# Arabian Nights Entertainments (1706)/Volume 3/The Three Apples

The Three Apples.
SR, ſaid ſhe, I have already had the Honour to entertain your Majeſty with a Ramble which the Califf Haroun Alraſchid made one Night from his Palace, I muſt give you an Account of one more.
This Prince one Day commanded the Grand Vizier Giafar to come to his Palace the Night following. Vizier, ſaid he, I will take a Walk round the Town to inform my felf what people ſay, and particularly how they are pleaſed with my Officers of Juſtice. If there be any againſt whom they have Reaſon of juſt Complaint, we will turn them out, and put others in their ſtead that ſhall officiate better. If on the contrary there be any that have gained their Applauſe, we will have that Efteem for them which they deſerve. The Grand Vizier being come to the Place at the Hour appointed, the Califf, he, and Meſrour the Chief of the Eunuchs, diſguiſed themſelves, ſo as they could not be known, and went out out all three together.
They paſs’d through ſeveral Places, and by ſeveral Markets: And as they entred a ſinall Street, they perceived by the Light of the Moon, a tall Man with a white Beard that carried Nets on his Head, he had a folding Basket of Palm-Leaves on his Arm, and a Club in his Hand. This old Man, ſays the Califf, does not ſeem to be rich, let us go to him and enquire into his Circumftances. Honeſt Man, ſaid the Vizier, who art tho? The old Man reply’d, Sir, I am a Fiſher, but one of the pooreſt and moſt miſerable of the Trade, I went from my Houſe a-​bout Noon to go a fiſhing, and from that time to this I have not been able to catch one Fiſh, and at the ſame time I have a Wife and ſmall Children, and nothing to maintain them.
The Califf moved with Compaſſion, ſays to the Fiſherman, Haſt thou the courage to go back and caſt thy Nets once more, we will give thee a hundred Sequins for what thou ſhalt bring up. At this Propoſal, the Fiſherman, forgetting all his Day’s Toil, took the Califf at his Word. And with him, Giafar and Meſrour returned to the Tigris, ſaying to himſelf, Theſe Gentlemen ſeems to be too honeſt and reaſonable not to reward my Pains, and if they give me but the hundreth Part of what they promiſe me, it will be a great deal.
They came to the Bank of the River, and the Fiſherman throwing in his Net, when he drew it again, brought up a Trunk cloſe ſhut, and very heavy. The Califf made the Grand Vizier pay him 100 Sequins immediately, and ſent him away. Meſrour, by his Maſter’s Order carried the Trunk on his Shoulder, and the Califf was ſo very eager to know what was in it, that he returned to the Place with all ſpeed. When the Trunk was opened, they found in it a large Basket made of Palm- Leaves, ſhut up, and the Covering of it ſew’d with red Thread. To ſatisfy the Califf’s Impatience, they would not take time to unrip it, but cut the Thread with a Knife, and they took out of the Basket a Bundle wrapt up in a ſorry Piece of Hanging, and bound about with a Rope, which being untied, and the Bundle open’d, they found it to their great Amazement the Corps of a young Lady whiter than Snow, all cut in Pieces.
Scheherazade ſtopt here, becauſe we ſaw it was Day and next Night continued it thus.
The Ninety Firſt Night.
SIR, Your Majeſty may imagine a great deal better than I am able to expreſs it, the Aſtoniſhment of the Califf, at this dreadful Spectacle: his Surprize was inſtantly changed into Paſſion, and darting an angry Look at the Vizier, Ah! Thou Wretch, ſaid he, Is this your Inſpection into the Actions of my People, do they ​commit ſuch impious Murders under thy Miniftry in my Capital City, and throw my Subjects into the Tigris, that they may cry for Vengeance againſt me at the Day of Judgment. If thou doſt not ſpeedily revenge the Murder of this Woman, by the Death of her Murderer, I ſwear by Heaven, That I will cauſe hang thee, and Forty more of thy Kindred. Commander of the Faithful, reply’d the Grand Vizier, I beg your Majeſty to grant me time to make Enquiry. I will allow thee no more, ſaid the Califf, than Three Days, therefore you muſt look to it.
