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Told in the Gardens of Araby

(UNTRANSLATED UNTIL NOW)

By
IZORA CHANDLER
and
MARY W. MONTGOMERY

NEW YORK: EATON & MAINS
CINCINNATI: JENNINGS & GRAHAM

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Copyright, 1905, by
EATON & MAINS [[3]]

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CONTENTS

[[5]]

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Told in the Gardens of Araby

PRELUDE

Memory swings backward to revel in a certain Garden of Delight; to picture the high whitewashed wall, topped with red tiles, and guarding within its quadrangle of acres clustering palms, grave cypress trees, the fig, quince, orange, pomegranate, and mulberry; also the gray olive, with roots twisted out of the soil as if by force and seeming to hint that, once upon a time, giant souls were imprisoned within each grizzly trunk and struggled themselves to death, in mad wrestlings after freedom.

Shielded by these varied branches, roses and cabbages, lilies and onions, jessamine and melons, the crimson-flowered oleander, pumpkins, tomatoes, and carrots mingle in a delightful democracy. Here the day wakens with sweet morning clearness, waxes into a scorching noontide, and burns onward, to be extinguished by the breath of a dewy twilight. Stars march slowly from out the vaulted shadows overhead, [[6]]to halt at awful distances. Distant mountain peaks stretch away beyond the city, in indescribable loveliness, and melt in the distance, like a veritable land of cloud. Upon the other hand lies the desert; become a sea of silver under the stern light of the stars. One stands impressed—oppressed and compelled to listen to the mighty, threatening silence. Small wonder is it that, to-day, in the interior of Arabia, like his forefathers during the time of Abimelech and Jethro, the lonely shepherd is a worshiper of the stars—poised, unchanging and serene, above the changing, tumultuous earth.

Through this Garden, in which Memory lies dreaming, a silvery stream flows from a marble basin. Into this basin play the waters from a tree-shaded fountain. Beside it sits a gruff old pelican, eyeing dweller and guest with equal disfavor. This bird of desolation likes not his fair prison. Sweeter, to his ear, is the owl’s hoot than any music distilled by human voices.

At one corner of the great quadrangle stands the long, roomy dwelling. Its lower story comprises the general reception room, the kitchen, and stables. From contiguous windows in this last, two white heads lean out and gaze, wistfully, each into the other’s eyes. One is that of the snow-white ass, upon which the daughter of the house rides when, [[7]]attended by Ismail, she goes forth to pay visits. The other is that of the foal, shut into a separate stall because he has grown so large that he must be weaned. Here his greatest effort only succeeds in reaching up and resting his funny little head upon the window sill; where he must content himself with waving long ears and casting glances of entreaty across at the mother, who stands helpless in all but the expression of her sympathy.

Attention is fastened upon these patient dumb creatures. At this, the young hostess—who, by the way, speaks Arabic, modern Greek, French, German, English; who interprets Chopin with appealing sympathy upon the piano in the beautiful drawing-room; and, upon occasion, picks her mandolin to light, minor-keyed melodies—decides that the American lady must have a ride about the garden.

Ismail, a dark-skinned boy who has haunted our footsteps in readiness for service, and whose eyes and teeth are marvels of brilliancy, leads forth the petted beast and tricks her out with the most gorgeous trappings. Then the visitor is wheedled into mounting the high, smooth saddle. This she does gingerly and sidewise, after the fashion of her countrywomen. The baby donkey is let out to enjoy a bit of exercise, and crowds so closely to the side [[8]]of his adored parent as nearly to crush the ankles of her nervous rider.

The white beasts trot placidly over the graveled walks of the quadrangle, and the pastime is growing pleasant to the rider. But “Faster! faster!” commands the young hostess. “It is not with this sleep of the day that we should seek to amuse one who comes from the Land of Haste! Faster! Ismail, faster!”

Time is not given in which to explain that a mild gait is preferred; for the Arab boy at once enters into the spirit of his mistress—strikes a resounding blow upon each snowy flank, with such immediate effect that the unaccustomed rider slides from her insecure position and joins in the merriment.

“Alas! the Orient has broken your spirit! It is not like this that in your own country you would ride. Think you that I do not know?”

Hastily arranging her flowing skirts, the young girl sprang gayly astride the high, polished saddle; leaned forward and whispered, “Away! Babash!” During the next few moments, shadow and sunlight became a swift kaleidoscope of gayety and color. The little animal, divining what was expected of her, broke into a gallop of whose madness one never would have dreamed her capable; and which made it most comical to witness the wild attempts of her [[9]]poor little foal at keeping pace, and his bewilderment when, after viewing, with despair, her disappearance before him, his astonished gaze discovered her hastening toward him from behind, only to leave him again, a little farther on.

Meantime the surly pelican had waddled to an unfrequented corner, where the gravel, flying from delicate hoofs, could not reach him. Madame, the elder hostess, came out upon the balcony, which extended along the second story of the dwelling, to wave her hand in enjoyment of the sport.

At length, wearied with making exhibition of the speed which, in her opinion, characterized the home life of her visitor, the young girl tossed her reins to Ismail, commanded that coffee be brought, then conducted to a beautiful summerhouse, or kiosk, where were cushions and rugs in profusion; where the most comfortable corner hid its hand mirror and rose-water sprinkler, and over whose lattice climbed roses and jessamine.

Of these latter flowers—so precious to every woman of the Orient—three were gathered and tucked into the visitor’s belt. “Three, the Oriental number: one for health, one for wealth, and one for prosperity. If I wish you these and to you they come, what is there more, that for it you should ask?” was the compelling explanation, made in a [[10]]voice that was music’s own in quality and, like her manner—when not merrily exemplifying prevailing notions of American life—was gentle as the most fastidious aristocrat could desire.

The air was sprayed with rose water; we reclined upon the cushions. Quiet restored, the Madame descended and joined us. Coffee was brought—though not at once; for the moments do not urge, as in the Occident; they weave themselves, unnoted, into slow and shining hours. Resting thus, and, later on, tasting the cream tart of whose deliciousness the half has never been told, it was inevitable that we should fall into the custom of the country and relate, each to the others, tales of our native lands.

Story-telling is a most natural blossom upon the Oriental life tree. Silent, tropical, motionless days breed no restlessness of the life intellectual, no ravening after to-day’s knowledge and its fleeting fame, no feverish haste after anything. The past fades and the future becomes dim. It is a Land of the Present Moment. In the estimation of its people, the present moment, only, is to be compared with Paradise. As consequence, the dreaming of dreams or the relation of marvelous tales, concerning adventures and intrigues of imaginary characters, serves to satisfy the indolent and luxurious character. Disinclination [[11]]to travel has found expression in “Better be a dog at home than a lion afloat.” And universal custom exemplifies the belief that it is better also to recline at ease, with coffee and nargileh; enfolded in such peace that any relation of turbulence and romance is rendered thrilling by mere force of contrast—far better is all this than to fare forth one’s self. One does not marvel that natures pent in such inactive bodies should require, to their better satisfaction with the stories told them, blood-curdling elements, violence, with strange interventions and achievements of the supernatural. By this means is poise maintained and the slothful soul drugged into dreaminess.

Action and progress are discouraged in the Orient. Until the authorities grant permission, a man may not rebuild his house after the flames have destroyed it; nor may he celebrate the marriage of a child. Only during the feast month of Ramazan is any woman permitted outside of her walls after sunset; and a man, without his lighted lantern, is in danger of trouble with the police. Indeed, the dwellers not only are expected, but themselves expect, to retire at sunset into their separate home worlds, without whose walls the strait-laced effendi likes not to have his women seen at any time. Yet, even when within the home, cards seldom are resorted [[12]]to; and games of chance everywhere are forbidden the good Moslem.

Then how should this be other than a land for reverie? Certain hours of every day are witness to the sun’s terrible triumph. Its atmosphere becomes of intolerable sultriness. Its climate renders the people indolent in action, while permitting their intellects to remain keen and their passions lively. They have, moreover, quick sense of the ludicrous; a childish, untutored taste for practical jokes; a refinement of cunning, and, often seemingly asleep, in reality they never lose their sagacity. Only when in dispute are their voices and actions unsubdued. As a rule, they are not good in conversation; any point is made clear by the relation of some parallel tale; and always the men are ready to loiter and to loaf.

