 Section 7 of the Arabian Nights Entertainment's Volume 1. This is the LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Tim Gregory. The Arabian Nights Entertainment's Volume 1 by Anonymous. Translated by Dr. Jonathan Scott. Section 7. The story of the Grecian king and the physician Dubin. There was in the country of Yunnan, or Greece, a king who was leperous, and his physicians had in vain endeavored his cure, when a very able physician named Dubin arrived at his court. This physician had learnt the theory of his profession in Greek, Persian, Turkish, Arabic, Latin, Syriac, and Hebrew books. He was an experienced natural philosopher, and fully understood the good and bad qualities of plants and drugs. As soon as he was informed of the king's distemper, and understood that his physicians had given him over, he found means to present himself before him. I know, said he, after the usual ceremonials, that your majesty's physicians have not been able to heal you of the leprosy. But if you will accept my service, I will engage to cure you without potions or external applications. The king listened to what he said and answered, If you be able to perform what you promise, I will enrich you and your posterity. Do you assure me that you will cure my leprosy without potion or applying any external medicine? Yes, sire, replied the physician, I promise myself success through God's assistance, and tomorrow, with your majesty's permission, I will make the trial. The physician returned to his quarters, made a hollow mace, and at the handle he put in his drugs. He also made a ball in such a manner as suited his purpose, with which next morning he presented himself before the king, and following down at his feet, kissed the ground. The physician Dubin rose up, and after a profound reverence said to the king, he judged it meet that his majesty should take horse, and go to the place where he used to play at the mall. The king did so, and when he arrived there the physician came to him with the mace and said, Exercise yourself with this mace, and strike the ball until you find your hands and body perspire. When the medicine I have put up in the handle of the mace is heated with your hand, it will penetrate your whole body, and as soon as you perspire you may leave off the exercise, for then the medicine will have had its effect. Immediately on your return to your palace, go into the bath, and cause yourself to be well washed and rubbed, then retire to bed, and when you rise tomorrow you will find yourself cured. The king took the mace and struck the ball, which was returned by his officers who played with him. He played so long that his hands and his whole body were in his sweat, and then the medicine shut up in the handle of the mace had its operation, as the physician had said. Upon this the king left off play, returned to his palace, entered the bath, and observed very exactly his physician had prescribed to him. The next morning when he arose he perceived with equal wonder and joy that his leprosy was cured, and his body as clean as if it had never been affected. As soon as he was dressed he came into the hall of audience where he ascended his throne and showed himself to his courtiers. Who, eager to know the success of the new medicine, came thither by times, and when they saw the king perfectly cured expressed great joy. The physician Dubin entering the hall bowed himself before the throne with his face to the ground. The king perceiving him made him sit down by his side and presented him to the assembly and gave him all the commendation he deserved. His majesty did not stop there, but as he treated all his court that day made him eat at his table alone with him. The Grecian king was not satisfied with having admitted the physician Dubin to his table, but caused him to be clad in a rich robe, ordered him two thousand pieces of gold, making he could never sufficiently acknowledge his obligations to him, continued every day to load him with new favors. But this king had a vizier who was avaricious, envious, and naturally capable of every kind of mischief. He could not behold without envy the presents that were given to the physician, whose other merits had already begun to make him jealous, and therefore resolved to lessen him in the king's esteem. To effect this he went to the king and told him in private that he had some information of the greatest consequence to communicate. The king having asked what it was, Sire said he, it is highly dangerous for a monarch to confide in a man whose fidelity he has never tried. Though you heap favors upon the physician Dubin, your majesty does not know that he is a traitor sent by your enemies to take away your life. From whom, demanded the king, have you this suggestion which you dare pronounce? Consider to whom you are speaking and that you are advancing what I shall not easily believe. Sire, replied the vizier, I am well informed of what I have had the honor to reveal to your majesty. Therefore do not rest in dangerous security. If your majesty be asleep, be pleased to awake, for I once more repeat that the physician Dubin left his native country and came to settle himself at your court for the sole purpose of executing the horrible design which I have intimated. No, no, vizier, interrupted the king. I am certain that this physician whom you suspect to be a villain and a traitor is one of the best and most virtuous of men. You know by what medicine, or rather by what miracle, he cured me of my leprosy. If he had had a design upon my life, why did he save me then? He needed only to have left me to my disease. I could not have escaped it, as life was fast decaying. Forbear then to fill me with unjust suspicions. Instead of listening to you, I tell you that from this day forward I will give that great man a pension of a thousand pieces of gold per month for his life. Nay, though I were to share with him all my riches and dominions, I should never pay him sufficiently for what he has done. I perceive it to be his virtue that raises your envy. But do not think I will be unjustly prejudiced against him. I remember too well what a vizier said to king Sindbad, his master, to prevent his putting to death the prince, his son. What the Grecian king said about king Sindbad raised the vizier's curiosity, who said, I pray your majesty to pardon me, if I have the boldness to ask what the vizier of king Sindbad said to his master to divert him from putting the prince, his son, to death. The Grecian king had the condescension to satisfy him. That vizier said he, after having represented to king Sindbad, that he ought to beware, lest on the accusation of a mother-in-law he should commit an action of which he might afterwards repent, told him this story. Please visit LibriVox.org He went to a place where all sorts of birds were sold and bought a parrot, which not only spoke well, but could also give an account of everything that was done in its presence. He brought it in a cage to his house, desired his wife to put it in his chamber, and to take care of it during his absence, and then depart it. On his return he questioned the parrot concerning what had passed while he was from home, and the bird told him such things as gave him occasion to upgrade his wife. She concluded some of her slaves had betrayed her, but all of them swore they had been faithful and agreed that the parrot must have been their tell-tale. Upon this the wife began to devise how she might remove her husband's jealousy and at the same time revenge herself on the parrot. Her husband being gone another journey she commanded a slave in the night time to turn a handmill under the parrot's cage. She ordered another to sprinkle water in resemblance of rain over the cage and a third to move a looking-glass backward and forward against the candle before the parrot. The slaves spent a great part of the night in doing what their mistress desired them and acquitted themselves with much skill. Next night the husband returned and examined the parrot again about what had passed during his absence. The bird answered, Good Master, the lightning, thunder and rain so much disturbed me all night that I cannot tell how much I suffered. The husband, who knew that there had been neither thunder, lightning nor rain in the night, fancied that the parrot, not having spoken truth in this, might also have lied in the other relation. Upon which he took it out of the cage and threw it with so much force to the ground that he killed it. Yet afterwards he understood from his neighbours that the poor parrot had not deceived him in what it had stated in his wife's base conduct, made him repent that he had killed it. When the Grecian king had finished the story of the parrot, he added, And you, Vizier, because of the hatred you bear to the physician Dubin, who never did you any injury, you would have cut him off, but I will beware lest I should repent as the husband did after killing his parrot. The mist of his Vizier was too desirous of effecting the ruin of the physician Dubin to stop here. Sir, said he, the death of the parrot was but a trifle, and I believe his master did not mourn for him long. But why should you fear of wronging an innocent man hinder your putting this physician to death? Is it not sufficient justification that he is accused of a design against your life? When the business in question is to secure the life of a king, bear suspicion ought to pass for certainty, and it is better to sacrifice the innocent than to spare the guilty. But, sir, this is not a doubtful case. The physician Dubin has certainly a mind to assassinate you. It is not envy which makes me his enemy. It is only my zeal with my concern I have for preserving your majesty's life that makes me give you my advice in a matter of this importance. If the accusation be false, I deserve to be punished in the same manner as the Vizier formerly was. What had the Vizier done demands the Grecian king to deserve punishment. I will inform your majesty," said the Vizier. If you will be pleased to hear me. End of Section 8 The Story of the Husband and the Parrot Recorded by Gazine in March 2007 Section 9 of the Arabian Nights Entertainment Volume 1 This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recorded by Chris Tierney The Arabian Nights Entertainment Volume 1 By Anonymous Translated by Dr. Jonathan Scott Section 9 The Story of the Vizier that was punished There was a king who had a son that loved hunting. He allowed him to pursue that diversion often but gave orders to his Grand Vizier always to attend him. One hunting day the huntsman having roused a deer the prince who thought the Vizier followed him pursued the game so far and with so much earnestness that he separated himself from the company. Perceiving he had lost his way he stopped and endeavored to return to the Vizier but not knowing the country he wandered farther. Whilst he was thus riding about he met on his way a handsome lady who wept bitterly. He stopped his horse and inquired who she was how she came to be alone in that place and what she wanted. I am, replied she the daughter of an Indian king as I was taking the air on horseback in the country I grew sleepy and fell from my horse who is run away and I know not what has become of him. The young prince taking compassion on her requested her to get up behind him which she willingly did. As they were passing by the ruins of a house the lady expressed a desire to alight. The prince stopped and having put her down dismounted himself and went near the building leading his horse after him. But you may judge how much he was surprised when he heard the pretended lady utter these words be glad my children I bring you a young man for your repast and other voices which answered immediately where is he for we are very hungry. The prince heard enough to convince him of his danger he perceived that the lady who called herself the daughter of an Indian king was one of those savage demons called Goals who live in desolated places and employ a thousand wiles to surprise passengers whom they afterwards devour. The prince instantly remounted his horse and luckily escaped. The pretended princess appeared that very moment and perceiving she had missed her prey exclaimed fear nothing prince who are you whom do you seek. I have lost my way replied he and I'm endeavoring to find it. If you have lost your way said she