The Vizier Giafar went home, in great Confuſion of Mind. Alas, ſaid he, how is it poſſible that in ſuch a vaſt and populous City as Bagdad, I ſhould be able to detect a Murderer, who undoubtedly committed the Crime without Witneſs, and perhaps may be already gone from hence. Any other but I would take ſome wretched Perſon out of Priſon, and cauſe him to die, to ſatisfy the Califf; but I will not burden my Conſcience with ſuch a barbarous Action, I will rather die than have my Life at that rate.
He order’d the Officers of the Palace and Juſtice to make a ſtrict Search tor the Criminal, they ſent their Servants about, and they themſelves were not idle, for they were no leſs concern’d in this Matter than the Vizier. But all their Endeavours turned to nothing, what Pains ſoever they took they could not find out the Murderer, fo that the Vizier concluded his Life to be gone, unleſs ſome remarkable Providence hindred it.
The Third Day being come, an Officer came to this unfortunate Miniſter with a Summons to follow him, which the Vizier obey’d. The Califf ask’d him for the Murderer, He anſwer’d with Tears in his Eyes, Commander of the Faithful, I have not found any Perſon that could give me the leaſt Account of him. The Califf full of Fury and Rage, gave him many reproachful Words, and ordered that he and Forty Barmecides more ſhould be all hanged up at the Gate of the Palace.
In the mean while the Gibbets were preparing, and Orders were ​ſent to ſeize Forty Barmecides more in their Houſes; a publick Crier was ſent about the City to cry thus, by the Califf’s Order, Thoſe who have a deſire to ſee the Grand Vizier Giafar hanged, and Forty more Barmecides of his Kindred, let them come to the Square before the Palace.
When all Things were ready, the Criminal Judge, and a great many Officers belonging to the Palace, brought out the Grand Vizier with the Forty Barmecides, and ſet each of them at the Foot of the Gibbet deſign’d for them, and a Rope was put about each of their Necks. The Multitude of People that filed the Square, could not without Grief and Tears behold this Tragical Sight for the Grand Vizier and the Barmecides were loved and honour’d on account of their Probity, Bounty and Impartiality, not only in Bagdad, but thro’ all the Dominions of the Califf.
Nothing could prevent the Execution of this Prince’s too ſevere and irrevocable Sentence, and the Lives of the honeſteſt People of the City were juſt going to be taken away, when a young Man of handſome Mein, and good Apparel preſſed through the Crowd till he came where the Grand Vizier was, and after he had kiſſed his Hand, ſaid, Moſt excellent Vizier, chief of the Emirs of this Court, and Comforter of the Poor; You are not guilty of the Crime for which you ftand here. Withdraw, and let me expiate the Death sf the Lady that was thrown into the Tigris. ’Tis I who murder’d ber, and I deſerve to be puniſh’d for it.
Though thoſe Words occaſion’d great Joy to the Vizier, yet he could not but pity the young Man, in whoſe Looks he ſaw ſomething that, inſtead of being ominous, was engaging: But as he was about to anſwer him, a tall Man pretty well in Years, who had likewiſe forc’d his way through the Crowd, came up to him, ſaying, Sir, do not believe what this young Man tells you, I killed that Lady who was found in the Trunk, and this Puriſhment ought only to fall upon me. I conjure you in the Name of God not to puniſh the Innocent for the Guilty. Sir, ſays the young Man to the Vizier, I do proteſt that I am he who committed this vile Act, and no body elſe had any hand in it. My Son, ſaid the old Man, ’Tis Deſpair that brought ​you hither, and you would anticipate your Deſtiny. I have lived a long while in the World, and ’tis time for me to be gone; let me therefore ſacrifice my Life for yours. Sir, ſaid he again to the Vizicr, I tell you once more I am the Murderer, let me die without any more ado.