Although the dairy life of the women is enriched with the arts of cookery and exquisite needlework, it must become monotonous. They are passionately fond of the open air; but their fullest enjoyment of it consists in reclining upon rug and cushion, beneath some fragrant shade, while their slow, indolent eyes traverse the beauty of garden, sea, or sky, and the ear is soothed with some story which, at the same time, stirs the sense, gives wing to imagination, and satisfies the inaction of their present by calling up [[13]]visions of far-away activities, perhaps aided by the unseen and unknown.

One, for whom character needs not to consist in eternal effort, must find great charm in these people, with their childish love for the passing hour and readiness to give or accept friendliness. Often the youths are of ideal beauty. Usually the men are well built, healthful, abstemious. Always the women are splendidly robust and handsome. Nearly everyone is unmalicious, gentle in temper, leisurely—nay, more—loitering. Nobody is in a hurry. He who hastes is viewed with suspicion. Even punctuality in the payment of dues is decried; and no shopkeeper, worthy of a booth in the bazaar, will permit a customer to depart until after bewildering his sight with the most gorgeous properties upon the shelves. Should an unwary shopper ask the price of any article or permit his eye to linger upon it, coffee is at once served and the business call becomes a visit of ceremony.

With touching faith in his kismet—decreed fate—the peasant endures whatever of ill his days may bring. He receives every stranger with perfect faith; trusting that he may be the messenger of some long-delayed good. The thought of seeking an occupation rarely occurs to him—however needy he may be. With only a few piasters in his pouch for [[14]]present needs, he becomes wealthy; for, may he not dream of hidden treasure which, when found, will supply splendors ineffable? Beside, were he to make strenuous effort in the hope of bettering his estate, he might thwart some beautiful on-coming providence. In this land where gentle consideration reigns, children treat their mothers with a royal deference, which but increases with every added year of their own lives.

The Osmanlis will have nothing to do with hereditary rank. The misfortunes and sins which constitute the unanswerable Eastern Question, arise from the fact that their Prophet failed to provide a law by which his successors might be determined. Members of the reigning family marry the simplest family; and the genealogical records are forgotten. Sentiment is opposed to class lines between ruler and people; hence, in their stories, the young prince is free to marry any maiden, be she ever so lowly.

However somber this life, the pious Moslem finds content in letting his mind dwell upon the bliss of that life beyond. He is profoundly submissive in the presence of death; accepts its coming with unquestioning resignation, since his Edjel—appointed death hour—and that of his beloved ones, was decreed by Allah and invisibly inscribed upon the [[15]]brow at birth. Dying means that one is bidden, by “the Cupbearer of the Spheres,” to partake of the joys of Paradise. Why, then, should one regret the summons?

Devotion is natural to him. Five times each day does the dweller in village or city obey a call to prayer—even though the muezzin who cries may be far from holy and his intrigues furnish the point for many a tale. According to Lady Blunt, “nothing gives so much distinction, in this land, as regular attendance at prayers.” The name of Allah enters into every bargain, greeting, or conflict. To the really faithful, every living creature has some spiritual significance. The killing of a dog may cost a man many bushels of grain—perchance, his life. The stork and swallow are sacred. Even the unclean vulture must not be slain. His body is the abode of some sinful soul; and, if the bird be killed, the poor soul forever must perish.

The Land of Midian is a mysterious, dreary land of gloomy cliffs and broad deserts; of shadowless plains, narrow valleys, and monotonous wilderness regions. Its mirage allures to death; and the clear atmosphere suddenly may become dark with the burning heat of the simoon. Through its desert God’s Chosen People are believed to have wandered during their forty years of punishment and [[16]]preparation. Fiery serpents and scorpions made their passage hideous; and the undisciplined wanderers were “much discouraged because of the way.”

Over this indescribably romantic country—which has been inhabited since the earliest time and has undergone fewer changes than any other known upon the globe—a mighty Presence seems on patient guard. One is never freed from the sense of some Great Unseen.

At points the configuration is fantastic and weird in the character of its desolation. It is a region of gloomy cliffs, of granite hills, of detached, volcanic centers—like that of the true Mount Sinai—and over whose difficult passages the complaining camel seems fittest transport.

Each tribe, in this Land of Ishmael, claims descent from some one of the three members of Abraham’s family; and insists that social and religious status were overthrown by Mohammed, when he subjected them to his version of the law of the One God. To this it may be added that there are those who believe that the enmity of Christians against the Jews prevented the great prophet from adopting the Christian faith.

Upon his possession of Arabia does the Sultan base his title of Caliph. With the downfall of those [[17]]rulers came a relapse into the former separate chieftaincies; so that every valley, between desert and coast, or mountain range, now supports its wandering band. For this reason, these people love that the stories told them should concern that time of the Caliphs; when the country flourished as never before or after.

Yemen, a central, fertile tract in southwest Arabia, is the Arab’s Arcadia. Here Alexander the Great determined to fix his court after he should have conquered India. His strong nature was attracted to this surprising land; where a single step may bear one from dreary somberness into the most luxurious vegetation—from the desert into an oasis, redolent with the scent of flowers, shadowed with orchards and musical with the insect’s drone.

In a land like this, among a people of courtesy and charm, it becomes gently imperative that the most barren imagination should indulge in bits of phantasy and the dullest sense become susceptible to passing beauty. A pure and refreshing fountain is certain to become a center of romantic interest that will unseal the lips of a traveler. And, since bachelors are looked upon with disfavor and not an old maid exists in all the country, it is to be expected that any relation should turn upon marriage. Nor need one fear that the tale will prove erotic, [[18]]since its creation was in a land where the modesty of a peasant will not admit even of his staring at a company of bathers; but sends his eyes to search the tree tops or distant mountains, until temptation is far passed.

Perhaps it will be well to begin these stories from the Orient with a relation of cruel intrigue and of patient revenge, aided by potent, albeit most unlikely, supernatural forces:

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THE EMERALD ROC

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PART I

THE DRAGON OF THE APPLES

Once upon a time, in the pleasure garden of a king, there grew a tree which produced three apples every year. But the king had never tasted one of them. In the middle of the night, before they were quite ripe, a seven-headed genie always came and carried them away.

Now, the king had three sons. One day the eldest son came into his father’s presence, kissed the ground, then arose and stood before him.

“What dost thou wish, my son?” asked the king. [[19]]

“My father,” was the answer, “thou knowest that the precious apples should be ripe upon the morrow. To-night I would keep watch in the garden and kill the genie.”

“Thou speakest well, my son,” said the king.

Thereupon the prince took a bow in his hand and hid himself in the garden. At midnight there was a terrific earthquake, followed by a black cloud, out of which the genie emerged and walked toward the tree upon which hung the precious fruit. At sight of him the affrighted prince forgot his determination and ran to the palace for safety. The genie plucked the apples and carried them away.

In the morning the king sent for the prince and inquired if he had accomplished his purpose.

“Sire,” was the reply, “I barely escaped with my life!”

When a year had passed the second son asked that he be allowed to kill the monster. His ill fortune was like unto that of his brother. At the end of another year the youngest prince came into his father’s presence.

“If your majesty only consent,” he pleaded, “I will go and kill this evil creature who trespasses upon your private grounds.”

But the king was loath to let his favorite son rush into danger, and demurred, saying: “If thy brothers [[20]]could not accomplish this hazardous undertaking how canst thou hope to do it? Alas! thou wilt surely perish.”

Nevertheless, upon the pleading of the boy, permission was granted him. The grateful young prince placed the Koran in his bosom, took a poisoned arrow in his hand, and sought a secluded spot in the garden.

Exactly at midnight there was an earthquake, after which appeared a dense cloud, out of which emerged the seven-headed genie and approached the tree which bore the precious fruit.

“By the power of Allah!” cried the young prince as he threw the poisoned arrow. It passed through all the seven heads of the monster, who, uttering a cry that made the earth to tremble, sank upon the ground.

The prince gathered the apples, ran with them to his father, and told what he had done.

“Brave art thou, my son!” cried the king. “I perceive that thou hast great courage.”

But the prince was not content. Kissing the ground before his father, he asked permission to remove the body of the genie from off the face of the earth. And, although the king had grave fears for his son’s safety, he was persuaded to yield consent. [[21]]

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PART II

THE DRAGON OF THE WELL

Very early upon the following morning the prince, taking his two elder brothers with him, entered the royal garden. A strange sight met their eyes. The body of the genie had turned to blood and was flowing away in a stream.

The young prince, fearing that this boded mischief to the kingdom of his father, determined to follow the course of the stream. After walking for several days the princes found that it came to an end at the mouth of a well.

Now, the well was covered with an immense stone, which the two elder brothers tried in vain to remove. As soon, however, as the youngest had touched it with his finger, they lifted it without difficulty.

