 CHAPTER 27 THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE CAMELRELSAMIN AND THE PRINCESS BADURA, PART II While Stalthus was happening in the capital of Shazamon, the two genii had carefully borne the princess of China back to her own palace and replaced her in bed. On waking next morning, she first turned from one side to another, and then, finding herself alone, called loudly for her women. Tell me, she cried, where is the young man I love so dearly and who slept near me last night? Princess, exclaimed the nurse, we cannot tell what you allude to without more explanation. Why, continued the princess, the most charming and beautiful young man lay sleeping beside me last night, I did my utmost to wake him but in vain. Her royal highness wishes to make game of us, said the nurse, is it your pleasure to rise? I am quite an earnest, persisted the princess, and I want to know where he is. But princess, expostulated the nurse, we left you quite alone last night and we have seen no one enter your room since then. At this the princess lost all patience, and taking the nurse by her hair she boxed her ears soundly, crying out, you shall tell me, you old witch, or I'll kill you. The nurse had no little trouble in escaping and hurried off to the queen, to whom she related the whole story with tears in her eyes. You see, madame, she concluded, that the princess must be out of her mind, if only you will come and see her, you will be able to judge for yourself. The queen hurried to her daughter's apartments, and after tenderly embracing her, asked her why she had treated her nurse so badly. Madame, said the princess, I perceive that your majesty wishes to make game of me, but I can assure you that I will never marry anyone except the charming young man whom I saw last night. You must know where he is, so pray, send for him. The queen was much surprised by these words, but when she declared that she knew nothing whatever of the matter, the princess lost all respect, and answered that if she were not allowed to marry as she wished, she would kill herself, and it was in vain that the queen tried to pacify her and bring her to reason. The king himself came to hear the rites of the matter, but the princess only persisted in her story, and as a proof showed the ring on her finger. The king hardly knew what to make of it all, but ended by thinking that his daughter was more crazy than ever, and without further argument he had her placed in still closer confinement, with only her nurse to wait on her, and a powerful guard to keep the door. Then he assembled his council, and having told them the sad state of things added, if any of you can succeed in curing the princess, I will give her to him in marriage, and he shall be my heir. An elderly Amir present, fired with the desire to possess a young and lovely wife and to rule over a great kingdom, offered to try the magic arts with which he was acquainted. You are welcome to try, said the king, but I make one condition, which is that should you fail you will lose your life. The Amir accepted the condition, and the king led him to the princess, who, veiling her face, remarked, I am surprised, Sire, that you should bring an unknown man into my presence. You need not be shocked, said the king. This is one of my Amirs who asks your hand in marriage. Sire, replied the princess, this is not the one you gave me before, and whose ring I wear. Permit me to say that I can accept no other. The Amir, who had expected to hear the princess talk nonsense, finding how calm and reasonable she was, assured the king that he would not venture to undertake a cure, but placed his head at his majesty's disposal, on which the justly irritated monarch promptly had it cut off. This was the first of many suitors for the princess whose inability to cure her cost them their lives. Now it happened that after things had been going on in this way for some time, the nurse's son, Marzavon, returned from his travels. He had been in many countries and learned many things, including astrology. Needless to say that one of the first things his mother told him was the sad condition of the princess, his foster sister. Marzavon asked if she could not manage to let him see the princess without the king's knowledge. After some consideration his mother consented and even persuaded the eunuch on guard to make no objection to Marzavon's entering the royal apartment. The princess was delighted to see her foster brother again, and after some conversation she confided to him all her history and the cause of her imprisonment. Marzavon listened with downcast eyes and the utmost attention. When she had finished speaking he said, If what you tell me princess is indeed the case, I do not despair of finding comfort for you. Take patience yet a little longer. I will set out at once to explore other countries and when you hear of my return be sure that he for whom you sigh is not far off. So, saying, he took his leave and started next morning on his travels. Marzavon journeyed from city to city and from one island in province to another, and wherever he went he heard people talk of the strange story of the Princess Badura as the Princess of China was named. After four months he reached a large populous seaport town named Torf, and here he heard no more of the Princess Badura but a great deal of Prince Kamaralsaman who was reported ill and whose story sounded very similar to that of the Princess Badura. Marzavon was rejoiced and set out at once for Prince Kamaralsaman's residence. The ship on which he embarked had a prosperous voyage till she got within sight of the capital of King Shalsaman, but when just about to enter the harbor she suddenly struck on a rock and foundered within sight of the palace where the prince was living with his father and the Grand Vizier. Marzavon, who swam well, threw himself into the sea and managed to land close to the palace where he was kindly received, and after having a change of clothing given him was brought before the Grand Vizier. The Vizier was at once attracted by the young man's superior air and intelligent conversation, and perceiving that he had gained much experience in the course of his travels he said, ah, how I wish you had learned some secret which might enable you to cure a malady which has pledged this court into affliction for some time past. Marzavon replied that if he knew what the illness was he might possibly be able to suggest a remedy on which the Vizier related to him the whole story of Prince Kamaralsaman. Upon hearing this Marzavon rejoiced inwardly for he felt sure that he had at last discovered the object of the Princess Badura's infatuation, however he said nothing but begged to be allowed to see the prince. On entering the royal apartment the first thing which struck him was the prince himself, who lay stretched out on his bed with his eyes closed. The king sat near him, but without paying any regard to his presence Marzavon exclaimed, heavens what a striking likeness! And indeed there was a good deal of resemblance between the features of Kamaralsaman and those of the Princess of China. These words caused the prince to open his eyes with languid curiosity and Marzavon seized this moment to pay him his compliments, contriving at the same time to express the condition of the Princess of China in terms unintelligible indeed to the Sultan and his Vizier, but which left the prince in no doubt that his visitor would give him some welcome information. The prince begged his father to allow him the favor of a private interview with Marzavon, and the king was only too pleased to find his son taking an interest in anyone or anything. As soon as they were left alone Marzavon told the prince the story of the Princess Badura and her sufferings, adding, I am convinced that you alone can cure her, but before starting on so long a journey you must be well and strong, so do your best to recover as quickly as may be. These words produced a great effect on the prince, who was so much cheered by the hopes held out that he declared he felt able to get up and be dressed. The king was overjoyed at the result of Marzavon's interview and ordered public rejoicings in honor of the prince's recovery. Before long the prince was quite restored to his original state of health, and as soon as he felt himself really strong he took Marzavon aside and said, Now is the time to perform your promise. I am so impatient to see my beloved princess once more that I am sure I shall fall ill again if we do not start soon. The one obstacle is my father's tender care of me, for as you may have noticed he cannot bear me out of his sight. Prince, replied Marzavon, I have already thought over the matter, and this is what seems to me the best plan. You have not been out of doors since my arrival. Ask the king's permission to go with me for two or three days hunting, and when he has given leave order two good horses to be held ready for each of us. Leave all the rest to me. Next day the prince seized a favorable opportunity for making his request, and the king gladly granted it on condition that only one night should be spent out for fear of too great fatigue after such a long illness. Next morning Prince Kamarazaman and Marzavon were off betimes, attended by two grooms leading the two extra horses. They hunted a little by the way, but took care to get as far from the towns as possible. At nightfall they reached an inn, where they sapped and slept till midnight. Then Marzavon awoke and roused the prince without disturbing anyone else. He begged the prince to give him the coat he had been wearing, and to put on another which they had brought with them. They mounted their second horses, and Marzavon led one of the groom's horses by the bridle. By daybreak our travelers found themselves where four crossroads met in the middle of the forest. Here Marzavon begged the prince to wait for him, and leading the groom's horse into a dense part of the wood, he cut its throat, dipped the prince's coat in its blood, and having rejoined the prince threw the coat on the ground where the roads parted. In answer to Kamarazaman's inquiries as to the reason for this, Marzavon replied that the only chance they had of continuing their journey was to divert attention by creating the idea of the prince's death. Your father will doubtless be plunged in the deepest grief, he went on, but his joy at your return will be all the greater. The prince and his companion now continued their journey by land and sea, and as they had brought plenty of money to defray their expenses, they met with no needless delays. At length they reached the capital of China, where they spent three days in a suitable lodging to recover from their fatigues. During this time Marzavon had an astrologer's dress prepared for the prince. They then went to the baths, after which the prince put on the astrologer's robe and was conducted within sight of the king's palace by Marzavon, who left him there and went to consult his mother, the princess's