Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 8) 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 knight volume eight by anonymous section one when it was the seven hundred and seventy-seventh night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the old queen heard the handmaid's words she was wroth with sore wrath because of her and cried how shall there be a chord between man and gin but saifalm al-muluk replied indeed i will conform to thy will and be thy page and die in thy love and will keep with thee covenant and regard none but thee so right soon shall thou see my truth and lack of falsehood and the excellence of my manly dealing with thee inshallah the old woman pondered for a full hour with brow earthward spent after which she raised her head and said to him o thou beautiful youth wilt thou indeed keep compact and covenant he replied yes by him who raise the heavens and spread the earth upon the waters i will keep faith and troth thereupon quoth she i will win for thee thy wish inshallah but for the present go thou into the garden and take thy pleasure therein and eat of its fruits that have neither like in the world nor equal whilst i send for my son, Sharyal, and confabulate with him of the matter. Nothing but good shall come of it, so Allah please,

Starting point is 00:01:35 for he will not gainsay me, nor disobey my commandment, and I will marry thee with his daughter, Badia al-Jamal. So be of good heart, for she shall assuredly be thy wife, O Seifal-Muluk. The prince thanked her for those words, and kissing her hands and feet went forth from her, into the garden while she turned to marjana and said to her go seek my son shayal wherever he is and bring him to me so marjana went out in quest of king shayal and found him and set him before his mother on such wise fared it with them but as regards safe al maluk whilst he walked in the garden low and behold five gin of the people of the blue king espied him and said to one another whence cometh yonder white and who brought him hither haply tis he who slew the son and heir of our lord and master the blue king presently adding but we will go about with him and question him and find out all from him

Starting point is 00:02:41 so they walked gently and softly up to him as he sat in a corner of the garden and sitting down by him said to him o beauteous youth thou didst right well in slaying the son of the blue king and delivering him from the corner of the garden and sitting down by him said to him o beauty as youth thou didst right well in slaying the son of the blue king and delivering him from his own from dalat catoon for he was a treacherous hound and he tricked her and had not allah appointed thee to her she had never won free no never but how didst thou slay him safe al-muluk looked at them and deeming them of the garden folk answered i slew him by means of this ring which is on my finger therewith they were assured that it was he who had slain him so they seized him two of them holding his hands whilst other two held his feet and the fifth his mouth lest he should cry out and king shayal's people should hear him and rescue him from their hands then they lifted him up and flying away with him cease not their flight till they came to their king and set him down before him saying o king of the age we bring thee the murderer of thy son where is he asked the king and they answered this is he so the blue king said to say falmuluk how sluest thou my son the core of my heart and the light of my sight without aught of right for all he had done thee no ill-deed quoth the prince yea verily i slew him because of his violence and frowardness in that he used to seize king's daughters and sever them from their families and carry them to the rule them to the rule of his violence and frowardness in that he used to seize king's daughters and sever them from their families and carry them to the rule and the high-built castle of Japheth son of Noah, and entreat them ludely by debauching

Starting point is 00:04:24 them. I slew him by means of this ring on my finger, and Allah hurried his soul to the fire and the abiding-place dire. Therewithal the king was assured that this was indeed he who slew his son, so presently he called his wazirs, and said to them, this is the mirthra of my sons and shadow of doubt. So how do you counsel me to deal with him? Shall I slay him with the foulest slaughter, or torture him with the terriblest torments, or how? Quoth the chief minister, cut off his limbs one a day. Another, beat him with a grievous beating every day till he die. A third, cut him across the middle. A fourth, chop off all his fingers and burn him with fire. A fifth, crucify him, and so on each speaking according to his reed now there was with the blue king an old emir versed in the vicissitudes and experienced in the exchanges of the times and he said o king of the age verily i would say to thee somewhat

Starting point is 00:05:33 and thine is the reed whether thou wilt hearken or not to my say now he was the king's privy counsellor and the chief officer of his empire and the sovereign was wont to give ear to his word and conduct himself by his counsel, and gainsay him not in aught. So he rose, and kissing ground before his leech lord, said to him, O king of the age, if I advise thee in this matter, will thou follow my advice and grant me indemnity? Quoth the king, set forth thine opinion, and thou shalt have immunity. Then quoth he, O king of the age, and this slay this one, nor accept my advice, nor hearken to my word,

Starting point is 00:06:14 in very sooth I say that his death were now inexpedient, for that he is thy prisoner and in thy power, and under thy protection. So when as thou wilt, thou mayst lay hand on him, and do with him what thou desirest. Have patience then, O king of the age, for he hath entered the garden of Iram, and is become the betroth of Badia al-Jamal, daughter of King Shaial, and one of them. thy people seized him there and brought him hither and he did not hide his case from them or from thee. So, and thou slay him, assuredly King Shayal will seek blood revenge, and lead his host against thee for his daughter's sake, and thou canst not cope with him, nor make head against his power.

Starting point is 00:07:03 So the king hearkened to his counsel and commanded to imprison the captive. thus fared it with safe al-muluk but as regards the old queen grandmother of badia al-demal when her son shayal came to her she despatched mahjana in search of safe al-muluk but she found him not and returning to her mistress said i found him not in the garden so the ancient dame sent for the gardeners and questioned them of the prince quothay we saw him sitting under a tree when behold, five of the Blue King's folk alighted by him, and spoke with him, after which they took him up, and having gagged him, flew away with him. When the old Queen heard the damsel's words, it was no light matter to her, and she was wrothed with exceeding wrath. So she rose to her feet and said to her son, King Shail,

Starting point is 00:07:59 "'Art a king, and shall the Blue King's people come to our garden and carry off our guests unhindered, and thou alive? And she proceeded to provoke him, saying, It behoveth not, that any transgress against us during thy lifetime. Answered he, O mother of me, this man slew the Blue King's son, who was a genie, and Allah threw him into his hand. He is a genie, and I am a genie. How, then, shall I go to him and make war on him for the sake of a mortal?

Starting point is 00:08:33 But she rejoined, go to him, and demand our guest of him, and if he be still alive and the blue king deliver him to thee, take him and return. But an he have slain him, take the king and all his children, and harine, and household, depending on him, then bring them to me alive, that I may cut their throats with my own hand, and lay in ruins his reign. Except thou go to him and do my bidding.

Starting point is 00:08:59 I will not acquit thee of my milk, and my rearing of thee shall be counted, unlawful and Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the seven hundred and seventy-eighth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the grandmother of Badia al-Jamal said to Shayal fare thee to the blue king and look after Seif al-Muluk if he be still in life come with him hither but an he have slain him take that king and all his children and all his children and and harim and the whole of his dependents and protégés and bring them here alive that i may cut their throats with my own hand and ruin his realm except thou go to him and do my bidding i will not acquit thee of my milk and my rearing of thee shall be accounted unlawful thereupon shayal rose and assembling his troops set out in deference to his mother desiring to content her and her friends and in accordance with what so had been for ordained from eternity without beginning. Nor did they leave journey until they came to the land of the Blue King,

Starting point is 00:10:13 who met them with his army and gave them battle. The Blue King's host was put to the route, and the conquerors having taken him and all his sons, great and small, the grandees and officers bound and brought them before King Shayal, who said to the captain, O Azrak, where is the mortal, say Falmuluk, who Willem was my guest? answered the blue king o shayal thou art a genie and i am a genie and isn't on account of a mortal who slew my son that thou hast cast this deed

Starting point is 00:10:48 yea the mirthor of my son the core of my liver and solace of my soul how couldest thou work such work and spill the blood of so many thousand gin he replied leave this talk knowest thou not that a single mortal is better in allah's sight than a thousand thousand gin if he be alive bring him to me and i will set thee free and all whom i have taken of thy sons and people but an thou have slain him i will slaughter thee and thy sons quoth malik al azrak o king is this man of more account with thee than my son and quoth shayal verily thy son was an evil-doer who kidnapped king's daughters and shut them up in the ruined well and the high-builded country's daughters and the high-builded country's castle of Japheth, son of Noah, and entreated them loodly. Then said the blue king, He is with me, but make thou peace between us. So he delivered the prince to Shaiyal, who made peace between him and the blue king, and Al Azrak gave him a bond of absolution for the death of his son. Then Shai al conferred robes of honor on them, and entertained the blue king and his troops hospitably for three days, after which he took Seifal Muluk, and he took Seifal Muluk, and

Starting point is 00:12:06 carried him back to the old queen, his own mother, who rejoiced in him with an exceeding joy. And Chiral marvelled at the beauty of the prince, and his loveliness and his perfection. Then the prince related to him his story from beginning to end, especially what did befall him with Badiah al-Jamal, and Chial said, O my mother, since tis thy pleasure that this should be, I hear and I obey all that to command it pleaseth thee wherefore do thou take him and bear him to sarandib and there celebrate his wedding and marry him to her in all state for he is a goodly youth and hath endured horrors for her sake so she and her maidens set out with safe al-muluk for sarandib and entering the garden belonging to the queen of hind for gathered with dhulat katoon and badia al-jamal then the lovers met and the old queen acquainted the two princesses with all that had passed between safe al-Muluk and the Blue King,

Starting point is 00:13:09 and how the prince had been near hand to a captive's death, but in reputation is no fruition. Then King Taj al-Muluk, father of Dallat Khartou, assembled the lords of his land and drew up the contract of marriage between Saif al-Muluk and Badiah al-Jemal, and he conferred costly robes of honour and gave banquets to the lieges. then safe al-muluk rose and kissing ground before the king said to him o king pardon i would fain ask of thee somewhat but i fear lest thou refuse it to my disappointment taj al-muluk replied by allah though thou soughtest my soul of me i would not refuse it to thee after all the kindness thou hast done me quoth safe al-muluk i wish thee to marry the princess thou lat catoon to my brother sa'id and we will both be thy pages i hear and obey answered taj al moulouk and assembling his grandees a second time let draw up the contract of marriage between his daughter and saeed after which they scattered gold and silver and the king bade decorate the city so they held high festival and seaf al moulouk went in unto badiyah al-jamal and sa'id went in unto dalat kartoon on the same night

Starting point is 00:14:35 moreover sef al-muluk abode forty days with baddia al-jamal at the end of which she said to him o king's son say me is there left in thy heart any regret for aught and he replied allah forfend i have accomplished my quest and there abideth no regret in my heart at all but i would fain meet my father and my mother in the land of egypt and see if they continue in welfare or not so she commanded a company of her slaves to convey them to egypt and they carried them to cairo where safe al-muluk and sa'id foregathered with their parents and abode with them a week after which they took leave of them and returned to sarandib city and from this time forwards whenever they longed for their folk they used to go to them and return then safe al moulouk and baddia al-jamal abode in all solace of life and its joyance as did saeed and daulat kartoum till there came to them the destroyer of delights and severer of societies and they all died good muslims so glory be to the living one who dieth not who createth all creatures and decreeth to them death and who is the first without beginning and the last without end this is all that hath come down to us of the story of safe al muluk and baddia al jamal and allah alone what is the truth but not less excellent than this tale is the history of hassan of bazora there was once of days of yours and in ages and times long gone before a merchant who dwelt in the land of basora and who owned two sons and wealth galore in due time allah the all-hearing the all-knowing decreed that he should be admitted to the mercy of the most high so he died

Starting point is 00:16:33 and his two sons laid him out and buried him, after which they divided his gardens and estates equally between them, and of his portion each one opened a shop. Presently the elder son Hassan Haidt, a youth of passing beauty and loveliness, symmetry and perfect grace, betook himself to the company of lewd folk, women and low boys, frolicing with them in gardens and feasting them with meat and wine for months together,

Starting point is 00:17:02 and occupying himself not with his business like as his father had done, for that he exalted in the abundance of his good. After some time he had wasted all his ready money, so he sold all his father's lands and houses and played the wastreel, until there remained in his hand nothing, neither little nor matchel, nor was one of his comrades left who knew him. He abode thus and hungered. He and his widowed mother three days,

Starting point is 00:17:32 and on the fourth day as he walked along unknowing whither to wend, then met him a man of his father's friends, who questioned him of his case. He told him what had befallen him, and the other said, O my son, I have a brother who is a goldsmith, and thou wilt, thou shalt be with him, and learn his craft, and become skilled therein. Hassan consented and accompanied him to his brother, to whom he commended him, saying, in very sooth this is my son, do thou teach him for my sake. So Hassan abode with the goldsmith and visit himself with the craft, and Allah opened to him the door of gain, and in due course he set up shop

Starting point is 00:18:15 for himself. One day as he sat in his booth in the bazaar, they came up to him, an Ajami, a foreigner, a Persian, with a great white beard and a white turban on his head, having the semblance of of a merchant who, after saluting him, looked at his handiwork and examined it knowingly. It pleased him, and he shook his head, saying, Baella, thou art a cunning goldsmith. What may be thy name? Hassan, replied the other shortly. The Persian continued to look at his wares. Whilst Hassan read in an old book, he hent in hand,

Starting point is 00:18:54 and the folk were taken up with his beauty and loveliness and symmetry and perfect grace, till the hour of mid-afternoon prayer, when the shop became clear of people, and the Persian accosted the young man, saying, O my son, thou art a comely youth, what book is that? Thou hast no sire, and I have no son, and I know an art,

Starting point is 00:19:16 than which there is no goodlier in the world. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 1. when it was the seven hundred and seventy-ninth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the persian accosted the young man saying o my son thou art a comely youth thou hast no sire and i have no son and i know an art than which there is no goodlier in the world many have sought of me instruction therein but i consented not to instruct any of them in yet hath my soul consented that I teach it to thee, for thy love hath gotten hold upon my heart,

Starting point is 00:20:07 and I will make thee my son, and set up between thee and poverty a barrier, so shalt thou be quit of this handicraft, and toil no more with hammer and anvil, charcoal, and fire. Hassan asked, O my lord, and when with thou teach me this? And the Persian answered, to-morrow inshallah i will come to thee betimes and make thee in thy presence fine gold of this copper whereupon hasan rejoiced and sat talking with the persian till nightfall

Starting point is 00:20:43 when he took leave of him and going into his mother saluted her with the salam and ate with her but he was dazed without memory or reason for that the stranger's words had gotten hold upon his heart so she questioned him and she questioned him and he was dazed without memory or reason for that the stranger's words had gotten hold upon his heart so she questioned him and he told her what had passed between himself and the persian which when she heard her heart fluttered and she strained him to her bosom saying o my son the ware of hearkening to the talk of the folk and especially of the persians and obey them not in aught for they are sharpers and tricksters who profess the art of alchemy and swindle people and take their money and devoured in vain replied Hassan oh my mother we are paupers and have nothing he may covet that he should put a cheat on us indeed this persian is a right worthy shake and the signs of virtue are manifest on him Allah hath inclined his heart to me and he hath adopted me to son she was silent in her chagrin and he passed the night without sleep his heart being full of what the Persian had said to him nor did slumber visit him for the excess of his joy therein. But when morning morrowed, he rose and taking the keys, opened the shop, whereupon behold, the Persian accosted him.

Starting point is 00:22:11 Hassan stood up to him and would have kissed his hands, but he forbade him from this, and suffered it not, saying, O Hassan, set on the crucible and apply the bellows. So he did as the stranger bat him, and lighted the charcoal, hole. Then said the Persian, oh my son, hast thou any copper? And he replied, I have a broken platter. So he bade him work the shears and cut it into bittox, and cast it into the crucible, and blow up the fire with the bellows, till the copper became liquid. When he put hand to turban and took there from a folded paper, an opening net, sprinkled there out into the pot

Starting point is 00:22:55 about half a dram of what looked like yellow coal or eye-powder. Then he bade Hassan blow upon it with the bellows, and he did so till the contents of the crucible became a lump of gold. When the youth saw this he was stupefied and at his wits in, for the joy he felt, and taking the ingot from the crucible, handled it and tried it with the file, and found it pure gold of the finest quality, whereupon his reason fled and he was dazed with excess of delight and bent over the persian's hand to kiss it but he forbade him saying art thou married and hasan replied no he said carry this ingot to the market and sell it and take the price in haste and speak not so hasan went down into the market and gave the bar to the broker who took it and rubbed it upon the touchstone and found it pure gold

Starting point is 00:23:54 so they opened the biddings at ten thousand dirhams and the merchants bid against one another for it up to fifteen thousand dirhams at which price he sold it and taking the money went home and told his mother all that had passed saying oh my mother i have learnt this art and mystery but she laughed at him saying there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glorious the great and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the seven hundred and eightyth night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when hasan the goldsmith told his mother what he had done with the ajami and cried i have learnt this art in mystery she laughed at him saying there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glorious the great and she was silent for vexation he took a metal mortar and returning to the shop laid it before the persian who was still sitting there and asked him oh my son what wilt thou do with this mortar hasan answered let us put it into the fire and make it lumps of gold the persian laughed and rejoined oh my son art thou gin mad that thou wouldst go down into the market with two ingots of gold in one day? Knowest thou not that the folk would suspect us, and our lives would be lost? Now, O my son, as I teach thee this craft, thou must practice it

Starting point is 00:25:37 but once in each twelvemonth, for that will suffice thee from year to year, cried Hassan, true, O my lord, and sitting down in his open shop, set on the crucible, and cast more charcoal on the fire. Quoth the Persian, what wilt thou, O my son? And quoth Hassan, teach me this craft. There is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious, the great, exclaimed the Persian, laughing. Verily, O my son, thou art little of wit and in no wise fitted for this noble craft. Did ever any during all his life learned this art on the beaten way or in the bazaars? If we busy ourselves with it here, the folk will say of us, these practice alchemy, and the magistrates will hear of us, and we shall lose our lives. Wherefore, O my son,

Starting point is 00:26:37 as thou desire to learn this mystery forthright, come thou with me to my house. So Hassan barred his shop and went with that Ajami. But by the way, he remembered his mother's words, and thinking in himself a thousand thoughts he stood still with bowed head. The Persian turned and seeing him thus standing, laughed and said to him, Art thou mad? What? I in my heart, purpose thee good, and thou mistoudestest I will harm thee, presently adding.

Starting point is 00:27:14 But if thou fear to go with me to my house, I will go with thee to thine and teach thee there. Hassan replied, Tis well, O uncle, and the Persian rejoined, Go thou before me. So Hassan led the way to his own house, and entering told his mother of the Persians coming, for he had left him standing at the door. She ordered the house for them,

Starting point is 00:27:40 and when she had made an end of furnishing and adorning it, her son bad her to go to one of the neighbor's lodgings. So she left her home, to them and winded her way whereupon Hassan brought in the Persian who entered after asking leave. Then he took in hand a dish and going to the market returned with food, which he set before the Persian saying, eat, O my lord, that between us there may be bread and salt, and may Almighty Allah do vengeance upon the traitor to bread and salt. The Persian replied with a smile. O my son, who knoweth the virtue and worth of bread and salt?

Starting point is 00:28:25 Then he came forward and ate with Hassan, till they were satisfied, after which the Ajami said, O my son Hassan, bring us somewhat of sweetmeats. So Hassan went to the market, rejoicing in his words, and returned with ten sauces of sweetmeats, of which they both ate, and the Persian said, may Allah abundantly requite thee, oh my son. It is the like of thee with whom folk company and to whom they discover their secrets and teach what may profit him. Then he said, O Hassan, bring the gear. But hardly did Hassan hear these words, then he went forth like a colt, led out to grass and spring-tide, and hastening to the shop, fetch the apparatus and set it before the Persian.

Starting point is 00:29:16 who pulled out a piece of paper and said, O Hassan, by the bond of bread and salt, Wirt there not dearer to me, than my son I would not let thee into the mysteries of this art, for I have none of the elixir left, save what is in this paper. But by and by I will compound the simples whereof it is composed, and I will make it before thee.

Starting point is 00:29:42 No, O my son, Hassan, that to every ten pounds of copper thou must set half a drachm of that which is in this paper, and the whole tin will presently become unalloyed virgin gold, presently adding. Oh, my son, oh, Hassan, there are in this paper three ounces Egyptian measure, and when it is spent, I will make the other and more. Hassan took the packet and finding there in a yellow powder, finer than the first, said to the Persian, Oh, my Lord, what is the name of this substance,

Starting point is 00:30:20 and where is it found, and how is it made? But he laughed, longing to get hold of the youth, and replied, of what dost thou question? Indeed, thou art a forward, boy. Do thy work and hold thy peace. So Hassan arose in fetching a, a brass platter from the house, shore it in shreds, and threw it into the melting pot. Then he scattered on it a little of the powder from the paper, and it became a lump of pure gold.

Starting point is 00:30:51 When he saw this, he joyed with exceeding joy and was filled with amazement and could think of nothing save the gold. But whilst he was occupied with taking up the lumps of metal from the melting pot, the Persian pulled out of his turban in haste a packet of Cretan bang, which if an elephant smelt, he would sleep from night to night, and cutting off a little thereof, put it in a piece of the sweetmeat. Then he said, O Hassan, thou art become my very son, and dearer to me than soul and wealth,

Starting point is 00:31:29 and I have a daughter who's like never have eyes beheld for beauty and loveliness, symmetry, and perfect grace. Now I see that thou befittest none but her, and she none but thee. Wherefore, if it be Allah's will, I will marry thee to her. Replied Hassan, I am thy servant, and what so good thou dost me, will be a deposit with the Almighty. And the Persian rejoined, O my son, have fair patience, and fair shall betide thee, therewith he gave him the piece of sweetmeat and he took it and kissing his hand put it in his mouth knowing not what was hidden for him in the after-time for only the lord of futurity knoweth the future

Starting point is 00:32:20 but hardly had he swallowed it then he fell down head foregoing heels and was lost to the world whereupon the persian seeing him in such a calamitous case rejoiced exceeding and cried, Oh, thou hast fallen into my snares, O gallows, Carion, O dog of the Arabs, this many a year have I sought thee, and now I have found thee, O Hassan. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the 781st night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan the goldsmith ate the bit of sweetmeat given to him by the Ajami and fell fainting to the ground, the Persian rejoiced exceedingly and cried, This many a year have I sought thee, and now I have found thee.

Starting point is 00:33:24 Then he girt himself and pinioned Hassan's arms, and binding his feet to his hands, laid him in a chest, which he emptied to that end and locked it upon him. moreover he cleared another chest and laying there in all hassan's valuables together with the piece of the first gold lump and the second ingot which he had made locked it with a padlock then he ran to the market and fetching a porter took up the two chests and made off with them to a place within sight of the city where he set them down on the sea-shore hard by a vessel at anchor there now this craft had been freighted and fitted out by the persian and her master was waiting him so when the crew saw him they came to him and bore the two chests on board then the persian called out to the rice or captain saying up and let us be off for i have done my desire and won my wish so the skipper sang out to the sailors saying weigh anchor and set sail and the ship put up and the ship put up to the sailor saying way anchor and set sail and the ship put out to sea with a fair wind. So far concerning the Persian, but as regards to Sassan's mother,

Starting point is 00:34:42 she awaited him till supper-time, but heard neither sound nor news of him. So she went into the house, and finding it thrown open, entered and saw no one there, and missed the two chests and their valuables. Wherefore she knew that her son was lost, and that doom had overtaken him, and she buffeted her face and rent her raiment, crying out and wailing and saying, Alas, my son, ah, alas, the fruit of my vitals, ah, and she recited these couplets. My patience fails me and grows anxiety, and with your absence growth of grief I see. By Allah, patience went, what time ye went, loss of all hope, how suffer patiently when lost my loved one how can joy i sleep who shall enjoy such life of low degree thou art gone and desolating house and home

Starting point is 00:35:47 hast foul the fount erst flowed from foulness free thou wast my fame my grace midfolk my stay mine aid was thou in all adversity perish the day when from from fowlness free thou wast my fame my grace midfolk my stay mine aid was thou in all adversity perish the day when from from mine eyes they bore, my friend, till sight I thy return to me. And she ceased not to weep and wail till the dawn, when the neighbors came into her and asked her of her son, and she told them what had befallen him with the Persian, assured that she should never, never see him again. Then she went round about the house, weeping and wending. She espied two lines written upon the wall, so she saw, sent for a scholar who read them to her, and they were these. Layla's phantom came by night when drowsiness had overcome me, toward morning while my

Starting point is 00:36:43 companions were sleeping in the desert. But when we awoke to behold the nightly phantom, I saw the air vacant, and the place of visitation was distant. When Asan's mother heard these lines, she shrieked and said, Yes, oh, my son, indeed the house is desolate, and the visitation place is distant. Then the neighbors took leave of her, and after they had prayed, that she might be vouchsafed patience, and speedy reunion with her son, went away. But she ceased not to weep all watches of the night and tides of the day, and she built a middlemost the house, a tomb whereupon

Starting point is 00:37:24 she let write Hassan's name and the date of his loss, and thenceforward she quitted it not, but made a habit of incessantly biting thereby night and day. Such was her case, but touching her son Hassan and the Ajami, this Persian was a Magian who hated Muslims with exceeding hatred and destroyed all who fell into his power. He was a lewd and filthy villain, a hanker after alchemy, an astrologer and a hunter of hidden hordes, such a one as he of whom quoth the poet. a dog dog fathered by dog grandsire bread no good in dog from dog race issued in for a knat no resting-place gives he who was composed of seed by all men shed the name of this accursed was barum the guabra and he was wont every year to take a muslim and cut his throat for his own purposes so when he had carried out his plot against his the goldsmith, they sailed on from dawn till dawn, when the ship made fast to the shore for the night,

Starting point is 00:38:43 and at sunrise, when they set sail again, Baram bade his black slaves and white servants bring him the chest wherein were Hassan. They did so, and he opened it, and taking out the young man made him sniff up vinegar and blew a powder into his nostrils. Hassan sneezed, and vomited the balm. Then opening his eyes, he looked about him right and left, and saw himself a middleward the sea on board a ship in full sail, and saw the Persian sitting by him, whereupon he knew that the accursed Magian had put a cheat on him, and that he had fallen into the very peril against which his mother had warned him. So he spake the saying which shall never shame the sayer to wit.

Starting point is 00:39:35 There is no majesty, and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious, the great. Verity, we are Allah's, and unto him we are returning. O my God, be thou gracious to me in thine appointment. Give me patience to endure this thine affliction, O Lord of the three worlds. Then he turned to the Persian and bespoke him, softly saying,

Starting point is 00:40:00 O my father, what fashion is this, and where is the covenant of bread and salt, and the oath thou swearest to me? But Barum stared at him and said, O dog, knoweth the like of me bond of bread and salt, I have slain of use like thee a thousand, save one, and thou shalt make up the thousand, and he cried out at him, and a son was silent, knowing that the fate shaft had shot him. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 2. Section 3 of The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8.

Starting point is 00:40:51 This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. According by Will Thompson, Franklin, Pennsylvania. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 3 When it was the 782nd night, she resumed,

Starting point is 00:41:27 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan beheld himself fallen into the hands of the damned Persian, he bespoke him softly, but gained not thereby, for the Ajami cried out at him in wrath, so he was silent, knowing that the fate shaft had shot him. Then the accursed bade loose his pinion bonds, and they gave him a little water to drink, whilst the Magian laughed and said,

Starting point is 00:41:55 By the virtue of the fire and the light and the shade and the heat, methought not thou wouldst fall into my nets but the fire empowered me over thee and helped me to lay hold upon thee that i might win my wish and return and make thee a sacrifice to her so she may accept of me quoth hasan thou hast foully betrayed bread and salt whereupon the megas raised his hand and dealt him such a buffet that he fell and biting the deck with his fore-teeth swooned away whilst the tears trickled down his cheeks. Then the Geber bade his servants light him a fire, and Hassan said, What wilt thou do with it? Replied the Magian, This is the fire, Lady of light, and sparkles bright. This it is I worship, and if thou wilt worship her even as I, verily, I will give thee half my monies,

Starting point is 00:42:51 and marry thee to my maiden daughter. Thereupon Hassan cried angrily at him, Woe to thee! Thou art a miscreant Magian. who to fire dost pray in lieu of the king of omnipotent sway, creator of night and day, and this is not but a calamity among creeds. At this the Magian was wroth, and said to him, wilt thou not then conform with me, O dog of the Arabs, and enter my faith?

Starting point is 00:43:19 But Hassan consented not to this. So the accursed Geber arose, and, prostrating himself to the fire, bade his pages throw him flat on his face. They did so, and he beat him with a hide whip made of plated thongs, till his flanks were laid open, whilst he cried aloud for aid, but none aided him, and besought protection, but none protected him. Then he raised his eyes to the all-powerful king, and sought of him succor in the name of the chosen prophet.

Starting point is 00:43:51 And indeed patience failed him, his tears ran down his cheeks like rain, and he repeated these couplets twain. impatience, oh my God, thy doom forecast, I'll bear, and thereby come thy grace at last. They've dealt us wrong, transgressed and ordered ill. Happily thy grace shall pardon what is past. Then the Magian bade his negro slaves, raise him to a sitting posture, and bring him somewhat of meat and drink. So they sat food before him, but he consented not to eat or drink, and Bahram ceased not to torment him day and night during the whole voyage,

Starting point is 00:44:31 whilst Hassan took patience and humbled himself in supplication before Almighty Allah, to whom belong honor and glory, whereby the Geber's heart was hardened against him. They ceased not to sail the sea three months, during which time Hassan was continually tortured, till Allah Almighty sent forth upon them a foul wind, and the sea grew black and rose against the ship. by reason of the fierce gale.

Starting point is 00:44:58 Whereupon quoth the captain and crew, By a law, this is all on account of the under-youth, who have been these three months in torture with this Magian. Indeed, this is not allowed of God the most high. Then they rose against the Magian, and slew his servants and all who were with him, which when he saw, he made sure of death and feared for himself. So he loosed Hassan from his bonds, and, pulling off the ragged, cloths that he had on, clad him in others, and made excuses to him and promised to teach him the

Starting point is 00:45:31 craft and restore him to his native land, saying, O my son, return me not evil, for that I have done with thee. Quoth Hassan, how can I ever rely upon me again? And quoth Bahram, O my son, but for sin there were no pardon. Indeed, I did all these doings with thee, but to try thy patience, and thou knowest that the case is altogether in the hands of Allah. so the crew and captain rejoiced in hasan's release and he called down blessings on them and praised the almighty and thanked him with this the wind was stilled and the sky cleared and with a fair breeze they continued their voyage then said hasan to bahram o master whither when dost thou replied the magean o my son i am bound for the mountain of clouds where is the elixir which we use in alchemy and the geber swore to him by the fire and the love-and-the-gibber swore to him by the fire and the love

Starting point is 00:46:25 light that he had no longer any cause to fear him. So Hassan's heart was set at ease, and rejoicing at the Persian's words, he continued to eat and drink and sleep with the Magian, who clad him in his own raiment. They ceased not sailing on other three months, when the ship came to anchor off a long shoreline of many colored pebbles, white and yellow and sky blue and black and every other hue, and the Magian sprang up and said, let us go ashore, for we have reached the place of our wish and will. So Hassan rose and landed with Bahram, after the Persian had commended his goods to the captain's care. They walked on inland, till they were far enough from the ship to be out of sight.

Starting point is 00:47:10 When Bahram sat down, and, taking from his pocket a kettle drum of copper and a silken strap, worked in gold with kerricks, beat the drum with the strap, until there arose a cloud of dust from the further side of the waist. Hassan marveled at the Magian's doings, and was afraid of him. He repented of having come ashore with him, and his color changed. But Bahram looked at him and said, What aileth thee, O my son? By the truth of the fire and the light, thou hast not to fear from me.

Starting point is 00:47:40 And, were it not that my wish may never be one save by thy means, I had not brought thee ashore. So rejoice in all good, for yonder cloud of dust is the dust of somewhat we will mount, and which will aid us to cut across this walled and make easy to us the hardships thereof. And Shara'azade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the 783rd night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the Persian said to Hassan, In very sooth, yonder dust cloud is the cloud of something we will mount,

Starting point is 00:48:16 and which will aid us to cut across this walled, and will make easy to us the hardships thereof. Presently the dust lifted off three shie-dramidaries, one of which Baram mounted and Hassan another. Then they loaded their victual on the third and fared on seven days, till they came to a wide champagne, and, descending into its mist, they saw a dome vaulted upon four pylasters of red gold. So they alighted, and, entering there under, ate and drank and took their rest. anon Hassan chanced to glance aside, and seeing from afar a something lofty, said to the Magian, What is that, O nuncle? Bahram replied, Tis a palace. And quoth, Hassan, wilt thou not go thither, that we may enter and there repose ourselves and solace ourselves with inspecting it? But the Persian was wroth, and said, Name not to me yonder palace, for therein dwelleth a foe,

Starting point is 00:49:14 with whom there befell me somewhat whereof this is no time to tell thee. Then he beat the kettle drum, and up came the dramataries, and they mounted and fared on other seven days. On the eighth day, the Magian said, O Hassan, what seest thou? Hassan replied, I see clouds and mists twixt east and west. Kuth Bahram, that has needed clouds nor mists,

Starting point is 00:49:40 but a vast mountain and a lofty, whereon the clouds split, and there are no clouds above it, for its exceeding height and surpassing elevation. Yon mount is my goal, and thereon is the need we seek. Tis for that I brought thee hither, for my wish may not be one save at thy hands. Hassan, hearing this, gave his life up for lost, and said to the Magian, By the right of that thou worshippest, and by the faith wherein thou believest, I conjure thee to tell me what is the object wherefore thou hast brought me. Bahram replied,

Starting point is 00:50:15 Save by means of an herb which groweth in the place where the clouds pass and whereon they split. Such a sight is yonder mountain upon whose head the herb groweth, and I purpose to send thee up thither to fetch it, and when we have it, I will show thee the secret of this craft which thou desirest to learn. Hassan answered in his fear, "'Tis well, O my master.' and indeed he despaired of life and wept for his parting from his parent and people and patrial stead repenting him of having gained said his mother and reciting these two couplets consider but thy lord his work shall bring comfort to thee with quick relief and near despair not when thou sufferest sorest bain in bane how many blessed boons appear

Starting point is 00:51:02 they ceased not faring on till they came to the foothills of that mountain where they halted and hassan saw thereon a palace and asked bahram what be yonder palace whereto he answered tis the abode of the john and ghouls and satans then the magyan alighted and making hassan also dismount from his dromedary kissed his head and said to him bear me no ill-will anent that i did with thee for i will keep guard over thee and thine assent to the palace and i conjured thee not to trick and cheat me of aught thou shalt bring therefrom and i and thou will share equally therein and hassan replied to hear is to obey Then Bahram opened a bag, and taking out a handmill and a sufficiency of wheat, ground the grain, and kneaded three round cakes of the flour, after which he lighted a fire and baked the banics. Then he took out the copper kettle drum and beat it with the broidered strap, whereupon up came the dromedaries. He chose out one and said, Harken, O my son, O Hassan, to what I am about to enjoin on me. And Hassan replied, Tis well. Bahram continued,

Starting point is 00:52:14 Lie down on the skin, and I will sow thee up therein, and lay thee on the ground, whereupon the racham birds will come to thee, and carry thee up to the mountain top. Take this knife with thee, and, when thou feelest that the birds have done flying and have set thee down, slid open therewith the knife, and come forth. The vultures will then take fright at thee and fly away.

Starting point is 00:52:38 Whereupon do thou look down from the mountain head, and speak to me, and I will tell thee what to do. So he sewed him up in the skin, placing therein three cakes and a leathern bottle full of water, and withdrew to a distance. Presently the vulture pounced upon him, and taking him up, flew away with him to the mountain top,

Starting point is 00:52:58 and there set him down. As soon as Hassan felt himself on the ground, he slipped the skin, and coming forth, called out to the Magian, who hearing his speech rejoiced and danced for excessive joy, saying to him, look behind thee and tell me what thou seest. Hassan looked, and, seeing many rotten bones and much wood, told Bahram, who said to him, This be what we need and seek. Make six bundles of the wood, and throw them down to me,

Starting point is 00:53:27 for this is wherewithal we do alchemy. So he threw him the six bundles, and when he had gotten them into his power, he said to Hassan, O gallows bird, I have won my wish of thee, and now, if thou wilt, thou mayst abide on this mountain, or cast thyself down to the earth and perish. So saying, he left him and went away, and Hassan exclaimed, There is no majesty, and there is no might save in Allah, the glorious, the great. This hound hath played traitor with me. And he sat bemoaning himself and reciting these couplets. When God upon a man possessed of reasoning, hearing, and sight,

Starting point is 00:54:06 his will and ought to pass would bring, he stops his ears and bowing. blinds his eyes and draws his wit from him, as one draws out the hairs to paste that cling, till his decrees fulfilled, he gives him back his wit, that therewithal he may receive admonishing. So say thou not of aught that haps, how happened it, for fate and fortune fixed do order everything. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. when it was the seven hundred and eighty-fourth night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the magean sent hassan to the mountain-top and made him throw down all he required he presently reviled him and left him and wended his ways and the youth exclaimed there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glorious the great this damned hound hath played the traitor then he rose to his feet and looked right and left, after which he walked on along the mountaintop, in mind making certain of death. He fared on thus till he came to the counter-slope of the mountain, along which he saw a dark blue sea,

Starting point is 00:55:20 dashing with billows clashing and yeasting waves, each as it were a lofty mount. So he sat down and repeated what he might of the quorum, and besought a law the most high to ease him of his troubles, or by death or by deliverance from such strahers. Then he recited for himself the funeral prayer, and cast himself down into the main. But the waves bore him up by Allah's grace, so that he reached the water unhurt, and the angel in whose charge is the sea watched over him, so that the billows bore him safe to land by the decree of the Most High. Thereupon he rejoiced and praised Almighty Allah, and thanked him,

Starting point is 00:56:02 after which he walked on in quest of something to eat, for stress of hunger. and came presently to the place where he had halted with the Magian, Bahram. Then he fared on a while, till behold, he caught sight of great palace, rising high in air, and he knew it for that of which he had questioned the Persian, and he had replied, Therein dwelleth a foe of mine. Hassan said to himself, By Allah, needs must I enter yonder palace, perchance relief awaiteth me there. So coming to it and finding the gate open, he entered the gate open,

Starting point is 00:56:36 He entered the vestibule, where he saw seated on a bench, two girls like twin moons, with a chesscloth before them, and they were at play. One of them raised her head to him, and cried out for joy, saying, By Allah, here is the son of Adam, and methinks tis he who Bahram the Magian brought hither this year. So Hassan, hearing her words, cast himself at their feet and wept with sore weeping and said, Yes, O my ladies, by Allah, I am indeed that. unhappy. Then said the younger damsel to her elder sister, bear witness against me, O my sister, that this is my brother by covenant of Allah,

Starting point is 00:57:15 and that I will die for his death and live for his life and joy for his joy and mourn for his mourning. So saying, she rose and embraced him and kissed him, and presently taking him by the hand and her sister with her, led him into the palace, where she did off with his ragged clothes, and brought him a suit of king's raiment, wherewithshed she, she arrayed him. Moreover, she made ready all manner vions and set them before him, and sat and ate with him, she and her sister. Then said they to him, tell us thy tale with yonder dog, the wicked, the wizard, from the time of thy falling into his hands to that of thy freeing thee from him. And after we will tell thee all that hath passed between us and him, so thou mayst be

Starting point is 00:58:02 on thy guard against him, and thou see him again. Hearing thee, these words and finding himself thus kindly received, Hassan took heart of grace, and reason returned to him, and he related to them all that had befallen him with the Magian from first to last. Then they asked, "'Tids thou ask him of this palace?' And he answered, "'Yes, but he said,

Starting point is 00:58:24 "'Name it not to me, for it belongeth to ghouls and Satan's. At this the two damsels waxed wroth with exceeding wrath, and said, did that miscreant style us ghouls and satans? And Hassan answered, Yes, cried the younger sister, by Allah, I will surely do him die with the foulest death And make him to lack the wind of the world.

Starting point is 00:58:48 Quoth Hassan, and how wilt thou get at him To kill him, for he is a crafty magician? And quoth she, He is in a garden by name Al-Mushayad, And there is no help but that I slay him before long. Then said her sister, Sooth spake Hassan in everything he hath recounted to us of this cur, but now tell him our tale, that all of it may abide in his memory. So the younger said to him,

Starting point is 00:59:16 No, O my brother, that we are the daughters of a king of the mightiest kings of the Jan, having marids for troops and guards and servants, and Almighty Allah blessed him with seven daughters by one wife, but of his folly such jealousy and stiff-neckedness and prong, pride beyond compare, get hold upon him, that he would not give us in marriage to anyone, and, summoning his wazirs and emirs, he said to them, Can ye tell me of any place untrodden by the tread of men and gin, and abounding in trees and fruits and rills?

Starting point is 00:59:50 And quoth they, What wilt thou therewith, O king of the age? And quoth he, I desire there to lodge my seven daughters. Answered they, O king, the place for them is at the castle of the age. mountain of clouds built by an ifrit of the rebellious gin who revolted from the covenant of our lord solomon on whom be the peace since his destruction none hath dwelt there nor man nor jinny for tis cut off and none may win to it and the castle is gird about with trees and fruits and rills and the water running around it is sweeter than honey and colder than snow no one who is afflicted with leprosy or elephantiasis or what not else drinketh thereof but he is healed forthright hearing this our father sent us hither with an escort of his troops and guards and provided us with all that we need here when he is minded to ride to us he beateth a kettle-drum whereupon all his hosts present themselves before him and he chooseth whom he shall ride and dismisseth the rest but when he desireth that we shall visit him he commandeth his followers the enchanters to fetch us and carry us to the presence so he may solace himself with our society and we accomplish our desire of him after which they again carry us back hither

Starting point is 01:01:12 our five other sisters are gone a-hunting in our desert wherein our wild beasts past comte or calculation and it being our turn to do this we to abide at home to make ready for them food indeed we had besought allah extolled and exalted be he to vouchsefus's son of adam to cheer us with his company and praised be he who hath brought thee to us so be of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool and clear for no harm shall befall thee hassan rejoiced and said alhamdolillah laud to the lord who guideth us into the path of deliverance and inclineth hearts to us then his sister rose and taking him by the hand led him into a private chamber where she brought out to him linen and furniture that no mortal can avail unto presently the other damsels returned from hunting and birding, and their sisters acquainted them with Hassan's case, whereupon they rejoiced in him, and going into him in his chamber, saluted him with the salaab, and gave him joy of his safety. Then he abode with them in all the solace of life and its joyance, riding out with them to the chase, and taking his pleasure with them whilst they entreated him courteously, and cheered him

Starting point is 01:02:28 with converse, till his sadness ceased from him, and he recovered health and strength, and his body waxed stout and fat. by dint of fair treatment and pleasant time among the seven moons in that fair palace with its gardens and flowers. For indeed he led the delightsomeest of lives with the damsels who delighted in him and he yet more in them. And they used to give him drink of the honeydew of their lips, these beauties with the high bosoms, adorned with grace and loveliness, the perfection of brilliancy and in shape very symmetry. Moreover, the youngest princess told her sisters how Bahram the Magian had made them of the ghouls and demons and Satan's, and they swear that they would surely slay him.

Starting point is 01:03:13 Next year the accursed Geber again made his appearance, having with him a handsome young Muslim, as he were the moon, bound hand and foot and tormented with grievous tortures, and alighted with him below the palace walls. Now Hassan was sitting under the trees by the side of the stream, and when he espied Bahram, his heart fluttered, his hue changed, and he smote hand upon hand. And Sharazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 3. Section 4 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 01:04:04 information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 4. When it was the 785th night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan the goldsmith saw the Magian, his heart fluttered. His hue changed, and he smote hand upon hand. Then he said to the princesses, O my sisters, help me to the slaughter of this accursed, for here he is come back and in your grasp,

Starting point is 01:04:45 and he leadeth with him captive, a young Muslim of the sons of the notables, whom he is torturing with all manner of grievous torments. Leif would I kill him and console my heart of him, and by delivering the young Muslim from his mischief, and restoring him to his country and kith and kin and friends, fain would I lay up merit for the world to come, by taking my rick of him. This will be an almsdeed from you, and ye will reap the reward thereof from the Almighty Allah. We hear and we obey Allah and thee, O our brother, O Hassan, replied they, and binding chin-vails armed themselves and slung on their swords, after which they brought Hassan a steed of the best,

Starting point is 01:05:26 and equipped him in panoply and weaponed him with goodly weapons. Then they all sallied out and found the Magian who had slaughtered and skinned a camel, ill using the young Muslim, and saying to him, sit thee in this hide. So Hassan came behind him, without his knowledge, and cried out at him till he was dazed and amazed. Then he came up to him saying, Hold thy hand o'er accursed, O enemy of Allah and foe of the Muslims, O dog, O traitor, O thou that flame dost obey, O thou that walkest in the wicked ones' ways, worship the fire and the light and swearing by the shade and the heat. Herewith, the Magian turned and seeing Hassan thought to wheedle him and said to him, O my son, how didst thou escape, and who brought thee down to earth? Hassan replied,

Starting point is 01:06:14 He delivered me, who hath appointed the taking of thy life to be at my hand, and I will torture thee even as thou torturedest me the whole way long. Oh, miscreant, O atheist, thou hast fallen into the twist and the way thou hast missed, and neither mother shall avail thee nor brother, nor friend, nor solemn covenant shall assist thee, for thou saidest, O accursed, whoso betrayeth bread and salt, may Allah do vengeance upon him, and thou hast broken the bond of bread and salt, wherefore thy almighty have thrown thee into my grasp, and far is thy chance of escape from me. Rejoined Baram, by Allah, oh my son, O Hassan, thou art dearer to me than my sprite, and the light of my eyes,

Starting point is 01:07:00 But Hassan stepped up to him and hastily smote him between the shoulders that the sword issued gleaming from his throat tendons, and Allah hurried his soul to the fire and abiding-place dire. Then Hassan took the Magian's bag and opened it. Then, having taken out the kettle-drum, he struck it with the strap, whereupon up came the dromedaries like lightning. So he unbound the youth from his bonds, and setting him on one of the camels,

Starting point is 01:07:27 loaded him another with victual and water, saying when whither thou wilt, so he departed, after Almighty Allah had thus delivered him from his strait at the hands of Hassan. When the damsels saw their brothers slay the Magian, they joyed in him with exceeding joy and got round him, marvelling at his valor and prowess, and thanked him for his deed and gave him joy of his safety, saying, O Hassan, thou hast done a deed whereby thou hast healed the burning of him that thirst us for vengeance, and please the king of omnipotence. Then they returned to the palace, and he abode with them, eating and drinking and laughing, and making merry, and indeed his sojourn with them was joyous to him, and he forgot his mother.

Starting point is 01:08:11 But while he led with them this goodly life, one day, behold, there arose from the further side of the desert a great cloud of dust that darkened the welkin and made towards them. When the princes saw this, they said to him, rise, O Hassan, run to thy chamber and conceal thyself, or, and thou wilt, go down into the garden and hide thyself among the trees and vines, but fear not, for no harm shall befall thee. So he arose, and entering his chamber, locked the door upon himself and lay lurking in the palace. Presently the dust opened out and showed beneath it a great conquering host, as it were a surging sea, coming from the king, the father of the damsels. Now, when the troops reached the castle, the princesses received them

Starting point is 01:08:54 with all honor and hospitably entertained them three days, after which they questioned them of their case and tidings, and they replied saying, we come from the king in quest of you, they asked, and what would the king with us? And the officers answered, one of the kings maketh a marriage festival, and your father would have you be present thereat and take your pleasure therewith. The damsels inquired, and how long shall we be absent from our place? And they rejoined. The time to come and go and to sojourn maybe two months. So the princess arose, and going into the palace, sought Hassan, acquainted him with the case, and said to him,

Starting point is 01:09:31 Verily, this place is thy place, and our house is thy house. So be of good cheer, and keep thine eyes cool and clear, and feel nor grief nor fear, for none can come at thee here, but keep a good heart and a glad mind till we return to thee. The keys of our chambers we leave with thee, but, O our brother, we beseech thee, by the bond of brotherhood, in the very deed not to open such a door, for thou hast no need thereto. Then they farewelled him and fared forth with the troops, leaving Hassan alone in the palace.

Starting point is 01:10:04 It was not long before his breast grew straightened, and his patience shortened. Solitude and sadness were very heavy on him, and he sorrowed for his severance from them with passing chagrin. The palace, for all its vastness, waxed small to him, and finding himself sad and solitary, he bethought him of the damsels and their pleasant converse, and recited these couplets. The wide plain is narrowed before these eyes, and the landscape troubles this heart of mine. Since my friends went forth, by the loss of them joy fled, and these eyelids rail floods of brine. Sleep shunned these eyeballs for parting woe, and my mind is worn with sore pain and pine.

Starting point is 01:10:45 Would I wot and time shall rejoin our lots, and the joys of love with night-talk. combine. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the seven hundred and eighty-sixth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that after the departure of the damsels, Hassan sat in the palace, sad and solitary, and his breast was straightened by severance. He used to ride forth a hunting by himself in the wool, and bring back the game and slaughter it and eat thereof alone. But melancholy and disquiet, redoubled on him by reason of his loneliness.

Starting point is 01:11:23 So he arose and went round about the palace and explored its every part. He opened the princess's apartments and found therein riches and treasures fit to ravish the beholder's reason, but he delighted not in awe thereof by reason of their absence. His heart was fired by thinking of the door they had charged him not to approach or open on any account, and he said in himself, My sister had never enjoined me not to open this door, except there were behind it somewhat whereof she would have none to know.

Starting point is 01:11:53 But by Allah, I will arise and open it and see what is within, though within it were sudden death. Then he took the key, and opening the door, saw therein no treasure, but he espied a vaulted and winding staircase of Yamani Onyx at the upper end of the chamber. So he mounted the stair which brought him out upon the terrace roof of the palace. "'Wence he looked down upon the gardens and verdures, "'full of trees and fruits and beasts and birds, "'wobling praises of Allah, the one, the all-powerful,

Starting point is 01:12:25 "'and said in himself, "'This is that they forbade to me? "'He gazed upon these pleasances "'and saw beyond a surging sea, "'dashing with clashing billows, "'and he ceased not to explore the palace right and left, "'till he ended at a pavilion, "'built with alternate courses,

Starting point is 01:12:43 "'two bricks of gold and one of silver, and Jassinth and emerald and supported by four columns. And in the center he saw a sitting-room paved and lined with a mosaic of all manner precious stones, such as rubies and emeralds and ballases and other jewels of sorts, and in its mist stood a basin brimful of water, over which was a trellis-work of sandalwood and allowswood, reticulated with rods of red gold and wands of emerald and set with various kinds of jewels and fine pearls,

Starting point is 01:13:15 each sized as a pigeon's egg. The trellis was covered with a climbing vine, bearing grapes like rubies, and beside the basin stood a throne of ling aloes, latticed with red gold, inlaid with great pearls, and comprising very-coloured gems of every sort and precious minerals,

Starting point is 01:13:33 each kind, fronting each, and symmetrically disposed. About it, the birds warbled with sweet tones and various voices celebrating the praises of Allah the most high, brief it was a palace such as nor Caesar nor Chosros ever owned. But Hassan saw therein none of the creatures of Allah, whereat he marvelled and said in himself,

Starting point is 01:13:55 I wonder to which of the kings this place pertaineth, or is it many-columed Iran, whereof they tell, for who among mortals can avail to the leg of this? And indeed he was amazed at the spectacle, and sat down in the pavilion and cast glances around him, marvelling at the beauty of its ordinance, and at the luster of the pearls and jewels, and the curious work which therein were, no less than at the gardens and orchards aforesaid, and at the birds that hymned the praises of Allah, the one the Almighty, and he abode pondering

Starting point is 01:14:28 the traces of him who the most high had enabled to rear that structure, for indeed he is much of might. And presently, behold, he espied ten birds flying toward the pavilion from the heart of the desert, and knew that they were making the palace and bound for the basin to drink of its waters. So he hid himself, for fear they should see him and take flight. They lighted on a great tree, and a goodly encircled round about it, and he saw amongst them a bird of marvelled beauty, the goodliest of them all, and the nine stood around it and did its service, and Hassan marveled to see it peck them with its bill, and lorded over them while they fled from it. He stood gazing at them from afar as they entered the pavilion and perched on the couch, after which each bird rent open its

Starting point is 01:15:15 neck-skin with its claws, and issued out of it, and lo! It was but a garment of feathers, and there came forth therefrom ten virgins, maids whose beauty shamed the brilliancy of the moon. They all doffed their clothes, and plunging into the basin, washed and fell to playing and sporting with one another, whilst the chief bird of them lifted up the rest and ducked them down, and they fled from her and dared not put forth their hands to her. When Hassan beheld her thus, he took leave of his right reason and his sense was enslaved, so he knew that the princesses had not forbidden him to open the door,

Starting point is 01:15:52 save because of this, for he fell passionately in love with her, for what he saw of her beauty and loveliness, symmetry and perfect grace, as she played and sported and splashed the others with the water. He stood looking upon them whilst they saw him not, with eye gazing and heart burning and soul to evil prompting, and he sighed to be with them and wept for longing,

Starting point is 01:16:15 because of the beauty and loveliness of the chief damsel. His mind was amazed at her charms, and his heart taken in the net of her love. Lo was loosed in his heart for her sake, and there waxed on him a flame, whose sparks might not be quenched, and desire whose signs might not be hidden. Presently, they came up out of that basin,

Starting point is 01:16:34 whilst Hassan marveled at their beauty and loveliness and the tokens of inner gifts in the elegance of their movements. Then he cast a glance at the chief damsel, who stood mother-naked, and there was manifest to him what was between her thighs a goodly rounded dome on pillars born, like the bowl of silver or crystal, which recalled to him the sane of the poet. When I took up her shift and discovered the terrace roof of her case, I found it as straight as my humor, or eke my worldly ways, so I thrust it, incontinent in, halfway, and she heaved a sigh, for what dost thou sigh, quoth I? For the rest of it, sure, she says. Then coming out of the water, they all put on their dresses and ornaments, and the chief maiden

Starting point is 01:17:23 Donde green dress, wherein she surpassed for loveliness all the fair ones of the world, and the luster of her face outshone the resplendent full moons. She excelled the branches with the grace of her bending gait, and confounded the wit with apprehension of disdain, and indeed she was, as saith the poet. A maiden twas, the dresser's art had decked with cunning slight, The sun thou't'st-stay had robbed her cheek, And shone with borrowed light.

Starting point is 01:17:51 She came to us appareled fair in under vest of green, Like as the ripe pomegranate hides beneath its leafy's crows. and when we asked her what might be the name of what she wore she answered in a quaint reply that double meaning bore the desert's heart we penetrate in such apparel dressed and pierce heart therefore is the name by which we call the best and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and seized saying her permitted say. When it was the seven hundred and eighty-seventh night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan saw the damsels issue forth from the basin, the chief maiden robbed his reason with her beauty and loveliness, compelling him to recite the couplets, forequoted. And after dressing, they sat talking and laughing, whilst he stood gazing on them,

Starting point is 01:18:44 drowned in the sea of his love, burning in the flames of passion and wandering in the wadi of his melancholy thought, and he said to himself, by Allah, my sister forbade me not to open the door, but for cause of these maidens, and for fear lest I should fall in love with one of them, how, O'Hasan, shalt thou woo and win them? How'll bring down a bird flying in the vasty firmament. By Allah, thou hast cast thyself into the bottomless sea, ensnared thyself in a net, whence there is no escape. I shall die desolate, and none shall wot off my death. And he continued to gaze on the charms of the chief damsel, who was the loveliest creature Allah had made in her day, and indeed she outdid in beauty all human beings. She had a mouth

Starting point is 01:19:28 magical, a solemn seal, and hair blacker than the night of estrangement to the love-disbearing man. Her brow was bright as the crescent moon of the feast of Ramadan, and her eyes were like the eyes were with gazelle's skin she had polished nose straight as a cane and cheeks like blood-red anemones of new mom lips like corleen and teeth like strung pearls and carcannets of gold virgin to man and a neck like an ingot of silver above a shape like a wand of ban her middle was full of folds a dimpled plain such as in forcet the distracted lover to magnify allah and extol his might and main and her navel an ounce of musk sweetest of savor could contain she had thighs great and plump like marble columns twain or bolsters stuffed with down from ostrich tain and between them a somewhat as it were a hummock great of span or a hair with ears back lane while terrace roof and pilasters completed the plan and indeed she surpassed the bow of the myrobalon with her beauty and symmetry and the indian ratan for she was even as saith of them the poet whom love did unman her lip-dews rival honey-sweets that sweet virginity keener than hindi scimitar the glance she casts at thee she shames the bending bow of bond with graceful movement slow and as she smiles her teeth appear with levin's brilliancy when i compared with rosa bloom the tintage of her cheeks she laughed in scorn and cried who so compares with rosary my hue and grass granado's terms is there no shame in him how should pomegranates bear on boughs such fruit in form or bleat now by my beauty and mine eyes and heart and eke by heaven a favour's mine and by the hell of my unclemency

Starting point is 01:21:25 they say she is a garden rose in the very pride of bloom and yet no rose can ape my cheek nor branch my symmetry if any garden own a thing which unto me is like what then is that he comes to crave of me and only me they ceased not to laugh and play whilst hasan stood still a-watching them forgetting meat and drink till near the hour of mid-afternoon prayer when the beauty the chief damsel said to her mates o king's daughters it waxes late and our land is afar, and we are weary of this stead. Come, therefore, let us depart to our own place. So they all arose, and donned their feather vests, and becoming birds as they were before, flew away altogether with the chief lady in their midst. Then, Hassan, sparing of their return, would have arisen and gone down into the palace, but could not move or even stand. Wherefore, the tears ran down his cheeks, and passion was sore on him, and he recited these couplets. deny me boon of troth if i after your absence sweets of slumber know yea since that severance never close mine eyes nor rest repose me since departed you

Starting point is 01:22:37 twould seem as though you saw me in your sleep would heaven the dreams of sleep were real true indeed i doot on sleep though needed not for sleep may bring me that dear form to view then hasan walked on little by little heeding not the way he went till he reached the foot of the stairs once he dragged him to his own chamber then he entered and shutting the door lay sick eating not nor drinking and drowned in the sea of his solitude he spent the night thus weeping and bemoaning himself till the morning and when it morrowed he repeated these couplets the birds took flight at eve and winged their way and sinless he who died of love's death blow i'll keep my love-tale secret while i can but and desire prevail its needs must show night brought me nightly vision bright as dawn while nights of my desire lack mourning glow i mourn for them while they heart freest sleep and winds of love on me their plaything blow free i bestow my tears my wealth my heart my wit my sprite a most gain whom most bestow the worst of woes and bains this enmity beautiful maidens deal us to our woe favour they say is forbidden to the fair and shedding lover's blood their laws allow that naught can love-sick do but lavish soul and stake in love-play life on single throw i cry in longing ardour for my love lover can only weep and wail love low when the sun rose he opened the door went forth of the chamber and mounted to the stead where he was before then he sat down facing the pavilion and awaited the return of the birds till nightfall but they returned not wherefore he wept till he fell to the ground in a fainting fit when he came to after his swoon he dragged himself down the stairs to his chamber and indeed the darkness was come and straightened upon him was the whole world and he seized not to weep and wail himself through the live-long night till the day

Starting point is 01:24:36 day broke, and the sun reigned over hill and dale its rays serene. He ate not, nor drank, nor slept, nor was there any rest for him. But by day he was distracted, and by night distressed, with sleeplessness, delirious, and drunken with melancholy thought, and excess of love-longing. And he repeated the verses of the love-distraught poet, O thou who shame's son in morning sheen, the branch confounding, yet with nascent's blest, would have an eye what, and time shall bring return, and quench the fires which flame unmanifest. Bring us together in a close embrace, thy cheek upon my cheek, thy breast a breast. Who saith in love dwells sweetness, when in love are bitterer days than allows bitterest?

Starting point is 01:25:23 And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 4, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 5 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous.

Starting point is 01:26:04 Translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 5. When it was the 78th night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan the goldsmith felt love redoubled upon him, he recited those lines, and as he abode thus in the stress of his love distraction, alone and finding none to cheer him with company, behold, there arose a dust-cloud from the desert, wherefore he ran down and hid himself, knowing that the princesses who owned the castle had returned. Before long, the troops halted and dismounted round the palace, and the seven damsels alighted, and entering put off their arms and armor of war. As for the youngest, she stayed not to

Starting point is 01:26:50 doff her weapons and gear, but went straight to Hassan's chamber, where, finding him not, she sought for him till she lighted on him in one of the sleeping closets hidden, feeble and thin, with shrunken body and wasted bones, and indeed his color was changed, and his eyes sunken in his face for lack of of food and drink and for much weeping, by reason of his love and longing for the young lady. When she saw him in this plight, she was confounded and lost her wits, but presently she questioned him of his case and what had befallen him, saying, tell me what aileth thee, O my brother, that I may contrive to do away with thine affliction, and I will be thy ransom, whereupon he wept with sore weeping, and by way of reply he began reciting,

Starting point is 01:27:35 lover, when parted from the thing he loves, has not save weary woe and bane to bear, inside his sickness, outside living low, his first his fancy and his last despair. When his sister heard this, she marvelled at his eloquence and loquence speech, and his readiness at answering her in verse, and said to him, O my brother, when didst thou fall into this thy case, and what hath betided thee, that I find thee speaking in song, and shedding tears, that throng. Allah upon thee, O my brother, and by the honest love which is between us, tell me what aileth thee, and discover to me thy secret, nor conceal from me ought of that which hath befallen thee in our

Starting point is 01:28:17 absence, for my breast is straightened, and my life is troubled because of thee. He sighed and railed tears like rain, after which he said, I fear, O my sister, if I tell thee that thou thou will not aid me to win my wish, but will leave me to die wretchedly in mine anguish. She replied, No, by Allah, O my brother, I will not abandon thee, though it cost me my life. So he told her all that had befallen him, and that the cause of his distress and affliction was the passion he had conceived for the young lady

Starting point is 01:28:49 whom he had seen when he opened the forbidden door, and how he had not tasted meat nor drink for ten days past. Then he wept with sore weeping, and recited these couplets. Restore my heart as twas within my breast, let mine eyes sleep again then fly fro me deem ye the knights have had the might to change love's vow who changeth may he never be his sister wept for his weeping and was moved to ruth for his case and pitied his strangerhood so she said to him o my brother be of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool and clear for i will venture being and risk existence to content thee and devise thee a device wherewith though it cost me my dear life and all I hold dear thou mayest get possession of her and accomplish thy desire, if such be the will of Allah Almighty. But I charge thee, O my brother, keep the matter secret from my sisterhood,

Starting point is 01:29:45 and discover not thy case to any one of them, lest my life be lost with thy life. And they questioned thee of opening the forbidden door, replied to them, I opened it not, no, never, but I was troubled at heart for your absence, and by my loneliness here and yearning for you, and he answered, yes, this is. the right reed. So he kissed her head and his heart was comforted and his bosom broadened. He had been nigh upon death for excess of a fright, for he had gone in fear of her by reason of his having opened the door, but now his life and soul returned to him. Then he sought of her somewhat of food, and after serving it she left him, and went into her sisters, weeping and

Starting point is 01:30:25 mourning for him. They questioned her of her case, and she told them how she was heavy at heart for her brother, because he was sick, and for ten days no food had found way into his stomach. So they asked the cause of his sickness, and she answered, The reason was our severance from him, and our leaving him desolate. For these days we have been absent from him were longer to him than a thousand years, and scant blame to him, seeing he is a stranger and solitary, and we left him alone, with none to company with him or hearten his heart. more by token that he is but a youth,

Starting point is 01:31:00 and maybe he called to mind his family and his mother, who is a woman in years, and bethought him that she weepeth for him all wiles of the day and watches of the night, ever morning his loss, and we used to solace him with our society and divert him from thinking of her. When her sisters heard these words, they wept in stress of their distress for him,

Starting point is 01:31:21 and said, Wah Ali, for Allah, he is not to blame. Then they went out to the army and dismissed it. after which they went into hasan and saluted him with the salam when they saw his charms changed with yellow color and shrunken body they wept for very pity and sat by his side and comforted him and cheered him with converse relating to him all they had seen by way of the wonders and rarities and what had befallen the bridegroom with the bride they abode with him thus a whole month tendering him and caressing him with words sweeter than syrup but every day sickness was added to his sickness which when they saw they'd be wept him with sore weeping and the youngest wept even more than the rest At the end of this time, the princesses, having made up their minds to ride forth a-hunting and a-birding, invited their sister to accompany them. But she said, By Allah, O my sisters, I cannot go forth with you whilst my brother is in this plight,

Starting point is 01:32:18 nor indeed till he be restoresth to health, and there are seeds from him that which is with him of affliction. Rather will I sit with him and comfort him. They thanked her for her kindness, and said to her, Allah will requite thee all thou dost with this stranger. Then they left her with him, in the palace, and rode forth, taking with them twenty days victual. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the seven hundred and eighty-ninth night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the princesses mounted and rode forth a hunting and a birding, after leaving in the palace their youngest sister, sitting by Hassan's side.

Starting point is 01:32:59 And as soon as the damsel knew that they had covered a long distance from home, she went into him and said, Oh, my brother, come, show me the place where thou saw'st the maidens. He rejoiced in her words, making sure of winning his wish, and replied, Bishmila, on my head. Then he essayed to rise and show her the place, but could not walk, so she took him up in her arms, holding him to her bosom between her breasts, and opening the staircase door, carried him to the top of the palace,

Starting point is 01:33:28 and he showed her the pavilion where he had seen the girls, and the basin of water wherein they had bathed. Then she said to him, Set forth to me, oh, my brother, their case and how they came. So he described to her what so he had seen of them, and especially the girl of whom he was enamored. But hearing these words, she knew her, and her cheeks paled, and her case changed. Quoth he,

Starting point is 01:33:50 Oh, my sister, what aileth thee to wax wan and be troubled? And quoth she, Oh, my brother, know thou that this young lady is the daughter of a sovereign of the John, of one of the most puissant of their kings, and her father had dominion over men and gin, and wizards, and coens, and tribal chiefs and guards, and in countries and cities, and islands galore, and hath immense wealth in store. Our father is a viceroy, and one of his vassals, and none can avail against him, for the multitude of his many and the extent of his empire, and the muchness of his monies. He hath assigned to his offspring the daughters thou saw,

Starting point is 01:34:30 a tract of country, a whole year's journey in length and breadth, a region girt about with a great river and a deep, and thereto none may attain, nor man nor jan. He hath an army of women smiters with swords and lungers with lances, five and twenty thousand in number, each of whom when as she mounteth steed and donneth battle-gear, eveneth a thousand knights of the bravest. Moreover, he has seven daughters,

Starting point is 01:34:59 who in valor and prowess equal and even excel their sisters, and he hath made the eldest of them, the damsel whom thou sawst, queen over the country aforesaid, and who is the wisest of her sisters, and in valor and horsemanship and craft and skill, and magic, excels all the folk of her dominions. The girls who accompanied with her are the ladies of her court,

Starting point is 01:35:22 and guards and grandees of her empire, and the plumed skins wherewith they fly, are the handiwork, of enchanters of the Jan. Now, and thou wouldst get possession of this queen and wed this jewel seldom seen, and enjoy her beauty and loveliness and grace, do thou pay heed to my words, and keep them in thy memory. They resort to this place on the first day of every month, and thou must take seat here and watch for them, and when thou seest them coming, hide thee near the pavilion, sitting where thou mayest see them without being seen of them, and beware,

Starting point is 01:35:58 again beware lest thou show thyself or we shall all lose our lives when they do off their dress note which is the feather chute of her whom thou lovest and take it and it only for this it is that carieth her to her country and when thou hast mastered it thou hast mastered her and beware lest she wiled thee saying o thou who hast robbed my raiment restore it to me because here am i in thine hands and at thy mercy for For, and thou give it to her, she will kill thee, And break down over us palace and pavilion, and slay our sire. Know then thy case and how thou shalt act. When her companions see that her feather suit is stolen, They will take flight and leave her to thee, And beware, lest thou show thyself to them. But wait till they have flown away, and she despairth of them.

Starting point is 01:36:50 Whereupon do thou go into her, and hail her by the hair of her head, and drag her to thee, which being done, she will be at thy name. mercy. And I read thee discover not to her that thou hast taken the feather suit, but keep it with care, for so long as thou hast it in hold, she is thy prisoner and in thy power, seeing that she cannot fly to her country, save with it. And lastly, carry her down to thy chamber where she will be thine. When Hassan heard her words, his heart became at ease. His trouble seized, and affliction left him. So he rose to his feet, and kissing his sister's head went down from the terrace with her into the palace where they slept that night. He medicineed himself till morning morrowed, and when the sun rose, he sprang up and opened the staircase door,

Starting point is 01:37:38 and descending to the flat roof, sat there till supper-tide when his sister brought him up somewhat of meat and drink, and a change of clothes, and he slept. And thus they continued doing day by day until the end of the month. When he saw the new moon, he rejoiced and began to watch for the birds, and while he was thus, behold, up they came like lightning. As soon as he espied them, he hid himself where he could watch them, unwatched by them, and they lighted down one and all of them, and putting off their clothes, descended into the basin. All this took place near the stead where Hassan lay concealed, and as soon as he caught sight of the girl he loved, he arose and crept under cover,

Starting point is 01:38:20 little by little, towards the dresses. And Allah veiled him, so that none marked his approach, approach, for they were laughing and playing with one another till he laid hand on the dress. Now, when they had made an end of their diversion, they came forth of the basin, and each of them slipped on her feather suit. But the damsel he loved sought for her plumage that she might put it on, but found it not. Whereupon she shrieked and beat her cheeks and rent her raiment. Her sisterhood came to her, and asked what ailed her, and she told them that her feather suit was missing, wherefore they wept and shrieked and buffeted their faces, and they were confounded,

Starting point is 01:38:59 wotting not the cause of this, and knew not what to do. Presently the knight overtook them, and they feared to abide with her lest that which had befallen her should befall them also. So they farewelled her, and flying away, left her alone upon the terrace roof of the palace by the pavilion basin, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say, when it was the seven hundred and nineties night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when hasan had carried off the girl's plumery she sought it but found it not and her sisterhood flew away leaving her alone when they were out of sight hasan gave ear to her and heard her say oh who has taken my dress and stripped me i beseech thee to restore it to me and cover my shame so may allah never make thee taste of my tribulation when Hassan heard her speak thus, with speech sweeter than syrup, his love for her redoubled, passion got the mastery of his reason and he had not patience to endure from her.

Starting point is 01:40:06 So, springing up from his hiding place, he rushed upon her, and laying hold of her by the hair, dragged her to him and carried her down to the basement of the palace, and set her in his own chamber, where he threw over her a silken cloak and left her weeping and biting her hands. he shut the door upon her, and going to his sister, informed her how he had made prize of slover, and carried her to his sleeping closet. And there, Quothi, she is now sitting, weeping and biting

Starting point is 01:40:35 her hands. When his sister heard this, she rose forthright and betook herself to the chamber, where she found the captive weeping and mourning, so she kissed ground before her and saluted her with the salaam. And the young lady said to her, O kings thought her, do folk like you do such foul deed with the daughters of kings? Thou knowest that my father is a mighty sovereign, and that all the liege-lords of the Jin stand in awe of him and fear his majesty, for that there are with him magicians and sages, and coens and satans and Mareids, such as none may cope with all, and under his hand are folk whose number none knoweth save Allah.

Starting point is 01:41:16 How then doth it become you, O daughters of kings, to harbor mortal men with you and disclosed to them our case and yours else how should this man a stranger come at us hasan's sister made reply o king's daughter in very sooth this human is perfect in nobleness and purposeth thee no villainy but he loveth thee and women were not made save for men did he not love thee had he not fallen sick for thy sake and well might give it up the ghost for desire of thee and she told her the whole tale how hasan had seen her bathing in the basin with her attendance and fallen in love with her, and none had pleased him but she, for the rest were all her handmaids, and none had availed to put forth a hand to her. When the princess heard this, she despaired of deliverance, and presently Hassan's sister went forth, and brought her a costly dress, wherein she robed her. Then she set before her somewhat of meat and drink, and ate with her, and heartened her heart, and soothed her sorrows. And she ceased not to speak her fair with soft and pleasant words, saying, have pity on him who saw thee once and became as one slain by thy love,

Starting point is 01:42:25 and continued to console her and caress her, quoting fair says in pleasant instances. But she wept till daybreak, when her troubles subsided, and she left shedding tears, knowing that she had fallen into the net, and that there was no deliverance for her. Then said she to Hassan's sister, O King's daughter, with this my strangerhood, and severance from my country and sisterhood, which Allah wrote upon my brow, patience becometh me to support what my lord hath for ordained. Therewith, the youngest princess assigned her a chamber in the palace,

Starting point is 01:42:59 then which there was none goodlier, and ceased not to sit with her, and console her, and solace her heart, till she was satisfied with her lot, and her bosom was broadened, and she laughed, and there seized from her what troubled and oppression possessed her, by reason of her separation from her people, and country, and sisterhood and parents. thereupon Hassan's sister repaired to him and said, Arise, go into her in her chamber and kiss her hands and feet. So he went into her and did this and bust her between the eyes, saying,

Starting point is 01:43:30 O princess of fair ones and life of sprites, and beholder's delight, Be easy of heart, for I took thee only that I might be thy bondsman till the day of doom, and this my sister will be thy servant, for I, oh my lady, desired not but to take thee to wife, after the law of Allah and the practice of his apostle. And when as thou wilt, I will journey with thee to my country, and carry thee to Baghdad City, and abide with thee there. Moreover, I will buy thee handmaidens and negro chattels, and I have a mother, the best of women, who will do thee service.

Starting point is 01:44:06 There is no goodlier land than our land. Everything therein is better than elsewhere, and its folk are a pleasant people and bright of face. now as he bespake her thus and straved to comfort her what while she answered him not a syllable lo there came a knocking at the palace gate so hasan went out to see who was at the door and found there the six princesses who had returned from hunting and birding whereat he rejoiced and went to meet them and welcome them they wished him safety and health and he wished them the light after which they dismounted and going each to her chamber doffed their soiled clothes and donned fine linen then they came forth and demanded the game, for they had taken a store of gazelles and wild cows, hares and lions, hyenas, and others, so their sweet brought out some thereof for butchering, keeping the rest by them in the palace, and Hassan girt himself and fell to slaughtering for them

Starting point is 01:45:03 in due form, whilst they sported and made merry, joying with great joy to see him standing amongst them hail and hearty once more. When they had made an end of slaughtering, they sat down and addressed themselves to get ready somewhat for breaking their fast. And Hassan, coming up to the eldest princess, kissed her head, and on likewise did he with the rest, one after other.

Starting point is 01:45:27 Whereupon said they to him, Indeed, thou humblest thyself to us passing measure, O our brother, and we marvel at the excess of the affection thou showest us. But Allah forfend that thou shouldst do this thing, Which it behooveth us rather to do with thee, Seeing thou art a man, and therefore worthier than we, Who are of the gin. Therefore his eyes brimmed with tears, and he wept sore.