This youngest, then, desired to descend at once and kill the dragon. But the eldest detained him, saying, “It is not for thee to do this while I, the eldest, am here.”

So they tied a rope around the waist of the eldest and began to let him down into the well. But he was scarcely inside when he cried: “Alas! I am burning. Pull me out, quickly!” [[22]]

The others drew him out and tied the rope around the second prince’s waist. But he had no more than entered the mouth of the well when he, also, called out. “Alas! I freeze!” were his words. “Pull me up!”

The youngest prince then said to his brothers: “It surely is permitted me to try. But should I cry, ‘I burn!’ or ‘I freeze!’ you shall pay no heed; but hasten the more to let me down.”

The others agreed to this. And when the youth called out that he was burning or freezing, they gave out more rope. After some time the bottom was reached by the brave young prince, who freed himself from the rope and began to walk through a long hall which stretched before him.

Presently he came to a room, in which a beautiful maiden sat knitting. He did not tarry, however, but passed on into another room, where was another maiden, also knitting, who was more beautiful than the first. Still the prince tarried not. He entered a third room, where—what should he see? A maiden whose beauty exceeded all imagery, who dazzled the eyes of a beholder as if a sun had dropped into the room. The prince could not look into her face. He fell deeply in love with her from that moment and cried:

“Maiden, art thou human?” [[23]]

“I am human,” the maiden answered. “But, O, my knight, how didst thou reach this place? Knowest thou not that there dwelleth a dragon within this well? If he hear thee he will surely kill thee.”

“I am come to kill this monster,” replied the youth. “So do thou quickly show me where he may be found.”

The maiden, although she loved him, gave the desired direction, because she saw that Allah must have led him thither.

When the prince entered the door pointed out to him—what should he see! A genie who was like a minaret for height, and so huge that a common knight must lose his senses at the mere sight of him.

When this being perceived his visitor he lifted his thousand-pound stick and, uttering a sound that shook the earth, rushed upon him. The prince almost gave himself up for lost. But, seizing his sword, he shouted, “Through the power of Allah!” and struck upward with such force that the giant’s head was completely severed from his body. He sank to the ground, delivering up his soul to Hades.

At once the prince returned to the maiden; after which he gathered all the jewels he could find and, together with the three princesses, returned to the bottom of the well. After calling to his brothers to let down the rope, he tied it about the first maiden. [[24]]“Here, my elder brother, is thy portion!” he shouted. When this one had been rescued he fastened the rope about the second, and cried, “Here, my second brother, is thy portion!” But when it came the turn of the maiden who was the young prince’s own choice, she said to him:

“My prince, do thou go first and I surely will follow. Verily, I fear that thy brothers, seeing me, will be envious and leave thee in the well.”

But the prince would not listen. He scorned to leave his beloved one in the gloomy prison. So the maiden, sad at heart, gave him three hairs from her head, saying: “If it chance that they cut the rope which holds thee, instantly rub these hairs. Two sheep will appear at the foot of the well. If thou fallest upon the white one, thou wilt come, instantly, out upon the face of the earth. But, alas! shouldst thou strike upon the black one, he will carry thee seven leagues farther under the earth.”

The prince placed the hairs in his bosom, parted tenderly with his beloved, then calling out that she was his own portion, sent the maiden to the top.

And the unfortunate prediction came to pass. When the brothers perceived that the third princess was as the full moon for beauty, they were very angry, and said: “What is this that he hath done! Will he keep the most beautiful one for himself?” [[25]]And when they had drawn him to the very top they cut the rope. The brave young prince fell, over and over, into the depths of the well. But, just before he reached the bottom, he succeeded in rubbing together the three hairs which had been given him. Instantly, two sheep appeared; and he, falling upon the back of the black one, was borne seven leagues under the surface of the earth.

We will now return to the wicked brothers, who conveyed the three maidens directly to their father’s palace. Upon entering the king’s presence they wept and cried: “Alas, father! The Genie of the Well has destroyed our little brother! But we have rescued these three maidens.”

When the king heard these words he wept bitter tears and commanded that there be very great mourning for his youngest son.

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PART III

THE DRAGON OF THE FOUNTAIN

Let us now return to the youngest prince.

Destiny, having carried him seven leagues under the earth, surprised him still further, by showing him there, another world. He walked until evening, when he reached a city and knocked at the first door. [[26]]It was opened by an aged woman, who asked what he desired.

“Mother, wilt thou take me in for the night?”

“Ah, my son,” was her reply, “I have no place to sleep myself. How, then, can I harbor thee?”

Her sense of hospitality was so quickened by the gift of three gold pieces that she conducted the prince to an upper chamber. He then asked for a draught of water; at which the old woman went to the cupboard and brought a jar of water, in the bottom of which lay a finger’s depth of slime. When the prince saw that no beast would taste of such water as had been offered to him he asked:

“How is this, mother, that you offer me such as this with which to quench my thirst?”

Thereupon the old woman made answer: “O, my son! The water of this country is cut off by a huge dragon, who demands every year that a maiden be given to him. During the time that he is tearing her into pieces and eating her, water flows from the spring which supplies this city. At other times we have none. So thou canst see how we suffer. Just now we are hard pressed, because it is the end of the year. To-morrow they will give the king’s daughter to the dragon. Haply, that sacrifice may suffice for all time. And if they do not give her, Allah have mercy! We must all perish!” [[27]]

When the brave young prince heard this he became lost in thought. Very early the next morning he found his way to the fountain, where were great multitudes of people, each with jugs in their hands. Presently slaves appeared leading the king’s daughter, who was dressed in red garments richly adorned. When they had led her to the brink of the fountain they left her there. It was near the time appointed for the appearance of the monster, and the poor young princess was weeping bitterly.

At this pitiable sight the spirit of the young prince became heavy with sorrow. He made a great decision that he would endeavor to rescue the sufferer. Approaching her, he said:

“Fair princess, get thou behind me. Hold fast to me, and have no fear!”

The maiden obeyed gladly. The prince then bent his bow and stood in readiness. Very shortly there appeared in the west a seven-headed dragon. Fire flashed from his mouth and nostrils. The earth trembled as he approached. “Aha!” he cried. “Hitherto hath my portion been one. Now has it become two.” And from half an hour’s distance he tried to draw the prince and the young maiden to him.

But the prince, bracing his feet, stood firmly; and, although the dragon used such force that, had they [[28]]been a mountain, it must have come to his mouth, he could not move them. He came nearer and tried again.

Then the prince took a firmer stand and cried, “Bismillah! Through the power of Allah!” and let fly an arrow which entered the open mouth of the fiend and came through his neck. He leaped three times, then fell with such force as to raise a great cloud of earth about him. So much blood ran from his mouth and nose that the water was hidden quite. But after a few minutes it was washed away, and the water became clearer than it had been before.

The maiden secretly dipped her finger in the blood of the dragon and made a mark upon the back of her deliverer. Then, the cloud being so dense that neither her departure nor that of the prince was visible, she hastened to the palace.

When the king saw that his daughter was still living he was afraid, and began to upbraid her. She acquitted herself by telling the circumstances of her deliverance and assuring her father that her promise had not been broken. The king could not believe the great good fortune. He went, himself, to see the dead dragon, which was so awful in its proportions as to make the spectator lose his senses. Then the king, being exceedingly desirous of rewarding [[29]]their rescuer, asked his daughter whether she could surely recognize him. The princess insisted that she would be able to do this, whereupon the king sent out criers, commanding that all the inhabitants of the country, between the ages of one and seventy, should pass before the palace.

Let us return to the prince. After having freed the land from the cruel curse of the dragon, he returned to the house of the old woman and sat down in his chamber. But the woman rebuked him for disregarding the decree of the king, and bade him go to the palace.

The prince believed in obeying the commands of a sovereign. He became one in the long line which marched past the palace of the king. The princess saw his approach, from the window behind which she was hidden, and made a sign to the guards, who laid hold upon him and conducted him into the presence of the king. The mark of blood upon the back of the prince convinced everyone that he indeed was the one who had saved them.

The king then bade the prince ask anything that his heart wanted. The modest youth wished for his majesty’s health, and that whenever it should near the end it might be renewed. At this the king answered: “My son, thou profitest nothing through my good health. Ask something for thyself.” [[30]]

Then the prince desired to be granted three days in which to render a decision; after which he returned to the house of the old woman.

