“It was this unhappy secret, said Schahzenan, which removed my despondency; as so amiable a man as my brother conld not secure to himself the possession of a woman, it convinced me that the whole sex were contaminated, and that it would be idle in me any longer to bewail so common a misfortune.”
“Fool, to think that jealousy and restraint can preserve a mistress: notwithstanding thy vigilance, I find by these rings, every one of which I have received from a different gallant, that I have had fourscore and eighteen lovers since I have been in thy power.”
“Every night now saw a new bride conducted to the sultan’s bed, and every morning beheld her a victim to his jealousy: the consternation was universal; there was no parent who had a young and beautiful daughter, but trembled for her life; and the sultan, instead of receiving, as before, the blessings of his people, became the object of their execrations.”
“The implicit obedience which good Mussulmans owe to the commander of the Faithful, had as yet restrained the inhabitants of Bagdad from rebellion, nor had they taken any measure to preserve their children from so new a calamity; when the beauteous and accomplished Scheherazade, daughter of the grand vizier, undertook to deliver them from it, by becoming the destined bride. Her father was astonished when she declared her design. He used every argument and entreaty to persuade her from it; and agreeably to the custom of the East, he endeavored to enforce his reasoning by the following apologue”
“A pretty fellow, truly, replied the cock, is this master of ours, who cannot manage one wife, when I govern 50! Let him take a good crab-stick, and use it properly, I will engage she will soon dismiss her impertinent curiosity. The honest farmer took the hint; his wife returned to her duty; and you, my daughter, if treated in the same manner, would no doubt be as conformable to my desires, and forego só desperate an experiment.”
“When Scheherazade was introduced to the sultan, he was struck with her beauty and modest sensibility. Perceiving her in tears, he for a moment forgot his barbarous resolution, and endeavored to comfort her. The lovely sultaness, pleased to see she had made an impression on his savage heart, seized that moment to request that her sister, Dinarzade, might be admitted to her next morning, an hour before day, to take her last farewell. The sultan readily complied; and notice being sent to her sister accordingly, the charming Scheherazade suffered herself to be conducted to the fatal couch, and became the devoted bride to the cruel Schahriar.
At the appointed hour, Dinarzade was admitted to the nuptial chamber; when she made the strange request, that in the little time which remained, before they were to part forever, the sultaness wTould relate to her one of those many entertaining stories she had read. The sultan, wondering at so singular a request, consented, at the desire of his bride, and even expressed a wish to hear stories which must be singular, indeed, to be asked for at such a moment. Scheherazade, encouraged by this wish, began thus…”
“The desire of posterity induced me to buy a slave, by whom I shortly had a son. I still lived in great harmony with my wife, who always treated the slave kindly, and appeared to be very fond of my boy. Some years after his birth, I was obliged to go a long iouruey, and on my return, my wife told me that my son and my slave were both dead. I lamented their loss very much; but the feast of Bairam approaching, I thought it my duty to overcome my sorrow, and prepare for the holy festival.”
“He took me to his own habitation, and introduced me to his daughter, by her I was informed that during my journey, my wife had learned the black art; and by that means had transformed my slave into the cow we had unfortunately slaughtered the day before; and my son into the calf which had so narrowly escaped”
“But not doubting my informer was able to restore my son, as she had the skill to discover his situation, I very earnestly besought her assistance. <On two conditions, replied she, I will restore him. First, that you give him me for a husband and secondly, that you permit me to punish as she deserves, the wicked enchantress who has transformed him.> I consented; she then pronounced certain words, and sprinkling my son with water, he resumed his shape. He joyfully married his fair benefactress, who changed my wicked wife into the hind you see here.”
“Prince of genii, said the second old man, these dogs and myself are brothers. On the death of our father we divided the substance among us, and each received a thousand sequins. One of my brothers resolved to travel, laid out his money in goods suited to the country he intended to visit, and departed. After a year’s absence he returned in great distress, having lost all his effects. Meantime, by industry, I had acquired an additional thousand sequins, which I readily gave him. My other brother, not disheartened by the ill success of the first, pursued the same measures; very shortly he also returned entirely ruined. To him also I gave another thousand sequins; we then agreed to remain at home, and pursue our business carefully, without seeking further adventures.
Some years afterward, both my brothers besought me to join with them in a trading voyage. Their importunity prevailed. I disposed of my stock, which now produced 6,000 sequins, half of which I buried in a corner of the house, and gave each of my brothers a thousand of the remainder. We arrived safely at our destined port, where we sold our adventures to good profit.”
“My wife proved to be possessed of so many good qualities that I became every day more fond of her. My unworthy brothers, envying my superior good fortune, seized us both while asleep, and threw us into the sea.” “My wife was a fairy; she conveyed me home, and conducted the vessel which had my goods on board, safe into port. Before I knew of its arrival, two black dogs came crouching to me in the most submissive manner. These, said the fairy, are your brothers. Thus is their wickedness requited; and it is one part of their punishment, that in this degraded state they must look for support and protection to the brother they so basely betrayed.”
“The genie thought these adventures so singular, that he remitted the punishment of the merchant, and disappeared; and the merchant, after suitably thanking his benefactors, returned home again with joy to his family.
The sultan was delighted with these stories. He requested Scheherazade to proceed next night to another; and going into the divan, the vizier, his family, the court, and the people in general, were overjoyed to find that he gave no orders to put the beautiful sultaness to death.”
“Solomon, Solomon, the great prophet! exclaimed the genie, pardon, pardon, pardon; I never more will oppose your will!; The fisherman hearing this took courage, and said, Thou proud spirit, what is it thou talkest of it is eighteen hundred years ago since the prophet Solomon died! Tell me your history, and how you came to be shut up in that vessel.“
“I am one of those rebellious spirits who opposed themselves to the will of Heaven. The other genii owned Solomon the great prophet, and submitted to him. Sacar and I only resisted. That potent monarch caused me to be seized and brought by force before his throne! when, as I daringly persisted in my disobedience, he shut me up in this copper vessel; and that
I might not escape, he himself stamped his seal, with the great name of God engraven on it, upon this leaden cover, and ordered it to be cast into the midst of the sea.
During the first century of my imprisonment, I swore that if any one would deliver me I would make him immensely rich. During the second, I vowed that I would open all the treasures of the earth to any one who should set me free. In the third, 1 promised to make my deliverer a mighty prince, and to be always his attendant spirit. Many centuries passed over, and I continually increased my promises to him who should render me so essential a service; but all in vain; no one was so lucky as to find the coffer, and by opening it, to obtain the rewards I had bound myself to bestow. At last, enraged and tired with so long a confinement, I vowed that if any one should set me at liberty, I would kill him without mercy; therefore, as you have this day delivered me, prepare yourself to die.”
“I cannot believe, said the fisherman, that you were really confined in that vessel; it will not hold one of your feet. I adjure you, therefore, by the oath you have taken, to enter into it again, that I may be convinced, and acquit you, before I die, of ingratitude and murder.”
“The fisherman instantly shut down the cover; Now, genie, it is thy turn to entreat in vain. I will return thee to the sea whence I took thee, and will erect a monument to caution other fishermen if they chance to meet with thee, that they may be aware of such a wicked genie as thou art, who has sworn to kill thy deliverer! The genie endeavored with his utmost force to get out of the vessel again; but the seal of Solomon restrained him. Dissembling, therefore, his anger, he addressed the fisherman in a more pleasant tone; begged him once more to remove the cover, and promised to reward him to his full satisfaction. Thou art a traitor, replied the fisherman, and I should deserve to lose my life, if I was so foolish as to trust thee. No doubt you would use me as the Grecian king did his physician Douban. ‘T is a story I have a mind to tell thee, before I return thee to the faithless element in which I found thee.”
“The Grecian king was a very weak prince, easily irritated, and tyrannical in his disposition. His former favorites envied Douban, and seized every opportunity to excite distrust of him in the royal breast. He is become, said they, next in dignity and power to yourself; as he cured you in a manner so simple, may he not also, by methods as unsuspected, cut off your majesty; who alone stands between him and the throne.
For a long time the Grecian king repelled these insinuations. Were I to listen to you, said he to his courtiers, I should be like a certain man who had a faithful parrot, who reported to him the incontinence of his wife during his absence. The wife, enraged at the tell-tale, contrived a method of destroying the credit of the bird, and being revenged at the same time. Accordingly, when her husband went another journey, she caused a slave to scatter water over the cage all night, in the manner of rain, while others produced the appearance of thunder and lightning. The next day, when the husband returned, the parrot complained of having been exposed all night to the fury of a continual storm. As the master knew the weather had been exceedingly fine, be hastily concluded that his bird was false, and in resentment put it to death; but the future ill conduct of his wife too soon proved to him his parrot’s truth and his own rashness.”
“Douban, astonished at so fatal a denunciation, solicited earnestly for mercy, but in vain.”
“The king obeyed, but finding the leaves stick together, he put his finger to his mouth and wetted it to separate them. When he came to the sixth leaf, he said, <Physician, there is nothing written here!><Turn over leaf by leaf,> said the head, <till you come to the writing.> The king continued to turn over the leaves, putting his finger continually to his mouth, till the poison with which each leaf was impregnated took effect. The head, perceiving that the king had but few moments to live, exclaimed, <Tyrant, you are justly punished!> Having said this, its eyes closed, and it remained without life. The king also, in a short time, fell down and expired.”
“My good friend, replied the genie, remember, revenge is forbidden; do not treat me as Imama did Atteca. How was that? asked the fisherman.Ho! replied the genie, do you think I can tell stories in this confinement? Let me out, and I will tell you as many as you please. No, said the fisherman, I will not let you out; on the contrary, I will this moment cast you back into the sea. Hear me, I charge thee, exclaimed the genie, if thou wilt deliver me, I swear, in the most solemn manner, that I will not hurt thee: on the contrary, I will teach thee how to become as rich as thou desirest to be.”
“The four islands which I reigned over, are become the four hills you passed; my capital city is changed to a pond; and my people are turned into fishes, of various colors: the Mussulmans being white; the Persians, who adore fire, red; the Christians, blue; and the Jews, yellow. This I learned from her rage and reproaches; for she is not satisfied with the evils I now suffer, but every day she comes here, and gratifies her malice by invectives, and even by blows, which I have no power to resist.”
“He then laid aside his upper garment, and having blackened his hands, face, and neck, and taken his scimitar with him, he lay down on the bed in the same posture in which he had found the black.”
“you know the company of women without men is as dull as the company of men without women. Besides, the Bagdad proverb is allowed to be a good one, which says: One is never well at table, except there be four in company.”
“They sat down to their repast together. After they had eaten a little, Amine took a cup, tilled out wine, and drank first herself, according to the custom of the Arabians; she then filled the cup for her sisters, and last for the porter, who, as he received it, kissed her hand, and, before he drank, sung a song to this purpose: <That as the wind brings along with it the sweet scent of the perfumed places through which it passes, so the wine he was going to drink, coming from her fair hand, received a more exquisite taste than what it had of itself.>”
“One condition you must carefully observe: that whatsoever we do in your presence, you take heed not to inquire the reason of, nor presume to dive into the motive of our actions. That you may perceive this is an invariable rule with us, rise up, and read what is written over our gate, and then you may stay.”