nurse. Meantime the prince, according to Marzavon's instructions, advanced close to the palace gates and their proclaimed aloud. I am an astrologer and I come to restore health to the princess Badura, daughter of the high and mighty king of China, on the conditions laid down by his majesty of marrying her should I succeed, or losing my life if I fail. It was some little time since anyone had presented himself to run the terrible risk involved in attempting to cure the princess, and a crowd soon gathered round the prince. On perceiving his youth, good looks, and distinguished bearing, everyone felt pity for him. What are you thinking of, sir? exclaimed some. Why expose yourself to certain death, are not the heads you see exposed on the town wall sufficient warning? For mercy's sake give up this mad idea and retire whilst you can. But the prince remained firm and only repeated his cry with greater assurance to the horror of the crowd. He is resolved to die, they cried, may heaven have pity on him. Kamaralsamon now called out for the third time, and at last the Grand Vizier himself came out and fetched him in. The prime minister led the prince to the king, who was much struck by the noble heir of this new adventurer, and felt such pity for the fate so evidently in store for him that he tried to persuade the young man to renounce his project. But Kamaralsamon politely yet firmly persisted in his intentions, and at length the king desired the eunuch who had the guard of the princess's apartments to conduct the astrologer to her presence. The eunuch led the way through long passages, and Kamaralsamon followed rapidly, in haste to reach the object of his desires. At last they came to a large hall, which was the ante-room to the princess's chamber, and here Kamaralsamon said to the eunuch, Now you shall choose, shall I cure the princess in her own presence, or shall I do it from here without seeing her? The eunuch, who had expressed many contemptuous doubts as they came along of the newcomer's powers, was much surprised and said, If you really can cure, it is immaterial when you do it, your fame will be equally great. Very well, replied the prince, then impatient though I am to see the princess, I will effect the cure where I stand, the better to convince you of my power. He accordingly drew out his writing-case and wrote as follows, Adorable Princess, the enamored Kamaralsamon has never forgotten the moment when, contemplating your sleeping beauty, he gave you his heart. As he was at that time deprived of the happiness of conversing with you, he ventured to give you his ring as a token of his love, and to take yours in exchange, which he now encloses in this letter. Should you deign to return it to him, he will be the happiest of mortals. If not, he will cheerfully resign himself to death, seeing he does so for the love of you. He awaits your reply in your ante-room. Having finished this note, the prince carefully enclosed the ring in it without letting the eunuch see it, and gave him the letter saying, Take this to your mistress, my friend, and if on reading it and seeing its contents she is not instantly cured, you may call me an impudent imposter. The eunuch at once passed into the princess's room, and handing her the letter said, Madame, a new astrologer has arrived, who declares that you will be cured as soon as you have read this letter and seen what it contains. The princess took the note and opened it with languid indifference, but no sooner did she see her ring then, barely glancing at the writing, she rose hastily and with one bound reached the doorway and pushed back the hangings. Here she and the prince recognized each other, and in a moment they were locked in each other's arms, where they tenderly embraced, wondering how they came to meet at last after so long a separation. The nurse, who had hastened after her charge, drew them back to the inner room, where the princess restored her ring to Calmeralsamon. Take it back, she said. I would not keep it without returning yours to you, and I am resolved to wear that as long as I live. Meantime the eunuch had hastened back to the king. Sire, he cried, all the former doctors and astrologers were mere quacks. This man has cured the princess without even seeing her. He then told all to the king, who overjoyed, hastened to his daughter's apartments, where after embracing her he placed her hand in that of the prince, saying, Happy stranger, I keep my promise, and give you my daughter to wife, be you who you may. But if I am not much mistaken, your condition is above what you appear to be. The prince thanked the king in the warmest and most respectful terms, and added, As regards my person, your majesty has rightly guessed that I am not an astrologer. It is but a disguise which I assumed in order to merit your illustrious alliance. I am myself a prince. My name is Kameral Zaman, and my father Shazaman, king of the Isles of the Children of Caledon. He then told his whole story, including the extraordinary manner of his first seeing and loving the Princess Badura. When he had finished, the king exclaimed, So remarkable a story must not be lost to posterity. It shall be inscribed in the archives of my kingdom and published everywhere abroad. The wedding took place next day amid great pomp and rejoicings. Marzavan was not forgotten, but was given a lucrative post at court, with a promise of further advancement. The prince and princess were now entirely happy, and months slipped by unconsciously in the enjoyment of each other's company. One night, however, Prince Kameral Zaman dreamt that he saw his father lying at the point of death and saying, Alas, my son whom I loved so tenderly, has deserted me and is now causing my death. The prince woke with such a groan as to startle the princess, who asked what was the matter. Ah, cried the prince, at this very moment my father is perhaps no more, and he told his dream. The princess said but little at the time, but next morning she went to the king and kissing his hand said, I have a favor to ask of your majesty, and I beg you to believe that it is in no way prompted by my husband. It is that you will allow us both to visit my father-in-law, King Shazaman. Sorry though the king felt at the idea of parting with his daughter, he felt her request to be so reasonable that he could not refuse it, and made but one condition, which was that she should spend only one year at the court of King Shazaman, suggesting that in future the young couple should visit their respective parents alternately. The princess brought this good news to her husband, who thanked her tenderly for this fresh proof of her affection. All preparations for the journey were now pressed forwards, and when all was ready the king accompanied the travelers for some days, after which he took an affectionate leave of his daughter, and charging the prince to take every care of her returned to his capital. The prince and princess journeyed on, and at the end of a month reached a large meadow interspersed with clumps of big trees, which cast a most pleasant shade. As the heat was great, Kalmarazaman thought it well to encamp in this cool spot. Accordingly the tents were pitched, and the princess entering hers whilst the prince was giving his further orders, removed her girdle which she placed beside her, and desiring her women to leave her, laid down and was soon asleep. When the camp was all in order, the prince entered the tent, and seeing the princess asleep, he sat down near her without speaking. His eyes fell on the girdle which he took up, and whilst inspecting the precious stone set in it, he noticed a little pouch sewn to the girdle and fastened by a loop. He touched it and felt something hard within. Curious as to what this might be, he opened the pouch and found a cornelian engraved with various figures and strange characters. This cornelian must be something very precious, thought he, or my wife would not wear it on her person with so much care. In truth it was a talisman which the queen of China had given her daughter, telling her it would ensure her happiness as long as she carried it about her. The better to examine the stone, the prince stepped to the open doorway of the tent. As he stood there holding it in the open palm of his hand, a bird suddenly swooped down, picked the stone up in its beak and flew away with it. Imagine the prince's dismay at losing a thing by which his wife evidently set such store. The bird, having secured its prey, flew off some yards and alighted on the ground, holding the talisman in its beak. Prince Kamarazaman advanced, hoping the bird would drop it, but as soon as he approached, the thief fluttered on a little further still. He continued his pursuit till the bird suddenly swallowed the stone and took a longer flight than before. The prince then hoped to kill it with a stone, but the more hotly he pursued, the further flew the bird. In this fashion he was led on by hill and dale through the entire day, and when night came the tiresome creature roosted on the top of a very high tree where it could rest in safety. The prince in despair at all his useless trouble began to think whether he had better returned to the camp. But, thought he, how shall I find my way back? Must I go uphill or down? I should certainly lose my way in the dark, even if my strength held out. Overwhelmed by hunger, thirst, fatigue and sleep, he ended by spending the night at the foot of the tree. Next morning Kamarazaman woke up before the bird left its purge, and no sooner did it take flight than he followed it again with as little success as the previous day, only stopping to eat some herbs and fruit he found by the way. In this fashion he spent ten days following the bird all day and spending the night at the foot of a tree whilst it roosted in the topmost bow. On the eleventh day the bird and the prince reached a large town, and as soon as they were close to its walls the bird took a sudden and higher flight and was shortly completely out of sight whilst Kamarazaman felt in despair at having to give up all hopes of ever recovering the talisman of the princess Badura. Much cast down he entered the town which was built near the sea and had a fine harbor. He walked about the streets for a long time, not knowing where to go, but at length as he walked near the seashore he found a garden door open and walked in. The gardener, a good old man, who was at work, happened to look up and, seeing a stranger whom he recognized by his dress as a Muslim, he told him to come in at once and to shut the door. Kamarazaman did as he was bid and inquired why this precaution was taken. Because, said the gardener, I see that you are a stranger and a Muslim, and this town is almost entirely inhabited by idolaters who hate and persecute all of our faith. It seems almost a miracle that has led you to this house, and I am indeed glad that you have found a place of safety. Kamarazaman warmly thanked the kind old man for offering him shelter and