Starting point is 01:45:53 So they said to him, What causeth thee to weep? Indeed, thou troublest our pleasant lives with thy weeping this day. T'would seem thou longest after thy mother and native land. And things be so, we will equip thee and carry thee to thy home, and thy friends. He replied, by a law, a desire not to part from you. Then they asked, which of us hath vex thee, that thou art thus troubled. But he was ashamed to say, Not troubleth me save love of a damsel, lest they should deny and disavow him,

Starting point is 01:46:26 so he was silent, and would tell them nothing of his case. Then his sister came forward and said to them, He hath caught a bird from the air, and would have you help him to tame her, whereupon they all turned to him and cried, Where hath thy service every one of us, and whatsoever thou seekest, that will we do. But tell us thy tale and conceal from us not of thy case. So he said to his sister, Do thou tell them, for I am ashamed before them,

Starting point is 01:46:53 nor can I face them with these words. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 5, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 6 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain.

Starting point is 01:47:25 For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton 1821 through 1890, Section 6. When it was the 791st night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Hassan said to his sister, Do thou tell them my tale,

Starting point is 01:47:56 For before them I stand abashed, Nor can I face them with these words. So she said to them, O my sisters, when we went away and left a loneliness unhappy one, the palace was straightened upon him, and he feared lest someone should come into him, for ye know of the sons of Adam are light of wits. So he opened the door of the staircase leading to the roof, of his loneliness and trouble, and sat there, looking upon the wadi and watching the gate,

Starting point is 01:48:23 in his fear lest any should come thither. One day, as he sat thus, suddenly he saw ten birds approach him, making for the palace, and they lighted down on the brink of the basin, which is in the pavilion terrace. He watched these birds and saw amongst them one goodlier than the rest, which pecked the others and flouted them, whilst none of them dared put out a claw to it.

Starting point is 01:48:48 Presently, they set their nails to their neck-collars, and rending their feather suits, came forth their from and became damsels, each and every, like the moon on fullest night. Then they adolphed their dresses, and plunging into the water, fell to playing with one another, whilst the chief damsel docked the others, who dared not lay a finger on her,

Starting point is 01:49:09 and she was fairest of favor, and most famous of form, and most fideous of finery. They ceased not to be in this case till near the hour of mid-afternoon prayer, when they came forth of the basin, and, donning their feather shifts, flew away home. Thereupon he waxed, distracted, with a heart of fire for love of the chief damsel, and repenting him that he had not stolen her plumbering. Wherefore he fell sick, and abode on the palace roof expecting her return, and abstaining from meat and drink and sleep. And he seized not to be so till the new moon showed,

Starting point is 01:49:45 when behold, they again made their appearance, according to custom, and doffing their dresses, went down into the basin. So he stole the chief damsel's feather suit, knowing that she could not fly save therewith, hiding himself carefully, lest they sight him and slay him. then he waited till the rest had flown away when he arose and seized the damsel carrying her down from the terrace into the castle her sisters asked where is she and she answered she is with him in such a chamber quoth they describe her to us o our sister so quoth she she is fairer than the moon on the night of fullness and her face is shenier than the sun the dew of her lips is sweeter than honey and her shape is straighter and slenderer than the cane one with eyes blithe and her face is shinier than the sun the dew of her lips is sweeter than her hair one with eyes bluish black as night and brow flower white, a bosom jewel bright, breasts like pomegranates twain, and cheeks like apples twain, a waist with dimples overlaying, a navel like a casket of ivory

Starting point is 01:50:43 full of musk and grain, and legs like columns of alabastrian vein. She ravisheth all hearts with nature-cold eye, and a waist slender fine, and hips of heaviest design in speech that heals all pain and pine. She is goodly of shape and sweet of smile, as she were the moon in fullest sheen and shine. When the princesses heard these praises, they turned to Husson and said to him, Show her to us, so he arose with them, all love distraught, and carrying them to the chamber, wherein was the captive damsel, opened the door and entered, preceding the seven princesses. Now, when they saw her and noted her loveliness, they kissed the ground between her hands, marveling at the fairness of her favor and the significance which showed her inner gifts,

Starting point is 01:51:30 and said to her, By Allah, O daughter of the sovereign supreme, this is indeed a mighty matter, and hadst thou heard tell of this mortal among women thou hadst marvelled at him all thy days? Indeed, he loveth thee with passionate love, yet, O king's daughter, he seeketh not lewdness, but desireth thee only in the way of lawful wedlock. Had we known that maids can do without men, we had impeached him from his intent, albeit he sent thee no messenger, but came to thee in person, and he telleth us that he hath burnt the feather dress, else had we taken it from him. Then one of them agreed with the princess,

Starting point is 01:52:07 and becoming her deputy in the matter of the wedding contract, performed the marriage ceremony between them. Walst Hassan clapped palms with her, laying his hand in hers, and she wedded him to the damsel by consent, after which they celebrated her bridal feast, as Beseemeth King's daughters, and brought Hassan into her. So he rose and rent the veil and opened the gate, and pierced the forge, and break the seal, whereupon affection for her waxed in him, and he redoubled in love and longing for her. Then, since he had gotten that which he sought, he gave himself joy and improvised these couplets. Thy shape's temptation, eyes as hoary's fain, and shedeth beauty's sheen that radiance rare. My glance portrayed thy glorious portraiture, rubies one half, and jean,

Starting point is 01:52:54 The third part were. Mosque made a fifth, sixth was ambergris, The sixth they pearl, but pearl without compare. Eve never bear a daughter, Evening thee, Nor breeze thy light in cooled celestial air, And thou would torture me tis want of love, And if thou pardon tis thy choice, I swear, Then, O world brightener,

Starting point is 01:53:16 And O end of wish, Loss of thy charms, who could in patience bear? And Scheherazade, Perceive the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the seven hundred and ninety-second night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king,

Starting point is 01:53:33 that when Hassan went in unto the king's daughter, and did away with her maidenhead, he enjoyed her with exceeding joy, and affection for her waxed in him, and he redoubled in love-longing for her, so he recited the lines aforesaid. Now, the princesses were standing at the door, and when they heard his verses,

Starting point is 01:53:51 they said to her, O king's daughter, hearest thou the words of this mortal? How canst thou blame us, seen that he maketh poetry for love of thee, and indeed he hath so done a thousand times? When she heard this, she rejoiced and was glad and felt happy, and Hassan abode with her forty days in all solace and delight,

Starting point is 01:54:10 joyance and happiest plight, whilst the damsels renewed festivities for him every day, and overwhelmed him with bounty and presents and rarities, and the king's daughter became reconciled to her sojourn of, amongst them and forgot her kith and kin. At the end of the forty days, Hassan saw in a dream one night, his mother mourning for him, and indeed her bones were wasted, and her body had waxed drunken, and her complexion had yellowed, and her favor had changed the while he was in excellent case. When she saw him in this state, she said to him, O my son, O Hassan, how is it that thou livest thy worldly

Starting point is 01:54:47 life at thine ease and forgettest me? Look at my plight since thy loss. I do not forget thee, nor will my tongue cease to name thy name till I die, and I have made thee a tomb in my house that I may never forget thee. Would heaven I knew if I shall live, O my son, to see thee by my side, and if we shall ever again foregather as we were. Thereupon Hassan awoke from sleep, weeping and wailing,

Starting point is 01:55:13 the tears railed down his cheeks like rain, and he became mournful and melancholy. His tears dried not, nor did sleep visit him, but he had no rest and no patience with him. left to him. When he arose, the princesses came into him and gave him good morrow, and made marry with him as was their wont. But he paid no heed to them. So they asked his wife, concerning his case, and she said, I cannot, Quothay, question him of his condition. So she went up to him and said, What aileth thee, O my lord? Whereupon he moaned and groaned and told her what he had

Starting point is 01:55:46 seen in his dream and repeated these two couplets. Indeed, afflicted, so are we in Aldershot, seeking for union, yet we find no way, and loves calamities upon us grow, and love though light with heaviest weight doth way. His wife repeated to the princesses what he said, and they, hearing the verses, had pity on him, and said to him, in Allah's name, do as thou wilt, for we may not hinder thee from visiting thy mother, nay, we will help thee to thy wish by what means we may, but it behooveth that thou desert us not, but visit us, though it be only once a year. and he answered to hear is to obey be your behest on my head and eyes then they arose forthright and making him ready victual for the voyage equipped the bride for him with raiment and ornaments and everything of price such as defy description and they bestowed on him gifts and presents which pens of ready writers lack power to set forth then they beat the magical kettle-drum and up came the dromedaries from all sides they chose of them such as could carry all the gear they had prepared amongst the rest five and twenty chests of gold and fifty of silver, and Mountine Hassan and his bride on others

Starting point is 01:56:58 rode with them three days, wherein they accomplished a march of three months. Then they bade them farewell and addressed themselves to return, whereupon his sister, the youngest damsel, threw herself on Hassan's neck and wept till she fainted. When she came to herself, she repeated these two couplets. Near dawn the severance day on any wise that robs of sleep these heavy-litted eyes, from us and thee it hath fair union torn it wastes our force and makes our forms its prize her verse is finished she farewelled him straightly charging him whenas he should have come to his native land and have foregathered with his mother and set his heart at ease to fail not of visiting her once in every six months and saying, If ought grieve thee, or thou fear ought of vexation, Beat the Magian's kettle-drum, or upon the dromedary shall come to thee,

Starting point is 01:57:50 And do thou mount and return to us, and persist not in staying away. He swore thus to do, and conjured them to go home. So they returned to the palace, mourning for their separation from him, especially the youngest, with whom no rest would stay, nor would patience her call obey, but she wept night and day. Thus it was with them, but as regards Hassan and his wife, they fared on by day and night

Starting point is 01:58:15 over plain and desert sight and valley in stony heights through noontide glare and dawn's soft light, and Allah decreed them safety, so they reached Basora City without hindrance and made their camels kneel at the door of his house. Hassam then dismissed the dramataries, and going up to the door to open it,

Starting point is 01:58:34 heard his mother weeping, and in a faint strain, from a heart worn with parting pain, and on fire with consuming bane, reciting these couplets, how shall he taste of sleep who lacks repose, who wakes a night when all in slumberworn? He owned wealth and family and fame, yet fared from house and home and exile loan. Live coal beneath his ribs he bears for bane, and mighty longing, mightier near was known. Passion hath seized him, passion mastered him, yet is he constant,

Starting point is 01:59:07 while he maketh moan. His case for love proclaimeth I that he, as prove his tears, is wretched, woe be gone. When Hassan heard his mother weeping and wailing, he wept also, and knocked at the door, a loud knock, quoth she, who is at the door? And quoth he, open, whereupon she opened the door, and knowing him at first sight fell down in a fainting fit. But he seized not to tend her till she came to herself, when he embraced her and she embraced him, and kissed him, whilst his wife looked on, mother and son. Then he carried his goods, and gear into the house, while his mother, for that her heart was comforted, and Allah had reunited her with her son, versified with these couplets. Fortune had Ruth upon my plight, pitied my long, long bane and blight, gave me what I would

Starting point is 01:59:57 leafest sight, and set me free from all affright. So pardon I the sin that sin, ned she in days, evanes evanes'enished quite, e'en to the sin she sinned when she bleached my hair parting silver and white, and Scheherazade, perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted saying. When it was the seven hundred and ninety-third night, she pursued, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Hassan with his mother, then sat talking, and she asked him, How fairest thou, O my son, with the Persian? Whereto he answered, oh my mother he was no Persian but a Magian who worshipped the fire not the all-powerful sire then he told her how he dealt with him and that he had journeyed with him to the mountain of clouds and sewed him up in camel-skin and how the vultures had taken him up and set him down on the summit and what he had seen there of dead foe whom the Magian had deluded and left to die on the crest after they had done his desire and he told her how he had cast himself from the mountaintop into the sea and Allah the most High had preserved him and brought him to the palace of the seven princesses, and how the youngest of

Starting point is 02:01:04 them had taken him to brother, and he had sojourned with them till the Almighty brought the Magian to the place where he was, and he slew him. Moreover, he told her of his passion for the king's daughter, and how he had made prize of her, and have seen her in sleep and all else that had befallen him, up to the time when Allah vouchsafed them reunion. She wondered at historian, praise the Lord, who had restored him to her in health and safety. Then she rose and examined the baggage and loads and questioned him of them. So he told her what was in them,

Starting point is 02:01:36 whereat she joyed with exceeding joy. Then she went up to the king's daughter, talk with her, and bear her company. But when her eyes fell on her, her wits were confounded at her brilliancy, and she rejoiced and marveled at her beauty and loveliness and symmetry and perfect grace. And she sat down beside her,

Starting point is 02:01:54 cheering her and comforting her heart, while she never ceased to repeat. Alhanda, oh my son, for thy return to me safe and sound. Next morning early, she went down into the market, and bought mighty fine furniture and ten suits of the richest raiment in the city, and clad the young wife and adorned her with everything seeming. Then, said she to Hassan, oh, my son, we cannot tarry in this town with all this wealth,

Starting point is 02:02:19 for thou knowest that we are poor folk, and the people will suspect us of practicing alchemy. So come, let us depart to Baghdad, the house of peace, where we may dwell in the callous sanctuary, and thou shalt sit in a shop to buy and sell, in the fear of Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, and he shall open to thee the door of blessings with this wealth. Hassan approved her counsel, and going forth straightway, sold the house and some of the dromedaries, which he loaded with all his goods and gear, together with his mother and wife. Then he went down to the Tigris, where he hired him a craft to carry them to Baghdad,

Starting point is 02:02:53 and embarked therein in all his possessions and his mother and wife. They sailed up the river with a fair wind for ten days till they drew in sight of Baghdad, at which they all rejoiced, and the ship landed them in the city, where without stay or delay, Hassan hired a storehouse in one of the caravanseries and transported his goods thither. He lodged that night in the calm, and on the morrow he changed his clothes and going down into the city inquired for a broker. The folk directed him to one, and when the broker saw him,

Starting point is 02:03:23 he asked him what he lacked. Quothi, I want a house, a handsome one, and spacious. So the broker showed him the houses at his disposal, and he chose one that belonged to one of the wazirs, and buying it of him for a hundred thousand gold dinars, gave him the price. Then he returned to his caravansary, and removed all his goods and money to the house, after which he went down to the market, and bought all the mansion needed of vessels and carpets and other household stuff, besides servants and eunuchs, including a little black boy for the house. He abode with his wife in all solace and delight of life three years, during which time he was vouchsafed by her two sons, one of whom he named Nassir and the other Mansour.

Starting point is 02:04:06 But at the end of this time he bethought him of his sisters, the princesses, and called to mind all their goodness to him, and how they had helped him to his desire. So he longed after them, and going out to the market streets of the city, bought trinkets and costly stuffs and fruit confections such as they had never seen or known. His mother asked him the reason of his buying these rarities, and he answered, I purpose to visit my sisters who showed me every kind of kindness, and all the wealth that I at present enjoy is due to their goodness and munificence, wherefore I will journey to them and return soon, inshallah. Quoth she, O my son, be not long absent from me, and quoth he, no, oh my mother, how thou shalt do with my wife.

Starting point is 02:04:47 here is her feather dress in a chest buried underground in such a place do thou watch over it lest haply she hap on it and take it for she would fly away she and her children and i should never hear of them again and should die of grieving for them wherefore take heed o my mother while i warn thee that thou name this not to her thou must know that she is the daughter of a king of the gin than whom there is not a greater among the sovereigns of the jan nor a richer in troops and treasure and she is mistress of her people, and dearest to her father of all he have. Moreover, she is passing high-spirited, so do thou serve her thyself and suffer her not to go forth the door, neither look out of the window nor over the wall, for I fear the air for her when it bloweth, and if fought befell her of the calamities of this world, I should slay myself for her sake. She replied, O my son, I take refuge with Allah from gainsaying thee, thee, am I mad that thou should slay this charge on me, and I disobey thee therein? depart o my son with heart at ease and please allah soon thou shalt return in safety and see her and she shall tell thee how i have dealt with her but tarry not o my son beyond the time of travel and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say.

Starting point is 02:06:05 End of Section 6, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 7 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Perkin, 1821 to 1890. Section 7. When it was the 794th night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan had determined to visit the princesses,

Starting point is 02:06:54 he gave his mother the orders we have mentioned. Now, as fate would have it, his wife heard what he said to his mother, and neither of them knew it. Then Hassan went with all, the city and beat the kettle drum, whereupon up came dramataries, and he loaded twenty of them with rarities of all Iraq, after which he returned to his mother, and repeated his charge to her, and took leave of her and his wife and children, one of whom was a yearling babe, and the other two years old. Then he mounted and fared on, without stopping night or day, over hills and valleys and plains and wastes, for a term of ten days, till on the eleventh he reached the palace and went into his sisters, with the gifts he had brought them. The princesses rejoiced at his sight and gave

Starting point is 02:07:40 him joy of his safety, whilst his sister decorated the palace within and without. Then they took the presents, and lodging him in a chamber as before, asked him of his mother and his wife, and he told them that she had borne him two sons. Then the youngest princess, seeing him well and in good case, joyed with exceeding joy, and repeated this couplet, if ever ask for news of you from whatso breezes pass, and never any but yourselves can pass across my mind. Then he abode with them in all honor and hospitality for three months, spending his time in feasting and merry-making, joy and delight, hunting and sporting. So fared it with him, but as regards his wife,

Starting point is 02:08:20 she abode with his mother two days after her husband's departure, and on the third day she said to her, "'Glory, be to God, have I lived within three years, and shall I never go to the bath?' Then she wept. and Hassan's mother had pity on her condition and said to her, Oh my daughter, here we are strangers and thy husband is abroad. Where he at home, he would serve thee himself.

Starting point is 02:08:43 But as for me, I know no one. However, O my daughter, I will heat thee water and wash thy head in the Hamon bath, which is in the house. Answered the king's daughter, O my lady, Hats thou spoken thus to one of the slave girls, she had demanded to be sold in the sultan's open market, and had not abode with thee. Men are excusable, because they are justly,

Starting point is 02:09:03 and the reason telleth them that if a woman go forth the house happily she will do frowardness but women o my lady are not all equal and the like and thou knowest that if a woman have a mind to aught whether it be the humon or what not else none hath power over her to guard her or keep her chaste or debar her from her desire for she will do what so she willeth and not restaneth her but her reason in her religion then she wept and cursed fate and bemoaned herself and her strangerhood till Hassan's mother was moved to Ruth for her case, and knew that all she said but was truth, and that there was nothing for it but to let her have her way. So she committed the affair to Allah, extolled and exalted be he, and making ready all that they needed for the bath, took her and went with her to the Hamam.

Starting point is 02:09:50 She carried her two little sons with her, and when they entered they put off their clothes, and all the women fell to gazing on the princess and glorifying God, to whom belonged might and majesty, for that he had created sons, so fair a form. The women of the city, even those who were passing by, flocked to gaze upon her, and the report of her was noised about in Baghdad till the bath was crowded that there was no passing through it. Now it chanced there was present on that day, and on the rare occasion, with the rest of the

Starting point is 02:10:20 women in the Hamam, one of the slave-girls of the commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid, by name Tofa, the lieutenantist, and she, finding the hamam overcrowded and no passing for the throng of women and girls asked what was to do, and they told her of the young lady, so she walked up to her, and, considering her closely, was amazed at her grace and loveliness, and glorified God, magnified be his majesty, for the fair forms he hath created. The sight hindered her from her bath, so that she went not farther in, nor washed, but sat staring at the princess, till she had made an end of bathing, and coming forth of the calderium dawned her raiment, whereupon beauty was added to her beauty. She sat down on the divan whilst the women gazed upon her. Then she looked at them

Starting point is 02:11:06 and veiling herself, went out. Tofa went out with her and followed her till she saw where she dwelt. When she left her and returned to the Caliph's palace, and seized not wending till she went in to the Lady Zubedah and kissed ground between her hands, whereupon quoth her mistress, O Tofa, why hast thou tarried in the Hamam? She replied, oh my lady, I have seen a marvel. Never saw i it's like amongst men or women and this it was that distracted me and dazed my wit and amazed me so that i forgot even to wash my head asked subeda and what was that and tofa answered oh my lady i saw a damsel in the bath having with her two little boys like moans i never espied her like nor before her nor after her neither is there the fellow of her form in the whole world nor her

Starting point is 02:11:55 peer amongst ajams or turks or arabs by the minifiscence o my lord lady, and thou told us the commander of the faithful of her, he would slay her husband and take her from him, for her life is not to be found among women. I asked of her mate, and they told me that he is a merchant Hassan of Basor Haight. Moreover, I followed her from the bath to her own house, and found it to be that of the wazir, with the two gates, one opening on a river and the other on the land. Indeed, O my lady, I fear lest the prince of the true believers hear of her, and break the law and slay her husband and take loveliest with her. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased sane, her permitted say. When it was the 795th night, she continued,

Starting point is 02:12:40 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Tofa, after seeing the king's daughter, described her beauty to the lady Zubeda, ending with, indeed, oh, my mistress, I fear lest the prince of true believers hear of her, and break the law, and slay her mate and take her to wife. Zubida cried, Woe to the O Tofa! Say me, does this damsel display such passing beauty and loveliness

Starting point is 02:13:03 that the commander of the faithful should on her account barter his soul's good for his worldly lust and break the holy law? By Allah, needs must I look on her? And if she be not as thou sayest, I will bid strike off a head.

Starting point is 02:13:17 O strumpet, there are in the Calus Saraglio three hundred and three-score slave-girls After the number of the days of the year, yet is there none amongst them so excellent as thou describest? Tofa replied, No, by Allah, oh, my lady, nor is there her like in all Baghdad, no, nor amongst the Arabs, or the Dalamites,

Starting point is 02:13:37 nor hath Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, created the like of her. Thereupon Zubedah called for Masr, the eunuch, who came and kissed the ground before her, and she said to him, O Masr, go to the wazir's house, that with the two gates, one giving on water and the other on the land, and bring me the damsel who dwelleth there.

Starting point is 02:13:56 Also, her two children, and the old woman who is with her, and haste thou and tarry not. Said Masr, I hear and I obey, and repairing to Hassan's house knocked at the door. Quoth the old woman, who is at the door? And quoth the Masr, the eunuch of the commander of the faithful. So she opened the door, and he entered and saluted her with the salaam, whereupon she returned his salute and asked his need, and he replied, the Lady Zubedah, daughter of Al-Kasim and queen's spouse of the commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid,

Starting point is 02:14:29 sixth of the sons of al-Abas, paternal uncle of the prophet, whom Allah bless and keep, summeth thee to her, thee and thy son's wife and her children, for the women have told her anent her and her beauty. Rejoined the old woman, oh, my lord, Masra, we are foreigner-folk and the girl's husband, my son, who is abroad and far from home, hath strictly charged me not to go forth, nor let her go forth in his absence, neither show her to any of the creatures of Allah Almighty, and I fear me, if ought befall her, and he come back, he will slay himself, wherefore, of thy favour I beseech thee, O Masr,

Starting point is 02:15:06 requirest not of that whereof we are unable. Maser retorted, O my lady, if I knew ought to be feared for you in this, I would not require you to go. The lady Zubedah desireth but to see her, and then she may return. So disobey not, or thou wilt thou wiltry, repent, and like as I take you, I will bring you both back in safety, inshallah. Hassan's mother could not gainsay him, so she went in and making the damsel ready, brought her and her children forth, and they all followed Masr to the palace of the caliphate, where he carried

Starting point is 02:15:38 them in and seated them on the floor before the lady Zubedah. They kissed ground before her, and called down blessings upon her, and Zubedah said to the young lady, who was veiled, Will thou not uncover thy face that I may look on it? So she, She kissed the ground between her hands and discovered a face which put to shame the full moon in the height of heaven. Zubeda fixed her eyes on her and let their glances wander over her, whilst the palace was illumined by the light of her countenance, whereupon the queen and the whole company were amazed at her beauty, and all who looked on her became gin mad and unable to bespeak one another. As for Zubeda, she rose and making the damsel stand up, strained her to her bosom,

Starting point is 02:16:20 and seated her by herself on the couch. Moreover, she bade decorate the palace in her honor, and calling for a suit of the richest raiment, and a necklace of the rarest ornaments put them upon her. Then, said she to her, O liege lady of fair ones, verily thou astoundest me and fillest mine eyes, what art snowest thou? She replied, O my lady, I have a dress of feathers, and could I but put it on before thee, thou would see one of the fairest effacions and marvel thereat, and all who saw it would talk of its goodliness, generation after generation.

Starting point is 02:16:54 Zoubeda asked, And where is this dress of thine? And the damsel answered, Tis with my husband's mother, do thou seek it for me of her? So Zubedah said to the old woman, O my lady the pilgrimess, O my mother, go forth and fetch us her feather dress,

Starting point is 02:17:09 that we may solace ourselves by looking on what she will do, and after take it back again replied the old woman oh my lady this damsel is a liar past thou ever seen any of womankind with a dress of feathers indeed this belongeth only to birds but the damsel said to the lady as thou livest o my lady she hath a feather dress of mine and it is in a chest which is buried in such a store closet in the house so zubidah took off her neck a rivory of jewels worth all the treasures of chosros and caesar and gave it to the old woman saying, oh my mother, I conjured thee by my life, take this necklace and go and fetch us this dress, that we may divert ourselves with the sight thereof, and after, take it again. But she swore to her that she had never seen any such dress, and wist not what the damsel meant by her speech. Then the lady Zubedau cried out at her, and taking the key from her, called Masrur, and said to him as soon as he came, take this key and go to the house, then open it and

Starting point is 02:18:10 enter a store closet there, whose door is such and such and a middlemost of it, thou wilt find a chest buried. Take it out and break it open, and bring me the feather dress, which is therein, and set it before me. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized, saying, her permitted say, when it was the seven hundred and ninety-sixth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the lady Zubeda, having taken the key from Hassan's mother handed it to Masrera, saying, Take this key and open such a closet, then bring forth of it the chest,

Starting point is 02:18:45 break it open, bring me the feather dress, which is therein, and set it before me. Harkening and obedience, replied he, and taking the key went forth, whereupon the old woman arose and followed him, weeping-eyed, and repenting of her having given ear to the damsela, gone with her to the bath, for her desire to go thither was but a device.

Starting point is 02:19:05 So she went with him to the house, and opened the door of the closet, and he entered and brought out the chest. Then he took there from the feather dress, and wrapping it in a napkin, carried it to the Lady Zubedah, who took it and turned it about, marvelling at the beauty of its make,

Starting point is 02:19:19 after which she gave it to the damsel, saying, Is this thy dress of feathers? She replied, yes, oh, my lady, and at once, putting forth her hand, took it joyfully. Then she examined it and rejoiced to find it whole as it was,

Starting point is 02:19:33 not a feather gone. So she rose and came down from beside the Lady Zubedah, and taking her sons in her bosom, wrapped herself in the feather dress, and became a bird, by the ordinance of Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, whereat Zubidah marveled as did all who were present.

Starting point is 02:19:50 Then she walked with a swaying and graceful gait, and danced and sported and flacked her wings, whilst all eyes were fixed on her, and all marveled at what she did. Then, said she with fluent tongue, is this goodly, oh my ladies? And they replied, Yes, oh princess of her.

Starting point is 02:20:07 the fair, all thou dost as goodly, said she, and this, oh, my mistresses, that I am about to do, is better yet. Then she spread her wings, and flying up with her children to the dome of the palace, perched on the saloon roof, whilst Ceyal looked at her wide-eyed, and said, by Allah, this is indeed a rare in peregrine fashion, never saw we it's like. Then, as she was about to take flight for her own land, she bethought her of Hassan, and said, Hark ye, my mistresses, and she improvised these couplets. O who has quitted these abodes, and ferrets leaf and light, to other objects of thy love with fain and fastest flight,

Starting point is 02:20:48 deemest thou that bided I with you in solace and in joy, or that my days amid you all were clear of pain and blight. When I was captive, tain of love, and snared in his snare, he made of love my prison, and he fared for me, forthright. so when my fear was hidden he made sure that near should i pray to the one the omnipotent to render me my right he charged his mother keep the secret with all the care she could in closet shut and treated me with enemies despite but i o'heard their words and held them fast in memory and hoped for fortune fair and wheel and blessings infinite my faring to the hammond bath and prove to me the means of making minds of folk to be confounded at my sight wondered the bride of al-Rashid to see my brilliancy when she beheld me right and left with all of beauty dight then quoth i o our caliph's wife i once was wont to own a dress of feathers rich and rare that did the eyes delight and it were now on me thou shouldst indeed see wondrous things that would efface all sorrows and disperse all sores of sprite then deigned our callus bride to cry where is that dressethine and i replied in house of him that kept darklyness the night night. So down upon it pounced Masrour, and brought it unto her, and when twas there each feather cast a ray of

Starting point is 02:22:09 beaming light. Therewith I took it from his hand, and opened it straightway, and saw its plumed bosom, and its buttons pleased my sight. And so I clad myself therein, and took with me my babes, and spread my wings, and flew away with all my main and might, saying, O husband's mother mine, tell him when comeeth he, and ever wouldest meet her thou from house and home must flee. When she had made an end of her verses, the Lady Zubeda said to her, Will thou not come down to us, that we may take our fill of thy beauty,

Starting point is 02:22:41 O fairest of the fair, glory be to him who hath given the eloquence and brilliance. But she said, Far be from me that the past return should see. Then said she to the mother of the hapless, wretched Hassan, By Allah, O my lady, O mother of my husband, it irketh me to part from thee, but whenas thy son cometh to thee and upon him the knights of severance longsome shall be and he craveth reunion and meeting to sea and whenas breezes of love and longing shake him dolefully let him come in the islands of walk to me

Starting point is 02:23:14 Then she took flight with her children and sought her own country, whilst the old woman wept and beat her face and moaned and groan till she swooned away. When she came to herself, she said to the lady Zubedah, O my lady, what is this thou hast thou hast thou said thou, thou haste, that she was done? And Zubedaa said to her, O my lady the pilgrimus, I knew not that this would happen, and hadst thou told me of the case and acquainted me with her condition, I had not gained said thee, nor did I know until now that she was of the flying gin, else I had not suffered her to don the dress, nor permitted her to take her children. But now, O my lady, words profit nothing, so do thou acquit me of offence against thee, and the old woman could do no otherwise,

Starting point is 02:23:56 then shortly answer, thou art acquitted. Then she went forth the palace of the caliphate, and returned to her own house, where she buffeted her face till she swooned away. When she came to herself, she pined for her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren, and for the sight of her son and versified with these couplets your faring on the parting day drew many a tear from me who must you're flying from the home long morn in misery and cried i for the parting pang in anguish like as fire and tear-floods chafed mine eyelids sore that near of tears were free yes this is severance ah shall we ere joy return of you for your departure hath deprived my power of privacy ah would they had returned to me in covenant of faith, and they return perhaps restore of past these Ine may see. Then arising, she dug in the house three graves, and betook herself to them with weeping all wiles of the day and watches of the night, and when her son's absence was longsome upon

Starting point is 02:24:56 her, and grief and yearning and unquiet waxed upon her, she recited these couplets. Deep in mine eyeballs ever dwells the phantom form of thee, my heart, when throbbing or at rest, holds fast thy memory, and love of thee doth never cease to course within my breast, as coarse the juices in the fruits which deck the branchy tree. And every day I see thee not, my bosom straightened is, and even censures excuse the woes in me they see. O thou whose love hath gotten hold the foremost in the heart, of me whose fondness is excelled by mine insanity, fear the compassionate in my case, and some compassion show, Love of thee makes me taste of death in bitterest pungency,

Starting point is 02:25:40 and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 7, recorded by Sylvia M. B. in Washington State. Section 8 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox. recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State, the book of a thousand nights and a night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 8.

Starting point is 02:26:26 When it was the 797th night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Hassan's mother be wept through the watches of the night and the wiles of the day, her separation from her son, and his wife and children, on this wise it fared with her but as regards hassan when he came to the princesses they conjured him to tarry with them for three months after which long sojourn they gave him five loads of gold and the like of silver and one load of victual and accompanied him on his homeward way till he conjured them to return whereupon they farewelled him with an embrace but the youngest came up to him to bid him adieu and clasping his neck wept till she fainted then she recited these two couplets when shall the severance fire be quenched by union love with you when shall i win my wish of you in days that were renew the parting day affrighted me and wrought me dire dismay and doubleth woe o master mine by the sad word adieu anon came forward the second princess and embraced him and recited these two couplets farewelling thee indeed is like to bidding life farewell and like the loss of zephyr tis to lose thee far our sight thine absente thine absentee is a flaming fire which burneth up my heart, and in thy presence I enjoy the gardens of delight.

Starting point is 02:27:48 Presently came forward the third, and embraced him and recited these two couplets. We left not taking leave of thee, when bound to other goal, from aught of ill intention or from weariness and dull. Thou art my soul, my very soul, the only soul of me, and how shall I farewell myself and say, adieu, my soul? After her came forward the fourth, and embraced him, and recited these two couplets. Not guard me weep, save where and when of severance spake he, persisting in his cruel will with sore persistency. Look at this pearl-like ornament I've hung upon mine ear,

Starting point is 02:28:24 tis of the tears of me compact, this choicest jewelry. In her turn came forward the fifth, and embraced him and recited these two couplets. Ah, fare thee not, for I've no force thy faring to endure, nor in to say the world farewell before my, friend is sped, nor any patience to support the days of severance, nor any tears on ruined house and wasted home to shed. Next came the sixth, and embraced him and recited these two couplets. I cried, as the camels went off with them, and love pained my vitals with sorest pain.

Starting point is 02:28:59 Had I a king who would lend me rule, I'd seize every ship that dares sail the main. Lastly, came forward the seventh, and embraced him and recited these couplets. When thou seest parting, patient still, nor let form parts deal thy soul of fright, but abide, expecting a swift return, for all hearts hold parting and sore despite, and eke these two couplets. Indeed, I'm heartbroken to see thee start, nor can I fare well thee ere thou depart. Allah woteth I left not to say adieu, save for fear that saying would melt your heart. Hassan also wept for parting from them till he swooned and repeated these couplets. Indeed ran my tears on the severance day, like pearls I threaded in necklace way. The camelier drove his camels with song,

Starting point is 02:29:47 but I lost heart, patience, and strength, and stay. I bade them for a well and retired in grief from Trist Place and camp where my dearlings lay. I turned me unknowing the way, nor joyed my soul, but in hopes to return some day. Oh, listen, my friend, to the words of love, God forbid thy heart forget all I say. Oh, my soul, when thou partest with them, parted, too with all joys of life, nor for living pray. Then he farewelled them, and fared on diligently night and day, till he came to Baghdad, the house of peace and sanctuary of the Abbaside Caliphs, unknowing what had passed during his wayfar. At once, entering his house, he went into his mother to salute her, but found her worn of body and wasted of bones, for excess of mourning and watching,

Starting point is 02:30:36 weeping and wailing, till she was grown thin as a toothpick, and could not answer to her. him a word. So he dismissed the dramataries, then asked her of his wife and children, and she wept till she fainted, and he, seeing her in this state, searched the house for them, but found no trace of them. Then he went to the store closet, and finding it open, and the chest broken and the feather dress missing, knew forthright that his wife had possessed herself thereof, and flown away with her children. Then he returned to his mother, and finding her recovered from her fit, questioned her of his spouse and babes, whereupon she wept and said, Oh, my son, may Allah amply requite thee their loss.

Starting point is 02:31:17 These are their three tombs. When Hassan heard these words of his mother, he shrieked a loud shriek, and fell down in a fainting fit, in which he lay from the first of the day till noontide, whereupon anguish was added to his mother's anguish, and she despaired of his life. However, after a while he came to himself and wept and buffeted his face and rent his raiment, and went about the house, clean distraught, reciting these two couplets. Folk have made moan of passion before me of past years, and live and dead for absence have suffered pains and fears, but that within my bosom I harbor, with mine eyes I've never seen

Starting point is 02:31:55 the like of, nor heard with mine ears. Then, finishing his verses, he bared his brand, and coming up to his mother, said to her, except thou tell me the truth of the case, I will strike off thy head and kill myself. She replied, O my son, do not such deed, put up thy sword and sit down, till I tell thee what hast passed. So he sheathed his scimitar, and sat by her side, while she recounted to him all that had happened in his absence from first to last, adding, O my son, but that I saw her weep in her longing for the bath, and feared that she would go and complain to thee on thy return, and thou wouldst be wroth with me. I had never carried her thither.

Starting point is 02:32:37 and were it not that the lady zube-da was wroth with me and took the key from me by force i had never brought out the feather dress though i died for it but thou knowest o my son that no hand may measure length with that of the caliphate when they brought her the dress she took it and turned it over fancying that somewhat might be lost thereof but she found it uninjured wherefore she rejoiced and making her children fast to her waist donned the feather vest after the lady zubeda had pulled off to her her all that was upon herself and clad her therein in honour of her and because of her beauty no sooner had she donned the dress than she shook and becoming a bird promenaded about the palace whilst all who were present gazed at her and marvelled at her beauty and loveliness then she flew up to the palace roof and perching thereon looked at me and said whenas thy son cometh to thee and the knights of separation upon him longsome shall be and he craveth reunion and meeteth to see, and whenas the breezes of love and longing, shake him dolefully, let him leave his native land, and journey to the islands of walk, and see me. This then is her story, and what befell in thine absence, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the seven hundred and ninety-eighth night, she pursued, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that as soon as Hassan's mother had made an end of her story,

Starting point is 02:34:07 he gave a great cry and fell down in a fainting fit which continued till the end of the day when he revived and fell to buffeting his face and writhing on the floor like a scotched snake his mother sat weeping by his head until midnight when he came to himself and wept sore and recited these couplets pause ye and see his sorry state since when ye feign withdrew haply when wrought your cruelty you'll have the grace to rue for an ye look upon him you'll doubt of him by sickness stress, as though by Allah he were one before ye never knew, he dies for nothing save for love of you, and he would be numbered amid the dead, did not he moan and groan for you, and deem not pangs of severance sit all lightly on his soul, tis heavy load on lover-white, twere lighter, and ye slew. Then having ended his verse, he rose and went round about the house, weeping and wailing, groaning, and bemoaning himself five days, during which he tasted, nor meat, nor meat, nor drink. His mother came to him and conjured him till he broke his fast, and besought him to leave weeping.

Starting point is 02:35:13 But hearkened not to her, and continued to shed tears and lament, whilst she strove to comfort him, and he he heeded her not. Then he recited these couplets. Beareth for love a burden sore this soul of me, could break a mortal's back, however strong that be. I am distraught to see my case and languor grows, making my day and night indifferent in degree. I own to having dreaded. death before this day. This day I hold my death mine only remedy, and Hassan ceased not to do thus till daybreak, when his eyes closed and he saw in a dream his wife griefful and repentant for that which she had done. So he started up from sleep, crying out, and reciting these two couplets.

Starting point is 02:35:55 Their image bides with me, near quits me, near shall fly, but holds within my heart most honorable stead. But for reunion hope, I'd see me die forthright. and but for phantom form of thee my sleep had fled. And as morning morrowed, he redoubled his lamentations, he abode weeping-eyed and heavy-hearted, wakeful by night and eating little, for a whole month, at the end of which he bethought him to repair to his sisters,

Starting point is 02:36:22 and take counsel with them in the matter of his wife, so happily they might help him to regain her. Accordingly, he summoned the dromedaries, and loading fifty of them with rarities of Al-Arak, committed the house to his mother's care, and deposited all his goods in safety. keeping, except some few he left at home. Then he mounted one of the beasts and set out on his journey single-handed, intent upon obtaining adents from the princesses. And he stayed not till he reached

Starting point is 02:36:49 the palace of the mountain of clouds, when he went into the damsels and gave them presents in which they rejoiced. Then they wished him joy of his safety, and said to him, O our brother, what can ail thee to come again so soon, seeing thou wast with us, but two months since, or upon he wept and improvised these couplets. My soul for loss of lover sped eyesight, nor life enjoying neither life's delight. My case is one whose cure is all unknown. Can any cure the sick but doctor white? O who has reft my sleep joys, leaving me to ask the breeze that blew from that fair sight, blue from my lover's land, the land that owns those charms so sore a grief in soul excite? O breeze that visitest her land,

Starting point is 02:37:35 Perhaps breathing her scent, Thou mayst revive my sprite, And when he ended his verse, He gave a great cry and fell down in a fainting fit. The princesses sat round him, Weeping over him, till he recovered and repeated these two couplets. Happily and happily,

Starting point is 02:37:51 May fortune bend her reign, Bringing my love for times a freak of jealous strain. Fortune may prosper me, supply mine every want, And bring a blessing where before were bond and pain. Then he wept till he fainted again, and presently, coming to himself, recited the two following couplets. My wish, mine illness, mine unease, by Allah, aren't thou content? Then I, in love, contented won. Thus thou forsake me, thus sons, crime or sin? Meet me in Ruth, I pray, and be our parting

Starting point is 02:38:24 gone. Then he wept till he swooned away once more, and when he revived, he repeated these couplets. sleep fled me by my side-wake ever shows and hoard of tear-drops from these e'en eye flows for love they weep with beads gornilian like and growth of distance greater dolence grows lit up my longing o my love in me flames burning neath my ribs with fiery throes remembering thee a tear i never shed but in it thunder roars and leaven glows then he wept till he fainted away a fourth time and presently recovering recited these couplets ah for lo of love and longing suffer ye as suffer we say as pine we and as yearn we for you are pining ye allah do the death of love what a bitter draught is his would i wot of love what plans and what projects nurseth he your faces radiant fair though afar from me they shine are mirrored in our eyes whatsoever the distance be my heart must ever dwell on the memories of your tribe and the turtle-dove reneweth all as oft as moaneth she ho thou dove who passest night-tide in calling on thy fear thou doublest my repine bringing grief for company and leavest thou mine eyelids with weeping unfulfilled for the dearlings who departed whom we never more may see I melt for the thought of you at every time an hour, and I long for you when night showeth cheek of blackest bleed.

Starting point is 02:39:56 Now, when his sister heard these words, and saw his condition, and how he laid fainting on the floor, she screamed and beat her face, and the other princesses hearing her scream came out, and learning his misfortune and the transport of love and longing, and the passion and distraction that possessed him, they questioned him of his case. He wept and told them what had befallen in his absence,

Starting point is 02:40:18 and how his wife had taken flight with her children, wherefore they grieve for him, and asked him what she said at leaf-taking, answered he, O my sisters, she said to my mother, tell thy son whenas he cometh to thee, and the knights of severance upon him longsome shall be, and he craveth reunion and meeting to sea,

Starting point is 02:40:38 and whenas the winds of love and longing shake him dolefully, let him fare in the islands of walk to me. When they heard his words, they signed one to other, with their eyes and shook their heads, and each looked at her sister, whilst Hassan looked at them all. Then they bowed their heads, groundwards, and bethought themselves a while, after which they raised their heads and said, There is no majesty, and there is no might saving Allah, the glorious, the great, presently adding, Put forth thy hand to heaven, and when thou reached thither, then shalt thou

Starting point is 02:41:12 wind to thy wife. and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased sane her permitted say. When it was the 799th night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when the princess is said to Hassam, Put forth thy hand to heaven, and when thou reached thither, Then shalt wind to wife and children, Thereat the tears ran down his cheeks like rain,

Starting point is 02:41:37 And wet his clothes, and he recited these couplets, pink cheeks and eyes in pubic black have dealt me sore despite and when as wake overpowered sleep my patience fled in fright the fair and sleek-limbed maidens hard of heart withal laid waste my very bones till not a breath is left for man to sight horace who fare with gate of grace as rose or sandy mound did allah's saints behold their charms they dote their on forthright faring as fairs the garden breeze that bloweth in the dawn, for love of them a sore unrest, and troubles rack my spright. I hung my hopes upon a maid, a loveling fair of them, for whom my heart still burns with low in laws a hell they like, a dearling soft of sides, and hot and graceful in her gate. Her grace is white as morning, but her hair is black as night. She stirreth me, but ah, how many heroes have her cheeks upstirred for love, and eke her eyes that mingled black and white. Then he wept, whilst the princesses

Starting point is 02:42:43 wept for his weeping, and they were moved to compassion and jealousy for him. So they fell to comforting him and exhorting him to patience, and offering up prayers for his reunion with his wife, whilst his sister said to him, O my brother, be of good cheer, and keep thine eyes cool and clear, and be patient, so shalt thou win thy will. For whoso hath patience and waiteth, and waiteth, and that he seeketh attaineth. Patience holdeth the keys of relief, and indeed the poet saith, let destiny with slackened rain its course appointed fair, and lie thou down to sleep by night with heart devoid of care. For twixt the closing of an eye and the opening thereof, God hath it in his power to change a case from foul to fair. So hearten thy heart,

Starting point is 02:43:29 and brace up thy resolve for the son of ten years dieth not in the ninth. Weeping and grief and mourning, gender sickness and disease, wherefore do thou abide with us till thou be rested, and I will devise some device for thy winning to thy wife and children, inshallah. So it please Allah the most high, and he wept, sore, and recited these verses. And I be healed of disease in frame, I'm unhealed of illness in heart and sprite. There is no healing disease of love, save lover and loved one to reunite. Then he sat down beside her, and she proceeded to talk with him. and comfort him, and question him of the cause and the manner of his wife's departure.

Starting point is 02:44:10 So he told her, and she said, By Allah, my brother, I was minded to bid thee burn the feather dress, but Satan made me forget it. She seized not to converse with him and caress him and company with him other ten days, whilst sleep visited him not, and he delighted not in food. And when the case was longsome upon him, and unrest waxed in him, he versified with these couplets. A beloved familiar or reigns my heart, and Allah's ruling reigns evermore.

Starting point is 02:44:40 She hath all the Arabs united charms, this gazelle who feeds on my bosom's core. Though my skill and patience for love of her fail, I weep whilst I what that tis vain to deplore. The dearling hath twice seven years, as though she were moon of five knights and of five plus four. when the youngest princess saw him and thus distracted for love and longing for passion and the fever heat of desire she went into her sisterhood weeping-eyed and woeful-hearted and shedding copious tears threw herself upon them kissed their feet and besought them to devise some device for bringing hassan to the islands of walk and effecting his reunion with his wife and wheeze she seized not to conjure them to further her brother in the accomplishment of his desire and to weep before them till she made them weep and they said, er, hearten thy heart, we will do our best endeavor to bring about this reunion with this family, inshallah, and he abode with them a whole year, during which his eyes never could retain their tears. Now the sisterhood had an uncle, brother German, to their sire, and his name was Abed al-Qadus, or slave of the most holy, and he loved the eldest with exceeding

Starting point is 02:45:51 love, and was want to visit her once a year and do all she desired. They had told him of Hassan's adventure with the Magian, and how he had been able to slay him, whereat he rejoiced and gave the eldest princess a pouch which contained certain perfumes, saying, O daughter of my brother, and thou be in concern for aught, or if aught irk thee, or thou stand in any need, cast of these perfumes upon fire, naming my name, and I will be with thee forthright, and will do thy desire. This speech was spoken on the first of Moharam, and the eldest princess said to one of the sisterhood, Lo, the year is wholly past and my uncle is not come, rise, bring me the fire-sticks and the box of perfumes. So the damsel arose rejoicing, and fetching what she sawed, laid it before her sister,

Starting point is 02:46:40 who opened the box and taking thence a little of the perfume, cast it into the fire, naming her uncle's name. Nor was it burnt out, ere appeared a dust-cloud at the farther end of the wadi, and presently lifting it discovered a shake riding on an elephant, which moved at a swift and easy pace and trumpeted under the rider. As soon as he came within sight of the princesses, he began making signs to them with his hands and feet, nor was it long ere he reached the castle, and a lighting from the elephant came into them, whereupon they embraced him and kissed his hands, and saluted him with a salaam. Then he sat down whilst the girls talked with him and questioned him of his absence, quoth he, I was sitting but now with my wife, your aunt, when I smelt the

Starting point is 02:47:24 perfumes, and hastened to you on this elephant, what wouldst thou, O daughter of my brother? Quoth she, O uncle, indeed we longed for thee, as the year has passed, and tis not by want to be absent from us more than a twelve-month, answered he, I was busy, but I purposed to come to you to-morrow, wherefore they thanked him, and blessed him, and sat talking with him. and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 8, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 9 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 02:48:10 All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. the book of a thousand knights and a night volume eight by anonymous translated by richard francis burton eighteen twenty one through eighteen ninety section nine when it was the eighth hundredth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the girl sat down to chat with their uncle the eldest said to him o my uncle we told thee the tale of hassan of bassorah whom baram the magean brought and how he slew the wizard and how after enduring all all manner of hardships and horrors, he made prize of the Supreme King's daughter, and took her to wife, and journeyed with her to his native land. replied he, yes, and what befell him after that? Quoth the princess, she played him false after he was blessed with two sons by her, for she took them in his

Starting point is 02:49:10 absence and fled with them to her own country, saying to his mother, whenas thy son returneth to thee, and asketh for me, and upon him the knights of severance longsome shall be, and he craveth reunion and meeting to sea, and when as the breezes of love and longing shake him dolefully, let him come in the islands of walk to me. When Abad al-Qadus heard this, he shook his head and bit his forefinger. Then, bowing his brow groundwards,

Starting point is 02:49:39 he began to make marks on the earth with his fingertip, after which he again shook his head and looked right and left and shook his head a third time, whilst Hassan watched him from a place where he was hidden from him. Then said the princesses to their uncle, Return us some answer, for our hearts are rent and sunder, But he shook his head at them saying, Oh, my daughters, verily hath this man wearied himself in vain,

Starting point is 02:50:04 and cast himself into grievous predicament and sore peril, for he may not gain access to the islands of Wap. With this the princesses called Hassan, who came forth and advancing to Sheikh Abedal Khaduz, kissed his hand and saluted him. The old man rejoiced in him and seated him by his side, whereupon quoth the damsels, O uncle, acquaint our brother Hassan with that thou hast told us. So he said to Hassan, O my son, put away from thee this pin fort de dur, for thou canst never gain access to the islands of walk, though the flying gin and the wandering stars were with thee,

Starting point is 02:50:40 for that betwixt thee and these islands are seven wadis and seven seas and seven mighty mountains, how then canst thou come in at the stead and who shall bring thee thither wherefore allah upon thee o my son do thou reckon thy spouse and sons as dead and turn back forthright and weary not thy sprite indeed i give thee good counsel and thou wilt but accept it hearing these words from the sheikh hasan wept till he fainted and the princesses sat round him weeping for his weeping whilst the youngest sister rent her raiment and baffled her face till she swooned away when sheikh abidal caduce saw them in this transport of grief and trouble and mourning he was moved to ruth for them and cried be ye silent then said to hasan o my son heartened thy heart and rejoice in the winning of thy wish and it be the will of allah the most high, presently adding, rise, oh my son, take courage and follow me. So Hassan arose forthright, and after he had taken leave of the princesses, followed him, rejoicing in the fulfillment of his wish. Then the sheikh called the elephant, and mounting took Hassan up behind him and fared on three days with their knights, like the blinding leaven, till he came to a vast blue mountain, whose stones

Starting point is 02:51:57 were all of azure hue, and a middlemost of which was a cavern, with a door of Chinese iron. Here he took Hassan's hand and led him down, and a lighting dismissed the elephant. Then he went up to the door and knocked, whereupon it opened, and there came out to him a black slave, hairless, as he were an Ifrit, with brand in his right hand and a targe of steel in the left. When he saw Abed al-Qadhus, he threw sword and buckler from his grip, and coming up to the shake kissed his hand. Thereupon the old man took Asan by the hand and entered with him, whilst the slave shut the door behind them, when Hassan found himself in a vast cavern and a spacious, through which ran an arched corridor, and they seized not faring on therein a mile or so, till it abutted upon a great

Starting point is 02:52:44 open space, and thence they made for an angle of the mountain wherein were two huge doors cast of solid brass. The old men opened one of them and said to Hassan, sit at the door, whilst I go within and come back to thee in haste, and beware lest thou open it and enter. Then he fared inside, and, shutting the door after him, was absent during a full sidereal hour, after which he returned, leading a black stallion, thin of flank and short of nose, which was ready bridled and saddled with velvet housings. And when it ran, it flew, and when it flew the very dust in vain would pursue, and brought it to Hassan, saying, mount! So he mounted,

Starting point is 02:53:25 and Abed al-Qadus opened the second door, beyond which appeared a vast desert. Then the twain passed through the door into that desert, and the old man said to him, Oh my son, take this scroll, and when thou wither this steed will carry thee. When thou seest him, stop at the door of a cavern like this, alight and throw the reins over the saddle-bow, and let him go. He will enter the cavern, which do thou not enter with him, but tarry at the door five days, without being weary of waiting. On the sixth day there will come forth to thee a black shake, clad all in sable, with a long white beard flowing down to his navel. As soon as thou seest him,

Starting point is 02:54:07 kiss his hands and seize his skirt and lay it on thy head, and weep before him, till he take pity on thee, and he will ask thee what thou wouldst have. When he saith to thee, what is thy want, give him this scroll which he will take without speaking, and go in and leave thee, wait at the door other five days without wearying, and on the sixth day expect him, and if he come out to thee himself, know that thy wish will be one, but if one of his pages come forth to thee, know that he who come forth to thee, purposeth to kill thee, and the peace for know, O my son, that whoso self imperileth doeth himself to death.

Starting point is 02:54:46 And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. it was eight hundred and first night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that after handing the scroll to Hassan, Sheikh Abed al-Kadus told him what would befall him, and said, Whoso self imperileth doeth himself to death, but also who ventreth not,

Starting point is 02:55:10 advantageeth not. However, and thou fear for thy life, cast it not into danger of destruction, but, and thou fear not, up and do thy will, for I have expounded to thee the whole case. yet shouldest thou be minded to return to thy friends the elephant is still here and he will carry thee to my nieces who will restore thee to thy country and return thee to thy home and allah will vouchsafe thee a better than this girl of whom thou art enamored Hassan answered the Sheikh, saying,

Starting point is 02:55:41 And how shall life be sweet to me, except I win my wish? By Allah, I will never turn back, till I regain my beloved, or my death overtake me. And he wept and recited these couplets. For loss of lover mine, and stress of love I dream, I stood bewailing self in deep despondency, longing for him, the spring camp's dust I kissed and kissed, but this spread more of grief and galling reverie. God guard the gone,

Starting point is 02:56:08 Who in our hearts must err abide, With nearing woes and joys Which still the farther flee, They say me patience, But they bore it all away on parting day, And left me not safe tormentory, And not have frighted me except the word he said, Forget me not when gone, nor drive from memory.

Starting point is 02:56:27 To whom shall turn I? Hope in whom when you are lost? Who were my only hopes and joys and woes of me? But ah, the pang of home returned when part him thus how joy'd it seem me return mine enemy then well away this twas i guarded me against and ah thou low of love double thine ardency and fled for i my friends i'll not survive the flight yet and they deign return oh joy o ecstasy never by allah tears and weeping i'll contain for loss of you but tears on tears and tears will reign when abid al caduce heard his verse he knew that he would not turn back from his his desire, nor would words have effect on him, and was certified that naught would serve him, but he must imperil himself, though it lose him his life. So he said to him, know, O my son, that the islands of Wauk are seven islands, wherein is a mighty host, all virgin

Starting point is 02:57:22 girls, and the inner aisles are peopled by satans, and marids, and warlocks, and various tribesmen of the gin, and whoso entereth their land never returneth thence. At least none hath done so to this day. Allah upon thee, return presently to thy people, for know that she whom thou seekest is the king's daughter of all these islands, and how canst thou attain to her? Harken to me, O my son, and haply Allah will vouchsafe thee in her stead a better than she. O my lord, answered Hassam, though for the love of her I were cut in pieces, yet should I but redouble in love and transport. There is no help but that I enter the walk-islands, and come to the sight of my wife and children,

Starting point is 02:58:06 and inshallah, I will not return, save with her and with them, said the Sheikh, then nothing will serve thee, but thou must make the journey. Asan replied, nothing, and I only ask of thee thy prayers for help and aidants. So happily Allah will reenight me with my wife and children right soon, then he wept for stress of longing, and recited these couplets.

Starting point is 02:58:27 You are my wish of creature's brightest light, I deem you leaf as hearing, feign as son, you hold my heart which hath become your home and since you left me lords right sores my plight then think not i have yielded up your love your love which set this wretch in fierce affright you went and went my joy when as you went and waned and waxed waned the brightest light you left me lone to watch the stars and woe railing tears likeest raindrops infinite thou art longsome to the white who pining lies on wake moon gazing through the night O night, wind! And thou pass the tribe where they abide. Give them my greeting. Life is feign of flight. And tell them, somewhat of the pangs I bear, the loved one, kenneth not my caserite. Then he wept with sore weeping till he fainted away, and when he came to himself, Sheikh Abid al-Qadu said to him, O my son, thou hast a mother, make her not taste the torment of thy loss.

Starting point is 02:59:27 Hassan replied, by Allah, O my lord, I will never return, except with my wife. or my death shall overtake me and he wept and wailed and recited these couplets by love's right not of farnest thy slave can estrange nor am i one to fail in my fealty i suffer such pains that i tell my case to folk they'd cry madness clean witless is he then ecstasy love longing transport and loch whose case is such case how shall ever he be with this the old man knew that he would not turn from his purpose though it cost him his life life. So he handed him the scroll, and prayed for him and charged him how he should do, saying, I have in this letter given a strict charge concerning thee to Abu al-Ruish, son of Bilkus, daughter of Muin, for he is my sheikh and my teacher, and all men and gin, humble themselves to him and stand in awe of him, and now go with the blessing of God. Hassan forthright set out, giving the horse the rain, and it flew off with him swiftlyer than lightning, and stayed not

Starting point is 03:00:33 in its course ten days, when he saw before him a vast loom, blackest night, walling the world from east to west. As he neared it, the stallion neighed under him whereupon their flocked to it horses in number as the drops of rain. None could tell their tale or against them prevail, and fell to rubbing themselves against it. Hassan was affrighted at them and fared forward, surrounded by the horses, without drawing rain till he came to the cavern which Sheikh Abed al-Qadus, had described to him. The steed stood still at the door, and Hassan alighted and bridged the bridle over the saddle-bow, whereupon the steed entered the cavern, whilst the rider abode without, as the old man had charged him, pondering the issue of his case in perplexity and distraction,

Starting point is 03:01:19 and unknowing what would befall him. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and second night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Hassan, dismounting from the steed, stood at the cavern mouth,

Starting point is 03:01:38 pondering the issue of his case, and unknowing what might befall him. He abode standing on the same spot five days with their nights, sleepless, mournful, tear-eyed, distracted, perplexed, pondering his severance from home and family, comrades and friends,

Starting point is 03:01:54 with weeping eyelids and heavy heart. Then he bethought him of his mother, and of what might yet happen to him, and of his separation from his wife and children, and of all that he had suffered, and he recited these couplets. With you is my heart, crier, a heart that goes,

Starting point is 03:02:10 and from hill-foot of eyelids the tear-reel-flows, and parting in sorrow and exile and dole, and farness from country, and throw that or throes, not in a my, save a lover distracted by love, far parted from loved one, and wilted by woes, and tis love that hath brought me such sorrow,

Starting point is 03:02:29 say where is the noble of soul who such sorrows unknowes hardly had hassan made an end of his verses when out came the sheikh abu al ruish a blackamore and clad in black raiment and at first sight he knew him by the description that abed al caduce had given him he threw himself at his feet and rubbed his cheeks on them and seizing his skirt laid it on his head and wept before him quoth the old man what wantest thou o my son whereupon he put out his hand to him with the letter, and Abu al-Ruaysh took it and re-entered the cavern without making him any answer. So Hassan sat down at the cave-mouth in his place other five days as he had been bidden, whilst concern grew upon him and terror redoubled on him, and restlessness got hold of him, and he fell to weeping and bemoaning himself for the anguish of estrangement and much watching, and he recited these couplets. Glory to him who guides the skies, the lover soar and sorrow lies. Who hath not tasted of love's food knows not what mean its miseries. Did I attempt to stem my tears? Rivers of blood would fountain rise. How many an intimate is heart of heart and pains in sorrest wise.

Starting point is 03:03:42 And she with me, her word would keep, of tears and sighs, I'd feigned of eyes. But I'm forgone, rejected, quite ruin on me hath cast her eyes. At my fell pangs, fell wildlings weep, and not a bird for me but cries. A son ceased not to weep till dawn of the sixth day, when Sheikh Abu al-Ruayish came forth to him, clad in white raiment, and with his hand signed to him to enter. So he went in, rejoicing and assured of the winning of his wish,

Starting point is 03:04:15 and the old man took him by the hand, and leading him into the cavern, fared on with him half a day's journey, till they reached an arched doorway with a door of steel. The sheikh opened the door, and they two entered a vestibule vaulted with onyx stones and arabesque with gold

Starting point is 03:04:31 and they stayed not walking till they came to a great hall and a wide paved and walled with marble in its midst was a flower garden containing all manner of trees and flowers and fruits with birds warbling on the boughs and singing the praises of Allah the Almighty sovereign

Starting point is 03:04:47 and there were four dadses each facing each other and in each dads a jetting fountain at whose corners stood lions of red gold, spouting gerbs from their mouths into the basin. On each dad's stood a chair, whereon sat an elder with exceeding store of books before him, and censors of gold containing fired perfumes, and before each elder were students, who read the books to him. Now, when the twain entered, the elders rose to them and did them honor, whereupon Abu al-Ruash signed to them to dismiss their scholars, and they did so.

Starting point is 03:05:23 Then the four arose, and seating themselves before that sheik, asked him of the case of Hassan, to whom he said, Tell the company thy tale, and all that hath betided thee from the beginning of thine adventure to the inn. So Hassan wept with sore weeping, and related to them his story with Barang, whereupon all the sheikhs cried out and said, Is this indeed he, whom the majeune, caused to climb the mountain of clouds, by means of the vultures, sewn up in the camel-hide? and Hassan said, yes. So they turned to the Sheikh, Abu al-Ru'Ruish, and said to him, O our Sheikh, of a truth, Baran contrived his mounting to the mountaintop,

Starting point is 03:06:03 but how came he down, and what marvel saw he there? And Abu al-Ruish said, O Hassan, tell them how thy cameest down, and acquaint them with what thou sawest of marvels. So he told them all that had befallen him, first and last, how he had gotten the Magian into his power and slain him, how he had delivered the youth from him and sent him back to his own country, and how he had captured the king's daughter of the gin and married her, yet had she played him false, and taken the two boys she had borne him, and flown away. Brief he related to them all the hardships and horrors he had

Starting point is 03:06:37 undergone, whereat they marvelled each and every, and said to Abu al-Ruish, O elder of elders, verily by Allah, this youth is to be pitied, but be like thou wilt aid him to recover his wife and wheeze. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 9, recorded by Sylvia M. B. in Washington State. Section 10 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit libvovovox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 10.

Starting point is 03:07:38 When it was the 803rd night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan told his tale to the elders, they said to Sheikh Abu al-Ruash, this youth is to be pitied, and happily thou will aid him to recover his wife and weeds. He replied, O my brothers, in very sooth, this is a grave matter and a perilous, and never saw I any loath his life save this youth.

Starting point is 03:08:04 You know that the islands of walk are hard of access, and that none may come to them but at risk of life, and ye know also the strength of their people and their guards. Moreover, I have sworn an oath not to tread their soil nor transgress against them in aught. So how shall this man come at the daughter, of the great king, and who hath power to bring him to her, or help him in this matter? Replied the other, O Sheikh of Shakes, verily this man is consumed with desire, and he hath

Starting point is 03:08:33 endangered himself to bring thee a scroll from thy brother, Abed al-Qadus, wherefore it behooveth thee to help him, and Hassan arose and kissed Abu al-Ruages's feet, and raising the hymn of his garment, laid it on his head, weeping and crying. I beseech thee by Allah to reunite me with my wife and children, though cost me my life and soul. The four elders all wept for his weeping, and said to Abu al-Ruesh, deal generously with this unhappy,

Starting point is 03:09:03 and show him kindness for the sake of thy brother Abed al-Qadus, and profit by this occasion to earn reward from Allah for helping him. Quoth he, this willful youth weateth not what he undertaketh, but inshallah, we will help him after the measure of our means, nor leave aught feasible undone. When Hassan heard the Sheikh's word, he rejoiced and kissed the hands of the five elders,

Starting point is 03:09:26 one after other, imploring their aidants. Thereupon Abed al-Rewish took ink-case and a sheet of paper, and wrote a letter, which he sealed and gave to Hassan, together with a pouch of perfumed leather, containing incense and fire-sticks and other needs, and said to him, Take strictest care of this pouch, and when as thou fallest into any strait,

Starting point is 03:09:47 burn a little of the incense therein, and name my name. Whereupon I will be with thee forthright and save thee from thy stress. Moreover, he bade one of those present fetch him an Ifrit of the flying gin, and he did so incontinently. Whereupon quoth Abu al-Ruash to the fire-drake, What is thy name? replied the Ifret, Thy thrall is height, Danash bin Faktash. And the sheikh said, draw near to me.

Starting point is 03:10:13 So Danash drew near to him, and he put his mouth to his ear, and said somewhat to him, whereat the Ifrit shook his head and answered, I accept, O elder of elders. Then said Abu al-Ruash to Hassan, arise, O my son, mount the shoulders of this Ifrit, Danash, the flyer, but when he heaveth thee heavenwards, and thou hearest the angels glorifying God a welcome with subhanna Allah, have a care lest thou do the like, else wilt thou perish and he too. Hassan replied, I will not say a word, no, never. And the old men, continued, O Hassan, after faring with thee all this day,

Starting point is 03:10:51 tomorrow at peep of dawn, he will set thee down in a land cleanly white, like unto Camphor. Whereupon do thou walk on ten days by thyself till thou come to the gate of a city, then enter and inquire for the king of the city, and when thou comest to his presence, salute him with the salam, and kiss his hand, then give him this scroll, and consider well what so he shall counsel thee. Hassan replied, hearing and obeying, and rose up and mounted the Ifreth's shoulders, whilst the elder arose and offered up prayers for him, and commended him to the care of Danash, the fire-drake. And when he had perched on the

Starting point is 03:11:26 flyer's back, the Ifrette's soared with him to the very confines of the sky, till he heard angels glorifying God in heaven, and flew on with him a day and a night, till at dawn of the next day he set him down in a land white as camphor, and went his way, leaving him there. When Hassan found himself in the land aforesaid, with none by his side, he fared on night and day for ten days, till he came to the gate of the city in question, and entering inquired for the king. They directed him, and told him that his name was King Hassun, lord of the land of camphor, and that he had troops and soldiers enough to fill the earth in its length and breadth. So he saw audience of him, and being admitted to his presence, found him a mighty king, and kissed ground between his hands. Quoth the king, what is thy want?

Starting point is 03:12:14 or upon Hassan kissed the letter and gave it to him. The king read it and shook his head a while, then said to one of his officers, take this youth and lodge him in the house of hospitality. So he took him and established him in the guest house, where he tarried three days, eating and drinking and seeing none but the eunuch who waited on him, and who entertained him with discourse and cheered him with his company, questioning him of his case and how he came to that city, whereupon he told him his whole story and the perilous condition wherein he was. On the fourth day, that unit carried him before the king,

Starting point is 03:12:48 who said to him, O Hassan, though comest to me seeking to enter the islands of Hwa, as the Sheikh of sheikhs adviseeth me. O my son, I would send thee thither this very day, but that, by the way, are many perils and thirsty wolves full of terrors, yet do thou have patience, and not save fair, shall befall thee. For needs must I devise to bring thee to thy desire, inshallah. know, O my son, that here is a mighty host, equipped with arms and steeds and warlike gear,

Starting point is 03:13:18 who long to enter the Wok islands and lack power there too. But, O my son, for the sake of the Sheikh Abu al-Ruish, son of Bilkis, the daughter of Muin, I may not send thee back to him unfulfilled of thine affair. Presently there will come to us ships from the islands of Waugh, and the first that shall arrive I will send thee on board of her, and give thee in charge to the sailors, so they may take care of thee, and carry thee to the islands. If any question thee of thy case and condition, answer him saying, I am kinsman to King Hassun, Lord of the land of Camphor, and when the ship shall make fast to the shore

Starting point is 03:13:54 of the islands of walk, and the master shall bid thee land, do thy land. Now, as soon as thou comeest ashore, thou wilt see a multitude of wooden settles all about the beach, of which do thou choose thee one and crouch under it and stir not. When dark night sets in, thou will see an army of women appear, and flock about the goods landed from the ship, and one of them will sit down on the settle, under which thou hast hidden thyself, whereupon do thou put forth thy hand to her, and take hold of her, and implore her protection. And know thou, O my son, that and she accord thee protection, thou wilt win thy wish, and regain thy wife and children, but if she refused to protect thee, make thy mourning for thyself, and give up all hope of life,

Starting point is 03:14:38 and make sure of death, for indeed thou art a dead man. Understand, O my son, that thou adventarest thy life, and this is all I can do for thee, and the peace. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and fourth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that King Hassoon spake these words to Hassan,

Starting point is 03:15:04 and charged him as we have related, ending with, I can do for thee, and know that except the Lord of heaven has aided thee, thou hast not come hither. The youth wept till he swooned away, and when he recovered, he recited these two couplets. A term decreed my lot I spy, and when its days shall end I die. Though lions fought with me in lair, if time be mine, I'd beat them, I. Then having ended his verse, he kissed the ground before the sovereign and said to him, O mighty king, how many days remain till the coming of the ships? replied the other, in a month's time they will come and will tarry here, selling their cargson

Starting point is 03:15:41 other two months after which they will return to their own country. So hope not to set out save after three whole months. Then the king bade him return to the house of hospitality, and bade supply him with all that he needed of meat and drink and raiment fit for kings. Hassan abode in the guesthouse a month, at the end of which the vessels arrived, and the king and the merchants went forth to them, taking Hassan with them. A month. A month, Amongst them he saw a ship with much people therein, like the shingles for number. None knew their tale save he who created them. She was anchored in mid-harbour and had cocks which transported her lading to the shore.