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PART IV

THE FRIENDLY ROC

The prince was very sad. He longed for his home; for his father, the king; for his princess, who was like the full moon for beauty. He was vexed with the cruelty of his two brothers, against whom he had done no harm. Upon the next day he took his bow and went to the mountains. As the day was warm, he sat down under a tree and fell asleep.

Now, it chanced that in this very tree was the brood of an emerald roc, to which the mother-bird brought food once each year. This day chanced to be the very one upon which she was to come. While the prince was sleeping, an immense snake began to climb the tree. The screams of the young birds wakening the prince, he sprang up, discovered the snake, and straightway nailed it to the tree with an arrow. Again he lay down and slept.

Presently the mother-bird appeared in the sky, saw the prince, and, fearing that he had killed her young ones, was about to fall upon him, when the little ones cried out, “Mother, mother! this sleeping [[31]]prince has rescued us from our mortal enemy, the Great Black Snake.” And, verily, there was the snake, still hanging from the tree.

The great bird descended softly, sat down beside the prince, and spread one wing to shield him from the rays of the sun. After a little the prince awoke, and thought that a tent had been spread above him. When the grateful bird knew that he had wakened she bade him ask from her any favor that he desired. The prince requested to be taken to the surface of the earth.

The roc replied that this would be exceedingly difficult. However, even at the cost of her own life, she would endeavor to satisfy him, since he had saved the lives of her children. In order that she might be able to undertake this task, she required that he supply her with forty sheep and forty casks of wine; that whenever, upon the journey, she said “Hah!” he could give her meat, and when she said “Huh!” he would be able to give her drink.

Upon this the prince went to the king and requested that he be given, graciously, forty sheep and forty casks of wine. These were carried to the bird, who placed the sheep on one wing, the wine upon the other; the prince mounted her back, and immediately the journey was undertaken.

The prince supplied the great bird with food and [[32]]drink, according to her direction, until there came a day when she said “Hah!” and there was no meat to give her. The command was repeated. The prince hastily cut off the calf of his leg and gave it to her. The bird, perceiving that it was human flesh, put it in a corner of her mouth and would not eat it. Shortly after this they arrived at the mouth of the well; whereupon the bird said, “My prince, we have reached the face of the earth. Go, now. And may Allah be with thee!”

But the prince could not walk, because of his leg. And as he did not wish to reveal this to the roc he answered, “Do thou depart first, I pray thee; then will I go.”

The bird knew the reason for this answer, and, taking the piece of flesh from her mouth, she replaced it in such marvelous manner that the leg was better than before.

The prince then bade the bird good-bye. And with that he found himself in his own country. Before he should be recognized, he secured a tight cap of skin, which gave him the appearance of baldness. It was more than this. There were upon the cap certain marks which gave an impression that the wearer was suffering from a disease of the scalp. This was so designed that no one would approach too near the person of the prince and thus discover [[33]]him. He then changed garments with a shepherd, and in this garb went directly to the pleasure garden of his father, where he asked the gardener to take him as an assistant.

The gardener refused; but the pleadings of the youth finally forced him to consent. After a few days the gardener gathered a great bunch of roses and went away, leaving the pleasure garden in charge of his seemingly faithful assistant.

[[Contents]]

PART V

THE MAGIC HAIRS

No sooner was the gardener gone than the prince took the hairs given him by the princess and rubbed them together. Immediately a slave appeared and asked, “What are thy commands, O prince?”

“Bring me a fine horse, a fine suit of clothes, and a set of weapons,” was the answer.

In another moment the slave brought all that had been commanded, and assisted the young man to dress and mount his horse. After this the prince rode all about the garden, trampling upon and destroying the plants. As he rode he glanced toward the palace and rejoiced to see that the three princesses were there and that he was recognized by them. He then gave the horse, clothes, and [[34]]weapons to the slave and retired to a corner of the garden.

When the gardener returned—what should he see! The beautiful garden nearly in ruins, and the bald-headed assistant weeping in a corner. He began beating him, but the maidens called from a window: “Do not beat the lad! Verily, a rider from without came and destroyed the plants. Thy assistant is not to blame.”

After a few days the gardener again went away, and left the boy in charge of the place. The second time he called for a horse, destroyed many things which had escaped before, then sat down and awaited the return of the gardener. The maidens had fully recognized him this time. They rejoiced that the good prince had returned to the face of the earth, but, not knowing his plans, they bided his time and said nothing.

The gardener returned shortly, and was so greatly incensed at what he saw that he was about to chastise his assistant severely, when the maidens called commanding him to cease. A third time was the young prince left alone, and a third time did he despoil the garden—this time so grievously that not a branch was left. When the gardener returned he found nothing growing. Taking hold of the youth, he threw him without the gate. [[35]]

Now, the prince was desirous of learning about the affairs of the kingdom. He had found that his brothers had not the courage to challenge one who appeared and behaved disrespectfully unto their father, the king. He went therefore to a jeweler and requested to be taken as an apprentice. The jeweler had no need of an assistant, but as the lad asked that he be permitted even to carry his coals, he was accepted.

Now, when the maidens had been brought unto the palace the king commanded that the first two prepare for their wedding. They, however, begged to be allowed forty days in which to prepare. When they had recognized the good prince they hoped for release, and, to assure themselves that he was upon the earth continually, they asked many things which none but he would have power to grant. One wanted a golden shuttle and a golden needle which would make lace without hands. The second asked for a golden tray, upon which must be a golden hen with forty golden chickens and all eating golden grains of barley. The third demanded a golden tray around which a golden rabbit and a golden hare were chasing each other.

Now, the wicked princes, believing that they had destroyed their brother, desired that the people might become dissatisfied with their father’s rule; [[36]]so they pressed him to fulfill the requests of the princesses. The king did according to their desire; for he was very sad at heart and had no wish to live longer. Therefore he summoned all the jewelers of his kingdom and commanded that they execute the three orders. The jewelers, after consulting together, begged that they be granted forty days of grace. This request was granted by the king, who threatened certain death to all of them if, upon the fortieth day, his demands were not fulfilled. Thereupon, very much cast down in spirit, the jewelers were permitted to return to their homes.

The apprentice prince, seeing his master in this state, asked the cause of his anxiety. The master answered him roughly; but, as the youth persisted, he replied that the king’s sons had rescued three princesses, each of whom demanded a special article made of gold, before the two who were designed for them in marriage would consent to the nuptials. When asked to describe the articles, and after he had done so, the apprentice cried: “My master, I thought it had been some impossible thing that was required of thee. Trouble thyself no longer. Furnish me with a bag of nuts for food, another of raisins, and with forty candles. Thou shalt have these curious articles upon the morning of the fortieth day. Fear not!” [[37]]

“Since the boy craves nuts and raisins,” said the master to himself, “I will permit him to have them. For myself, I shall need nothing long.”

The prince shut himself into a room, ate the nuts and raisins, burned his candles, and enjoyed himself. He was learning much about the kingdom and his brothers. Upon the fortieth night he rubbed the magic hairs which the maiden had given him, and commanded the slave, who appeared, to bring the articles demanded by the three princesses. They were brought and placed within a carved casket which stood in the room.

At early morning the jeweler appeared. He was pale with fear as he demanded how the boy had spent his time. “Why dost thou ask? My answer lies hidden within the casket.”

With trembling hands the master opened the casket, and was so overpowered at what he saw that he fell upon the apprentice’s neck in a swoon. When he had revived, he hastened to the palace and spread the precious creations before the king. Then were the three maidens very happy, for they knew that the good prince was not only upon the face of the earth, but that he possessed great power.

When the jeweler returned to the shop he was grieved because the apprentice requested his freedom, and would not be persuaded to remain. [[38]]“Have I not saved thy life and the lives of thy fellow craftsmen? And wilt thou refuse me freedom?” asked the young man. So the jeweler permitted him to depart.

Then the prince went directly to the shop of a tailor, and again asked that he might serve an apprenticeship; and, although the tailor had no need of help, he refused to be turned away. This he did because he had heard of another request made by the maidens. They desired to gain more time and had asked for three robes, which had not been cut with scissors, nor sewn by needles; and each of which should be brought them in a filbert shell.

The king felt that he was in the power of some strange evil. At the urgent request of his sons he summoned the tailors of the kingdom and gave them the command. Now, the tailors had trembled greatly when they learned what had been required of the jewelers. They felt assured that not one of them could fulfill the imperial order; nevertheless, since they wished to live as long as possible, they asked for forty days in which to prepare the three robes. “Very well,” replied their sovereign, “but if my command is not obeyed, upon the forty-first day you all shall lose your heads.”