recommend yourself to God he will deliver you out of your perplexity. After the counterfeit Indian princess had bitten the young prince recommend himself to God he could not believe she spoke sincerely but thought herself sure of him and therefore lifting up his hands to heaven said Almighty Lord cast thine eyes upon me and deliver me from this enemy. After this prayer the Goal entered the ruins again and the prince rode off with all possible haste. He happily found his way and arrived safe at the court of his father to whom he gave a particular account of the danger he had been in through the viziers neglect upon which the king being incensed against that minister ordered him to be immediately strangled. Here continued the Grecian king's vizier to return to the physician Dubin if you do not take care the confidence you put in him will be fatal to you. I am very well assured that he is a spy sent by your enemies to attempt your majesty's life he has cured you you will say but alas who can assure you of that he has perhaps cured you only in appearance and not radically knows but the medicine he has given you may in time have pernicious effects. The Grecian king was not able to discover the wicked design of his vizier nor had he firmness enough to persist in his first opinion. This discourse staggered him vizier said he thou art in the right he may become on purpose to take away my life which he may easily do by the smell of his drugs. When the vizier found the king in such a temper as he wished sir said he the surest and speediest method you can take to secure your life is to send immediately for the physician Dubin and order his head to be struck off. In truth said the king I believe that is the way we must take to frustrate his design. When he had spoken thus he called for one of his officers and ordered him to go for the physician who knowing nothing of the king's purpose to the palace in haste. Noest thou said the king when he saw him why I sent for thee no sir answered he I wait till your majesty be pleased to inform me I sent for thee replied the king to rid myself of thee by taking away thy life no man can express the surprise of the physician when he heard the sentence of death pronounced against him sir said he your majesty take my life what crime have I committed I am informed replied the king that you came to my court only to attempt my life but to prevent you I will be sure of yours give the blow said he to the executioner who was present and deliver me from a perfidious wretch who came hither on purpose to assassinate me when the physician heard this cruel order he readily judged that the honors and presence he had received from the king had procured him enemies and that the weak prince was imposed on he repented that he had cured him of his leprosy but it was now too late is it thus asked the physician that you reward me for curing you the king would not harken to him but a second time ordered the executioner to strike the fatal blow the physician then had recourse to his prayers alas sir cried he prolong my days and God will prolong yours do not put me to death lest God treat you in the same manner the fisherman broke off his discourse here to apply it to the genie well genie said he you see that what passed betwixt the grecian king and his physician douban is acted just now by us the grecian king continued he instead of having regard to the prayers of the physician who begged him to spare his life cruelly replied oh no I must of necessity cut you off otherwise you may assassinate with as much art as you cured me the physician without bewailing himself for being so ill rewarded by the king prepared for death the executioner tied his hands and was going to draw his cimeter the courtiers who were present being moved with compassion begged the king to pardon him assuring his majesty that he was not guilty of the crime laid to his charge and that they would answer for his innocence but the king was inflexible the physician being on his knees his eyes tied up and ready to receive the fatal blow addressed himself once more to the king sir said he since your majesty will not revoke the sentence of death I beg at least that you would give me leave to return to my house to give orders about my burial to bid farewell to my family to give alms and to bequeath my books to those who are capable of making good use of them I have one particularly I would present to your majesty it is a very precious book and worthy of being laid up carefully in your treasury what is it demanded the king that makes it so valuable sir replied the physician it possesses many singular and curious properties of which the chief is that if your majesty will give yourself the trouble to open it at the sixth leaf and read the third line of the left page my head after being cut off will answer all the questions you ask it the king being curious deferred his death till next day and sent him home under a strong guard the physician during that time put his affairs in order and the report being spread that an unheard of prodigy was to happen after his death the viziers, emirs, officers of the guard and in a word the whole court prepared next day to the hall of audience that they might be witnesses of it the physician Dubin was brought in and advancing to the foot of the throne with a book in his hand he called for a basin and laid upon it the cover in which the book was wrapped then presenting the book to the king take this said he and after my head is cut off order that it be put into the basin upon that cover as soon as it is placed there the blood will stop then open the book and my head will answer your questions but permit me once more to implore your majesty's clemency for God's sake grant my request I protest to you that I am innocent your prayers answered the king are in vain and were it for nothing but to hear your head speak after your death it is my will you should die as he said this he took the book out of the physician's hand and ordered the executioner to do his duty the head was so dexterously cut off that it fell into the basin and was no sooner laid upon the cover of the book than the blood stopped and to the great surprise of the king and all the spectators it opened its eyes and said sir will your majesty be pleased to open the book the king proceeded to do so but finding that the leaves adhered to each other that he might turn them with more ease he put his fingers to his mouth and said he did thus until he came to the sixth leaf and finding no writing on the place where he was desired to look for it physician said he there is nothing written turn over some more leaves replied the head the king went on putting always his finger to his mouth until the poison with which each leaf was imbued coming to have its effect the prince found himself suddenly taken with an extraordinary fit his eyesight failed and he fell down at the foot of the throne in violent convulsions when the physician do ban saw that the poison had taken effect and that the king had but a few moments to live tyrant it cried now you see how princes are treated who abusing their authority cut off innocent men god punishes their injustice and cruelty scarcely had the head spoken these words when the king fell down dead and the head itself lost what life it had as soon as the fisherman had concluded the history of the greek king and his physician do ban he made the application to the genie whom he still kept shut up in the vessel if the greek king said he had suffered the physician to live god would have continued his life also but he rejected his most humble prayers and the case is the same with thee o genie could I have prevailed with thee to grant me the favor I supplicated I should now take pity on thee but since notwithstanding the extreme obligation thou was tundered to me for having set thee at liberty thou didst persist in thy design to kill me I am obliged in my turn to be equally hard-hearted to thee my good friend fisherman replied the genie I conjure thee once more not to be guilty of such cruelty consider that it is not good to avenge oneself and that on the other hand it is commendable to do good for evil do not treat me as imama formally treated ateka and what did imama to ateka inquired the fisherman says the genie if you have a mind to be informed open the vessel do you think that I can be in a humor to relate stories in so straight a prison I will tell you as many as you please when you have let me out no said the fisherman I will not let thee out it is in vain to talk of it I am just going to throw thee into the bottom of the sea hear me one word more cried the genie I promise to do thee no hurt nay, far from that I will show thee a way to become exceedingly rich the hope of delivering himself from poverty prevailed with the fisherman I could listen to thee said he the genie credit to be given to thy word swear to me by the great name of god that you will faithfully perform what you promise and I will open the vessel I do not believe you will dare to break such an oath the genie swore to him upon which the fisherman immediately took off the covering of the vessel at that instant the smoke ascended and the genie having resumed his form the first thing he did was to kick the vessel into the sea this action alarmed the fisherman genie said he will not you keep the oath you just now made and must I say to you as the physician Duban said to the grecian king suffer me to live and god will prolong your days the genie laughed at the fisherman's fear and answered no fisherman be not afraid I only did it to divert myself and to see if thou wouldst be alarmed at it but to convince thee that I am an earnest take thy nets and follow me as he spoke these words he walked before the fisherman who having taken up his nets followed him but with some distrust they passed by the town and came to the top of a mountain from once they descended into a vast plain which brought them to a lake that lay betwixt four hills when they reached the side of the lake the genie said to the fisherman cast in thy nets and catch fish the fisherman did not doubt of taking some because he saw a great number in the water but he was extremely surprised when he found they were of four colors that is to say white, red, blue, and yellow he threw in his nets and brought out one of each color having never seen the like before he could not but admire them and judging that he might get a considerable sum for them he was very joyful carry those fish said the genie to him and present them to thy sultan he will give thee more money for them now mayest come every day to fish in this lake but I give thee warning not to throw in thy nets above once a day otherwise thou wilt repent having spoken thus he struck his foot upon the ground which opened and after it had swallowed him up closed again the fisherman being resolved to follow the genie's advice for bore casting in his nets a second time and returned to the town very well satisfied and making a thousand reflections upon his adventure he went immediately to the sultan's palace to offer his fish the sultan was much surprised when he saw the four fish which the fisherman presented he took them up one after another and viewed them with attention and after having admired them a long time take those fish said he to his vizier and carry them to the cook whom the emperor of the greeks has sent me I cannot imagine but that they must be as good as they are beautiful the vizier carried them as he was directed and delivering them to the cook said here are four fish just brought to the sultan he orders you to dress them he then returned to the sultan his master who ordered him to give the fisherman four hundred pieces of gold of the coin of that country which he did accordingly the fisherman who had never seen so much money could scarcely believe his good fortune but thought the whole must be a dream until he found it otherwise by being able to provide necessaries for his family with the produce of his fish as soon as the sultan's cook had gutted the fish she put them upon the fire in a frying pan with oil and when she thought them fried enough on one side she turned them upon the other but oh monstrous prodigy scarcely were they turned when the wall of the kitchen divided and a young lady of wonderful beauty moved from the opening she was clad in flowered satin after the egyptian manner