Someone is dead in his house. So I said in my mind, It behooveth me to pay him a visit of condolence, And going to his house knocked at the door,

Starting point is 05:07:06 When a slave-girl came out to me and asked, What dost thou want? And I answered, I want thy master. She replied, He is sitting alone, mourning, and I rejoined. Tell him that his friend so-and-so seeketh to console him. She went in and told him, and he said, Admit him. So she brought me in to him, and I found him, seated alone, and his head bound with morning fillets. So I said to him, Allah requite the

Starting point is 05:07:44 amply, This is a path all must perforce tread, and it behoveth thee, to take patience adding but who is dead unto thee he answered one who was dearest of the folk to me and best beloved perhaps thy father no thy brother no one of thy kindred no then asked i what relation was the dead to thee and he answered my lover quoth i to myself this is the first proof to swear by his lack of wit so i said to him assuredly there be others than she and fairer and he made answer i never saw her that i might judge whether or no there be others fairer than she quoth i to myself this is another proof positive then i said to him and how couldst thou fall in love with one thou hast never seen he replied know that i was sitting one day at the window when lo there passed by a man singing the following dystic um amr thy boons allah repay give back my heart be it where it may and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the schoolmaster continued when i heard the man humming these words as he passed

Starting point is 05:09:33 passed along the street, I said to myself, "'Except this Um-amru were without equal in the world, "'the poets had not celebrated her an ode and conson. "'So I fell in love with her, "'but two days after, the same man passed, "'singing the following couplet. "'As and Um-amr went their way, "'nor she nor ass returned for I.

Starting point is 05:10:01 "'Thereupon I knew she was dead, and mourned for her this was three days ago and i have been mourning ever since so i left him concluded the learned one and fared forth having assured myself of the weakness of the gerent grinder's wit and they tell another and a similar tale of the foolish domini once upon a time a schoolmaster was visited by a man of letters who was visited by a man of letters who was a man of letters who was a foolish domine once upon a time a schoolmaster was visited by a man of letters who entered a school and sitting down by the host's side entered into discourse with him and found him an accomplished theologian poet grammarian philologist and poet intelligent well-bred and pleasant spoken whereat he wondered saying in himself it cannot be that a man who teacheth children in a school should have a perfect wit now when he was about to go away the pedant said to him thou were my guest to-night and he consented to receive hospitality and accompanied him to his house where he made much of him and set food before him they ate and drank and sat talking till a third part of the night was passed when the host spread his guest a bed and went up to his harem

Starting point is 05:11:34 the stranger lay down and addressed himself to sleep when behold there arose a great clamor in the women's rooms he asked what was the matter and they said a terrible thing hath befallen the sheikh and he is at the last gasp said he, take me up to him. So they took him up to the pedagogue whom he found lying and sensible with his blood streaming down. He sprinkled water on his face, and when he revived, he asked him, What hath betided thee? When thou leftest me, thou wast in all good cheer and whole of body, and he answered, O my brother, after I left thee, I sat meditating on the creation, of the creative works of Almighty Allah, and said to myself, And everything the Lord hath created for man, there is anews, for he, to whom be glory, made the hands to seize, the feet to walk, the eyes to see, the ears to hear,

Starting point is 05:12:41 and the penis to increase and multiply, and so on with all the members of the body, except these two bollocks. There is no use in them. So I took a razor I had by me and cut them off, and there befell me what thou seest. So the guest left him and went away, saying, He was in the right who said, Verily no schoolmaster who teacheth children can have a perfect wit, though he know all the sciences. And they tell a pleasant tale of the illiterate who set up for a schoolmaster. there was once among the menials of a certain mosque a man who knew not how to write or even to read and who gained his bread by gulling folk one day it occurred to him to open a school and teach children so he got together writing tablets and written papers and hung them up in a high place

Starting point is 05:13:46 then he greatened his turbaned and sat down at the door of the school and when the people who passed by saw his huge head-gear and tablets and scrolls they thought he must be a very learned pedagogue so they brought him their children and he would say to this write and to that read and thus the little ones taught each other now one day as he sat as of want at the door of the school behold up came a woman letter in hand and he said in his mind this woman doubtless seeketh me that i may read her the missive she hath in her hand how shall i do with her seeing that i cannot read writing and he would fain have gone down and fled from her but before he could do this she overtook him and sent to him whither away quoth he i purpose to pray the noon prayer and return quoth she She, Noon is yet distant, so read me this letter. He took the letter, and turning it upside down, fell to looking at it, now shaking his head till his turban quivered, then dancing his eyebrows, and anon showing anger and concern. Now the letter came from the woman's husband, who was absent. And when she saw the dominie do on this wise, she said to herself, Doubtless my husband is dead. And this learned. a doctor of law and religion is ashamed to tell me so. So she said to him, O my lord, if he be dead, tell me. But he shook his head and held his peace. Then said she, shall I rend my raiment? Rend, replied he. Shall I beat my face as she? And he answered, beat. So she took the letter from

Starting point is 05:15:40 his hand, and returned home, fell a weeping. She and her children. One of her neighbors heard her sobbing, and asking what aileth her was answered. Of a truth she had gotten a letter, telling her that her husband is dead. Quoth the man, This is a falsehood, for I had a letter from him but yesterday, advising me that he is whole and in good health, and will be with her after ten days. So he rose forthright, and going into her, said, where is the letter which came to thee? She brought it to him, and he took it, and read it, and lo, it ran as follows. After the usual salutations, I am well, and in good health, and whole,

Starting point is 05:16:29 and will be with you all after ten days. Meanwhile, I send you a quilt and an extinguisher. So she took the letter, and returning to the schoolmaster, said to him, what induced thee to deal thus with me and she repeated to him what her neighbor had told her of her husband's well-being and of his having sent her a quilt and an extinguisher answered he thou art in the right o good woman for i was at the time and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say When it was the four hundred and fourth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the pedagogue replied, Verily I was at that time fast and absent-minded, and seeing the extinguisher wrapped up in the quilt,

Starting point is 05:17:29 I thought that he was dead, and they had shrouded him. The woman not smoking the cheat said, Thou art excused, and taking the letter went her ways. and they relate a story of the king and the virtuous wife a certain king once went forth in disguise to look into the affairs of his lieges presently he came to a great village which he entered unattended and being a thirst stopped at the door of a house and asked for water there came out to him a fair woman with a gugglet which she gave him and he drank when he looked at her he was ravished with her and besought her favors now she knew him so she led him into the house and making him sit down brought out a book and said to him look therein whilst i order my affair and return to thee so he looked into the book and behold it treated of the divine prohibition against advaultry and of the punishments which allah hath prepared for those who commit adulterous sin when he read this his flesh quaked and his hair bristled and he repented to almighty allah then he called the woman and giving her the book went away

Starting point is 05:18:58 now her husband was absent and when he returned she told him what had passed whereat he was confounded and said in himself i fear lest the king's desire have fallen upon her and he dared not have to do with her and know her carnally after this when some time had passed the woman told her kinsfolk of her husband's conduct and they complained of him to the king saying allah advanced the king this man hired of us a piece of land for tillage and tilled it a while then left it fallow and neither tilled it nor forsook it that we might let it to one who would till it indeed harm is come to the field and we fear its corruption for such land as that if it not be sown spoileth quoth the king to the man what hinderer with thee from sowing thy land? answered he, Allah advanced the king. It reached me that the lion entered the field, wherefore I stood in awe of him and dared not draw near it, since knowing that I cannot cope with the lion, I stand in fear of him. The king understood the parable and rejoined, saying, O man, the lion trod and trampled not thy land, and it is good for sea,

Starting point is 05:20:26 so do thou till it, and Allah prospered thee in it, for the lion hath done it no hurt. Then he bade, give the man and his wife a handsome present, and sent them away. And amongst the stories is that of Abed al-Rachman, the Magribi's stories of the Rook. There was once a man of the people of West Africa, who had journeyed far and wide and traversed many a desert and a tide. He was once cast upon an island where he abode a long while, and returning thence to his native country, brought with him the quill of a wing feather of a young rook, whilst yet in egg and unhatched. And this quill was big enough to hold a goat-skin of water, for it is said that the length of the rook-chicks wing, when he cometh forth of the egg, is a thousand fathoms.

Starting point is 05:21:26 the folk marvelled at this quill when they saw it and the man who was called abid al-rahman the moor and he was known to boot as the chinaman for his long sojourn in cathay related to them the following adventure one of many of his traveller's tales of marvel he was on a voyage in the china seas and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 12. Recording by Eva Easton, Slocsburg, New York. Section 13, Volume 5 of The Book of A Thousand Nights in a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 05:22:27 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 13 When it was the four hundred and fifth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Abd al-Ramon, the Mormon, the Chinaman, was wont to tell wondrous tales amongst which was the following. He was on a voyage in the China Seas with a company of merchants when they sighted an island from afar, so they steered for it,

Starting point is 05:23:00 and making fast there too, saw that it was large and spacious. the ship's crew went ashore to get wood and water taking with them hatchets and ropes and water-skies the travellers accompanying them and presently espied a great dome white and gleaming and hundred cubits long so they made towards it and drawing near found that it was an egg of the rook and fell on it with axes and stones and sticks till they uncovered the young bird and found the chick as it were a firm set hill so they plucked out one of the wing feathers but could not do so save by helping one another for all the quills were not full-grown, after which they took what they could carry of the young bird's flesh, and cutting the quill away from the vein, returned to the ship. Then they set sail, and, putting out to sea, voyaged with a fair wind all that night till the sun rose,

Starting point is 05:23:51 and while everything went well, they saw the rook come flying after them, as he were a vast cloud, with a rock in his talons, like a great heap bigger than the ship. as soon as he poised himself in air over the vessel he let fall the rock upon it but the craft having great way on her out went the rock which fell into the sea with a loud crash and a horrible so allah decreed their deliverance and saved them from doom and they cooked the young birds flesh and ate it now there were amongst them old white bearded men and when they awoke on the morrow they found that their beards had turned black nor did any who had eaten of the young rook grow gray ever after some said the cause of the return of youth to them and the ceasing of horiness from them was that they had heated the pot with arrow-wood whilst others would have it that it came of eating the rook chick's flesh and this is indeed a wonder of wonders and a story is related of adi bin zaid and the princess

Starting point is 05:24:57 al-Numann bin al-Munzar king of the arabs of iraq had a daughter named hind who went out one pash which is a feast-day of the nazarenes to the white church to take the sacrament she was eleven years old and was the loveliest woman of her age in time and it so chanced that on the same day came to hira a young man called adi bin zayed with presents from the kosro to al-nuaman and he also went to the white church to communicate he was tall of stature and fair of favour with handsome eyes and smooth cheeks and had with him a company of his people now there was with hin bint al-newaman a slave-girl named maria who was enamoured of adi but had not been able to foregather with him so when she saw him in the church she said to him look at yonder youth by a lie he is handsomer than all thou seest hind asked and who is he and maria answered adi bin Said, quoth Al-Nuamun's daughter, I fear lest he know me, if I draw nearer to look on him, Quoth Mariah, how should he know thee when he hath never seen thee? So she drew near him and found him jesting with the youths, his companions, and indeed he surpassed them all not only in his personal charms, but in the excellence of his speech,

Starting point is 05:26:22 the eloquence of his tongue and the richness of his raiment. When the princess saw him, she was ravished with him. Her reason was confounded and her color changed, and Mariah, seeing her inclination to him, said to her, speak him, so she spoke to him and went away. Now when he looked upon her and heard her speech, he was captivated by her and his wit was dazed. His heart fluttered and his color changed so that his companion suspected him, and he whispered one of them to follow her and find out who she was. The young men went after her, and returning, informed him that she was Princess Hind, daughter of al nuaman so adi left the church knowing not whether he went for excess of love and reciting these two couplets o friends of me one favor more i pray unto the covenants find more your way turn me that so i face the land of hind then go and fairest greetings for me say then he went to his lodging and lay that night restless and without appetite for the food of sleep

Starting point is 05:27:26 and shahrazad perceived the taunt of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and sixth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when adi ended his verses he went to his lodging and lay that night restless and without appetite for the food of sleep now on the morrow maria accosted him and he received her kindly though before he would not incline to her and said to her what is thy will quoth she i have a want of thee and quoth he name it for by allah thou shalt not ask me aught but i will give it thee so she told him that she loved him and her want of him was that he would grant her a lover's privacy and he agreed to do her will on condition that she would serve him with hind and devise some device to bring them together then he took her into a vinters tavern in one of the by-streets of hirah and lay with her after which she returned to hind and asked her dost thou not long to see adi she answered how can this be indeed my longing for him makes me restless and no reposes left me since yesterday quoth maria i will appoint him to be in such a place where thou canst look on him from the palace quoth hind do what thou wilt and agreed with her upon the place so addy came and the princess looked out upon him and when she saw him she was like to topple down from the palace top and said o maria except thou bring him into me this night i shall die so saying she fell to the ground in a fainting fit and her serving-woman lifted her up and bore her into the palace whilst maria hastened to all newaman and discovered the whole matter to him with perfect truth telling him that indeed she was mad for the love of adi and except he marry her to him she must be put to shame and die of love for him which would disgrace her father among the arabs adding at the end there is no cure for this but wedlock the king bowed his head awhile

Starting point is 05:29:33 in thought and exclaimed again and again, Verily we are Allah's, and unto him we are returning. Then said he, Woe to thee! How shall the marriage be brought about, seeing I mislike to open the matter? And she said, He is yet more ardently in love,

Starting point is 05:29:50 and yet more desireful of her than she is of him. And I will so order the affair that he shall be unaware of his case being known to thee, but do not betray thyself, O king. Then she went to, and after acquainting him with everything said, Make a feast, and bid the king thereto, And when the wine hath gotten the better of him, ask of him his daughter,

Starting point is 05:30:13 for he will not refuse thee. Quoth Adi, I fear lest this enrage him against me And be the cause of enmity between us. But quoth she, I came not to thee till I had settled the whole affair with him. Then she returned to Al-Nu-Amin, and said to him, Seek of Adi that he entertained thee in his house. replied the king, There is no harm in that,

Starting point is 05:30:34 and after three days besought Adi to give him and his lords the morning meal in his house. He consented, and the king went to him, and when the wine had taken effect on Al-Nuamon, Adi rose, and sought of him his daughter and wedlock. He consented and married them, and brought her to him after three days, and they abode at Al-Nuamans' court

Starting point is 05:30:54 in all solace of life and its delight. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventh night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Adi abode with Hind bin al-Nuamen bin Mungar three years in all solace of life and its delight, after which time the king was wroth with Adi and slew him. Hind mourned for him with grievous mourning and built her an hermitage outside the city, whither she retired and became a-religious, weeping and bewailing her husband

Starting point is 05:31:32 until she died. And her hermitage is seen to this day in the suburbs of Hurrah. They also tell a tale of De Ebel Al-Kuzhae with the lady and Muslim bin al-Wal-Lid. Quoth D. Ebil Al-Kuza, I was sitting one day at the gate of Al-Kark when a damsel came past. Never saw I a fairer faced or better form than she, walking with a voluptuous swaying gate and ravishing all beholders, with her life and undulating pace. Now as my eyes fell on her I was captivated by her, and my vitals trembled, and me seemed my heart flew forth of my breast, so I stood before her, and I accosted her with this verse. The tears of these eyes find easy release, but sleep flies these eyelids without surcease. Whereon she turned her face, and looking at me straight away,

Starting point is 05:32:29 made answer with this distic. A trifle this and his eyes be sore, When her eyes say yes to his love's caprice. I was astounded at the readiness of her reply And the fluency of her speech, And rejoined with this verse, Say, cloth heart, of my fair inclined to him, Whose tears like a swelling stream increase?

Starting point is 05:32:51 And she answered me without hesitation, thus, If thou crave our love, know that loves alone, And a debt to be paid by us twain apiece. never entered my ears aught sweeter than her speech nor ever saw i brighter than her face so i changed rhyme and rhythm to try her in my wonder at her words and repeated this couplet will fate with joy of union ever bless our sight and one desirable one with other one unite she smiled at this never saw i fairer than her mouth nor sweeter than her lips and answered me without stay or delay in the following distick pray tell me what hath fate to do betwixt us twain thou art elate so bless our aim with union and delight at this i sprang up and fell to kissing her hands and cried i had not thought that fortune would vouchsafe me such occasion do thou follow me not of bidding or against thy will but of the grace of thee and thy favour to me then i went on and she after me now at that time i had no lodging i deemed fit for the like of her but muslim bin al-walid was my fast friend and he had a handsome house so i made for his abode and knocked at the door whereupon he came out and i saluted him saying tis for a time like this that friends are treasured up and he replied with love and gladness come in you twain so we entered but found money scared but found money scarred

Starting point is 05:34:23 with him. However, he gave me a kerchief, saying, carry it to the bazaar, and sell it, and buy food, and what else thou needest. I took the handkerchief, and hastening to the market, sold it, and bought what we required of vittles and other matters. But when I returned, I found that Muslim had retired, with her to an underground chamber. When he heard my step, he hurried out, and said to me, Allah requit thee the kindness thou hast done me, O Abu Ali, and reward thee in time to come and reckon it of thy good deeds on the day of doom. So saying, he took from me the food and wine,

Starting point is 05:34:58 and shut the door in my face. His words enraged me, and I knew not what to do. But he stood behind the door, shaking from mirth, and when he saw me thus, he said to me, I conjure thee on my life, O Abu Ali, tell who it was composed this couplet. I lay in her arms all night, leaving him to sleep foul-hearted but clean of staff. At this my rage redoubled, and I replied, wrote this other couplet. One, I wish him in belt a thousand horns, exceeding in mighty height, Manoff. Then I began to abuse him and reproach him with the foulness of his action and his lack of honor, and he was silent, never uttering a word. But when I had finished, he smiled and said, Out on thee, O fool, thou hast entered my house, and sold my kerchief, and spent my silver.

Starting point is 05:35:48 So with whom art thou wroth, O pimp. Then he left me and went away to her, whilst I said, by Allah thou art right to twit me as nincompoop and pander. Then I left his door and went away in sore concern, and I feel its trace in my heart to this very day. For I never had my will of her, nor indeed ever heard of her more. And amongst other tales is that about Isaac of Mosul and the Merchant.

Starting point is 05:36:18 Quoth Ishak bin Ibrahim al-Mossali, It so chanced that one day feeling weary of being on duty at the palace and in attendance upon the Caliph, I mounted horse and went forth at break of dawn, having a mind to ride out in the open country and take my pleasure. So I said to my servants, if there come a messenger from the Caliph or another, say that I set out at daybreak upon a pressing business, and that ye know not whither I am gone. Then I fared forth alone, and went round about the city, till the sun waxed hot, when I halted in a great thoroughfare known as Al-Haram. and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and eighth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that ishach ben ibrahim de musali continued

Starting point is 05:37:10 when the sun waxed hot i halted in a great thoroughfare known as all haram to take shelter in the shade and found it in a spacious wing of a house which projected over the street and i stood there but a little while before there came up a black slave leading an ass be stridden by a damsel and under her were housings set with gems and pearls and upon her were the richest of clothes richness can go no farther and i saw that she was elegant of make with languorous look and graceful mind i asked one of the passers by who she was and he said she is a singer so i fell in love with her at first sight hardly could i keep my seat on horseback she entered the house at whose gate i stood and as I was planning a device to gain access to her, they came up two men, young and comely, who asked admission and the house-master gave them leave to enter. So they alighted, and I also, and they entered an eye with them. They supposing that the master of the house had invited me, and we sat a while till food was brought and we ate,

Starting point is 05:38:17 then they set wine before us, and the damsel came out with a lute in her hand. She sang, and we drank, till I rose to obey a call of nature. thereupon the host questioned the two others of me and they replied that they knew me not whereupon quoth he this is a parasite but he is a pleasant fellow so treat him courteously then i came back and sat down in my place whilst the damsel sang to a pleasing air these two couplets say to the she gazelle whose no gazelle and cold ariel who's no ariel who lies with male and yet no female is whose gait is female most unlike the male. She sang it right well, and the company drank, and her song pleased them. Then she corralled various pieces to rare measures, and amongst the rest, one of mine, which consisted of this distic. Bare hills and campground desolate, and friends who all have ganged their gate, how severance after union leaves me and their homes in saddest state.

Starting point is 05:39:22 Her singing this time was even better than the first. Then she chanted other rare pieces, old and new, amongst them, another of mine with the following two couplets. Say to angry lover who turns away, and shows thee his side whatso thou, thou wrottest all that by thee was wrought. Alb twas happily thy sport and play. I prayed her to repeat the song that I might correct it for her, whereupon one of the two men accosted me and said, Never saw we a more impudent lick platter than thou. Are thou not content with a sponging, but thou must eke-neigh-neighed, metal and muddle? A very sooth. In thee is the saying made true, parasite and pushing white.

Starting point is 05:40:06 So I hung down my head for shame and made him no answer, whilst his companion would have withheld him from me, but he would not be restrained. Presently they rose to pray, but I lagged behind a little, and, taking the loot, screwed up the sides, and brought it into perfect tune. Then I stood up in my place to pray with the rest, and when we had, had ended praying, the same man fell again to blaming and reviling me, and persisted in his rudeness, whilst I held my peace. Thereupon the damsel took the lute, and touching it, knew that it had been altered, and said, Who hath touched my lute? Quoth they, none of us have touched it, quoth she, nay, by Allah, someone hath touched it, and he is an artist, a past master in the craft,

Starting point is 05:40:56 for he hath arranged the strings and tuned them like one who was a perfect performer said i it was i tuned it and said she then allah upon thee take it and play on it so i took it and playing a piece so difficult and so rare that it went nigh to deaden the quick and quick in the dead i sang thereto these couplets i had a heart and with it lived my life twas seared with fire and burnt with loving low i never won the blessing of her love god would not on his slave such boon bestow if what i've tasted be the food of love must taste it all men who love food would know and shahrazard perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say end of section thirteen recording by matt section fourteen volume five of the book of a thousand knights and a knight translated by richard burton this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of a Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 5, Section 14. When it was the 409th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Ishak of Mosul thus continued.

Starting point is 05:42:30 Now, when I had finished my verse, there was not one of the company, but sprang from his place and sat down like schoolboys before me, saying, Allah upon thee, O our Lord, sing us another song. With pleasure, said I, And playing another measure in masterly fashion, sang thereto these couplets. O thou, whose heart is melted down by force of Amor's fire, And griefs, from every side against thy happiness conspire,

Starting point is 05:42:58 Unlawful is that he who pierced my vitals with his shaft. My blood between my midriff and my breastbone, he desire. twas plain upon our severance day that he had set his mind on an eternal parting moved by tongue of envious liar he sheds my blood he ne'er had shed except by wound of love will none demand my blood of him my wreck of him require when i had made an end of this song there was not one of them but rose to his feet and threw himself upon the ground for excess of delight then i cast the lute from my hand but they said allah Upon thee, do not this wise, but let us hear another song, so Allah Almighty increase thee of his bounty. Replied I, O folk, I will sing you another song, and another and another, and will tell you who I am. I am Ishak bin Ibrahim al-Musali, and by Allah I bear myself proudly to the Caliph when he seeketh me. Ye have today made me hear abuse from an unmannerly carl such as I loathe, and by Allah I will not speak a word

Starting point is 05:44:08 nor sit with you till ye put yonder quarrel some churl out from among you quoth the fellow's companion to him this is what i warned thee against fearing for thy good name so they hent him by the hand and thrust him out and i took the lute and sang over again the songs of my own composing which the damsel had sung then i whispered the host that she had taken my heart and that i had no patience to abstain from her Quoth he, She is thine on one condition. I asked what is that? And he answered, It is that thou abide with me a month, when the damsel and all belonging to her of raiment and jewelry shall be thine.

Starting point is 05:44:52 I rejoined, It is well, I will do this. So I tarried with him a whole month, whilst none knew where I was and the Caliph sought me everywhere, but could come by no news of me. And at the end of this time, the merchant, delivered to me the damsel, together with all that pertained to her of things of price, and a eunuch to attend upon her. So I brought all that to my lodging, feeling as I were lord of the whole world, for exceeding the light in her. Then I rode forthright to Al-Mamun, and when I stood in the presence, he said,

Starting point is 05:45:28 Woe to thee, O Ishak, where hast thou been? So I acquainted him with the story, and he said, bring me that man at once. Thereupon I told him where he lived, and he sent and fetched me and questioned him of the case. When he repeated the story, and the caliph said to him, Thou art a man of right, generous mind, and it is only fitting that thou be aided in thy generosity. Then he ordered him an hundred thousand deer-hams, and said to me, O Ishak, bring the damsel before me, so I brought her to him, and she sang and delighted him, and being greatly gladdened by her, he said to me,

Starting point is 05:46:06 I appoint her turn of service every Thursday, when she must come and sing to me from behind the curtain. And he ordered her fifty thousand deer hams, so by Allah I profited both myself and others by my ride. And amongst the tales they tell is one of the three unfortunate lovers. Quoth, I'll utbe. I was sitting one day with a company of educated men

Starting point is 05:46:31 telling stories of the folk, when the talk turned upon legends of lovers, and each of us said his say their aunt. Now there was in our company an old man who remained silent, till all had spoken, and had no more to say, when, quoth he, shall I tell you a thing, the like of which you never heard, no, never? Yes, quoth we, and he said, know then, that I had a daughter who loved a youth, but we knew it not. While the youth loved a singing girl, who in her turn, loved my daughter. One day I was present at an assembly wherein were also the youth, and Chowrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and tenth night, she said,

Starting point is 05:47:17 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the sheikh continued. One day I was present at an assembly wherein were also the youth and the singing girl, and she chanted to us these couplets. prove how love bringeth low lover those tears that run lowering him still the more when pity finds he none cried the youth by allah thou hast said well o my mistress dost thou incite me to die answered the girl from behind the curtain yes if thou be a true lover so he laid his head on a cushion and closed his eyes and when the cup came round to him we shook him and behold he was dead therewith we all flocked to him, and our pleasure was troubled, and we grieved and broke up at once. When I came home, my people took in bad part my returning before the appointed time, and I told them what had befallen the youth, thinking that thereby I should greatly surprise them.

Starting point is 05:48:14 My daughter heard my words, and rising, went from the sitting chamber into another, whither I followed her and found her lying with her head on a cushion, even as I had told of the young man. So I shook her and low, she was dead. then we laid her out and set forth next morning to bury her whilst the friends of the young man set forth and like guys to bury him as we were on the way to the burial place we met at third funeral and asking whose it was were told that it was that of the singing girl who hearing of my daughter's death had done even as she did and was dead so we buried them all three on one day and this is the rarest tale that ever was heard of lovers and they also tell a tale of how abu hasan break wind they recount that in the city calcaban of al yaman there was a man of the fazli tribe who had left badawi life and become a townman for many years and was a merchant of the most opulent merchants his wife had deceased when both were young and his friends were instant with him to marry again ever quoting to him the words of the poet go gossip rewed thee for prime drawth near a wife is an almanac good for the year

Starting point is 05:49:32 so being weary of contention abu hassan entered into negotiations with the old women who procure matches and married a maid like canopus when he hangeth over the seas of alhind he made high festival therefore bidding to the wedding banquet kith and kin o lima and fakirs friends and foes and all his acquaintances of that countryside the whole house was thrown open to feasting there were ricees of five several colours and sherbits of as many more and kids stuffed with walnuts and almonds and pistachios and a camel colt roasted whole so they ate and drank and made mirth and merriment and the bride was displayed in her seven dresses and one more to the women who could not take their eyes off her. At last the bridegroom was summoned to the chamber where she sat and throned, and he rose slowly and with dignity from his divan, but in so doing, for that he was overful of meat and drink, lo and behold, he let fly a fart, great and terrible.

Starting point is 05:50:38 Thereupon each guest turned to his neighbor and talked aloud and made as though he had heard nothing fearing for his life. but a consuming fire was lit in Abu Hassan's heart, so he pretended a call of nature, and in lieu of seeking the bride chamber he went down to the house court and saddled his mare and rode off weeping bitterly through the shadow of the night. In time he reached Lahaj, where he found a ship ready to sail for India. So he shipped on board and made Calicut of Malabar. Here he met with many Arabs, especially Hazramian.

Starting point is 05:51:15 who recommended him to the king, and this king, who is a kaffir, trusted him and advanced him to the captainship of his body, guard. He remained ten years in all solace and delight of life, at the end of which time he was seized with homesickness, and the longing to behold his native land was that of a lover pining for his beloved, and he came near to die of yearning desire, but his appointed day had not dawned. So, after taking the the first bath of hell, he left the king without leave, and in due course landed at Makala of Hazramat. Here he donned the rags of a religious, and keeping his name in case secret, fared for

Starting point is 05:52:01 cockabon afoot, enduring a thousand hard chips of hunger, thirst and fatigue, and braving a thousand dangers from the lion, the snake, and the ghoul. But when he drew near his old home, he looked down upon it from the hills with brimming eyes, and said in himself, happily, they might know thee, so I will wander about the outskirts and hearken to the folk. Allah grant that my case be not remembered by them. He listened carefully for seven nights and seven days, till it so chanced that as he was sitting at the door of a hut, he heard the voice of a young girl, saying, O my mother, tell me the day when I was born. For such an one of my companions is about to take an omen for me. And the mother answered,

Starting point is 05:52:41 that was born on my daughter on the very night when Abu Hassan farted. Now the listener no sooner heard these words, then he rose up from the bench and fled away, saying to himself, Verily, thy fart hath become a date, which shall last forever and ever, even as the poet said, As long as palms shall shift the flower, as long as palms shall sift the flower. And he ceased not traveling and voyaging, and returned to India.

Starting point is 05:53:09 And there abode in self-exile till he, died, and the mercy of Allah be upon him. And they tell another story of the lovers of the Banu Tai. Kasim, son of Adi, was wont to relate that a man of the Banu Tamim spoke as follows. I went out one day in search of an estuary, and coming to the waters of the Banu Tei saw two companies of people near one another, and behold, those of one company, were disputing among themselves even as the other, so I watched them and observed in one of the companies a youth wasted with sickness as he were a worn-out, dried-up water-skin. And as I looked on him, lo, he repeated these couplets.

Starting point is 05:53:59 What ails the beauty she returneth not? Is beauties irk, or grudging to my lot? I sickened, and my friends all came to call. What stayed thee calling with a friend's friend's, kindly not. Hadst thou been sick I had come running fast, to thee nor threats had kept me from the spot. Mid them I miss thee, and I lie alone. Sweetheart, to lose thy love, sad loss I wot. His words were heard by a damsel in the other company who hastened towards him, and when her people followed her, she fought them off. Then the youth caught sight of her, and sprang up

Starting point is 05:54:37 and ran towards her, whilst the people of his party ran after him and laid hold of him. However, he hailed and freed himself from them, and she and like manner loosed herself, and when they were free, each ran two other, and meeting between the two parties, embraced, and fell dead upon the ground. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and eleventh night, she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the young man and the maid met between the two parties, and embraced, and both fell dead upon the ground, whereat came there out an old man from one of the tents, and stood over them, exclaiming, verily we are allah's, and unto him we are returning. Then weeping sore, he said, Allah hath ruth on you both. By the Almighty, though you were not united in your lives, I will at least unite you after your deaths. And he bade lay them out, So they washed them and shrouded them in one shroud, and dug for them one grave,

Starting point is 05:55:41 and prayed one prayer over them both, and buried them in one tomb. Nor was there man or woman in the two parties, but I saw weeping over them and buffeting their faces. Then I questioned the sheikh of them, and he said, She was my daughter, and he my brother's son, and love brought them to the past thou seest. I exclaimed, Allah amend thee. But why didst thou not marry them to each other? Quoth he, I feared shame and dishonor, and now I am fallen into both. And they tell a tale of the mad lover. Quoth Abu Labas al-Mubarad,

Starting point is 05:56:24 I set out one day with a company to al-Barid on an occasion, and coming to the monastery of Hyrachal, we alighted in its shade. Presently a man came out to us and said, There are madmen in the monastery, and amongst them one who speaketh wisdom. If ye saw him, ye would marvel at his speech. So we arose all and went into the monastery, where we saw a man seated on a skin mat in one of the cells

Starting point is 05:56:56 with bare head and eyes intently fixed upon the wall. We saluted him, and he returned our salam, without looking at us, and one said to us, Repeat some verses to him, for when he he heareth verse he speaketh, So I repeated these two couplets. O best of race to whom gave Hawa boon of birth, Except for thee the world were neither sweet nor fair, Thou art he, whose face by Allah shown to man,

Starting point is 05:57:26 Doth ward off death decay and hoary hair. When he heard from me this praise of the apostle, turned towards us and repeated these lines. Well, Allah, woteth I am sorely plagued. Nor can I show my pain to human sight. Two souls have I, one soul is here contained, while other woneth in another sight. Me seems the absent souls like present soul,

Starting point is 05:57:53 and that she suffers what to me is dight. Then he asked us, Have I said well or said ill? And we answered, Thou has said the clean contrary of ill, and write well. Then he put out his hand to a stone that was by him and took it up. Whereupon thinking he would throw it at us, we fled from him, but he fell to beating upon his breast there with violent blows and said to us, Fear not, but draw near and hear somewhat from me

Starting point is 05:58:22 and receive it from me. So we came back and he repeated these couplets. When they made their camel's yellow, white, kneel down at dawning grey, they mounted her on cruper and the camel went his way mine eyeballs through the prison wall beheld them and I cried with streaming eyelids and a heart that burnt in dire dismay O camel driver turn thy beast that I farewell my love in parting and farewelling her I see my doomed day I'm faithful to my vows of love which I have never broke would heaven I can't what they have done with vows the vows that vowed they. Then he looked at me and said,

Starting point is 05:59:07 Say me, dost thou know what they did? Answered I, Yes, they are dead. Almighty Allah have mercy on them. At this his face changed, and he sprang to his feet and cried out, How knowest thou they be dead? And I replied, Were they alive, they had not left thee thus. Quoth he, by Allah thou art right, and I care not to live after them.

Starting point is 05:59:33 Then his side muscles quivered, and he fell on his face, and we ran up to him and shook him and found him dead, the mercy of the Almighty be on him. At this we marvelled and mourned for him, and sore mourning, laid him out and buried him, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and twelfth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that all Mubarad thus continued. When the man fell, we mourned over him with sore mourning, and laid him out and buried him. And when I returned to Baghdad and went into the Caliph al-Mutawakil, he saw the trace of tears on my face and said to me, What is this? So I told him what had passed, and it was grievous to him, and he cried,

Starting point is 06:00:25 What moved thee to deal thus with him? By Allah, if I thought thou didst not repent it and regret him, I would punish thee, therefore. and he mourned for him the rest of the day. And amongst the tales they tell is one of the prior who became a Muslim. Quoth Abu Bakir Mohammed Ibn al-Anbari, I once left Anbar on a journey to Amuriyah, where there came out to me the prior of the monastery and superior of the monkery Abd al-Massi height

Starting point is 06:01:01 and brought me into the building. There I found forty religious, who entertained me that night with fair guests right, and I left them after seeing among them such diligence in adoration and devotion as I never beheld the like of in any others. Next day I farewelled them and fared forth, and, after doing my business at Amu Ria, I returned to my home at Anbar.

Starting point is 06:01:28 And next year I made pilgrimage to Mecca, and as I was circumambulating the Holy House I saw Abd al-Massi, the monk also compassing the Kabah, and with him five of his fellows, the shavlings. Now when I was sure that it was indeed he, I accosted him saying, Are thou not Abd al-Massi the religious? And he replied, Nay, I am Abdallah, the desirous. Therewith I fell to kissing his grey hairs and shedding tears, then taking him by the hand I let him aside into a corner of the temple and said to him,

Starting point is 06:02:06 Tell me the cause of thy conversion to al-Islam, And he made reply, Verily, twas a wonder of wonders, and befell thus. A company of Muslim devotees came to the village wherein is our convent, and sent a youth to buy them food. He saw in the market a Christian damsel selling bread, who was of the fairest of women, and he was struck at first sight with such love of her that his senses failed him,

Starting point is 06:02:33 and he fell on his face in a fainting fit. When he revived he returned to his companions and told them what had befallen him, saying, Go ye about your business, I may not go with you. They chided him and exhorted him, but he paid no heed to them. So they left him whilst he entered the village and seated himself at the door of the woman's booth. She asked him what he wanted, and he told her that he was in love with her, whereupon she turned from him. But he abode in his place three days without tasting food,

Starting point is 06:03:04 keeping his eyes fixed on her face. Now when, as she saw that he departed not from her, she went to her people and acquainted them with his case, and they set on him the village boys, who stoned him and bruised his ribs and broke his head. But for all this he would not budge. Then the villagers took counsel together to slay him, but a man of them came to me and told me of his.

Starting point is 06:03:28 case and I went to him and found him lying prostrate on the ground. So I wept the blood from his face and carried him to the convent and dressed his wounds, and there he abode with me fourteen days, but as soon as he could walk he left the monastery. And Shahrazard perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of section 14. Section 15, volume 5 of the book of a thousand nights and a night. by Richard Burton. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 06:04:12 For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. Volume 5, Section 15. When it was the 413th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Abdallah the religious continued. So I carried him to the convent and dressed his wounds, and he abode with me fourteen days. But as soon as he could walk, he left the monastery and returned to the door of the woman's booth,

Starting point is 06:04:40 where he sat gazing on her as before. When she saw him, she came out to him and said, By Allah thou movest me to pity. Will thou enter my faith that I may marry thee? He cried, Allah forbid that I should put off the faith of unity, and enter that of plurality. Quoth she, Come in with me to my house, and take thy will of me, and wend thy ways in peace.

Starting point is 06:05:03 quoth he not so i will not waste the worship of twelve years for the lust of an eye twinkle said she then depart from me forthwith and he said my heart will not suffer me to do that whereupon she turned her countenance from him presently the boys found him out and began to pelt him with stones and he fell on his face saying verily allah is my protector who sent down the book of the koran and he protecteth the righteous at this i sallied forth and driving away the boys, lifted his head from the ground, and heard him say, Allah, mine, unite me with her in paradise. Then I carried him to the monastery, but he died before I could reach it, and I bore him without the village, and I dug for him a grave and buried him. And next night, when half of it was spent, the damsel cried with a great cry, and she in her bed, so the villagers flocked to her and questioned her of her case.

Starting point is 06:06:01 Quoth she, as I slept, behold the Mosul man came into me and taking me by the hand carried me to the gate of paradise. But the guardian denied me entrance, saying, tis forbidden to unbelievers. So I embraced all Islam at his hands, and entering with him, beheld therein pavilions and trees, such as I cannot describe to you. Moreover, he brought me to a pavilion of jewels and said to me, Of a truth, this is my pavilion and thine, nor will I enter it save with thee. but after five nights thou shalt be with me therein if it be the will of Allah Almighty. Then he put forth his hand to a tree which grew at the door of the pavilion and plucked therefrom

Starting point is 06:06:44 two apples and gave them to me saying, Eat this and keep the other that the monks may see it. So I ate one of them and never tasted I ought sweeter. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. when it was the four hundred and fourteenth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the woman continued so he plucked two apples and gave them to me saying eat this and keep the other that the monks may see it so i ate one of them and never tasted i aught sweeter then he took my hand and fared forth and carried me back to my house and when i awoke i found the taste of the apple in my mouth and the other in my hand so saying she brought me forth and carried me back to my house and when i awoke i found the taste of the apple in my mouth and the other in my hand so saying she brought out the apple and in the darkness of the night it shone as it were a sparkling star so they carried her and the apple with her to the monastery where she repeated her vision and showed it to us never saw we its like among all the fruits of the world then i took a knife and cut the apple into pieces according as we were folk in company and never knew we ought more delicious than its savour nor more delightsome than its scent but we said haply this was a devil that appeared unto her to seduce her from her faith

Starting point is 06:08:01 thereupon her people took her and went away but she abstained from eating and drinking and on the fifth night she rose from her bed and going forth the village to the grave of her moslem lover threw herself upon it and died her family not knowing what was come of her but on the morrow there came to the village two moslem elders clad in haircloth and with them two women in like guard and said o people of the village with you is a woman's saint a waliah of the friends of allah who died a moslema and we will take charge of her in lieu of you so the villagers sought her and found her dead on the moslem's grave and they said this was one of us and she died in our faith so we will take charge of her rejoined the two old men nay she died a moslema and we claim her and the dispute waxed to a quarrel between them till one of the sheikhs said be this the test of her faith the forty monks of the monastery shall come and try to lift her from the grave if they succeed then she died in nazarene if not one of us shall come and lift her up and if she be lifted by him she died a moslema the villagers agreed to this and fetched the forty monks who heartened one another and came to her to lift her but could not then we tied a great rope round her middle and hailed at it but the rope broke in sunder and she stirred not and the villagers came and did the like but could not move her from her place at last when all means failed we said to one of the two sheikhs come thou and lift her so he went up to the grave and covering her with his mantle said in the name of allah the compassionating the compassionate and of the faith of the apostle of allah on whom be prayers and peace then he lifted her and taking her in his bosom betook himself with her to a cave hard by where they laid her and the two women came and washed her and shrouded her then the two elders bore her to her moslem lover's grave and prayed over her and buried her by his side and went their ways

Starting point is 06:10:06 now we were eyewitnesses of all this and when we were alone with one another we said in sooth the truth is most worthy to be followed and indeed the verity hath been made manifest to us nor is there a proof more patent of the truth of all Islam than that we have seen this day with our eyes so i and all the monks became moslems and on likewise did the villagers and we sent to the people of mesopotamia for a doctor of the law to instruct us in the ordinances of all Islam and the canons of the faith they sent us a learned man and a pious who taught us the rites of prayer and the tenets of the faith and we are now in ease abounding so to allah be the prayer and the prayers of prayer and the tenets of the faith and we are now in ease abounding so to allah be the prayer and the thanks. And they also tell a tale of The loves of Abu Isa and Kurat al-Ain. Quoth Amru bin Masada. Abu Isa, son of Al-Rashid and brother to al-Mamun,

Starting point is 06:11:04 was enamored of one Kurat al-Ain, a slave girl belonging to Ali bin Hashim. And she also loved him, but he concealed his passion, complaining of it to none, neither discovering his secret to anyone of his pride, and magnanimity, for he had used his utmost endeavour to purchase her of her master, but he had failed. At last, when his patience was at an end and his passion was sore on him, and he was helpless in the matter, he went in to All Mahmoon, one day of state after the folk had

Starting point is 06:11:35 retired, and said to him, O commander of the faithful, if thou wilt this day make trial of thine al-Qaities by taking them unawares, thou wilt know the generous from the mean, and note each one's place after the quality of his mind. But in saying this, he proposed only to sit with Karat al-Ain in her lord's house. Quoth al-Mamun, write is thy wrecking, and bade make ready a barge called the flyer, wherein he embarked with Abu Issa and a party of his chief officers. The first mansion he visited unexpectedly was that of Hamid al-Tawil of Tuss, whom he found seated. And Shahrazad perceived the dawned. of day and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and

Starting point is 06:12:22 fifteenth night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Al-Mamun embarked with his chief officers and bared on till they reached the mansion of Hamid al-Tawil of Tuss, and unexpectedly entering they found him seated on a mat, and before him singers and players with lutes and flageolots and other instruments of music in their hands. So Al-Mamun sat with him a while, and presently he set before him dishes of nothing but flesh meat, with no birds among them. The Caliph would not taste thereof, and Abu Issa said to him, O commander of the faithful, we have taken the owner of this place unawares, and he knew not of thy coming, but now let us go to another place which is prepared for thee, admitted for thee.

Starting point is 06:13:08 Thereupon the Caliph arose and betook himself with his brother Abu Issa and his suite to the abo of ali son of hashim who on hearing of their approach came out and received them with the goodliest of reception and kissed the earth before the king then he brought them into his mansion and opened to them a saloon then which seer never saw a goodlier its floors pillars and walls were of many coloured marbles adorned with greek paintings and it was spread with matting of sind whereon were carpets and tapestry of bassorah make fitted to the length and breath of the room so the caliph sat awhile examining the house and its ceilings and walls then said give us somewhat to eat so they brought him forthwith nearly an hundred dishes of poultry besides other birds and brewisers and cooling maranades when he had eaten he said give us something to drink o ali and the host set before him in vessels of gold and silver and chrysal raisin wine boiled down to one-third with fruits and spices and the cup-bearers were pages like moons clad in garments of alexandrian stuff interwoven with gold and bearing on their breasts beakers of crystal full of rose-water mingled with musk so al-mammoon marvelled with exceeding marveled at all he saw and said ho thou abu al-hassan whereupon al-hais sprang to the caliph's carpet and kissing it said at thy service o commander of the faithful and stood before him quoth al mamun let us hear some pleasant and merry song replied ali i hear and obey o commander of the faithful and said to one of his eunuchs fetch the singing women

Starting point is 06:14:53 so the slave went out and presently returned followed by ten castratos bearing ten stools of gold which they set down in due order and after these came ten damsels concubines of the master as they were shining full moons or gardens full of bloom clad in black brocade, with crowns of gold on their heads, and they passed along the room till they sat down on the stools when sang they sundry songs. Al-Mamun looked at one of them, and being captivated by her elegance at fair favor, asked her, what is thy name, O damsel? And she answered, My name is Sajahi, O commander of the faithful, and he said, sing to us, O Sajahee. So she played a lively measure and sang these couplets. I walk for fear of interview the weakling's walk, Who sees two lion whelps the fount drawn eye,

Starting point is 06:15:46 My cloak acts soared, My hearts perplexed with fright, Lest jealous hostile eyes the approach descry, Till sudden happed I on a delicate maid, Like desert doe that fails her fonds to a spy. Quote the Caliph, Thou hast done well, O damsel, Whose are these lines? She answered,

Starting point is 06:16:06 Written by Amru bin Madi, Kharib al-Zubaydi, and the heir is Ma Abides. Then the Caliph and Abu Isa and Ali drank, and the damsels went away and were succeeded by other ten, all clad in flowered silk of Al-Yaman, brocaded with gold, who sat down on the chairs and sang various songs. The Caliph looked at one of the concubines, who was like a wild heifer of the waste, and said to her, What is thy name, O damsel? she replied,

Starting point is 06:16:37 My name is Zabiyah, O commander of the faithful, and he, sing to us Zabiya, so she warbled like a bird with many a trill and sang these two couplets. Haurus and high-born dames who feel no fear of men like Mechon game forbidden man to slam. Their soft sweet voices make you deem them whores, but bars them from all-horing all Islam.

Starting point is 06:17:03 When she had finished Al-Mamun cried, Favored of Allah art thou? And Sharazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and sixteenth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the slave girl finished her song, Alma Moon cried, Favored of Allah art thou, who's is this verse? And she answered, Jarre's, and the heir is by Ibn Saraj. Then the Caliph and his company drank whilst the girls went away,

Starting point is 06:17:35 and there came forth yet other ten, as they were rubies, robed in bread brocade, inwoven with gold and purpled with pearls and jewels whilst all their heads were bare. They sat down on the stools and sang various heirs. So the caliph looked at one of them, who was like the son of the day, and asked her, What is thy name, O damsel? And she answered, O commander of the faithful, my name is Fatin. Sing to us, O Fatin, quote he, whereat she played a lively measure and sang these couplets deign grant thy favours since tis time i were engraced t'nough of severance hath it been my lot to taste thou art he whose face clothe every gift and charm unite

Starting point is 06:18:20 yet is my patient spent for that twas sore misplaced i've wasted life in loving thee and would high heaven grant me one meeting hour for all this willful waste well sung o fatin exclaimed the caliph whose verse is this and she answered adi bin zides and the heir is antique then all three drank whilst the damsels retired and were succeeded by other ten maidens as they were sparkling stars clad in flowered silk embroidered with red gold and girt with jeweled zones they sat down and sang various motives and the caliph asked one of them who is like a wand of willow what is thy name o damsel and she answered my name is rasha o commander of the faithful sing to us o rasha quoth he so she played a lively measure and sang these couplets and wan like howrie who can passion heal like young gazelle that paceth o'er the plain i drained this wine-cup on the toast her cheek each cup disputing till she bends in twain then sleeps the night with me the while i cry this the only gain my soul would gain said the caliph well done o damsel sing us something more so she rose and kissing the ground before him sang the following to stick she came out to gaze on the bridle at ease in a shift that reeked of amber grease the caliph was highly pleased with this couplet and when the slave-girl saw how much it delighted him she repeated it several times then said al-mammoon bring up the flyer being minded to embark and depart but ali bin hashim said to him o commander of the faithful i have a slave-girl whom i bought for ten thousand dinners she hath taken my heart in whole and part and i would fain display her to the commander of the faithful

Starting point is 06:20:24 if she please him and he will accept of her she is his and if not let him hear something from her said the caliph bring her to me and forth came a damsel as she were a branchlet of willow with seducing eyes and eyebrows set like twin bows and on her head she wore a crown of red gold crusted with pearls and jeweled under which was a fillet bearing this couplet wrought in letters of chrysolite a ginia this with her gin to show how to pierce man's heart with a stringless bow the handmaiden walked with the gate of a gazelle in flight and fit to damn a devotee till she came to a chair whereon she seated herself and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and seventeenth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the handmaiden walked with the gate of a gazelle in flight fit to damn a devotee till she came to a chair whereon she seated herself and al-mammun marvelled at her beauty and loveliness but when abu isa saw her his heart throbbed with pain his colour changed to pale and wan and he was in evil case asked thee caliph o abu isa what aileth thee to change thus and he answered o commander of the faithful it is because of a twitch that seeth me betimes quoth thee caliph hast thou known yonder damsel before to-day quoth he yes o commander of the faithful can the moon be concealed then said al-mammoon to her what is thy name o damsel and she replied my name is curat alain o commander of the faithful and she replied my name is curat alain o commander of the faithful and he rejoined sing to us o kharat al ain so she sang these two couplets the loved ones left thee in middle night and fared with the pilgrims when dawn shone bright the tents of pride round the domes they pitched and with broidered curtains were veiled for sight

Starting point is 06:22:31 quoth the caliph favored of heaven art thou o curat al-aigne whose song is that where too she answered the words are by de ebel al-cusai and the heir is by zorzor al-sakir abu isa looked at her and his tears choked him so that the company marvelled at him then she turned to al-mammoon and said to him o commander of the faithful wilt thou give me leave to change the words said he sing what thou wilt thou wilt thou wilt thou wilt thou wilt thou wilt thou wilt so she played a merry measure and caroled these couplets if thou should please a friend who pleaseth thee frankly in public practice secrecy and spurned the slanderer's tale who seldom seeks except the severance of true love to see they say when lovers near he tires of love and absence is for love best remedy both cures we tried and yet we are not cured with all we judge that nearness easier be, yet nearness is of no avail when he, thou lovest, lends thee love un willingly. But when she had finished, Abu Issa said, O commander of the faithful, and Shara Zad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of section 15.

Starting point is 06:23:58 The book of a thousand knights in the night, volume five, section 16. This is a liverbox reporter. All Lipravach's recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. Volume 5, Section 16. When it was the 418th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Kurat al-Ain had finished her verse,

Starting point is 06:24:28 Abu Isa said, O commander of the faithful, though we endure disgrace, we shall be at ease. Does thou give me leave to reply to her? Quote be believed, Yes, say what thou wilt to her. So he swallowed his tears and sang these two distics. Silent I loaned and never owned my love,

Starting point is 06:24:49 but from my heart I hid love's blissful rhythm. Yet if my eyes should manifest my love, tis for my nearness to the shining moon. Then Kurat al-Ain took the root and played a lively tune, and rejoined with these couplets. And what thou claimest were the real truth, with only hope content thou hadst not been, nor couldst patient live without the girl,

Starting point is 06:25:19 so rare of inner grace and outward mean. But there is nothing in the claim of thee at all save tongue and talk that little mean. When Abu Issa heard this, he fell to weeping and wailing, and evidencing his trouble and, anguish. Then he raised his eyes to her and sign repeated these couplets. Under my raiment a waste body lies, and in my spirit all compromising cries, I have a heart

Starting point is 06:25:48 whose pain shall I endure, and tears like torrents pour these woeful eyes. When ere a wise man spies me straight he shies, love that misleads me thus in ways unwise, O Lord, I lack the power of this dole to bear, Come sudden death, death or joy in bestest guise. When he had ended, Ali bin Hisham, sprang up and kissing his feet, said, O my lord, Allah hearing thy secret, hath answered thy prayer, and consenteth to thy taking her with all she hath of things rare and fair. So the commander of the faithful have no mind to her. Quoth al-Mamun, had we a mind to her, we would prefer Abu Isa before ourselves, and help him to his desire.

Starting point is 06:26:38 So saying he rose and embarking went away, whilst Abu Isa tarried for Burat al-Ain, whom he took and carried to his own house, his breast swelling with joy. See then the generosity of Ali's son of Hisham. And they tell a tale of Al-Amin son of Al-Rashid and his uncle Ibrahim bin Al-Madi.

Starting point is 06:27:05 Al-Amin, brother of Al-Mamun, once entered the house of his uncle Ibrahim bin al-Madi, where he saw a slave girl playing upon the loot, and she being one of the fairest of women, his heart inclined to her. Abraham, seeing how it was with him, sent the girl to him with rich raiment and precious ornaments. When he saw her, he thought that his uncle had lain with her, so he was loath to have to do with her, because of that, and accepting what came with her sent her back to Abraham. his uncle learnt the cause of this from one of al amin's eunuchs so he took a shift of watered silk and worked upon its skirt in letters of gold these two couplets no i declare by him to whom all bow of nothing neath her petticoat i trow nor meddle with her mouth nor aught did i but see and hear her and it was enal then he plad her in the shift and giving her a loop sent her back again to his nephew

Starting point is 06:28:10 When she came into Al Amin's presence, she kissed ground before him, and tuning the lute, sang thereto these two couplets. Thy breast thou bearest, sending back the gift, showing unlove for me without in shift, and thou bear spite of past the past forgive, and for the caliphate cast the past adrift. When she had made an end of her verse, Al Amin, looked at her and, seeing what was upon her skirt, no longer control himself. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and nineteen night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when al-Amin looked at the damsel and saw what was upon her skirt, he could

Starting point is 06:28:59 no longer control himself, but drew near unto her and kissed her and appointed her a separate lodging in his palace. Moreover, he thanked his uncle for this and bestowed on him the government of Gray. And a tale is told of Al-Foth bin Khakin and the Caliph al-Mut-A-Waho. Al-Mut-A-Waho was once taking medicine, and folks sent him by way of solace all sorts of presents and rarities and things costly and precious. Amongst others, Al-Foth bin Kakin sent him a virgin slave, high-breasted, of the fairest among women of her time, and with her evasive crystal, retaining ruddy wine and a goblet of red gold, whereon were graven in black these couplets. Since our Imam came forth from medicine, which made him health and heartiness re-win, there is

Starting point is 06:29:53 no healing draught more sovereign than well-boiled wine this golden goblet in, then let him break the seal for him secured, tis best prescription after medicine. Now when the damsel entered the physician Johanna was with the Khalid, and as a he read the couplets, he smiled and said, By Allah, O commander of the faithful, Thoth is better verse than I in the art of healing, so let not the Prince of True Believers gainsay his prescription. According, the Caliph followed the recipe contained in the poetry,

Starting point is 06:30:26 and was made whole by the blessing of Allah, and won his every wish. And among tales they tell is one of, The man's dispute with the learned woman concerning the relative excellence of male and female. quote a certain man of learning i never saw amongst womankind one wittier and wiser better read and by nature more generously bred and in manners and morals more perfected than a preacher of the people of baghdad by name sit al mascha it chanced that she came to hamas city in the year of the flight five hundred and sixty one and there delivered salutary exportations to the folk from the professorial chair Now there used to visit her house a number of students of divinity and persons of learning and polite letters, who would discuss with her questions of theology, and dispute with her on controversial points. I went to her one day with a friend of mine, a man of years in education, and when we had taken our seats, she set before us a dish of fruit, and seated herself behind a curtain. Now she had a brother, a handsome youth, who stood behind us to serve us, and when we had eaten we fell to disputing upon me.

Starting point is 06:31:42 points of divinity, and I propounded to her a theological question bearing upon a difference between the imams, the founders of the four schools. She proceeded to speak in answer whilst I listened, but all the while my friend fell to looking upon her brother's face and admiring his beauties without paying any heed to what she discoursed. Now, as she was watching him from behind the curtain, when she had made an end of her speech, she turned to him and said, methinks thou be of those who give men the preference over women. He replied, assuredly, and she asked, and why so? Where too, he answered, for that Allah hath made the masculine worthy than the feminine.