The Controverſy between the old Man and the young one, obliged the Grand Vizier Giafar to carry them both before the Califf, which the Judge Criminal conſented to, being very glad to ſerve the Vizier. When he came before the Prince, he kiſſed the Ground ſeven times, and ſpake after this manner, Commander of the Faithful, I have brought here before your Majeſty this old Man and this young Man, who both confeſs themſelves to be the ſole Murderers of the Lady. Then the Califf asked the Criminals which of them it was that ſo cruelly murdered the Lady, and threw her into the Tigris. The young Man aſſured him that it was he, but the old Man maintained the contrary. Go, ſays the Califf to the Grand Vizier, and cauſe them both to be hanged. But, Sir, ſays the Vizier, if only one of them be guilty, it would be unjuſt to take the Lives of both. At theſe Words the young Man ſpoke again, I ſwear by the great God, who has raiſed the Heavens ſo high as they be, That I am the Man who killed the Lady, cut her in pieces, and threw her into the Tigris about Four Days ago. I renounce my part of Happineſs among the Juſt at the Day of Judgment, if what I ſay be not the Truth; therefore I am he that ought to ſuffer. The Califf, being ſurprized at this Oath, believed him; eſpecially ſince the old Man made no Anſwer to this, Whereupon, turning to the young Man, Thou Wretch, ſaid he, what was it that made thee commit that deteſtable Crime, and what is it that moves thee to offer thy ſelf voluntarily to die? Commander of the Faithful, ſaid he, if all that hath paſt between that Lady and me were ſet down in Writing, it would be a Hiſtory that might be very uſeful for other Men. I command thee then to relate it, ſaid the Califf: The young Man obeyed, and began his Story thus.
Scheherazade would have gone on, but ſhe was obliged to defer it till the Night following.
The Ninety Second Night.
SChahariar pretended the Sultaneſs, and deſir’d to know what the young Man’s Speech was to Haroun Alraſchid, Sir, ſaid Scheherazade, the Words he ſpoke were theſe.
The Story of the Lady that was Murder’d, and of the Young Man her Husband.
COmmander of the Faithful, your Majeſty may be pleas’d to know, That this murder’d Lady was my Wife, the Daughter of this old Man you ſee here, who is my own Uncle by the Father’s Side. She was not above twelve Years old when he gave her to me, and it is now eleven Years ago. I have three Children by her, all Boys, yet alive; and I muſt do her that Juſtice to ſay, That ſhe never gave me the leaſt Occaſion of Offence; ſhe was Chaſte, of good Behaviour, and made it her whole Buſineſs to pleaſe me. And for my part I loved her entirely, and rather prevented her in granting any Thing ſhe deſired than oppoſed it.
About two Months ago ſhe fell ſick; I took all imaginable Care of her, and ſpared nothing that could procure her a ſpeedy Recovery. After a Month ſhe began to grow better, and had a mind to go to the Bagnio. Before ſhe went out of the Houſe, Couſin, ſaid ſhe (for ſo ſhe us’d to call me out of Familiarity) I long for ſome Apples, if you could get me any, you would pleaſe me extreamly: I have longed for ’em a great while, and I muſt own its now come to that height, that if I be not ſatisfied very ſoon, I fear ſome Misfortune will befal me. With all my Heart, ſaid I, I will do all that’s in my Power to make you eaſy.