“The caliph Haroun Alraschid was accustomed to walk abroad in disguise very often by night, accompanied by Giafar, his grand vizier, and Mesrour, chief of the eunuchs, to inspect into the order of the city, and see that the duty of the magistrates was properly executed. Passing by the palace of the ladies, he heard the sound of music and jollity; and chose to inquire into the reason of it. The vizier represented to him that it was not yet an unlawful hour, and that by disturbing their mirth, in that disguise, he would probably expose himself to insult; but the impatient caliph put an end to his remonstrances, by ordering him to knock loudly at the gate. On Safie appearing, Giafar represented to her that they were Maussol merchants, strangers in Bagdad, who having rambled a considerable way from their khan (or inn) were at a loss to find it; they therefore besought from their hospitality the favor of passing the night under their protection.
The ladies, having already admitted the calendars, made no hesitation to receive also these pretended merchants. The customary caution of the family was given to them, which they promised to observe; the diversions were resumed; the calendars arose and danced after their manner, and every one endeavored to contribute to the pleasure of the company.”
“When the caliph was first introduced he was struck with the beauty and elegant manners of the ladies; the singular appearance of the calendars, all young men of polite address, and all blind of the right eye, had exceedingly engaged his attention. He was astonished at the conduct of Zobeide, in so severely whipping the two bitches, and afterward crying with them; wiping away their tears, and kissing them, though such animals are considered by the Mussulman religion as unclean; and the sight of Amine’s bosom excited his highest indignation against the person who had so cruelly abused her. Yet he still suffered himself to be restrained by the conditions imposed on him and his companions. While he was meditating on these extraordinary events, he overheard the calendars expressing to each, other their wonder also.”
“Madam, these gentlemen desire you will acquaint them why you wept over your two bitches, after you had whipped them; and how that lady’s bosom, who fainted lately, became so full of scars.
Zobeide, turning to the caliph and the rest of the company, with an air of indignation asked if they had ordered the porter to make that request. On their acknowledging that they bad, she said: Before we gave you the protection of our house, you were each separately cautioned, not to speak of things which did not concern you, lest you should hear of that which would not please you; take therefore the just punishment of your impertinence and ingratitude.
As she spoke, she gave three hard knocks with her foot, and clapping her hands as often, cried, Come quick. A door immediately flew open, and seven strong slaves with scimitars in their hands, rushed in. Every one seized a man, threw him on the ground, and prepared to cut off his head. The frightened porter exclaimed aloud: For Heaven’s sake do not punish me for the crimes of others! I am innocent; they are to blame; alas! Continued he, crying, How happy were we before these blind calendars came; they are the cause of this misfortune; there is no town in the world but falls to ruin, wherever these inauspicious follows come!
The caliph, alarmed at his situation, was about to discover himeelf, when Zobeide, who, notwithstanding her anger, could scarce refrain from laughing aloud at the lamentation of the porter, thus addressed herself to them all: Your unworthy conduct convinces me that you are common fellows of no credit in your own countries. If, however, you have anything to say before you pay the penalty of your folly, we will hear you.’ At these words, one of the calendars lifted up his head, and declared that he and his brother calendars were princes, and had passed through such wonderful adventures, that, were they told, would recommend them to her pity and forgiveness.
Zobeide, having consulted with her sisters, said: Relate, then, those events which you speak of: if they are indeed singular, they may perhaps soften our resentment. The slaves then suffered them to rise, and the calendar who had thus far prevailed with the affronted lady to suspend their resentment, began his story.”
“After a few days’ repose, he told me that I could render him an important service: but before he could explain himself, he must exact a solemn oath, that I would never discover what he should employ me to do, nor any measure he should take in consequence of that service. I had the greatest affection for my cousin, and doubted not but his whole conduct was regulated by virtue and honor. I made no scruple, therefore, to take the oath he required; on which he requested me to go in the evening to the gardens which were set apart for the women of the seraglio: If you are seen, said he, no one will venture to question you; and when a lady joins you, all I desire of you is, to conduct her as she shall direct you, and to keep my secret.”
“When I waas a boy, I was shooting at a bird with a cross-bow, the ball unfortunately hit the vizier and put out one of his eyes. I made every apology in my power, yet he never forgave me; and now, when I was brought into his presence, he ran at me in a rage, and pulled out my right eye. But not daring to put me to death in the capital, lest he should excite an insurrection among the people, he sent me to a distant part of the country, under the care of his most trusty adherents, who had orders to destroy me.”
“a criminal passion had arisen between the prince and that lady, who was his sister; he had in vain exerted the authority of a father and of a sovereign, to restrain these unworthy children; before he began his late tour, he had given an absolute order, that the prince should not be permitted to approach the women’s apartment. The wretch, continued the unhappy father, has rendered vain all my precautions. It is plain he built these subterraneous apartments for a retreat, and made use of your friendship to obtain the miserable partner of his iniquity; but God, who would not suffer such an abomination, has justly punished them both.”
“I was a long time inconsolable; but time and necessity have accustomed me to receive the hateful genie. He visits me every 10thday. If I wish to see him at any other time, I touch the talisman you see there, and he presently appears. He will not be here these 5 days; if you choose to pass them with me, I will endeavor to entertain you according to your quality and merit. I embraced her proposal with the greatest joy.”
“Let him come; I swear I will extirpate all the genii in the world, and him first; and for this talisman, I will break it.”
“the fumes of the wine did not suffer me to hearken to her. I gave the talisman a violent kick with my foot, and broke it all to pieces.”
“Was I sure, said he, that she had put a greater affront on me than in conversing with thee, thou also shouldst die; but I will be content with transforming thee into a dog, ape, lion, or bird: take thy choice.”
“I will have patience till you tell me that story, replied the genie, but think not to escape unpunished.”
“<Sir, replied the princess, the ape that you have by you is a young prince, transformed by enchantment. I have learned the 70 rules of magic, whence I know, at first sight, all persons who are enchanted, and how they became so.> <Have you power, also, said the sultan, to dispel the charm?> <I have,> replied the princess. <Do so then immediately, I entreat you, said the sultan; I interest myself exceedingly in this prince’s fortune; if you can restore him, I will make him my vizier, and he shall marry you.>”
“When she had finished the circle she placed herself in the centre of it, where she began adjurations, and repeated verses out of the Alcoran. The air insensibly grew dark; all at once the genie appeared in the shape of a lion of a frightful size.
Wretch, said the princess to him, darest thou present thyself in that shape, thinking to frighten me? And thou, replied the lion, art thou not afraid to break the treaty which was so solemnly made between us? but thou shalt quickly have thy reward. At these words he opened his terrible jaws and ran at her to devour her; but she leaped backward, pulled out one of her hairs, and by pronouncing three or four words, changed herself into a sharp sword, and cut the lion in two.
The lion vanished, and a scorpion appeared in his room. The princess became a serpent, and fought the scorpion, who, finding himself worsted, took the shape of an eagle, and flew away. The serpent also took the same shape and pursued him, so that we lost sight of them both. Some time after the ground opened, and there eame forth a cat, with her hair standing upright, and making a fearful mewing; a black wolf followed her close, and gave her no time to rest. The cat thus hard beset, changed herself into a worm and, a pomegranate lying by the side of the canal, the worm pierced it in an instant and hid itself; but the pomegranate immediately swelled as big as a gourd [abóbora], and presently burst into several pieces. The wolf became a cock, and picked up the seeds of the pomegranate; when he could find no more, he came toward us. as if he would ask us whether he had left any. There was one lying at the brink of the canal, which we perceiving, pointed it out to the cock, which ran speedily toward it; just as he was going to pick it up, the seed rolled into the river, and became a little fish. The cock jumped into the river, and was turned into a pike, which pursued the small fish. They continued both under water about two hours, and we began to wonder what had become of them, when, on a sudden, we heard such terrible cries as made us tremble, and presently we saw the princess and the genie all in flames. They threw flashes of fire at each other so fiercely, that we apprehended chat the palace would be consumed; but we soon had more reason to be alarmed, for the genie, having got loose from the princess, came to the gallery and blew flames on us. The princess flew to our relief and beat away the genie; but in that momentary attack the sultan’s face was dreadfully scorched, the eunuch was stifled, and a spark entering my right eye it became blind. We expected nothing but death, when we heard a cry of Victory! victory! The princess appeared in her natural shape, but the genie was reduced to a heap of ashes.”
“Sir, I have got the victory over the genie, but it is a victory that costs me dear, as I have but a few moments to live. This would not have been had I perceived the last of the pomegranate seeds, and swallowed it as I did the others. That oversight obliged me to have recourse to fire, and to fight with those mighty arms, as I did, between heaven and earth, in your presence. I have conquered and reduced the genie to ashes; but the fire pierced me also during the terrible combat, and I find I cannot escape death.”
“Rejected, banished, thrown off by all the world, I caused my beard and eyebrows to be shaved and set off for Bagdad; lamenting more for the two unfortunate princesses than for my own wretchedness.”
“The day following I renewed my inquiries in so earnest a manner, that one of them, in behalf of the rest, said: It is out of friendship to you, prince, that we have withheld from you the information you wish; but if you continue to demand it, we are not at liberty to refuse you. Know, however, that you will lose your right eye by gratifying your dangerous curiosity; and that when that misfortune hath befallen you, you cannot remain with us, as our number is complete, and no addition can be made to it.”
“The roc is a white bird of enormous size and of such strength, that it takes elephants from the plains to the tops of the mountains, where he feeds on them.” Esta ave está até nos diários de Marco Polo!
“This, continued she, will wholly depend upon yourself; here are the keys of 100 doors which you will find in the adjoining courts. These we are obliged to leave with you. You will find abundance of curious things within 99 of these doors to gratify and amuse you, which you may enjoy in safety; but if you open the golden door, we shall never see you again. And it is this fear lest you should be overcome by an indiscreet curiosity, that gives us so much disturbance.”
“all that is beautiful in nature, or elegant in art was there, in the highest perfection and abundance. The wealth, as well in jewels as in gold, was incredible. This immense display of everything valuable and curious was so extensive, that 39 days were passed by the time I had explored the 99 apartments I was allowed to visit.”
“I got up much troubled with the misfortune I had brought upon myself; I found the castle was the same from which the roc had carried me, and presently met the 10 gentlemen, who were not at all surprised to see me, as every one of them had passed through the same adventure. After condoling with me, and lamenting that it was not permitted them to add me to their number, they directed me to seek the court of Bagdad, where I would meet him that would decide my destiny. Accordingly I put on this dress; and arrived here this evening.”
“Early in the morning, I heard the voice of a man reading the Alcoran, in the same tone it is read in our mosques. I arose immediately, and following the voice, I fonnd it came from an oratory, which had, as usual, a niche, that showed Avhere we must turn to say our prayers. A comely young man was sitting on a carpet reading the Alcoran with great devotion. Being curious to know why he was the only living creature in the town, I entered the oratory, and standing upright before the niche, praised God aloud for having favored us with so happy a voyage.