was about to say more, but the gardener interrupted him with, Leave compliments alone, you are weary and must be hungry, come in, eat and rest. So, saying, he led the prince into his cottage, and after satisfying his hunger, begged to learn the cause of his arrival. Kamarazaman told him all without disguise and ended by inquiring the shortest way to his father's capital. For, added he, if I had tried to rejoin the princess, how should I find her after eleven days' separation? Perhaps indeed she may be no longer alive. At this terrible thought he burst into tears. The gardener informed Kamarazaman that they were quite a year's land journey to any Mahomedan country, but that there was a much shorter route by sea to the ebony island from whence the isles of the children of Caledon could be easily reached, and that a ship sailed once a year for the ebony island by which he might get so far as his very home. If only you had arrived a few days sooner, he said, you might have embarked at once. As it is, you must now wait till next year, but if you care to stay with me, I offer you my house, such as it is, with all my heart. Prince Kamarazaman thought himself lucky to find some place of refuge and gladly accepted the gardener's offer. He spent his days working in the garden and his nights thinking of and sighing for his beloved wife. CHAPTER 28 THE ADVENTURES OF PRINCE KAMARALZAMAN AND THE PRINCESS BADURA PART III Let us now see what had become during this time of the Princess Badura. On first waking she was much surprised not to find the prince near her. She called her women and asked if they knew where he was, and whilst they were telling her that they had seen him enter the tent but had not noticed his leaving it, she took up her belt and perceived that the little pouch was open and the talisman gone. She had once concluded that her husband had taken it and would shortly bring it back. She waited for him till evening rather impatiently and wondering what could have kept him from her so long. When night came without him, she felt in despair and abused the talisman and its maker roundly. In spite of her grief and anxiety, however, she did not lose her presence of mind but decided on a courageous, though very unusual, step. Only the princess and her women knew of Kalmaralzaman's disappearance, for the rest of the party were sleeping or resting in their tents. Fearing some treason should the truth be known, she ordered her women not to say a word which would give rise to any suspicion and proceeded to change her dress for one of her husbands, to whom, as has already been said, she bore a strong likeness. In this disguise she looked so like the prince that when she gave orders next morning to break up the camp and continue the journey, no one suspected the change. She made one of her women enter her litter whilst she herself mounted on horseback and the march began. After a protracted journey by land and sea, the princess, still under the name and disguise of Prince Kalmaralzaman, arrived at the capital of the Ebony Island, whose king was named Armanos. No sooner did the king hear that the ship which was just in port had on board the son of his old friend and ally, than he hurried to meet the supposed prince, and had him and his retinue brought to the palace, where they were lodged and entertained sumptuously. After three days finding that his guest, to whom he had taken a great fancy, talked of continuing his journey, King Armanos said to him, Prince, I am now an old man, and unfortunately I have no son to whom to leave my kingdom. It has pleased heaven to give me only one daughter, who possesses such great beauty and charm, that I could only give her to a prince as highly born and as accomplished as yourself. Therefore, of returning to your own country, take my daughter and my crown and stay with us. I shall feel that I have a worthy successor, and shall cheerfully retire from the fatigues of government. The king's offer was naturally rather embarrassing to the princess Badura. She felt that it was equally impossible to confess that she had deceived him, or to refuse the marriage on which he had set his heart, a refusal which might turn all his kindness to hatred and persecution. All things considered, she decided to accept, and after a few moments silence said with a blush which the king attributed to modesty, Sire, I feel so great an obligation for the good opinion your majesty has expressed for my person and of the honor you do me, that, though I am quite unworthy of it, I dare not refuse. But Sire, I can only accept such an alliance if you give me your promise to assist me with your counsels. The marriage being thus arranged, the ceremony was fixed for the following day, and the princess employed the intervening time in informing the officers of her suite of what had happened, assuring them that the princess Badura had given her full consent to the marriage. She also told her women and bade them keep her secret well. King Armanos, delighted with the success of his plans, lost no time in assembling his court and council, to whom he presented his successor, and placing his future son-in-law on the throne made everyone do homage and take ose of allegiance to the new king. At night the whole town was filled with rejoicings, and with much pomp the princess Hayatelfinos, this was the name of the king's daughter, was conducted to the palace of the princess Badura. Now Badura had thought much of the difficulties of her first interview with King Armanos's daughter, and she felt the only thing to do was at once to take her into her confidence. Accordingly, as soon as they were alone, she took Hayatelfinos by the hand and said, Princess, I have a secret to tell you and must throw myself on your mercy. I am not Prince Kameralzaman, but a princess like yourself and his wife, and I beg you to listen to my story. Then I am sure you will forgive my imposter in consideration of my sufferings. She then related her whole history, and at its close Hayatelfinos embraced her warmly and assured her of her entire sympathy and affection. The two princesses now planned out their future action, and agreed to combine to keep up the deception and to let Badura continue to play a man's part until such time as there might be news of the real Kameralzaman. Whilst these things were passing in the ebony island, Prince Kameralzaman continued to find shelter in the gardener's cottage in the town of the idolaters. Early one morning the gardener said to the prince, Today is a public holiday, and the people of the town not only do not work themselves, but forbid others to do so. You had better therefore take a good rest whilst I go to see some friends, and as the time is near for the arrival of the ship of which I told you, I will make inquiries about it, and try to bespeak a passage for you. He then put on his best clothes and went out, leaving the prince, who strolled into the garden, and was soon lost in thoughts of his dear wife and their sad separation. As he walked up and down, he was suddenly disturbed in his reverie by the noise two large birds were making in a tree. Kameralzaman stood still and looked up, and saw that the birds were fighting so savagely with beaks and claws that before long one fell dead to the ground whilst the conqueror spread his wings and flew away. Almost immediately two other larger birds, who had been watching the duel, flew up and alighted, one at the head and the other at the feet of the dead bird. They stood there some time, sadly shaking their heads, and then dug up a grave with their own claws in which they buried him. As soon as they had filled in the grave, the two flew off, and ere long returned, bringing with them the murderer, whom they held, one by a wing and the other by a leg, with their beaks, screaming and struggling with rage and terror. But they held tight, and having brought him to his victims grave, they proceeded to kill him, after which they tore open his body, scattered the inside, and once more flew away. The prince, who had watched the whole scene with much interest, now drew near the spot where it happened, and glancing at the dead bird, he noticed something red lying near which had evidently fallen out of its inside. He picked it up, and what was his surprise when he recognized the Princess Badura's talisman, which had been the cause of many misfortunes? It would be impossible to describe his joy. He kissed the talisman repeatedly, wrapped it up, and carefully tied it round his arm. For the first time since his separation from the princess, he had a good night, and next morning he was up at daybreak and went cheerfully to ask what work he should do. Wagner told him to cut down an old fruit tree which had quite died away, and Camaralsamon took an axe and fell too vigorously. As he was hacking at one of the roots, the axe struck on something hard. On pushing away the earth, he discovered a large slab of bronze under which was disclosed a staircase with ten steps. He went down them, and found himself in a roomy kind of cave in which stood fifty large bronze jars, each with a cover on it. The Prince uncovered one after another, and found them all filled with gold dust. Delighted with his discovery, he left the cave, replaced the slab, and having finished cutting down the tree, waited for the gardener's return. The gardener had heard the night before that the ship about which he was inquiring would start ere long, but the exact date not being yet known, he had been told to return next day for further information. He had gone therefore to inquire, and came back with good news beaming in his face. My son, said he, rejoiced and hold yourself ready to start in three days' time. The ship is to set sail, and I have arranged all about your passage with the captain. You could not bring me better news, replied Camaralsamon, and in return I have something pleasant to tell you. Follow me and see the good fortune which has befallen you." He then led the gardener to the cave, and having shown him the treasure stored up there, said how happy it made him that heaven should in this way reward his kind hosts many virtues, and compensate him for the privations of many years. What do you mean? asked the gardener. Do you imagine I should appropriate this treasure? It is yours, and I have no right whatever to it. For the last eighty years I have dug up the ground here without discovering anything. It is clear that these riches are intended for you, and they are much more needed by a prince like yourself than by an old man like me, who am near my end and require nothing. This treasure comes just at the right time when you are about to return to your own country where you will make good use of it. But the prince would not hear of this suggestion, and finally after much discussion they agreed to divide the gold. When this was done the gardener said, My son, the great thing now is to arrange how you can best carry off this treasure as secretly as possible for fear of losing it. There are