I went immediately round all the Markets and Shops in the Town to ſeek for Apples, but I cou’d not get one, though I offer’d to pay a Sequin a-piece. I returned home very much diſſatisfied at my Diſappointment. And for my Wife, when ſhe returned from the Bagnio, and ſaw no Apples, we became ſo very uneaſy that ſhe could not ſleep all Night, I got up betimes in the Morning, and went through al! the Gardens, but had no better Succeſs ​than the Day before; only I happen’d to meet an old Gardiner, who told me that all my Pains would ſignify nothing, for I could not expect to find Apples any where but in your Majeſty’s Garden at Balſora. As I loved my Wife paſſionately, and would not have any thing of Neglect to ſatisfy her, chargeable upon me; I put my ſelf in a Traveller’s Habit, and after I had told her my Deſign, I went to Balſora, and made my Journey with ſo great Diligence, that I returned at the end of fifteen Days, with three Apples, which coſt me a Sequin a-piece; there were no more left in the Garden, ſo that the Gardiner would let me have them no cheaper. As ſoon as I came home, I preſented them to my Wife, but her Longing was over, ſo ſhe ſatisfied her ſelf with receiving them, and laid them down by her. In the mean time ſhe continued ſickly, and I knew not what Remedy to get for her.
Some few Days after, I returned from my Journey, I was ſitting in my Shop in the publick Place where all ſorts of fine Stuffs are ſold, and ſaw an ugly, tall, black Slave come in with an Apple in his Hand, which I knew to be one of thoſe I had brought from Balſora, I had no reaſon to doubt it, becauſe I was certain there was not one to be had in all Bagdad, not in any of the Gardens about it. I call’d to him, and ſaid, Good Slave, Prithee tell me where thou hadſt this Apple. ’Tis a Preſent (ſaid he ſmiling) from my Miſtreſs, I was to ſee her to Day, and found her out of Order. I ſaw three Apples lying by her, and asked her where ſhe had them. She told me, The good Man her Husband had made a Fortnight’s Journey on purpoſe for them, and brought them her, We had a Collation together, and when I took my leave of her, I brought away this Apple that yow ſee.
This Diſcourle put me out of my Senſes, I roſe, ſhut up my Shop, run home with all ſpeed, and going to my Wife’s Chamber, looked immediately for the Apples, and feeing only a couple, ask’d what was become of the Third. Then my Wife, turning her Head to the Place where the Apples lay, and perceiving there was but Two, anſwered me coldly, Conſin, I know not what is become of it. At this Anſwer I did verily believe what the Slave told me to be true; and at the ſame time giving my ſelf ​up to Madneſs and Jealouſy, I drew my Knife from my Girdle, and thruſt it into the unfortunate Creature’s Throat. I afterwards cut off her Head and divided her Body, into four Quarters, which I pack’d up in a Bundle, and hiding it in a Basket, ſewed it up with a Thread of red Yarn, put altogether in a Trunk, and when Night came, I carried it on my Shoulder down to the Tigris, where I ſunk it.
The two youngeſt of my Children were already put to Bed, and aſleep, the Third was gone abroad; but at my return I found him ſitting by my Gate weeping very ſore. I ask’d him the Reaſon? Father, ſaid he, I took this Morning from my Mother, without her Knowledge, one of thoſe three Apples you brought her, and I kept it a long while; but as I was playing ſome time ago with my little Brothers in the Street, a tall Slave that went by, ſnatch’d it out of my Hands, and carried it with him. I run after him, demanding it back, and beſides told him that it belonged to my Mother, who was ſick, and that you had made a Fortnight’s Journey to fetch it; but all to no purpoſe, he would not reſtore it. And whereas I ſtill followed him, crying out, he turned about and beat me, and then run away as faſt as ever he could from one Lane to another, till at length I loſt ſight of him. I have ſince been walking without the Town, expecting your Return, to pray you, dear Father, not to tell my Mother of it, leſt it ſhould make her worſe. And when he had ſaid thoſe Words, he fell a weeping again more bitterly than before.
My Son’s Diſcourſe afflicted me beyond all meaſure. I then found my ſelf guilty of an enormous Crime, and repented too late of having ſo eaſily believed the Calumnies of a wretched Slave, who from what he had learn’d of my Son, invented that fatal Lie.
My Uncle here preſent, came juſt at the time to ſee his Daughter, but inſtead of finding her alive, underſtood from me that ſhe was dead, for I did not conceal nothing from him; and, without ſtaying for his Cenſure, declared my ſelf the greateſt Criminal of the World.