The young man closed his Alcoran, and coming to me, desired to know whence I came. I acquainted him; on which he proceed, ed to tell me that the city was the metropolis of a kingdom governed by his father; that the king and all his subjects were magi, worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of the giants, who rebelled against God: <Though I was born, continued he, of idolatrous parents, it was my good fortune to have a woman-governess, who was a strict observer of the Mohammedan religion. She taught me Arabic from the Alcoran; by her I was instructed in the true religion, which I would never afterward renounce. (…) This voice was heard three years successively, but no one regarded it. At the end of the last year, all the inhabitants were in an instant changed into stone, every one in the posture he happened to be then in. I alone was preserved; and I natter myself, madam, that you are sent here to deliver me from a solitary life, which I must own is very irksome to me.>”
“The young prince proved the most amiable and agreeable of men, He solicited me very earnestly to become his wife, which I projnised on our arrival here. But my sisters had each become enamored with him: this declaration of his reduced them to despair. Envy and jealousy took possession of their breasts, and in the night they threw us both overboard.”
“<I am, said she, the serpent, Whom you so lately delivered from my mortal enemy; in return for that service, with the assistance of other fairies, my companions, I have already conveyed the valuable lading of your vessel to your store-houses in Bagdad; and to punish the cruelty and in gratitude of your sisters, I have transformed them into these two bitches.> Having said this, she took them under one arm and me under the other, and in an instant set us down in my house. Before she left me, she said: <If you would not share the fate of your wicked sisters, I command you in the name of him who governs the sea, that you every night give each of them 100 lashes with a rod.> I am obliged to obey this severe order, but my resentment having long since subsided, your majesty saw with what reluctance I comply with it.
Zobeide having finished her story, Amine rose to satisfy the inquiries of the Caliph.”
“My new husband exacted a promise from me that I would not speak co or be seen by any man but himself.”
“The merchant told her he would not sell them for money, but if I would permit him to kiss my cheek, he would present me with them. I directed the nurse to reprehend him for his audacity; but instead of obeying me, she remonstrated in his favor. As I was much pleased with the stuffs, which the merchant would not let me have on any other terms, I foolishly consented.
The old woman and the slaves stood up, that no one should see it; I put by my veil; but instead of a kiss, the merchant bit me till the blood came.”
“When dinner was over, Sindbad began to converse with the porter; and calling him brother, after the manner of the Arabians, when they are familiar with one another, he asked him what it was he had said awhile ago in the street? for Sindbad had chanced to overhear his murmurings.”
“We had not long landed, when, on a sudden, the island trembled, and shook us terribly. The people on board saw our situation, aud called out to us to re-embark directly, as what we had taken for an island, was only the back of a prodigious fish. The nimblest of us got into the sloop, others jumped into the sea, and swam toward the vessel. For my part, I was still on the back of the fish when it dived into the sea. I got hold of a piece of timber which we had brought, to make a fire with, and by this assistance was preserved from sinking, but found it impossible to recover the ship.”
(*) “Degial, with the Mohammedans, is the same as Antichrist with us. They have a tradition that he will appear about the end of the world, and conquer all the earth, except Mecca, Medina, Tarsus, and Jerusalem, which are to be preserved by angels, whom he shall set round them.”
“I disposed of my merchandise to the value of 10,000 sequins. (*) I then bought slaves of both sexes, built me a fine house, resolving to forget the miseries I had suffered, and enjoy myself.”
(*) “The Turkish sequin is about 2 dollars.” Como podemos ver pela continuação do parágrafo, é bastante provável que a cotação desta edição do livro está defasada. Quiçá seja 10 ou 50x mais.
“I had no intention of venturing the sea again; but I soon grew weary, and ashamed of an inactive life.”
Sinbad, a águia e a serpente. Ouroboros?
“The rhinoceros fights with the elephant, runs his horn into his belly, and carries him off upon his head; but the blood and fat of the elephant run into his eyes, and make him blind. He falls to the ground, and what is very astonishing, the roc carries them both away in her claws, to be meat for her young ones.”
“An innumerable multitude of little frightful savages covered all over with red hair, came swimming about us. They were not more than 2 feet high, but seemed uncommonly strong and nimble.”
“He was a tremendous black giant, as high as a tall palm-tree, with only one eye in the middle of his forehead, which looked as red as a burning coal; his teeth and nails were long and sharp, and his mouth resembled that of a horse. The sight of so frightful a figure rendered us immovable with horror. After surveying us for some time, he took me up by the nape of the neck, and felt my body as a butcher would his sheep. Finding me very thin, he Bet rne down and took up another; at last, laying hands on our captain, who was fat, he thrust a long spit through him, and kindling a fire, he roasted and ate him. After which he retired to an adjoining room, where he slept, and snored all night like thunder. In the morning he got up, went out, and left us in his dwelling.”
“Accordingly, when we heard him snore, ten of the boldest of us took each a spit, and making the points red hot in the embers of the fire where he had roasted our friends, we thrust them all at once into his eye, and blinded him. He awoke in great agonies, and making a frightful outcry, he felt about, in hopes of sacrificing us to his fury: but we took care to be out of his reach; and finding he sought for us in vain, he groped for the gate, and went out howling dreadfully.”
“Day had scarcely appeared, when we found it necessary to put to sea with all possible haste; for we saw the blinded giant coming toward us, led by two others of his own species, as large and terrible as himself.”
“By this time my name became celebrated as a bold navigator, and fortunate merchant. My vanity was so highly gratified by these distinctions, that I determined to support my claim to them by undertaking another voyage.”
“We embarked, and got under way with all diligence; but we scarce had weighed anchor, when we saw the male and female rocs appear at a distance, like two large clouds. When they approached their egg and found it broken, the noise they made was tremendous.”
“You fell, said they, into the hands of the Old Man of the Sea, and are the only one that ever escaped strangling by him; as he never left any he had once mastered till their strength was exhausted, when he failed not to destroy them.”
“During this time, I made a pilgrimage to the place where Adam was confined after his banishment from paradise. The island was called Serendib; it is exceedingly pleasant and fertile. The people were hospitable, and so just that lawsuits are unknown among them. The magnificence of the palace, and the splendor of their prince, when he appears in public, are truly admirable. On this occasion, the king has a throne fixed on the back of an elephant: before him an officer carries a golden lance in his hand, and behind the throne there is another who supports a column of gold; the guard amount to a thousand men, all clad in silk and cloth of gold. While the king is on his march, the officer who carries the lance, cries out, occasionally, <Behold the great monarch; the potent and redoubtable sultan of the Indies; whose palace is covered with an 100,000 rubies, and who possesses 20,000 crowns, enriched with diamonds; behold the crowned monarch; greater than the greatest of princes!> After which the officer who is behind, cries out, <This monarch, so great, so powerful, must die, must die, must die!> The officer who is before replies, <Praise be to him who liveth forever!>”
“I had now determined to go no more to sea. My wealth was unbounded, my reputation established, my curiosity amply gratified, and my years began to require rest; so that I thought only of enjoying the fruit of my former toils and dangers. But the caliph sending for me, told me he had resolved to answer the letter of the king of Serendib, and to return him a present of equal value to that which I had brought him, and that he had fixed on me to be the bearer of it.”
“For two months I continued to kill an elephant every day, sometimes from one tree, sometimes from another. One morning, while I was looking out for them, I perceived they did not cross the forest as usual, but came in great numbers directly toward the tree where I was. Their approach alarmed me so much that my bow and arrows fell out of my hand; and my terror greatly increased, when one of the largest of them wound his trunk round the body of the tree in which I was, and pulled so strong that he soon tore it up by the roots, and threw it on the ground. As I was falling with the tree, I gave myself up for lost; but the elephant, wheu I reached the earth, took me up gently, and placed me on his back. He then went at the head of his companions into the heart of the forest, when stopping suddenly, he took hold of me with his trunk, and set me down on the ground. Immediately he and all his companions retired and left me.”
“We buy slaves here solely for the purpose of procuring us ivory; and notwithstanding all our care, the elephants every year kill a great many of them. You have been preserved most marvellously from their fury. Think not that by restoring you to freedom, I suppose you sufficiently rewarded: when I procure you a vessel to convey you home, you will find me more substantially grateful.”
“I purchased three apples, at a great price, which was all the gardener could spare me; and returned in 15 days to Bagdad, much pleased with my success. But when I came home, my wife’s desire for them had passed away. She accepted them, notwithstanding, very kindly, and though she continued sick, she did not cease to be affectionate.”
“I asked him hastily how he came by it. <‘Tis a present, replied he, smiling, from my mistress: I have just been to visit her, and on taking leave, she gave me this apple, which is one of three which her kind husband has been as far as Balsora to obtain for her.>”
“I demanded where the other was. My wife answered me coldly, <I know not what has become of it.> Transported with rage and jealousy, I drew my dagger, and instantly stabbed her.”
“Though I did not regret having slain her, I dreaded the consequences of the act. I divided the body therefore into quarters, and packed them up in a trunk, which, as soon as it was dark, I threw into the river. When I returned home, I found the eldest of my children sitting at my gate, crying; on my asking the reason, <Father, said he, I took away this morning, unknown to my mother, one of the apples you brough to her: as I was playing with it, a tall, black slave, who was going by, snatched it from me; and though I told him how far you had been to fetch it to my mother, he would not restore it. Do not, my dear father, tell my mother of it, lest she should grieve and become worse.>
My son’s discourse overwhelmed me with the most insupportable anguish. I found I had been betrayed by the fatal lie of a vile slave into an enormous crime. At this juncture, my uncle arrived to pay a visit to me and his daughter. I concealed nothing from him; and the good old man, instead of loading me with reproaches, admitted my apology, and joined with me in lamenting the loss we had both sustained, through my rashness and the villany of the rascally black. We were yet mingling our tears, when we heard that the body was found, and that your majesty’s displeasure was raised against your faithful vizier, because the murderer was undiscovered. I resolved, therefore, to submit myself to your royal justice, the decree of which however severe, I shall not presume to murmur at.”
“The story cf the unfortunate young man excited the pity of the caliph; and his indignation was turned against the slave, who had been the cause of so great a calamity.”
“How is it possible, complained he, to find out this slave in a city where there are such a number of blacks? I will not attempt such so fruitless an inquiry, but will resign myself to my fate.”
“The afflicted vizier took her in his arms to salute her, when perceiving something bulky in her bosom, asked her what it was. <My dear father, said she, it is an apple, which I have just bought of our slave Rahan, for two sequins.>
“He inquired where he was, and was astonished when told he was at the gates of Damascus. <Sure, you mock me, exclaimed he; when I lay down to sleep, I was at Cairo.> The bystanders laughing still more, he increased their vociferous ridicule by declaring he had passed the preceding day at Balsora.”
“Is that the reason, exclaimed Bedreddin, that I have been treated so severely; have my goods been destroyed, myself made a prisoner, and led away many days’ journey from my home, am I now to be be put to a cruel death; and all this for not putting pepper into a cream-tart? Are these the actions of Mussulmans, of persons professing probity and justice? Never was man used so barbivrously; cursed be all cream-tarts, and the hour in which I learned to make them.”
“The recollection of what he had passed through for so many years; was too strong to be overcome by the idea of its having been a dream.”
“In the capital of China there lived a tailor named Mustapha who with difficulty earned a maintenance for himself, his wife, and son, whose name was Aladdin.