Starting point is 06:32:25 And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and twenty at night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the sheik replied, For that Allah hath made the masculine worthier than the fervidst thou. feminine, and I like the excelling and misliked the excelled. She laughed and presently said, wilt thou deal fairly with me in debate if I battled the matter with thee? And he rejoined yes. Then quoth she, what is the evidence of the superiority of the male to the female? Quote he, it is of two kinds, traditional and reasonable. The authoritative part deriveth from the Quran

Starting point is 06:33:06 and the traditions of the apostle. As for the first, we have the very words of Almighty Allah, men shall have the preeminence above women because of those advantages wherein Allah have caused the one of them to excel the other. And again, if there be not two men, let there be one man and two women. And again, when treating of inheritance, if there be brothers and sisters, let a male have as much as the portion of two females. Thus Allah, extolled and exalted be he, hath in these places prefer the male over the female and teacheth that a woman is as the half of a man, for that he is worthier than she. As for the Sunnah traditions, is it not reported of the prophet whom Allah save and assain, that he appointed the blood money for a woman to be half that of a man,

Starting point is 06:34:00 and as for the evidence of reason, the male is the agent and active, and the female be patient and passive. she, thou hast said well, O my lord, but by Allah thou hast proved my contention with thy known lips, and hast advanced evidence which telleth against thee, and not for thee. And thus it is, Allah extolled and exalted be he, preferred the male above the female solely because of the inherent condition and essential quality of masculinity. And in this there is no dispute between us. Now this quality of malehood is common to the child, the boy, the youth, the adult, and the old man, nor is there any distinction between them and this. If then the superior excellence of male masculine belong to him solely by virtue of manhood, it behooveth that thy heart

Starting point is 06:34:52 incline and thy soul delight in the gray beard equally with the boy, seeing that there is no distinction between them in point of malehood. But the difference between him, but the difference between thee and me turneth upon the accident of qualities that are sought as constituting the pleasure of intercourse in its enjoyment, and thou hast adduced no proof of the superiority of the youth over the young girl in this matter of non-essentials. He made answer, O reverend lady, knowest thou not, that which is peculiar to the youth of limber shape and rosy cheeks and pleasant smile and sweetness of speech, youths are in these respects superior to women, and the proof of this is what they traditionally report of the prophet, whom Allah bless and preserve, that he said,

Starting point is 06:35:37 Stay not thy gaze upon the beardless, for in them is a momentary eye glance at the black-eyed girls of paradise. Nor indeed is the superiority of the lad over the last hidden to any of mankind, and how well saith Abu Noas. The least of him is the being free from monthly courses and pregnancy. And the saying of another poet, Woth our Imam Abu Noos, who was, for mad debauch and waggishness renowned, O tribe that loves the chiefs of boys take fill, of joys in paradise, shall ne'er be found. So if anyone enlarge in praise of a slave girl and wish to enhance her value by the mention of her beauties, he likened her to a youth. And Shahrazhar,

Starting point is 06:36:30 receive the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 16. Section 17, Volume 5 of The Book of A Thousand Nights in a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Liberbox recording. All Liberbox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer,

Starting point is 06:36:57 please visit Liberbox.org. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night. volume five section seventeen when it was the four hundred and twenty-first night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the shake continued so if any one enlarge in praise of a slave-girl and wish to enhance her value by the mention of her beauties he likeneth her to a youth because of the illustrious qualities that belong to the male even as saith the poet boy like of backside in the deed of kind she sways as sways the wand like bows a wine and youths then were not better and fairer than girls why should these be likened to them and know also almighty allah preserve thee that a youth is easy to be led adapting himself to every reed pleasant of converse and manners inclining to assent rather than descent especially when his side base is newly downed and his upper lip is first and browned and the purple lights of youth on his cheeks abound so that he is like the full moon sound and how goodly is the saying of abu tamam the slanderers said there's hair upon his cheeks quoth i exceed not that's no blemish there when he could bear that hailing of his hips and pearl beads shaded by moustachio hair

Starting point is 06:38:29 and rose swore solemn holiest oath that is from that bare cheek she never more would bear i spoke with eyelids without need of speech and they who answered me his eyebrows were he's even fairer than thou knewest him and cheek down guards from all would over dare righter and sweeter now are grown his charms since down robes lip and cheek before were bare and those who blame me for my love of him when him they mention say of him thy fair and quoth all hariri and quoth excellently well my censors say what means this pine for him cease not the flowing hair on cheeks aflowing i say by allah and ye deem i dote look at the truth in those fine eyes a-showing but for the down that bales his cheek and chin his brow had dazed all eyes no sight allowing and whoso sojourns in a growthless land how shall he move from land fair growths aggrowing and quoth another my blamers say of me he is consoled and lie no consolation comes to those who pine and sigh i had no solace when rose bloom'd alone on cheek, now basal blooms thereon, and now consoled am I. And again,

Starting point is 06:40:05 Slim-waisted one whose looks with down of cheek in slaughtering mankind each other hurtle, With the Narcissus blade he shedeth blood, the baldric of whose sheath is freshest myrtle. And again, Not with his must I'm drunk, but verily, those curls turn manly heads like newest wine. Each of his beauties envies each and all would be the silky down on side-face line. Such are the excellencies of the youth which women do not own, and they more than suffice to give those the preference over these. She replied, Allah give thee health. Barely thou hast imposed the debate upon thyself, and thou hast spoken and hast not stinted and hast brought proofs to support every assertion. But, now is the truth become manifest. So swerve thou not from the path thereof,

Starting point is 06:41:03 and if thou be not content with a summary of evidence, I will set it before thee in fullest detail. Allah upon thee, where is the youth beside the girl, and who shall compare kid and wild cow? The girl is soft of speech, bare of form, like a branchlet of basal, with teeth like camomile petals and hair like halters wherefrom to hang hearts. Her cheeks are like blood-red anemones, and her face like a pippin. She hath lips like wine, and breasts like pomegranates twain, and a shape supple as a ratten cane. Her body is well-formed, and with sloping shoulders dight, she hath a nose like the edge of a sword shining bright, and a forehead brilliant white, and eyebrows which unite, and eyes stained by nature's hand black as night.

Starting point is 06:41:54 If she speak, fresh young pearls are scattered from her mouth forthright, and all hearts are ravished by the daintiness of her sprite. When she smileth, thou wouldst wean the moon shone out her lips between, and when she eyes of thee, sword-blades flash from the babes of her eyes. in her all beauties to conclusion come and she is the centre of attraction to traveller and stay at home she hath two lips of cremoisy than cream smoother and of taste than honey sweeter and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and twenty-second night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the preacher-woman thus pursued her theme in the phrase of bare maids she hath two lips of crimosy then cream smoother and then honey sweeter adding and she hath a bosom as it were a way two hills between which are a pair of breasts like globes of ivory sheen likewise a stomach right smooth flanks soft as the palm spave and creased with folds and dimples which overlap one another and liberal thighs which like columns of pearl or

Starting point is 06:43:14 arise and back parts which billow and beat together like seas of glass or mountains of glance and two feet and hands of gracious mould like unto ingots of virgin gold so o miserable where are mortal men beside the gin knowest thou not that puissant princes and potent kings before women ever humbly bend and on them for delight depend verily they may say we rule over necks and rob hearts these women how many a rich man have they not pauper'd how many a powerful man have they not prostrated and how many a superior man have they not prostrated and how many a superior man have they not enslaved indeed they seduce the sage and send the saint to shame and bring the wealthy to want and plunge the fortune-favored into penury yet for all this the wise but redouble in affection of them and honour nor do they count this oppression or dishon how many a man for them hath offended his maker and called down on himself the wrath of his father and mother and all this because of the conquest of their love over hearts knowest thou not o wretched one that for them are built pavilions and slave-girls are for sale that for them tear floods rail and for them are collected jewels of price and ambergris and musk odoriferous and armies are arrayed and pleiences made and wealth heaped up and smitten off as many ahead and indeed he spoke soon as many a-head and indeed he spoke soon as much in the words, Whoso saith the world meaneth woman. Now as for thy citation from the holy

Starting point is 06:45:03 traditions, it is an argument against thee and not for thee in that the prophet, whom Allah bless and preserve, compareth the beardless with the black-eyed girls of paradise. Now doubtless, the subject of comparison is worthier than the object therewith compared. So unless women be the worthier and the goodlier, wherefore should other than they be likened to them. As for thy saying that girls are likened to boys, the case is not so, but the contrary, boys are likened to girls. For folks say, yonder boy is like a girl. As for what proof thou quoteest from the poets, the verses wear the product of a complexion unnatural in this respect. And as for the habitual Sodomites and Catamites, offenders against religion, Almighty Allah hath condemned them in his holy book.

Starting point is 06:45:56 Herein he denounceeth their filthy practices, saying, Do ye approach unto the males among mankind, and leave your wives which your lord hath created for you? Surely ye are a people who transgress. These it is that liken girls to boys of their exceeding profligacy and ungraciousness and inclination to follow the fiend and own lusts, so that they say, She is apt for two tricks, and these are all wanderers from the way of right and the righteous.

Starting point is 06:46:30 Quote their chief Abu Nawas, Slim waist and boyish wit's delight, Wencher as well as Sodomite. As for what thou sayest of a youth's first hair on cheek and lips, and how they add to his beauty and loveliness, by allah thou strayest from the straight path of sooth and sayest that which is other than the truth for whiskers change the charms of the comely into ugliness quoting these couplets that sprouting hair upon his face took reek for lover's vengeance all did vainly seek i see not on his face a sign philigenus except his curls are hue of reek if so his paper mostly be begrimed where did deemest thou the reed shall draw a streak if any raise him other fares above this only proves the judge of wits is weak and when she ended her verse she resumed laud be to allah almighty

Starting point is 06:47:32 and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying or permitted say when it was the four hundred and twenty-third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the preacher woman ended her verse she resumed addressing the man, Laud to Allah Almighty, how can it be hid from thee that the perfect pleasure is in women, and that abiding blessings are not to be found but with them, seeing that Allah, extolled and exalted be he,

Starting point is 06:48:01 hath promised his prophets and saints black-eyed damsels in paradise, and hath appointed these for a recompense of their godly works. And had the Almighty known that the joy supreme was in the possession of other than women, he had rewarded them therewith and promised it to them. And quoth he, whom Allah bless and preserve,

Starting point is 06:48:23 The things I hold dearest of the things of your world are three, Women and perfume, and the solace of my eyes and prayer. Verily Allah hath appointed boys to serve his prophets and saints in paradise, Because paradise is the abode of joy and delight, Which could not be complete without the service of youths. but as to the use of them for aught but service it is hell's putridity and corruption and turpitude how well saith the poet men's turning unto bums of boys is bumsuous who so loved noble women show their own nobleness how many goodly whites have slept the night enjoying buttocks of boys and woke at morn in foulest mess their garment stained by safflower which is yellow-murred their shame proclaiming showing color of distress, who can deny the charge when so be right are they, that yin by daylight shows the dung upon their dress.

Starting point is 06:49:25 What contrast with the man who slept a gladsome night, by hourly maid for glance a mere enchantress, he rises off her borrowing wholesome bonny scent that fills the house with whips of perfumed goodliness. No boy deserved place by side of her to hold, canst even, a lo's wood with what fills pool obsess then said she o folk ye have made me to break the bounds of modesty and the circle of free-born women and indulge in idle talk of chambering and wantonness which be seemeth not people of learning but the breasts of freiborns are the sepulchres of secrets and such conversations are in confidence moreover actions are according to intentions and i crave pardon of allah for myself and you and all moslems seeing that he is the pardoner and the compassionate then she held her peace and thereafter would answer us of naught so we went our way rejoicing in that we had profited by her contention and yet sorrowing to part from her and among the tales they tell is one of abu suede and the pretty old woman quoth abu suede i and a company of my friends entered a garden one day to buy somewhat of fruit and we saw in a corner an old woman who was bright of face but her head hair was white and she was combing it with an ivory comb we stopped before her yet she paid no heed to us neither veiled her face

Starting point is 06:51:03 so i said to her o old woman wert thou to die thy hair black thou wouldst be handsomer than a girl what hindereth thee from this she raised her head towards me and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and twenty-fourth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that abu suede continued when i spake these words to the ancient dame she raised her head towards me and opening wide her eyes recited these two couplets i died what years have died but this my staining last not while that of days is i remaining days when be clad in gear of youth i fared raked for and aft by men with joy unfa i cried by allah favoured art thou for an old woman how sincere art thou in thine after pine for forbidden pleasures and how false is thy pretence of repentance from frowitness and another tale is that of the emir ali bin tahir and the girl munis once on a time was displayed for sale to ali bin mohammed bin abdallah bin tahir a slave-girl called munis who was superior to her fellows in beauty and breeding and to boot an accomplished poetess and he asked her of her name replied she allah advanced the emir my name is munis now he knew this before so he bowed his head awhile then raising his eyes to her recited this verse what sayest of one by a sickness caught for the love of thy love till he waxed distraught answered she allah exalt the emir and recited this verse in reply

Starting point is 06:53:00 if we saw a lover who pains as he ought with love we would grant him all favors he sought she pleased him so he bought her for seventy thousand dirhams and begat on her obeyed allah bin mohammed afterwards minister of police and we are told by abu al-aina a tale of the woman who had a boy and the other who had a man to lover quoth abu al-aina there were in our street two women one of whom had four lover a man and the other a beardless youth and they foregathered one night on the terrace roof of a house adjoining mine knowing not that i was near quoth the boy's lover to the other o my sister how canst thou bear with patience the harshness of thy lover's beard as it falleth on thy breast when he buseth thee and his mustachios rubbed thy cheek and lips replied the other silly that thou art what decketh the tree save its leaves and the cucumber but its warts didst ever see in the world ought uglier than a scald head bald of his beard knowest thou not that the beard is to men as the side-locks to women and what is the difference between chin and cheek knowest thou not that allah extolled and exalted be he hath created an angel in heaven who saith glory be to him who ornamenteth men who ornamenteth men with beards and women with long hair so were not the beard even as the tresses and comeliness it had not been coupled with them o silly how shall i spread eagle myself under a boy who will emit long before i can go off and forestall me in limpness of penis and clitoris and leave a man who when he taketh breath clippeth close and when he entereth goeth leisurely and when he hath done repeateth and when he pusheth pokeeth hard and as often as he withdraweth, returneth.

Starting point is 06:55:01 The boy's leman was edified by her speech and said, I forswear my lover by the lord of the Kabba. And amongst tales is one of Ali the Kyrene and the haunted house in Baghdad. There lived once in the city of Cairo, a merchant who had great store of monies and bullion, gems and jewels, and lands and houses beyond. count, and his name was Hassan the jeweler, the Baghdad man.

Starting point is 06:55:32 Furthermore, Allah had blessed him with a son of perfect beauty and brilliancy, rosy-cheeked, bare a face and well-figured, whom he named Ali of Cairo, and had taught the Quran and science and elocution and the other branches of polite education, till he became proficient in all manner of knowledge. He was under his father's hand in trade, but, after a while, Hassan fell sick, and his sickness grew upon him till he made sure of death. So he called his son to him, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 06:56:06 and ceased saying her permitted say, End of Section 17. Section 18, Volume 5 of The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Livervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit librivox.org the book of a thousand knights and a night volume five section eighteen when it was the four hundred and twenty-fifth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the jeweller the baghdaddy fell sick and made shore of death he called to him his son named ali of cairo and said o my son verily this world passeth away but the next world endureth for i

Starting point is 06:57:02 every soul shall taste of death and now o my son my decease is at hand and i desire to charge thee with a charge which if thou observe thou shalt abide in safety and prosperity till thou meet almighty allah but if thou follow it not there shall befall thee much weariness and thou wilt repent of having transgressed mine injunctions replied ali o my father how shall i do other than hearken to thy words and act according to thy charge seeing that i am bounden by the law of the faith to obey thee and give ear to thy command rejoined his father o my son i leave thee lands and houses and goods and wealth past count so that wert thou each day to spend thereof five hundred aeers thou wouldst miss naught of it but o my son look that thou live in the fear of allah and follow his chosen one mustapha whom may he bless and preserve in whatso he is reported to have bidden and forbidden in his traditional law be thou constant in alms deeds and the practice of beneficence and in consorting with men of worth and piety and learning and look that thou have a care for the poor and needy and shun avarice and meanness and the conversation of the wicked or those of suspicious character look thou kindly upon thy servants and family and also upon thy wife for she is of the daughters of the great and is big with child by thee haply allah will vouchsafe the virtuous issue by her haply allah will vouchsafe thee virtuous issue by her and he ceased not to exhort him thus weeping and saying o my son i beseech allah the bountiful the lord of the glorious imperian to deliver thee from all straits that may encompass thee and grant thee his ready relief thereupon his son wept with sore weeping and said o my father i am melted by thy words for these are as the words of one that saith farewell

Starting point is 06:59:01 replied the merchant yes o my son i am aware of my condition for get thou not my charge then he fell to repeating the two professions of the faith and to reciting verses of the koran until the appointed hour arrived when he said draw near unto me o my son so ali drew near and he kissed him then he sighed and his soul departed his body and he went to the mercy of almighty allah therewith great grief fell upon ali the clamor of keening arose in his house and his father's friends flocked to him then he betook himself to preparing the body for burial and made him a splendid funeral they bore his buyer to the place of prayer and prayed over him then to the cemetery where they buried him and recited over him what suited of the sublime koran after which they returned to the house and condoled with a dead man son and wended each his own way moreover ali prayed the friday prayer for his father and had perlections of the koran every day for the normal fory during which time he abode in the house and went not forth save to the place of prayer and every friday he visited his father's tomb so he ceased not from his praying and reciting for some time until his fellows of the sons of the merchants came into him one day and saluting him said how long is thy morning and neglecting thy business and the company of thy friends. Barely this is a fashion which will bring thee weariness, and thy body will suffer for it exceedingly.

Starting point is 07:00:39 Now when they came into him, Iblis the accursed was with them, prompting them, and they went on to recommend him to accompany them to the bazaar, whilst Iblis tempted him to consent to them till he yielded, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. when it was the four hundred and twenty-sixth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the sons of the merchants went in to ali the kairn son of hasan the jeweller they recommended him to accompany them to the bazaar till he yielded that the will of allah extolled and exalted be he might be fulfilled and he left the house of mourning with them presently they said mount thy she-mule and ride with us to such a garden that we may solace us there

Starting point is 07:01:28 and that thy grief and despondency may depart from thee. So he mounted, and, taking his slave, went with them to the garden in question. And when they entered, one of them went, and making ready the morning meal, brought it to them there. So they ate, and were merry and sat in talk till the end of the day, when they mounted and returned each to his own lodging, where they passed the night. As soon as the morrow dawned, they again visited Ali, and said, come with us asked he whither and they answered to such a garden for it is finer than the first and more pleasurable so he went with them to the garden and one of them going away made ready the morning meal and brought it to them together with strong heady wine

Starting point is 07:02:11 and after eating they brought out the wine when quoth ali what is this and quoth they this is what dispeleth sadness and brighteth gladness and they ceased not to commend it to him till they prevailed upon him and he drank with them then they sat drinking and talking till the end of the day when each returned home but as for ali the kairn he was giddy with wine and in this plight went into his wife who said to him what aileth thee that thou art so changed he said we were making merry to-day when one of my companions brought us liquor so my friends drank and i with them and this giddiness came upon me and she replied o my lord say me hast thou forgotten thy father's injunction and done that from which he forbade thee in consorting with doubtful folk answered he these be of the sons of the merchants they are no suspicious folk only lovers of mirth and good cheer and he continued to lead this life with his friends day after day going from place to place and feasting with them and drinking till they said to him our turns are ended and now it is thy turn well come and welcome and fair cheer cried he so on the morrow he made ready all that the case called for of meat and drink twofold what they had provided and taking cooks and tent pitchers and coffee-makers repaired with the others to all ruzah and the other to all ruzah and the twofold what they had provided and taking cooks and tent pitchers and coffee-makers repaired with the others to all rizah and the and the nilometer where they abode a whole month eating and drinking and hearing music and making merry at the end of the month ali found that he had spent a great sum of money but iblis the accursed deluded him and said to him though thou should spend every day alike some yet wouldst thou not miss aught of it so he took no account of money expenses and continued this way of life for three years whilst his wife remonstrated with him and reminded him of his father's charge

Starting point is 07:04:09 but he hearkened not to her words till he had spent all the ready monies he had when he fell to selling his jewels and spending their price until they also were all gone then he sold his houses fields farms and gardens one after other till they likewise were all gone and he had nothing left but the tenement wherein he lived so he tore out the marble and woodwork and sold it and spent of its price till he had made an end of all this also when he took thought with himself and finding that he had nothing left to expend sold the house itself and spent the purchase money after that the man who had bought the house came to him and said seek out for thyself a lodging as i have need of my house so he bethought himself and finding that he had no want of a house except for his wife who had borne him a son and a daughter he had not a servant left he hired a large room in one of the mean courts and there took up his abode and he had borne his abode and he had borne a son and he had not a servant left he hired a large room in one of the mean courts and there took up his abode after having lived in honour and luxury with many eunuchs and much wealth and he soon came to want one day's bread quoth his wife of this i warned thee and exhorted thee to obey thy father's charge and thou wast not hearken to me but there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glorious the great whence shall the little ones eat arise then and go round to thy friends the sons of the merchants, be like they will give thee somewhat on which we may live this day. So he arose, and went to his friends one by one, but they all hid their faces from him,

Starting point is 07:05:44 and gave him injurious words revolting to hear, but not else. And he returned to his wife and said to her, They have given me nothing. Thereupon she went forth to beg of her neighbors the wherewithal to keep themselves alive. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and twenty-seventh night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the wife of Ali the Karene, seeing her husband return empty-handed, went forth the bag of her neighbors, the wherewithal to keep themselves alive, and repaired to a woman, whom she had known in former days. When she came into her, and saw her case, she rose, and, receiving her kindly, wept,

Starting point is 07:06:30 and said, What hath befallen you? So she told her all that her husband had done, and the other replied, Well, come, and welcome, and fair cheer, whatever thou needest, seek it of me without price. Quoth she, Allah requite the abundantly. Then her friend gave her as much provision

Starting point is 07:06:49 as would suffice herself and her family a whole month, and she took it and returned to her lodging. When her husband saw her, he wept and asked, whence hadst thou that and she answered i got it of such a woman for when i told her what had befallen us she failed me not in aught but said seek of me all thou needest whereupon her husband rejoined since thou hast this much i will betake myself to a place i have in mind her adventure allah almighty will bring us relief with these words he took leave of her and kissed his children and went out not knowing whither he should go and continued walking on till he came to boulac where he saw a ship about the sail for damietta here he met a man between whom and his father there had been friendship and he saluted him and said to him whither now replied ali to damieta i have friends there whom i would inquire after and visit them and then return the man took him home and treated him honorably then furnishing him with vivers for the voyage and giving him some gold pieces and barked him on board the vessel bound for damietta when they reached it ali landed not knowing whither to go but as he was walking along a merchant saw him and had pity on him and carried him to his house here he abode awhile after which he said in himself how long the sojourning in other folks homes then he left the merchant's place and walked to the wharf where after

Starting point is 07:08:17 inquiry, he found a ship ready to sail for Syria. His hospitable host provided him with provisions and embarked him in the ship, and it set sail and Ali reached in due season the Syrian shores where he disembarked and journeyed till he entered Damascus. As he walked about the great thoroughfare, behold, the kindly man saw him and took him to his house, where he tarried for a time till, one day going abroad, he saw a caravan about to start for Baghdad, and bethought himself to journey to with it. Thereupon he returned to his host, and taking leave of him, set out with the kaffila. Now Allah, extolled and exalted be he, inclined to him the heart of one of the merchants, so that he took him with him, and Ali ate and drank with him, till they came within one day's

Starting point is 07:09:07 journey of Baghdad. Here, however, a company of highwaymen fell upon the caravan, and took all they had, and but few of the merchants escaped. These made each for a separate place of refuge, But as for Ali the Kyrene, he fared for Baghdad, where he arrived at sundown, as the gatekeepers were about to shut the gates, and said to them, Let me in with you. They admitted him, and asked him, Whence come and wither Wending, and he answered, I am a man from Cairo City, and have with me mules laden with merchandise and slaves and servants.

Starting point is 07:09:41 I forwent them to look me out a place wherein to deposit my goods, but as I rode along in my she-mule, there fell upon the same. me a company of bandetti who took my mule and gear nor did i escape from them but at my last gasp the gate-guard and treated him honourably and bade him be of good cheer saying abide with us this night and in the morning we will look thee out a place befittingly then he sought in his breast-pocket and finding a denier of those given to him by the merchant at boulog handed it to one of the gatekeepers saying take this and change it and bring us something to eat the man took it and took it and bring us something to eat the man took it and he took it and he took it and he took it and he and went to the market where he changed it, and brought Ali bread and cooked meat. So he ate, he and the gate guards, and he lay the night with them. Now on the morrow, one of the warders carried him to a certain of the merchants of Baghdad, to whom he told the same story, and he believed him, deeming that he was a merchant,

Starting point is 07:10:38 and had with him loads of merchandise. Then he took him up into his shop and entreated him with honor. moreover he sent to his house for a splendid suit of his own apparel for him and carried him to the hammam so quoth ali of cairo i went with him to the bath and when he came out he took me and brought me to his house where he set the morning meal before us and we ate and made mary then said he to one of his black slaves ho masson take this thy lord show him the two houses standing in such a place and whichever pleaseth him give him the key of it and come back so i went with the slave till we came to a street road where stood three houses side by side newly built and yet shut up he opened the first and i looked at it and we did the same to the second after which he said to me of which shall i give thee the key to whom doth the big house belong to us open it that i may view it thou hast no business there wherefore because it is haunted and none knighteth there but in the morning he is a dead man. Nor do we use to open the door when removing the corpse, but mount the terrace roof of one of the other two houses, and take it up thence. For this reason my master have abandoned the house and sayeth, I will never again give it to anyone.

Starting point is 07:12:00 Open it, I cried that I may view it, and I said in my mind, this is what I seek. I will pass the night there, and in the morning be a dead man, and be at peace from this my case. so he opened it and i entered and found it a splendid house without its like and i said to the slave i will have none other than this house give me its key but he rejoined i will not give thee this key till i consult my master and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and twenty-eighth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the negro continued U. Ali of Cairo, rejoined, I will not give thee its key till I consult my master. And going to him, reported, The Egyptian traitor saith I will lodge in none but the big house. Now when the merchant heard this, he rose, and coming to Ali, spake thus to him.

Starting point is 07:12:57 O my lord, thou hast no need of this house. But he answered, I will lodge in none other than this, for I care not for this silly saying. Quote the other, Write me an acknowledgment that if odd happened to thee, I am not responsible. possible quoth ali so be it whereupon the merchant fetched an assessor from the kazi's court and taking the prescribed acknowledgment delivered to him the key wherewith he entered the house the merchant sent him bedding by a blackamore who spread it for him on the built bench behind the door and walked away presently ali went about and seeing in the inner court a well with a bucket let this down and drew water wherewith he made the lesser ablution and prayed the obligatory prayers. Then he sat a while, till the slave brought him the evening meal from his master's house, together with a lamp, a candle and candlestick, a basin and ewer, and a gouglet,

Starting point is 07:13:53 after which he left him and returned home. Alie lighted the candle, supped at his ease, and prayed the night prayer. And presently he said to himself, Come, take the bedding and go upstairs and sleep there. Twill be better than here. So he took the bed and carried it upstairs, where he found a splendid saloon with gilded ceiling and floor and walls cased with coloured marbles. He spread his bed there, and, sitting down, began to recite somewhat of the sublime Quran. When, ere he was where, he heard one calling to him and asking, O Ali, O son of Hassan, say me, shall I send thee down the gold? And he answered, Where be the gold thou hast to send? But hardly had he spoken when gold piece,

Starting point is 07:14:40 began to rain down on him like stones from a catapult nor ceased till the saloon was full then after the golden shower said the voice set me free that i may go my way for i have made an end of my service and have delivered unto thee that which was entrusted to me for thee quoth ali i adjure thee by allah the almighty to tell me the cause of this gold rain replied the voice this is a treasure that was talism man to thee of old time, and to every one who entered the house, we used to come and say, O Ali, O son of Hassan, shall we send thee down the gold? Whereat he would be affrighted and cry out, and we would come down to him and break his neck and go away. But when thou camest, and we accosted thee by thy name, and that of thy father, saying, Shall we send thee down the gold?

Starting point is 07:15:38 and thou mayest answer to us, and where be the gold, we knew thee for the owner of it, and sent it down. Moreover, there is yet another horde for thee in the land of al-Yaman, and thou wouldst do well to journey thither and fetch it. And now I would fain have thee set me free, that I may go my way. Said Ali, by Allah I will not set thee free, till thou bring me hither the treacher, from the land of al-Yaman said the voice and I bring it to thee wilt thou release me and eke the servant of the other horde yes replied Ali and the voice cried swear to me

Starting point is 07:16:22 so he swore to him and he was about to go away when Ali said to him I have one other need to ask of thee and he what is that quote Ali I have a wife and children at Cairo in such a place, thou needs must fetch them to me, at their ease, and without their unease. Quoth he, I will bring them to thee in a mule litter, and much state, with a train of eunuchs and servants, together with the treasure from al-Yaman, Inchallah. Then he took of him leave of absence for three days, when all this should be with him and banished. As soon as it was morning, Ali went round about. about the saloon seeking a place wherein to store the gold, and saw on the edge of the dice

Starting point is 07:17:12 a marble slab with a turning pin. So he turned the pin, and the slab sank and showed a door, which he opened, and entering, found a great closet full of bags of coarse stuff carefully sown. So he began taking out the bags and fell to filling them with gold and storing them in the closet till he had transported thither all the hoarded gold. Whereupon he shut the door, and turning the pin, the slab returned to its place. Then he went down and seated himself on the bench behind the door. And presently there came a knock, so he opened, and found the merchant slave, who, seeing him comfortably sitting, returned in haste to his master.

Starting point is 07:17:52 And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 18. Section 19, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and Nights and a knight, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 19.

Starting point is 07:18:32 When it was the 429th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the houseowner's black slave returned and knocked at the door, Ali the Kareen, son of the merchant Hassan, opened it to him, and the negro, seeing him comfortably sitting, returned in haste to his master with the good tidings, saying, O my lord, the merchant who is lodged in the house inhabited by the gin, is alive and well, and sitteth on the bench behind the door. Then the merchant rose joyfully and went to the house, taking breakfast with him, and when

Starting point is 07:19:05 he saw Ali, he embraced him and kissed him between the eyes, asking, how hath the law dealt with thee. And Ali answered, Right well, I slept upstairs in the marble saloon. Quoth the merchant, did aught come to thee or didst thou see anything? And quote Ali, No, I recited some little of the sublime Quran and slept till morning, when I arose, and after making the minor ablution and praying seated myself on the bench behind the door. Praise be Allah for safety, exclaimed the merchant, then left him and presently sent him black slaves and white mammalukes and handmaidens with household gear. They swept the house from top to bottom and furnished it with magnificent furniture,

Starting point is 07:19:48 after which three white slaves and three black slaves and four slave girls remained with him to serve him, while the rest returned to their master's house. Now when the merchants heard of him, they sent him presents of all manner things of price, even to food and drink and clothes, and took him with them to the market, asking, when will thy baggage arrive? And he answered, After three days it will surely come. When the term had elapsed, the servant of the first horde, the golden reign, came to him and said, Go forth and meet thee treasure I have brought thee from all ye man together with thy harem, for I bring part of the wealth in the semblance of costly merchandise.

Starting point is 07:20:31 But the eunuchs and mamelukes and the mules and horses and camels are all of the john. now the jinny when he betook himself to cairo found ali's wife and children in sore misery naked and hungry so he carried them out of the city in a travelling litter and clad them in sumptuous raiment of the stuffs which were in the treasure of all so when ali heard this he arose and repairing to the merchants said to them rise and go forth with us from the city to meet the caravan bringing my merchandise and honour us with the presence of your hands herms to meet my harems. Harkening and obedience, answered they, and sending for their harems, went forth altogether and took seat in one of the city gardens. And as they sat talking, behold, a dust-cloud arose out of the heart of the desert, and they flocked forth to see what it was.

Starting point is 07:21:29 Presently it lifted and discovered mules and muleteers, tent-pitchers and linkmen, who came on singing and dancing till they reached the garden, when the chief of the muleteers walked up to Ali, and kissing his hand, said to him, O my master, we have been long on the way, for we purpersed entering yesterday, but we were in fear of the bandits, so abode in our station four days, till Almighty Allah rid us of them. Thereupon the merchants mounted their mules and rode forward with the caravan, the harems waiting behind, till Ali's wife and children mounted with them, and they all entered in

Starting point is 07:22:09 splendid train. The merchants marveled at the number of mules laden with chests, whilst the women of the merchants wondered at the richness of the apparel of his wife and the fine raiment of her children, and kept saying each two other, verily the king of Baghdad hath no such gear, no, nor any other of the kings or lords or merchants. So they ceased not to fare forwards in high, great state, the men with Ali of Cairo and the harems with his harem, till they came to the mansion. And Shahazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and thirtieth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that they ceased not to fare forwards in high state

Starting point is 07:22:58 the men with Ali's men and the women with his wife, till they came to the mansion, where they alighted and brought the mules and their burdens into the midst of the courtyard. Then they unloaded them and warehouse the goods, whilst the merchant's wives went up with a lease family to the saloon, which they found, as it were, a luxuriant garden, spread with magnificent furniture. They sat in mirth and good cheer till noon, when they brought them up the midday meal, all manner meats and sweetmeats of the very best, and they ate and drank cost of the cost of the very best, and they ate and drank costly sherbet's and perfumed themselves thereafter with rose-water and scented woods. Then they took leave and went home, men and women, and when the merchants returned to their places, they sent presents to the husband according to their conditions,

Starting point is 07:23:48 and their wives likewise sent presents to the wife, so that there came to them great store of handmaids and negroes and mamelukes, and all kinds of goods such as grain, sugar, and so forth in abundance beyond a case. count. As for the Baghdad merchant, the landlord of the house, he abode with Ali and quitted him not, but said to him, Let the black slaves and servants take the mules and the common cattle into one of my other houses to rest. Quoth Ali, they set out again to night for such a place. Then he gave them leave to go forth and camp outside the city that they might start on their journey at night come. Whereupon, hardly believing that they were dismissed, they took leave of him, and departing to the outliers of the city, flew off through the air to their several abodes.

Starting point is 07:24:39 So Ali and his houseowner sat together till a third of the night was passed, when their colloquy ended, and the merchant returned to his own house, and Ali went up to his wife and children, and after saluting them, said, What hath befallen you in my absence all this time? so she told him what they had suffered of hunger and nakedness and travail and he said praise be allah for safety how did ye come answered she o my lord i was asleep with my children yesterday night when suddenly and unexpectedly one raised us from the ground and flew with us through the firmament without doing us any hurt nor did he leave flying with us till he set us down in a place as it were an arab camping-ground where we saw laden mules and a travelling litter borne upon two great mules and around it servants all boys and men so i asked them who are ye and what are these loaves and where are we and they answered we are the servants of the merchant ali of cairo son of the merchant jeweller who hath sent us to fetch you to him at baghdad quoth i tell me is it far or near hence to baghdad they replied near there lieth between us and the city but the darkness of the night then they mounted us in the litter and when the morrow dawned we found ourselves with thee without having suffered any hurt whatever quoth he who gave you these dresses and quoth she the chief of the caravan opened one of the boxes on the mules and taking out thereof these clothes clad me and thy children each in a suit after which he locked the case and gave me the key saying take care of it till thou give it to thy husband

Starting point is 07:26:28 and here it is safe by me so saying she gave him the key and he said dost thou know the chest said she yes i know it so he took her down to the magazine and showed her the boxes when she cried this is the one whence the dresses were taken upon which he put the key in the lock and opened the chest wherein he found much raiment and the keys of all the other cases so he took them and fell to opening them one after another and feasting his eyes upon the gems and the precious oars they contained whose like was not found with any of the kings after which he locked them again took the keys and returned to the keys and returned to his eyes upon the gems and the precious ores they contained whose like was not found with any of the kings after which he locked them again took the keys and returned to the saloon saying to his wife this is of the bounty of almighty allah then bringing her to the secret slab he turned the pin and opened the door of the closet into which he entered with her and showed her the gold he had laid up therein quoth she whence came all this to thee it came to me by the grace of my lord answered he and shahazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and thirty-first night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when alie's wife had looked upon the gold she said to him whence came all this to thee it came to me by the grace of my lord answered he when i left thee in my trouble i shipped at baluk for damietta and met a friend there who forwarded me to damascus in brief he told her all that had befallen him from first to last said she o my lord all this cometh by boon of thy father's blessing and orisons when he prayed for thee before his death saying i beseech allah to cast thee into no straits except he grant thee ready relief

Starting point is 07:28:24 so praise be allah almighty for that he hath brought thee deliverance and hath requited thee with more than went from thee but allah upon thee o my lord return not to thy practice of associating with doubtful folk but look thou fear allah whose name be exalted both in private and in public and as she went on to admonish him he said i accept thine admonition and beg the almighty to remove the froward from amongst us and establish us in his obedience and in the observance of the law and practice of his prophet on whom be blessings and peace after that ali and his wife and children were in all solace of life and gladness and he opened him a shop in the merchant's bazaar and stocking it was with a somewhat of jewels and bullion, sat therein with his children and white servants. Presently, he became the most considerable of the merchants of Baghdad, and his report reached the king of that city, who sent a messenger to command his attendance, saying, answer the summons of the king who requireeth thee. He replied, I hear and obey, and straightway prepared his present, and he took four trays of red gold, and filling them with jewels and precious

Starting point is 07:29:43 metals such as no king possessed, went up to the palace, and presenting himself before the presence, kissed the ground between his hands, and wished him endurance of goods and glory in the finest language he could command. Said the king, O merchant, thou cheerest our city with thy presence. And Ali rejoined, O king of the age, thy slave hath brought thee a gift, and hopeeth for acceptance thereof from thy favor. Then he laid the foretrays before the king, who on the king. uncovered them, and seeing that they contain gems whose fellows he possessed not, and whose worth equaled treasuries of money, said,

Starting point is 07:30:22 Thy present is accepted, O merchant, and, inshallah, we will requite thee with its like. And Ali kissed his hands, and went away, whereupon the king called his grandees, and said to them, How many of the kings have sought my daughter in marriage? Many, answered they, and he asked, hath any of them given me the like of this gift whereto they replied not one for that none of them hath its like and he said i have consulted allah almighty by lot as to marrying my daughter to this merchant what say ye be it as thou reckest answered they then he bade the eunuch carry the foretrays into his seraglio and going into his wife laid them before her she uncovered them and seeing therein that whose like he possessed not no nor a fraction thereof said to him from which of the kings hadst thou these perchance of one of the royalties that seek thy daughter in marriage said he not so i had them of an egyptian merchant who has lately come to this our city now when i heard of his coming i sent to command him to us thinking to make his acquaintance so happily we might find with him somewhat of jewels and buy them of him for our daughter's trest

Starting point is 07:31:44 he obeyed our summons and brought us these four trays as a present and i saw him to be a handsome youth of dignified aspect and intelligent as elegant as elegant as elegant as elegant as elegant and i saw him to be a handsome youth of dignified aspect and intelligent as elegant almost such as should be the sons of kings wherefore my heart inclined to him at sight and my heart rejoiced in him and i thought good to marry my daughter to him so i showed the gift to my grandees who agreed with me that none of the kings hath the like of these and i told them my project but what sayest thou and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and thirty-second night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that the king of bagdad after showing the presence to his wife and highly praising ali the merchant jeweller and informing her of the proposed marriage asked but what sayest thou she replied o king of the age the ordering this affair is in allah's hand and thine whatso allah willeth shall come to pass rejoined the king if it be his will i will marry her to none other than this young man he slept on this resolve and on the morrow he went out to his divan and summoned ali and the rest of the merchants of baghdad and when all came bade them be seated then said he bring me the kazi of the divan and they brought him whereupon whereupon whereupon whereupon upon the king said to him o kazi write the contract of marriage between my daughter and the merchant ali the karene but ali said thy pardon o our lord the sultan it befitteth not that a traitor such as i be the king's son-in-law

Starting point is 07:33:35 quoth the king it is my will to bestow this favor upon thee as well as the wazirate and he invested him forthwith in the wazir's office and ministerial robes then ali sat down in the chair of the wazirate and said o king of the age thou hast bestowed on me this and indeed i am honoured by thy bounties but hear one word i have to say to thee he replied say on and fear not quoth ali since it is thine august resolution to marry thy daughter thou wouldst do better to marry her to my son quoth the king hast thou then a son and ali replied yes send for him forthwith said the king thereupon answered ali hearkening and obedience and despatched a servant to fetch his son who came and kissing the ground before the king stood in an attitude of response the king looked at him and seeing him to be yet comelier than his daughter and goodlier than she in stature and proportion and brightness and perfection said to him what is thy name o my son my name is hassan o our lord the sultan replied the young man who was then fourteen years old then the sultan said to the kazi write the contract of marriage between my daughter hussan al wu jid and hasan son of the merchant Ali the Chirin. So he wrote the marriage contract between them, and the affair was ended in the

Starting point is 07:35:13 goodliest fashion, after which all in the Devon went their ways, and the merchants followed the wazir Ali, escorting him to his house, where they gave him joy of his advancement and departed. Then he went into his wife, who seeing him clad in the wazir's habit, exclaimed, What is this? When he told her all that has had been. had passed from first to last, and she joyed therein with exceeding joy. So sped the night, and on the morrow he went up to the divan, where the king received him

Starting point is 07:35:47 with a special favor, and seating him close by his side, said, O wazir, we purpose to begin the wedding festivities and bring thy son in to our daughter. Replied Ali, O our lord the sultan, whatso thou deemest good is good. so the sultan gave orders to celebrate the festivities and they decorated the city and held high festival for thirty days in all joy and gladness at the end of which time a son son of the wazir ali went into the princess and enjoyed her beauty and loveliness when the queen saw her daughter's husband she conceived a warm affection for him and in like manner she rejoiced greatly in his mother then the king bade build for his son-in-law, Hassan Ali's son, a palace beside his own. So they built him, with all speed, a splendid palace in which he took up his abode. And his mother used to tarry with him some days and then go down to her own house. After a while, the queen said to her husband,

Starting point is 07:36:52 O king of the age, Hassan's lady mother cannot take up her abode with her son and leave the wazir. neither can she tarry with the wazir and leave her son. Thou sayest sooth, replied the king, and bade edify a third palace beside that of Hassan, which being done in a few days, he caused remove thither the goods of the wazir, and the minister and his wife took up their abode there. Now the three palaces communicated with one another, so that when the king had a mind to speak with the wazir by night, he would go to him or send to fetch him,

Starting point is 07:37:28 and so with hassan and his father and mother on this wise they dwelt in all solace and in the greatest happiness and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say End of Section 19. Section 20, Volume 5 of The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night. Translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit livervox.org. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night.

Starting point is 07:38:17 Volume 5, Section 20. when it was the four hundred and thirty-third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the king and the wazir and his son ceased not to dwell in all solace and in the greatest happiness awhile till the king fell ill and his sickness grew on him so he summoned the lords of his realm and said to them there has come upon me a sore malady peradventure a mortal and i have therefore summoned you to consult you respecting a certain matter on which I would have you counsel me as you deem well. They asked, What is the matter of which thou wouldst take counsel with us, O king? And he answered, I am old and sickly, and I fear for the realm after me from its enemies.

Starting point is 07:39:06 So I would have you all agree upon some one that I may proclaim him king in my lifetime, and so ye may be at ease. Whereupon quoth they with one voice, we all approve of thy daughter's husband, Hassan, son of the wazir Ali, for we have seen his wit and perfect understanding, and he knoweth the place of all, great and small. Ask the king, are ye indeed agreed upon this? And they answered, yes.

Starting point is 07:39:35 Rejoined he, per adventure ye all say this to my face of respect for me, but behind my back ye will say otherwise. However, they all replied, by Allah our word is one in the same in public and in private, and we accept him frankly, and with hardiness of heart and breath of breast. Quoth he, since the cases thus, bring the kazi of the holy law and all the Chamberlains and Viceroy's and officers of state before me tomorrow, and we will order the affair after the goodliest fashion. We hear and obey, answered they, and withdrawing notified all the Olima, the doctors of the law, and the chief personages among the emirs. So when the morrow dawned they came up to the divan, and having craved and obtained permission to enter, they saluted the king, saying,

Starting point is 07:40:27 Here are we all in thy presence. Where too he made reply, O emirs of Baghdad, Whom will ye have to be king over you after me, that I may inaugurate him during my lifetime before the presence of you all? Both they with one voice, we are agreed upon thy daughter's husband Hassan, son of the wazir Ali. Quoth he, if it be so, go all of you and bring him before me. So they all arose, and repairing to Hassan's palace, said to him, rise, come with us to the king. Wherefore? asked he, and they answered, for a thing that will benefit both us and thee. So he went in with them to the king and kissed the ground before his father-in-law, who said to him, be seated o my son he sat down and the king continued o hasan all the emirs have approved of thee and agreed to make the king over them after me and it is my purpose to proclaim thee whilst i yet live and so make an end of the business

Starting point is 07:41:29 but hasan stood up and kissing the ground once more before the king said to him o our lord among the emirs there are many who are older than i and greater of worth acquit me therefore of this thing but all the emirs cried out saying we consent not but that thou be king over us then said hasan my father is older than i and i and he are one thing and it befits not to advance me over him but ali said i will consent to nothing save whatso contenteth my brethren and they have all chosen and agreed upon thee wherefore gainsay thou not the king's commandment and that of thy brethren and hasan hung his head abashed before the king and his father then said the king to the emirs do ye all accept of him we do answered they and recited thereupon seven fatihas so the king said o draw up a legal instrument testifying of these emirs that they are agreed to make king over them my daughter's husband hassan the kazi wrote the act and made it binding on all men after they had sworn in abody the oath of fealty to hasan then the king did likewise and bade him take his seat on the throne of kingship whereupon they all arose and kissed king hasan's hands and did homage to him and swore loyalty to him and the new king dispensed justice among the people that day in a fashion right royal and invested the grandees of the realm in splendid robes of honor when the divan broke up he went in to and kissed the hands of his father-in-law who spake thus to him o my son look thou rule the lieges in the fear of allah and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say

Starting point is 07:43:24 when it was the four hundred and thirty-fourth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when king hasan was quit of the divan he went into and kissed the hands of his wife's father who spake thus to him o my son look thou rule the lieges in the fear of allah where too he replied o my father through thy prayers for me the grace and guidance of allah will come to me then he entered his own palace and was met by his wife and her mother, and their attendants, who kissed his hands and gave him joy of his advancement, saying, Be this day blessed. Next he went into his father and mother, who joyed with exceeding joy in that which Allah had vouchsafed him of his advancement to the kingship, and his father charged him to fear Allah and to deal mercifully with his subjects. He passed the night in glee and gladness, and on the morrow, having prayed the obligatory prayers ending with the usual, short chapters of the Quran, he went up to the divan, whither came all his officers and dignitaries.

Starting point is 07:44:34 He passed the day in dispensing justice among the folk, bidding to graciousness and forbidding ungraciousness, and appointing to place and displacing till day end, when the divan broke up after the goodliest fashion, and all the troops withdrew and each went his own way. Then he arose and repaired to the palace, where he found his father's. in-law's sickness grown heavy upon him, and said to him, May no ill befall thee. At this the old king opened his eyes and said, O Hassan!

Starting point is 07:45:07 And he replied, At thy service, O my lord. Quoth the old king, Mine appointed hour is at hand. Be thou careful of thy wife and her mother, and look thou fear Allah and honour thy parents, and bide in awe of the majesty of the requiting king, and bear in mind that he commandeth justice,

Starting point is 07:45:26 and good works. And King Hassan replied, I hear and obey. Now after this, the old king lingered three days and then departed into the mercy of Almighty Allah. So they laid him out, and shrouded and buried him, and held over him readings and perlections of the Quran, to the end of the customary 40 days. And King Hassan, son of the wazir, reigned in his stead, and his subjects joyed in him, all his days were gladness. Moreover, his father ceased not to be his chief wazir on his right hand, and he took to himself another wazir to be at his left hand. His reign was a prosperous and well-ordered, and he lived a long life as king of Baghdad, and Allah blessed him, by the old king's daughter, with three sons who inherited the kingdom after him. And they abode in

Starting point is 07:46:23 the solace of life and its pleasures, till there came to them the destroyer. of delight and the severer of societies. And the glory be to him who is eternal, and in whose hand are annulling and confirming. And of the tales they tell is one of the pilgrim man and the old woman. A man of the pilgrims once slept a long sleep and awaking found no trace of the caravan. So he rose up and walked on, but lost his way, and presently came to a tent where he saw an old woman standing at the entrance, and by her side a dog asleep. He went up to the tent, and saluting the old woman, sought of her food, when she replied, Go to yonder waitie and catch thy sufficiency of serpents that I may broil of them for thee and give thee to eat. Rejoined the pilgrim,

Starting point is 07:47:19 I dare not catch serpents, nor did I ever eat them. Quote the old woman, I will go with thee and catch them, fear not. So she went with him, father, followed by the dog to the valley and catching a sufficient number of serpents proceeded to broil them he saw nothing for it saith the story-teller but to eat in fear of hunger and exhaustion so he ate of the serpents then he was a thirst and asked for water to drink and she answered go to the spring and drink accordingly he went to the spring and found the water thereof bitter yet needs must he drink of it despite its bitterness because of the violence of his thirst. Presently he returned to the old woman and said to her, I marvel, O ancient dame, at thy choosing to sojourn in this place. And Shara Zad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and thirty-fifth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the Palmer man drank the bitter

Starting point is 07:48:24 draught for stress of thirst, he returned and said, I marvel, O ancient dame, at thy choosing to sojourn in this place, and thy putting up with such meat and drink. She asked, and how is it then in thy country? Where too, he answered, in my country are houses wide and spacious, and fruits ripe and delicious, and water sweet, and beyond savors, and of goodly use, and meats fat and full of juice, and flocks in numerous, and all things pleasant, and all the goods of life, the like whereof are not, save in the paradise which Allah the omnipot the omnipotent hath promised to his servants pious replied she all this have i heard but tell me have ye a sultan who ruleth over you and is tyrannical in his rule and under whose hand you are

Starting point is 07:49:14 one who if any of you commit an offence taketh his goods and ruineth him and who when as he will turneth you out of house and home and uprooted you stock and branch replied the man indeed that may be and she replied if so by allah these your delicious food and life of daintihood and gifts however good with tyranny and oppression are but a searching poison while our coarse meat which in freedom and safety we eat is a helpful medicine hast thou not heard that the best of boons after all islam the true fatah are sanity and security now such boons quoth he who telleth the tale may be by the just rule of the sultan vice-regent of a law on his earth and the goodness of his polity the sultan of time past needed but little awfulness for when the liegis saw him they feared him but the sultan of these days hath need of the most accomplished polity and the utmost majesty because men are not as men of bygone time and this our age is one of folk opprevious and is greatly calamitous noted for folly and hardness of heart and inclined to hate and enmity if therefore the sultan which almighty all might allah forfend be weak or wanting in polity and majesty this will be the assured cause of his country's ruin quote the proverb and hundred years of the sultan's tyranny but not one year of the people's tyranny one over other when the lieges oppress one another allah seteth over them a tyrannical sultan and a terrible king thus it is told in history that one day there was sent to al hajaj bin yusuf a slip of paper whereon was written fear allah and oppress not his servants with all manner of oppression

Starting point is 07:51:17 when he read this he mounted the pulpit for he was eloquent and ever ready of speech and said o folk allah almighty hath made me ruler over you by reason of your frowadness and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and thirty-sixth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when hijaj yusuf son read the paper he mounted mounted the pulpit and said, O folk, Allah Almighty hath made me ruler over you by reason of your frowardness, and indeed, though I die, yet will ye not be delivered from oppression with these your ill deeds, for the Almighty hath created like unto me many and one. If it be not I, twill be one more mischievous than I, and a mightier in oppression, and a more merciless in his majesty. Even as saitheth the poet, for not a deed the hand can try save neath the hand of god on high nor tyrant harsh work tyranny uncrushed by tyrant harsh as he tyranny is feared but justice is the best of all things we beg allah to better our case and among tales is that of abu al husan and his slave-girl ta'wadud there was once in baghdad a man of consequence and rich in monies and immovables who was one of the chiefs of the merchants and allah had largely endowed him with worldly goods but had not vouchsafed him what he longed for of offspring and there was passed over him a long space of time without his being blessed with issue male or female his years waxed great his bones became wasted and his back bent weakness and weariness grew upon him and he felt feared the loss of his wealth and possessions, seeing he had no child whom he might make his heir,

Starting point is 07:53:25 and by whom his name should be remembered. So he betook himself with supplication to Almighty Allah, fasting by day and praying through the night. Moreover, he vowed many vows to the living, the eternal, and visited the pious, and was constant in supplication to the most highest, till he gave ear to him and accepted his prayer and took pity on his straining and complaining so that before many days were passed he knew carnally one of his women and she conceived by him the same night in due time she finished her months and casting her burden bore a male child as he were a slice of the moon whereupon the merchant fulfilled his vows in his gratitude to allah to whom be honouring glory and gave alms and clothed the widow and the orphan on the seventh night after the boy's birth he named him abu al husan and the wet nurses suckled him and the dry nurses dandled him and the servants and the slaves carried him and handled him till he shot up and grew tall and throve greatly and learnt the sublime and the ordinances of all islam and the canons of the true faith and calligraphy and poetry and mathematics and archery on this wide he became the union pearl of his age and the goodliest of the folk of his time and his day

Starting point is 07:54:46 bear of face and of tongue fluent carrying himself with a light and graceful gait and glorying in his stature proportionate and amorous graces which were to many a bait and his cheeks were red and flower white was his forehead and his side face waxed brown with tender down even as saith one describing him the spring of the down on cheeks right clearly shows and how when the spring is gone shall last the rose dost thou not see that the growth upon his cheek is violet bloom that from its leaves outgrows he abode awhile in ease and happiness with his father who rejoiced and delighted in him till he came to man's estate when the merchant one day made him sit down before him and said o my son the appointed term draweth near my hour of death is at hand and it remaineth but to meet allah to whom belong majesty and might i leave thee what shall suffice thee even to thy son's son of monies and mansions farms and gardens wherefore fear thou almighty allah o my son in dealing with that which i bequeath to thee and follow none but those who will help thee to the divine favour not long after he sickened and died so his son ordered his funeral after the goodliest wise and burying him returned to his house and sat mourning for him many days and nights but behold certain of his friends came into him and said to him whoso leaveth a son like thee is not dead indeed what is past is past and fled and mourning be seemeth none but the young maid and the wife cloistered and they ceased not from him till they reeked wrought on him to enter the hamam and break off his mourning.

Starting point is 07:56:38 And Sharazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 20. Section 21, Volume 5 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Eva Easton

Starting point is 07:57:18 The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 21, 437th through 440th night. When it was the 437th night, she said, hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Abu al-Husen was visited by his friends and taken to the Haman and persuaded to break off his mourning, he presently forgot his father's charge, and his head was turned by his riches. He thought fortune would always wone with him as it was, and that wealth would ever wax and never wane. So he ate and drags. and made merry, and took his pleasure, and gave gifts of gear and coin, and was profuse with gold, and addressed himself up to eating fowls, and breaking the seals of wine flasks,

Starting point is 07:58:24 and listening to the giggle of the daughter of the vine, as she gurgled from the flagon, and enjoying the jingle of the singing girls. Nor did he give over this way of life, till his wealth was wasted, and the case worsened, and all his goods went from him, and he bit his hands in bitter penitence. For of a truth he had nothing left, after that which he had squandered, but a concubine, a slave-girl whom his father had bequeathed to him with the rest of his estate, and she had no equal in beauty and loveliness, and brightness, and liveliness, and, and and symmetric stature and perfect grace. She was past mistress in every manner of arts and accomplishments, and endowed with many excellences, surpassing all the folk of her age and time.

Starting point is 07:59:23 She was grown more notorious than a waymark for her seductive genius, and outdid the fair both in theory and practice, and she was noted for her swimming-gate, flexile, and delicate, albeit she was full five feet in height, and by all the boons of fortune decked and dight, with straight-arched brows twain, as they were the crescent moon of Shaban, and eyes like gazelle's eye, and nose like the edge of scimitar fine, and cheeks like anemones of blood-red shine, and mouth like Solomon's seal and sign, and teeth like necklaces of pearls in line, and navel holding an ounce of oil of benzoyne, and waste more slender than his body whom love hath wasted, and whom concealment hath made sick with pine, and hind parts heavier than two hills of sand. Briefly, she was a volume

Starting point is 08:00:25 of charms after his saying, who saith. Her fair shape ravish, if face to face she did appear, and if she turn, for severance from her she slayeth sheer. Sun-like, full-moon-like, sapling-like, unto her character, estrangement no wise appertains, nor cruelty austere. Under the bosom of her shift the garths of Eden are, and the full moon revolveth still upon her neck-rings sphere. Seemed of full moon rising, and a gazelle browsing, a girl of nine plus five, shaming the moon and sun, even as saith of her the sayer, eloquent and ingenious. Semlance of full moon heaven bore, when five and five are conjoined by four.

Starting point is 08:01:21 Tis not my sin if she made of me. It's like when it riseth, horizon o'er. Clean of skin, odiferous of breath, it seemed as if she were of fire fashioned, and of crystal molded. Rose red was the cheek of her, and perfect the shape and form of her, even as one saith of her, describing her. Scented with sandal and musk, right proudly doth she go, with gold and silver, and rose and saffron color a glow. A flower in a garden she is, a pearl in an ouch of gold, or an image in chapel set for worship of high and low. Slender and shapely she is, vivacity bids her arise, but the weight of her hip says sit or softly and slowly go. When as her favors I seek and sue for my heart's desire, be gracious her beauty says, but her coquetry answers no.

Starting point is 08:02:28 Glory to him who made beauty her portion, and that of her lover to be the prate of the censors, ha'ho. She captivated all who saw her with the excellence of her beauty and the sweetness of her smile, and shot them down with the shafts she launched from her eyes. And with all she was eloquette. of speech, and excellently skilled in verse. Now, when Abu al-Husson had squandered all his gold, and his ill-plight, all could behold, and there remained to him not save this slave-girl, he abode three days without tasting meat, or taking rest and sleep, and the handmaid said to him, O my lord, carry me to the commander of the faithful, Harun al-Rashid, and Shah Razaan,

Starting point is 08:03:20 perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and thirty-eighth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that quoth the slave-girl to her master o my lord carry me to harun al-rashid fifth of the sons of abbas and seek of him to my price ten thousand dinars if he deem me dear say to him O Prince of true believers, my handmaid is worth more than this. Do but prove her, and her value will be magnified in thine eyes, for this slave-girl hath not her equal, and she were unfit to any but thou. And she added, Beware, O my lord, of selling me at less than the sum I have named, Indeed, tis but little for the like of me. Now her owner knew not her worth, nor that she had no equal in her day. But he carried her to the Caliph, and set her in the presence, and repeated what she had bidden him say.