no olives in the Ebony Island, and those imported from here fetch a high price. As you know, I have a good stock of the olives which grew in this garden. Now you must take fifty jars, fill each half full of gold dust, and fill them up with the olives. We will then have them taken on board ship when you embark. The prince took this advice and spent the rest of the day filling the fifty jars, and fearing lest the precious talisman might slip from his arm and be lost again, he took the precaution of putting it in one of the jars, on which he made a mark so as to be able to recognize it. When night came the jars were all ready and the prince and his host went to bed. Whether in consequence of his great age or of the fatigue and excitement of the previous day, I do not know, but the gardener passed a very bad night. He was worse next day and by the morning of the third day was dangerously ill. At daybreak the ship's captain and some of his sailors knocked at the garden door and asked for the passenger who was to embark. I am he, said Kameral Zaman, who had opened the door. The gardener who took my passage is ill and cannot see you, but please come in and take these jars of olives and my bag and I will follow as soon as I have taken leave of him. The sailors did as he asked, and the captain before leaving charged Kameral Zaman to lose no time, as the wind was fair and he wished to set sail at once. As soon as they were gone the prince returned to the cottage to bid farewell to his old friend and to thank him once more for all his kindness, but the old man was at his last gasp and had barely murmured his confession of faith when he expired. Kameral Zaman was obliged to stay and pay him the last offices, so having dug a grave in the garden he wrapped the kind old man up and buried him. He then locked the door, gave up the key to the owner of the garden, and hurried to the quay only to hear that the ship had sailed long ago after waiting three hours for him. It may well be believed that the prince felt in despair at this fresh misfortune, which obliged him to spend another year in a strange and distasteful country. Moreover, he had once more lost the princess Badura's talisman, which he feared he might never see again. There was nothing left for him but to hire the garden as the old man had done, and to live on in the cottage. As he could not well cultivate the garden by himself, he engaged a lad to help him, and to secure the rest of the treasure he put the remaining gold dust into fifty more jars, filling them up with olives so as to have them ready for transport. Whilst the prince was settling down to the second year of toil and privation, the ship made a rapid voyage and arrived safely at the Ebony Island. As the palace of the new king, or rather of the princess Badura, overlooked the harbor, she saw the ship entering it and asked what vessel it was coming in so gaily decked with flags, and was told that it was a ship from the island of the idolaters which yearly brought rich merchandise. The princess, ever on the lookout for any chance of news of her beloved husband, went down to the harbor attended by some officers of the court, and arrived just as the captain was landing. She sent for him and asked many questions as to his country, voyage, what passengers he had, and what his vessel was laden with. The captain answered all her questions and said that his passengers consisted entirely of traders who brought rich stuffs from various countries, fine muslins, precious stones, musk, amber, spices, drugs, olives, and many other things. As soon as he mentioned olives, the princess, who was very partial to them, exclaimed, I will take all you have on board, have them unloaded, and we will make our bargain at once, until the other merchants to let me see all their best wares before showing them to other people. Sire, replied the captain, I have on board fifty very large pots of olives, they belong to a merchant who was left behind, as in spite of waiting for him he delayed so long that I was obliged to set sail without him. Never mind, said the princess, unload them all the same, and we will arrange the price. The captain accordingly sent his boat off to the ship, and it soon returned laden with the fifty pots of olives. The princess asked what they might be worth. Sire, replied the captain, the merchant is very poor, your majesty will not overpay him if you give him a thousand pieces of silver. In order to satisfy him, and as he is so poor, said the princess, I will order a thousand pieces of gold to be given you, which you will be sure to remit to him. So, saying, she gave orders for the payment, and returned to the palace, having the jars carried before her. When evening came, the princess Badura retired to the inner part of the palace, and going to the apartments of the princess Hayatelfinos, she had the fifty jars of olives brought to her. She opened one to let her friend taste the olives, and to taste them herself, but great was her surprise when, on pouring some into a dish, she found them all powdered with gold dust. What an adventure! How extraordinary! she cried. Then she had the other jars opened, and was more and more surprised to find the olives in each jar mixed with gold dust. But when at length her talisman was discovered in one of the jars, her emotion was so great that she fainted away. The princess Hayatelfinos and her women hastened to restore her, and as soon as she recovered consciousness she covered the precious talisman with kisses. Then dismissing the attendance, she said to her friend, You will have guessed, my dear, that it was the sight of this talisman which has moved me so deeply. This was the cause of my separation from my dear husband, and now I am convinced it will be the means of our reunion. As soon as it was light next day, Princess Badura sent for the captain, and made further inquiries about the merchant who owned the olive jars she had bought. In reply the captain told her all he knew of the place where the young man lived, and how, after engaging his passage, he came to be left behind. If that is the case, said the princess, you must sail at once and go back for him. He is a debtor of mine, and must be brought here at once, or I will confiscate all your merchandise. I shall now give orders to have all the warehouses where your cargo is placed under the royal seal, and they will only be opened when you have brought me the man I ask for. Go at once and obey my orders." The captain had no choice but to do as he was bid, so hastily provisioning his ship, he started that same evening on his return voyage. When, after a rapid passage, he gained sight of the island of idolaters, he judged it better not to enter the harbor, but casting anchor at some distance, he embarked at night in a small boat with six active sailors, and landed near Kemeralzaman's cottage. The prince was not asleep, and as he lay awake moaning over all the sad events which had separated him from his wife, he thought he heard a knock at the garden door. He went to open it, and was immediately seized by the captain and sailors, who, without a word of explanation, forcibly bore him off to the boat, which took them back to the ship without loss of time. No sooner were they on board than they weighed anchor and set sail. Kemeralzaman, who had kept silence till then, now asked the captain, whom he had recognized, the reason for his abduction. Are you not a debtor of the king of the ebony island? asked the captain. I? Why, I never even heard of him before, and never set foot in his kingdom, was the answer. Well, you must know better than I, said the captain. You will soon see him now, and meantime be content where you are and have patience. The return voyage was as prosperous as the former one, and though it was night when the ship entered the harbor, the captain lost no time in landing with his passenger, whom he conducted to the palace, where he begged an audience with the king. Directly the princess Badura saw the prince, she recognized him in spite of his shabby clothes. She longed to throw herself on his neck, but restrained herself, feeling it was better for them both that she should play her part a little longer. She therefore desired one of her officers to take care of him and to treat him well. Next she ordered another officer to remove the seals from the warehouse, whilst she presented the captain with a costly diamond, and told him to keep the thousand pieces of gold paid for the olives, as she would arrange matters with the merchant himself. She then returned to her private apartments, where she told the princess Hyatelphanos all that had happened, as well as her plans for the future, and begged her assistants, which her friend readily promised. Next morning she ordered the prince to be taken to the bath, and closed in a manner suitable to an emir or governor of a province. He was then introduced to the council, where his good looks and grand air drew the attention of all on him. Princess Badura, delighted to see him looking himself once more, turned to the other emirs, saying, My lords, I introduce to you a new colleague, Calmeralsaman, whom I have known on my travels, and who I can assure you, you will find well deserves your regard and admiration. Calmeralsaman was much surprised at hearing the king, whom he never suspected of being a woman in disguise, asserting their acquaintance, for he felt sure he had never seen her before. However he received all the praises bestowed on him with becoming modesty, and prostrating himself said, Sire, I cannot find words in which to thank your majesty for the great honor conferred on me. I can but assure you that I will do all in my power to prove myself worthy of it. On leaving the council, the prince was conducted to a splendid house, which had been prepared for him, where he found a full establishment and well-filled stables at his orders. On entering his study, his steward presented him with a coffer filled with gold pieces for his current expenses. He felt more and more puzzled by such good fortune, and little guessed that the princess of China was the cause of it. After a few days the Princess Badura promoted Calmeralsaman to the post of Grand Treasurer, an office which he filled with so much integrity and benevolence as to win universal esteem. He would now have thought himself the happiest of men, had it not been for that separation which he never ceased to be wail. He had no clue to the mystery of his present position, for the princess, out of compliment to the old king, had taken his name, and was generally known as King Armanos the Younger. Few people remembering that on her first arrival she went by another name. At length the princess felt that the time had come to put an end to her own and the prince's suspense, and having arranged all her plans with the princess Hayatelfinos, she informed Calmeralsaman that she wished his advice on some important business, and to avoid being disturbed, desired him to come to the palace that