Starting point is 03:16:19 So Hassan abode till the crew had landed all the goods, and sold and bought, and to the time of departure there wanted but three days, whereupon the king sent for him and equipped him with all he required, and gave him great gifts, after which he summoned the captain of the great ship, and said to him, take this youth with thee in the vessel, so none may know of him save thou, and carry him to the islands of Hua, and leave him there, and bring him not back. And the race said, To hear is to obey, with love and gladness. Then quoth the king to Hassan, look thou, tell none of those who are with thee in the ship,

Starting point is 03:16:54 thine errand, nor discover to them ought of thy case, else thou art a lost man, and quoth he, hearing and obedience. With this he farewelled the king, after he had wished him long life, and victory over his enviers and his enemies, wherefore the king thanked him and wished him safety and the winning of his wish. Then he committed him to the captain, who laid him in a chest, which he embarked in a dinghy, and bore him aboard whilst the folk were busy in breaking bolt, and no man doubted but the chest contained somewhat of merchandise. After this, the vessels set sail and fared on without seizing ten days, and on the eleventh day they made the land. So the race set Hassan ashore,

Starting point is 03:17:35 and as he walked up the beach he saw wooden settles without number none knew their count save allah even as the king had told him he went on till he came to one that had no fellow and hid under it till nightfall when there came up a mighty many of women as they were locusts over-swarming the land and they marched afoot and armed caperpean hauberks and straight-knit coats of mail hending drawn swords in their hands who seen the merchandise landed from the ships busied themselves therewith. Presently they sat down to rest themselves, and one of them seated herself on the settle, under which Hassan had crouched, whereupon he took hold of the hymn of her garment, and laid it on his head, and throwing himself before her, fell to kissing her hands and feet, and weeping and crying, thy protection, thy good will she, hold thou, arise and stand up, ere any see thee and slay thee. So he came forth, and springing up, kissed her hands, and wept and said to her,

Starting point is 03:18:35 "'All my mistress, I am under thy protection,' adding, "'have Ruth on one who has parted from his people and wife and children, one who hath haste to rejoin them, and one who adventureth life and soul for their sake, take pity on me, and be assured that therefore paradise will be thy reward. Or, and thou wilt not receive me, I beseech thee, by Allah, the great, the concealer, to conceal my case.' The merchants stared to see him talking with her,

Starting point is 03:19:02 and she, hearing his words and beholding his humility, was moved to Ruth for him. Her heart inclined to him, and she knew that he had not ventured himself, and come to that place, save for a grave matter. So she said to him, O my son, be of good cheer, and keep thine eyes cool and clear, hearten thy heart and take courage, and return to thy hiding-place till the coming night, and Allah shall do as he will. Then she took leave of him, and Hassan crept under the wooden saddle, as before, whilst the troops lighted flambeau of wax, mixed with aloeswood and nade perfume, and crude ambergris, and passed the night in sport and delight till the morning. At daybreak, the boats returned to the shore, and the merchants busied themselves with buying

Starting point is 03:19:45 and selling, and the transport of the goods and gear till nightfall, whilst Hassan lay hidden beneath the settle, weeping-eyed and woeful-hearted, knowing not what was decreed to him in the secret pre-ordainment of Allah. as he was thus behold the merchant-woman with whom he had taken refuge came up to him and giving him a habergeon and a helmet a spear a sword and a gilded girdle bade him donned them and seat himself on the saddle after which she left him for fear of the troops so he arose and donned the male coat and helmet and clasped the girdle about his middle then he slung the sword over his shoulder till it hung under his armpit and taking the spear in his hand sat down on that settle while he clasped the girdle about his middle while he slung the sword over his shoulder till it hung under his armpit and taking the spear in his hand sat down on that saddle while his tongue neglected not to name Allah Almighty and call on him for protection. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and fifth night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan received the weapons which the merchantwoman had given to him,

Starting point is 03:20:50 saying, sit thee upon the settle, and let none what thy case, he armed himself and took a seat, whilst his tongue neglected not to name Allah Almighty and to call upon him for protection. And behold, there appeared cressets and lanthorns and flambeau, and up came the army of women. So he arose, and mingling with them, became as one of them. A little before daybreak they set out, and Hassan with them, and fared on till they came to their camp, where they dispersed each to her tent, and Hassan followed one of them in lo! It was hers for whose protection he had prayed. When she entered, she threw down her arms

Starting point is 03:21:25 And doffed her hauberk and veil. So Hassan did the like, And looking at his companion, Saw her to be a grizzled old woman, Blue-eyed and big nose. A calamity of calamities! The foulest of all created things! With face pock-marked and eyebrows bald,

Starting point is 03:21:43 Gap-tooth and chap-fallen, With hair hoary, nose-running, and mouth slavering, Even as saith the like of her, the poet, In her cheek corners nine calamities wone, and when shown each one, Jahanam is, hideous the face in favor, foulest fowl, as cheek of hog, yea, tis a cesspool, fizz, and indeed she was like a pied snake, or a scalded she-wolf. Now, when the old woman looked at Hassan, she marvelled and said, how came this one to these lands, and in which of the ships was he, and how arrived he hither in safety, and she fell to questioning him of his case, and admiring at his arrival, whereupon he fell at her feet, and rubbed his face on them, and wept till he fainted, and, when he recovered himself, he recited these cutlets. When will time grant we meet? When shall we be again united after Severance Stark? And shall I win my choicest wish and view,

Starting point is 03:22:39 blame in and love abide without remark? Were nile to flow as freely as my tears, could leave no region but with watermark, twould overthrow hijaws, and Egypt land, would deluge Syria and would drown Iraq. This, so my love is caused by thy disdain. Be kind and promise meeting fair and fame. Then he took the cron's skirt and laid it on his head and fell to weeping and craving her protection. When she saw his ardency and transport and anguish and distress, her heart softened to him, and she promised him her safeguard saying, have no fear whatsoever. Then she questioned him of his case, and he told her the manner of his coming, thither, and all that had be following him from the beginning to end,

Starting point is 03:23:25 whereat she marvelled, and said, This, that that hath betide thee, methinks never betide it any, save thyself, and except thou hadst been vouchsafe, the especial protection of Allah, thou hadst not been saved. But now, O my son, take comfort, and be of good courage, thou hast nothing more to fear, for indeed thou hast won thy wish and attain thy desire, if it please the most high. thereat Hassan rejoiced with joy exceeding and she sent to summon the captains of the army to her presence and it was the last day of the month so they presented themselves and the old woman said to them go out and proclaim to all the troops that they come forth to-morrow at daybreak and let none tarry behind for whoso tarrieth shall be slain they replied we hear and obey and going forth made proclamation to all the host anent a review next morning even as she bade them, after which they returned and told her of this, whereby Hassan knew that she was the commander-in-chief of the army, and the vice-regent in authority over them, and her name was

Starting point is 03:24:28 Shawahi, the fascinator, entitled Um al-Dawahy, or mother of calamities. She seized not to bid and forbid, and Hassan doff not off his arms from his body that day. Now, when the morning broke, all the troops fared forth from their places, but the old woman came not out with them, and as soon as were sped, and the stead was clear of them, she said to Hassan, draw near unto me, oh, my son, so he drew near unto her, and stood between her hands. Quoth she, why and wherefore hast thou adventured thyself so boldly as to enter this land, and how came thy soul to consent to its own undoing? Tell me the truth, and the whole truth, and fear ought of ill come of it, for thou hast my plighted word, and I am moved to compassion for thy case, and pity thee, and have taken thee under

Starting point is 03:25:16 my protection. So if thou tell me the truth, I will help thee to win thy wish, though it involve the undoing of souls and the destruction of bodies, and since thou hast come to seek me, no hurt shall be tied thee from me, nor will I suffer any to have at thee with harm of all who be in the islands of Huac. So he told her his tale from first to last, acquainting her with the matter of his wife and of the birds how he had captured her as his prize from amongst the ten and married her and abode with her till she had borne him two sons and how she had taken her children and flown away with them when as she knew the way to the feather dress brief he concealed from her no wit of his case from the beginning to that day but when shawahee heard his relation she shook her head and said to him glory be to god who hath brought thee hither in safety and may made thee hap upon me for hath thou happened on any but myself thou hadst lost thy life without winning thy wish but the truth of thine intent and thy fond affection and the excess of thy love longing for thy wife and yearning for thy children these it was that have brought thee to the attainment of thine aim didst thou not love her and love her due distraction thou hadst not thus imperiled thyself and alhamdolila praised be allah for thy safety where before it behooeth us to do thy desire and conduce to thy quest so thou mayst presently attain that thou seekest if it be the will of almighty allah

Starting point is 03:26:43 but know my son that thy wife is not here but in the seventh of the islands of walk and between us and it is seven months journey night and day from here we go to an island called the land of birds wherein for the loud crying of the birds and the flapping of their wings one cannot hear others speak and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say end of section ten recorded by sylvia m b in washington state section eleven of the book of a thousand nights and a night volume eight this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recorded by sylvia m b in washington state the book of a thousand knights and a knight volume eight by anonymous translated by richard francis burton eighteen twenty one through eighteen ninety section eleven when it was the eight hundred and sixth night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that the old woman said to hassan indeed thy wife is in the seventh island the greatest among the islands of walk and betwixt us and it is a seven months journey from here we fare for the last for the last year we fare for the seven-months journey from here we fare for the last one land of birds, or on for the force of their flying and the flapping of their wings, we cannot hear one other speak. Over that country, we journey night and day, eleven days, after which we come forth of it to another called the land of ferales, where for stress of roaring of lions and howling of wolves,

Starting point is 03:28:26 and laughing of hyenas, and the crying of other beasts of prey, we shall hear naught, and therein we travel twenty days' journey. Then we issue therefrom and come to a third country, called the land of the Jan, wherefore stress of the crying of the gin and the flaming of fires, and the flight of sparks and smoke from their mouths, and the noise of their groaning and their arrogance and blocking up the road before us, our ears will be deafened, and our eyes blinded, so that we shall neither hear nor see, nor dare any look behind him or he perisheth, but there horsemen boweth head on saddle-bow, and raiseth not for three days. After this, we abut upon a mighty mountain and a running river, contiguous with the Isles of Wop,

Starting point is 03:29:11 which are seven in number, and the extent whereof is a whole year's journey for a well-girt horseman. And thou must know, O my son, that these troops are all virgin girls, and that the ruler over us is a woman of the archipelago of Wop. On the bank of the river of Worshead is another mountain called Mount Wap, and it is thus named by reason of a tree which beareth fruits like heads of the sons of Adam, when the sun riseth on them the heads cry out all saying in their cries walk walk glory be to the creating king al calac and when we hear their crying we know that the sun is risen in like manner at sundown the heads set up the same cry walk walk glory to al calac and so we know that the sun hath set no man may abide with us or reach to us or tread our earth and betwixt us and the abiding place of the queen who ruleth over us in a month's journey from this shore,

Starting point is 03:30:09 all the lieges were of are under her hand, as are also the tribes of the Jin, Marids, and Satan's, while of the warlocks none caneth the number save he who created them. Wherefore, and thou be afraid, I will send with thee one who will convey thee to the coast, and there bring one who will embark thee on board a ship

Starting point is 03:30:29 that bear thee to thine own land. But, and thou be content to tarry with us, I will not forbid thee, and thou shalt be with me in mine eyes, till thou win thy wish, inshallah. Quoth he, O my lady, I will never quit thee till I foregather with my wife or lose my life, and quoth she, this is a light matter, be of good heart, for soon shalt thou come to thy desire.

Starting point is 03:30:54 Allah willing, and there is no help but that I let the queen know of thee that she may help thee to attain thy name. Hassan blessed her and kissed her head and hands, thanking her for her good deed and exceeding kindness and firm will. Then he set out with her, pondering the issue of his case, and the horrors of his strangerhood, wherefore he fell a weeping and a wailing, and recited these couplets,

Starting point is 03:31:19 A zephyr bloweth from the lover's sight, and thou canst view me in the saddest plight. The night of union is as brilliant morn, and black the severance day as black as night. farewelling friend is sorrow sorrest sore parting from lover's merest undelight i will not blame her harshness save to her and mid mankind nor friend nor fear i sight how can i be consoled for loss of you base censer's blame shall not console my sprite o thou in charms unique uniques my love o peerless thou my heart hath peerless might who make a semblance that he love at you and dreadeth blame is most blamworthy white then the old woman they beat the kettle-drums for departure and the army set out hassan fared with her drowned in the sea of solicitude and reciting verses like those above while she straved to comfort him and exhort him to patience but he awoke not from his tristess and heeded not her exhortations they journeyed thus till they came to the boundaries of the land of birds and when they entered it it seemed to lassan as if the world were turned topsy-turvy for the exceeding clamour

Starting point is 03:32:29 his head ached and his mind was dazed his eyes were blinded and his ears deafened and he feared with exceeding fear and made certain of death saying to himself if this be the land of birds how will be the land of beasts but when the crone height shawahy saw him in this plate she laughed at him, saying, oh, my son, if this be thy case in the first island, how will it fare with thee when thou comest to the others? So he prayed to Allah, and humbled himself before the Lord, beseeching him to assist him against that wherewith he had afflicted him, and bring him to his wishes, and they cease not going till they passed out of the land of birds, and, traversing the land of beasts, came to the land of the Jan, which when Hassan saw, he was sore affrighted and repented him of having entered it with them. But he sought aid of Allah the most high, and fared on with them,

Starting point is 03:33:22 till they were quit of the land of the Jan, and came to the river, and set down their loads at the foot of a vast mountain and a lofty, and pitched their tents by the streambank. Then they rested and ate and drank and slept in security, for they will come to their own country. On the morrow the old woman set Hassan a couch of alabaster, it laid with pearls and jewels and nuggets of red gold, by the riverside and he sat down thereon, having first bound his face with a chin-kerchief

Starting point is 03:33:51 that discovered not of him but his eyes. Then she bade proclaim among the troops that this should all assemble before her tent and put off their clothes and go down into the stream and wash, and thus she did that she might parade before him all the girls, so happily his wife should be amongst them and he know her. So the whole army mustered before her, and putting off their clothes went down into the stream, and Hassan seated on his couch, watched them washing their white skins, and frolicing and making merry, whilst they took no heed of his inspecting them, deeming him to be of the daughters of the kings. When he beheld them stripped of their clothes, his cords stiffened, for that looking at them mother naked he saw what was between their

Starting point is 03:34:34 thighs, and that of all kinds, soft and rounded, plump and cushioned, large-lipped, perfect, redundant and ample, and their faces were as moons, and their hair as night upon day, for that they were of the daughters of the kings. When they were clean, they came up out of the water, stark naked, as the moon on the night of fullness, and the old woman questioned Hassan of them, company by company, if his wife were among them. But as often as she asked him of a troop, he made answer, she's not among these, oh, my lady. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and seventh night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that the old woman questioned hassan of the girls company after company if happily his wife are among them but as often as she asked him of a troop he made answer she is not among these o my lady last of all there came up a damsel attended by ten slave-girls and thirty waiting women all of them high-bosomed maidens

Starting point is 03:35:40 they put off their clothes and went down into the river where the damsel fell to riding the high horse over her women throwing them down and ducking them on this wise she continued for a full hour after which all came up out of the water and sat down and they brought her napkins of gold perfled silk with which she dried herself. Then they brought her clothes and jewels and ornaments of the handiwork of the gin, and she donned them and rose and walked with graceful pace among the troops, she and her maidens. When Hassan saw her, his heart was ready to fly from his breast, and he said, verily this girl is the likeest of all folk to the bird I saw in the basin, atop the palace of my sisters, the princesses, and she lorded it over her lieges, even as to this one. The old woman asked, O Hassan, is this thy wife? And he answered, no, but thy life, oh my lady, this is not my wife, nor ever in my life,

Starting point is 03:36:36 have I set eyes on her. Neither among all the girls have I seen in these islands, is there the like of my wife, nor her match for symmetry and grace and beauty and loveliness. Then, said Shawaki, describe her to me and acquaint me with all her attributes, that I may have her in my mind, for I know every girl in the island of Waup, being commander of the army of maids and governor over them wherefore and thou describe her to me i shall know her and will contrive for thee to take her quoth he my wife hath the fairest face and a form all grace smooth is she of cheeks and high of breasts with eyes of liquid light calves and thighs plump to sight teeth snowy white with dulcet speech dyke in speech soft and bland as she were a willowand her gifts are immoral and lest lips are red as coral. Her eyes were natural cold dye, and her lower labia in softness lie.

Starting point is 03:37:32 On her right cheek is a mole, and on her waist under her navel is a sign. Her face shines as the ronder of the moon in sheen. Her waist is slight, her hips a heavy weight, and the water of her mouth the sick doth heal, as it were, cassar or salsabille, said the old woman, give me an increased account of her. Allah increased thee of passion for her. quoth he my wife hath a face the fairest fair and oval cheeks the rareest rare neck long and spare and eyes that coal-wear her side-faith shows the anemones of newman her mouth is like a seal of cornelian and flashing teeth that lure and stand one instead of cup and ewer she is cast in the mould of pleasantness and between her thighs is the throne of the catafake there is no such sanctuary among the holy places as saith in its praise the poet the name of what drave me distraught hath letters renowned among men a four into five multiplied and they multiplied six into ten then hasan wept and chanted the following mawal o heart and lover false thee shun the parting bane nor to forgetfulness thy thoughts constrain be patient thou shalt bury all thy foes allah ne'er falseth man of patience vain

Starting point is 03:38:55 and this also and wouldst be the life long safe vaunt not delight never despair nor wone or joy'd in sprite forbear rejoice not mourn not or thy plight and in ill day have not we open recite thereupon the old woman bowed her head groundwards awhile then raising it said laud be to the lord the mighty of a ward indeed i am afflicted with thee o hasan would heaven i had never known thee this woman whom you describeth to me as thy wife, I know by description, and I know her to be none other than the eldest daughter of the Supreme King, she who ruleth over all the islands of walk. So open both eyes, and consider thy case, and if thou be asleep, awake. For if this woman be indeed thy wife, it is impossible for thee ever to obtain her, and though thou come to her, yet couldst thou not avail to her possession, since between thee and her the distance is as that between earth and heaven. Wherefore, O my son, return presently, and cast not thyself into

Starting point is 03:40:00 destruction, nor cast me with thee, for me seemeth thou hast no lot in her. So return whence thou cameest, thou hast, lest our lives be lost, and she feared for herself and for him. When Hassan heard her words, he wept till he fainted, and she left not sprinkling water on his face till he came to himself, when he continued to weep, so that he drenched his dress with tears, for the much car can care and chagrin which betided him by reason of her words and indeed he despaired of life and said to the old woman o my lady and how shall i go back after having come hither verily i thought not thou wouldst forsake me nor fail of the winning of my wish especially as thou art the commander-in-chief of the army of the girls answered suwah O my son, I doubted not, but thy wife was a maid of the maids, and had I known she was the king's daughter, I had not suffered thee to come hither, nor had I shown the troops to thee, for all the love I bear thee. But now, O my son, thou hast seen all the girls naked, so tell me which of them pleaseth thee,

Starting point is 03:41:04 and I will give her to thee in lieu of thy wife, and do thou put it that thy wife and children are dead, and take her, and return to thine own country in safety, ere thou fall into the king'st, hand and I have no means of delivering thee. So Allah upon thee, O my son, hearken unto me, choose thyself one of these damsels in the stead of yonder woman, and return presently to their country in safety, and cause me not to quaff the cup of thy anguish. For by Allah thou hast cast thyself into affliction sore and peril galore, wherefrom none may avail to deliver thee evermore. But Hassan hung down his head and wept with long reaping, and recited these couplets, Blame not, said I to all who blamed me.

Starting point is 03:41:48 Mine eyelids not but tears were made to dream. The tears that brimmed these orbs have overflowed my cheeks, for lovers and love's cruelty. Leave me to love, though waste this form of me, for I of love adore the insanity. And, oh, my dearling, passion grows on me for you, and you, why grudge me clemency? You wronged me after swearing troth and plight,

Starting point is 03:42:11 false my companionship and turned to flee. a cup of humbling for your rigor sore ye made me drain what day departed ye then melt o heart with longing for their sight and o mine eyes with crowns of tears bedight and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and eighth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the old woman said to a psal by allah o my son hearken to my words choose thee one of these girls in lieu of thy wife, and presently returned to thy country in safety. He hung down his head, and recited the couplets quoted above. Then he wept till he swoon away, and Shawali sprinkled water on his face till he revived, when she addressed him, Oh, my lord, I have no shift left, because if I carry thee to the city,

Starting point is 03:43:06 thy life is lost, and mine also. For when the queen cometh to know of this, she will blame me for admitting thee into her lands, and islands, where to none of Adam's sons hath access, and will slay me for bringing thee with me, and for suffering mortal to look upon the virgin seen by thee in the sea, whom near touched male, nor neither approached me, and Hassan swear that he had never looked on them with evil eye. She resumed, O my son, hearken to me, and returned to their country, and I will give thee wealth and treasures and things of price, such as shall suffice thee for all the women in the world. moreover i will give thee a girl of the best of them so lent an ear to my words and return presently and imperil not thyself indeed i counsel thee with good counsel but he wept and rubbed both cheeks against her feet saying o my lady and mistress and coolth of my eyes how can i turn back now that i have made my way hither without the sight of those i desire and now that i have come near the beloved sight hoping for meeting forthright so happily there may be a portion in re-eubing

Starting point is 03:44:10 to my plight, and he improvised these couplets, O kings of beauty, grace to prisoner tain, Of eyelids fit to rule the chosros reign, Yet pass the wafts of musk in perfumed breath, Your cheeks the charms of blooming rose disdain, The softest zephy breathes where pitchy camp, And thence far-scattered sweetness fills the plain. Sensor of me leave blame in stint advice,

Starting point is 03:44:35 Thou bringest wearying words and wisdom vain. Why heat my passion with this flame? and upbred me when not thou knowest of its pain. Captured me eyes with passion maladiffs, and overthrew me with love's might and main. I scatter tears the while I scatter verse. You are my theme for rhyme and prosy strain. Melted my vitals glow of rosy cheeks,

Starting point is 03:44:58 and in the lazalow my heart is lame. Tell me, and I leave to discourse of you, what speech my breast shall broaden? Tell me, Dane, Lifelong I love the lovelines fair, but ah, to grant my wish, Ech Allah must be fain. Hearing his verses, the old woman was moved

Starting point is 03:45:14 to Ruth for him, and Allah planted the seed of affection for him in her heart, so coming up to him she consoled him, saying, Be of good cheer, and keep thine eyes cool and clear, and put away trouble from thy thought, for, by Allah, I will venture my life

Starting point is 03:45:30 with thee, till thou attain thine aim or death undue me. With this, Hassan's heart was comforted, and his bosom broadened, and he sat talking with the old woman till the end of day, when all the girls dispersed, some entering their town mansions, and others nighting in the tents. Then the old woman carried him into the city and lodged him in a place apart, lest any should come to know of him, and tell the queen of him, and she should slay him, and slay her, who had brought him thither. Moreover, she served him

Starting point is 03:46:00 herself and straved to put him in fear of the awful majesty of the supreme king, his wife's father, whilst he wept before her and said, Oh, my lady, I choose death for myself, and loath this worldly life, if I foregather not with my wife and children, and I have set my existence on the venture, and will either attain my aim or die. The old woman fell to pondering the means

Starting point is 03:46:23 of bringing him and his wife together, and casting about how to do in the case of this unhappy one, who had thrown himself into destruction, and would not be diverted from his purpose by fear or aught else, for indeed he wrecked naught of his life, and the sayer of by-words saith, lover in no wise he he to the speech of the man who is fancy-free. Now the name of the queen of the island wherein they were was Nural Al-Huda, eldest daughter of the supreme king,

Starting point is 03:46:51 and she had six virgin sisters, abiding with their father, whose capital and court were in the chief city of that region, and who had made her ruler over all the lands and islands of Hua. So when the ancient dame saw Hassan on fire with year, after his wife and children. She rose up and repaired to the palace, and going into Queen Nur al-Huda, kissed ground before her, for she had a claim on her favor, because she had reared the king's daughters, one and all, and had authority over each and every of them, and was high in honor and consideration with them and with the king. Nur al-Huda rose to her as she entered,

Starting point is 03:47:27 embracing her, seated her by her side, and asked her of her journey. She answered, by Allah, O my lady, twas a blessed journey, and I have brought thee a gift which I will presently presently present to thee, adding, O my daughter, O queen of the age and the time, I have a favor to crave of thee, and I fain would discover it to thee, that thou mayest help me to accomplish it, and but for my confidence that thou wilt not gainsay me therein, I would not expose it to thee. Asked the queen, and what is thy need? Expound it to me, and I will accomplish it to thee, for I and to behold, and to ye, for I, and my kingdom and troops are all at thy commandment and disposition. Therewithal the old woman quivered as quivereth the reed on a day when the storm-wind is abroad,

Starting point is 03:48:12 and saying in herself, O protector, protect me from the queen's mischief, fell down before her and acquainted her with Hassan's case, saying, oh, my lady, a man who had hitting himself under my wooden saddle on the seashore, sought my protection. So I took him under my safeguard, and carried him with me among the army of girls, armed and accoutred so that none might know him, and brought him into the city, and indeed I hast striven to affright him with thy fierceness, giving him to know of thy power and prowess, but as often as I threatened him, he weepeth, and reciteth verses, and saith,

Starting point is 03:48:47 Needs must I have my wife and children, or die, and I will not return to my country without them. And indeed he hath adventured himself and come to the islands of Wop, and never in all my days saw I mortal heartier of heart than he, or doubtier of daring do, save that love hath mastered him to the utmost of mastery. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized, saying her permitted say. End of Section 11, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 12 of the Book of a Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libervox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org the book of a thousand knights in a night volume eight by anonymous translated by richard francis burton eighteen twenty one to eighteen ninety section twelve when it was the eight hundred and ninth night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the old woman related to queen nur al hudah the adventure of hassan ending with never i saw any one heartier of

Starting point is 03:50:06 of heart than he, save that love hath mastered him to the utmost of mastery. The queen, after lending an attentive ear and comprehending the case, waxed wroth at her, with exceeding wrath, and bowed her head a while groundwards. Then raising it, she looked at Shawahi and said to her, O ill-omened beldom, art thou come to such a pass of lewdness that thou carryest males, men, with thee, into the islands of whack, and bringest them into me, unfearing of my mischief? Who hath forgone thee with this fashion that thou shouldst do thus, by the head of the king, But for thy claim on me for fosterage and service I would forthwith do both him and thee To die the foulest of deaths, that travellers might take warning by thee, O accursed,

Starting point is 03:50:51 lest any other do the like of this outrageous deed thou hast done, which none durst hitherto. But go and bring him hither forthright that I may see him, or I will strike off thy head, O accursed. So the old woman went out from her, confounded, unknowing whether she went, and saying, All this calamity hath Allah driven upon me from this queen because of Hassan. And going into him said, Rise, speak with the queen, O White, whose last hour is at hand. So he rose and went with her, whilst his tongue ceased not to call upon Almighty Allah and say, Oh my God, be gracious to me in thy decrees, and deliver me from this thine affliction. And Shahahi went with him, charging him by the way how he should speak with the queen.

Starting point is 03:51:37 When he stood before Nur al-Huda, he had found that she had donned the chin veil, so he kissed the ground before her and saluted her with the salaam, improvising these two couplets. God make thy glory last in joy of life. Allah confirm the boons he deigned bestow. Thy grace and grandeur, may our Lord increase, and I, the Almighty, aid thee or thy foe. When he ended his verse, Nur al-Huda bade the old woman ask him questions before her that she might hear his answers. So she said to him, The queen returneth thy salaam greeting and saith to thee,

Starting point is 03:52:12 What is thy name and that of thy country, and what are the names of thy wife and children, on whose account thou art come hither? Quoth he, and indeed he had made firm his heart and destiny aided him, O queen of the age and tide and peerless joy of the epoch and the time, My name is Hassan the fulfilled of sorrow, and my native city is Basorah. I know not the name of my wife, but my children's names are Nassir and Mansur.

Starting point is 03:52:39 When the queen heard his reply and his provenance, she bespoke him herself and said, And whence took she her children? He replied, O queen, she took them from the city of Baghdad And the place of the Caliphate. Quoth Nur al-Huda, And did she say not to thee at the time she flew away?

Starting point is 03:52:56 And quoth he, Yes, she said to my mother, Whenas thy son cometh to thee, and the knights of severance upon him longsome shall be, and he craveth meeting and reunion to see, and whenas the breezes of love and longing shake him dolefully, let him come in the islands of walk to me. Whereupon, Queen Nur al-Huda shook her head and said to him, Had she not desired thee, she had not said to thy mother this say, and had she not yearn for reunion with thee, never had she bidden thee to her stead,

Starting point is 03:53:25 nor acquainted thee with her abiding-place. Rejoined Hassan, O mistress of king, kings and asylum of prince and pauper. What so happened I have told thee, and have concealed not thereof, and I take refuge from evil with Allah and with thee, wherefore oppress me not, but have compassion on me, and earn recompense and requital for me in the world to come, and aid me to regain my wife and children. Grant me my urgent need, and cool mine eyes with my children, and help me to the sight of them. Then he wept and wailed, and lamenting his lot, recited these two couplets.

Starting point is 03:53:58 Yea, I will laud thee while the ring-dove moans, Though fail my wish of due and lawful scope, Nair was I whirled in bliss and joys gone by, wherein I found thee not both root and rope. The queen shook her head, and bowed it in thought a long time. Then, raising it she said to Hassan, and indeed she was wroth. I have ruth on thee, and am resolved to show thee in review all the girls in the city, and in the provinces of my island, and in case thou know thy wife, I will deliver her to thee. But, and thou know her not and know not her place, I will put thee to death and crucify thee over the old woman's door. Replied Hassan, I accept this from thee, O queen of the age,

Starting point is 03:54:42 and am content to submit to this thy condition. There is no majesty, and there is no might, save in Allah the glorious, the great. And he recited these couplets. You've roused my desire and remain at rest, wake my wounded lids while you slept with zest, and ye made me a vow, ye would not hang back, but your guile when you chained me waxed manifest. I loved you in childhood unknowing love, then slay me not, who am sore oppressed. Fear ye not from Allah when slaying a friend, who gazeth on stars when folk sleep their best. By Allah, my kinsman, indict on my tune. This man was the slave of love's harshest Hest. Haps a noble youth like me love's own thrall, when he sees my grave on my name shall call. Then Queen Noor Al-Huda commanded that not a

Starting point is 03:55:30 girl should abide in the city but should come up to the palace and pass in review before Hassan, and moreover she bade Shahahi go down in person and bring them up herself. Accordingly, all the maidens in the city presented themselves before the queen, who caused them to go in to Hassan, hundred after hundred, till there was no girl left in the place, but she had shown her to him, yet he saw not his wife amongst them. Then said she to him, cease thou her amongst these? And he replied, By thy life, O queen, she is not amongst them. with this she was sore enraged against him and said to the old woman go in and bring out all who are in the palace and show them to him so she displayed to him every one of the palace girls but he saw not his wife among them and said to the queen by the life of thy head o queen she is not among these

Starting point is 03:56:17 whereat the queen was wroth and cried out at those around her saying take him and hail him along face to earth and cut off his head lest any adventure himself after him and intrude upon us in our country and spy out our estate by thus treading his head lest any adventure himself after him and intrude upon us in our country and spy out our estate by thus treading the soil of our islands. So they threw him down on his face and dragged him along, then covering his eyes with his skirt, stood at his heads with bared brands awaiting royal permission. Thereupon, Shawahy came forward, and kissing the ground before the queen, took the hem of her garment, and laid it on her head, saying, O queen, by my claim for fosterage, be not hasty with him, more by token of thy knowledge that this poor wretch is a stranger, who hath adventured himself and suffered what none ever suffered before him, and Allah, to whom belong might and majesty, preserved him from death, for that his life was ordained to be long. He heard of thine equity and

Starting point is 03:57:08 entered the city in guarded sight, wherefore, if thou put him to death, the report will spread abroad of thee by means of the travellers, that thou hateest strangers, and slayest them. He is, in any case, at thy mercy, and the slain of thy sword, if his wife be not found in thy dominions, and whensoever thou desireth his presence, I can bring him back to thee. Moreover, in very sooth I took him under my protection only of my trust in thy magnanimity, through my claim on thee for fosterage, so that I engage to him that thou wouldst bring him into his desire, for my knowledge of thy justice and quality of mercy. But for this I had not brought him into thy kingdom, for I said to myself, the queen will

Starting point is 03:57:48 take pleasure in looking upon him, and hearing him speak his verses, and his sweet discourse, eloquent, which is like unto pearl strung on string. Moreover, he hath entered our land and eaten of our meat, wherefore he hath acclaim upon us. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of the day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and tenth night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Queen Nur al-Huda bad her pages seized Hassan and smite his neck, the old woman, Shawahi, began to reason with her and say, Verily he hath entered our land and eaten of our meat,

Starting point is 03:58:27 Wherefore he hath a claim upon us, The more especially, since I promised him to bring him in company with thee, And thou knowest that, Parting is a grievous ill, and severance hath power to kill, Especially separation from children. Now he hath seen all our women, save only thyself, So do thou show him thy face? The queen smiled and said,

Starting point is 03:58:47 How can he be my husband, and have had children by me, That I should show him my face? Then she made them bring Hassan, on before her, and when he stood in the presence she unveiled her face, which when he saw, he cried out with a great cry and fell down fainting. The old woman ceased not to tend him, till he came to himself, and as soon as he revived, he recited these couplets. O breeze that blow us from the land, Iraq, and from their corners who so cry, whack, whack, bear news of me to friends, and say for me I've tasted passion food of bitter smack.

Starting point is 03:59:17 O dearlings of my love show grace and ruth, my heart is melted for this severance rack. When he ended his verse, he rose, and looking on the queen's face cried out with a great cry, for stress whereof the palace was like to fall upon all therein. Then he swooned away again, and the old woman ceased not to tend him until he revived, when she asked him what ailed him, and he answered, In very sooth, this queen is either my wife, or else the likest of all folk to my wife. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the 811th night. She pursued, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the old woman asked Hassan what ailed him, he answered, In very sooth this queen is either my wife, or else the

Starting point is 04:00:06 likest of all folk to my wife. Quoth Nour al-Huda to the old woman, woe to thee, O nurse, this stranger is either gin-mad or out of his mind, for he stareth me in the face with wide eyes, and saith I am his wife! Quoth the old woman, O queen, indeed he is excusable, so blame him not, for the saying saith, for the love-sick is no remedy, and alike are the madman and he. And Hassan wept with sore weeping and recited these two couplets. I sight their track and pine for longing love, and o'er their homesteads weep I, and I yearn, and I pray heaven who willed me should part, will deign to grant a spoon of safe return.

Starting point is 04:00:45 Then, said Hassan to the queen once more, By Allah thou art not my wife, but thou art the likest of all folk to her. Hereupon, Nur al-Huda laughed till she fell backwards and rolled round on her side. Then she said to him, O my friend, take thy time and observe me attentively, answer me at thy leisure, what I shall ask thee, and put away from the insanity and perplexity and inadvertency for the relief is at hand. Answered Hassan, O mistress of kings and asylum of all princes and poppers,

Starting point is 04:01:15 when I looked upon thee I was distracted, seeing thee to be either my wife or the likest of all folk to her, but now now, and my king'stress of all folk to her, but now, ask me what so thou wilt quoth she what is it in thy wife that resembleth me and quoth he oh my lady all that is in thee of beauty and loveliness elegance and amorous grace such as the symmetry of thy shape and the sweetness of thy speech and the blushing of thy cheeks and the jutting of thy breasts and so forth all resemblet her and thou art her very self in thy faculty of parlance and the fairness of thy favour and the brilliancy of thy brow when the queen heard this She smiled and gloried in her beauty and loveliness, and her cheeks reddened, and her eyes wanton, Then she turned to Shawawi, um Doawi, and said to her, O my mother, carry him back to the place

Starting point is 04:02:03 where he tarried with thee, and tend him thyself, till I examine into his affair. For, and he be indeed a man of manliness, and mindful of friendship and love and affection, it behoveth we help him to win his wish, more by token that he hath sojourned in our country and eaten of our vittle, not to speak of the hardships of travel he hath suffered, the travail and horrors he hath undergone. But when thou hast brought him to thy house, commend him to the care of thy dependents, and return unto me in all haste, and Allah Almighty willing, all shall be well. Thereupon Shawah he carried him back to her lodging, and charged her handmaids and servants, and sweet, wait upon him, and bring him all he needed, nor fail, in what was his due.

Starting point is 04:02:44 Then she returned to Queen Noor al-Huda, who bade her don her arms and set out, taking with her only a thousand doughty horsemen. So she obeyed, and donned her war-gear, and having collected the thousand riders, reported them ready to the queen, who bade her march upon the city of the supreme king, her father, there to alight at the abode of her youngest sister, Manar al-Sanah, and say to her,

Starting point is 04:03:07 clothe thy two sons in the coats of mail which their aunt hath made them, and send them to her, for she longeth for them. Moreover the queen charged her keep Hassan's affair secret, and say to Manar al-Sanah, after securing her children, Thy sister invited thee to visit her. Then, she continued, bring the children to me in haste, and let her follow at her leisure. Do thou come by a road other than her road, and journey night and day, and beware of discovering this matter to any, and I swear by all manner of oaths,

Starting point is 04:03:38 that if my sister proved to be his wife and it appear that her children are his, I will not hinder him from taking her and them, and departing with them to his own country. and shahrazad perceives at dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twelfth night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that the queen said I swear by Allah and by all manner of oaths that if she proved to be his wife I will not hinder him from taking her, but will aid him thereto and eke to departing with them to his motherland. And the old woman put faith in her words, knowing not what she purposed in her mind. For the wicked Jezebel had resolved that if she were not his wife she would slay him, but if the children resembled him she would believe him. The queen resumed, O my mother, and my thought tell me true, my sister Manar al-Sana is his wife, but Allah alone is all knowing. seeing that these traits of surpassing beauty and excelling grace of which he spoke are found in none except my sisters and especially in the youngest the old woman kissed her hand and returning to hassan told him what the queen had said whereat he was like to fly for joy and coming up to her kissed her head

Starting point is 04:04:48 quoth she o my son kiss not my head but kiss me on the mouth and be this kiss by way of sweetmeat for thy salvation be of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool and clear and grudge not to kiss my mouth for I and only I was the means of thy foregathering with her. So take comfort, and harden thy heart, and broaden thy breast, and gladden thy glance, and console thy soul, for Allah willing, thy desire shall be accomplished at my hand. So saying, she bade him farewell and departed, whilst he recited these two couplets. Witnesses unto love of thee I've four, and wants each case two witnesses no more. A heart, eye fluttering, limbs that ever quake, a wasted frame and tongue that speech foreswore. And also these two. Two things there be, and blood tears thereover, wept eyes till not one trace thou couldst discover, eyes ne'er could pay the tithe to them is due,

Starting point is 04:05:43 the prime of youth, and severance from lover. Then the old woman armed herself, and taking with her a thousand weaponed horsemen, set out and journeyed till she came to the island and the city where dwelt the lady Manar al-Sana, and between which, and that of her sister, Queen Nur al-Huda, was three days' journey. When Shawahi reached the city she went into the princess, and saluting her, gave her her sister's salam, and acquainted her with the queen's longing for her and her children, and that she reproached her for not visiting her. Quoth Manar Asana, verily, I am beholden to my sister, and have failed of my duty to her in not visiting her, but I will do so forthright. Then she bade pitch her tents without the city, and took with her for her sister a suitable present of rare things.

Starting point is 04:06:30 Presently the king her father looked out a window of his palace, and seeing the tents pitched by the road asked of them, and they answered him, The princess Marnar al-Sanah hath pitched her tents by the wayside, being minded to visit her sister, Queen Nur al-Huda. When the king heard this he equipped troops to escort her to her sister, and brought out to her from his treasures meat and drink and monies in jub. jewels and rarities which beggar description. Now the king had seven daughters, all sisters, German by one mother and father, except the youngest. The eldest was called Noor al-Hudur, the second Najim al-Saba,

Starting point is 04:07:06 the third Shams al-Zur, the fourth, Shaharat al-Dur, the fifth, Qut al-Kulub, the sixth, Sharaf al-Al-Banat, and the youngest, Manar al-Sana, Hassan's wife, who was their sister by the father's side only. Anon, the old woman again presented herself

Starting point is 04:07:24 And kissed ground before the princess Who said to her, Hast thou any need, O my mother? Quoth Shawahi, thy sister, Queen Nur al-Huda, bideth thee clothe thy sons in the two haberians Which she fashioned for them, and send them to her by me, And I will take them and forego thee with them, And be the harbinger of glad tidings,

Starting point is 04:07:41 And the announcer of thy coming to her. When the princess heard these words, Her colour changed, and she bowed her head for a long time, after which she shook it, and looking up, said to the old woman, O my mother, my vitals tremble, and my heart fluttereth when thou namest my children, for from the time of their birth none have looked on their faces, either gin or man, male or female, and I am jealous for them of the zephyr when it breatheth in the night.

Starting point is 04:08:07 exclaimed the old woman, What words are these, O my lady? Dost thou fear for them from thy sister? And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased, saying her permissed, said. End of Section 12. Section 13 are The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All LibreVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Ruby Huck, the book of a thousand nights and a night, volume 8 by anonymous, translated by Richard Francis 1821 to 1890 section 13 night 1813 to 1818 18 18 when it was the 813th night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the old woman said to the princess manarral sanna what words be these o my lady dost thou fear for them from thy sister allah safeguard thy reason thou mayst not cross

Starting point is 04:09:27 the Queen's Majesty in this matter, for she would be wrath with thee. However, O my lady, their children are young, and thou art excusable in fearing for them, for those that love well are wont to deem ill. But, O my daughter, thou knowest my tenderness and mine affection for thee, and thy children, for indeed I rear thee before them. I will take them in my charge and make my cheek their pillow and open my heart and set them within. nor is it needful to charge me with care of them in the like of this case. So be of cheerful heart and tearless eye and send them to her, for at the most I shall but proceed thee with them a day or at most two days.

Starting point is 04:10:14 And she ceased not to urge her till she gave way, fearing her sister's fury and unknowing what loved for her in the dark future, and consented to send them with the old woman. So she called them and paid them and equipped them and changed their apparel. Then she clad them in the two little coats of mail and delivered them to Shawahy, who took them and sped on with them like a bird by another road, than that by which their mother should travel, even as the queen had charged her. Nor did she cease to fare on with all diligence, being fearful for them,

Starting point is 04:10:49 till she came in sight of Gulhullah city. When she crossed the river and entering the town, carry them into their aunt. The queen rejoiced at their sight and embraced them and pressed them to her breast, after which she seated them, one upon the right thigh and the other upon the left, and turning around, said to the old woman, fetch me Hassan forthright, for I have granted him my safeguard and have spared him from my sabre, and he had sought asylum in my house, and taken up his board in my courts, after having endured hardships and horrors and passed through all manner mortal risks, each terrier than the other. Yet hitherto is he not safe from drinking the

Starting point is 04:11:35 cup of death and from cutting off his breath? And Scheherzad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the 814th night, she continued, it had reached me, oh, auspicious king that when queen nudu bade the old woman bring husson she said readily he had endured hardships and horrors and passed through all manner mortal risks each terrible than other yet hitherto he is not saved from death and from the cutting off of his breath replied shawahee and i bring him to thee will thou reunite him with his children or if they prove not his will thou pardon him and rest store him to his own country? Hearing these her words, the queen waxed exceedingly wrought, and cried to her. Fire upon thee. O'en moment, old woman, how long will thou fall'st us in the matter of this strange

Starting point is 04:12:35 man, who have dared to intrude himself upon us, and hath lifted our wail and pride into our conditions? Say me, thinkest thou that he shall come to our land and look upon our faces, and betray our honour, and after return in safety to his own country, and he. expose our affairs to his people wherefore our report will be brooded abroad among all the kings of the quarters of the earth and the merchants will journey bearing tidings of us in all directions saying a mortal entered the is of whack and traversed the land of the jinn and the lands of the wild beasts and the islands of birds and set foot in the country of the warlocks and the enchanters and returned in safety this shall never be no never and I swear by Him who made the heavens and built it

Starting point is 04:13:26 them Yea by Him who spread the earth and smoothed it And who created all creatures and counted them that and they be not No, never And I swear by him Who made the heavens and bilted them Ye by Him who spread the earth

Starting point is 04:13:42 and smoothed it and who created all creatures and counted them That and they be not His children I will assuredly slain and strike his neck and mine old hand. Then she cried out at the old woman, who fell down for fear and set upon her with Chamberlain and twenty marmalukes, saying, go with this crone and fetch me in haste of youth who is in her house. So they dragged shawahi along, there with fright and with side bustles

Starting point is 04:14:12 quivering, till they came to her house, where she went into Hassan, who rose to her and kissed her hands and saluted her. She returned not his salaam, but set to her. him. Come speak the Queen. Did I not say to thee, return presently to thine own country, and I will give thee that to which no mortal way avail? And did I forbid thee from all this? But thou wouldst not obey me, nor listen to my words. Nay, thou rejectest my counsel, and chosest to bring destruction to me on thyself. Up then and take that which thou hast chosen. For death is near hand. Arise, speak with yonder, while harlot, FN number 151 and tyrant that she is.

Starting point is 04:14:57 So Hassan rose, broken-spirited, heavy-hearted and full of fear and crying, O Preserver, preserver, thou me, oh my God, be gracious to me in that, which thou hast decreed to me of thine affliction and protect me, or thou the most merciful of the mercifuls. Then, despairing of his life, he followed the twenty marmalutes, the chamberlain and the crown to the queen's presence, where he found his two sons Nassir and Mansoor sitting in her lap while she played and made merry with them. As soon as his eyes fell on him, he heard, and crying a great cry, fell down a fading for excess of joy at the sight of his children.

Starting point is 04:15:37 Ansharzar perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying, her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and fifteen night, she said, it had reached me auspicious king that when Asam's eyes, eyes fell upon his two sons. He knew them both and crying a great cry fell down a fainted. They also knew him. F and the number 152 and natural affection moved them so that they freed themselves from the queen's lap and fell upon Hassan and Allah to whom belong might and majesty made them speak and say to him, O our father, whereupon the old woman and all those who were present wept for pity and tenderness for them and said, Praise be Allah,

Starting point is 04:16:22 who had reunited you with your sire. Presently, Hassan came to himself and embracing his children, wept in again, he swooned away, and when he replied, he recited these verses. By rights of you,

Starting point is 04:16:36 his heart of mine could bear abe, severance, from you all be it union death and ply. Your phantom say to me, tomorrow we shall be, shall I, Despite the fore, the morrow day is five,

Starting point is 04:16:50 My rights of you, I swear, my lord, And since the day of severance Near the sweets of lips and joyed I, And Allah bid me perish for the love of you. Mid greatest martyrs for your love I leave, will die. After gazelle-duck make my heart her brows instead, The while her form of flesh-like sleep in leaves mine eye, If in the lists of law my bloodshed she denied,

Starting point is 04:17:16 who with two witnesses whose cheeks of Radi died. When Noural Huda was assured that the little ones were indeed Hassan's children and that her sister, the Princess Manal Sana, was his wife of whom he was come in quest, she was wroth against her with wrath beyond measure, and Sherzart received the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted sake. When it was the eight hundred and sixteen night, she pursued, it had three speech, auspicious king that when Nul Huda was certified, that the little ones were Hassan's children, and that her sister Manav Sanna was his wife, of whom he had come in quest.

Starting point is 04:17:57 She raged with exceeding rage, too great to be assuaged, and screamed in Hassan's face, and reviled him, and kicked him in the breast, so that he fell on his back in his swoon. When she cried out at him, saying, Arise, fly for thy life. That I swore that no evil should be tied thee from me, should thy tale prove true, I would slay thee with mine own hand forthright. And she cried out at the old woman, who fell on her face for fear, and said to her, Father Allah, but that I am loads to break the oaths that I swore, I would put both thee and him to death after the foulest fashion, presently adding, Arise, go out from me in safety, and return to thine own country, for I swear by my fortune,

Starting point is 04:18:46 if ever mine i espy thee or if any bring thee in to me after this i will smite off my head and that of whoso bringeth thee then she cried out to her officers saying put him out from before me so they trust him out and when he came to himself he recited these couplets you're far yet to my heart your nearest near absent yet present in my sprite you appear by allah ne'er to other i'm inclined but tyranny of time and pain borkmane'n's past while still I love you when they end and burns my breast with planes of fell sire fn number one fifty three i was a youth who parting for an hour bore not then what of months that may clear er jenis and i of breathed fannin me yeah jealous mad of fair soft-sighted fear then he once more fell down in his swoon and when he came to himself he found him himself without the palace whither they had dragged him on his face so he rose stumbling over his skirts and hard decrediting his estate from rural hoda now this was grievous to shawahi but she dared not remonstrate with the queen by reason of the violence of her rot and forth Hassan went forth, distracted in knowing not whence to come or whither to go. The world for all its wideness was straightened upon him and he found none to speak a kind word with him and comfort him,

Starting point is 04:20:16 nor any to whom he might resort for counsel or to apply for refuge, wherefore he made sure of death for that he could not journey to his own country, and knew none to travel with him. neither wist he the wade thither nor might he pass through the wady of the jann and the land of beasts and the islands of birds so giving himself up for lost he be swept himself till he fainted and when he revived he be taught him of his children and his wife and of that might be pall her with her sister repenting him of having come to those countries and of having harkened to none and recited these couplets suffer mine ibe's weak loss of love and tears express rare is my solace and increases my distress the cup of surveillance chances to the dregs are drained who is the man to bear love loss with manliness he spread the carpet of disgrace fn number one fifty four betwixt us twain ah when shalt be uproled o carpet of disgrace i watched the while you slept and if you deat that i forgot your love but i forget forgetful woes me indeed my heart is pining for the love of you the only leeches who can kill my case see he not what befell me from your feld is deign debased am i before the low and high no less i hid my love of you but longing laid it bare has kept our troth in secrecy and patent place would heaven i watch shall time ere dan us twas to join you are my heart's desire my sprite's soul happiness

Starting point is 04:21:56 my vitals bare a severance wound would heaven that you with tidings from your camp would deign my soul to bless then he went on till he came without the city when he found the river and walked along its bank knowing not whither he went such was husson's case but as regards his wife manaran sanna as she was about to carry out her purpose and to set out on the second day after the departure of the woman with her children behold there came into her one of the chamberlains of the king, her sire, and kissed crown between his hands, and Scheerzal perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the 817th night, she resumed it had reached me, O auspicious king, that when Manal-Sanav was about to set out upon the journey, behold, the chamberlame of the king, her sire, came into her and kissing the ground before her said, O Princess the Supreme King thy father saluted thee and bidst thee to him.

Starting point is 04:22:58 So she rose and accompanied the Chamberlain to learn what was required by her father, who seated her by his side on the couch and said to her, O my daughter, know that I have this night had a dream, which maketh me fear for thee, and that long sorrow that betrayed thee from this thy journey. Quote she, how so, O my father, and what didst thou see in thy dream? and co-thee. I dreamt that I entered a hidden hoard, wherein it was great store of monies, of jewels, of Jassens and other riches. But it was as if not pleased me of all this treasure and jewelry, save seven bezels, which were the finest things there. I chose out one of the seven jewels,

Starting point is 04:23:41 for it was the smallest, finest, and the most lustrous of them, and its water pleased me. So I took it in my hand-palm and fared forth of the treasury. When I came without the door, I opened my hand, rejoicing, and turned over the jewel, and behold, there swooped down on me out of a wetkin, a strange bird from a far land, for it was not of the birds of our country, and snatching it from my hand, returned it with it, whence it came, FN 155. Whereupon sorrow and concern and sore vexation overcame me and my exceeding chagrin, so troubled me that I awoke, mourning and lamenting.

Starting point is 04:24:20 for the loss of the jewel. At once on awaking I summoned the interpreters and expounders of dreams and declared to them my dream, FN 156, and they said to me, Thou hast seven daughters, the youngest of whom thou would lose, and she would be taken from deeper force without thy will. Now thou, oh my girl, art the youngest and dearest of my daughters and the most affectionate of them to me. But look ye thou art about to journey to thy sister, and I know not what may befall thee from her. So go thou not, but return to thy palace. But when the princess heard her father's words, her heart fluttered, and she feared for her children and bent earthwards her head a while, then she raised it and said to her sire, O king, Queen Nulhuah had made ready for me

Starting point is 04:25:09 an entertainment and awaited my coming to her hour by hour. These four years she had not not seen me and if I delay to visit her, she will be wrothed with me. The utmost of my stay with her shall be a month and then I will return to thee. Besides, who is the mortal who can travel our land and make his way to the islands of whack? Who can gain access to the white country and the Black Mountain and come to the land of Canfor and the castle of Crystal? And how shall he traverse the islands of birds and the wadi of wild beasts and the valley of the jad and enter our islands, if any stranger came hither, you would be drowned in the seas of destruction. So be of good cheer and eyes without a tear and end my journey, for none may avail it to tread

Starting point is 04:25:57 our earth. And she ceased not to persuade him, till he didn't give her need to depart. Anne Chazard perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and eighteen night, she said, it had reached me an auspicious king, that the princess ceased not to persuade him till he daint give her leave to depart, and bade a thousand horses escort her to the river and abide there, till she entered her sister's city in Paris and returned to them, when they should take her and carry her back to him. Moreover, he charged her tally with his sister by two days and returned to him in haste,

Starting point is 04:26:37 and she answered, hearing and obedience, then rising up, she went forth, and he with her and farewelled her. Now his words had sunken deep into a heart, and she feared for her children. But it availed not to fortify herself by any device against the onset of destiny, so she set out and fared on diligently three days, till she came to the river and pitched her tents on its bank. Then she crossed the stream, with some of her counsellors, pages and sweet, and going up to the city and the palace, went into Queen Nourin Lodagh, with whom she found, her children who ran to her weeping and crying out, O our father!

Starting point is 04:27:18 At this the tears railed from her eyes and she wept. Then she strained them to her bosom saying, What, have you seen your sire at this time? Would the hour had never been in which I left him? If I knew him to be the house of the world, I would carry you to him. Then she bemoaned herself and her husband and her children weeping and reciting these couplets. My friends, despite this distance and this cruelty, I find for you, inclined to you where you be, my glance forever turns toward your health and home, and mourns my heart and bygone

Starting point is 04:27:54 days you wonder with me. How many a night foregathered be without and fear, one loving, other faithful, ever fain and free. When her sister saw her fold her sister to a bosom saying, "'It is I who have done thus with myself and my children and have ruined my own house. She saluted her not, but said to her, O war, whence hadst thou these children, say, hast thou married unbeknown to thy sire, or hast thou committed fornication? F.N. 157, and thou have played the peace, if behoved, thou be exempt latterly punished, and if thou have married sans our knowledge, why didst thou abandon

Starting point is 04:28:36 thy husband and separate thy sons from thy sire, and bring them either, and Cherzart proceed the dawn of day, and cease saying her committed save. End of, section 13. Section 14 of the book of a thousand nights and a night, volume 8. This is the Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 14.

Starting point is 04:29:26 When it was the eight hundred and nineteenth night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that quoth Miral Huda, the queen to her sister, Manar al-Sana, the princess, and thou have married Sanzar knowledge. Why didst thou abandon thy husband and separate thy sons from their sire, and bring them to our land? Thou hast hidden thy children from us. Thinkest thou we know not of this? Allah Almighty, he who is cognizant of the concealed, hath made known to us thy case,

Starting point is 04:29:57 and revealed thy condition and bared thy nakedness. Then she bade her guard, seize her, and pinion her elbows, and shackle her with shackles of iron. So they did as she commanded, and she beat her with a grievous beating. so that her skin was torn and hanged her up by the hair, after which she cast her in prison, and wrote the king her father a writ, acquainting him with her case, and saying, There hath appeared in our land a man, immortal, by name Hassan, and our sister, Manar al-Sana, avoucheth that she is lawfully married to him, and bear him two sons, whom she hath hidden from us, and thee,

Starting point is 04:30:36 nor did she discover aught of herself till there came to us this man and informed us that he wedded her and she tarried with him a long while after which she took her children and departed without his knowledge bidding as she went his mother tell her son when as longing began to rack to come to her in the islands of whack so we laid hands on the man and sent the old woman shawahi to fetch her and her offspring enjoining her to bring us the children in advance of her and so she did whilst minar al-sana equipped herself and set out to visit me when the boys were brought to me and ere the mother came i sent for hasan the mortal who claimeth her to wife and he on entering and at first sight knew them and they knew him whereby was i certified that the children were indeed his children and that she was his wife and that she was his wife and and I learned that the man's story was true, and he was not to blame, but that the reproach and the infamy rested with my sister. Now I feared the rending of our honor veil before the folk of our isles. So when this wanton, this traitorous, came into me, I was incensed against her, and cast her into prison, and bastinadoed her grievously, and hanged her up by the hair. Behold, I have acquainted thee with her case, and it is thine to command, and whatso thou orderest us,

Starting point is 04:31:54 that we will do thou knowest that in this affair is dishonour and disgrace to our name and to thine and haply the islanders will hear of it and we shall become amongst them a byword wherefore it befitteth thou return us an answer with all speed then she delivered the letter to a courier and he carried it to the king who when he read it was wroth with exceeding wrath with his daughter minar al sanna and wrote to nur al huda saying i commit her case to thee and give thee manned over her life. So if the matter be as thou sayest, kill her without consulting me. When the queen had received and read her father's letter, she sent for Manala Asana, and they set before her the prisoner drowned in her blood and pinioned with her hair, shackled with heavy iron shackles and clad in haircloth, and they made her stand in the presence abject and abashed. When she saw herself in this condition of passing humiliation and exceeding abjection, she called to mind her former high estate, and wept with sore weeping, and recited these two couplets, O Lord, my foes are feigned to slay me, and despite, nor deem I any wise to find escape by flight.

Starting point is 04:33:05 I have recourse to thee, annual what they have done. Thou art the silum lord of fearful, suppliant white. Then wept she grievously, till she fell down in a swoon, and presently coming to herself, repeated these two couplets. troubles familiar with my heart are grown and i with them erst shunning for the generous are sociable still not one mere kind alone of wo doth leaguer with me lie praised be god there are with me thousands of kinds of ill and also these oft-times mischance shall straighten noble breast with grief whence issue is for him to shape but when the meshes straightest tightest seem they loose though deemed i near to find escape and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twentieth night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when queen nur alhuda ordered into the presence her sister princess minar al sanna they sat her between her hands and she pinioned as she was recited the verses aforesaid then the queen sent for a ladder of wood and made the eunuchs lay her on her back with her arms spread out and bind her with cords ther after which she bared her head and wound her hair about the ladder rungs and indeed all pity for her was rooted out from her heart when benar al sanna saw herself in this state of objection and humiliation she cried out and wept

Starting point is 04:34:37 but none succored her. Then said she to the queen, O my sister, how is thy heart hardened against me? Hast thou no mercy on me, nor pity on these little children? But her words only hardened her sister's heart, and she insulted her, saying, O wanton, O harlot, Allah have no ruth on who so sueth for thee. How should I have compassion on thee, O traitorous? replied Minar, Osana, who lay stretched on the ladder, I appeal from thee to the Lord of heavens, concerning that one, Wherewith thou revallest me, and whereof I am innocent? By Allah, I have done no hordom, but am lawfully married to him, and my lord knoweth, and I speak sooth or not. Indeed, my heart has wroth with thee by reason of thine excessive hard-heartedness against me. How canst thou cast at me the charge of harlotry, without knowledge?

Starting point is 04:35:26 But my lord will deliver me from thee, and if that hordom whereof thou accused me be true, may he presently punish me for it. Quoth Norahudah, after a few moments of reflection. how durst thou be speak me thus and rose and beat her till she fainted away whereupon they sprinkled water on her face till she revived and in truth her charms were wasted for excess of beating and the straightness of her bonds and the sore insults she had suffered then she recited these two couplets if aught i've sinned in sinful way or done ill deed and gone astray then past repent i and i come to you and for your pardon pray when ner al huda heard these lines her wrath redoubled, and she said to her, wilt speak before me in verse, O'hor, and seek to excuse thyself for the mortal sins thou hast sinned. T'was my desire that thou shouldst return to thy husband, that I might witness thy wickedness and matchless, brazen-facedness,

Starting point is 04:36:23 for thou gloriest in thy lewdness, and wantonness, and mortal heinousness. Then she called for palm-stick, and when, as they brought the Jared, she arose and bearing arms to elbows beat her sister from head to foot, after which she called for a whip of plaited thongs, wherewith if one smote an elephant he would start off at full speed, and came down therewith on her back and her stomach in every part of her body, till she fainted. When the old woman, Shahawi saw this, she fled forth from the queen's presence,

Starting point is 04:36:54 weeping and cursing her. But Nur al-Huda cried out to her eunuch saying, Fetch her to me! so they ran after her and seizing her brought her back to the queen, who bade throw her on the ground and making them lay hold of her, rose and took the whip, with which she beat her till she swooned away. When she said to her waiting women, "'Drag this ill-omened beldom forth on her face and put her out,

Starting point is 04:37:17 and they did as she bade them. So far concerning them, but as regards Hassan, he walked on beside the river in the direction of the desert, distracted, troubled and despairing of life. and indeed he was dazed and knew not night from day for stress of affliction he seized not faring on thus till he came to a tree wherto he saw a scroll hanging so he took it and found written thereon these couplets when in thy mother's womb thou wast i cast thy case the bestest best and turned her heart to thee so she fostered thee on fondest breast we will suffice thee and what hair shall cause thee trouble or unrest will aid thee in thine enterprise so rise and bow to our behest when he had ended reading this scroll he made sure of deliverance from trouble and of winning reunion with those he loved then he walked forward a few steps and found himself alone in a wild and perilous world wherein there was none to company with him upon which his heart sank within him for horror and loneliness and his side muscles trembled for that fearsome place and he recited these couplets o zephyra of morn and thou pass where the due

Starting point is 04:38:28 dear ones dwell, bear greeting of lover whoever in love-longing wands, and tell them I pledge to yearning and pond to pine, and the might of my passion, all passion of lovers unthrowns. Their sympathies happily shall breathe in a breeze like thee, and quick and forthright this framework of rotting bones. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and twenty-first night, she resumed, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Hassan read the scroll, he was certified of deliverance from his trouble, and made sure of winning reunion with those he loved. Then he walked forward a couple of steps and stopped, finding himself alone in a wild and perilous wold, wherein was none to company

Starting point is 04:39:14 with him. So he wept sore and recited the verses before mention. Then he walked on a few steps further, beside the river, till he came upon two little boys of the sons of the sorcerers, before whom lay a rod of copper graven with talismans, and beside it a skull-cap of leather, made of three gores and rotten in steel, with names and carricks. The cap and rod were upon the ground, and the boys were disputing and beating each other, till the blood ran down between them, whilst each cried, None shall take the wand but I! So Hassan interposed and parted them saying,

Starting point is 04:39:49 What is the cause of your contention? And they replied, O, uncle, be thou judge of our case, for Allah the Most High hath surely sent thee to do justice between us. Quoth Hassan, tell me your case and I will judge between you, and quote one of them, We twain are brothers German, and our sire was a mighty magician who dwelt in a cave on yonder mountain. He died and left us this cap and rod, and my brother saith, none shall have the rod but I, whilst I say the like, so be thou judge between us and deliver us each from other. Hassan asked, what is the difference between the rod and the cap, and what is their value?

Starting point is 04:40:24 the rod appears to be worth six coppers and the cap three, where to they answered, thou knowest not their properties. And what are their properties? Each of them hath a wonderful secret virtue, wherefore the rod is worth the revenue of all the islands of Waq, and their provinces and dependencies, and the cap the like. By Allah, oh my sons, discover to me their secret virtues. So they said,

Starting point is 04:40:49 O uncle, they are extraordinary, for our father wrought and hundred and thirty and five years at their contrivance, till he brought them to perfection, and engrafted them with secret attributes, which might serve him extraordinary services, and engraved them after the likeness of the revolving spear, and by their aid he dissolved all spells, and when he had made an end of their fashion, death, which all needs must suffer, overtook him. Now, the hidden virtue of the cap is that whoso setteth it on his head is concealed from all folk's eyes, nor can any see him whilst it remaineth on his head. And that of the rod is that whoso owneth it

Starting point is 04:41:29 hath authority over seven tribes of the Jin who all serve the order and ordinance of the rod. And whenever he who possesseth it, smiteth therewith from the ground, their kings come to do him homage, and all the Jin are at his service. Now, when Hassan heard these words, he bowed his head groundwards a while,

Starting point is 04:41:50 and then said in himself, by Allah, I shall conquer every fault by means of this rod and cap, inshallah, and I am worthy of them both than these two boys, so I will go about forthright to get them from the twain by craft, that I may use them to free myself and my wife and children from yonder tyrannical queen, and then we will depart from this dismal stead, once there is no deliverance for mortal man nor flight. Doubtless Allah caused me not to fall in with these two lads,

Starting point is 04:42:19 but that I might get the rod and cap from them. Then he raised his head and said to the two boys, If ye would have me decide the case, I will make trial of you and see what each of you deserveth. He who overcometh his brother shall have the rod, and he who faileth shall have the cap. They replied, O uncle, we depute thee to make trial of us, and do thou decide between us as thou deems fit.

Starting point is 04:42:42 Hassan asked, Will ye he hearken to me and have regard for my words? And they answered, yes. Then said he, will take a stone and throw it, and he who outrunneth his brother thereto, and picketh it up, shall take the rod, and the other who is outraced shall take the cap. And they said, We accept and consent to this thy proposal. Then Hassan took a stone and threw it with his might, so that it disappeared from sight. The two boys ran under and after it, and when they were at a

Starting point is 04:43:11 distance, he donned the cap, and handing the rod in hand, removed from his place that he might prove the truth of that which the boys had said with regard to their scant properties. The younger outran the elder, and coming first to the stone, took it and returned with it to the place where they had left Hassan, but found no signs of him. So he called to his brother, saying, Where is the man who was to be umpire between us? Quoth the other, I has spy him not, neither what I whether he hath flown up to heaven above or sunk into earth beneath. Then they sought for him, but saw him not, though all the while he was standing in his stead hard by them. So they abused each other, saying, Rod and cap are both gone. They are neither mine nor thine,

Starting point is 04:43:55 and indeed our father warned us of this very thing. But we forgot whatso he said. Then they retraced their steps, and Hassan also entered the city, wearing the cap and bearing the rod, and none saw him. Now, when he was thus certified of the truth of their speech, he rejoiced with exceeding joy and making the palace, went up into the lodging of Shwahi, who saw him not because of the cat. Then he walked up to a shelf over her head upon which were vessels of glass and chinaware, and shook it with his hand, so that what was thereon fell to the ground. The old woman cried out and beat her face. Then she rose and restored the fallen things to their places, saying in herself,

Starting point is 04:44:36 By Allah, methinks Queen Nuralhuda hath sent a Satan to torment me, and he hath tricked me this trick. i beg allah almighty deliver me from her and preserve me from her wrath for o lord if she deal thus abominably with her half-sister beating and hanging her dear as she is to her sire how will she do with a stranger like myself against whom she is incensed and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twenty-second night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the ancient lady of calamities cried, When Queen Nuralhuda doeth such misdeed to her sister, what will she do to a stranger like myself against whom she is incensed? Then, said she, I conjure thee, O devil, by the most compassionate, the bountiful great,

Starting point is 04:45:29 the high of a state of dominion elate, whom man and gin did create, and by the writing upon the seal of Solomon David's son, and both be the peace, speak to me and answer me. Quoth Asan, I am no devil, I am Hassan, the afflicted, the distraught. Then he raised the cat from his head, and appeared to the old woman, who knew him, and taking him apart, said to him,

Starting point is 04:45:51 What has come to thy reason that thou returnest hither? Go hide thee. For if this wicked woman have tormented thy wife with such torments, and she her sister, what will she do and she light on thee? Then she told him all that he had befallen his spouse, and that wherein she was of chervile and torment and tribulation, and straightly described all the pains she and she and, ad, and indeed the queen repenteth her of having let thee go, and hath sent one after thee,

Starting point is 04:46:20 promising him a hundred weight of gold, and my rank in her service, and she hath sworn that, if he bring thee back, she will do thee and thy wife and children dead, and she shed tears, and discovered to Hassan what the queen had done with herself, whereat he wept and said, O my lady, how shall I do to escape from this land and deliver myself and my wife and children from this tyrannical queen? And how devised to return with them in safety to my own country? replied the old woman. Woe to thee, save thyself!

Starting point is 04:46:52 Quoth he, there is no help but I deliver her and my children from the queen perforce and in her despite. And quoth Shahawi, how canst thou forcibly rescue them from her? Go and hide thyself, O my son, till Allah Almighty empower thee. then Hassan showed her the rod and the cap, whereat she rejoiced with joy exceeding, and cried, Glory be to him who quickeneth the bones, though they be rotten. By Allah, O my son, thou and thy wife were but of lost folk. Now, however, thou art saved, thou and their wife and children. For I know the rod, and I know its maker, who was my sheikh in the science of Grammarie.

Starting point is 04:47:31 He was a mighty magician and spent a hundred and thirty-five years working at this rod and cap, till he brought them to perfection when death the inevitable overtook him. And I have heard him say to his two boys, O my sons, these two things are not of your lot, for there will come a stranger from a far country, who will take them from you by force, and ye shall not know how he taketh them, said they, O our father, tell us how he will avail to take them,

Starting point is 04:47:58 but he answered, I what not, and, oh, my son, added she, How availeth thou, to take them? So he told her how he had taken them, from the two boys, whereat she rejoiced and said, O my son, since thou hast gotten the whereby to free thy wife and children, give ear to what I shall say to thee. For me there is no warning with this wicked woman,

Starting point is 04:48:19 after the foul fashion in which she durst use me. So I am minded to depart from her to the caves of the magicians, and there abide with them until I die. But do thou, O my son, don the cap, and hand the rod in hand, and enter the place where thy wife and children are, unbind her bonds and smite the earth with a rod saying, Be ye present, O servants of these names,

Starting point is 04:48:42 Or upon the servants of the rod will appear, And if they're present himself, one of the chiefs of the tribes, Command him whatso thou shalt wish and will. So he farewelled her, and went forth, Donning the cap and handing the rod, And entered the place where his wife was. He found her well-nigh lifeless, bound to the ladder by her hair,

Starting point is 04:49:01 tearful-eyed and woeful-hearted, in the sorriest of plights, knowing no way to deliver herself. Her children were playing under the ladder, while she looked at them and wept for them and herself, because of the barbarities and sore treatings and bitter penalties which had befallen her, and he heard her repeat these cutlets. There remaineth not aught save a fluttering breath and an eye whose owner is confounded, and as desirous lover whose bowels are burned with fire, notwithstanding which she is silent, the exulting foe pitieth her at the sight of her. Alas, for her whom the exulting foe piteeth.

Starting point is 04:49:38 When Hassan saw her in this state of torment and misery and ignominy and infamy, he wept till he fainted. And when he recovered, he saw his children playing, and their mother a swoon for excessive pain. So he took the cap from his head, and the children saw him and cried out, Oh, our father! Then he covered his head again, and the princess came to herself hearing their cry,

Starting point is 04:49:59 but saw only her children weeping and shrieking, Oh, our father! When she heard them named their sire and weep, Her heart was broken, and her vitals rent asunder, and she said to them, What maketh you in mind of your father at this time? And she wept sore and cried out

Starting point is 04:50:15 from a burst in liver and an aching bosom. Where are ye, and where is your father? Then she recalled the days of her union with the song, and what had befallen her since her desertion of him, and wept with sore weeping, till her cheeks were seared and furrowed, and her face was drowned in a briny flood. Her tears ran down and wetted the ground, and she had not a hand loose to wipe them from her cheeks, whilst the flies fed their fill on her skin, and she found no helper but weeping,

Starting point is 04:50:45 and no solace but improvising verses. Then she repeated these couplets. I called to mine the parting day that rent our loves in twain, when as I turned away, the tears in very streams did rain. The Camelier urged on his beast with them, What while I found nor strength nor fortitude, Nor did my heart with me remain. Yea, back I turned, unknowing of the road, nor might shake off the trance of grief and longing love That numbed my heart and brain, and worst of all betided me on my return, was one who came to me

Starting point is 04:51:18 In lowly guise to glory in my pain. Since the beloved's gone, O soul, forswear the sweet of life, nor coveted its continuance, for wanting him twere vain. List, on my friend, unto the tale of love, and God forbid that I should speak, and that thy heart to hearken should not deign. As toer El Asmaad himself, of passion I discourse,

Starting point is 04:51:41 fancies rare and marvellous, linked in an endless chain. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased, saying her permitted say. End of Section 14, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 15 of

Starting point is 04:52:05 the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Ruhi Huck. The Book of a Thousand Nights in a Night,

Starting point is 04:52:29 Volume 8 by Anonymous. translated by richard francis burton eighteen twenty one to eighteen ninety section fifteen when it was the eight hundred and twenty third night she continued when hasan went into his wife he saw his children and heard her repeating the verses aforementioned then she turned right and left seeking the cause of her children's crying out o our father but saw no one and marvelled that her son should name their sire at that time and call upon him. But when Hassan heard her verses, he wept till he swooned away and the tears railed down his cheeks like rain. Then he drew near the children and raised the cap from his head unseen of his wife, whereupon they saw him and they knew him and cried out saying, Oh, our father, their mother fell a weeping again. When she heard them name their sire's name and said there is no avoiding the doom which almighty allah hath decreed adding o strange what gareth them think of their father at this time and call upon him albeit it is not of their want then she wept and recited these couplets

Starting point is 04:53:45 the land of lamping moon is bare and dear o aine of me pour forth the brimming tear they marched how shall i now be patient that i no heart nor patience o nine swear o ye who marched yet bide in heart of me will you o lords of me return to that we were what harm if they return and i enjoy meeting and they had wrath on tears of care upon the parting day they dimmed their eyne for sad surprise and lit the flames that flare so longed i for their stay but fortune stayed longings and turned my hope to mere despair return to us o love by Allah Dane, enow of tears have flowed for absence bane. Then Hassan could no longer contain himself, but took the cap from his head, whereupon his wife saw him,

Starting point is 04:54:39 and recognises him, screamed a scream which startled all in the palace, and said to him, How cameest thou hither? From the sky hast thou dropped, or through the earth hast thou come up? And her eyes brimbed with tears, and Hassan also wept. Quote she,

Starting point is 04:54:54 O man, this be no time for tears or blame. faith hath its course and the sight was blinded and the pen hath run with what was ordained of allah when time was begun so allah upon thee whence soever thou comest go hide lest thy espy thee and tell my sister and she do thee and me die answered he o my lady and lady of all queens i have adventured myself and come hither and either i will die or i will deliver thee from this strait and travel with thee and my children to my country despite the nose of this thy wickedest sister but as she heard his words she smiled and for a while fell to shaking her head and said, far, oh my life, far is it from the power of any except Allah Almighty, to deliver me from this my strait, save thyself by flight and wend thy ways, and cast not thyself into destruction, for she hath conquering, hosts none may withstand, given that thou tookest me and wentest forth.

Starting point is 04:56:01 How canst thou make thy country and escape from these islands and the perils of these awesome places? verily thou hast seen on thy way hither the wonders the marvels the dangers and the terrors of the road such as none may escape not even one of the rebel jinns depart therefore forthright and add not a kark to my cock and care to my care neither do thou pretend to rescue me from this my plight for who shall carry me to thy country through all these wales and thirsty wolds and fatal steads rejoined hasan by thy life o light of mine eyes i will not depart this place nor fair but with thee quoth she o man thou canst not avail unto this thing and what manner of man art thou thou knowest not what thou sayest none can escape from these realms even had he command over jinns iffrit's magicians chiefs of tribes and merits save thyself and leave me perchance allah will bring about good after ill answered hassan o lady of fair ones i came not safe to deliver thee with this rod and with this cap and he told her what had befallen him with the two boys but whilst he was speaking behold up came the queen and heard their speech now when he was wear of her he donned the cap and was hidden from sight and she entered and said to the princess o wanton who is he with whom thou was talking answered manarl Sannar. Who is with me that should talk with me except these children? Then the queen took the whip

Starting point is 04:57:42 and beat her whilst Hassan stood by and looked on, nor did she leave beating her till she fainted, whereupon she bade transport her to another place. So they loosed her and carried her to another chamber whilst Hassan followed unseen. There, they cast her down senseless and stood gazing upon her till she revived and recited these couplets. I have sorrowed on account of our disunion with a sorrow that made the tears to overflow from my islands, and I vowed that if fortune reunite us, I would never again mention our separation. And I would say to the envious, die he with regret. By Allah, I have now attained my desire.

Starting point is 04:58:24 Joy hath overwhelmed me to such a degree that by its success it hath made me weep. O I, how hath weeping become thy habit? Thou weepest in joy as well as in sorrow. When she seized her verse, the slave-girls went out from her and Hassan took off the cap, whereupon his wife said to him, See, O man, all this befell me not, save by reason of my having rebelled against thee and transgress thy commandment, and gone forth without thy leave. So Allah, upon thee, blame me not for my sins, and know that women never what a man's worth till they'll have lost him. indeed i have offended and done evil but i crave pardon of allah almighty for what so i did and if he unite us i will never again gainsay thee in aught no never and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twenty-fourth night she pursued it had reached me o auspicious king that hassan's wife besought pardon

Starting point is 04:59:34 of him saying blame me not for my sin and indeed I crave mercy of Allah Almighty. Coth Hassan and indeed his heart ached for her. T'was not thou that wast in fault. Nay, the fault was mine and mine only. For I fared forth and left thee with one who knew not thy rank, neither thy worth nor thy degree. But know, O beloved of my heart and fruit of my vitals and light of mine eyes, that Allah, blessed be he, hath ordained to me power of releasing thee.

Starting point is 05:00:08 So say me, wouldst thou have me carry thee to my father's home? There to accomplish what Allah decreed unto thee, or wilt thou forthright depart with me to my known country? Now that relief has come to thee. Quoth she, who can deliver me save the Lord of the heavens? Go to thy motherland and put away from thee false hope, for thou knowest not the perils of these parts which, and thou obey me not, soon shalt thou sight, and she improvised these couplets.

Starting point is 05:00:41 On me and with me bides thy voluntie. Why, then such anger such despite to me? Whate'er befell us heaven forbid that love, fate for long time, or ere forgotten be? Seize not the spy to haunt our sides, till seen, our love is strange, and then estranged was he. In truth, I trusted to fair thoughts of mine, though spake the wicked spy maliciously. We'll keep the secret twixt us, twain, and behold,

Starting point is 05:01:14 although the brand of flame. Unsheath we see. The live long day in longing love I spend, hoping acceptance message from my friend. Then wept she and her children, and the handmaidens heard them, so they came into them and found them weeping, but saw not Hassan with them, wherefore they wept for Ruth of them,

Starting point is 05:01:37 and damned Queen Nurulhudha. Then Hassan took patience till night came on, and her guards had gone to their sleeping places when he arose and girded his waist, then went up to her, and loosing her, kissed her on the head, and between the eyes, and pressed her to his bosom, saying, How long have we wearied for our motherland, and for reunion there? is this our meeting in sleep or on awake? Then he took up the elder boy and she took up the younger and they went forth the palace and Allah wailed them with the veil of his protection so that they came safe to the outer gate which closed the entrance to the queen's Seraglio.