Starting point is 08:04:31 The Caliph asked her, What is thy name? To which she answered, my name is Thawadud. He then inquired, O Tawadud, in what branches of knowledge dost thou excel? And she replied, O my lord, I am versed in syntax and poetry, and jurisprudence, and exegesis, and philosophy. And I am skilled in music, and the knowledge of the divine ordinances, and in arithmetic, and geodesy, and geometry, and the fables of the ancients. i know the sublime koran by heart and have read it according to the seven the ten and the fourteen modes i know the number of its chapters and verses and sections and words and its halves and fourths and eighths and tenths the number of prostrations which occur in it and the sum total of its letters and i know what there is in it of abrogating and abrogated

Starting point is 08:05:35 also what parts of it were revealed at almedina and what at mecca and the cause of the different revelations i know the holy traditions of the apostle's sayings historical and legendary the established and those whose ascription is doubtful and i have studied the exact sciences geometry and philosophy and medicine and logic and rhetoric and composition and i have learnt many things by rote and am passionately fond of poetry I can play the lute and know its gamut and notes and notation and the crescendo and diminuendo. If I sing and dance I seduce, and if I dress and scent myself, I slay. In fine I have reached a pitch of perfection, such as can be estimated only by those of them who are firmly rooted in knowledge. Now when the Caliph heard these words spoken by one so young, he wondered, at her eloquence, and turning to Abu al-Huson, said, I will summon those who shall discuss with her all she claimeth to know.

Starting point is 08:06:49 If she answer correctly, I will give thee the price thou askest for her, and more, and if not, thou art fitter to have her than I. With gladness in goodly grie, O commander of the faithful, replied Abou al-Huson, So the Caliph wrote to the Viceroy of Basar to send him Ibrahim bin Siyar the Prositist, who was the first man of his day in argument and eloquence and poetry and logic, and bade him bring with him readers of the Quran and learned doctors of the law, and physicians and astrologers, and scientists and mathematicians and philosophers. And Ibrahim was more learned than all.

Starting point is 08:07:35 In a little while they arrived at the palace of the caliphate, knowing not what was to do, and the Caliph sent for them to his sitting-chamber, and ordered them to be seated. So they sat down, and obeyed bring the damsel, Tawadud, who came, and unveiling, showed herself, as she were a sparkling star. The Caliph set her a stool of gold, and she saluted, and speaking with an eloquent tongue, said, O commander of the faithful, bid the Olima and the doctors of law and leeches and astrologers and scientists and mathematicians, and all here present contend with me an argument. So he said to them, I desire of you that ye dispute with this damsel on the things of her faith

Starting point is 08:08:25 and stultify her argument in all she advances, and they answered, saying, We hear and we obey Allah and thee, O commander of the faithful. Upon this, Thawadud bowed her head and said, Which of you is the doctor of the law, the scholar, versed in the readings of the Koran, and in the traditions? Quoth one of them, I am the man thou seekest. Quoth she, then ask me of what thou wilt. Said the doctor, hast thou read the precious book of Allah? and dost thou know its cancelling and cancelled parts, and hast thou meditated its verses and its letters?

Starting point is 08:09:08 Yes, answered she. Then, said he, I will proceed to question thee of the obligations and the immutable ordinances. So tell me of these, O damsel, and who is thy lord, who thy prophet, who thy guide, what is thy point affronting in prayer, and who be thy brethren? Also, what thy spiritual path and what thy highway. Where too she replied, Allah is my lord, and Mohammed, whom Allah save and is saying my prophet, and the Quran is my guide, and the Kabat my fronting, and the true believers are my brethren.

Starting point is 08:09:51 The practice of good is my path, and the sunnah my highway. The Caliph again marveled at her words so eloquently spoken by one so young, and the doctor pursued, O damsel, with what do we know Almighty Allah, said she, with the understanding, said he, and what is the understanding? Quoth she, it is of two kinds, natural and acquired. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and thirty-ninth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the damsel continued, The understanding is of two kinds, natural and acquired.

Starting point is 08:10:45 The natural is that which Allah, to whom be honor and glory, created for the right direction of his servants, after his will. And the acquired is that which men accomplish, by dint of study and fair knowledge. He rejoined, Thou hast answered well. Question. Where is the seat of the understanding? Allah casteth it in the heart, whence its lustrous beams ascend to the brain, and there become fixed. Question How knowest thou the prophet of Allah By the reading of Allah's holy book

Starting point is 08:11:27 And by signs and proofs and portents and miracles Question What are the obligations in the immutable ordinances? The obligations are five One Testification that there is no Ila but Allah No God but the God alone and one, which for partner hath none, and that Muhammad is his servant and his apostle.

Starting point is 08:11:55 2. The standing in prayers. 3. The payment of the poor rate. 4. Fasting Ramadan. 5. The pilgrimage to Allah's holy house for all to whom the journey is possible. The immutable ordinances are four. To wit. Night and day and sun and moon, the which build up life and hope, nor any son of Adam woteth if they will be destroyed on the day of judgment. Question. What are the obligatory observances of the faith? They are five. Prayer, almsgiving, fasting, pilgrimage, fighting for the faith, and abstinence from the forbidden. Question. Why dost thou stand up to pray? To express the devout intent of the slave acknowledging the deity.

Starting point is 08:12:57 Question. What are the obligatory conditions which precedes standing in prayer? Purification, covering the shame, avoidance of soiled clothes, standing on a clean place, fronting the Ka'aba, an upright posture, the intent and the pronouncing alo Akbar of prohibition. Question. With what shouldest thou go forth from thy house to pray? With the intent of worship mentally pronounced. Question. With what intent shouldest thou enter the mosque? With an intent of service. Question.

Starting point is 08:13:44 Why do we front the kiblach in obedience to three divine orders and one traditional ordinance? Question. What are the beginning, the consecration, and the end of prayer? Purification beginneth prayer, saying the al-a-hbar of prohibition consecrated, and the salutation endeth prayer. Question. What deserveth he? who neglecteth prayer. It is reported among the authentic traditions of the prophet that he said,

Starting point is 08:14:25 Whoso neglecteth prayer willfully and purposely hath no part in al-Islam. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fortieth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that after the damsel had repeated the words of that holy tradition, the doctor cried. Thou hast replied aright. Now say me, what is prayer? Prayer is communion between the slave and his lord, and in it are ten virtues. One, it illumineth the heart. Two, it maketh the face shine. 3. It pleaseth the compassionate one. 4. It angereth Satan.

Starting point is 08:15:20 5. It conjureth calamity. 6. It wardeth off the mischief of enemies. 7. It multiplieth mercy. 8. It forfendeth vengeance and punishment. 9. It bringeth the slave to sin. nigh unto his lord, and ten, it restraineth from lewdness and frowardness. Hence, it is one of the absolute requisites and obligatory ordinances and the pillar of the faith. Question.

Starting point is 08:15:58 What is the key of prayer? Wist, or the lesser ablution. Question. What is the key to the lesser ablution? intention and naming the Almighty Question What is the key of naming the Almighty? Assured faith

Starting point is 08:16:21 Question What is the key of faith? Trust in the Lord Question What is the key of trust in the Lord? Hope Question What is the key of hope?

Starting point is 08:16:43 Obedience. Question. What is the key of obedience? The confession of the unity and the acknowledgement of the divinity of Allah. Question. What are the divine ordinances of Wuzu, the minor ablution? They are six, according to the canon of the Imam al-Shafi Muhammad bin Idris, of whom Allah except. 1. Intent while washing the face. Two, washing the face. Three, washing the hands and

Starting point is 08:17:21 forearms. Four, wiping part of the head. Five, washing the feet and heels. Six, observing due order. and the traditional statutes are 10. 1. Nomination. 2. And washing the hands before putting them into the water pot. 3. And mouth rinsing. 4. And snuffing. 5.

Starting point is 08:17:56 And wiping the whole head. 6. And wetting the ears within and without. with fresh water seven and separating a thick beard eight and separating the fingers and toes nine and washing the right foot before the left and ten doing each of these thrice and all in unbroken order when the minor ablution is ended the worshipper should say I testify that there is no God but the God the one, which for partner hath none, and I testify that Muhammad is his servant and his apostle. O my Allah, make me of those who repent,

Starting point is 08:18:46 and impurity are permanent. Glory to thee, O my God, and in thy praise I bear witness, that there is no God save thou. I crave pardon of thee, and I repent to thee, for it is reported in the holy traditions that the prophet whom Allah bless and preserve said of this prayer. Whoso endeth every ablution with this prayer, the eight gates of paradise are open to him. He shall enter at which he pleaseth. Question. When a man purposeth ablution, what betideth him from the angels and the devils? When a man prepareth for ablution, the angels cuteth him.

Starting point is 08:19:27 the angels come and stand on his right, and the devil's on his left hand. If he name Almighty Allah at the beginning of the ablution, the devils flee from him, and the angels hover over him with a pavilion of light, having four ropes, to each an angel glorifying Allah and craving pardon for him, so long as he remaineth silent or calleth upon the name of Allah. But if he omit to begin washing with naming Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, neither remains silent. The devils take command of him, and the angels depart from him, and Satan whispereth evil

Starting point is 08:20:09 thoughts unto him, till he fall into doubt and come short in his ablution. For, quoth he on whom be blessing and peace, A perfect ablution driveeth away Satan, and assureth against the tyranny of the sultan. And again, quoth he, if calamity befall one who is not pure by ablution, verily and assuredly let him blame none but himself. Question. What should a man do when he awaketh from sleep? He should wash his hands thrice before putting them into the water vessel. Question. What are the Quranic and traditional orders Anent Gussl? the complete ablution.

Starting point is 08:20:57 The divine ordinances are intent and crowning the whole body with water, that is, the liquid shall come at every part of the hair and skin. Now the traditional ordinances are the minor ablution as preliminary, rubbing the body, separating the hair, and deferring in words, the washing of the feet till the end of the ablution. and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 21. Recording by Eva Easton, Slottsburgh, New York.

Starting point is 08:21:43 Section 22, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 Eva Easton The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 22, 441st through 44th night.

Starting point is 08:22:24 When it was the four hundred and forty-first night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when the damsel had recounted to the doctor, What were the divine, and traditional orders Anent-Gusel, or total ablution, Quoth he, Thou hast replied aright. Now tell me what are the occasions for tiamom, Or making the ablution with sand in dust,

Starting point is 08:22:51 and what are the ordinances thereof divine and human? The reasons are seven, viz, want of water, fear lest water lack, need thereto, going astray on a march, sickness, having broken bones in splints, and having open wounds. As for its ordinances, the divine. number four viz intent dust clapping it to the face and clapping it upon the hands and the human number two nomination and preferring the right before the left hand question what are the conditions the pillars or essentials and the traditional statutes of prayer The conditions are five. 1. Purification of the members.

Starting point is 08:24:00 2. Covering of the privy parts. 3. Observing the proper hours, either of certainty or to the best of one's belief. 4. Fronting the Kibla. And 5. Standing on a clean place. The pillars or is. Essentials number 12. 1. Intent.

Starting point is 08:24:28 2. The Takbir or magnification of prohibition. 3. Standing when able to stand. 4. Repeating the fatah or opening chapter of the Quran and saying, In the name of Allah, the compassionating, the compassionate, with a verse thereof according to. the canon of the Imam al-Shafi. 5. Bowing the body and keeping it bowed.

Starting point is 08:25:01 6. Returning to the upright posture and so remaining for the time requisite. 7. Prostration and permanence therein. 8. Sitting between two prostrations and permanence therein. 9. Repeating the latter profession of the faith and sitting up therefore. 10. Invoking benediction on the prophet, Huma bless and preserve. 11. The first salutation and 12, the intent of making an end of prayer expressed in words.

Starting point is 08:25:45 But the traditional statutes are the call to prayer, the standing posture, raising the hands to either side of the face whilst pronouncing the prohibition, uttering the magnification before reciting the fatihah, seeking refuge with Allah, saying Amin, repeating the chapter of the Quran after the fatihah, repeating the magnifications during change of posture, saying, may Allah hear him who praises him, and O our Lord, to thee be the praise. Praying aloud in the proper place, and praying under the breath prayers so prescribed. The first profession of unity and sitting up there too. Blessing the prophet therein.

Starting point is 08:26:42 Blessing his family in the latter profession and the same. second salutation. Question. On what is the zakat or obligatory poor rate taxable? On gold and silver and camels and oxen and sheep and wheat and barley and hulchus and millet and beans and veches and rice and dates. Question. What is the sacat or poor rate of? on gold. Below twenty miscal or dinars, nothing. But on that amount, half a dinar for every score, and so on proportionately. Question. On silver, under two hundred dirhams nothing, then five dirhams on every two hundred, and so forth. Question. On camels? For every five and you,

Starting point is 08:27:49 or for every twenty-five a pregnant camel question on sheep and you for every forty head question what are the ordinances of the ramazan fast the koranic are intent abstinence from eating drinking and carnal copulation and the stoppage of vomiting it is incumbent on all who submit to the save women in their courses and forty days after childbirth. And it becomes obligatory on sight of the new moon or on news of its appearance, brought by a trustworthy person and commending itself as truth to the hearer's heart. And among its requisites is that the intent be pronounced at nightfall. The traditional ordinances of fasting are hastening to break the fast at sundown, deferring the fore-dawn meal, and abstaining from speech, save for good works,

Starting point is 08:28:59 and for calling on the name of Allah, and reciting the Quran. Question. What things vitiate not the fast? The use of anguance and eye-powders, and the dust of the road, and the undesigned swallowing of saliva, and the emission of seed in nocturnal pollution, or at the sight of a strange woman, and blooding and cupping. None of these things vitiates the fast. Question. What are the prayers of the two great annual festivals? Two one-bow prayers, which be a traditional ordinance, without call to prayer, or standing up to pronounce the call. But let the moslem say, prayer is a collector of all folk, and pronounce al-A-h-h-bar seven times in the first prayer,

Starting point is 08:29:56 besides the Takbir of Prohibition. And in the second, five times, besides the magnification of rising up, according to the doctrine of the Imam al-Shafi, on whom Allah have mercy, and make the profession of the faith. And Shachrazad perceive the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and forty-second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when the damsel had answered the doctor, Anent the festival prayers,

Starting point is 08:30:38 Quoth he, thou hast replied aright. Now tell me what are the prayers prescribed On the occasion of an eclipse of the sun or moon? Two one-bow prayers without call to prayer or standing thereto by the worshipper, who shall make in each two-bow prayer double standing up and double inclinations and two-fold prostrations, then sit and testify and salute. Question. What is the ritual of prayer for rain?

Starting point is 08:31:13 Two one-bow prayers without call to prayer or standing there to. then shall the mazel make the profession and the salute moreover the imam shall deliver an exhortation and ask pardon of allah in place of the magnification as in the two sermons of the festivals and turn his mantle upper edge downwards and pray and supplicate question what are the witter the additional or occasional prayers the least is is a one-bow prayer and the most eleven. Question. What is the forenoon prayer? At least two one-bow prayers and at most twelve. Question.

Starting point is 08:32:04 What hast thou to say of the itikaf or retreat? It is a matter of traditional ordinance. Question. What are its conditions? 1. Intent. 2. Not leaving the mosque save of necessity. 3. Not having to do with a woman. 4. Fasting. And 5. abstaining from speech. Question. Under what conditions is the Hajj or pilgrimage obligatory?

Starting point is 08:32:40 Manhood. An understanding and being a Muslim and practicability. in which case it is obligatory on all once before death. Question. What are the Quranic statutes of the pilgrimage? 1. The Ihram or pilgrim's habit. 2. The standing at Arafat. 3. Circumambulating the Kabah. 4. Running between Safa and Marwa.

Starting point is 08:33:13 and five shaving or clipping the hair. Question. What are the Quranic statutes of the Umra, or lesser pilgrimage? Assuming the pilgrim's habit, and compassing and running. Question, what are the Quranic ordinances of the assumption of the pilgrim's habit? Daffing sewn garments, for swearing perfume, and ceasing to shave the head, or pair the nails, and avoiding the killing of game and eschewing carnal copulation. Question.

Starting point is 08:33:55 What are the traditional statutes of the pilgrimage? 1. The crying out, Labaka at some, here am I, O our Lord, here am I. 2. The Kabah circuitings of arrival and departure. 3. The passing of the night at the mosque. of Muzdalaifa and in the valley of Mena. And four, the lapidation. Question. What is the jihad or holy war and its essentials? Its essentials are, one, the descent of the infidels upon us. Two, the presence of the imam.

Starting point is 08:34:39 Three, a state of preparation. And four, firmness in meeting the foe. Its traditional ordinance is incital to battle, in that the Most High hath said, O thou my prophet, incite the faithful to fight. Question. What are the ordinances of buying and selling? The Quranic are, one, offer and acceptance, and two, if the thing sold be a white slave, by whom one profiteth, all possible endeavor to convert him, to al-Islam, and three, to abstain from usury. The traditional are, making void and option before not after separating, according to his saying, whom Allah bless and preserve. The parties to assail shall have the option of

Starting point is 08:35:37 canceling or altering terms whilst they are yet unsuperated. Question. What is it for? forbidden to sell for what? On this point, I mind me of an authentic tradition reported by Nafi, of the apostle of Allah, that he forbade the barter of dried dates for fresh, and fresh figs for dry, and jerked for fresh meat, and cream for clarified butter. In fine, all eatables of one and the same kind, it is unlawful to buy. or barter some for other some.

Starting point is 08:36:20 Now when the doctor of law heard her words and knew that she was wit-keen, penetrative, ingenious, and learned in jurisprudence and the traditions and the interpretation of the Koran and what not else, he said in mind, Needs must I maneuver with her, that I may overcome her in the assembly of the commander of the faithful. So he said to her, O damsel, what is the lexicographical

Starting point is 08:36:50 meaning of Uzu? And she answered, Philologically, it signifieth cleanliness and freedom from impurities. Question. And of Salat or prayer? An invocation of good.

Starting point is 08:37:08 Question. And of Gussl? Purification. Question. And of psalm or fasting? Abstention. Question. And of zakat? Increase. Question. And of Hajj or pilgrimage? Visitation. Question. And of jihad? repelling. With this the doctor's arguments were cut off, and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say, when it was the four hundred and forty-third night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the doctor's arguments were cut off, he rose to his feet and said,

Starting point is 08:38:08 bear witness against me, O commander of the faithful, that this damsel is more learned in the law than I am. Quoth she, I will ask thee somewhat, which do thou answer me speedily, and thou be indeed a learned man. Quoth he, say on. And she said, What are the arrows of the faith?

Starting point is 08:38:35 Answered he. They number 10. 1. Testification, that is religion. 2. Prayer, that is the covenant. 3. Arms, that is purification. 4. Fasting, that is defensive armor. 5. Pilgrimage.

Starting point is 08:39:00 That is the law. 6. Fighting for the faith. that is a general duty. 7. Bidding to beneficence. And 8. Forbidding from frowardness, both of which are a man's honor. 9. Commune, that is sociableness of the faithful. And 10. Seeking knowledge, that is, the praiseworthy path. She rejoined.

Starting point is 08:39:32 thou hast replied aright and now remaineth but one question. What be the roots or fundamentals of al-Islam? He said, They are four, sincerity of belief, truth of intent, observance of the lawful limit and keeping the covenant. Then, said she, I have one more question to ask thee, which if thou answer it is well, else I will take thy clothes. Quoth he, speak, O damsel.

Starting point is 08:40:11 And she said, What are the branches or superstructure of al-Islam? But he was silent a while, and made no reply. So she cried, Daff thy clothes, and I will expound them to thee. Quoth the caliph, expound them, and I will make him put off his clothes for thee. She said, There are two and twenty branches. One, holding fast to the Book of Allah the most highest. Two, taking example by his apostle whom Allah bless and preserve. Three, abstaining from evil doing. Four, eating what is lawful. And five, avoiding what is unlawful. 6. Restitution of things wrongfully taken.

Starting point is 08:41:06 7. Repentance. 8. Knowledge of the law. 9. Love of the friend. 10. And of the followers of the true revelation. 11. Belief in the Apostles of Al-Islam. 12. Fear of apostasy. 13. preparation for departing this life fourteen force of conviction fifteen mercy on all possible occasions

Starting point is 08:41:44 sixteen strength in time of weakness seventeen patience under trials eighteen knowledge of allah almighty and nineteen of what his prophet hath made known to us. Twenty, thwarting Iblis the accursed. Twenty-one, striving earnestly against the lusts of the soul, and warring them down. And twenty-two, devotion to the one God. Now when the commander of the faithful heard her words, he bade the professor put off his clothes, and had a turbaned. and so did that doctor and went forth beaten and confounded from the caliph's presence thereupon another man stood up and said to her o damsel hear a few questions from me quoth she say on and he asked what are the conditions of purchase by advance where to she answered that the price be fixed the kind be fixed, and the period of delivery be fixed and known. Question, what are the Quranic and the traditional canons of eating?

Starting point is 08:43:10 The confession that Allah Almighty provided the eater and giveth him meat and drink, with Thanksgiving to him, therefore. Question, what is Thanksgiving? The use by the creature of that which the, the Creator vouchsaveth to him according as it was created for the creature. Question. What are the traditional canons of eating? The bismillah and washing both hands,

Starting point is 08:43:43 sitting on the left of the hind part, eating with three fingers, and eating of that which hath been duly masticated. Question. What are good manners in eating? taking small mouthfuls and looking little at one's table companion and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and forty-fourth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the damsel had answered concerning good manners and eating the doctor who was trying her rejoined Thou hast replied aright.

Starting point is 08:44:33 Now tell me, what are the stays of the heart and their supports? The stays and supports both number three. One, holding fast to the faith, the support whereof is the shunning of infidelity. Two, holding fast to the traditional law, and its support the shunning of innovation. And three, holding fast to obedience. and its support the shunning of disobedience. Question. What are the conditions of Ozu?

Starting point is 08:45:09 1. Being a Muslim. 2. Discernment of good and evil. 3. Purity of the water. And 4. Absence of material or religious impediments. Question. What is belief? It is divided into

Starting point is 08:45:30 nine parts. 1. Belief in the one worshipped. 2. Belief in the condition of slavery of the worshipper. 3. Belief in the personality of the deity. 4. Belief in the two handfuls. 5. Belief in Providence which alloteth to man his lot. 6. Belief in the abrogating. and seven in the abrogated eight belief in allah his angels and apostles and nine in four ordained fate general and individual its good and ill it's sweet and bitter

Starting point is 08:46:18 question what three things do away other three it is told of sufian al-sauri that he said three three three things do away other three three things do away other three it is told of sufian al-sauri that he said three things do away with other three making light of the pious doth away the future life making light of kings death away this life and making light of expenditure death away wealth question what are the keys of the heavens and how many gates have they quoth almighty allah and the heaven shall be open and be full of portals. And quoth he whom Allah bless and preserve, none knoweth the number of the gates of heavens, save he who created the heavens. And there is no son of Adam, but hath two gates allotted to him in the heavens, one whereby his daily bread descendeth, and another where through his works ascend. The first gate is not closed, save when his term of life cometh to an end, nor the gate of works, good and evil, till his soul ascend for judgment.

Starting point is 08:47:39 Question. Tell me of a thing and a half-thing and a no-thing. The thing is the moslem, the half-thing the hypocrite, and the no-thing, the miscreant. Question. Tell me of various kinds of hearts. There is the whole heart, the sick heart, the contrite heart, the vowed heart, and the enlightened heart. Now the whole heart is that of Abraham, the friend of Allah. The sick heart is that of the unbeliever in al-Islam. The contrite heart is that of the pious who fear the Lord.

Starting point is 08:48:29 The vowed heart is that of our Lord Muhammad, whom Allah bless and keep. And the illuminated heart is that of his followers. Furthermore, the hearts of learned Olima are of three kinds. The heart which is in love with this world, the heart which loveth the next world, and the heart which loveth its lord. And it is said that hearts are three, the suspended, that of the infidel,

Starting point is 08:49:02 the non-existent, that of the hypocrite, and the constant, that of the true believer. Moreover, it is said that the firm heart is of three kinds, viz, the heart dilated with light and faith, the heart wounded with fear of estrangement and the heart which feareth to be forsaken of its supreme friend and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say End of Section 22. Recording by Eva Easton, Sloatsburg, New York, May 2011. Section 23, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Knight,

Starting point is 08:50:04 translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Eva Easton The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 23, 445th through 448 night. When it was the 445th night, she said,

Starting point is 08:50:41 It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that when the second doctor declared thou hast said well quoth she to the caliph o commander of the faithful he hath questioned me till he is weary and now i will ask of him two questions if he answer them both it is well and if not i will take his clothes and he shall wend in peace quoth the doctor ask me what thou wilt and she said what sayest thou religion is answered he religion is confession of faith with the tongue and conviction with the heart and correspondent action with the members he upon whom be blessings and peace hath said the believer is not perfect in belief except he perfect himself in five qualities namely trust in a law committal of his affair to allah submission to the commands of allah acquiescence in the decrees of allah and that all he doth be done for the sake of allah so is he of those who are acceptable to the deity and who give to him and withhold for him and such man is perfect in belief then said she what is the divine ordinance of ordinances and the ordinance which is the initiator of all ordinances and that of which all others stand in need and that which comprehendeth all others

Starting point is 08:52:25 and what is the traditional ordinance that entereth into the koranic and the prophetic practice whereby the divine is completed but he was silent and made no reply whereupon the caliph bade her expound and ordered him to daft his clothes and give them to her said she o doctor the koranic ordinance of ordinances is the knowledge of allah almighty that which is the initiative of all others is the testifying there is no god but the god and mohammed is the apostle of god that of which all others have need is the ouz of the us of the ablution. That, which comprises all others, is the Gussal ablution from defilement. The traditional ordinance that entereth into the Quranic is the separation of the fingers and the thick beard. And that, wherewith all Quranic ordinances are completed, is circumcision. Therewith was made manifest the defeat of the doctor, who rose to his feet and said, I call Allah to witness, O commander of the faithful, that this damsel is more learned than I

Starting point is 08:53:45 in theology, and what pertaineth to the law. So saying he put off his clothes, and went away ignominiously worsted. Then she turned to the rest of the learned men present and said, O masters, which of you is the Quranist, the reader and reciter of the Quran, versed in the seven readings, and in syntax, and in lexicography. Thereupon a professor arose, and, seating himself before her, said, Has thou read the book of Almighty Allah, and made thyself thoroughly acquainted with its signs, that is, its verses, and its abrogating parts, and abrogated portions, its unequivocal commands, and its ambiguous, and the difference.

Starting point is 08:54:38 of its revelations, Mechon and Medinan. Dost thou understand its interpretation, and hast thou studied it, according to the various traditions and origins? Yes, answered she, and he said, What then is the number of its chapters? How many are the decades and verses? How many words, and how many letters, and how many acts of prostration, and how many prophets, and how many chapters are Medinan, and how many are Meccaan, and how many birds are mentioned in it? Replied she, O my Lord, its chapters are 114, whereof 70 were revealed at Mecca, and 44 at Al-Madina,

Starting point is 08:55:27 and it containeth six hundred and twenty-one decades, six thousand three hundred and thirty-six verses. seventy nine thousand four hundred and thirty nine words and three hundred and twenty three thousand and six hundred and seventy letters and to the reader thereof for every letter are given ten benefits the acts of prostration it comprises are fourteen and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and forty-sixth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the professor of Quranic exegesis questioned the damsel, she continued.

Starting point is 08:56:24 As regards the prophets named in the book, there be five and twenty, to wit Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Lot, Elisha, Jonah, Salih, or Hibir, Hutt, Shubb, or Jethro, David, Solomon, Zulchathal, or Joshua, Idris, Elias, Yahyaa, or John the Baptist, Zacharias, Job, Moses, Aaron, Jesus, and Muhammad. The peace of Allah and His blessing be on them all. Moreover, nine flying things are mentioned in the Quran,

Starting point is 08:57:22 namely the gnat, the bee, the fly, the ant, the hoopo, the crow, the locust, the swallow, and the bird of Jesus, on whom be peace. to wit the bat question what is the most excellent chapter of the koran that of the cow question which is the most magnificent verse that of the throne it hath fifty words bearing in each fifty blessings question what sign or verse hath in it nine signs or verse hath in it nine signs or wonders. That in which quoth Allah Almighty, verily in the creation of the heaven and the earth, and in the vicissitude of night and day, and in the ship which saileth through the sea laden with what is profitable for mankind, and in the rain water which God sendeth down from heaven, quickening thereby the dead ground, and replenishing the same with all sorts of cattle.

Starting point is 08:58:36 and in the change of winds and in the clouds that are compelled to do service between the heaven and the earth are signs to people of understanding question which verse is the most just that in which allah saith verily allah enjoineth justice and the doing of good and the giving unto kindred what shall be necessary and he forbiddeth wickedness wickedness and iniquity and oppression question which is the most greedy that in which quoth allah is it that every man of them greeteth to enter the garden of delight question which is the most hopeful that in which quoth almighty allah say o my servants who have transgressed against your own souls despair not of the mercy of allah seeing that that that that Allah forgiveth all sins. Aye, gracious, merciful is he. Question. By what school of intonation

Starting point is 08:59:49 dost thou read? By that of the people of paradise to wit the version of Nafi. Question. In which verse Doth Allah make prophets lie? In that wherein he saith, They, the brothers of Joseph,

Starting point is 09:00:08 brought his inner garment stained with false blood. Question. In which doth he make unbelievers speak the truth? In that wherein he saith, The Jews say the Christians are grounded on nothing, And the Christians say the Jews are grounded on nothing. And yet they both read the scriptures. And so saying, all say sooth.

Starting point is 09:00:37 Question, in which doth God speak in his own person? in that in which he saith, I have not created Ginny and men for any other end than that they should serve me. Question. In which verse do the angels speak? In that which saith, But we celebrate thy praise and extol thy holiness.

Starting point is 09:01:05 Question. What sayest thou of the formula I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the stoned. It is obligatory by commandment of Allah on all before reading the Quran as appeareth by his saying, When thou readest the Quran seek refuge with Allah from Satan the stone. Question, what signify the words seeking refuge? And what are the variants of the formula? Some say, I take refuge with Allah the all hearing and all knowing. and others with Allah the strong.

Starting point is 09:01:45 But the best is that whereof the sublime Koran speaketh, and the traditions perpetuate. And he, whom Allah bless and keep, was used to ejaculate, I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the stone. And quoth a tradition, reported by Nafi, I am the authority of his adopted father. The apostle of Allah was wont when he rose in the night,

Starting point is 09:02:11 to pray, to say aloud, Allah Akbar, God is most great, with all majesty. Praise be to Allah abundantly. Glory to Allah, mourn and even be. Then would he say,

Starting point is 09:02:28 I seek refuge with Allah from Satan the stone and from the delusions of the devils and their evil suggestions. And it is told of Ibn Abbas, of whom Allah accept, that he said,

Starting point is 09:02:41 The first time Gabriel came down to the prophet with revelation, he taught him the seeking refuge, saying. O Mohammed, say, I seek refuge with Allah, the all-hearing, and all-knowing. Then say, in the name of Allah the compassionating, the compassionate. Read, in the name of thy Lord who created, created man of blood clots. Now when the Quranist heard her words he marveled at her. her expressions, her eloquence, her learning, her excellence, and said, O damsel, what sayest thou of the verse, in the name of Allah, the compassionate? Is it one of the verses of the Quran?

Starting point is 09:03:28 Yes, it is a verset of the ant, occurring also at the head of the first and between every two following chapters. And there is much difference of opinion respecting this among the learned. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and forty-seventh night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel had told the professor, concerning the difference of opinion among the learned, touching the Basmala, he said, Thou hast replied aright.

Starting point is 09:04:09 Now tell me why is not the formula written at the head of the chapter of immunity? And she answered, When this chapter was revealed from on high for the dissolution of the alliance between the prophet and the idolaters, he, whom Allah bless and preserve, sent Ali Ibn Abi Talib, whose face Allah honor therewith, and he read the chapter to them, but did not read the Basmala. question what of the excellence of the formula and its blessing it is told of the prophet that he said never is the basmala pronounced over aught but there is a blessing in it and it is reported on authority of him whom allah bless and preserve that the lord of glory swore by his glory that never should the basmala be pronounced over a sick person but he should be healed of his sickness moreover it is said that when allah created the imperian it was agitated with an exceeding agitation but he wrote on it bismillah and its agitation subsided

Starting point is 09:05:27 when the formula first descended from heaven to the prophet he said i am safe from three things earthquake and metamorphosis and drowning and indeed its boons are great and its blessings too many to enumerate it is told of allah's apostle that he said there will be brought on the judgment day a man with whom he shall reckon and finding no good deed to his account shall order him to the fire but the man will cry o my god thou hast not dealt justly by me then shall allah to whom be honour and glory say how so and the man shall answer o lord for that thou callest thyself the compassionating the compassionate yet wilt thou punish me with the fire and allah magnified be his majesty shall reply i did indeed name myself the compassionating the compassionate carry my servant to paradise of my mercy for i am the most merciful of the mercifels question what was the origin of the use of the basmala when allah sent down from heaven the koran they wrote in thy name o my god when allah revealed the words say call upon allah or call upon allah or call upon the compassionating, what days ye pray, for hath he the most excellent names, they wrote, In the name of Allah, the compassionating, the compassionate, and when he revealed the words,

Starting point is 09:07:09 Your God is one God, there is no God but He, the Compassionating the Compassionate, they wrote, In the name of Allah, the Compassionating the Compassionate. Now when the Quranist heard her reply, he hung down his head, and said, to himself, This be a marvel of marvels. How hath this slave-girl expounded the origin of the Basmala? But by Allah needs must I go about with her, and happily defeat her? So he asked, Did Allah reveal the Quran all at once, or at times manifold? She answered, Gabriel the faithful, on whom be peace, descended with it from the Lord of the worlds, upon his prophet, Muhammad, Prince of the Apostles, and Seal of the Prophets, by detached versets, bidding and forbidding,

Starting point is 09:08:05 covenanting, incomminating, and containing advices and instances in the course of twenty years as occasion called for it. Question. Which chapter was first revealed? According to Ibn Abbas, that entitled Congealed Blood. and, according to Jabir bin Abdullah, that called the covered, which preceded all others. Question. Which verse it was the last revealed?

Starting point is 09:08:38 That of usury, and it is also said the verse, When there cometh Allah's succor and victory. And Shahr-Razade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted, say. When it was the four hundred and forty-eighth night, she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious, king, that when the damsel told the Quranist, which was the last verse, he said, Thou hast replied aright. Now tell me the names of the companions who collected the Koran in the lifetime of the apostle of Allah. And she answered, they were four.

Starting point is 09:09:21 Ubai Ibn Kaab Zaid Ibn Sabit Abu Obaida Amir bin Jara and Othman bin Afan Allah accept of them one and all Question

Starting point is 09:09:36 Who are the readers From whom the accepted reading of the Koran is taken They number 4 Abdelah bin Masud Ubaid bin Qaub Maaz bin Jabal and Salim bin Abdullah

Starting point is 09:09:53 Question What sayest thou of the words of the Most High That which is sacrificed to stones The stones are idols Which are set up and worshipped Instead of Allah the Most High And from this we seek refuge with Allah Question

Starting point is 09:10:14 What sayest thou of the words of the most high Thou knowest what is in my soul and I know not what is in thy soul. They mean, thou knowest the truth of me and what is in me, and I know not what is in thee. And the proof of this are his words. Thou art he who wottest the hidden things. And it is said also,

Starting point is 09:10:40 thou knowest my essence, but I know not thine essence. Question, what say'st thou of the words of the most high, O true believers, forbid not yourselves the good things which Allah hath allowed you. My sheikh, on whom Allah have mercy, told me that the companion Al-Zahak related, there was a people of the true believers who said, We will dock our members masculine and don sackcloth, whereupon this verse was revealed.

Starting point is 09:11:15 But Al-Qutada declared that it was revealed on account of sundry companions, of the apostle of Allah, namely Ali Ibn Abi Talib and Othman bin Musab, and others who said, We will gild ourselves and don haircloth and make us monks. Question, What sayest thou of the words of the most highest, and Allah took Abraham for his friend? The friend of Allah is the needy, the poor, and according to another saying, he is the lover, he who is detached from the world in the love of Allah Almighty, and in whose attachment there is no falling away. Now when the Quranis saw her pass on in speech with the passage of the clouds, and that she stayed not in reply, he rose to his feet and said, I take Allah to witness, O commander of the faithful, that this damsel is more learned than I in Quranic exegesis, and what pertaineth there to.

Starting point is 09:12:20 then said she i will ask thee one question which if thou answer it is well but if thou answer not i will strip off thy clothes quote the commander of the faithful ask on and she inquired which verset of the koran hath in it three and twenty cuffs which sixteen mims which an hundred and forty aines and which section lacketh the form formula, to whom belong glory in glorification and majesty. The Quranis could not reply, and she said to him, Put off thy clothes. So he daft them, and she continued, O commander of the faithful, the verset of the sixteen mimps is in the chapter hood, and is the saying of the most high,

Starting point is 09:13:14 It was said, O Noah, go down in peace from us, and blessing upon thee. That of the three and twenty cuffs is the verse called of the faith, in the chapter of the cow. That of the hundred and forty-einths is in the chapter of Alaraf, where the Lord saith, and Moses chose seventy men of his tribe to attend our appointed time, to each man a pair of eyes. And the lesson which lacketh the formula to whom be glory and glorification is that which comprise, prizes the chapters, the hour draweth nigh, and the moon shall be cloven in twain, the compassionate and the event. Thereupon the professor departed in confusion. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 23.

Starting point is 09:14:15 Recording by Eva Easton, Slottsburgh, New York. 4, Volume 5 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 Eva Easton. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 4. five section twenty four four hundred and forty ninth through four hundred and fifty-second night when it was the four hundred and forty-ninth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the damsel defeated the koranist and took off his clothes and sent him away confused then came forward the skilled physician and said to her

Starting point is 09:15:26 we are free of theology and come now to physiology tell me therefore how is man made how many veins bones and vertebrae are there in his body which is the first and chief vein and why adam was named adam she replied adam was called adam because of his utma that is the wheaten color of his complexion and also it is said, because he was created of the adim of the earth, that is to say, of the surface soil. His breast was made of the earth of the kubba, his head of earth from the east, and his legs of earth from the west. There were created for him seven doors in his head, viz the eyes, the ears, the nostrils and the mouth, and two passages before and behind. The eyes were made the seat of the sight sense, the ears the seat of the hearing sense,

Starting point is 09:16:36 the nostrils the seat of the smell sense, the mouth the seat of the taste sense, and the tongue to utter what is in the heart of man. Now Adam was made of a compound of the four elements, which be water, earth, fire, and air. The yellow bile is the humor of fire being hot dry, the black bile that of earth, being cold dry, the phlegm, that of water, being cold moist,

Starting point is 09:17:12 and the blood, that of air, being hot moist. There were made in man 360 veins, 249 bones, and three souls or spirits, the animal, the rational, and the natural, to each of which is allotted its proper function. Moreover, Allah made him a heart and spleen and lungs and six intestines and a liver and two kidneys and buttocks and brain and bones and skin and five senses. Hearing, seeing, smell, taste, touch. The heart, he said on the left side of the breast, and made him. the stomach the guide and governor thereof. He appointed the lungs for a fan to the heart, and established the liver on the right side opposite there too. Moreover, he made besides this, the diaphragm and the viscera, and set up the bones of the breast, and latticed them with the ribs.

Starting point is 09:18:29 Question. How many ventricles are there in a man's head? Three, which contained five faculties, styled the intrinsic senses to wit, common sense, imagination, the thinking faculty, perception, and memory. Question. Describe to me the configuration of the bones. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and hundred and four hundred and. And fiftieth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the physicist said to her,

Starting point is 09:19:14 Describe to me the configuration of the bones, she replied, Man's frame consists of two hundred and forty bones, which are divided into three parts, the head, the trunk, and the extremities. The head is divided into calvarium and face. The skull is consistent. The skull is consistent. of eight bones and to it are attached the four oscillates of the ear the face is furnished with an upper jaw of eleven bones and a lower jaw of one and to these are added the teeth two and thirty in number and the oshyoids the trunk is divided into spinal column breast and basin the spinal column is made up of four-and-twenty bones called ficar or vertebrae the breast of the breast-bone and the ribs which are four and twenty in number twelve on each side and the basin of the hips the sacrum and os The extremities divided into upper and lower, arms and legs. The arms are again divided, firstly into shoulder, comprising shoulder blades and collar bone. Secondly, into the upper arm which is one bone.

Starting point is 09:20:40 Thirdly, into four-arm, composed of two bones, the radius and the ulna. And fourthly into the hand, consisting of the wrist, the metacarpus of the, five, and the fingers, which number five, of three bones each, called the phalanges, except the thumb, which hath but two. The lower extremities are divided, firstly into thigh, which is one bone, secondly into leg, composed of three bones, the tibia, the fibula, and the patella, and thirdly into the foot, divided like the hand, into tarsis, metatarsus, and toes, and is composed of seven bones, ranged in two rows, two in one, and five in the other, and the metatarsis is composed of five bones, and the toes number five, each of three phalanches, except the big toe, which hath only two.

Starting point is 09:21:43 Question. Which is the root of the veins? The aorta from which they ramify, and they are many, none knoweth the tale of them save he who created them, but I repeat, it is said that they number three hundred and sixty. Moreover, Allah hath appointed the tongue as interpreter for the thought, the eyes to serve as lanterns, the nostrils to smell with, and the hand. And the hand, for prehensers. The liver is the seat of pity, the spleen of laughter, and the kidneys of craft. The lungs are ventilators, the stomach, the storehouse, and the heart, the prop and pillar of the body. When the heart is sound, the whole body is sound. And when the heart is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Question. What are the outward signs and symptoms evidencing disease in the members of the body,

Starting point is 09:22:49 both external and internal? A physician who is a man of understanding looketh into the state of the body and is guided by the feel of the hands, according as they are firm or flabby, hot or cool, moist or dry. Internal disorders are also indicated by external symptoms, such as yellowness of the white of the eyes, which denoteth jauntus, and bending of the back, which denoteth disease of the lungs.

Starting point is 09:23:25 And Shahr-Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty, 51 night. She said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel had described to the doctor the outer signs and symptoms, quoth he. Thou hast replied aright.

Starting point is 09:23:50 Now what are the internal symptoms of disease? The science of the diagnosis of disease by internal symptoms is founded upon six canons. One, the patient's actions. two, what is evacuated from his body. Three, the nature of the pain, and four, the sight thereof. Five, swelling, and six, the effluvia given off his person. Question, how cometh hurt to the head?

Starting point is 09:24:26 By the ingestion of food upon food, before the first be digested, and by fullness upon fullness. this it is that wasteth peoples he who would live long let him be early with the morning meal and not late with the evening meal let him be sparing of commerce with women and chary of such deplatory measures as cupping and blood-letting and let him make of his belly three parts one for food one for drink and the third for air for that a man's intestines are eighteen spans in length and it befitted that he appoints six for meat six for drink and six for breath if he walk let him go gently it will be wholesomer for him and better for his body and more in accordance with the saying of the almighty walk not proudly on the earth question what are the symptoms of yellow bile and what is to be feared therefrom the symptoms are sallow complexion and bitter taste in the mouth with dryness failure of the appetite venereal and other and rapid pulse and the patient hath to fear high fever and delirium and eruptions and jauntus and tumour and ulcers of the bowels

Starting point is 09:26:00 and excessive thirst question what are the symptoms of black bile and what hath the patient to fear from it and it get the mastery of the body the symptoms are false appetite and great mental disquiet and kark and care and it behoveth that it be evacuated else it will generate melancholia and leprosy and cancer and disease of the splice of the splice and ulceration of the bowels. Question. Into how many branches is the art of medicine divided? Into two, the art of diagnosing diseases and that of restoring the diseased body to health. Question. When is the drinking of medicine more efficacious than other when?

Starting point is 09:26:56 When the sap runs in the wood and the grape thickens in the, cluster, and the two auspicious planets, Jupiter and Venus, are in the ascendant. Then seteth in the proper season for drinking of drugs and doing a way of disease. Question. What time is it when, if a man drink water from a new vessel, the drink is sweeter and lighter or more digestible to him than at another time, and there ascendeth to him a pleasant fragrance and a penetrating. When he waiteth a while after eating, as quoth the poet, Drink not upon thy food in haste, but wait a while,

Starting point is 09:27:41 Else thou with halter shall thy frame to sickness lead. And patient bear a little thirst from food, then drink, And thus, O brother, happily thou shalt win thy need. Question, what food is it that givetheth, not rise to ailment. That which is not eaten but after hunger, and when it is eaten, the ribs are not filled with it, even as saith Jalinus, or Galen the physician. Whoso will take in food, let him go slowly, and he shall not go wrongly. And to conclude with his saying, on whom be blessing and peace, the stomach is the house of disease, and diet,

Starting point is 09:28:28 the head of healing, for the origin of all sickness is indigestion, that is to say, corruption of the meat. And Shahr-Razade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty-second night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel said to the doctor, the stomach is the house of disease and diet is the head of healing for the origin of all sickness is indigestion that is to say corruption of the meat in the stomach he rejoined thou hast replied aright what sayest thou of the humum let not the full man enter it quoth the prophet the bath is the blessing of the house for that it cleanseth the body and calleth to mine the fire. Question.

Starting point is 09:29:33 What hummums are best for bathing in? Those whose waters are sweet and whose space is ample, and which are kept well aired, their atmosphere representing the four seasons, autumn and summer and winter and spring. Question, what kind of food is the most profitable? That which women make and make, which hath not cost over much trouble, and which is readily digested. The most excellent of food

Starting point is 09:30:05 is brewis, or bread sopped in broth, according to the saying of the prophet. Brewis exceleth other food, even as Ayesha exceleth other women. Question. What kind of kitchen or seasoning is the most profitable? Flesh meat, quote the prophet, is the most excellent, of kitchen, for that it is the delight of this world and the next world. Question. What kind of meat is the most profitable? Mutton, but jerked meat, is to be avoided, for there is no profit in it. Question.

Starting point is 09:30:47 What of fruits? Eat them in their prime, and quit them when their season is past. Question. What sayest thou of drinking? water. Drink it not in large quantities, nor swallow it by gulps, or it will give thee headache, and cause diverse kinds of harm. Neither drink it immediately after leaving the hamann, nor after carnal copulation, or eating, except it be after the lapse of fifteen minutes for a young man, or forty for an old man, nor after waking from sleep.

Starting point is 09:31:25 Question. What of drinking fermented liquors? Doth not the prohibition suffice thee in the book of Almighty Allah, where he saith, Verily wine and lots and images, and the divining arrows are an abomination of Satan's work. Therefore avoid them, that ye may prosper. And again, they will ask thee concerning wine and lots. answer in both there is great sin and also some things of use unto men but their sinfulness is greater than their use hence quote the poet o bivir of liquor art not ashamed to drink what allah forbade thee drain put it far from thee and approach it not it holds what allah forbade as bane and quoth another to the same purport i drank the sin till my reason fled i'll drink that reason to loss misled as for the advantages that be therein it disperseth stone and gravel from the kidneys

Starting point is 09:32:39 and strengtheneth the viscera and banisheth care and moveth to generosity and preserveth health and digestion it conserveth the body expeleth disease from the joints purifieth the frame of corrupt humours engendereth cheerfulness gladdeneth the heart of man and keepeth up the natural heat it contracteth the bladder enforceth the liver and removeth obstructions reddeneth the cheeks cleareth away maggots from the brain and deferreth grey hairs in short had not allah to whom be honour and glory forbidden it, there were not on the face of the earth ought fit to stand in its stead. As for gambling by lots, it is a game of hazard, such as dicing, not of skill. Question. What wine is best? That which is pressed from white grapes, and kept eighty days or more after fermentation. It resembleth not water, and indeed there is nothing on the surface of the earth like unto it.

Starting point is 09:33:55 Question. What sayest thou of cupping? It is for him who is overful of blood, and who hath no defect therein, and whoso would be cupped, let it be during the wane of the moon, on a day without cloud, wind, or rain,

Starting point is 09:34:13 and on the seventeenth of the month. If it fall on a Tuesday, it will be the more efficacious, and nothing is more salutary for the brain, and eyes, and for clearing the intellect than cupping. And Shakhrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. End of Section 24. Recording by Eva Easton.

Starting point is 09:34:44 YouTube.com slash user slash Eva Easton. Section 25, Volume 5 of the Book of Athoushton. Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 Eva Easton. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 25.

Starting point is 09:35:30 453rd through 456th night when it was the 453rd night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the damsel enumerated the benefits of cupping quote the doctor what is the best time for cupping one should be cupped on the spittle that is in the morning before eating for this fortified the wit and the memory it is reported of the prophet that when any one complained to him of a pain in the head or legs he would bid him be cupped and after cupping not eat salt food fasting for it engendereth scurvy neither eat sour things as curded milk immediately after cupping question when is cupping to be avoided on Sabbaths, or Saturdays and Wednesdays, and let him who is cupped on these days blame none but himself. Moreover, one should not be cupped in very hot weather, nor in very cold weather, and the best season for cupping is spring-tide. Quote the doctor.

Starting point is 09:36:54 Now tell me of carnal copulation. Hereupon Tawadudh. hung her head for shame and confusion before the Caliph's majesty, then said, by Allah, O commander of the faithful, it is not that I am at fault, but that I am ashamed, though indeed the answer is on the edge of my tongue. said the Caliph, speak O Demsel, whereupon said she, Copulation hath in it many and exceeding virtues and praiseworthy quality. amongst which are that it lighteneth a body full of black bile and calmeth the heat of love and induceth affection and dilateth the heart and dispelleth the sadness of solitude and the excess of it is more harmful in summer and autumn than in spring and winter question what are its good effects it banisheth trouble and disquiette

Starting point is 09:37:57 it banisheth trouble and disquiet cometh love and wrath and is good for ulcers especially in a cold and dry humor on the other hand excess of it weakeneth the sight and engendereth pains in the legs and head and back and beware beware of carnal connection with old women for they are deadly quote the imam ali whose face allah honor four things kill and ruin the body entering the hamann on a full stomach eating salt food copulation on a plethora of blood and lying with an ailing woman for she will weaken thy strength and infect thy frame with sickness and an old woman is deadly poison and quoth one of them beware of taking an old woman to wife though she be richer in hordes than carun question what is the best copulation if the woman be tender of years comely of shape fair of face swelling of breast and of noble race she will add to thee strength and health of body and let her be even as saith a certain poet describing her seeing thy looks what's she what thou desirest by inspiration wants nor word nor sign and when thou dost behold her rarest grace the charms of every garden canst decline question at what time is copulation good if by night after food digested and if by day after the morning meal question what are the most excellent fruits pomegranate and citron

Starting point is 09:40:05 question which is the most excellent of vegetables and d'endive question which of sweet-scented flowers rose and violet question how is the seed of man secreted there is in man a vein which feedeth all the other veins now water is collected from the three hundred and sixty veins and in the form of red blood entereth the left testicle where it is decocted by the heat of temperament inherent in the sun of adam into a thick white liquid whose odor is as that of the palm spath question what flying thing is it that emiteth seed and menstruateth the flitter mouse that is the bat question what is that which when confined and shut out from the air liveth and when let out to smell the air dieth the fish question what serpent layeth eggs the subon or dragon with this the physician waxed weary with much questioning and held his peace when thawadud said to the caliph o commander of the faithful he hath questioned me till he is tired out and now i will ask him one question which if he answer not I will take his clothes as lawful prize.

Starting point is 09:41:52 And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty-fourth night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel said to the commander of the faithful, Verily he hath questioned me till he is tired out, and now I will ask him one question, which, if he answer not, I will take his clothes as lawful prize, the Caliph cried, ask on. So quoth she to the physician,

Starting point is 09:42:29 What is that thing which resembleth the earth in roundness, whose resting place and whose spine are hidden from men's eyes, little of price and estimation, narrow of chest, and shackle as to throat though it be nor runaway slave nor pestilent thief thrust through and through though not in fray and wounded though not in fight time eateth its vigor and water wasteth it away now it is beaten without blemish and then made to serve without stint united after separation submissive but not to him who caresseth Pregnant without child in belly, drooping, yet not leaning on its side, becoming dirty yet purifying itself, cleaving to its fear yet changing, copulating without a yard, wrestling without arms, resting and taking its ease, bitten yet not crying out, now more complacent than a cup companion and then more troublesome than summer heat leaving its mate by night and embracing her by day and having its abode in the corners of the mansions of the noble the physician was silent awhile in perplexity and his colour changed and he bowed his head and made no reply whereupon she said to him,

Starting point is 09:44:17 Ho, sir, doctor, speak or doff thy dress. At this he rose and said, O commander of the faithful, bear witness against me that this damsel is more learned than I in medicine and what else, and that I cannot cope with her, and he put off his clothes and fled forth.

Starting point is 09:44:41 Quote the Caliph to Tawadud, re us thy riddle and she replied o commander of the faithful it is the button and the button loop then she undertook the astronomers and said let him of you who is an astronomer rise and come forward so the astronomer advanced and sat down before her and when she saw him she laughed and said art thou the astronomer the astronomer the mathematician, the scribe? Yes, answered he, quoth she, ask of what thou wilt. Success resteth with Allah. So he said, Tell me of the sun and its rising and setting. And she replied, know that the sun riseth from the shadows in the eastern hemisphere and setteth in the shadows of the western, and each hemisphere compriseseth 180 degrees. Quoth Allah Almighty, I swear by the Lord of the East and of the West.

Starting point is 09:45:56 And again, he it is who hath ordained the sun to shine by day, and the moon for a light, by night, and hath appointed her station, that ye might know the number of years and the computation of time. The moon is sultan of the night, and the sun sultan of the day, and they vie with each other in their courses, and follow without overtaking each other. Quoth, Almighty Allah, it is not expedient that the sun overtake the moon in her course. Neither doth the night outstrip the day, but each of these luminaries moveth in a peculiar orbit. Question.

Starting point is 09:46:45 When the day cometh, what becometh of the night? And what of the day when the night cometh? He causeth the night to enter in upon the day. and he causeth the day to enter in upon the night. Question. Inumerate to me the mansions of the moon. They number eight and twenty to wit. Sharatan, Bhutan, Suayah,

Starting point is 09:47:18 Dabaran, Haka, Hanna, Zira, Nasrach, Tarf, Jabah, Zubra, Sarfa, Awa, Simak, Kfar, Zubani, Iklil, Kolb, Shalah, Naam, Balda, Saad al-Zabich, Saad al-Bulah, Saad al-Bulah, Sa'ad al-Bulah, Sa'ad al-Saudaud,

Starting point is 09:47:58 farc the former and farc the latter and rishah they are disposed in the order of the letters of the abjad hoas or older alphabet according to their numerical power and in them are secret virtues which none knoweth save allah extolled and exalted be he and established in science they are divided among the twelve signs of the zodiac two men and a third of a mansion to each sign. Thus, Sharatan, Bhutan, and one-third of Suraya, belonged to Ares. The other two-thirds of Suraya, the Varan, and two-thirds of Haka, to Taurus. The other third of Haka, Hana, and Zira, to Gemini. Nassarach, tarf, and a third of Jabba to cancer. The other two-thirds of Jabah, Zubraq, and two-thirds of Sarfa to Leo.

Starting point is 09:49:07 The other third of Sarfa, Awa, Sima, to Virgo. Gaffar, Zubani, and one-third of Iqlil, to Libra. The other two-thirds of Iklil, Kalp, and two-thirds of Shala, to Scylla. Scorpio. The other third of Sha'la, Na'eem, and Balda, to Sagittarius. Sa'ad al-Zabich, Sa'ad al-Bulah, and one-third of Sa'ad al-sa'Asaute, to Capricorn. The other two-thirds of Sa'ad al-Aqbiyah, and two-thirds of Fark, the former, to Aquarius. The other third of Fark, the former, Fawarcus. the latter, and Risha to Pisces, and Shah Rasaad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying,

Starting point is 09:50:04 her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty-fifth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel enumerated the mansions, and distributed them into their signs, the astronomer said, thou hast replied aright. Now tell me of the planets and their natures, also of their sojourn in the sidiacal signs, their aspects, auspicious and sinister,

Starting point is 09:50:38 their houses, ascendance and descendants. She answered, The sitting is narrow for so large a matter, but I will say as much as I can. Now the planets number seven, which are the sun the moon mercury venus mars jupiter saturn the sun hot dry sinister in conjunction favorable in opposition abideth thirty days in each sign the moon cold moist and favorable of aspect tarrieth in each sign two days and a third of another day mercury is of a mixed nature favorable in conjunction with the favorable and sinister in conjunction with the sinister aspects and abideth in each sign seventeen days and a half day

Starting point is 09:51:39 venus temperate and favorable abideth in each sign five and twenty days mars is sinister and wowneth in each sign ten months jupiter is auspicious and abideth in each sign a year saturn cold dry and sinister tarrieth in each sign thirty months the house of the sun is leo her ascendant is aries and her descendant aquarius the moon's house is cancer his ascendant taurus his descendant scorpio and his sinister aspect Capricorn. Saturn's house is Capricorn Aquarius, his ascendant Libra, his descendant, Ares, and his sinister aspects,

Starting point is 09:52:37 Cancer and Leo. Jupiter's house is Pisces, Sagittarius, his ascendant cancer, his descendant Capricorn, and his sinister aspects, Gemini and Leo. Venus is House is Taurus, her ascendant Pisces, her descendant Libra, and her sinister aspects

Starting point is 09:53:01 Aries and Scorpio. Mercury's house is Gemini Virgo, his ascendant Virgo, his descendant Pisces, and his sinister aspect, Taurus. Mars' house is Ares Scorpio, his ascendant Capricorn, his descendant cancer and his sinister aspect Libra. Now when the astronomer saw her acuteness and comprehensive learning, and heard her fair answers, he bethought him for a slight to confound her before the commander of the faithful, and said to her, O damsel, tell me, will rain fall this month? At this she bowed her head and pondered so long That the Caliph thought her at a loss for an answer

Starting point is 09:53:55 And the astronomer said to her, Why dost thou not speak? Quoth she, I will not speak except the commander of the faithful give me leave. So the Caliph laughed and said, How so? Cried she, I would have thee give me a sword, that I may strike off his head, for he is an infidel, an agnostic, an atheist. At this, loud laughed the Caliph, and those about him laughed. And she continued, O astronomer, there are five things that none knoweth save Allah Almighty, and she repeated the verset.