evening. The prince was punctual and was received in the private apartment, when, having ordered her attendance to withdraw, the princess took from a small box the talisman, and handing it to Calmeralsaman said, Not long ago an astrologer gave me this talisman, as you are universally well informed, you can perhaps tell me what is its use. Calmeralsaman took the talisman, and, holding it to the light, cried with surprise, Sire, you ask me the use of this talisman, alas, hitherto it has only been a source of misfortune to me, being the cause of my separation from the one I love best on earth. The story is so sad and strange, that I am sure your majesty will be touched by it if you will permit me to tell it you. I will hear it some other time, replied the princess, meanwhile I fancy it is not quite unknown to me, wait here for me I will return shortly. So, saying, she retired to another room, where she hastily changed her masculine attire for that of a woman, and, after putting on the girdle she wore the day they parted, returned to Calmeralsaman. The prince recognized her at once, and, embracing her with the utmost tenderness, cried, Ah, how can I thank the king for this delightful surprise? Do not expect ever to see the king again, said the princess, as she wiped the tears of joy from her eyes. In me you see the king, let us sit down and I will tell you all about it. She then gave a full account of all her adventures since their parting, and dwelt much on the charms and noble disposition of the princess Hayatelfinos, to whose friendly assistance she owed so much. When she had done, she asked to hear the prince's story, and in this manner they spent most of the night. Next morning the princess resumed her woman's clothes, and as soon as she was ready, she desired the chief eunuch to beg King Armanos to come to her apartments. When the king arrived, great was his surprise at finding a strange lady in company of the grand treasurer who had no actual right to enter the private apartment. Seating himself, he asked for the king. Sire, said the princess, yesterday I was the king, today I am only the princess of China and wife to the real prince Kameral Zaman, son of King Shazaman, and I trust that when your majesty shall have heard our story, you will not condemn the innocent deception I have been obliged to practice. The king consented to listen, and did so with marked surprise. At the close of her narrative, the princess said, Sire, as our religion allows a man to have more than one wife, I would beg your majesty to give your daughter, the princess Hayatelfinos, in marriage to Prince Kameral Zaman. I gladly yield to her the precedence and title of queen in recognition of the dead of gratitude which I owe her. King Armanos heard the princess with surprise and admiration. Then, turning to Kameral Zaman, he said, my son, as your wife, the princess Badura, whom I have hitherto looked on as my son-in-law, consents to share your hand in affections with my daughter. I have only to ask if this marriage is agreeable to you, and if you will consent to accept the crown which the princess Badura deserves to wear all her life, for which she prefers to resign for love of you. Sire, replied Kameral Zaman, I can refuse your majesty nothing. Accordingly, Kameral Zaman was duly proclaimed king, and as duly married with Alpamp to the princess Hayatelfinos, with whose beauty, talents, and affections he had every reason to be pleased. The two queens lived in true sisterly harmony together, and after a time each presented King Kameral Zaman with a son, whose births were celebrated throughout the kingdom with the utmost rejoicing. Chapter 29 of the Arabian Nights Entertainment This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. The Arabian Nights Entertainment by Andrew Lang Chapter 29 Nureddin and the Fair Persian Balsora was the capital of a kingdom long tributary to the Caliph. During the time of the Caliph Harun al-Rashid, the king of Balsora, who was his cousin, was called Sinebi. Not thinking one visit enough for the administration of his estates, he had two, named Kazan and Sawi. Kazan was kind, generous, and liberal, and took pleasure in obliging, as far as in him lay, those who had business with him. Throughout the entire kingdom there was no one who did not esteem and praise him as he deserved. Sawi was quite a different character, and repelled everyone with whom he came in contact. He was always gloomy and, in spite of his great riches, so miserly that he denied himself even the necessaries of life. What made him particularly detested was the great aversion he had to Kazan, of whom he never ceased to speak evil to the king. One day, while the king amused himself talking with his two visis and other members of the council, the conversation turned on female slaves. While some declared that it sufficed for a slave to be beautiful, others, and Kazan was among the number, maintained that beauty alone was not enough, but that it must be accompanied by wit, wisdom, modesty, and, if possible, knowledge. The king not only declared himself to be of this opinion, but charged Kazan to procure him a slave who should fulfill all these conditions. Sawi, who had been of the opposite side, and was jealous of the honor done to Kazan, said, Sire, it will be very difficult to find a slave as accomplished as your measure's tea desires, and if she is to be found, she will be cheap if she costs less than ten thousand gold pieces. Sawi, answered the king, you seem to find that a very great sum, for you it may be so, but not for me. And forthwith he ordered his grand treasurer, who was present, and sent ten thousand gold pieces to Kazan for the purchase of the slave. As soon then as Kazan returned home he sent for the dealers and female slaves, and charged them directly they had found such a one as he described to inform him. They promised to do the utmost, and no day passed that they did not bring a slave for his inspection, but none was found without some defect. At length, early one morning, while Kazan was on his way to the king's palace, a dealer throwing himself in this way, announced eagerly that a Persian merchant arrived late the previous evening, had a slave to sell whose wit and wisdom were equal to her incomparable beauty. Kazan, overjoyed at this news, gave orders that the slave should be brought for his inspection on his return from the palace. The dealer appearing at the appointed hour, Kazan found the slave beautiful beyond his expectations, and immediately gave her the name of the Fair Persian. Being a man of great wisdom and learning, he perceived in the short conversation he had with her that he would seek in vain another slave to surpass her in any of the qualities required by the king, and therefore asked the dealer what price the merchant put upon her. Sir, was the answer. For less than ten thousand gold pieces he will not let her go. He declares that, what with masters for her instruction and for bodily exercises not to speak of clothing and nourishment, he has already spent that sum upon her. She is in every way fit to be the slave of a king. She plays every musical instrument, she sings, she dances, she makes verses, in fact there is no accomplishment in which she does not excel. Kazan, who was better able to judge of her merits than the dealer, wishing to bring the matter to a conclusion, sent for the merchant and said to him, It is not for myself that I wish to buy your slave, but for the king. Her price, however, is too high. Sir, replied the merchant. I should esteem it an honor to present her to his majesty. Did it become a merchant to do such a thing? I asked no more than the sum. It has cost me to make her such as she is. Kazan, not wishing to bargain, immediately had the sum counted out and given to the merchant, who before withdrawing said, Sir, as she is destined for the king, I would have you observe that she is extremely tired with a long journey and before presenting her to his majesty you would do well to keep her a fortnight in your arnhouse and to see that a little care is bestowed upon her. The sum has tanned her complexion, but when she has been two or three times to the bath and is fittingly dressed, you will see how much her beauty will be increased. Kazan thanked the merchant for his advice and determined to follow it. He gave the beautiful Persian an apartment near to that of his wife, whom he charged to treat her as befitting a lady designed for the king and to order for her the most magnificent garments. Before bidding adieu to the fair Persian, he said to her, no happiness can be greater than what I have procured for you. Judge for yourself, you now belong to the king. I have, however, to warn you of one thing. I have a son who, though not wanting in sense, is young, foolish and headstrong and I charge you to keeping at a distance. The Persian thanked him for his advice and promised to profit by it. Nureddin, for so the visous son was named, went freely in and out of his mother's apartments. He was young, well-made and agreeable, and had the gift of charming all with whom he came in contact. As soon as he saw the beautiful Persian, though aware that she was destined for the king, he let himself be carried away by her charms and determined at once to use every means in his power to retain her for himself. The Persian was equally captivated by Nureddin and said to herself, the visor does me too great honor in buying me for the king. I should esteem myself very happy if he could give me to his son. Nureddin availed himself of every opportunity to gaze upon her beauty, to talk and laugh with her, and never would have left her side if his mother had not forced him. Sometime, having elapsed, on account of the long journey, since the beautiful Persian had been to the bath five or six days after her purchase, the visous wife gave orders that the bath should be heated for her and that her own female slaves should attend her there, and afterward should array her in a magnificent dress that had been prepared for her. Her toilet completed, the beautiful Persian came to present herself to the visous wife, who hardly recognized her, so greatly was her beauty increased. Kissing her hand, the beautiful slave said, Madam, I do not know how you find me in this dress that you have had prepared for me. Your women assure me that it suits me so well that they hardly knew me. If it is the truth they tell me, and not flattery, it is to you I owe the transformation. My daughter, answered the visous wife, they do not flatter you, I myself hardly recognize you. The improvement is not due to the dress alone, but largely to the beautifying effects of the bath. I am so struck by its results that I would try it on myself. Acting forthwith on this decision, she ordered two little slaves during her absence to watch over the beautiful Persian, and not to allow Nureddin to enter, should he come. She had no sooner gone than he arrived, and not finding his mother in her apartment would have sought