Starting point is 05:02:20 By finding it locked from without, Hassan said, There is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah the glorious the great. Verily we are Allah's. and unto him shall we return. With this they despaired of escape and Hassan beat hand upon hand saying, O dispelor of dolers, indeed I had be taught me of everything and considered its conclusion but this and now when it is daybreak they will take us and what device have we in this case? And he recited the following two couplets. Thou maydest fare thy thought of faith when I have.

Starting point is 05:02:59 the days were fair and fearest not the unknown ills that they to thee might bring the knights were fair and calm to thee thou wast deceived by them for in the peace of night is born full many a troublous thing then hasan wept and his wife wept for his weeping and for the abasement she had suffered and the cruelties of time and fortune box me my fate as though she were my foe each day she showeth me new cock and care. Fate, when I aim at good brings clear reverse, and let's foul morrow, wait on day that's fair. And also these, irks me my fate and cleans, unknows that I, of my high worth, her shifts and shafts despise. She knights parading what ill will she works, I knight parading patience to her eyes. Then his wife said to him, by Allah, there is no relief for us, but to kill ourselves and be at rest from this great and weary travail, else we shall suffer grievous torment on the morrow. At this moment behold, they heard a voice from without the door say,

Starting point is 05:04:11 by Allah, O my lady, Manar al-Sana, I will not open to thee and thy husband, Hassan, except you obey me in what so I shall say to you. When they heard these words, they were silent for excess of fright and would have returned whence they came. when lo the voice spake again saying what aileth you both to be silent and answer me not therewith they knew the speaker for the old woman shawahi lady of calamities and said to her whatsoever thou biddest us we will do but first open the door to us this being no time for talk replied she by allah i will not open to you until he both swear to me that you will take me with you and not leave me with yonder war whatever before you shall befall me and if ye escape I shall escape and if ye perish I shall perish for yonder abominable woman tribate that she is entreateth me with indignity and still tormenteth me on your account and thou o my daughter knowest my worth now recognizing her they trusted in her

Starting point is 05:05:21 and swear to her an oath such as contented her whereupon she opened the door to them and they fed forth and found her riding on a Greek jar of red earthenware with a rope of palm fibres about its neck which rolled under her and ran faster than the Najee cold and she came up to them and said follow me and fear not for i know 40 modes of magic by the least of which i could make the city a dashing sea swollen and clashing billows and in corsel each damsel therein to a fish and all before dawn. But I was not able to work out of my mischief for fear of the king, her father,

Starting point is 05:06:01 and of regard to her sisters, for that they are formidable. By reason of there many guards and tribesmen and servants. However, soon I will show you wonders of my skill in witchcraft. And now let us on, relying upon the blessing of Allah and his good aid. Now Hassan and his wife rejoiced in this, making sure of escape, and Sherzad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say.

Starting point is 05:06:29 When it was the 825th night, she resumed, it had reached me auspicious king that when Hassan and his wife accompanied by the ancient Dame Shavai fared forth from the palace, they made sure of deliverance and they walked on till they came without the city, when he fortified his heart and smiting the earth with the rod cried, Yee, ye servants of these names, appeared to me and acquaint me with your conditions. Thereupon the earth clave asunder, and out came ten Iffrettes,

Starting point is 05:07:01 with their feet in the bowels of the earth and their heads in the clouds. They kissed the earth three times before Hassan and said, as with one voice. Adsemus, here we are at thy service, O our lord and ruler over us, what dost thou bid us do? For we hear and obey thy commandment,

Starting point is 05:07:19 and thou wilt to be it. we will dry the upsees and remove mountains from their places. So Hassan rejoiced in their words and at their speedy answer to his evocation. Then taking courage and bracing up his resolution, he said to them, Who are ye? And what be your names and your races? And to what tribes and clans and companies appertain ye? They kissed the earth once more and answered as with one voice saying,

Starting point is 05:07:45 We are seven kings, each ruling over seven tribes of the Jin, and all conditions and satans and marids flyers and divers dwellers and mountains and wastes and waltz and haunters of the seas so bid us do what so thou wilt for we are thy servants and thy slaves and whoso possesseth this rod hath dominion over all our necks and we owe him obedience now when hasan heard this he rejoiced with joy exceeding as did his wife and the old woman and Presently he said to the kings of the jing, I desire of you that ye show me your tribes and hosts and guards. O our Lord, answered they, if we show thee, our tribes, we fear for thee and these who are with thee, for their name is legion,

Starting point is 05:08:35 and they are various in form and fashion, figure and favour. Some of us are heads, sands bodies, and others' bodies sands' heads, and others again are in the likeness of wild beasts and ravening lions. however if this be thy will there is no help but we first show thee those of us who are like unto wild beasts but oh our lord what wouldst thou of us at this present koth hasan i would have you carry me forthwith to the city of baghdad me and my wife and this honest woman but hearing his words they hung down their heads and were silent whereupon hasan asked them why do ye not reply and they answered as with one voice o our lord and ruler over us we are of the covenant of Solomon son of David on the Twain be peace and he aware us in that we would bear none of the sons of Adam on our backs since which time we have

Starting point is 05:09:32 borne no mortal on back or shoulder but we will straight away harness the horses of the gin that shall carry thee and thy company to thy country hasan inquired how far are we from Baghdad and they seven years journey for a diligent horseman Hassan marveled at this and said to them, Then how came I hither in less than a year? And they said, Allah softened to thee the hearts of his pious servants. Else hast thou never come to this country.

Starting point is 05:10:00 Now hast thou set eyes on these regions. No, never. For the Sheikh Abdul Qudus, who mounted thee on the elephant and the magical horse traversed with thee in ten days, three years' journey, for a well-girt rider. And the Iphrit Dhanash,

Starting point is 05:10:16 to whom the sheikh committed thee, carried thee a three years march in a day and a night, all which was of the blessing of Allah Almighty. For that the Sheikh Abu al-Rukwayish is of the seed of Asif bin Barthir, and knoweth the most great name of Allah. Moreover, from Baghdad to the palace of the damsels is a year's journey, and this make it up the seven years. When Hassan heard this, he marvelled with exceeding marvel and cried, glory be to God facilitator of the heart fortifier of the weak heart approximator of the far and humbler of every froward tyrant who had eased us of every accident and carried me to these countries and have subjected to me these creatures and reunited me with my wife and children

Starting point is 05:11:05 I know not whether I am asleep or awake or if I be sober or drunken then he turned to the gin and asked when he have mounted me upon your steeds and how many days will they bring us to Baghdad and they answered they will carry you dither under the year but not till after he have endured terrible perils and hardships and horrors and he have traversed thirsty wadies and frightful wastes and horrible steeds without number and we cannot promise the safety oh our lord from the people of these islands and shazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say end of Section 15. Section 16 of The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Ruhi Huck. The Book of a Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis. Burton 1821 to 1890 section 16 when it was the 826th night she said it had reached me o auspicious king that the jaan said to Hassan we cannot promise the safety or our lord from this

Starting point is 05:12:40 islandry nor from the mischief of the supreme king and his enchanters and warlocks it may be they will overcome us and take you from us and we fall into affliction with them and all to whom the tidings shall come after this will say to us ye are wrongdoers how could he go against the supreme king and carry a mortal out of his dominions and eke the king's daughter with him adding were thou alone with us the thing were light and he who conveyed thee hither is capable to carry thee back to thy country and reunite thee with thine own people forthright and in ready is plight so take heart and put thy trust in allah and fear not for we are at thy service to convey thee to thy country hassan thanked them therefore and said allah requite you with good but now make haste with the horses they replied we hear and we obey and struck the ground with their feet whereupon it opened and they disappeared within it and were absent awhile after which they suddenly reappeared with three horses and they suddenly reappeared with three horses saddled and bridled, and on each saddle bow, a pair of saddlebags, and a leather and bottle of water in one pocket and the other full of provont. So Hassan mounted one steed and took a child before him, whilst his wife mounted a second and took the other child before her. Then the old woman alighted from the jar and bestrored the third horse and they rode on without seizing all night.

Starting point is 05:14:12 At break of day they turned aside from the road and made for the road. for the mountain, whilst their tongues ceased not to name Allah. Then they fared on under the highland all that day, till Hassan caught sight of a black object afar, as if it were a tall column of smoke, a twisting skywards. So he recited somewhat of the Quran in holy writ, and sought refuge with Allah from Satan the stoned. The black thing grew plainer as they drew near,

Starting point is 05:14:41 and went hard by it. They saw that it was an iffrit, with a head like a huge do. dome and tusks like crapnels and jaws like a lane and nostrils like ears like leather and targes and mouth like a cave and teeth like pillars of stone and hands like winnowing forks and legs like masks his head was in the cloud and his feet in the bowels of the earth had ploughed when as hasan gazed upon him he bowed himself and kissed the ground before him saying O Hassan, have no fear of me. For I am the chief of the dwellers of this land, which is the first of the Isles of Walk,

Starting point is 05:15:22 and I am a Muslim and an adorer of the one God. I have heard of you and your coming, and when I knew of your case, I desired to depart from the land of the magicians to another land, void of inhabitants and far from men and gin, that I might dwell there alone and worship Allah till my fated end, came upon me so i wish to accompany you and be your guide cheeely fare forth of the walk islands and i will not appear same at night and do ye hearten your hearts on my account for i am a muslim even as he are muslims when hasan heard the ifrit's words he rejoiced with exceeding joy and made sure of deliverance and he said to him allah requite thee will go with us relying upon the blessing of allah so the ifrit forewent them and they followed

Starting point is 05:16:12 talking and making merry for their hearts were pleased and their breasts were eased and hussain fell to telling his wife all that had befallen him and all the hardships he had undergone while she excused herself to him and told him in turn all that she had seen and suffered they ceased not fearing all that night and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twenty-seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that they ceased not faring all that night, and the horses bore them like the blinding leaven, and when the day rose all put their hands to the saddlebags, and took forth Provond, which they ate, and water which they drank. Then they sped diligently on their way, proceeded by the Ifrit, who turned aside with them from the beaten track into another road, till then untrodden, along the seashore, and they ceased not faring on without stop. across wadis and wolds a whole month till on the thirty-first day there arose before them a dust cloud that walled the world and darkened the day and when hasan saw this he was confused and turned pale and more so

Starting point is 05:17:30 when a frightful crying and clamour struck their ears thereupon the old woman said to him o my son this is the army of the whack islands that hath overtaken us and presently they will lay their violent hands on us and asked what shall i do o my mother and she answered strike the earth with a rod he did so whereupon the seven kings presented themselves and saluted him with the salam kissing round before him and saying fear not neither grieve hassan rejoiced at these words and answered them saying well said o princess of the jinn and the iffrit's this is your time koth day get he up to the mountain top thou and thy wife and children and she who is with thee and leave us to deal with them for we know that you all are in the right and they in the wrong and allah will aid us against them so hassan and his wife and children and the old woman dismounted and dismissing the horses ascended the flank of the mountain and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twenty-eight night she continued It had reached me auspicious king That Hassan and his wife His children and the ancient dame ascended the mountain flank

Starting point is 05:18:49 After they had dismissed the coursers Presently up came Queen Nurulhuda With the troops right and left And the captains Went round among the host And raged them rank by rank in battle array Then the host charged down upon each other And clashed together the twain with a mighty strain

Starting point is 05:19:07 The brave pressed on a mane And the coward to fly was fain and the Jin-classed flames of fire from their mouths, while the smoke of them rose up to the confines of the sky, and the two armies appeared and disappeared. The champions fought and heads flew from trunks, and the blood ran in rills, nor did Bran leave to play,

Starting point is 05:19:29 and blood to flow and battle fire to flow, till the Mercos night came, when the two hosts drew apart, and sliding from their steeds rested upon the field by the fires they had kindled. therewith the seven kings went up to Hassan and kissed the earth before him. He pressed forwards to meet them and thanked them and prayed Allah to give them the victory and asked them how they had fared with the queen's troops.

Starting point is 05:19:53 Quoth they, they will not withstand us more than the three days, for we had the better of them today, taking some two thousand of them prisoners and slaying of them much fork, whose comte may not be told. So be of good cheer and broad oppressed. Then they farewelled him and went down to look up. after the safety of their troops and they ceased not to keep up the fires till the morning rose with its sheen and shone when the fighting men mounted their horses of noble strain and smote one another with thin-edged skein and with brawn of bill they thrust amain nor did they cease that day battle to derain moreover they passed the night on horseback clashing together like dashing seas raged among them the fires of war and they stinted

Starting point is 05:20:40 not from battle and jar till the armies of whack were defeated and their power broken and their courage quelled their feet slipped and whither they fled so ever defeat walt wharfore their turn-tailed and of flight began to avail but the most part of them were slain and their queen's and her chief officers and the grandees of her realm were Captain Tain. When the morning morrowed, the seven kings presented themselves before Hassan and set for him a throne of alabaster, inlaid with pearls and jewels, and he sat down thereon. They also set thereby a throne of ivory, plated with glittered gold for the princess manar al-sanah and another for the ancient dame, Shavahi, Zadaldawahi. Then they brought before them the prisoners, and among the rest, Queen Neurod. who thou with elbows pinioned and feet fettered whom when shawahi saw she said to her

Starting point is 05:21:34 thy recompense o harlot o tyrant shall be that two bitches be starved and two mares tinted of water till they be a thirst then shall thou be bound to the mare's tails and those driven to the river with the bitches following thee that they may rend thy skin and after thy flesh shall be cut off and given them to eat. How couldst thou do with thy sister such deed, Ostrumpet, seeing that she was lawfully married after the ordinance of Allah and his apostle? For there is no monkery in al-Islam,

Starting point is 05:22:08 and marriage is one of the institutions of the apostles, on whom be the peace. Nor were women created but for men. Then Hassan commanded to put all the captives to his sword, and the old woman cried out, saying, slay them all and spare none. But when Princess Hainarl Sanna saw her sister in this plight, a bondswoman and in fetters, she wept over her and said, Oh, my sister, who is this, had conquered us and made us captives in our own country?

Starting point is 05:22:37 Coth Nurulhuda, verily, this is a mighty matter. Indeed, this man, Hassan, had gotten the mastery over us, and Allah had given him dominion over us and over all our realm, and he had overcome us, us and the kings of the Jin. and quoth her sister. Indeed, Allah aided him not against you, nor did he overcome you, nor capture you, save by means of his cap and rod. So Noodle Hu dao was certified and assured that he had conquered her by means thereof and humbled herself to her sister, till she was moved to wrath for her and said to her husband, what wilt thou do with my sister? Behold, she is in thy hands and she had done thee no misdeed that thou shouldst punish her. Replied her,

Starting point is 05:23:22 her torturing of thee was misdeed now but she answered saying she hath excused for all she did with me as for thee thou hast set my father's heart on fire for the loss of me and what will be his case if he lose my sisters also and he said to her tis thine to decide do what so thou wilt so she bade lose her sister and the rest of the captives and they did her bidding then she went up to queen nurel hudah and embraced her and they were wept together for a long while, after which Cothed the queen. Oh, my sister, bear me not malice, for that I did with thee. And Coth Manar al-Sana, oh my sister, this was for ordained to me by Faye. Then they sat on the couch, talking and Manar al-Sana made peace between the old woman and her sister, after the goodliest fashion, and their hearts were set at ease. Thereupon Hassan dismissed the servants of the rod, thanking them for the succour, which they had afforded him against his force and Manar al-Sana related to his sister all that had befallen her with Hassan her husband and everything he had suffered for a sake saying oh my sister since he had

Starting point is 05:24:34 done these deeds and is possessed of this might and allah almighty hath gifted him with such exceeding prowess that he had entered our country and beaten thine army and taken the prisoner and defied our father the supreme king who had dominion over all the princes of the jinn it behovet us to fail not of what is due to him replied nur alhuda by allah o my sister thou say's so thou'st in what so thou'st tellest me of the marvels which this man had seen and suffered and none may fail of respect to him but was all this on thine account o my sister and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and twenty-ninth night she pursued it had reached me auspicious king that when princess minar al-sanah repeated to her sister these praises of hassan the other replied by all this man can claim all respect more by token of his generosity but was all this on thine account yes answered manarlsana and they passed the night and converse till the morning morrowed and the sun rose and they were minded to depart so they farewelled one another and minar al-sana gave god-speed to the ancient dame after the reconciling her with queen nur al hudha thereupon hassan smote the earth with the rod and its servants the gin appeared and saluted him saying praise be allah who had set thy soul at rest command us what thou wilt and we will do it for thee in less than the twinking of an eye he thanked them for their saying and said to them allah requite you with good saddle me two steeds of the best so they brought him and forth with two saddled coursers one of which he mounted taking his elder son before him and his wife rode the other taking the younger son in front of her

Starting point is 05:26:28 then the queen and the old woman also backed horse and departed hassan and his wife following the right and noor al hudah and chahabee the left-hand rode the spouse is fared on with their children without stopping for a whole mind till they drew in sight of a city which they found compassed about with trees and streams and making the trees dismounted beneath them thinking to rest there as they sat talking behold they saw many horsemen coming towards them whereupon hasan rose and going to meet them saw that it was king hasan lord of the land of camphor and castle of crystal with his attendants so hassan went up to the king and kissed his hands and saluted him and when hasan saw him he dismounted and seating himself with Hassan upon carpets under the trees returned his salam and gave him joy of his safety and rejoiced in him with exceeding joy saying to him o hasan tell me all that had befallen thee first and last so he told him all of that whereupon the king marvelled and said to him o my son none ever reached the islands of walk and returned then spad thou and indeed thy case is wondrous but alhambulillah praised be god for safety then he mounted and bade husson ride with his wife and children into the city where he lodged them in the guest-house of his palace and they abode with him three days eating and drinking in mirth and merriment after which husson sought hussens leave to depart to his own country and the king granted it accordingly they took horse and the king rode with them ten days after which he farewled them and turned back whilst husson and his wife and children fared on a whole month at the end of which time they came to a great cavern whose floor was of brass koth hassan to his wife kenest thou yonder cave koth she no said he therein dwelleth a sheikh abu al ruvesh height to whom i am greatly beholden for that he was the means of my becoming acquainted with king hassan then he went on to tell her all that had passed between him and abu al ruyash and as he was thus engaged beho

Starting point is 05:28:41 behold, the sheikh himself issued from the cavern mouth. When Hassan saw him, he dismounted from his steed and kissed his hands, and the old man saluted him, and gave him joy of his safety and rejoiced in him. Then he carried him into the anter, and sat down with him, whilst Hassan related to him what had befallen him in the islands of whack, whereat the elder marvelled with exceeding marvel and said, O Hassan, how didst thou deliver thy wife and children? So, he told them the tale of the cap and the rod, hearing which he wondered and said, O Hassan, oh my son, but for this rod and cap, thou hast never delivered thy wife and children. And he replied, even so, oh my lord.

Starting point is 05:29:27 As they were talking, there came a knocking at the door, and Abu al-Rawaiš went out and found Abd al-Qadduz mounted on his elephant. So he diluted him and brought him into the cabin, where he embraced Hassan and congratulated him on his safety, rejoicing greatly in his return, said Abu al-Rawaiish to Hassan, tell the Sheikh Abdul Kaddos. All that hath befallen thee, O Hassan. He repeated to him everything that had passed first and last till he came to the tale of the rod and cap. Anne Sherzad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say, her permitted say. End of Section 16. Section 17 of the Book of A Thousand

Starting point is 05:30:16 Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 17. When it was the 800, hundred and thirtieth night. She resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Hassan began relating to Sheikh Abed al-Qad al-Qadus, and Sheikh Abu al-Ruash, who sat chatting in the cave. All that had passed, first and last, till he came to the tail of the rod and cap,

Starting point is 05:31:03 whereupon quoth Abed al-Qadus, O my son, thou hast delivered thy wife and thy children, and hast no further need of the two. Now we were the means of thy winning to the islands of walk, and I have done thee kindness for the sake of my nieces, the daughters of my brother, wherefore I beg thee of thy bounty in favor to give me the rod and to shake Abu al-Ruish, the cap. When Hassan heard this, he hung down his head, being ashamed to reply, I will not give them to you, and said in his mind, indeed, these two sheikhs have done me great kindness, and were the means of my winning to the islands of walk, and but for them I had never made the place nor delivered my children, nor had I gotten me this rod and cab.

Starting point is 05:31:48 So he raised his head and answered, Yes, I will give them to you, but, oh my lords, I fear lest the supreme king, my wife's father, come upon me with his commando and combat with me in my own country, and I be unable to repel them for want of the rod and cap, replied Abed al-Qadus, fear not, oh, my son, we will continually succor thee, and keep watch and ward for thee in this place. and whosoever shall come against thee from thy wife's father or any other him we will fend off from thee wherefore be thou of good cheer and keep thine eyes cool of tear and hearten thy heart and broaden thy breast and feel not whatsoever of fear for no harm shall come to thee when hasan heard this he was abashed and gave the cact to abu al ruash saying to abed al-cadal-cadus accompanying me to my own country and i will give thee the rod at this the two elders rejoiced with

Starting point is 05:32:44 exceeding joy, and made him ready riches and treasures, which beggar all description. He abode with them three days, at the end of which he set out again, and the Sheikh Abad al-Qad al-Qadus made ready to depart with him. So he and his wife mounted their beasts, and Abed al-Qadus whistled, when behold, a mighty big elephant trotted up, with forehand and feet on amble from the heart of the desert, and he took it and mounted it. Then they farewelled Abu al-Ruayish, who disappeared within his cavern. And they fared on across country, traversing the land in its length and breadth,

Starting point is 05:33:20 wherever Abed al-Qadus guided them by a shortcut and an easy way, till they drew near the land of the princesses, or upon Hassan rejoiced at finding himself once more near his mother, and praised Allah for his safe return and reunion with his wife and children after so many hardships and perils, and thanked him for his favors and bounties,

Starting point is 05:33:42 reciting these couplets, haply shall allah deign us twain unine and locked in strict embrace will hail the light and wonders that befell me i'll recount and all i suffered from the severance blight and fain i'll cure my eyes by viewing you for ever yearned my heart to see your sight I hid a tale for you my heart within, Which when we meet O mourn, I'll fain recite. I'll blame you for the deeds by you were done, But while blame endeth, love shall stay in sight. Hardly had he made an end of these verses When he looked and behold,

Starting point is 05:34:16 There rose to view the green dome, And the jetting fount and the emerald palace, And the mountain of clouds showed to them from afar, Or upon quoth Abed al-Qadus, Rejoice, O Hassan, in good tidings, to knight shalt thou be the guest of my nieces. At this he joyed with exceeding joy, and also did his wife, and they alighted at the domed pavilion, where they took their rest and ate and drank, after which they mounted horse again and rode on till they came upon the palace.

Starting point is 05:34:46 As they drew near, the princesses, who were daughters of the king, brother to Sheikh Abed al-Qad al-Qadus, came forth to meet them and saluted them in their uncle, who said to them, O daughters of my brother, Behold, I have accomplished the need of this your brother Hassan, and I have helped him to regain his wife and children. So they embraced him and gave him joy of his return in safety and health, and of his reunion with his wife and children, and it was a day of festival with them.

Starting point is 05:35:13 Then came forward Hassan's sister, the youngest princess, and embraced him weeping with sore weeping, whilst he also wept for his long desolation. After which she complained to him of that which she had suffered, for the pangs of separation and weariness of spirit in his absence, and recited these two couplets. After thy fair in never chanced thy spot a shape, but did they form therein descried, nor closed mine eyes in sleep but thee I saw, lean as though dwelling twixt the lid and I. When she had made an end of her verses, she rejoiced with joy exceeding, and Hassan said to her,

Starting point is 05:35:49 O my sister, I thank none in this matter save thyself over all thy sisters, and may May Allah Almighty vouchsaf thee, Aedens and countenance. Then he related to her all that had passed in his journey, from first to last, and all that he had undergone, telling her what had betided him with his wife's sister, and how he had delivered his wife and wheeze,

Starting point is 05:36:11 and he also described to her all that he had seen of marvels and grievous perils, even to how Queen Nur al-Huda would have slain him and his spouse and children, and none saved them from her, but the Lord the Most High. over, he related to her the adventure of the cap and the rod, and how Abed al-Qadduce and Abu al-Ruash had asked for them, and he had not agreed to give them to the twain, save for

Starting point is 05:36:36 her sake. Wherefore she thanked him and blessed him, wishing him long life, and he cried, By Allah, I shall never forget all the kindness thou hast done me from incept to conclusion. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say, when it was the eight hundred and thirty-first night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when hassan foregathered with the princesses he related to his sister all that he had endured and said to her never will i forget what thou hast done for me from incept to conclusion then she turned to his wife manar al sanna and embraced her and pressed her children to her breast saying to her o daughter of the supreme king there was no pity in thy bosom that thou partest him in his children, and set us his heart on fire for them, say me, didst thou desire by this deed that he should die? The princess laughed and answered, Thus was it ordained of Allah, extolled and exalted be he, and whoso beguileeth folk, Him shall Allah beguile. Then they set on somewhat of meat and drink, and they all ate and drank and made merry. They abode thus ten days in feast and festival, mirth and merry-making,

Starting point is 05:37:50 At the end of which time, Hassan prepared to continue his journey. So his sister rose and made him ready riches and rarities such as defy description. Then she strained him to her bosom, because of leave-taking, and threw her arms round his neck, whilst he recited on her account these couplets. The solace of lovers is not but far, and parting is not save grief singular, and ill-will and absence are not but woe, and the victims of love not but martyrs are, and how tedious his knight to the loving white. From his true love parted neath evening star.

Starting point is 05:38:26 His tears course over his cheeks, and so he cries, O tears, be there more to flow? With this Hassan gave the rod to Sheikh Abad al-Kadus, who joyed therein with exceeding joy, and thanking him and securing it mounted and return to his own place. Then Hassan took horse with his wife and children, and departed from the palace of the princesses, who went forth with him to farewell him.

Starting point is 05:38:49 Then they turned back in Hassan Ferdon, over wild and wold, two months and ten days, till he came to the city of Baghdad, the house of peace, and repairing to his home by the private posturn, which gave upon the open country, knocked at the door. Now his mother, for long absence, had forsworn sleep and given herself to mourning and weeping and wailing, so she fell sick and ate no meat. Neither took delight and slumber, but shed tears night and day. She ceased not to call upon her son's name, albeit she,

Starting point is 05:39:19 she despaired of his returning to her, and as he stood at the door, he heard her weeping and reciting these couplets. By Allah, heal, O my lords, the unhole of wasted frame and heart-worn with dole, and you grant her a meeting tis but your grace shall whelm in the boons of the friend her soul. I despair not of union the Lord can grant, and to weal of meeting our woes' control. When she had entered her verses, she heard her son's voice at the door, calling out, O mother, mother ah, fortune hath been kind and hath vouchsafed our reunion. Hearing his cry, she knew his voice and went to the door between belief and misbelief. But when she opened it, she saw him standing there and with him his wife and children.

Starting point is 05:40:03 So she shrieked aloud for excess of joy and fell to the earth in a fainting fit. Hassan ceased not soothing her till she recovered and embraced him. Then she wept with joy, and presently she called his slaves and servants and bade them carry all his baggage into the house. So they brought in every one of the loads, and his wife and children entered also, whereupon Hassan's mother went up to the princess and kissed her head and bust her feet, saying, O daughter of the supreme king, if I have failed of thy due, behold, I crave pardon of almighty Allah. Then she turned to Asan and said to him, oh my son, what was the cause of this long strangerhood? He related to her all his adventures from beginning to in, and when she heard tell of all that had

Starting point is 05:40:47 befallen him, she cried a great cry and fell down a feinting at the very mention of his mishaps. He solaced her till she came to herself and said, By Allah, O my son, thou hast done unwisely, in parting with the rod and the cap, for hath thou kept them with the care due to them, thou wert master of the whole earth and its breath and length, but praise to be Allah for thy safety, oh my son, and that of thy wife and children. They passed the night in all pleasants and happiness. And on the morrow, Hassan changed his clothes and donning a suit of the richest apparel, went down into the bazaar and bought black slaves and slave girls, and the richest stuffs and ornaments and furniture, such as carpets and costly vessels, and all manner of other precious things,

Starting point is 05:41:35 whose like is not found with kings. Moreover, he purchased houses and gardens and estates, and so forth, and abode with his wife and his children and his mother, eating and drinking and pleasureing, nor did they cease from all joy of life in its solace, till there came to them the destroyer of delights and the severer of societies. And glory be to him who hath dominion over the scene and the unseen, who is the living, the eternal, who dieth not at all. And men also recount the adventures of Caliphah, the fisherman of Baghdad. There was once in tides of yore, and in ages and times long gone before, in the city of Baghdad, a fisherman, caliphah height a pauper white who had never once been married in all his days it chanced one morning that he took his net and went with it to the river as was his wont with a view of fishing before the others came when he reached the bank he girt himself and tucked up his skirts

Starting point is 05:42:32 then stepping into the water he spread his net and cast it a first cast and a second but it brought up not he seized not to throw it till he had made ten casts and still not came up therein wherefore his breast was straightened and his mind perplexed concerning his case and he said i crave pardon of god the great there is no god but he the living the eternal and unto him i repent there is no majesty and there is no might save allah the glorious the great whatso he willeth is and whatso he nileth is not upon allah to whom belong honour and glory dependeth daily bread when as he giveth to his servant none denieth him and when as he denieth a servant none giveth to him and of the excess of his distress he recited these two couplets and fate afflict thee with grief manifest prepare thy patience and make broad thy breast for of high shall send to wait upon unrest sweet rest then he sat awhile pondering his case and with his head bowed down recited also these couplets patience with sweet and with bitter fate and wheat that his will he shall consummate night oft upon woe as on abscess acts and brings it up to the bursting state and chant and chains shall pass or the yupe, and fleet from his thoughts, and no more shall bade. Then he said in his mind,

Starting point is 05:43:59 I will make this one more cast, trusting in Allah, so happily he may not disappoint my hope, and he rose and casting into the river the net as far as his arm availed, gathered the cords in his hands, and waited a full hour, after which he pulled at it, and finding it heavy,

Starting point is 05:44:17 and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. End of Section 17, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 18 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. 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 8, by Anonymous.

Starting point is 05:44:54 Translated by Richard Francis Burton. 1821 to 1890 section 18 when it was the eight hundred and thirty-second night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when caliphah the fisherman had cast his net sundry times into the stream yet it had brought up not he pondered his case and improvised the verses aforequoted then he said in his mind i will make one more cast trusting in allah who haply will not disappoint my hope so he rose and threw the net and waited a full hour after which time he pulled at it and finding it heavy handled it gently and drew it in little by little till he got it ashore when lo and behold he saw in it a one-eyed lame-legged ape seeing this quoth caliphah there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah verily we are allahs and to him we are returning what meaneth this heart-breaking miserable ill-luck and hapless fortune what has come to me this blessed day but all this is of the destinies of almighty allah then he took the ape and tied him with a cord to the tree which grew on the river-bank and grasping a whip he had with him raised his arm in the air thinking to bring down the scourge upon the quarry when Allah made the ape speak with a fluent tongue, saying,

Starting point is 05:46:35 O Caliphah, hold thy hand and beat me not, but leave me bounden to this tree and go down to the river and cast thy net, confiding in Allah, for he will give thee thy daily bread. Hearing this, Caliphah went down to the river and casting his net, let the cords run out. Then he pulled it in and found it heavier than before, so he ceased not to tug at it till he brought it to land, when, behold, there was another ape in it, with front teeth wide apart, cold darkened eyes, and hands stained with henna dyes,

Starting point is 05:47:12 and he was laughing, and wore a tattered waistcloth about his middle. Quoth Caliphah, praised be Allah, who hath changed the fish of the river into apes. Then, going up to the first ape, who is still tied to the tree, he said to him, see, O unlucky, how fulsome was the counsel thou gavest me. None but thou made me light on the second ape, and for that thou gavest me good morrow, with thy one eye and thy lameness, I am become distressed and weary, without Durham or dinar. So sang, he hent in his hand a stick,

Starting point is 05:47:51 and flourishing it thrice in the air, was about to come down with it upon the lame ape, when the creature cried out for mercy and said to him, I conjure thee by Allah, spare me for the sake of this, my fellow, and seek of him thy need, for he will guide thee to thy desire. So he held his hand from him, and throwing down the stick,

Starting point is 05:48:14 went up and stood by the second ape, who said to him, O Caliphah, this my speech will profit thee not, except thou hearken to what I say to thee, but, and thou do my bidding, and cross me not, I will be the cause of thine enrichment, asked Caliphah, and what hast thou to say to me that I may obey there therein? The ape answered, Leave me bound on the bank, and high thee down the river, then cast thy net

Starting point is 05:48:44 a third time, and after I will tell thee what to do. So he took his net, and going down to the river, cast it once more, and waited a while. Then he drew it in, and finding it heavy, labored at it, and ceased not his travail, until he got it ashore, where he found in it yet another ape, but this one was red, with a blue waistcloth about his middle, his hands and feet were stained with Hanna, and his eyes blackened with coal. When Caliphah saw this, he exclaimed, "'Glory to God the Great, extolled be the perfection of the Lord of Dominion. Verily, this is a blessed day from first to last, its assent was fortunate in the countenance of the first ape, and the scroll is known by a superscription. Verily today

Starting point is 05:49:37 is the day of apes. There is not a single fish left in the river, and we are come out today, but to catch monkeys. Then he turned to the third ape, and said, And what thing art thou also, O unlucky? Quoth the ape, dost thou not know me, O Caliphah? And quoth he, not I, the ape cried. I am the ape of Abu al-Sadat, the Jew, the Shroff, asked Khalifa. And what dost thou for him? And the ape answered,

Starting point is 05:50:14 I give him good morrow at the first of the day, and he gaineth five duckets, and again at the end of the day, I give him good even, and he gaineth another five duckets. Whereupon Caliphah turned to the first ape, and said to him, See, O unlucky, what fine apes other folks have. As for thee, thou givest me good-morrow, with thy one eye and thy lameness, and thy ill-omened fizz, and I become poor and bankrupt and hungry. So saying, he took the cattle-stick, and flourishing it thrice in the air, was about to come down on it, on the first ape, when Abu al-Sadat's ape said to him, Let him be, O Caliphah, hold thy hand, and come hither to me, that I may tell thee what to do.

Starting point is 05:51:05 So Caliphah threw down the stick, and walking up to him, cried, And what hast thou to say to me, O monarch of all monkeys? replied the ape. Leave me and the other two apes here, and take thy net and cast it into the river, and whatever cometh up, bring it to me, and I will tell thee what shall gladden thee. And Sharazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and thirty-third night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the ape of Abu al-Sadat,

Starting point is 05:51:47 said to Caliphah, take thy net and cast it into the river, and whatever cometh up, bring it to me, and I will tell thee what shall gladden thee. He replied, I hear and obey, and took the net, and gathered it on his shoulder, reciting these couplets. When straightened is my breast, I will of my creator pray, who may and can the heaviest weight lighten in easiest way, for ere man's glance can turn or close his eye by God his grace, waxeth the broken hole, and yieldeth jail its prison prey. Therefore, with Allah one and all of thy concerns commit, whose grace in favor men of wit shall never more gainsay. And also these twain. Thou art the cause that castest men in ban and bane, sorrow e'en so and sorrow's cause, and sorrow's cause,

Starting point is 05:52:43 thou canst a sane. Make me not covet aught that lies beyond my reach, how many a greedy white his with hath failed to gain. Now, when Caliphah had made an end of his verse, he went down to the river, and casting his net waited a while, after which he drew it up, and found therein a fine young fish, with a big head, a tail like a ladle, and eyes like two gold pieces. When Caliphah saw this fish, he rejoiced, for he had never in his life caught its like, so he took it, marvelling, and carried it to the ape of Abu al-Sadat, the Jew, as twere he had gotten possession of the universal world. Quoth the ape, O Caliphah, what wilt thou do with this and with thine ape? And quote the fisherman, I will tell thee, O monarch of monkeys, all I am about to do.

Starting point is 05:53:40 know then that first I will cast about to make away with yonder accursed my ape and take thee in his stead and give thee every day to eat of what so thou wilt rejoined the ape since thou hast made choice of me I will tell thee how thou shalt do wherein if it please Allah Almighty shall be the mending of thy fortune lend thy mind then to what I say to thee and tis this take take another cord and tie me also to a tree, where leave me, and go to the midst of the dyke, and cast thy net into the tigris. Then after waiting a while, draw it up, and thou shalt find therein a fish, then, which thou never sawst a finer in thy whole life. Bring it to me, and I will tell thee how thou shalt do after this. So Caliphah rose forthright, and casting his net into the tigris, drew up a great catfish, the bigness of a lamb.

Starting point is 05:54:44 Never had he set eyes on its like, for it was larger than the first fish. He carried it to the ape, who said to him, Gather thee some green grass, and set half of it in a basket. Lay the fish therein, and cover it with the other moiety. Then, leaving us here tied, shoulder the basket, and betake thee to Baghdad. If any bespeak thee, or question thee by the way, Answer him not, but fare on till thou comest to the market street of the money-changers. At the upper end whereof thou wilt find the shop of master, Abu al-Sadat the Jew, shake off the shrofts,

Starting point is 05:55:25 and wilt see him sitting on a mattress with a cushion behind him and two coffers, one for gold and one for silver before him, while around him stand his manilukes and negro slaves and servant lads. go up to him and set the basket before him saying o abu al-sadat verily i went out to-day to fish and cast my net in thy name and allah almighty sent me this fish he will ask hast thou shown it to any but me and do thou answer know it by allah then he will take it of thee and give thee a dinar give it him back and he will give thee two dinars but do thou return them also, and do so with everything he may offer thee, and take naught from him, though he give thee a fish's weight in gold. Then, will he say to thee, tell me what thou wouldst have, and do thou reply, by Allah I will not sell the fish save for two words, he will ask, what are they? And do thou answer, stand up and say, bear witness, O ye who are present in this

Starting point is 05:56:39 market, that I give Caliphah the fisherman my ape in exchange for his ape, and that I barter for his lot, my lot, and luck for his luck. This is the price of the fish, and I have no need for gold. If he do this, I will every day give thee good morrow and good even, and every day thou shalt gain ten d'nars of good gold, whilst this one-legged, lame-eyed ape shall daily give the Jew good-morrow, and Allah shall afflict him every day, with an avonie, which he must need pay, nor will he cease to be thus afflicted, till he is reduced to beggary, and hath not. Harken then to my words, so shalt thou prosper and be guided aright. Quoth Caliphah, I accept thy counsel, O monarch of the monkeys, but, as for this unlucky may Allah never bless him I know not what to do with him quote the ape let him go

Starting point is 05:57:41 into the water and let me go also I hear and obey answered Khalifa and unbound the three apes and they went down into the river then he took up the catfish which he washed and then laid it in the basket upon some green grass and covered it with other and lastly shouldering his load set out chanting the following, Mowal. Thy case commit to a heavenly Lord, and thou shalt safely see, act kindly through thy worldly life, and live repentance free. Mait not with folk suspected, lest eke thou shouldst suspected be, and from reviling keep thy tongue lest men revile at thee. And Shara Zad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and thirty-fourth night, she resumed.

Starting point is 05:58:39 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Caliphah the fisherman, after ending his song, set out with a basket upon his shoulder, and ceased not faring until he entered the city of Baghdad. And as he threaded the streets, the folk knew him, and cried out to him, saying, What hast thou there, O Caliphah? But he paid no heed to them, and passed on until he came to the market, street of the money changers, and fared between the shops as the ape had charged him, till he found the Jew seated at the upper end, with his servants in attendance upon him, as if he were a king of the kings of Khorasan. He knew him at first sight, so he went up to him

Starting point is 05:59:23 and stood before him, whereupon Abu al-Saddot raised his eyes and recognized him, said, Welcome, O Khalifa, what wantest thou, and what is thy need? if any have missaid thee or spited thee tell me and i will go with thee to the chief of police who shall do thee justice on him replied caliphah nay as thy head liveth o chief of the jews none hath missaid me but i went forth this morning to the river and casting my net into the tigris on thy luck brought up this fish therewith he opened the basket and threw the fish before the jew who admired it and said said, By the Pentateuch and the Ten Commandments, I dreamt last night that the Virgin came to me and said, No, O Abu al-Sadat, that I have sent thee a pretty present, and doubtless tis this fish. Then he turned to the Caliphah and said to him, By thy faith, hath any seen it but I? Caliphah replied, No, by Allah and by Abu Baker the veridical. None hath seen it, save thou,

Starting point is 06:00:32 O chief of the Jews, whereupon the Jew turned to one of his lads and said to him, Come, carry this fish to my house, and bid Sada, dress it and fry it, and broil it, against I make an end of my business, and hie me home. And Calava said, Go, O my lad, let the master's wife fry some of it and broil the rest. Answered the boy, I hear and I obey, O my lord, and taking the fish, went away, way with it to the house. Then the Jew put out his hand and gave Caliphah the fisherman a dinar, saying, Take this for thyself, O Caliphah, and spend it on thy family. When Caliphah saw the dinar in his palm, he took it, saying, laud to the Lord of Dominion, as if he had never seen

Starting point is 06:01:21 odd of gold in his life, and went somewhat away, but before he had gone too far, he was minded of the ape's charge, and turning back threw down the ducate, saying, Take thy gold, and give folk back their fish. Dost thou make a laughing-stock of folk? The Jew, hearing this, thought he was jesting, and offered him two dinars upon the other. But Khalifa said, Give me the fish and no nonsense. How newest thou I would sell it at this price? Whereupon the Jew gave him two more dinars, and said, Take these five ducats for thy fish, leave greed. So Caliphah, hint the five dinars in his hand, and went away rejoicing, and gazing and marvelling at the gold, and saying,

Starting point is 06:02:06 Glory be to God! There is not with the Caliph of Baghdad what is with me today. Then he ceased not faring on until he came to the end of the market street, when he remembered the words of the ape in his charge, and returning to the Jew, threw him back the gold. Quoth he, What aileth thee, O Caliphah! Thou want silver in exchange for gold?" Kalifah replied, I want nor Durham's nor dinars. I only want thee to give me back folks fish.

Starting point is 06:02:39 With this the Jew waxed wroth and shouted at him, saying, O fisherman, thou bringest me a fish not worth a sequin, and I give thee five for it, yet art thou not content? Art thou gin mad? Tell me for how much you will sell it," answered Khalifa. I will not sell it for silver nor for gold. Only for two sayings thou shalt say me. When the Jew heard speak of the two sayings,

Starting point is 06:03:06 his eyes sank into his head, and he breathed hard and ground his teeth for rage, and said to him, O nail-paring of the Muslims, wilt thou have me throw off my faith for the sake of thy fish, and wilt thou debauch me from my religion and stultify my belief and my conviction, which I inherited of old from my forebushels.

Starting point is 06:03:27 bears? Then he cried out to the servants who were waiting and said, Out on you, bash me this unlucky rogue's neck, and best in not owe him soundly. So they came down upon him with blows and ceased not bearing him until he fell beneath the shop, and the Jew said to them, Leave him and let him rise. Whereupon Khalifa jumped up as if not ailed him, and the Jew said to him, Tell me what price thou askest for this fish, and I will give it thee, for thou hast gotten but scant good of us this day answered the fisherman have no fear for me o master because of the beating for i can eat ten donkey's rations of stick the jew laughed at his words and said allah upon thee tell me what thou wilt have and by the right of my faith i will give it thee the fisherman replied not from thee will renumerate me for this fish save two words whereof i spake and the Jew said, Me seemeth thou wouldst have me become a Muslim?

Starting point is 06:04:31 Caliph I rejoined. By Allah, O Jew, and thou Islamized Twill nor advantage the Muslims, nor damage the Jews, and in like manner, and thou hold to thy misbelief twill nor damage Muslims nor advantage the Jews. But what I desire of thee is that thou rise to thy feet and say, bear witness against me, O people of the market, that I barter my ape for the ape of Caliphatha the fisherman, and my lot for the world, for his lot, and my luck for his luck, quoth the Jew.

Starting point is 06:05:06 If this be all thou desirest, twill sit lightly upon me, and Sharazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say. Section 19 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 19. When it was the 835th night, she resumed. presumed, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the Jew said to Caliphah the fisherman, If this be all thou desirest, twill sit lightly upon me. So he rose without stay or delay, and standing on his feet, repeated the required words, after which he turned to the fisherman

Starting point is 06:06:14 and asked him, hast thou aught else to ask of me? No, answered he, and the Jew said, Go in peace. Hearing this, Caliphah sprung to his feet forthright, took up his basket and net, and returned straight to the Tigris, where he threw his net and pulled it in. He found it heavy, and brought it not ashore but with travail, when he found it full of fish of all kinds. Presently up came a woman with a dish, who gave him a dinar, and he gave her fish for it, and after her a eunuch, who also bought a dinars worth of fish, and so forth, till he had sold ten dinars worth, and he continued to sell ten dinars worth of fish daily for ten days, till he had gotten an hundred dinars. Now Caliphah the fisherman had quarters in the passage of the merchants,

Starting point is 06:07:02 and as he lay one night in his lodging, much bemused with hashish, he said to himself, O Califa, the folk all know thee for a poor fisherman, and now thou hast gotten an hundred golden dinars. Needs must the commander of the faithful Harun al-Rashid hear of this from someone, and happily he will be wanting money, and will send for thee and say to thee, I need a sum of money, and it hath reached me that thou hast a hundred dinars, so do thou lend them to me those same. I shall answer, O commander of the faithful, I am a poor man, and whoso told thee that I had a hundred dinars lied against me, for I have not of this. Thereupon he will commit me to the chief of police, saying, strip him of his clothes and torment him with the bastinado till he confess and give up the hundred dinars in his possession. wherefore me seemeth to provide against this predicament, the best thing I can do is to rise forthright

Starting point is 06:07:58 and bash myself with a whip, so to use myself to beating. And his hashish said to him, Rise, doff thy dress. So he stood up and putting off his clothes, took a whip he had by him, and set handy a leathern pillow. Then he fell to lashing himself, laying every other blow upon the pillow, and roaring out the while, alas! Alas! by all right! "'Tis a false saying, O my lord, "'they have lied against me, "'for I am a poor fisherman "'and have naught of the goods of the world.'

Starting point is 06:08:29 "'The noise of the whip falling on the pillow "'and on his person resounded in the still of night, "'and the folk heard it, "'and amongst others the merchants, "'and they said, "'Whatever can ail the poor fellow that he cryeth "'and we hear the noise of blows falling on him. "'Twood seen robbers have broken in upon him

Starting point is 06:08:47 "'and are tormenting him. "'Presently they all came forth of their lodgings, at the noise of the blows and the crying, and repaired to Caliph's room, but they found the door locked and said one to other, Be like the robbers have come in upon him from the back of the adjoining saloon. It behooveth us to climb over by the roofs, so they clumb over the roofs, and coming down through the skylight, saw him naked and flogging himself, and asked him, What aileth thee, O Caliphah? He answered, No, O folk, that I have gained some dinars, and fear lest my case be carried up to the prince of true believers, Harun al-Rashid,

Starting point is 06:09:24 and he send for me and demand of me those same gold pieces, whereupon I should deny, and I fear that if I deny he will torture me, so I am torturing myself, by way of accustoming me to what may come. The merchants laughed at him, and said, Leave this fooling. May Allah not bless thee in the dinars thou hast gotten. Verily thou hast disturbed us this night and has troubled our hearts. So Caliphah left flogging himself and slept till the morning, when he rose and would have gone about his business, but bethought him of his hundred dinars and said in his mind, And I leave them at home, thieves will steal them, and if I put them in a belt about my waist,

Starting point is 06:10:05 Peradventure, someone will see me and lay and wait for me till he come upon me in some lonely place, and slay me and take the money. But I have a device that should serve me well, right well. So he jumped up forthright, and made him. him a pocket in the collar of his gabardine and tying the hundred dinars up in a purse laid them in the collar pocket then he took his net and basket and staff and went down to the tigris and shaharazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and thirty-sixth the night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that caliphah the fisherman having set his hundred dinars in the collar-pocket took basket, staff, and net, and went down to the tigris, where he made a cast, but brought up naught. So he removed from that place to another, and threw again, but once more the net came up

Starting point is 06:11:01 empty, and he went on removing from place to place till he had gone half a day's journey from the city, ever casting the net, which kept bringing up knot. So he said to himself, by Allah, I will throw my net a stream, but his once more, whether ill come of it or wheel, then he hurled the net with all his force, of the excess of his wrath and the purse with the hundred dinars, flew out of his collar-pocket, and lighting in mid-stream was carried away by the strong current. Orupon he threw down the net and plunged into the water after the purse. He dived for it nigh a hundred times, till his strength was exhausted, and he came up for sheer fatigue without chancing on it. When he despaired of finding the purse, he returned to the shore where he saw

Starting point is 06:11:47 nothing but staff, net, and basket, and sought for his clothes, but could light on no trace of them. So he said in himself, O vilest of those wherefore was made the byword, the pilgrimage is not perfected save by copulation with a camel. Then he wrapped the net about him and taking staff in one hand and basket in another, went trotting about like a camel and rut, running right and left and backwards and forwards, disheveled and dusty, as he were a rebel merid let loose from Solomon's prison. So far, for what concerns the fisherman Caliphah, but as regards the Caliph, Harun al-Rashid, he had a friend, a jeweler called Ibn Al-Kyrness, and all the traders, brokers, and middlemen knew him for the Caliph's merchant, wherefore there was not sold in Baghdad by way of rarities and

Starting point is 06:12:38 things of price, or mamelukes, or handmaidens, but was first she. shown to him. As he sat one day in his shop, behold, there came up to him the shake of the brokers with a slave girl, whose like Sears never saw, for she was of passing beauty and loveliness, symmetry and perfect grace, and among her gifts was that she knew all arts and sciences, and could make verses and play upon all manner musical instruments. So Ibn Alcernus bought her for five thousand golden dinars and clothed her with other thousand. And after which he carried her to the prince of true believers with whom she lay the knight and who made trial of her in every kind of knowledge and accomplishment and found her versed in all sorts of arts and sciences having no equal in her time her name was cutal kalub and she was even as saith the poet i fix my glance on her whene'er she wins and non-acceptance of my glance breeds pain she favours graceful-necked gazelle at gaze and graceful as gazelle

Starting point is 06:13:42 to say we're feign. And where is this beside the saying of another? Give me brunettes, the Syrian spears, so limber and so straight, tell of the slender dusky maids so lithe and proud of gait, languid of eyelids, with a down like silk upon her cheek, within her wasting lover's heart, she queens it still in state. On the marl, the caliph sent for Ibn Alcournas, the jeweler, and bade him receive ten thousand dinars as to her price. And his heart was taken up with the slave girl, Kutalulub, and he forsook the Lady Zubedda Bent al-Kasim, for all she was the daughter of his father's brother, and he abandoned all his favorite concubines and abode a whole month without stirring from Kutalqalub's side, save to go to the Friday prayers, and return to her

Starting point is 06:14:31 in all haste. This was grievous to the lords of the realm, and they complained thereof to the wazir Jafar, the barmecide, who bore with the commander of the faithful and waited till the next Friday, when he entered the cathedral mosque and foregathering with the Caliph, related to him all that occurred to him of extraordinary stories, anent seldom-seeing love, and lovers with intent to draw out what was in his mind. Quoth the Caliph, by Allah, O Jafar, this is not of my choice, but my heart is caught in the snare of love, and what I not what, is to be done. The wazir Jafar replied, O commander of the faithful, thou knowest how this girl coulda al-Kalub is become a thy disposal and of the number of thy servants, and that which hand possesseth, soul coveteth

Starting point is 06:15:17 not. Moreover, I will tell thee another thing which is that the highest post of kings and princes is in hunting and the pursuit of sport and victory, and if thou apply thyself to this, perchance it will divert thee from her, and it may be thou wilt forget her. Rejoin the caliph, thou sayest well, O Jafar. Come, let us go a hunting forthright, without stay or delay. So soon as Friday prayers were prayed, they left the mosque and at once, mounting their she-mules, rode forth to the chase, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the 837th night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the Caliph Harun al-Rashid and the wazir Jafar would

Starting point is 06:16:04 go forth a hunting and a-chasing, they mounted two she-mules, and fared on into the open country, occupied with talk, and their attendance outwent them. Presently, the heat became over-hot, and Al-Rashid said to his wazir, O Jafar, I am sore at thirst. Then he looked around, and espying a figure in the distance on a high mound, asked Jafar, seeest thou what I see? answered the wazir, yes, O commander of the faithful, I see a dim figure on our high mound, be like he is the keeper of a garden or of a cucumber plot, and in whatsoever water will not be lacking in his neighborhood, presently adding, I will go to him and fetch thee some. But Al-Rashid said, my mule is swifter than thy mule,

Starting point is 06:16:48 so do thou abide here on account of the troops, whilst I go myself to him and get of this person drink and return. So saying he urged his she-mule, which started off like racing wind or railing water, and in the twinkling of an eye made the mound, where he found the figure he had seen to be none other than Caliphah, the fisherman, naked and wrapped in the net, and indeed he was horrible to behold, as to and fro he rolled with eyes for very redness, like crescent gleam, and dusty hair and disheveled trim as he were an Ifret or a lion grim. All Rashid saluted him, and he returned his salutation, but he was wroth and fires might have been lit at his breath. Quoth the Caliph, O man, hast thou any water? And quoth Caliph,

Starting point is 06:17:34 O thou, art thou blind or gin mad? Hit thee to the river Tigris, for tis behind this mound. So Al-Rashid went around the mound, and going down to the river, drank and watered his mule. Then without a moment's delay, he returned to Caliphah, and said to him, What aileth thee, O man, to stand herein? What is thy calling? The fisherman cried, This is a stranger and sillier question than that about the water.

Starting point is 06:18:00 Seas thou not the gear of my craft on my shoulder, said the Caliph. be like thou art a fisherman? And he replied, yes, asked all Rashid, Where is thy gabardine, and where are thy waistcloth and girdle and where be the rest of thy raiment? Now these were the very things which had been taken from Caliphah, like for life. So when he heard the Caliph named them, he got into his head that it was he who had stolen his clothes from the riverbank, and coming down from the top of the mound, swiftlier than the blinding leaven, laid hold of the mule's bridle, saying, hark ye man bring me back my things and leave jesting and joking. Al-Rashid replied,

Starting point is 06:18:39 By Allah, I have not seen thy clothes, nor no aught of them. Now the caliph had large cheeks and a small mouth, so Caliphah said to him, Be like thou art by trade a singer or a piper on pipes. But bring me back my clothes fairly and, without more ado, or I will bash thee with this my staff till thou be pissed thyself and be foul thy clothes. when Al-Rashid saw the staff in the fisherman's hand, and that he had the vantage of him, he said to himself, by Allah, I cannot brook from this mad beggar half a blow of that staff.

Starting point is 06:19:12 Now, he had on a satin gown, so he pulled it off and gave it to Caliphah, saying, O man, take this in place of thy clothes. The fisherman took it, and turned it about and said, My clothes are worth ten of this painted Abba cloak, and rejoined the Caliph. Put it on till I bring thee thy gear. So Caliphah donned the gaol. but finding it too long for him, took a knife he had with him, tied to the handle of his basket, and cut off nigh a third of the skirt, so that it fell only beneath his knees. Then he turned to

Starting point is 06:19:42 al-Rashid and said to him, Allah upon thee, O Piper, tell me what wage thou getest every month from thy master, for thy craft of piping? replied the caliph, my wage is ten dinars a month. And Caliphah continued, By Allah, my poor fellow, thou makest me sorry for thee, why I make thy ten dinars a every day hast thou a mind to take service with me and i will teach thee the art of fishing and share my gain with thee so shalt thou make five dinars a day and be my slave and i will protect thee against thy master with this staff quoth al-rashid i will well and quoth caliphah then get off thy she ass and tie her up so she may serve us to carry the fish hereafter and come hither that i may teach thee to fish forthright so al-rashid alighted and hobbling his mule tucked his skirts and into his girdle, and Caliphah said to him, O Piper, lay hold of the net thus, and put it over thy forearm, thus, and cast it into the tigris thus. Accordingly, the Caliph took heart of grace, and, doing as the fisherman showed him, threw the net and pulled at it, but could not draw it up. So Caliphah came to his aid and tugged at it with him, but the two together could not hail it up,

Starting point is 06:20:56 whereupon said the fisherman, O'Piper of ill omen, for the first time I took thy gown and in place of my clothes, but this second time I will have thine ass and will beat thee to boot till thou be piss and beskight thyself, and I find my net torn, quoth Al-Rashid, let the twine of us pull at once, so they both pulled together, and succeeded with difficulty in hauling that net ashore, when they found it full of fish of all kinds and colors. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 19, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 20 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8.

Starting point is 06:21:46 This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous. by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 20. When it was the 838th night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Caliphah the fisherman and the Caliph

Starting point is 06:22:19 hauled that net ashore, they found it full of fish of all kinds. And Caliphah said to Arrishid, By Allah, O Piper, thou art foul of favor, but, and thou apply thyself to fishing, thou wilt make a mighty fine fisherman. But now, twere best thou be straddled thy ass and make for the market and fetch me a pair of frails and i will look after the fish till thou return when i and thou will load it on thine asses back i have scales and weights and all we want so we can take them with us and thou wilt have nothing to do but to hold the scales and pouch the price for here we have fish worth twenty dinars so be fast with the frails and loiter not answered the caliph i hear and obey and mounting left him with his fish and spurred his mule and high good humor, and ceased not laughing over his adventures with the fisherman, till he came up to Jafar, who said to him, O commander of the faithful, be like, when thou wentest down to drink, thou found us a pleasant flower-garden, and interest, and took thy pleasure therein alone? At this Al-Rashid fell a-laffing again,

Starting point is 06:23:22 and all the barmecides rose and kissed the ground before him, saying, O commander of the faithful, Allah make joy to endure for thee, and do away annoy from thee. What was the cause of thy delaying when thou fairest to drink, and what hath befallen thee? Quoth the Caliph, verily, a right wondrous tale, and a joyous adventure, and a wondrous, hath befallen me, and he repeated to them what had passed between himself and the fisherman, and his words, thou stolleth my clothes, and how he had given him his gown, and how he had cut off a part of it, finding it too long for him. Said Jafar, by Allah, O commander of the faithful, I had in mind to beg the gown of thee, but now I will go straight to the fishermen and buy it of him. The Caliph replied, by Allah, he hath cut off a third part of the

Starting point is 06:24:07 skirt and spoilt it. But, O Jafar, I am tired with fishing in the river, for I have caught great store of fish which I left on the bank with my master Caliphah, and he is watching them and waiting for me to return to him with a couple of frails on a machete. Then we are to go, I and he, to the market, and sell the fish and share the price. Jafar rejoined, O commander of the faithful, I will bring you purchaser for your fish. And Al-Rashid retorted, O Jafar, by the virtue of my holy forefathers, who so bringeth me one of the fish that are before Caliphah, who taught me angling, I will give him for it a gold dinar. So the crier proclaimed among the troops that they should go forth and buy fish for the Caliph, and they all rose and made for the riverside. Now, while Caliphah was

Starting point is 06:24:51 expecting the Caliph's return with the two frails, behold, the Mamaluk swooped down upon him like vultures and took the fish and wrapped them in gold-and-bridged kerchiefs, beating one another in their eagerness to get at the fishermen. Whereupon, quoth Caliphah, doubtless, these are of the fish of paradise, and handing two fish in right hand and left, plunged into the water up to his neck and fell assaying, O Allah, by the virtue of these fish, let thy servant the piper, my partner, come to me at this very moment, and suddenly up to him came a black slave, which was the chief of the Caliph's negro eunuchs. he had tarried behind the rest, by reason of his horse having stopped to make water, by the way, and finding that not remained of the fish, little or much, looked right and left till he espied

Starting point is 06:25:36 Caliphah standing in the stream, with a fish in either hand, and said to him, Come hither, O fisherman! But Caliphah replied, Be gone, and none of your impudence. So the eunuch went up to him and said, Give me the fish, and I will pay thee their price, replied the fisherman, art thou little of wit? I will not sell them. Therewith the eunuch, drew his mace upon him, and Caliphah cried out, saying, Strike not, O loon! Better largesse than mace. So saying, he threw the two fishes to the unit, who took them and laid them in his kerchief.

Starting point is 06:26:07 Then he put hand in pouch, but found not a single dirham, and said to Caliphah, O fisherman, verily thou art out of luck, for by Allah I have not a silver about me. But come to-morrow to the palace of the caliphate, and ask for the eunuch, Sandal, whereupon the castar-hos will direct thee to me, and by coming thither thou shalt get what falleth to thy lot, and therewith when thy ways. Quoteth Caliphah, indeed this is a blessed day, and its blessedness was manifest from the first of it. Then he shouldered his net and returned to Baghdad, and as he passed through the streets,

Starting point is 06:26:41 the folk saw the Caliph's gown on him, and stared at him till he came to the gate of his quarter, by which was the shop of the Caliph's tailor. When the man saw him wearing a dress of the apparel of the Caliph, worth a thousand dinars, he said to him, O Caliphah, whence hath thou that gown? replied the fisherman, What aileth thee to be impudent? I had it of one whom I taught to fish and who has become my apprentice. I forgave him the cutting off of his hand,

Starting point is 06:27:07 for that he stole my clothes, and gave me this cape in their place. So the tailor knew that the caliph had come upon him as he was fishing, and jested with him and given him the gown. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. when it was the eight hundred and thirty-ninth night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that the caliph came upon caliph of the fisherman and gave him his own gown in jest wherewith the man fared home such was his case but as regards harun al-rashid he had gone out a hunting and a fishing only to divert his thoughts from the damsel kutal kalub but when zubedah heard of her and of the caliph's devotion to her the lady was fired with jealousy which the more especially fireth women so that she She refused meat and drink and rejected the delights of sleep and awaited the caliphs going forth on a journey or whatnot

Starting point is 06:27:58 that she might set a snare for the damsel. So when she learnt that he was gone hunting and fishing, she bade her women furnished the palace fairly and decorated splendidly and serve up vions and confections, and amongst the rest she made a china dish of the daintiest sweetmeats that can be made, wherein she had put bang. Then she ordered one of her eunuchs to go to the damsel Kutal Kulub, and bid her to the banquet, saying,

Starting point is 06:28:24 The Lady Zubeda bin Tal Qasim, the wife of the commander of the faithful, hath drunken medicine to-day, and, having heard tell of the sweetness of thy singing, longeth to divert herself somewhat of thine art. Kut al-Kal-Kalub replied, Hearing and obedience are due to Allah, and the Lady Zubedah,

Starting point is 06:28:42 and rose without stay or delay, unknowing what was hidden for her in the secret purpose. Then she took with her what instruments she needed, and accompanying the unit, seized not faring till she stood in the presence of the princess. When she entered, she kissed ground before her again and again. Then rising to her feet said, Peace beyond the Lady of the exalted seat,

Starting point is 06:29:03 and the presence where to none may avail, daughter of the house of Abbasi and Sion of the Prophet's family. May Allah fulfill thee of peace and prosperity in the days and the years. Then she stood with the rest of the women and eunuchs. And presently the Lady Zupida raised her eyes and considered her beauty and loveliness. She saw a damsel with cheeks smooth as rose, and breasts like granado, a face moon-bright, a brow, flower-white, and great eyes black as night.

Starting point is 06:29:31 Her eyelids were languor dight, and her face beamed with light, as if the sun from her forehead arose and the murks of the night from the locks of her brow. And the fragrance of musk from her breath strayed, and flowers bloomed in her lovely face inlaid. The moon beamed from her forehead, and in her slender shape the branches swayed. she was like the full moon shining in the nightly shade her eyes wantoned her eyebrows were like a bow arched and her lips of coral moulded her beauty amazed all who espied her and her glances amated all who eyed her glory be to him who formed her and fashioned her and perfected her brief she was even as saith the poet of one who favoured her when she's incensed thou seest folk like slain and when she's pleased their souls are quick again her eyeing are armed with glances magical wherewith she kills and quickens as she's fain the worlds she leadeth captive with her eyes as though the worlds were all her slavish train quoth the lady zubeda welcome and welcome and fair cheer to thee o kutal-culeub sit and divers us with thine art and the goodliness of thine accomplishments quoth the damsel i hear and i obey and putting out her hand took the tambourine whereof one of its praisers speaketh in the following verses o thou thou thou'er the tabret my heart takes flight and love smit cries while thy fingers smite thou takest naught but a wounded heart a while for acceptance longs the white

Starting point is 06:31:04 so say thou word or heavy or light play whate'er thou please it will charm the sprite suawbon unveil thy cheek ma belle rise deftly dance in all heart's delight then she smote the tambourine briskly and so sang thereto that she stopped the birds in the sky and the place danced with them blithely after which she laid down the tambourine and took the pipe whereof it is said she hath eyes whose babes with their fingers sign to sweet tunes without a discordant line and as the poet also said in this couplet anne wentth she announces the will to sing for union joy tis a time divine then she laid down the potty's a part after she had charmed therewith all who were present and took up the lute whereof saith the poet how many a blooming bough when glee girl's hand is feign as loot to witch great souls by charm of cunning strain she sweeps tormenting lute strings by her artful touch with finger-tips that surely chain with endless chain then she tightened its pegs and tuned its strings and laying it in her lap bended over it as mother bendeth over child and it seemed as it were of her and her lute that the poet spoke in these couplets. Sweetly discourses she on Persian string, and unintelligence makes understand, and teaches she that loves a murderer who oft the reasoning Muslim hath unmanned. A maid by Allah in whose palm of thing of painted wood-like mouth can

Starting point is 06:32:36 speech command. With lute she stauncheth flow of love, and so stops flow of blood the cunning leech's hand. Then she preluded in fourteen different modes and sang to the lute an entire piece so as to confound the gazers and delight her hearers, after which she recited these two couplets. The coming unto thee is blessed. They're in new joys for I attend. Its blisses are continuous, its blessings never end. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and forty-of-night, she said, it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the maiden, Kutalulub, after singing these songs and sweeping the strings in presence of the Lady Zubida, rose and exhibited tricks of sleight of hand, and ledger domain, and all manner of pleasing arts, till the princess came near to fall in love with her, and said to herself, Verily, my cousin Al-Rashid is not to blame for loving her. Then the damsel kissed ground before Zubedah, and sat down, whereupon they set food before her. Presently they brought her the drugged dish of sweetmeats, and she ate thereof, and hardly had it settled in her stomach, when her head fell backward and she sank on the ground, sleeping.

Starting point is 06:33:54 With this the lady said to her women, carry her up to one of the chambers till I summon her, and they replied, We hear and we obey. Then said she to one of her eunuchs, fashion me a chest, and bring it hitherto to me, and shortly afterwards she bade make the semblance of a tomb, and spread the report that Kutal Khalub had chosen. and died, threatening her familiars that she would smite the neck of whoever should say, she is alive. Now, behold, the caliph suddenly returned from the chase, and the first inquiry he made was for the damsel. So there came to him one of his eunuchs, whom the Lady Zubeda had charged to declare she was dead, if the caliph should ask for her, and kissing-crown before him, said, May thy head live, O my lord, be certified that Kut al-Kulub choked in eating and is dead. Whirupin cried Al-Rashid,

Starting point is 06:34:42 "'God never gladden thee with good news, O thou bad slave!' And entered the palace, where he heard of her death from everyone, and asked, Where is her tomb? So they brought him to the sepulchre and showed him the pretended tomb,

Starting point is 06:34:56 saying, This is her burial place. When he saw it, he cried out and wept and embraced it, quoting these two couplets. By Allah, O tomb, have her beauty seized and disappeared from sight,

Starting point is 06:35:09 and is the countenous change, and wan that shone so wonder bright o tomb o tomb thou art neither heaven nor garden verily how comes it then that swaying branch and moon in thee unite the caliph weeping sore for her abode by the tomb a full hour after which he arose and went away in the utmost distress and the deepest melancholy so the lady zube da saw that her plot had succeeded and forthright sent for the eunuch and said hither with the chest he said it before her when she bade bring the damsel and locking her up therein said to the eunuch take all pains to sell this chest and make it a condition with the purchaser that he buy it locked then give alms with its price so he took it and went forth to do her bidding thus fared it with these but as for caliphah the fisherman when morning morrowed and shone with its light and sheen he said to himself i cannot do aught better to-day than visit the eunuch who bought the fish of me for he appointed me to come to him in the palace of the caliphate so he went forth of his lodging intending for the palace of the palace and when he came thither he found mamelukes negro slaves and eunuchs standing and sitting and looking at them behold seated amongst them was the eunuch who had taken the fish of him with the white slaves waiting on him presently one of the mameluke lads called out to him whereupon the eunuch turned to see who he was and lo it was the fisherman now when caliphah was where that he saw him and recognized him he said to him i have not failed thee o my little tulip on this wise are men of their word hearing him his address, Sandal the eunuch laughed and replied,

Starting point is 06:36:48 By Allah, thou are right, O fisherman, and put his hand to his pouch to give him somewhat. But at that moment there arose a great clamor, so he raised his head to see what was to do, and finding that it was the wazir Jafar, the barmecide, coming forth from the caliph's presence. He rose to him and forewent him, and they walked about conversing for a longsome time. Kaleifa the fisherman waited a while, then growing weary of standing and finding that the eunuch took no heed of him. He set himself in his way, and beckoned to him from afar, saying, O my Lord Tulip, give me my due and let me go. The eunuch heard him, but was ashamed to answer him because of the minister's presence, so he went on talking with Chaffar and took no notice whatever

Starting point is 06:37:30 of the fisherman. Whereupon Quoth Caliphah, oh, slow, pay, may Allah put to shame all churls, and all who take folks' goods and are niggardly with them. I put myself under thy protection, oh, my lord brand-belly, to give me my due and let me go. The eunuch heard him, but was ashamed to answer him before Jafar, and the minister saw the fisherman beckoning and talking to him, though he knew not what he was saying. So he said to Sandal, misliking his behavior, O Unik, what would yonder beggar with thee?

Starting point is 06:38:00 Sandal replied, dost thou not know him, O my lord, the wazir? And Jafar answered, by Allah, I know him not. How should I know a man I have never seen, but at this moment? Rejoined the eunuch, O my lord, this is a fisherman whose fish we seized on the banks of the Tigris. I came too late to get any and was ashamed to return to the Prince of true believers, empty-handed, when all the Mamalooks had some. Presently I espied the fishermen standing in midstream, calling on Allah, with four fishes in his hands, and said to him,

Starting point is 06:38:30 give me what thou hast there, and take their worth. He handed me the fish, and I put my hand into my pocket, purposing to gift him with somewhat, but found not therein, and said, come to me in the palace, and I will give thee wherewithal to aid thee in thy poverty. So he came to me today, and I was putting hand to pouts that I might give him somewhat, when thou camest forth, and I rose to wait on thee, and was diverted with thee from him, till he grew tired of waiting, and this is the whole story, how he cometh to be standing here. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 20, recorded by Sylvia M. B. in Washington State. Section 21 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8.

Starting point is 06:39:20 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 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 21 When it was the 841st night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That when Sandal the eunuch referred to Jafar, the barmecide,

Starting point is 06:39:57 The tale of Caliphah the fisherman, ending with, This is the whole story and how he cometh to be standing here. The wazir, hearing this account, smiled and said, O eunuch, how is it that this fisherman cometh in his hour of need, and thou satisfiest him not? Dost thou not know him, O chief of the eunuchs? No, answered Sandal. and Ja'afar said,

Starting point is 06:40:21 This is the master of the commander of the faithful, and his partner and our lord the Caliph has arisen this morning, straight of breast, heavy of heart, and troubled of thought. Nor is there aught will broaden his breast save this fisherman. So let him not go till I crave the Caliph's pleasure concerning him, and bring him before him. Perchance Allah will relieve him of his oppression, and console him for the loss of Cout al-Kulub,

Starting point is 06:40:47 by means of the fisherman's presence, and he will give him wherewithal to better himself, and thou wilt be the cause of this. Replied Sandal, O my lord, do as thou wilt, and may Allah Almighty long continue thee, a pillar of the dynasty of the commander of the faithful, whose shadow Allah perpetuate and prosperate, root and branch. Then the wazir Ja'afar rose up and went into the caliph, and Sandal ordered the Mamelukes not to leave the fisherman.

Starting point is 06:41:18 Whereupon Caliphah cried, How goodly is thy bounty, O tulip! The seeker is become the sought. I come to seek my due, and they imprison me for debts in arrears. When Ja'afar came into the presence of the Caliph, he found him sitting with his head bowed earthwards, breast-straightened and mind melancholy, humming the verses of the poet.

Starting point is 06:41:40 My blamers instant bid that I for her become consoled, but I, what can I do whose heart declines to be controlled? And how can I in patience bear the loss of a lovely maid When fails me patience for a love that holds with firmest hold? Nayre I'll forget her, nor the bowl that twixt us both went round, And wine of glances maddened me with drunkenness and sold. When as Ja'afar stood in the presence he said, Peace be upon thee, O commander of the faithful,

Starting point is 06:42:12 defender of the honor of the faith and descendant of the uncle of the prince of the apostles, Allah assain him and save him and his family one and all. The caliph raised his head and answered, And on thee be peace and the mercy of Allah and his blessings. Quoth ja'afar, with leave of the prince of true believers his servant would speak without restraint. Asked the caliph, and when was restraint put upon thee in speech, And thou the prince of wazirs? Say what thou wilt.

Starting point is 06:42:44 Answered Ja'afar. When I went out, O my lord, from before thee, intending for my house, I saw standing at the door thy master and teacher and partner, Caliphah the fisherman, who was aggrieved at thee, and complained of thee, saying, Glory be to God, I taught him to fish, and he went away to fetch me a pair of frails, but never came back. And this is not the way of a good partner or of a good apprentice. So if thou hast a mind to partnership well and good,

Starting point is 06:43:11 If not, tell him that he may take to partner another. Now when the Caliph heard these words, he smiled, and his straightness of breast was done away with, and he said, My life on thee, is this the truth thou sayest, that the fisherman standeth at the door? And Ja'afar replied, By thy life, O commander of the faithful, he standeth at the door. Quoth the Caliph, O Ja'afar, by Allah I will assuredly do my best to give him his due. If Allah at my hand send him misery, he shall have it, and if prosperity, he shall have it. Then he took a piece of paper, and cutting it in pieces, said to the wazir,

Starting point is 06:43:49 O Jha-afar, write down with thine own hand twenty sums of money, from one dinar to a thousand, and the names of all kinds of offices and dignities, from the least appointment to the caliphate, also twenty kinds of punishment from the lightest beating to death. I hear and obey, O commander of the faithful, answered Ja'afar, and did as he was bidden. Then, said the Caliph, O Ja'afar, I swear by my holy forefathers and by my kinship to Hamzaa and Akil, that I mean to summon the fisherman, and bid him take one of these papers, whose contents none knowest save thou and I, and whatsoever is written in the paper which he shall choose I will give it to him, that would be the caliphate I will defest myself thereof, and invest him therewith, and grudge it not to him.