The boy, though of a sprightly turn and gool natural understanding, was careless and idle. As he grew ap his laziness increased, he was continually loitering among blackguards in the street; nor could Mustapha by any means prevail with him to apply himself to some employment by which he might learn to get his bread.” “Mustapha, finding him incorrigible, was so much afflicted, that his grief brought on a fit of sickness which cost him his life.” Realmente um garoto abençoado…
“Aladdin, being no longer restrained by his father, indulged his indolence to the utmost. He was not ashamed, though 15 years old, to be supported by his mother’s labor, yet ceased to pay her the respect and duty of a son.”
“Aladdin did not want sense though he hated work”
“Aladdin and his mother were by these means completely deceived. They never doubted but the man who heaped so many favors upon them was really their near relation, and blessed Providence for their good fortune in being found out by him.”
“Though I have opened this cave, I am forbidden to enter it; that honor is permitted only to you. Go down boldly then. You will find at the bottom of these steps, three great halls, in each of which you will see a large number of coffers full of gold and silver. Be sure you do not meddle with them; nor must you suffer your very clothes to touch the walls. If you do, you will instantly perish. When you are through these halls, you will come to a garden. Here you will be perfectly safe, and may handle anything you see. At the further end of it, you will find a lamp, burning in a niche. Take that lamp down, throw away the wick, pour out the liquor, and put the lamp in your bosom to bring to me.”
“Nothing could be further from the intention of the magician than to deliver Aladdin from the cave. He had found by his books that there was such a lamp concealed in a subterraneous abode in. China, which would render the possessor more powerful than any prince in the world; but as he was not permitted to enter the place himself, he resolved therefore to seduce some friendless boy to fetch him the wonderful talisman, and having gained it, to shut up the cave, and leave him to his fate. When Aladdin therefore called out for his assistance, he called as loudly for the lamp. The young man would have readily given it to him, if he had not buried it in his bosom by the quantity of jewels he had put over it; and being ashamed to own that, he entreated his supposed uncle to help him out, and he would deliver it to him immediately.”
“He set off immediately for his own country, taking care not to return to the city, lest he should be questioned respecting his pretended nephew.”
“Immediately an enormous genie rose out of the earth, with a torch in his hand, which illuminated the cave as though the sun had shone in it, and said to him, <What wouldst thou? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave, while thou wearest that ring; I, and the other slaves of the ring.>”
“What wouldst thou? I am ready to obey thee as thy slave; the slave of all those who hold that lamp in their hands; I and the other slaves of the lamp.”
“When all the money was spent, Aladdin had recourse again to the lamp, and the genie supplied the table with another silver basin and the same number of covered plates equally well filled.”
“<You go often, said he, to that Jew, who is the greatest cheat among his brethren; if you deal with him, he will certainly defraud you. Aladdin produced his plate, which the goldsmith weighed, and counted him down 60 pieces of gold for it. The young man thanked the honest shopkeeper, to whom he afterward sold the other plates and the basin.”
“But though he found himself possessed of immense wealth, yet he persisted in living privately, even humbly; devoting his whole time to the improvement of his understanding.”
“Till now he had never seen any woman’s face but his mother’s. He supposed, therefore, that all women vere like her, and thought of them with indifference. But the instant he saw the princess, who was exceedingly lovely, he felt emotions he had till then been a stranger to. When she had entered the inner doors, he returned home, pensive, yet delighted. He passed the evening in melancholy and silence, and the night in indulging the starts of a restless and disturbed imagination.”
“Three months indeed seemed an age; but as he had never hoped to succeed without infinitely more difficulty, his joy was unbounded.”
“He beckoned the old woman to him, and told her he was ready to give the princess to her son, provided he sent him 40 basins of massy gold, full of the same kind of stones she had given him before; each basin to be carried by a black slave, led by a young and handsome white slave, all of them magnificently dressed. <Go, said he, and tell him on these conditions I am ready to receive him as my son-in-law.>”
“When he had bathed, he was quite a different man from what he had been before. His skin was clear, his complexion improved, and his whole body lightsome and easy. The genie clothed him with a most magnificent habit, and conveyed him home, where he found a number of attendants ready to wait on him and his mother to the palace.”
“He was so altered that his former companions did not know him; for such were the effects of the lamp, that those who possessed it acquired by degrees perfections both of mind and person, which qualified them for the high fortune, the right use of it advanced them to.”
“You must believe his riches are inexhaustible; and he thus shows us what can be done by money.”
“But no situation in human life is exempt from misfortune. Several years after these events, the African magician who had undesignedly been the instrument of Aladdin’s good fortune, chanced to recollect him, and resolved to know if he had perished in the cave. He cast figures, and formed a horoscope, by which he found that Aladdin had escaped, lived splendidly, was rich, had married a princess, and was very much honored and respected.”
“The natural malignity of the magician became tenfold on this discovery. He burst out in a rage, saying, Has this wretched tailor’s son discovered the virtue of the lamp? does he whom I despised and devoted to death enjoy the fruit of my labor and study? He shall not long do so. He immediately prepared for a journey; and setting off next day, travelled till he arrived again at the capital of China.”
“the magician having obtained the prize he sought, returned with it, rejoicing, to his khan.”
“These remarks of the vizier kindled tlie sultan’s rage against Aladdin. Where is that impostor, that vile wretch? Exclaimed the sultan. Bring him before me, and let his head pay the price for his wicked delusions.”
“Aladdin was stripped, bound, and kneeling to receive the fatal stroke, when an accident happened, which obliged the sultan reluctantly to suspend his fate.”
“The sultan was terrified. He ordered Aladdin to be unbound, and bad the chiaoux proclaim he had pardoned him This satLsiicd the people, who presently dispersed.”
“I beseech your majesty, replied Aladdin, to give me 40 days to search for my dear princess; if at the end of that time I am unsuccessful, I do solemnly swear I will return, and deliver myself into your hands.
– Begone, then, answered the sultan; but know, that if you break this oath, you shall not escape my resentment. My rage shall pursue you, if you do not produce my daughter, in whatever part of the world you may vainly attempt to hide yourself.”
“In her cup was the powder procured by Aladdin. Wine being poured out. the princess told the magician, that in China, it was the custom for lovers to exchange cups, and at the same time, held out her cup to him. He eagerly made the exchange; and putting the cup he had received from her to his lips, he drank a little of the wine, and immediately expired.”
“The sultan embraced Aladdin, and they forgave each other. The dead body of the magician was thrown upon a dunghill; and the whole city rejoiced at the safe return of Aladdin aid the princess.
The happiness of Aladdin was not yet secured. Though the magician was dead, he had left a brother as wicked, and as powerful as himself. It was the custom of these brethren to inform themselves by their art, once a year, where each other was. and whether either of them stood in need of the other’s assistance.”
“Among other things he often heard of one Fatima, a holy woman, who resided in a hermitage near the city, and used now and then to come to it. Her piety was everywhere spoken of. They even, declared that she had the power of working miracles; and particularly that she never failed to cure any person who had the headache, by putting her hand on them.” “Being thus completely able to pass for Fatima, he, without the least regard to his oath, strangled her, and threw her into a cistern.”
“I am not, replied the magician, a judge of these fine things; but I think if a roc’s egg was hung up in the midst of the dome, the whole would be complete. There is one on the top of Mount Caucasus; and the architect who built your palace can procure it for you.”
“Wretch! Is it not enough that I and my companions have done so much for thee, but thou must command me to bring my master, and hang him up in thy hall? It is well for thee that thou art riot the author of this ungrateful request. Know, then, that the deviser of it is the brother of the African magician.”
3 MIL DESEJOS TÊM SEMPRE UM FIM: “After these words, the genie, snatching the lamp from Aladdin’s hand, disappeared.”
“Though Aladdin was much grieved for the loss of his lamp, yet he consoled himself, as by the death of the magician his peace was secured. He succeeded some years afterward to the throne of China, on which he reigned with his princess to a good old age, and left behind him a numerous posterity.”
“he that had not seen Egypt, hath not seen the greatest sight in the world.”
“He was a long time opening his case, and preparing his razors; when, instead of proceeding to shave me, he took out an astrolabe, and went very gravely out of the room to the middle of the yard to take the height of the sun. Returning with the same gravity, he said, Sir, you will be pleased to know that this day is Friday, the 18th of the mouth Safar, and that the conjunction of Mars and Mercury signifies you cannot choose a better time than this very day and this very hour for being shaved. But this conjunction is also ominous to you. You will this day be in great danger, not indeed of losing your life, but of an inconvenience which will attend you as long as you live.”
“– Do you think I am a common shaver ? You sent for a barber only; but besides having in me the best barber in Bagdad, you have also an experienced physician, a very profound chemist, an infallible astrologer, a finished grammarian, a complete orator, a subtile logician, an admirable mathematician and historian; besides, I know all parts of philosophy. I am a poet, an architect, and excel in all the sciences. Your late father, my very good friend, whose memory I revere, held me in the highest esteem. I am—
– Prithee, peace, thou endless babbler, and do the business I sent for you to do.”
“I wonder, sir, you will not avoid those transports of rage, which come only from the devil. Besides, you ought to have more respect for a man of my age, knowledge, and many virtues. You have an engagement at noon; why, it now wants at least three hours of that time. Again he laid down his razor, and took up his astrolabe, leaving me half shaved, to go and see what time of day it was.”
“A few days after the departure of the caliph, a strange whim seized the young lady. She had a desire to see the city; and besought Fatima to take her with her the next time she went thither. Fatima, little apprehending any bad consequence, fondly consented, and apprized the merchant, that on an appointed day, the caliph’s favorite would come in private to view the city and intended to repose at his house.”
“The intention of viewing the city was at an end. Schemselnihar, new to love, indulged sensations so delightful, and thought only how she might make herself agreeable to Aboulhassen: who, on his part, became entirely enamored. They remained together till evening, and parted with inexpressible reluctance on both sides.
New ideas now took possession of Schemselnihar, among which none so often arose as an abhorrence of marriage with the caliph. She devoted herself to her beloved Aboulhassen; and though she saw no probability of being united to him, yet she determined to encourage that hope. The indulgent Fatima reasoned with her against so improper an attachment, but misled by her fondness for the princess, she repeatedly permitted interviews between the two lovers at the house of Ebn Thaher. The merchant, also, though he pointed out to the prince the folly and danger of his pursuit, was yet weak enough to promote the meetings of the young couple.”
“In this terrestrial paradise the love-sick Schemselnihar received her equally enamored Aboulhassen, unmindful of her engagement with the commander of the faithful, whom she now began to think of with terror and abhorrence; nor did the prince suffer the fear of future evils, or of present danger, to damp the delight he felt at being received with so much distinction by the object of his vows.”
“They plighted vows of unceasing constancy, and seemed, by seizing the present moment to snatch those joys from the power of fortune before a fatal interruption should put an end to them forever.”
“Opposite Ebn Thaher’s house there lived a jeweller who, having little business to employ him, bestowed much of his attention on his neighbors. Shrewd, artful, and avaricious, he sought to turn everything to his own advantage, and having a pleasant carriage, which hid his vices, he was but too often successful.”
“Ebn Thaher, leaving Bagdad abruptly, confirmed this sagacious fellow in his opinion, that the prince had dared to intrigue in the harem of the caliph; and that the amour was carried on by Fatima and the merchant.”
“He concluded the lovers would pay more liberally for his assistance in carrying on their amour than the caliph would for a disagreeable piece of intelligence.”