When the master of the prince returned, in great dejection, to his shop, the new apprentice asked the [[39]]cause of his anxiety. “Do not vex me!” was the impatient answer. But, as the day wore on, the prince learned the cause of his master’s hopelessness. “Is that anything to trouble thee?” asked the youth. “Give to me forty bags of nuts, forty bags of raisins, and forty candles. Upon the forty-first day thou shalt have what thou desirest.” The tailor, because he did not like to grieve a lad who showed so much interest, gave to him all that he had asked. The prince shut himself up as beforehand, and upon the fortieth night bade the slave, whom he had summoned with the magic hairs, to bring the three robes and place them within a brazen casket upon the table. When morning came the tailor, without experiencing any degree of hope, came to the door and asked what had been accomplished. The apprentice desired him to open the casket and behold the fulfillment of his promise. The tailor was overjoyed, and hastened to the palace; whereupon the king at once gave order that the wedding festivities should begin.

A tournament of javelin throwing was arranged to take place upon the running grounds, in which, upon the first day, the eldest prince was to show his skill. The whole city turned out to witness the spectacle; and the grateful tailor said to his apprentice, “Come, let us go together and see the eldest [[40]]prince play Zerid.” But the youth objected on account of his baldness; saying that he feared something might hit him accidentally and hinder the healing of the sores.

So the tailor left him alone in the shop. The prince then summoned the slave of the magic hairs and commanded that a tall black horse, a set of javelins, and a black suit of clothes be brought him. This was done immediately. The prince cast off his hateful headdress, arrayed himself in the handsome clothing, mounted his horse, and rode to the place of tournament, where the eldest son of the king was playing. It was easy to recognize his brother. Riding directly to him, the newcomer challenged to single combat, and, with a wonderful throw, so wounded him in the arm that he fell off his horse. In the confusion which followed, the victor returned to the shop of the tailor, gave back the horse, the javelins, and the clothing, sent the slave to his place under the earth, and sat down to await the coming of his master.

When the tailor appeared he cried: “O, my son! It is well that thou didst not go with me to-day.” Then he sat down and related all that had passed. But, during the relation, the prince learned that there was a great uprising planned against the king, and that the son of the grand vizier was to murder [[41]]the two princes and take the throne. This had all come about through the restlessness of the people, which had been caused by the long unkindness of the king’s sons.

The next day, when the second son of the king was to rule the tournament, the tailor again took his departure. His apprentice instantly summoned the slave of the magic hairs, and ordered a yellow horse, a suit made from cloth of gold, and a set of gold-mounted javelins. When these were furnished him he rode to the place of tournament, and dismounted his second brother by wounding him in the leg; after which he returned quickly to the shop, resumed his former appearance, and sat down to await the coming of his master. When the tailor returned, and related the events of the day, the apprentice praised Allah that he had not accompanied him.

Now, upon the third day was the son of the grand vizier to rule the exhibition of skill. So the prince was exceedingly anxious to see his master depart. When the tailor was once out of sight, a white horse and a silver-embroidered suit with silver-mounted javelins were ordered from the slave of the magic hairs. When these arrived the prince made haste to array himself and to depart, as before, to the running ground. The grand vizier’s son was challenged, [[42]]and with rare skill he was run through the heart and killed.

This time the victor did not disappear, as he had done upon each of the previous days, but continued to ride about openly, until he was arrested and dragged before the king. Before his entrance there the king had given orders that the murderer should have his head stricken off. As the prince approached the throne he said: “O, most noble and gracious sovereign! My brothers abandoned me in the well; the son of the grand vizier plotted against thy most precious life; and wilt thou now kill me, thy faithful son?”

When the king knew indeed that it was the son whom he had so deeply mourned, he was overjoyed. Falling upon the neck of the young prince, he wept and asked: “My son, what dost thou desire? Shall I command the death of thy two brothers?” But the young man was as noble when victory crowned him as when the bitterness of defeat had taxed his powers. He answered: “My father, since I am so happy as to find thee still unharmed, let us say, Allah be praised! Allah’s will be done! But do thou, I pray thee, give a palace, far away from thine own, unto each of my brothers; command that the elder be married to the first princess, the second to the second princess; then do thou graciously permit [[43]]me to marry the youngest, whom I deeply love and through whom it has been possible for me thus to rescue thee and preserve unto thee thy kingdom.”

So it all came about as the brave young prince had requested. The two brothers were given palaces at a distance from that of the king; there was feasting and rejoicing upon the part of all the people during forty days; after which the youngest son of the king was married to the most beautiful princess and lived happily ever afterward.

Here endeth this story, with Salaam! which meaneth peace. [[44]]

[[Contents]]

THE STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL GIRL WHO HAD HER WISH

The teller of tales says that, once upon a time, there lived a woman whose only child was a daughter, so beautiful that, of all who saw her, not one had ever beheld her equal. And this daughter not only was fair to look upon, she was gentle and kind to everyone and very loving and obedient to her mother. Indeed, there seemed to be nothing wanting to the happiness of these two.

Her mother had taught the young girl to weave the most delicate lace, and during some portion of every day she sat in her own room and carefully wrought out the pattern. Late one afternoon, as she was engaged thus, a bird flew in at the window. This did not seem strange to one with whom the birds were so friendly that every day they came to eat from her hand. But as she looked upon this little visitor, he seemed unlike those that came to her daily.

Lowering his head three times, he opened his [[45]]bill and spoke to her. The words that he said were very terrible: “Gentle maiden,” quoth the bird, “during forty nights shalt thou keep watch beside a corpse. After that it shall happen to thee according to thy strongest wish.”

The young girl was so surprised and alarmed that she could not command her tongue to ask the bird why this must come to her. Before she became calm the bird had flown.

Now, because the girl loved her mother very deeply, she delayed to speak of this strange matter. At night she went to bed and slept, and when morning came, took up her accustomed duties. At the approach of evening the strange bird came again, spoke as before, and flew away.

Sick at heart, the poor girl ran to her mother and confided all that had passed. The mother, greatly alarmed, questioned her daughter closely. “Dost thou fear another visit from the bird, my child?”

“Twice has he come to me. He will surely come once more. Thou knowest well, my mother, that one who has a second warning surely must receive a third.”

“Ai, my daughter!” exclaimed the mother. “And at what time will the bird visit thee?”

“To-morrow, toward evening,” answered the girl. [[46]]

Accordingly, when the shadows lengthened upon the morrow, the mother hid herself in a closet at one end of her daughter’s room. At the expected time, while the girl sat working upon her lace, the same bird entered, lowered his head three times, and spoke the same words—with this slight difference, that he addressed the maiden as sultana.

After the words were spoken, the bird turned to the window and was soon beyond sight.

The poor mother had overheard all. As the two flew to embrace each other the mother cried: “Ai, my daughter, let us fly! Let us try to escape from the power of this cruel bird.”

And the girl answered, “Let us fly together, mother, come what will!”

They made haste to gather those goods which were light in weight but heavy in worth; after which they closed the doors of their home and set forth, with all speed, upon a journey which they well knew must be perilous.

They rested but little, one of them always keeping watch. After several days of travel they came to a magnificent palace. Hastening to its walls, they sat down in the shadow and considered what they would better do next. Being weary, they lay down in a hidden spot, and although the mother was firm in her will to remain awake, a strange power [[47]]took hold upon her that she could not resist. Sleep closed her eyes. She became unconscious.

Upon this the strange bird again made its appearance, and, although it seemed not larger than an ordinary songster, it possessed such strength as to lift the sleeping girl. Gently it bore her over the wall and into a room of the palace, where it laid her upon a beautiful golden divan.

Almost immediately the sleeper opened her eyes, and discovered that she was separated from her mother and within the palace. She arose and looked about her. Lying upon a bier in the middle of the room, under a white, transparent covering, was a corpse.

When her eyes fell upon this the poor girl nearly went out of her senses for terror, and exclaimed: “Evil is upon me! That which the bird foretold was, indeed, very truth.”

Then she sought eagerly to find a way out, in order that she might bring her mother within. The rooms of the palace were very large and magnificent; but no person could be found in them. And whenever she entered one of them and hastened to another door, she found herself, as if by magic, in the one where had been her awakening and beside the stately bier.

Hour after hour she struggled. Every trial ended [[48]]with the same experience. She found herself, again and again, in the lonely room with only the body upon the bier for company. At last she was exhausted, and began to understand that escape was impossible—that some mighty power had torn her from her beloved mother. In the hope that obedience to fate would make her sentence lighter, she said: “I will bear whatever is allotted to me. Afterward, if Allah will, it may be for the best.”