Upon this, inſtead of reproaching me, he joined his Tears with mine, and we wept three Days together without intermiſſion, he for the Loſs of a Daughter whom he always loved tenderly; and I for the Loſs of a ​dear Wife, of whom I had deprived my ſelf after ſo cruel a manner, by giving too eaſy Credit to the Report of a lying Slave.
This, Commander of the Faithful, is the ſincere Confeſſion your Majeſty demanded from me. You have heard now all the Circumſtances of my Crime, and I moſt humbly beg of you to order the Puniſhment due for it, how ſevere ſoever it may be, I ſhall not in the leaſt complain, but eſteem it too eaſy and gentle.
Scheherazade perceiving Day left of ſpeaking; but next Night purſu’d her Diſcourſe thus.
The Ninety Third Night.
SIR, ſaid ſhe, the Califf was very much aſtoniſh’d at the Young Man’s Relation. But this juſt Prince, finding he was rather to be pitied than condemned, began to ſpeak in his Favour: This young Man’s Crime, ſaid he, is pardonable before God, and excuſable with Men. The wicked Slave is the ſole Cauſe of this Murder, ’tis he alone that muſt be puniſh’d; wherefore, ſaid he, looking upon the Grand Vizier, I give you three Days time to find him out; if you do not bring him within that ſpace, you ſhall die in his ſtead. The unfortunate Giafar, who thought himſelf now out of Danger, was terribly perplexed at this new Order of the Califf; bur as he durſt not return any Anſwer to this Prince, whoſe haſty Temper he knew too well, departed from his Preſence, and retir’d to his Houſe with Tears in his Eyes, perſuading himſelf he had but three Days to live; for he was ſo fully perſuaded that he ſhould not find the Slave, that he made not the leaſt Enquiry about him. It is poſſible, ſaid he, that in ſuch a City as Bagdad, where there’s an infinite Number of Negro Slaves, I ſhould be able to find out him that is guilty. So that unleſs God be pleaſed to bring it about, as he hath already deteſtes the Murderer, nothing can ſave my Life.
He ſpent the two first Days in Mourning with his Family, who ſat round him weeping and complaining of the Califf’s Cruelty. The third Day being come, he prepared himſelf to die with Courage, as an honeſt Miniſter, and one that had nothing to trouble his Conſcience; he ſent ​for Notaries and Witneſſes, who ſigned the laſt Will he made in their Preſence. After which he took leave of his Wife and Children, and bid them the laſt Farewel. All his Family was drown’d Tears; ſo that there never was a more ſorrowful Spectacle. At laſt the Meſſenger came from the Califf to tell him that he was out of all Patience, having heard nothing from him, nor concerning the Negroe Slave, which he had commanded him to ſearch for, I am therefore order’d, ſaid he, to bring you before his Throne. The afflicted Vizier made ready to follow the Meſſenger, but, as he was going out, they brought him his youngeſt Daughter about five or ſix Years of Age. The Nurſes that attended her preſented her to her Father to receive his laſt Bleſſing.
As he had a particular Love for that Child, he pray’d the Meſſenger to give him leave to ſtop for a Moment, and taking his Daughter in his Arms, he kifſed her ſeveral times; as he kiſs’d her, he perceiv’d ſhe had in her Boſom that look’d bulky, and had a ſweet Scent. My dear little one, ſaid he, what haſt thou in thy Boſom? My dear Father, ſaid ſhe, ’tis an Apple, upon which is written the Name of our Lord and Maſter the Califf, our Slave Rihan ſold it me for two Sequins.