her in that of the Persian. The two little slaves barred the entrance, saying that his mother had given orders that he was not to be admitted. Taking each by an arm, he put them out of the answer room and shut the door. Then they rushed to the bath, informing their mistress with shrieks and tears that Nureddin had driven them away by force and gun in. This news cost great consternation to the lady who, dressing herself as quickly as possible, hastened to the apartment of the fair Persian to find that Nureddin had already gone out. Much astonished to see the visor's wife enter in tears, the Persian asked what misfortune had happened. What, exclaimed the lady, who asked me that, knowing that my son Nureddin has been alone with you? But madam, inquired the Persian, what harm is there in that? How? Has my husband not told you that you are dis-time for the king? Certainly, but Nureddin has just been to tell me that his father has changed his mind and has bestowed me upon him. I believed him and so great is my affection for Nureddin that I would willingly pass my life with him. Would do heaven, exclaimed the wife of the Vizier, that what you say were true, but Nureddin has deceived you and his father would sacrifice him in vengeance for the wrong he has done. So saying, she wept bitterly and all her slaves wept with her. Kazan, entering shortly after this, was much astonished to find his wife and her slaves in tears and the beautiful Persian greatly perturbed. He inquired the cause, but for some time no answer was forthcoming. When his wife was at length, sufficiently calm to inform him of what had happened, his rage and mortification knew no bounds. Ringing his hands and rending his beard, he exclaimed, wretched son, though destroys not only thyself, but thy father, the king will shed not only thy blood, but mine. His wife tried to console him, saying, do not torment thyself. With the sale of my jewels I will obtain ten thousand gold pieces and with this sum you will buy another slave. Do not suppose, replied her husband, that it is the loss of the money that affects me. My honor is at stake and that is more precious to me than all my wealth. You know that Zaui is my mortal enemy. He will relay all this to the king and you will see the consequences that will ensue. My lord, said his wife, I am quite aware of Zaui's baseness and that he is capable of playing you this malicious trick. But how can he or anyone else know what takes place in this house? Even if you are suspected and the king accuses you, you have only to say that after exterminating the slave you did not find her worthy of his majesty. Reassure yourself and send to the dealers saying that you are not satisfied and wished him to find you another slave. This advice appearing reasonable, Kazan decided to follow it, but his wrath against the son did not abate. Nureddin dared not appear all that day and fearing to take refuge with his usual associates in case his father should seek him there, he spent the day in a secluded garden where he was not known. He did not return home till after his father had gone to bed and went out early next morning before the visor awoke and these precautions he kept up during an entire month. His mother, though knowing very well that he returned to the house every evening, dared not ask her husband to pardon him. At length she took courage and said, My lord, I know that a son could not act more basely towards his father than Nureddin has done towards you, but after all will you know pardon him? Do you not consider the harm you may be doing yourself and fear that malicious people seeking the cause of your estrangement may guess the real one? Madam replied the visor, What you say is very just, but I cannot pardon Nureddin before I have mortified him as he deserves. He will be sufficiently punished, answered the lady, if you do as I suggest. In the evening, when he returns home, lie in wait for him and pretend that you will slay him. I will come to his aid and while pointing out that you only yield his life at my supplications, you can force him to take the beautiful Persian on any conditions you please. Kazan agreed to follow this plan and everything took place as arranged. On Nureddin's return Kazan pretended to be about to slay him, but yielding to his wife's intercession said to his son, You owe your life to your mother. I pardon you on her intercession and on the conditions that you take the beautiful Persian for your wife and not your slave, that you never sell her nor put her away. Nureddin, not hoping for so great indulgence, thanked his father and vowed to do as he desired. Kazan was at great pains frequently to speak to the king of the difficulties attending the commission he had given him, but some whispers of what had actually taken place did reach Sowies ears. More than a year after these events the minister took a chill, leaving the bath while still heated to go out on important business. This resulted in inflammation of the lungs, which rapidly increased. The vizier feeling that his end was at hand, sent for Nureddin and charged him with his dying breath never to part with a beautiful Persian. Shortly afterwards he expired, leaving universal regret throughout the kingdom. Rich and poor alike followed him to the grave. Nureddin showed every mark of the deepest grief at his father's death and for long refused to see anyone. At length a day came when one of his friends being admitted urged him strongly to be conserved and to resume his former place in society. This advice Nureddin was not slow to follow and soon he formed little society of ten young men all about his own age, with whom he spent all his time in continual feasting and merrymaking. Sometimes the fair Persian consented to appear at these festivities, but she disapproved of this lavish expenditure and did not scrabble to warn Nureddin of the probable consequences. He, however, only laughed at her advice, saying that his father had always kept him in too great constraint and that now he rejoiced at his newfound liberty. What added to the confusion in his affairs was that he refused to look into his accounts with his steward, sending him away every time he appeared with his book. See only that I live well, he said, and do not disturb me about anything else. Not only did Nureddin's friends constantly partake of his hospitality, but in every way they took advantage of his generosity. Everything of his that they admired, whether land, houses, baths or any other source of his revenue, he immediately bestowed on them. In vain the Persian protested against the wrong he did himself. He continued to scatter with the same lavish hand. Throughout one entire year Nureddin did nothing but amuse himself and dissipate the wealth his father had taken such pains to acquire. The year had barely elapsed when one day, as they said at table, there came a knock at the door. The slaves haven't been sent away, Nureddin went to open it himself. One of his friends had risen at the same time, but Nureddin was before him and finding the intruder to be the steward, he went out and closed the door. The friend, curious to hear what passed between them, put himself behind the hangings and heard the following words. My lord, said the steward, I beg a thousand pardons for interrupting you, but what I have long foreseen has taken place. Nothing remains of the sums you gave me for your expenses and all other sources of income are also at end having been transferred by you to others. If you wish me to remain in your service, furnish me with an accessory funds, else I must withdraw. So great was Nureddin's consternation that he had not a word to say in reply. The friend, who had been listening behind the curtain, immediately hastened to communicate the news to the rest of the company. If this is so, they said, we must cease to come here. Nureddin, re-entering at that moment, they plainly saw in spite of his efforts to dissemble that what they had heard was the truth. One by one there rose and each with a different excuse left the room till presently he found himself alone, though little suspect in the resolution his friends had taken. Then, seeing the beautiful Persian, he confided to her the statement of the steward with many expressions of regret for his own carelessness. Had I but followed your advice, beautiful Persian, he said, all this would not have happened, but at least I have this consolation that I have spent my fortune in the company of friends who will not desert me in an hour of need. Tomorrow I will go to them and amongst them they will lend me some sufficient to start in some business. Accordingly, next morning early Nureddin went to seek his ten friends who all lived in the same street. Knocking at the door of the first and chief, the slave who opened it left him to wait in a hall while he announced his visit to his master. Nureddin, he heard him exclaim quite horribly, tell him every time he calls that I am not at home. The same thing happened at the second door and also at the third and so on with all the ten. Nureddin, much mortified, recognized too late that he had confided in false friends who abandoned him in his hour of need. Overwhelmed with grief, he sought consolation from the beautiful Persian. Alas, my lord, she said, at last you are convinced of the truth of what I foretold. There is now no other resource left but to sell your slaves and your furniture. First then he sold the slaves and subsisted for a time of the proceeds after that the furniture was sold and as much of it was valuable it surfaced for some time. Finally, this resource also came to an end and again he sought counsel from the beautiful Persian. My lord, she said, I know that the late Vizier your father bought me for ten thousand gold pieces and though I have diminished in value since I should still fetch a large sum. Do not therefore hesitate to sell me and with the money you obtain go and establish yourself in business in some distant town. Charming Persian, answered Nureddin, how could I be guilty of such baseness? I would dare rather than part from you whom I love better than my life. My lord, she replied, I am well aware of your love for me which is only equaled by mine for you but a cruel necessity obliges us to seek the only remedy. Nureddin, convinced at length of the truth of her words, yielded and reluctantly led her to the slave market where, showing her to her dealer named Haji Hasan, he inquired her value. Taking them into a room apart, Haji Hasan exclaimed as soon as she had unveiled My lord, is not this the slave your father bought for ten thousand pieces? On learning that it was so, he promised to obtain the highest possible price for her. Leaving the beautiful Persian shut up in the room alone he went out to seek the slave merchants announcing to them that he had found the pearl among slaves and asking them to come and put a value upon her. As soon as they saw her, they agreed that less than four thousand gold pieces could not be asked. Haji Hasan, then