with pendants in her ears a necklace of large pearls and bracelets of gold set with rubies with a rod in her hand she moved towards the frying pan to the great amazement of the cook who continued fixed by the sight and striking one of the fish with the end of the rod said fish fish are you in duty the fish having answered nothing and then the four fish lifted up their heads and replied yes yes if you reckon we reckon if you pay your debts we pay ours if you fly we overcome and are content as soon as they had finished these words the lady overturned the frying pan and returned into the open part of the wall which closed immediately and became as it was before the cook was greatly frightened at what had happened the lady herself went to take up the fish that had fallen on the hearth but found them blacker than coal and not fit to be carried to the sultan this grievously troubled her and she fell to weeping most bitterly alas said she what will become of me if I tell the sultan what I have seen I am sure he will not believe me but will be enraged against me while she was thus bewailing herself the grand vizier entered and asked her if the fish were ready she told him all that had occurred which we may easily imagine astonished him but without speaking a word of it to the sultan he invented an excuse that satisfied him and sending immediately for the fisherman bid him bring four more such fish for our misfortune had befallen the others so that they were not fit to be carried to the sultan the fisherman without saying anything of what the genie had told him in order to excuse himself from bringing them that day told the vizier he had a great way to go for them but would certainly bring them on the morrow accordingly the fisherman went away by night and coming to the lake threw in his nets be times next morning took four fish like the former and brought them to the vizier at the hour appointed the minister took them himself carried them to the kitchen and shutting himself up with the cook she gutted them and put them on the fire as she had done the four others the day before when they were fried on one side and she had turned them upon the other the kitchen wall again opened and the same lady came in with the rod in her hand struck one of the fish spoke to it as before and all four gave her the same answer after the four fish had answered the young lady she overturned the frying pan with her rod and retired into the wall the grand vizier being witness to what had passed this is too wonderful and extraordinary said he to be concealed from the sultan I will inform him of this prodigy the sultan being much surprised sent immediately for the fisherman and said to him friend cannot you bring me for more such fish the fisherman replied if your majesty will be pleased to allow me three days I will do it having obtained his time he went to the lake immediately and at the first throwing in of his net he caught four fish and brought them directly to the sultan who was so much the more rejoiced as he did not expect them so soon and ordered him four hundred pieces of gold as soon as the sultan had the fish he ordered them to be carried into his closet with all that was necessary for frying them and having shut himself up with the vizier the minister gutted them put them into the pan and when they were fried on one side turned them upon the other then the wall of the closet opened but instead of the young lady there came out a black in the habit of a slave and of a gigantic stature with a great green staff in his hand he advanced towards the pan and touching one of the fish with his staff said with a terrible voice fish are you in your duty at these words the fish raised up their heads and answered yes yes we are if you reckon we reckon if you pay your debts we pay ours if you fly we overcome and are content the fish had no sooner finished these words than the black threw the pan into the middle of the closet and reduced the fish to a coal having done this he retired fiercely and entering again into the aperture it closed and the wall appeared just as it did before after what I have seen said the sultan to the vizier it will not be possible for me to be easy these fish without doubt signify something extraordinary he sent for the fisherman and when he came said to him fisherman the fish you have brought us make me very uneasy where did you catch them sir answered he I fished for them in a lake situated betwixt four hills beyond the mountain that we see from hence noticed thou not that lake said the sultan to the vizier no replied the vizier I never so much as heard of it although I have for sixty years hunted beyond that mountain the sultan asked the fisherman how far the lake might be from the palace the fisherman answered it was not above three hours journey upon this assurance the sultan commanded all his court to take horse and the fisherman served them for a guide they all ascended the mountain and at the foot of it they saw to their great surprise a vast plain that nobody had observed till then and at last they came to the lake which they found to be situated betwixt four hills as the fisherman had described the water was so transparent that they observed all the fish to be like those which the fisherman had brought to the palace the sultan stood upon the bank of the lake and after beholding the fish with admiration demanded of his courtiers if it were possible they had never seen this lake which was within so short a distance of the town the fisherman answered that they had never so much as heard of it since you all agree that you never heard of it and as I am no less astonished than you are at this novelty I am resolved not to return to my palace till I learn how this lake came here and why all the fish in it are of four colors having spoken thus he ordered his court to encamp and immediately his pavilion and the tents of his household were planted upon the banks of the lake when night came he retired under his pavilion and spoke to the Grand Vizier thus Vizier my mind is uneasy this lake transported hither the black that appeared to us in my closet and the fish that we heard speak all these things so much excite my curiosity that I cannot resist my impatient desire to have it satisfied to this end I am resolved to withdraw alone from the camp and I order you to keep my absence secret stay in my pavilion and tomorrow morning when the emirs and courtiers come to attend my levy send them away and tell them that I am somewhat indisposed and wish to be alone and the following days tell them the same thing till I return the Grand Vizier endeavored to divert the Sultan from this design he represented to him the danger to which he might be exposed and that all his labor might perhaps be in vain but it was to no purpose he was resolved he put on a suit fit for walking and took his cimeter and as soon as he found that all was quiet in the camp went out alone and passed over one of the hills without much difficulty he found the descent still more easy and when he came to the plain walked on till the sun arose and then he saw before him at a considerable distance a vast building he rejoiced at the site in hopes of receiving there the information he sought when he drew near he found it was a magnificent palace or rather a strong castle of black polished marble and covered with fine steel as smooth as glass being highly pleased that he had so speedily met with something worthy his curiosity he stopped before the front of the castle and considered it with attention he then advanced towards the gate which had two leaves one of them open though he might immediately have entered and passed to knock this he did at first softly and waited for some time but seeing no one as supposing he had not been heard he knocked harder the second time and after that he knocked again and again but no one yet appearing he was exceedingly surprised for he cannot think that a castle in such repair was without inhabitants if there be no one in it said he to himself I have nothing to fear I have wherewith to defend myself at last he entered and when he came within the porch he cried is there no one here to receive a stranger who comes in for some refreshment as he passes by he repeated the same words two or three times but though he spoke very loud he was not answered the silence increased his astonishment he came into a spacious court and looked on every side for inhabitants but discovered none the sultan entered the grand halls which were hung with silk tapestry the alcoves and sofas were covered with stuffs of mecca and the porches with the richest stuffs of india mixed with gold and silver he came afterwards into a superb saloon in the middle of which was a fountain with a lion of massy gold at each angle water issued from the mouths of the four lions and as it fell formed diamonds and pearls resembling a jet d'eau springing from the middle of the fountain rose nearly to the top of a cupola painted in arabesque the castle on three sides was encompassed by a garden with parterres of flowers, shrubbery and whatever could concur to embellish it and to complete the beauty of the place an infinite number of birds filled the air with their harmonious notes and always remained there nets being spread over the garden and fastened to the palace to confine them the sultan walked from apartment to apartment where he found everything rich and magnificent being tired with walking he sat down in a veranda or arcade closet which had a view over the garden reflecting what he had already seen and then beheld when suddenly he heard the voice of one complaining in lamentable tones he listened with attention and heard distinctly these words oh fortune thou who would not suffer me longer to enjoy a happy lot for bear to persecute me and by a speedy death put an end to my sorrows alas, is it possible that I am still alive after so many torments as I have suffered? the sultan rose up advanced towards the place once he heard the voice and coming to the door of a great hall opened it and saw a handsome young man richly habited seated upon a throne raised a little above the ground melancholy was painted on his countenance the sultan drew near and saluted him the young man returned his salutation by an inclination of his head not being able to rise at the same time saying my lord, I should rise to receive you but am hindered by sad necessity and therefore hope you will not be offended my lord, replied the sultan I am much obliged to you for having so good an opinion of me as to the reason of your not rising whatever your apology be I hardly accept it being drawn hither by your complaints and afflicted by your grief I come to offer you my help wood to God that it lay in my power to ease you of your trouble I would do my utmost to effect it I flatter myself that you will relate to me the history of your misfortunes but inform me first of the meaning of the lake near the palace where the fish are of four colors whose this castle is how you came to be here and why you are alone instead of answering these questions the young man began to weep bitterly how inconstant is fortune, cried he she takes pleasure to pull down those she has raised where are they who enjoy quietly the happiness which they hold of her and whose day is always clear and serene the sultan moved with compassion to see him in such a condition prayed him to relate the cause of his excessive grief alas, my lord, replied the young man how is it possible that I should grieve and my eyes be inexhaustible fountains of tears at these words, lifting up his robe he showed the sultan that he was a man only from the head to the girdle and that the other half of his body was black marble the sultan was much surprised when he saw the deplorable condition of the young man that which you show me, said he while it fills me with horror excites my curiosity so that I am impatient to hear your history which no doubt must be extraordinary and I am persuaded that the lake and the fish make some part of it therefore I conjure you to relate it you will find some comfort in so doing since it is certain that the unfortunate find relief in making known their distresses I will not refuse your request replied the young man though I cannot comply without renewing my grief but I give you notice beforehand prepare your ears, your mind and even your eyes for things which surpass all