Let the girl remain here while we return to the mother.

Morning came, and, the strange influence having spent itself, the woman awakened. Turning toward the place where she had last seen her beloved daughter, she reached out her arms for an embrace. But they were empty. The alarmed woman made haste to seek all about the hiding place, in the vain hope that the girl had gone to look about them. But no trace of her child could be found—no footprint in the soft earth, no portion of her clothing.

When this became real to the seeker, her heart was crushed with fear. “Alas!” she cried, “in rescuing my beloved one from the bird I have lost her unto myself!”

Thereupon, with grief so heavy that she was many days in journeying the distance over which [[49]]they two had sped so swiftly, she returned to her own home, went into mourning for the daughter whom she believed dead, and awaited whatever might be ordered unto herself.

Now let us return to the girl.

During the long nights that followed she slept not, but kept her dreary watch beside the bier. In some mysterious manner, fresh food appeared every morning upon a golden salver, and whatever remained from the previous day was spirited away. Although the girl endeavored to discover this change, she was unable to do so.

At first, by means of a bit of charred wood which she found upon the floor, she kept the strictest account of the days as they passed. With this she made a mark upon the marble for each day. But as they wore by she forgot to number them. Dreary monotony made her spiritless.

Now, in front of the palace flowed the sea. One window of the room was directly over that portion of the castle walls which were washed by the waves. Long before sunrise, one morning, as the maiden sat beside this window, looking out with heavy eyes, a ship appeared. It came from the direction of Iram. When it was directly before the palace the girl made a sign with her hand. The captain lowered [[50]]a boat which came to the walls of the palace.

The air was very still, and the voice of the young girl, though not loud, was clear. “Bring me a beautiful slave girl,” she said, “and I will give you these ten thousand piasters.”

The boat returned to the ship. Very soon it came back. In it was another person. The watcher saw that it was a young girl, like herself. Overjoyed, she let down a rope, made from the silken coverings of the divan. At the end of this rope she had fastened the money.

When the men had secured the gold they tied the rope about the body of the slave girl, and with great difficulty she was drawn up far enough to enable her to climb within. Her young mistress greeted her with kindness, and, because of her joy, took the string of gold coins from her own neck and fastened them around the neck of the newcomer. And she said, “Thanks be to Allah! I have found a companion.”

The slave girl had been cruelly treated by the captain of the ship. But she did not tell her mistress that she was glad to be rescued.

Now, the fortieth night was completed, though the young girl knew not that it was so. After she and the slave had both bathed in an inner chamber, [[51]]and after they had eaten of the delicate food upon the golden salver, the mistress said to her slave: “Now, do thou watch here a little, while I go to walk through the rooms of the palace. After my return thou canst do likewise.”

Thereupon she went out; and had barely gone when the body upon the bier returned to life. It was that of a young man, very tall and worthy to be looked upon. He threw off the covering, and disclosed the embroidered garments of royalty. He stretched out his hands and opened his eyes. They fell upon the slave girl. After his long torpor she seemed beautiful to him. And the gold coins about her neck were not such as one sees upon a slave.

“Maiden,” he asked, “was it thou who watched beside me through the forty nights?”

“Yes,” answered the slave; “for forty nights have I watched beside thee.”

Now, it so chanced that the person who had been lying upon the bier was a young prince. And before the evil spell was cast upon him by an enemy of his father, he had made a vow, saying, “Whoso watches by me during the forty days of my enchantment, her will I marry immediately upon waking.”

It was because of this vow that he asked the question. And because within his heart he had felt [[52]]another presence, he called the slave to him and asked whether any other beside herself had been there.

The slave was very quick-witted. She was scheming and wicked of heart. In a moment she knew all that the question might mean to her. Forgetting the kindness of her young mistress in redeeming her from the cruel captain and in making of her a beloved companion, rather than a slave, she quickly made this answer:

“There is my slave girl, whom I bought with much money. Only these gold pieces about my neck have I saved. She is now in another room.”

Then the prince took her by the hand and said, “Before Allah do I take thee for my wife.” And he kissed her upon the cheek.

As these words were spoken there came the sound of light footsteps. The young mistress entered.

“Come, girl!” arrogantly called the slave. “Thy master, my husband, hath wakened. He calleth for thy service. Hasten to do his bidding!”

The gentle maiden saw that matters were not as they had been when she began her promenade through the great rooms. But, being obedient of heart, she said to herself: “This, too, comes from Allah. It must be borne patiently.”

At the first opportunity she made haste to count [[53]]the marks upon the marble which she had made every day with the bit of charcoal. They numbered forty. Then she felt that there was no hope for her, and meekly put herself in the place of her own slave, doing every service that was required of her. The real slave was bitterly cruel, and asked the most menial offices of this beautiful girl, although upon the full awakening of the prince the palace had become filled with the usual number of servants.

A little time later on the prince said to the one whom he had taken for his wife: “I am going on a long journey. What is thy wish that I bring thee?”

“Bring me a hundred diamonds and one hundred turquoises,” said the woman.

Then the prince turned to her whom his wife called slave. “And what wouldst thou have, my child?” he asked.

“If it be thy gracious pleasure,” came the low answer, “I would beg thee to bring me a patience stone.”

“A patience stone!” sneered the other. “The prince will never remember that.”

Then the young girl turned to the slave mistress. “Should he permit himself to forget this simple request of one who serves you both faithfully,” was her answer, “may a cloud, black as pitch, form in [[54]]front of his ship, so that the way of return cannot be seen. And behind them may the sky remain clear!”

The prince was not a little surprised at all this. He had taken note of the perfect manner of the one whom his wife called slave, and had compared the two. But, without comment, he made his adieus and set forth upon his journey toward Yemen.

After his arrival there months passed, while he attended to matters of state. When the time came that he could return, he purchased all that his wife had ordered. So many things had occurred that it was not strange that he should forget the servant’s commission.

While the ship was upon her homeward journey, suddenly it became dark as pitch before the vessel, while behind it the skies were quite clear. This made it impossible to navigate the ship. Fear came upon everyone.

Thereupon the captain summoned all who were on board. “If there be anyone among you,” he said, solemnly, “who has forgotten a promise or forgotten a vow, let him stand forth!”

When the prince heard this command, he remembered the commission of his wife’s servant and her low-spoken prediction, when the scornful words had [[55]]been uttered. He believed that the danger had come upon them because of those words.

To the great surprise of all, their prince stepped forward. “I am the one in fault,” he said. “This evil has come upon us because I have broken a promise made to a slave. Turn the ship about. Let us return to port, while I fulfill that which became a duty as soon as I had given my word.”

Immediately upon the ship’s turning, the cloud began to follow them. Soon they were back at Yemen, where the prince made haste to purchase the patience stone. Afterward, by the grace of Allah (the Just One) the ship flew so fast on its homeward voyage that it seemed like a bird, and the palace was reached in an incredibly short space of time.

When the prince entered the palace, his wife, followed by her servant, came down the broad staircase to meet him. Afterward they escorted him up the stairs and into the pleasantest room of the castle. The wife asked eagerly for the precious gems, and was wild with delight when they were spread before her.

“Come, hither, slave!” she commanded, “and deck thy mistress in a manner fitting to her station!”

The young girl obeyed without a murmur, although her heart was very sore. When the task [[56]]was finished, and the vain and wicked one sat before a polished steel mirror admiring herself, the seeming slave turned to the prince.

“My gracious master,” she said, very gently, “is it permitted me to ask if thou rememberedst my humble request?”

The prince then delivered the stone, which was received with becoming gratitude. “May Allah bless thee!” were her words.

Now, the only room in the entire palace which was at all mean had been given to her, and everything that could add to her comfort had been removed by command of her mistress. When the night came on she went to this room and sat down to deliberate.

Grief at the loss of her mother tore her heart. The injustice of her own slave was more than she could endure longer. It seemed as if Allah, in whom she had hoped, must have forgotten her. Tears fell from her beautiful eyes and sighs shook her frame. Long she sat there after the hour for retiring.

When the palace became still and the prince was in his bed, he bethought him of his wife’s supposed slave and wondered what she would do with the patience stone. There was a mystery about her which he fain would solve. More than once had he checked his wife in her heavy demands upon the [[57]]frail young girl; more than once had he been stirred with the thought that she and not the one he had married should be the princess. So, after his wife had fallen asleep, he arose lightly and went to the door of the servant’s room, taking with him his faithful Ahmed to bear witness to what he should discover.