Starting point is 06:44:38 And on the other hand, if there be written therein hanging or mutilation or death, I will execute it upon him. Now go and fetch him to me. When Ja'afar heard this he said to himself, There is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah the glorious the great. It may be somewhat will fall to this poor wretch's lot that will bring about his destruction, and I shall be the cause. But the Caliph hath sworn, so nothing remains now but to bring him in, and naught will happen, save whatso Allah willeth.

Starting point is 06:45:09 Accordingly, he went out to Caliphah the fisherman, and laid hold of his hand to carry him into the Caliph, whereupon his reason fled, and he said in himself, What is stupid I was to come after yonder ill-omen slave tulip, whereby he hath brought me in company with Branbelly. Ja'afar fared on with him, with Mamalooks before and behind. whilst he said, Doth not arrest suffice, but these must go behind and before me to hinder my making off, till they had traversed seven vestibules when the wazir said to him, Mark my words, O fisherman, thou standest before, the commander of the faithful and defender of the faith.

Starting point is 06:45:47 Then he raised the great curtain, and Caliphah's eyes fell on the caliph, who was seated on his couch, with the lords of the realm standing in attendance upon him. As soon as he knew him, he went up to him and said, Welcome, and welcome to thee, O Piper. T'was not right of thee to make thyself a fisherman and go away, leaving me sitting to guard the fish and never to return. For before I was aware there came up Mamelukes on beasts of all manner colors, and snatched away the fish from me, I, standing alone,

Starting point is 06:46:18 and this was all of thy fault, for hadst thou returned with the frail's forthright, we had sold an hundred dinars worth of fish, and now I come to seek my due, and they have arrested me. but thou, who hath imprisoned thee also in this palace? The caliph smiled and raising a corner of the curtain, put forth his head and said to the fisherman, Come hither, and take thee one of these papers. Quoth Caliphah the fisherman,

Starting point is 06:46:44 Yesterday thou wast a fisherman, and today thou hast become an astrologer, but the more trades a man hath the poorer he waxeth. Thereupon Ja'afar said, Take the paper at once, and do as the commander of the faithful bideth thee, without prating. So he came forward and put forth his hand saying, Far be it from me that this Piper should ever again be my knave and fish with me. Then, taking the paper, he handed it to the Caliph, saying, O Piper, what hath come out for me therein? Hide not thereof.

Starting point is 06:47:17 And Shaharazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and forty-second night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Caliph of the fisherman took up one of the papers and handed it to the Caliph, he said, O Piper, what have come out to me therein? Hide not thereof. So Al-Rashid received it, and passed it on to Jhaafar, and said to him, read what is therein. He looked at it and said, There is no majesty, there is no might, save in Allah the glorious the great, said the Caliph, good news, O Ja'afar. What seest thou therein? Answered the wazir, O commander of the faithful there came up from the paper. Let the fisherman receive an hundred blows with a stick.

Starting point is 06:48:09 So the caliph commanded to beat the fisherman, and they gave him a hundred sticks, after which he rose saying, Allah damn this, O bran-belly, are jail and sticks part of the game? Then said Ja'afar. O commander of the faithful, this poor devil has come to the river, and how shall he go away thirsting? We hope that among the alms deeds of the commander of the faithful he may have leave to take another paper,

Starting point is 06:48:33 so happily somewhat may come out wherewithal he may succour his poverty. Said the Caliph, By Allah, O Ja'afar, if he take another paper and death be written therein, I will assuredly kill him, and that will be the cause. Answered Ja'afar, if he die, he will be at rest. But Caliph of the fisherman said to him, Allah ne'er gladden thee with good news, Have I made Baghdad straight upon you

Starting point is 06:48:58 That ye seek to slay me? Quoth Ja'afar, Take thee a paper, And crave the blessing of Allah Almighty. So he put out his hand, And taking a paper, gave it to Jaafar, Who read it and was silent. The Caliph asked,

Starting point is 06:49:14 Why art thou silent, O son of Yahya? And he answered, O commander of the faithful, There hath come out on this paper, naught shall be given to the fisherman. Then said the Caliph, His daily bread will not come from us, bid him fare forth from before our face.

Starting point is 06:49:33 Quoth Ja'afar, By the claims of thy pious forefathers, let him take a third paper, it may be it will bring him alimony, and quoth the Caliph, let him take one and no more. So he put out his hand and took a third paper, and behold therein was written,

Starting point is 06:49:50 Let the fisherman be given one dinar. Ja'afar cried to him, I sought good fortune for thee, but Allah willed not to thee ought save this dinar. And Caliphah answered, verily, A dinar for every hundred sticks were rare good luck. May Allah not send thy body health. The Caliph laughed at him, and Ja'afar took him by the hand and led him out.

Starting point is 06:50:14 When he reached the door, Sandal the eunuch saw him and said to him, Hither, O fisherman, give us portion of that which the commander of the faith-fifference, hath bestowed on thee whilst jesting with thee. Replied Caliph, by Allah, O tulip, thou art right. Wilt thou share with me, O nigger? Indeed, I have eaten stick to the tune of a hundred blows, and have earned one dinar, and thou art but too welcome to it. So saying he threw him the dinar and went out,

Starting point is 06:50:42 with the tears flowing down the plain of his cheeks. When the eunuch saw him in this plight, he knew that he had spoken sooth, and called to the lads to fetch him back. So they brought him back, and Sandal, putting his hand to his pouch, pulled out a red purse. Whence, he emptied a hundred golden dinars into the fisherman's hand, saying, Take this gold, in payment of thy fish, and wend thy ways. So Caliphah, in high good humor, took the hundred ducats, and the caliph's won dinar,

Starting point is 06:51:13 and went his way, and forgot the beating. Now, as Allah willed it for the furthering of that which he had decreed, he passed by the mart of the handmaidens, and seeing there a mighty ring, where many folks were foregathering, said to himself, "'What is this crowd?' So he break through the merchants and others, who said, "'Make wide the way for Skipper Rapscallion, and let him pass. Then he looked and behold he saw a chest, with a eunuch, seated thereon, and an old man standing by it, and the sheikh was crying,

Starting point is 06:51:46 "'O merchants, O men of money, who will hasten and hazard his coin for this chest of unknown contents from the palace of the Lady Zubida, Bint al-Kasim, wife of the commander of the faithful. How much shall I say for you, Allah bless you all? Quoth one of the merchants, by Allah, this is a risk, but I will say one word and no blame to me. Be it mine for twenty dinars. Quoth another, fifty, and they went on bidding one against other, till the price reached an hundred ducats. Then the crier, will any of you bid more, oh merchants? And Caliphah the fisherman said, Be it mine for an hundred dinars and one dinar.

Starting point is 06:52:27 The merchants, hearing those words, thought he was jesting and laughed at him saying, O eunuch, sell it to Caliphah for an hundred dinars and one dinar. Quoth the eunuch, by Allah I will sell it to none but him. Take it, O fisherman, and the Lord bless thee in it, and hear with thy gold. So Caliphah pulled out the ducats and gave them to the eunuch, who, the bargain being duly made,

Starting point is 06:52:51 delivered to him the chest, and bestowed the price in alms on the spot, after which he returned to the palace and acquainted the lady Zubayda with what he had done, whereat she rejoiced. Meanwhile, the fisherman hove the chest on shoulder, but could not carry it on this wise for the excess of its weight, so he lifted it on to his head, and thus bore it to the quarter where he lived. Here he set it down, and being weary sat a while, bemusing what had befallen him and saying in himself, what heaven I knew what is in this chest. Then he opened the door of his lodging and hailed the chest until he got it into his closet, after which he strove to open it but failed. Quoth he, What folly possessed me to buy this chest? There is no help for it but to break it

Starting point is 06:53:38 open and see what is herein. So he applied himself to the lock, but could not open it, and said to himself, I will leave it till to-morrow. Then he would have stretched him out to sleep, but could find no room for the chest filled the whole closet. So he got upon it and laid him down, but when he had lain a while, behold, he felt something stir under him whereat sleep forsook him, and his reason fled. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 21. Section 22 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libervox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. for more information or to volunteer please visit livervox dot org the book of a thousand knights and a knight volume eight by anonymous translated by richard francis burton eighteen twenty one to eighteen ninety section twenty two when it was the eight hundred and forty-third night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when caliphah the fisherman lay down upon the chest and thus tarried a while behold something stirred beneath him

Starting point is 06:55:01 whereat he was affrighted and his reason fled so he arose and cried me seems there be jinns in the chest praise to allah who suffered me not to open it for had i done so they had risen against me in the dark and slain me and from them would have befallen me naught of good then he lay down again when lo the chest moved a second time more than before whereupon he sprang to his feet and said there it goes again but this is terrible and he hastened to look for the lamp but could not find it and had not the wherewithal to buy another so he went forth and cried out ho people of the quarter now the most part of the folk were asleep but they awoke at his crying and asked what aileth thee o caliphah he answered bring me a lamp for the gin are upon me they laughed at him and gave him a lamp wherewith he returned to his closet then he smote the lock of the chest with a stone and broke it and opening it saw a damsel like a hoary lying asleep within now she had been drugged with bang but at that moment she threw up the stuff and awoke then she opened her eyes and feeling herself confined and cramped moved at this sight quoth caliphah by allah O my lady, whence art thou? And quoth she, Bring me jessamine and narcissus. And Caliphah answered, There is not here but henna flowers. Thereupon she came to herself, and considering Caliphah said to him, What art thou? Presently adding, And where am I?

Starting point is 06:56:37 He said, Thou art in my lodging? asked she, Am I not in the palace of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid? and quoth he what manner of thing is al-rashid oh madwoman thou art not but my slave-girl i bought thee this very day for an hundred dinars and one dinar and brought thee home and thou wast asleep in this here chest and when she heard these words she said to him what is thy name said he my name is caliphah how comes my star to have grown propitious when i know my ascendant to have been otherwise she laughed and cried spare me this talk "'Hast thou anything to eat?' replied he. "'No, by Allah, nor yet to drink. "'I have not eaten these two days, and am now in want of a morsel.' "'She asked, hast thou no money?' And he said, "'Alla keep this chest which hath beggared me.

Starting point is 06:57:32 I gave all I had for it, and him become bankrupt. The damsel laughed at him and said, "'Up with thee, and seek of thy neighbours somewhat for me to eat, for I am hungry.' So he went forth and cried out, "'Ho, people of the quarter!' "'Now the folk were asleep, but they awoke and asked, "'What aileth thee, O Caliphah?' "'Ansured he,

Starting point is 06:57:53 "'Oh, my neighbours, I am hungry and have nothing to eat.' "'So one came down to him with a bannock, "'and another with broken meats, "'and a third with a bit of cheese, "'and a fourth with a cucumber, "'and so on till his lap was full, "'and he returned to his closet "'and laid the hole between her hands,

Starting point is 06:58:10 "'saying, eat.' "'But she laughed at him, saying, How can I eat of this when I have not a mug of water whereof to drink? I fear to choke with a mouthful and die. Quoth he, I will fill thee this pitcher. So he took the pitcher, and going forth, stood in the midst of the street, and cried out, saying, Ho, people of the quarter! Quoth they, What calamity is upon thee to-night, O Caliphah!

Starting point is 06:58:36 And he said, Ye gave me food and I ate, but now I am a thirst, so give me to drink. Thereupon, one came down to him. him with a mug and another with an ewer, and a third with a gaglet. And he filled his pitcher, and, bearing it back, said to the damsel, O my lady, thou lackest nothing now. Answered she, true, I want nothing more at this present. Quoth he, speak to me and say me thy story. And quoth she, Fye upon thee, and thou knowest me not, I will tell thee who I am.

Starting point is 06:59:09 I am Kut al-Kulub, the Caliph's handmaiden, and the Lady Zubai-da was jealous. of me, so she drugged me with bang, and set me in this chest. Presently adding, Alhamdolila, praised be God, for that the matter hath come to easy issue and no worse. But this befell me not, save for thy good luck, for thou wilt certainly get of the Caliph al-Rashid money galore, that will be the means of thine enrichment. Quoth Caliphah,

Starting point is 06:59:37 Is not al-Rashid he in whose palace I was imprisoned? Yes, answered she, and he said, by Allah, never saw I, more niggardly white than he, that piper, little of good and wit. He gave me an hundred blows with a stick yesterday, and but one dinar, for all I taught him to fish and made him my partner, but he played me false. Replied she, Leave this unseemly talk, and open thine eyes, and look thou bear thyself respectfully, when as thou seest him after this, and thou shalt win thy wish. When he heard her words, it was as if he had been asleep and awoke, and I

Starting point is 07:00:14 Allah removed the veil from his judgment because of his good luck, and he answered, On my head and eyes. Then said he to her, sleep in the name of Allah. So she lay down and fell asleep, and he afar from her, till the morning, when she sought of him ink-case and paper, and when they were brought, wrote to Ibn Al-Kirnas, the Caliph's friend, acquain him with her case, and how, at the end of all that had befallen her she was with Caliphah the fisherman, who had bought her. Then she gave him the scroll, saying,

Starting point is 07:00:45 Take this, and hide thee to the jewel market, and ask for the shop of Ibn al-Kirnas, the jeweler, and give him this paper, and speak not. I hear and I obey, answered Caliphah, and going with the scroll to the market, inquired for the shop of Ibn al-Kirnas. They directed him to thither, and on entering it he saluted the merchant,

Starting point is 07:01:07 who returned his sala with contempt and said to him, What dost thou want? Thereupon he gave him the letter and he took it, but read it not, thinking the fisherman a beggar, who sought an alms of him, and said to one of his lads, Give him half a dirham. Quoth Caliphah, I want no alms, read the paper.

Starting point is 07:01:25 So Ibn Al-Kirnas took the letter and read it, and no sooner knew its import than he kissed it, and laying it on his head. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was, the eight hundred and forty-fourths, fourth night. She resumed. It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Ibn Al-Kirnas read the letter and knew its import,

Starting point is 07:01:52 he kissed it, and laid it on his head. Then he arose and said to Caliphah, O my brother, where is thy house? asked Caliphah, what wantest thou with my house? Wilt thou go thither and steal my slave-girl? Then Ibn Al-Kirnas answered, Not so. On the contrary, I will buy thee somewhat whereof you may eat, thou and she so he said my house is in such a quarter and the merchant rejoined thou hast done well may Allah not give thee health o unlucky one then he called out to two of his slaves and said to them carry this man to the shop of Mossein the Shraff and say to him oh Mosein give this man a thousand dinars of gold then bring him back to

Starting point is 07:02:37 me in haste so they carried him to the money-changer who paid him the money and returned with him to their master, whom they found mounted on a dapple she-mule, worth a thousand dinars, with mamelukes and pages about him, and by his side another mule like his own, saddled and bridled. Quoth the jeweler to Caliphah, bismillah, mount this mule, replied he, I won't, for by Allah, I fear she throw me! And quoth Ibn al-Kirnas, by God, needs must thou mount. So he came up, and mounting her, faced a crepper, caught hold of her. her tail and cried out. Whereupon she threw him on the ground, and they laughed at him, but he rose and said, did I not tell thee I would not mount this great Jenny-ass? Thereupon Ibn Al-Kirnas,

Starting point is 07:03:23 left him in the market, and repairing to the caliph, told him of the damsel, after which he returned and removed her to his own house. Meanwhile, Caliphah went home to look after the handmaid and found the people of the quarter foregathering and saying, Verily, Caliphah is today in a terrible pickle. Would we would we need to be? knew whence he can have gotten this damsel. Quoth one of them, he is a mad pimp. Happily he have found her lying on the road drunken and carried her to his own house, and his absence showeth that he knoweth his offence. As they were talking, behold, up came Caliphah, and they said to him,

Starting point is 07:03:59 What a plight is thine, O unhappy, knowest thou not what has come to thee? He replied, No, by Allah, and they said, But just now there came Mamelukes, and took away thy slave-girl whom thou stoleest, and sought for thee but found thee not. Asked Caliphah, and how came they to take my slave-girl? And quoth one, Had he fallen in their way they had slain him, but he, so far from heeding them,

Starting point is 07:04:25 returned running to the shop of Ibn Al-Kirnas, whom he met riding, and said to him, By Allah, t'was not right of thee to wheedle me, and meanwhile send thy mamelukes to take my slave-girl. Replied the jeweller, O idiot, come with me and hold thy tongue. So he took him, and carried him into a house handsomely builded, where he found the damsel seated on a couch of gold,

Starting point is 07:04:48 with ten slave-girls like moons round her. Sighting her, Ibn Al-Kirnas kissed ground before her, and she said, What hast thou done with my new master, who bought me with all he owned? He replied, Oh, my lady, I gave him a thousand gold in dinars, and related to her Caliphah's story from first to last, whereat she laughed and said,

Starting point is 07:05:09 blame him not, for he is but a common white. These other thousand dinars are a gift from me to him, and Almighty Allah willing, he shall win of the Caliph what shall enrich him. As they were talking, there came a eunuch from the commander of the faithful in quest of Kut al-Kulub, for when he knew that she was in the house of Ibn al-Kirnas, he could not endure the severance, but bad bring her forthwith. So she repaired to the palace, taking Caliphah with her, and going into the presence, kissed ground,

Starting point is 07:05:39 before the Caliph, who rose to her, saluting and welcoming her, and asked her how she had fared with him who had bought her. She replied, He is a man, Caliphah the fisherman-hight, and there he standeth at the door. He telleth me that he hath an account to settle with the commander of the faithful, by reason of a partnership between him and the Caliph in fishing. Asked Al-Rashid, is he at the door? And she answered yes. So the Caliph sent for him, and he kissed ground before him, and wished him in durance of glory and prosperity. The Caliph marvelled at him and laughed at him and said to him,

Starting point is 07:06:15 O fisherman, was thou in very deed my partner yesterday? Caliphah took his meaning, and heartening his heart, and summoning spirit replied, By him who bestowed upon thee the succession to thy cousin, I know her not in any wise, and have had no commerce with her save by way of sight and speech. Then he repeated to him all that had befallen him since he last saw him, whereat the caliph laughed, and his breast broadened, and he said to Caliphah,

Starting point is 07:06:43 ask of us what thou wilt, O thou who bringest to owners their own. But he was silent. So the Caliph ordered him fifty thousand dinars of gold, and a costly dress of honour such as great sovereign's don, and a she-mule, and gave him black slaves of the Sudan to serve him, so that he became, as he were one of the kings of that time. The Caliph was rejoiced at the recovery of his favourite, and knew that all this was the doing of his cousin wife, the Lady Zubayda, and Shara Azad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 22. Section 23 of The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night.

Starting point is 07:07:33 This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. by Ruhi Huck, the book of a thousand knights and a knight, Volume 8. When it was the 845th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the caliph rejoiced at the recovery of Kutuluk, and knew that all this was the doing of the lady Zubayda, his cousin-wife, wherefore he was sore enraged against her and held aloof from her a great while,

Starting point is 07:08:11 visiting her not, neither inclining to pardon her. when she was certified of this she was so concerned for his wrath and her face that was wont to be rosy waxed pale and wan till when her patience was exhausted she sent a letter to her cousin the commander of the faithful making her excuses to him and confessing her offences and ending with these verses i long once more the love that was between us to regain that i may quench the fire of grief and bates the forces of bane o lord of me have Ruth upon the stress my passion deals enough to me is what you doled of sorrow and of pain tis life to me and deign you keep the troth you deign to plight tis death to me and troth you break and fondest vows before him given i've sinned a sorry sin he grant me ruth for naught by allah sweeter is than friend who is of pardon fain when the ladies obaida's letter reached the caliph and reading it he saw that she confessed her of and sent her excuses to them, therefore, he said to himself. Verily all sins, that Allah forgive, aye gracious, merciful is he, and he returned her an answer, expressing satisfaction and pardon and forgiveness for what was past, whereas she rejoiced greatly. As for Caliphah, the fisherman, the Caliph assigned him a monthly sold of 50 dinars and took him into special favor,

Starting point is 07:09:41 which would lead to rank in dignity, honour and worship. Then he kissed ground before the commander of the faithful and went forth with stately gate. When he came to the door, the eunuch, Sandel, who had given him the hundred dinars, saw him, and knowing him said to him, O fisherman, whence all this? So he told him all that had befallen him,

Starting point is 07:10:02 first and last, whereat Sandel rejoiced, because he had been the cause of his enrichment, and said to him, Will thou not give me largest of this wealth, which is now become thine? So Khalifa put hand to pouch and taking out a purse containing a thousand dinars, gave it to the eunuch who said, Keep thy coins and Allah bless thee therein, and marvelled at his manliness and at the liberality of his soul for all his late poverty.

Starting point is 07:10:30 Then leaving the eunuch, Khalifa mounted the she-mule and rode. With the slaves' hands on her crupper, till he came to his wife. lodging at the Khan, whilst the folk stared at him in surprise for that which had betided him of advancement. When he alighted from his beast, they accosted him and acquired the cause of his change from poverty to prosperity, and he told them all that had happened to him from incept to conclusion. Then he brought a fine mansion and laid out thereon much money, till it was perfect in all points, and he took up his abode therein, and was wont to recite thereon these two cupboards. Behold a house that's like the dwelling of light, its aspects heals the sick and banishes

Starting point is 07:11:13 despite. It's sojourn for the great and wise appointed it, and fortune fair therein abided day and night. Then as soon as he was settled in his house, he sought him in marriage, the daughter of one of the chief men of the city, a handsome girl, and went in unto her and led a life of solace and satisfaction, joyance, and enjoyment, and he rolls to passing affluence and exceeding prosperity. So when he found himself in this fortunate condition, he offered up thanks to Allah, extolled and excelled be he, for what he had bestowed on him of wealth exceeding and of favours ever succeeding, praising his lord with the praise of the grateful and chanting the words of the poet. To thee be praise, O thou who showest unremitting grace,

Starting point is 07:12:04 O thou whose universal bounties high and low embrace To thee be praise from me Then deign accept my praise for I Except thy boons and gifts with grateful soul In every case Thou hast with favours overwhelmed me Benefits and largesse and gracious doles My memory nearseseth to retrace

Starting point is 07:12:24 All men from mighty main Thy grace and goodness Drain and drink and in their deed thou Only thou to them art refuge place So for the sake of him who came to teach mankind in Ruth, prophet, pure, truthful worded Shrian of the noblest race, ever be Allah's blessing and his peace on him and all his aides and kin while pilgrims fair his noble tomb to face. And on his help meets and one and all companions great and good through time eternal

Starting point is 07:12:56 while the bird shall sing in shady wood. And thereafter, Khalifa continued to pay frequent visits to the the caliph, Harun and Rashid, with whom he found acceptance and who ceased not to overwhelm him with boons and bounty, and he abhorred in the enjoyment of the utmost honour and happiness and joy and gladness, and in riches more than sufficing, and in rank ever-rising, brief, a sweet life and a savoury, pure as pleasurable, till there came to him the destroyer of delights and the saunterer of societies, and extolled be the perfection of him to whom being glory in permanence and he is the living the eternal who shall never die.

Starting point is 07:13:36 Caliph the fisherman of Baghdad. There was once in days of yore and in ages and time long gone before in the city of Baghdad. A fisherman by name Caliph, a man of muscle talk and little luck. One day as he sat in a cell he bethought himself and said, there is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah, the glory is the great. Would heaven I knew what is my offense in the sight of my law? and what caused the blackness of my fortune and my littleness of luck among the fishermen, albeit, and I say it who should not?

Starting point is 07:14:09 In the city of Baghdad, there is never a fisherman like myself. Now he lodged in a ruined place called the Khan, to wit and in without a door, and when he went forth to fish, he would shoulder the net without basket of fish slices, and when the folk would stare at him to say to him, O Khalif, why not take with thee a basket to hold the fish thou catches? he would reply even if I carry it forth empty so would it come back for I never managed to catch aught one night he arose in the darkness before dawn and taking his net on his shoulder raised his eyes to heaven and said allah thine o thou who subjectest the sea to moses son of imran

Starting point is 07:14:50 giving me this day my daily bread for thou art the best of breadgivers then he went down to the tigris and spreading his net cast it into the river and waited till it settled down till he hailed it in and drew it ashore but behold it helped not save a dead dog so he cast away the carcass saying o mourning of ill-dum what a hansel is this dead hound after i had rejoiced in its weight then he mended the rents in the net saying needs must there after this carry and be fish in plenty attracted by the smell and made a second cast after a while he drew up and found in the net the how of a camel and had caught in the meshes and rent them right and left when halif saw his net in this state he wept and said there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glory is the great i wonder what is my offense and the cause of the blackness of my fortune and littleness of my luck for all folk so that i catch neither catfish nor sprat that i may broil on the embers and eat for all i dare say there is not

Starting point is 07:15:55 in the city of v Baghdad a fisherman like me then with a bismillah He cast his net on a third time, and presently drawing it ashore, found therein an ape scurvy and one-eyed mangy, and limping, handing an ivory rod in forehand. When Caliph saw this, he said, this is indeed a blessed opening. What art thou, O ape? Does not thou know me? No, by Allah, I have no knowledge of thee. I am thine ape. What use is there in thee, O my ape? Every day I give thee good morrow, so Allah may not open to thee the door of daily bread. thou failest not of this

Starting point is 07:16:31 O one eye of ill Omen may Allah never bless thee Needs must I pluck out thy sound eye and cut off thy whole leg So thou mayst become a blind cripple And I be quit of thee And what is the use of that rod Thou handest in hand

Starting point is 07:16:45 O Khalif I scare the fish therewith So they may not enter thy net Is it so Then this very day will I punish thee With the grievous punishment And devise thee all manner torments And strip thy flesh from thy bones and be addressed from thee, sorry bit of goods that thou art.

Starting point is 07:17:02 So saying, Caliph the fisherman, I'm wound from his middle, a strand of rope, and binding him to a tree by his side, said, Look e, O dog of an ape, I mean to cast the net again, and if aught come up therein, well and good, but if it come up empty, I will verily and assuredly make an end of thee, with the cruelest tortures, and be quit of thee, thou stinking lot. So he cast the net, and drawing it ashore, found,

Starting point is 07:17:28 in it another ape and said, Glory be to God the crate, I was wont to pull not but fish out of this Tigris, but now it yielded nothing but apes. Then he looked at the second ape and saw him fair of form and round of face with pendants of gold in his ears and a blue waist

Starting point is 07:17:44 cloth about his middle. And he was like unto a lighted taper so he asked him, what art thou also, O ape? And he answered saying, O Khalif, I am the ape of Abu al-Sadat, the Jew, the Caliph Shraf. Every day I give him good-morrow. he makest a profit of ten gold pieces cried the fisherman by allah thou art a fine ape not like this ill-omen monkey o mine so saying he took a stick and came down upon the sides of the ape till he broke his ribs and he jumped up and down and the other ape the handsome one answered him saying o caliph what will it profit thee to beat him though thou belabor him till he die

Starting point is 07:18:23 khalif replied how shall i do shall i let him wend his ways and he may scare me the fish and his hang-dog face and give me good even and good-morrow every day so allah may not open to me the door of daily bread nay i will kill him and be quit of him and i will take thee in his stead so shall thou give me good-morrow and i shall gain ten golden dinars a day thereupon the comely ape made answer i will tell thee a better way than that and if thou hearken to me thou shalt be at rest and I will become thine ape in lieu of him. Ask the fisherman, and what dost thou counsel me? And the ape answered, saying, cast thy net, and thou shalt bring upon a noble fish. Never saw any its like, and I will tell thee how thou shalt do with it, replied chalif. Look-eat thou too, and I throw my net, and there come up therein a third ape.

Starting point is 07:19:15 Be assured that I will cut the three of you into six bits. And the second ape rejoined, so be it caliph, I agree to this thy condition. Then Caliph spread the net And cast it and drew it up When behold it was a fine young Babel with a round head As if it were a milking pail And when he saw his wits fled for joy

Starting point is 07:19:35 And he said, Glory be to God Who is this noble creature Were yonder apes in the river I had not brought up this fish Quote the seemly ape O Caliph And thou give ear to my reed To will bring thee good fortune

Starting point is 07:19:48 And quote the fisherman May God damn him Who would gainsay thee henceforth. Thereupon the ape said, O'Khalif, take some grass and lay the fish thereon in the basket, and cover it with more grass, and take also somewhat of basil from the green grocers, and set it in the fish's mouth, cover it with the kurship, and push thee through the bazaar of Baghdad. Whoever speaketh thee of selling it, sell it not, but fare on, till thou come to the market street of the jewelers and money changers, then count five shops to the right-hand side,

Starting point is 07:20:20 and the sixth shop is that of Abu al-Sadat, the Jew, the Caliph Shroff. When thou standest before him, he will say to thee, what seekest thou, and do thou make answer? I am a fisher-white. I threw my net in thy name and took this noble babel, which I have brought thee as a present. If he give thee aught of silver, take it not, be it little or mickle, for it will spoil that which thou wouldst do,

Starting point is 07:20:46 but say to him, I want of thee not save one word that thou say to me. tell thee my ape, for thine ape, and my luck for thy luck. And the Jews say this, give him the fish, and I shall become thine ape, and this crippled man, and one-eyed ape will be his ape. Caliph replied, well said, O ape, nor did he cease fearing Baghdad wards and observing that which the ape had said to him, till he came to the Jews' shop and saw the shroff seated with eunuchs and pages about him, bidding and forbidding and giving and taking. So he sat down, his basket saying, O sultan of the Jews, I am a fisher-white, and went forth to say to the Tigris,

Starting point is 07:21:26 and casting my net in thy name cried, This is for the luck of Abu al-Sadat, and there came up to me this bany, which I have brought thee by way of present. Then he gave the fisherman a dinar, but he refused it and he gave him two. This also he refused, and the Jews stayed not adding to his offer, till he made it ten dinars. But he still refused it. Abu al-Sadat said to him,

Starting point is 07:21:50 by Allah, thou art a greedy one. Tell me what thou wouldst have, O Muslim. Quote Caliph, I would have of thee but a single word. When the Jew heard this, he changed colour and said, Wouldst thou oust me from my faith, tend thy ways? And Khalif said to him, By Allah, O Jew, not matter it as thou become a Muslim or a Nazarene, asked the Jew. Then what wouldst thou have me say?

Starting point is 07:22:14 And the fisherman answered, say, I sell thee my ape for thy ape, and my luck for thy luck. The Jew laughed, deeming him little of wit and said by way of jest, I shall sell thee my ape for thy ape and my luck for thy luck. Bear witness against him. O merchants, by Allah, oh unhappy, thou art debarred from further claim on me.

Starting point is 07:22:36 So Khalif turned back, blaming himself and saying, There is no majesty and there is no might save in Allah, the glory is the great, alas that I did not take the gold, and fared on blaming himself in the matter of the money, till he came to the Tigris and found not the two apes whereupon he wept and slapped his face and strewed dust on his head saying

Starting point is 07:22:55 but that the second ape wheedled me and put a cheat on me the one-eyed ape had not escaped and he gave not overwailing and weeping till heat and hunger grew sore on him so he took the net saying come let us make a cast trusting in Allah's blessing

Starting point is 07:23:11 be like I may catch a catfish or a babel which I may boil and eat so he threw the net and waited till it had settled, drew it ashore and found it full of fish, whereat he was consoled and rejoiced and busied himself with unmishing the fish and casting them on the earth. Presently up came a woman seeking fish and crying out. Fish is not to be found in the town.

Starting point is 07:23:32 She caught sight of Caliph and said to him, Will thou sell this fish, O master? Answered Caliph, I am going to turn it into clothes. Dissol for sale, even to my beard. Take what thou wilt. So she gave him a dinar and he filled her basket. she went away and behold up came another servant seeking a dinah's worth of fish nor did the folks cease till it was the hour of mid-afternoon prayer and caliph had sold ten dinars worth of fish then being faint and famished he folded and shouldered his net and repairing to the market bought himself a woollen gown a charlotte and a plaited border and a honey-coloured turban for a dinah receiving two didhams by way of change wherewith he purchased fried cheese and a fan

Starting point is 07:24:18 sheep's tail and honey and setting them in the oilman's platter ate till he was full and his ribs felt cold from the mighty stuffing then he marched off to his lodgings in the magazine clad in the gown and the honey-coloured turban and with nine golden dinars in his mouth rejoicing in what he had never in his life seen he entered and lay down but could not sleep for anxious thoughts and abode playing with the money half the night then said he in himself happily the caliph may hear that i have gold and say to ja'er go to caliph the fisherman and borrow us some money of him if i give it him it will be no light matter to me and if i give it not he will torment me but torture is easier to me than the giving up of the cash however i will arise and make trial of myself if i have a skin proof against stick or not so he put off his clothes and taking a sailor's flated whip of an hundred and sixty strands cease not beating himself till his side and body were all bloody. Crying out at every stroke he dealt himself and saying, O Muslims, I am a poor man. Oh Muslims, I am a poor man. Oh Muslims, when should I have gold? When should I have coin? Till the neighbours who dwelt with him in that place, hearing him and crying and saying, go to men of wealth and take of them, thought that thieves were torturing him

Starting point is 07:25:40 to get money from him and that he was praying for idens. Accordingly, they flocked to him, each armed with some weapon, and finding the door of his lodging locked and hearing him roaring out for help, deemed that the thieves had come down upon him from the terrace roof, so they fell upon the door and burst it open. Then they entered and found him, mother naked and bareheaded, with body dripping blood, and altogether in a sad pickle. So they asked him, What is this case in which we find thee?

Starting point is 07:26:10 Has thou lost thy wits and hath gin madness beth biddyed thee this night? and he answered them nay but i have gold with me and i feared lest the caliph sent to borrow of me and it were no light matter to give him aught yet i give not to him tis only too sure that he will put me to torture wherefore i arose to see if my skin was stick-proof or not when they heard these words they said to him may allah not assay in thy body and lucky madman that thou art of a surety thou had fallen mad to-night lie down to sleep may allah never bless thee how many thousand dinars hast thou that the caliph should come and borrow of thee he replied by allah i have not but nine dinars and they all said by allah he is not otherwise than passing rich then they left him wondering at his want of wit and caliph took his cash and wrapped it in a rag saying to himself where shall i hide all this gold and i bury it they will take it if i put it out on deposit they will deny that i did so and if i carry it on my head they will snatch it, and if I tie it to my sleeve, they will cut it away. Presently he espied a little breast pocket in the gown and said, by Allah, this is fine. It is under my throat and hard by my mouth.

Starting point is 07:27:27 If any put out his hand to hand it, I can come down on it with my mouth and hide it in my trottle. So he set the rag containing the gold in the pocket and lay down, but slept not that night for suspicion and trouble and anxious thought. on the morrow he fared forth his lodging on fishing intent and betaking himself to the river went down into the water up to his knees then he threw the net and shook it with might and mane whereupon the purse fell down into the stream so he tore off gown and turban and plunged in after it saying there is no majesty and there is no might save in allah the glorious the great nor did he give over diving and searching the stream bed till the day was half spent but found not the purse no one saw him from afar diving and plunging and his gown and turbaned lying in the sun at a distance from him with no one by them so he watched him till he dived again when he dashed at the clothes and made off with them presently caliph came ashore and missing his gown and turbaned was chagrant for their loss with passing cock and care and ascended a mound to look for some passers-by of whom he might inquire concerning them but found none

Starting point is 07:28:42 now the khalif harunel rachid had gone a hunting and chasing that day and returning at the time of the noon heat was oppressed thereby and thirsted for he hooked for water from afar and seeing a naked man's standing on the mount, said to Jaffir, Seiz thou what I see? replied the vizier. O commander of the faithful, I see a man standing on a hillock. Al-Rashid asked, who is he? And Jaffer answered, happily is the guardian of a cucumber plot. Koth the Caliph. Perhaps he's a pious man.

Starting point is 07:29:13 I would fain go to him alone and desire of him his prayers and abide ye where you are. So he went up to Khalif and saluting him with his salaam, said to him, What art thou, o man? replied the fisherman dost thou not know me i am caliph the fisherman and the caliph rejoined what the fisherman with the woolen gown and the honey-coloured turban when caliph heard him name the clothes he had lost he said in himself this is he who took my duds belike he did but jest with me so he came down from the knoll and said can i not take a moontide nap but thou must take me this trick i saw thee take my gear and knew that thou was joking with me at this laughter got the better of the caliph and he said what clothes had thou lost i know nothing of that whereof thou speakest to caliph cried the fisherman by god the great except thou bring me back the gear i will smash thy ribs with his staff for he always carried a quarterstaff quoth the caliph by allah i am not seen the things whereof thou speakest and quoth caliph i will go with thee and take note of thy dwelling-place and complain of thee quote the caliph by allah i am not seen the thing quoth the caliph by allah i will go with thee and take note of thy dwelling place and complain of thee Quote the Caliph, by Allah, I have not seen the things whereof thou speakest, and quote Caliph.

Starting point is 07:30:27 I will go with thee and take note of thy dwelling place, and complain of thee to the chief of police, so thou mayst not trick me, this trick again, by Allah. None took my gown and turban but thou, and except thou give them back to me at once. I will throw thee off the back of that she as thou riddest, and come down on thy pate with this quarterstaff, till thou canst not steer. thereupon he tugged at the bridle of the mule so that she reared up on her hind legs and the caliph said to himself what calamity is this i have fallen into with this madman then he pulled off a gown he had on worth a hundred dinars and said to caliph take this in lieu of thine own he took it and donning it saw it was too long so he cut it short at the knees and turbunded his head and with the cut-off piece then said to the caliph what art thou and what is thy craft but why ask thou art none other than a trumpeter al-rashid asked what show'st thee that i was a trumpeter by trade then caliph answered thy big nostrils and little mouths cried the caliph well guessed yes i am of that craft then said caliph and thou wilt hearken to me i will teach thee thee thee thee out of fishing. It will be better for thee than trumpeting and thou wilt eat lawfully.

Starting point is 07:31:42 Replied the caliph, teach it to me so that I may see whether I am capable of learning it. And caliph said, come with me, o trumpeter. So the caliph followed him down to the river and took the net from him while he taught him how to throw it. Then he cast it and drew up, and behold, it was heavy. And the fisherman said, O trumpeter, and the net be caught on one of the rocks drag it not too hard or it will break and by allah i will take thine she ass in payment thereof the caliph laughed at his words and threw up the net little by little till he bought it ashore and found it full of fish but which caliph saw his reason fled for joy and presently he cried by allah o trumpeter thy luck is good in fishing never in my life will i part with thee but now i mean to send thee to the fish bazaar where do thou inquire for the shop of humaib the fisherman and say to him my master caliph saluted thee and aided thee send him a pair of frails and a knife so he may bring thee more fish than yesterday run and return to me forthright the caliph replied and indeed he was laughing on my head o master and mounting his mule rode back to jaffor who said to him tell me what hath pitied thee so the caliph told him all that had passed between caliph the fish and himself from first to last adding i left him awaiting my return to him with the baskets and i am resolved that he shall teach me how to scale fish and clean them koth ja'afar

Starting point is 07:33:09 and i will go with thee to sweep up the scales and clean out the shop and the affair abode thus till presently the caliph cried o jaffer i desire of thee that thou despatched the young mamelukes a-aing to them whoso bringeth me a fish from before yonder fishman i will give him a dinar for i love to eat of my own fishing. Accordingly, Ajafar repeated to the young white slaves what the Caliph had said and directed them where to find the man. Then they came down upon Caliph and snatched the fish from him, and when he saw them and noted their goodliness, he doubted not but that they were of the black-eyed hoodies of paradise. So he caught up a couple of fish and ran into the river saying, O Allah, mine, by the secret virtue of these fish, forgive me. Suddenly up came the chief eunuch questing fish but he found none so seeing caliph ducking and rising in the water with the two fish and his hands called out to him saying o caliph what hast thou there replied the fisherman two fish

Starting point is 07:34:09 and the eunuch said give them to me and take an hundred dinars for them now when caliph heard speak of an hundred dinars he came up to the water and cried hand over the hundred dinars said the eunuch follow me to the house of al-rashid and received thy gold o caliph and taking the fish made off to the palace of the caliphate meanwhile caliph pitook himself to baghdad clad as he was in the caliph's crown which reached only to above his knees turbanded with the piece he had cut off where from and the girt around his middle with a rope and pushed down through the centre of the city the folk fell a laughing and marvelling at him and saying whence hadst thou that robe of honour but he went on asking where is the house of al-rish and they answered say the house of al-rashid and he enjoined tis all the same and fared on till he came to the palace of the caliphate end of section twenty three section twenty four of the book of a thousand nights and a night volume eight this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org recorded by solilovax v. M. B. in Washington State, the book of a thousand knights and a night, volume eight, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 24. Now he was seen by the tailor, who had made the gown and who was standing at the door,

Starting point is 07:35:47 and when he noticed it upon the fisherman, he said to him, For how many years hast thou had admission to the palace? Caliph replied, ever since that was the little one, and the tailor asked, Whence hadest thou that gregers, thou, that gregers, that hast spoilt on this was caliph answered i had it of my apprentice the trumpeter then he went up to the door where he found the chief eunuch sitting with the two fishes by his side and seeing him sable black a few said to him wilt thou not bring the hundred dinars o uncle tulip both he on my head o caliph when behold out came jafar from the presence of the caliph and seeing the fisherman talking with the eunuch and saying to him this is the reward of goodness o uncle tulip went in to al-Rashid and said to him, O commander of the faithful, thy master the fisherman is with the chief

Starting point is 07:36:35 unit, dunning him for an hundred dinars, cried the caliph, bring him to me, O Jafar, and the minister answered, hearing and obeying. So he went out to the fisherman and said to him, O caliph, thine apprentice, the trumpeter bideth thee to him, then he walked on, followed by the other, till they reached the presence chamber, where he saw the caliph seated,

Starting point is 07:36:54 with a canopy over his head. When he entered, Al-Rashid wrote three, scrolls, and set them before him, and the fisherman said to him, So thou hast given up trumpeting, and turned astrologer? Quoth the caliph to him, Take thee a scroll. Now, in the first he had written, let him be given a gold piece, in the second, an hundred dinars, and in the third, let him be given a hundred blows with a whip. So Caliph put out his hand, and by the decree of the predestinator, it lighted on the scroll wherein was written, let him receive an hundred lashes, and kings, when as they,

Starting point is 07:37:29 ordained aught go not back therefrom so they drew him prone on the ground and beat him an hundred blows whilst he wept and roared for succour but none succoured him and said by allah this is a good jocopter i teach thee fishing and thou turnest astrologer and drawest me an unlucky lot "'Fie upon thee, in thee is not of good.' When the Caliph heard his speech, he fell fainting in a fit of laughter and said, "'Oh, Caliph, no arm shall be tied thee, fear not. Give him an hundred gold pieces.' So they gave him a hundred dinars. And he went out, and seized not faring forth

Starting point is 07:38:05 till they came to the trunk market, where he found the folk assembled in a ring about a broker, who was crying out and saying, "'At an hundred dinars, less one dinar, a locked chest, so he pressed on and pushed through the crowd and said to the broker, Mine for an hundred dinars. The broker closed with him and took his money, whereupon there was left him, nor little nor much. The porters disputed a while about who should carry the chest, and presently all said, by Allah, none shall carry this chest, but Zerate,

Starting point is 07:38:35 and the folk said, Blue eyes hath the best right to it, so Zerak shouldered the chest, after the goodliest fashion, and walked a rear of Caliph. As they went, along, the fisherman said in himself, I have nothing left to give the porter, how shall I rid myself of him? Now, I will traverse the main streets with him, and lead him up out, till he be weary and set it down and leave it, when I will take it up and carry it to my lodging.

Starting point is 07:39:01 Accordingly, he went round about the city with the porter, from noontide to sundown, till the man began to grumble and said, Oh, my lord, where is thy house? Korth, Caliph, yesterday I knew it, but today I have forgotten it. And the porter said, Give me my hire and take thy chest. But Caliph said, Go on at thy leisure, till I bethink me where my house is. Presently adding, O Zerak, I have no money with me, tis all in my house, and I have forgotten where it is. As they were talking, there passed by them one who knew the fisherman, and said to him,

Starting point is 07:39:33 O Caliph, what bringeth thee hither? Quoth the porter, O uncle, where is Caliph's house? And quoth he, tis in the ruined con in the Rawasin quarter. then said Zarek to Khalif, Go to, would heaven thou hadst never lived more been, and the fisherman trudged on, followed by the porter, till they came to the place when the Hamal said, O thou whose daily bread, Allah cut off in this world, have we not past this place a score of times?

Starting point is 07:40:01 Hats thou said to me, tis in such a stead, thou hast spared me this great toil, but now give me my wage and let me wend my way. Caliph replied, Thou shalt have silver, if not gold, stay here till i bring thee the same so he entered his lodging and taking a mallet he had there studded with forty nails wherewith and he smote a camel he had made an end of it rushed upon the porter and raised his forearm to strike him therewith but zurek cried out at him saying hold thy hand i have no claim on thee and fled Now, having got rid of the Hamal, Caliph carried the chest into the con, whereupon the neighbors came down and flocked about him, saying,

Starting point is 07:40:40 O Caliph, whence hath thou this robe in this chest? Quoth he, from my apprentice Al Rashid, who gave them to me. And they said, The pimp is mad. Al Rashid will assuredly hear of his talk and hang him over the door of his lodging and hang all in the con on account of the droll. This is a fine farce. Then they helped him to carry the chest into his lodging, and it filled the whole closet.

Starting point is 07:41:02 thus far concerning Caliph, but as for the history of the chest, it was as follows. The Caliph had a Turkish slave-girl by name Kut al-Kulub, whom he loved with love exceeding, and the lady Zubedah came to know of this from himself, and was passing jealous of her, and secretly plotted mischief against her. So whilst the commander of the faithful was absent a sporting and a hunting, she sent for Kut al-Kulub, and inviting her to a banquet, set before her meat and wine, and she ate and drank. Now, the wine was drugged with bang. So she slept, and Zubeda sent for her chief eunuch, and putting her in a great chest, locked it and gave it to him, saying,

Starting point is 07:41:44 take this chest and cast it into the river. Thereupon he took it up before him on a he-mule, and set out with it for the sea, but found it unfit to carry. So as he passed the trunk market, he saw the shake of the brokers and salesmen, and said to him, "'Wool thou sell me this chest, O uncle?' The broker replied, yes, we will do this much. But, said the unit, look thou sell it not except lock. And the other, tis well, we will do that also. So he sat down the chest and they cried it for sale, saying,

Starting point is 07:42:14 Who will buy this chest for an hundred dinars? And behold, up came Caliph, the fisherman, and bought the chest after turning it over right and left, and there passed between him and the porter, that which hath been set before out. Now, as regards Caliph the fisherman, he lay down on the chest to sleep, and presently could Al-Kalub awoke from her bang, and finding herself in the chest, cried out, and said, Alas!

Starting point is 07:42:38 Whereupon Caliph sprang off the chest-lid and cried out and said, Oh, Muslims, come to my help, there are Iffrit's in the chest. So the neighbors awoke from sleep and said to him, What mattereth thee, oh, madman? Quoth he, the chest is full of Iffritz. And quoth they, go to sleep. thou hast troubled our rest this night. May Allah not bless thee.

Starting point is 07:42:59 Go in and sleep without madness. He ejaculated, I cannot sleep. But they abused him, and he went in and lay down once more. And behold, Kutal-Kalub spoke and said, Where am I? Upon which Khalif fled forth the closet and said, O neighbors of the hostelry, come to my aid, Quoth they, what hath befallen thee?

Starting point is 07:43:20 Thou troublest the neighbor's rest. O folk, there be iffrit's in this chest, moving and speaking. Thou liest. What do they say? They say, where am I? Would heaven thou wert in hell? Thou disturbest the neighbors and hinders them of sleep. Go to sleep. Would thou hast never lived or been? So Caliph went in, fearful, because he had no place wherein to sleep, save upon the chest lid. When lo, as he stood with ears listening for speech, Kutal-Kulub spake again and said, I'm hungry. So in sore of fright he fled, forth and cried out,

Starting point is 07:43:55 Ho, neighbors, ho dwellers in the Khan, come ate me, said they, What is thy calamity now? And he answered, The Ifrets in the chest say, We are hungry. Quoth the neighbors one to other,

Starting point is 07:44:08 T'would seem Caliph is hungry. Let us feed him and give him the supper arts, else he will not let us sleep tonight. So they brought him bread and meat and broken victuals and radishes, and gave him a basket full of all kinds of things, saying, eat till thou be full and go to sleep and talk not,

Starting point is 07:44:26 else will we break thy ribs and beat thee to death this very night? So he took the basket with the provont and entered his lodging. Now it was a moonlit night and the moon shone in full sheen upon the chest and lit up the closet with its light. Seeing this he sat down in his purchase and felt it eating of the food with both hands. Presently Kut al-Kulub spake again and said, open to me and have mercy upon me, O Muslims. So Caliph arose, and taking a stone he had by him,

Starting point is 07:44:57 broke the chest open, and behold, there lay a young lady as she were the sun's shining light, with brow flower-white, face moon-bright, cheeks of rose-hue exquisite, and speech sweeter than sugar-bite, and in dress worth a thousand dinars and more, bidite. Seeing this, his wits flew from his head for joy, and he said,

Starting point is 07:45:18 by Allah, thou art of the fair. She asked him, what art thou, O fellow? And he answered, O my lady, I am Caliph the fisherman, quoth she, who brought me hither, and quoth he, I bought thee, and thou art my slave-girl. Thereupon said she, I see on thee a robe of the raiment of the caliph. So he told her all that had betided him, from first to last, and how he had bought the chest, wherefore she knew that Lady Zubeda had played her false, and she ceased not talking with him until the morning. When she said to him, O Caliph, seek me from someone in case and read pen

Starting point is 07:45:54 and paper, and bring them to me. So he found with one of the neighbors what she sought, and brought it to her, whereupon she wrote a letter and folded it and gave it to him, saying, O Caliph, take this paper and carry it to the jewel market. Where do thou inquire for the shop of

Starting point is 07:46:10 Abul al-Hassan, the jeweler? And give it to him, answered the fisherman, oh my lady, this name is difficult to me, I cannot remember it. and she rejoined, then ask for the shop of Ibn al-Uqab, quoth he, Oh, my lady, what is an ukab? And quoth she, tis a bird which folk carry on fist with eyes hooded, and he exclaimed, oh, my lady, I know it.

Starting point is 07:46:32 Then he went forth from her and fared on, repeating the name, lest it fade from his memory. But by the time he reached the jewel market, he had forgotten it. So he accosted one of the merchants and said to him, Is there any here named after a bird? replied the merchant, yes, thou meanest Ibn al-Uqab. Caliph cried, That's the man I want, and making his way to him, gave him the letter, which when he read and knew the purport thereof, he fell to kissing it and laying it on his head, for it is said that Abu al-Hassan was the agent of the Lady Kutal-Kulub, and her intendant over all her

Starting point is 07:47:07 property in lands and houses. Now she had written to him, saying, from Her Highness the Lady Kutal-Kulub to Sir Abu al-Hassan, the jeweler. The instant this letter reaches thee, set apart for us a saloon, completely equipped with furniture and vessels and negro slaves, and slave-girls, and what not else is needful for our residents and seemly, and take the bearer of the missive and carry him to the bath, then clothe him in costly apparel, and do with him thus and thus. So he said, hearing and obeying, and locking up a shop, took the fisherman and bore him to the bath, where he committed him to one of the bathmen, that he might serve him, according to custom. Then he went forth to carry out the Lady Kutal Kulub's orders. As for Khalif, he concluded,

Starting point is 07:47:53 of his lack of wit and stupidity, that the bath was a prison, and said to the bathman, "'Well, crime if I committed that he should lay me in limbo.' They laughed at him and made him sit on the side of the tank, whilst the bathman took hold of his legs, that he might shampoo them. Khalif thought he meant to wrestle with him and said to himself, This is a wrestling place, and I knew not of it. Then he arose and seizing the bathman's legs, lifted him up and threw him on the ground and broke his ribs. The man cried out for help,

Starting point is 07:48:22 whereupon the other bathman came in a crowd and fell upon Khalif and overcoming him by dint of numbers, delivered their comrade from his clutches, and tended him till he came to himself. Then they knew that the fisherman was a simpleton and served him till Abu al-Hassan, came back with a dress of rich stuff and clad him therein. After which he brought him a handsome she-mule,

Starting point is 07:48:45 ready-saddled, and taking him by the hand, carried him forth of the bath, and said to him, mount. Quoth he, how shall I mount? I fear lest she throw me and break my ribs into my belly, nor would he back the mule, save after much travail and trouble, and they stinted not, faring on, till they came to the place which Abu al-Hassan had set apart for the lady Kut al-Kulub.

Starting point is 07:49:06 thereupon caliph entered and found her sitting with slaves and eunuchs about her and the porter at the door staff in hand who when he saw the fisherman sprang up and kissing his hand went before him till he brought him within the saloon here the fisherman saw what amazes his wit and his eye was dazzled by that which he beheld of riches past count and slaves and servants who kissed his hand and said may the bath be a blessing to thee when he entered the saloon and drew near to cutal kalub she sprang up to him and taking him by the hand seated him on a high mattress to van then she brought him a vase of sherbert of sugar mingled with rose-water and willow water and he took it and drank it off and left not a single drop Moreover, he ran his finger around the inside of the vessel and would have lipped it, but she forbade him, saying, that is foul. Quoth he, silenced, this is not but good honey, and she laughed at him and set before him a tray of meats, whereof he ate his sufficiency.

Starting point is 07:50:05 Then they brought an ewer and basin of gold, and he washed his right hand, and abode in the gladdest of life and the most honorable. Now, hear what befell the commander of the faithful. When he came back from his journey, and found not Kut al-Kulub, he questioned the lady Zubedah of her, and she said, She is verily dead. May thy head live, O Prince of true believers. But she had bidden dig a grave a middle-most palace, and had built over it a mock tomb, for her the knowledge of the love of the

Starting point is 07:50:35 caliph, bore to Kut al-Kulub. So she said to him, O commander of the faithful, I made her a tomb, a middle-most the palace, and buried her there. Then she donned black, a mere sham and pure pretense, and feigned mourning a great while. Now Kutal Kulub knew that the caliph was coming back from his hunting excursion, so she turned to Caliph and said to him, Arise, hide thee to the bath and come back. So he rose and went to the Hamam bath, and when he returned, she clad him in a dress worth a thousand dinars, and taught him manners and respectful bearing to superiors. Then said she to him, go hence to the caliph and say to him, O commander of the faithful, Tis my desire that this night thou deign be my guest.

Starting point is 07:51:19 So Caliph arose, and mounting his she-mule, rode with pages and black slaves before him, till he came to the palace of the caliphate, quoth the wise, dress up a stick, and twill look chic. And indeed his comeliness was manifest, and his goodliness, and the folk marvelled at this. Presently the chief eunuch saw him, the same who had given him the hundred dinars that had been

Starting point is 07:51:43 cause of his good fortune. So he went into the Caliph and said to him, O commander of the faithful, Caliph the fisherman has become a king, and on him is a robe of honor worth a thousand in ours. The prince of true believers bade admit him, so he entered and said, Peace be with thee, O commander of the faithful, and vice-regent of the Lord of the three worlds, and defender of the folk of the fayeth, Allah Almighty, Almighty, prolong thy days and honor thy dominion and exalt by degree to the highmost height. The Caliph looked at him and marveled at him in how fortune had come to him at unawares. Then he said to him, O Caliph, once hadst thou that robe which is upon thee. He replied, O commander of the faithful, it cometh from my house. Quoth the Caliph,

Starting point is 07:52:29 hast thou then a house? And quoth Caliph, yea, verily, and thou, O commander of the faithful, art my guest this day. Al-Rashid said, I alone, O Caliph, or I and those who are with me, and he replied, Thou and whom thou wilt. So Jafar turned to him and said, We will be thy guest this night, whereupon he kissed ground again, and withdrawing, mounted his mule and rode off, attended by his servants and suite of Mamalukes, leaving the caliph, marveling at this and saying to Jafar, saw'st that Caliph with his mule and dress, his white slaves, and his dignity, but yesterday I knew him for a buffoon and a jester, and they marvelled that this much. When they mounted and rode, till they drew near Caliph's house,

Starting point is 07:53:14 when the fisherman alighted, and taking a bundle from one of his attendants, opened it, and pulled out therefrom a piece of cabby silk, and spread it under the hooves of the caliphse-mule. Then he brought out a piece of velvet kim-cob, and a third of fine satin, and did with them, likewise, and thus he spread well-nigh twenty pieces of rich stuffs, till Al-Rashid in his suite had reached the house, when he came forward and said, Bismillah, O commander of the faithful, Quoth al-Rashid to Jafar, I wonder to whom this house may belong, and quoth he,

Starting point is 07:53:47 it belongeth to a man-hight Ibn al-Ukab, syndic of the jewelers. So the caliph dismounted, and entering with his courtiers, saw a high-builded saloon, spacious and boon, with couches on dads and carpets and divans strown in place. So he went up to the couch that was set for himself on four legs of ivory, plated with glittering gold and covered with seven carpets. This pleased him. And behold, up came Caliph with eunuchs and little white slaves, bearing all manner of sherberts, compounded with sugar and lemon and perfumed with rose and willow water, and the purest musk. The fishermen advanced and drank and gave the caliph to drink, and the cup-bearers came forward and serve the rest of the company with the sherberts.

Starting point is 07:54:32 Then Caliph brought a table spread with meats of various colors, and geese and fowl and other birds, saying, In the name of Allah! So they ate their fill, after which he bade, remove the tables, and kissing the ground three times before the Caliph, craved his royal leave to bring wine and music. He granted him permission for this, and turning to Jafar, said to him, As my head live it, the house and that which is therein is Caliph,

Starting point is 07:54:57 for that he is ruler over it, and I am in. admiration at him, whence there came to him this passing prosperity and exceeding felicity. However, this is no great matter to him who saith to a thing, be, and it becomeeth. What I most wonder at is his understanding. How hath it increased? And whence hath he gotten this loftiness and this lordliness, but when Allah guleth wheel unto man, he amendeth his intelligence before bringing him to worldly affluence. As they were talking, behold up came caliph followed by cup-bearer lads like moons belted with zones of gold who spread a cloth of cigleton and set thereon flagons of charno'er and tall flasks of glass and cups of crystal and bottles and hanaps of all colours and those flaggons they filled with pure clear and old wine whose scent was at the fragrance of virgin musk and it was even as saith the poet

Starting point is 07:55:53 pliny me and also my mate be plied with pure wine pressed in the olden tide daughter of nobles they lead her forth in raiment of goblets beautified they belt her round with the brightest gems and pearls and unions the ocean's pride so i by these signs and signets know wherefore the wine is entitled bride and round about these vessels were confections and flowers such as may not be surpassed when all rachid saw this from caliph he inclined to him and smiled upon him and invested him with an office. So Caliph wished him continuance of honor and endurance of days, and said, Will the commander of the faithful Dane give me leave to bring him a singer, a lute player, or like was never heard among mortals ever? Quoth the Caliph, Thou art permitted.

Starting point is 07:56:41 So he kissed ground before him, and going to a secret closet, called Kut al-Kulub, who came after she had disguised and falsed and veiled herself, tripping in her robes and trinkets, and she kissed ground before the commander of the faithful. Then she sat down, and tuning the lute, touched its strings and played upon it, till all present were like to faint for excess of delight,

Starting point is 07:57:03 after which she improvised these verses, Would heaven I what, Will ever time bring our beloved's back again, And ah, will union and its bliss to bless two lovers' day? Will time assure to us united days and join joy? While from the storms and stores of life in safety we remain, then oh who bade this pleasure be our parting past and gone and made one house our meeting's dead throughout the nights contain by him draw near me love and closest cling to side of me else were my wearied wasted life a vanity a bane when the caliph heard this he could not master himself but rent his raiment and fell down a swoon or upon all who were present hastened to doff their dress and throw it over him whilst cut alcaloo signed to calaised to calaised to calais

Starting point is 07:57:51 and said to him, high to yonder chest, and bring us what is therein, for she had made ready therein a suit of the callous wear against the like of such hour as this. So Caliph brought it to her, and she threw it over the commander of the faithful, who came to himself, and knowing her for Kutal Kulub, said, is this the day of resurrection? And half Allah quickened those who are in the tombs? Or am I asleep? And is this an engrolia of dreams? Quoth Kutalub, we are on wake. not on sleep, and I am alive, nor have I drained the cup of death. Then she told him all that had befallen her, and indeed, since he lost her, life had not been light to him, nor had sleep been sweet, and he abode now wondering, then weeping, and anon a fire for longing. When she had made an end of her story,

Starting point is 07:58:41 the caliph rose and took her by the hand, intending for her palace, after he had kissed her inner lips, and had strained her to his bosom, whereupon Caliph rules and said, By a law, commander of the faithful, thou hast already wronged me once, and now thou wrongest me again, quoth al-Rashid, indeed thou speakest sooth, O Caliph, and bade the wazir Jafar give him what should satisfy him. So he straightway gifted him with all for which he wished, and assigned him a village, the yearly revenues whereof were twenty thousand dinars. moreover kut al-Kalub generously presented him the house and all that was therein of furniture and hangings and white slaves and slave-girls in eunuchs great and small so caliph became possessed of this passing affluence and exceeding wealth and took him a wife and prosperity taught him gravity and dignity and good fortune overwhelmed him the caliph enrolled him among his equerries and he abode in all solace of life and its delights till he deceased and was admitted to the

Starting point is 07:59:43 mercy of Allah. Furthermore, they relate a tale an int, Masr and Zain Almawasif. There was once in days of yore, and in ages and times long gone before, a man and a merchant, Masrur height, who was of the comliest of the folk of his tide, a white of wealth galore, and in easiest case, but he loved to take his pleasure in verdures, in flower gardens, and to divert himself with the love of the fair. Now, it fortunate one night, as he lay asleep. He dreamt that he was in engarthe of the loveliest, wherein were four birds, and among them a dove, white as polished silver. That dove pleased him, and for her grew up in his heart and exceeding love. Presently he beheld a great bird swooped down on him, and snatched

Starting point is 08:00:30 the dove from his hand. This was grievous to him, after which he awoke and not finding the bird, strave with his yearnings till morning, when he said in himself, there is no help but that I go today to someone who will expound to me this vision. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 24. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 25 of The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording.

Starting point is 08:01:12 All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org, read by Ruhi Huck. The Book of A Thousand Nights in a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890, Section 25. When it was the 846th night, she continued. it had reached me, oh auspicious king, that when the merchant awoke, he strayed with his yearnings till morning when he said to himself, there is no help but that I go this day to someone who will expound to me this vision. So he went forward and walked right and left till he was far from his dwelling place, but found none to interpret the dream to him.

Starting point is 08:02:07 Then he would have returned, but on his way behold, the fancy took him to turn aside to the house of a certain trader. a man of the wealthiest, and when he drew near to it, suddenly he heard from within a plaintive voice from a sorrowful heart reciting these couplets. The breeze of morn blows uswards from her trace, fragrant, and heals the lovesick lover's gaze. I stand like captives on the mounds and ask, while tears make answer for the ruined place. Kothai, by Allah, breeze of mourning say, shall time and fortune, aye, this stead regraise. shall I enjoy a fawn whose form bewitched, and languorous eyelids, wasted fame and face? When Masrude heard this, he looked him through the doorway and saw a garden of the goodliest of gardens, and as its father end, a curtain of red brocade, pearled with pearls and gems,

Starting point is 08:03:02 behind which sat four damsels, and amongst them a young lady over four feet and under five feet in height, as she were the rondeur of the loon and the full moon shining moon. She had eyes cold with nature's dye and joined eyebrows. Her mouth as it were Solomon's seal and lips and teeth bright with pearls and corals light, and indeed she ravished all wits with her beauty and loveliness and symmetry and perfect grace. When Mersru despied her, he entered the porch and went on entering till he came to the curtain. Whereupon she raised her head and glanced at him, so he saluted her and she returned his salaam with sweetest speech, and when he considered her more straightly, his reason was dazed and his heart amazed.

Starting point is 08:03:49 Then he looked at the garden and saw that it was full of jessamine and gilly flowers and violets and roses and orange blossoms and all manner sweet-scented blooms and herbs. Every tree was curts about with fruits and there coarsed down water from four datsis, which faced one another and occupied the four corners of the garden. He looked at the first liwan and found written her it with vermilion these two couplets o thou the house grief never home in thee nor time work treason on thine owner's head all good betide the house which every guest harbours when sore distressed for way instead then he looked at the second dads and found written thereon in red gold these couplets robed thee o house in richest raiment time long as the birdies on the branchless chime and sweetest perfumes breathed within thy walls and lover meet beloved in bliss sublime and dwell thy dwellers all in joy and pride long as the wandering stars heaven hill shall climb

Starting point is 08:04:57 then he looked at the third whereon he found written in ultramarine these two couplets ever thy pomp and pride o house display whilst darkeneth night and shineth cheeney day boon fortune bless all entering thy walls and whom so dwell in thee for ever and i then he looked at the fourth and saw painted in yellow characters this couplet this garden and this lake in truth are fair sitting steds by the lord of ruth moreover in that garden were birds of all breeds ring dove and cushhat and nightingale and culver each singing his several song and amongst them the lady swaying gracefully to and fro in her beauty and grace and symmetry and loveliness and ravishing all who saw her. Presently quoth she to Masrude. Holaman, what bringeth thee into a house other than thy house,

Starting point is 08:05:51 and wherefore comest thou in unto women other than thy women, without leave of their owner? Quote he, O my lady, I saw this garden, and the goodliness of its greenery pleased me, and the fragrance of its flowers and the caroling of its birds. So I entered, thinking to gaze on it. a while and went my way said she with love and gladness and masr was amazed at the sweetness of her speech and the coquetry of her glances and the straightness of her shape and transported by her beauty

Starting point is 08:06:23 and seemly head and the pleasantness of the garden and the birds so in the disorder of his spirits he decided these couplets as the crescent moon in the garth her form mid basle and jasmine and rose I scan, and violet faced by the my myrtle spray, and no man's bloom, and my robalan. By her perfume, the Zephyr's perfumed breathe, and with scented sighing the branches fan. O garden, thou perfect of beauty art, all charms comprising in perfect plan, and melodious birdies sing madrigals, and the full moon, shineeth in branch-shed wan. It's ringed up, its calver, its mockingbird, and its philomel, sing. my soul to unman.

Starting point is 08:07:10 And the longing of love, all my wits confuse it for her charms, as the man whom is wine bemused. Now when Zain al-Mawasif heard this verse, she glanced at him with eyes which bequeathed a thousand sighs and utterly ravished his wisdom and wits and replied to him in these lines. Hope not of our favours to make thy prey, and what of thou wishest thy greed allay,

Starting point is 08:07:36 and seize thy longing thou canst not win the love of the fair thou art fern to say my glances to lovers are baleful and naught i reek of thy speech i have said my say ho thou begone about thy business for we are none of the woman tribe who are neither thine nor another's and he answered o my lady i said nothing ill quote she thou sowest to divert thyself and thou hast had thy diversion so when thy ways goeth he o my lady belike thou wilt give me a draught of water for i am a thirst whereupon she cried how canst thou drink of a jew's water and thou a nazarin but he replied o my lady your water is not forbidden to us nor ours unlawful to you for we are all as one creation so she said to her slave-girl give him to drink and she did as she was bidden then she called for the table of food and there came four damsels high bosomed maids bearing four trays of meats and four gilt flagons full of strong old wine as it were the tears of a slave of love for clearness and a table around whose edge were graven these couplets for eaters a table they brought and set in the banquet hall and twas dight with gold like the eternal garden that gathers all man wants of meat and wines manifold and when the high-breasted maids had set all this before him quote she, thou soughtest to drink of our drink, so up and at our meat and drink. He could hardly credit what his ears had heard and sat down at the table forthright, whereupon she bade her nurse give him a cup, that he might drink.

Starting point is 08:09:21 Now her slave girls were called one hubub, another chutab, and the third sukub, and she who gave him the cup was hubbub. So he took the cup, and looking at the outside, there saw it in these couplets. drain not the bowl but with lovely white who loves thee and wine makes brighter bright and wear her scorpions that o thee creep and guard thy tongue lest thou vex her sprite then the cup went round and when he emptied it he looked inside and saw written and wear her scorpions when pressing them and hide her secret from foes despite whereupon masur laughed her wards and she asked him what causeth thee to laugh for the fulness of my joy gothi presently the breeze blew on her and the scarf fell from her head and discovered a fillet of glittering gold set with pearls and gems and gions and on her breast was a necklace of all manner ring jewels and precious stones to the centre of which hung a sparrow of red gold with feet of red coral and bill of white silver and body full of nad power and pure ambergris and odiferous mask and upon its back was engraved. The nad is my wine-scented powder, my bread, and the bosoms my bed, and the breasts

Starting point is 08:10:41 my stead. And my necknape complains of the weight of love, of my pain, of my pine, of my dreary head. Then Masrude looked at the breast of her shift, and behold, thereon lay rotten in red gold this verse. The fragrance of musk from the breasts of the fair, Zephyr borrows to sweeten the morning air. Masrur marvelled at this with exceeding wonder and was dazed by her charms and amazement get hold upon them. Then said Zain al-Muosuf to him, be gone from us and go about thy business, lest the neighbours hear of us, and even us with the lewd. He replied, by Allah, my lady, suffer my sight to enjoy the view of thy beauty and loveliness. With this she was wrothed with him, and leaving him walked in the garden, and he looked at her shift sleeve, and saw upon it, embroidered these lines. The weaver white wrote with gold or bright, and her wrists on brocade

Starting point is 08:11:39 rained a brighter light. Her palms are adorned with the silver and sheen, and favor her fingers, the ivory's white, for their tips are rounded like priceless pearl, and her charms would enlighten the nightiest night. And as she paced the garth, Masr gazed at her slippers and saw written upon them these pleasant lines. The slippers that carry these fair young feet cause her form to bend in its gracious bloom. When she paces and waves in the breeze she owns, she shines, fullest moan in the murkiest gloom. She was followed by her women leaving hubbub with masroar by the curtain, upon whose edge was embroidered these couplets. Behind the whale a damsel sits with gracious beauty dight, praise to the Lord who decked her with these inner gifts of sprite,

Starting point is 08:12:29 guards her the garden and the bird fein bears in her company gladden her wine rafts and the bowl but makes her brighter bright apple and cassia blossom show their envy of her cheeks and borrows pearl resplendency from her resplendent light as though the sperm that gendered her were drop of marguerite happy who kisses her and spends in her embrace the night So Masrur entered into a long discourse with Habab and presently said to her, O Habab had thy mistress a husband or not, she replied, My lady hath her husband, but he is actually abroad on a journey with merchandise of his. Now when as he heard that her husband was abroad on a journey, his heart lusted after her and he said,

Starting point is 08:13:18 O Habab, glorified be he who created this damsel and fashioned her. How sweet is her beauty and her loveliness and a symmetry and perfect grace. Verilin to my heart has fallen sore travail for her. O Habab, so do that I come to enjoy her, and thou shalt have of me, and thou wilt of wealth and what not else, replied Habab. O Nazarene, if she heard thee speak thus, she would slay thee, or else she would kill herself, for she is the daughter of a zealot. Of the Jews, nor is there her like amongst them.

Starting point is 08:13:53 She had no need of money and she keepeth herself ever, cloistered, discovering not her case to any. Quoth Masrude, O Habab, and thou wilt but bring me to enjoy her. I will be to thee, slave and footpage, and will serve thee all my life, and give thee whatsoever thou seekest of me. But quotes she, O Masrude, in very soon this woman has no lust for money, nor yet for men, because my lady Zen al-Awasif is of the cloistered going not forth her house-door in fear lest folk see her, but that she bore with thee by reason of thy strangerhood. She hath not permitted thee to pass her threshold. No, not though thou wert her brother.

Starting point is 08:14:35 He replied, O Habab, be thou, I go between, and thou shalt have of me, and hundred gold dinards in a dress worth as much more. For that the love of her hath gotten hold of my heart. this she said oh man let me go about with her in talk and i will return thee and answer and acquaint thee with what she said indeed she loved those who beryme her and she affected those who set forth her charms and beauty and loveliness in verse and we may not prevail over her save by wiles in soft speech and beguilement thereup rose and going up to her mistress accosted her with privy talk of this and that and presently said to her o my lady look at yonder young man the nazarene how sweet is his speech and how shapely his shape when zain al muassev heard this she turned to her and said and thou like his cumlinous love him thyself art thou not ashamed to address the like of me with these words go bid him be gone about his business or i will make it the worse for him So Habab returned to Masrur, but acquainted him not with that which her mistress had said. Then the lady bade her high to the door, and look if she saw any of the folk, lest foul befall them.