that the imagination can conceive end of section 9 section 10 of the Arabian Nights Entertainment's volume 1 this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org recording by Lucy LaFaro New South Wales, Australia the Arabian Nights Entertainment's volume 1 by Anonymous translated by Dr Jonathan Scott section 10 you must know that my father named Mood was king of this country this is the kingdom of the Black Isles which takes its name from the four small neighbouring mountains for these mountains were formerly Isles the capital where the king my father resided was situated on the spot now occupied by the lake you have seen the sequel of my history will inform you of those changes the king my father died when he was 70 years of age I had no sooner succeeded him than I married and the lady I chose to share the royal dignity with me was my cousin I had so much reason to be satisfied with her affection and on my part loved her with so much tenderness that nothing could surpass the harmony and pleasure of our union this lasted five years at the end of which time I perceived the queen my cousin ceased to delight in my attentions one day after dinner while she was at her bath I found myself inclined to repose and lay down upon a sofa two of her ladies who were then in my chamber came and sat down one at my head and the other at my feet with fans in their hands to moderate the heat and to prevent the flies from disturbing me they thought I was asleep and spoke in whispers but as I only closed my eyes I heard all their conversation one of them said to the other is not the queen wrong not to love so amiable a prince certainly replied the other I do not understand the reason neither can I conceive why she goes out every night and leaves him alone is it possible that he does not perceive it Alas said the first how should he she mixes every evening in his liquor the juice of a certain herb which makes him sleep so sound all night she has time to go where she pleases and as day begins to appear she comes and lies down by him again and wakes him by the smell of something she puts under his nostrils you may guess my lord how much I was surprised at this conversation and with what sentiments it inspired me yet whatever emotion it excited I had sufficient self-command to dissemble and feigned to awake without having heard a word the queen returned from the bath we sucked together and she presented me with a cup full of such water as I was accustomed to drink but instead of putting it to my mouth I went to a window that was open and threw out the water so quickly that she did not perceive it and returned we went to bed together and soon after believing that I was asleep she got up with so little precaution that she said loud enough for me to hear her distinctly sleep on and may you never wake again she dressed herself and went out of the chamber as soon as the queen my wife was gone I dressed myself in haste, took my scimitar and followed her so quickly that I soon heard the sound of her feet before me and then walked softly after her for fear of being heard she passed through several gates upon her pronouncing some magical words and the last she opened was that of the garden which she entered I stopped at this gate that she might not perceive me as she passed along a pâté then looking after her as far as the darkness of the night permitted I saw her enter a little wood whose walks were guarded by thick palisados I went thither by another way and concealing myself behind the palisados of a long walk I saw her walking there with a man I did not fail to lend the most attentive ear to their discourse and heard her address herself thus to her gallant I do not deserve to be reproached by you for want of diligence you will know the reason but if all the proofs of affection I have already given you be not sufficient to convince you of my sincerity I am ready to give you others more decisive you need but command me you know my power I will if you desire it before the sun rise convert this great city and this superb palace into frightful ruins inhabited only by wolves owls and ravens if you would have me transport all the stones of those walls so solidly built beyond Mount Caucasus or the bounds of the habitable world speak but the word and all shall be changed as the queen finished these words she and her lover came to the end of the walk turned to enter another and passed before me I had already drawn my symetre and her lover being next to me I struck him on the neck and brought him to the ground I concluded I had killed him and therefore retired speedily without making myself known to the queen whom I chose to spare this woman the wound I had given her lover was mortal but by her enchantments she preserved him in an existence in which he could not be said to be either dead or alive as I crossed the garden to return to the palace I heard the queen loudly lamenting and judging by her cries how much she was grieved I was pleased that I had spared her life as soon as I had reached my apartment I went to bed and being satisfied with having punished the villain who had injured me fell asleep and when I awoke next morning found the queen lying I cannot tell you whether she slept or not but I arose went to my closet and dressed myself I afterwards held my council at my return the queen clad in mourning her hair dishevelled and part of it torn off presented herself before me and said I come to beg your majesty not to be surprised to see me in this condition my heavy affliction is occasioned by intelligence of three distressing events which I have just received alas what are they madam said I the death of the queen my dear mother she replied that of the king my father cured in battle and of one of my brothers who has fallen down a precipice I was not displeased that she used this to conceal the true cause of her grief and I concluded she had not suspected me of being the author of her lover's death madam said I so far from blaming I assure you I heartily commiserate your sorrow I should feel surprised if you were insensible to such heavy calamities weep on your tears are so many proofs of your tenderness but I hope the time and reflection will moderate your grief she retired into her apartment where giving herself wholly up to sorrow she spent a whole year in mourning and lamentation at the end of that period she begged permission to erect a burying place for herself within the bounds of the palace where she would continue she told me to the end of her days I consented and she built a stately edifice crowned by a cupola which may be seen from hence and called it the palace of tears when it was finished she caused her lover to be conveyed dither from the place to which she had caused him to be carried the night I wounded him she had hitherto prevented his dying by potions which she had administered to him and she continued to convey them to him herself every day to the palace of tears yet with all her enchantments she could not cure him he was not only unable to walk or support himself but had also lost the use of his speech and exhibited no sign of life except in his looks though the queen had no other consolation but to see him and to say to him all that her senseless passion could inspire yet every day she made him two long visits I was well apprised of this but pretended ignorance one day my curiosity induced me to go to the palace of tears to observe how the princess employed herself and from a place where she could not see me I heard her thus address her lover I am afflicted to the highest degree to behold you in this condition I am as sensible as yourself of the tormenting pain you endure but dear soul I am continually speaking to you and you do not answer me how long will you remain silent speak only one word alas the sweetest moments of my life are these I spend here impartaking of your grief I cannot live at a distance from you and would prefer the pleasure of having you always before me to the empire of the universe at these words which were several times interrupted by her sighs and sobs I lost all patience and discovering myself came up to her and said Madam you have wept enough it is time to give over this sorrow which dishonours both you have too much forgotten what you owe to me and to yourself Sire said she if you have any kindness or compassion for me left I beseech you to put your restraint upon me allow me to indulge my grief which it is impossible for time to assuage when I perceived that my remonstrance instead of restoring her to a sense of duty served only to increase her anguish I gave over and retired she continued every day to visit her lover and for two whole years abandoned herself to grief and despair I went a second time to the palace of tears while she was there I concealed myself again and heard her thus address her lover it is now three years since you spoke one word to me you answer not the proofs I give you of my love by my sighs and lamentations is it from insensibility or contempt O tomb has thou destroyed that excess of affection which he bear me that I have been so invents so much love and with all my delight no, no this I cannot think tell me rather by what miracle thou becameest the depository of the rarest treasure the world ever contained I must confess my lord I was enraged at these expressions for in truth this beloved, this adored mortal was by no means what you would imagine him to have been he was a black Indian one of the original natives of this country I was so enraged at the language addressed to him that I discovered myself and apostrophizing the tomb in my turn I cried, O tomb why dost thou swallow up that monster so revolting to human nature or rather why dost thou swallow and his mistress I had scarcely uttered these words when the queen who sat by the black rose up like a fury miscreant said she thou art the cause of my grief do not think I am ignorant of this I have dissembled too long it was thy barbarous hand that brought the objects of my fondness into this lamentable condition and thou hast the cruelty to come and insult a despairing lover yes said I in a rage it was I that chastised that monster according to his dessert I ought to have treated thee in the same manner I now repent that I did not thou hast too long abused my goodness as I spoke these words I drew out my scimitar and lifted up my hand to punish her but regarding me steadfastly she said with a jeering smile moderate thy anger at the same time she pronounced words I did not understand and afterwards added by virtue of my enchantments I command thee to become half marble and half man immediately my lord I became what you see a dead man among the living and a living man among the dead after the cruel sorceress unworthy of the name of queen had metamorphosed me thus and brought me into this hall by another enchantment she destroyed my capital which was very flourishing and populace and annihilated the houses the public places and markets and reduced the sight of the whole to the lake and desert plain you have seen the fishes of four colours in the lake are the four kinds of inhabitants of different religions which the city contained the white are the Muselmorns the red the Persians who worship fire the blue the Christians and the yellow the Jews the four little hills were the four islands that gave name to this kingdom I learned all this from the enchantress who to add to my affliction related to me these effects of her rage but this is not all her revenge not being satisfied the destruction of my dominions and the metamorphoses of my person she comes every day and gives me over my naked shoulders a hundred lashes with the whip until I am covered with blood when she has finished this part of my punishment she throws over me a coarse stuff of goat's hair and over that this robe of brocade not to honour but to mock me when he came to this part of the narrative the young king could not restrain his tears and the sultan was himself so affected by the relation that he could not find utterance for any words of consolation shortly after the young king lifting up his eyes to heaven exclaimed mighty creator of all things I submit myself to thy judgments and to the degrees of thy providence I endure my calamities with patience since it is thy will things should be as they are but I hope that infinite goodness will ultimately reward me the sultan greatly