The gift, that had been brought her, was about the size of a pea. As the prince came to the door he saw the young girl wash the stone with her tears. Afterward she placed it upon the broken table before her and thus addressed it:

“Ai, patience stone! I was my mother’s only and precious child. One day, as I, innocent and happy in her affection, sat in my room weaving the lace that she had taught me to make, a bird came through the window and spoke to me, saying: ‘During forty days shalt thou keep watch beside a corpse. But upon the morning of the fortieth day it shall happen to thee according to thy strongest desire.’

“The bird appeared to me three days and uttered the same message. Upon the third day my mother, concealed within a closet, heard all that was said. She, as well as I, was terrified. She determined to save me by flight. But, while we slept, some mysterious power took me from her side and placed me in this palace. [[58]]

“I have not seen my mother since, and do not know whether she is dead from the grief of our separation. As for myself, during forty days and nights I watched beside the bier of this prince who is now my master. Hadst thou been in my place, O stone! couldst thou have been utterly patient?”

As she thus spoke, the patience stone began to swell with sympathy. As it did so, it whispered, “Bravo! bravo!”

“With the first streak of light upon the fortieth morning,” continued the speaker, “a ship passed the palace. Loneliness was heavy upon me. I signaled it and asked that I might buy a slave girl. For her I offered ten thousand piasters of the money my mother had put upon me.

“They sent me this slave who is now my mistress. I received her gladly. I kissed her and put my own gold coins about her neck. I was kind to her and felt that it was good to have companionship other than a stiff and silent corpse.

“When the morning had fully dawned I, being restless, left my slave to watch for a little while beside the bier while I wandered through the beautiful rooms of the palace.

“Scarcely had I left his presence, when the spell was broken and the noble prince was restored to life. I returned to find that he had made my slave his [[59]]princess. Immediately upon my return this false princess spoke roughly to me, calling out that I was her slave.

“Since then she has required bitter things of me. Often in the absence of the prince she beats me. Now she threatens my life. O, thou wise stone, couldst thou have had patience to endure all this?”

When this pitiful question was sobbed forth, the patience stone cried “Bravo!” once again, then it burst into a thousand pieces.

“O, patience stone,” cried the girl, “if thou couldst not bear this that has been put upon me, how can I longer do so? Let me rather hang myself, before my cruel slave mistress tortures me to death.”

Thereupon she took her sash, wound it about her throat, stepped upon a wretched stool, and threw the other end of the sash over a beam in the roof. She was upon the point of being strangled when the prince and his faithful Ahmed broke into the room, caught her in their arms, and brought her to the floor.

“Ah, my sultana!” said the prince, very tenderly, “so it was thou who watched beside me during those bitter days! Why hast thou kept this long silence?”

“Because I believed in Allah,” was the reply. [[60]]“If he so willed my life, I must not try to change it But I was unable longer to bear it.”

“Henceforth art thou my beloved,” said the prince. And he kissed her three times upon the forehead. “This other, who won thy place through falsehood, shall receive her just deserts.”

He then conducted the real sultana from the wretched room into a most beautiful chamber, seated her upon a divan rich with cloth of gold, then commanded very tenderly—for his heart was touched with her suffering, “Remain here, my beloved, until I return to thee.”

He then went to the bedside of the false one, struck her with his stick, and called fiercely: “Haste thee! Arise to receive thy just punishment for the evil which thou hast brought upon thy innocent mistress.”

The slave fell upon her face before him and besought his pardon. But he would not listen. “Wilt thou have forty blows or shall forty crows be summoned to bear thee out into the night?” he demanded.

“O!” cried she, “let the forty blows fall upon the heads of my enemies! I ask that forty crows come. Perchance they will bear me back to my home.”

Thereupon, at the prince’s command, slaves brought a basket, lifted and placed her within it, [[61]]then opened a window overlooking the sea. Forty giant crows came, seized upon the basket with their beaks, and flew so far away that neither the prince nor his beautiful sultana ever heard of her again.

Then the young girl, who had been rescued from death by the prince, begged that messengers be sent to relate her good fortune to her mother—if haply she were yet alive—and that a camel might also be taken to fetch her to their marriage feast.

This request was readily granted. And the mother, who had mourned her daughter as dead, came hastily and with joy to greet her again. The wedding feast lasted forty days and forty nights. Throughout it all everything happened according to the wish of the kind and beautiful girl. Salaam! [[62]]

[[Contents]]

THE STORY OF THE BEAUTIFUL ONE WHO DID NOT HAVE HER DESIRE

The narrator of tales relates that, once upon a time, there lived a man and his wife who were so poor that they had no home. So the woman begged of her husband to seek a place for her in the bamam, or bath house. Now, the bamam was a large building, with many rooms. When the bamamjy, or keeper, had listened to the tale of the poor man he answered: “There will be room for your wife to-morrow. Let her come then.”

The husband returned with joy, and, on the morrow, accompanied his wife to the bamam, where the keeper made her quite welcome. In a few days there was born to the poor woman a little girl child, who was like a ray of light for beauty and sweetness. As the mother sat gazing upon her child, the wall of the bamam opened and three dervishes made their appearance. Gifts were in their hands of those things that would add to the woman’s comfort. [[63]]

The first dervish approached with a great roll of very soft clothing. “Thou shalt name this child,” said the dervish, “The Beautiful One Who Does Not Obtain Her Desire.” Thereupon he withdrew, and the second dervish came near, with a gift of sweet perfumes and ointments, and said: “Whenever water shall touch the crown of this child’s head, it shall turn into pieces of gold and roll to the ground. Roses shall fall from about her cheeks whenever she laughs; and if, unhappily, she shall weep, the tears will become pearls. When she is grown strong enough to walk upon the earth, green grass shall spring up in her footsteps.”

Having spoken thus, the second dervish disappeared. The third then drew near. His present consisted of a bracelet of gold. “Let this,” said the third dervish, “be fastened about her arm. And if thou wouldst keep thy child alive, then must thou guard well this amulet; for as long as it remains upon her arm she shall live, but when once it is removed, then death shall claim her.” Thus saying, the third dervish disappeared, as had the others, and the walls of the bamam became as if they had not been opened.

When the mother had recovered from her astonishment, she fastened the amulet upon the infant’s arm; after which she began to bathe the little one. [[64]]All went as is usual, until she poured water from the basin upon the child’s head, when, as the second dervish had predicted, the water turned into gold pieces and fell to the ground in a shower.

The mother gathered the money and hid it; after which she made haste to dress her child. When the little one had fallen asleep she called the keeper of the bamam, and, giving him a handful of the coins, bade him send for her husband. The keeper was surprised at receiving such an amount from one who had seemed so poor, but, being a wise man, he asked no questions and did as he had been requested.

When the husband came he greeted his wife and their newborn beautiful infant; after which his wife told him of the visit from the three dervishes and the wonderful things they had each foretold. The poor man was nearly beside himself for joy that now he would be able fitly to provide for his beloved little family. Tenderly he lifted the child in his arms, and together they two set out to seek an abiding place.

They ordered a fine large house built and completely furnished. Back of the house they caused a beautiful garden to be planted. In the middle of this garden the fortunate parents ordered a kiosk builded; and when it was finished they called the goldsmith and bade him cover it with gold. This [[65]]he did; and when the work was completed, its beauty could not be described, it was so great. Thus did these happy parents prepare a worthy place for the child whose coming had brought them such great and good fortune.

The kiosk was made the immediate dwelling place of the little one, who was guarded most tenderly. And, as the years went by, it continued unto them as the second dervish had said; until they grew to possess such wealth that they lost all idea of its value.

Time came and went until fifteen years had passed; and never in all the world had there been so beautiful a blue-eyed, golden-haired, rosy-cheeked damsel. To one who looked at her, it was as if a sun had arisen.

We will now leave these people and go far away, unto the son of the king at Yemen.

It must have been that Allah intended the beautiful girl to be the wife of the young prince; for, one night, a dream was sent to him in which she appeared. He was told her name, her father’s name, and the exact country in which was her dwelling. So very real was her presence and so clear the picture of her home that, upon waking, his heart was torn with sorrow that it was only a dream. He [[66]]called for a piece of parchment and made a chart of the way through which they must pass who should go to bring her unto him.

When the morning dawned, the young prince went directly to his queen mother and, coming to speech, said: “My honored mother, may Allah give happiness unto you! Last night, whether sleeping or waking, I know not, but a marvelous vision passed before my eyes. I am so haunted with the memory of it that life will be unto me as nothing, if thou do not realize my vision unto me.”