Starting point is 08:15:50 So she went in returning, said, O my lady, without our folk in plenty, and we cannot let him go forth this night, quote Zain al-Mawassif. I am in dole because of a dream I have seen and I am fearful therefrom. And Masrur said, What sawst thou? Allah never troubled thy heart, she replied, I was asleep in the middle of the night when suddenly an eagle swooped down upon me from the highest of the clouds and would have carried me off from behind the curtain, wherefore I was frightened at him. Then I awoke from sleep and bade my women bring me meat and drink so happily when I had drunken the doler of the dream would cease from me. Hearing this, Mansour smiled and told her his dream from first to last in how he had caught the dove, at she marvelled with exceeding marvel. Then he went on to talk with her at great length and said, I am now certified of the truth of my dream, for thou art the Davinae the eagle, and there is no hope

Starting point is 08:16:48 but that this must be, for the moment I set eyes on thee, thou tookest possession of my vitals, and setest my heart a fireful love of thee. Thereupon Zain al-Muassif became wrath with exceeding wrath and said to him, I take refuge with Allah from this. Allah upon thee. Be gone about thy business ere the neighbours espy thee and there betide a sore approach, adding, hark ye man, let not thy soul

Starting point is 08:17:16 covet that shall not obtain. Thou waried thyself in vain for I am a merchant's wife and a merchant's daughter and thou are a druggist. And when soest thou a druggist and a merchant's daughter conjoined by such sentiment, he replied, O my lady, never let love

Starting point is 08:17:33 the yes between folk. So cut thou not off from me, hope of this, and whatsoever thou seekest of me of money and raiment and ornaments, and what not else, I will give thee. Then he abode with her in discourse and mutual blaming while she still redoubled in anger till it was black night when he said to her, O my lady, take this gold piece and fetch me a little wine, for I am a thirst and heavy-hearted. So she said to the slave-girl, Habab, fetch him wine and take naught from him, for we have no need of his dinar. So she went, whilst Masr held his peace, and bespeak not the lady, who suddenly improvised these lines. Leave this thy design and depart, O man, nor tread parts where lewdness and crime tripan. Love is a net shall enmesh thy sprite,

Starting point is 08:18:24 make thee rising a morning, sad, weary and wan. For I spy, thou shalt ick be the cause of talk and for thee shall blame me my tribe and clan ye scant i marvel thou lovest affair gazelle's hunting lions we i shall scan and he answered her with these joy of boughs bright branch of myrobaland have ruth on the heart all thy charms unman death cup to the dregs thou gallest me drain and don weed of love with its bane and ban how can sue thy heart which for stress of pine burns with living goals which my longing swam. Hearing these lines she exclaimed, Away from me, quotes she saw, Who so loosest his sight, wearied his sprite. By Allah, I am tired of discourse with thee and chiding,

Starting point is 08:19:13 and indeed thy soul coveteth that, shall never become thine. Nay, though thou gave me, my weight and gold, thou shouldst not get thy wicked will of me, for I know not of the things of the world, save pleasant life by the boon of Allah, Almighty. he answered o my lady zane el mwassif ask of me what thou wilt of the goods of the world quoth she what shall i ask of thee for sure thou wilt fare forth and prate of me in the highway and i shall become a laughing-stock among the folk and they will make a byword of me in worse me who am the daughter of the chief of the merchants and whose father is known of the notables of the tribe i have no need of money or raiment and such love will not be hidden from the people and i shall be brought to shame i and my kit and kin

Starting point is 08:20:02 with this masur was confounded and could make her no answer but presently she said indeed the master thief if he steal steal it not but what is worth his neck and every moment who doth lewdness with another than her husband is tied a thief, so it must be thus and no help. Thou shall give me whatsoever my heart desireth of money and raiment and ornaments and what not. Quoth he, and thou sought of me the world and all its regions contained from east to its west, to a but a little thing compared with thy favour, and quotes she, I will have of thee three suits, each worth a thousand Egyptian dinars, and adorned with gold and fairly purfled with pearls, with pearls, and jewels and gions, the best of their kind. Furthermore, I require that you swear to me, thou wilt keep my secret, nor discover it to any, and that thou wilt company with none but me,

Starting point is 08:21:00 and I in turn will swear to thee a true oath, that I will never false thee in love. So he swore to her the oath she required, and she swore to him, and they agreed upon this, after which she said to her nurse, Habab. Tomorrow go thou with Masrude to his logic, and seek somewhat of musk and amburgress and nad and rose water and see what he hath if he be a man of condition i will take him into favour but and he be otherwise we will leave him then said she to him o masrood i desire somewhat of musk and ambergris and aloes wood and nad so do thou send it me by hubbub and he answered with love and gladness my shop is at thy disposal then the wine went round between them and there's sions was sweet, but Masrude's heart was troubled for the passion and pining which possessed him. And when Zain al-Muassif saw him in this

Starting point is 08:21:56 plight, she said to her slave-girl Sukup. Arouse Masrude from his stupur mayhap he will recover. Answered Sukup. Harkening and obedience and sang these couplets. Bring gold and gear and a lover thou and him thy love, so success shall

Starting point is 08:22:15 row. Joy the smiling fawn with the black-edged iron and the bending lines of the cassia bough. On her look and a marvel therein shall sight and pour out thy life ere thy life-term show. Love's effect be this, and thou weak the same, but, and gold deceive thee, leave gold and go. Hereupon Masur understood her and said, I hear an apprehend, never was grief, but after came relief, and after affliction dealing, He will order the healing. Then Zen al-Muarsif recited these couplets. From love stupor awake, O Masur to her best,

Starting point is 08:22:57 For this day I dread my love, rent thy breast. And tomorrow I fear me, folks' marvel tale Shall make us a byword from east to west. Leave love of thy like, or thou'll gain thee blame. Why turn thee uswards, such loves unblessed? For one strange of lineage whose kin repel, thou shalt wake and fail, thou shalt wake in famed of friends dispossessed. I am a zealot's child and a flight the folk.

Starting point is 08:23:23 Would my life for ended and I at rest? Then Masrude answered her improvisation and began to say these lines. To grief leave a heart that to love ne'er ceased, nor blame for your blame ever love increased. You misrule my vitals in triant guide. Morn and Eve I went not or west or east. Lover's law forbids me to do me die. They say love's victim is never released.

Starting point is 08:23:51 Well away, could I find in love's court a judge, I'd plain and win to my rights at least. They ceased not from mutual chiding till morning morrowed. When Zain al-Muasif said, O Masrude, tis time for thee to depart, lest one of the folks see thee and foul before last twain. So he arose and accompanied by Nurse Hubup fared on till they came to his lodging, where he talked with her and said to her,

Starting point is 08:24:18 All thou seekest of me is ready for thee, so but thou wilt bring me to enjoy her. Habab replied, heart of thy heart, whereupon he rose and gave her a hundred dinar, saying, O Habab, I have by me a dress worth a hundred gold pieces. Answered she, O Masur, make haste with the trinkets and other things promised her, ere she change her mind, for we may not take her, save with violent. and guile and she loved it the saying of verse kothi hearing and obeying and bringing her the musk and ambergris and the lyne aloes and rosewater returned with her to zayn al-moasif and saluted her she returned his sala with the sweetest speech and he dazed by her beauty and improvised these lines o thou shiniest son who in night dost shine o who stole my soul with those large black eye, O slim-shaped fair with the graceful neck, O who shamest rose with those cheek o thine!

Starting point is 08:25:22 Blind not our sight with thy felt disdain that shall load us with pain and pine. Passion homes in our inmost, nor will be quenched, the fire of yearning in vitals lion. Your love has housed in heart of me, and of issue, but you see I ne'er a sign. Then happily you'll pity this hapless white, thy sad lover, and then, O the mourn divine. When Zehlal Mawasif heard these verses, she cast at him a glance of eyes, that bequeathed him a thousand regrets and sighs,

Starting point is 08:25:56 and his wits and soul were ravished in such wise, and answered him with these couplets. Think not from her, of whom thou art enamoured, eh, to win delight, so put desire from thee away. Leave that thou hopest, for gains her rigours, whom thou lovest, among the fair in vain is all thou canst as say my looks to lovers bring discomfiture and woe indeed i make no count of that which thou dost say when msruhe heard this he hardened his heart and took patience concealing his case and saying in himself there is nothing for it against calamity save long suffering

Starting point is 08:26:37 and after this fashion they abode till nightfall when zan almersif called for food and they set before her a tray wherein were all manners of dishes squails and pigeons and mutton and so forth whereof they ate their sufficiency then she bade take away the tables and they did so and fetched the lavatory gear, and they washed their hands, after which she ordered her women to bring the candlesticks, and they set on candle-bride candles their inn of camphorated wax, thereupon, quote, Zeno Mursif, by Allah, my breast is straightened this night, and I am a fevered, and quote, Masrour, Allah broadened thy breast and banished thy bane, and she said, O Masrur, I am used to play at chess, say me, knowest ought of the game? He replied, yes, I am skilled there, I am skilled there, thereup thereup thereup she commanded her handmaid hubb to fetch her the chess-board so she went away and presently returning with the board set it before her and behold it was of ivory marquitride ebony with squares marked in glittering gold and its pieces of pearl and ruby and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say

Starting point is 08:28:01 Section 26 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890, Section 26. when it was the eight hundred and forty-seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when zain al-mawasif bade the chess-board be brought they set it between her hands and masr was amazed at this when she turned to him and said wilt have red or white he replied o princess of the fair and adornment of morning air do thou take the red for they farmis are and fitter for the likes of thee to bear and leave the white to my care answered she so be so be

Starting point is 08:29:00 it, and taking the red pieces, ranged them opposite the white, then put out her hand to a piece, purposing the first pass into the battle-plane. Masrur considered her fingers, which were white as paced, and was confounded at their beauty and shapely shape, whereupon she turned to him and said, O Masr, be not be dazed, but take patience and calm thyself. He rejoined, O thou, thou, whose beauty shamed the moon, how shall a lover look on thee and have patience, boon? And while this was doing, she cried, checkmate, and beat him. Wherefore she knew that he was gin mad for love of her, and said to him, O Masr, I will not play with thee, save for a set stake. He replied, I hear and obey. And she rejoined, swear to me, and I will swear to thee, that neither of us will cheat the adversary.

Starting point is 08:29:48 So both swear this, and she said, O muster, and I beat thee, I will have ten dinars of thee, but, and thou beat me, I will give thee a mere nothing. He expected to win, so, he said, Oh, my lady, be not false to thine oath, for I see thou art an overmatch for me at this game. Accreed, she said, and they ranged their men and fell again to plain and pushing on their ponds, and catching them up with the queens,

Starting point is 08:30:14 and aligning and matching them with the castles, and solacing them with the onslaught of the knights. Now the adornment of qualities wore on head a kerchief of blue brocade, so she loosened it off and tucking up her sleeve, showed a wrist like a shaft of light and passed her palm over the red pieces saying to him, Look to thyself. But he was dazzled at her beauty, and the sight of her graces bereft him of reason, so that he became dazed and amazed, and put out his hand to the white men, but it alit upon the red, said she, Omasr, where be thy wits? The red are mine and the white thine. And he replied,

Starting point is 08:30:53 "'whoso looketh thee, perforce, "'lotheth all his senses. "'Then, seeing how it was with him, "'she took the white from him and gave him the red, "'and they played, and she beat him. "'He ceased not to play with her, "'and she to beat him, whilst he paid her each time, ten dinars. "'Til, knowing him to be distraught for love of her,

Starting point is 08:31:13 "'she said, Omas, her, "'that will never win to thy wish, "'except thou beat me, for such was our understanding. "'And henceforth, I will not play with thee, save for a stake of an hundred dinars a game. With love and gladness, answered he, and she went on playing, and ever beating him, and he paid her an hundred dinars each time.

Starting point is 08:31:34 And on this wise they abode till morning, without his having won a single game, when he suddenly sprang to his feet, quoth she, what will thou do, O Masr? And quoth he, I mean to go to my lodging and fetch somewhat of money. It may be I shall come to my desire, "'Do what so seemeth good to thee,' said she.

Starting point is 08:31:53 "'So he went home, and taking all the money he had, "'returned to her, improvising these two couplets. "'In dream I saw a bird or speed, me seemed, "'loves garden decked with blooms that smiled and gleamed. "'But I shall ken, when won my wish and will of thee, "'the truthful sense of what I dreamed. "'Now, when Masr returned to her with all his monies, "'they fell a plane again,

Starting point is 08:32:17 "'but she still beat him, and he could not beat her one. and in such case they abode three days till she had gotten of him the whole of his coin whereupon said she omas for her what wilt thou do now and he replied i will stake thee a druggest shop what is its worth asked she and he answered five hundred dinars so they played five bouts and she won the shop of him then he betted his slave-girls lands houses gardens and she won the whole of them till she had gotten of him all he had, whereupon she turned to him and said, Hast thou aught left to lay down? cried he, By him who made me fall into the snare of thy love, I have neither money to touch nor aught else left, little or much.

Starting point is 08:33:04 She rejoined, O Masr, the end of what so began in content shall not drive man to repent, wherefore, and thou regret aught, Take back thy good, and be gone from us about thy business, and I will hold thee quit towards me. Maser rejoined, by him who decreed these things to us, though thou sought to take my life were a wee thing to stake

Starting point is 08:33:25 for thine a proof, because I love none but thee. Then said she, O Masr, fare forthright and fetched the Cazee and the witnesses, and make over to me by deed all thy lands and possessions. Willingly, replied he, and going forth without stay or delay, brought the Cazee and the witnesses, and set them before her. When the judge saw her, his wits fled, and his mind was amazed, and his reason was dazed for the beauty of her fingers, and he said to her, O my lady, I will not write out the writ of conveyance, save upon condition that thou buy the lands and mansions and slave-girls, and that they all pass under thy control and into thy possession. She rejoined, we're agreed upon that. Write me a deed, whereby all

Starting point is 08:34:09 messrs, houses, and lands and slave-girls, and whatso his right-hand posetheth, shall pass to Zane al-Mawasif, and become her property at such a price. So the cause, Cazi wrote out the writ, and the witnesses set hands thereto, whereupon she took it. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and forty-eighth night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Zane al-Mawasif took from the Cazi the deed, which made over her lover's property to her, she said to him, O Masr, now gang thy gate, but her slave-girl hubbub turned to him and said recite us some verses so he improvised upon that game of chess these couplets of time in what befell me i complain mourning my loss by chess and eyes of bane for love of gentlest softest-sided fare whose like is not of maids or mortal strain the shafts of glances from those ein who shot and led her conquering host to battle-plane red men and white men and the clashing knights and crum

Starting point is 08:35:16 "'Look to thee!' came forth a man, "'and when down-charging finger-tips she showed "'that gloomed like blackest night for sable stain, "'the whites I could not rescue, could not save, "'while ecstasy made tear-floods rail and rain. "'The ponds and castles, with their queens, fell low, "'and fled the whites, nor could the brunt sustain. "'Ye, with her shaft of glance at me she shot,

Starting point is 08:35:41 "'and soon that shaft had pierced my heart and brain. "'She gave me choice between her host, and i the whites like moonlight first to choose was fain saying this argent folk best fiteth me i love them but the red by thee betain she played me for free except at stake yet amorous mercy i could ne'er attain o fire of heart o pine and wo of me wooing a fair-like moon mid-starry train burns not my heart oh no nor aught regrets of good or land but ah her eyes disdain amaze amaze i'm grown and dazed for dreary head and blame i time who brought such pine and pain quoth she why art thou so be dazed quoth i wine drunken white shall more of wine assain that mortal stole my sense by silk soft shape which doth for hardcore hardest rock contain i nerved self and cried this day she's mine by bet nor fear i prove she unhuman my heart ne'er ceased to seek possession till beggared i found me for conditions twain will youth you loveth shun the love dealt blow though were he whelmed in love's high surging main so woke the slaves son e'en a coin to turn thralled to repine for what he near shall gain Zain al-Mawasif, hearing these words, marvelled at the eloquence of his tongue, and said to him,

Starting point is 08:37:08 O Masr, leave this madness and return to thy right reason, and when thy ways, for thou hast wasted all thy movables and immovables at the chess game, yet hast not won thy wish, nor hast thou any resource or device whereby thou mayest attain to it. But he turned to her and said, O my lady, ask of me whatso thou wilt, and thou shalt have it, for I will bring it to thee, and lay it at thy feet, answered she o masrr thou hast no money left o goal of all hopes if i have no money the folk will help me shall the giver turn asker i have friends and kinsfolk and whatsoever i seek of them they will give me o masr i will have of the four pods of musk and four vases of civet and four pounds of ambergris and four thousand dinars and four hundred pieces of royal brocade per fled with gold and thou bring me these things o maser I will grant thee my favors. This is a light matter to me,

Starting point is 08:38:07 O thou that putst the moons to shame, replied he, and went forth to fetch her what she sought. She sent her maid hubbub after him, to see what worth he had with the folk of whom he had spoken to her. But as he walked along the highways, he turned and, seeing her afar off, waited till she came up to him and said to her, Whither away, O hubbub.

Starting point is 08:38:26 So she said to him, My mistress sent me to follow for this and that, and he replied, hubbub, I have nothing to hand. She asked, then why didst thou promise her? And he answered, How many a promise made is unkept of its maker. Fine words in love matters, needs must be. When she heard this from him, she said, O mas for her, be of good cheer and eyes clear for, By Allah, most assuredly, I will be the means of thy coming to enjoy her. Then she left him, nor ceased walking till she stood before her mistress, weeping with sore weeping, and said,

Starting point is 08:39:01 oh, my lady, indeed, he is a man of great consideration and good repute among the folk, Quoth Zain al-Mawasif, there is no device against the destiny of Almighty Allah. Verily this man found not in me a pitiful heart, for that I despoiled him of his substance, and he got of me neither affection nor complacence in granting him amorous joy. But if I incline to his inclination, I fear lest the thing be brutited abroad, Quoth Hubbub, O my lady, verily, grievous upon us is his present plight, and the loss of his good, and thou hast with thee none save thyself and thy slave-girl, Sukub, so which of us two would dare prate of thee, and we thy handmaids? With this she bowed her head, for a while, groundwards.

Starting point is 08:39:47 And the damsels said to her, O my lady, it is our reed that thou send after him and show him grace, and suffer him not to ask of the sordid. For how bitter is such begging? So she accepted their counsel, and calling for ink-case and paper, wrote him these couplets. Joy is nigh, O Masr, so rejoice in true reed. When as night shall fall, thou shalt do kind deed. Crave not of the sordid alone, fair youth. Wine stole my wits, but they now take heed. All thy good I reft shall return to thee, O Masr, and I'll add to them amorous mead. for indeed the art patient and sweet a soul when wronged by thy lover's tyrannic greed so haste to enjoy us and luck to thee lest my folk come between us speed love all speed hurry usward thou nor delay and while my mate is far on love's fruit come feed then she folded the paper and gave it a hubbub the handmaid who carried it to masforer and found him weeping and reciting in a transport of passion and love longing these lines

Starting point is 08:40:52 a breeze of love on my soul did blow that consumed my liver for stress of low when my sweetheart went all my longings grew and with tears in torrent mine eyelids flow such my doubt and fears did i tell their tale to deaf rocks and pebbles they'd melt for woe would heaven i watch shall I sight delight, and shall win my wish, and my friend shall know. Shall be folded up nights that doom dust part, and I be healed of what harms my heart? And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and forty-ninth night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that while Masr, transported by passion and love-longing, was repeating his couplets in sing-song-tone hubbub, knocked at his, door. So he rose and opened to her, and she entered and gave him the letter. He read it, and said to her,

Starting point is 08:41:48 Oh, Habab, what is behind thee of thy lady's news? She answered, O my lord, verily, in this letter is that dispenseth me from reply, for thou art of those who readily describe. Thereat he rejoiced with joy exceeding, and repeated these two couplets. Came the writ whose contents a new joy revealed, which in vitals mine I would keep in sealed. And my longings grew when I kissed that writ, as were pearl of passion therein concealed. Then he wrote a letter answering hers and gave it to Hubbub, who took it and returned with it to her mistress, and forthright fell to extolling his charms to her, and expiating on his good gifts and generosity, for she was become a helper to him to bring about his union with her lady. Quoth Zane al-Mawasif, O Hubbub, indeed he tarrieth to come to us,

Starting point is 08:42:38 and quoth Hubbub, he will certainly come soon. Hardly had she made an end of speaking, when behold, he knocked at the door, and she opened to him and brought him into her mistress, who saluted him with the salaam, and welcomed him, and seated him by her side. Then she said to Hubbub, bring me a suit of brocade. So she brought a robe broidered with gold, and Zane Almawasif threw it over him, whilst she herself donned one of the richest dresses, and crowned her head with a net of pearls of the freshest water. About this she bound a fillet of brocade, per fled with pearls, Jassinths and other jewels,

Starting point is 08:43:16 from beneath which she let down two tresses, and each looped with a pendant of ruby, charactered with glittering gold, and she loosed her hair, as it were, the sombrous night. And lastly, she incensed herself with alo's wood, and scented herself with musk and ambergris, and hubbabsador, Allah save thee from the evil eye. Then she began to walk, swaying from side to side, with gracefulest

Starting point is 08:43:42 gait, whilst Hubbub, who excelled in verse-making, recited in her honor these couplets. Shamed is the bow of Bon by pace of her, and harmed our lovers by the gaze of her. A moon she rose from Merck's, the hair of her, a son from locks the brow in case of her. Blessed he she knights with by the grace of her, who dies in her with oath by days of her. So Zain al-Mawasif thanked her and went up to Masr, and she were full moon displayed. But when he saw her, he rose to his feet and exclaimed, And my thought deceive me not.

Starting point is 08:44:18 She is no human, but one of the brides of heaven. Then she called for food, and they brought a table about whose marge were written these couplets. Dip thou with spoons in saucers four, and gladden heart and eye, with many of various kind of stew and fricacy and fry thereon fat quails ne'er shall i seize to love and tender them and rails and fowls and dainty birds of all the kinds that fly glory to god for the cababs for redness all aglow and potherbs steeped in vinegar in porringers thereby fair fall the rice with sweet milk dressed wherein the hands did plunge and eke the forums of the fair were buried bracelet-hulled I, how my heart yearneth with regret over two plates of fish, that by two mansion-cakes of bread of Thawarij did lie. Then they ate and drank, and made mirth and merrimit, after which the servants

Starting point is 08:45:15 removed the table of food and set on the wine-service. So cup and tas passed round between them, and they were gladdened in soul. Then Masr filled the cup, and saying, Oh, whose thrall am I, and who is my mistress? Chanted these improvised, couplets. Mine eyes I admire that can feed their fill on charms of a girl rising worlds to light. In her time she hath none to compare for gifts of spirit and body a mere delight. Her shape breeds envy in cassia tree, when fares she forth in her symmetry dight, with luminous brow shaming moon of dark and crown-like crescent, the brightest bright. When treads she earth's surface her fragrant scents the zephyr that breathed over plain and height.

Starting point is 08:46:01 When he ended his extempore song, she said, O Masr, who so religiously keepeth his faith, and hath eaten our bread and salt, it behoveth us to give him his due, so put away from thee all thought of what hath been, and I will restore thee thy lands and houses and all we have taken from thee. He replied, O my lady,

Starting point is 08:46:22 I acquit thee of that whereof thou speakest, though thou hadst been false to the oath and covenant between us, for I will go and become a Muslim. Zain al-Mawasif protested that she would follow suit when Habab cried to her, O my lady, thou art young of years and knowest many things, and I claim the intercession of Almighty Allah with thee, for except thou do my bidding and heal my heart, I will not lie the night with thee in the house. And she replied, O Hubab, it shall be as thou wilt, rise and make us ready in other sitting-room. So she sprang to her feet, and got ready a room in adorned and

Starting point is 08:46:57 perfumed it after fairest fashion even has her lady loved and preferred, after which she again set on food and wine, and the cup went round between them, and their hearts were glad. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 26, recorded by Sylvia M. B. in Washington State. Section 27 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State.

Starting point is 08:47:45 The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890, Section 27. When it was the 850th night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that when Zane Almawasif bade her maid hubbub, make ready a private sitting-room, she arose and did her bidding, after which she again set food and wine before them, and cup and tas went round gladdening their hearts. Presently, quoth Zain al-Mawasif, O Masr, come as the time of union in favour, so as thou studiest my love to savor, recite us some verses surpassing of flavor.

Starting point is 08:48:25 Upon this he recited the following ode. I am taken, my heart burns with living flame, for you, you, and you, and you, and you, union shorn when as severance came in the love of a damsel who forced my soul and with delicate cheeklet my reason stole she hath eyebrows united and eyes black-white and her teeth are leaven that smiles in light the tale of her years is but ten plus four tears like dragon's blood for her love i pour first i saw the face mid partier and rill out shining full loon on horizon hill and stood like a captive for awe and cried Allah's peace, O who in domain doth hide. She returned my salaam, gaily answering with the sweetest speech, Ligest pearls a string, But when heard my words,

Starting point is 08:49:12 She right soon had known my want, And her heart waxed hard as stone, And quoth she, Be not this a word silly bold, But quoth I, Refrain thee nor flight and scold, And to-day thou consent such a fair were light, They like is the loved,

Starting point is 08:49:27 Mine the lover white. When she knew my mind, She but smiled in mirth and cried, Now, by the maker of heaven and earth, I'm a Jewess of Jewry's driest, error seen, And thou art not save in Nazarene. Why seek my favors, thine's other cast? And this deed thou do thou'lt repent the past.

Starting point is 08:49:47 Say, does love allow with two face to play? Men shall blame thee like me at each break of day. Will thou laugh at beliefs and deride their right, And in thine and mine prove thee sinful sprite? And thou loveth me thou hast turned Jew, Losing worlds for love and my favours do, And by the evangel's strong oath hath sworn To keep our secret intact from scorn.

Starting point is 08:50:11 So I took the Torah and swear strong oath I would hold to the covenant made by both. Then by law, religion and creed, I swear, And bound her by oaths that most binding were, And asked her, Thy name, O my dear delight, And she, Zain al-Mawasif, At home I'm height,

Starting point is 08:50:29 O Zain al-Mawasif, cried I, Hear my call, Thy love hath made me thy veriest thrall. Then I peeped neath her chin-vale And spied such charms That the longing of love filled my heart with qualms. Neath the curtain I seize not to humble me And complain of my heartfelt misery,

Starting point is 08:50:47 But when she saw me by love beguiled, She raised her face veil and sweetly smiled. And when breeze of union our faces kissed, With musk-pod she scented fair neck and wrist, and the house with her essences seemed to drip, and I kissed pure wine from each smiling lip. Then, like branch of fond, neath her robe she swayed, and joys erst unlawful, she lawful made,

Starting point is 08:51:12 And joined, conjoined, through our night we lay, With clip, kiss of inner lip, languet, foure. The world hath no grace, But the one loved fear, in thine arms to clasp, With possession sheer, With the morn she rose, and she begged goodbye, while her brow shone brighter than moon a sky, reciting at parting while teardrops hung on her cheeks,

Starting point is 08:51:34 these scattered and other strung. Allah's packed in mind all my life, I'll bear, and the lovely knights in strong oath, I swear. Zain al-Mawasif was delighted and said to him, O Masur, how goodly are thy inner gifts! May he live not who would harm thy heart. Then she entered her boudoir and called him. So he went into her, and taking her in his arms,

Starting point is 08:51:57 embraced her and hugged her and kissed her and got of her that which he had deemed impossible and rejoiced in winning the sweet of amorous will then said she o maswer thy good is unlawful to me and is lawfully thine again now that we are become lovers so she returned to him all she had taken of him and asked him O Masr, hast thou a flower garden whether we may wind and take our pleasure? Whereto he answered, Yes, O my lady, I have a garden that hath not its like. Then he returned to his lodgings and bade his slave-girls make ready a splendid banquet in a handsome room, after which he summoned Zane al-Mawasif, who came surrounded by her damsels, and they ate and drank and made mirth and merriment, waltz the cup passed round between them, and their spirits rose high.

Starting point is 08:52:44 then lover withdrew with beloved and zane alma wasif said to ma'surer i hath bethought me of some dainty verses which i would fain sing to the lute he replied do sing them so she took the lute and tuning it sang to a pleasant air these couplets joy from stroke of string doth to me incline and sweet as a morning our early wine when as love unveileth the amorous heart and by rending the veil he displays his sign with a draught so pure so dear so bright as in hand of moons the sun's sheenish shine o nights it cometh with joy to raise the whore of sorrow by moon divine then ending her verse she said to him o maswer recite us somewhat of thy poetry and favour us with the fruit of thy thought so he recited these two couplets we joy in full moon who the wine bears round and in concert of lutes that from garden sound where the dove moans at dawn and where bends the bow to morn and all pathways of pleasure are found when he had finished his recitation she said to him make us some verses on that which hath passed between us and thou be occupied with love of me. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized Seine her permitted say. When it was the 851st night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Zain al-Mawasif said to Masr, and thou be occupied with love of me, make us some verses on that hath passed between us. With love and gladness, he replied, and improvised the following,

Starting point is 08:54:20 Cassida. Stand thou and hear what fell to me for love of you gazelles, to drie shot me a white doe with her shaft a glances wounding woundily love was my ruin for was i straightened by longing ecstasy i loved and wooed a young coquette girded by strong artillery whom in agarath i first beheld a form whose sight was symmetry i greeted her and when she deigned greeting return salam quoth she what be thy name said i she said my name declares my quality zain al mawassif i am height cried i o deign i mercy see such is the longing in my heart no lover claimeth rivalry quoth she with me and thou art in love and to enjoy me pleadest i want of thee o much o'-welf beyond all comte my wants o thee i want o thee full minnie a robe of sendall silk and damaskry a quarter quintal eke of musk these of one night shall pay the fee pearls unions and carnelian stones the bestest best of jewellery of fairest patience showed i show in contrariety i'll be at last she favoured me one night when rose the moon a crescent wee and stranger blame me for her sake i say o blamers listen ye she showeth locks of goodly length and black as blackest night did splee while on her cheeks the roses glow like laza flame in cindery in every eyelash is a sword and every glance half archery her liplets twain old wine contain and dews of fount-like purity her teeth resemble strings of pearls arrayed in line and fresh from sea her neck is like the neck of dough pretty and garven perfectly

Starting point is 08:56:06 her bosom is a marble slab whence rise two breasts like towers on lee and on her stomach shows a crease perfumed with rich perfumery beneath which same there lurks a thing limit of mine expectancy a something rounded cushioned high and plump my lords to high degree to me tis likest royal throne whither my longings wander free there twixt two pillars man shall find benches of high-built tracery it hath specific quality drive sanest men to insanity full mouth it hath like mouth of neck or well-begirt by stony key firm lips with camelries compare and shows its eye of cramoisy and draw thou nigh with doughty will to do thy doing lustily thou find it feign to face thy bout and strong and fierce in valiancy it bendeth backwards every brave shorn of his battle bravery at times imburby but full of spunk to battle with the peinimri twill show thee liveliness galore and perfect in its raillery zane alma wasif it is like complete in charms and courtesy to her dear arms one night i came and one meed given lawfully i passed with her that selfsame night best of my nights in gladysklee and when the morning rose she rose and crescent like her viznomni then swayed her supple form as sway the lances lopped from limber tree and when farewelling me she cried when shall such knights return to me then i replied o'in light when he vouchsafeth his decree zane al mawasif was delighted with this ode and the utmost gladness gat hold of her then said she o masr de don draweth nigh and there is not for it save to fly for fear of scandal and spy he replied i hear and obey and rising led her to her lodging after which he returned to his quarters and passed the rest of the night pondering on her charm when the morning morrowed with its sheen and shone he made ready a splendid present and carried it to her and sat by her side and thus they abode a while in all solace of life and its delight till one day there came to st al mawaseef a letter from her husband reporting to her his speedy return

Starting point is 08:58:24 thereupon she said in herself may allah not keep him nor quicken him if he come hither our life will be troubled would heaven i might despair of him presently entered masrur and sat with her at chat as was his wont whereupon she said to him o masurer i have received a missive from my mate announcing his speedy return from his wayfaring what is to be done since neither of us without other can live he replied i know not but thou art better able to judge being acquainted with the ways of thy man more by token that thou art one of the sharpest witted of women and past mistress of devices such as device that were of fail the wise quill she he is a hard man and jealous of his household. But when he shall come home and thou hearest of his coming, do thou repair to him, and salute him, and sit down by his side, saying, O my brother, I am a druggist. Then buy of him somewhat of drugs, and spices of sorts, and call upon him frequently, and prolong thy talks with him, and gainsay him not in whatsoever he shall bide thee, so happily that I would contrive may be tied, as it were by chance.

Starting point is 08:59:33 I hear and I obey, both Maswer, and fairfew, and fairfrey, and fairest, forth from her with heart of fire for love. When her husband came home, she rejoiced in meeting him, and after saluting him bade him welcome, but he looked in her face and seeing it pale and sallow, for she had washed it with saffron, using one of women's arts, asked her of her case. She answered that she had been sick, she and her women, from the time of his wayfaring, adding, verily, our hearts have been engrossed with thoughts of thee because of the length of thine absence. And she went on to complaint to him of the miserious separation, and to pour forth copious tears, saying, Hats thou but a companion with thee, my heart had not borne all this carcan care for

Starting point is 09:00:14 thee, so Allah upon thee, my lord, travel not again without a comrade, and cut me not off from the news of thee, that my heart and mind may be at rest concerning thee. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred, and fifty-second night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Zain al-Mawasif said to her mate, Travel not without comrade, and cut me not off from news of thee,

Starting point is 09:00:44 that my heart and mind may be at rest concerning thee. He replied, With love and gladness, By Allah, thy bead is good indeed, and right as they read. By thy life it shall be as thou dost heed. Then he unpacked some of his stock and trade, and carrying the goods to his shop, opened it,

Starting point is 09:01:00 and sat down to a cell in the Soco. No sooner had he taken his place, then lo and behold, up came Masr, and saluting him, sat down by his side and began talking, and talked with him a while. Then he pulled out a purse, and taking forth gold, handed it to Zain al-Mawasif's man, and said, Give me the worth of these dinars in drugs and spices of sorts, but I may sell them in my shop. The Jew replied, I hear and I obey, and gave him what he sought. And Masrur continued to pay him frequent visits, till one day the merchant said to him, i have a mind to take me a man to partner in trade quoth masr and i also desire to take a partner for my father was a merchant in the land of al-yaman and left me great store of money and i fear lest it fair from me

Starting point is 09:01:47 quoth the jew turning towards him wilt thou be my partner and i will be thy partner and a true friend and comrade to thee at home and abroad and i will teach thee selling and buying giving and taking and masr rejoined with all my heart so the merchant carried him to his place, and seated him in the vestibule, whilst he went in to his wife and said to her, I have provided me with a partner, and have bidden him hither as a guest, so do thou get us ready a good guest-chair? When, as she heard this, she rejoiced, divining that it was maswer, and made ready a magnificent banquet of her delight in the success of her device. Then, when the guest drew nigh, her husband said to her, come out with me to him, and bid him welcome, and say thou gladdenest us. But saying all mawath, Vasif made a show of anger, crying,

Starting point is 09:02:34 "'Will thou have me display myself before a strange man? I take refuge with Allah. Though thou cut me to bits, I will not appear before him. Rejoined he, why shouldst thou be abashed at him, seeing that he is a Nazarene and we are Jews, and to boot we are become chums, he and I. Quil she, I am not minded to present myself before a strange man, on whom I have never once set eyes,

Starting point is 09:02:58 and whom I know not any wise. Her husband thought she spoke sooth and seized not to importune her, till she rose, and, veiling herself, took the food out and went out to Masr, and welcomed him, whereupon he bowed his head groundwards, as he were ashamed. And the Jews, seeing such dejection, said in himself, Doubtless, this man is a devotee. They ate their fill, and the table being removed, wine was set on. As for Zain al-Mawasif, she sat over against Masr,

Starting point is 09:03:28 and gazed on him, and he gazed on her. her till end of day when he went home with a heart to fiery prey. But the Jew abode pondering the grace and comeliness of him, and as soon as it was night his wife, according to custom, served him with supper, and they seated themselves before it. Now, he had a mockingbird, which was wont, whenever he sat down to meet, to come and eat with him and hover over his head. But in his absence the fowl was grown familiar with Masur, and used to flutter about him as he sat at meals. Now when Masrr disappeared and the master returned, it knew him not and would not draw near him, and this made him thoughtful concerning his case, and the fowls withdrawing from him.

Starting point is 09:04:11 As for Zain al-Mawasif, she could not sleep with her heart thinking of Masr, and thus it was with her a second and even third night, till the Jew became aware of her condition, and watching her while she sat distraught began to suspect somewhat wrong. On the fourth night he awoke in the middle thereof and heard his wife babbling in her sleep and naming Masrur, that while she lay on her husband's bosom, wherefore he misdoubted her, but he dissembled his suspicions, and when morning morrowed, he repaired to his shop and sat therein. Presently up came Masrur, and saluted him. He returned his salam, and said to him, welcome, O my brother, adding anon, I have wished for thee, and he sat talking with him for an hour or so, after which he said to him, rise, O my brother, and high with me to my

Starting point is 09:04:57 house that we may enter into the pact of brotherhood, replied Masrur, with joy and goodly grie, and they repaired to the Jew's house, where the master went in and told his wife of Masrur's visit, for the purpose of conditioning their partnership, and said, make us ready a goodly entertainment, and needs must thou be present and witness our brotherhood. But she replied, Allah upon thee, cause me not show myself to this strange man, for I have no mind to company with him. So he held his peace and forbore to press her, and bade the waiting-women bring food and drink. Then he called the mocking-bird, but it knew not its lord, and settled upon Masrr's lap, and the Jew said to him, O my master, what is thy name? He answered, my name is Masr.

Starting point is 09:05:41 Whereupon the Jew remembered that this was the name which his wife had repeated all night long in her sleep. Presently he raised his head and saw her making signs with her forefingers to Maser, and motioning to him with her eyes, wherefore he knew that he had been completely cousined and cuckolded and said, O my lord, excuse me a while, till I fetch my kinsmen, so they may be present at our swearing brotherhood, quoth Masrur, do what seemeth good to thee,

Starting point is 09:06:07 whereupon the Jew went forth the house, and returning privily by a back way. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized saying her permitted say. End of Section 27, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 28 of The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night. This is a Libravox recording.

Starting point is 09:06:37 All LibraVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Read by Ruhi Huck, the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night. section 28 when it was the eight hundred and fifty third night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that zainul mavas's husband said to must rour excuse me a while till i fetch my cousins to witness the brother bond between me and thee then he went forth and privily returning behind the sitting-room there took his station hard by a window which gave upon the saloon and whence he could watch them without there seeing him. Suddenly, quoth Zainil Muasif to her maid, Sukub,

Starting point is 09:07:25 whither is thy master gone? And quote she, he has gone without the house, cried the mistress, lock the door and bar it with iron, and open thou not, till he knock, after thou hast told me, answered Sukub, so shall it be done. Then, while her husband watched them, she rose in filling a cup with wine, flavoured with powdered musk and rose-water, went close to Musru, who sprang up to meet her, saying, by Allah, the water of thy mouth is sweeter than this wine. Here it is for thee, said she, and filling her mouth with wine, gave him to drink thereof, whilst he gave her the like to drink, after which she sprinkled him with rosewater from front to foot, till the perfume scented the whole place. All this while, the Jew was looking on and marvelling at the stress of love

Starting point is 09:08:11 that was between them, and his heart was filled with fury for what he saw, and he was not only wroth with exceeding jealousy. Then he went out again and coming to the door, found it locked and knocked a loud knock of the excess of his rage. Whereupon, quote Sukub, oh my lady, here is my master, and quote Zainul Mawasif, open to him, would that Allah had not brought him back in safety. So Sukub went and opened the door to the Jew who said to her, what a lead to lock the door? Quote she, it had never ceased to be locked thus during this thine absence. None had it been open night or day and cried he thou hast done well this pleaseth me then he went into masrood laughing and dissembling his chagrin and said to him o misrur let us put off the conclusion of our pact of brotherhood this day and deferred it to another replied masroo as thou wilt and hide him home leaving the jew pondering his case and knowing not what to do for his heart was so troubled and he said in himself even the mocking word this oneth me and the slave-girls shut the door in my face and favour another and of his exceeding chagrin he fell to reciting these couplets.

Starting point is 09:09:24 Masrude Joy's life, made fair by all delight of days, fulfilled, of boons, while mine the sorest creep displays. The days have falsed me in the breast of her I love, and in my heart are fires, which all-consuming blaze. Yeah, time was clear for thee, but now it is past and gone, while yet her lovely charms thy wit and senses days. Despite these eyes of mine her gifts of loveliness, O hard my case, and soar my woe, on spirit ways. I saw the maiden of thy tribe deal rich old wine, Of lips like Salzabille, to friend my love betrays.

Starting point is 09:10:03 Even so, O mocking bird, thou dost betray my breast, And to a rival teachest love and lover ways. strange things indeed and wondrous saw these aine of me which were they sleep brown still from sleep's abyss would raise i see my best beloved hath foresaw my love and eke like my mocking-bird from me a startled strays my truth of allah lord of worlds who wots so wills his fate for creatures works and none his haste gainsays for sure i'll deal to that ungodly white his due who by to say it his wicked will her heart withdrew when zan al-marsif heard this her side muscles trembled and quoth she to her handmaid heardest thou those lines whereupon quote the girl i never heard him in my born days recite the like of these verses but let him say what he will then having assured himself of the truth of his suspicions the jew began to sell all his property saying to himself unless i part them by removing her from her motherland the twelf the twelf will not turn back from this that they engaged in, no never. So when he had converted all his possessions into coin, he forged a letter and read it to Zain al-Muarsif, declaring that it had come from his kinsman, who invited him to visit them, him and his wife. She asked, how long shall we

Starting point is 09:11:28 tarry with them? And he answered, twelve days. Accordingly, she consented to this and said, Shall I take any of my maids with me? Where too, he replied. Take hubbub and and sukub and leave chutub here then he made ready a handsome camel litter for his spouse and her women and prepared to set out with them while she sent to her layman telling him what had betide her and saying o masroo and the tristing time that is between us pass and i come not back know that he had cheated and cozened us and planned a plot to separate us from each other so forget thou not the plighted faith between us and i fear that he had found out our love and i dread his craft and perfidy then whilst her man was busy about his march she fell a weeping and lamenting and no peace was left her night or day her husband saw this but took no note thereof and when she saw there was scant help for it she gathered together her clothes and gear and deposited them with her sister telling her what had befallen her then she farewelled her and going out from her drowned in tithe returned to her own house where she found her husband had brought the camels and was busy loading them having set apart the handsomest dromedary for her riding and when she saw this and knew that needs must she be separated from musruhe she waxed clean distraught presently chanced that the jew went out on some business of his so she fared forth to the first or outer door and wrote thereon these couplets and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the 854th night, she resumed,

Starting point is 09:13:17 it had reached me, oh, auspicious king, that when Zain al-Muasiv saw her spouse summon the camels and knew that the march needs must be, she waxed clean distraught. Presently, it chanced that the Jew went out on some business, so she fared forth to the first door and wrote thereon these couplets. Bear our salams, O dove, from this are stalled. from lover to lover far severed bid him fro me ne'er cease to yearn and mourn or happy days and hours for ever fled eke and grief shall ever mourn and yearn dwelling on days of love and lusty head

Starting point is 09:13:55 long was our joy and seeming a to last when night and morning to reunion led till croaked the raven of the world one day his cursed cloak and did our union dead we sped and left our home stead dark and void, its gates unpeopled and its dwellers sped. Then she went to the second door and wrote thereon these couplets. O who passes this doorway by Allah see, the charms of my fear in the glooms and make plea, for me saying, I think of the past and weep, yet boot me, no tears flowing full and free. Say, and fail thee patience for what befell, scatter earth and dust on the head of thee, and O travel lands east and west, and deem, God suffices thy case so bear patiently. Then she went to the third door and wept, Soren thereon, wrote these couplets.

Starting point is 09:14:50 Fair softly, Masur, and her sanctuary. Thou seek and read what adore it she. Ne'er forget love plight, if true man, how oft has savoured nights bitter and sweetest grie. O Masur, forget not her neighbourhood, for with thee must her gladness and joy and sleigh. But be weep those dearest united days, When thou camest wailed in secrecy, When forsake of us over farthest won, Spanned the world for us, for us dive and see. Allah bless the past days.

Starting point is 09:15:21 Ah, how glad they were. When in gardens of fancy the flowers pluck it we. The knights of union from us are flared, And parting glooms dim their radiancy. Ah! This had lasted as hoped we, but he left only our breasts and the rosary will revolving days on reunion dawn then our vow to the lord shall accomplish'd be learn thou our lots are in hand of him who on lines of skull writes our destiny then she wept with saw weeping and return to the house wailing and remembering what had passed and saying glory be to god who had decreed to us this and her affliction redoubled her severance from her beloved and her departure from her motherland

Starting point is 09:16:06 and she recited these couplets. Allah's peace on thee, house of vacancy, Seized in thee all our joys, all our jubilee. O thou dove of the homestead, ne'er ceased to be mourn, whose moons and full moons saw as severe and stry. Masr fare softly and mourn our loss, loving thee our eyes lose their brilliancy. Would thy sight had seen on our marching day,

Starting point is 09:16:30 tears shed by a heart and hell's fragrance. Forget not the plight in the garth shade pledged, when we sat and veiled in privacy. Then she presented herself before her husband, who lifted her into the litter he had made for her. He had let make for her. And when she found herself on the camel's back, she decided these couplets.

Starting point is 09:16:51 O Lord, empty house, to the peace decree, long we bore therein growth of misery. When my life thread was sworn in that safe aboard. And o night I had dine in mine, ecstasy home sickness i mourn and my strangerhood irks my soul nor the riddle of future i ree would i what shall i ever that house re see and find it as erst home of joy and glee said her husband o zain el muasiv grieve not for thy departure from thy dwelling for thou shalt return to it ere long inshallah and he went on to comfort her heart and sooth her sorrow then all set out and fared on till they came without the town and struck into the high road, whereupon she knew that separation was certain, and this was very grievous of her. And while such things happened, Masur sat in his quarters, pondering his case and that of his mistress,

Starting point is 09:17:49 and his heart forewarned him of severance. So he rose without stay and delay and repairing to her house, found the outer door padlocked and read the couplets she had written thereon, upon which he fell down in a fainting fit. When he came to himself, he opened the first door, and entering, read what was written upon the second and likewise upon the third doors, wherefore passion and love-longing and distraction grew on him. So he went forth and hastened in her track, till he came up with the light caravan, and found her at the rear, while her husband rode in the van because of his merchandise. When he saw her, he clung to the litter, weeping and wailing for the anguish of parting,

Starting point is 09:18:30 and recited these couplets. Would I vote for what crime shot and pierced are we, through the days with its strangement's archery, O my heart's desire, To thy door I come. I came one day when high waxed mine in expectancy, but I found the home waste as the wood and void, and I plained my pine and groaned wretchedly,

Starting point is 09:18:52 and I asked the walls of my friends who fared with my heart in pawn and in pendency. And they said, all marched from the camp, and left, and ambushed sorrow on hill and Lee. And a writ on the walls did they write as right, folk who keep their faith while the wolds are three. Now when Zainal Morsif heard these lines, she knew it was Mersr. And Chazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say.

Starting point is 09:19:19 When it was the 855th night, she said it hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Zain al-Muarsif heard these lines, she knew it was Mersr and wept. She and her handmaids and said to him, O Mersr, I conjured thee by Allah, turn back, lest my husband's he has twain together. At her words he swooned away and when he revived, they took leave each of other and he recited the following couplets. The caravan chief call it loud o night, ere the breeze bear his cry in the morning light. They girded their loads and prepared to fare and hurried while murmured the leader, White. They sent the scene on its very side as they marched through

Starting point is 09:20:00 the valley they expedite. After winning my heart by their love they went. or mourn when their track could deceive my sight oh my neighbour fair i reckoned ne'er to part or the ground bedewed with my tears to sight wo betide my heart how had severin's hand to heart and vitals death bane and blight then he clung to the litter weeping and wailing while she sought him to turn back a mourn for fear of scorn so he came up to her hodage and farewelling her a second time fell down in a sworn. He lay an hour or so without life and when he revived he found the caravan had fared forth of sight. So he turned in the direction of their wayfair and scenting the breeze which blew from their quarter, chanted these improvised lines. No breeze of union to the lover blows, but morning maketh burn to vie with fiery woes. The zephyr fans him at the dawn or day, but when he wakes the horizon, lonely shows. On bed of sickness, strewn in pain.

Starting point is 09:21:06 he lies and weeps he bloody tears and burning throes. For the fair neighbor with my heart they bore, mid-travelers urging beasts and cries and blows. By Allah from their stead no zephyr blue, but sniffed eye as the white on eyeballs goes, and snuffed the sweetest south as musket breeds, and on the longing lover scent bestows. Then Masu returned, mad with love longing, to her house, and finding it lone from end to end, and forlorn of friends. till he wet his clothes, after which he swooned away and his soul was like to leave his body. When he revived, he recited these two couplets. O Spring Camp have Ruth of mine overthrowing.

Starting point is 09:21:49 My abjection, my leanness, my tears are overflowing. Woft the scented powder of breezes they breathe, in hope it cure heart of a grief air-growing. Then he returned to his own lodging confounded and tearful eyed, in abode there for the space of days. Such was his case, but as regards the Jew, he journeyed on with Zendal Mawasif half a score days, at the end of which he halted at a certain city, and she, being by that time assured that her husband had played her false, wrote to Masrur a letter and gave it to Habab, saying,

Starting point is 09:22:27 send this to Masrul so he may know how foully and fully we have been tricked and how the Jew have cheated us, so Habab took it and despised. latched it to Mersr and when it reached its news was grievous to him and he wept till he watered the ground then he wrote a reply and sent it to his mistress subscribing it with these two couplets where is the way to consolation's door how shall console him flames burn evermore how pleasant were the days of yore all gone would we had somewhat of those days of yore when the missive reached then and was if she read it and again gave him it to her handmaid hubb, saying to her, keep it secret. However, the husband came to know of their correspondence and removed with her and her two women to another city at a distance of 20 days' march. Thus it befell Zainal Morsif, but as regards Mursur's sleep was not sweet to him, nor was peace, peaceful to him, or patience left to him. And he ceased not to be thus till one night his eyes

Starting point is 09:23:28 closed for weariness, and he dreamt that he saw Zainal Morsif come to him in the garden and embrace him. but presently he awoke and found her not whereupon his reason fled and his wits wandered and his eyes ran over with tears love longing to the utterest gat hold of his heart and he recited these couplets peace be to her who visits me in sleeping fantasy stirring desire and growing love to utmost degree verily from that dream i rose with passion maddened for sight of fairest phantom come in peace to visit me say me can dreams declare the truth anent the maid i love and quench the fires of thirst and heal my love-sick malady anon to me she is liberal and she stains me to her breast anon she soothes mine anxious heart with sweetest pleasantry from off her dark red damask lips the dew i want to sip the fine old wine that seemed to reek of musk's perfumery i wondered at the wondrous things between us done in dreams and one my wish and all my will of things I hope to see. And from that dreamery I rose, yet mere could hope to find. Trace my phantom, save my pain and fiery misery. And when I looked on her a mourn,

Starting point is 09:24:46 was as her lover mad, and every eve was drunken, yet no wine brought jollity. O'breathings of the northern breeze by Allah from he bear, then wards the greetings of my love and best salams that be, say them the white with whom he made that plight of fealty time with his changes made him drain death's cup and slain is he then he went out and ceased not to weep till he came to her house and looking on it saw it empty and void presently it seemed to him that he beheld her from before him where one fires flamed in him and his grief redoubled and he fell down a swam and shazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of section 28. Section 29 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous, translated by

Starting point is 09:26:05 Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890. Section 29. When it was the 856th the night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Masr saw the vision of Zain al-Mawasif and felt her embrace, he joyed with passing joy. As soon as he awoke he sought her house, but finding it empty and void he fell down a swoon, and when he came to himself, he recited these couplets. Fro them in hail I sent of O tar and of ban, so fair with heart which ecstasies of love on man. I'd heal thy longings, love-sick lover, by return to sight of beauty void son's friend or mate to scan. But still it sickeneth me with parting's ban and bane, minding mine olden plight with friend and partisan. When he had made an end of these verses,

Starting point is 09:27:01 He heard a raven croak beside the house, and wept, saying, Glory be to God, the raven croaketh not save over a ruined homestead. Then he moaned and groaned and recited these couplets. What ails the raven that he croaks my lover's house hard by, and in my vitals lights a fire that flameth fierce and high? For times now, past and gone, I spent in joyance of their love, with love my heart hath gone to waste, and i sore pain abye i die of longing love and love still in my liver raging and wrote to her but none there is who with the writ may hie

Starting point is 09:27:42 a well-away for wasted frame hath fared forth my friend and if she will o knights return o would that thing wot ay then ho thou breeze of east and thou by morn ere visit her greet her from me and stand where doth her tribe in camp to lie Now Zain al-Mawasif had a sister by name Nassim, the Zephyr, who stood espying him from a high place, and when she saw him in this plight, she wept and sighed and recited these couplets. How oft be wailing the place shall be this coming and going, while the house bemoaneth its builder with tear flood ever aflowing. Here was bestest joy, ere fared my friend, with the caravan hying and its dwellers and brightest suns, ne'er seized in its walls aglowing where be those fullest moons that here were always arising be dimmed them the shafts of days their charms of spirit unknowing leave then what is past of the fair thou wast ever with love espying and look for happily the days may restore them without foreshowing.

Starting point is 09:28:50 For hast thou not been, its dwellers, had never departed flying, nor hadst thou seen the crow with ill-omened croak a-crying. Mazurur wept sore hearing these verses, and apprehending their significance. Now Nassim knew that which was between him and her sister of love and longing, ecstasy and passion, so she said to him, Allah upon thee, O Masr, away from this house, lest any see thee and deem thou comest on my account. Indeed thou hast caused my sister, quit it,

Starting point is 09:29:22 and now thou wouldst drive me also away. Thou knowest that, but for thee the house would not now be void of its dwellers, so be consoled for her loss and leave her. What is past is past. When he heard this he wept bitterly, and said to her, Onasim, if I could I should fly for longing after her, so how can I be comforted for her? Quoth she, thou hast no device, save her. patience, and quote he, I beseech thee, for allah's sake, write me a writ to her, as from thyself, and get me an answer from her to comfort my heart and quench the fire in my vitals. She replied, with love and gladness, and took ink-case and paper, whilst Masr began to set out to her

Starting point is 09:30:03 the violence of his longing, and what tortures he suffered, for the anguish of severance, saying, this letter is from the lover despairing and sorrowful, the bereaved, the woeful, with whom no peace can stay, nor by night nor by day, but he weepeth copious tears, all way. Indeed, tears, his eyelids have ulcerated, and his sorrows have kindled in his liver a fire unsated. His lamentation is lengthened, and restlessness is strengthened, and he is, as he were, a bird unmated, while for sudden death he awaiteth. Alas, my desolation for the loss of thee, and alas, my yearning affliction for the companionship of thee. indeed emaciation hath wasted my frame and my tears a torrent became mountains and plains are straightened upon me for graeme and of the excess of my distress i go saying

Starting point is 09:30:57 still cleaves to this homestead mine ecstasy and redoubled pine for its dwellers i dree and i send to your quarters the tale of my love and the cup of your love gave the cup-boy to me and for faring of you in your farness from home my wounded lids are from tears ne'er free. O thou leader of litters turn back with my love, for my heart redoubeth its ardency. Greet my love, and say him that not, except those brown-red lips, deals me remedy. They bore him away, and our union rent, and my vitals with severance shaft, shot he. My love, my love and my longing to him convey, for of parting, no cure I see. I swear an oath by your love that I will keep packed in covenant. faithfully. To none I'll incline or forget your love. How shall love-sick lover forgetful be? So with you be the peace and my greeting fair in letters that perfume of musk-pod bear.

Starting point is 09:31:57 Her sister, Nassim, admired his eloquence of tongue and the goodliness of his speech and the elegance of the verses he sang, and was moved to Ruth for him. So she sealed the letter with Virgin Musk and incensed it with nod-scent and ambergris, after which she committed it to a certain of a merchant saying, Deliver it not to any, save to Zain al-Mawasif, or to her handmaid, hubbub. Now, when the letter reached her sister, she knew it for Masrur's dictation,

Starting point is 09:32:26 and recognized himself in the grace of its expression. So she kissed it and laid it on her eyes, whilst the tears streamed from her lids and she gave not overweeping till she fainted. As soon as she came to herself, she called for pencase and paper, and wrote him the following answer, complaining the while of her desire and love-longing and ecstasy and what was hers to endure of pining for her lover and yearning to him in the passion she had conceived for him and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and seized saying her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and fifty-seventh night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that zane al-mawasif wrote the following reply to mazra's missive this letter to my lord and master i indict

Starting point is 09:33:12 the king of my heart and my secret sprite. Indeed, wakefulness agitateth me, and melancholy increaseth on me, and I have no patience to endure the absence of thee. Oh, thou who excellest sun and moon in brilliancy, desire of repose, despoileth me, and passion destroyeth me, and how should it be otherwise with me, seeing that I am of the number of the dine? O glory of the world and ornament of life, she whose vital spirits are cut off, shall her cup be sweet to quaff, for that she is neither with the quick nor with the dead. And she improvised these couplets, and said, Thy writ, O Masr, stirred my sprite to pine for by Allah all patience and solace I time.

Starting point is 09:33:58 When I read thy scripture, my vitals yearned and watered the herbs of the world these ein. On night's wings I'd fly, and a bird and sons thee I weep not the sweets of wine. Life's unlawful to me since thou fairest far to bear parting love is no force of mine. Then she sprinkled the letter with powder of musk and ambergris, and having sealed it with her signet, committed it to a merchant, saying, Deliver it to none save my sister. When it reached Nassim, she sent it to Masr, who kissed it and laid it on his eyes, and wept till they fell into a trance.

Starting point is 09:34:34 Such was their case. But as regards the Jew, he presently heard of their correspondence. and began again to travel from place to place with Zain al-Mawasif and her damsels, till she said to him, glory to God, how long wilt thou fare with us and bear us afar from our homes. Quoth he, I will fare on with you a year's journey, so no more letters may reach you from Masur. I see how you take all my monies and give them to him, so all that I miss I shall recover from you, and I shall see if Masr will profit you or have power to deliver you from my hand. Then he repaired to a blacksmith, after stripping her and her damsels of their silken apparel,

Starting point is 09:35:14 and clothing them in arraignment of haircloth, and bade him make three pairs of iron shackles. When they were ready, he brought the smith into his wife, having said to him, Put the shackles on the legs of these three slave girls. The first that came forward was Zane al-Mawasif, and when the blacksmith saw her, his sense forsook him, and he bit his fingertips and his wit fled forth his head and his transport. grew sore upon him. So he said to the Jew, what is the crime of these damsels? Replied the other, They are my slave-girls, and have stolen my good and fled from me, cried the smith. Allah disappoint thy jealous whims. By the Almighty, where this girl before the

Starting point is 09:35:55 kazi of kazis, he would not even reprove her, though she committed a thousand crimes a day. Indeed, she showeth not thief's favor, and she cannot brook the lane of irons on her legs. and he asked him as a boon not to fetter her, interceding with him to forbear the shackles. When she saw the blacksmith taking her part in this wise, she said to her husband, I conjure thee, by Allah, bring me not forth before yonder strange man, said he, Why then cameest thou forth before Masr? And she made him no reply. Then he accepted the smith's intercession, so far as to allow him to put a light pair of irons on her legs, for that she had a delicate body which might not brook harsh usage, whilst he laid her handmaids in heavy billbows,

Starting point is 09:36:41 and they seized not all three to wear haircloth night and day till their bodies became wasted and their color changed. As for the blacksmith, exceeding love had fallen on his heart for Zane al-Mawasif, so he returned home in great concern, and he fell to reciting extemporary these couplets. Whither thy right, O Smith, which made her bear those ironed, chains her hands and feet to wear, thou hast in soiled the lady soft and bright, marvel of marvel's fairest of fair. Hadst thou been just, those anklets ne'er had been of iron, nay, of purest gold they were. By Allah, did the Cazis's Cazee cite her charms? He'd seat her in the highest chair. Now it chanced that the Caziz of Caziz passed by the Smith's house

Starting point is 09:37:29 and heard him improvise these lines. So he sent for him, and as soon as he saw, him, said to him, O blacksmith, who is she on whom thou call us so instantly and eloquently, and with whose love thy heart is fulfilled? The smith sprang to his feet, and kissing the judge's hand, answered, Allah prolong the days of our lord the kazi, and ample his life. Then he described to him Zane al-Mawasif's beauty and loveliness, brilliancy and perfection, and symmetry and grace, and how she was lovely-faced and had a slender waist and heavily based. and acquainted him with the sorry plight wherein she was for abasement, endurance, vile, and the lack of victual. When the Cazee heard this, he said, O blacksmith, send her to us, and show her that we may do her justice,

Starting point is 09:38:17 for thou art become accountable for the damsel, and unless thou guide her to us, Allah will punish thee at the day of doom. I hear and obey, replied the smith, and betook himself without stay and delay to Zane al-Mawasif's lodging, but found the door barred and heard a voice of plaintive tone that came from heart-forlorn and lone, and it was Zane al-Mawasif reciting these couplets. I and my love and union were unite, and filled my friend to me cups clearly bright. Between us reigned high mirth and jollity, nor eve nor mourn, brought noience or affright. Indeed, we spent most joyous time with cup and lute and dulcimer to add delight, till time estranged our fair companionship,

Starting point is 09:39:01 My lover went in blessing, turned to blight. Oh, would the severance raven's croak were stilled, and union dawn of love show blessed light. When the blacksmith heard this, he wept like the weeping of the clouds. Then he knocked at the door, and the women said, Who is at the door? Answered he, tis I, the blacksmith,

Starting point is 09:39:21 and told them what the kazi had said, and how he would have them appear before him and make their complaint to him, that he might do them justice on their ends. adversary. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and fifty-eighth night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the blacksmith told Zane al-Mawasif what the Kazi had said, and how he summoned them that he might apply the Lex Talionis to their

Starting point is 09:39:50 adversary, she rejoined, How can we go to him, seeing the doors locked on us, and our feet shackled, and the Jew hath the gays? The smith replied, I will make the keys for the padlocks, and therewith open doors and shackles. Asked, but who will show us the Kazi's house? And he answered, I will describe it to you. She inquired, but how can we appear before him, clad as we are in haircloth, reeking with sulfur. And the Smith rejoined, the Kazi will not reproach this to you, considering your case. So, saying, he went forthright and made keys for the padlocks, wherewith he opened the door and the shackles, and loosing the irons from their legs carried them forth and guided them to the Kaziz mansion.

Starting point is 09:40:33 Then Hubbub did off the haircloth garments from her lady's body and carried her to the hammam, where she bathed her and attired her in silk remit, and her color returned to her. Now, it happened by exceeding good fortune that her husband was abroad at a bridefeast in the house of one of the merchants. So Zain al-Mawasif, the adornment of qualities, adorned herself with the fairest ornaments and repaired to the kazi, who at once on a spying her, rose to receive her. She saluted him with softest speech and winsomest words, shooting him through

Starting point is 09:41:07 the vitals, the while with the shafts of her glances, and said, may Allah prolong the life of our lord the kazi, and strengthen him to judge between man and man. Then she acquainted him with the affair of the blacksmith and how he had done nobly by them, when as the Jew had inflicted on her and her women, heart-confounding torments, and how his victims, death-words, he drave, nor was there any found to save. O damsel, quoth the Kazi, what is thy name? My name is Zain al-Mawasif, adornment of qualities, and this my handmaid's name is Habub. Thy name accordeth with the named, and its sound conformeth with its sense, whereupon she smiled and veiled her face, and he said to her,

Starting point is 09:41:52 O Zain al-Mawasif, has thou a husband or not? I have no husband. And what is thy faith? That of al-Islam, and the religion of the best of men. Swear to me, by holy law, replete with signs and instances, that thou ownest the creed of the best of mankind. So she swore to him and pronounced the profession of the faith. Then asked the Qazi, how cometh it that thou wastest thy youth with this Jew?

Starting point is 09:42:18 And she answered, No, O Qazi, may Allah prolong thy days in king. contentment and bring thee to thy will and thine acts with benefit seal, that my father left me, after his death, fifteen thousand dinars, which he placed in the hands of this Jew, that he might trade therewith and share his gains with me, the head of the property, being secured by legal acknowledgement. When my father died, the Jew coveted me and sought me in marriage of my mother, who said, how shall I drive her from her faith and cause to become a Jewish? By Allah, I will denounce thee to the rulers. He was frightened at her words, and taking the money fled to the town of Adon.

Starting point is 09:42:56 When we heard where he was, we came to Adon in search of him, and when we foregathered with him there, he told us that he was trading in stuffs, with the monies and buying goods upon goods. So we believed him, and he seized not to cozen us, till he cast us into jail and fettered us and tortured us with exceeding sore torments, and we are strangers in the land, and have no helper, save Almighty Allah and our Lord the Cazee. When the judge heard this tale, he asked Hubbub the nurse,

Starting point is 09:43:25 Is this indeed thy lady, and are ye strangers, and is she unmarried? And she answered, yes. Quoth he, marry her to me, and on me be incumbent manumission of my slaves, and fasting and pilgrimage and almsgiving of all my good, and I do you not justice on this dog, and punish him for that he hath done. And quoth she, I hear and obey. then said the kazi go hearten thy heart and that of thy lady and to-morrow inshallah i will send for this miscreant and do you justice on him and ye shall see prodigies of his punishment so hubbub called down blessings upon him and went forth from him with her mistress leaving him with passion and love-longing fraught and with distress and desire distraught then they inquired for the house of the second kazi and presenting themselves before him told him the same tale on likewise did the twain mistress and maid with the third and the fourth till zane al mawassif had made her complaint to all the four

Starting point is 09:44:26 each of whom fell in love with her and besought her to wed him to which she consented with a yes nor wist any one of the four that which had happened to the others all this passed without the knowledge of the jew who spent the night in the house of of the bride-feast. And when morning morrowed, hubbub arose and got ready her lady's richest raiment. Then she clad her therewith and presented herself with her before the four Cazis in the Court of Justice. As soon as she entered, she veiled her face and saluted the judges, who returned her salaam, and each and every of them recognized her. One was writing, the reed-pin dropped from his hand, another was talking, and his tongue became tied, and a third was reckoning and blunder. in his reckoning. And they said to her, O admirable of attributes and singular among beauties,

Starting point is 09:45:17 be not thy heart other than hearty, for we will assuredly do thee justice, and bring thee to thy desire. So she called down blessings on them, and farewelled them, and went her ways. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized, saying her permitted say. End of Section 29,

Starting point is 09:45:36 recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 30 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B in Washington State. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890.

Starting point is 09:46:14 Section 30. When it was the 859th night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the Khazis said to Zain al-Mawasif, O admirable of attributes, and singular among beauties, Be not thy heart other than hearty, for are doing thy desire and thy winning to thy will. So she called down blessings on them and farewelled them,

Starting point is 09:46:39 and went her ways, the while her husband abode with his friends at the marriage banquet and knew not of her doings. Then she proceeded to beseech the notaries and scribes and notables and the chiefs of police to succor her against that unbelieving miscreant and deliver her from the torment she suffered from him. Then she wept with sore weeping and improvised these couplets. Rain showers of torrent tears, O eyeing and sea and they will quench the fires that flame in me,

Starting point is 09:47:11 after my robes of gold embroidered silk i wake to wear the frie's of monkery and all my raiment reeks of sulphur fumes when erst my shift shed musky fragrance and hath thou o mazrur my case descried ne'er hath thou borne my shame and ignominy and eke hubbub in iron chains is laid by miscreant who unknowes god's unity the creed of jewellery i renounce and home the muslims faith, accepting faithfully. East words, I prostrate self in fairest guise, holding the only true belief that be. Mosr, forget not love between us, Twain, and keep our vows and troth with goodly grie. I've changed my faith for sake of thee, and I, for stress of love, will cleave to secrecy. So, haste to us, and us in heart bow bare as noble spirit, nor as laggard fair. After this, she wrote a letter to Masrur, describing to him all that the Jew had done with her, from first to last, and enclosed the verses aforesaid. Then she folded the scroll and gave it to her maid hubbub, saying,

Starting point is 09:48:22 Keep this in thy pocket till we send it to Masr. Upon these doings, lo and behold, in came the Jew, and seeing them joyous, said to them, how cometh that I find you, Mary? Say me, hath a letter reached you from your bosom friend, Masr, replied Zain al-Mars. replied Zane, al-Aul. we have no helper against thee save allah extolled and exalted be he he will deliver us from thy tyranny and accept thou restore us to our birthplace and homestead we will complain of thee to-morrow to the governor of this town and to the kazi quoth he who struck off the shackles from your legs but needs must i let make for each of you fetters ten pounds in weight and go round about the city with you replied hubbub all that thou purposest against us thou shalt fall into thyself, so it please all of the most high, by token that thou hast exiled us from our homes, and to-morrow we shall stand, we and thou, before the governor of the city. They knighted on thiswise, and next morning the Jew rose up in haste, and went out to order new shackles, whereupon Zain al-Mawasif arose and repaired with her women to the courthouse, where she found the four khazis

Starting point is 09:49:36 and saluted them. They all returned her salutation, and the kazi of Caziz, said to those about him, Verily, this damsel is lovely as the Venus star, and all who see her love her and bow before her beauty and loveliness. Then he dispatched four sergeants, who were sheriffs, saying, bring ye the criminal after abjectus fashion. So when the Jew returned with the shackles and found none in the house, he was confounded.

Starting point is 09:50:05 But as he abode in perplexity, suddenly up came the officers and laying hold of him beat him with a sore beating and dragged him face downwards before the kazi when the judge saw him he cried out in his face and said to him woe to thee o foe of god is it come to such a pass with thee that thou doest the deed thou hast done and bringest these women far from their country and stealest their monies and wouldst make them jews how durst thou seek to make miscreants of muslims answer the Jew, oh my lord, this woman is my wife. Now, when the Cazis heard this, they all cried out, saying, throw this hound on the ground and come down on his face with your sandals, and beat him with sore blows, for his offence is unpardonable. So they pulled off his silken gear and clad him in his wife's scrament of haircloth, after which they threw him down and plucked out his beard and belaboured him about the face with sandals. Then they sat him on an ass, face to crupper, or she versy,

Starting point is 09:51:08 and making him take its tail in his hand paraded him round about the city, ringing the bell before him in every street, after which they brought him back to the judges in sorriest plight. And the four Khazis, with one voice, condemned him to have his feet and hands cut off, and lastly to be crucified. When the accursed heard this sentence, his sense forsook him, and he was confounded and said, Oh, my lords the Khazis, what would ye of me?

Starting point is 09:51:36 they replied, say thou, this damsel is not my wife, and the monies are her monies, and I have transgressed against her and brought her far from her country. So he confessed to this, and the Kaziz recorded his confession in legal form, and taking the money from him gave it to Zane al-Mawasif, together with the document. Then she went away, and all who saw her were confounded at her beauty and loveliness, whilst each of the Cazis looked for her committing herself to him. But when she came to her lodging, she made ready all matters she needed and waited till night. Then she took what was light of load and weighty of worth, and setting out with her maids under cover of the Merck three days with their knights fared on without stopping. Thus it was with her,

Starting point is 09:52:25 but as regards the Cazis, they ordered the Jew to prison. And Scheherazade perceived, perceived, the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and sixty-th night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the Cazis ordered the Jew to prison, and on the morrow they looked for Zane al-Mawasif, coming to them, they and their assessors, but she presented herself not to any of them. Then said the chief, Kazi, I wish today to make an excursion without the town on business there. So he mounted his she-mule, and taking his page with him, went winding about the streets of the town, searching its length and width for Zane al-Mawasif, but never finding her.

Starting point is 09:53:10 On this errand, he came upon the other three Cazis, going about on the same, each deeming himself the only one to whom she had given Trist. He asked them whether they were riding and why they were going about the streets, when they told him their business, whereby he saw that their plight was as his plight and their quest as his quest. So they all four rode throughout the city seeking her, but could hit on no trace of her, and returned to their houses, sick for love,

Starting point is 09:53:39 and lay down on the bed of Langor. Presently, the chief Qazid bethought himself of the blacksmith. So he sent for him and said to him, O blacksmith, knowest thou aught of the damsel who thou didst direct to me? By Allah, and thou discover her not to me, I will whack thee with whips. Now, when the smith heard this, he recited these couplets.

Starting point is 09:54:01 She whom I all of love by love of her hath one, owns every beauty, and for others leaves she none. She gazes a gazelle, she breathes fresh ambergris, She waves a lake, she sways a bough, She shines a sun. Then said the blacksmith, By allah, O my lord, Since she fared forth from thy worshipful presence,

Starting point is 09:54:25 I have not set eyes on her, No, not once. Indeed, she took possession of my heart and wits and all my talk and thoughts are of her. I went to her lodging, but found her not, nor found I any who could give me news of her, and it is as if she had dived into the depths of the sea or had ascended to the sky. Now when the Kazi heard this, he groaned a groan, that his soul was like to depart therefore, and he said, By Allah, well it were we had never seen her. then the smith went away whilst the kuzzi fell down on his bed and became sick of languor for her sake and on likewise fared it with the other three kuzis and assessors the mediciners paid them frequent calls but found in them no ailment requiring a leech so the city notables went in to the chief kazi and saluting him questioned him of his case whereupon he sighed and showed them what was in his heart reciting these couplets

Starting point is 09:55:26 stint ye this blame enough i suffer from love's malady nor chide the kazi frail who fain must deal to folk decree who doth accuse my love let him for me find some excuse nor blame for lovers blameless are in lover's slavery i was a kazi whom my fate deigned aid with choicest aid by writ and reed and raised me to wealth in high degree till i was shot by sharpest shaft that nose nor leech nor cure by damsel's glance who came to spill my blood and mirthor me to me came she a mussel maw and of her wrong she planed with lips that opened on orient pearls ranged fair and orderly i looked beneath her veil and saw when wending moon at full rising below the wings of night, engloomed with blackest blee, a brightest favor, and a mouth bedight with wondrous smiles. Beauty had brought the loveliest garb, and robed her caper pie. By Allah, ne'er beheld my eyes a face so furly fair, amid mankind, whoever are, Arab or Ajami. My fair, what promised didst thou make, what time to me thou saidest, whenas I promised I performed, o kazi faithfully such is my stead and such my case calamitous and dire and ask me not ye men of spunk what dreadful teen i dream

Starting point is 09:56:54 when he ended his verse he wept with sore weeping and sobbed one sob and his spirit departed his body which seeing they washed him and shrouded him and prayed over him and buried him graving on his tomb these couplets perfect were lovers qualities in him was brought a morn slain by his love and his beloved to this untimely grave. Kazi was he amid the folk, and I twas his delight to foster all the folk, and keep a sheath the just as slave. Love caused his doom, and near we saw among mankind, before the Lord and master, louting low, before his thralled slave. Then they committed him to the mercy of Allah, and went away to the second Kazi, in company with the physician, but found in him, nor injury, nor ailment needing a leech. Accordingly, they questioned him of his case and what preoccupied him.

Starting point is 09:57:49 So he told them what ailed him. Whereupon they blamed him and chide him for his predicament, and he answered them with these couplets. Blighted by her yet am I not to blame? Struck by the dart at me her fair hand through. Unto me came a woman called hubbub, chiding the world from year to year anew, and brought a damsel showing face that shamed full moon,

Starting point is 09:58:12 that sails through night-tide's blackest hue. She showed her beauties, and she planed her plain, which tears in torrents from her eyelids drew. I, to her, words, gave ear, and gazed on her, when as with smiling lips she made me rue. Then, with my heart, she fared where'er she fared, and left me pledged to sorrow's soul subdu. Such is my tale.