moved by the recital of this affecting story and anxious to avenge the sufferings of the unfortunate prince said to him inform me wither this perfidious sorceress retires and where may be found her vile paramour who is entombed before his death my lord replied the prince her lover as I have already told you is lodged in the palace of tears in a superb tomb constructed in the form of a dome this palace joins the castle on the side in which the gate is placed as to the queen I cannot tell you precisely whether she retires but every day at sunrise she goes to visit her paramour after having executed her bloody vengeance upon me and you see I am not in a condition to defend myself she carries to him the potion with which she has here thereto prevented his dying and always complains of his never having spoken to her since he was wounded prince said the sultan your condition can never be sufficiently deplored no one can be more sensibly affected by your misfortunes than I am never did anything so extraordinary before any man and those who write your history will have the advantage of relating what surpasses all that has he thereto been recorded one thing only is wanting the revenge to which you are entitled and I will omit nothing in my power to effect it in his subsequent conversation with the young prince the sultan told him who he was and for what purpose he had entered the castle and afterwards informed him of a mode of revenge which he had devised they agreed upon the measures they were to take for accomplishing their design and deferred the execution of it till the following day in the meantime the night being far spent the sultan took some rest but the young prince passed the night as usual without sleep having never slept since he was enchanted still indulging some hopes of being speedily delivered from his misery next morning the sultan arose with the dawn and prepared to execute his design hiding his upper garment which might encumber him he then proceeded to the palace of tears he found it lighted up with an infinite number of flambeaux of white wax and perfumed by a delicious scent issuing from several senses a fine gold admirable workmanship as soon as he perceived the bed where the black clay he drew his scimitar and without resistance deprived him of his wretched life dragged his corpse into the court of the castle and threw it into a well after this he went and lay down in the black's bed placed his scimitar under the covering and waited to complete his design the queen arrived shortly after she first went into the chamber of her husband the king of the black islands stripped him and with unexampled barbarity gave him a hundred stripes the unfortunate prince filled the palace with his lamentations and conjured her in the most affecting tone to take pity on him but the cruel wretch ceased not till she had given the usual number of blows you had no compassion on my lover said she and you are to expect none from me after the enchantress had given the king her husband a hundred blows with the whip she put on again his covering of goats hair and his brocade gown over all and went afterwards to the palace of tears and as she entered renewed her tears and lamentations then approaching the bed where she thought her paramour lay cruelty cried she was it to disturb the satisfaction so tender and passionate a lover as I am oh cruel prince who reproaches me that I am in human when I make thee feel the effects of my resentment does not thy barbarity surpass my vengeance traitor in attempting the life of the object which I adore has thou not robbed me of mine said she addressing herself to the sultan conceiving him to be the black my son my life will you always be silent are you resolved to let me die without affording me the comfort of hearing again from your own lips that you love me my soul speak one word to me at least I conjure you the sultan as if he had awakened out of a deep sleep and counterfeiting the pronunciation of the blacks answered the queen with a grave tone there is no strength or power but in God alone who is almighty at these words the enchantress who did not expect them uttered a loud exclamation of joy my dear lord cried she do not I deceive myself is it certain that I hear you and that you speak to me unhappy woman said the sultan at thou worthy that I should answer thee alas replied the queen why do you reproach me thus the cries return the sultan the groans and tears of the husband whom thou treat us every day with so much indignity and barbarity prevent my sleeping night or day hadest thou disenchanted him should long since have been cured and have recovered the use of my speech this is the cause of my silence of which you complain well said the enchantress to pacify you I am ready to execute your commands would you have me restore him yes replied the sultan make haste to set him at liberty that I be no longer disturbed by his lamentations the enchantress went immediately out of the palace of tears she took a cup of water and pronounced some words over it which caused it to boil as if it had been on the fire she afterwards proceeded to the young king her husband and threw the water upon him saying if the creator of all things did form thee as thou art at present or if he be angry with thee do not change but if thou art in that condition merely by virtue of my enchantments resume thy natural shape come what thou wast before she had scarcely spoken these words when the prince finding himself restored to his former condition rose up and returned thanks to God the enchantress then said to him get thee from this castle and never return on pain of death the young king yielding to necessity went away from the enchantress without replying a word and retired to a remote place where he patiently awaited the event of the design which the sultan had so happily begun meanwhile the enchantress returned to the palace of tears and supposing that she still spoke to the black said dear love I have done what you required nothing now prevents your rising and giving me the satisfaction of which I have so long been deprived the sultan still counterfeiting the pronunciation of the black said what you have now done is by no means sufficient for my cure you have only removed a part of the evil you must cut it up by the root my lovely black resumed the queen what do you mean by the root wretched woman replied the sultan understand you not that I allude to the town and its inhabitants and the four islands destroyed by thy enchantments wish every night at midnight raise their heads out of the lake and cry for vengeance against thee and me this is the true cause of the delay of my cure go speedily restore things to their former state and at thy return I will give thee my hand and thou shalt help me to arise the enchantress inspired with hope from these words cried out in a transport of joy my heart, my soul you should be restored to your health for I will immediately do as you command me accordingly she went that instant and when she came to the brink of the lake she took a little water in her hand and sprinkling it had no sooner pronounced some words over the fish and the lake that the city was immediately restored the fish became men women and children Muhammedans, Christians Persians or Jews slaves as they were before everyone having recovered his natural form the houses and shops were immediately filled with their inhabitants who found all things as they were before the enchantment the sultan's numerous retinue who found themselves encamped in the largest square were astonished to see themselves in an instant in the middle of a large handsome well-peopled city to return to the enchantress as soon as she had affected this wonderful change she returned with all expedition to the palace of tears that she might receive her reward my dear lord cried she as she entered I have come to rejoice with you in the return of your health I have done all that you require of me then pray rise and give me your hand come near said the sultan still counterfeiting the pronunciation of the blacks she did so not near enough he continued approach nearer she obeyed he then rose up and seizing her by the arms so suddenly that she had not time to discover him he with a blow of his scimitar cut her into so that one half fell one way and the other another this done he left the body on the spot and going out of the palace of tears went to seek the young king of the black isles who waited for him with great impatience when he found him prince said he embracing him rejoice you have now nothing to fear your cruel enemy is dead the young prince returned thanks to the sultan in a matter that sufficiently expressed the sincerity of his gratitude and in return wished him long life and happiness you may hence forward said the sultan dwell peaceably in your capital unless you will accompany me to mine which is near you shall there be welcome and have as much honour and respect shown you as if you were in your own kingdom potent monarch to whom I am so much indebted replied the king you think then that you are near your capital yes said the sultan I know it is not above four or five hours journey it will take you a whole year to return said the prince I do indeed believe that you came hither in the time you mentioned because mine was enchanted but since the enchantment is taken off things are changed however this shall not prevent my following you where it to the utmost corners of the earth you are my deliverer and that I may give you proofs of my acknowledging this during my whole life I am willing to accompany you and to leave my kingdom without regret the sultan was extremely surprised to understand that he was so far from his dominions and could not imagine how it could be but the young king of the black islands convinced him beyond a possibility of doubt that the sultan replied it is no matter the trouble of returning to my own country is sufficiently recompensed by the satisfaction of having obliged you and by acquiring you for a son for since you will do me the honour of accompanying me I have no child I look upon you as such and from this moment appoint you my heir and successor the conversation between the sultan and the king of the black islands concluded with most affectionate embraces after which the young prince employed himself in making preparations for his journey which were finished in three weeks to the great regret of his court and subjects who agreed to receive his hands one of his nearest kindred for their monarch at length the sultan and the young prince began their journey with a hundred camels laden with inestimable riches from the treasury of the young king followed by fifty handsome gentlemen on horseback perfectly well mounted and dressed they had a pleasant journey and when the sultan who had sent couriers to give advice of his delay and of the adventure which had occasioned approached his capital the principal officers came to receive him and to assure him that his long absence had occasioned no alteration in his empire the inhabitants also came out in great crowds receiving him with acclamations and made public rejoicings for several days the day after his arrival the sultan gave all his courtiers a very ample account of the circumstances which contrary to his expectation had detained him so long he acquainted them with his having adopted the king of the four black islands who was willing to leave a great kingdom to accompany and live with him and in reward for their loyalty he made each of them presence according to their rank as for the fisherman as he was the first cause of the deliverance of the young prince the sultan gave him a plentiful fortune which made him and his family happy the rest of their lives three calendars, sons of sultans and of the five ladies of Baghdad in the reign of Khalif Haroon Al-Rushid there was at Baghdad a porter who, notwithstanding his mean and laborious business was a fellow of wit and good humor one morning as he was at the place where he usually plied with a great basket waiting for employment a handsome young lady covered with a great muslin veil accosted him and said with a pleasant air the porter, take your basket and follow me the porter, charmed with these words pronounced in so agreeable a manner took his basket immediately set it on his head and followed the lady exclaiming, oh happy day, oh day of good luck in a