To which the queen made reply: “What is this that thou askest of me, O, my son! Well thou knowest that my heart is as thine, when the happiness of my child is concerned. Speak! Relate unto me the vision. Then ask what thou wilt, and, if Allah forbid not, it shall be done for thee.”

“O, mother!” the young man responded, “in a certain garden is a kiosk. It is covered with beaten gold. But, beautiful as is the casket, much more beautiful is the treasure for which it was created. The kiosk have I seen; and the way unto it so plainly was shown to me, that I have here a chart of that way—even of the waters, which lead unto it.”

“And what does the casket contain that can be worthy of such magnificence, and worthy thus to disturb the peace of my son?” [[67]]

“Within this kiosk, O, my mother, there dwelleth a maiden who is innocent, gracious, pure, and altogether charming. So innocent is she that, at her smile, roses form beside her cheeks and fall about her; so gracious is she that when water is poured upon her head, it turns into golden coins, with which can be done beneficent things; so pure is she that when, perchance through grief at another’s woe, she may be caused to weep, the tears change to pearls as they fall to the ground; and so charming is her presence that, wherever she may walk—even upon the most barren earth—soft grasses spring up to kiss her feet.”

When he had spoken thus the queen replied: “It is well, O, my son, that thy beginning is as one who telleth a dream. For this that thou relatest to me is an impossible thing. There is no golden kiosk; there can be no maiden with this remarkable power.”

Then was the young man grieved as he answered: “And is it thus that my mother turns aside that which concerns my life or my death? Since thou wilt not believe me, then inquire of others. If it be false unto them all, then let it be false unto thee!”

The love which this mother felt for her son and her grief at his sorrow, caused her to send for the public criers—who are, also, the newsmongers of [[68]]that country. As these passed before the queen, the prince caused that each one should be questioned as to whether, in all the countries he knew, there were such a garden in which dwelt so good and charming a maiden.

Each crier was astonished at so strange a question, until one came who knew of the garden, the golden kiosk, and the charming maiden. Prostrating himself before the royal personages, he made this answer: “True it is, O prince, that there is such a place and that such a being really exists. The outside of the garden do I know well. But the walls are high and difficult to scale. One day, however, when I was without, the gates were opened to permit the entrance of a visitor; and the maiden of whom thou speakest walked before the golden kiosk that stands beside a fountain in the middle of the garden. And, between the opening and the closing of the gate, it was permitted that I should witness the wonders of which thou questionest.”

Neither the prince nor his mother had further doubts concerning the truth of the vision.

“Honored mother!” the prince entreated, “if thou really dost love me as thou sayest, then permit me to beg that, with thy slaves and guard, thou shouldst embark upon the morrow and seek out this maiden. If these things be really true of her, and if she be [[69]]willing, engage her to me and cause that she return with thee.”

Upon the morrow the mother set out to fulfill the request of her son. The way was long, and several months passed before the ship reached the far-distant country. After disembarking she, with her attendants, entered the city and asked the way. It was pointed out to them. They went to the house and knocked at the door. It was opened, and they were permitted to enter.

The queen was invited into the garden, where, very often, the guests were received. Here her eyes discovered the golden kiosk. She, also, was so fortunate as to find the parents, together with their daughter, whom she was seeking.

After sitting down, they all conversed courteously; and the visitor was more than delighted with the presence and manner of the young girl. But her real object was to test the truth of those qualities which were ascribed to her. Accordingly she said, “Verily, my child, it will trouble you greatly, but I am wearied with my long journey and would be gratified if you would bring a glass of water, with which to quench my thirst.”

Then the maiden graciously arose and hastened to bring water unto this guest from a far country. And everywhere that her light feet touched the earth, [[70]]soft grass sprang up. This caused astonishment and delight in the mind of the queen, who took the cup when it was presented to her and, as the young hostess made obeisance in its presentation, contrived to spill a few drops of the water upon the beautiful bowed head.

The drops immediately rolled off as gold pieces. At this the queen—as if in a paroxysm of weariness—caught the girl by the wrist and held so tightly that her nails entered the soft flesh. Although no cry came from the sweet lips, tears were forced to form in her eyes. These tears afterward dropped upon the ground in exquisite pearls.

Then the visitor seemed to recover herself and related a story of her adventures while on the way thither. The tale was so amusing that the young girl began to smile. At which instant a rose appeared near each exquisite cheek and dropped upon the rug on which the visitor sat.

There was now no longer any doubt in the mind of the queen. The object of her journey had been gained. She therefore discovered her rank to the parents; after which she said to them: “Verily, we have heard of the beautiful qualities of this, your daughter. By the will of Allah, and according to the law of the Prophet, I would marry her unto my son, the prince. What is your will concerning this?” [[71]]

Then were the parents greatly astonished and pleased. The mother, coming to speech, made this reply: “O, my queen! we will not refuse our daughter to such as you. Your orders are upon our heads. And may Allah graciously give his blessing!”

Then the queen engaged the daughter unto her son; after which she gave direction, saying: “With the half of my slaves and the half of my guard will I now return. With those that remain do you conduct your daughter, with all speed, to our palace. Verily, we shall make haste with the preparations for the wedding and the festivities.”

Thereupon the lady queen arose, embraced the maiden most tenderly, made her adieus, and, taking the half of her slaves and of her guard, began her homeward journey. When, after many days, she reached the palace, the prince came to welcome her and to ask, eagerly, concerning the result of her quest.

“Most happy am I to answer thee, O, my son!” was the glad reply. “Verily, it is according to that which the vision revealed unto thee. There liveth such a maiden as thou hast believed in, and all those bright qualities belong unto her. One who sees her desires to look again—of such beauty is she possessed. I have been so fortunate as to engage her unto thee. She will come to thee presently.” [[72]]

When the prince learned this, great fear lest evil should befall her whom his soul desired came upon him. His mind became filled with sadness; his hands and feet began to tremble. He bent to kiss his mother’s hand, after which he sat down and was lost in meditation. As preparations for the wedding began, he could look only with grave and longing eyes along the road over which his betrothed was to come.

Let these remain here, while we return to the other place in the story.

Heavy silken garments were prepared, with all skill, for the maiden who had been engaged to the prince. They were bound into a great package. All things necessary for the journey were made ready, when the mother—wishing to make certain changes in her own wardrobe—called the woman who had been nurse to her daughter and said unto her: “Verily, I give into your care a most precious charge. Take my daughter—whom before this I have intrusted to you—watch over her most carefully, and with these slaves and guard, conduct her safely to Yemen, to the palace of the king. After a few days her father and I will follow, with all speed.”

Thereupon the nurse asked permission that her [[73]]own daughter might accompany them, as the way was long, the distance very great and her heart would be sore at the parting. Permission was granted, and the little company embarked.

At evening, when the bride-to-be asked for food, the nurse made answer: “Fearing that harm might come to thee from eating of the ship’s rations, I prepared such food as is best for one who journeys, for the first time, upon the sea.” So saying, she cut off some slices of salted sausage, which she had prepared especially for an evil purpose, and gave them to the girl.

In about half an hour the maiden became very thirsty. “O, mother,” she asked of the nurse, “give me some water, I pray!”

To this the woman made reply: “It is not well that you should have water now.” And, although the same request was spoken frequently, no water was permitted to come near the maiden.

As the night wore on, her thirst became more violent; until, at last, she was maddened with it and cried: “Give me water or let me die!”

Then the evil woman said: “My girl, if you will let me take out one of your eyes, you shall have water; but, otherwise, you shall have none.”

To which, after this cruel reply had been repeated many times, the sufferer made answer: “It is possible [[74]]to live with only one eye; but impossible to live without water. Take thy desire and give unto me mine!”

The woman, overjoyed, made haste to remove one of the eyes; after which she permitted her charge a slight draught of water. But this could not long appease such thirst as had been created by the salted sausage. Again the poor girl moaned: “Verily, mother, I am thirsty!” To which was made no answer.

As the hours wore on and the suffering grew past all endurance, the woman said again: “Verily, girl, if you will give me the other eye, I will give you as much water as you can wish.”

What could the poor girl do? Beside herself with thirst and maddened with pain, she hesitated but a little; then, losing all self-control, sobbed: “Alas! what evil is come upon me! I am powerless in your hands. Do unto me whatever you will, only permit me to quench this thirst, which devours my throat and causes my tongue to swell.”