closing the door upon her, began to offer her for sale, calling out, who will bid four thousand gold pieces for the Persian slave? Before any of the merchants had bid, Sawi happened to pass that way and judging that it must be a slave of extraordinary beauty rode up to Haji Hasan and desired to see her. Now it was not the custom to show a slave to a private bidder, but as no one dared to disobey the vizier, his request was granted. As soon as Sawi saw the Persian, he was so struck by her beauty that he immediately wished to possess her and not knowing that she belonged to Nureddin, he desired Haji Hasan to send for the owner and to conclude the bargain at once. Haji Hasan then sought Nureddin and told him that his slave was going far below her value and that if Sawi bought her, he was capable of not paying the money. What you must do, he said, is to pretend that you had no real intention of selling your slave and only swore you would in a fit of anger against her. When I presented to Sawi as if with your consent you must step in and with blows begin to lead her away. Nureddin did as Haji Hasan advised to the great wrath of Sawi who riding straight at him endeavored to take the beautiful Persian from him by force. Nureddin, letting her go, seized Sawi's horse by the bridle and encouraged by the applause of the bystanders, dragged him to the ground, beat him severly and left him in the gutter streaming with blood. Then, taking the beautiful Persian, he returned home amidst the acclamations of the people who detested Sawi so much that they would neither interfere in his behalf nor allow his slaves to protect him. Chapter 30 Nureddin and the Fair Persian, Part 2 Covered from head to foot with mire and streaming with blood, he rose and, leaning on two of his slaves, went straight to the palace where he demanded an audience of the king and whom he related what had taken place in these words. May it please Your Majesty, I had gone to the slave market to buy myself a cook. While there, I heard a slave being offered for 4,000 pieces. Asking to see her, I found she was of incomparable beauty and was being sold by Nureddin, the son of your late vizier, to whom Your Majesty will remember giving a sum of 10,000 gold pieces for the purchase of a slave. This is the identical slave whom, instead of bringing to Your Majesty, he gave to his own son. Since the death of his father, this Nureddin, has run through his entire fortune, has sold all his possessions and is now reduced to selling the slave. Calling him to me, I said Nureddin, I will give you 10,000 gold pieces for your slave whom I will present to the king. I will interest him at the same time in your behalf and this will be worth much more to you than what extra money you might obtain from the merchants. Bad old man, he exclaimed, rather than sell my slave to you, I would give her to you. But Nureddin, I remonstrated. You do not consider that in speaking thus, you wrung the king to whom your father owed everything. This remonstrance only irritated him the more. Throwing himself on me like a madman, he tore me from my horse, beat me to his heart's content and left me in the state your majesty sees. So, saying so, he turned his head and wept bitterly. The king's wrath was kindled against Nureddin. He ordered the captain of the guard to take with him 40 men to pillage Nureddin's house, to raise it to the ground and to bring Nureddin and the slave to him. A doorkeeper named Sangya, who had been a slave of Khazans, hearing this order given slipped out of the king's apartment and hastened to warn Nureddin to take flight instantly with a beautiful Persian. Then, presenting him with 40 gold pieces, he disappeared before Nureddin had time to thank him. As soon then as the fair Persian had put on her veil, they fled together and had the good fortune to get out of the town without being observed. At the mouth of the Euphrates, they found a ship just about to start for Baghdad. They embarked and immediately the anchor was raised and they set sail. When the captain of the guard reached Nureddin's house, he called his soldiers to burst open the door and to enter by force. But no trace was to be found of Nureddin and his slave, nor could the neighbors give any information about them. When the king heard that they had escaped, he issued a proclamation that a reward of 1000 gold pieces would be given to whoever would bring him Nureddin and the slave. But that, on the contrary, whoever hit them would be severely punished. Meanwhile, Nureddin and the fair Persian had safely reached Baghdad. When the vessel had come to an anchor, they paid 5 gold pieces for their passage and went ashore. Never having been in Baghdad before, they did not know where to seek a lodging. Wandering along the banks of the Tigris, they skirted a garden enclosed by a high wall. The gate was shut, but in front of it was an open vestibule with a sofa on either side. Here, said Nureddin, let us pass the night and reclining on the sofas they soon fell asleep. Now this garden belonged to the caliph. In the middle of it was a vast pavilion, whose superb saloon had 80 windows, each winner having a luster, lit solely when the caliph spent the evening there. Only the doorkeeper lived there, an old soldier named Shah Ibrahim who had strict orders to be very careful whom he admitted and never to allow anyone to sit on the sofas by the door. It happened that evening that he had gone out on an errand. When he came back and saw two persons asleep on the sofas, he was about to drive them out with blows, but trying nearer he perceived that they were a handsome young man and a beautiful young woman and decided to awake them by gentler means. Nureddin, on being awoke, told the old man that they were strangers and merely wished to pass the night there. Come with me, said Shah Ibrahim. I will load you better and will show you a magnificent garden belonging to me. So saying the doorkeeper led the way into the caliph's garden, the beauties of which filled them with wonder and amazement. Nureddin took out two gold pieces and giving them to Shah Ibrahim, said. I beg you to get us something to eat that we may make merry together. Being very avaricious, Shah Ibrahim determined to spend only the tenth part of the money and to keep the rest to himself. While he was gone, Nureddin and the Persian wandered through the gardens to marvel staircase of the pavilion as far as the locked door of the saloon. On the return of Shah Ibrahim they backed him to open it and to allow them to enter and admire the magnificence within. Consenting, he brought not only the key but a light and immediately unlocked the door. Nureddin and the Persian entering were dazzled with the magnificence they beheld. The paintings and furniture were of astonishing beauty and between each window was a silver arm holding a candle. Shah Ibrahim spread the table in front of a sofa and all three aged together. When they had finished eating Nureddin asked the old men to bring them a bottle of wine. Heaven forbid, said Shah Ibrahim, that I should come in contact with wine. I, who have four times made the pilgrimage to Mecca and have renounced wine forever. You would however do us a great service in procuring us some, said Nureddin. You need not touch it yourself. Take the airs which is tied to the gate leading to the nearest wine shop and ask some passerby to order two jars of wine. Have them put in the airs as planiers and drive them before you. Here are two pieces of gold for the expenses. At side of the gold Shah Ibrahim set off at once to execute the commission. On his return Nureddin said, we have still need of cups to drink from and of fruit if you can procure some. Shah Ibrahim disappeared again and soon returned with a table spread with cups of gold and silver and every sort of beautiful fruit. Then he withdrew in spite of repeated invitations to remain. Nureddin and the beautiful Persian finding the wine excellent drank of it freely and sang. Both had fine voices and Shah Ibrahim listened to them with great pleasure. First from a distance, then he drew nearer and finally put his head in at the door. Nureddin seeing him called to him to come in and keep them company. At first the old man declined but was persuaded to enter the room to sit down on the edge of the sofa nearest the door and asked to draw closer and to seat himself by the beautiful Persian who urged him so persistently to drink her health that at length he yielded and took the cup she offered. Now the old man only made a pretense of renouncing wine. He frequented wine shops like other people and had taken none of the precautions Nureddin had proposed. Having once yielded he was easily persuaded to take a second cup and a third and so on and no longer knew what he was doing. Till near midnight they continued drinking, laughing and singing together. About that time the Persian perceiving that the room was lit by only one miserable teller candle asked Shah Ibrahim to light some of the beautiful candles in the silver arms. Light them yourself answered the old man you're younger than I but let five or six be enough. She did not stop however till she had lit all VAT but Shah Ibrahim was not conscious of this and once soon after that Nureddin proposed to have some of the lastest lit he answered you are more capable of lighting them than I am but not more than three. Nureddin far from contenting himself with three lit all and opened all VAT windows. The Khalif Harun al-Rashid chancing at that moment the window in the saloon of his palace looking on the garden was surprised to see the pavilion brilliantly illuminated. Calling the Grand Vizier Jafar he said to him Negligent Vizier look at the pavilion and tell me why it is lit up when I am not there. When the Vizier saw that it was as the Khalif said he trembled with fear and immediately invented an excuse for the Khalif. I must tell you that four or five days ago Shah Ibrahim told me that he wished to have an assembly of the ministers of his mosque and asked permission to hold it in the pavilion. I granted his request but forgot since to mention it to Your Majesty. Jafar replied the Khalif you have committed three falls first in giving the permission second in not mentioning it to me and third in not investigating the matter more closely. For punishment I condemn you to spend the rest of the night with me in company of these worthy people. While I dress myself as a citizen go and disguise yourself and then come with me when they reached the garden gate they found it open to the great indignation of the Khalif. The door of the pavilion being also open he went softly upstairs and looked in close door of the saloon. Great was his surprise to see Shah Ibrahim whose sobriety he had never doubted drinking and singing with a young man and a beautiful lady. The Khalif before giving way to his anger determined to watch and see who the people were on what they did. Presently Shah Ibrahim asked the beautiful Persian if anything were wanting