Starting point is 09:54:40 I, Allah, with him is the knowledge of the hour, and he causeth the wreatheth the reign to descend at his own appointed time, and he knoweth what is in the wombs of females. But no soul knoweth what it shall have gotten on the morrow. Neither woteth any soul in what land it shall die. Verily Allah is knowing informed of all. Quoth the astronomer, thou hast said well, and I, by Allah, thought only to try thee. she, know that the almanac makers have certain signs and tokens referring to the planets and constellations relative to the coming in of the year, and folk have learned something by experience.

Starting point is 09:55:30 Question. What be that? Each day hath a planet that ruleth it, so if the first day in the year fall on first day, Sunday, that day is the sun's. and this portendeth though allah alone is all knowing oppression of kings and sultons and governors a much miasma and lack of rain and that people will be in great tumult and the grain crop will be good except lentils which will perish and the vines will rot and flax will be deer and wheat cheap from the beginning of tuba to the end of barmahat this year there will be much fighting among kings, and there shall be great plenty of good in this year, but Allah is all knowing. Question, what if the first day fall on second day, Monday? That day belongeth to the moon, and portendeth righteousness in administrators and officials, and that it will be a year of much rain, and grain-crops will be good, but linseed will

Starting point is 09:56:45 decay, and wheat will be cheap in the month kiak. Also the plague will rage, and the sheep and goats will die. Grapes will be plentiful, and honey scarce, and cotton cheap, and Allah is omniscient. And Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty-sixth night, she said, it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the damsel ended her notice of second day the astronomer said to her now tell me what will occur if new year's day fall on third day tuesday she replied this is mars day and portendeth death of great men and much destruction and deluge of blood and dearness of grain lack of rain and scarcity of fish which will anononon be in excess and anon fail. Lentils and honey in this year will be cheap, and linseed deer, and only barley will thrive, to the exception of all other cereals. Great will be the fighting

Starting point is 09:57:59 among kings, and death will be in the blood, and there will be much mortality among asses. Question. What if it fall on fourth day? That is Mercury's Day. and portendeth great tumult among the folk and much enmity and though rains be moderate rotting of some of the green crops also that there will be sore mortality among cattle and young children and much fighting by sea That wheat will be dear, from Barmuda to Misra, and other grains cheap. Thunder and lightning will abound, and honey will be dear, palm trees will thrive and bear abundantly, and flax and cotton will be plentiful, while radishes and onions will be dear.

Starting point is 09:58:53 But Allah is all knowing. Question. What if it fall on fifth day? That is Jupiter. Day, and portendeth equity in wazirs and righteousness in Khazis and Fakhirs and the ministers of religion, and that good will be plentiful, rains and fruit and trees and grain will abound, and flax, cotton, honey, grapes, and fish be cheap, and Allah is omniscient. Question, what if it fall on meeting day?

Starting point is 09:59:32 or Friday. That day appertaineth to Venus, and portendeth oppression in the chiefs of the Jin, and talk of forgery and backbiting. There will be much due, the autumn crops will be good in the land, and there will be cheapness in one town, and not in another. Ungraciousness will be rife by land and sea, linseed will be deer, also wheat in Hattur, but cheap in amshir honey will be deer and grapes and watermelons will rot and allah is omniscient question what if it fall on the sabbath saturday that is saturn's day and portendeth the preferment of slaves and greeks and those in whom there is no good neither in their neighbourhood there will be great drought and earth clouds will abound and death will be rife among the sons of adam and woe to the people of egypt and syria from the oppression of the sultan and failure of blessing upon the green crops and rotting of grain and allah is all knowing now with this the astronomer hung his head very low and she said to him o astronomer i will ask thee one question which if thou answer

Starting point is 10:01:02 or not, I will take that close. Ask, replied he. Quoth she, where is Saturn's dwelling place? And he answered, in the seventh heaven. Question, and that of Jupiter? In the sixth heaven. Question, and that of Mars, in the fifth heaven. Question, and that of the sun, in the fourth heaven. question and that of venus in the third heaven question and that of mercury in the second heaven question and that of the moon in the first heaven quoth she well answered but i have one more question to ask thee and quoth he ask accordingly she said now tell me concerning the stars into how many parts are they divided but he was silent and answered nothing and she cried to him put off thy clothes so he daft them and she took them after which the caliph said to her tell us the answer to thy question she replied o commander of the faithful the stars are divided into three parts whereof one-third is hung in the sky of the earth as it were lamps to give light to the earth

Starting point is 10:02:40 and a part is used to shoot the demons withal when they draw near by stealth to listen to the talk in heaven quoth all allah almighty verily we have dight the sky of the earth with the adornment of the stars and have appointed them for project us against every rebellious Satan. And the third part is hung in air to illuminate the seas and give light to what is therein. Quote the astronomer, I have one more question to ask, which if she answer, I will avow myself beaten. Sayon answered she, and Shahr-Razade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 25. Recording by Eva Easton, Slocsburg, New York, May 2011. Section 26, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night. Translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librovox.org.

Starting point is 10:04:10 Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 26, 457th through 460th night. When it was the 457th night, she continued. it hath reached me o auspicious king that the astronomer said now tell me what four contraries are based upon other four contraries replied she the four qualities of caloric and frigoric humidity and sicity for of heat allah created fire whose nature is hot dry of dryness earth which is cold dry of cold water which is cold wet of moisture air which is hot wet moreover he created twelve signs of the zodiac aries torus gemini cancer leo vergo libra scorpio sagittarius capricorn aquarius and pices and appointed them of the four humors three fiery aries leo and sagittarius three earthly torus virgo and capricorn three airy gemini libra and aquarius and three watery cancer scorpio and pices

Starting point is 10:05:57 hereupon the astronomer rose and saying bear witness against me that she is more learned than i away he went beaten then quoth the caliph where is the philosopher at which one rose hastily and came forward and said to thawadud what is time and what be its limits and its days and what things bringeth it replied she time is a term applied to the hours of the night and day which are but the measures of the courses of the sun and moon in their several heavens even as allah almighty telleth us when he saith a sign to them also is the night from which we strip off the day and lo they are plunged in darkness and the sun runneth to her place of rest This is the ordinance of the sublime, the all-knowing. Question. How cometh unbelief to the son of Adam? It is reported of the apostle, whom Allah bless and preserve, that he said,

Starting point is 10:07:12 Unbelief in a man runneth as the blood runneth in his veins, when he revileth the world and time and night in the hour. And again, let none of you revile time. time, for time is God. Neither revile the world, for she saith, may Allah not aid him, who revileth me. Neither revile the hour, for the hour is surely coming, there is no doubt thereof. Neither revile the earth, for it is important, according to the saying of the most high, out of the ground have we created you, and into the same will we cause you to return. And we will bring you forth yet thence another time.

Starting point is 10:08:02 Question, what are the five that ate and drank, yet came not out of loins nor womb? Adam and Simeon, and Salis she-camel, and Ishmael's ram, and the bird that Abu Bakr, the truth-teller, saw in the cave. Question. Tell me of five that are in paradise and are neither humans, gins, nor angels. Jacob's wolf and the seven sleepers' dog, and Estrus's ass, and Sully's camel, and Dooldol the Mule of the Prophet, upon whom be blessings and peace. Question What man prayed a prayer Neither on earth nor in heaven

Starting point is 10:08:51 Solomon When he prayed on his carpet Born by the wind Question Re me this riddle A man once looked at a handmaid during Dawn prayer And she was unlawful to him

Starting point is 10:09:07 But at noonday she became lawful to him By mid-afternoon she was again unlawful, but at sundown she was lawful to him. At supper-time she was a third time unlawful, but by daybreak she became once more lawful to him. This was a man who looked at another slave-girl in the morning, and she was then unlawful to him, but at midday he bought her, and she became lawful to him. At mid-afternoon he freed her, and she became unlawful to him. But at sundown he married her, and she was again lawful to him. At nightfall he divorced her, and she was then a third time unlawful to him.

Starting point is 10:10:00 But next morning at daybreak he took her back, and she became once more lawful to him. Question. Tell me what tomb went about with him. him that laid buried therein. Jonah's wail when it had swallowed him. Question. What spot of lowland is it, upon which the sun shone once, but will never again shine till judgment day? The bottom of the Red Sea, when Moses smote it with his staff, and the sea clave asunder in twelve places, according to the number of the tribes. Then the sun shone, on the bottom, and will do so never more until judgment day.

Starting point is 10:10:46 And Shahr-Hara-Assad perceive the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty-eighth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the philosopher then addressed the damsel, saying, What was the first skirt that trailed over the face? of the earth. She replied, That of Hagar, out of shame before Sarah, and it became a custom among the Arabs. Question, what is that which breatheth without life? Quoth Almighty Allah, by the morning when it breatheth. Question, re me this riddle. A number of pigeons came to a high tree, and lighted, some on the tree and others under it.

Starting point is 10:11:46 Said those on the tree to those on the ground, If one of you come up to us, ye will be a third part of us all in number. And if one of us descend to you, we shall be like unto you in number. How many pigeons were there in all? Twelve. Seven alighted on the tree, and five beneath. and if one go up those above would be eight to four and if one go down both would be six and allah is all knowing with this the philosopher put off his clothes and fled whereupon the next contest took place for she turned to the olima present and said which of you is the rhetorician that can discourse on all arts and sciences

Starting point is 10:12:40 there came forward a sage height abraham bin siar and said to her think me not like the rest quoth she it is the more assured to me that thou wilt be beaten for that thou art a boaster and allah will help me to victory over thee that i may strip thee of thy clothes so if thou sentest one to fetch thee wherewithal to cover thyself twould be well for thee cried he by allah i will assuredly conquer thee and make thee a byword among the peoples generation after generation rejoined she do penance in advance for thy broken oath then he asked what five things did allah create before he made man and she answered water and earth and light and darkness and the fruits of the earth question what did allah create with the hand of omnipotence the arch throne of god or the imperial heaven and the tree and Adam and the Garden of Eden. These Allah created with the hand of his omnipotence, but to all other created things he said, be and they were. Question, who is thy father in al-Islam? Muhammad, whom Allah bless and preserve. Question, who was the father in al-Islam of

Starting point is 10:14:16 Muhammad? Abraham, the friend of God. Question. What is the faith of al-Islam? The professing that there is no God but the God, and that Muhammad is the apostle of God. Question, what is thy first and thy last? My first is man's seed in the shape of foul water, and my last filthy carrion. The first of me is dust, and the last of me is dust. Quote the poet, Of dust was I created, and man did I become, In question, Ever ready, and I fluent in reply. Then I unto the dust returned became of it again,

Starting point is 10:15:05 For that in very deed, of dust at first create was I. He continued, What thing was it, whose first state was wood, And its last life? moses staff when he cast it on the valley ground and it became by permission of allah a writhing serpent question what is the meaning of the word of the lord and i have other occasion for it he moses was wont to plant his staff in the ground and it would flower and fruit and shade him from the heat and from the cold Moreover, it would carry him when he was weary, and whilst he slept, guard his sheep from lions and wild beasts. Question. What woman was born of a man alone, and what man of a woman alone?

Starting point is 10:16:06 Eve of Adam and Jesus of Mary. Question. Tell me of the four fires, what fire eateth and drinketh? what fire eateth but drinketh not what fire drinketh but eateth not and what other neither eateth nor drinketh the fire of the world eateth but drinketh not the fire which eateth and drinketh is hellfire the fire of the sun drinketh but eateth not

Starting point is 10:16:40 and the fire of the moon neither eateth nor drinketh question which is the open door and which the shut the traditional ordinances are the open door the koranic the shut door question of what doth the poet speak when he saith and dweller in the tomb whose food is at his head when he eateth of that meat of words he waxeth fain he riseth and riseth and he walketh, and he talketh without tongue, and returneth to the tomb, where his kith and kin are lain. No living white is he, yet in honor he abides, nor dead, yet he deserved that allah him assain. She replied, the reed pen, Quoth he, what doth the poet refer to in these verses?

Starting point is 10:17:41 Two vests in one, blood flowing easiest-wise, rosy red ears and mouth wide-open lies. It hath a cock-like form, its belly pecks, and if you price it, half a dirham buys. She replied, The ink-case. Quoth he, and in these? Hose to men of wisdom, wit, and lore, To sapient, reverent, clever counsellor, Tell me what wast you saw that bird bring forth When wandering Arab land and a jam o'er? No flesh it beareth, and it hath no blood,

Starting point is 10:18:26 Nor down nor any feathers ere it war. Tis eaten cooked and eke, tis eaten cold, Tis eaten buried neath the flames that roar. it showeth twofold colours silver-white and yellow brighter than pure golden ore tis not seen living or we count it dead so re my riddle rich in marvel store she replied thou makest longsome the questioning anant an egg worth a mite question and this i waved to and fro and he waved to and fro with emotion so pleasant, now fast and now slow. And at last he sunk down on my bosom of snow. Your lover, friend?

Starting point is 10:19:18 No friend, my fan, said she. Question. How many words did Allah speak to Moses? It is related of the apostle that he said. God spoke to Moses fifteen hundred and fifteen words. Question. Tell me of fourteen things that speak to the Lord of the worlds. The seven heavens and the seven earths, when they say,

Starting point is 10:19:47 We come obedient to thy command. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and fifty-ninth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel made the answer, the philosopher continued, Tell me of Adam and how he was first created, and she said,

Starting point is 10:20:16 Allah created Adam of clay, the clay he made of foam, and the foam of the sea, the sea of darkness, darkness of light, light of a fish, the fish of a rock, the rock of a ruby, the ruby of water, and the ruby of water, The water he created by his omnipotence, according to his saying, Exalted be his name, His commandment, when he willeth ought, is but to say be, and it is. Question, what is meant by the poet in these verses? And eater, lacking mouth and even maw, yet trees and beasts to it are daily bread, well-fed it thrives and shows a lively life.

Starting point is 10:21:05 but give it water and you do it dead? This, quoth, she is fire. And in these, he asked. Two lovers barred from every joy and bliss, who through the live-long night embracing lie, they guard the folk from all calamities, but with the rising sun apart they fly? She answered, the leaves of a door.

Starting point is 10:21:33 Quoth he? Tell me of the gates of Gehenna. Quoth she, they are seven in number and their names are comprised in these two couplets. Jachanam, next Laza, and third, Hatim. Then count Sa'ir and Sakar Iik, fivefold. Sixth comes Jahim, and Hawia the seventh. Here are seven hells in four lines briefly told. quoth he to what doth the poet refer when he saith she wears a pair of ringlets long let down behind her as she comes and goes at speed and eye that never tastes of sleep nor sheds a tear for ne'er a drop it hath at need

Starting point is 10:22:24 that never all its life wore stitch of clothes yet robes mankind in every mode of wheat quoth she a needle Question, what is the length and what the breadth of the bridge of Sirat? Its length is three thousand years' journey, a thousand in descent, and a thousand in ascent, and a thousand level. It is sharper than a sword and finer than a hair. And Shah Razaad perceive the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and sixty-yth night, she said,

Starting point is 10:23:08 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when the damsel had described to him al-Sirat, the philosopher said, Inform me how many intercessions with Allah hath the prophet for each soul. Three. Question. Was Abu Bakr the first who embraced al-Islam? Yes. Question. Yet Ali became a Muslim before him. Ali came to the prophet when he was a boy of seven years old, for Allah vouchsafed him knowledge of the way of salvation in his tender youth, so that he never

Starting point is 10:23:49 prostrated himself to idols. Quoth he, tell me which is the more excellent, Ali or Abbas. Now she knew that, in propounding this question, Ibrahim was lost. laying a trap for her. For if she said Ali is more excellent than Abbas, she would lack excuse with the Caliph for undervaluing his ancestor. So she bowed her head a while, now reddening, then paling, and lastly said, Thou askest me of two excellent men, each having his own excellence. Let us return to what we were about. When the Caliph Harun al-Rashid heard her, he stood up. and said, "'Thou hast spoken well by the lord of the Kabah, O Thawadud. Then quoth Ibrahim the rhetorician,

Starting point is 10:24:41 What meaneth the poet when he saith? Slim-wasted one whose taste is sweetest sweet, Likeest a lance whereupon no head we scan, And all the lieges find it work them wheel, eaten of afternoon in Ramadan. She answered, The sugar-cane, and he said, Tell me of many things, asked she, what are they? And he said, What is sweeter than honey? What is sharper than the sword? What is swifter than poison?

Starting point is 10:25:17 What is the delight of a moment, and what the contentment of three days? What is the pleasantest of days? What is the joy of a week? What is that debt the worst debtor denieth not? what is the prison of the tomb what is the joy of the heart what is the snare of the soul what is death in life what is the disease that may not be healed what is the shame that may not be wiped off what is the beast that woneth not in cultivated fields but lodgeth in waste places and hateth the sons of adam and hath in him somewhat of the make of seven strong and violent beasts. Quoth she, Hear what I shall say in reply,

Starting point is 10:26:12 Then put off thy clothes, that I may explain to thee. And the Caliph said, Expound, and he shall doff his clothes. So she said, Now that which is sweeter than honey, is the love of pious children to their two parents. That which is sharp, sharper than the sword is the tongue. That which is swifter than poison is the envious eye.

Starting point is 10:26:41 The delight of a moment is carnal copulation, and the contentment of three days is the depilatory for women. The pleasantest of days is that of profit on merchandise. The joy of a week is the bride. The debt, which the worst debtor denieth not, is death. the prison of the tomb is a bad son the joy of the heart is a woman obedient to her husband and it is said also that when flesh meat descendeth upon the heart it rejoiceth therein the snare of the soul is a disobedient slave death in life is poverty the disease that may not be healed is an ill nature and the shame that may not be wiped away is an ill daughter lastly the beast that woneth not in cultivated fields but lodgeth in waste places and hateth the sons of adam and hath in him somewhat of the make of seven strong and violent beasts is the locust whose head is as the head of a horse its neck as the neck of a bull its wings as the wings as the wings of the vulture, its feet as the feet of the camel, its tail as the tail of the serpent,

Starting point is 10:28:10 its belly as the belly of the scorpion, and its horns as the horns of the gazelle. The Caliph was astounded at her quickness and understanding, and said to the rhetorician, Doth thy close. So he rose up and cried, I call all who are present in this assembly to witness that she, is more learned than I, and every other learned man. And he put off his clothes and gave them to her, saying, Take them, and may Allah not bless them to thee. So the Caliph ordered him fresh clothes and said, Othawadud, there is one thing left of that for which thou didst engage, namely, chess. And he sent for experts of chess and cards and Trichdrak. The chess player sat

Starting point is 10:29:02 down before her and they set the pieces, and he moved, and she moved. But every move he made, she speedily countered. And Shah Rasad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. End of Section 26. Recording by Eva Easton, Slotsburgh, New York, May 2011. 7, Volume 5 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer,

Starting point is 10:29:58 please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of A Thousand Nights and Nights and and a knight, Volume 5, Section 27, 461st through 464th night. When it was the 461st night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the damsel was playing chess with the expert in presence of the commander of the faithful, Harun al-Rashid, whatever move he made was speedily countered by her, till she beat him and he found himself checkmated.

Starting point is 10:30:44 Quoth he, I did but lead thee on that thou mightest think thyself skillful, but set up again, and thou shalt see. So they placed the pieces a second time, when he said in himself, Open thine eyes, or she will beat thee, and he fell to moving no peace, save after calculation, and ceased not to play till she said, Thy king is dead, checkmate. When he saw this, he was confounded at her quickness and understanding.

Starting point is 10:31:19 But she laughed and said, O Professor, I will make a wager with thee on this third game. I will give thee the queen and the right-hand castle, and the left-hand knight. If thou beat me, take my clothes. And if I beat thee, I will take thy clothes. Replied he, I agree to this, and they replaced the pieces, she removing queen, castle, and

Starting point is 10:31:48 night. Then, said she, move, O master. So he moved, saying to himself, I cannot but beat her with such odds, and planned a combination. But behold, she moved on, little by little. till she made one of her pawns a queen, and pushing up to him ponds and other pieces to take off his attention, set one in his way and tempted him to take it. Accordingly he took it, and she said to him, The measure is meted, and the loads equally balanced. Eat till thou are over full. Not shall be thy ruin, O son of Adam, save thy grief.

Starting point is 10:32:37 knowest thou not that I did but tempt thee, that I might finesse thee, see, this is checkmate, adding, So doth off thy clothes. Quoth he, Leave me my bag trousers, so Allah repay thee, and he swore by Allah that he would contend with none, so long as Thawadud abode in the realm of Baghdad. Then he stripped off his clothes, and gave them to her and went away. Thereupon came the backgammon player, and she said to him,

Starting point is 10:33:14 If I beat thee this day, what wilt thou give me? Quoth he, I will give thee ten suits of brocade of Constantinople, figured with gold, and ten suits of velvet, and a thousand gold pieces. And if I beat thee, I ask nothing but that thou right, me an acknowledgement of my victory. Quoth she, to it then, and do thy best. So they played, and he lost, and went away, chattering in Frankish jargon and saying, By the bounty of the commander of the faithful, there is not like her in all the regions of the world. Then the Caliph summoned players on instruments of music and asked her,

Starting point is 10:34:05 "'Dest thou know aught of music?' When she answered, even so, He bade bring, a worn lute, polished by use, Whose owner, forlorn and lone, Was by parting trodden down, And of which, quote, one, describing it, Allah watered a land,

Starting point is 10:34:24 And up sprang a tree, Struck root deep down, And raised head a sky. the birds or sang it when green its wood and the fair or sing now the wood is dry so they brought the lute in a bag of red satin with tassels of saffron-colored silk and she opened the bag and took it out and behold on it was graven oft hath a tender bough made lute for maid whose swift sweet lays at feast men's hearts invade She sings, it follows on her song, as though the bul-balls taught her all the modes she played. She laid her lute in her lap, and with bosom inclining over it, bent to it with the bending of a mother who sucklet her child. Then she preluded in twelve different modes, till the whole assembly was agitated with delight, like a waving sea, and she sang the following.

Starting point is 10:35:30 Cut short this strangeness, Leave unruth of you, My heart shall love you, I, by youth of you. Have Ruth on one, Who sighs and weeps and moans, Pining and yearning for the troth of you. The Caliph was ravished, and exclaimed, Allah bless thee, and be merciful to him who taught thee.

Starting point is 10:35:55 Whereupon she rose and kissed the ground before him, Then he sent for money and paid her master Abu al-Husin and hundred thousand gold pieces to her price, after which he said to her, O Tawadud, ask a boon of me. Replied she, I ask of thee that thou restore me to my lord who sold me. Tis well answered the caliph and restored her to her master, and gave her five thousand dinars for herself. Moreover, he appointed Abu Al-Husen, one of his cup companions, for a permanence. And Shahr-Rasad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say.

Starting point is 10:36:44 When it was the four hundred and sixty-second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the Caliph gave the damsel five thousand dinars for herself, and restored her to her master, whom he appointed one of his cup companions for a permanence, and assigned him a monthly stipend of a thousand dinars so long as he should live, and he abode with the damsel Tawatud in all salus and delight of life. Marvel, then, O King, at the eloquence of this damsel, and the hugeness of her learning and understanding, and her perfect excellence in all branches of art and science,

Starting point is 10:37:32 and consider the generosity of the commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid, in that he gave her master this money and said to her, ask a boon of me, and she besought him to restore her to her lord. So he restored her to him, and gave her five thousand dinars for herself, and made him one of his boon companions. Where is such generosity to be found after the Abbasid Caliphs? May Allah Almighty have mercy upon them, one and all. And they tell a tale of the angel of death

Starting point is 10:38:13 with the proud king and the devout man. It is related, O auspicious king, that one of the old and monarchs was once minded to ride out in state with the officers of his realm and the grandees of his retinue, and display to the folk the marvels of his magnificence. So he ordered his lords and emirs, equip them therefore, and commanded his keeper of the wardrobe, to bring him of the richest arraignment,

Starting point is 10:38:44 such as befitted the king in his state, and he bade them bring his steeds of the finest breeds and pedigrees, every man he eats, which, being done, he chose out of the raiment which rejoiced him most, and of the horses that which he deemed best, and donning the clothes, together with a collar set with marguerites and rubies and all-mannered jewels, mounted and set forth in state, making his destrier prance and corvette among his troops, and glorying in his pride and despotic power. And Iblis came to him, and, laying his hand upon his nose, blew into his nostrils the breath of Hortyr, and conceit, so that he magnified and glorified himself, and said in his heart, Who among men is like unto me? and he became so puffed up with arrogance and self-sufficiency,

Starting point is 10:39:45 and so taken up with the thought of his own splendor and magnificence, that he would not vouchsafe a glance to any man. Presently there stood before him one clad in tattered clothes and saluted him, but he returned not his salaam, whereupon the stranger laid hold of his horse's bridle, lift thy hand cried the king thou knowest not whose bridal reign it is whereof thou takest hold quoth the other i have a need of thee quoth the king wait till i alight and then name thy need rejoined the stranger it is a secret and i will not tell it but in thine ear so the king bowed his head to him and he said i am the angel of death and and I propose to take thy soul.

Starting point is 10:40:41 Replied the king, Have patience with me a little, whilst I return to my house and take leave of my people and children and neighbors and wife. By no means so, answered the angel. Thou shalt never return, nor look on them again, for the fated term of thy life is past.

Starting point is 10:41:03 So saying he took the soul of the king who fell off his horse, his back, dead, and departed thence. Presently the death angel met a devout man, of whom Almighty Allah had accepted and saluted him. He returned the salute, and the angel said to him, O pious man, I have a need of thee which must be kept secret. Tell it in my ear, quote the devotee, and quote the other, I am the angel of death, replied the man. man, welcome to thee, and praise be Allah for thy coming. I am a weary of awaiting thine arrival, for indeed long hath been thine absence from the lover which longeth for thee.

Starting point is 10:41:52 Said the angel, if thou have any business, make an end of it. But the other answered saying, There is nothing so urgent to me as the meeting with my lord, to whom be honor and glory. And the angel said, How wouldst thou fain have me take thy soul? I am bidden to take it as thou willest and choosest. He replied, Tarry till I make the Ozu ablution and pray, And, when I prostrate myself,

Starting point is 10:42:27 Then take my soul while my body is on the ground. Quoth the angel, Verily, my lord, be he extolled and exalted, commanded me not to take thy soul but with thy consent and as thou shouldst wish so i will do thy will then the devout man made the minor ablution and prayed and the angel of death took his soul in the act of prostration and almighty allah transported it to the place of mercy and acceptance and forgiveness and they tell another tale of the angel of death and the rich King. A certain king had heaped up coin beyond count, and gathered store of all precious things, which Allah the most highest hath created. So, in order that he might take his pleasure, whenas he should find leisure, to enjoy all this abounding wealth he had collected,

Starting point is 10:43:28 he built him a palace wide and lofty, such as befitteth and besiemeth kings, and set thereto strong doors, and appointed for its service and its guard, servants and soldiers and doorkeepers, to watch and ward. One day he bade the cooks dress him somewhat of the goodliest of food, and assembled his household and retainers and boon companions and servants

Starting point is 10:43:58 to eat with him and partake of his bounty. Then he sat down upon the sofa of his kingship and dominion, and propping his elbow upon the cushion addressed himself saying, O soul, thou hast gathered together all the wealth of the world. So now take thy leisure therein, and eat of this good at thine ease, in long life and prosperity ever rife. And Shahr-Hadr perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 10:44:31 and ceased saying, her permitted say, When it was the four hundred and sixty-third night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That hardly had the king made an end of saying to himself, Eat of this wheel at thine ease, In long life and prosperity ever rife, When a man clad in tattered raiment With an Asker's wallet hanging at his neck,

Starting point is 10:45:00 As he were one who came to beg food, knocked with the door-ring, a knock so loud and terrible, that the whole palace shook, as with quake of earth, and the king's throne trembled. The servants were affrighted, and rushed to the door, and when they saw the man who had knocked, they cried out at him, saying, Woe to thee! What manner of unmanorly fashion be this? Wait till the king eateth, and we would then give thee of what is left. Quoth he,

Starting point is 10:45:34 Tell your Lord to come out and speak with me, For I have of him a pressing need And a matter to heed. They cried, Away fool, Who art thou that we should bid our Lord come forth to thee? But he said, Tell him of this.

Starting point is 10:45:54 So they went in and told the king who said, Did ye not rebuke him, And draw upon him and threaten him? Now, as he spoke, behold, there came another knock at the gate, louder than the first knock, whereupon the servants sprang at the stranger, with staves and weapons, to fall upon him and slay him. But he shouted at them, saying, Bide in your steads, for I am the angel of death. Hereat their hearts quaked, and their wits forsook them. Their understandings were in confusion, their side muscles quivered in

Starting point is 10:46:34 perturbation, and their limbs lost the power of motion. Then said the king to them, tell him to take a substitute in my place, and one to relieve me in this case. But the angel answered, saying, I will take no substitute, and I come not but on thine account, to cause separation between thee and the goods thou hast gathered together, and the riches thou hast heaped up and entresured. When the king heard this he wept and groaned, saying, Allah cursed the treasure which hath deluded and undone me, and diverted me from the service of my lord.

Starting point is 10:47:18 I deemed it would profit me, but today it is a regret for me, and a calamity to me, and behold I go forth, empty-handed of it, and leave it to my foes. Thereupon Allah caused the treasure to speak out, and it said, Wherefore curses thou me, curse thyself, For Allah created both me, and eke thyself of the dust, and appointed me to be in thine hand, That thou mightest provide thee with me a viadicum for the next world,

Starting point is 10:47:55 and give alms with me to the core and the needy and the sick, and build mosques and hospices, and bridges and aqueducts, so might I be an adence unto thee in the world to come? But thou didst garner me, and hoard me up, and on thine own vanities bestowest me. Neither gavest thou thanks for me, as was due, but wast ungrateful to me, and now thou must leave me to thy foes, and thou hast not save thy regretting and thy repenting. But what is my sin that thou shouldst revile me? Then the angel of death took the king's soul

Starting point is 10:48:38 as he sat on his throne before he ate of the food, and he fell down dead. Quoth Allah Almighty, while they were rejoicing for that which had been given them, we suddenly laid hold on them, and behold they were seized with despair. And they tell another tale of the angel of death and the king of the children of Israel. There was a piousan despot among the kings of the Banu Israel, who sat one day upon the throne of his kingship.

Starting point is 10:49:17 When he saw come into him by the gate of the hall, a man of forbidding aspect and horrible presence. The king was affrighted at his sudden intrusion, and his look terrified him. So he sprang up before him and said, Who art thou, O man? Who gave thee leave to come into me, and who invited thee to enter my house?

Starting point is 10:49:43 Quoth the stranger. Verily, the lord of the house sent me to thee, nor can any doorkeeper exclude me, nor need I leave to come in to kings. For I reck not of a sultan's majesty, neither of the multitude of his guards. I am he from whom no tyrant is at rest, nor can any man escape from my grasp. I am the destroyer of delights and the sunderer of societies. Now, when the king heard this, a palsy crept over him, and he fell on his face in a swoon. But presently coming to himself, he asked, Art thou then the angel of death?

Starting point is 10:50:30 And the stranger answered, yes. I conjure thee by Allah, quote the king, grant me one single day's respite, that I may pray pardon of my sins, and ask absolution of my Lord, and restore to their rightful owners the monies which are in my treasures. So I may not be burdened with the woe of a reckoning, nor with the misery of punishment, therefore. Replied the angel, Well away, well away, this may be in no way. And Shahr Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to see to see, say, her permitted say.

Starting point is 10:51:15 When it was the four hundred and sixty-fourth night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That quoth the death-messinger to the king, Well away, well away, this may be in no way. How can I grant thee a reprieve, When the days of thy life are counted, And thy breaths numbered, And thy moments fixed and written,

Starting point is 10:51:40 grant me an hour asked the king, but the angel answered, saying, The hour was in the account, and hath sped, and thou unheeding ought, And hath fled, and thou taking no thought, And now thy breathings are accomplished, And there remaineth to thee but one breath. Quoth the king, Who will be with me when I am transported to my tomb? Quoth the angel, Not will be with thee, but thy works good or evil.

Starting point is 10:52:16 I have no works, said the king, and the angel? Doubtless thy long home will be in hellfire, and thy doom the wrath of the almighty. Then he seized the soul of the king, and he fell off his throne, and dropped on the earth dead, and there arose a mighty weeping and wailing and clamor of keening for him among the people of his court. And had they known that to which he went of the wrath of his lord, their weeping for him had been soarer, and they're wailing louder and more abounding. And a story is told of Iskandar Zul Al-Karnain and a certain tribe of poor folk. It is related that Iskandar Zu Alcarnain once came in his journeyings upon a tribe of small folk, who owned naught of the wheels of the world, and who dug their graves over against the doors of their houses, and were wont at all times to visit them, and sweep the earth from them, and keep them clean, and pray at them, and worship Almighty Allah at them, and they had no meat,

Starting point is 10:53:35 save grasses and the growth of the ground. So Iskandar sent a man to summon their king, but he refused to come, saying, I have no need of him. Thereupon Iskandar went to him, and said, How is it with you, and what manner of men are ye? For I see with you forsooth not of gold or silver, Nor find I with you aught of the wheels of the world,

Starting point is 10:54:04 answered the king, none hath his fill of the wheels of the world. Iskandr then asked, Why do you dig your graves before your house-doors? And the king answered, That they may be the perspective of our eye glances, So we may look on them, And every new talk and thought of death,

Starting point is 10:54:26 Neither forget the world to come, And on this wise the love of the world be banished from our hearts, and we be not thereby distracted from the service of our Lord, the Almighty. Quoth Iskander, Why do ye eat grasses? And the other replied, Because we abhor to make our bellies the tombs of animals, and because the pleasure of eating art stripeth not the gullet. Then, putting forth his hand,

Starting point is 10:54:58 he brought out a skull of a son of Adam, and laying it before Iskandar said, Ozu Alcarnaine, Lord of the two horns, Know's thou who owned this skull? Quoth he, nay, and quoth the other, He who owned this skull was a king of the kings of the world, who dealt tyrannously with his subjects, specially wronging the weak

Starting point is 10:55:24 and wasting his time in heaping up the rubbish of this world, till Allah took his sprite and made the fire his abiding sight, and this is his head. He then put forth his hand and produced another skull, and laying it before Iskander, said to him, Knowest thou this? No, answer the conqueror, and the other rejoined, this is the skull of another king, who dealt justly by his lieges, and was kindly solicitous for the folk of his realm and his dominions, till Allah took his soul and lodged him in his garden, and made high his degree in heaven.

Starting point is 10:56:06 Then laying his hands on Iskander's head, he said, Would I knew which of these two art thou? Whereupon Iskandr wept with sore weeping, and straining the king to his bosom cried, If thou be minded to company with me, I will commit to thee as wazir the government of my affairs, and share with thee my kingdom. cried the other, well away, well away, I have no mind to this. And why so? asked Iskandir. And the king answered,

Starting point is 10:56:41 Because all men are thy foes by reason of the wealth and the worlds thou hast won, while all men are my true friends, because of my contentment and pauperdom, for that I possess nothing, neither covet ought of the goods of life. I have no desire to them, nor wish for them. Neither wreck I ought save contentment. So Iskandar pressed him to his breast, and kissed him between the eyes, and went his way. And among the tales they tell is one concerning the righteousness of King Anurshiwan. It is told of Anurshiwan, the just king, that once upon a time he feigned himself sick

Starting point is 10:57:26 and bade his stewards and intendants go round about the provinces of his empire and the quarters of his dominion and seek him out a mud-brick thrown away from some ruined village, that he might use it as medicine, informing his intimates that the leeches had prescribed this to him. So they went round of the provinces of his reign, and of all the lands under his sway,

Starting point is 10:57:53 and said to him on return, in all the realm we have found nor ruined sight, nor castaway mud-brick. At this Anurshuwan rejoiced and rendered thanks to the Lord, saying, I was but minded to try my kingdom and prove mine empire, that I might know if any place therein remained ruined and deserted, so I might rebuild and repopal it. But since there be no place in it but is inhabited, the affairs of the rain are best conditioned, and its ordinance is excellent, and its populaceness hath reached the pitch of perfection. Enshahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. End of Section 27.

Starting point is 10:58:43 Recording by Eva Easton, Slocsburg, New York, May 2011. Section 28, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit. Visit Libravox.org. Recording by Simon Wainwright,

Starting point is 10:59:25 The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 28. When it was the four hundred and sixty-fifth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the high officials returned and reported we have found in the empire nor ruined sight nor rotten brick the just king thanked his god and said verily the affairs of the realm are best conditioned and its ordinance is excellent

Starting point is 11:00:07 and its populousness hath reached the pink of perfection and can thou o king continued shahrazad that these olden kings straved not and toiled not for the peopling of their possessions but because they knew that the more populous a country is the more abundant is that which is desired therein and because they wist the saying of the wise and the learned to be true without other view namely religion dependeth on the king the king on the troops the troops on the treasury the treasury on the populaceness of the country and its prosperity on the justice done to the lieges wherefore they upheld no one in tyranny or oppression neither suffered their dependence and suit to work in justice knowing that kingdoms are not established upon tyranny but that cities and places fall into ruin when oppressors are set as rulers over them and their inhabitants disperse and flee to other governments whereby ruin for falleth upon the realm. The imports fail, the treasuries become empty, and the pleasant lives of the subjects are perturbed. For, that they love not a tyrant, and cease not to offer up successive prayers against him, so that the king hath no ease of his kingdom, and the vicissitudes of fortune speedily.

Starting point is 11:02:03 bring him to destruction. And they tell a tale concerning the Jewish Kazai and his pious wife. Among the children of Israel, one of the Kazais had a wife of surpassing beauty, constant in fasting and abounding in patience and long-suffering, and he, being minded to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem, appointed his own brother, Kazai in his stead during his absence and commended his wife to his charge. Now this brother had heard of her beauty and loveliness and had taken a fancy to her. So no sooner was his brother gone than he went to her and sought her love favors. But she denied him and held fast to her chastity.

Starting point is 11:03:00 The more she repelled him, the more he pressed his suit upon her. Tell, despairing of her and fearing less, she should acquaint his brother with his misconduct, when as he should return, he suburned false witnesses to testify against her of adultery, and cited her and carried her before the king of the time who adjudged her to be stoned. So they dug a pit, and seating her therein, stoned her, till she was covered with stones, and the man said be this hole her grave. But when it was dark a passer-by, making for a neighboring hamlet, heard her groaning in sore pain, and pulling her out of the pit, carried her home to his wife, whom he bade, dress her wounds. The peasant,

Starting point is 11:04:00 woman tended her till she recovered and presently gave her her child to be nursed, and she used to lodge with the child in another house by night. Now a certain thief saw her and lusted after her. So he sent to her seeking her love favors, but she denied herself to him, wherefore he resolved to slay her, and making his way into her lodging by night, and she sleeping, thought to strike at her with a knife, but it smote the little one and killed it. Now, when he knew his misdeed, fear overtook him, and he went forth the house, and Allah preserved from him her chastity. But as she awoke in the morning, she found the child by her side, with throat cut, and presently the mother came, seeing her boy dead, said to the nurse, twas thou didst this murder him.

Starting point is 11:05:13 Therewith she beat her a grievous beating and pursued to put her to death, but after her husband interposed and delivered the woman, saying, by a law thou shalt not do on this wise so the woman who had somewhat of money with her fled forth for her life knowing not whither she should win presently she came to a village where she saw a crowd of people about a man crucified to a tree stump but still in the chains of life what hath he done she asked and they he hath committed a crime which nothing can expiate but death or the payment of such a fine by way of alms so she said to them take the money and let him go and when they did so he repented at her hands and vowed to serve her for the love of almighty allah till death should release him then he built her a cell and lodged her therein after which he betook himself to wood-cutting and brought her daily her bread as for her she was constant in worship so that there came no sick man or demonic to her but she prayed for him and he was straightway healed and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and sixty-sixth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king

Starting point is 11:07:08 that when the woman's cell was visited by folk and she constant in worship it befell by decree of the almighty that he sent down upon her husband's brother the same who had caused her to be stoned a cancer in the face and smote the villager's wife the same who had beaten her with leprosy an afflety an afflinson the thief, the sane who had murdered the child with palsy. Now, when the Kizai returned from his pilgrimage, he asked his brother of his wife, and he told him that she was dead, whereat he mourned, sore, and accounted her with her maker. After a while very many folk heard of the pious recluse, to herself from all parts of the length and breadth of the earth. Whereupon said the Kazai to his brother, O my brother, wilt thou not seek out yonder pious woman? Happily, Allah shall decree thee healing at her hands.

Starting point is 11:08:28 And he replied, O my brother, carry me to her. Moreover, the husband of the leprous woman heard of the pious devotee, and carried his wife to her, as did also the people of the paralytic thief. And they all met at the door of the hermitage. Now she had a place wherefrom she could look out upon those who came to her without there seeing her. And they waited till her servant came, when they begged admittance and obtained permission presently,

Starting point is 11:09:08 she saw them all and recognized them so she veiled and cloaked her face and body and went out and stood in the door looking at her husband and his brother and the thief and the peasant woman but they could not recognize her then said she to them o folk ye shall not be relieved of what is with you till you shall not be relieved of what is with you till you till ye confess your sins for when the creature confesseth his sins the creator relenteth towards him and granteth him that wherefore he restoreth to him quoth the kazi to his brother o my brother repent to allah and persist not in thy frowardness for it will be more helpful to thy relief and the tongue of the case spake this speech this day oppressor and oppressed meet and allah showeth secrets we secret this is a place where sinners lo are brought and allah raiseth saint to highest seat our lord and master shows the truth right clear though sinner froward be or own defeat alas for those who rouse the lord to wrath as though of allah's wrath they nothing weat o whoso seekest honors know they are from allah and his fear with love entreat saith the relator then quoth the brother now i will tell the truth i did thus and thus with thy wife and he confessed the whole matter adding

Starting point is 11:11:10 and this is my offence quoth the leprous woman as for me i had a woman with me and imputed to her that of which i knew her to be guiltless and beat her grievously. And this is my offense. And quote the paralytic, and I went in to a woman to kill her after I had tempted her to commit adultery, and she had refused, and I slew a child that lay by her side, and this is my offense. Then said the pious woman, oh my God, even as a child, even as a child, thou hast made them feel the misery of revolt, so show them now the excellence of submission, for thou over all things art omnipotent, and Allah to whom belong majesty and might, made them whole. Then the Kazai fell to looking on her, and considering her straightly, till she asked him why he looked so hard, and he said,

Starting point is 11:12:24 had a wife and were she not dead i had said that thou art she hereupon she made herself known to him and both began praising allah to whom belong majesty and might for that which he had vouchsafed them of the reunion of their loves but the brother and the thief and the villager's wife joined in imploring her forgiveness so she forgave them one and all and they worshipped allah in that place and rendered her due service till death parted them and one of the saeeds hath related this tale of the shipwrecked woman and her child i was circuting the kabab one dark night when i heard a plaintive one dark night when i heard a plaintive voice speaking from a contrite heart and saying, O bountiful one, Thy past boon indeed, by my heart shall thy covenant never be undone. Hearing this voice, my heart fluttered, so that I was like to die. But I followed the sound, and behold, it came from a woman to whom I said,

Starting point is 11:13:50 Peace, be with thee, O handmaid of a life. Whartue she replied, And with thee be peace, and the mercy of Allah and his blessings. Quoth I, I conjure thee by Allah the most great. Tell me, what is the covenant to which thy heart is constant? Quoth she, but that thou adjur'st me by the omnipotent, I would not tell thee my secrets. See what is before me. So I looked, and lo, there was a child, lying asleep before her, and breathing heavily in his slumber, said she, know that I set forth being big with this boy to make the pilgrimage to this house and took passage in a ship.

Starting point is 11:14:44 But the waves rose against us, and the winds blew contrary, and the vessel broke up. i saved myself on a plank and on that bit of wood i gave birth to this child and while he lay on my bosom and the waves beating upon me and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and sixty-seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the woman continued now while the boy lay on my bosom and the waves beat upon me there swam up to me one of the sailors who climbed on my bosom and the waves beat upon me there swam up to me one of the sailors who climbed on my, who climbed on, the plank and said, by Allah, I desire thee whilst thou was yet in the ship, and now I have come at thee, so yield thy body to me, or I will throw thee into the sea, said I, out on thee, hast thou no memory of that which thou hast thou hast no warning to thee? Quoth he, I have seen the like of this many a time, and come off safe and care,

Starting point is 11:16:10 not. Quoth I, O fellow, we are now in a calamity, whence we hope to be delivered by obedience to Allah, and not by disobedience, but he persisted with me, and I feared him and thought to put him off. So I said to him, wait till this babe shall sleep, but he took the child off my lap and threw him into the sea. Now, when I saw this desperate deed, my heart sank and sorrow was sore upon me, so I raised my eyes heavenwards and said, O thou, that interposedest between a man and his heart, intervene between me and this Leonine brute, for thou over all things art omnipotent, and by Allah hardly had I spoken when a beast rose out of the sea and snatched him off the plank. When I saw myself alone, my sorrows redoubled, and my grief and longing for my child, I recited. My cooleth of eyes and darling child of me

Starting point is 11:17:25 is lost and wracked my heart with agony. My body wrecked in red-hot coals of love, burning my liver with sore pangs i see in this my sorrow shows no gleam of joy save thy high grace and my expectancy has seen o lord what unto me befell my son ah lost and parting pangs i dree take ruth on us and make us meet again for now my stay and only hopes in thee i abode in this condition a day and a night and when morning dawned i caught sight of the sails of a vessel shining afar off nor did the waves cease to drive me and the winds to waft me on till i reached the ship whose sails i had sighted the sailors took me up the sailors took me up and looked and behold my babe was amongst them so i threw myself upon him and said o folk this is my child how and whence came ye by him quoth they whilst we were sailing along the seas the ship suddenly stood still and lo that which stayed us was a beast as it were a great city and this babe on its back sucking his thumbs so we took him up now when i heard this i told them my tale and all that had betide me and returned thanks to my lord for his goodness and vowed to him that never whilst i lived would i stir from his high

Starting point is 11:19:20 house nor swerve from his service and since then i have never asked of him aught but he hath given it me now when she had made an end of her story quoth the sa'id i put my hand to my alms pouch and would have given to her but she exclaimed away from me thou idle man have i not told thee of his mercies and the graciousness of his dealings, and shall I take in arms from other than his hand? And I could not prevail with her to accept aught of me, so I left her and went away, reciting these couplets. How many booms conceals the deity, eluding human sight in mystery? How many graces come on heels of stresses, and fill, the burning heart with jubilee. How many a sorrow in the morn appears and turns at night-tide into Gladys Cree.

Starting point is 11:20:31 If things go hard with thee some day, trust the eternity, the almighty God of unity, and pray the prophet that he intercede, through intercession every wish shall see. And she left not the service of her lord, leaving unto his house till death came to her in a tale is also told by malik ben danar allah have mercy on him of the pious black slave we were once afflicted with drought at basara and went forth sundry times to pray for rain but saw no sign of our prayers being accepted so i went i an ita al al Salami and Sabit al-Banani and Naja al-Baka and Muhammad bin Wasea and Yaub al-Sukiyani and Habib al-Farsi and Hassan bin Abi Senan and Atpa al-Gulam and Salih al-Muzani till we've reached the order When the boys came out of the schools and we prayed for rain but saw no sign of acceptance

Starting point is 11:21:58 So about midday the people went away and I and Sabit al Banani tarried in the place of prayer till nightfall When we saw a black of comely face Slender of shank and big of belly approach us clad in a pair of woolen drawers if all he wore had been priced it would not have fetched a couple of durham's he brought water and made the minor ablution then going up to the prayer-nitch prayed two inclinations deftly his standing and bowing and prostration being exactly similar in both then he had been exactly similar in both then he He raised his glance heavenwards and said, O my God, and my Lord and Master, how long wilt thou reject thy servants in that which offereth no hurt to thy sovereignty? Is that which is with thee wasted,

Starting point is 11:23:09 or are the treasuries of thy kingdom annihilated? I conjure thee by thy love to me forthwith to pour out upon us, thy rain-clouds of grace he spake and hardly had he made an end of speaking when the heavens clouded over and there came a rain as if the mouths of water-skins had been opened and when we left the oratory we were knee-deep in water and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and sixty-eighth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that hardly had he spoken when the heavens clouded over and there came a rain as if the mouths of water-skins had been opened and when we left the oratory we were knee-deep in water and we were lost in wonder at the black so i accosted him and said to him Woe to thee, O black, art thou not ashamed of what thou saidest? He turned to me and asked, What said I?

Starting point is 11:24:29 And I, Thay saying to Allah, by thy love of me, and what giveth thee to know that he loveth thee? Replied he, away from me, O thou distracted by the world from the care of thine own soul. Where was I, when he gave me strength to profess the unity of the Godhead, and vouchsafed unto me the knowledge of him? How deemest thou, that he aided me thus except of his love to me, adding fairly, his love to me, is after the measure of my love to him? Quoth I, tarry a while with me, so may Allah have mercy on thee, but he says, said, I am a chattel, and the book enjoineth me to obey my lesser master. So we followed him afar off, till we saw him enter the house of a slave-broker. Now the first half of the night was passed, and the last half was longsome upon us.

Starting point is 11:25:41 So we went away. But next morning we repaired to the slave-dealer and said to him, Hast thou a lad to sell us for service? He answered, yes. I have a hundred lads or so, and they are all for sale. Then he showed a slave after slave till he had shown us some seventy. But my friend was not amongst them. And the dealer said, These are all I have.

Starting point is 11:26:12 but as we were going out from him we saw a ruinous hut behind his house and going in behold we found the black standing there i cry tis he by the lord of the kaba and turning to the dealer said to him sell me yonder slave replied he o abu yaya this is a pestilent unprofitable fellow who hath no concern by no concern by night but weeping, and by day but repentance. I rejoined. It is, for that I want him. So the dealer called him, and he came out, showing drowsiness, quoth his master, take him at thine own price, so thou hold me free of all his faults. I bought him for twenty dinars, and asked, what is his name, and the dealer answered, Mayam the monkey. And I took him by the hand and went out with him,

Starting point is 11:27:18 intending to go home, but he turned to me and said, Allah, I am not fit for the service of God's creatures. Replied I, I bought thee, that I might serve thee myself, and on my head be it, asked he, why so? And I answered, Was thou not in company with us yesterday, in the place of prayer? Quoth he, and didst thou hear me? And quoth I, it was I, accosted thee yesterday, and spoke with thee.

Starting point is 11:27:52 Thereupon he advanced, till we came to a mosque, where he entered and prayed a two-bow prayer, after which he said, oh my God, and my lord and master, the secret that was between me and thee, thou hast discovered unto thy creatures, and has brought me to shame before the world lean. How then shall life be sweet to me, now that other than thou have happened upon that which is between thee and me? I conjured thee to take my soul to thee forthright, so saying he prostrated himself, and I awaited a while without seeing him raise his head. So I shook him, and behold, he was indeed dead. The mercy of Almighty Allah be upon him.

Starting point is 11:28:47 I laid him out, stretching his arms and legs, and looked at him, and lo, he was smiling. Moreover, whiteness had got the better of blackness on his brow, and his face was radiant with light, like a young moon. As we wondered at his case, the door opened, and a young man came in to us and said, Peace be with you. May Allah, make great our reward and yours, for our brother, may mum.

Starting point is 11:29:21 Here is his shroud. Wrap him in it. so saying he gave us two robes never had we seen the like of them and we shrouded him therein and now his tomb is a place whither men resort to pray for rain and ask their requirements of allah be he extolled and exalted and how excellently well saith the poet on this theme the heart of allah be he extolled and exalted and how excellently well saith the poet on this theme the heart of gnostic homed in heavenly garth heaven decks and allah's porters aid afford lo here they drink old wine commingled with tasnim the wine of union with the lord safe is the secret twixt the friend and them safe from all hearts but from that heart adored and they recounted another anecdote of the devout tray-maker and his wife there was once among the children of israel a man of the worthiest who was strenuous in the service of his lord and abstained from things worldly and drave them away from his heart he had a wife who was a helpmate meet for him and who was at all times obedient to him and who was at all times obedient to him

Starting point is 11:30:54 him. They earned their living by making trays and fans, whereat they wrought all through the light hours, and at nightfall the man went out into the streets and highways seeking a buyer for what they had made. They were wont to fast continually by day, and one morning they arose, fasting and worked at their craft till the light failed them. When the man went forth, according to custom, to find purchasers for his wares, and fared on till he came to the door of the house of a certain man of wealth, one of the sons of this world, high in rank and dignity. Now the tray-maker was fair of face and comely of form, and the wife of the master of the house saw him and fell in love with him, and her heart inclined to him with exceeding inclination.

Starting point is 11:32:01 So, her husband, being absent, she called her handmaid and said to her, Contrived to bring yonder man to us. Accordingly, the maid went out to him, and called him and stopped him as though she would by, what he held in hand. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased, saying, her, permitted say. End of Section 28. Recording by Simon Wainwright.

Starting point is 11:32:49 Section 29, Volume 5, of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 Eva Easton. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 29.

Starting point is 11:33:21 469th through 472nd night. When it was the 469th night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That the maid-servant went out to the man and asked him, Come in, my lady hath a mind to buy some of thy wares, After she hath tried them and looked at them. The man thought she spoke. truly, and, seeing no harm in this, entered, and sat down as she bade him, and she shut the door

Starting point is 11:33:59 upon him. Whereupon her mistress came out of her room, and, taking him by the Gabbardine, drew him within, and said, How long shall I seek union of thee? Verily, my patience is at an end on thine account. See now, the place is perfumed, and provision prepared. and the householder is absent this night, and I give to thee my person without reserve. I, whose favors kings and captains,

Starting point is 11:34:33 and men of fortune have sought this long while, but I have regarded none of them. And she went on talking thus to him, whilst he raised not his eyes from the ground, for shame before Allah Almighty, and fear of the pains and penalties of his, his punishment, even assayeth the poet. Twixt me in writing many a noble dame was not but shame which kept me chaste and pure. My shame was cure to her, but happily were shame to depart,

Starting point is 11:35:09 she ne'er had known a cure. The man strove to free himself from her, but could not. So he said to her. I want one thing of thee. She asked, What is that? And he answered, I wish for pure water that I may carry it to the highest place of thy house, and do somewhat therewith, and cleanse myself of an impurity which I may not disclose to thee. Quoth she, the house is large and hath closets and corners and privies at command. But he replied, I want nothing but to be at a height. So she said to her slave-girl,

Starting point is 11:35:56 carry him up to the belvedere on the house terrace. Accordingly, the maid took him up to the very top and giving him a vessel of water, went down and left him. Then he made the ablution and prayed a two-bow prayer, after which he looked at the ground, thinking to throw himself down, but seeing it afar off, feared to be dashed pieces by the fall. Then he bethought him of his disobedience to Allah,

Starting point is 11:36:28 and the consequences of his sin, so it became a light matter to him to offer up his life and shed his blood. And he said, O my God and my Lord, thou seest that which has fallen on me, neither is my case hidden from thee. Thou indeed over all things art omnipotent, and the tongue of my case reciteth and saith. I show my heart and thoughts to thee, and thou alone my secret's secrecy canst know. If I address thee, feign, I cry aloud, or if I mute my signs for speech I show.

Starting point is 11:37:09 O thou to whom no second be conjoined, A wretched lover seeks thee in his woe. I have a hope my thoughts as true confirm, And heart that fainteth as right, well canst tro. To lavish life is hardest thing that be, Yet easy, and thou bid me life forego. But, and it be thy will to say from Stower, Thou O my hope to work this work,

Starting point is 11:37:39 cast power. Then the man cast himself down from the Belvedere, but Allah sent an angel who bore him up on his wings, and brought him down to the ground, whole and without hurt or harm. Now when he found himself safe on the ground, he thanked and praised Allah to whom belong majesty and might, for his merciful protection of his person and his chastity. And he went straight, to his wife who had long expected him, and he empty-handed. Then seeing him she asked him why he had tarried, and what was come of that he had taken with him, and why he returned empty-handed, whereupon he told her of the temptation which had befallen him, and she said,

Starting point is 11:38:32 Alam do lila, praise be God, for delivering thee from seduction, and intervening between thee and such calamity. Then she added, O man, the neighbors used to see us light our oven every night. And if they see us fireless this night, they will know that we are destitute. Now it behoveth in gratitude to Allah that we hide our destitution,

Starting point is 11:38:58 and conjoined the fast of this night to that of the past, and continue it for the sake of Allah Almighty. So she rose, and filling the oven with wood, lighted it to baffle the curiosity of her woman neighbors, reciting these couplets. Now I indeed will hide desire and all repine, and light up this my fire, that neighbors see no sign, except I what befalls by order of my lord, happily he too accept this humble act of mine. And Shachr-Rasad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say.