“For some time, by means of the zeal and activity of the new emissary, a regular correspondence took place between Aboulhassen and the princess. The avarice of the jeweller was gratified beyond his hopes; he scrupled, therefore, no danger to oblige his benefactors. Matters could not remain long in this undecided situation. Schemselnihar daily grew better; and the caliph who had been much afflicted at her illness, began to congratulate her on her recovery. The preparations for the royal marriage were no longer suspended; and to prevent its taking place the lovers resolved on elopement.”
“The jeweller now found himself in a very distressed situation. Deprived of the great riches he had obtained by his intrigues; his patron dead; his hopes annihilated; an exile from his country, his avaricious spirit still remained; and he determined to hazard new dangers, in hopes of recovering what he had lost. He knew the banditti had engaged to restore what they had taken from his house; and he was not without hope that it might have been delivered to his family. The prince of Persia had a mother, who inherited his vast wealth, and he was willing to believe that she would reward his attachment to her son. On these considerations, he revealed to his host the rank of the deceased, and engaged him to deposit the body for a short time in a neighboring mosque; and, after staying a few months at Anbar, he ventured to return to Bagdad.”
“I alone am to blame in this affair; I ought to have considered that, in marriage, age and youth agree but ill together. I love you, Schemselnihar, continued the generous prince, and ever shall; but in future it shall be like the love of a father, not a husband. I will myself give you to Aboulhaseen; send him word of the good fortune that awaits him.
(…) She sunk into the arms of the caliph and expired.”
“Fatima, having finished her narrative, was informed by the jewellerof the death of Aboulhassen; and they joined to pay the tributeof tears to the memory of these unfortunate lovers. In the morningFatima waited on the caliph, and obtained his permission tointer the body of the prince of Persia in the same tomb with hisbeloved mistress. The mercenary jeweller was the only victim ofthe caliph’s displeasure, who was so displeased with his conduct, that he confiscated the remainder of his effects, and banished himfrom his dominions.”
“Carnaralzaman had about him something more than indifference for women he heard, therefore, this desire of his father with great concern. He put it off at first by pleading youth, and desiring time. After waiting a whole year, Schahzaman, finding no disposition in his son to obey him, desired the mother of the prince to reason with him on the subject. Camaralzaman had ever behaved with the utmost duty and affection to her, and the king hoped much from her influence over him to procure a willing obedience to his commands.”
“Maimoune, the fairy, soon after met a genie, named Danhasch; be was one of those geniiwho rebelled against god. The great Solomon had obliged Maimoune to conform.”
“Whatever aversion, sir, said he, I formerly had to woman, this young lady has charmed me to such a degree, that I am ready to receive her as the best gift you can bestow on me.”
MEIA-VOLTA NO ORIENTE EM QUASE 80 SEMANAS… “They then set off for the capital of China, where, after travelling near 12 months, they arrived in perfect safety.”
“Camaralzaman was exceedingly grieved when he saw the bird fly away with the talisman. He blamed severely his idle curiosity, by which he had lost a treasure so valued by the princess. The bird having got her prize, pitched upon the ground not far off, with the talisman in her mouth; the prince drew near, in hopes she would drop it; but as he approached, she took wing and pitched again farther off. Camaralzaman followed her and the bird, having swallowed the talisman, took a small flight faither still. The prince hoped to kill her with a stone; and as she flew but a little way at a cime, he became more and more eager in pursuing her. Thus the bird led him from hill to valley, and from valley to hill all day; and instead of perching at night on a bush, where he might probably have taken her, she roosted on a high tree, safe from his pursuit. The prince, grieved at the misfortunes of the day, would have returned to his camp, but alas! he thought of it too late. Whither shall he go? which way return? how will he be able to trace back his steps over mountains and valleys never trod before? Darkness and fatigue alike prevented him. Besides, how durst he appear before his princess without her talisman? Overwhelmed with these distressing thoughts, he sat down at the foot of a tree, and sleep gave him a short respite from his affliction.
He awoke the next morning before the bird had left the tree; and, as soon as he saw her on the wing, followed her. He continued to do so the whole day, with no better success than he had had the day before, eating nothing but herbs and fruits, which he picked as he walked. For ten days he pursued the mischievous bird, sleeping every night under the tree where she roosted. On the eleventh day, he drew near to a great city, and the bird flying over the walls, he saw her no more.”
“The gardener told him it would be impossible for him to return home by land, as his way lay through so many barbarous nations. There is, continued he, a ship sails from this port once a year to the Isle of Ebene; whence you may easily convey yourself to Khaledan, but that ship sailed only a few days ago; it will of course be near a year before you will have that opportunity.”
“The princess Badoura accepted the invitation, and was receivedby Armanos with much hospitality. The king was greatly pleasedwith the supposed Camaralzaman. He contrived every means ofamusing him to prevent his departure; and at length frankly offeredto give him his only daughter, Haiatalnefous, to wife, and to placethe crown of Ebene on his head, which old age had made too burdensomefor his own.
Badoura was much perplexed by this offer, which she dreadedalike to accept or reject. The inconveniences attending her becomingthe husband of the princess of Ebene were obvious; yetif she refused, she had everything to apprehend from the anger ofthe king, in whose power she was, and who no doubt would resentthe indignity. Nor durst she discover her sex, as she was unprotected by Camaralzaman, uncertain of his fate, and at such a distancefrom her father’s kingdom. She resolved, therefore, to throwherself on the generosity of the princess. She accepted the king’soffer with great apparent joy; and having given a probable reason for herconduct to such of her attendants as thought her Camaralzaman, and cautioned the few of her women who knew the secretto be faithful and silent, she prepared herself to be the bridegroomof Haiatalnefous.”
“If the prince of Khaledan is living, it cannot be longbefore he will arrive here, on his way home and should you thinkhim as amiable as I do, I will consent that he shall be your husband,as well as mine, which you know is agreeably to the laws ofthe prophet. If, on the other hand, he is no more, I shall continueby your kindness, in safety here, till I can acquaint my royalfather with my situation.”
“From this time the most perfect friendship took place betweenthe two princesses; and Badoura became every day moreesteemed by Armanos and his people, conducting the affairs ofthe kingdom with great ability and success.
While these things passed in tho island of Ebene, Camaralzamanremained with his friendly gardener, impatiently waiting forthe time when he should be able to set forward in search of hisbeloved Badoura,”
“While he was reposinghimself under a tuft of trees, indulging his melancholyreflections, he was disturbed by two birds fighting, and making agreat noise very near him. In a little time one of them fell downdead, and the victorious bird flew away.
In a short time two other birds came, and pitched themselvesone at the head and the other at the feet of the dead bird. Afterseeming to express much concern, they dug a grave with theirtalons, and interred the defunct. This done, they flew away; butreturned in a few minutes, bringing with them the victor bird, oneholding a wing in her beak and the other a leg, the prisoner all thewhile screaming most piteously, and struggling to escape. Theycarried him to the grave of the dead bird, where they put him todeath; and tearing him to pieces with their beaks, they strewedhis remains about the place where they had buried his antagonist.
When the two avenging birds had flown away, Camaralzamandrew near the spot, and, looking on the dismembered carcase, hesaw something red hanging out of it. He took it up, and found itwas his beloved Badoura’s talisman. Nothing could exceed thejoy he felt on this happy event.He had no doubt but it was apresage of a speedy meeting with his lovely princess. He triumphedover the mischievous bird who had been the cause of hismisfortunes, and rejoiced at the vengeance which had overtakenhim, in the perpetration of a new enormity against one of his ownspecies.”
“In the morning Badoura sent a message to Armanos, desiringto see him. He came immediately, and finding in the inner palacea strange lady and the lord treasurer (whose presence in thoseapartments was unlawful), was at a loss what to say. Sittingdown, he asked where the king was; to which Badoura replied,Yesterday, my lord, I was king; but now am contented to beonly princess of China, and to acknowledge that prince for myhusband.”
“The next year each of the princesses brought forth a son. Theprince, of whom Badoura was delivered, was named Amgrad(most glorious). The son of Haiatalnefous was called Assad (most happy). Their birth increased the friendship of their royal parents,and greatly heightened the satisfaction of the venerableking Armanos.
King Camaralzaman lived many years happily with his queensBadoura and Haiatalnefous. He had the delight to find his twosons, as they grew up, become very accomplished princes, andvery dutiful children. The most cordial friendship subsisted betweenthe two queens; and the princes having the same tutors,the same officers, the same amusements, seemed also to have the same soul, the most perfect fraternal affection binding them toeach other.”
“The young princes had attainedthe age of eighteen, and the king was past the meridian of life,when he took a fancy to indulge himself with the privilege theprophet allows, and married two other wives. The ladies wereyoung and of exquisite beauty; but besides beauty they possessed nodesirable quality. Camaralzaman was so infatuated that he treatedhis two respectable queens with neglect, and attached himself tohis new wives with a fondness bordering on dotage. Far from returning this ridiculous passion, they turned their thoughts to otherobjects. The manly graces of the two young princes engagedtheir attention; and they contrived to let them know that theirvisits might be secret, and would not be unwelcome.
Amgrad and Assad had too much filial piety to receive this invitationwith patience. They rejected the offer with abhorrence,and even punished the slave severely who brought the billets.From this moment the new queens vowed their destruction. Inthe state of the king’s mind this was not difficult to effect. Theyceased not to insinuate that the young men were disgusted onbehalf of their mothers, and had ambitious designs of their own.These hints were dropped, as if given with reluctance, and extortedfrom them them through concern for the king’s safety.
By these arts Camaralzaman was led to consider his sons as hismost dangerous enemies. He would have publicly put them todeath, but that he dreaded their popularity. He directed them,therefore, to go to a distant place on the frontiers of the kingdom,pretending that their studies were interrupted by the bustle ofthe capital. An emir, of the name of Gieudar, with a few attendants,were ordered to escort them, and the princes, whose obedienceto the commands of their father was implicit, set out accordingly.When they arrived at an extensive and uncultivated forest, Giendarleft his retinue on the borders, and led the princes a considerable waywithin it, where he produced an order from the king to put themboth to death; they submitted without murmuring to this crueldecree: a contest only arose between them who should be firstsacrificed to their father’s caprice. This affecting dispute was carriedon with so much tenderness, as quite melted the emir. Atthis instant a lion jumped out of the thicket and made at Giendar, who, in his fright, dropped his scimitar and fled.”
“Devout adorers offire, this is a fortunate day for us. This young Mussulman will bean acceptable sacrifice to our divinity. Gazban,continued he,addressing himself to the black slave,do you take him and preparehim, by proper chastisement for the holy festival; and letmy daughters, Bostava and Cavama, regulate his diet, that he maybe fit to be offered up when the next ship departs for the blue seaand the fiery mountain.”
“Once a day Bostava and Cavama attended him with the coarsestfood; and as he was chained hands and feet, they fed him. Allthe time they reproached and mortified him. by every insult andbarbarity in their power. While they thus obeyed their father,and performed as they supposed an acceptable service to theirdeity, Cavama gratified a furious and malignant zeal; but Bostavawas of a more gentle nature, and whenever she could, with safetyto herself, she did him kind offices.”