short time the lady stopped before a gate that was shut and locked a Christian with a venerable long wide beard opened it and she put money into his hand without speaking but the Christian who knew what she wanted went in and in a little time brought a large jug of excellent wine take this jug said the lady to the porter and put it in your basket this being done she commanded him to follow her and as she proceeded the porter continued his exclamation oh happy day, this is a day of agreeable surprise and joy the lady stopped at a fruit shop where she bought several sorts of apples apricots, peaches, quinces lemons, citrons, oranges Myrtle's sweet basil lilies jessemen and other flowers and fragrant plants she bid the porter put all into his basket and follow her as she went by a butcher stall she made him weigh her 25 pounds of his best meat which she ordered the porter to put also into his basket at another shop she took capers, tarragon, cucumber sassafras and other herbs preserved in vinegar at another she bought pistachios, walnuts, filberts, almonds, kernels of pine and such other fruits and at another all sorts of confectionery when the porter had put all these things into his basket and perceived that it grew full my good lady said he you ought to have given me notice that you had so much provision to carry and then I would have brought a horse or rather a camel for the purpose for if you buy ever so little more I shall not be able to bear it the lady laughed at the fellow's pleasant humor and ordered him still to follow her she then went to a druggist where she furnished herself with all manner of sweet-scented waters, cloves, musk, pepper ginger and a great piece of ambergris and several other Indian spices this quite filled the porter's basket and she ordered him to follow her they walked till they came to a magnificent house whose front was adorned with fine columns and had a gate of ivory there they stopped and the lady knocked softly while the young lady in the porter waited for the opening of the gate the porter made a thousand reflections he wondered that such a fine lady should come abroad to buy provisions he concluded that she could not be a slave her heir was too noble and therefore he thought she must needs be a woman of quality just as he was about to ask her some questions upon this head another lady came to open the gate and appeared to him so beautiful that he was perfectly surprised or rather so much struck with her charms that he had nearly suffered his basket to fall for he had never seen any beauty that equaled her the lady who brought the porter with her perceived his disorder and knowing the cause was greatly diverted and took so much pleasure in watching his looks that she forgot the gate was opened pray sister said the beautiful porter's come in what do you stay for do you not see this poor man so heavily that he is scarcely able to stand when she entered with the porter the lady who had opened the gate shut it and all three having passed through a splendid vestibule entered a spacious court encompassed with an open gallery which had a communication with several apartments of extraordinary magnificence at the farther end of the court there was a platform richly furnished with a throne of amber in the middle supported by four columns of ebony enriched with diamonds and pearls of an extraordinary size and covered with red satin embroidered with Indian gold of admirable workmanship in the middle of the court there was a fountain faced with white marble and full of clear water which was copiously supplied out of the mouth of a lion of brass the porter though heavy laden could not but admire the magnificence of this house and the excellent order in which everything was placed but what particularly captivated his attention was a third lady who seemed to be more beautiful than the second and was seated upon the throne just mentioned she descended as soon as she saw the two others and advanced towards them he judged by the respect which the other lady showed her that she was the chief in which he was not mistaken this lady was called Zabid she who opened the gate Safi and she who went to buy the provisions Amin Zabid said to the two ladies when she came to them sisters do you not see that this honest man is ready to sink under his burden why do you not ease him of it then Amin and Safi took the basket the one before and the other behind Zabid also assisted and the three together set it on the ground then emptied it and when they had done the beautiful Amin took out money from the porter liberally the porter was well satisfied with the money he had received but when he ought to have departed he could not summon sufficient resolution for the purpose he was chained to the spot by the pleasure of beholding three such beauties who appeared to him equally charming for Amin having now laid aside her veil proved to be as handsome as either of the others what surprised him most was that he saw no man about the house most of the provisions he had brought in as the dry fruits and the several sorts of cakes and confections were adapted chiefly for those who could drink can make merry Zabid thought at first that the porter stayed only to take breath but perceiving that he remained too long what do you wait for she said are you not sufficiently paid and turning to Amin she continued sister give him something more that he may depart satisfied madam replied the porter it is not that which detains me I am already more than paid for my services I am sensible that I act rudely and staying longer than I ought but I hope you will see the goodness to pardon me when I tell you that I am astonished not to see a man with three ladies of such extraordinary beauty and you know that a company of women without men is as melancholy as a company of men without women to this he added several other pleasant things to prove what he said and did not forget the Baghdad proverb that the table is not completely furnished except there before in company and so concluded that since they were but three they wanted another the ladies fella laughing at the porter's reasoning after which Zabid gravely addressed him friend you presume rather too much and though you do not deserve that I should enter into any explanation with you I have no objection to inform you that we are three sisters who trans act our affairs with so much secrecy that no one knows anything of them we have but too much reason to be cautious of equating indiscreet persons with our counsel and a good author that we have read says keep thy own secret and do not reveal it to anyone he that makes his secret known is no longer its master if thy own breast cannot keep thy counsel how canst thou expect the breast of another to be more faithful my ladies replied the porter by your very air I judged at first that you were persons of extraordinary merit and I conceived that I am not mistaken though fortune has not given me wealth enough to raise me above my mean profession yet I have not admitted to cultivate my mind as much as I could by reading books of science and history and allow me I beseech you to say that I have also read in another author a maxim which I have always happily followed we conceal our secret from such persons only as are known to all the world to want discretion and would abuse our confidence but we hesitate not to discover it to the prudent because we know that with them it is safe a secret in my keeping is as secure as it were locked up in a cabinet a key of which is lost and the door sealed up Zabid perceiving that the porter was not deficient in wit but thinking he wished to share in their festivity answered him smiling you know that we have been making preparations to regale ourselves and that as you have seen at a considerable expense it is not just that you should now partake of the entertainment without contributing to the cost the beautiful Safi's second or sister and said to the porter friend have you never heard the common saying if you bring something with you you shall carry something away but if you bring something you shall depart empty the porter not withstanding his rhetoric must in all probability have retired in confusion if Amin had not taken his part and said to Zabid and Safi my dear sisters I conjure you to let him remain I need not tell you that he will afford us some diversion of this you perceive he is capable I assure you had it not been for his readiness his alacrity and courage to follow me I could not have done so much business no shorter time besides were I to repeat to you all the obliging expressions he addressed to me by the way you would not feel surprising at my taking his part at these words of Amin the porter was so transported with joy that he fell on his knees kissed the ground at her feet and raised himself up and said most beautiful lady you began my good fortune today and now you completed by this generous conduct I cannot adequately express my acknowledgments as to the rest ladies said he addressing himself to all three sisters since you do me so great an honor I do not think I will abuse it or look upon myself as deserving of the distinction no I shall always look upon myself as one of your most humble slaves when he had spoken these words he would have returned the money had he received but Zabid ordered him to keep it what we have once given said she to reward those who have served us we never take back my friend in consenting to you are staying with us I must for warn you that it is not the only condition we oppose upon you that you keep invaluable the secret we may entrust to you but we also require you to attend to the strictest rules of good manners during this address the charming Amin put off the apparel she went abroad with and fastened her robe to her girdle that she might act with the greater freedom she then brought in several sorts of meat wine and cups of gold soon after the ladies took their places and made the porter sit down by them who was overjoyed to see himself seated with three such admirable beauties as they had eaten a little Amin took a cup poured some wine into it and drank first herself she then filled the cup to her sisters who drank in course as they sat and at last she filled it the fourth time for the porter who as he received it was Amin's hand and before he drank sung a song to his purpose that as the wind bears with it the sweet sense of the perfumed places over which it passes so the wine he was going to drink coming from her fair hands received a more exquisite flavor than it naturally possessed the song pleased the ladies much and each of them afterwards sung one in her turn in short they were all very pleasant but at a considerable time nothing was wanting that could serve to render it agreeable the day drawing to a close Safi spoke in the name of the three ladies and said to the porter arise it is time for you to depart but the porter not willing to leave good company cried alas ladies wither do you command me to go in my present condition what with drinking and your society I am quite beside myself I shall never find the way home myself in any place you please but go when I will I shall leave the best part of myself behind Amin pleaded the second time for the porter saying sisters he is right I am pleased with the request he having already diverted us so well and if you will take my advice or if you love me as much as I think you do let us keep him for the remainder of the night sister answered Zabid we can refuse you nothing and then turning to the porter said we are willing once more to grant your request but upon this new condition that whatever we do in your presence relating either to ourselves or anything else you do not so much as open your mouth to ask the reason for if you put any questions respecting what does not concern you you may chance to hear what you will not like beware therefore and be not too inquisitive to pry into the motives of our actions madam replied the porter I promise to abide by this condition that you shall have no cause to complain and far less to punish my indiscretion my tongue shall be immovable on this occasion in my eye like a looking glass which retains nothing of the objects that is set before it to shoe you said Zabid with a serious countenance that what we demand of you is not a new thing among us read what is written over our gate on the inside the porter