Starting point is 11:39:42 When it was the four hundred and seventieth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that after the good wife had lit the fire to baffle the curiosity of her women-neighors, she and her husband made the Uzu ablution, and stood up to pray. when behold, one of the neighbor's wives came and asked leave to take a firebrand from the oven. Do what thou wilt with the oven, answered they. But when she came to the fire, she cried out, saying, Ho, such an one, to the tray-maker's wife.

Starting point is 11:40:19 Take up thy bread ere it burn. Quote the wife to her husband. Here is thou what she saith. Quoth he, go and look. So she went up to the oven, and behold, it was full of fine bread and white. She took up the scones and carried them to her husband, thanking Allah to whom belong majesty and might, for his abounding good and great bounty.

Starting point is 11:40:46 And they ate of the bread and drank water, and praised the Almighty. Then said the woman to her husband, Come, let us pray to Allah the most highest, so happily he may vouchsafe us what shall enable us to dispense with the weariness of working for daily bread, and devote ourselves wholly to worshipping and obeying him. The man rose in assent and prayed, whilst his wife said Amin to his prayer, when the roof clove and sundar and down fell a ruby, which lit the house with its light. Hereat they redoubled in praise and thanksgiving to Allah,

Starting point is 11:41:27 praying what the Almighty willed, and rejoiced at the ruby with great joy. In the night being far spent, they lay down to sleep, and the woman dreamt that she entered paradise, and saw therein many chairs ranged in stools set in rows. She asked what the seats were, and it was answered her. These are the chairs of the prophets, and those are the stools of the righteous and the pious. both she, which is the stool of my husband such and one? And it was said to her,

Starting point is 11:42:04 It is this. So she looked, and seeing a hole in its side, asked, What may be this hole? And the reply came. It is the place of the ruby that dropped upon you from your house-roof. Thereupon she awoke, weeping and bemoaning the defect in her husband's stool among the seats of the righteous. So she told him the dream and said to him, Pray Allah, O man, that this ruby returned to its place, for endurance of hunger and poverty during our few days here were easier than a hole in thy chair among the just in paradise. Accordingly he prayed to his lord and lo, the ruby flew up to the roof and away whilst they looked at it, and they ceased not from the,

Starting point is 11:42:57 their poverty and their piety, till they went to the presence of Allah, to whom be honor and glory. And they also tell a tale of Al-Hajajad and the pious man. Al-Hajaj bin Yusuf al-Sakafi had been long in pursuit of a certain man of the notables, and when at last he was brought before him, he said, O enemy of Allah, he hath delivered thee over to me, and cried hail him to prison and lay him by the heels in heavy fetters and build a closet over him that he may not come forth of it nor any go into him so they bore him to the jail and summoned the blacksmith with the irons and every time the smith gave a stroke with his hammer the prisoner raised his eyes to heaven and said

Starting point is 11:43:55 is not the whole creation and the empire thereof his then the jailers built the cage over him and left him therein lorn and lone whereupon longing and consternation entered into him And the tongue of his case Recited in extemporary verse O wish of wistful men for thee I yearn My heart seeks grace of one No heart shall spurn Unhidden from thy sight Is this my case

Starting point is 11:44:27 And for one glance of thee I pine and burn They jailed and tortured me with sorest pains Alas for lone one can no aid discern But I'll be lone I find thy name be friends, and cheers though sleep to I shall ne'er return, and thou accepteth me, I care for not, and only thou what's in my heart canst learn. Now, when night fell dark, the jailer left his watchman to guard him, and went to his house,

Starting point is 11:45:02 and on the morrow, when he came to the prison, he found the fetters lying on the ground, and the prisoner gone, whereat he was afreshable. frighted and made sure of death. So he returned to his place and bade his family farewell, after which he took in his sleeve his shroud, and the sweet herbs for his corpse, and went into al-hajah. And as he stood before the presence, the governor smelt the perfumes and asked, What is that? When the jailer answered, O my lord, it is I who have brought it. and what moved thee to that inquired the governor whereupon he told him his case in shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and seventy-first night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the jailer told his case to al-hajad the governor cried woe to thee

Starting point is 11:46:09 Didst thou hear him say aught? Answered the jailer, yes. Whilst the blacksmith was hammering his irons, he ceased not to look up heavenwards and say, Is not the whole creation and the empire thereof his? Rejoined Al-Hajajad, dost thou not know that he, on whom he called in thy presence, delivered him in thine absence?

Starting point is 11:46:35 And the tongue of the case recited on this theme. O Lord, how many a grief from me has driven, Nor can I sit or stand without thy hold. How many, many things I cannot count. Thou savest for many, many, and manifold. And they also tell a tale of The blacksmith who could handle fire without hurt. It reached the ears of a certain pious man

Starting point is 11:47:05 That their abode in such a town a blacksmith who could put his hand into the fire and pull out the iron red-hot, without the flames doing him ought of hurt. So he set out for the town in question, and asked for the blacksmith, and when the man was shown to him, he watched him at work, and saw him do as had been reported to him. He waited till he had made and end of his day's work. Then, going up to him, saluted him with the,

Starting point is 11:47:38 Salaam and said, I would be thy guest this night, replied the smith, with gladness and goodly grie, and carried him to his place, where they supped together and lay down to sleep. The guest watched, but saw no sign in his host of praying through the night, or of special devoutness,

Starting point is 11:47:59 and said in his mind, Happily he hided himself from me, so he lodged with him a second and a third night, but found that he did not exceed the devotions prescribed by the law and custom of the prophet, and rose but little in the dark hours to pray. At last he said to him, O my brother, I have heard of the gift with which Allah hath favored thee, and have seen the truth of it with mine eyes.

Starting point is 11:48:28 Moreover, I have taken note of thine assiduity in religious exercises, but find in thee no such piety as distinguisheseth those who work saintly miracles. Whence then cometh this to thee? I will tell thee, answered the smith. Know that I was once passionately enamoured of a slave-girl, and oft-time sued her for loveliest, but could not prevail upon her, because she still held fast by her chastity. Presently there came a year of drought and hunger and hardship.

Starting point is 11:49:06 Food failed, and there befell a sore famine. As I was sitting one day at home, somebody knocked at the door, so I went out and behold she was standing there, and she said to me, O my brother, I am sorely and hungered, and I lift mine eyes to thee, beseeching thee to feed me for Allah's sake. Quoth I What is thou not how I love thee And what I have suffered for thy sake

Starting point is 11:49:35 Now I will not give thee one bittock of bread Except thou yield thy person to me Quoth she Death but not disobedience to the Lord Then she went away and returned after two days With the same prayer for food as before I made her a like answer and she entered and sat down in my house, being nigh upon death. I set food before her,

Starting point is 11:50:04 whereupon her eyes brimmed with tears, and she cried, give me meat for the love of Allah, to whom belong honor and glory, but I answered, not so by Allah, except thou yield thyself to me. Quoth she, better is death to me than the wrath and reek of Allah the most highest, and she rose and left the food untouched. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventy-second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king,

Starting point is 11:50:45 that when the man set food before her, the woman said, Give me meat for the love of Allah, to whom be honor and glory. but I answered, Not so by Allah, Except thou yield to me thy person. Quoth she, Better is death Than the wrath and reek of Allah.

Starting point is 11:51:05 And she rose and left the food untouched And went away, Repeating these couplets. O thou the one Whose grace doth all the world embrace, Thine ears have heard, Thine eyes have seen my case. privation and distress

Starting point is 11:51:24 Have dealt me heavy blows The woes that weary me No utterance can trace I am like one a thirst Who eyes the landscape's eye Yet may not drink a draft of streams That rail and race My flesh would tempt me

Starting point is 11:51:41 By the sight of savory food Whose joy shall pass away And pangs maintain their place She then disappeared for two days when she again came and knocked at the door. So I went out to her, and lo, hunger had taken away her voice. But after a rest, she said, O my brother, I am worn out with want, and know not what to do,

Starting point is 11:52:07 for I cannot show my face to any man but to thee. Say, wilt thou feed me for the love of Allah Almighty? But I answered, not so, except thou yield to me thy person. and she entered my house and sat down. Now I had no food ready, but when the meat was dressed and I laid it in a saucer, Behold, the grace of Almighty Allah entered into me,

Starting point is 11:52:35 and I said to myself, Out on thee, This woman, weak of wit and faith, hath refrain from food, till she can no longer for stress of hunger. And while she refuseth time after time, thou canst not forbear from disobedience to the Lord. And I said to myself,

Starting point is 11:52:56 O my God, I repent to thee of that which my flesh purposed. Then I took the food, and carrying it to her said, Eat for no harm shall be tied thee. This is for the love of Allah, to whom belong, honor and glory. Then she raised her eyes to heaven and said, Oh my God, if this man says sooth, I pray thee forbid fire to harm him in this world and the next. For thou over all things are omnipotent and prevalent in answering the prayer of the penitent.

Starting point is 11:53:30 Then I left her, and went to put out the fire in the brazier. Now the season was winter, and the weather cold, and a live coal fell upon my body. But by the decree of Allah, to whom be honor and glory, I felt no pain, and it became my conviction that her prayer had been answered. So I took the coal in my hand, and it burnt me not. And going into her I said, Be of good cheer, for Allah hath granted thy prayer. And Shahr-Azad perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 11:54:07 and ceased saying, her permitted say. End of Section 29. recording by Eva Easton, Slocsburg, New York, May 2011. Section 30, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org.

Starting point is 11:54:49 recording by eba easton the book of a thousand knights and a night volume five section thirty four hundred and seventy third through four hundred and seventy sixth night when it was the four hundred and seventy-third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the blacksmith continued so i went into her and said be of four hundred and seventy-third night she said be of four-one good cheer, for Allah hath granted thy prayer. Then she dropped the morsel from her hand and said, O my God, now that thou hast shown me my desire of him, and hast granted me my prayer for him, take thou my soul, for thou over all things art almighty. And straightway he took her soul to him, the mercy of Allah be upon her. And the tongue of the case extemporary. and spake on this theme. She prayed, the Lord of Grace her prayer obeyed,

Starting point is 11:55:56 and spared the sinner who for sin had prayed. He showed her all she prayed him to grant, and death as prayed she her portion made. Unto his door she came and prayed for food, and sued his ruth for what her misery made. He leant to error following his lusts, and hoped to enjoy her as her wants persuade but he knew little of what allah willed nor was repentance though unsought denade fate comes to him who flies from fate o lord and lot and daily bread by thee are weighed and they also tell of the devotee to whom allah gave a cloud for service and the devout king

Starting point is 11:56:48 There was once among the children of Israel a man of the devout, for piety acclaimed, and for continents and asceticism and famed, whose prayers were ever granted, and who, by supplication, obtained whatso he wanted, and he was a wanderer in the mountains, and was used to pass the night in worship. Now Almighty Allah had subjected to him a cloud, which traveled with him wherever he went, and poured on him its water treasures in abundance, that he might make his ablutions and drink. After a long time when things were thus, his fervor somewhat abated, whereupon Allah took the cloud away from him, and ceased to answer his prayers. On this account great was his grief and long was his woe, and he ceased not to regret the time of grace and the miracle vouchsafed

Starting point is 11:57:50 to him, and to lament and bewail and bemoan himself, till he saw in a dream one who said to him, And thou wouldest have Allah restore to thee thy cloud, seek out a certain king in such a town, and beg him to pray for thee, so will Allah, be he extolled and exalted, give thee back thy cloud, and be spreaded over thee by virtue of his pious prayers. And he began repeating these couplets. Wend to that pious prayerful Amir, who can with gladness thy condition cheer, and he pray Allah thou shalt win thy wish, and heavy rain shall drop from welkin clear. He stands all kings above in part,

Starting point is 11:58:42 potent worth, nor to compare with him doth ought appear. Near him thou soon shalt hap upon thy want, and see all joy and gladness draw thee near. Then cut the walls and wilds unfounded, till the goal thou goest for anigh shalt spear. So the hermit set out for the town named to him in the dream, and, coming thither, after long travel, inquired for the king's palace, which was duly shown to him. And behold, at the gate, he found a slave officer, sitting on a great chair and clad in gorgeous gear. So he stood to him, and saluted him, and he returned his salaam and asked him, What is thy business? Answered the devotee,

Starting point is 11:59:34 I am a wronged man and come to submit my case to the king. Quoth the officer, Thou hast no access to him this day, for he hath appointed unto petitioners and inquirers, one day and every seven on which they may go into him. So wend thy ways in welfare till then. The hermit was vexed with the king, for thus veiling himself from the folk,

Starting point is 12:00:04 and said in thought, How shall this man be a saint of the saints of Allah, to whom belong majesty and might, and he on this wise? Then he went away, and awaited the appointed day. Now, quoth he, When it came I repaired to the palace, where I found a great number of folk at the gate,

Starting point is 12:00:27 expecting admission, and I stood with them, till there came out a wazir, robed in gorgeous raiment, and attended by guards and slaves, who said, Let those who have petitions to present enter. So I entered with the rest, and found the king seated facing his officers and grantees, who were ranged according to their several ranks and degrees. The wazir took up his post and brought forward the petitioners,

Starting point is 12:00:57 one by one, till it came to my turn. when the king looked on me and said, Welcome to the Lord of the cloud. Sit thee down till I make leisure for thee. I was confounded at his words and confessed his dignity and superiority. And when the king had answered the petitioners and had made an end with them, he rose and dismissed his wazirs in grandees. Then, taking my hand, he led me to the door of the private palace,

Starting point is 12:01:31 where we found a black slave, splendidly arrayed, with helm on head, and on his right hand and his left, bows and coats of mail. He rose to the king, and hastening to obey his orders, and forestall his wishes, opened the door. We went in hand in hand, till we came to a low wicket, which the king himself opened, and led me into a ruinous place of frightful. desolation, and thence passed into a chamber, wherein was not but a prayer carpet, and you were for ablution, and some mats of palm-leaves. Here the king doffed his royal robes, and donned a coarse gown of white wool, and a conical bonnet of felt. Then he sat down, and making me sit, called out to his wife, Ho! Such an one! And she answered from within, saying, Here am I, quoth he, knowest thou who is our guest to-day? replied she, yes, it is the

Starting point is 12:02:40 lord of the cloud. The king said, Come forth, it mattereth not for him. And behold, there entered a woman, as she were a vision, with a face that beamed like the new moon, and she wore a gown and veil of wool. And Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventy-fourth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the king called to his wife, she came forth from the inner room, and her face beamed like the new moon, and she wore a gown and a veil of wool. Then, said the king, O my brother, dost thou desire to hear our story, or that we should pray for thee, and dismiss thee? Answered the hermit, Nay, I wish to hear the tale of you, Twain, for that to me were preferable.

Starting point is 12:03:42 Said the king, My forefathers handed down the throne, one to the other, and it descended from great one to great one, in unbroken succession, till the law. last died and it came to me. Now Allah had made this hateful to me, for I would fain have gone a wandering over earth, and left the folk to their own affairs. But I feared lest they should fall into confusion and anarchy and misgovernment so as to swerve from divine law, and the union of the faith be broken up. Wherefore, abandoning my own plans, I took the king's and appointed to every head of them a regular stipend, and donned the royal robes, and posted slave officers at the doors, as a terror to the dishonest, and for the defense of honest folk, and the maintenance of law and limitations. Now, when free of this, I entered this place,

Starting point is 12:04:48 and, doffing my royal habit, donned these clothes thou seest. And this my cousin, the daughter of my father's brother, hath agreed with me to renounce the world, and helpeth me to serve the Lord. So we are wont to weave these palm leaves and earn during the day, aware withal, to break our fast at nightfall. And we have lived on this wise nigh upon forty years. abide thou with us so allah have mercy on thee till we sell our mats and thou shalt sup and sleep with us this night and on the morrow wend thy ways with that thou wishest inshallah

Starting point is 12:05:34 so he tarried with them till the end of the day when there came a boy five years old who took the mats they had made and carrying them to the market sold them for a carrot and with this bought bread and beans and returned with them to the king the hermit broke his fast and lay down to sleep with them but in the middle of the night they both arose and fell to praying and weeping When daybreak was near, the king said, O my God, this thy servant beseecheth thee to return him his cloud, and to do this thou art able. So, O my God, let him see his prayer granted, and restore him his cloud. The queen amened to his orisons, and behold, the cloud grew up in the sky, whereupon the king gave the hermit joy, and the man took leave, of them and went away, the cloud, accompanying him as of old. And whatsoever he required of Allah after this, in the names of the pious king and queen, he granted it without fail, and the man made thereon these couplets. My lord hath servants feign of piety, hearts in the wisdom garden ranging free, their bodies lusts at peace and motionless, for breasts that buy, in purest secrecy. Thou seest all silent, awesome of their Lord, for hidden things unseen,

Starting point is 12:07:12 and seen they see. And they tell a tale of the Moslem champion and the Christian damsel. The commander of the faithful Omar bin Al-Katab, whom Allah accept, once levied for holy war an army of Muslims, to encounter the foe before Damascus, and they laid close siege to one of the Christian's strongholds. Now there were amongst the Muslims two men, brothers, whom Allah had gifted with fire, and bold daring against the enemy, so that the commander of the besieged fortress said to his chiefs and braves, were but yonder two Muslims tyne or slain, I would warrant you against the rest of their strain. Wherefore they left not to set for them all manner of toils and snares,

Starting point is 12:08:07 and ceased not to maneuver and lie in wait and ambush for them, till they took one of them prisoner and slew the other who died a martyr. They carried the captive to the captain of the fort who looked at him and said, Verily, to kill this man were indeed a pity, but his return to the moslem would be a calamity. And Shahr-Azad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventy-fifth night, she said,

Starting point is 12:08:45 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the enemy carried their moslem captive, before the captain of the fort, the Christian looked at him and said, verily to kill this man were a pity indeed but his return to the moslem would be a calamity oh that he might be brought to embrace the nazarene faith and be to us an aid and an arm quoth one of his patrician nights o emir i will tempt him to abjure his faith and on this wise we know that the arabs are much addicted to women and i have a daughter a perfect beauty who whom when he sees he will be seduced by her. Quote the captain,

Starting point is 12:09:31 I give him into thy charge. So he carried him to his place, and clad his daughter in raiment, such as added to her beauty and loveliness. Then he brought the moslem into the room, and set before him food, and made the fair girl stand in his presence, as she were a handmaid, obedient to her lord,

Starting point is 12:09:53 and awaiting his orders, that she might do his bidding. When the Moslem saw the evil sent down upon him, he commended himself to Allah Almighty, and, closing his eyes, applied himself to worship, and to reciting the Quran. Now he had a pleasant voice and a piercing wit,

Starting point is 12:10:15 and the Nazarene damsel presently loved him with passionate love, and pined for him with extreme repine. This lasted seven days, at the end of which she said to herself, Would to heaven he would admit me into the faith of al-Islam? And the tongue of her case recited these couplets. Wilt turn thy face from heart, that's all thine own, This heart thy ransom, and this soul thy won.

Starting point is 12:10:46 I'm ready home and kin to quit for I, And every faith for that of sword disown. I testify that of sword disown. i testify that allah hath no mate this proof established and this truth is known haply shall deign he union grant with one averse and hearten heart love overthrown for oft times door erst shut is opened wide and after evil case all good is shown at last her patience failed her and her breast was straightened and she threw herself on the ground before him, saying, I conjure thee by thy faith that thou give ear to my words. Asked he, what are they?

Starting point is 12:11:33 And she answered, expound unto me al-Islam. So he expounded to her the tenets of the faith, and she became a moslema, after which she was circumcised, and he taught her to pray. Then, said she to him, O my brother, I did but embrace Al-Islam for thy sake, and to win thy favours. Quoth he,

Starting point is 12:12:00 The law of al-Islam forbiddeth sexual commerce, save after a marriage, before two legal witnesses, and a dowry, and a guardian are also requisite. Now I know not where to find witnesses, or friend, or paraffern, but, and thou can contrive to bring us. out of this place. I may hope to make the land of al-Islam, and pledge myself to thee, that none other than thou in all Islam shall be wife to me. Answered she, I will manage that, and calling her father and mother said to them, Indeed, this moslem's heart is softened, and he longeth to enter the faith, so I will grant him that which he desireth of my person. But he saitheth, it befitteth me not to do this

Starting point is 12:12:52 in a town where my brother was slain. Could I but get outside it, my heart would be solaced, and I would do that which is wanted of me. Now there is no harm in letting me go forth with him to another town, and I will be a surety to you both, and to the emir for that which ye wish of him therefore her father went to their captain and told him this whereat he joyed with exceeding joy and bade him carry them forth to a village that she named so they went out and made the village where they abode the rest of their day and when night fell they got ready for the march and went their way even as saith the poet the time of parting cry they draweth nine How oft this parting threat, I but reply, I've not to do but cross the wild and wold, And mile by mile or fountless wastes to fly, If the beloved seek another land, Sons of the road whereso they wend, wend I, I make desire direct me to their side,

Starting point is 12:14:07 The guide to show me where the way doth lie. And Shachr-Azad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventy-sixth night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the prisoner and the lady abode in the village the rest of their day, and when night fell, made ready for the march, and went upon their way, and traveled all night without stay or delay. The young Moslem, mounting a swift blood-horse and taking up the maiden behind him,

Starting point is 12:14:48 ceased not devouring the ground till it was bright morning. When he turned aside with her from the highway, and alighting, they made the Ozu ablution and prayed the dawn prayer. Now, as they were thus engaged, behold, they heard the clank of swords and clink of bridles, and men's voices, and tramp of horse. Whereupon he said to her, Ho! Such an one! The Nazarenes are after us. What shall we do? The horse is so jaded and broken down that he cannot stir another step!

Starting point is 12:15:27 exclaimed she, woe to thee, art thou then afraid and affrighted? Yes, answered he, and she said, and she said, said, What didst thou tell me of the power of thy Lord and his readiness to succour those who succour seek? Come, let us humble ourselves before him, and beseech him. Happily he shall grant us his succour, and endu us with his grace. Extoled and exalted be he. Quoth he, by Allah thou sayest well. So they began humbling themselves and supplicating Almighty Allah, and he resolutely. And he decided these couplets. Indeed, I hourly need thy choicest aid, and should, though crown were placed upon my head, thou art my chiefest want, and if my hand, won what it wisheth, all my wants

Starting point is 12:16:19 were sped. Thou hast not anything withholdest thou, like pouring rain thy grace is showered. I am shut therefrom by sins of me, yet thou, O clement, deignest pardoned light to shed. O care, Dispeller, Dain Dispell my grief. None can save thou, dispel a grief so dread. Whilst he was praying, and she was saying Amin, and the thunder of horse-trap nearing them low, the brave heard the voice of his dead brother, the martyr speaking and saying, O my brother, fear not, nor grieve, for the host whose approach thou hearest is the host of Allah, and his angels, whom he hath sent to serve as witnesses to your marriage. Of a truth Allah hath made his angels glorify you, and he bestoweth on you the mead of the

Starting point is 12:17:18 meritorious and the martyrs. And he hath rolled up the earth for you, as it were a rug, so that by morning you will be in the mountains of al-Madina, and thou, when thou foregatherest with Omar bin al-Qatab, of whom Allah accept, give him my salutation and say to him, Allah abundantly requite thee for al-Islam,

Starting point is 12:17:44 because thou hast counseled faithfully and hast striven diligently. Thereupon the angels lifted up their voices in salutation to him and his bride, saying, Verily Almighty Allah appointed her in marriage to thee,

Starting point is 12:18:02 two thousand years before the creation of your father Adam, with whom be peace evermore. Then joy and gladness and peace and happiness came upon the twain. Confidence was confirmed and established was the guidance of the pious pair. So when dawn appeared, they prayed the accustomed prayer and fared forward. Now it was the wont of Omar, son of Al-Qat-a-Tar. Allah accept him, to rise for morning prayer in the darkness before dawn, and at times he would stand in the prayer-niche with two men behind him, and begin reciting the chapter entitled Cattle, or that entitled Women, whereupon the sleeper awoke, and he who was making his

Starting point is 12:18:55 Uzu Ablution accomplished it, and he who was afar came to prayer. Nor had he made an end of the first bow ere the mosque was full of folk. Then he would pray his second bow quickly, repeating a short chapter. But on that morning he hurried over both first and second inclinations, repeating in each a short chapter. Then after the concluding salutation, turning to his companions he said to them, "'Come, let us fare forth to meet the bride and bridegroom,

Starting point is 12:19:33 at which they wondered, not understanding his words. But he went out and they followed him, till they came to the gate of the city, where they met the young Maslom, who, when the day broke and the standards of al-Medina appeared to him, had pushed forward for the gate, closely followed by his bride, There he was met by Omar, who bade make a marriage feast, and the moslems came and ate. Then the young Muslim went in unto his bride, and Almighty Allah vouchsafed him children.

Starting point is 12:20:11 And Shahr-Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 30. sloatsburg new york june two thousand eleven section thirty one volume five of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by richard burton this is a libravox recording all librovox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librovocs dot org Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 31. 47th through 480th night. When it was the 477th night, she said,

Starting point is 12:21:22 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Omar, on whom be peace, bade make a marriage feast. and the moslems came and ate. Then the young moslem went in unto his bride, and Almighty Allah vouchsafed him children, who fought in the Lord's way, and preserved genealogies, for they gloried therein, and how excellent is what he said on such theme.

Starting point is 12:21:53 I saw thee weep before the gates and plain, whilst only curious white reply would deign, hath i bewitched thee or hath evil lot twixt thee and dora friend sent bar of bane wake up this day o wretch persist in prayer repent as wont repent departed men haply shall wash thy sins forgiveness showers and on thine erring head some ruth shall reign and prisoner shall escape despite his bonds and slave from thine thraldom freedom shall attain. And they ceased not to be in all solace and delight of life, till there came to them the destroyer of delights, and the sunderer of societies. And a tale is told by Sidi Ibrahim bin Al-Kawas, on whom be the mercy of Allah, concerning himself and the Christian king's daughter and the Moslem. My spirit,

Starting point is 12:23:01 urged me, once upon a time, to go forth into the country of the infidels, and I strove with it, and struggled to put away from me this inclination. But it would not be rejected. So I fared forth, and journeyed about the land of the unbelievers, and traversed it in all its parts. For divine grace enveloped me, and heavenly protection encompassed me, so that I met not a single Nazarene, But he turned away his eyes and drew off from me, till I came to a certain great city, at whose gate I found a gathering of black slaves, clad in armor, and bearing iron maces in their hands.

Starting point is 12:23:46 When they saw me, they rose to their feet and asked me, "'Art thou a leech?' and I answered, "'Yes, quote they, come, speak to our king, and carried me before their ruler, who was a handsome personage of majestic presence. When I stood before him, he looked at me and said, Art a physician thou? Yes, quoth I, and quoth he to his officers,

Starting point is 12:24:15 carry him to her, and acquaint him with the condition before he enter. So they took me out and said to me, Know that the king hath a daughter, and she is stricken with a sore disease which no doctor hath been able to cure. And no leech goeth into her and treateth without healing her, but the king putteth him to death. So bethink thee what thou seest fitting to do. I replied, The king drove me to her, so carry me to her. Thereupon they brought me to her door and knocked.

Starting point is 12:24:53 And behold, I heard her cry out from within. in, saying, "'Admit to me the physician, Lord of the wondrous secret, and she began reciting. Open the door, the leech now draweth near, and in my soul a wondrous secret spear. How many of the near far distant are, how many distant far are nearest near. I was in strangerhood amidst you all, but willed the truth my solace should appear. Joined us the potent bonds of faith and creed, we met as dearest fear, greets dearest fear. He sued for interview when as pursued, the spy, and blamed us, envies jib and jeer. Then leave your chiding, and from blame desist, for fee upon you, not a word I'll hear. I care for naught that

Starting point is 12:25:53 disappears and fleets. My cares for thyses for thys'ry's. things nor fleet, nor disappear. And lo, a sheik, a very old man, opened the door in haste, and said to me, enter. So I entered and found myself in a chamber strewn with sweet-scented herbs, and with a curtain drawn across one corner, from behind which came a sound of groaning and graeme, weak as from an emaciated frame. I sat down, before the curtain, and was about to offer my salaam, when I bethought me of his words, whom Allah save and assain, accost not a Jew, nor a Christian with the Salam salutation, and when ye meet them in the way, constrain them to the straightest part thereof. So I withheld my salutation,

Starting point is 12:26:49 but she cried out from behind the curtain, saying, Where is the salutation of unity? and indivisibility, O Kauas. I was astonished at her speech and asked, How knowest thou me? Whereto she answered? When the heart and thoughts are whole, the tongue speaketh eloquently from the secret recesses of the soul. I begged him yesterday to send me one of his saints,

Starting point is 12:27:20 at whose hands I might have deliverance. And behold, it was cried to me, from the dark places of my house. Grieve not, for we soon will send thee, Ibrahim the basket-maker. Then I asked her, What of thee?

Starting point is 12:27:37 And she answered, It is now four years since there appeared to me the manifest truth, and he is the relator, and the ally, and the uniter, and the sitter by,

Starting point is 12:27:51 whereupon my folk looked askance upon me with an evil eye, and taxed me with insanity and suspected me of depravity and there came not into me doctor but terrified me nor visitor but confounded me quoth i and who led thee to the knowledge of what thou wotest quoth she the manifest signs and visible portents of allah and when the path is patent to thee thou espiest with thine own eyes both proof and prover now whilst we were talking behold in came the old man appointed to guard her and said what doth thy doctor and she replied he knoweth the hurt and hath hit upon the healing and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventy-eighth night, she said,

Starting point is 12:29:03 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the shike, her guardian, went into her, he said, What doth thy doctor? And she replied, He knoweth the hurt, and hath hit upon the healing. Hereupon he manifested joy and gladness, and accosted me with a cheerful, countenance, then went and told the king, who enjoined to treat me with all honor and regard. So I visited her daily for seven days, at the end of which time she said to me, O Abu Ishaq, When shall be our flight to the land of al-Islam? How canst thou go forth, replied I, and who would dare to aid thee? rejoined she, he who sent thee to me, driving thee as it were.

Starting point is 12:30:01 And I observed, thou sayest sooth. So when the morrow dawned, we fared forth by the city gate, and all eyes were veiled from us, by commandment of him, who when he desireth ought, saith to it be, and it becometh. so that i journeyed with her in safety to mecca where she made a home hard by the holy house of allah and lived seven years till the appointed day of her death the earth of mecca was her tomb and never saw i any more steadfast in prayer and fasting than she allah send down upon her his mercies and have compassion on him who saith when they to me had brought the leech and surely showed the signs of flowing tears and pining malady the face veil he withdrew from me and neath it not save breath of one unsold unbodied could he see quoth he this be a sickness love alone shall cure love hath a secret from all guess of man wide free quoth they and folk ignore what hear'd their be with him. Nature of ill and eke its symptomology. How then shall medicine work a cure?

Starting point is 12:31:28 At this, quoth I, leave me alone. I have no guessing specialty. And they tell a tale of the prophet and the justice of providence. A certain prophet made his home for worship on a lofty mountain, at whose foot was a spring of running water, and he was wont to sit by day on the summit that no man might see him, calling upon the name of Allah the most highest, and watching those who frequented the spring. One day, as he sat looking upon the fountain, behold, he espied a horseman who came up and dismounted thereby, and taking a bag from his neck, set it down beside him, after which he drank of the water and rested a while, then he rode away, leaving behind him the bag which contained gold pieces.

Starting point is 12:32:29 Presently up came another man to drink of the spring, who saw the bag and finding it full of money, took it up. Then, after satisfying his thirst, he made off with it in safety. A little after came a wood-cutter, white with a heavy load of fuel on his back, and sat down by the spring to drink, when low back came the first horseman, in great trouble, and asked him, Where is the bag which was here? And when he answered, I know nothing of it, the rider drew his sword, and smote him, and slew him, then he searched his clothes, but found naught. so he left him and wended his ways now when the prophet saw this he said o lord one man hath taken a thousand dinars and another man hath been slain unjustly but allah answered him saying busy thyself with thy devotions for the ordinance of the universe is none of thine affair the father of this horseman had violently despoiled of a thousand dinars, the father of the second horseman. So I gave the son possession of his sire's money. As for the wood-cutter, he had slain the horseman's father. Wherefore, I enabled the son to obtain retribution for himself. Then cried the prophet, There is none other God than thou.

Starting point is 12:34:09 Glory be to thee only. Verily thou art the knower of secrets. and Shahr-Had perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and seventy-ninth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the prophet was bidden by inspiration of Allah to busy himself with his devotions, and learned the truth of the case he cried, there is none other God but thou. Glory be to thee only. Verily thou and thou alone wotest hidden things. Furthermore, one of the poets hath made these verses on the matter. The prophet saw whatever eyes could see and feign of other things inquired he, and when his eyes

Starting point is 12:35:07 saw things misunderstood, quoth he, O Lord, this slain from sin-wain from sin-wired, was free. This one hath won him wealth without in work. Alby appeared he garbed in penury. And that in joy of life was slain, although, O man's creator, free of sin, he be. God answered, "'Twas his father's good thou saw'st him take, by airship, not by roguery.' Yon Woodman, too, that horseman's sire had slain, whose son avenged him with John victory. Put off, O slave of me, this thought, for I in men have set mysterious secrecy. Bow to our law and humble thee, and learn, for good and evil issues our decree. And a certain pious man hath told us the tale of,

Starting point is 12:36:04 The fairy man of the Nile and the Hermit. I was once a fairy man on the Nile, and used to ply between the eastern and the western banks. Now one day, as I sat in my boat, there came up to me an old man of a bright and beaming countenance, who saluted me and I returned his greeting. And he said to me, wilt thou ferry me over

Starting point is 12:36:33 for the love of Allah Almighty? I answered, yes. And he continued. Wilt thou, moreover, give me food for Allah's sake? to which again i answered with all my heart so he entered the boat and i rode him over to the eastern side remarking that he was clad in a patched gown and carried a gourd bottle and a staff When he was about to land, he said to me, I desire to lay on thee a heavy trust.

Starting point is 12:37:08 Quoth I, what is it? Quoth he, it hath been revealed to me that my end is near hand, and that to-morrow about noon thou wilt come and find me dead under yonder tree. Wash me and wrap me in the shroud, thou wilt see under my head, and after thou hast prayed over me, bury me in this sandy ground, and take my gown and gourd and staff, which do thou deliver to one who shall come

Starting point is 12:37:42 and demand them of thee. I marveled at his words, and I slept there. On the morrow I awaited till noon the event he had announced, and then I forgot what he had said till near the hour of afternoon prayer. When I remembered it and hastening to the appointed place, found him under the tree dead, with a new shroud under his head,

Starting point is 12:38:10 exhaling a fragrance of musk. So I washed him, and shrouded him, and prayed over him, then dug a hole in the sand and buried him, after I had taken his ragged gown and bottle, and staff with which i crossed the nile to the western side and there knighted as soon as morning dawned and the city gate opened i sighted a young man known to me as a loose fellow clad in fine clothes and his hands stained with hena who said to me art thou not such an one yes answered i and he said give me the trust Quoth I, what is that?

Starting point is 12:38:59 Quoth he, the gown, the gourd, and the staff. I asked him, Who told thee of them? And he answered, I know nothing save that I spent yesterday night at the wedding of one of my friends, singing and carousing till daylight, when I lay me down to sleep and take my rest. And behold, there stood by me a personage who said,

Starting point is 12:39:26 Verily Allah Almighty hath taken such a saint to himself, and hath appointed thee to fill his place. So go thou to a certain person, naming the ferryman, and take of him the dead man's gown, and bottle and staff, for he left them with him for thee. So I brought them out and gave them to him, whereupon he dothed his clothes, and died, the gown, went his way, and left me. And when the glooms closed around me, I fell a weeping. But, that night, while sleeping I saw the Lord of holiness, glorified and exalted be he, in a dream, saying, O my servant, is it grievous to thee that I have granted to one of my servants to return to me? Indeed, this is of my bounty, that I vouchsafe to whom I will, for I over all things am almighty.

Starting point is 12:40:34 So I repeated these couplets. Lover with loved loveth will and aim, all choice, and couldst thou know were sinful shame. O grant he favor and with union grace, or from thee turn away, he hath no blame. And from such turning thou no joy in joy, Depart the place for thee no place became, Or canst his near discern not from his far, Then love's in vain, and thou art arrear and lame. If pine for thee afflict my sprite,

Starting point is 12:41:12 Or men hail me to death, The rain thy hand shall claim. So turn thee to and fro to meet his one, what thou ordainsst none shall dare defame. My love hath not of aim but thine a proof, and if thou say we part, I say the same. And of the tales they tell is one concerning the island king and the pious Israelite.

Starting point is 12:41:44 There was once a notable of the children of Israel, a man of wealth, who had a pious, and blessed son. When his last hour drew nigh, his son sat down at his head and said to him, O my lord, give me an injunction. Quoth the father, O dear son, I charge thee, swear not by Allah, or truly or falsely. Then he died, and certain lewd fellows of the children of Israel heard of the charge he had laid on his son, and began, coming to the latter and saying, "'Thy father had such and such monies of mine,

Starting point is 12:42:27 and thou knowest it, so give me what was entrusted to him, or else make oath that there was no trust.' The good son would not disobey his sire's injunction, so gave them all they claimed, and they ceased not to deal thus with him till his wealth was spent, and he fell into straightest predicament.

Starting point is 12:42:51 Now the young man had a pious and blessed wife, who had borne him two little sons. So he said to her, The folk have multiplied their demands on me, and while I had the wherewithal to free myself of debt, I rendered it freely. But naught is now left us, and if others make demands upon me, we shall be in absolute distress, I and thou. our best way were to save ourselves by fleeing to some place where none knoweth us, and earn our bread among the lower of the folk. Accordingly he took ship with her and his two children, knowing not whither he should wend. But when Allah judgeth, there is none to reverse his judgment,

Starting point is 12:43:43 and quoth the tongue of the case, O flyer from thy home when foes affront, whom led to wheel and happiness such flight. Grudge not this exile when he flees abroad, where he on wealth and welfare may alight. And pearls forever did abide in shell. The kingly crown they ne'er had decked and dight. The ship was wrecked, yet the man saved himself on a plank,

Starting point is 12:44:13 and his wife and children also saved themselves, but on other planks. The waves separated them, and the wife was cast up in one country, and one of the boys in another. The second son was picked up by a ship, and the surges threw the father on a desert island, where he landed and made the Uzu ablution. Then he called the prayer call. And Shah Rasad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. when it was the four hundred and eighty-eth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the man landed upon the island he made the uzu ablution to free himself from the impurities of the sea

Starting point is 12:45:06 and called the call to prayer and stood up to his devotions. When behold, there came forth of the sea, creatures of various kinds, and prayed with him. When he had finished he went up to a tree and stayed his hunger with its fruits. After which he found a spring of water and drank thereof and praised Allah, to whom be honor and glory.

Starting point is 12:45:33 He abode thus three days, and whenever he stood up to pray, the sea creatures came out and prayed in the same manner as he prayed. Now after the third day he heard a voice, crying aloud and saying, O thou just man and pious, who didst so honor thy father

Starting point is 12:45:54 and revere the decrees of thy lord, grieve not for Allah, be he extolled and exalted, shall restore to thee all which left thy hand. In this isle are hordes and monies and things of price which the almighty willeth thou shalt inherit, and they are in such a part of this place. So bring thou them to light, and verily we will send ships unto thee, and do thou bestow charity on the folk and bid them to thee. So he sought out that place, and the Lord discovered to him the treasures in question.

Starting point is 12:46:35 Then ships began resorting to him, and he gave abundant largesse to the crews, saying to them, Be sure ye direct the folk unto me, and I will give them such and such a thing, and appoint to them this and that. Accordingly there came folk from all parts and places, nor had ten years passed over him ere the island was peopled, and the man became its king. no one came to him but he entreated him with munificence and his name was noised abroad through the length and breadth of the earth now his elder son had fallen into the hands of a man who reared him and taught him polite accomplishments and in like manner the younger was adopted by one who gave him a good education and brought him up in the ways of merchants the wife also happened upon a traitor who entrusted to her his property and made a covenant with her that he would not deal dishonestly by her but would aid her to obey allah to whom belong majesty and might and he used to make her the companion of his voyages and his travels now the elder son heard the report of the king and resolved to visit him without no knowing who he was. So he went to him and was well received by the king, who made him his secretary.

Starting point is 12:48:15 Presently, the other son heard of the king's piety, and justice, and was also taken into his service as a steward. Then the brothers abode a while, neither knowing the other, till it chanced that the merchant, in whose home was their mother, also hearing of the king's righteous and generous dealing with the lieges, freighted a ship with rich stuffs in other excellent produce of the land, and, taking the woman with him, set sail for the island. He made it in due course and landing, presented himself with his gift before the king, who rejoiced therein with exceeding joy, and ordered him a splendid return present. Now there were among the gifts certain aromatic roots, of which he would have the merchant acquaint him with the names and uses. So he said to him,

Starting point is 12:49:15 abide with us this night. And Shahr Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. End of Section 31. by Eva Easton, Sloatsburg, New York, June 2011. Section 32, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 12:49:59 Recording by Sarah Tatelman. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 32. When it was the 481st night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the king said, abide with us this night, the merchant replied, We have in the ship one to whom I have promised to entrust the care of her to none save myself, and the same is a holy woman whose prayers have brought me wheel, and I have felt the blessing of her counsels. Rejoined the king, I will send her some trusty men, who shall pass the night in the ship and guard her and all that is with her. The merchant agreed to this, and abode with the king,

Starting point is 12:50:37 who called a secretary and steward, and said to them, go and pass the night in this man's ship, and keep it safe, inshallah. So they went into the ship, and seating themselves, this on the poop and that on the bow, passed a part of the night in repeating the names of Allah, to whom belong majesty and might. Then quoth one to the other, ho, such a one! The king made us keep watch, and I fearless sleep overtake us. So come, let us discourse of stories of fortune and of the good we have seen in the trials of life. Quote the other, O my brother, as for my trial's fate parted me from my mother and a brother of mine whose name was even as thine, and the cause of our parting was this.

Starting point is 12:51:17 My father took ship with us from such a place, and the winds rose against us and were contrary, so that the ship was wrecked and Allah broke our fair companionship. Hearing this, the first asked, What was the name of thy mother, O my brother? and the second answered so-and-so. Thereat brother threw himself upon brother, saying, By Allah, thou art my very brother, and each fell to telling the other what had befallen him in his youth,

Starting point is 12:51:43 whilst the mother heard all they said, but held her peace, and in patience possessed her soul. Now, when it was morning, one said to the other, come, brother, let us go to my lodging and talk there, and the other said, tis well. So they went away, and presently, the merchant came back, and finding the woman in great trouble, said to her, What hath befallen thee, and why this concern?

Starting point is 12:52:04 Quoth she, thou sentest to me yesternight men who tempted me to evil, and I have been in store annoy with them. At this he was wroth, and, repairing to the king, reported the conduct of his two trusty whites. The king summoned the twain forthwith, as he loved them for their fidelity and piety, and sending for the woman, that he might hear from her own lips what she had to say against them, thus bespake her.

Starting point is 12:52:28 O woman, what hath betided thee from these two men in whom I trust? She replied, O king, I conjure thee by the Almighty, the bountiful one, the lord of the Empirian, bid them repeat the words they spoke yesternight. So he said to them, say what ye said, and conceal not thereof. Accordingly, they repeated their talk, and lo, the king, rising from his throne, gave a great cry, and threw himself upon them, embracing them, and saying, by Allah, ye are my very sons therewith the woman unveiled her face and said and by allah i am their very mother so they were united and abode in all soulless of life and its delight till death parted them and so glory be to him who delivereth his servant when he restareth to him and disappointeth not his hope in him and his trust and how well saith the poet on the subject each thing of things hath his appointed tide when tis o brother granted or denied repine not an affliction hit thee hard for woe and welfare i conjoint abide

Starting point is 12:53:29 how oft shall women see all grief surround yet feel a joyance thrill what lies inside how many a wretch on whom the eyes of folk look down shall grace exalt to pomp and pride this man is one long-suffering grief and woe whom change and chance of time hath sorely tried the world divided from what he held dearest after long union scattered far and wide but deigned his lord unite them all again and in the lord as every good descried glory to him whose providence rules all living as sherest proofs for us to side near is the near one but no wisdom clearer shows him nor distant wayfair brings him nearer and this tale is told of abu al-hassan and abu ja'afar the leper i had been many times to mecca allah increase its honour and the folk used to follow me for my knowledge of the road and remembrance of the water-stations it happened one year that i was minded to make the pilgrimage to the holy house and visitation of the team of his prophet on whom be blessing and peace and i said to myself i well know the way and will fare alone so i set out in journey till i came to al-cadisia and entering the mosque there saw a man's suffering from black leprosy seated in the prayer-niche, quoth he on seeing me, O Abu al-Hassan, I crave thy company to Mecca, quoth I to myself. I fled from all my companions, and how shall I company with lepers? So I said to him, I will bear no man company, and he was

Starting point is 12:54:55 silent at my words. Next day I walked on alone till I came to al-Aqaba, where I entered the mosque, and found the lepers seated in the prayer-nish. So I said to myself, glory be to Allah, how hath this fellow preceded me hither? But he raised the, his head to me and said with a smile, O Abu al-Hassan, he doth for the week which surprise it the strong. I passed that night confounded at what I had seen, and, as soon as morning dawn, said out again by myself. But when I came to Arafat and entered the mosque, behold, there was the lepros seated in the niche. So I threw myself upon him, and kissing his feet, said, Oh, my lord, I crave thy company. But he answered, this may in no way be. Then I began weeping and wailing

Starting point is 12:55:35 at the loss of his converse when he said, spare thy tears, which will avail thee not. and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the 482nd night, she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Abu al-Hassan continued. Now, when I saw the leperman seated at the prayer-niche, I threw myself upon him and said, O my lord, I crave thy company, and fell to kissing his feet. But he answered, This may in no way be. Then I began weeping and wailing at the loss of his company when he said, spare thy tears which will avail thee not, and he recited these couplets. Why dost thou weep when I depart, and thou didst parting claim,

Starting point is 12:56:14 and cravest union, when we ne'er shall reunite the same? Thou lookadest on nothing save my weakness and disease, and saidst, nor goes nor comes, or night or day the sickly frame, cease not how Allah glorified his glory ever be, deigneth to grant his slave's petition wherewithal he came. If I, two eyes of men, be that, and only that they see, and this my body show itself so full of grief and graeme, and have I not a food that shall supply me to the place, where crowds into my lord resort impelled by single aim. I have a high creating lord whose mercies eye are hid, O Lord who hath none equal, and no fear is known to him. So fare thee safe, and leave me lone in strangerhood to woan, for he the only one, consoles my loneliness so love.

Starting point is 12:57:03 accordingly I left him, but every station I came to I found he had forgone me, till I reached al-Medina, where I lost sight of him, and could hear no tidings of him. Here I met Abu Yazid al-Bustami and Abu Bakr al-Shibli, and a number of other sheikhs and learned men, to whom with many complaints, I told my case, and they said, Heaven forbid that thou shouldst gain his company after this. He was Abu Ja'afar, the leper, in whose named folk at all times pray for rain, and by whose blessing prayers there and detain. When I heard their words, my desire for his company redoubled,

Starting point is 12:57:37 and I implored the Almighty to reunite me with him. Whilst I was standing on Arafat, one pulled me from behind, and so I turned, and behold, it was my man. At the sight I cried out with a loud cry, and fell down in a fainting fit, but when I came to myself, he had disappeared from my sight. This increased my yearning for him, and the ceremonies were tedious to me,

Starting point is 12:57:58 and I prayed Almighty Allah to give me sight of him, nor was it but a few days after went low one pulled me from behind and i turned and it was he again thereupon he said come i conjure thee and ask thy want of me so i begged him to pray for me through prayers first that allah would make me love poverty secondly that i might never lie down at night upon provision assured to me and thirdly that he would vouchsafe me to look upon his bountiful face so he prayed for me as i wished and departed from me and indeed allah hath granted me what the devotee asked in prayer, to begin with, he hath made me so love poverty that, by the Almighty, there is not in the world dearer to me than it, and secondly, since such a year, I have never lain down to sleep upon assured provision. Withal hath he never let me lack aught. As for the third prayer, I trust that he will vouchsafe me that also, even as he hath granted the two precedent, for right, bountiful and beneficent is his godhead, and Allah have mercy on him who said, garb of Focker, renouncement lowliness, his robe of tatters and of regs his dress,

Starting point is 12:59:04 and pallor ornamenting brows, though, twere wanness such as waning crescent show, wasted him prayer through the long-lived night, and flooding tears ne'ercece to dim his sight, memory of him shall cheer his lonely room, the almighty nearest is in nightly gloom, the refuge helpeth such fawker in need, help e'en the cattle and the winged breed. Allah for sake of him of wrath is fain, and for the grace of him shall fall the rain. And if he pray one day for plague to stay, twill stay in bait man's wrong and tyrant slay. While Fokersad afflicted one in each, he and his mercies rich, the generous leech, bright shines his brow, and thou regard his face, thy heart illumine shines by light of grace.

Starting point is 12:59:49 O thou who shunnest souls of worth inate, departs thee woe to thee of sins the weight. thou thinkest to overtake them while thou barest, Follies which slay thee whatsoever thou fairest. Didst what their worth thou hadst all honour showed, And tears and streamlets from thine eyes had flowed, To catter, troubled men, flowers lack their smell, And brokers can for how much clothes can sell, So hasten with thy lord reunion sue,

Starting point is 13:00:17 And happily fate shall lend thee aidst due. Rest from rejection and estrangement stress, and joy thy wish and will shall choicely bless, his court wide open, for the sewer is dight, one very God the Lord, th almighty might. And they also tell a tale of the queen of the serpents. There was once, in days of yore and in ages and times long gone before, a Grecian sage called Daniel,

Starting point is 13:00:42 who had disciples and scholars and the wise men of Greece were obedient to his bidding, and relied upon his learning. Withal had Allah denied him a man-child. One night, as he lay musing in greek, weeping over the lack of a son who might inherit his lord, he bethought him that Allah, extolled and exalted be he, heareth the prayer of those who resort to him, and that there is no doorkeeper at the door of his bounties, and that he favoureth whom he will without compt, and sendeth no supplicant empty way,

Starting point is 13:01:11 nay, he filleth their hands with favours and benefits. So he besought the Almighty, the bountiful, to vouch save him a son to succeed him, and to endow him abundantly with his beneficence. then he returned home and carnally knew his wife who conceived by him the same night and shahar-asad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and eighty-third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the grecian sage returned home and knew his wife who conceived by him the same night a few days after this he took his ship for a certain place but the ship was wrecked and he saved himself on one of her planks while only five leaves remained to him of all the books he had. When he returned home, he laid the five leaves in a box, and locking it, gave the key to his wife, who then showed big with child, and said to her, know that my decease is at hand, and that the time draweth nigh for my translation from this abode temporal to the home which is eternal. Now thou art with child, and after my death wilt happily bear a son. If this be so, name him

Starting point is 13:02:14 Haseeb Karim al-Din, and rear him with the best of rearing. When the boy shall grow up, and shall say to thee, what inheritance did my father leave me, give him these five leaves, which when he shall have read and understood, he will be the most alerted man of his time. Then he farewled her, and heaving one side, departed the world and all that is therein, the mercy of Allah, the most highest be upon him, his family and friends wept over him, and washed him, and bore him forth in great state and buried him, after which they wended their ways home. But few days passed ere his widow bear a handsome boy and named him Haseeb Qarri Maldin, as her husband charged her, and immediately after his birth, she summoned the astrologers,

Starting point is 13:02:53 who calculated his ascendance and drawing his horoscopes, said to her, "'No, a woman, that this birth will live many a year, but that will be after a great peril in the early part of his life, wherefrom can he escape, he will be given the knowledge of all the exact sciences?' So saying they went their way. She suckled him two years, then weaned him, and when he was five years old she placed him in a school to learn his book, but he would read nothing. So she took him from school and set him to learn a trade, but he would not master any craft, and there came no work from his hands. The mother wept over

Starting point is 13:03:26 this, and the folks said to her, marry him. Happily he will take heart for his wife and learn him a trade. So she sought a girl and married him to her, but despite marriage and the lapse of time, he remained idle as before and would do nothing. One day, some neighbors of hers, who were woodcutters, came to her and said, buy thy son and ass and quarts and an axe and let him go with us to the mountain and we will all of us cut wood for fuel the price of the wood shall be his and ours and he shall provide thee and his wife with his share when she heard this she joyed with exceeding joy and bought her son and ass and quarts and hatchet then carrying him to the woodcutters delivered him into their hands and solemnly committed him to their care said they have no concern for the boy our lord will provide for him he is the son of our sheik so they carried him to the mountain where they cut fire-root and loaded their asses therewith then returned to the city and selling what they had cut spent the monies on their families this they did the next day and the third and ceased not for some time till it chanced one day a violent storm of rain broke over them and they took refuge in a great cave till the downfall should pass away. Now, Haseep Karim al-Din went apart from the rest,

Starting point is 13:04:37 into a corner of the cavern, and sitting down, fell to smiting the floor with his axe. Presently, he noted that the ground sounded hollow under the hatchet, so he dug there a while and came to a round flagstone with a ring in it. When he saw this, he was glad, and called his comrades the woodcutters. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say, her permitted say. when it was the four hundred and eighty-fourth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when hasib karim al-deen saw the flagstone with the ring he was glad and called his comrades the wood-cutters who came to him and finding it was a fact soon pulled up the stone and discovered under it a trap-door which being opened showed a cistern full of bees honey then they said to one another this is a large store and we have nothing for it but to return to the city and fetch vessels wherein to carry away

Starting point is 13:05:28 the honey, and sell it and divide the price, whilst one of us stands by the sister and to guard it from outsiders. Quoth Haseeb, I will stay and keep watch over it till you bring your pots and pans. So they left him on guard there, and repairing to the city, fetched vessels, which they filled with honey, and loading their asses therewith, carried them to the streets and sold the contents. They returned on the morrow, and thus they did several days in succession, sleeping in the town by night and drawing off the stuff by day, whilst Haseeb abode on guard by it, but little remained when they said to one another. It was Haseeb Karim al-Din found the honey,

Starting point is 13:06:03 and tomorrow he will come down to the city and complain against us and claim the price of it, saying, "'Twas I found it, nor is their escape for us, but that we let him down into the cistern to bail out the rest of the honey and leave him there. So he will die of hunger and none shall know him.' They all fell in with this plot as they were making for the place, and when they reached it, one said to him,

Starting point is 13:06:26 oh Haseeb go down into the pit and bail out for us the rest of the honey. So he went down and passed up to them what remained of the honey, after which he said to them, draw me up for there is nothing left. They made him no answer, but loading their asses went off to the city and left him alone in the cistern. Thereupon he fell to weeping and crying, There is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious, the great. Such was his case, but as regards his comrades,

Starting point is 13:06:53 when they reached the city and stole the honey, they repaired to Haseeb's mother, weeping, and said to her, May thy head outlive thy son Haseeb, she asked. What brought about his death? And they answered, we were cutting wood on the mountain top. When there fell on us a heavy downfall of rain, and we took shelter from it in a cavern, and suddenly thy son's ass broke loose,

Starting point is 13:07:13 and fled into the valley, and he ran after it to turn it back, when there came out upon them a great wolf who tore thy son in pieces and ravined the ass. When the mother heard this, she beat her face, and strewed dust on her head and fell to mourning for her son, and she kept life and soul together, only by the meat and drink which they brought her every day. As for the woodcutters, they opened them shops and became merchants

Starting point is 13:07:36 and spent their lives and eating and drinking and laughing and frolicing. Meanwhile, Haseeb Karimaldine, who ceased not to weep and call for help, sat down upon the cistern edge when, behold, a great scorpion fell down on him, so he rose and killed it. Then he took thought and said, the cistern was full of honey. How came the scorpion here? Accordingly, he got up and examined the well right and left till he found a crevice from which the scorpion had fallen and saw the light of day

Starting point is 13:08:03 shining through it. So he took out his woodman's knife and enlarged the hole till it was big as a window, then he crept through it, and, after walking for some time, came to a vast gallery, which led him to a huge door of black iron bearing a padlock of silver wherein was a key of gold. He stole up to the door and looking through the chink saw a great light shining within. So he took the key, and opening the door, went on for some time till he came to a large artificial lake, wherein he caught sight of something that shimmered like silver. He walked up to it, and at last he saw, hard by a hillock of green jasper, and on the hilltop

Starting point is 13:08:38 a golden throne studded with all manner gems. And Shaharazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 32, the 481st night to the 484th night. Recording by Sarah Tatelman. Section 33, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 13:09:18 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 33. 485th through 488th night. When it was the 485th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Haseeb reached the hillock, he founded of green jasper, surmounted by a golden throne,

Starting point is 13:09:59 studded with all manner gems, round which were set many stools, some of gold, some of silver, and others of leek green emerald. He clombed the hillock, and, counting the stools, found them twelve thousand in number. Then he mounted the throne, which was set on the center, and, seating himself thereon, fell to wandering at the lake and the stools. And he marvelled till drowsiness overcame him, and he drops asleep. Presently he was aroused by a loud snorting and hissing and rustling, so he opened his eyes, and sitting up saw each stool occupied by a huge serpent, and hundred cubits in length. At this sight great fear get hold of him.