At the Words Apple and Slave the Grand Vizier cried out with Surprize, intermixt with Joy, and putting his Hand into the Child’s Boſom pulled out the Apple: He caus’d the Slave, who was not far off, to be brought immediately, and when he came, Raſcal, ſaid he, Where hadſt thou this Apple? My Lord, ſaid the Slave, I ſwear to you that I neither ſtole it in your Houſe, nor out of the Commander of the Faithful’s Garden; but t’other Day, as I was going along a Street, where three or four ſmall Children were at play, one of them having it in his Hand, I ſnatch’d it from him and carried it away. The Child run after me, telling me it was none of his own, but belonged to his Mother, who was ſick, and that his Father, to ſave her Longing, had made a long ​Journey, and brought home three Apples, whereof this was one, which he had taken from his Mother without her Knowledge. He ſaid what he cou’d to make me give it him back, but I would not, and ſo brought it home and ſold it for two Sequins to the little Lady your Daughter, and this is the whole Truth of the Matter.
Giafar could not enough admire how the Roguery of a Slave had been the Cauſe of an innocent Woman’s Death, and almoſt of his own. He carried the Slave along with him, and when he came before the Califf, he gave that Prince an exact Account of all that the Slave had told him and the Chance that brought him to the Diſcovery of his Crime.
Never was any Surprize ſo great as that of the Califf, yet he could not prevent himſelf from falling into exceſſive Fits of Laughter. At laſt he recovered himſelf, and with a ſerious Mien told the Vizier That ſince his Slave had been the Occaſion of a ſtrange Accident he deferved an exemplary Puniſhment. Sir, I muſt own it, ſaid the Vizier, but his Guilt is not iremiſſible; I remember a ſtrange Story of a Viſier of Cairo, called Noureddin Ali, and Beddreddin Haſſin of Balſora, and ſince your Majeſty delights to hear ſuch Things, I am ready to tell it, upon Condition thar iſ your Majefty finds it more aſtoniſhing than that which gives me Occaſion to tell it, you will be pleaſed to pardon, my Slave. I am content, ſaid the Califf, but you undertake a hard Task, for I do not believe you can ſave your Slave, the Story of the Apples being very ſingular. Upon this Giafar began his Story thus,
The Story of Noureddin Ali, and Bedreddin Haſſan.
COmmander of the Faithful, there was in former Days a Sultan of Egypt, a ſtrict Obſerver of Juſtice, gracious, merciful and liberal, and his Valour made him terrible to his Neighbours. He loved the Poor, and protected the Learned, whom he advanced to the higheſt Dignities. This Sultan had a Viſier, who was prudent, wiſe, ſagacious, and well yers’d in all other Sciences. This Miniſter ​had two Sons very handſome Men, and who in every Thing followed his own footſteps, The Eldeft was called Schemſeddin Mohammed, and the Younger Noureddin Ali. The laſt eſpecially was endowed with all the good Qualities that any Man could have.
The Vizier their Father being dead, the Sultan ſent for them, and after he had caus’d then both to put on the uſual Robes of a Vizier; I am forry, ſays he, for the Loſs of your Father, as your ſelves, and becauſe I know you live together, and love one another entirely, I will beſtow his Dignity upon you conjunctly, go and imitate your Father’s Conduct.