“This city iscalled the city of Magicians, because the most of the inhabitantsare of that description. They are all adorers of fire, and bear amortal hatred to the true believers. They dare not assault us of thatfaith, who are inhabitants of the city; but if a stranger Mussulmanfalls into their hands, he is seldom heard of more. Do not, however,give way to fruitless grief, you shall live with me till you havelearned the customs of the place, and then you will be in perfectsafety.”
“While they were thus engaged, news came that another armystill more numerous drew near. This was led by Gaiour, king ofChina. I come, saidhe to Amgrad, in search of my daughterBadoura, whom I gave in marriage many years ago to Camaralzaman,son of Schazaman. king of Khaledan. I have heard nothingof them for a long time. I therefore have left my kingdom,thus attended, to find them out.”
“A great dust was now seen to rise opposite another quarter ofthe town. The princes immediately rode thither, and found itwas Camaralzaman, their father, at the head of a third army. He had been so afflicted for the loss of his sons, that at last the emirGiendar ventured to tell him that hehad spared their lives, andthat they had set forward for the city of the Magicians.”
“A fourth army approached the city. The venerable Schahzamancame thus attended, in search of Camaralzaman: the later prince was overcome withshame and grief on hearing this account: he reproached himself with his long neglect of the goodold king, who yet retained so much affection for him as to disregardthe fatigue and perils of a long and uncertain journey to findhim out.The king of Khaledan readily forgave him, and after afew days repose at the city of the Magicians (during which timeAssad espoused the queen Margiana), the princes set out for theirrespective territories, and Amgrad, at the request of the king ofthe Magicians, who was very old, ascended the throne of that empire,which he filled with great ability, distinguishing himselfparticularly by his zeal in exterminating the worship of fire, andestablishing the Mohammedan religion throughout his dominions.”
“Zinchi, the king of Balsora, held that crown as tributary to the caliphs of Arabia. The vassalage was so complete, that the latter considered the sovereigns of Balsora as accountable to them for every minute regulation in their government; they were frequently, reprimanded, and sometimes dethroned, when their conduct did not please the commander of the faithful.”
“and Zinchi being of an indolent disposition, divided the office of grand vizier between his two favorites, Khacan and Saouy, both men good of abilities, but of very opposite characters.”
“The vizier had an only son, named Noureddin, a forward youth of good parts and handsome person, of whom his mother was so fond, that she still continued to allow him the liberty of the women’s apartments, though the time of shutting him out was several years past. Noureddin no sooner saw the beautiful Selima, than he became a captive to her charms. Though he knew his father had purchased her for the king, yet he resolved to run all hazards rather than not secure her to himself; nor did the fair Persian see Noureddin with indifference. Whatever honor or splendor she might hope from being the king’s mistress, she would gladly have renounced them to pass her life with the son of the vizier.”
“He concealed himself in the women’s apartments, till Selima returned to her chamber, and his mother went to the bath. He then visited the fair Persian; and having dismissed her attendants, boldly told her that his father had altered his intention, and instead of presenting her to the king had given her to him. The lovely slave wished this to be true, and was not therefore disposed to doubt it.
Khacan was equally enraged and distressed, when he heard of the violation his sou had committed. Besides being disappointed in presenting so beautiful a slave to his master, he was terrified lest his enemy Saouy, should come to a knowledge of an affair, by which he might effect his destruction. He ordered the merchants to renew their search, declaring that the fair Persian by no means answered his expectation he frequently complained to the king of the many difficulties he found in executing his commission; in short, he managed the business with so much address, that Zinchi insensibly forgot it; and though Saouy got some imperfect information of the transaction, yet Khacan was so much in the king’s favor, that he was afraid to speak of it.”
“he resolved to give her to Noureddin, if he would promise not to look upon her as a slave, but as a wife. He stipulated also with the young man that he would never be divorced from her, much less sell her. With these conditions Noureddin joyfully complied; and the peace of the vizier’s household was restored.
Very soon after these events, Khacan was seized with a dangerous illness, which soon put an end to his life.”
“he dissipated his fortune with an incredible profusion.” “In vain the fair Selima (whom he continued to love with undiminished ardor) gently remonstrated with him on his too abundant generosity; in vain
his careful steward hinted to him, that such excess wronld soon empty a royal treasury.”
“Whenever his steward came to lay before him a state of his disbursements, he always put him aside with a jest, or drove him away with anger.”
“Of all that mass of wealth that came into your possession a year ago, the few pieces in my hand are the whole remainder; your entertainments therefore must be at an end, or you must provide me with a fresh supply.”
“He determined at length to borrow a certain sum from each of his companions, with which he would go to some other city, and commence merchant. As there was not one among them who had not received tenfold more from his bounty than he meant to ask, he would not suffer the idea of a refusal to disturb him. Having thus settled a plan for his future conduct, his mind became more calm, and he withdrew to Selima’s apartment, to whom he related his situation and intention.
The day following, he set out to visit his dear and devoted friends; but was so unfortunate as not to find any of them at home. One, indeed, convinced him he was not abroad; for he heard him direct his slave to say he was not at home, adding, <whenever that extravagant fellow comes here, give him the same answer.>
Noureddin was equally enraged and ashamed. He was giving way to despair, when the fair Persian advised him to dismiss his household, sell his slaves and furniture, and try if he could not raise money enough from them to carry his plan into execution. Noureddin embraced this prudent council; but even in this commendable scheme he was disappointed. Being obliged to sell, his goods did not fetch him half their value; and a fit of sickness, the consequence of his vexation and former irregularities, held him so long, that, on his recovery, he found the whole produce of the sale was expended.”
“I am your slave; you have a right to dispose of me; and how much soever I shall suffer from such an event, I advise you to sell me; and I heartily wish you may not lose much of the sum your father gave for me.”
“Not only his love for the fair Persian revolted at such an idea, but the remembrance of his promise to his father never to part with her, rose in his mind, and made him think of such a measure with additional regret. But invincible necessity must be submitted to. He led her, with inexpressible reluctance, to the market where women slaves are exposed for sale, and applied to a crier, named Hagi Hassan, to sell her.”
“My masters, everything that is round is not a nut; everything that is long is not a fig; all that is red is not flesh; and all egga are not freeh. You have seen and bought, no doubt, many slaves in your time: but you never saw one comparable to her I have now to sell. Follow me, and see her; and then name the price I ought to cry her at.”
“It was a privilege the merchants of Balsora enjoyed, that no person should see a slave till they had offered the most they chose to give. After which any person might see her; and if the stranger offered more money than the highest bidder among the merchants, he was declared the purchaser.”
“If anything could have aggravated Noureddin’s affliction, it was that Saouy should become possessed of the fair Persian. The sting of this circumstance made him quite inattentive to the low price for which she was to be sold. <I swear to you, I would sooner die than part with my slave for ten times the sum, to that enemy of our family; help me, I entreat you, good Hagi, to the means of escaping this last of misfortunes.>
<You must conduct yourself in this manner, or the vizier will insist upon his bargain. When I am about to present her to him, you must catch her by the arm before he touches her. You will then give her two or three blows, and tell her that although her bad temper made you swear that you would expose her to the indignity of being cried in the market, yet it is not your intent to sell her. Pull her then again toward you. and lead her away.>”
“He called him by the most reproachful names, and riding up to the fair Persian he attempted to seize her. Noureddin wanted not this provocation to exasperate him against the vizier, he pulled him off his horse, rolled him in the kennel, and pummelled his head against the stones, till he had almost killed him. After which he conducted the fair Persian home again.”
“He presented himself immediately before the king, all bloody and dirty as he was, and besought justice. On being ordered to say on what account, he reminded the king of tfie commission he had formerly given to Khacan. <I saw by accident to-day, a most beautiful slave, which the profligate Noureddin was about to sell. I had no doubt but she was the slave Khacan had bought for your majesty; and would have reclaimed her for you it was for this attempt that Noureddin has treated me thus cruelly.>”
“Noureddin and Selima hastened toward the river, where they found a vessel on the point of sailing; they embarked without inquiring whither she was bound, and after a short and pleasant voyage arrived safely at Bagdad.”
“When they had supped, Noureddin dropped a hint that some wine would not be unacceptable; at which Ibrahim started, and said <Heaven defend me from keeping wine in my house, or going to a place where it is sold! such a man as I am, who have been 4 times on a pilgrimage to Mecca, must have renounced wine forever.>”
“While Ibrahim was gone, it occurred to Noureddin that all this aversion to wine was but hypocrisy, and that his host would drink his cup as heartily as he could. To try this, he instructed Selima how to act; and when the wine came, he filled three cups, and offered one to Ibrahim. The old man started back, as if with horror, on which Noureddin drank the cup, and the fair Persian presented the scheik with a slice of apple, which he received with great pleasure.”
“Ibrahim for a little time resisted; but overcome with her beauty, he complied. Soon after, he drank a second cup with very little opposition. He received a third from Selima without murmur: and the fourth, he helped himself to. Noureddin seeing this, burst out a laughing, saying, <Ha! Ibrahim, you are caught; is this the way in which you abstain from wine?>; Ibrahim, warmed with what he had drauk, and loving wine, threw aside his reserve, joined in the laugh, and sat down very cordially with his guests to finish the bottle.”
“As the caliph was retiring to bed, it chanced that he opened his casement [batente], and seeing the illumination, he inquired of Giafar the cause of it, in a manner sufficiently expressive of his displeasure. The vizier had a particular friendship for Scheik Ibrahim. To shield him from the anger of the caliph, Giafar invented a tale that the scheik had applied to him for leave to celebrate a religious ceremony in the pavilion, in company with the ministers of his mosque. The vizier, to secure his friend, said so much upon the subject that he excited the curiosity of the caliph; who, instead of going to rest, ordered the disguises to be brought, in which he and Giafar used to go about the city, and made him and Mesrour, with the other slaves about him, go with him to the pavilion.”
“On their arrival, they found the door of the hall partly open; and the caliph approaching, was surprised to see a young man and woman of such extraordinary beauty. He was also much displeased to see Ibrahim, whom he had always considered as a grave, steady man, now drinking wine, and carousing to excess. <Are these the ministers of the mosque you told me of?>”
“He reproached her as the cause of all his misfortunes. The caliph was astonished at what had passed; and while the fair Persian retired to a sofa to vent her grief, he requested Noureddin to relate his story.”
“He wrote an order to Zinchi to abdicate his throne, and place Noureddiu on it. He also added a set form of words in the margin of the letter, which denoted his insisting on punctual and immediate obedience. This he put into Noureddin’s hands, and advised him to return with it to Balsora. <I am not unknown, we were school-fellows: though this letter is given you by a person so obscure, yet, depend upon it, when the king receives it, he will do you justice.>”
“A ridiculous ecene now took place between the drunken Ibrahim and the supposed fisherman. <You have been well paid for your paltry fish by that prodigal,> said Ibrahim, u but I shall not suffer you to keep all he has given you. I am content to divide the money with you; but the beautiful slave I will keep entirely to myself.> The caliph refused him in a laughing answer, which so enraged Ibrahim, that he withdrew in haste to fetch a cane to chastise the insolent Kerim.
As soon as Ibrahim had left the hall, the caliph gave a signal for his attendants to enter. They instantly took away the fisherman’s garb, and dressed him in the royal robes; and when Ibrahim returned, staggering and muttering curses and threatenings against the unreasonable fisherman, he was amazed to find in his room the caliph, attended by his principal ofiicers.”