Starting point is 13:10:59 His spittle dried up for the excess of his dread, and he despaired of life, as all their eyes were blazing like live coals. Then he turned towards the lake and saw that what he had taken for shimmering water was a multitude of small snakes. None knoweth their comte save Allah the most high. After a while there came up to him a serpent as big as a mule, bearing on its back a tray of gold, wherein lay another serpent which shone like crystal, and whose face was a man. as that of a woman, and who spake with human speech. And as soon as she was brought up to Haseeb, she saluted him, and he returned the salutation. Thereupon one of the serpents

Starting point is 13:11:56 seated on the stools came up, and, lifting her off the tray, set her on one of the seats, and she cried out to the other serpents in their language, whereupon they all fell down from their stools and did her homage. But she signed to them to sit, and they did so. Then she addressed Haseeb, saying, Have no fear of us, O youth, for I am the queen of the serpents and their sultana. When he heard her speak on this wise, he took heart, and she bade the Serpents bring him somewhat of food. So they brought apples and grapes and pomegranates, and pistachio nuts, and filberts, and walnuts, and almonds and bananas, and set them before him. And the queen serpent said, Welcome, O youth, what is thy name?

Starting point is 13:12:59 Answered he, Hasib Karim Ardin. And she rejoined, O Hasib, each of these fruits, for we have no other meat, and fear thou have nothing from us at all. Hearing this he ate his fill, and praised Allah Almighty. And presently they took away the trays from before him, and the queen said, Tell me, O Hasib, whence thou art, and how cameest thou hither, and what hath befallen thee. So he told her his story from first. to last, the death of his father, his birth, his being sent to school where he learned nothing, his becoming a woodcutter, his finding the honey cistern, his being abandoned therein,

Starting point is 13:13:52 his killing the scorpion, his widening the crevice, his finding the iron door, and his coming upon the queen, and he ended his long tail with the first. He ended his long tail with saying, These be my adventures from beginning to end, and only Allah woteth what will betide me after all this. Quote the Queen, after listening to his words, Nothing save good shall betide thee. And Shah Rassad perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 13:14:27 and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 486th night, she said. It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the serpent queen had heard his story, she said, Nothing save good shall betide thee. But I would have thee, O Hasib, abide with me some time, that I may tell thee my history, and acquaint thee with the wondrous adventures which have happened to me. I hear and obey thy hast, answered he. and she began to tell in these words the adventures of bulukya know thou o hasi there was once in the city of cairo a king of the banu israel a wise and a pious who was bent double by poring over books of learning and he had a son named bulukia when he grew old and weak and was nigh upon

Starting point is 13:15:30 when he grew old and weak and was nigh upon death his grandees and officers of state came up to salute him and he said to them old folk know that at hand is the hour of my march from this world to the next and i have no charge to lay on you save to commend to your care my son then said he i testify that there is no god save the god and heaving one side departed the world the mercy of allah be upon him they laid him out and washed him and buried him with a procession of great state then they made his son bulukia sultan in his stead and he ruled the kingdom justly and the people had peace in his time now it befell one day that he entered his father's treasuries to look about him and coming upon an inner compartment and finding the semblance of a door opened it and passed in and lo he found himself in a little closet wherein stood a column of white marble on the top of which was a casket of ebony he opened this also and saw therein another casket of gold containing a book he read the book and found in it an account of our lord mahomed whom allah bless and preserve and how he should be sent in the latter days and be the lord of the first prophets and the last on seeing the personal description bulukiah's heart was taken with love of him

Starting point is 13:17:24 so he at once assembled all the notables of the children of israel the coens or diviners the scribes and the priests and acquainted them with the book reading portions of it to them and adding o folk needs must i bring my father out of his grave and burn him the lieges asked why wilt thou burn him and he answered because he hid this book from me and imparted it not to me now the old king had excerpted it from the torah or pantatook and the books of abraham and had set it in one of his treasuries and concealed it from all living rejoined they o king thy father is dead his body is in the dust and his affair is in the hands of his lord thou shalt not take him forth of his tomb so he knew that they would not suffer him to do this thing by his sire and leaving them he repaired to his mother to whom said he O my mother I have found in one of my father's treasuries a book containing a description of Muhammad whom Allah bless and keep, a prophet who shall be sent in the latter days, and my heart is captivated with love of him. Wherefore am I resolved to wander over the earth till I foregather with him, else I shall die of longing for his love.

Starting point is 13:19:03 Then he daft his clothes and donned an Aba gown of goat's hair and coarse sandal, saying, O my mother, forget me not in thy prayers. She wept over him and said, What will become of us after thee? But Belukya answered, I can endure no longer, and I commit my affair and thine to Allah who is Almighty. Then he set out on foot, Syria words, without the knowledge of any of his folk and coming to the sea-board found a vessel whereupon he shipped as one of the crew they sailed till he made an island where bulukia landed with the crew

Starting point is 13:19:49 but straying away from the rest he sat down under a tree and sleep got the better of him when he awoke he sought the ship but found that they had set sail without him and in that island he saw serpents as big as camels and palm-trees which repeated the names of allah be he extolled and exalted and blessed mohammed whom the lord assain and save proclaiming the unity and glorifying the glorious whereat he wondered and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and eighty-seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when bulukia saw the serpents glorifying god and proclaiming the unity he wondered with extreme wonder when they saw him they flocked to him and one of them said to him who and whence art thou and whither goest thou and what is thy name quoth he my name is bulukya i am of the children of israel and being distracted for love of mohammed whom allah bless and keep i come in quest of him but who are ye o noble creatures answered they we are of the dwellers in the johannam hell and and almighty allah created us for the punishment of kaffirs and how came ye hither asked he and the serpents answered no o bulukia that hell of the greatness of her boiling breatheth twice a year expiring in the summer and inspiring in the winter and hence the summer heat and winter cold when she exhaleth

Starting point is 13:21:51 she casteth forth of her maw and we are drawn in again with her inhaled breath quoth bulukya say me are there greater serpents than you in hell and they said of a truth we are cast out with the expired breath but by reason of our smallness for in hell every serpent is so great that were the biggest of us to pass over its nose it would not feel us asked bulukia ye sing the praises of allah and invoke blessings on mohammed whom the almighty assain and save whence wot ye of mohammed and they answered o bulukia verily his name is written on the gates of paradise and but for him allah had not created the worlds nor paradise nor heaven nor hell nor earth for he made all things that be solely on his account, and hath conjoined his name with his own in every place. Wherefore we love Muhammad, whom Allah bless and preserve. Now hearing the serpent's converse did but inflame Balochia's love for Muhammad, and yearning for his sight, so he took leave of them, and, making his way to the seashore,

Starting point is 13:23:16 found their ship made fast to the beach. He embarked therein as a seaman, and sailed nor ceased sailing, till he came to another island. Here he landed, and walking about a while, found serpents great and small. None knoweth their number save Almighty Allah, and amongst them a white serpent, clearer than crystal, seated in a golden tray born on the back of another serpent, as big as an elephant. Now this, O Hasib, was the serpent queen, none other than myself. Quoth Hasib, and what answer didst thou make him? Quoth she, know, O Hasib, that when I saw Balochia, I saluted him with the salam,

Starting point is 13:24:07 and he returned my salutation, and I said to him, Who and what art thou, and what is thine errand, and whence come, Comeest thou, and whither goest thou? Answered he, I am of the children of Israel. My name is Bulukya, and I am a wanderer for the love of Muhammad, whose description I have read in the revealed scriptures,

Starting point is 13:24:35 and of whom I go in search. But what art thou, and what are these serpents about thee? Quoth I, O Bulukia, I am the queen of the saint, Serpents. And when thou shalt foregather with Muhammad, whom Allah assain and save, bear him my salutation, then Bulukia took leave of me and journeyed till he came to the holy city, which is Jerusalem. Now there was in that stead a man who was deeply versed in all sciences, more especially in geometry and astronomy and mathematics, as well. well as in white magic and spiritualism. And he had studied the Pentateuch and the Evangel and the

Starting point is 13:25:26 Psalms and the books of Abraham. His name was Afan, and he had found in certain of his books that whoso should wear the seal ring of our Lord Solomon, men and gin and birds and beasts, and all created things would be bound to obey him. Moreover, he had discovered that our Lord Solomon had been buried in a coffin which was miraculously transported beyond the seven seas to the place of burial. And Shahrassad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the 488 night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king,

Starting point is 13:26:18 That Afan had found in certain books that none, mortal or spirit, Could pluck the seal-ring from the Lord Solomon's finger, And that no navigator could sail his ship upon the seven seas Over which the coffin had been carried. Moreover, he had found out by reading That there was a herb of herbs, and that if one express its juice and anoint therewith his feet, he should walk upon the surface of any sea that Allah Almighty had created without wetting his souls.

Starting point is 13:26:56 But none could obtain this herb without he had with him the serpent queen. When Belukia arrived at the holy city, he at once sat down to do his devotions and worship the Lord, and whilst he was so doing, Afan came up and saluted him as a true believer. Then seeing him reading the Pentateuch, and adoring the Almighty, he accosted him, saying, What is thy name, O man, and whence comest thou, and wither goest thou? He answered, My name is Bulukya. I am from the city of Cairo, and am come forth wandering in quest of Muhammad, whom Allah bless

Starting point is 13:27:40 and preserve. Quotha Fan, come with me to my lodging that I may entertain thee. To hear is to obey, replied Belukia. So the devotee took him by the hand, and carried him to his house, where he entreated him with the utmost honor and presently said to him, tell me thy history, O my brother, and how thou camest by the knowledge of Muhammad, whom Allah assain and save, that thy heart hath been taken with love of him, and compel thee to fare forth and seek him. And lastly, tell me who it was directed thee in this road. So he related to him his tale in its entirety, whereupon Afan, who well nigh lost his wits for wonder, said to him,

Starting point is 13:28:34 Make trist for me with the queen of the serpents, and I will bring thee in company with Muhammad. albeit the date of his mission is yet far distant. We have only to prevail upon the queen, and carry her in a cage, to a certain mountain where the herbs grow, and as long as she is with us, the plants as we pass them were parlay with human speech,

Starting point is 13:29:01 and discovered their virtues by the ordinance of Allah the most high. For I have found in my books that there is a certain herb, and all who express its juice and anoint therewith their feet shall walk upon whatsoever sea Almighty Allah hath made without wetting soul. When we have found the magical herb, we will let her go her way, and then will we anoint our feet with the juice, and cross the seven seas, till we come to the burial place of our Lord Solomon. Then we will take the ring off his feet.

Starting point is 13:29:39 finger and rule even as he ruled, and win all our wishes. We will enter the mane of morx, and drink of the water of life, and so the Almighty will let us tarry till the end of time, and we shall foregather with Muhammad, whom Allah bless and preserve. Hearing these words, Balochia replied, O Afan, I will make trist for thee with the serpent queen, and at once show thee her abiding place. So Afan made him a cage of iron, and providing himself with two bowls, one full of wine, and the other of milk, took ship with Balochia, and sailed till they came to the island, where they landed and walked upon it. Then Afan set up the cage, in which he laid a noose, and withdrew after placing in it the two bowls, when he and Baloom, he and belucer, and he and

Starting point is 13:30:39 Ookea concealed themselves afar off. Presently, up came the queen of the serpents, that is, myself, and examined the cage. When she, that is I, smelt the savour of the milk, she came down from the back of the snake, which bore her tray. Then she went to the bowl of wine and drank of it,

Starting point is 13:31:05 whereupon her head became giddy, and she slipped. When Afon saw this, he ran up, and locking the cage upon her, set it on his head, and made for the ship, he and Bulukia. After a while she awoke, and finding herself in a cage of iron, on a man's head, and seeing Bulukia, walking beside the bearer, said to him, "'This is the reward of those who do no hurt to the sons of Adam?' answered he, O Queen, have no fear of us, for we will do thee no hurt at all. We wish thee only to show us the herb which, when pounded and squeezed, yieldeth a juice, and this rubbed upon the feet, conferreth the power of walking, dry-shod upon what see-soever Almighty Allah hath created.

Starting point is 13:32:01 And when we have found that we will return thee to thy place, and let thee, wend thy way. Then Afan and Bulukia fared on for the hills where grew the herbs, and as they went about with the queen, each plant they passed began to speak, and avouch its virtues by permission of Allah the most high. As they were thus doing, and the herbs speaking right and left, behold, a plant spoke out and said, I am the herb ye seek, and all who gather and crush me, and anoint their feet with my juice,

Starting point is 13:32:43 shall fare over what sea soever Allah Almighty hath created, and yet ne'er wet soul. When Afon heard this, he set down the cage from his head, and gathering what might suffice them of the herb, crushed it and filling two vials with the juice kept them for future use and with what was left they anointed their feet then they took up the serpent queen's cage and journeyed days and nights till they reached the island where they opened the cage and let out her that is me

Starting point is 13:33:25 when i found myself at liberty i asked them what use they would make of the jews and they answered we design to anoint our feet and to cross the seven seas to the barrier place of our lord solomon and take the seal-ring from his finger quoth i far far is it from your power to possess yourselves of the ring they inquired wherefore and i replied because almighty allah vouchsafed unto our lord solomon the gift of this ring and distinguished him thereby for that he said to him o lord give me a kingdom which may not be obtained after me for thou verily art the giver of kingdoms. So that ring is not for you. And I added, Had ye twain taken the herb, Whereof all who eat shall not die

Starting point is 13:34:31 Until the first blast, It had better availed you than this ye have gotten, For ye shall no wise come at your desire thereby. Now when they heard this, they repented them with exceeding penitence and went their ways. And Shahr-Assad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 33.

Starting point is 13:35:02 Recording by Eva Easton, Slottsburgh, New York, June 2011. Section 34, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night. translated by Richard Burton. 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 Eva Easton.

Starting point is 13:35:41 The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 34. 489th through 492nd night. When it was the 489th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Bulukia and Afan heard these words, they repented them with exceeding penitence, and went their ways.

Starting point is 13:36:15 Such was their case, but as regards myself, continued the serpent queen, I went in quest of my host, and found it fallen in piteous case, the stronger of them, having grown weak in my absence, and the weaker having died. When they saw me, they rejoiced, and flocking about me, asked, What hath befallen thee, and where hast thou been? So I told them what had passed, after which I gathered my forces to ether and repaired with them to the mountain kaff, where I was wont to winter, summer-freshing in the place where thou now seest me, O Haseeb Karim Adin,

Starting point is 13:37:00 This then is my story and what befell me. Thereupon Haseeb marveled at her words and said to her, I beseech thee of thy favor, bid one of thy guards bear me forth to the surface, of the earth that I may go to my people. She replied, O Hasib, thou shalt not have leave to depart from us till winter come, and needs must thou go with us to the mountain-cough, and solace thyself with the sight of the hills and sands and trees and birds

Starting point is 13:37:37 magnifying the one god, the victorious, and look upon Marids and Ifrits and Jin, whose number none knoweth save Almighty Allah. When Hasib heard this, he was sore chafed and chagrined. Then he said to her, Tell me of Afan and Bulukya, When they departed from thee and went their way, Did they cross the seven seas, and reach the burial place of our Lord Solomon, or not?

Starting point is 13:38:10 And if they did, had they power to take the ring, or not? Answered she, know that when they left me, they anointed their feet with the juice, and, walking over the water, fared on from sea to sea, diverting themselves with the wonders of the deep, nor ceased they faring till they had traversed the seven seas, and came in sight of a mountain, soaring high in air, whose stones were emeralds, and whose stones were emeralds, and whose dust was musk, and in it was a stream of running water. When they made it they rejoiced, saying each to the other, Verily we have won our wish, and they entered the passes of the mountain and walked on,

Starting point is 13:39:04 till they saw from afar a cavern, surmounted by a great dome, shining with light. So they made for the cavern, and entering it, beheld therein a throne of gold studded with all manner jewels, and about it stools, whose number none knoweth save Allah Almighty. And they saw lying at full length upon the throne, our lord Solomon, clad in robes of green silk, inwoven with gold, and broidered with jewels and precious minerals. His right hand was passed over his breast, and on the middle finger was the seal ring, whose luster outshone that of all other gems in the place. Then Afan taught Bulukya adjurations and conjurations galore, and said to him,

Starting point is 13:40:04 repeat these conjurations, and cease not repeating, until I take the ring. then he went up to the throne but as he drew near unto it lo a mighty serpent came forth from beneath it and cried out at him with so terrible a cry that the whole place trembled and sparks flew from its mouth saying begone or thou art a dead man but a fawn busied himself with his incantations and suffered himself not to be startled thereby then the serpent blew such a fiery blast at him that the place was like to be set on fire and said to him woe to thee except to him thou turn back, I will consume thee. Hearing these words, Bulukia left the cave. But Afan, who suffered himself not to be troubled, went up to the prophet. Then he put out his hand to the ring, and touched it, and strove to draw it off the Lord Solomon's finger. And behold, the serpent blew on him once more, and he became a heap of ashes.

Starting point is 13:41:30 Such was his case, but, as regards Balochia, he fell down in a swoon. And Shahr-Assad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and nineties' night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king,

Starting point is 13:41:55 that the queen continued when buluki saw afan burnt up by the fire and become a heap of ashes he fell down in a swoon thereupon the lord magnified be his majesty bade gabriel descend earthwards and save him ere the serpent should blow on him so gabriel descended without delay and finding a fawn reduced to ashes and bulukia in a fit aroused him from his trance and saluting him asked how cameest thou hither bulukia related to him his history from first to last adding know that i came not hither but for the love of mohammed whom allah assain and save of whom afon informed me that his mission would take place at the end of time moreover that none should foregather with him but those who endured to the latter days by drinking of the water of life through means of solomon's seal so i accompanied him hither and there befell him what befell but i escaped the fire and now it is my desire that thou inform me where mohammed is to be found quoth gabriel o balukia go thy ways for the time of mohammed's coming is yet far distant then he ascended up to heaven forthright and bulukiya wept with sore weeping and repented of that which he had done calling to mind my words whenas i said to them far is it from man's power to possess himself of the ring

Starting point is 13:43:52 then he descended from the mountain and returned in exceeding confusion to the sea-shore and passed the night there marvelling at the mountains and seas and islands around him when morning dawned he anointed his feet with the herb juice and descending to the water set out and fared on over the surface of the seas days and nights astiniscay at the terrors of the main and the marvels and wonders of the deep, till he came to an island, as it were, the Garden of Eden. So he landed, and finding himself in a great and pleasant island, paced about it, and saw with admiration, that its dust was saffron, and its gravel carnallion, and precious minerals.

Starting point is 13:44:48 Its hedges were of jessamine, its vegetation was at, of the goodliest of trees and of the brightest of odiferous shrubs. Its brushwood was of Camarin and Sumatran aloes wood, and its reeds were sugar-canes. Round about it were roses and narcissus and amaranths and gilly flowers and camomeles and white lilies and violets and other flowers of all kinds and colors. Of a truth, the island was the goodliest place, abounding in space, rich in grace, a compendium of beauty, material and spiritual. The birds warbled on the boughs with tones far sweeter than chaunt of Koran, and their notes would console a lover whom longings on man, and therein the gazelle frisked

Starting point is 13:45:48 free and fain, and wild cattle roamed about the plain. Its trees were of tallest height, its streams flowed bright, its springs welled with water sweet and light, and all therein was a delight to sight and sprite. Bulukia marvelled at the charms of the island, but knew that he had strayed from the way he had first taken, in company with a fun. He wandered about the place and solaced himself with various spectacles until nightfall,

Starting point is 13:46:26 when he climbed into a tree to sleep. But as he sat there, musing over the beauty of the sight, behold, the sea became troubled, and there rose up to the surface a great beast, which cried out with a cry so terrible that every living thing upon the aisle trembled. As Bulukia gazed upon him from the tree, and marvelled at the bigness of his bulk, he was presently followed unexpectedly by a multitude of other sea-beasts in kind manifolds, each holding in his fore-paw a jewel which shone like a lamp, so that the whole island became as light as day for the luster of the gems.

Starting point is 13:47:15 after a while there appeared, from the heart of the island, wild beasts of the land. None knoweth their number save Allah the most high, amongst which Bulukia noted, lions and panthers and lynxes and other ferrels, and these land beasts flocked down to the shore, and four-gathering with the sea-beasts, conversed with them till daybreak, when they separated, and each went his own way. Thereupon Balochia, terrified by what he had seen, came down from the tree, and, making the sea-shore, anointed his feet with the magical juice, and set out once more upon the surface of the water. He fared on days and nights over the second sea, till he came to a great mountain, skirting which ran a wadi without end. The stones whereof were

Starting point is 13:48:23 were magnetic iron and its beasts, lions, and hares, and panthers. He landed on the mountain foot and wandered from place to place till nightfall. When he saw, he saw, sat down sheltered by one of the base hills on the seaside to eat of the dried fish thrown up by the sea. Presently he turned from his meal and behold, a huge panther was creeping up to rend and rabben him. So he anointed his feet in haste with the juice, and descending to the surface of the water, fled walking over the third sea in the darkness, for the night was black and the wind blew stark. Nor did he stay his course till he reached another island, whereon he landed and found there trees, bearing fruits both fresh and dry. So he took of these fruits and ate, and praised Allah Almighty,

Starting point is 13:49:29 after which he walked for solace about the island till eventide. And Shachr-Rasad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and ninety-first night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Bulukia, continued the queen, walked for solace about the island till even tide, when he lay down to sleep. As soon as day break he began to explore the place, and ceased not for ten days, after which he again made the shore and anointed his feet, and, setting out over the fourth sea, walked upon it many nights and days, till he came to a third island,

Starting point is 13:50:25 of fine white sand without sign of trees or grass. He walked about it a while, but, finding its only inhabitants, sakers which nested in the sand, he again anointed his feet and trudged over the Fifth Sea, walking night and day, till he came to a little island, whose soil and hills were like crystal. Therein were the veins where from gold is worked, and therein also were marvelous trees whose like he had never seen in his wanderings, for their blossoms were in hue as gold. He landed and walked about for diversion till it was nightfall, when the flowers began to shine through the gloom like stars. Seeing this sight he marvelled and said, Assuredly the flowers of this island are of those which wither under the sun and fall to the

Starting point is 13:51:32 earth, where the winds smite them, and they gather under the rocks, and become the elixir which the folk collect and thereof make gold. He slept there all that night, and at a At sunrise he again anointed his feet, and, descending to the shore, fared on over the sixth sea, nights and days, till he came to a fifth island. Here he landed and found, after walking an hour or so, two mountains covered with a multitude of trees, whose fruits were as men's heads hanging by the hair, and others whose fruits were green birds hanging by the feet. Also a third kind, whose fruits were like aloes. If a drop of the juice fell on a man, it burnt like fire. And others, whose fruits wept and laughed,

Starting point is 13:52:37 besides many other marvels which he saw there. Then he returned to the seashore, and finding there a tall tree, sat down beneath it till supper-time when he climbed up into the branches to sleep as he sat considering the wonderful works of allah behold the waters became troubled and there rose there from the daughters of the sea each mermaid holding in her hand a jewel which shone like the morning they came ashore and foregathering under the trees sat down and danced and sported and made merry whilst belukia amused himself with watching and wondering at their gambols which were prolonged till the morning when they returned to the sea and disappeared then he came down and anointing his feet set out on the surface of the seventh sea over which he journeyed two whole months without getting sight of highland or island or broadland or lowland or shoreland till he came to the end thereof

Starting point is 13:53:59 and so doing he suffered exceeding hunger so that he was forced to snatch up fishes from the surface of the sea and devour them raw for stress of famine in such case he pushed on till in early forenoon he came to the sixth island with trees a-growing and rills afloving where he landed and walked about looking right and right and and left till he came to an apple-tree, and put forth his hand to pluck of the fruit, when lo, one cried out to him from the tree, saying, And thou draw near to this tree, and cut of it aught, I will cut thee in twain. So he looked and saw a giant, forty cubits high, being the cubit of the people of that day, whereat he feared with sore fear and refrained from that tree. Then said he to the giant,

Starting point is 13:55:06 Why dost thou forbid me to eat of this tree? Replied the other, Because thou art a son of Adam, and thy father Adam forgot the covenant of Allah, and sinned against him and ate of the tree. Quoth Bulukia, What thing art thou and to whom belongeth this island with its trees? And how art thou named?

Starting point is 13:55:36 Quoth the tall one. My name is Sharachya, and trees and island belong to King Sacher. I am one of his guards, and in charge of his dominion, presently adding, But who art thou, and whence comest thou hither? bulukia told him his story from beginning to end and shahrakiah said be of good cheer and brought him to eat so he ate his fill and taking leave of the giant set out again and ceased not faring on over the mountains and sandy deserts for ten days at the end of which time he saw in the distance a dust-cloud hanging like a canopy in air and making towards it he heard a mighty clamour cries and blows and sounds of melee presently he reached a great waddy two months journey long and looking whence the shouts came he saw a multitude of horsemen engaged in fierce fight

Starting point is 13:56:51 and the blood running from them till it railed like a river their voices were thunderous and they were armed with lance and sword and iron mace and bow and arrow and all fought with the utmost fury at this sight he felt sore affright and shahrazad perceived at the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and ninety-second night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the queen continued when bulukia saw the host in fight he felt sore affright and was perplexed about his case. But whilst he hesitated, behold, they caught sight of him, and held their hands one from other, and left fighting. Then a troop of them came up to him, wondering at his make, and one of the horsemen said to him, What art thou, and whence camest thou hither, and whither art wending, and who showed thee the way that thou hast come to our country?

Starting point is 13:58:10 Quoth he, I am of the sons of Adam, and am come out, distracted for the love of Muhammad, whom Allah bless and preserve, but I have wandered from my way, quoth the horseman. Never saw we a son of Adam till now,

Starting point is 13:58:30 nor did any ever come to this land, and all marvelled at him and at his speech. But what are ye, O creatures, asked Bolokia, and the writer replied, We are of the John. So he said, O knight, what is the cause of the fighting amongst you, and where is your abiding place, and what is the name of this valley and this land? He replied, Our abiding place is the white country, And every year Allah Almighty commandeth us to come hither And wage war upon the unbelieving John.

Starting point is 13:59:14 Asked Bulukia, And where is the white country? And the horseman answered, It is behind the mountain cuff, and distant seventy-five years' journey from this place which is termed the land of Shadad, son of Ad. We are here for holy war, and we have no other business

Starting point is 13:59:36 when we are not doing battle than to glorify God and hallow him. Moreover, we have a ruler, King Sacher, highs and needs must thou go with us to him, that he may look upon thee for his special delight. Then they fared on and he with them till they came to their abiding place, where he saw a multitude of magnificent tents,

Starting point is 14:00:04 of green silk, none knoweth their number save Allah the most high, and in their midst a pavilion of red satin, some thousand cubits in compass, with cords of blue silk, and pegs of gold and silver. Balochia marvelled at the sight, and accompanied them as they fared on,

Starting point is 14:00:27 and behold this was the royal pavilion so they carried him into the presence of king sa'r whom he found seated upon a splendid throne of red gold set with pearls and studded with gems the kings and princes of the john being on his right hand and on his left his counsellors and emirs and officers of state and a multitude of others the king seeing him bade introduce him which they did and bulukia went up to him and saluted him after kissing the ground before him the king returned his salute and said draw near me o mortal and bulukiya went close up to him hereupon the king commanding a chair to be set for him by his royal side bade him sit to sit to him made him sit down and asked him, Who art thou? And Bulukya answered, I am a man, and one of the children of Israel. Tell me thy story, cried King Sacher, and acquaint me with all that hath befallen thee, and how thou cameest to this my land. So Balukia related to him all that had occurred in his wanderings from beginning to end. And Chachar Asad perceived the dawn of day

Starting point is 14:02:00 and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 34. Recording by Eva Easton, Slottsburgh, New York, June 2011. Section 35, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 14:02:46 Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 35, four hundred ninety-third through four hundred ninety-sixth night when it was the four hundred and ninety-third night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the queen continued when bulukia related to sa'er what befell him in his wanderings he marvelled thereat then he bade the servants bring food and they spread the tables and said, set on one thousand and five hundred platters of red gold and silver and copper. Some containing twenty, and some fifty, boiled camels, and others some fifty head of sheep, at which Belukia marvelled with exceeding marvel.

Starting point is 14:03:45 Then they ate, and he ate with them, till he was satisfied and returned thanks to Allah Almighty, after which they cleared the tables and set on fruits, and they ate thereof, glorifying the name of God, and invoking blessings on his prophet Muhammad, whom Allah bless and preserve. When Belukia heard them make mention of Muhammad, he wondered and said to King Sacher, I am minded to ask thee some questions, rejoined the king, ask what thou wilt. and bulukia said o king what are ye and what is your origin and how came ye to know of mohammed whom allah assain and save that ye draw near to him and love him king sa'r answered o bulukia a very sooth allah created the fire in seven stages one above the other and each distant a thousand years journey from its neighbor

Starting point is 14:04:53 The first stage he named Jahanam, and appointed the same for the punishment of the transgressors of the true believers who die unrepentant. The second he named Lazah, and appointed for unbelievers. The name of the third is Jahim, and is appointed for Gog and Magog. The fourth is called Sair, and is appointed for the host of Yashim. Iblis. The fifth is called sacchar and is prepared for those who neglect prayer. The sixth is called Hatama and is appointed for Jews and Christians. The seventh is named Hawia, and is prepared for hypocrites. Such be the seven stages. Quoth, Bulukia, haply Jahanam hath least of torture, for that it is the uppermost. Yes, quoth King Sahar. The most endurable of them all is Jahanam.

Starting point is 14:05:59 Nevertheless, in it are the thousand mountains of fire. In each mountain, seventy thousand cities of fire. In each city, seventy thousand castles of fire. In each castle, seventy thousand houses of fire. In each house seventy thousand couches of fire, and in each couch seventy thousand manners of torment. As for the other hells, O Balukya, none knoweth the number of kinds of torment that be therein save Allah most highest. When Balukia heard this he fell down in a fainting fit. And when he came to himself he wept and said, O king what was, will be my case." Quoth, Sacher, fear not, and know thou that whoso loveth Muhammad, whom Allah bless and keep, the fire shall not burn him, for he is made free therefrom for his

Starting point is 14:07:00 sake, and whoso belongeth to his faith, the fire shall fly him. As for us, the almighty maker created us of the fire, for the first that he made in Jahanam, were two, of his host, whom he called Khalit and Malit. Now Khalit was fashioned in the likeness of a lion, with a tail like a tortoise twenty years' journey in length, and ending in a member masculine, while Malit was like a pied wolf whose tail was furnished with a member feminine. Then Almighty Allah commanded the tales to couple and copulate, and do the deed of kind, and of them were born serpents. and scorpions whose dwelling is in the fire that allah may therewith torment those whom he casteth therein and these increased and multiplied then allah commanded the tales of calith and malit to couple and copulate a second time and the tale of malit conceived by the tale of calith and bore fourteen children seven male and seven female

Starting point is 14:08:14 who grew up and intermarried one with the other all were obedient to his sire save one who disobeyed him and was changed into a worm which is iblis the curse of allah be upon him now iblis was one of the cherubim for he had served allah till he was raised to the heavens and cherished by the special favour of the merciful one who made him chief of the cherubim him. And Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and ninety-fourth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the queen continued. Iblis served God and became chief of Cherobim. When, however, the Lord created Adam, with whom be peace, he commanded Iblis to to prostrate himself to him, but he drew back. So Allah Almighty expelled him from heaven and cursed him. This Iblis had issue, and of his lineage are the devils. And as for the other six males,

Starting point is 14:09:30 who were his elders, they are the ancestors of the true believing John, and we are their descendants. Such, O Bulukia, is our provenance. Bulukia marveled at the king's words and said, O king, I pray thee bid one of thy guards bear me back to my native land. Not of this may we do, answered Sacher, save by command of Allah Almighty. However, and thou desire to leave us and return home, I will mount thee on one of my mares, and cause her carry thee to the farthest frontiers of my dominions, where thou wilt meet with the troops of another king, Barakya, hives,

Starting point is 14:10:17 who will recognize the mare at sight, and take thee off her, and send her back to us, and this is all we can do for thee, and no more. When Bulukia heard these words he wept and said, Do whatso thou wilt. So King Sacher caused bring the mayor, and setting Belukia on her back said to him, Beware lest thou alight from her, or strike her, or cry out in her face, for if thou do so she will slay thee, but abide quietly riding on her back till she stop with thee. Then dismount and when thy ways. Quoth Balochia, I hear and I obey. He then mounted and said,

Starting point is 14:11:08 out, rode on a long while between the rows of tents, and stinted not riding till he came to the royal kitchens, where he saw the great caldrons, each holding fifty camels, hung up over the fires which blazed fiercely under them. So he stopped there and gazed with a marvel ever increasing till King Sacher thinking him to be anhungered, bade bring him two roasted camels. and they carried them to him and bound them behind him on the mare's crupper then he took leave of them and fared on till he came to the end of king sacher's dominions where the mayor stood still and bulukia dismounted and began to shake the dust of the journey from his raiment and behold there accosted him a party of men who recognizing the mayor carried her and bulukia before their king so he saluted him and the king returned his greeting and seated him beside himself in a splendid pavilion in the midst of his troops and champions and vassal princes of the john ranged to right and left after which he called for food and they ate their fill and pronounced the alam dolela

Starting point is 14:12:35 then they set on fruits and when they had eaten thereof king barakia whose estate was like that of king sachar asked his guest when didst thou leave king And Bulukia answered, two days ago, Quoth Barakia, dost thou know how many day's journey thou hast come in these two days? Quoth he know, and the king rejoined. Thou hast come a journey of three score and ten months. And Shachar-Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and ninety-fifth night, she said,

Starting point is 14:13:23 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the queen continued. Barakia said to Bolochia, In two days thou hast come a journey of three score and ten months. Moreover, when thou mountest the mare, she was affrighted at thee, knowing thee for a son of Adam, and would have thrown thee. so they bound on her back these two camels by way of weight to steady her. When Belukia heard this he marveled, and thanked Almighty Allah for safety. Then said the king,

Starting point is 14:14:00 Tell me thy adventures and what brought thee to this our land. So he told him his story from first to last, and the king marveled at his words, and kept Bulukia with him two months. Upon this, Hasip Karim al-Din, after he had marvelled at her story, again besought the serpent queen, saying, I pray thee of thy goodness and graciousness, command one of thy subjects, conduct me to the surface of the earth, that I may return to my family, but she answered, O Hasip, I know that the first thing thou wilt do, after seeing the face of the earth,

Starting point is 14:14:43 will be to greet thy family, and then repair to the hammam bath and bathe. And the moment thou endest thine ablutions will see the last of me, for it will be the cause of my death. Quoth Hasib, I swear that I will never again enter the hamam bath so long as I live,

Starting point is 14:15:05 but when washing is incumbent upon me, I will wash at home. Rejoined the queen, I would not trust thee, though thou shouldst swear to me an hundred oaths, for such abstaining is not possible, and I know thee to be a son of Adam, for whom no oath is sacred. Thy father Adam made a covenant with Allah the most high, who needed the clay whereof he fashioned him forty mornings, and made his angels prostrate themselves to him. Yet, after all his promise did he forget, and his oath violate, disobeying the commandment of his lord. When Hasib heard this, he held his peace, and burst into

Starting point is 14:15:56 tears. Nor did he leave weeping for the space of ten days, at the end of which he said to the queen, Prithee, acquaint me with the rest of Balochia's adventures. Accordingly she began again as follows. Know, O Hasib, that Bulukia, after abiding two months with King Barakia, farewelled him and fared on over wastes and deserts, nights and days, till he came to a high mountain which he ascended. On the summit he beheld seated, a great angel, glorifying the names of God and invoking blessings on Muhammad.

Starting point is 14:16:41 Before him lay a tablet, covered with characters, these white and those black, whereupon his eyes were fixed, and his two wings were outspread to the full, one to the western and the other to the eastern horizon. Belukia approached and saluted the angel, who returned his salaam, adding, Who art thou, and whence comest thou, and whither wendest thou, and what is thy story? Accordingly he repeated to him his history, from first to last, and the angel marvelled mightily thereat, whereupon Balochia said to him, I pray thee in return acquaint me with the meaning of this tablet, and what is writ thereon, and what may be thine occupation, and thy name?

Starting point is 14:17:37 replied the angel, my name is Michael, and I am charged with the shifts of night and day, and this is my occupation till the day of doom. Belokia wondered at his words and at his aspect, and the vastness of his stature, and, taking leave of him, fared onwards, night and day till he came to a vast meadow over which he walked observing that it was traversed by seven streams and abounded in trees he was struck by its beauty and in one corner thereof he saw a great tree and under it four angels so he drew near to them and found the first in the likeness of a man the second in the likeness of a wild beast the third in the likeness of a bird and the fourth in the likeness of a bull engaged in glorifying almighty allah and saying o my god and my master and my lord i conjure thee by thy truth and by the decree of thy prophet mohammed on whom be blessings and peace to vouchsafe thy mercy and grant thy forgiveness to all things created in my likeness,

Starting point is 14:19:02 for thou over all things art almighty. Bulukia marveled at what he heard, but continued his journey till he came to another mountain, and ascending it, found there a great angel seated on the summit, glorifying God, and hallowing him, and invoking blessings on Muhammad. whom Allah assain and save. And he saw that angel continually opening and shutting his hands,

Starting point is 14:19:33 and bending and extending his fingers. He accosted him and saluted him. Whereupon the angel returned his salaam, and inquired who he was and how he came thither. So Balukia acquainted him with his adventures, including his having lost the way, and besought him to tell him to him in turn who he was and what was his function and what mountain was that quoth the angel know o bulukia that this is the mountain cuff which encompasseth the world and all the countries the creator hath made are in my grasp when the almighty is minded to visit any land with earthquake or famine or plenty or slaughter or prosperity he biddeth me carry out his commands and i carry them out without stirring from my place for know thou that my hands lay hold upon the roots of the earth

Starting point is 14:20:39 and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the four hundred and ninety-sixth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the queen contests when the angel said and know thou that my hands lay hold upon the roots of the earth he asked and hath allah created other worlds than this within the mountain cough the angel answered yes he hath made a world white as silver whose vastness none knoweth save himself and hath peopled it with angels whose meat and drink are his praise and hallowing and continued blessings upon his prophet mohammed whom allah bless and keep every thursday night they repair to this mountain and worship in congregation allah until the morning and they assign the future recompense of their lords and litanies to the sinners of the faith of mohammed whom all assain and save and to all who make the guzzle ablushan a friday and this is their function until the day of resurrection asked balukia and hath allah created other mountains behind the mountain cuff where too he answered yes behind this mountain is a range of mountains five hundred years journey long of snow and ice. And this it is that wardeth off the heat of Jachanam from the world, which verily would else be consumed thereby. Moreover, behind the mountain kaff

Starting point is 14:22:30 are forty worlds, each one the bigness of this world forty times told, some of gold and some of silver, and others of Cornelian. Each of these worlds, hath its own color, and Allah hath peopleed them with angels, that know not Eve, nor Adam, nor night, nor day, and have no other business than to celebrate his praises, and hallow him, and make profession of his unity, and proclaim his omnipotence, and supplicate him on behalf of the followers of Muhammad, whom Allah bless and keep. and know also, O Bulukia, that the earths were made in seven stages, one upon another, and that Allah hath created one of his angels, whose stature and attributes none knoweth but himself,

Starting point is 14:23:27 and who beareth the seven stages upon his shoulders. Under this angel, Almighty Allah hath created a great rock, and under the rock a bull, and under the bull a huge fish, and under the fish a mighty ocean. God once told Issa, with whom be peace, of this fish, and he said, O Lord, show me the fish, that I may look upon it. So the Almighty commanded an angel to take Issa, and show him the fish. Accordingly he took him up and carried him, with whom be peace, to the sea, wherein the fish dwelt and said,

Starting point is 14:24:13 Look, O Issa, upon the fish. He looked, but at first saw nothing, when suddenly the fish darted past like lightning. At this sight Issa fell down a swoon, and when he came to himself, Allah spake to him by inspiration, saying, O Issa hast thou seen the fish, and comprehended its length and its breadth?

Starting point is 14:24:37 He replied, By thy honor and glory, O Lord, I saw no fish, but there passed me by a great bull, whose length was three days' journey, and I know not what manner of thing this bull is. Quoth Allah, O Isa, this that thou sawest, and which was three days in passing by thee, was but the head of the fish, and know that every day I create, forty fishes like unto this. And Issa, hearing this, marvelled at the power of Allah the Almighty, asked Bulukya, What hath Allah made beneath the sea which containedeth the fish? And the angel answered, Under the sea the Lord created a vast abyss of air, under the air fire, and under the fire a mighty serpent, by name Falak, and were it not for fear of the most highest,

Starting point is 14:25:40 this serpent would assuredly swallow up all that is above it, air and fire, and the angel and his burden, without sensing it. And Shahr Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say, End of Section 35. Recording by Eva Easton, Slotsburg, New York, July 2011. Section 36, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 14:26:24 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Mory CUNY. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 36, the 497th night to the 500th night. When it was the 497th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the angel said to Belukia when describing the serpent, and were it not for fear of the most highest, the serpent would assuredly swallow all that is above it, air and fire, and the angel and his burden without sensing it.

Starting point is 14:27:08 When Allah created the serpent, he said to it by inspiration, I will give thee somewhat to keep for me, so open thy mouth. The serpent replied, do what so thou wilt, and opened its mouth, and God placed hell into its maw, saying, Keep it until the day of resurrection. When that time comes, the Almighty will send him, his angels with chains to bring hell and bind it until the day when all men shall meet. And the Lord will order hell to go open its gates, and there will issue therefrom sparks bigger

Starting point is 14:27:46 than the mountains. When Belukia heard these things, he wept with sore weeping, and taking leave of the angel fared on westwards till he came in sight of two creatures sitting before a great shut gate. As he drew near, he saw that one of the gatekeepers had the semblance of a lion and the other that of a bull. So he saluted them, and they returned his salam, and inquired who and whence he was, and whither he was bound. Quoth he, I am of the sons of Adam, a wanderer for the love of Muhammad, whom Allah assain and save, and I have strayed from my way. Then he asked them what they were, and what was the gate before which they sat. And they answered,

Starting point is 14:28:36 We are the guardians of this gate thou seest, and we have no other business than the praise and hallowing of Allah and the invocation of blessings on Muhammad, whom may he bless and keep. Balukia wondered and asked them, What is within the gate? And they answered, We wot not.

Starting point is 14:28:58 Then quoth he, I conjure you, by the truth of your glorious Lord, open to me the gate that I may see that which is therein. Quoth they, we cannot, and none may open this gate of all created beings, save Gabriel, the faithful one, with whom be peace. Then Balukia lifted up his voice in supplication to Allah, saying, Oh Lord, send me thy messenger Gabriel, the faithful one, to open this gate for me, that I may see what be therein.

Starting point is 14:29:32 And the Almighty gave ear unto his prayer, and commanded the archangel to descend to earth and open to him the gate of the meeting place of the two seas. So Gabriel descended, and saluting Belukia, open the gate to him, saying, Enter this door, for Allah commandeth me to open to thee. So he entered, and Gabriel locked the gate behind him, and flew back to heaven.

Starting point is 14:29:57 When Belukia found himself within the gate, he looked and beheld a vast ocean, half salt and half fresh, bounded on every side by mountain ranges of red ruby, whereon he saw angels singing the praises of the Lord and hallowing him. So he went up to them and saluted them, and having received a return of his salam, questioned them of the sea and the mountains. replied they this place is situate under the arch or imperial heaven and this ocean causeth the flux and flow of all the seas of the world and we are a point to distribute them and drive them to the various parts of the earth the salt to the salt and the fresh to the fresh and this is our employ until the day of doom as for the mountain rages they serve to limit and contain the waters. But thou, whence comest thou, and whither art thou bound? So he told them his story, and asked them of the road. They bade him traverse the surface of the ocean which lay before him, so he anointed his feet with the juice of the herb he had with him, and taking leave of the angels,

Starting point is 14:31:14 set out upon the face of the sea, and sped on over the water nights and days. And as he was faring, behold, he met a handsome youth journeying along like himself, whereupon he greeted him, and he returned his greeting. After they parted, he espied four great angels wayfaring over the face of the sea, and their going was like the blinding lightning. So he stationed himself in their road, and when they came up to him, he saluted them and said to them, I ask you by the almighty, the glorious, to tell me your names, and whither are ye replied the first angel, my name is Gabriel, and these, my companions, are called Israel, Israel. There hath appeared in the east a mighty dragon, which hath laid waste of thousand

Starting point is 14:32:07 cities and devoured their inhabitants. Wherefore Allah Almighty hath commanded us to go to him, and seize him, and cast him into Jahanam. Belukia marveled at the vastness of their stature, on, as before, days and nights, till he came to an island where he landed and walked about for a while. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of the day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the four hundred and ninety-eighth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Balukia landed on the island and walked about for a while, till he saw a comely young man, with light shining from his visage, sitting, weeping, and lamenting between two built tombs. So he saluted him, and he returned his salutation,

Starting point is 14:33:02 and Balukia said to him, Who are thou, and what are these two built tombs between which thou sitest, and wherefore this wailing? He looked at him, and wept with sore weeping, till he drenched his clothes with his tears, then said, Know thou, O my brother, mine is a marvelous story and wondrous, but I would have thee sit by me and first tell me thy name and thine adventures, and who thou art, and what brought thee hither, after which I will in turn relate to thee my history. So Balukia sat down by him, and related to him all that had befallen him from his father's

Starting point is 14:33:46 death, adding, such is my history, the whole of it, and Allah alone knoweth what will happen to me after this. When the youth heard his story, he sighed and said, Oh, thou unhappy, how few things thou has seen in thy life compared with mine. Know, O Balukia, that unlike thyself, I have looked upon our Lord Solomon in his life, and have seen things past count or reckoning. Indeed, my story is strange and my case out of range, and I would have thee abide with me till I tell thee my history, and acquaint thee how I come to be sitting here. Hearing this much, Haseeb again interrupted the queen of the serpents, and said to her, Allah upon thee, O queen, release me, and command one of thy servants carry me forth to the

Starting point is 14:34:40 surface of the earth, and I will swear an oath to thee that I will never enter the Hamam bath as long as I live. But she said, this is a thing which may not be, nor will I believe thee upon thine oath. When he heard this, he wept, and all the serpents wept on his account, and took to interceding for him with their queen, saying, We beseech thee, bid one of us carry him forth to the surface of the earth, and he will swear thee an oath never to enter the bath his life long. Now when Yomleika, for such was the queen's name, heard their appeal, she turned to Haseeb and made him swear to her an oath, after which she bade a serpent carry him forth to the surface of the earth. The serpent made ready, but as she was about to go away with him, he turned to the queen Yomleika

Starting point is 14:35:34 and said, I would fain have thee tell me the history of the youth whom Bulukiah saw sitting between two tombs. so she said know o hasib that when buluki sat down by the youth and told him his tale from first to last in order that the other might also recount his adventures and explain the cause of his sitting between the two tombs and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the four hundred and ninety-ninth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the queen continued. When Belukia ended his recount, the youth said, How few things of marvel hast thou seen in thy life? Oh, unhappy. Now I have looked upon our Lord Solomon while he was yet living, and I have witnessed wonders beyond Comte and conception, and he began to relate the story of John Shah. Know, O my brother, that my sire was a king called Tegmous, who reigned over the land of Kabul and the Banu Shalan,

Starting point is 14:36:48 10,000 warlike chiefs, each ruling over a hundred-walled cities and a hundred citadels, and he was suzerain also over seven vassal princes, and tribute was brought to him from the broad lands between east and west. He was just and equitable in his rule, and Allah Almighty had given him all this, and bestowed on him such mighty empire, Yet, he had not vouchsafed him a son, though this was his dearest wish, to inherit the kingdom after his decease.

Starting point is 14:37:22 So one day it befell that he summoned the Olemma and astrologers and mathematicians and almanac makers, and said, Draw me my horoscope, and look if Allah will grant me a son to succeed me. Accordingly, they consulted their books and calculated his dominant star and aspects thereof. After which they said to him, Know, O king, that thou shalt be blessed with his son, but by none other than the daughter of the king of Corazon. Hearing this, Tegmus joyed with exceeding joy,

Starting point is 14:37:58 and bestowing on the astrologers and wizards treasure beyond number or reckoning, dismissed them. His chief wazir was a renowned warrior by name Ayn Tsar, who was equal to a thousand cavaliers in battle. So he summoned, and repeating to him what the astrologers had predicted, he said, O wazir, it is my will that thou equip thee for a march to Corazon, and demand for me the hand of its King Barwan's daughter. Receiving these orders, the wazir at once prepared to get ready for the journey and encamped without the town with his troops and braves and retinue. Whilst King Tegmous made ready as his presence for the king of Corazan,

Starting point is 14:38:42 fifteen hundred loads of silks and precious stones, pearls and rubies and other gems, besides gold and silver, and he also prepared a prodigious quantity of all that goeth to the equipment of a bride. Then loading them upon camels and mules, delivered them to Einzar with a letter of the following purport. After invoking the blessing of heaven, King Tegmus to King Barwan, greeting, know that we have taken counsel with the astrologers and sages and mathematicians, and they tell us that we shall have boon of a boy child, and that by none other than thy daughter. Wherefore I have dispatched unto thee my wazir, Einzar, with a great store of bridal gear, and I have appointed him to stand in my stead, and to enter into the marriage contract in my name.

Starting point is 14:39:36 Furthermore, I desire that of thy favor thou will grant him his request, without stay or delay, for it is my own, and all graciousness thou showest him I take for myself. But beware of crossing me in this, for know, O King Barwan, that Allah hath bestowed upon me the kingdom of Kabul, and hath given me dominion over the Banu Shalan, and vouchsafed me a mighty empire. and if I marry thy daughter, we will be, I and thou, as one thing in kingship, and I will send thee every year as much treasure as will suffice thee, and this is my desire of thee. Then King Tegmous sealed the letter with his own ring, and gave it to the wazir, who departed with a great company, and journeyed till he drew near the capital of Corazon.

Starting point is 14:40:30 When King Barwan heard of his approach, he dispatched his principal, emirs to meet him with a convoy of food and drink and other requisites, including forage for the steeds. So they fared forth with the train till they met the wazir. Then alighting without the city, they exchanged salutations and abode there eating and drinking ten days. At the end of which time they mounted and rode on into the town, where they were met by King Barwan, who came out to greet the wazir of King Tegmus and alighting, embraced him and carried him to the citadel. then ainsar brought out the presents and laid them before king barwan together with the letter of king tegmus which the king read and understood he joyed with joy exceeding and welcome the wazir saying rejoice in winning thy wish and know that if king tegmu sought of me my life verily i would give it to him then he went in forthright to his daughter and her mother and his kinsfolk

Starting point is 14:41:33 and acquainting them with the king of Kabul's demand sought counsel of them, and they said, Do what seemeth good to thee. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundredth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that King Barwan consulted his daughter and her mother and his kinsfolk, and they said, Do what seemeth good to thee. So he returned straight away to the minister Ayn Tsar,

Starting point is 14:42:08 and notified to him that his desire had been fulfilled, and the wazir abode with him two months, at the end of which time he said to him, We beseech thee to bestow upon us that wherefore we came, so we may depart to our own land. I hear and obey, answered the king. Then he prepared all the gear wanted for the way, wedding. And when this was done, he assembled his wazirs and all his amirs, and the grandees of

Starting point is 14:42:37 his realm, and the monks and the priests, who tied the knot of marriage between his daughter and King Tegmous by proxy. And King Barwan bade decorate the city after the goodliest fashion, and spread the streets with carpets. Then he equipped his daughter for the journey, and gave her all manner of presents and rarities, and precious metals such as none made to see. scribe. And Einzar departed with the princess to his own country. When the news of their approach reached King Tegmus, he bade celebrate the wedding festivities and adorn the city, after which he went in to the princess and abated her maidenhead. Nor was it long before she conceived by him, and, accomplishing her months, bear a man-child like the moon on the night of its full. When King Tegmus knew that his wife had given birth to a

Starting point is 14:43:31 goodly son, he rejoiced with exceeding joy, and summoning the sages and astrologers and mathematicians said to them, I would that ye draw the horoscope of the newborn child with his ascendant and aspects and acquaint me of what shall befall him in his lifetime. So they made their calculations, and found them favorable, but that he would in his 15th year be exposed to perils and hardships, and that if he survived, he would be happy and fortunate and become a greater king than his father, and a more powerful. The king rejoiced greatly in this prediction, and named the boy John Shah. Then he delivered him to the nurses, wet and dry, who reared him excellently well till he reached his fifth year, when his father taught him to

Starting point is 14:44:21 read the evangel and instructed him in the art of arms and lunge of lance, and sway of sword, so that in less than seven years he was want to ride a hunting and a chasing. He became a doughty champion, perfect in all sciences of the cavalrous, and his father was delighted to hear of his knightly prowess. It chanced one day that King Tegmous and his son, accompanied by the troops, rode out for sport into the woods and wilds, and hunted till mid-afternoon of the third day, when the prince started a gazelle of rare color which fled before him. So he gave chase to it, followed by seven of King Tegmus's white slaves, all mounted on swift steeds,

Starting point is 14:45:05 and rode at speed after the gazelle, which fled before them till she brought them to the seashore. They all ran at her to take her as their quarry, but she escaped from them, and throwing herself into the waves! And Shazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. End of Section 36. Recording by Mori CUNN. Section 37 of the Book of

Starting point is 14:45:43 of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 Mori Cunin. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night,

Starting point is 14:46:02 Volume 5, Section 37. When it was the 501st night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when John Shah and the Mamalukes ran at the gazelle to take her as their quarry, she escaped from them, and throwing herself into the waves, swam out to a fishing bark that was moored near the shore and sprang on board. John Shah and his followers dismounted, and boarding the boat made prize of the gazelle,

Starting point is 14:46:32 and were minded to return to shore with her when the prince espied a great island in the offing and said to his merry men, I have a longing to visit yonder island. They answered, We hear and obey, and sailed on till they came to the island, where they landed and amused themselves with exploring the place.

Starting point is 14:46:52 Then they again embarked, and taking with them the gazelle, set out to return homeward, but the murk of evening overtook them, and they missed their way on the main. Moreover, a strong wind arose and craved the boat into mid-ocean, so that when they awoke in the morning, they found themselves lost at sea. Such was their case, but as regards King Tegmous, when he missed his son, he commanded his troops to make search for him in separate bodies. So they dispersed on all sides, and a company of them, coming to the seashore, found there the prince's white slave whom he left in charge of the horses.

Starting point is 14:47:32 they asked him what had become of his master and the other six and he told them what had passed whereupon they took him with them and returned to the king and acquainted him with what they had learnt when tegmuse heard their report he wept with sore weeping and cast his crown from his head biting his hands for vexation then he rose forthright and wrote letters and despatched them to all the islands of the sea Moreover, he got together a hundred ships, and filling them with troops, sent them to sail about in quest of Janshah, while he himself withdrew his troops to the capital, where he abode in sore concern. As for Janshah's mother, when she heard of his loss, she buffeted her face and began the morning ceremonies for her son, making sure that he was dead. Meanwhile, Jan Shah and his men ceased not driving before the wind, and those in search of them cruised about for ten days till, finding no trace, they returned and reported their failure to the king. But a stiff gale caught the prince's craft, which went spooning till they made a second

Starting point is 14:48:43 island, where they landed and walked about. Presently they came upon a spring of running water in the midst of the island, and saw from afar a man sitting hard by the island. it. So they went up to him and saluted him, and he returned their salam, speaking in a voice like the whistle of birds. Whilst John Shah stood marveling at the man's speech, he looked right and left, and suddenly split himself in twain, and each half went a different way. Then there came down from the hills a multitude of men of all kinds, beyond count and reckoning, and they no sooner reached the spring than each one divided into two halves and rushed on John Shah and his Mamalukes to eat them.

Starting point is 14:49:31 When the voyagers saw this, they turned and fled seawards, but the cannibals pursued them and caught and ate three of the slaves, leaving only three slaves who with John Shah reached the boat in safety, then launching her made for the water and sailed nights and days without knowing whether their ship went. they killed the gazelle and lived on her flesh till the winds drove them to a third island which was full of trees and waters and flower gardens and orchards laden with all fashion of fruits and streams strayed under the tree-shade brief the place was a garden of eden the island pleased the prince and he said to his companions which of you will land and explore then said one of the slaves that will I do. But he replied, this thing may not be. You must all land and explore the place, while I abide in the boat. So he set them ashore, and Sharazade perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 14:50:38 and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 500 and second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the prince set them ashore, and they searched the island east and west, but found no one. Then they fared on inland to the heart thereof, till they came to a castle compassed about with ramparts of white marble, within which was a palace of the clearest crystal, and set in its center a garden containing all manner of fruits beyond description, both fresh and dry, and flowers of grateful odor, and trees and birds singing upon the boughs. A middlemost the garden was a vast basin of water, and beside it a great open hall with a raised dais whereon stood a number of stools surrounding a throne of red gold, studded with

Starting point is 14:51:36 all kinds of jewels, and especially rubies, and seeing the beauty of the castle and of the garden, they entered and explored in all directions, but found no one there. So after rummaging the castle, they returned to John Shah and told him what they had seen. When he heard their report, he cried, Needs must I solace myself with a sight of it. So he landed and accompanied them to the palace, which he entered, marveling at the goodliness of the place. They then visited every part of the gardens and ate of the fruits,

Starting point is 14:52:13 and continued walking till it waxed dark, when they returned to the Estrade and sat down. John Shah on the throne in the center, and the three others on stools ranging to the right and left. Then the prince there seated called to mind his separation from his father's throne city and country and friends and kinfolk, and fell a weeping and lamenting over their loss whilst his men wept around him. And as they were thus sorrowing, behold, they heard a mighty clamor that came from seaward, and looking in the direction of the clamor saw a multitude of apes as they were swarming locusts. Now the castle and the island belonged to these apes, who, finding the stranger's boat, moored to the strand, had scuttled it, and after it repaired to the palace, where they came upon John Shah and his men seated.