went and read these words written in large characters of gold he who speaks of things that do not concern him shall hear things that will not please him returning again to the three sisters ladies said he I swear to you that you shall never hear me utter a word respecting what does not relate to me or wherein you may have any concern these preliminaries being settled Amin brought in supper and after she had lighted up the room with tapers made of aloe wood and amber grease which yielded most agreeable perfume as well as a delicate light she sat down with her sisters and the porter they began again to eat and drink to sing and repeat verses the ladies diverted themselves and intoxicating the porter under pretext of making him drink to their health and that the repast was enlivened by reciprocal flashes of wit when they were all in the best humor possible they heard a knocking at the gate and the ladies heard the knocking they all three got up to open the gate but Safi was the nimblest which her sisters perceiving they resumed their seats Safi returning said sisters we have a very fine opportunity of passing a good part of the night pleasantly if you agree with me you will not suffer it to go by there are three calendars at our gate at least they appear to be such by their habit but what will surprise you is they are all three blind and have their heads, beards and eyebrows shaved they say they are but just come to Baghdad where they never were before it being night and not knowing where to find a lodging they happen to chance to knock at this gate and pray us for the love of heaven to have compassion on them and receive them into the house they care not what place we put them in provided they may be under shelter they would be satisfied with the stable they are young and handsome they seem not to want spirit but I cannot without laughing think of their amusing and uniform figure here Safi laughs so heartily that the two sisters in the porter could not refrain from laughing also my dear sisters she said will you permit them to come in it is impossible but that with such persons as I have described them to be we shall finish the day better than we began it they will afford us diversion enough and put us to no charge they desire shelter only for this night and resolve to leave as soon as day appears Zabid and Amin made some difficulty to grant Safi's request for reasons which she herself well knew but being very desirous to obtain this favor they could not refuse her go then said Zabid and bring them in but do not forget to acquaint them that they must not speak of anything which does not concern them and cause them to read Safi ran out with joy and in a little time returned with the three calendars at their entrance they made a profound obeisance to the ladies who rose up to receive them and told them courteously that they were welcome that they were glad of the opportunity to oblige them and to contribute towards relieving the fatigue of their journey and at last invited them to sit down with them the magnificence of the place and the civility they received inspired the calendars with high respect but before they sat down having by chance cast their eyes upon the porter whom they saw clad almost like those devotees of whom they have continual disputes respecting several points of discipline because they never shave their beards nor eyebrows one of them said I believe we have got here one of our revolted Arabian brethren the porter having his head warm with wine took offence and with a fierce look without stirring from his place answered sit you down and do not meddle with what does not concern you have you not read the inscription over the gate do not pretend to make people live after your fashion but follow others honest man said the calendar do not put yourself in a passion we should be sorry to give you the least occasion on the contrary we are ready to receive your commands upon which to put an end to the dispute the ladies interposed and pacified them when the calendars were seated the ladies served them with meat and saffie being highly pleased with them did not let them want for wine after the calendars had eaten and drunk liberally they signified to the ladies that they wished to entertain them with a concert of music if they had any instruments in the house and would cause them to be brought they willingly accepted the proposal and fare saffie going to fetch them returned again in a moment and presented them with a flute of her own country fashion another of the Persian and a Tabor each man took the instrument he liked and all three together began to play a tune the ladies who knew the words of a merry song that suited the air joined the concert with their voices but the words of the song made them now and then stop and fall into excessive laughter in the height of this diversion when the company were in the midst of their jollity a knocking was heard at the gate saffie left off singing and went to see who it was the caliph Harun al-Roshid was frequently in the habit of walking abroad in disguise by night that he might discover if everything was quiet in the city and see that no disorders were committed this night the caliph went out on his rambles accompanied by Japhir his grand vizier and Masur the chief of the eunuchs of his palace all disguised in merchant's habits and passing through the street where the three ladies dwelt he heard the sound of music in fits of loud laughter upon which he commanded the vizier to knock as he wished to enter to ascertain the reason the vizier in vain represented to him that the noise proceeded from some women who were merrymaking that without question their heads were warm with wine and that it would not be proper he should expose himself to be affronted by them besides it was not yet an unlawful hour and therefore he ought not to disturb them in their mirth no matter said the caliph I command you to knock Japhir complied he opened the gate and the vizier perceiving by the light in her hand that she was an incomparable beauty with a very low salutation said we are three merchants of Masur who arrived here about ten days ago with rich merchandise which we have in a warehouse at a caravan sarai where we have also our lodging we happened this evening to be with a merchant of the city who invited us to his house where we had a splendid entertainment and the wine having put us in good humor he sent us for a company of dancers night being come on and the music and dancers making a great noise the watch passing by caused the gate to be opened and some of the company to be taken up but we had the good fortune to escape by getting over the wall being strangers and somewhat overcome with wine we were afraid of meeting that or some other watch before we get home to our con besides before we can arrive there the gates will be shut and will not be open till morning wherefore hearing as we passed by this way the sound of music we supposed you were not yet going to rest and made bold to knock at your gate to beg the favor of lodging ourselves in the house till morning and if you think us worthy of your good company we will endeavor to contribute to your diversion to the best of our power to make some amends for the interruption we have given you if not we only beg the favor of staying this night in your vestibule whilst Japhir was speaking Safi had time to observe the vizier and his two companions who were said to be merchants like himself and told them that she was not mistress of the house but if they would have a minute's patience she would return with an answer Safi made the business known to her sisters who considered for some time what to do but being naturally of a good disposition and having granted the same favor to the three calendars they at last consented to let them in the relief is Grand Vizier and the chief of the eunuchs being introduced by the fair Safi very courteously saluted the ladies and the calendars the ladies returned their salutations supposing them to be merchants Zabid as the chief addressed them with a grave and serious countenance which was natural to her and said you are welcome but before I proceed farther I hope you will not take it ill if we desire one favor of you alas said the vizier what favor we can refuse nothing to such fair ladies Zabid continued it is that while here you would have eyes but no tongues that you question is not for the reason of anything you may see and speak not of anything that does not concern you lest you hear what will by no means please you madam replied the vizier you shall be obeyed we are not censorious nor impertently curious it is enough for us to notice affairs that concern us meddling with what does not belong to us upon this they all sat down and the company being united they drank to the health of the newcomers while the vizier entertained the ladies in conversation the caliph could not forbear admiring their extraordinary beauty graceful behavior, pleasant humor and ready wit on the other hand nothing struck him with more surprise than the calendars being all three blind of the right eye he would gladly have learned the singularity but the condition so lately imposed upon himself and his companions would not allow him to speak these circumstances with the richness of the furniture the exact order of everything and the neatness of the house made him think that they were in some enchanted place their conversation happening to turn upon diversions and the different ways of making merry the calendars arose and danced after their fashion which augmented the good opinion the ladies had conceived of them and procured them the esteem of the caliph and his companions when the three calendars had finished their dance zabita rose and taking amin by the hand said pray sister arise for the company will not be offended if we use our freedom and their presence need not hinder the performance of our customary exercise amin understanding her sister's meaning rose from her seat carried away the dishes the flasks and cups together with the instruments which the calendars had played upon saffi was not idle but swept the room put everything again in its place trimmed the lamps and put fresh aloes and amber grease to them this being done she requested the three calendars to sit down upon the sofa at one side and the caliph and his companions on the other then addressing herself to the porter she said get up and prepare yourself to assist us in what we are going to do a man like you who is one of the family ought not to be idle the porter being somewhat recovered from his wine immediately and having tied the sleeve of his gown to his belt answered here am I ready to obey your commands very well replied saffi stay till you are spoken to and you shall not be idle long a little time after amin came in with a chair which she placed in the middle of the room and then went towards a closet having opened the door she back into the porter and said come hither and assist me he obeyed and entered the closet and returned immediately leading two black bitches each of them secured by a collar and chain they appeared as if they had been severely whipped with rods and he brought them to the middle of the apartment zabid rising from her seat between the calendars and the caliph moved very gravely towards the porter come she said heaving a deep sigh let us perform our duty she then tucked up her sleeves above her elbows and receiving a rod from saffi porter she said deliver one of the bitches to my sister amin and bring the other to me the porter did as he was commanded upon this the bitch that he held in his hand began to howl and turning towards zabid held her head up in a supplicating posture but zabid having no regard to the sad countenance of the animal which would have moved pity nor to her cries that resounded through the house whipped her with the rod till she was out of breath and having spent her strength through down the rod and taking the chain from the porter lifted up the bitch by her paws and looking upon her with the sad and pitiful countenance they both wept after which zabid with her handkerchief wiped the tears from the bitch's eyes kissed her returned the chain to the porter desired him to carry her to the place whence he took her and bring her the other the porter led back the whipped bitch to the closet and receiving the other from amin presented her to zabid