“Noureddin had time enough during his voyage to reflect on the danger he exposed himself to by returning to Balsora; but his situation was so deplorable that he became almost indifferent to the consequence.”
“What signifies dying the day after the death of one’s enemy?”
“The caliph would have despatched Noureddin to take possession of the throne of Balsora; but he declared that the many calamities he had met with in that city, had made it hateful to him: the caliph, therefore, after a severe reprimand, permitted Zinchi to reassume his government; and restoring Selima to Noureddin he gave him a handsome appointment in his palace.”
“My name is Gulnare, of the sea. My father was one of the most potent princes of the ocean. At his death he left his kingdom in profound peace to my brother Saleh; and I lived happily in his court, under the protection of my royal mother, who was daughter of another puissant monarch of the sea.”
“In the present miserable condition of our affairs, said he, ‘ I see no probability of matching you to any of the princes of the sea; I would therefore wish you to marry one of the princes of the earth. Your beauty surpasses anything they ever saw; and a very small part of the little wealth we have left would be an inconceivable treasure to the greatest of them.”
“As soon as they had left me, I gave a spring from the bottom of the sea to the island of the moon. It would be tedious if I was to relate to your majesty the many distressing consequences of this rash step. One disaster followed another, the usual and just punishmeut of indiscretion and disobedience, till I became at length a slave, and fell into your hands.”
“Mirza sent immediately for the proper officers, and publicly espoused the beautiful Gulnare, causing her to be proclaimed queen of Persia, in the most solemn manner all over the kingdom.”
“I have often heard that the sea was peopled, but I ever considered it as a fable, not believing it was possible for human beings to walk up and down, and live entirely in the water.”
“Sir, replied the queen, we can walk at the bottom of the sea with as much ease as you do on land, and breathe in the water as you do in the air, yet it never wets our clothes. Our faculties in general are more perfect than yours. Our vulgar language is the same that was engraven upon the seal of Solomon, the Son of David.
The water does not obstruct the opening and shutting of our eyes. Our sight is sharp and piercing, and can discern any object in the deepest sea as distinctly as upon land. We have the same succession of times and seasons as you have, and enjoy the light of the same planets in as great a perfection. As the sea is much larger than the earth, so we have many more kingdoms, all of which have great cities, well peopled; and there are the same varieties of manners and customs among us, as there are among the nations of the earth.”
“We have gold, as you have; but the diamonds and pearls which are in most estimation with you would scarcely be worn by the lowest order of our people. We have an incredible agility in transporting ourselves where we please, in an instant; so that we have no occasion for carriages or horses, yet we use both for splendor on public occasions.”
“The king started at this proposal. <I should rejoice to receive your relations; but how can they know where you are, unless you leave me to go in search of them? That I cannot hear to think of.> <Sir, replied Gulnare, with a smile, if I have your permission to send for them, I need not stir from this room. They will be here in a very short time.>.”
“Presently the sea appeared disturbed, and in a short time opened, when a tall, handsome young man, with whiskers of a sea-green color, appeared on the surface; a little behind him was one lady, advanced in years, attended by five beautiful young ones.”
“Mirza expressed himself much satisfied at their arrival, but frankly owned he durst not trust himself near people who breathed forth fire so terribly. Gulnare, laughing, told him that those flames would cease when they saw him and were only a token of their unwillingness to sit down to table without him.”
“Children born of parents who are not both inhabitants of the sea, have only a few moments occurring once during their early infancy, in which the privilege of descending into the regions of the water can be imparted to them. While I was playing with my nephew, I perceived those precious moments (soon to pass away) were arrived without losing them to explain myself to you, I pronounced the mysterious words which were engraven on the seal of the great Solomon, the son of David, and, taking the prince with me into the sea, I completed the necessary rites. Beder [lua cheia em árabe] will now be able, when he pleases, to plunge into the sea, and traverse the vast empires it contains at its bottom.”
“As Beder grew up, he appeared to be a prince of great hopes. His temper was benevolent; his talents brilliant; and they were early called into exercise. While he was yet a youth, disease bore heavily on Mirza, and he became desirous to withdraw himself from the fatigues of royalty. He resigned, therefore, his crown to his son; and though he survived that event but a short time, yet he had the satisfaction to see the prince conduct himself with great ability, and to be treated by him with the most perfect respect and duty.”
“Saleh continued the conversation, and told the queen that there was a princess of the sea, who far surpassed all others in beauty, whom he earnestly wished to be the wife of Beder, but that very considerable difficulties lay in the way of obtaining her fur him.” “She is the most beautiful and accomplished princess that ever was seen on the earth or in the waters. But as her father is insupportably proud, looking upon all others as his inferiors, it is not likely he will readily agree to the alliance.”’
“But when she found he was the nephew of king Saleh, and the cause of the insult her father had received, and of her own fright andgrtef, she soon entertained very different sentiments respecting him. She gave way to the dictates of fury and revenge, which yet she had art enough to conceal. She suffered such expressions of favor toward him to escape her, seeminglv in her confusion, that the fond prince was enraptured; and by reaching forth his hand to seize that of the princess, he put himself in her power. She pushed him back, and spit at him, saying, <Wretch, quit the form of a man, and take that of a white bird with a red bill and feet>.” “Carry him now, said the revengeful Giauhara to one of her attendants, to yonder solitary rock, and let him remain there, without food or water, till he perishes.” “By virtue of the holy and mysterious words I have pronounced, resume the form in which thou wast created.”
“This city is called the city of enchantments; it is governed by a queen, named Labe, who is one of the most charming and most wicked of her sex; inconstant, cruel, treacherous, and a sorceress. All those animals were once young men, strangers like you, whom she has transformed by her diabolical art. She has regular patrols who go about the avenues of the city, and seize all strangers, either coming in or going out of it. They are carried before the queen, and if she fancies either of them, he is clothed in magnificent apparel, treated as a prince, caressed by the queen, who gives him such proofs of affection as to make him conclude she loves him entirely. This happiness is not permitted to last long; for within 40 days he is sure to lose the human shape and become a brute.”
“<I understand you very well, replied the queen, and swear to you by the fire and the light, and by whatsoever is sacred in my religion, that neither you nor he shall have cause to repent your compliance with my desire.> She then ordered a horse to be brought for the prince, as richly caparisoned as her own, and caused him to be placed at her left hand. As he was mounting, she asked Abdallah what was the name of his nephew; and being told Beder (the full moon), her majesty replied, <Sure it was a mistake; he ought to have been called Shems (the sun)>.”
“For 39 days Beder abandoned himself to these enervating pleasures; but in the evening of the last of these days, he chanced to observe the queen mix a powder in a cup of wine, which she afterward presented to him. His suspicions were at once awakened. He contrived to change the cup unobserved; and by that means avoided drinking the potion, though he knew not for what purpose it was administered. The powder was intended to promote sleep; and when Beder and the queen retired to rest, the prince, whose mind was much disturbed, aided the deception unwittingly, by pretending to fall asleep immediately, in order to avoid conversation. Labe arose, not doubting but that her powder had taken the designed effect, proceeded to her incantations; Beder all the time observing her with the most anxious solicitude.”
“Abominable sorceress, quit the form of a woman, which thy crimes so much dishonor, and become a mare.”
“The old man had been witness of all that had passed. <Son, said he to Beder, it is necessary you should know one thing, which I find you are ignorant of. It is not permitted in this city for any one to tell a lie, on pain of death. As you have made a bargain with this old woman, you must not refuse to take her money and deliver your mare, or you will expose yourself to certain destruction.>”
“The old woman then taking up some water that ran in the street, threw it in the mare’s face, saying, <Daughter, quit that beastly form, and reassume thine own>. The queen was immediately restored, and Beder was so terrified when he saw her, that he was unable to attempt to escape.
The old woman was the mother of Queen Labe, and had instructed her in all her magic. As soon as she had embraced her daughter, she caused a genie to arise, who, taking Beder on one shoulder, and the old woman with Queen Labe on the other, he transported them in a few minutes to the palace of the queen in the city of enchantments. When they arrived, Labe, amidst many execratious, transformed the prince into a vile owl, and delivered him to one of her attendants, with orders to shut him up in a cage, and keep him without food till he perished.””
“Saleh assembled his troops, and called to his assistance the genii, his allies, who appeared with their numerous armies. Gulnare joined them, and they all lifted themselves up in the air, and soon poured down on the palace and the city of enchantments, where the magic queen, her mother, and all the other adorers of fire, were put to death. Beder was again restored to his proper form; and Abdallah, being placed on the throne of Labe, received for his queen the attendant who had preserved him and Beder.”
“My name, said she, is Fetnah, which signifies a storm, and was given me because it was predicted at my birth, that the sight of me would occasion many calamities. I was, very early in my life, introduced into the palace of the caliph, who was so taken with me, that he presented me this veil; and had before now added me to the number of his wives, had not his presence been required to quell an insurrection in a distant part of his dominions. The partiality of the caliph raised me many enemies; the chief of whom is Zobeide, his first wife, and for a long time his favorite.”
“Fetnah could not bear that Zobeide should triumph in the success of her barbarous arts. Without considering the consequences to herself or her protector, she determined to lay before the caliph the wickedness of that princess. She requested Ganem to inquire if the commander of the faithful was returned, and whether any notice was taken of her supposed death.
Ganem conducted these inquiries with great dexterity. He learnt that immediately after her having been disposed of in the burial-place, a report of her death had been industriously spread all over the city: that Zobeide had celebrated her obsequies with great pomp, and had erected a mausoleum to receive the body, where lighted candles were perpetually burning, and every ceremony performed which custom had appointed for the illustrious dead.”
“Go to, let us take revenge on the false woman, and on that bold youth who affronts me.”
“At least, said the humbled prince, I will meet that awful appeal, with having made every reparation in my power; I will cause his pardon to be published throughout my dominions, and will amply repay his losses. This is due to his innocence, and to compensate for the miseries I have caused Mm apd his family to suffer, I will give you to him for a wife, and make him wealthy beyond his hopes.”
“He gave Fetnah with his own hand to her deserving lover. He dismissed Zobeide from his throne, and banished her his presence, to punish her cruelty and treachery; in her room, he received to his arms the lovely Alcolomb [Ganem’s sister], whose beauty was adorned with good qualities still more estimable.”
“The king called all the astrologers of the kingdom to calculate the infant’s nativity. They found he would live long, and be very brave; but that all his courage would be little enough to support him through certain difficulties that threatened him. The king was not dismayed at this prediction. <My son, said he, is not to be pitied, since he will be brave. It is fit that princes should have a taste of misfortune; adversity tries virtue, and thence they become the fitter to reign.>
As Zeyn grew up, he discovered a very good disposition; and by the care of his father, acquired every accomplishment. He had nearly attained the age of manhood, when the good old king fell sick and died.”
“We are now, said he, approaching the dreadful place where the 9th statue is kept, and shall very soon come to a lake. When we draw near the banks of it, you will see a boat approach, which is enchanted, and belongs to the king of the genii. We shall be taken into this boat, and ferried over the lake; but you must be careful not to express the least fear at the sight of the waterman, however hideous he may be, nor must you utter a single word while we are embarked, or the boat will instantly sink.”