Starting point is 14:53:09 Here, the serpent queen again broke off her recital, saying, All this, O Hasib, was told to Belukia by the young man sitting between the two. tombs. Quoth Hasib, and what did John Shah do with the apes? So the queen resumed her tale. He and his men were sore affrighted by the appearance of the apes, but a company of them came up to the throne whereupon he sat, and kissing the earth before him, stood a while in his presence with their paws on their breasts in posture of respect. Then another troop brought to the castle gazelles which they slaughtered and skinned, and roasting pieces of the flesh till fit for food, they laid them on platters of gold and silver, and spreading them on the table, made signs to

Starting point is 14:54:00 John Shah and his men to eat. The prince and his followers came down from their seats and ate, and the apes ate with them till they were satisfied, when the apes took away the meat and set on fruits of which they partook and praised Allah the most highest. then john shah asked the apes by signs what they were and to whom the palace belonged and they answered him by signals know ye that this island belonged of yore to our lord solomon son of david on both of whom be peace and he used to come hither once every year for his solace and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the five hundred and thirty night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that when John Shah

Starting point is 14:54:56 asked the apes by signs to whom the palace belonged, they answered him by signals. Of a truth, this place belonged of your to our Lord Solomon, son of David, on both of whom be peace, who used to come hither once every year for his solace,

Starting point is 14:55:13 and then wend his ways. Presently the apes continued. And no, O king, that thou art become our sultan, and we are thy servants. So eat and drink, and whatsoever thou ever bid us, that we will do. So saying, they severally kissed the earth between the hands of John Shah, and all took their departure. The prince slept that night on the throne, and his men on the stools about him. And on the morrow at daybreak, the four wazirs, or captains of the apes, presented themselves,

Starting point is 14:55:50 before him, attended by their troops, who ranged themselves about him, rank after rank, until the place was crowded. Then the wazirs approached, and exhorted him by signs to do justice amongst them, and rule them righteously. After which, the apes cried out to one another and went away, all save a small party which remained in presence to serve him. After a while there came up a company of apes, with huge dogs in the semblance of horses, each wearing about his head a massive chain, and signed to John Shah and his three followers to mount and go with them. So they mounted, marveling at the greatness of the dogs, and rode forth, attended by the four wazirs, and a host of apes like swarming locusts, some riding on dogs, and others afoot till they came to

Starting point is 14:56:45 the seashore. John Shah looked for the book. which brought him, and finding it scuttled, turned to the wazirs, and asked how this happened to it. Whereto they answered, "'No, O king, that when thou cams to our island, we kend that thou wouldst be sultan over us, and we feared lest ye all flee from us in our absence, and embark in the boat. So we sank it.' When John Shah heard this, he turned to his mamelukes and said to them, we have no means of escaping from these apes, and we must patiently await the ordinance of the Almighty.

Starting point is 14:57:26 Then they fared on inland and ceased not faring till they came to the banks of a river, on whose other side rose a high mountain, whereon John Shah saw a multitude of ghouls. So he turned to the apes and asked them, What are these ghouls? And they answered, No, O king,

Starting point is 14:57:47 that these ghouls are our mortal foes, and we come hither to do battle with them. John Shah marveled to see them riding horses, and was startled at the vastness of their bulk and the strangeness of their semblance. For some of them had heads like bulls, and others like camels. As soon as the ghouls espied the army of the apes, they charged down to the riverbank, and standing there, fell to pelting them with stones as big as mason. and between them there befell a sore fight. Presently, John Shah, seeing that the ghouls were getting the better of the apes, cried out to his men saying,

Starting point is 14:58:29 Unease your bows and arrows, and shoot at them your best shafts and keep them off from us. They did so, and slew of the ghouls much people, when there fell upon them sore dismay and they turned to flee. But the apes, seeing John Shah's prowess, forded the river, and headed by their sultan, chase the ghouls, killing many of them in the pursuit till they reached the high mountain where they disappeared. And while exploring the said mountain, John Shah found a tablet of alabaster, whereon was written, O thou who enterest this land,

Starting point is 14:59:08 know that thou wilt become sultan over these apes, and that from them there is no escape for except by the passes that run east and west through the mountains. If thou take the eastern pass, thou wilt fare through a country swarming with ghouls and wild beasts, Madrid's and Ifrits, and thou wilt come after three months journeying to the ocean, which encompasseth the earth. But if thou would travel by the western pass,

Starting point is 14:59:37 it will bring thee after four months journeying to the head of the wady of Emmets. when thou hast followed the road that leads through this mountain ten days and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the five hundred and fourth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that john shah read this much upon the tablet and found at the end of the inscription then thou wilt come to a great river whose current is so swift that it blindeth the eyes. Now this river dryeth up every Sabbath, and on the opposite bank lies a city wholly inhabited by Jews, who the faith of Muhammad refuse. There is not a Muslim among the band, nor is there other than this city in the land. Better, therefore, lord it over the apes. For so long as thou shalt tarry amongst them, they will be victorious over the ghouls. and know also that he who wrote this tablet was the lord solomon son of david on both be peace when john shah read these words he wept sore and repeated them to his men

Starting point is 15:00:59 then they mounted again and surrounded by the army of the apes who were rejoicing in their victory returned to the castle here john shah abode sultening over them for a year and a half and at the end of this time He one day commanded the ape army to mount and go forth a hunting with him, and they rode out to the woods and the wilds, and fared on from place to place till they approached the wady of Emmets, which John Shah knew by the description of it upon the alabaster tablet. Here he bade them dismount, and they all abode there, eating and drinking, a space of ten days, after which John Shah took his men apart one night and said,

Starting point is 15:01:45 purpose, we flee through the valley of Emmets and make for the town of the Jews. It may be that Allah will deliver us from these apes, and we will go God's ways. They replied, we hear and obey. So he waited till some of the night was spent, then donning his armor and girding his sword and dagger, and such-like weapons, and his men doing likewise, they set out and fared on westwards till the morning. When the apes awoke and missed John Shaw and his men, they knew that they had fled. So they mounted and pursued them, some taking the eastern pass, and others that which led to the wady of Emmets. Nor was it long before the apes came in sight of the fugitives, as they were about to enter the valley and hastened after them. When John Shah and his men saw them, they fled into the Emmet Valley, but the apes soon overtook them

Starting point is 15:02:47 and would have slain them when behold, there rose up out of the earth a multitude of ants like swarming locusts, as big as dogs, and charged home upon the apes. They devoured many of their foes, and these also slew many of the ants, but help came to the Emmets. Now an ant would go up to an ape and smite him and cut him in twain, whilst ten apes could hardly master one ant and bear him away and tear him in sunder. The sore battle lasted till the evening, but the Emmets were victorious. In the gloaming, John Shah and his men took to flight and fled along the soul of the wady, and Sharazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say.

Starting point is 15:03:44 End of Section 37. Recording by Mori CUNN. Section 38, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer. here, please visit Librevox.org.

Starting point is 15:04:20 Recording by Christine in Oslo, Norway. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 38. When it was the five hundred and fifth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that, in the gloaming Jancha and his men took to flight, and fled along the soul of the Vadi, till the morning. With the break of dawn the apes were up, an atom, which, when the prince saw, he shouted to his men, "'Smite with your swords!' So they bared their blades, and laid on load right and left, till they ran at them an ape,

Starting point is 15:05:03 with tusks like an elephant, and smote one of the mamelux, and cut him in sunder. Then the apes redoubled upon Jancha, and he fled with his followers into the lower levels of the valley, where he saw a vast river and by its side a mighty army of ants when the emmets espied yansha they pushed on and surrounded him and one of the slaves fell to smiting them with his sword and cutting them in twain whereupon the whole host set upon him and slew him at this pass behold up came the apes from over the mountain and fell in numbers upon yansha but he tore off his clothes and plunging into the river with his remaining servant struck out for the middle of the stream presently he caught sight of a tree on the other bank so he swam up to it and laying hold of one of its branches hung to it and swung himself ashore but as for the last mameluk the current carried him away and dashed him to pieces against the mountain thereupon jancha fell to wringing his clothes and spreading them in the sun to dry what while there befell a fierce fight between the apes and the aunts until the apes gave up the pursuit and returned to their own land meanwhile johnshaw who abode alone on the river bank could do not but shed tears till nightfall when he took refuge in a cavern and there passed the dark hours in great fear and feeling desolate for the loss of his slaves

Starting point is 15:06:44 at daybreak awakening from his sleep he set out again and fair dawn nights and days eating of the herbs of the earth till he came to the mountain which burnt like fire and then he made the river which dried up every Sabbath. Now it was a mighty stream, and on the opposite bank stood a great city, which was the capital of the Jews mentioned in the tablet. Here he abode till the next Sabbath, when the river dried up, and he walked over to the other side, and entered the Jew city, but saw none on the streets. So he wandered about, till he came to the door of a homestead, which he opened and entering, espied within the people of the house, sitting in silence, and speaking not a syllable. Quoth he, I am a stranger, and unhungered, and they signed to him, as to say, eat and drink, but speak not. So he ate, and drank, and slept that night, and, when morning dawned, the master of the house, greeted him, and bade him welcome and ask him, whence comes thou, thou, and whither are thou bound. at these words johnshaw wept sore and told him all that had befallen him and how his father was king of cabu whereat the jew marvelled and said never heard we of that city but we have heard from the merchants of the caravans that in that direction lie the land called al-yaman how far is this land from this place asked jan Shah and the jew answered

Starting point is 15:08:20 the kaffila merchants pretend that it is a two years and three months march from their land hither quoth the caravan come quoth the jew next year it will come and shahrazad perceived the dawn of a day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the five hundred and six night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the jew was questioned an aunt the coming of the caravan he replied next year twill come at these words the prince wept sore and fell us sorrowing for himself and his mamelux and lamenting his separation from his mother and father and all which had befallen him in his wanderings then said the jew o young man do not weep but sojourn with us till the caravan shall come when we will send thee with it to thine own country so he tarried with a jew two whole months and every day he went out walking in the streets for his solace and diversion now it chanced one day whilst he paced about the main thoroughfares as of want and was bending his steps right and left he heard a cry crying at loud and saying who will earn a thousand gold pieces and a slave girl of surpassing beauty and loveliness by working for me between morning and noontide but no one answered him and john sir said in his mind were not this work dangerous and difficult he would not offer a thousand dinners and a fair girl for a half a day's labour then he accosted the cry and said i will do the work so the man carried him to a lofty mansion where they found one who was a jew and a merchant seated on an ebony chair to whom quothed the crier standing respectfully before him

Starting point is 15:10:16 oh merchant i have cried every day these three months and none hath answered save this young man hearing his speech the jew welcomed johnshaw led him into a magnificent sitting-room and signal to bring food so the servants spread the table and set thereon all manner meats of which the merchants and jansha ate and washed their hands then wine was served up and they drank after which the jew rose and bringing it junsa a purse of a thousand dinners and a slave-girl of rare beauty said to him take maid and money to thy hire johnshaw took them and seated a girl by his side when the trader resumed to-morrow to the work and so saying he withdrew and john shah slept with a damsel that night as soon as it was morning the merchant bade his slaves clothe him in a cost suit of silk when as he came out of the Hammam bath. So they did as he bade them and brought him back to the house, whereupon the merchant called for a harp and alute and wine, and they drank and played and made merry till the half of the night was passed, when the Jew retired to his harim, and Janshah lay with his slave-girl till the dawn. Then he went to the bath, and on his return, the merchant came to him and said, Now I wish thee to do the work for me. I hear and obey, replied Jancha. So the merchant bade his slaves,

Starting point is 15:11:52 bring two she-mules, and set Jancha on one, mounting the other himself. Then they rode forth from the city, and fared on from morn till noon, when they made a lofty mountain, to whose height was no limit. Here the Jew dismounted,

Starting point is 15:12:09 ordering Jancha to do the same, and when he obeyed, the merchant gave him a knife and a cord, saying, I desire that thou slaughtered this mule. So Janshah tucked up his sleeves and skirts, and going up to the mule, bound her legs with a cord, then threw her and cut her throat.

Starting point is 15:12:29 After which she skinned her, and lopped off her head and legs, and she became a mere heap of flesh. Then said the dew, slit open the mule's belly, and enter it, and I will sue it up on thee. They must thou abide a while, and whatsoever thou seest in her belly, acquaint me therewith.

Starting point is 15:12:50 So Jancha slit the mule's belly, and crept into it, whereupon the merchant suited up on him, and withdrew a distance. And Shaharazid proceed the dawn of a day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and seventh night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the merchant, merchant sued up the mule's belly on juncha and withdrawing to a distance hid himself in the skirts of the mountain after a while a huge bird swooped down on the dead mule and snatched it up flew up with it to the top of the mountain where it set down the quarry and would have eaten it but jansha feeling the bird began to feed slit the mule's belly and came forth when the bird saw him he took fright at him and flew right away whereupon he stood up and looking right and left saw nothing but the carcasses of dead men mummied by the sun and exclaimed there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glorious the great

Starting point is 15:13:55 then he looked down the precipice and espied the merchant standing at the mountain foot looking for him as soon as the duke caught sight of him he called out to him throw me down of the stones which are about thee that i may direct thee to a way whereby thou may descend so jansha threw him down some two hundred of the stones which were all rubies chrysolites and other gems of price after which he called out to him saying show me the way down and i will throw thee as many more but the jew gathered up the stones and binding them on the back of the mule went his way without answering a one word and left Jansha alone on the mountain top. When the prince found himself deserted, he began to weep and implore help of heaven, and thus he abode three days, after which he rose, and fared on over the mountainous ground two-month space, feeding upon hill-herbs, and he ceased not faring till he came to its skirts and aspired afar of a wadi full of fruitful trees, and birds harmonious, singing the praises of

Starting point is 15:15:06 of allah the one the victorious at this sight he joyed with great joy and stayed not his steps till after an hour or so he came to a ravine in the rocks through which the rain torrents fell into the valley he made his way down the cleft till he reached the body which he had seen from the mountain-top and walked on therein gating right and left nor ceasing so doing until he came in sight of a great castle towering high in air. As he drew near the gates, he saw an old man of comely aspect, and face shining with light standing thereat with a staff of Canelian in his hand, and going up to him, saluted him. The Shaikh, returned his alarm, and bade him welcome, saying, "'Sit down, oh, my son!' So he sat down at the door of the castle, and the old man said to him, "'How comes to

Starting point is 15:16:06 thou to this land untroddened by son of adam before thee and whither are thou bound when johnshaw heard these words he wept bitterly at the thought of all the hardship he had suffered and his tears choked his speech quoth de shioch o my son leave weeping for indeed thou makes my heart ache so saying he rose and set somewhat of food before him and said to him eat he ate and praised allah almighty after which the old man besought him saying, O my son, I would have thee tell me thy tale and acquaint me with thine adventures. So Janshah related to him all that had befallen him, from first to last, where the sheik marvelled would exceeding marvel. Then said the prince,

Starting point is 15:16:58 Preeti inform me who is the lord of this valley, and to whom doth this great castle belong? answered the old man, No, O my son, this valley and all that is therein, and this castle with all it contains, belong to the Lord Solomon, son of David, on both be peace?

Starting point is 15:17:19 As for me, my name is Shaikh Nasr, king of the birds, for thou must know that the Lord Solomon committed this castle to my charge. And Shahar-Assad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say, When it was the five hundred and eighth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Shaikh Nasr pursued,

Starting point is 15:17:45 Thou must know that the Lord Solomon committed this castle to my charge, and taught me the language of birds, and made me ruler over all the fowls which be in the world, wherefore each and every come hither once in the twelve months, and I passed them in review. Then they depart, and this is why I dwell here. When Jan Shah heard this, he wept, sore, and said to Shaikh, O my father, how shall I do to get back to my native land? Replied the old man, No, oh my son, that thou art near to the mountain calf,

Starting point is 15:18:24 and there is no departing for thee from this place, till the birds come, when I will give thee in charge to one of them, and he will bear thee to thy native country. meanwhile tarry with me here and eat and drink and divert thyself with viewing the apartments of this castle so juncha abode with shaiq taking his pleasure in the wadi and eating of its fruits and laughing and making merry with the old man and leading a right joyous life till the day appointed for the birds to pay their annual visit to the governor thereupon the shaiq said to him o janshiq said to him o janshiah take the keys of the castle and solace thyself with exploring all its apartments and viewing whatever be therein but as regards such a room beware and again beware of opening its door and if thou gainsay me and open it and enter there through never more shall thou no fair fortune he repeated this charge again and again with much instance then he went forth to meet the birds which came up kind by kind and kissed his hands such was his case but as regards jun-shah he went round about the castle opening the various doors and viewing the apartments into which they led

Starting point is 15:19:49 till he came to the room which shak nazar had warned him not to open or enter he looked at the door and its fashion pleased him for it had on it a padlock of gold and he said to himself this room must be goldlier than all the others would heaven i wist what is within it that shaiq nazroth should forbid me to open its door there is no help but that i enter and see what is in this apartment for what so is decreed unto the creature perforce he must fulfil so he put out his hand and unlocked the door and entering found himself before a great basin and hard by it stood a little pavilion and builded all of gold and silver and crystal with lattice windows of jacinth the floor was paved with green burial and balas rubies and emeralds and other jewels set in the ground-work mosaic fashion and in the midmost of the pavilion was a jetting fountain in a golden basin full of water and a girt about with figures of beasts and birds cunningly wrought of gold and silver in casting water from their mouths when the sepher blew on them it entered their ears and therewith the figures sang out with bird-like song each in its own tongue beside the fountain was a great open saloon with a high day's whereon stood of vast throne of Canelian, inlaid with pearls and jewels, over which was spread a tent of green silk fifty cubits in width, and embroidered with gems fit for seal rings, and purpled with precious metals. Within this tent was a closet containing the carpet of the Lord Solomon, on whom be peace, and the pavilion was compassed about with a vast garden full of fruit,

Starting point is 15:21:48 trees and streams, while near the palace were beds of roses and basle and eglantine, and all manor sweet-smelling herbs and flowers, and the trees bore on the same-bought fruits, fresh and dry, and the branches swayed gracefully to do wooing of the wind. All this was in that one apartment, and Jan Shah wandered thereat till he was weary of wonderment, and he set out of to solos himself in the palace and the garden and to divert himself with the quaint and curious things they contained and first looking at the basin he saw that the gravels of its bed were gems and jewels and noble metals and many other strange things were in that apartment and shaharatad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section thirty eight recording by Christine in Oslo, Norway, the 3rd of August 2011. Section 39, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Night and a Night, translated by Richard Burton.

Starting point is 15:23:05 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 Christine in Oslo, Norway. the book of a thousand knights and a knight volume five section thirty nine when it was the five hundred and ninth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that junshaw saw many strange things and admirable in that apartment then he entered the pavilion and mounting the throne fell asleep under the tent set up thereover he slept for a time and presently awaking walked forth and sat down on a stool before the door as he sat marvelling at the goodliness of that place there flew up from mid-sky three birds in dove form but big as eagles and lighted on the brink of the basin where they sported awhile Then they put off their feathers and became three maidens, as they were moons, that had not their like in the whole world.

Starting point is 15:24:18 They plunged into the basin, and swam about, and disported themselves, and laughed, while Jancha marveled at their beauty and loveliness, and the grace and symmetry of their shapes. Presently they came up out of the water, and began walking about, and taking their solace in the garden, and Jancha seeing them land was like. to lose his wits. He rose and followed them, and when he overtook them, he saluted them, and they returned his halam, after which quoth he, Who are ye, O illustrious princesses, and whence come ye? Replied the youngest, damsel,

Starting point is 15:24:58 We are from the invisible world of almighty Allah, and we come hither to divert ourselves. He marvelled at their beauty, and said to the youngis, Have Ruth on me, and deign kindness to me, And take pity on my case, And on all that hath befallen me in my life. Rejoined she, Leave this talk, and went thy ways. Whereat the tears streamed from his eyes, and he sighed heavily, and repeated these couplets. She shone out in the garden, in garments all of green, with open vest and colors, and flowing, hair be seen. What is thy name? I asked her, and she replied, I'm she, who roasts the hearts of loveth, on coals of love and teen, of passion and its anguish, to her made my moan.

Starting point is 15:25:55 Upon a rock, she answered, thy plaints are wasted clean. Even if thy heart, I told her, be rock in very deed. Yet hath God made fair water, well from my own. rock, I wean. When the maidens heard his verses, they laughed and played, and sang and made Mary. Then he brought them somewhat of fruit, and they ate and drank and slept with him till the morning, when they donned their feather suits, and resuming dove shape, flew off and went their way. But as he saw them disappearing from sight, his reason well night fled with them, and he gave a great cry and fell down in a fainting fit and lay a swooning all that day. While he was in this case, Shaik Nasr returned from the Parliament of the Fowls,

Starting point is 15:26:47 and sought for Jancha that he might send him with them to his native land, but found him not, and knew that he had entered the forbidden room. Now he had already said to the birds, with me is a young man a mere youth whom destiny brought hither from a distant land and i desire of you that ye take him up and carry him to his own country and all answered we hear and we obey so he ceased not searching for junshaw till he came to the forbidden door and seeing it open he entered and found the prince lying a swoon under a tree he fetched scented waters and sprinkled them on his face whereupon he revived and turned and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the five hundred and tenth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when shik nathr saw jansha lying a swoon under the tree he fetched him somewhat of scented waters and sprinkled them on his face thereupon he revived and turned right and left but seeing none by him save the shikr sighed heavily and repeated these couplets like fullest moon she shines on happiest night soft-sided fair with slender shape bedight her eye babes charm the waltz charm the waltzsche

Starting point is 15:28:13 worldward grimere, her lips remind of rose and ruby light. Her jetty locks make night upon her hips. Where lovers wear ye of that curls despite? Yeah, soft her sides are, but in love her heart, outhardens flint, surpasses cyanite. And boughs of eyebrows, shower glancy shafts, despite a distance never fail to smite, then ah her beauty all the fair it passes nor any rival her who see the light when sheik-nassur heard these verses he said o my son did i not warn thee not to open that door and enter that room but now o my son tell me what thou sawest therein and acquaint me with all that betided thee so juncha related to him all that had passed between him and the three maidens and shah knazor who sat listening in silence said know o my son that these three maidens are of the daughters of de john and come hither every year for a day to divert themselves and make merry until mid-afternoon when they return to their own country Janshah asked, and where is their country? And the old man answered,

Starting point is 15:29:38 By Allah, oh my son, I wot not, presently adding, But now take heart, and put away this love from thee, and come with me, that I may send thee to thine own land with the birds. When Jansha heard this, he gave a great cry and fell down in a trance, and presently he came to himself and said, O my father, indeed I care not to return to my native land, all I want is to for gather with these maidens, and know, oh my father, that I will never again name my people,

Starting point is 15:30:13 though I die before thee. Then he wept and cried, Enough for me that I look upon the face of her I love, although it be only once in the year, and he sighed deeply and repeated these couplets. Would heaven the phantom spare the friend at night, and would this love for man wherever died? Were not my heart a fire for love of you?

Starting point is 15:30:40 Tears ne'er had stained my cheeks, nor dimmed my sight. By night and day I bid my heart to bear, its griefs while fires of love my body blight. Then he fell at Shaiknasser's feet, and kissed him. them and wept sore crying have pity on me so allah take pity on thee and aid me in my strait so allah aid thee replied the old man by allah o my son i know nothing of these maidens nor where may be their country but oh my son if thy heart be indeed set on one of them tarry with me till this time next year for they will assuredly reappear and when the day of their coming draweth near hide thyself under a tree in the garden as soon as they have alighted and dothed the feather robes and plunged into the lake and are swimming about at the distance from their clothes seize the vest of her whom thy soul desireth when they see thee they will come a bank and she whose coat thou hast taken will accost thee and say to thee with the sweetest of speech and the most witching of smiles give me my dress o my brother that i may don it and veal my nakedness withal but if thou yield to her prayer and give her back the west thou wilt never win thy wish nay she will don it and fly away to her folk and thou wilt never more see her again

Starting point is 15:32:16 now when thou hast gained a west clap it under thine armpit and hold it fast till i return from the parliament of the fowls when i will make accord between thee and her and send thee back to thy native land and the maiden with thee and this o my son is all i can do for thee nothing more and shahar asad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the five hundred and eleventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that quoth shak nasr to jansha hold afar the feather robe of her thy soul desireth and give it not back to her till i return from the parliament of the fowls. And this, oh, my son, is all I can do for thee, nothing more. When Jan Shah heard this, his heart was solaced, and he abode with Shaikh Nasr, yet another year, counting the days as day passed, until the day of the coming of the birds. And when at last the appointed time arrived, the old man said to him,

Starting point is 15:33:27 Do as I enjoin thee, and charge thee with the maidens in the matter of the matter of, of the feather dress, for I go to meet the birds. And Jansha replied, I hear and I obey, O my father. Then the chaiqr departed, with the prince, walked into the garden, and hid himself under a tree, where none could see him. Here he abode a first day in a second and a third, but the maidens came not. Whereat he was sore troubled and wept and sighed from a heart hard tried, and he ceased not weeping and wailing till he fainted away. When he came to himself, he fell to looking now at the basin, and now at the whalkin, an anon at the earth, an an anon at the open country, whilst his heart grieved for stress of love longing. As he was in this case,

Starting point is 15:34:21 behold, the three doves appeared in the firmament, eagle-sized as before, and flew till they reached the garden, and lighted down beside the basin. They turned right and left, but saw no one, man or John, so they duff their feather suits and became three maidens. Then they plunged into the basin and swam about, laughing and frolicing, and all were mother naked and fair as bars of virgin silver. Quothed the eldest, O my sister, I fare lest there be someone lying ambushed for us in the pavilion, answered the second, O sister, since the days of King Solomon, none hath entered the pavilion, be he man or Jan? And the youngest added laughing, By Allah, oh my sisters, if there be any hidden there, he will assuredly take none but me.

Starting point is 15:35:17 Then they continued sporting and laughing, and Jansha's heart kept fluttering for stress of passion. But he hid behind the tree so that he saw without being seen. Presently they swam out to the men. middle of the basin, leaving the clothes on the bank. Hereupon he sprang to his feet, and running like darting Levy, to the basin's brink, snatched up the feather west of the youngest damsel, her on whom his heart was set, and whose name was Shamsa the sun-maiden. At this the girls turned, and seeing him, were affrighted, and wheeled their shame from him in the water. Then they swam near the shore, and looking on his favor, saw that he,

Starting point is 15:36:00 he was bright-faced as the moon on the night of fullness, and asked him, Who art thou, and how cam is thou hither, and why hast thou taken the clothes of the lady Shamsa? And he answered, Come hither to me, and I will tell you my tale, quoth Shamsa. What deed is this, and why hast thou taken my clothes, rather than those of my sisters? Quoth he, O light of mine eyes, come forth of the water, and I will recount thee my case, and acquaint thee why i chose thee out quoth she o my lord and calleth for my eyes and fruit for my heart give me my clothes that i may put em on and cover my nakedness withal then will i come forth to thee but he replied o princess of beautiful ones how can i give thee back thy clothes and slay myself for love longing verily i will not give them to thee till shak nathr the king of the birds shall return quoth shee if thou wilt not give me my clothes withdraw a little apart from us that my sisters may land and rest himself and lend me somewhat wherewithal to cover my shame

Starting point is 15:37:15 i hear and obey answered he and walked away from them into the pavilion whereupon the three princesses came out and the two elder donning their dress gave shamsa somewhat thereof not enough to fly withal and she put it on and came forth of the water and stood before him as she were the rising full moon or a browsing gazelle then shamsa entered the pavilion where janshah was still sitting on the throne so she was still sitting on the throne so she was she was the rising full moon or a browsing gazelle then shamsa entered the pavilion where janshaw was still sitting on the throne so she saluted him and taking seat near him said o fair of face thou hast undone thyself and me but tell us thy adventures that we may ken how it is with thee at these words he wept till he drenched his dress with his tears and when she saw that he was distracted for love of her she rose and taking him by the hand made him sit by her side and wiped away the drops with her sleeve and said she o pharaoh face leave this weeping and tell us thy tale so he related to her all that had befallen him and described to her all he had seen and shaharazod perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the five hundred and twelfth night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that the lady shamsa said to jansha tell us thy tale So he related to her all that had befallen him, and, after she had lent attentive air, she sighed and said, O my lord, since thou art so fondly in love with me, give me my dress, that I may fly to my folk,

Starting point is 15:39:00 I and my sisters, and tell them what affection thou hast conceived for me, and after I will come back to thee, and carry thee to thine own country. When he heard this, he wept sore, and replied, Is it lawful to thee before Allah to slay me wrongfully? She asked, O my lord, why should I do such wrongest deed? And he answered, If I give thee thy gear, thou wilt fly away from me, and I shall die forthright. Princess Shamsar laughed at this, and so did her sisters. Then said she to him, Be of good chair, and keep thine eyes cool and clear, for I must needs marry thee.

Starting point is 15:39:42 so saying she bent down to him and embraced him and pressing him to her breast kissed him between the eyes and on his cheeks they clipped and clasped each other a while after which they drew apart and sat down on the throne then the eldest princess went out into the garden and plucking somewhat of fruits and flowers brought them into the pavilion and they ate and drank and laughed and sported and made merry now john shah was singular in beauty and loveliness, and slender shape and symmetry and grace, and the princess Shamsha said to him, O my beloved, by Allah, I love thee with exceeding love, and will never leave thee. When he heard her words, his breast broadened, and he laughed for joy till he showed his teeth, and they abode thus a while in mirth and gladness and frolic. And when they were at the height of the pleasure and joan's, behold!

Starting point is 15:40:42 shak nathr returned from the parliament of the fowls and came into them whereupon they all rose to him and saluted him and kissed his hands he gave them welcome and bade them to be seated so they sat down and he said to princess shamsa verily this youth loveth thee with exceeding love allah upon thee deal kindly with him for he is of the great ones of mankind and of the sons of the king and his father ruleth over the land of Kabul, and his reign compassed a mighty empire. Quote she, I hear and I obey thy behest, and, kissing the shak's hand, stood before him in respect. Quoth he, If thou say sooth, swear to me by Allah that thou will never betray him, what while thou abides in a bonds of life. So she swore a great oath that she would never betray John-Shah. but would assuredly marry him and added,

Starting point is 15:41:46 No, O Shaikh Nasr, that I never will forsake him. The Shaik believed in her oath, and said to Jan Shah, Thanks be to Allah, who hath made you arrive at this understanding. Here upon the prince rejoiced with exceeding joy, and he and Shamsar abode three months with Shaik Nathr, feasting and toying and making merry. And Shah Harassad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say end of section thirty nine recording by christine in oslo norway august eight two thousand and eleven

Starting point is 15:42:32 section forty volume five of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by richard burton this is a libevox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer, please visit Libavox.org. Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 40.

Starting point is 15:43:04 When it was the 513th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Janshah and the Lady Shamsa abode three months with Sheikh Nasr,

Starting point is 15:43:17 feasting, and toying, and making Mary. And at the end of that time she said to Jancha, I wish to go with thee to thy motherland, where thou shalt marry me, and we will abide there. To hear is to obey, answered he, and took counsel with Sheikh Nasr, who said to him, Go thou home, I commend her to thy care. Then said she, O Sheikh Nasr, bid him render me my feather suit. So the Sheikh bade Janha give it to her, and he went straightways into the pavilion and brought it out for her. Thereupon she donned it and said to him,

Starting point is 15:43:58 Mount my back and shut thine eyes and stop thine ears, so thou mayst not hear the roar of the revolving sphere, and keep fast hold of my feathers, lest thou fall off. He did as she bade him, and as she stretched her wings to fly, Sheikh Nasir said, wait a while till I described to thee the land Kabul, lest you twain miss your way. So she delayed till he had said his say, and had bidden them farewell, commending the prince to her care. She took leave of her sisters and bade them return to her folk, and tell them what had befallen her with Jansha. Then, rising into the air without stay or delay, she flew off, like the wafts of the wafts of the wind or the ramping leaven. Her sisters also took flight, and returning home delivered her

Starting point is 15:44:55 message to their people. And she stayed not her course from the forenoon till the hour of mid-afternoon prayer, Janshah being still on her back, when she espied afar off a wadi abounding in trees and streams, and she said to Janshah, I am thinking to alight in this valley that we may solace ourselves amongst its trees and herbage, and here rest for the night. Quoth he, do what seemeth meet to thee. So she swooped down from the lift and alighted in the wadi, when Janshah dismounted and kissing her between the eyes, sat with her a while on the bank of a river there. Then they rose and wandered about the valley, taking their pleasure therein, and eating of the fruits of the trees until nightfall.

Starting point is 15:45:46 they lay down under a tree and slept till the morning dawned. As soon as it was day the princess arose, and, bidding Jansha Mount, flew on with him till noon, when she perceived by the appearance of the buildings which Sheikh Nasr had described to her that they were nearing the city Kabul. So she swooped down from the welkin and alighted in a wide plain, a blooming champagne, wherein were gazelles straying and springs playing, and rivers flowing, and ripe fruits growing. So Janshah dismounted and kissed her between the eyes, and she asked him, O my beloved and coolth of mine eyes, knowest thou how many day's journey we have come since yesterday? And he answered no, when she said, We have come thirty months' journey.

Starting point is 15:46:39 Quoth he, praised be Allah for safety. Then they sat down side by side and ate and drank and toyed and laughed. And whilst they were thus pleasantly engaged, behold, there came up to them two of the king's mameloks of those who had been of the prince's company. One of them was he whom he had left with the horses when he embarked in the fishing-boat, and the other had been of his escort in the chase. as soon as they saw johnshaw both knew him and saluted him then said they with thy leave we will go to thy sire and bear him the glad tidings of thy coming replied the prince go ye to my father and acquaint him with my case and fetch us tents for we will tarry here seven days to rest ourselves till he make ready his retinue to meet us that we may enter in stateliest state

Starting point is 15:47:39 and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the five hundred and fourteenth night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that john shah said to the two mamelukes go ye to my sire and acquaint him with my case and fetch us tents for we will abide here seven days to rest ourselves till he make ready his retinue to meet us that we may enter in the stateliest state. So the officers hasten back to King Tegmos and said to him, Good news, O King of the age, asked he, what good tidings bring ye? Is my son Jancha come back? And they answered, yes, thy son Jancha hath returned from his strangerhood, and is now near at hand in the Kidan thee Mead. Now when the king heard this he joyed with great joy and fell down in a swoon for excess of gladness. Then, coming to himself, he bade his wazir, give each of the mamelukes a splendid suit of honor, and a sum of money.

Starting point is 15:48:53 The minister replied, I hear and obey, and forthright did his bidding, and said to them, Take this in turn for the good tidings ye bring, whether ye lie or say sooth. They replied, indeed we lie not for but now we sat with him and saluted him and kissed his hands and he bade us fetch him tents for that he would sojourn in the meadow seven days till such time as the wazirs and emirs and grandees should come out to meet him quoth the king how is it with my son and quoth they he hath with him a hurry as he had brought her out of paradise at this king tegmus bade byd beat the kettle-drums and sound the trumpets for gladness, and dispatched messengers to announce the good news to John Shah's mother, and to the wives of the emirs and wazirs and lords of the realm. So the criers spread themselves about the city, and acquainted the people with the coming of Prince John-Shah. Then the king made ready, and setting out for the Kirani Meadow with his

Starting point is 15:50:02 horsemen and footmen, came upon Jan-Shah, who was sitting at rest, with the king, the king-maid, and the Lady Shamsa beside him, and behold, all suddenly drew in sight. The prince rose to his feet and walked forward to meet them, and the troops knew him and dismounted, to salute him and kiss his hands, after which he set out, preceded by the men in single file, till he came to his sire, who, at sight of his son threw himself from his horse's back, and clasped him to his bosom, and wept flooding tears of joy. Then they took horse again with the retinue riding to the right and left, and fared forward till they came to the river banks. When the troops alighted and pitched their tents in pavilions and standards to the Blair of Trump, and the piping of fife, and the dub-a-dub of drum and tom-tom. Moreover, the king bade the tent-pitcher set up a

Starting point is 15:51:03 pavilion of red silk for the Princess Shamsa, who put off her scanty raiment of feathers for fine robes, and entering the pavilion there took seat. And as she sat in her beauty, behold, the king and his son Janshah came in to her. And when she saw Tegmos, she rose and kissed the ground before him. The king sat down and seating Janshah on his right hand, and Princess Shamsa on his left, Bade her welcome, and said to his son, Tell me all that hath befallen thee, in this thy long strangerhood. So, Janshah related to him the whole of his adventures, from first to last, whereat he marvelled with exceeding marvel, and turning to the princess, said, Lord to Allah, for that he hath caused thee to reunite me with my son, verily this is of his

Starting point is 15:51:59 exceeding bounty. And Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and fifteenth night she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that King Tegmu said to the Lady Shamsa, Lord to Allah, for that he hath caused thee to reunite me with my son. Verily this is of his exceeding bounty. And now I would have thee ask of me what thou wilt, that I may do it in thine honor. Quoth she, I ask of thee that thou build me a palace in the midst of a flower-garden, with water running under it, and the king answered, I hear and obey. And behold, up came Jancha's mother, attended by all the wives of the wazirs and emirs,

Starting point is 15:52:57 and nobles and city notables. When her son had sight of her, he rose, and leaving the tent went forth to meet her, and they embraced a long while, whilst the queen wept for excess of joy, and with tears trickling from her eyes, repeated the following verses. Joy so overcometh me, for stress of joy, in that which gladneth me I fain shed tears. Tears are become your nature, o my eyes, who weep for joyance as for griefs and fears. And they complained to each other of all their hearts had suffered from the long separation. Then the king departed to his pavilion, and Jansha carried his mother to his own tent, where they sat talking till there came up some of the Lady Shamsa's attendance, who said, The princess is now walking hither in order to salute thee. When the queen heard this,

Starting point is 15:53:56 she rose, and going to meet Shamsa saluted her, and seated her a while by her side. Presently the queen and her retinue of noble women, the spouses of the emirs and grandees, returned with Princess Shamsa to the tent occupied by her daughter-in-law, and sat there. Meanwhile, King Tegmos gave great largesse to his levies and liege, and rejoiced in his son with exceeding joy, and they tarried there ten days, feasting and merry-making, and living a most joyous life. At the end of this time the king commanded a march, and they all returned to the capital. So he took horse, surrounded by all the troops, with the wazirs and chamberlains to his right and left, nor ceased they faring till they entered the city, which was decorated after the

Starting point is 15:54:49 goodliest fashion, for the folk had adorned the houses with precious stuffs and jewelry, and spread costly brocedes under the hoofs of the horses. The drums beat for glad tidings, and the grandees of the kingdom rejoiced and brought rich gifts, and the lookers-on were filled with amazement. Furthermore, they fed the mendicants in Fakhirs and held high festival for the space of ten days, and the Lady Shamsa joyed with exceeding joy when as she saw this. Then King Tegmo summoned architects and builders, and men of art, and bade them build a palace in that garden. So they straightway proceeded to do his bidding, and when Janshaw knew of his sire's command, he caused the artificers to fetch a block of white marble, and carve it and

Starting point is 15:55:41 hollow it in the semblance of a chest, which, being done, he took the feather vest of Princess Shamsa, wherewith she had flown with him through the air. Then, sealing the cover with melted lead, he ordered them to bury the box in the foundations, and build over it the arches whereon the palace was to rest. They did as he bade them, nor was it long before the palace was finished. Then they finished it, and it was a magnificent edifice standing in the midst of the garden, with streams flowing under its walls. Upon this the king caused Jancha's wedding to be celebrated with the greatest splendor, and they brought the bride to the castle in state procession and went their ways. When the Lady Shamsa entered, she smelt the scent of her feather gear.

Starting point is 15:56:37 And Shachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and sixteenth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the Lady Shamsa entered the new palace, she smelt the scent of her flying feather gear, and knew where it was, and determined to take it. So she waited till midnight,

Starting point is 15:57:04 when Janshah was drowned in sleep. Then she rose, and going straight to the place, where the marble coffer was buried under the arches, she hollowed the ground alongside, till she came upon it. When she removed the lead, wherewith it was soldered, and taking out the feather suit, put it on. Then she flew high in the air, and perching on the pinnacle of the palace, cried out to those who were therein, saying, I pray you fetch me, Jancha, that I may bid him farewell. So they told him, and he came out, and seeing her on the terrace roof of the palace, clad in her feather raiment, asked her, Why hast thou done this deed? And she answered,

Starting point is 15:57:50 O my beloved, and coolth of mine eyes, and fruit of my heart, by Allah I love thee, passing dear, and I rejoice with exceeding joy in that I have restored thee to thy friends and country, and thou hast seen thy mother and father. And now, if thou love me as I love thee, come to me at Takni, the castle of jewels. So saying she flew away forthright to find her family and friends, and Janshah fell down fainting, being well-nigh dead for despair. They carried the news to King Tegmus, who mounted at once in riding to the palace, found his son lying senseless on the ground. Whereat he wept, knowing that the swoon was caused by the loss of his love, and sprinkled rose-water on his face.

Starting point is 15:58:43 When the prince came to himself and saw his sire sitting at his head, he wept at the thought of losing his wife, and the king asked what had befallen him. So he replied, "'No, O my father, that the Lady Shamsa is of the daughters of the John, and she hath done such and such, telling him all that had happened.' And the king said, O my son, be not troubled and thus concerned, for I will assemble all the merchants and wayfarers in the land, and inquire of them anent that castle. If we can find out where it is, we will journey thither and demand the Prince of Shamsa of her people, and we hope in Allah the Almighty that he will give her back to thee, and thou shalt consummate thy marriage. Then he went out, and calling his four wazirs without stay or delay, bade them assemble all the merchants and voyagers in the city, and questioned them of Tachni, the castle of jewels, adding,

Starting point is 15:59:45 Whoso knoweth it and can guide us thither, I will surely give him fifty thousand gold pieces. The wazirs accordingly went forth at once, and did as the king bade them, but neither traitor nor traveller could give them news of Takni the castle of jewels. So they returned and told the king. Thereupon he bade bring beautiful slave-girls and concubines and singers and players upon instruments of music, whose like are not found but with the kings, and sent them to Juncha, so happily they might divert him from the love of the Lady Shamsa. moreover he dispatched couriers and spies to all the lands and islands and climes to inquire for takni the castle of jewels and they made quest for it two months long but none could give them news thereof

Starting point is 16:00:40 so they returned and told the king whereupon he wept bitter tears and going into his son found juncha sitting amidst the concubines and singers and players on harp and zither and so far forth, not one of whom could console him for the Lady Shamsa. Quoth Tegmus, O my son, I can find none who knoweth this castle of jewels, but I will bring thee a fairer one than she. When Juncha heard this, his eyes ran over with tears, and he recited these two couplets. Patience hath fled, but passion fareth not, and all my frame with pine is fever-hot. When will the days my lot with Shamsa join? Lo, all my bones with passion low go rot.

Starting point is 16:01:30 Now there was a deadly feud between King Tegmus and a certain king of hind, by name Kaffid, who had great plenty of troops and warriors and champions, and under his hand were a thousand puissant chieftains, each ruling over a thousand tribes, whereof every one could muster four thousand cavaliers. He reigned over a thousand cities, each guarded by a thousand forts, and he had four wazirs, and under him ruled emirs, princes and sovereigns, and indeed he was a king of great might and prowess, whose armies filled the whole earth. Now King Tegmus had made war upon him, and ravaged his reign and slain his men, and of his treasures had made game.

Starting point is 16:02:18 But when it came to King Cafeed's knowledge that King Tegmus was occupied with the love of his son, so that he neglected the affairs of the state, and his troops were grown few and weak by reason of his care and concern for his son's state, he summoned his wazirs and emirs and said to them, You all know that Wilhelm King Tegmus invaded our dominions, and plundered our possessions, and slew my father and brethren. nor indeed is there one of you but he hath harried his lands and carried off his goods and made prize of his wives and slain some kinsmen of his now i have heard this day that he is absorbed in the love of his son and that his troops are grown few and weak and this is the time to take our blood revenge on him so make ready for the march and dine ye your harness of battle and let nothing stay or delay you and we will go to him and fall upon him and slay him and his son and possess ourselves of his reign and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say

Starting point is 16:03:35 end of section forty recording by eve easton slothburg new york august two thousand eleven section forty one volume five of the book of a thousand nights and a night translated by richard burton this is a labor box recording all liber box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox Libavox.org. Recording by Eva Easton. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 41. When it was the five hundred and seventeenth night she continued, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Caffid, King of Hind, commanded his troops and armies to mount and make for the dominions of King Tegmus, saying, Get ye ready for the march. and on ye your harness of war and let nothing stay or delay you so we will go to him and fall upon him and slay him and his son and possess ourselves of his reign they all answered with one voice saying we hear and obey and fell at once to equipping themselves and levying troops and they ceased not their preparations for three months and when all was in readiness they beat the drums they beat the drums

Starting point is 16:05:10 and sounded the trumps, and flew the flags and banners. Then King Caffeed set out at the head of his host, and they fared on till they reached the frontiers of the land of Kabul, the dominions of King Tegmus, where they began to harry the land, and do havoc among the folk, slaughtering the old and taking the young prisoners. When the news reached King Tegmus, he was wroth with exceeding wrath, and assembling his grandees and officers of state said to them know that kaffeed hath come to our land and hath entered the realm we command and is resolved to fight us hand to hand

Starting point is 16:05:53 and he leadeth troops and champions and warriors whose number none knoweth save allah almighty what deem ye replied they o king of the age let us go out to him and give him battle and drive them him forth of our country, and thus deem we. So he bade them prepare for battle, and brought forth to them howberks and cuirasses, and helmets and swords, and all manner of warlike gear, such as lay low warriors, and due to death the champions of mankind. So the troops and braves and champions flocked together, and they set up the standards, and beat the drums, and sound to the, and sound the trumpets and clashed the symbols and piped on the pipes, and King Tegmus marched out at the head of his army to meet the hosts of Hind. And when he drew near the foe he called a halt, and encamping with his host in the Zahran Valley, hard by the frontier of Kabul, dispatched to King Kaffid by messenger the following letter. Know that what thou hast done is of the doings of the villain rabble. And wert thou indeed a king, the son of a king, thou hadst not done thus, nor hadst thou invaded my kingdom, and slain my subjects, and plundered their property, and wrought upright upon them.

Starting point is 16:07:24 Knowest thou not that all this is the fashion of a tyrant? Verily had I known that thou durst harry my dominions, I had come to thee before thy coming, and had prevented thee this long while since. yet even now if thou wilt retire and leave mischief between us and thee well and good but if thou return not meet me in the listed field and measure thyself with me in cut and thrust lastly he sealed his letter and committed to an officer of his army and sent with him spies to spy him out news the messenger fared forth with the missive and drawing near the enemy's camp he descried a multitude of tents of silk and satin with pennons of blue sandalve and amongst them a great pavilion of red satin surrounded by a host of guards he ceased not to advance till he made this tent and found on asking that it was that of king kaffeed whom he saw seated on a chair set with jewels in the midst of his wazirs and emirs and grandees so he brought out the letter and straightway there came up to him a company of guards who took it from him and carried it to the king and kaffeed read it and wrote a reply to this purport

Starting point is 16:08:50 after the usual invocations we let king tegmus know that we mean to take our blood revenge on thee and wash out our stain and waste thy reign and rend the curtain in twain and slay the old men and enslave the young men but to-morrow come thou forth to combat in the open plain and to show thee thrust and fight will i deign then he seal the letter and delivered it to the messenger who carried it to king King Tegmus. And Chachrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and eighteenth night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that King Kaffee delivered the answering letter to the messenger, who carried it to King Tegmus, and delivered it after kissing the ground between his hands. Then he reported all that he had seen, saying, O king of the age, I espied warriors, and horsemen, and footmen beyond count, nor can I assist thee to the amount. When Tegmus read the reply and comprehended its contents,

Starting point is 16:10:04 he was with furious rage enraged, and bade his wazir Ainsar take horse, and fall upon the army of Caffid with a thousand cavaliers, in the middle watch of the night, when they would easily ride home and slay all before them. Ayan Tsar replied, I hear and I obey, and at once went forth to do his bidding. Now King Kaffeed had a wazir Gatrafan by name, whom he bade, take five thousand horse, and attack the host of King Tegmus in like manner. So Gatrafan did his bidding and set out on his enterprise, marching till midnight. Thus the two parties met halfway, and the wazir Gatrafan fell upon the wazir Ainsar.

Starting point is 16:10:53 Then man cried out against man, and there befell sore battle between them till break of day, when Caffeed's men were routed and fled back to their king in confusion. As Caffid saw this, he was wroth beyond measure, and said to the fugitives, Woe to you what hath befallen you that ye have lost your captains, and they replied o king of the age as the wazir getrafan rode forth to fall upon king tegmus there appeared to us half-way and when night was half over the wazir ainsar with cavaliers and champions and we met on the slopes of wadi but ere we were where we found ourselves in the enemy's midst i meeting i and we fought a fierce fight with them from midnight till morning many on our own on either side being slain. Then the wazir and his men fell to shouting and smiting the elephants on the face till they took fright at their furious blows, and turning tail to flee, trampled

Starting point is 16:11:58 down the horsemen, whilst none could see other for the clouds of dust. The blood ran like a rain torrent, and had we not fled, we had all been cut off to the last man. When King Caffeed heard this, he exclaimed, May the son not bless you, and may he be wroth with you, and sore be his wrath. Meanwhile, Einzar, the wazir, returned to King Tegmus, and told him what had happened. The king gave him joy of his safety, and rejoiced greatly, and bade beat the drums, and sound the trumpets, in honor of the victory. After which he called the roll of his troops, and behold, two hundred of his stoutest champions

Starting point is 16:12:42 had fallen. then king caffeed marched his army into the field and drew them out ordered for battle in fifteen lines of ten thousand horses each under the command of three hundred captains mounted on elephants and chosen from amongst the doughtiest of his warriors and his champions so he set up his standards and banners and beat the drums and blew the trumpets whilst the braves sallied forth offering battle as for king tegmus he drew out his troops line after line and lo there were ten of ten thousand horses each and with him were an hundred champions riding on his right hand and on his left then fared forward to the fight each renowned night and the hosts clashed together in their might whilst the earth for all its wideness was straitened because of the multitude of the cavaliers and ears were deafened by drums and cymbals beating and pipes and howboys sounding and trumpets blaring and by the thunder of horse-trap and the shouting of men the dust arched in canopy over their heads and they fought a sore fight from the first of the day till the fall of darkness when they separated and each army drew off to its own camp enshachad-asad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the five hundred and nineteenth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that each army drew off to its own camp then king kaffeed called the roll of his troops

Starting point is 16:14:26 and finding that he had lost five thousand men raged with great rage and king tegmus mustered his men and seeing that of them were slain three thousand riders the bravest of his braves was wroth with exceeding wrath On the morrow, King Caffeed again pushed into the plain, and did duty as before, while each man strove his best to snatch victory for himself. And Caffid cried out to his men, saying, Is there any of you will sally forth into the field and open us the chapter of fray and fight? And behold, came out from the ranks, a warrior named Barcaic, a mighty man of war who when he reached the king, a life. from his elephant, and, kissing the earth before him, sought of him leave to challenge the foe to combat singular. Then he mounted his elephant, and, driving into midfield, cried out, Who is for duelo? Who is for daring-dou? Who is for knightly de voir? When King Tegmus heard this, he said to his troops, Which of you will do single battle with this sordor? And behold, a cavalier came out from the rank, mounted on a charger, mighty of make, and driving up to the king, kissed the earth before him,

Starting point is 16:15:50 and craved his permission to engage Barcaic. Then he mounted again, in charge at Barcaic, who said to him, Who art thou, and what art thou called, that thou makest mock of me by coming out against me and challenging me alone? My name is Gazanfar, son of Kamkil, replied the Kabul champion. And the other? I have heard tell of thee in my own country, so up and do battle between the ranks of the Braves. Hearing these words, Gazanfar drew a mace of iron from under his thigh, and Barcaic took his good sword in hand, and they laid on load till Barcaic smote Gazanfar on the head with

Starting point is 16:16:32 his blade, but the Morian turned the blow, and no hurt befell him therefrom. Whereupon Gazanfar in his turn dealt Barcaic so terrible, a stroke on the head with his mace, that he levelled him down to his elephants back and slew him. With this out sallied another, and crying to Gazanfar, Who be thou that thou shouldst slay, my brother, hurled a javelin at him with such force that it pierced his thigh, and nailed his coat of mail to his flesh. Then Gazanfar, feeling is hurt, hent his sword in hand, and smote at Karkaik's brother, and cut him in sunder, and he fell to the earth, wallowing in his flesh,

Starting point is 16:17:12 his life-blood, whilst the challenger of Kabul galloped back to King Tegmus. Now when Kaffeed saw the death of his champions, he cried out to his troops, saying, Down with you to the plain and strike with might and main, as also did King Tegmos, and the two armies fought the fiercest of fights. Horse-nade against horse and man cried out upon man, and brands were bared, whilst the drums beat and the trumpets blared and horseman charged upon horseman and every brave of renown pushed forward whilst the faint of heart fled from the lunge of lance and men heard naught but slogan cry and the clash and clang of armoury slain were the warriors that were slain and they stayed not from the melee till the decline of the sun in the heavenly dome when the kings drew off their armies and returned each to its own camp then king tegmos took tally of his men and found that he had lost five thousand and four standards had been broken to bits whereat he was sore and angered

Starting point is 16:18:21 whilst king caffeed in like manner counted his troops and found that he had lost six hundred the bravest of his braves and nine standards were wanting to the full tail the two armies ceased joining battle and rested on their arms three days space after which kaffid wrote a letter and sent it by messenger to a king called fokun al kalt with whom he claimed kinship by the spindle side and this kinsman forthwith mustered his men and marched to meet the king of hind and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the five hundred and twentieth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that king fakun mustered his men and marched to meet the king of hind and while as king tegmus was sitting at his pleasance there came one into him and said i see from afar a cloud of dust spiring high in air and overspreading the lift so he commanded a company to fare forth and learn the meaning of this and crying to hear is to obey they sallied out and presently returned and said to him O King, when we drew near the cloud of dust, the wind rented, and it lifted and showed seven standards, and under each standard three thousand horse, making for King Kaffeed's camp. Then King Fakun joined himself to the King of Hind, and, saluting him, asked,

Starting point is 16:20:00 How is it with thee, and what be this war in which thou arrest? And Kaffid answered, Knowest thou not that King Tegmus is my enemy, and the murderer of my father and brothers, wherefore I am come forth to do battle with him and take my brood reek on him. Quoth Fakun, the blessing of the son be upon thee.

Starting point is 16:20:24 And the king of Hind carried King Fakunar Kalb to his tent and rejoiced in him with exceeding joy. Such was the case of the two hostile kings. But as regards King Jansha, he abode two months shut up in his palace, without seeing his father, or allowing one of the damsels in his service to come in to him. At the end of which time he grew troubled, and restless, and said to his attendants, What aileth my father that he cometh not to visit me? They told him that he had gone forth to do battle with King Caffid, whereupon, quoth Jansha,

Starting point is 16:21:03 Bring me my steed that I may go to my sire. replied, we hear and obey, and brought his horse. But he said in himself, I am taken up with the thought of myself and my love, and I deem well to mount and ride for the city of the Jews, where happily Allah shall grant me the boon to meet the merchant who hired me for the ruby business, and maybe he will deal with me as he dealt before, for none knoweth whence good cometh. So he took with him a thousand horse, and set out, the folk saying, at last John Shah hath fared forth to join his father in the field, and to fight by his side, and they stinted not, pushing on till dusk, when they halted for the night in a vast meadow. As soon as he knew that all his men were asleep, the prince rose privily,

Starting point is 16:21:57 and girding his waist, mounted his horse, and rode away, intending to make Baghdad, because he had heard from the Jews that a caravan came thence to their city, one in every two years, and he made up his mind to journey thither with the next kaffila. When his men awoke and missed the prince and his horse, they mounted and sought him right and left, but, finding no trace of him, rejoined his father, and told him what his son had done. Whereat he was wrothed beyond measure and cast the crown from his head, whilst the sparks were like to fly from his mouth, and he said, there is no majesty and there is no might but in a Verily I have lost my son, and the enemy is still before me.

Starting point is 16:22:43 But his wazirs and vassals said to him, Patience, O king of the age! Patience bringeth wheel and wake. Meanwhile, John Shah, parted from his lover, and pained for his father, was in sore sorrow and dismay, with heart-seared and eyes tear bleared, and unable to sleep night or day.