Starting point is 09:58:36 So pity ye my case, and this my page with Kazi's gear in dew. Then he sobbed one sob, and his soul fled his flesh, Whereupon they got ready his funeral, and buried him, commending him to the mercy of Allah, after which they repaired to the third cousin, and the fourth, and there befell them the like of what befell their brethren. Furthermore, they found the assessors also sick for love of her, and indeed all who saw her died of love, or, and they died not, lived on tortured with the love of passion,

Starting point is 09:59:14 and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized sane her permitted say. When it was the 861st night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the city folk found all the Cazis and the assessor sick for love of her, and all who saw her died love-sick, or, and they died not,

Starting point is 09:59:36 lived on tortured with the love of passion, for stress of parney, to no purpose. Allah have mercy on them, one and all. Meanwhile, Zain al-Mawasif and her women drave on with all diligence till they were far distant from the city, and it so fortuned that they came to a convent, by the way, wherein dwelt a prior called Danes, and forty monks. When the prior saw her beauty, he went out to her and invited her to alight, saying, Rest with us ten days, and after, wind your ways. So she and her damsels alighted and entered the And when Danes saw her beauty and loveliness, she debauched his belief, and he was seduced by her,

Starting point is 10:00:18 wherefore he fell to sending the monks, one after other, with love messages. But each who saw her fell in love with her, and sought her favors for himself, whilst she excused and denied herself to them. But Danus seized not his importunities, till he had dispatched all the forty, each one of whom fell lovesick at first sight, implied her with blandishments never even naming Danis, while she refused and rebuffed them with harsh replies. At last, when Danes's patience was at an end, and his patient was sore on him,

Starting point is 10:00:52 he said in himself, Verily, the soothsayer saith, not scratcheth my skin but my own nail, and not like my own feet for mine errand may avail. So up he rose and made ready rich meats, and it was the ninth day of her sojourn in the convent, where she had purposed only to rest. Then he carried them into her, and set them before her, saying,

Starting point is 10:01:14 Bismillah, favor us by tasting the best of the food at our command. So she put forth her hand, saying, For the name of Allah, the compassionating, the compassionate, and ate, she and her handmaidens. When she had made an end of eating, he said to her, O my lady, I wish to recite to thee some verses, quoth she say on and he recited these couplets thou hast won my heart by cheek and eye of thee i'll praise for love in prose and posy wilt fly a lover love-sick love distraught who strives in dreams some cure of love to see leave me not fallen passion fooled since i for pine have left uncared the monastery o fairest tis thy right to shed my blood so rule my case and hear the cry of me when zane al mawasif heard his verses she answered him with these two couplets

Starting point is 10:02:10 O whose suest union, ne'er hope such delight, nor solicit my favors, O hapless white, Seize to hanker for what thou canst never have, next door are the greedy to soar despite. Hearing this, he returned to his place, pondering in himself and knowing not how he should do in her affair, and pass the night in the sorriest plight. But as soon as the darkness was darkest, Zane Almawasif arose and said to her handmaids, come let us away for we cannot avail against forty men monks each of whom requireeth me for himself quoth they cried willingly so they mounted their beasts and issued forth the convent gate shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say end of section thirty recorded by sylvia m b in washington state section thirty one of the book of a thousand knights and a night volume eight This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890, Section 31. When it was the 862nd night, she resumed,

Starting point is 10:03:43 it hath reached me o auspicious king that zane al mawaseef and her handmaids issued forth the convent gate and under favour of the night rode on till they overtook a caravan with which they mingled and found it came from the city of adon wherein the lady had dwelt presently zane al mawassif heard the people of the caravan discoursing of her own case and telling how the kazis and assessors were dead of love for her and how the townsfolk had appointed in their stead others who released her husband from prison whereupon she turned to her maids and asked them heard ye that and hubbub answered if the monks were ravished with love of thee whose belief it is that shunning women is worship how should it be with the kaziz who hold that there is no monkery in al-islam but let us make our own way to our own country whilst our affair is yet hidden so they drave on with all diligence such was their case but as regards the monks on the marrow as soon as it was day they repaired to zane al mawaseaf's lodging to salute her but found the place empty and their hearts sickened within them so the first monk rent his raiment and improvise these couplets ho ye my friends draw near for i forthright from you depart since parting is my lot my vitals suffer pangs a fiery love flames a desire in heart burn high and hot forsake a fairest girl who sought our land whose charms the horizon's full moon evans not she fared and left me victim'd by her love and slain by shaft those lids death-dealing shot then another monk recited the following couplets o ye who with my vitals fled have ruth on this unhappy hasty homeward bound they fared and fared fair peace on farthest truestest track, yet lingers in mine ear that sweetest sound, fared far, and fair their fain, would heaven

Starting point is 10:05:36 I saw their shade in vision, float my couch around. And when they went with them, they bore my heart, and in my tear floods all of me left drowned. A third monk followed with these extemporary lines, thrown you on highmost dead, heart, ears, and sight, your woans my heart, minds all your dwelling sight. Sweater than honey is your name a lip, running as neath my my ribs runs vital sprite, for love hath made me as a toothpick lean, and drowned in tears of sorrow and despite. Let me but see you in my sleep, be like, shall clear my cheeks of tears, that lovely sight. Then a fourth recited the following couplets. Dumb is my tongue, and scant my speech for thee, and love the direst torture gars me dree.

Starting point is 10:06:22 O thou full moon, whose place is highest heaven, for thee but double pine and pain in me, and a fifth these i love a moon of comely shapely form whose slender waist hath title to complain whose lip dews rival must and long-kept wine whose heavy haunches haunt the minds of men my heart each morning burns with pain and pine and the night-talkers note i'm passion slain while down my cheeks carnelian like the tears of rosy red shower down like railing rain and a sixth of the following o'er O thou who shunnest him thy love misled, O branch of bond, O star of hymosted, To thee of pine and passion I complain, O thou who fired me with cheeks rosy red, Did e'er such lover lose his soul for thee, or from prostration and from prayers fled? And a seventh these. He seized my heart, and freed my tears to flow, brought strength to love, and bade my patience go.

Starting point is 10:07:22 His charms are sweet as bitter his disdain, and shafts of love his suitors overthrothed. Stint blame, O blamer, and for past repent, None will believe thee who dost love unknown. And on likewise, all the rest of the monks shed tears and repeated verses. As for Danus, the prior, weeping and wailing redoubled on him, for that he found no way to her enjoyment, and he chanted the following couplets.

Starting point is 10:07:49 My patience failed me when my lover went, and fled that day mine aim and best intent. lied o littersh lead their camels fair haply some day they'll deign with me to tent on parting day sleep parted from my lids and grew my grieving and my joy was shent i moaned to allah what for love i dread my wasted body and my forces spent then despairing of her they took counsel together and with one mind agreed to fashion her image and set it up with them and applied themselves to this till there came to them the destroyer of delights and severer of societies. Meanwhile, Zane Al-Mawasif fared on without seizing to find her lover Masrur, till she reached her own house. She opened the doors and entered, then she sent to her sister Nassim,

Starting point is 10:08:40 who rejoiced with exceeding joy at the news of her return, and brought her the furniture and precious stuffs left in her charge. So she furnished the house and dressed it, hanging the curtains over the doors, and burning aloes wood and musk and ambergris and other essences, till the whole place reeked with the most delightful perfumes, after which the adornment of qualities donned her finest dress and decorations and sat talking with her maids, whom she had left behind when journeying,

Starting point is 10:09:08 and related to them all that had befallen her first and last. Then she turned to Hubbub, and given her dirhams, bade her fetch them something to eat. So she brought meat and drink, and when they had made an end of eating and drinking, Zain al-Mawasif, bade Hubub go and see where Masr was, and how it fared with him. Now, he knew not of her return, but abode with concern overcast and sorrow might not be overpassed. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and sixty-third night, she said,

Starting point is 10:09:43 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when Zain al-Mawasif entered her house, she was met by her sister Nassim, who brought her the furniture and stuffs wherewith she furnished the place, and then she dawned her finest dress. But Masr knew not of her return, and abode with concern overcast, and sorrow might not be overpast. No peace prevailed with him, nor was patience possible to him. When as pine and passion desire and distraction waxed on him, he would solace himself by reciting verse, and go to the house and set him its walls to buzz. It chanced that he went out that day, to the place where he had parted from his mistress, and repeated this rare song. My wrongs hide I, with all they show to sight, and now mine eyes from sleep to wake

Starting point is 10:10:30 our dight. I cry when melancholy tries my sprite, last not, o world, nor work more despite. Lo hangs my soul, twixt hardship and affright, where the sultan height love, but fair to me, slumber mine eyes companion were to me. My lord's some little mercy spare to me, chief of my tribe be debonair to me whom love cast down erst rich now popper white censors may blame thee but i look beyond mine ears i stop and leave their lies uncalmed and keep my pact with those i love so fond they say thou lovest a runaway i respond whist when as fate descends she blinds the sight then he returned to his lodging and sat there weeping till sleep overcame him when he saw in a dream as if st al-mawasif were come to the house and awoke in tears so he set off to go thither improvising these couplets shall i be consoled when love hath mastered the secret of me and my heart is aglow with more than the charcoal's ardency i love her whose absence i plain before allah for parting stower and the shifts of the days and doom which allotted me destiny when shall our meeting be o wish o my heart and will o favour of fullest moon when shall we reunion see as he made an end of his recitation he found himself walking adown in zane al mawaseef's street and smelt the sweet savour of the pastilles wherewithal she had incensed the house wherefore his vitals fluttered and his heart was like to leave his breast and desire flamed up in him and distraction redoubable

Starting point is 10:12:06 upon him when lo and behold hubbub on her way to do her lady's errand suddenly appeared at the head of the street and he rejoiced with joy exceeding when she saw him she went up to him and saluting him gave him the glad news of her mistress's return saying she hath sent me to bid thee to her whereat he was glad indeed with gladness not could exceed and she took him and returned with him to the house when zane al mawaseef saw him she came down to him from the couch and kissed him and he kissed him and he kissed her her, and she embraced him and he embraced her. Nor did they leave kissing and embracing, till both swooned away for stress of affection and separation. They lay a long while senseless, and when they revived, Zane Almawasif bade Hubbub fetch her a gouglet of sherbert of sugar, and another of sherbert of lemons. So she brought what she desired, and they sat eating and drinking, nor seized before nightfall, when they fell to recalling all that had befallen them from commencement to conclusion. Then she acquainted him with her return to al-Islam,

Starting point is 10:13:09 whereat he rejoiced and he also became a Muslim. Likewise did her women, and they all repented to Allah Almighty of their infidelity. On the morrow, she made send for the kazi and the witnesses and told them that she was a widow, and had completed the purification period, and was minded to marry Masr. So they drew up the wedding contract between them,

Starting point is 10:13:30 and they abode in all delight of life. meanwhile the jew when the people of adan released him from prison set out homewards and fared on nor seized faring till he came within three days journey of the city now as soon as zain al mawaseef heard of his coming she called for her handmaid hubbub and said to her go to the jew's burial-place and there dig a grave and plant on its sweet basel and jessamine and sprinkle water thereabout if the jew come and ask thee of me answer my mistress died twenty days ago chagrin on thine account. If he say show me her tomb, take him to the grave, and after weeping over it and making moan and lament before him, contrived to cast him therein, and bury him alive, and Hubbub answered, I hear, and I obey. Then they laid up the furniture in the store closets, and Zane al-Mawasif removed to Masrera's lodging, where he and she abode, eating and drinking, till the three days were passed, at the end of which the Jew arrived, and knocked at the door of his house,

Starting point is 10:14:31 Quoth Hubbub, who's at the door? And quoth he, thy master. So she opened to him, and he saw the tears railing down her cheeks, and said, What aileth thee to weep? And where is thy mistress? She replied, My mistress is dead of chagrin on thine account. When he heard this, he was perplexed, and wept with sore weeping, and presently said, O hubbub, where is her tomb?

Starting point is 10:14:56 So she carried him to the Jew's burial ground, and showed him the grave she had dug. Wherupon he shed bitter tears, and recited this pair of couplets. Two things there are, for which, if eyes wept tears on tear of blood, till they were like indeed to disappear, they never could fulfil the tithe of all their due, and these are prime of youth and loss of levelling deer. Then he wept again with bitter tears, and recited these also.

Starting point is 10:15:23 Alack, and alas, patience taketh flight, And from parting a friend to sore death I'm dight, Oh, how woeful this farness from dear one, and oh how my heart is rent by mine own unright! Would heaven my secret I erst had kept, nor had told the pangs in my liver blight? I lived in all soulless and joyance of life, till she left and left me in piteous plight. O Zane, on Mawasif, I would there were no parting, departing my frame in sprite. I repent me for troth breach, and blame my guilt of unruth to her whereupon hopes I built, when he had made an end of this verse, he wept and groaned and lamented till he fell down a swoon,

Starting point is 10:16:06 whereupon hubbub made haste to drag him to the grave and throw him in, whilst he was insensible, yet quick withal. Then she stopped up the grave on him, and, returning to her mistress, acquainted her with what had passed, or at she rejoiced with exceeding joy, and recited these two couplets. The world swear that forever twould garmy grieve, tis false o world so thine oath retrieve, the blamer is dead and my loves in my arms rise to herald of joys and tuck high thy sleeve then she and masher abode each with other in eating and drinking and sport and pleasure and good cheer till there came to them the destroyer of delights and sunderer of societies and slayer of sons and daughters and i have also heard tell the following tale of ali n'eraldin and miriam the girdle-girl there was once in days of yore and in ages of and times long gone before in the parts of Cairo, a merchant named Taj Aldin, who was of the most considerable of the merchants and of the chiefs of the freeborn.

Starting point is 10:17:09 But he was given to travelling everywhere, and love to fare over wild and wool, waterless lowland and stony waste, and to journey to the Isles of the Seas, in quest of dirhams and dinars, wherefore he had in his time encountered dangers and suffered duress of the way such as would grizzle little children and turn their black hair, gray. He was possessed of black slaves and mamelukes, eunuchs, concubines, and was the wealthiest of the merchants of his time, and the goodliest of them in speech, owning horses and mules and bactrian camels and dromedaries, sacks great and small of size, goods and merchandise and stuff such as muslins of hums, silks and brocades of Balak, Cotton of Mary, stuffs of India,

Starting point is 10:17:56 gauzes of Baghdad, Bernuses of Moorland, and Turkish white slaves, and Abyssinian castratos, and Grecian girls and Egyptian boys, and the coverings of his bales were silk with gold per fled fair, for he was wealthy beyond compare.

Starting point is 10:18:14 Furthermore, he was rare of cumliness, accomplished in goodliness, and gracious in his kindliness, even as one of his describers doth thus express. A merchant I spied, whose lovers were fighting in furious guise, quoth he,

Starting point is 10:18:29 why this turmoil of people? Quoth I, traitor, for those fine eyes. And saith another in his praise, and saith well enough to accomplish the wish of him, came a merchant to pay us a visit, whose glance did my heart surprise. Quoth he, what surprised thee so? Quoth I, traitor, was those fine eyes.

Starting point is 10:18:49 Now, that merchant had a son called Ali Nuraldin, as he were the full moon, when as it meeteth the sight on its fourteenth night. A marvel of beauty and loveliness, a model of form and symmetrical grace, who was sitting one day, as was his wont, in his father's shop, selling and buying, giving and taking, when the sons of the merchants girt him around,

Starting point is 10:19:11 and he was amongst them as moon among stars, with brow, flower-white, and cheeks of rosy light and down, the tenderest dight, and body like alabaster bright, even as saith of him the poet. Describe me, a fair one said, said I, thou art beauty's queen, and, speaking briefest speech, all charms in thee are seen. And, as saith of him one of his describers,

Starting point is 10:19:38 his mole upon plain of cheek is like ambergris crumb on marble plate, and his glances, like as the sword proclaimed to all love's rebels, the Lord is great. The young merchants invited him saying, oh my lord ner al-din we wish thee to go this day a pleasuring with us in such a garden and he answered wait till i consult my parent for i cannot go without his consent as they were talking behold up came taj al-din and his son looked at him and said o father mine the sons of the merchants have invited me to wend a pleasureing with them in such a garden dost thou grant me leave to go his father replied yes o my son fare with them and gave him somewhat of money so the young man mounted their mules and asses, and Nouraldin mounted a she-mule, and rode with them to a garden, wherein was all that soul desireth, and that eye charmeth. It was high of walls, which from broad base were seen to rise, and it had a gateway vault-wise, with a portico like a saloon,

Starting point is 10:20:38 and a door azure as the skies, as it were one of the gates of paradise. The name of the doorkeeper was Rizwan, and over the gate were trained an hundred trellises, which grapes overran, and these were of various eyes, the red like Coraline, the black like the snouts of Sudan men, and the white like egg of the pigeon hen, and in it peach and pomegranate were shown, and pear, apricot, and pomegranate were grown, and fruits with and without stone, hanging in clusters, or alone. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized to say her permitted say. when it was the eight hundred and sixty-fourth night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the sons of the merchants entered the verdure they found therein all that soul desireth or i charmeth grapes of many hues grown hanging in bunches or alone even as saith of them the poet grapes tasting with the taste of wine whose coats like blackest ravens shine their sheen amid the leafage shows like women's fingers hinned fine. And as saith another on the same theme,

Starting point is 10:21:51 Great bunches likest as they sway a stock, My body frail and snell, Honey and water thus in jar, when sourness passed, make hydromel. Then they entered the arbor of the garden, And saw there Rizwan the gatekeeper sitting, As he were Rizwan the Paradise Guardian, And on the door were written these lines. Garth heaven-watered wherein clusters waved on boughs,

Starting point is 10:22:14 Which full of sap to bend were famed, and when the branches danced on zeffers palm the pleads showered as gifts fresh pearls for rain and within the arbor were written these two couplets come with us friend and enter thou this garth that cleanses rest of grief over their skirts the zephyrs tripp and flowers in sleeve to laugh or leaf so they entered and found all manner fruits in view and birds of every kind and hue such as ring-dove nightingale and curlew and the turtle and the cushats sang their lovelace on the sprays therein were rills that ran with limpid wave and flowers suave and bloom for whose perfume we crave and it was even as saith of it the poet in these two couplets the zephyr breatheth o'er its branches like fair girls that trip as in fair skirts they pace its rills resemble swords in hands of knights drawn from the scabbard and containing case and again as singe the songster, the streamlet swings by branchy wood, and eye, joys in its breast those beauties to display, and zephyr, noting this, for jealousy, hastens and bends the branches other way. On the trees of the garden were all manner of fruits, each in two sorts, and amongst them,

Starting point is 10:23:34 the pomegranate, as it were, a ball of silver draws, or of saith the poet, and saith right well, granados of finest skin like the breasts of made firm standing in sight of mail. When I strip the skin, they at once display the rubies, compelling all sense to quail, and even as quoth another bard, clothes pressed appear to him whose views inside, red rubies in brocated skirts bedike. Granado, I compare with marble dome or virgin's breasts, delighting every sight, therein is cure for every ill, as in left and hadis the prophet pure of spright, and Allah glorify his name, eke deigned a noble say in

Starting point is 10:24:17 holy book in dight. The apples were the sugared and the musky, and the damani, amazing the beholder, whereof, sayeth Hassan the poet, apple which joins Hugh's twain, and brings to mind the cheek of lover and beloved combined. Two wondrous opposites

Starting point is 10:24:33 on branch they show, this dark and that with hue incarnadine. The twain embraced when spied the spy, and turned this red, that yellow, for the same design. There also were apricots of various kinds, almond and camphor, Angelani and Antabi, were of saith the poet, and almond apricot suggesting swain, whose lovers visit all his wits, hath tain,

Starting point is 10:24:59 enough of lovesick lover's plight it shows, of face deep yellow, and heart-torn in twain, and saith another, and saith well, look at that apricot whose blooms contains gardens with brightness gladding all mensign, like stars the blossom sparkle when the boughs are clad in foliage, dight with sheen and shine. There likewise were plums and cherries and grapes that the sick of all diseases assain and do away giddiness and yellow collar from the brain, and figs, the branches between, very coloured red and green, amazing sight and sense, even as saith the poet, tis as the figs with clear white skins outthrown by foliage trees a thwart whose green they peep were sons of ruam that guard the palace-ruff when shades close in and night longward they keep and saith another and saith well welcome to the fig to us it comes ordered in handsome plates they bring likeest a sufer cloth we draw to shape a bag without a ring and how well saith a third give me the fig sweet-flavoured beauty-clad whose inner beauties rival out her shame and when it fruits thou tastest it to find camamil scent and sugars saccharine and eke it favoureth on platters poured puff-balls of silken thread and sendal green

Starting point is 10:26:25 and how excellent is the saying of one of them quoth they and i had trained my taste ther too nor cared for other fruits whereby they swore why love us so the fig where to quoth i some men love fig and others sycamore and are yet goodlier those of another pleaseth me more the fig than every fruit when ripe and hanging from the sheenie bough like devotee who when the clouds pour rain sheds tears and allah's power doth avow and in that garth were also pairs of various kinds syndatic alepine and grecian growing in clusters and alone parcel green and parcel golden and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and seized saying her permitted say end section thirty one recorded by sylvia m b in washington state section thirty two of the book of a thousand nights and a night volume eight this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org the book of a thousand nights and a night's Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous. Translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 32. When it was the eight hundred and sixty-fifth night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the merchant's sons went down into the garth, they saw therein

Starting point is 10:28:05 all the fruits we mentioned, and found pairs, synaptic, elepine, and Grecian of every hue, which here clustering there single grew, parcel green and parcel yellow, to the gazer a marvel view, As saith of them the poet, With thee that pair agree Whose hue a morn As hue of hapless lover yellow pale, Like virgin cloistered straight in strong harim,

Starting point is 10:28:29 Whose face like racing steed outstrips the veil. And sultani peaches of shades varied yellow and red, Whereof saith the poet, Like peach in verdure growing, And sheen of Andam showing, Whose balls of yellow gold are dyed with blood-gird There were also green almonds of passing sweetness, resembling the cabbage of the palm-tree with their kernels within three tunics, lurking of the munificent king's handiworking,

Starting point is 10:28:58 even, as is said of them, Three coats yon freshest form and dew, God's work of varied shape and hue, Hardness surrounds it night and day, prisoning without a sin to rue. And as well, saith another, Ceased not that almond plucked by hand of man from bow where want to well, peeling it, shows the heart within as union pearl in oyster-shell. And as saith a third better than he, how good is almond-green-eye view? The smallest fills the hand of you, its nap, is as the down upon the cheeks where yet no beardlet grew. Its kernels in the shell are seen, or bachelors or married too, as pearls they were of loosened white, casked and lapped in Jasper's hue. And as saith yet another,

Starting point is 10:29:45 and saith well. Mine eyes ne'er looked on aught the almond-like for charms, when blossoms in the prime show bright, its head to horiness of age inclines the while its cheek, by youth's fresh down is dight. And jujuby plums of various colours grown in clusters, and alone, whereof sayeth one, describing them. Look at the loat-t-tree, note on boughs arrayed, like goodly apricots on reed-strewn floor. Their morning hue to viewers' eye is like Cascavel's cast of purest golden oar. And as saith another and saith right well, the jujuby tree each day robeth in bright array, as though each poem thereon would self-to-sight display, like falcon bell of gold swinging from every spray. And in that garth grew blood oranges, as they were the caulanjan, whereof quoth the enamored poet, red fruits that fill

Starting point is 10:30:42 the hand and shine with sheen of fire, albeit the scarf-skins white as snow, Tis marvel snow on fire doth never melt, And stranger still ne'er burns this living low. And quoth another, and quoth well, And trees of orange-fruiting fairly fair To those who straightest have their charms surveyed Like cheeks of women,

Starting point is 10:31:03 Who their forms have decked for holiday In robes of gold brocade. And yet another as well. Like are the orange hills when Zephyr breathes, swaying the boughs and spray with airy grace, her cheeks that glow with lovely light when met at greeting tied by cheeks of other face. And a fourth as fairly, and fairest fawn we say to him portray this garth and oranges thine eyes survey, and he, your garden favoureth my face, who gathereth orange, gathereth fire all way. In that garden too grew citrons, in colour as virgin

Starting point is 10:31:41 gold, hanging down from on high and dangling among the branches, as they were ingots of growing gold, and saith thereof the namered poet, hast seen a citron copp so wade adown thou fearest bending roll their fruit on mould, and seemed when Zephyr passed to thwart the tree its branches hung with bells of purest gold. And Shaddix, that among their boughs hung laden as though each were the breast of a gazelle-like maiden, contenting the most longing white, as saith of them the poet, saith aright. And Shaddock, mid the garden paths on bow, Freshest like fairest damsel met my sight, And to the blowing of the breeze it bent like golden ball to bat of chrysolite. And the lime, sweet of scent, which resembleth a hen's egg,

Starting point is 10:32:28 But its yellowness ornamenteth its bright fruit, And its fragrance hearteneth him who plucketh it, As saith the poet who singeth it, Cease not the lemon when it taketh form, catch rays of light and all to gaze constrain, like egg of pullet which the huckster's hand adorneth dying with the saffron stain. Moreover, in this garden, were all manner of other fruits and sweet-scented herbs and plants and fragrant flowers,

Starting point is 10:32:53 such as jessamine and henna and water-lilies, and spikenard and roses of every kind, and plantain and myrtle, and so forth. And indeed it was without compare, seeming as it were, a piece of paradise to who so beheld it. If a sick man entered, he came forth from it like a raging lion, and tongue availeth not, to its description, by reason of that which was therein of wonders and rarities which are not found but in heaven, and how should it be otherwise, when its door-capers' name was Rizwan?

Starting point is 10:33:24 Though widely different were the stations of those twain. Now when the sons of the merchants had walked about gazing at the garden, after taking their pleasure therein, they sat down in one of its pavilions and seated Nur al-Din in their midst. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and sixty-sixth night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the sons of the merchants sat down in the pavilion, they seated Nur al-Din in their midst on a rug of gold-purfled leather of Al-Taiif, leaning on a pillow of Miniver, stuffed with ostrich down, and they gave him a of ostrich feathers whereon were written these two couplets a fan whose breath is fraught with fragrant scent minding of happy days and time forspent wafting at every time its perfumed air or face of noble youth on honour bent

Starting point is 10:34:18 then they laid by their turbans and outer clothes and sat talking and chatting and inducing one another to discourse while they all kept their eyes fixed on nur al-deen and gazed on his beauteous form after the sitting had lasted an hour of or so, up came a slave with a tray on his head, wherein were platters of China and crystal, containing viands of all sorts, for one of the youths had so charged his people before coming to the garden. And the meats were of whatever walketh earth, or wingeth air, or swimmeth waters, such as cata grouse, and fat quails, and pigeon-poles, and mutton and chickens, and the delicatest fish. So the tray being set before them, they fell to, and ate their fill, and when they had made an end of eating they rose from meat and washed their hands with pure water and musk-scented soap, and dried them, with napery embroidered in silk and bugles. But to Nur al-Din, they brought up napkin,

Starting point is 10:35:14 laced with red gold whereupon he wiped his hands. Then coffee was served up, and each drank what he would, after which they sat talking, till presently the garden-keeper, who was young, went away and returning with a basket full of roses, said to them, what say ye, O my masters, to flowers? Quoth one of them, There is no harm in them, especially roses, which are not to be resisted. Answered the gardener, Tis well, but it is of our want not to give roses, but in exchange for pleasant converse, so whoever would take aught thereof let him recite some verses suitable to the situation. Now they were ten sons of merchants of whom one said,

Starting point is 10:35:54 Agreed. Give me thereof, and I will recite thee somewhat a verse apt to the case. accordingly the gardener gave him a bunch of roses which he took and at once improvised these three couplets the rose in highest stead-irate for that her charms ne'er satiate all fragrant flowers betrups to her their general of high estate where she is not they boast and vaunt but when she comes they stint their prate then the gardener gave a bunch to another and he recited these two couplets take o my lord to thee the rose recalling scent by mush be shed like virgin net by lover-eyed, who with her sleeves inveileth head. Then he gave a bunch to a third who recited these two couplets. Choice rose that gladden's heart to see her sight, of NAD recalling fragrance exquisite. The branchlets clip her in her leaves for joy

Starting point is 10:36:45 like kiss of lips that never spake in spite. Then he gave a bunch to a fourth, and he recited these two couplets. Cease not that rosary where rose a flowering displays, mounted upon her steed of stock those marvels manifold, as though the bud were ruby stone and girded all around with chrysolite and held within a little horde of gold. Then he gave a posy to a fifth, and he resided these two couplets.

Starting point is 10:37:11 Wands of green chrysolite bare issue, which were fruits like ingots of the growing gold, and drops a dropping from its leaves, were like the tears my languorous eyelids railed and rolled. Then he gave a sixth the bunch, and he recited these two couplets. O Rose, thou rare of charms that dost contain all gifts and Allah's secret singular, thou art like the loved one's cheek where lover fond and feign of union sticks the gold dinar. Then he gave a bunch to a seventh, and he recited these two couplets. To Rose, quoth I, what gars thy thorns to be put forth for all who touch thee cruelest injury?

Starting point is 10:37:50 Quoth she, these flowery troops are troops of me, who be their lord with spines for armory. and he gave an eighth a bunch and he recited these two couplets allah save the rose which yellows a morn florid vivid and likest the nugget oar and bless the fair sprays that displayed such flowers and mimic sun's gold-begilded boar then he gave a bunch to a ninth and he recited these two couplets the bushes of golden-hued rose excite in the lovesick lover joys manifold tis a marvel shrub watered every day with silver limel and it fruiteth gold then he gave a bunch of roses to the tenth and last and he recited these two couplets cease not how the hosts of the rose display red hues and yellow in rosy field i compare the rose and her arming thorn to emerald lance piercing golden shield and whilst each one hent bunch in hand the gardener brought the wine service and setting it before them on a tray of porcelain arabesked with red gold recited these two couplets dawn herald's daylight so wine pass around old wine fooling sage till his wits he tyne wot i not for its purest clarity and tis wine in cup or tis cup in wine then the gardener filled and drank and the cup went round till it came to noraldin's turn whereupon the man filled and handed it to him but he said This thing I wot it not, nor have I ever drunken thereof, And for therein is great offence,

Starting point is 10:39:24 And the Lord of all might hath forbidden it in his book. Answered the gardener, O my lord, Nur al-Din, And thou forbear to drink only by reason of the sin, Verily Allah, extolled and exalted be he, Is bountiful, of sufferance great, Forgiving and compassionate, and pardoneth the mortalist sins. His mercy embraceth all things,

Starting point is 10:39:45 Allah's ruth be upon the poet who saith, beest thou wilt for allah is bountiful and when thou sinest feel thou not alarm but ware of twofold sins nor ever dare to give god partner or mankind to harm then quoth one of the sons of the merchants my life on thee o my lord nur al-din drink of this cup and another conjured him by the oath of divorce and yet another stood up persistently before him till he was ashamed and taking the cup from the gardener drank a draught but spat it out again crying tis bitter said the young gardener, O my lord, Nur al-Din, knowest thou not, that sweets taken by way of medicine are bitter? Were this not bitter, twad lack of the manifold virtues it possesseth, amongst which are that it digesteth food, and disperseth kark and care, and dispeleth flatulence, and clarifth the blood, and cleareth the complexion, and quickeneth the body, and hearteneth the hen-hearted, and fortifieth the sexual power in man. But to name all its virtues would be tedious.

Starting point is 10:40:46 quoth one of the poets, We'll drink, and Allah pardoned sinners all, And cure of ills by sucking cups I'll find, Nor aught the sin deceives me, yet said he, In it there be advantage to mankind. Then he sprang up without stay or delay, And opened one of the cupboards in the pavilion, And taking out a loaf of refined sugar,

Starting point is 10:41:07 Broke off a great slice, Which he put into Nur al-Din's cup, saying, O my lord, and thou fear to drink wine because of its bitterness, Drink now for tis sweet. So he took the cup and emptied it, Whereupon one of his comrades filled him another, saying, O my lord, Nur al-Din, I am thy slave, And another did the like saying,

Starting point is 10:41:25 I am one of thy servants, and a third said, for my sake. And a fourth, Allah upon thee, O my lord, Nur al-Din, heal my heart. And so they ceased not plying him with wine, each and every of the ten sons of merchants, till they had made him drink a total of ten cups. Now Nur al-Din's body was virgin of wine-bibbing, or never in all his life had he drunken vine-juice till that hour, wherefore its fumes wrought in his brain,

Starting point is 10:41:52 and drunkenness was stark upon him, and he stood, and indeed his tongue was thick, and his speech stammering, and said, O, company, by Allah, ye are fair and your speech is goodly and your place pleasant, but there needeth hearing of sweet music, for drink without melody lacks the chief of its essentiality, even as saith the poet pass round the cup to the old and the young man too and take the bowl from the hand of the shining moon but without music i charge you forbear to drink i see even horses drink to a whistled tune

Starting point is 10:42:26 therewith up sprang the gardener lad and mounting one of the young men's mules was absent a while after which he returned with a kirene girl as she were a sheep's tail fat and delicate or an ingot of pure silver and ore or a dinar on a porcelain plate or a gazelle in the wold forlore. She had a face that put to shame the shining sun and eyes Babylonian, and brows like bows bended, and cheeks rose painted, and teeth pearly-hued, and lips sugared, and glances languishing, and breast- ivory-white, and body slender and light, full of folds and with dimples dight, and hips like pillows stuffed in thighs like columns of Syrian stone, and between them what was something like a sachet of spices in wrapper-swathed. Quoth the poet of her in these couplets, Had she shown her shape to idolater's sight,

Starting point is 10:43:16 They would gaze on her face, And their gods detest, And if in the east to a monk she'd showed, He'd quit eastern posture and bow to the west. As she cratched in the sea and the brineous sea, Her lips would give it the sweetest zest. And quoth another in these couplets. Brighter than moon at full with cold eyes she came,

Starting point is 10:43:37 Like doe, on chasing whelps of lioness intent, Her night of murky locks Let's Fall a tent on her, a tent of hair, that lacks no pegs to hold the tent. And roses lighting up her rosade cheeks are fed by hearts and livers flowing fire for languishment, and spied her all the ages fair to her they'd rise humbly and cry, The mead belongs to precedent. And how well saith a third bard! Three things forever hinder her to visit us, For fear of the intriguing spy and eke the rancorous enviour,

Starting point is 10:44:10 her foreheads lustre and the sound of all her ornaments and the sweet scent her creases hold of ambergris and myrrh grant with the border of her sleeve she hide her brow and doth her ornaments how shall she do her scent away from her she was like the moon when at fullest on its fourteenth night and was clad in a garment of blue with a veil of green overbrow flower-white that all wits amaze and those of understanding amated and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and sixty seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that the gardener brought a girl whom we have described possessed of the utmost beauty and loveliness and fine stature and symmetrical grace as it were she the poet signified when he said she came apparelled in a vest of blue that mocked the skies and shamed their azure hue i thought thus clad she burst upon my sight like summer moon "'Moonshine on a wintry night. "'And how goodly is the saying of another, and how excellent! "'She came thick veiled and cried I, O display! "'That face like full moon bright with pure white ray!

Starting point is 10:45:21 "'Quoth she, I fear disgrace, quoth I, "'cut short this talk, no shift of days thy thoughts affray. "'Whereat she raised her veil from fairest face "'and crystal spray on gems began to stray, "'and I, forsooth was feigned to kiss her cheek, "'lest she complain of me on judgment day. And at such tide before the Lord on high we first of lovers were redressed to pray. So, Lord, prolong this reckoning and review, prayed I, that longer I may sight my may.

Starting point is 10:45:50 Then said the young gardener to her, Know thou, O lady of the fair, brighter than any constellation which illumineeth air we sought, In bringing thee hither naught but that thou shouldst entertain, with converse, This comely youth, my lord, Nour al-Din, for he hath come to this place only this day. and the girl replied would thou hadst told me that i might have brought what i have with me rejoined the gardener oh my lady i will go and fetch it to thee as thou wilt said she and he give me a token so she gave him a kerchief and he fared forth in haste and returned after a while bearing a green satin bag with slings of gold the girl took the bag from him and opening it shook it whereupon there fell thereout two and thirty pieces of wood which she fitted one into other male into feet female and female into male, till they became a polished lute of Indian workmanship. Then she uncovered her wrists, and laying the lute in her lap, bent over it, with the bending of

Starting point is 10:46:48 mother over babe, and swept the strings with her fingertips. Whereupon it moaned and resounded, and after its olden home yearned, and it remembered the waters that gave it drink, and the earth whence it sprang, and wherein it grew, and it minded the carpenters who cut it, and the polisher who polished it, and the merchants who made it their merchandise, and the ships that shipped it, and it cried and called aloud, and moaned and groaned, and it was as if she asked it of all these things, and it answered her, with the tongue of the case, reciting these couplets, A tree while ere was I, the bull-bull's home, to whom for love I bowed my grass-green head. They moaned on me, and I their moaning learnt, and in that moan my secret all men read.

Starting point is 10:47:32 The woodman Feld me, Falling sounds of fence, And slender loot of me, As view ye made. But when the fingers smite my strings, They tell how man despite my patience did me dead. Hence boon companions, when they hear my moan, distracted, wax as though by wine misled. And the Lord softens every heart to me, And I am hurried to the highmost stead. All who in charms excel fain clasped my waist, Gisels of languid eyne, and hurrie made. Allah ne'er part fond lover from his joy, nor live the loved one who unkindly fled. Then the girl was silent a while, but presently, taking the lute in lap, again bent over it, as mother bendeth over child and preluded in many different modes. Then, returning to the first,

Starting point is 10:48:21 she sang these couplets. Would they the lover seek without adieu? He to his heavy grief had bid adieu. With him had vied the nightingale on bow As one far parted from his lover's view Rouse thee, awake, The moon lights Union night As though such union woke the morn anew. This day the blamers take of us no heed And lute-strings bid us all our joys ensue.

Starting point is 10:48:47 Cease not how fourfold things conjoin'oin in one, Rose, myrtle, scents and blooms of golden hue. Yea, here this day the four chief joys unite, drink and dinars beloved and lover true so win thy worldly joy for joys go past and naught but storied tales and legends last when nur al-din heard the girl sing these lines he looked on her with eyes of love and could scarce contain himself for the violence of his inclination to her and on likewise was it with her because she glanced at the company who were present of the sons of the merchants and she saw that nur al-din was amongst the rest as moon among stars for that he was sweet of speech and replete with amorous grace perfect in stature and symmetry brightness and loveliness pure of all defect then the breeze of morn softer than tasnim blander as saith of him the poet by his cheeks unfading damask and his smiling teeth i swear by by the arrows that he feathers with the witchery of his air, by his sides so soft and tender and his glances bright and keen, by the whiteness of his forehead and the blackness of his hair,

Starting point is 10:49:57 by his arched imperious eyebrows chasing slumber from my lids with their yeas and nose that hold me twixt rejoicing and despair, by the scorpions that he launches from his ringlet clustered brows, seeking still to slay his lovers with his rigors unaware. By the myrtle of his whiskers and the roses of his cheek, By his lips incarnate rubies and his teeth's fine pearls and rare, By the straight and tender sapling of his shape, Which for its fruit doth the twin pome-grannets shining in his snowy bosom wear, By his heavy hips that tremble both in motion and repose,

Starting point is 10:50:33 And the slender waist above them all too slight their weight to bear. By the silk of his apparel, and his quick and sprightly wit, by all attributes of beauty that are fallen to his share. Lo, the musk exhales its fragrance from his breath, And eke the breeze from his scent the perfume borrows that it scatters everywhere. Yea, the sun in all his splendor cannot with his brightness vie, And the crescent moons a fragment that he from his nails doth pair. And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day,

Starting point is 10:51:03 And ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 32. Section 33 of the book of a thousand knights and a night, volume eight. This is a Libravox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visitlibrovox.org. The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8, by Anonymous.

Starting point is 10:51:36 Translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 33 When it was the 868th night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that Nur al-Din was delighted with the girl's verses, and he swayed from side to side for drunkenness, and fell appraising her and saying, A luteinist to us inclined, and stole our wits bemused with wine, and said to us her lute, the Lord, Baddest discourse by a voice divine. When she heard him thus improvised, the girl gazed at him with loving eyes,

Starting point is 10:52:11 and redoubled in passion and desire for him increased upon her. And indeed she marveled at his beauty and loveliness, symmetry and grace, so that she could not contain herself, but took the lute in lap again and sang these couplets. He blames me, for casting on him my sight, and parts from me, bearing my life and sprite. He repels me, but kens what my heart endures, as though Allah himself had inspired the white. I portrayed his portrait in palm of hand, and cried to mine eyes, weep your doleful plight, for neither shall eyes of me spy his like, nor my heart have patience to bear its blight. Wherefore, will I tear thee from breast, O heart, as one who regards him with jealous spite? And when, say I, O heart be consoled for pine, tis that heart to none other shall e'er incline.

Starting point is 10:53:05 Nur al-Din wondered at the charms of her verse and the elegance of her expression, and the sweetness of her voice and the eloquence of her speech, and his wit fled for stress of love and longing and ecstasy and distraction, so that he could not refrain from her a single moment, but bent to her, and strained her to his bosom, and she, in like manner, bowed her form over his, and abandoned herself to his embrace, and bust in between the eyes. Then he kissed her on the mouth, and played with her at kisses, after the manner of the billing of doves, and she met him with like warmth, and did with him, as she was done by, till the others were distracted and rose to their feet, whereupon Nur al-Din was ashamed and held his hand from her.

Starting point is 10:53:48 Then she took her loot, and, preluding thereon in manifold modes, lastly returned to the first and sang these couplets. A moon, when he bends him, those eyes lay bare, a brand that gars gazing gazelle despair. A king, rarest charms are the host of him and his lance-like shape men with cane compare. Were his softness of sides to his heart transferred, His friend had not suffered such carc and care. Ah, for hardest heart and for softest sides, Why not that to these altar? Make here go there.

Starting point is 10:54:21 O thou who accusest my love excuse, Take eternal and leave me the transient share. When Nur al-Din heard the sweetness of her voice And the rareness of her verse, He inclined to her for delight, And could not contain himself for excess of wonderment, So he recited these couplets. We thought she was the fore-nourne,

Starting point is 10:54:42 known son, until she dawned the veil, but lit she fire in vitals mind still flaring fierce and high. How had it hurt her, and she deigned return, my poor salaam, with finger-tips or in vouchsafed one little wink of eye? The cavalier who spied her face was wholly stupefied by charms that glorify the place, and every charm out vie. Be this the fair who makes thee pine and long for lovelace. Indeed thou art excused, this is my fairest she. Quoth I, Who shocked me with the shaft of looks, Nor deigns to rue my woes, Of strangerhood and broken heart and love I must abide? I rose a morn with vanquished heart to longing love a prey, And weep I through the livelong day, And all the night I cry.

Starting point is 10:55:29 The girl marvelled at his eloquence and elegance, and taking her lute smote thereon with the Goodliest of performance, repeating all the melodies, and sang these couplets. By the life of thy face, O thou life of my sprite, I'll ne'er leave thy love for despair or delight, When art cruel thy vision stands hard by my side, And the thought of thee haunts me when far from sight. O whose saddest my glance I'll be weeding that I, No love but thy love will forever requite. Thy cheeks are of rose and thy lips dues are whine, say, wilt grudge them to us in this charming sight? Hereat, Nur al-Din was gladdened with extreme gladness, and wondered with the utmost wonder, so he answered her verse with these couplets. The sun yellowed not in the murk gloom-line, but lay pearl in veiled neath horizon chine. Nor showed its crest to the eyes of morn but took refuge from parting with morning shine. Take my teardrops that trickle as chain on chain, and they'll tell my case with the clearest sign.

Starting point is 10:56:35 And my tears be likened to Nile flood, like my mother's, Malix, flooded flat, be this love o mine. Quoth she, bring thy riches, quoth I, come, take, And thy sleep? Yes, take it from lids of ein. When the girl heard Nuraldean's words, and noted the beauty of his eloquence, her senses fled, And her wit was dazed, and love of him gat hold upon her whole heart. So she pressed him to her bosom, and fell to kissing him like the billing of doves, whilst he returned her caresses with successive kisses. but preeminence appertaineth to precedence.

Starting point is 10:57:11 When she had made an end of kissing, She took the lute, and recited these couplets. Alas, alack, and well away for blamers' calumny, Whether or not I make my moan or plead or show no plea, O spurner of my love, I ne'er of thee so hard would deem, that I of thee should be despised of thee my property. I want, at lover's love, to rail and for their passion chide, But now I feign debase myself to all who rail at thee.

Starting point is 10:57:37 yea only yesterday i want all emirists to blame but now i pardon hearts that pine for passion's ecstasy and of my stress of parting stour on me so heavy ways a morning prayer to him i'll cry in thy name o ali and also these two couplets His lovers said, Unless he deigned to give us all a drink of wine, Of fine old wine, His lips deal in their purity. We to the Lord of threefold world We'll pray to grant our prayer, And all exclaim with single cry,

Starting point is 10:58:08 In thy name, O Ali. Nur al-Din, Hearing these lines and their rhyme, Marvelled at the fluency of her tongue and thanked her, praising her grace and passing seductiveness, And the damsel delighted as his praise, Arose without stay or delay, and doffing that was upon her of outer dress and trinkets till she was free of all encumbrance sat down on his knees and kissed him between the eyes and on his cheek-mole then she gave him all she had put off and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased her permitted say

Starting point is 10:58:42 when it was the eight hundred and sixty-ninth night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that the girl gave to nore al-din all she had doffed saying o beloved of my heart In very sooth the gift is after the measure of the giver. So he accepted this from her, and gave it back to her, and kissed her on the mouth and cheeks and eyes. When this was ended and done, for naught is durable save the living, the eternal, provider of the peacock and the owl, nor al-din rose from the seance and stood upon his feet, because the darkness was now fallen and the stars shone out,

Starting point is 10:59:19 whereupon quoth the damsel to him, "'Wither away, O my lord!' and quoth he, to my father's home. Then the sons of the merchants conjured him to night with them, but he refused, and mounting his Shemul, rowed without stopping till he reached his parents' house

Starting point is 10:59:35 where his mother met him, and said to him, O my son, what hath kept thee away till this hour? By Allah thou hast troubled myself and thy sire by thine absence from us, and our hearts have been occupied with thee. Then she came up to him to kiss him on his mouth, and smelling the fumes of the wine, said,

Starting point is 10:59:54 oh my son how is it that after prayer and worship thou hast become a wine-bibber and a rebel against him to whom belong creation and commandment but nur al-din threw himself down on the bed and lay there presently in came his sire and said what aileth nur al-din to lie thus and his mother answered twould seem his head acheth for the air of the garden so taj al-din went up to his son to ask him of his ailment and salute him and smelt the reek of wine Now the merchant loved not wine-drinkers, So he said to Noor Aldine, Woe to thee, O my son! Is folly come to such a pass with thee that thou drinkest wine? When Noor al-Din heard his sire say this, He raised his hand, being yet in his drunkenness,

Starting point is 11:00:40 And dealt him above it, When, by decree of the decreer, The blow lit on his father's right eye, Which rolled down on his cheek, Whereupon he fell a swoon and lay there in a while. They sprinkled rose-water on him till he recovered, when he would have beaten his son. But the mother withheld him,

Starting point is 11:00:57 and he swore by the oath of divorce from his wife, that as soon as morning morrowed, he would assuredly cut off his son's right hand. When she heard her husband's word, her breast was straightened, and she feared for her son, and ceased not to soothe and appease his sire till sleep overcame him.

Starting point is 11:01:13 Then she waited till moon-rise, when she went into her son, whose drunkenness had now departed from him, and said to him, O Nur al-Din, what is this foul deed thou didest with thy son? sire, he asked, and what did I with him? And answered she, Thou dealtest him a buffet on the right eye, and struckest it out, so that it rolled down his cheek, and he hath sworn by the divorce oath,

Starting point is 11:01:36 that as soon as morning shall morrow he will without fail cut off thy right hand. Noor al-Din repented him of that he had done, when as repentance profited him not, and his mother said to him, O my son, this penitence will not profit thee, nor will aught avail thee, but that thou arise forthwith, and seek safety in flight. Go forth the house privily and take refuge with one of thy friends, and there what Allah shall do await, for he changeth case after case and state upon state. Then she opened a chest, and taking out a purse of an hundred dinars, said, O my son, take these dinars, and provide thy wants therewith, and when they are at an end, oh, my son, send and let me know thereof that I may send the other than these,

Starting point is 11:02:22 and at the same time, Covey to me, news of thyself privily. Happly, Allah will decree thee relief, and thou shalt return to thy home. And she farewelled him, and wept passing sore. Nought could be more. Thereupon, Nur al-Din, took the purse of gold, and was about to set forth, when he espied a great purse containing a thousand dinars which his mother had forgotten by the side of the chest. So he took this also, and binding the two purses about his middle, set out before dawn,

Starting point is 11:02:51 threading the streets in the directions of Bullock, where he arrived when day broke and all creatures arose, attesting the unity of Allah the opener, and went forth each of them upon his several business, to win that which Allah had unto him allotted. Reaching Bullock, he walked on along the riverbank till he sighted a ship with her gangway out and her four anchors made fast to the land.

Starting point is 11:03:14 The folk were going up into her and coming down from her, and Noor al-Din, seeing some sailors there standing, asked them whither they were bound, and they answered, To Rosetta City, Quoth he, Take me with you, and quoth they, Welcome, and welcome to thee, to thee, O goodly one. So he betook himself forthright to the market,

Starting point is 11:03:35 And buying what he needed of vivers and bedding and covering, returned to the port, and went on board the ship, which was ready to sail, And tarried with him but a little while before she weighed anchor and fared on, without stopping, till she reached Rosetta, where Nur al-Din saw a small boat going to Alexandria. So he embarked in it and traversing the sea-arm of Rosetta fared on till he came to a bridge called Al-Jami,

Starting point is 11:03:59 where he landed and entered Alexandria by the gate called the Gate of the Lote Tree. Allah protected him so that none of those who stood on guard at the gate saw him, and he walked on till he entered the city. And Shara-Zad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. when it was the eight hundred and seventyth night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that when nur al-din entered alexandria he founded a city goodly of pleasances delightful to its inhabitants and inviting to inhabit therein winter had fared from it with his cold and prime was come to it with his roses its flowers were kindly and ripe and welled forth its rills indeed it was a city goodly of ordinance and disposition its folk were of the best of men and when the gates thereof were shut its folk were safe, and it was even, as is said of it in these couplets, Quoth I to a comrade one day, a man of good speech and rare, describe Alexandria.

Starting point is 11:04:59 Quoth he, tis a march-town fair. Quoth I, is there living therein, and he, and the wind blow there. Or, as saith one of the poets, Alexander is a frontier, whose dues of lips are sweet and clear, how fair the coming to it is so one therein no raven's spear. Nor al-Din walked about the city, and ceased not walking till he came to the merchant's bazaar. Whence, he passed on to the mart of the money-changers, and so on in turn to the markets of the confectioners and fruterers and druggists, marvelling as he went at the city,

Starting point is 11:05:36 for that the nature of its qualities accorded with its name. As he walked in the druggists' bazaar, behold, an old man came down from his shop, and saluting him, took him, took him, him by the hand and carried him to his home. And Nur al-Din saw a fair by-street, swept and sprinkled, whereon the zephyr blue, and made pleasantness, pervade it, and the leaves of the trees overshaded it. Therein stood three houses, and at the upper end a mansion, whose foundations were firm sunk in the water, and its walls towered to the confines of the sky. They had swept

Starting point is 11:06:10 the space before it, and they had sprinkled it freshly, so it exhaled the fragrance of flowers, born on the zephyr which breathed upon the place, and the scent met there who approached it on such wise as it were one of the gardens of paradise. And, as they had cleaned and cooled the by-street's head, so was the end of it with marble spread. The sheikh carried Noor al-Din into the house, and setting somewhat of food before him, ate with his guest. When they had made an end of eating, the druggist said to him, When cameest thou hither from Cairo? And Noor-al-Dine replied, very night, O my father. Quoth the old man, what is thy name? And quoth he, Ali, Nur al-Din, said the druggists, O my son, O Nur al-Din, be the triple divorce incumbent on me, and thou

Starting point is 11:07:01 leave me so long as thou abidest in this city, and I will set thee apart a place wherein thou mayst dwell. Nour al-Din asked, O my lord the sheikh, let me know more of thee. And the other answered, know, O my son, that some years ago I went to Cairo with merchandise which I sold there and bought other, and I had occasion for a thousand dinars. So thy sire, Taj al-Din, weighed them out for me, all unknowing me, and would take no written word of me, but had patience with me till I returned hither and sent him the amount by one of my servants, together with a gift. I saw thee, whilst thou was little, and if it please Allah the most high, I will repay thee somewhat of the kindness thy father. did me. When Nur al-Din heard the old man's story, he showed joy, and pulling out with a smile the

Starting point is 11:07:49 purse of a thousand dinars, gave it to his host the sheikh, and said to him, take charge of this deposit for me, against I buy me somewhat of merchandise whereon to trade. Then he abode some time in Alexandria City, taking his pleasure every day in its thoroughfares, eating and drinking, and indulging himself with mirth and merriment, till he had made an end of the hundred dinars he had kept by way of spending money. Whereupon, he repaired to the old druggist to take of him somewhat of the thousand dinars to spend, but found him not in his shop, and took a seat therein to await his return. He sat there, gazing right and left, and amusing himself with watching the merchants and passers-by, and as he was thus engaged, behold, there came into the bazaar, a Persian riding on

Starting point is 11:08:33 a she-mule, and carrying behind him a damsel, as she were argent of an alloy-free or a fish-balty, in mimic sea or a doe gazelle on desert lee. Her face outshone the sun and shine, and she had witching e'en and breasts of ivory white, teeth of marguerite, slender waist and sides dimpled deep, and calves like tails of fat sheep, and indeed she was perfect in beauty and loveliness, elegant stature and symmetrical grace, even as saith one describing her. "'Twas as by will of her she was create, nor short nor long, but beauty's most mold and mate. Rose blushes reddest when she sees those cheeks, and fruits the bow, those marvel charms amate. Moon is her favor, musk the scent of her, branches her shape. Ah, she passeth

Starting point is 11:09:23 man's estate, Tizene as were she cast in freshest pearl, and every limelette shows a moon innate. Presently, the Persian lighted down from his she-mule, and making the damsel also dismount loudly, summoned the broker and said to him as soon as he came, take this damsel and cry her for sale in the market. So he took her, and leading her to the middlemost of the bazaar, disappeared for a while, and presently he returned with a stool of ebony, inlaid with ivory, and setting it upon the ground, seated her thereon. Then he raised her veil, and discovered a face, as it were a median targe,

Starting point is 11:10:00 or a cluster of pearls, and indeed she was like the full moon, when it filleth on its fourteenth night, accomplished in brilliant beauty. As saith the poet, Vied the full moon for folly with her face, But was eclipsed and split for rage full sore, And if the spiring ban with her contend, Perish her hands who load of fuel bore. And how well sayeth another, Say to the fair in the rotten veil, How hast made that monk-like worshipper ale? Light of veil and light of face under it, Made the host of darkness to fly from bale. and when came my glance to steal look at cheek With a meteor shaft, the guard made me quail.

Starting point is 11:10:44 Then, said the broker to the merchants, How much do you bid for the union pearl of the diver And prize quarry of the fowler? Quoth one, She is mine for an hundred dinars, And another said two hundred, and a third three hundred, And they ceased not to bid, one against the other, Till they made her price nine hundred and fifty dinars, and there the bidding stopped, awaiting acceptance and consent.

Starting point is 11:11:10 And Shahrazad perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. End of Section 33. Section 34 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M. B in Washington State.

Starting point is 11:11:45 The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 34. When it was the 871st night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the merchants bid one against other till they made the price of the girl nine hundred and fifty dinars. Then the broker went up to her Persian master, said to him, the biddings for this thy slave-girl have reached nine hundred and fifty dinars. So say me, wilt thou sell her at that price and take the money? Ask the Persian, does she consent to this? I desire to fall in with her wishes, for I sickened on my journey hither, and this handmaid

Starting point is 11:12:30 tended me with all possible tenderness. Wherefore, I swear not to sell her, but to him who she should like and approve, and I have put her sale in her own hand. So do thou consult her, and if she say I consent, sell her to whom thou wilt. But, and she say, no, sell her not. So the broker went up to her and asked her, O princess of fair ones, know that thy master putteth thy sale in thine own hands, and thy price has reached nine hundred and fifty dinars. Does thou give me leave to sell thee? She answered, show me him who was minded to buy me before clinching the bargain. So he brought her up to one of the

Starting point is 11:13:08 merchants, a man stricken with years and decrepit. She looked at him a long while, then turned to the broker, and said to him, O broker, art thou gin mad or afflicted in thy wit? replied he, why dost thou ask me this, O princess of fair ones? And said she, is it permitted thee of Allah to send the likes of me to yonder decrepit old man, who saith of his wife's case these couplets? Quoth she to me, and sore enraged for wounded pride was she, for she insooth had bidden me to that which might not be, and if thou swive me not forthright, as one should swive his wife, thou be made a cuck-hold straight, reproach it not to me. Me seems thy yard is made of wax, for very flaccidness, for when I rub it with my hand, it softens instantly, and said he likewise of his yard, I have a yard that sleeps in base and shameful way,

Starting point is 11:14:02 when grants my lover boon for which i sue and pray but when i wake o mornings all alone in bed tis fain o foin and fence and fierce for futter play and again quoth he thereof his yard i have a froard yard of temper ill dishonouring him who shows it most regard it stands when sleep i when i stand it sleeps heaven pity not who pittieth that yard when the old merchant heard this ill flouting from the damsel he was wroth with wrath exceeding beyond which was no proceeding, and said to the broker, almost ill omen of brokers, thou hast not brought into the market this ill-conditioned wench, but to jive me, and make mock of me before the merchants. Then the broker took her aside, and said to her, O my lady, be not wanting in self-respect. The sheik at whom thou didst mock is the syndic of the bazaar, an inspector thereof,

Starting point is 11:14:56 and a committee-man of the counsel of the merchants. But she laughed and improvised these two couplets. it behoveth folk who rule in our time, and tis one of the duties of magistrateship, to hand up the wali above his door, and beat with a whip the mota-sib, adding, By Allah, O my lord, I will not be sold to yonder old man, so sell me to other than him, for happily he will be abashed at me, and vend me again, and I shall become a mere servant, and it be seemeth not that I sully myself with menial service, and indeed thou knowest that the matter of my sale is committed to myself.

Starting point is 11:15:33 He replied, I hear and I obey, and carried her to a man which was one of the chief merchants. And when standing hard by him, the broker asked, How sayest thou, O my lady? Shall I sell thee to my lord Sharif al-din, here for nine hundred and fifty gold pieces? She looked at him, and seen him to be an old man with a dyed beard, said to the broker, "'Aught thou silly that thou would sell me to this worn-out father antic? "'Am I cotton refuse or threadbare rags that thou marchest me about from greybeard to grey-beard, "'each like a wall ready to fall, or an if-rit smitten down of a fire-ball?'

Starting point is 11:16:11 "'As for the first, the poet had him in mind when he said, "'I sought of a fair maid to kiss her lips of coral red, "'but know by him who fashioned things from nothingness,' she said, "'unt to the white of hoary hairs I never had a mind.' and shall my mouth be stuffed forsooth with cotton ere i'm dead and how goodly is the saying of the poet the wise have said that white of hair is light that shines and robes the face of man with majesty and light that awes the sight yet until hoary seal shall stamp my parting place of hair i hope and pray that same may be black as the blackest night i'll be time-witened beard of man be like the book he bears when to his lord he must return i'd rather twere not white and yet goodlier is the saying of another a guest hath stolen on my head and honour may he lack the sword a milder deed hath done that dared these locks to hack avaunt o whiteness wherein naught of brightness gladden's sight thou art blacker in the eyes of me than very blackest black. As for the other, he is a model of wantonness and scurlessness, and a blackener of the

Starting point is 11:17:21 face of horiness. His dye acteth the foulest of lies, and the tongue of his case reciteth these lines. Quoth she to me, I see thou diest thy horiness, and I, I do but hide it from thy sight, O thou mine ear and I, she laughed out mockingly and said, a wonder tis indeed thou so aboundest in deceit that even thy hair is a lie and how excellent is the saying of the poet o thou who diest horiness with black that youth with thee abide at least in show look ye my lot was dyed black will home and take my word none other hute will grow when the old man with dyed beard heard such words from the slave-girl he raged with exceeding rage in fury's last stage and said to the broker O, most ill-omened of brokers, This day thou hast brought to our market Not save this gibbing baggage To flout at all who are therein,

Starting point is 11:18:18 One after other, And fleer at them with flighting verse and idle chest, He came down from his shop And smote on the face the broker Who took her, and angered and carried her away, Saying to her, By Allah, never in my life saw I a more shameless wench than thyself. Thou hast cut off, my daily bread,

Starting point is 11:18:37 And thine own this day, and all the merchants will bear me a grudge on thine account. Then they saw, on the way, a merchant called Shihab al-Din, who bid ten dinars more for her. The broker asked her leave to sell her to him. Quil she, trot him out, then I may see him and question him of a certain thing, which if he have in his house I will be sold to him, and if not, then not. So the broker left her standing there, and going up to Shihab al-Din, said to him,

Starting point is 11:19:05 O my lord, know that yonder damsel tells me she hath a mind to ask thee somewhat, which, and thou have, she will be sold to thee. Now thou hast heard what she said to thy fellows, the merchants, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and seventy-second night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the broker said to the merchant, thou hast heard what this handmaid said to thy fellows, the traitors, and by Allah, I fear to bring her to thee, lest she do with thee, like as she did with thy neighbours, and so I fall into disgrace with thee,

Starting point is 11:19:43 but, and thou bid me bring her to thee, I will bring her. Quoth the merchant, hither with her to me. Haring and obeyed, answered the broker, and fetched for the purchaser the damsel, who looked at him and said, O my lord, my lord Shihabaldin, hast thou in thy house round cushions, stuffed with ermine strips replied shee-ha belden yes o prince is a fair ones i have at home half a score such cushions but i conjure thee by allah tell me what will thou do with them quoth she i will bear with thee till thou be asleep when i will lay them on my mouth and nose and press them down till thou die then she turned to the broker and said to him o thou refuse of brokers me seemeth thou art mad in that thou showest me this past hour first to a pair of greybeards in each of whom are two faults and then thou preferest me to my lord shihab al-din wherein be three defects firstly he is dwarf fish. Secondly, he hath a nose which is big, and thirdly, he hath a beard which is long. Of him, quoth, one of the poets. We never heard of white nor yet espied, who amid men three gifts

Starting point is 11:20:56 hath unified, to wit a beard one cubit long, a snout, span long, and figure tall a finger-wide, and quoth another poet, from the plain of his face, springs a minaret, like a bezel of ring on his finger set. Did creation enter that fast he knows? No created thing would elsewhere be met. When Shihab al-Din heard this, he came down from his shop and seized the broker by the caller, saying, O scurvyest of brokers, what alethy to bring us a damsel to flout and make mock of us one after another, with her verses and talk that a curse is. So the broker took her and carried her away from before him, and fared, saying, by Allah, all my lifelong. since I have plied this profession, never set I eyes on the like of thee for unmannarliness,

Starting point is 11:21:47 nor ought more curse to me than thy star, for thou hast cut off my livelihood this day, and I have gained no profit by thee, save cuffs on the neck-nate and catching by the collar. Then he brought her to the shop of another merchant, owner of negro slaves and white servants, and stationing her before him, said to her, "'Wilt thou be sold to this, my lord Allah al-Din?' She looked at him, and seeing him hump back, said, "'This is a go-bow!' and quote the poet of him. "'Drawn in thy shoulders are, and spine thrust out,

Starting point is 11:22:19 "'as seeking star which Satan gave the lout, "'or, as he tasted, had first smack of courage, "'and looked in marvel for a second bout, "'and set another on the same theme. "'As one of you who mounted mule, "'a sight for me to ridicule, is it not a farce who feels surprised, and start unbolt with him the mule? And another on a similar subject. oft hunchback addeth to his bunchy-back, faults which garfolk upon his front look black,

Starting point is 11:22:49 like branch distort and dried by length of days, with citrons hanging from it loose and slack. With this the broker hurried up to her, and carrying her to another merchant, said to her, Will thou be sold to this one? She looked at him and said, in very sooth this man is blue-eyed how wilt thou sell me to him quoth one of the poets his eyelids sore and bleared weakness of frame to note arise ye folk and see within his eyes the moat then the broker carried her to another and she looked at him and seen that he had a long beard said to the broker fie upon thee this is a ram whose tail has sprouted from his gullet will thou sell me to him o unluckiest of brokers hast thou not heard of say, all long of beard are little of wits. Indeed, after the measure of the length of the beard is the lack of sense, and this is a well-known thing among men of understanding, as saith one of the poets, ne'er was a man with beard grown over long, though he therefore reverenced and feared, but who the shortness noted in his wits, added to longness noted in his beard.

Starting point is 11:23:58 And quoth another, I have a friend with a beard which God hath made to grow to a useless length. It is like unto one of the nights of winter long and dark and cold. With this the broker took her and turned away with her, and she asked, Whither goest thou with me? And he answered, Back to thy master the Persian. It sufficeeth me what hath befallen me, because of thee this day, for thou hast been the means of spoiling both my trade and his by thine ill manners. Then she looked about the market right and left, front and rear, till by the decree of the decriers, her eyes fell on Ali Nur al-Din, the Kareen, so she gazed at him and saw him to be a comely youth of straight, slim form, and smooth of face, fourteen years old, rare in beauty and loveliness, and elegance and

Starting point is 11:24:48 amorous grace like the full moon on the fourteenth night, with forehead flower white, and cheeks rosy red, neck like alabaster and teeth than jewels finer, and dews of lips sweeter than sugar, even as saith of him one of his describers. Came to match him in beauty and loveliness rare, full moons and gazelles, but quoth I, soft fair, fair softly gazelles, nor yourselves compare with him, and oh moons, all your pains forbear, and how well said another bard, slim wasted loveling, from his hair and row men wake a morn in night, and light renewed. Blame not the mole that dwelleth on his cheek,

Starting point is 11:25:30 for Newman's bloom eye shows spot negro hewed. When the slave-girl beheld Nuraldin, he interposed between her and her wits. She fell in love to him with a great and sudden fall, and her heart was taken with affection for him, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized sane her permitted say. when it was the eight hundred and seventy-third night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the slave-girl beheld nirldin her heart was taken with affection for him so she turned to the broker and said to him

Starting point is 11:26:06 will not yonder young merchant who is sitting among the traders in the gown of striped broadcloth bid somewhat more for me the broker replied o lady of fair ones yonder young man is a stranger from cairo where his father is chief of the traitor guild and surpasseth all the merchants and notables of the place. He is but lately come to this our city, and lodgeth with one of his father's friends, but he hath made no bid for thee, nor more, nor less. When the girl heard the broker's words, she drew from her finger a costly signet-ring of ruby, and said to the man, carry me to yonder youth, and if he buy me, this ring shall be thine, in requital of thy travail with me this day. The broker rejoiced at this, and brought her up to nur al-din and she considered him straightly and found him like the full moon perfect in loveliness and a model of fine stature and symmetric grace even as saith of him one of his describers waters of beauty or his cheeks flow bright and rain his glances shafts that sorely smite choked are his lovers and he deal disdain's bitterest draught denain love delight his forehead and his stature and my love are perfected perfection dight

Starting point is 11:27:22 his raiment folds in fold a lovely net as crescent moon in collar button-tight his e'en and twinned moles and tears of me are night that knighteth to the nightliest night his eyebrows and his features in my frame crescents on crescents are as crescent's slight his pupils pass the wine-cup to his friends which i'll be sweet taste bitter to my sprite and to my thirsty throat pure drink he dealt from smiling lips what day we will were unite then is my blood to him my death to him his right and rightful and most righteous right the girl gazed at neral then and said o my lord allah upon thee am i not beautiful and he replied o princess of fair ones is there in the world a comelier than thou she rejoined then why seest thou all the other merchants bid high for me and art silent nor sayest a word neither addest one denar to my price twould seem i please thee not o my lord quoth he o my lady were i in my own land i had bought thee with all that my hand possesseth of monies and quoth she o my lord i said not buy me against thy will yet didst thou but add somewhat to my price it would heart my heart, though thou by me not, so the merchants may say, Were not this girl handsome? The under merchant of Cairo had not bidden for her, for the careens are connoisseurs in slave-girls. These words abashed, Neraldin, and he blushed and said to the broker,

Starting point is 11:28:57 How high are the biddings for her? He replied, Her price hath reached nine hundred and sixty dinars, besides brokerage. As for the sultan's dues, they fall on the cellar. Quoth Nuraldin, let me have to have. her for a thousand dinars, brokerage and price. And the damsel, hastening to the fore, and leaving the broker, said, I sell myself to this handsome young man for a thousand dinars. But Nuraldin held his peace. Quoth one, we sell to him. And another, he deserveth her. And a third, accursed, son of a cursed, is he who biddeth and doth not buy. And a fourth,

Starting point is 11:29:34 by a law, they befit each other. Then, before Nouraldin could think, The broker fetched Kaziz and witnesses, who wrote out a contract of sale and purchase, and the broker handed the paper to Nouraldin, saying, Take thy slave-girl, and Allah bless thee in her, for she be seemeth none but thee, and none but thou be seemeth her. And he recited these two couplets. Boon fortune sought him in humblest way, and came to him, dragglet-tailed all astir, and none is fittest for him but she, and none is fittest but he for her.

Starting point is 11:30:09 hereat neraldin was abashed before the merchants so he arose without stay or delay and weighed out the thousand dinars which he had left as a deposit with his father's friend the druggist and taking the girl carried her to the house wherein the sheath had lodged him When she entered and saw nothing but ragged patched carpets and worn out rugs, she said to him, O my lord, have I no value to thee, and am I not worthy that thou shouldst bear me to thine own house and home, wherein are thy goods that thou bringest me into thy servants' lodging? Why dost thou not carry me to thy father's dwelling? He replied, by Allah, O princess of fair ones, this is my house wherein I dwell. but it belongeth to an old man, a druggist of this city, who hath set it apart for me and lodged me therein. I told thee that I was a stranger, and that I am of the sons of Cairo City.

Starting point is 11:31:01 She rejoined, O my lord, the least of houses sufficeeth till thy return to thy native place. But Allah upon thee, O my lord, go now, and fetch us somewhat of roast meat and wine and dried fruit and dessert. Quoth, Nouraldin, by Allah, princes of fair ones, I had no money. with me, but the thousand dinars I paid down to thy price, nor possess I any other good. The few dirhams I owned were spent by me yesterday. Quoth she, hast thou no friend in the town of whom thou mayst borrow fifty dirhams, and bring them to me, that I may tell thee what thou shalt do therewith. And he said, I have no intimate but the druggist. Then he betook himself forthright to the druggist, and said to him, peace be with thee, O uncle. He returned his salam, and said to him,

Starting point is 11:31:48 "'Oh, my son, what hast thou bought for a thousand dinars this day?' "'Nuraldin replied, "'I have bought a slave-girl.' And the oldster rejoined, "'Oh, my son, art thou mad that thou givest a thousand dinars for one slave-girl? "'Would I knew what kind of slave-girl she is?' said Nuraldin. "'She is a damsel of the children of the Franks.' "'And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day

Starting point is 11:32:12 "'and ceased to say her permitted say. "'End of Section 34. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 35 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State.

Starting point is 11:32:46 The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous. translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890, Section 35. When it was the 874th night, she resumed, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, That Nuraldin said to the ancient druggist, The damsel is of the children of the Franks. And the Sheikh said, Oh, my son, the best of the growth of the Franks are to be had in this are town for a hundred dinars,

Starting point is 11:33:19 and by Allah, oh my son, they have cheated thee in the manner of this damsel. However, and thou have taken a fancy to her, lie with her this night and do thy will of her, and to-morrow morning go down with her to the market and sell her, though thou lose by her two hundred dinars, and reckon that thou hast lost them by shipwreck, or has been robbed of them on the road. Narl then replied, Right is thy reed, O uncle, but thou knowest that I had but the thousand inars, wherewith I purchased the damsel, and now I have not a single dirham left to spend.

Starting point is 11:33:54 So I desire of thy favour and bounty, that thou lend me fifty dirhams, to provide me with all, till to-morrow when I will sell her, and repay thee out of her price, said the old man, willingly, O my son, and counted out to him the fifty dirms. Then he said to him, O my son, thou art but young in years, and a damsel is fair, so be like thy heart, will be taken with her, and it will be grievous to thee to vend her. Now thou hast nothing to live on, and these fifty dirhams will readily be spent, and thou will come to me, and I shall lend thee once, and twice, and thrice, and so on, up to ten times. But, and thou come to me after this, I will not return thy salam, and our friendship with thy father will end ill.

Starting point is 11:34:43 Earl then took the fifty dirhams and returned with them to the damsel, who said to him, O my lord, when thee at once stood market, and fetch me twenty dirms worth of stained silk of five colours, and with the other thirty, buy meat and bread and fruit and wine and flowers. So he went to the market, and purchasing for her all she sought, bought it to her, whereupon she rose, and, tucking up her sleeves, cooked food after the most skillful fashion, and set it before him. he ate and she ate with him till they had enough after which she set on the wine and she drank and he drank and she seized not to ply him with drink and entertain him with discourse till he became drunken and fell asleep Thereupon she rose without stay or delay, and taking out of her bundle a budget of typhy leather,

Starting point is 11:35:33 opened it, and drew forth a pair of knitting needles, wherewith she fell to work and stinted knock, till she had made a beautiful zone, which she folded up in a wrapper after cleaning it and ironing it, and laid it under her pillow. Then she doffed her dress till she was mother naked, and lying down beside Neraldine shampooed him, till he awoke from his heavy sleep. He found by his side a maiden like a virgin silver, softer than silk and delicater than a tail of fatted sheep, than standard more conspicuous and goodlier than the red camel. In height, five feet tall, with breasts firm and full,

Starting point is 11:36:12 brows like bended bows, eyes like gazelle's eyes, and cheeks like blood-red anemones, a slender waist with dimples laced, and a navel holding an ounce of the unguent. benzoing, thighs like bolsters stuffed with ostrich down, and between them what the tongue fails to set forth, and at mention whereof the tears jet forth, brief it was, as it were, she to whom the poet alluded in these two couplets, from her hair is night, from her forehead noon, from her side-face rose, from her lip wine-boom, from her union heaven, her severance hell, pearls from her teeth,

Starting point is 11:36:55 front full moon, and how excellent is the saying of another bard. A moon she rises, willow wand she waves, breeze ambergris, and gazeth a gazelle. Me seems that sorrow wooes my heart and winds, and when she wends make haste therein to dwell, her face is fairer than the stars of wealth, and sheenie brows the crescent moon excel, and quoth a third also. They shine fullest moons, unveil crescent bright sway tenderest branches and turn wild kind mid which is a dark-eyed for love of whose charms the sailors would joy to be ground low lean So, Nouraldin turned to her at once, and clasping her to his bosom, sucked first her upper lip, and then her underlip, and slid his tongue between the twain into her mouth. Then he rose to her, and found her a pearl unthridden, and a filly none but he had ridden.