to complete her enjoyment of the evening. If only, she said, I had an instrument upon which I might play. Shah Ibrahim immediately took a loot from a cupboard and gave it to the Persian who began to play on it singing the while with such skill and taste that the Khalif was enchanted. When she ceased he went softly downstairs and said to the Wizeer Never have I heard a finer voice nor the loot better played I am determined to go in and make her play to me. Commander of the faithful said the Wizeer If Shah Ibrahim recognizes you he will die of fright. I should be sorry for that answered the Khalif and I am going to take steps to prevent it wait here till I return. Now the Khalif had caused a bend in the river to form a lake in his garden. There the finest fish in the Tigris were to be found but fishing was strictly forbidden. It happened that night however that a fisherman had taken advantage of the gate being open to go in and cast his nets. He was just about to draw them when he saw the Khalif approaching. Recognizing him at once in spite of his disguise he threw himself at his feet imploring forgiveness. Fear nothing said the Khalif only rise up and draw thy nets. The fisherman did as he was told and produced five or six fine fish of which the Khalif took the two largest. Then he desired the fisherman to change clothes with him and in a few minutes the Khalif was transformed into a fisherman even to the shoes and the turban. Taking the two fish in his hand he returned to the Wizeer who, not recognizing him would have sent him about his business. Leaving the Wizeer at the foot of the stairs the Khalif went up and knocked at the door of the saloon. Nuradin opened it and the Khalif standing on the threshold said Shai Ibrahim I am the Fisher Kerim seeing that you are feasting with your friends I bring you these fish. Nuradin and the Persian said that when the fishes were properly cooked and dressed they would gladly eat of them. The Khalif then returned to the Wizeer and they set to work at the Shai Ibrahim's house to cook the fish of which they made so tempting a dish that Nuradin and the Fair Persian ate of it with great relish. When they had finished Nuradin took 30 gold pieces all that remained of what Sangia had given him and presented them to the Khalif who, thanking him asked as a further favor if the lady would play him one piece on the loot. The Persian gladly consented and sang and played so as to delight the Khalif. Nuradin in the habit of giving to others whatever they admired said Fisherman as she pleases you so much take her she is yours. The Fair Persian astounded that he should wish to part from her took her loot with tears in her eyes sang her reproaches to its music. The Khalif still the character of Fisherman said to him sir I perceive that this fair lady is your slave oblige me I beg you by relating your history. Nuradin willingly granted this request and recounted everything from the purchase of the slave down to the present moment. And where do you go now asked the Khalif wherever the hand of Allah leads me said Nuradin then if you will listen to me said the Khalif you will kindly return to Bazora I will give you a letter to the king which will ensure you a good reception from him. It is an unheard of thing said Nuradin that a Fisherman should be in correspondence with the king let not that astonish you answered the Khalif we studied together and have always remained the best of friends though fortune while making him a Kim left me a humble Fisherman the Khalif then took a sheet of paper and wrote a showing letter at the top of which he put in very small characters this formula to show that he must be implicitly obeyed in the name of the most merciful God letter of the Khalif Harun al-Rashid to the king of Balsora Harun al-Rashid son of Mahdi sends this letter to Mohammed Sinebi his cousin as soon as Nuradin son of the Vizier Kazan bearer of this letter has given it to thee and there has read it take off their royal mantle put it on his shoulders and seed him in thy place without fail farewell the Khalif then gave this letter to Nuradin who immediately set off with only that little money he possessed when Sangia came to his assistance the beautiful Persian inconsolable at his departure sank on a sofa bathed in tears when Nuradin had left the room Shai Ibrahim who had hitherto kept silent said Kerem, for too miserable fish there has received a purse and a slave I tell thee I will take the slave and ask to the purse if it concerns silver though mayst keep one piece if gold then I will take all and give thee what copper pieces I have in my purse now here it must be related that when the Khalif went upstairs with a plate of fish he ordered the Vizier to hasten to the palace and bring back four slaves bearing a change of raiment who should wait outside the pavilion till the Khalif should clap his hands still personating the fisherman the Khalif answered Shai Ibrahim whatever is in the purse I will share equally with you but as to the slave I will keep her for myself if you do not agree to these conditions you shall have nothing the old man furious at this insolence as he considered it took a cup and threw it at the Khalif who easily avoided a missile from the hand of a drunkard man it hit against the wall and broke in two thousand pieces Shai Ibrahim still more enraged then went out to fetch a stick the Khalif at that moment clapped his hands and the Vizier and the four slaves entering took off the fisherman's dress and put on him that which they had brought when Shai Ibrahim returned a thick stick in his hand the Khalif was seated on his throne and nothing remained of the fisherman but his cloths in the middle of the room throwing himself on the ground at the Khalif's feet he said commander of the faithful you miserable slave has offended you and craves forgiveness the Khalif came down from this throne and said rise I forgive thee then turning to the Persian he said fair lady now you know who I am learn also that I have sent Nureddin to Balsora to be king and as soon as all necessary preparations are made I will send you there to be queen meanwhile I will give you an apartment in my palace where you will be treated with all honor at this the beautiful Persian took courage and the Khalif was as good as his word recommending her to the care of his wife Zubeda Nureddin made all haste on his journey to Balsora and as soon as his arrival there went straight to the palace of the king of whom he demanded an audience it was immediately granted and holding the letter high above his head he forced his way through the crowd while the king read the letter he changed color he would instantly have executed the Khalif's order but first he showed the letter to Sawi whose interests were equally at stake with his own pretending that he wished to read it a second time Sawi turned aside as if to seek a better light unperceived by anyone he tore off the formula from the top of the letter put it to his mouth and swallowed it then turning to the king he said Your Majesty has no need to obey this letter the writing is indeed that of the Khalif but the formula is absent besides he has not sent an express with a patent without which the letter is useless it evolved for me and I will take the consequences the king not only listened to the perjursions of Sawi but gave Nureddin into his hands such a severe bastinado was first administered to him that he was left more dead than alive then Sawi threw him into the darkest and deepest dungeon and fed him only on bread and water after ten days Sawi determined to put an end to Nureddin's life but dared not without the king's authority to gain this end he loaded several of his own slaves with rich gifts and presented himself as their heads to the king saying that they were from the new king on his coronation what said the king is that wretch still alive go and behead him at once I authorize you Sawi said I thank Your Majesty for the justice you do me I would throw the bag as Nureddin publicly affronted me that the execution might be in front of the palace and that it might be proclaimed throughout the city so that no one may be ignorant of it the king granted these requests and the announcement caused universal grief for the memory of Nureddin's father was still fresh in the heart of his people Sawi accompanied by 20 of his own slaves went through the prison to fetch Nureddin whom he mounted on a wretched horse without a saddle arrived at the palace Sawi went into the king leaving Nureddin in the square Hammond in not only by Sawi slaves but by the royal guard who had great difficulty in preventing the people from rushing in and rescuing Nureddin so great was the indignation against Sawi that if anyone had said the example he would have been stoned on his way through the streets Sawi who witnessed the agitation of the people from the windows of the king's private chambers called the executioner to strike at once the king however ordered him to delay not only was jealous of Sawi's interference but he had another reason a troop of horsemen was seen at that moment riding at full gallop towards the square Sawi suspected who they might be and urged the king to give the signal for the execution without delay but this the king refused to do until he knew who the horsemen were now they were the vizier Jafar and a suit arriving at full speed from Baghdad for several days after Nureddin's departure with a letter the caliph had forgotten to send the express with the patent without which the letter was useless hearing a beautiful voice one day in the women's part of the palace uttering lamentations he was informed that it was the voice of the fair Persian to remind the patent he sent for Jafar and ordered him to make for Balzora with the utmost speed if Nureddin were dead to hang Sawi if he was still alive to bring him at once to Baghdad along with the king and Sawi Jafar rode at full speed through the square and alighted at the steps of the palace where the king came to greet him the vizier's first question was whether Nureddin were still alive the king replied that he was and he was immediately led forth though bound hand and foot by the vizier's orders his bonds were immediately undone and Sawi was tied with the same courts next day Jafar returned to Baghdad bearing with him the king Sawi and Nureddin when the caliph heard what treatment Nureddin had received he authorized him to be had Sawi with his own hands but he declined to shed the blood of his enemy who was forthwith handed over to the executioner the caliph also desired Nureddin to reign over Balzora but this too he declined saying that after what had passed there he preferred never to return but to enter the service of the caliph he became one of his most intimate courtes and lived long in great happiness with a fair Persian as to the king the caliph contented himself with sending him back to Balzora with a recommendation to be more careful in future in the choice of his vizier end of chapter 30