Starting point is 16:23:03 But when his father heard the loss his host had endured, he declined battle and fled before king cafid and retiring to his city closed the gates and strengthened the walls thereupon king cafid followed him and sat down before the town offering battle seven nights and eight days after which he withdrew to his tents to tend his wounded while the citizens defended themselves as they best could fortifying the place and setting up manganelles and other engines of on the walls. Such was the condition of the two kings, and war raged between them for a space of seven years. And Chakotazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 41. Recording by Eva Easton, Slottsburgh, New York, August 2011. of a thousand nights and a knight, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer,

Starting point is 16:24:24 please visit Libravox.org. Recording by Bob Gonzalez. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 42. When it was the five hundred and twenty-first night, she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that king's tegmus and kafid continued in this condition for seven years. But as regards John Shah, he rode through wild and wold, and whenever he came to a town he asked Anant Takni, the castle of jewels. But none knew of it and all answered, "'Of a truth, we never heard of such a place, not even by name.' At last he happened to inquire concerning the city of the Jews from a merchant, who told him that it was situated in the extreme

Starting point is 16:25:16 orient, adding, A caravan will start this very month for the city of Mizrakhan in hind. Whither do thou accompany us, and we will fare on to Corazan, and thence to the city of Shimaun and Quarazam, from which latter place the city of the Jews is distant a year and three months' journey. So John Shah waited till the departure of the caravan, when he joined himself thereto, and journeyed, till he reached the city of Mizra Khan, whence, after vainly asking for Takni the castle of jewels, he set out, and enduring on the way, great hardships and perils galore,

Starting point is 16:25:55 and the extreme hunger and thirst, he arrived at the town of Shimaun. Here he made enquiry for the city of the Jews, and they directed him to the road thither. So he fared forth, and journeyed days and nights, till he came to the town of the Jews. place where he had given the apes the slip, and continued his journey thence to the river, on the opposite bank of which stood the city of the Jews. He sat down on the shore and waited till the Sabbath came round, and the river dried up by decree of Allah Almighty, when he crossed over to the opposite bank, and entering the city, betook himself to the house wherein he had lodged on his former journey. The Jew and his family saluted him and rejoiced in his return, and setting

Starting point is 16:26:40 meat and drink before him, asked, where hast thou been during thine absence? And he answered, In the kingdom of Almighty Allah. He lay with them that night, and on the morrow he went out to solace himself with a walk about the city, and presently heard a crier crying aloud and saying, O folk, who will earn a thousand gold pieces and a fair slave-girl and do half a day's work for us. So John Shah went up to him and said, I will do this work, quoth the crier, follow me, and carrying him to the house of the Jew merchant, where he had been aforetime, said, This young man will do thy need. The merchant, not recognizing him, gave him welcome and carried him into the Harim,

Starting point is 16:27:27 where he set meat and drink before him, and he ate and drank. Then he brought him the money, and formally made over to him the handsome slave-girl, with whom he lay that night. As soon as morning dawned, he took the dinars and the damsel, and committing them to his Jew host with whom he had lodged aforetime, returned to the merchant,

Starting point is 16:27:48 who mounted and rode out with him, till they came to the foot of the tall and towering mountain, where the merchant, bringing out a knife and cords, said to Jancha, throw the mare, so he threw her and bound her four legs with the cords, and slaughtered her and cut off her head and four limbs and slit her belly, as ordered by the Jew. Whereupon, quote he,

Starting point is 16:28:11 Enter her belly till I sow it up on thee, and whatsoever thou seest therein, tell me of it, for this is the work whose wage thou hast taken. So John Shaw entered the mare's belly, and the merchant sowed it up on him. Then, withdrawing to a fair distance, hid himself, and after an hour a great bird swooped down from the lift, and snatching up the car, carcass in his pounces soared high toward the sky. Then he perched upon the mountain peak and would have eaten the prey. But John Shah, sensing his intent, took out his knife and slit the mare's belly and came forth. The bird was scared at his sight and flew away, and John Shah went up to a place whence he could see below, and looking down, espied the merchant standing at the foot of the mountain

Starting point is 16:29:00 as he were a sparrow. So he cried out to him. What is thy will, O merchant? Replied the Jew, Throw me down of the stones that lie about thee, That I may direct thee in the way down. Quoth John Shah, Thou art he who didst with me thus and thus five years ago, And through thee I suffered hunger and thirst

Starting point is 16:29:23 And sore toil and much trouble. And now thou hast brought me hither once more, And thinkest to destroy me. By Allah, I will not throw thee aught. So saying, he turned, turned from him, and set out for where lived Sheikh Nasser, the king of the birds. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and twenty-second night, she said,

Starting point is 16:29:52 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that John Shah took the way for where lived Sheikh Nasser, the king of the birds, and he ceased not faring on many days and nights, tearful-eyed and heavy-hearted, eating when he was unhungered of the growth of the ground, and drinking when he thirsted of its streams, till he came in sight of the castle of the Lord Solomon, and Saul Sheikh Nasser sitting at the gate. So he hastened up to him and kissed his hands, and the Sheikh saluted him and bade him welcome and said to him, O my son, what aileth thee that thou returnest to this place, after I sent thee home with the princess Shamsa, cool of eyes and broad. of breast. John Shah wept and told him all that had befallen him, and how she had flown away from him, saying, And thou love me, come to me in Takkney the castle of jewels, at which the old man

Starting point is 16:30:51 marvelled and said, By Allah, my son, I know it not, nor by the virtue of our Lord Solomon, have I ever in my life heard its name? Quoth, Jan Shah, What shall I do? I am dying of love, and longing, quoth Sheikh Nasser, take patience until the coming of the birds, when we will inquire at them of Tachny the castle of jewels. Happily one of them shall wot thereof. So Johnshaw's heart was comforted, and entering the palace he went straight to the chamber, which gave upon the lake in which he had seen the three maidens. After this he abode with Sheikh Nasser for a while, and one day as he was sitting with him, the sheikh said, "'Oh, my son, rejoice, for the time of the birds' is coming draweth nigh.'

Starting point is 16:31:40 John Shah gladdened to hear the news, and after a few days the birds began to come, and Sheikh Nasser said to him, "'O my son, learn these names, and address thyself with me to meet the birds. Presently the fowls came flying up and saluted Sheikh Nasser, kind after kind, and he asked them of Tochny, the castle of jewels, but they all made answer, never heard we of such a place. At these words John Shah wept and lamented till he swooned away. Whereupon Sheikh Nasser called a huge volatile and said to him,

Starting point is 16:32:16 Carry this youth to the land of Kabul, and described to him the country and the way thither. Then he set John Shah on the bird's back, saying, Be careful to sit straight, and beware of leaning to either side, else thou wilt be torn to pieces in the air. and stopped thine ears from the wind, lest thou be dazed by the noise of the revolving sphere and the roaring of the seas. Janshah resolved to do his bidding, and the bird took flight high in sky, and flew with him a day and a night, till he set him down by the king of the beasts, whose name was Shah Badri, and said to his writer, We have gone astray from the way directed by Sheikh Nasser,

Starting point is 16:32:57 and he would have taken him up again and flown on with him, but John Shah said, go thy ways and leave me here, till I die on this spot, or I find Tachanee the castle of jewels, I will not return to my country. So the fowl left him with Shah Badri, king of the beasts, and flew away. The king thereupon said to him, O my son, who art thou, and whence comest thou with yonder great bird? So John Shah told him his whole story from beginning to end, whereat Shah Badri marvelled and said, By the virtue of the Lord Solomon,

Starting point is 16:33:33 I know not of this castle. But if any one of the beasts my subjects know it, we will reward him bountifully, and send thee by him thither. Hereat Jan Shah wept bitterly. But presently he took patience and abode with Shah Badri, and after a short time the king of the beasts said to him, O my son, take these tablets and commit to memory

Starting point is 16:33:56 that which is therein, and when the beasts come, we will question them of the castle of jewels. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and twenty-third night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the king of the beasts said to Jansha, commit to memory what is in these tablets, and when as the beasts come, we will ask them an ant that castle. He did as the king bad him, and before long, up came the beasts, kind after kind, and saluted Shah Badri, who questioned them of Tockney the castle of jewels. But they all replied, We know not this castle, nor ever heard we of it.

Starting point is 16:34:47 At this John Shah wept and lamented, for that he had not gone with the bird that brought him from Sheikh Nassar's castle. But Shah Badri said to him, grieve not, old my son, for I have a brother, King Shimach Hyes, who is older than I. He was once a prisoner to King Solomon, for that he rebelled against him, nor is there among the Jin one elder than he and Sheikh Nasser. Be like he knoweth of this castle. At any rate, he ruleth over all the gin in this countryside. So saying, he set Janshaw on the back of a beast, and gave him a letter to his brother, commending him to his care. The beast, the beast, set off with the prince forthwith, and fared on days and nights, till it came to King Shimach's

Starting point is 16:35:33 abiding place, and when it caught sight of the king, it stood still afar off, whereupon Jan Shah alighted and walked on, till he found himself in the presence. Then he kissed hands and presented his brother's letter. The king read the missive, and, having mastered the meaning, welcomed the prince, saying, By Allah o my son, in all my born days I never saw nor heard of this castle, adding, as John Shah burst into tears, But tell me thy story and who and whence thou art, and whither thou art bound. So John Shah related to him his history from beginning to end, at which Shemach marvelled and said, O my son, I do not believe that even the Lord Solomon ever saw this castle, or heard thereof.

Starting point is 16:36:22 But, O my son, I know a monk in the mountains, who is exceeding. Odeed, and whom all birds and beasts and Jan obey. For he ceased not his conjurations against the kings of the Jan, till they submitted themselves to him in their own despite, by reason of the might of his oaths and his magic. And now all the birds and the beasts are his servants. I myself once rebelled against King Solomon, and he sent against me this monk,

Starting point is 16:36:51 the only being who could overcome me with his craft and his conjurations and his Grammary, then he imprisoned me, and since that time I have been his vassal. He hath travelled in all countries and quarters, and knoweth all ways and regions and places, and castles and cities. Nor do I think there is any place hidden from his ken. So needs must I send thee to him. Happily he may direct thee to the castle of jewels, and if he cannot do this, none can. For all things obey him. Birds and beasts and the very mountains, and come at his back and call by reason of his skill in magic. Moreover, by the might of his egromancy,

Starting point is 16:37:31 he hath made a staff in three pieces, and this he planteth in the earth, and conjureth over it, whereupon flesh and blood issue from the first piece, sweet milk from the second, and wheat and barley from the third, then he withdraweth the staff and returneth to his place, which is hies the hermitage of diamonds.

Starting point is 16:37:52 And this magical monk, is a cunning inventor and artificer of all manner strange works, and he is a crafty warlock, full of guiles and wiles, an arch-deceiver of wondrous wickedness, who hath mastered every kind of magic and witchcraft. His name is Yagmous, and to him I must needs send thee on the back of a big bird with four wings, and Shara'azade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and twenty-fourth night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Shimach said to Jan Shah, I must needs send thee to the monk Yagmous on the back of a big bird with four wings, each measuring thirty

Starting point is 16:38:43 Hashimi cubits in length, and it hath feet like those of an elephant, but it flyeth only twice a year. And there was with King Shimach an officer by name Timshun, who used every day to carry off two Bakrrian camels from the land of Iraq, and cut them up for the bird that it might eat them. So King Shimach bade the fowl take up Janshah and bear him to the cell of the hermit Yagmous, and it rose into the air and flew on days and nights, till it came to the mountain of the citadles and the hermitage of diamonds, where John Shah alighted and going up to the hermitage, found Yagmous the monk at his devotions. So he entered the chapel, and kissing the ground, stood respectfully before the hermit.

Starting point is 16:39:33 When Yagmous saw him, he said, Welcome, O my son, O parted from thy home and guard for forth to Rome. Tell me the cause of thy coming hither. So John Shah wept and acquainted. him with all that had befallen him from beginning to end, and that he was in quest of the castle of jewels. The monk marvelled greatly at his story, and said, by Allah, oh, my son, never in my life heard I of this castle, nor ever saw I one who had heard of it, or had seen it, for all I was alive in the days of Noah, Allah's prophet, on whom be peace, and I have ruled the birds and beasts

Starting point is 16:40:13 and gin ever since his time, nor do I believe that Solomon, David's son, himself knew of it. But wait till the birds and beasts and chiefs of the Jan come to do their homage to me, and I will question them of it. Per adventure some of them may be able to give us news of it, and Allah Almighty shall make all things easy to thee. So John Shah homed with the hermit, until the day of the assembly, when all the birds and beasts and Jan came to swear feel, guilty, and Yagmous and his guest questioned them, Anant Takney, the castle of jewels, but they all replied, We never saw or heard of such a place. At this, John Shaw fell a weeping and lamenting and humbled himself before the most high, but as he was thus engaged,

Starting point is 16:41:03 behold, there flew down from the heights of air another bird, big of bulk and black of blea, which had tarried behind the rest, and kissed the hermit's hand. Yagmous asked it of Tocany the castle of Jules, and it answered saying, O monk, when I and my brothers were small chicks, we abode behind the mountain kaff, on a hill of crystal, in the midst of a great desert, and our father and mother used to set out for it every morning, and in the evening come back with our food. They went out early one day, and were absent from us a senite, and hunger was sore upon us. But on the eighth day they returned, both weeping, and we asked them the reason of their absence.

Starting point is 16:41:49 Quoth they, Amarid swooped down on us and carried us off in his claws to Tocany, the castle of jewels, and brought us before King Shalan, who would have slain us, but we told him that we had left behind us a brood of fledglings, so he spared our lives and let us go. And were my parents yet in the bonds of life they would give the news of the castle. When John Shah heard this, he wept bitter tears and said to the hermit, Prithee, bid the bird carry me to his father and mother's nest on the crystal hill, behind the mountain cough. So the hermit said, O bird, I desire thee to obey this youth and whatsoever he may command

Starting point is 16:42:32 thee. I hear and obey thy bidding, replied the fowl, and taking John Shah on its back, flew with him days and nights without ceasing, till it set him down. on the hill of Crystal, and there alighted. And having delayed there a resting while, it again set him on its back, and flew off and ceased not flying for two whole days, till it reached the spot where the nest was. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 42. Recording by Bob Gonzales, Tampa, Florida. Section 43 of Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night,

Starting point is 16:43:25 translated by Richard Francis Burton. 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 Novela Serena. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, translated by Richard Francis Burton, section 4. When it was the five hundred and twenty-fifth night, she said,

Starting point is 16:43:55 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That the fowls ceased not flying with John Shah of two full days, Till it reached the spot where the nest was, And set him down there, and said, O John Shah, this is where our nest was. He wept sore and replied, I pray thee, Bear me farther on to where thy parents used to forage for food. The bird consented, so it took him up again.

Starting point is 16:44:21 in and flew on with him seven nights and eight days, till it set him down on the top of a high hill, Kammuz, hives, and left him there saying, I know of no land behind this hill, then it flew away, and John Shah sat down on the hilltop and fell asleep. When he awoke he saw something gleaming afar off, as if it were lightning, and filling the firmament with its flashings, and he wondered what this sheen could be, without watching that it was the castle he saw, So he descended to the mountain, and made towards the light, which came from Takni, the castle of jewels, distant two-month's journey from Karmus. The hill were on he had a lid, and its foundations were fashioned of red rubies, and its buildings of yellow gold. Moreover, it had a thousand turrets, builded of precious metals, and stones of price studded and set in the minerals, brought from the maid of marks.

Starting point is 16:45:18 And on this account it was named the castle of Jules, Tachni. It was a vast great castle, and the name of its king was King Shalan, the father of the lady, Shamsa, and her sisters. Such was the case with Janshah, but as regards Princess Shamsa, when she fled from Jan Shah, she made straight for the castle of Jules and told her father and mother all that had passed between the prince and herself, how he had wandered the world and seen its marvels, and wonders, and how fondly he loved her, and how dearly she loved him, quoth they, Thou hast not dealt righteously with him, as Allah would have thee deal.

Starting point is 16:45:59 Moreover, King Shalan repeated the story to his guards and officers of the Maritz of the Jean, and bade them bring him every mortal they should see. For the lady Shomsa had said to her parents, Jan Shah loveth me with passionate love, and for sure he will follow me. For when flying from his father's roof, I cried to him, And thou love me, seek me at Tachny, the castle of jewels. Now when John Shah beheld the sheen and shine, he made straight for it, wishing to find out what it might be.

Starting point is 16:46:30 And as chance would have it, Shamsaw had that very day dispatched to Marid on an occasion in the direction of the hill, Carmus. And on his way thither he caught sight of a man, a mortal. So he hastened up to him and saluted him. John Shah was terrified at this sight, but returned his salaam, and the Married asked, What is thy name? And he answered, My name is John Shah, and I have fallen madly in love with Ginia known as Princess

Starting point is 16:46:59 Shamsa, who captivated me by her beauty and loveliness. But despite my dear love, she fled from the palace wherein I placed her, and behold, I am here in quest of her, wherewith he wept with bitter weeping. The Marid looked at him, and his heart burned with pity on hearing the sad tale, and he said, Weep not, for surely thou art come to thy desire, know that she loveth thee fondly, and hath told her parents of thy love for her, and all in yonder castle love thee for her sake. So be of good cheer, and keep thine eyes cool of tear. Then he took him on his shoulders, and made off with him to the castle of Jules Tachny.

Starting point is 16:47:39 Thereupon the bearers of fair tidings hastened to report his coming, and when the news reached Shamsa and her father and mother they all rejoiced with exceeding joy and King Shalan took horse and rode out commanding all his guards and Ifritz Merid's honorably to meet the prince and Sheherazah perceived the dawn of the day and ceased to say her permitted say When it was the five hundred and twenty-sixth night she said It hath reached me, O auspicious king that King shallon commanded all his guards and Ephra's and marids to meet the prince, and as soon as he came up with him, he dismounted and embraced him, and Jan Shah kissed his hand. Then, Shalah, bade put on him a robe of honour of many-coloured silk, laced with gold and set

Starting point is 16:48:27 with jewels, and to coronet, such as man never saw, and, mounting him on a splendid mare of the steeds of the kings of the jean, took horse himself, and with an immense retinue riding on the right hand and the left, brought him. in great state to the castle. John Shaw marvelled at the splendor of the sediface, with its walls builded of rubies and other jewels, and its pavement of crystal and jasper and emerald, and fellow weeping at the memory of his past miseries.

Starting point is 16:48:58 But the king and queen, Shamsa's mother, wiped away his tears and said, Now no more weeping, and be of good cheer, for thou hast won thy will. Then Chalan carried him in to the inner court of the castle, where he was received by a multitude of beautiful, beautiful damsels and pages and black-gien slaves who seated him in the place of honour and stood to do him service while he was lost in amazement at all the goodliness of this place and its walls all edified of precious metals and jewels of price presently king chelon repaired to his hall of audience where he sat down on his throne and bidding the slave-girls and the pages introduced the prince rose to receive him and seated him by his side on the throne then he ordered the tables to be spread and they had been spread and they were to be spread and they were to be spread and they were to be spread and they were to the prince and they,

Starting point is 16:49:43 They ate and drank and washed their hands, after which men came the Queen Shamsa's mother, and saluting John Shah, bade him welcome in these words. Thou hast come to thy desire after weariness, and thine eyes shall now sleep after watching, so praise Biala for thy safety. Thus saying, she went away and forthwith, returned with the princess Shamsa, who saluted John Shah and kissed his hands, hanging her head in shame and confused, before him and her parents, after which, as many of her sisters as were in the palace, came up to him and greeted him in like manner.

Starting point is 16:50:21 Then quoth the queen to him, Welcome, O my son, our daughter Shamsaw hath indeed sinned against thee, But do thou pardon her misdeed for our sakes? When John Shaw heard this, he cried out and fell down fainting. Whereat the king marvelled, and they sprinkled on his face, Rose-water mingled with musk and sivet, till he came to himself and, looking at Princess Shamsa said, Praise to be Allah, who hath brought me to my desire, and hath quenched the fire of my heart,

Starting point is 16:50:53 replied she, may he preserve thee from the fire, But now tell me, O John Shah, What hath befallen thee since our parting, And how thou madeest thy way to this place, Seeing that few even of the John ever heard of Tachni, The castle of jewels, And we are independent of all the kings, nor any watereth the road hither.

Starting point is 16:51:14 Thereupon he related to her every adventure and peril and hardship he had suffered, and how he had left his father at war with King Gaffeed, ending with these words. And all for thy sake, my lady Shamsa. Quoth the queen, Now hast thou thy heart's desire, for the princess is thy handmaid, and we give her it in free gift to thee. Jan Shah joyed exceedingly at these words, and the queen added,

Starting point is 16:51:40 Next month, if it be the will of mighty Allah, we will have a brave wedding, and celebrate the marriage festival, and after the knot is tied we will send you both back to thy native land, with an escort of a thousand marids of our body-guard, the least of whom, and thou bid him slay King Kaffid and his folk, would surely destroy them to the last man in the twinkling of an eye. Furthermore, if it pleased thee, we will send thee, year after year, a company of which each, Every can do so with all thy foes. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of the day, and ceased to say her permitted say.

Starting point is 16:52:21 When it was the five hundred and twenty-seventh night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That the Lady Shamsa's mother ended with saying, And if it so please thee, We will send thee, year after year, a company of which each and every can destroy thy foes to the last man. Then King Shalon sat down on his throne, and summoning his grandees and officers of state,

Starting point is 16:52:49 bade them make ready for the marriage festivities, and decorate the city seven days and nights. We hear and we obey, answered they, and busied themselves two months in the preparations, after which they celebrated the marriage of the prince and princess, and held a mighty festival. Never was there its like. Then they brought Jan Shah into his bride, And he abode with her in all solace of life and delight for two years. At the end of which time he said to her, Thy father promised to send us to my native land,

Starting point is 16:53:21 That we might pass one year there, and the next here, Answered she, I hear and obey. And going in to King Shalon at nightfall, Told him what the prince had said. Quoth he, I consent. But have patience with me till the first of the month, that I may make ready for your departure. She repeated these words to her husband, and they waited till the appointed time, when the king bade his marids bring out to them a great litter of red gold,

Starting point is 16:53:49 set with pearls and jewels, and covered with a canopy of green silk, purpled in a profusion of colours and embroidered with precious stones, dazzling in its goodliness the eyes of every beholder. He chose out of four of his marids. to carry the litter in whichever the four quarters the writers might choose. Moreover, he gave his daughter three hundred beautiful damsels to wait upon her, and bestowed on Jan Shah the like number of white slaves of the sons of the gene. Then the lady Shamsah took formal leave of her mother and sisters,

Starting point is 16:54:22 and all her kith and kin, and her father fared forth with them. So the four marids took up the litter, each by one corner, and rising under it like birds in the air, flew onward with it between earth and heaven till midday, when the king bade them set it down and all alighted. Then they took leave of one another, and King Shalan commended Shamsa to the prince's care, and giving them in charge to the marids, returned to the castle of jewels. Whilst the prince and princess remounted the litter, and the marids taking it up flew on for ten whole days, in each of which they accomplished thirty months' journey, till they cited

Starting point is 16:55:01 at the capital of King Tegmus. Now one of them knew the land of Kabul, so when he saw the city, he bade the others let down the litter at that populous place, which was the capital. And Shahrazad perceived at the dawn of the day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and twenty-eighth night, she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the marid guards let down the litter at the capital of King Tegmus, who had been routed and had fled from his foes into the city where he was in sore straits, King Kaffid having laid close siege to him. He sought to save himself by making peace with the king of hind,

Starting point is 16:55:42 but his enemy would give him no quarter, so seeing himself without resource or means of relief, he determined to strangle himself and to die and be at rest from this trouble and misery. Accordingly, he bade his viziers and Amir's farewell, and entered his house to take leave of his harem, and the whole realm was full of weeping and wailing and lamentation and woe. And whilst this rout and hurly-burly was enacting, behold, the marids descended with the litter upon the palace that was in the citadel, and John Shah bade them, set it down in the midst of the divan. They did this bidding, and he alighted

Starting point is 16:56:22 with his company of handmaids and mamelukes, and seeing all the folk of the city in straits and desolation and sore distress, said to the princess, O love of my heart and cool through mine eyes, look in what a pite is my sire. Thereupon she bade the maried-guard, fall upon the beleaguering host, and slay them, saying, kill ye all, even to the last man. And John Shah commanded one of them, by name Caratash, who was exceeding strong and valiant, to bring King Caffee to him in chains. So they set down the litter and covered it with the canopy. Then, having waited till midnight, they attacked the enemy's camp, one of them being a match for ten, or at least for eight.

Starting point is 16:57:06 And while these smote the foes with iron maces, those mounted their magical elephants and soared high in the lift, and then swooping down and snatching up their opponents, tear them to pieces in mid-air. Becaratash made straight for Caffid's tent, where he found him lying in a couch. So he took him up, shrieking for fear, and flew with him to Jan Shah, who bade the four marids, bind him on the litter, and hang him high in the air over his camp, that he might witness the slaughter of his men.

Starting point is 16:57:36 They did as the prince commanded them, and left Caffid, who had swooned for fear, hanging between earth and air and buffeting his face for grief. As for King Tachmus, when he saw his son, he well-nigh died for excess joy, and crying with a loud cry fell down in a swoon. They sprinkled rose-water on his face till he came to himself. When he and his son embraced and wept with sore weeping, for he knew not that the Jin guard were battling with King Gaffeed's men. Then Princess Shamsa accosted the king,

Starting point is 16:58:08 and kissing his hand said to him, Sire, be pleased to go up with me to the palace-roof and witnessed the slaughter of thy foes by my father's marids. So he went up to the terrace-roof, and sitting down there with his daughter-in-law enjoyed watching the marids do havoc among the besiegers and break away through the length and breadth of them for one of them smote with his iron mace upon the elephants and their riders and pounded them till man was not to be distinguished from beast whilst another shouted in the faces of those who fled so that they fell down dead and the third caught up a score of horsemen beasts and all and towering with them high in air cast them down on earth so that they fell down dead so that they fell down dead and the third caught up a score of horsemen beasts and all and towering with them high in air cast them down on earth so that that they were torn in pieces. And this was high enjoyment for John Shah and his father and the Lady Shamsa. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of the day and ceased saying her permitted say.

Starting point is 16:59:04 End of Section 43. Recorded by Novella Serena. Section 44, Volume 5 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. This is a Libravax recording. All Libravax recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librovocs.org. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 5, Section 44. When it was the 529th night, she said it hath reached me, O auspicious King, that King Tegmus and his son and daughter-in-law went up to the terrace roof and enjoyed a prospect of the gin guards battling with the beleaguering host. And King Kaffed, still hanging between heaven and earth, also saw the slaughter of his

Starting point is 16:59:59 troops, and wept sore and buffeted his face. Nor did the carnage cease among the army of Hind for two whole days, till they were cut off even to the last man. Then Janshah commanded a merid, by the name Shimwal, chain up King Kaffid with manacles and fetters, and imprison him in a tower called the Black Bullwork. And when his bidding was done, King Tegmmer, Bade beat the drums and despatched messengers to announce the glad news to Jan Shah's mother, informing her of his approach, whereupon she mounted in great joy, and she no sooner espied her son than she clasped him in her arms, and swooned away for stress of gladness. They sprinkled rose-water on her face till she came to herself, when she embraced him again,

Starting point is 17:00:47 and again wept for excess of joy, and when the lady Shamsa knew of her coming, She came to her and saluted her, and they embraced each other, and after remaining embraced for an hour, sat down to converse. Then King Tegmus threw open the city gates, and dispatched couriers to all parts of the kingdom, to spread the tidings of his happy deliverance, whereupon all his princely vassals and emirs and the grandees of the realm, flocked to suit him and give him joy of his victory and of the safe return of his son. and they brought him great store of rich offerings and curious presents. The visits and oblations continued for some time, after which the king made a second and a more splendid bride-feast for the Princess Shamsa,

Starting point is 17:01:35 and bade decorate the city and held high festival. Lastly, they unveiled and paraded the bride before John Shah with apparel and ornaments of the utmost magnificence, and when her bridegroom went in to her, he presented her with an hundred beautiful slave-girls. to wait upon her. Some days after this the princess repaired to the king and interceded with him for Caffid, saying, Suffer him return to his own land, and if henceforward he be minded to do thee a hurt, I will bid one of the Jingard to snatch him up and bring him to thee. Replied Tegmus, I hear and I obey, and bade Shimwal bring him the prisoner, who came manacled and fettered and kissed the earth between his hands. Then he commanded to strike off his

Starting point is 17:02:21 chains, and mounting him on a lame mare, said to him, Verily Princess Shamsa hath interceded for thee. So be gone to that kingdom, but if thou fall again to thine old tricks, she will send one of the merits to seize thee and bring thee hither. Thereupon King Kaffid set off her homewards in the sorriest of plights, and Sherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and thirtieth night, she said it hath reached me, O auspicious King, that King Koff had set off homewards in the sorriest of plights, while John Shah and his wife abode in all solace and delight of life, making the most of its joyance and happiness.

Starting point is 17:03:07 All this recounted the youth sitting between the tombs unto Belukia, ending with, and behold I am John Shah, who witnessed all these things, O my brother, O Balukia. Then Balukia, who was wandering the world in his love for Muhammad, whom Allah bless and keep, asked John Shah, O my brother, what be these two sepokers, and why sittest thou between them, and what causeth thy weeping? He answered, No, O Balukia, that we abode in all solace and delight of life, passing one year at home and the next at Takni, the castle of jewels, whither we betook not ourselves but in the litter borne by the merits and flying between heaven and earth.

Starting point is 17:03:49 quoth buluki o my brother o jansha what was the distance between the castle and thy home quoth he every day we accomplished a journey of thirty months and the time we took was ten days we abode on this wise a many of years till one year we set out for the castle of jewels as was our wont and on the way thither alighted from the litter in this island to rest and take our pleasure therein we sat down on the river bank and ate and drank after which the lady shamsa having a mind to bathe put off her clothes and plunged into the water her women did likewise and they swam about a while whilst i walked on along the bank of the stream leaving them to swim about and play with one another and behold a huge shark of the monsters of the deep seized the princess by the leg without touching any of the girls and she cried out and died forthright whilst the damsel's fled out of the river to the pavilion to escape from the shark. But after a while they returned, and, taking up her corpse, carried her to the litter. Now when I saw her dead I fell down fainting, and they sprinkled water on my face till I recovered and wept over her. Then I dispatched the gin-guards to her parents and family, announcing

Starting point is 17:05:07 what had befallen her, and in the shortest time they came to the spot and washed her and shrouded her, after which they buried her by the riverside, and made mourning for her. They would have carried me with them to their own country, but I said to King Chalon, I beseech thee to dig me a grave beside her tomb, that when I die I may be buried by her side in that grave. Accordingly the king commanded one of his merits to do as I wished, after which they departed and left me here to weep and mourn for her till I die. And this is my story, and the cause of my marriage. And the cause of my marriage. sojourn between these two tombs, and he repeated these two couplets.

Starting point is 17:05:47 The house, sweetheart, is now no home to me, since thou art gone nor neighbor neighborly, the friend while whom I took to heart no more is friend, and brightest lights lose brilliancy. But when Belukia heard out Jancha's tale he marveled, and Sharaad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. was the five hundred and thirty-first night. She said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Balochia heard out Jan Shah's tale, he wondered, and exclaimed, By Allah, methought I had indeed wandered over the world and compassed it about, but now I forget all I have seen after listening to these adventures of thine. He was silent

Starting point is 17:06:33 a while, and then resumed, I beg thee of thy favor and courtesy to direct me in the way of safety. So John Shah directed him into the right road, and Balukia farewelled him and went his ways. All this the serpent queen related to Hasib Karim al-Din, and he asked her, But how knowest thou of these things? And she answered, O Hasib, thou must ken that I had occasion some five and twenty years ago to send one of my largest serpents to Egypt, and gave her a letter for Belukia, saluting him. So she went there willingly, for she had to beaacian. a daughter in the land called Bint Shumuk, and after asking Anent Balukia she found him

Starting point is 17:07:16 and gave him my missive. He read it, and replied to the messenger's snake, Thou comest from the queen of the serpents whom I am minded to visit for I have an occasion to her. She replied, I hear and obey. Then she bore him to her daughter of whom she took leave and said to her companion, "'Close thine eyes.' So he closed them, and opening them again, behold, he found himself on the mountain where I now am. Then his guide carried him to a great serpent, whom he saluted, whereupon quoth she, didst thou deliver the misset to Belukia? And she replied, Even so, and he hath accompanied me here, and he standeth. Presently Belukia asked after me, the serpent queen, and the great serpent answered, She hath gone to the mountain

Starting point is 17:08:03 calf, with all her host, as is her wont in winter, but now, summer she will come hither again. As often as she goeth thither she appointeth me to reign in her room during her absence, and if thou have any occasion to her, I will accomplish it for thee. He said, I beg thee to bring me the herb which whoso crusheth and drinketh the juice thereof, sickeneth not neither groweth gray nor dieth. I will not bring it, said the serpent, till thou tell me what befell thee since thou leftist the queen of the serpents, to go with Afan in quest of King Solomon's tomb. So he related to her all his travels and adventures, together with the history of John

Starting point is 17:08:47 Shah, and said at last, grant me my request, that I may return to mine own country. Replied the serpent, By the virtue of the Lord Solomon, I know not where is to be found the herb whereof thou speakest. Then she bade the serpent which had brought him thither, carry him back to Egypt. So the messenger obeyed her and said to him, Shut thine eyes. He did so, and opening them again found himself on the mountain Mukatum. When I returned from the mountain calf, added the queen, the serpent, my deputy, informed me of Belukia's visit, and gave me his salutations, and repeated to me his story and his meeting with John Shah.

Starting point is 17:09:28 And this, O Hasib, is how I came to know the adventures of Balochia and the history of Janshah. Whereupon, Haseeb said to her, O Queen, Dain recount to me what befell Balochia as regards his return to Egypt. She replied, know, O Hasib, that when he parted from Jan Shah, he fared on nights and days until he came to a great sea, and so he anointed his feet with the juice of the magic herb, and walking over the face of the waters, sped onwards till he came to an island, abounding in trees and springs and fruits, as it were the Garden of Eden. He landed and walked about till he saw an immense tree, with leaves as big as the sails of a ship. So he went up to the tree and found under it a table spread with all manner of meats,

Starting point is 17:10:17 whilst on a branch of the branches sat a great bird whose body was of pearls and leek-green emeralds, its feet of silver, its beak of red carnilion, and its plumbery of proumere of proumere, of proumere, precious metals, and it was engaged in singing the praises of Allah the Most High and Blessing Muhammad, on whom be benediction and peace, and Cherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and thirty-second night she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that when Balochia landed and walked about the island he found therein many marvels, especially a bird whose body was of pearls and leek, green emeralds, and

Starting point is 17:10:59 and its plumbery of precious metals, and it was engaged in singing the praises of Allah the Most High and blessing Muhammad, upon whom be benediction and peace. Seeing this he said, Who and what art thou? Quoth the bird, I am one of the birds of Eden, and followed Adam when Allah Almighty cast him out thence. And know, O my brother, that Allah also cast out with him four leaves of the trees of the garden to cover his nakedness withal, and they fell to the ground after a while. One of them was eaten by a worm, and of it came silk.

Starting point is 17:11:32 The gazelles ate the second, and thence proceeded musk, the third was eaten by bees, and gave rise to honey. Whilst the fourth fell in the land of Hind, and from it sprang all manner of spices. As for me I wandered over the face of earth till Allah deigned give me this island for a dwelling-place, and I took up my abode here. And every Friday, from night till morning, the saints and princes of the faith flocked to this place, and make pious visitation, and eat from this table spread by Allah Almighty. And after they have eaten, the table is taken up again to heaven.

Starting point is 17:12:08 Nor doth the food ever waste or corrupt. So Belukia ate his fill of the meats and praised the great creator, and presently, behold, there came up Al-Kaiser, with whom be peace, at sight of whom Balochia rose and saluting him, was about to withdraw, when the bird said to him, sit, O Balochia, in the presence of Al-Kaiser, on whom be peace. So he sat down again, and Al-Kaiser said to him, Let me know who thou art, and tell me thy tale. Thereupon Balukia related to him all his adventures for beginning to end, and asked,

Starting point is 17:12:42 O my lord, how far is it hence to Cairo? Five and ninety years' journey, replied the prophet. Whereupon Balochia burst into tears, then falling at Al-Kaiser's feet, kissed them and said to him, I beseech thee, deliver me from this strangerhood, and thy reward be with Allah, for that I am nigh upon death, and I know not what to do.

Starting point is 17:13:05 Quoth Al-Kaiser, pray to Allah Almighty, that he permit me to carry thee to Cairo, ere thou perish. So Balukia wept and humbled himself before Allah, who granted his prayer, and by inspiration bade Al-Kaiser, bear him to his people. Then said the prophet,

Starting point is 17:13:22 Lift thy head, for Allah hath heard thy prayer and hath inspired me to do what thou desires. So, take fast hold of me with both thy hands, and shut thine eyes. The prince did as he was bidden, and Al-Kaiser stepped a single step forwards, and then said to him, Open thine eyes. So Balukia opened his eyes and found himself at the door of his palace at Cairo. He turned to take leave of Al-Kaiser, but found no trace of him. And Shara-zad perceived the,

Starting point is 17:13:53 dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 44. Recording by Bill Bourse. Section 45, Volume 5, of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, translated by Richard Burton. 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 17:14:24 The Book of a thousand knights and a knight, Volume 5, Section 45 When it was the five hundred and thirty-third night, she said it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Belukia, standing at the gate of his palace, turned to take leave of Al-Kaiser, he found no trace of him, and entered the palace. When his mother saw him, she cried with a loud cry and swooned away for excess of joy, and they sprinkled water upon her face. After a while she came to herself and embraced her son and wept with sore weeping, whilst Belukia wept and laughed by turns.

Starting point is 17:15:05 Then all his friends and kindred came and gave him joy of his safe return, and the news was noised abroad in the land and there came to him presents from all parts. Moreover, they beat the drums and blew the flutes and rejoiced mightily. Then Belukia related to them his adventures ending with recounting how, Al-Kaiser had set him down at his palace door, whereat they marvelled exceedingly and wept, till all were weary of weeping. Haseeb wondered at the queen's tale and shed many tears over it. Then he again besought her to let him return to his family.

Starting point is 17:15:40 But she said, I fear me, O Haseeb, that when thou getest back to thy country thou wilt fail of thy promise and prove traitor to thine oath and enter the Hamam. But he swore to her another solemn oath that he would never again enter the baths as long as he lived, whereupon she called a serpent and bade her carry him up to the surface of the earth. So the serpent took him and led him from place to place till she brought him out on the platform edge of an abandoned cistern, and there left him. Upon this he walked to the city, and coming to his house by the last of the day at the yellowing of the sun, knocked at the door. His mother opened it, and seeing her son, screamed out

Starting point is 17:16:22 and threw herself upon him and wept for excess of joy. His wife heard her mother-in-law weeping, so she came out to her, and seeing her husband, saluted him and kissed his hands, and each rejoiced in other with exceeding joy of all three. Then they entered the house and sat down to converse, and presently, Haseeb asked his mother of the woodcutters who had left him to perish in the cistern. Quil she, they came and told me that a wolf had eaten thee in the wadi. For them they are become merchants and own houses and shops, and the world has grown wide for them. But every day they bring me meat and drink, and thus have they done till the present time.

Starting point is 17:17:04 Quoth Haseeb, to-morrow, do thou go to them and say, My son Haseeb Karim al-Din hath returned from his travels, so come ye to meet him and salute him. Accordingly, when morning dawned, she repaired to the woodcutter's houses, and delivered to them her son's message, which when they heard they changed color, and saying, We hear and obey, gave her each a suit of silk, embroidered with gold, adding, Present this to thy good son, and tell him that we will be with him tomorrow. She assented, and returning to Hasib, gave him their presence and message.

Starting point is 17:17:40 Meanwhile, the woodcutters called together a number of merchants, and, acquainting them with all that had passed between themselves and Hasib, took counsel with them, what they should do. Quoth the merchants, it behoved. with each one of you to give him half his monies and Mamalukes. And they all agreed to do this. So on the next day each of them took half his wealth, and going into Asib, saluted him and kissed his hands. Then they laid before him what they had brought, saying, This is of thy bounties, and we are in thy hands. He accepted their peace offering, and said, What is past is past. That which befell us was decreed of Allah, and destiny doeth away with

Starting point is 17:18:21 dexterity. Quoth they, come, let us walk about and take our solace in the city and visit the Hamam. Quoth he, Not so, I have taken an oath never again to enter the baths, so long as I live. Rejoined they, at least come to our homes that we may entertain thee. He agreed to this, and went to their houses, and each of them entertained him for a night and a day, nor did they cease to do thus for a whole senight, being said to seven in number. And now Haseeb was master of monies and houses and shops, and the merchants

Starting point is 17:18:56 of the city foregathered with him, and he told them all that had befallen him. He became one of the chiefs of the guild, and abode on this wise a while, till it happened one day as he was walking about the streets, that he passed the door of a Hamam, whose keeper was one of his companions. When the bathman, who was standing without, caught his eye, he ran up to him and saluted him and embraced him, saying, favor me by entering the bath, and there wash and be rubbed that I may show the hospitality. Haseeb refused, alleging that he had taken a solemn oath never again to enter the hamam. But the bathman was insistent with him, saying,

Starting point is 17:19:35 Be my three wives triply divorced, can thou enter not and be washed? When Haseeb hurt him thus conjure him, he was confounded, and replied, O my brother hast thou a mind to ruin my house and make my children? orphans and lay a load of sin upon my neck. But his friend threw himself at his feet and kissed them, saying, My happiness dependeth upon thy entering, and be the sin on the neck of me. Then all the servants of the bath set upon Haseeb, and dragging him in, pulled off his clothes, but hardly had he sat down against the wall and begun to pour water on his head, when a score of men accosted him, saying,

Starting point is 17:20:15 rise, O man, and come with us to the Sultan, for thou art his debtor. Then they dispatched one of them as messenger to the Sultan's minister, whose straightway took horse and rode attended by three-score Mamelukes, to the baths, where he alighted, and going into Haseeb, saluted him and said, Welcome to thee. Then he gave the bath-man an hundred dinars, and mounting Haseeb on a horse he had brought with him, returned with him, and all his men to the Sultan's palace.

Starting point is 17:20:45 us. Here he bade them, aid Haseeb to dismount, and after seating him comfortably set food before him, and when they had eaten and drunken and washed their hands, the wazir clad him in two dresses of honor each worth five thousand dinars, and said to him, know that Allah hath been merciful to us in sending thee, for the sultan is nigh upon death by leprosy, and the books tell us that his life is in thy hands. Then, accompanied by a host of grandees, he took him one ordering withal, and carried him through the seven doorways of the palace, till they came to the king's chamber. Now the name of this king was Karazdan, king of Persia, and the seven countries, and under

Starting point is 17:21:27 his sway were an hundred sovereign princes, sitting on chairs of red-gold, and ten thousand valiant captains, under each one's hand and hundred deputies, and as many headsmen, armed with sword and axe. They found the king lying on his bed with his face swathed in a napkin, and he found the king, and groaning for excess of pain. When Asib saw this ordinance, his wit was dazed for awe of the king, so he kissed the ground before him, and prayed a blessing on him. Then the grand wazir, whose name was Shamur, rose and welcoming Hasib seated him on a high chair at the king's right hand. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say.

Starting point is 17:22:13 When it was the five hundred and thirty-fourth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the wazir Shamir rose to Hasib, and seated him on a chair at the right hand of King Karazdan, after which he called for food and the tables were laid. When they had eaten and drunken and washed their hands, Shamur stood up, while all present also stood to do him honor, and approaching Hasib said to him, we are all thy servants and will give thee whatsoever thou askest, even were at one half of the kingdom, so thou wilt but cure the King. Saying this, he led him by the hand to the royal couch, and Hasib, uncovering the king's face, saw that he was at last fatal stage of the disease. So he wondered at their hoping for

Starting point is 17:22:59 a cure. But the wazir kissed his hand, and repeated his offers, and ended with saying, All we want of thee is to heal our king. So he said to the wazir, true that I am the son of Allah's prophet Daniel, but I know nothing of his art, for they put me thirty days in the school of medicine, and I learnt nothing of the craft. I would well I knew somewhat thereof, and might heal the king. Hearing this, the Grand Wazir said, Do not multiply words upon us, for though we should gather together to us physicians from the east and from the west, none could cure the king save thou. Answered Haseeb, how can I make him whole, seeing I know neither his case nor its cure? quoth the minister his healing is in thy hands and quoth hasib if i knew the remedy of his sickness i would heal him thereupon the wazir rejoined thou keenest a cure right well the remedy of his sickness is the queen of the serpents and thou knowest her abiding-place and hast been with her

Starting point is 17:24:02 when hasib heard this he knew that all this came of his entering the baths and repented whenas repentance availed him naught then said he what is the queen of the serpents i know her not nor ever in all my life heard i of this name retorted the wazir deny not the knowledge of her for i have proved that thou knowest her and hast passed two years with her repeated hasib verily i never saw her nor even heard of her till this moment upon which chamur opened a book and after making sundry calculations raised his head and spake as follows the queen of the serpents shall foregather with a man who shall abide with her two years then shall he return from her and come forth to the surface of the earth and when he entereth the hamam bath his belly will become black then said he look at thy belly so hasib looked at his own belly and behold it was black but he persisted in his denial and said my belly was black from the day my mother bare me said the wazir i had stationed three mamelukes at the door of every hammam bidding them note all who entered and let me know when they found one whose belly was black so when thou enterest they looked at thy belly and finding it black sent and told me after we had well-nigh lost hope of coming upon thee all we want of thee is to show us the place whence thou camest out and after go thy ways for we have those with us who will take the queen of the serpents and fetch her to us and all the other wazirs and emirs and grandees flocked about hasseev who sorely repented of his misdeed and they conjured him until they were weary to show them the abode of the queen but he ceased not saying i never saw nor heard of the matter then the grand wazir called the hangman and bade him strip hasib and beat him a sore beating and so they did till they did till they did

Starting point is 17:26:02 he saw death face to face for excess of pain, and the wazir said, We have proof that thou knowest the abiding place of the queen of the serpents. Why wilt thou persist in denial? Show us the place whence thou camest out, and go from us. We have with us one who will take her, and no harm shall befall thee. Then he raised him and bade give him a dress of honor of cloth and red gold, embroidered with jewels, and spoke him fair, until Hasib yielded and said, I will show you the place.

Starting point is 17:26:33 At this the wazir rejoiced with great joy and took horse with all his many and rode guided by Haseeb and never drew rain till they came to the mountain containing the cavern wherein he had found the cistern full of honey. There all dismounted, and followed him as he entered,

Starting point is 17:26:51 sighing and weeping, and showed them the well whence he had issued. Whereupon the wazir sat down thereby and sprinkling perfumes upon a chafing dish began to mutter charms and conjurations, for he was a crafty magician and diviner and skilled in spiritual arts. He repeated three several formulas of conjuration, and between each threw fresh incense upon the fire, crying out and saying, Come forth, O queen of the serpents.

Starting point is 17:27:19 When behold, the water of the well sank down and a great door opened in the side from which came a mighty noise of crying like unto thunder, so terrible that they thought the well had caved in, and all present fell down fainting. Nay, some even died for fright. Presently, there issued from the well a serpent as big as an elephant, casting out sparks like red-hot coals, from its eyes and mouth, and burying on its back a charger of red gold set with pearls and jewels, in the midst whereof lay a serpent from whose body issued such splendor that the place was illumined thereby.

Starting point is 17:27:55 eye, and her face was fair and young, and she spoke with most eloquent tongue. The serpent queen turned right and left till her eyes fell upon Hasib, to whom she said, Where is the covenant thou madest with me, and the oath thou swearest to me that thou wouldst never again enter the Hamam bath? But there is no fighting against fate, nor hath any ever fled from that which is written on his forehead. Allah hath appointed the end of my life for thy hand to hand, and it is his will that slain I.B. and King Karazdan be healed of his malady. So saying, she wept with sore weeping, and Hasib wept to see her weep. As for the abominable Wazir Shamur, he put out his hand to lay hold of her.

Starting point is 17:28:39 But she said to him, hold thy hand, O accursed, where I will blow upon thee and reduce thee to a heap of black ashes. Then she cried out to Hasib, saying, draw near me and take me in thine hand and lay me in the dish that is with you, then set it on thy head, for my death was foreordained, from eternity without beginning, to be at thy hand, and thou hast no power to avert it. So he took her and laid her in the dish, and put it on his head, when the well returned to its former state. Then they set out on their return to the city, Haseeb carrying the dish on his head, and when they were half way, behold, the queen of the serpent said to him privily, O Hasib to my friendly counsel, for all thou hast broken faith with me and been false to thine

Starting point is 17:29:25 oath, and hast done this misdeed, but it was foreordained from all eternity. He replied, To hear is to obey, and she continued, it is this. When thou comest to the wazir's house, he will bid thee behead me and cut me in three, but do thou refuse, saying, I know not how to slaughter, and leave him to do it with his own hand, and to work his wicked will. When he hath cut my throat and divided my body into three pieces, there will come a messenger to bid him to the king, so he will lay my flesh in a cauldron of brass, and set it upon a brazier before going to the presence. And he will say to thee, keep up the fire under the cauldron till the scum rise, then skim it off and pour it into a file to cool. Wait till it

Starting point is 17:30:12 cool, and then drink it, so shall not of malady or pain be left in all thy body. When the second scum riseth, skim it off, and pour it into a file against my return from the king, that I may drink it for an ailment I have in my loins. Then will he give thee the vials to go to the king, and when he is gone, do thou light the fire, and wait till the first scum rise and set it in a file. Keep it by thee, but beware of drinking it, or no good will befall thee. When the second scum riseth, skim it off and put it in a second vial, and drink it down as soon as it cools.

Starting point is 17:30:46 when the wazir returneth and asketh thee for the second file give him the first and note what shall befall him and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the five hundred and thirty-fifth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the serpent queen charged hasib not to drink of the first scum and carefully to keep the second saying when the wazir returneth from the king and asketh for the second file give him the first and note what shall befall him. Then drink the contents of the second vial, and thy heart will become the home of wisdom. After this take up the flesh, and laying it in a brazen platter, carry it to the king, and give him to eat thereof.

Starting point is 17:31:34 When he hath eaten it, and hath settled in his stomach, veil his face with a kerchief, and wait by him till noontide when he will have digested the meat. Then give him somewhat of wine to drink, and by the decree of Allah Almighty, he will be healed of his unhealth, and be made whole as he was.

Starting point is 17:31:52 And give thou ear to the charge wherewith I charge thee, and keep it in thy memory with carefulest keeping. They ceased not faring till they came to the wazir's house, and he said to Haseeb, come in with me. So he went in, and the troops dispersed and fared each his own way. Whereupon Haseeb set down the platter, and the wazir bade him slay the queen of the serpents, but he said,

Starting point is 17:32:15 I know not how to slaughter, and never in my born days killed I ought, and thou wilt have her throat cut do it with thine own hand. So the minister, Shamur, took the queen from the platter, and slew her, seeing which Haseeb wept bitter tears, and the wazir laughed at him, saying, O weak of wits, how canst thou weep for the killing of a worm? Then he cut her in three, and laying the pieces in a brass cauldron, set it on the fire, and sat down to await the cooking of the flesh. And whilst he was sitting, lo, came a slave from the king, who said to him, The king calls for thee without stay or delay,

Starting point is 17:32:51 and he answered, saying, I hear and I obey. So he gave Haseeb two files, and bade him drink the first scum, and keep the second against his return, even as the queen of the serpents had foretold, after which he went away with repeated charges and injunctions. And Asib tended the fire under the cauldron

Starting point is 17:33:10 till the first scum rose, when he skimmed it off, and setting it in one of the vire, kept it by him. He then fed the fire till the second scum rose. Then he skimmed it off, and putting it in the other vial, kept it for himself. And when the meat was done, he took the cauldron off the fire and sat awaiting the wazir, who asked him on return, What hast thou done? And answered Haseeb, I did thy bidding to the last word. Quoth the wazir, What hast thou done with the first vial? I drank its contents, but now, repeated

Starting point is 17:33:42 Haseeb, and Shammur asked, Thy body feeleth it no change? Where to Haseeb answered? Verily, I feel as I were on fire from front to foot. The villain wazir made no reply hiding the truth but said, Hand me the second vial, that I may drink

Starting point is 17:33:58 what is therein. So happily I may be made whole of this ailing in my loins. So Haseeb brought him the first vial and he drank it off, thinking it contained the second scum. But hardly had he done drinking, when the vial fell from his hand, and he swelled up and dropped down dead. And thus was exemplified in him the saying,

Starting point is 17:34:19 "'Whoso for his brother digeth a pit, he shall be the first to fall into it. Now when Haseeb saw this, he wondered and feared to drink of the second vial, but he remembered the serpent queen's injunction and bethought him that the wazir would not have reserved the second scum for himself had there been aught of hurt therein. So he said, I put my trust in Allah, and drank off the contents of the vile. No sooner had he done so than the most highest made the waters of wisdom so well up in his heart, and opened to him the fountains of knowledge, and joy and gladness overcame him. Then he took the serpent's flesh from the cauldron, and laying it on a platter of brass, went forth from the wazir's house. On his way to the palace he raised his eyes

Starting point is 17:35:01 and saw the seven heavens, and all that therein is, even to the loat-tree beyond which there is no passing, and the manner of the revolution of the spheres. moreover allah discovered to him the ordnance of the planets and the scheme of their movements and the fixed stars and he saw the contour of the land and sea whereby he became informed with geometry astrology and astronomy and mathematics and all that hangeth thereby and he understood the causes and consequences of eclipses of the sun and moon then he looked at the earth and saw all minerals and vegetables that are therein and thereon and he learned their properties and their virtues so that he became in an instant versed in medicine and chemistry a natural magic and the art of making gold and silver and he ceased not carrying the flesh till he came to the palace when he went in to king karistan and kissing the ground before him said may thy head survive thy wazir shamur the king was mightily angered at the news of the grand wazir's death and wept for him whilst his emirs and his grandees and officers also wept then said he was with me but now in all health and went away to fetch me the flesh of the queen of the serpents if it should be cooked what befell him that he is now dead and what accident hath betided him so hasib told him the whole truth how the minister had drunk the contents of the vial and had forthwith swelled out and died the king mourned for his loss with mourning sore and said to hasib what shall i do without

Starting point is 17:36:37 and hasib answered grieve not o king of the age for i will cure thee within three days and leave no wit of disease in thy body at this the king's breast waxed broad and he said i wish to be made whole of this affliction though after a long term of years so asib set the platter before the king and made him eat a slice of the flesh of the serpent queen then he covered him up and spreading a kerchief over his face bade him sleep and sat down by his side he slept from noonday till sundown while his stomach digested the piece of flesh and presently he awoke. Haseeb gave him somewhat of wine to drink and bade him sleep again, so he slept till the morning, and when dawn appeared, Haseeb repeated the treatment, making him eat another piece of the flesh, and thus he did with him three days following, till he had eaten the whole, when his skin began to shrink and scale off and he perspired so that the sweat ran down from his head to his heels.

Starting point is 17:37:34 Thereby he became whole, and there abode in him no trace of the disease, which when Hasib saw, he said, There is no help for it, but thou go to the Hamam. So he carried him to the bath and washed his body, and when he came forth it was like a wand of silver, and he was restored to help, nay, sounder than he was before he fell ill. Thereupon he donned his richest robes, and seating himself on his throne, he deigned to make Hasib sit beside him. He bade the tables be spread, and they ate and washed their hands, after which he called

Starting point is 17:38:06 for the service of wine, and both drank their fill. Upon all this his wazirs and emirs and captains and the Grandees of his realm, and the notables of the lieges came in to him and gave him the joy of his recovery, and they beat the drums and had warned the city in token of rejoicing. Then said the king to the assembly, O wazirs and emirs and grandees, this is Hasim Karim al-din, hath healed me of my sickness, and know all here present that I make him my chief wazir in the stead of the wazir Shamur, and Sherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the five hundred and thirty-sixth night, she continued, It hath reached me,

Starting point is 17:38:51 O auspicious king, that quoth King Karazdan to his ministers and high lords. He who healed me of my sickness is none other than Haseeb Karim al-din, here present. Therefore I make him my chief wazir in the stead of the wazir Shamur, and whoso loveth him loveth me, and whoso honoreth him honoreth me, and he who obeyeth him, obeys him, obeyeth me. Harkening and obedience, answered they, and all rising flocked to kiss Hasib's hand, and salute him, and give him joy of the wazirate. Then the king bestowed on him a splendid dress of gold brocade, set with pearls and gems, the least of which was worth five thousand gold pieces.

Starting point is 17:39:33 Moreover, he presented to him three hundred male white slaves and the like number of concubines in loveliness like moons and three hundred Abyssinian slave-girls, beside five hundred mules laden with treasure and sheep and oxen and buffaloes and bulls and other cattle beyond count. And he commanded all his wazirs and emirs and grandees and notables and mamelukes and his subjects in general to bring him gifts. Presently Haseeb took horse and rode,

Starting point is 17:40:04 followed by the wazirs and emirs and lords and all the troops, to the house which the king had set apart for him, where he sat down on a chair, and the wazirs and came up to him and kissed hands and gave him joy of his ministership, vying with one another in suit and service. When his mother and his household knew what had happened, they rejoiced with exceeding joy

Starting point is 17:40:25 and congratulated him on his good fortune, and his quandem comrades in the woodcutters also came by and gave him joy. Then he mounted again, and riding to the house of the late Wazir Shamur, laid hands on all that was therein, and transported it to his own abode. On this wise did Haseeb, from a duncical know-nothing, unskilled to read writing, become, by the decree of Allah Almighty, an adept in every science and versed in all manner of knowledge, so that the fame of his learning was blazed abroad over the land,

Starting point is 17:40:59 and he became renowned as an ocean of lore, and skill in medicine, and astronomy, and geometry, and astrology, and alchemy, and natural magic, and the cabala, and spiritualism, and all other arts and sciences. One day, he said to his mother, my father, Daniel, was exceeding wise and learned, tell me what he left by way of books or whatnot. So his mother brought him the chest, and taking out the five leaves which had been saved

Starting point is 17:41:29 when the library was lost, gave them to him, saying, These five scrolls are all thy father left thee. So he read them and said to her, O my mother, these leaves are part of a book. Where is the rest? Quoth she, Thy father made a voyage, taking with him all his library, and when he was shipwrecked, every book was lost save only these five leaves. And when he was returned to me by Almighty Allah, he found me with child and said to me haply thou wilt bear a boy so take these scrolls and keep them by thee and whenas my son shall grow up and ask what his father left him give these leaves to him and say thy father left these as thine only heritance and lo here they are

Starting point is 17:42:12 and hazeb now the most learned of his age abode in all pleasure and solace and delight of life till there came to him the destroyer of delights and the severer of societies and yet o king is not this tale of bulukia and john shah more wondrous than the adventures of end of section forty five and end of a thousand nights and a night volume five translated by richard burton recording by bill

Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 5) Arabian Nights - The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night by Anonymous ~ Full Audiobook [folklore]

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