Starting point is 11:37:58 So he abated her maidenhead, and had of her amorous delight, and there was knitted between them a love-bond which might never no breach nor severance. upon her cheeks kisses like the falling of pebbles into water, and struck with stroke upon stroke, like the thrusting of spears in battle brunt. For that, Nourald bin still yearned after clipping of necks and sucking of lips, and letting down of tress and pressing of waist, and biting the cheek, and cavocating on breast with careing buckings, and yamonning wrigglings, and Abyssinian sobings, and Hindi pamoisons, and Nubian lasciviousness, and, and reefy leg-liftings, and D'emit and moanings, and sidi-hotness, and Alexandrian languishment,

Starting point is 11:38:48 and this damsel united in herself all these virtues, together with excess of beauty and loveliness, and indeed she was even, as saith of her, the poet, This is she I will never forget till I die, nor draw near, but to those who to her draw nigh, A being for semblance like moon at full. Praise her maker, her modeler, glorify. Though be soaring my sin-seeking loveliest, on Esperance day, ne'er repent can I, A couplet reciting which none can know save the youth, when couplets and rhymes shall cry, None weateth love, but who bears its load, nor passion, save pleasures and pains he abide. So, Nuralt, then lay with a damsel through the night, in solace and delight.

Starting point is 11:39:36 and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized, saying, her permitted say, When it was the eight hundred seventy-fifth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that knurled in lay with that damsel through the night, in solace and delight, the twain garbed in the closely buttoned garments of embrace, safe and secure against the misways of nights and days, and they pass the dark hours after the goodliest fashion, Fearing not, in their joys, love fraught, from excess of talk and prey, As saith of them the right excellent poet,

Starting point is 11:40:15 Go, visit her thou lovest, and regard not the words detractors utter, Envious churls can never favour love. O sure, the merciful, ne'er make a thing more fair to look upon, than two fond lovers in each other's arms, Speaking their passion in a mute embrace, When heart has turned to heart, the fools would part them. Strike idly on cold steel, so when thou's found one purely wholly thine, except her true heart, and live for her alone,

Starting point is 11:40:48 O thou that blamest the lovestruck for their love, give o'er they talk, how canst thou minister to a mind diseased? When the morning morrowed in sheen and shone, Ner al-Din awoke from deep sleep, and found that she had brought water. So they made the gusel ablution, he and she, and he performed that which behooved him of prayer to his lord,

Starting point is 11:41:12 after which she set before him meat and drink, and he ate and drank. Then the damsel put her hand under her pillow, and pulling out the girdle which she had knitted during the night, gave it to Nour al-din, who asked, Whence comeeth this girdle? Answered she, O my lord, tis the silk thou bought us yesterday for twenty-year-old,

Starting point is 11:41:32 dirhams. Rise now, and go to the Persian bazaar and give it to the broker, to cry for sale, and sell it not for less than twenty gold pieces in ready money. Quoth Nour al-din, O princess of fair ones, how can a thing that cost twenty dirhams, and will sell for as many dinars be made in a single night? And quoth she, O my lord, thou knowest not the value of this thing, but go to the market therewith, and give it to the broker, and when he shall cry it, its worth will be made manifest to thee herewith he carried the zone to the market and gave it to the broker bidding him cry it walt he himself sat down on a masonry bench before i shop the broker fared forth and returning after a while said to him o my lord rise take the price of thy zone for it has fetched twenty dinars money down when neral then heard this he marvelled with exceeding marvel and shook with delight then he rose between belief and the belief and misbelief, to take the money, and when he had received it, he went forthright, and spent it all

Starting point is 11:42:37 on silk of various colors, and returning home, gave his purchase to the damsel, saying, Make this all into girdles, and teach me likewise how to make them, that I may work with thee, for never in the length of my life saw a fairer craft than this craft, nor a more abounding in gain and profit. By all it is better than the trade of a merchant of a thousand times. She laughed his language and said, O my lord, go to thy friend the druggist, and borrow other thirty dirhams of him, and to-morrow repay him from the price of the girdle,

Starting point is 11:43:12 the thirty together with the fifty already loaned to thee. So he rose, and repaired to the druggist, and said to him, O uncle, lend me other thirty dirms, and to-morrow, Almighty Allah willing, I will repay thee, the whole four score. The old man weighed him out thirty dirhams, wherewith he went to the market,

Starting point is 11:43:31 and by meat and bread, dried fruits and flowers as before, carried them home to the damsel, whose name was Miriam, the girdle girl. She rose forthright, and making ready rich meats, set them before her lord Nouraldin, after which she brought the wine service, and they drank and plied each other with drink. When the wine began to play with their wits,

Starting point is 11:43:53 his pleasant address and inner grace pleased her, and she recited these two couplets, said i to slim waste who the wine engraced brought in musk-scented bowl and a superfong was it pressed from thy cheek he replied nay nay when did a man from roses ere pressed the wine and the damsel seized not to carouse with her lord and ply him with cup and bowl and require him to fill for her and give her to drink of that which sweeteneth the spirits and whenever he put forth hand to her she drew back from him out of coquetry. The wine added to her beauty and loveliness, and Nourald then recited these two couplets. Slim waste craved wine from her company, cried in meeting of friends when he feared for his fair, and thou pass not the wine thou shalt pass the night, a banished my bed, and he felt sore fear. They seized not drinking till drunkenness

Starting point is 11:44:52 overpowered Nuraldin, and he slept, whereupon she rose forthright, and felt, and fell to work upon a zone as was her wamp when she had wrought it to the inn she wrapped it in paper and doffing her clothes lay down by his side and enjoyed dalliance and delight till morn appeared and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and seventy-sixth night she continued it hath reached me o auspicious king that miriam the girdle-girl having finished her zone and wrapped it in paper doffed her dress and lay down by the side of her lord and then happened to them what happened of dalliance and delight and he did his devour like a man on the morrow she gave him the girdle and said to him carry this to the market and sell it for twenty dinars even as thou soldest its fellow yesterday so he went to the bazaar and sold the girdle for twenty dinars after which he repaired to the druggist and paid him back the eighty dirhams thanking him for the bounties and calling down blessings upon him he asked o my son hast thou sold the damsel? And Nouraldin answered, Wouldst thou hath be sell the soul out of my body? And he told him all that had passed, from commencement to conclusion,

Starting point is 11:46:11 whereat the druggist joyed with joy galore. Then which could be no more, and said to him, by Allah, O my son, thou gladnest me. Inshallah, mayest thou ever be in prosperity. Indeed, I wish thee well by reason of my affection for thy father, and the continuance of my friendship with him. Then Nour al-Din left the Sheikh, and straight away going to the market bought meat and fruit and wine and all that he needed according to his custom,

Starting point is 11:46:37 and returned therewith to Miriam. They abode thus a whole year in eating and drinking, and mirth and merriment, and love and good comradeship, and every night she made his own, and he sold it on the barrel for twenty dinars, wherewith he bought their needs and gave the rest to her, to keep against a time of necessity. After the twelvemonth, she said to him one day, oh my lord when as thou sellest the girdle to-morrow buy for me with its price silk of six colours because i am minded to make thee a kerchief to wear on thy shoulders such as never son of a merchant no nor king's son ever rejoiced in its like next day he fared forth to the bazaar and after selling the zone brought her the dyed silk she sought and miriam the girdle-girl wrought at the kerchief a whole week for every night when she had made an end of the zone she worked a while at the kerchief till it was finished then she gave it to duraldin who put it on his shoulders and went out to walk in the market-place whilst all the merchants and folk and notables of the town crowded about him to gaze on his beauty and that of the kerchief which was of the the most beautiful. Now it chanced that one night, after this, he awoke from sleep,

Starting point is 11:47:52 and found Miriam weeping, passing, sore, and reciting these couplets. Nears my parting from, my love, Nyer draws the severance day. Ha, well away for parting, and again, ah, well away! And in twey is torn my heart, an old pine I'm doomed to bear for the nights that erst witnessed our pleasurable play. No help for it, but envier the twain of us a spy with evil eye and wind to us his lamentable way for not to us is sore than the jealousy of men and the backpiders eyne that with calumny affray he said o my lady miriam and she replied i weep for the anguish of parting for my heart presages me thereof quoth he o lady of fair ones and who shall interpose between us seeing that i love thee above all creatures and tender thee the most and quoth she and i love thee twice as well as thou me but fair opinion of fortune still gareth folk fall into affliction and right well saith the poet thinkest thou thyself all prosperous in days which prosperous be

Starting point is 11:49:02 nor fearest thou impending ill which comes by heaven's decree we see the orbs of heaven above how numberless they are but sun and moon alone eclipsed and ne'er a lesser star and many a tree on earth we sees some bear, some leafy green, of them not one is hurt with stone save that has fruitful been. Seas not the refluent ocean, bear carrion on its tide, while pearls beneath its wavy flow fixed in a deep abide. Presently she added, O my lord, Nur al-Din, and thou desire to non-suit separation, be on my guard against a swart visaged oldster, blind of the right eye and lame of the left blake, for he it is, who will be the cause of our severance. I saw him into the city, and I opine that he has come hither in quest of me, replied Nour albin, O lady of fair ones, if my eye is light on him, I will slay him and make an example

Starting point is 11:49:59 of him. Rejoined she, oh my lord, slay him not, but talk not, nor trade with him, neither buy, nor sell with him, nor sit, nor walk with him, nor speak one word to him, no not even the answer prescribed by law, and I pray Allah to preserve us from his craft and his mischief. Next morning, Nur al-Din took the zone and carried it to the market, where he sat down on a shop-bench and talked with the sons of the merchants, till the drowsiness preceding slumber overcame him, and he lay down on the bench and fell asleep. Presently, behold, up came the Frank, whom the damsel had described to him, in company with seven others, and seeing Nur al-Din lying asleep on the bench, with his head wrapped in the kerchief which Miriam had not.

Starting point is 11:50:44 made for him, and the edge thereof in his grasp, sat down by him, and hent the end of the kerchief in hand, and examined it, turning it over for some time. Nur al-Din sensed that there was something, and awoke, then seeing the very man of whom Miriam had warned him, sitting by his side, cried out at him with a great cry which startled him. Quoth the frank, what aileth thee to cry out thus at us! Have we taken from the aught? and quote, Nur al-Din, by Allah, O accursed, hadst thou taken off from me, I would carry thee before the chief of police.

Starting point is 11:51:18 Then said the frank, O Muslim, I conjure thee by thy faith, and by that wherein thou believest, inform me whence thou hadest this kerchief. And Nur al-Din replied, Tis the handiwork of my lady-mother. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized, saying her permitted say.

Starting point is 11:51:37 End of section 35. Recorded by Sylvia M. B. in Washington State. 1821 through 1890 section 36 when it was the eight hundred and seventy seventh night she pursued it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the frank asked nur al din anent the maker of the kerchief he answered saying in very sooth this kerchief is the handiwork of my mother who made it for me with her own hand quoth the frank wilt thou sell it to me and take ready money for it and quoth neraldin by allah i will not sell it to thee or to any else for she made none other than it. Sell it to me, and I will give thee to its price this very moment, five hundred dinars, money down, and let her who made it make thee another and finer. I will not sell it at all, for there is not the like of it in this city. O my lord, wilt thou sell it for six hundred ducats of fine gold? And the franc went on to add to his offer hundred by hundred till he bid nine hundred dinars. But Nouraldin said,

Starting point is 11:53:14 Allah will open to me otherwise than by my vending it. I will never sell it, not for two thousand dinars, nor more than that. No, never. The Frank seized not to tempt him with money, till he bid him a thousand dinars. And the merchant's present said, We sell thee the kerchief at that price. Pay down the money, quoth nerled in, I will not sell it, I swear, by Allah. But one of the merchants said to him, know thou, oh, my son, that the value of this kerchief is an hundred dinars at most. and that to an eager purchaser, and if this franc pay down thee a thousand for,

Starting point is 11:53:49 thy profit will be nine hundred dinars. And what gain canst thou desire greater than this gain? Wherefore, tis my read that thou sell him this kerchief at that price, and bid her who wrought it make thee other finer than that. So shalt thou profit nine hundred dinars by this accursed franc, the enemy of Allah and of the faith. Nur al-Din was abashed at the merchants and sold the kerchief to the frank, who in their presence paid him down,

Starting point is 11:54:14 the thousand dinars, with which he would have returned to his handmaid to congratulate her on what had passed. But the stranger said, hark ye, O company of merchants, stop my lord, Nur al-Din, for you and he are my guest this night. I have a jar of old Greek wine and a fat lamb, fresh fruit, flowers, and confections. Wherefore do ye all cheer me with your company tonight, and not one of you tarry behind. So the merchant said, O my lord, Nur al-Din, we desire that thou be with us on the like of this night, so we may talk together, we and thou, and we pray thee of thy favor and bounty, to bear us company, so we and thou may be the guests of this Frank, for he is a liberal man, and they conjured him by the oath of divorce, and hindered him by main force from going home.

Starting point is 11:55:01 Then they rose forthright, and shutting up their shops, took Nouraldin, and fared with the Frank, who brought them to a goodly and spacious saloon, wherein were two dadses. Here he made them sit and set before them a scarlet traycloth of goodly workmanship and unique candywork, rotten in gold with figures of breaker and broken, lover and beloved, asker and asked, whereon he ranged precious vessels of porcelain and crystal, full of the costliest confections, fruits and flowers, and brought them a flagon of old Greek wine. Then he bade slaughter a fat lamb and kindling fire proceeded to roast of its flesh and feed the merchants therewith and give them draughts of that wine,

Starting point is 11:55:41 winking at them the while to ply Nouraldin with drink. Accordingly, they ceased not plying him with wine till he became drunken and took leave of his wits. So when the Frank saw that he was drowned in liquor, he said to him, O my lord, Nouraldin, thou gladnest us with thy company to-night. Welcome, and again welcome to thee. Then he engaged him a while in talk

Starting point is 11:56:03 till he could draw near to him, when he said, with dissembling speech, O my lord, Nouraldin, will thou sell me thy slave-girl, whom thou boughtest in presence of these merchants a year ago for a thousand dinars? I will give thee at this moment five thousand gold pieces for her, and thou wilt thus make four thousand ducats, profit. Nouraldin refused, but the Frank ceased not to ply him with meat and drink and lure him with lucre, still adding to his offers, till he bid him ten thousand dinars for her. Whereupon Nouraldin in his drunkenness said before the merle-din, said before the merle-mer, merchants. I sell her to thee for ten thousand dinars. Hand over the money. At this the Frank rejoiced

Starting point is 11:56:44 with joy exceeding and took the merchants to witness the sale. They passed the night in eating and drinking, mirth and merriment till the morning, when the Frank cried out to his pages, saying, bring me the money. So they brought it to him and he counted out ten thousand dinars to Nouraldin saying, O my lord, take the price of thy slave-girl whom thou soldest to me last night in the presence of these Muslim merchants, replied Nouraldin. Oh, accursed I sold thee nothing, and thou liest an end to me, for I have no slave-girls. Quoth the frank, in very sooth, thou didst sell her to me, and these merchants were witnesses to the bargain. Thereupon all said, yes, indeed, thou soldest him thy slave-girl before us for ten thousand dinars.

Starting point is 11:57:27 Oh, Nouraldin, we will all bear witness against thee of the sale. Come, take the money, and deliver him the girl, and Allah will give thee a better than she, in her stead. Doth it irk thee, O Nouraldin, that thou boughtest the girl for a thousand dinars, and hast enjoyed for a year and a half of her beauty and loveliness, and taken thy fill of her converse and her favors? Furthermore, thou hast gained some ten thousand golden dinars by the sale of the zones which she made thee every day, and thou soldest for twenty sequins, and after all this thou hast sold her again at a profit of nine thousand dinars over and above her original price. and withal thou denies the sale, and belittlest and make us difficulties about the profit?

Starting point is 11:58:09 What gain is greater than this gain, and what profit wouldst thou have profitableer than this profit? And thou love her, thou hast had thy fill of her all this time, so take the money and buy thee another handsomer than she, or we will marry thee to one of our daughters, lovelier than she, at a dowry of less than half this price, and the rest of the money will remain in thy hand as capital. and the merchant seized not to ply him with persuasion and special arguments, till he took the ten thousand dinars, the price of the damsel, and the Frank straightway fetched Cazis and witnesses, who drew up the contract of sale by Nouraldin of the handmade height Miriam the girdle-girl.

Starting point is 11:58:49 Such was his case, but as regards the damsels, she sat awaiting her lord from morning till sundown, and from sundown till the noon of night, and when he returned not, she was troubled and wept with sore weeping, The old druggis heard her sobbing and sent his wife, who went into her, and finding her in tears, said to her, O my lady, what aileth thee to weep, said she, Oh, my mother, I have sat waiting the return of my lord, Nour al-Din all day,

Starting point is 11:59:15 but he cometh not, and I fear lest someone have played a trick on him, to make him sell me, and he have fallen into the snare and sold me. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say, when it was the eight hundred and seventy-eighth night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that miriam the girdle-girl said to the druggist wife i am fearful lest some one have been playing tricks on my lord to make him sell me and he have fallen into the snare and sold me said the other o my lady miriam were they to give thy lord this hall full of gold as thy price yet would he not sell thee for what i know of his love to thee but oh my lady be like there be a company come from his parents at Cairo, he hath made them an entertainment in the lodging where they alighted, being ashamed to bring them hither, for that the place is not spacious enough for them, or because their condition is less than that he should bring them to his own house, or be like he preferred to conceal thine

Starting point is 12:00:14 affair from them, so past the night with them, and inshallah, tomorrow he will come to thee safe and sound. So burden not thy soul with carc and care, oh my lady, for of a certainty this is the cause of his absence from thee last night, and I will abide with thee, thee this coming night and comfort thee, until thy lord returned to thee. So the druggist wife abode with her, and cheered her with talk throughout the dark hours, and when it was morning, Miriam saw her lord enter the street, followed by the Frank, and a middlemost, a company of merchants, at which sight her side muscles quivered, and her color changed, and she fell a shaking, as a ship shaketh in mid-ocean for the violence of the gale. When the druggist's wife saw this, she said to her,

Starting point is 12:00:55 O my lady Miriam, what aileth thee, that I see thy case changed, and thy face groaned pale and show disfeatured, replied she, By Allah, O my lady, my heart forbodeth me of parting and severance of union, and she bemoaned herself with the saddest sighs, reciting these couplets. Incline not to parting, I pray, for bitter it savor is I. Ene the sun at his setting turns pale, to think he must part from the day, and so at his rising, for joy. of reunion he's radiant and gay then mariam wept passing sore where then not could be more making sure of separation and cried to the druggist wife oh my mother said i not to thee that my lord neraldin had been tricked into selling me i doubt not but he hath sold me this night to yonder frank albeit i bade him beware of him but deliberation availeth not against destiny so the truth of my words is made manifest to thee whilst they were talking behold in came Nouraldin, and the damsel looked at him and saw that his colour was changed, and that he trembled, and there appeared on his face signs of grief and repentance. So she said to him, O my lord, Nouraldin,

Starting point is 12:02:08 Meseemeth thou hast sold me, whereupon he wept with sore weeping, and groaned and lamented, and recited these couplets. Wheneer the Lord against any man would fulminate some harsh decree, and he be wise and skilled to hear and used to see, He stops his ears and blinds his heart and from his brain ill-judgment tears, and makes it bald as to a scalp reft of its hairs, until the time when the whole man be pierced by this divine command, then he restores him intellect to understand.

Starting point is 12:02:39 Then Nuraldin began to excuse himself to his handmaid, saying, By Allah, O my lady Miriam, verily runneth the reed with whatso Allah hast decreed. The folk put a cheat on me to make me sell thee, and I fell into the snare and sold thee. Indeed I have sorely failed of my duty to thee, but happily he who decreed our disunion will vouchsafe us reunion.

Starting point is 12:03:03 Quil she, I warned thee against this, for this is what I dreaded. Then she strained him to her bosom and kissed him between the eyes, reciting these couplets. Now, by your love, your love I'll near forget, though lost my life for stress of pine and fret. I weeped and wail through live long,

Starting point is 12:03:22 and night as moans the dove on sand-hill tree beset. O fairest, friends, your absence spoils my life, nor find I meeting-place as erst we met. At this juncture, behold, the Frank came into them and went up to Miriam to kiss her hands, but she dealt him a buffet with her palm on the cheek, saying, Avanto, accursed! O hast followed me without surcees till thou hast cozened my lord into selling me, but, O accursed, all shall yet be well, inshela. the frank laughed at her speech and wondered at her deed and excused himself to her saying o my lady miriam what is my offence thy lord neraldin here sold thee of his full consent and of his own free will had he loved thee by the right of the messiah he had not transgressed against thee and had he not fulfilled his desire of thee he had not sold thee quoth one of the poets whom i irk let him fly for me fast and faster if i name his name his name his name name I am no director, nor the wide, wide world is to me so narrow that I act expector to this

Starting point is 12:04:29 rejector. Now, this handmaid was the daughter of the King of France, the which is a wide and spacious city, abounding in manufacturers and rarities and trees and flowers and other growth, and resembleth the city of Constantinople, and for her going forth of her father's city, there was a wondrous cause, and thereby hangeth a marvelous tale, which we will set out in due order, to divert and delight the hearer. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and seventy-ninth night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the cause of Miriam the girdle-girl, leaving her father and mother was a wondrous, and thereby hangeth a marvelous tale.

Starting point is 12:05:14 She was reared with her father and mother in honor and indulgence, and learned rhetoric and penmanship and arithmetic, and cavalieres, and all. manner of crafts such as broidery and sewing and weaving and girdle-making and silk cord-making and damascening gold on silver and silver on gold brief all the arts both of men and women till she became the union pearl of her time and the unique gem of her age and day moreover allah to whom belong might and majesty had endowed her with such beauty and loveliness and elegance and perfection of grace that she excelled therein all the folk of her time, and the kings of the isles sought her in marriage of her sire, but he refused to give her to wife to any of her suitors, for that he loved her with

Starting point is 12:06:02 passing love and could not bear to be parted from her a single hour. Moreover, he had no other daughter than herself, albeit he had many sons, but she was dearer to him than all of them. It fortuneed one year that she fell sick of an exceeding sickness and came nigh upon death, wherefore she made a vow that if she recovered from her malady she would make the pilgrimage to a certain monastery situate in such an island which was high in repute among the franks who used to make vows to it and look for a blessing therefrom when miriam recovered from her sickness she wished to accomplish her vow anent the monastery and her sire despatched her to the convent in a little ship with sundry daughters of the city notables to wait upon her and patrician knights to protect them all as they drew near the island there came out upon them a ship of the ships of the muslims champions of the faith warring in allah's way who boarded the vessel and making prize of all therein knights and maidens gifts and monies sold their booty in the city of khaerawan miriam herself fell into the hands of a persian merchant who was born impotent and for whom no woman had ever discovered her nakedness so he set her to serve him presently he fell ill and sickened well nigh unto death, and the sickness abode with him two months, during which she tended him after the goodliest fashion,

Starting point is 12:07:26 till Allah made him whole of his melody. When he recalled her tenderness and loving kindness to him, and the persistent zeal with which she had nursed him, and being minded to requite her the good offices she had done him, said to her, Ask a boon of me. She said, O my lord, I ask of thee that thou sell me not but to the man of my choice.

Starting point is 12:07:46 he answered so be it i guarantee thee by allah o miriam i will not sell thee but to him of whom thou shalt approve and i put thy sale in thy own hand and she rejoiced herein with joy exceeding now the persian had expounded to her al-islam and she became a muslim ma and learnt of him the rules of worship furthermore during that period the persian had taught her the tenets of the faith and the observances incumbent upon her he had made her learn the koran by heart and master somewhat of the theological sciences and the traditions of the prophet, after which he brought her to Alexandria City and sold her to Nouraldin, as we have before set out. Meanwhile, when her father, the king of France, heard what had befallen his daughter and her company, he saw doomsday break and sent after her ships full of knights and champions, horsemen and footmen, but they fell not in any trace of her whom they sought in the islands of the Muslims. so all returned to him, crying out and saying,

Starting point is 12:08:47 Well away, and ruin, and well worth the day. The king grieved for her with exceeding grief, and sent after her that one-eyed lameter, blind of the left, for that he was his chief wazir, a stubborn tyrant and a frower devil, full of craft and guile, bidding him make search for her in all the lands of the Muslims, and by her, though with a shipload of gold.

Starting point is 12:09:11 So the accursed sought her, in all the islands of the Arabs and all the cities of the Muslims, but found no sign of her till he came to Alexandria City, where he made quest for her, and presently discovered that she was with Nur al-Din, Ali, the Kareen, being directed to trace of her by the kerchief aforesaid, for that none could have wrought in such goodly guise, but she. Then he bribed the merchants to help him in getting her from Nouraldin,

Starting point is 12:09:37 and beguiled her lord into selling her, as hath been already related. when he had her in his possession she seized not to weep and wail so he said to her o my lady miriam put away from thee this morning and grieving and return with me to the city of thy sire the seat of thy kingship and the place of thy power and thy home so thou mayest be among thy servants and attendants and be quit of this abasement and this strangerhood enough has betided me of travail of travel and of dispersing monies on thine account for thy father bade me by thee back though with a shipload of gold, and now I have spent nigh a year and a half in seeking thee, and he fell to kissing her hands and feet, and humbling himself to her. But the more he kissed, and grovelled, she only redoubled in wrath against him, and said to him, O accursed, may Almighty Allah not vouchsafe thee to win thy wish. Presently, his pages brought her a she-mule, with gold-embroidered housings, and mounting her thereon, raised over her head a silken canopy,

Starting point is 12:10:39 with staves of gold and silver, and the Franks walked round about her, till they brought her forth the city by the sea-gate, where they took boat with her, and rowing out to a great ship in harbor, embarked therein. Then the monocular wazir cried out to the sailors, saying, up with a mast, so they set it up forthright, and spreading the newly bent sails and the colors, manned the sweeps and put out to sea. Meanwhile, Miriam continued to gaze upon Alexandria, till it's disappeared from her eyes when she fell a weeping in her privacy with sore weeping. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 36, recorded by Sylvia M. B. in Washington State.

Starting point is 12:11:32 Section 37 of the Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit librovocs.org. Recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The book of a thousand knights and a night, volume eight by anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 through 1890, section 37. When it was the eight hundred and eighty-th night, she continued,

Starting point is 12:12:04 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the wazir of the Frankish king put out to sea in the ship bearing Miriam the girdle-girl, she gazed, alexandra words till the city was hidden from her sight when she wailed and wept copious tears and recited these couplets o dwelling of my friends say is there no return uswards but what can i of matters allah made still fare the ships of severance sailing hastily and in my wounded eyelids tear have came their stead for parting from a friend who was my wish and will healed every ill and every pain in pang allayed be thou o allah subdued of me for him such charge some day the care of thee shall not evade then she could not refrain from weeping and wailing so the patrician knights came up to her and would have comforted her but she heeded not their consoling words being distracted by the claims of passion and love longing as she shed tears and moaned and complained and resided these couplets the tongue of love within my vital speaketh saying this lover boon of love i seeketh and burn my liver hath

Starting point is 12:13:12 coals of passion and parting on my heart sore suffering wreaketh. How shall I face this fiery love concealing when from my wounded lids the tear I leaketh? In this plight Miriam abode during all the voyage. No peace was left her at all, nor would patience come at her call. Such was her case in company with the wazir, the monocular, the lamidur. But as regards Neraldin, the careen, when the ship had sailed with Miriam, the world was straightened upon him, and he had neither peace, nor patience. He returned to the lodging where they twain had dwelt, and its aspect was black and gloomy in his sight. Then he saw the metier, wherewith she had been wont to make the zones, and her dress that had been upon her beauteous body, so he pressed them to his breast, whilst the tears gushed from his eyes,

Starting point is 12:14:01 and he recited these gublets. Say me, will union after parting air return to be? After long-lasting torments after hopeless misery? Alas! Alas! What want to be shall never more return, but grant me still return of dearest her these Ayn may see. I wonder me, will Allah gain our parted lives unite? And will my dear one's plighted troth preserve with constancy? Not am I save the prey of death since parting parted us, and will my friends consent that I a weird so deadly drie. Alas, my sorrow, sorrowing the lover scant avails, indeed I melt away in grief and passion's ecstasy. Past is the time of my delight, when were we two conjoined? Would heaven I what, if destiny mine Esperance will degree? Redouble then, O heart, thy pains, and, oh, mine eyes,

Starting point is 12:14:54 o'er flow, with tears till not a tear remain within these eye of me. Again, alas, for loved ones lost, and loss of patience seek, for helpers fail, me, and my griefs are grown beyond decree. The Lord of threefold whorls, I pray he deign to me return, my lover, and we meet as want in joy and jubilee. Then Nuraldin wept with weeping glower than which naught could be more, and peering into every corner of the room, recited these two couplets. I view their traces, and with pain I pine, and by their sometime home I weep and yearn. And him, I pray, who parting deign decree, someday he deign vouchsaf me their return. then nuraldin sprang to his feet and locking the door of the house fared forth running at speed to the sea-shore whence he fixed his eyes on the place of the ship which had carried off his miriam whilst sighs burst from his breast and tears from his lids as he recited these couplets

Starting point is 12:15:50 peace be with you sans you not compensateth me the near the far two cases only here i see i yearn for you at every hour and tide as yearns for water-place wayfarer plodding wearily With you abide my hearing, heart and einsight, and sweeter than the honeycomb your memory. Then, oh, my grief, when fared afar your retinue, and bore that ship away my soul expectancy. And Nouraldin wept and wailed, bemoaned himself and complained, crying out and saying, Oh, Miriam! Was it but a vision of thee I saw in sleep or in the illusions of dreams? And by reason of that which grew on him of regrets, he recited these couplets. mazed with thy love no more i can feign patience this heart of mine has held none dear but thee and if mine eye hath gazed on others beauty near be it joyed again with the sight of thee

Starting point is 12:16:44 i've sworn an oath i'll near forget to love thee and sad's this breast that pines to meet with thee thou'st made me drink a love-cup full of passion blessed time when i may give the draught to thee take with thee this my form where'er thou goest and when thou art dead let me be laid near thee call on me in my tomb my bones shall answer and sigh responses to a call from thee if it were asked what wouldst thou heaven should order his will i answer for my own my own shall answer first, and then what pleases thee. As Nouraldin was in this case weeping and crying out, O Miriam, Miriam! Behold, an old man landed from a vessel, and coming up to him, saw him shedding tears and hearing him reciting these verses. O Miriam of beauty return, for these ein are as densest clouds railing drops in line. Ask amid mankind, and my railers shall say that mine eyelids are drowning these eyeballs of mine, said the old man, oh my son, me seemeth thou weepest for the damsel who sailed yesterday with the Frank. When Nuraldin heard these words of the shake,

Starting point is 12:17:51 he fell down in a swoon and lay for a long while without life. Then, coming to himself, he wept with sore weeping and improvised these couplets. Shall we ere be unite after severance-tide, and return in the perfectest cheer to bide? In my heart indeed is a low of love, and I am pained the spies whom my pain deride my days i pass in amaze distraught and her image a nights i would see by side by allah no hour brings me solace of love and how can it when make-bates vex me in chide a soft-sided damsel of slenderest waste her arrows of eyne on my heart hath plied her form is like bond-tree branch in garth shame her charms the sun who his face most hide did i not fear god be he glorified my fair be glorified had i cried the old man looked at him and noting his beauty and grace in symmetry and fluency of his tongue and the seductiveness of his charms had ruth on him and his heart mourned for his case now that sheikh was the captain of a ship bound to the damsel city and in this ship were a hundred muslim merchants men of the saving faith so he said to nerald in have patience and all will yet be well i will bring thee to her and it be the will of allah extolled and exalted be he and shahrazad received the dawn of day, and ceased sane her permitted say.

Starting point is 12:19:16 When it was the eight hundred and eighty-first night, she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the old skipper said to Nouraldin, I will bring thee to her, inshallah. The youth asked, When shall we set out? And the other said, Come but three days more, and we will depart in peace and prosperity. Nouraldin rejoiced at the captain's words with joy exceeding,

Starting point is 12:19:38 and thanked him for his bounty and benevolence. Then he recalled the days of love, loveliest dear and union with his slave-girl without peer and he shed bitter tears and recited these couplets say will to me and you the ruthful union show my lords shall ere i win the wish of me or no a visit boon by you will shifty time vouchsafe and seize your image eyelids which so hungry grow with you were union to be sold i fain would buy but ah i see such grace doth all my means out go then neraldin went forthright to the market and bought what he needed of viatican and other necessaries for the voyage and returned to the race who said to him o my son what is that thou hath with thee said he my provisions and all were of i have need for the voyage thereupon quoth the old man laughing o my son art thou going a pleasuring to pompe's pillar verily between thee and that thou seekest is two months journey and the wind be fair and weather favourable then he took of him somewhat of money, and going to the bazaar bought him a sufficiency of all that he needed for the voyage, and filled him a large earthen jar with fresh water. Nouraldin abode in the ship three days

Starting point is 12:20:51 until the merchants had made an end of their precautions and preparations, and embarked, when they set sail and putting out to sea, fared on one in fifty days. After this there came upon them corsairs, pirates who sacked the ship and taking Nouraldin and all their in prisoners, carried them to the city of France, and paraded them before the king. Hubeid cast them into jail, nerled in amongst the number. As they were being led to prison, the galleon arrived with the Princess Miriam,

Starting point is 12:21:19 and the one-eyed wazir. And when it made the harbour, the lameter landed, and going up to the king gave him the glad news of his daughter's safe return, whereupon they beat the kettle-drums for good tidings, and decorated the city after the goodliest fashion. Then the king took horse,

Starting point is 12:21:34 with all his guards and lords and notables, and rode down to the sea to meet her. The moment the ship cast anchor she came ashore, and the king saluted her and embraced her, and mounting her on a bloodstead, bore her to the palace, where her mother received her with open arms, and asked her of her case, and whether she was a maid as before, or whether she had become a woman carnally known by man. She replied, Oh, my mother, how should a girl, who hath been sold from merchant to merchant in the land of Muslims, a slave commanded, abide a virgin? The merchant who bought me threatened me with

Starting point is 12:22:08 the Bostonado and violence to me, and took my maidenhead. after which he sold me to another and he again to a third when the queen heard these words the light in her eyes became night and she repeated her confession to the king who was chagrined thereat and his affair was grievous to him so he expounded her case to his grandees and patricians who said to him o king she hath been defiled by the muslims and not will purify her save the striking off of an hundred mohammedan heads whereupon the king sent for the true believers he had imprisoned and they decapitated them one after another beginning with the captain till none was left save neraldine they tear off a strip of his shirt and binding his eyes therewith led him to the rug of blood and were about to smite his neck when behold an ancient dame came up to the king at that very moment and said o lord thou didst vow to bestow upon each and every church five moslem captives to help us in the service thereof so allah would restore thee thy daughter the princess marian and now she is restored to thee so do thou fulfil thy vow the king replied o my mother by the virtue of the messiah and the veritable faith there remaineth to me of the prisoners but this one captive whom they are about to put to death so take him with thee to help in the service of the church till there come to me more prisoners of the muslims when i will send thee other four hath thou come earlier before they hewed off the heads of these i had given thee as many as thou wouldest have the old woman thanked the king for his boon and wished him continuance of life glory and prosperity then without loss of time she went up to noraldin whom she raised from the rug of blood and looking narrowly at him saw a comely youth and a dainty with a delicate skin and a face like the moon at her full whereupon she carried him to the church and said to him o my son

Starting point is 12:23:58 doff these clothes which are upon thee, for they are fit only for the service of the sultan. So saying the ancient dame brought him a gown and hood of black wool and a broad girdle, in which she clad and cowled him, and after binding on his belt bade him do the service of the church. Accordingly, he served the church seven days, at the end of which time, behold, the old woman came up to him and said, O Muslim, don thy silken dress and take these tin dirhams and go out forthright, and divert thyself abroad this day, and tarry not here a single moment lest thou lose thy life. Quoth he, What is to do, O my mother? And quoth she, No, O my son, that the king's daughter, the princess Miriam, the girdle-girl,

Starting point is 12:24:40 hath a mind to visit the church this day, to seek a blessing by pilgrimage and to make oblation thereatoo, a ducer of thank-offering for her deliverance from the land of the Muslims, and in fulfillment of the vows she vowed to the Messiah, so he would save her. With her are four hundred damsels, not one of whom, but is perfect and beautiful, beauty and loveliness, and all of them are daughters of wazirs and emirs and grantees. They will be here during this very hour, and if their eyes fall on thee in this church, they will hew thee in pieces with swords. Thereupon Nuraldin took the ten dirhams from the ancient dame,

Starting point is 12:25:14 and donning his own dress, went out to the bazaar, and walked about the city and took his pleasure therein, till he knew its highways and gates. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say, her permitted say. when it was the eight hundred and eighty-second night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that nerled in after donning his own dress and taking the ten dirhams from the ancient dame fared forth to the market streets and wandered about a while till he knew every quarter of the city after which he returned to the church and saw the princess miriam the girdle-girl daughter of the king of france come up to the fain attended by four hundred damsels high-bosomed maids like moons amongst whom was the daughter of the one-eyed wazir, and those of the emirs and lords of the realm, and she walked in their midst as she were moon among stars. When his eyes fell upon her,

Starting point is 12:26:07 Nerald Den could not contain himself, but cried out from the core of his heart, Oh, Miriam! Oh, Miriam! When the damsels heard his outcry, they ran at him with swords shining bright, like flashes of leavenlight, and would have slain him forthright, but the princess turned and looking on him, knew him with fullest knowledge, and said to her maidens, leave this youth doubtless he is mad for the signs of madness be manifest on his face when nerald din heard this he uncovered his head and rolled his eyes and made signs with its hands and twisted his legs foaming the while of the mouth quoth the princess said i not that the poor youth was mad bring him to me and stand off from him that i may hear what he saith for i know the speech of the arabs and will look into his case and see if his madness admit of cure or not so they laid hold of him and brought him to her after which they withdrew to a distance and she said to him hast thou come hither on my account and ventured thy life for my sake and feignest thyself mad he replied o my lady hast thou not heard the saying of the poet quoth they thou art surely raving mad for her thou lovest and i there is no pleasantness in life but for the mad reply compare my madness with herself for whom i rave if she accord therewith then blame me not

Starting point is 12:27:26 for that which I abide. Miriam replied, by Allah, O Nuraldin, indeed thou hast sinned against thyself, for I warned thee of this before it befell thee, yet wouldst thou not hearken to me, but followedest thine own lust. I'll be it that whereof I gave thee to know I learned not by means of physiognomy nor dreams, but by eyewitness and very sight, for I saw the one I'd wazir, and knew that he was not come to Alexandria but in quest of me, said he, oh my lady Miriam, we seek refuge with Allah from the error of the intelligent. Then his affliction redoubled on him, and he recited this saying, Passor my fault, for tis the wise man's want of other sins to take no harsh account,

Starting point is 12:28:10 and as all crimes have made my breast their sight, so thine all shapes of mercy should unite. Who from above would mercy seek to know should first be merciful to those below? Then Nuraldin and Princess Miriam seized not from lovers chiding, which to trace would be tedious, relating each to other, that which had befallen them, and reciting verses and making moan one to other, of the violence of passion, and the pangs of pine and desire, whilst the tears ran down their cheeks like rivers, till there was left to them no strength to say a word, and so they continued till day departed and night darkened. Now the princess was clad in a green dress, per fled with red gold, and brighted with pearls and gems, which enhanced her beauty and loveliness and inner grace.

Starting point is 12:28:54 the right well quoth the poet of her like the full moon she shineth in garments of all green with loosened vest and collars and flowing hair be seen what is thy name i asked her and she replied i am she who roasts the hearts of lovers on coals of love and teen i am the pure white silver i the gold wherewith the bondsman from straight prison and dower released ben quoth i i am all with rigors consumed but on a rock said she such as my heart is thy plaints are wasted clean even if thy heart i answered be rock in very deed yet hath god caused fair water well from the rock i ween and when night darkened on them the lady miriam went up to her women and asked them have ye locked the door and they answered indeed we have locked it so she took them and went with them to a place called the chapel of the lady mary the virgin mother of light because the nazarenes hold that there are her heart and soul the girls betook themselves to prayer for blessings from above and circuited all the church and when they had made an end of their visitation the princess turned to them and said i desire to pass the night alone in the virgin's chapel and seek a blessing thereof for that yearning after it hath betided me by reason of my long absence in the land of the moslems and as for you when ye have made an end of your visitation do you sleep where so ye will replied they with love and goodly gree be it as thou wilt and leaving her alone in the chapel dispersed about the church and slept the lady miriam waited till they were out of sight in hearing then went in search of neraldin whom she found sitting in a corner on live coals awaiting her he rose and kissed her hands and feet and she sat down and seated him by her side then she pulled off all that was upon her of raiment and ornaments and fine linen and taking neraldin in her arms strained him to her bosom and they seized not she and he from kissing and clipping

Starting point is 12:30:54 and strumming to the tune of hocus pocus, saying the while, How short are the knights of Union, and the Knights of Disunion, how long are they? And reciting these verses, O Knight of Union, times virginal prized, White Star of the Knights with auroral dyes, thou garrress dawn after noon to rise, Say art thou coal in morning's eyes, or wast thou slumber to bleared-eyed leaf? O night of parting, how long thy stay, whose latest hours I the first port? portray this endless circle that no ways may show breach till the coming of judgment day day when dies the lover of parting grief as they were in this mighty delight and joy engrossing they heard one of the servants of the saint smite the gong upon the roof to call the folk to the rites of their worship and he was even as saith the poet i saw him strike the gong and asked of him straightway who made the fawn at striking going so knowing eh and to my soul what smiting irketh thee the more

Starting point is 12:31:54 striking the gong or striking note of going say and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and ceased saying her permitted say end of section 37 recorded by sylvia m b in worhington state section 38 of the book of a thousand nights and a night volume eight this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit visit librivox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis Burton, 1821 to 1890. Section 38. When it was the 883rd night, she said, It hath reached me, O auspicious King, that Nouraldin and Miriam the Girdle-Gurl, rose forthwith and donned her clothes and ornaments. But this was grievous to Nouraldin, and his gladness was troubled.

Starting point is 12:33:03 The tears streamed from his eyes, and he recited these couplets. I seized not to kiss that cheek with budding roses dight, and eyes downcast, and bit the same with most emphatic bite, until we were in Gloria, and lay him down the spy, and sank his eyes within his brain, declining further sight, and struck the gongs as they that had the charge of them were like Moisein crying duty prayers, in Allah's book in dight. Then rose she upright hastily,

Starting point is 12:33:32 And dawned the dress she doffed, Sower, fearing lest a shooting star upon our heads alike, And cried, O wish and will of me, O end of all my hopes! Behold the morning comes to us in brightest white as light, I swear if but one day of rule were given to my life, And I were made an emperor of majesty and might, A down I'd break the buttresses of churches one and all,

Starting point is 12:33:55 And by their slaughter, rid the earth of every shavely, in white. Then the lady Miriam pressed him to her bosom, and kissed his cheek and asked him, O Nouraldin, how long hast thou been in this town? Seven days. Hasth thou walked about in it, and dost thou know its ways and issues, and its sea-gates and land-gates? Yes. Knowest thou the way to the offeratory chest of the church? Yes. Since thou knowest all this, as soon as the first third of the coming night is over, go to the offer-tory chest, and take thence what thou wishest and willest, then open the door that giveth upon the tunnel leading to the sea, and go down to the harbour, where thou wilt find a little ship and ten men therein,

Starting point is 12:34:37 and when the race shall see thee, he will put out his hand to thee. Give him thy hand, and he will take thee up into the ship, and do thou wait there till I come to thee, but where, and have a care, lest sleep overtake thee in this night, or thou wilt repent, when as repentance shall avail thee not. Then the princess fareweld him, and going forth from Nur al-Din, aroused from sleep her women and the rest of the damsels, with whom she betook herself to the church door and knocked. Whereupon the ancient dame opened to her, and she went forth and found the knights and varlets standing without. They brought her a dapple, she mule, and she mounted, whereupon they raised over her head a canopy with curtains of silk, and the knights took hold of

Starting point is 12:35:20 the mules halter. Then the guards encompassed her about, drawn brand in hand, and fared on with her, followed by her till they brought her to the palace of the king her father meanwhile nerald in abode concealed behind the curtain under cover of which miriam and he had passed the night till it was broad day when the main door was opened and the church became full of people then he mingled with the folk and accosted the old prioress the guardian of the shrine who said to him where didst thou lie last night said he in the town as thou abatest me quill she o my son thou hast done the right thing for Perhaps thou knighted in the church, she had slain thee on the foulest wise, and quoth he, praise be Allah who hath delivered me from the evil of this night. Then he busied himself with the service of the church, and seized not busying till day departed, and night with darkness darkened, when he arose and opened the offeratory chest, and took thence of jewels what so was, light of weight and weighty of worth.

Starting point is 12:36:21 Then he tarried till the first watch of the night was past, when he made his way to the postern of the tunnel and opening it, went forth, calling on Allah for protection, and seized not faring on until after finding and opening the door, he came to the sea. Here he discovered the vessel moored to the shore near the gate, and her skipper, a tall old man of comely aspect with long beard, standing in the waist, his ten men being ranged before him. Nuraldin gave him his hand, as Miriam had bitten him, and the captain took it, and pulling him on board of the waist,

Starting point is 12:36:54 the ship cried out to his crew, saying, Cast off the moorings and put out to sea with us, ere daybreak, said one of the ten, O my lord the captain, how shall we put out now? When the king hath notified us, that tomorrow he will embark in this ship and go round about the sea, being fearful for his daughter Miriam from the Muslim thieves. But the race cried out at them, saying, woe to you, oh, upcursed, dare you gain say me in bandy words with me? So saying, the old captain bared his blade, and with it dealt the sailor who had spoke

Starting point is 12:37:24 a thrust in the throat that the steel came out gleaming from his nape, and quoth another of the sailors, What hath our comrade done of crime that thou shouldst cut his throat? Thereupon the captain clapped hand to sword, and smote off the speaker's head, nor did he leave smiting the rest of the sailors, till he had slain them all, one after other, and cast the ten bodies ashore. Then he turned to Nourald-in and cried out at him with a terrible great cry that made him tremble, saying, go down and pull up the mooring-state. Nur al-Din feared lest he should strike him also with the sword, so he sprang up and leapt ashore and pulling up the stake,

Starting point is 12:38:01 jumped aboard again, swiftlier than the dazzling leaven. The captain seized not to bid him do this and do that, and tack and where hither and thither, and look at the stars. And Nur al-Din did all that he bade him, with a heart a quaking for a fright, whilst he himself spread the sails, and the ship fared with the twain into the dashing sea, swollen with clashing billows, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and eighty-fourth night, she continued,

Starting point is 12:38:34 It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the old skipper had made sail, he draved the ship, aided by Nouraldin into the dashing sea before a favouring gale. Meanwhile, Nur al-Din held on to the tackle, immersed in deep thought, and drowned in the sea of solicitude, knowing not what was hidden for him in the future, and whenever he looked at the captain, his heart quaked, and he knew not whether the race went with him. He abode thus, preoccupied with care and doubt, till it was high day, when he looked at the skipper and saw him take hold of his long beard and pull at it, whereupon it came off in his hand, and Nuraldin, examining it saw that it was but a false beard glued on. So he straightly considered that same race, and behold, it was

Starting point is 12:39:18 the Princess Miriam, his mistress, and the dearling of his heart, who had contrived to whaley the captain, and slay him, and skinned off his beard, which she had stuck under her own face. At this, Nouraldin was transported for joy, and his breast broadened, and he marvelled at her prowess, and the stoutness of her heart, and said to her, welcome, oh, my hope and my desire, and the end of mine every wish. Then love and gladness agitated him, and he made sure of winning to his hopes and his expectancy, wherefore he broke out into song and chanted these couplets. To all who unknown my love for the may, from whom fate disjoins me, O say, I pray, Ask my kith and kin of my love that I ensweetens my verses to lovely lay,

Starting point is 12:40:03 For the loss of the tribesmen my life or sway, Their names, when named, heal all malady, Cure and chase from heart every pain I dream, and my longings for love reach so high degree that my spright is maddened each morn I see, and am grown of the crowd to be saw and say, No blame in them will I ever espy, no, nor aught of solace sans them to cry. Your love hath shot me with pine, and I bear in heart a flame that shall never die, but fire my liver with fiery ray.

Starting point is 12:40:36 All folk my sickness for marvel score, that in darkest night I wake evermore. What ails them to torture this heart forlore, And deem right for loving my blood to outpour, And yet, how justly unjust are they? Would I what who twas could obtain of you to wrong a youth who's so fain of you? By my life, and by him who made men of you, and the spy tell aught I complain of you. He lies, by Allah, in foulest way. May the Lord my sickness never dispel, nor ever my heart of its pains be well. What day I regret that in love I fell

Starting point is 12:41:12 Or laud any land But wherein ye dwell Ring my heart and ye will Or make glad and gay I have vital shall ever be true to you Though racked by the rigors not new to you Ere this wrong and this right I but sue to you

Starting point is 12:41:27 Do what you will to thrall who to you Shall ne'er grudge his life at your feet to lay When Nouraldin ceased to sing The Princess Miriam marvelled at his song and thanked him therefore, saying, Whoso's case is thus it behoveth him to walk the ways of men, and never do the deeds of curds and cowards. Now, she was stout of heart, and cunning in the sailing of ships over the salt sea,

Starting point is 12:41:53 and she knew all the winds and their shiftings, and every course of the main. So, Nouraldin said, Oh, my lady, hath thou prolonged this case on me, I had surely died for stress of a fright and chagrin, more by token of the fire of passion and love-longing, and the cruel pangs of separation. She laughed at his speech, and rising without stay or delay,

Starting point is 12:42:13 brought out somewhat of food and liquor, and they ate and drank and enjoyed themselves, and made merry. Then she drew forth rubies and other gems, and precious stones, and costly trinkets of gold and silver, and all manner of things of price, light of weight and weighty of worth,

Starting point is 12:42:28 which she had taken from the palace of her sire, and his treasuries, and displayed them to Nourald-in, who rejoiced therein with joy exceeding. all this while the wind blew fair for them and merrily sailed the ship nor seized sailing till they drew near the city of alexandria and sighted its landmarks old and new and pompey's pillar when they made the port noraldin landed forthright and securing the ship to one of the fuling stones took somewhat of the treasures that miriam had brought with her and said to her o my lady tarrying the ship against i return and carry thee up to the city in such way as i should wish and will quoth she it behoveth that this be done quickly for tardiness in affairs engendereth repentance. Quoth he, There is no tardiness in me,

Starting point is 12:43:13 and leaving her in the ship, went up into the city, to the house of the druggist, his father's old friend, to borrow of his wife for Miriam, Vale, and Mantilla, and walking boots and petticoat trousers, after the usage of the women of Alexandria,

Starting point is 12:43:27 unknowing that there was appointed to betide him of the shifts of time, the father of wonders, that which was far beyond his reckoning, thus it befell Ner Aldin and Miriam the girdle-girl. But as regards her sire, the king of France, when he rose in the morning, he missed his daughter, and questioned her women and our eunuchs of her. They answered, O our lord, she went out last night to go to church,

Starting point is 12:43:52 and after that we have no tidings of her. But as the king talked with them, behold, there arose so great a clamour of cries below the palace, that the place rang there too, and he said, What may be the news? The folk replied, O king, we have found ten men slain on the seashore, and the royal yacht is missing.

Starting point is 12:44:11 Moreover, we saw the posturn of the church, which giveth upon the tunnel leading to the sea wide open, and the Muslim prisoner who served in the church is missing, Quoth the king, And my ship be lost without doubt or dispute. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized saying her permitted say. When it was the eight hundred and eighty-fifth night,

Starting point is 12:44:33 she pursued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that when the king of France missed his daughter, and they brought him tidings of her, saying, Thy yacht is lost. And he replied, And the craft to be lost without dispute or doubt,

Starting point is 12:44:47 My daughter is in it. So he summoned, without stay or delay, the captain of the port, and cried out at him, saying, By the virtue of the Messiah, and the faith which is no liar, except thou and thy fighting men, overtake my ship forthright,

Starting point is 12:45:01 and bring it back to me, with those who are therein, I will do thee die the foulest of deaths, and make a terrible example of thee. Thereupon the captain went out from before him, trembling, and betook himself to the ancient name of the church, to whom said he, heardest thou aught from the captain that was with thee, anent his native land, and what countryman he was, and she answered, he used to say, I come from the town of Alexandria. When the captain heard the old woman's words, he returned forthright to the port, and cried out to the sailors, "'Make ready and set sail,' so they did his bidding, "'and straightway, putting out to sea,

Starting point is 12:45:37 "'fared night and day till they sighted the city of Alexandria "'at the very time when Nouraldin landed, "'leaving the princess in the ship. "'They soon espied the royal yacht and knew her, "'so they moored their own vessel at a distance therefrom, "'and putting off in a little frigate they had with them, "'which drew but two cubits of water, "'and in which were an hundred fighting men,

Starting point is 12:45:58 "'amongst them the one-eyed wazir, "'for that he was a stubborn tyrant, and a froward devil and a wily thief none could avail against his craft as he were abu mohammed albatal they seized not rowing till they reached the bark and boarding her all at once found none therein save the princess miriam so they took her and the ship and returning to their own vessel after they had landed and waited a long while set sail forthright for the land of the franks having accomplished their errand without a fight or even drawn a sword the wind blew for them, and they sailed on without seizing, and with all diligence, till they reached the city of France, and landing with the Princess Miriam, carried her to her father, who received her, seated on the throne of his kingship. As soon as he saw her, he said to her, woe to thee, O traitorous, what ailed thee to leave the faith of thy fathers and forefathers, and the safeguard of the

Starting point is 12:46:53 Messiah on whom is our reliance, and follow after the faith of the vagrants, to wit the faith of all Islam, which arose with a sword against the cross and the images. replied Miriam. I am not at fault. I went out by night to the church to visit the Lady Mary, and seek a blessing of her. When there fell upon me unawares, a band of Muslim robbers, who gagged me and bound me fast, and carrying me on board the bark set sail with me for their own country. However, I beguiled them, and talked with them of their religion till they loosed my bonds, and ere I knew it, thy men overtook me and delivered me, and by the virtue of the Messiah and the faith, which is no liar, and the cross and the crucified thereon, I rejoiced with joy exceeding

Starting point is 12:47:35 in my release from them, and my bosom broadened, and I was glad for my deliverance from the bondage of the Muslims. Rejoined the king, thou liest, oh whore, oh adulteress, by the virtue of that which is revealed of prohibition and permission in the manifest evangel, I will assuredly do thee die by the foulest of deaths, and make thee the vilest of examples. Did it not suffice thee to do as thou didst the first time, and put off thy lies upon us, but thou must return upon us with thy deceitful inventions? Thereupon the king bade kill her and crucify her over the palace gate, but at that moment the one-eyed wazir, who had long been enamored of the princess, came into him and said, Ho, king, slay her not, but give her to me to wife, and I will watch over her with the utmost

Starting point is 12:48:23 warding, nor will I go in unto her, till I have built her a palace of solid stone, exceeding high of foundation, so no thieves may avail to climb up to its terrace roof, and when I have made an end of building it, I will sacrifice thirty Muslims before the gate thereof, as an expatory offering to the Messiah for myself and for her. The king granted his request, and bade the priests and monks and patriarchs, marry the princess to him, so they did his bidding, whereupon he bade set about building a strong and lofty palace, befitting her rank, and the workmen fell to work upon it. On this wise, it betided the Princess Miriam and her sire, and the one-eyed wazir. But as regards to Dhar al-Din, when he came back with

Starting point is 12:49:09 the petticoat trousers and mantilla and walking-boots, and all the attire of Alexandrian women, which he had borrowed of the druggist's wife, he found the air void and the feign afar, and Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say. End of Section 38, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State. Section 39 of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8. This is a Libravox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State.

Starting point is 12:49:55 The Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8 by Anonymous, translated by Richard Francis burton eighteen twenty one through eighteen ninety section thirty nine when it was the eight hundred and eighty-sixth night she resumed it hath reached me o auspicious king that when neraldin found the air void and the fain afar his heart sank within him and he wept floods of tears and recited these verses the phantom of soda came by night to wake me towards morning while my companions were sleeping in the desert but when we woke to behold the nightly phantom, I saw the air vacant, and the place of visitation distant. Then Nuraldin walked on along the seashore, and turned right and left, till he saw folk gathered together on the beach, and heard them say, O Muslims, there remaineth no honor to Alexandria city, since the Franks enter it and snatch away those who are therein, and return to their own land, at their leisure, nor pursued of any of the Muslims or fighters for the faith. Quoth Nuralden to them, what is to do and quoth they oh my son one of the ships of the franks full of armed men came down but now upon the port and carried off a ship which was moored here with her that was therein and made unmolested for their own land

Starting point is 12:51:15 noraldin fell down a swoon on hearing these words and when he recovered they questioned him of his case and he told them all that had befallen him first and last whereupon they all took to reviling him and railing at him saying why couldst thou not bring her up into the town without mantilla and muffler and all in each of the folk gave him some grievous word berating him with sharp speech and shooting at him some shaft of reproach albeit one said let him be that which hath befallen him suffices him till he again fell down in a fainting fit and behold at this moment up came the old druggist who seeing the folk gathered together drew near to learn what was the matter and found nerald din lying a swoon in their midst so he sat down at his head and arousing him said to him as soon as he recovered "'Oh, my son, what is this case in which I see thee?' "'Noral Den said, "'Oh, uncle, I had brought back in a bark "'my lost slave-girl from her father's city, "'suffering patiently all I suffered of perils and hardships.

Starting point is 12:52:17 "'And when I came with her to this port, "'I made the vessel fast to the shore, "'and leaving her therein repaired to thy dwelling "'and took of thy consort what was needful for her, "'that I might bring her up into the town. "'But the Franks came, "'and capturing bark and damsel, "'made off unhindered.

Starting point is 12:52:34 and returned to their own land. Now when the Sheikh, the druggist, heard this, the light in his eyes became night, and he grieved with sore grieving for Nouraldin, and said to him, O my son, why didst thou not bring her out of the ship and into the city without Mantilla? But speech availeth not at this season.

Starting point is 12:52:52 So rise, O my son, and come up with me to the city. Happily, Allah will vouchsafe thee a girl fairer than she, who shall console thee for her. Al-Handolita, praised be Allah, who hath not made thee lose aught by her nay thou hast gained by her and bethink thee o my son that union and disunion are in the hands of the most high king replied ner al-din by allah o uncle i can never be consoled for her loss nor will i ever leave seeking her though on her account i drink the cup of death rejoined the druggist o my son and what art thou minded to do Quoth Nuraldin, I am minded to return to the land of Franks and enter the city of France and imperil myself there. Come what may, loss of life or gain of life. Quoth the druggist, oh my son, there is an old saw, not always doth the crock escape the shaw.

Starting point is 12:53:43 And if they did thee no hurt the first time, be like they will slay thee this time, more by token that they know thee now with full knowledge. Quoth Nouraldin, O my uncle, let me set out and be slain for the love of her. her straight away, and not die of despair for her loss by slow torments. Now, as fate determined, there was then a ship in port ready to sail, for its passengers had made an end of their affairs, and the sailors had pulled up the mooring-stakes when Neraldin embarked on her. So they shook out their canvas, and relying on the compassionate, put out to sea and sailed many days with fair wind and weather, till behold they fell in with certain of the Frank cruisers,

Starting point is 12:54:23 which were scouring those waters, and seizing upon all ships they saw, in their fear for the king's daughter from the Muslim corsairs. And as often as they made prize of a Muslim ship, they carried all her people to the King of France, who put them to death in fulfillment of the vow he had vow on account of his daughter, Miriam. So, seeing the ship wherein was Nuraldin, they bordered her, and taking him and the rest of the company prisoners, to the number of an hundred Muslims, carried them to the king and set them between his hands. He bade them cut their throats. Accordingly, they slaughtered them all forthwith, one after another, till there was none left but Nouraldin, whom the headsman had left to the last, in pity of his tender age and slender shape. When the king saw him, he knew him right well, and said to him,

Starting point is 12:55:11 art thou not Nuraldin, who was with us before? Said he, I was never with thee, and my name is not Nouraldin, but Ibrahim. Rejoined the king. Thou liest, thou art Nuraldin, he whom I gave to the ancient dame the prioress to help her in the service of the church. But Nouraldin replied, O my lord, my name is Ibrahim, quoth the king, wait a while, and bade his knights fetch the old woman forthright, saying, when she cometh and seeth thee, she will know, and thou be Nouraldin or not. At this juncture, behold, in came the one-eyed wazir, who had married the princess, and kissing the earth before the king said to him, No, O king, that the palace is finished, and thou knowest how I vowed to the Messiah,

Starting point is 12:55:56 that when I had made an end of building it, I would cut thirty Muslims' throats before its door. Wherefore I am come to take them of thee, that I may sacrifice them, and so fulfill my vow to the Messiah. They shall be at my charge, by way of loan, and when as there come prisoners to my hands, I will give the other thirty in lieu of them. replied the king, by the virtue of the Messiah and the faith which is no liar, I have but this one captive left, and he pointed to Nouraldin, saying, take him, and slaughter him at this very moment, and the rest I will send the, when there come to my hands, other prisoners of the Muslims. Thereupon the one-eyed wazir arose and took Nouraldin and carried him to his palace, thinking to slaughter him on the

Starting point is 12:56:39 threshold of the gate. But the painter said to him, Oh my lord, we have two days painting yet to do, so bear with us and delay to cut the throat of this captive till we have made an end of our work happily by that time the rest of the thirty will come so thou mayest dispatch them all at one bout and accomplish thy vow in a single day thereupon the wazir bade in prison and shahrazad perceived the dawn of day and seized saying her permitted say when it was the eight hundred and eighty seventh night she said it hath reached me o auspicious king that when the wazir bade in prison neraldin they carried him to the stables and left him there in chains hungering and thirsting and making moan for himself for indeed he saw death face to face now it fortuned by the ordinance of destiny and four ordained fate that the king had two stallions own brothers such as the kosro kings might sigh in vain to possess themselves of one of them they were called sabic and lahik and one of them was pure silver and white while the other was black as the darksome night and all the kings of the isles had said whoso stealeth us one of these stallions we will give him all he seeketh of red gold and pearls and gems but none could avail to steal them now one of them fell sick of a jaundice and there came a whiteness over a his eyes, whereupon the king gathered together all the ferriers in the city to treat him, but they all failed of his cure. Presently, the wazir came into the king, and finding him troubled

Starting point is 12:58:11 because of the horse, thought to do away his concern, and said to him, O king, give me the stallion, and I will cure him. The king consented, and caused carry the horse to the stable wherein Nouraldin lay chained. But when he missed his brother, he cried out with an exceeding great cry, and neighed, so that he affrightened all the folk. the wazir, seeing that he did thus, but because he was parted from his brother, went to tell the king, who said, If this, which is but a beast, cannot brook to be parted from his brother, how should it be with those that have reason?

Starting point is 12:58:44 And he bade his grooms take the other horse, and put him with his brother in the wazir's stables, saying, tell the minister that the two stallions be a gift from me to him, for the sake of my daughter, Miriam. Nuraldin was lying in the stable, chained and shackled, when they brought in the two stallions, and he saw that one of them had a film over his eyes. Now, he had some knowledge of horses and of doctrine of their diseases,

Starting point is 12:59:07 so he said to himself, This, by Allah, is my opportunity. I will go to the wazir and lie to him, saying, I will heal thee this horse. Then will I do with him somewhat that shall destroy his eyes, and he will slay me and I shall be at rest from this woeful life. So he waited till the wazir entered the stable to look upon the steed, and said to him,

Starting point is 12:59:29 O my lord, what will be my do, and I heal this horse, and make his eyes whole again? Replied the wazir, As my head liveth and thou cure him, I will spare thy life, and give thee leave to crave a boon of me. And Nouraldin said, O my lord, bid my hands be unbound. So the wazir bade him unbind him, and he rose, and taking virgin glass, braid it and mixed it with unslaked lime and a minstrum of onion juice. then he applied the hole to the horse's eyes and bound them up, saying in himself, now will his eyes be put out, and they will slay me, and I shall be at rest from this woeful life.

Starting point is 13:00:07 Then he passed the night with a heart free from the uncertainty of carc and care, humbling himself to Allah the most high, and saying, O Lord, in thy knowledge is that which dispensed us with asking and craving. Now, when the morning morrowed and the sun shone, the wazir came to the stable, and loosing the bandage from the horse's eyes, considered them, and found them finer than before, by the ordinance of the king who openeth evermore. So he said to Nuraldin, O Muslim, never in the world saw I the like of thee for the excellence of thy knowledge, by the virtue of the Messiah and the faith which is no liar, thou makest me with wonder to admire, for all the fairiers of our land

Starting point is 13:00:48 have failed to heal this horse. Then he went up to Nouraldin, and doing off his shackles with his own hand, clad him in a costly dress, and made him his master of the horse, and he appointed him stipends and allowances, and launched him in a story over the stables. So, Nourald-dena-bode a while, eating and drinking and making merry, and bidding and forbidding those who tended the horses, and whoso neglected or failed to fodder those tied up in the stable, wherein was his service, he would throw down and beat with grievous beating, and lay him by the legs in bilboes of iron. furthermore he used every day to descend and visit the stallions and rub them down with his own hand by reason of that which he knew of their value in the wazir's eyes and his love for them wherefore the minister rejoiced in him with joy exceeding and his breast broadened and he was right glad unknowing what was to be the issue of his case now in the new palace which the one-eyed wazir had bought for princess miriam was a lattice window overlooking his old house and the flat wherein nerald den lodge

Starting point is 13:01:52 the wazir had a daughter a virgin of extreme loveliness as she were a fleeing gazelle or a bending branchlet and it chanced that she sat one day at the lattice aforesaid and behold she heard nerled in singing and solacing himself under his sorrows by improvising these verses o my censer who wakeest a morn to see the joys of life and its jubilee had the fangs of destiny bitten thee in such bitter case thou hadst pled this plea ah me for love in his case amy my heart is burnt by the fires i dream but from fates despite thou art safe this day from her falsest fay and her crying nay yet blame him not whom his woes whey who distraught shall say in his agony ah me for love in his case ah me my heart is burnt by the fires i dream excuse such lovers in flight abhorred nor to love's distresses thine aid afford lest thyself be bound by same binding cord and drink of love's bitterest injury ah me for love in his case ah me my heart is burnt by the fires i dream in his service i want as the days went by with freest heart through the night's delight nor tasted wake nor love of aught wreck ere my heart to subjection summont tea ah me for love in his case ah me my heart is burnt by the fires i dream none wheat of love and his humbling wrong save those he sickened so sore so long who have lost their wits mid the lover throng draining bitterest cup by his hard decree ah me for the love and his case amy my heart is burnt by the fires i dream how often in night's gloom he cause wake to rue lover's eye and from eyelids their sleep withdrew till tears to the railing of torrents grew, overflowing cheeks unconfined and free. Ah me, for love in his case, ah me, my heart is burnt

Starting point is 13:03:53 by the fires I dream. How many a man he has joyed to steep in pain, and for pine hath he plundered sleep, made dawn garb of mourning, the deepest deep, and even his dreaming forced to flee. Ami, for love in his case, ah me, my heart is burnt by the fires I dream, how oft sufferance fails me, how bones are wasted, and down my cheeks torrent tear-drops hasted, and embittered she all the food I tasted, however sweet it was wont to be. Ah, me, for love in his case, ah me, my heart is burnt by the fires I dream, most hapless of men who like me must love, and must watch when night droops her wing from above, who swimming in the main where affection drove must sign and sink in that gloomy sea. Ah, me, for love in his case, Ami, my heart is burnt by the fires, I dream.

Starting point is 13:04:48 Who is he to whom love e'er stinted spite, and who scaped his springs in easy's life, Who, free from love, lived in life's delight? Where is he can boast of such liberty? Ami, for love and his case, ami, my heart is burnt by the fires I dream. Dane, Lord, such suffering white maintain, then best protector, protect him, Dane. him in his life assain and defend him from all calamity ah me for love in his case amy my heart is burnt by the fires i dream and when neraldin ended his say and ceased to sing his rhyming lay the wazir's daughter said to herself by the virtue of the messiah and the faith which is no liar verily this muslim is a handsome youth but doubtless he is a lover separated from his mistress would heaven i wot and the beloved of this fair one is fair like unto him and if she pine for him as he for her and she be seemly as he it behoveth him to pour forth tears and make moan of passion but and she be other than fair his days are wasted in vain regrets and he is denied the taste of delights. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and ceased to say her permitted say.

Starting point is 13:06:06 When it was the eight hundred and eighty-eighth night, she continued, It hath reached me, O auspicious king, that the wazir's daughter said to herself, And his beloved be fair as he, it behooveth him to pour forth tears, and if other than fair, his heart is wasted in vain regrets. Now Miriam, the girdle-girl, the minister's consort, had removed to the new palace the day before, and the wazir's daughter knew that she was straightened of breast, so she was minded to seek her and talk with her and tell her the tidings of the young men

Starting point is 13:06:37 and the rhymes and verses she had heard him recite. But before she could carry out her design, the princess sent for her to cheer her with her converse. So she went to her and found her heavy at heart, and her tears hurrying down her cheeks, and while she was weeping with sore weeping, she recited these couplets. My life is gone, but love-longings remain,

Starting point is 13:06:59 and my breast is straightened with pine and pain, and my heart for parting to melt is fain, yet hoping that union will come again, and join us in one who are now twain. Stint your blame to him who in hearts your thrall, with a wasted frame which is sorrow's gall, nor with aim of arrow his heart appall, for parted lover is saddest of all,

Starting point is 13:07:22 and love's cup of bitters is sweet, sweet to drain quoth the wazir's daughter to her what aileth thee o princess to be thus straightened in breast and sorrowful of thought whereupon miriam recalled the greatness of the delights that were past and recited these two couplets i will bear in patience estrangement of friend and on cheeks rail tears that like torrents wind haply allah will solace my sorrow for he neath the ribs of unease maketh ease at end said the wazir's daughter o princess let nigh thy breast be straightened, but come with me straight away to the lattice, for there is with us in the stable a comely young man, slender of shape, and sweet of speech, and me seemeth he is a parted lover. Miriam asked, and by what sign knowest thou that he is a parted lover? And she answered, O queen, I know it by his improvising odes and verses, all watches of the night and tides of the day. Quoth the princess in herself, if what the wazir's daughter says be true, these are assuredly the

Starting point is 13:08:23 traits of the baffled, the wretched Ali Nouraldin, would I knew if indeed he be the youth of whom she speaketh? At this thought, love-longing and distraction of passion redoubled on her, and she rose at once, and walking with the maiden to the lattice, looked down upon the stables, where she saw her love and lord Nour al-Din, and fixing her eyes steadfastly upon him, knew him with the bestest knowledge of love, albeit he was sick, of the greatness of his affection for her and of the fire of passion, and the anguish of separation and yearning and distraction. Soar upon him was emaciation, and he was improvising and saying, My heart is a thrall, my tears near abate, and there rains the railing of clouds amate,

Starting point is 13:09:09 Twixt my weeping and watching and wanting love, and whining and pining for dearest mate. Ah, my burning heat, my desire, my low, for the plagues that torture my heart are eight, Five upon five are in sweet of them, so stand and listen to all I state. Memory, madding thoughts, moaning languishment, stress of longing love, plight, disconsolate, Intravile, affliction and strangerhood, and annoy and joy when on her I wait. Fail me, patience, and stay for engrossing care, And sorrows my suffering soul regret, On my heart the possession of passion grows. Oh, who asked of what fire in my heart's create?

Starting point is 13:09:51 why my tears and vitals should kindle flame burning heart with ardors insatiate no i'm drowned in deluge of tears and my soul from laza loo fares to hie a goal when the princess marian beheld n'eraldin and heard his eloquence and verse and speech she made certain that it was indeed her lord nir al d'in but she concealed her case from the wazir's daughter and said to her by the virtue of the messiah and the faith to which is no liar i thought not thou newest of my sadness then she arose forthright, and withdrawing from the window, returned to her own place, whilst the wazir's daughter went to her own occupations. The princess awaited patiently a while, then returned to the window, and sat there gazing upon her beloved Nouraldin, and delighting her eyes with his beauty, and inner and outer grace, and indeed she saw that he was likened to moon at full on fourteenth night,

Starting point is 13:10:48 but he was ever sighing with tears never drying, for that he recalled whatso he had been abying. So he recited these couplets. I hope for union with my love, which I may near obtain at all, but bitterness of life is all the gain I gain. My tears are like us to the main for ebb and flow of tide, but when I meet the blamer white to staunch my tears, I'm feign. Woe to the wretch who guard us part by spelling of his spells! Could I but hand his tongue in hand, I'd cut his tongue in twain. yet will I never blame the days

Starting point is 13:11:21 For whatso deed they did Mingling with merest, purest gall, The cup they made me drain To whom shall I address myself And whom but you shall seek a heart Left hostage in your court By you a captive tain Who shall avenge my wrongs on you,

Starting point is 13:11:38 Tyrant despotical, Whose tyranny but grows the more The more I dare complain I made him regnant of my soul That he, the reign assain, but me he wasted, wasting to the soul I gave to reign. Ho thou, the faun, whom I so leaf erst gathered to my breast, E now of severance tasted I to own its might and main,

Starting point is 13:12:01 Thou art he whose favours joined in one all beauties known to man, yet I thereon have wasted all my patience fair domain. I entertained him in my heart, whereto he brought unrest, but I am satisfied that I such a guest could entertain, My tears forever flow and flood, likeest a surging sea, and would I want the track to take that I ther to attain. Yet sore I fear that I shall die in depths of my chagrin, and must despair forevermore to win the wish I'd win.

Starting point is 13:12:33 When Miriam heard the verses of Nouraldin, the loving-hearted, the parted, they kindled in her vitals a fire of desire, and while her eyes ran over with tears, she recited these two couplets. I longed for him, I love, but when we met, I was amazed, nor tongue, nor eyes I found. I had got ready volumes of reproach, but when we met, could syllable, no sound. When Nourald-in heard the voice of Princess Miriam, he knew it, and wept bitter tears, saying, by Allah, this is the chanting of Lady Miriam. And Scheherazade perceived the dawn of day, and seized saying her permitted say. In of Section 39, recorded by Sylvia M.B. in Washington State.

Starting point is 13:13:19 End of the Book of A Thousand Nights and a Night, Volume 8.

Classic Audiobook Collection - (Volume 8) Arabian Nights - The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night by Anonymous ~ Full Audiobook [folklore]

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