“the island was shaken by an earthquake, such as Asrayel is to cause on the day of judgment.”
“<My son, I loved your father and have no less kindness for you. The statues you found were presented to him by me; and I promised him to receive you into my protection. I caused him to write, a few days before he died, that which you read on the piece of white satin. I appeared to you in your dreams as an old man and have been the cause of all that hath happened to you. I intend to give you what you seek, if you prove worthy of it; and the test must be this. You must engage on your oath to find out a maid in her 15th year, who has never known man, or desired to do so. She must be perfectly beautiful; and you so much master of yourself, as not even to wish to deprive me of her, but you must yourself conduct her hither.>
Prince Zeyn took without hesitation the oath that was required of him. <But, sir, said he, how shall I know when I have met with such a maid ?> <It is true, replied the king of the genii, that knowledge is above the sons of Adam. Take therefore this looking-glass ; if, on the maid looking at it, it appears sullied, it will be a certain sign that she has not been always undefiled, or, at least, that she has wished to cease being so. You have now a certain criterion. Be diligent in your search, and forget not the oath you have taken; but fulfil it, as becomes a man of honor.>”
“Zeyn, thus disappointed, resolved to seek elsewhere for that I purity which was not to be found in Cairo. He travelled to Bagdad, attended by Morabec; and as he wished to be much known, to forward his inquiries, took a handsome palace, and lived in splendor.”
“Zeyn did not listen to this advice with his usual complacency. Morabec found him strangely balancing whether he should keep his engagement with that king or conduct his charming bride to Balsora in defiance of him. In vain Morabec pleaded the value of the 9th statue, which would reward his fidelity: in vain he described the power of the king, and cautioned the prince to dread the consequence of his disobedience. The charms of the lovely virgin had taken too full possession of his heart for him to be allured by avarice, or intimidated by danger; and the thought of sacrificing her to a genie, oppressed him with grief and indignation.”
“I am, said he, fully satisfied with your behavior. Return to your dominions; and when you enter the subterraneous room, where the eight statues are, you shall find the 9th, which I promised you.”
“but how great was their wonder, when, instead of a diamond statue, they found on the ninth pedestal a most beautiful virgin, whom the prince knew to be the same he had conducted to the island of the genii. Before they could recover their surprise, a loud clap of thunder shook the palace, and the king of the genii appeared before them.”
“The ladies obeyed; but Abon Hassan [o homem que virou califa por um dia] perceiving that out of respect they did not eat, helped them himself, and urged them in the most obliging terms. When they had dined, he asked their names, which they told him were White Neck, Coral Lips, Fair Face, Sunshine, Heart’s Delight, Sweet Looks, and Sugar Cane. To every lady he returned handsome compliments, wittily adapted to her name.
After dinner, the eunuchs brought perfumed water in a golden bowl; and when Abon Hassan had washed. Mesrour, who never left him, conducted him to another hall, where he was received by seven ladies more beautiful than the former. Seven other bands began a new concert, while the imaginary caliph took part of a rich dessert of- sweetmeats, and the choicest fruits. This over, he was led to a third hall more magnificent than the other two; it was lighted up with a profusion of wax lights, in golden branches; and he was received here by seven other ladies, of still superior beauty, who conducted him to a table set out with large silver flagons full of the choicest wines, and crystal glasses placed by them.
Till this time, Abon Hassan had drank nothing but water, agreeable to the custom of Bagdad, where from the highest to the lowest, they never drink anything strong till evening; it being accounted scandalous in the highest degree for any one to be drunk in the daytime. When he placed himself at the table, he desired the seven ladies to sit down with him; and having asked their names, which were Cluster of Pearls, Morning Star, Chain of Hearts, Daylight, Bright Eyes, Fine Shape, and Silver Tongue; he called upon each in turn to bring him a glass of wine, and as each lady presented it, he said a variety of witty and gallant things to her.”
“It was late the next morning before the powder ceased to operate. But at length the sleeper awakened, and looking round the room, was surprised to find himself in so different a situation. He called aloud for Cluster of Pearls, Morning Star, Coral Lips, and the other ladies, as he could recollect them. His mother hearing his voice, came in and said, ‘Son, what would you have; who are those you are calling for?’; Abon Hassan, raising himself up, looked haughtily at his mother, and said. ‘Good woman! who is it you call your son?’ ‘You, to be sure’, replied his mother; ‘are you not Abon Hassan, my son? Have you slept till you have forgot me and yourself too?’ ‘I, your son!’ answered Hassan; you are mad! I am not Abon Hassan, but the commander of the faithful.’”
“‘Heaven preserve you from the power of Satan, my dear son!’ replied she; ‘some evil genius surely possesses you. Don’t you see you are in your own room? Recollect yourself seriously, and drive away these fancies from your imagination.’ At these words Hassan became more transported with fury; he leaped from the sofa, seized a cane and running to his mother, ‘Cursed sorceress’, said he, ‘tell me instantly by what means you have conveyed me from my palace to this room.’” “He caned her severely; asking her, between every stroke, if she would yet own he was commander of the faithful; to which she continued to reply he was her beloved son.”
“For three weeks the unfortunate Hassan received daily correction from the hand of his severe keeper, who never failed to remind him that he was not commander of the faithful. His mother came every day to see him; but whenever she appeared in his eight, he reproached and execrated her as the cause of all his sufferings.”
“they of Moussol are not so well convinced that the devil is the cause of troublesome dreams as we are at Bagdad.”
“I am fallen into the same fatal dream that happened to me a month ago; and must expect again the discipline of the mad-house. He was a wicked man whom I entertained last night; he is the cause of this illusion, and of all the miseries I must undergo. The base wretch promised to shut the door after him, and did not do it, and the devil has come in. and filled my head with this cursed dream again. Mayest thou be confounded, Satan, and crushed under some mountain.”
“I opened the box, and asked him the use of the pomatum. ‘It possesses’, said he, ‘when applied by me, very opposite and wonderful qualities. If I anoint your left eye with it, you will see all the treasures contained in the bowels of the earth; if I apply it to your right eye, you will become blind.’”
“Your majesty, no doubt, knows that goules are wandering demons, who generally resort to decayed buildings, whence they rush on people passing by, kill them, and eat their flesh; and that in want of prey, they will go by night into the burying-grounds and feed upon the dead bodies.
I was exceedingly shocked to see my wife with this goule. They dug up a body which had been buried that day, and the goule cutting the flesh into slices, they ate together. I was too far off to hear their discourse, which no doubt was as horrid as their feast.”
“I had no sooner uttered these words than she flew in a rage, her face became distorted, her eyes were ready to start from her head ; she even foamed with passion. Frightened at her appearance, I sat immovable. In the midst of the most horrid execrations, she threw some water in my face, and added, ‘Receive the reward of thy impertinent curiosity.’ I instantly became a dog.”
“Saadi asserted that setting idleness and vice out of the question, any man possessing a moderate sum of money to begin the world with, must infallibly grow rich. While Saad contended that accident often prevented, and often promoted, the success of human affairs.”
“I had been used, as most poor people do, when I had a little money, to put it in the foldings of my turban.”
“In a town in Persia, there lived two brothers, called Cassim and Ali Baba. Their father had left the little substance he had between them but they were not equally fortunate. Cassim married a wife who had a large fortune; and became a wealthy and considerable merchant. Ali Baba married a woman as poor as himself. His whole substance consisted of three asses, which he used to drive to a neighboring forest, and loaded with wood, which he sold in the town, earning thereby a hard maintenance for his family.
One day when Ali Baba was in the forest, and had just cut wood enough to load his asses, he saw at a distance a cloud of dust which seemed to approach toward him. He observed it attentively, and distinguished a large body of horsemen. As they drew near he began to apprehend they might be thieves; he therefore climbed a tree, from whence he could sec all that passed, without being discovered.”
“They were in fact a gang of banditti, who made that place their rendez-vous.”
“Sesame (which is a kind of corn), open! Immediately a door opened in an adjoining rock when the captain and his troop went in; and the door shut again.”
“Ali Baba stayed in the tree as long as he could see the least trace of the dust they raised. He then descended, and presently found out the door, and, remembering the words the captain had used, he said, Open, Sesame! when the door flew wide open.”
“He found in the cavern a great store of rich merchandise, and such an immense quantity of gold and silver as convinced him that the cavern must have been the repository of robbers for several generations.”
“When Ali Baba’s wife found the bags were full of money, she was alarmed fearing lest their poverty should have betrayed him to rob somebody. He pacified her, by relating the story of his good fortune. He then emptied the bags on the floor, which raised such a heap of gold as delighted her. Ali Baba charged her to be prudent and secret. He resolved to bury most of his treasure, arid to emerge from his apparent poverty by degrees; but his wife disappointed his prudent purpose. In the playfulness of her fancy, she would count the gold; but finding that business likely to be very tedious, resolved to measure it. She went, therefore, to Cassim’s house, who lived just by, to borrow a small measure.”
“As he drew near the rook, he was much shocked to see blood spilled at the door. When he had pronounced the words, and the cavern became open, he was still more affected at seeing tho quarters of Cassim hung up on each side.”
“Ali Baba received his treacherous guest with the hospitality becoming a good Mussulman.”
“Morgiana soon concluded who these men were. She hastily called up another slave, named Abdallah, and bringing several jars of oil into the kitchen, they heated a part of it boiling hot. This she poured into one of the jars, by that means killing the thief that was concealed in it. She did so till she had destroyed all the seven-and-thirty thieves, when she put out her fire and went to bed.”
“The captain suffered several weeks to pass by before he set about the scheme he had planned for the destruction of his enemy. By this means he hoped Ali Baba’s vengeance would relax, arid he himself should be more cool in his measures. He passed much of his time in the town, where he learned that Cassim; s son, now adopted by Ali Baba, had a very considerable shop.”
“Ali Baba received, with due gratitude, this further instance of Morgiana’s attachment; and Cassim was so pleased with her spirit and good sense, that he took her to wife. The whole treasure in the cavern became now safely the property of Ali Baba. He taught his son the secret, which he handed down to posterity; and using this good fortune with moderation, they lived in great honor, serving the chief offices of the city.”
“You are a rogue, said he. and ought to be hanged. The children put an end to their play, by clapping their hands with a great deal of joy, and seizing the criminal to carry him to execution.”
“An examination of the quality and age of the fruit now took place: everything which had passed among the children, in their play, was repeated, seriously, before the caliph, in the divan. The treachery of Noureddin was apparent, when the child, instead of ordering him to be hanged, looked up to the caliph, and said ‘Commander of the faithful, this is not play; it is your majesty that must condemn him to death, and not me, though I did it last night among my comrades’.”
“On the Nevrouz, that is to say, the new day, which is the first of the year, and the beginning of the spring, there is an ancient and solemn least observed through all Persia, which has continued from the time of idolatry; nor could the pure religion of our holy prophet prevail over that heathenish custom. Superstitious ceremonies, mixed with public rejoicings, mark the Nevrouz, which is celebrated in every town and village in that extensive kingdom.”
(…) [Interrompi a leitura e as anotações aos 70% da obra.]
VOCABULÁRIO
dervise (arcaico) ou dervixe (port.): muçulmano eremita, mendicante
hind: corça, feminino de veado
pastry-cook: confeiteiro
Seclusão Anagógica 