who requested him to hold her as he had done the first took up the rod and treated her after the same manner and when she had wept over her she dried her eyes kissed her and returned her to the porter but amin spared him the trouble of leading her back into the closet and did it herself the three calendars with the caliph and his companions were extremely surprised at this exhibition and could not comprehend why zabid after having so furiously beaten those two bitches that by the mosulman religion our reckoned unclean animals should weep with them wipe off their tears and kiss them they muttered among themselves and the caliph who being more impatient than the rest longed exceedingly to be informed of the cause of so strange a proceeding could not for bear making signs to the vizier to ask the question the vizier turned his head another way but being pressed by repeated signs he answered by others that it was not yet time for the caliph to satisfy his curiosity zabid still some time in the middle of the room where she had whipped the two bitches to recover herself of her fatigue and safi called to her dear sister will you not be pleased to return to your place that I may also aft my part yes sister replied zabid and then went and sat down upon the sofa having the caliph jeffir and mesur on her right side and the three calendars with the porter on her left after zabid had taken her seat the whole company remained silent for some time at last safi sitting on the chair in the middle of the room spoke to her sister amin dear sister I conjure you to rise you know what I would say amin rose and went to the other closet near to that where the bitches were and brought out a case covered with yellow satin richly embroidered with gold and green silk she went towards safi and opened the case from when she took a loot and presented it to her then after some time spent in tuning it safi began to play and accompanying the instrument with her voice sung a song about the torments that absence creates to lovers with so much sweetness that it charmed the caliph and all the company having sung with much passion and action she said to amin pray take it sister for my voice fails me obliged the company with the tune and a song in my stead very willingly replied amin who taking the loot from her sister sat down in her place amin played and sung almost as long upon the same subject but with so much vehemence and was so much affected or rather transported by the words of the song that her strength failed her as she finished zabid desirous of testifying her satisfaction said sister you have done wonders and we may easily see that you feel the grief you have expressed in so lively manner amin was prevented from answering this civility her heart being so sensibly touched at the moment that she was obliged for air to uncover her neck and bosom which she did not appear so fair as might have been expected but on the contrary were black and full of scars which surprised and affected all the spectators however this gave her no ease for she fell into a fit when zabid and sefi had run to help her sister one of the calendars could not forebear saying we had better have slept in the streets than have come hither to behold such spectacles the caliph who heard this came to him and the other calendars and asked them what might be the meaning of all this they answered we know no more than you do what said the caliph are you not of the family can you not resolve us concerning the two black bitches and the lady that fainted away who appears to have been so basely abused sir said the calendars this is the first time of our being in this house we came but a few minutes before you this increased the caliph's astonishment probably said he this man who is with you may know something of the matter one of the calendars beckoned the porter to come near and asked him whether he knew why those two black bitches had been whipped and why the amine's bosom was so scarred sir said the porter I can swear by heaven that if you know nothing of this I know as little as you do it is true I live in the city but I never was in this house until now and if you are surprised to see me I am as much so to find myself in your company and that which increases my wonder is that I have not seen one man with these ladies the caliph and his company as well as the calendars has supposed the porter to be one of the family and hoped he would have been able to give them the information they sought but finding he could not and resolving to satisfy his curiosity the caliph said to the rest we are seven men and have but three women to deal with let us try if we can oblige them to explain what we have seen and if they refuse by fair means we are in a condition to compel them by force the grand vizier jeffir objected to this ensued the caliph but might be the consequence without discovering the prince to the calendars he addressed him as he had been a merchant and said consider I pray you that our reputation is at stake you know the conditions on which these ladies consented to receive us and which we agreed to observe what will they say if we break them we shall be still more to blame if any mischief befall us for it is not likely that they would have exhorted such a promise from us without knowing themselves to be in a condition to punish us for its violation here the vizier took the caliph aside and whispered to him the night will soon be at an end and if your majesty will only be pleased to have so much patience I will tomorrow bring these ladies before your throne where you may be informed of all that you desire to know though this advice was very judicious the caliph rejected it desired the vizier to hold his tongue and said he would not wait so long but would immediately have this curiosity satisfied the next business was to settle who should carry the message the caliph endeavored to prevail with the calendars to speak first but they excused themselves and at last they agreed that the porter should be the man as they were consulting how to word this fatal question Zabid returned from her sister Amin who was recovered from her fit she drew them near and having overheard them speaking pretty loud said gentlemen what is the subject of your conversation what are you disputing about the porter answered immediately madam these gentlemen beseech you to inform them why you wept over your two bitches and you had whipped them so severely and how the bosom of that lady who lately fainted away came to be so full of scars these are the questions I am ordered to ask in their name at these words Zabid put on a stern countenance and turning towards the caliph and the rest of the company is it true gentlemen she said that you desired him to ask me these questions all of them except the vizier Japhir who spoke not a word answered yes on which she exclaimed in a tone that sufficiently expressed her resentment before we granted you the favor of receiving you into our house and to prevent all occasion of trouble from you because we are alone we impose the condition that you should not speak of anything that did not concern you lest you might hear that which would not please you and yet after having received and entertained you you make no scruple to break your promise it is true that our uneasy temper has occasioned this but that shall not excuse your rudeness as she spoke these words she gave three stamps with her foot and clamping her hands as often together cried come quickly upon this a door flew open and seven black slaves rushed in seized a man threw him on the ground and dragged him into the middle of the room brandishing a scimitar over his head we may easily conceive the caliph then repented but too late that he had not taken the advice of his vizier who with mesur the calendars and porter was from his ill-turned curiosity on the point of forfeiting his life before they would strike the fatal blow one of the slaves said to Zabid and her sisters hi mighty and adorable mistresses do you command us to strike off their heads stay said Zabid I must examine them first the frightened porter interrupted her thus in the name of heaven do not put me to death for another man's crime I am innocent they are to blame alas said he weeping how pleasantly did we pass our time those blind calendars are the cause of this misfortune there is no town in the world but suffers wherever these inauspicious fellows come madam I beg you not to destroy the innocent with the guilty and consider that it is more glorious to pardon such a wretch as I am who have no way to help myself than to sacrifice me to your resentment Zabid notwithstanding her anger could not but laugh within herself at the porter's lamentation but without replying to him she spoke a second time to the rest answer me and say who you are otherwise you shall not live one moment longer I cannot believe you to be honest men or persons of authority or distinction in your own countries for if you were you would have been more modest and more respectful to us the caliph naturally warm was infinitely more indignant than the rest to find his life depending on the command of a woman but he began to conceive some hopes when he found she wished to know who they all were for he imagined she would not put him to death when informed of his quality therefore with a low voice to the vizier who was near him to declare it speedily but the vizier more prudent resolved to save his master's honor and not let the world know the affront he had brought upon himself by his own imprudence and therefore answered we have what we deserve but if he had intended to speak the caliph commanded him zabid would not have allowed him time for having turned to the calendars and seeing them all blind with one eye she asked if they were brothers no madam no otherwise than we are calendars that is to say as we observe the same rules were you born blind of the right eye continued she no madam answered he I lost my eye in such a surprising adventure that it would be instructive to everybody worried in writing after that misfortune I shaved my beard and eyebrows and took the habit of the calendar which I now wear zabid asked the other two calendars the same question and had the same answers but the last who spoke added madam to show you that we are no common fellows and that you may have some consideration for us be pleased to know that we are all three sons of sultans and though we never met together till this evening yet we have had enough time to make that known to one another and I assured you that the sultans from whom we derive our being were famous in the world at this discourse zabid suppressed her anger and said to the slaves give them their liberty a while but remain where you are those who tell us their history and the occasion of their coming do them no hurt let them go where they please but do not spare those who refuse to give us that satisfaction the three calendars the caliph the grand vizier japhir and eunuch mesheur and the porter were all in the middle of the hall seated upon a carpet in the presence of the three ladies who reclined upon a sofa and the slave stood ready to do whatever their mistresses could command the porter understanding that he might extricate himself from danger by telling his history spoke first and said madam you know my history already and the occasion of my coming hither so that what I have to say will be short maybe your sister called me this morning at a place where I applied his porter to see if anybody would employ me that I might get bread I followed her to a vintners then to a herb shop then to one where oranges, lemons, and citrons were sold then to a grocers next to a confectioners and to drugists with my basket upon my head as full as I was able to carry it then I came hither where you had the goodness to suffer me to continue till now a favor that I shall never forget this madam is my history when the porter had done Zabid said to him depart let us see you no more madam replied the porter I beg you to let me stay it would not be just after the rest have had the pleasure to hear my history that I should not also have the satisfaction of hearing theirs and having spoken thus he sat down at the end of the sofa glad at heart to have escaped the danger that had frightened him so much after him one of the three calendars of speech to Zabid as the principal of the three ladies began thus