The two new Viziers humbly thanked the Sultan, and went home to their Houſe, to make due Preparation for their Father’s Interment, They did not go abroad for a Month, and then went to Court, where they appeared continually on Council-Days; when the Sultan went out a hunting, one of the Brothers went along with him, and this Honour they had by Turns. One Evening as they were talking after Supper, the next Day being the elder Brother’s turn to go a hunting with the Sultan, he ſaid to his younger Brother, Since neither of us is yet married, and that we live ſo lovingly together, a Thought is come into my Head, Let us both marry in one Day, and let us chuſe two Siſters out of ſome Family thar may ſuit our Quality, What do you think of this Fancy? I muſt tell you, Brother, anſwer’d Noureddin Ali, that its very ſuitable to our Friendſhip, there cannot be a better Thought; for my part, I am ready to agree to any thing you ſhall think fit. But hold, this is not all, ſays Schemſeddin Mohammed, my Fancy carries me further. Suppoſe both our Wives could conceive the firſt Night of our Marriage, and ſhould happen to be brought to Bed on one Day, your’s of a Son, and mine of a Daughter, we will give them to one another in Marriage, when they come to Age. Nay, ſays Noureddin Ali aloud, I muſt acknowledge that this Proſpect is admirable, ſuch a Marriage will perfect our Union, and I willingly conſent to it. But then Brother, ſays he further, if this Marriage ſhould happen, would you expect that my Son ſhould ſettle a Jointure on your Daughter. ​There’s no Difficulty in that, replied the Elder, for I am perſuaded, that beſides the uſual Articles of the Marriage Contract, you will not ſail to promiſe in his Name at leaſt three thouſard Sequins, three good Mannors and three Slaves. No, ſaid the Younger, I will not conſent to that, we are not Brethren, and equal in Title and Dignity. Don’t you and I both know what’s juſt: The Male being nobler than the Female, it is your part to give a large Dowry with your Daughter. By what I perceive, you are a Man that would have your Buſineſs done at another Man’s Charge.
Altho’ Nonreddin Ali ſpoke theſe Words in jeſt, his Brother being of an ill Temper was offended at it, and falling into a Paſſion, A Miſchief upon your Son, ſaid he, ſince you prefer him before my Daughter, I wonder you had fo much Confidence, as to believe him worthy of her; you muſt needs have loſt your Judgment, to think you are my Equal, and ſay we are Colleagues: I would have you to know you Fool, that ſince you are ſo impudent, I would not marry my Daughter to your Son, tho’ you would give him more than you are worth. This pleaſant Quarrei between two Brothers about the Marriage of their Children before they were born, went ſo far that Schemſeddin Mohammed concluded with Threatnings; Were I not not to morrow, ſays he, to attend the Sultan, I would treat you according as you deſerve; but at my Return, I ſhall make you ſenſible that it does not become a younger Brother to ſpeak ſo inſolent]y to his elder Brother, as you have done to me. Upon this, he retir’d to his Apartment, and his Brother went to Bed.
Schemſeddin Mohammed roſe very early next Morning, and goes to the Pa/ace to attend the Sultan, who went to hunt about Cairo near the Pyramids. As for Noureddin Ali, he was very uneaſy all the Night, and conſidering that it would not be poſſible for him to live longer with a Brother who treated him with ſo much Haughtineſs; he provided a good Mule, furniſhed himſelf with Money, Jewels, Proviſion and Victuals, and having told his People, that he was going on a private Journey for two or three Days, he departed.
When he was out of Cairo, he rode by the Deſart towards Arabia; but his Mule happening to tire by the way, he was forced to continue his Journey on Foot. A Courier ​that was going to Balſora, by good Fortune overtaking him, took him up behind him. As ſoon as the Courier came to Balfora, Noureddin Ali lighted, and returned him Thanks for his Kindneſs: And he went about to ſeek for a Lodging, he ſaw a Perſon of Quality with a great Retinue coming along, to whom all the People ſhewed a mighty Reſpect; and ſtood ſtill till he paſt by. And Noureddin Ali ſtopt among the reſt. This was the Grand Vizier to the Sultan of Balſora, who walked thro’ the City to ſee that the Inhabitants kept good, Order and Diſcipline,
This Miniſter caſting his Eye by chance on Noureddin Ali, found ſomething extraordinary in his Aſpect, looked very attentively upon him, and as he came near him, and ſaw him in a Traveller’s Habit, he ſtood till, ask’d him who he was, and from whence he came. Sir, ſaid Noureddin Ali, I am an Egyptian, born at Cairo, and have left my Country, becauſe of the Unkindneſs of a near Relation, am reſolved to travel thro’ the World, and rather to die than return home again. The Grand Vizier, who was a reverend Old Gentleman, after hearing thoſe Words, ſays to him, Son, Beware, don’t purſue your Deſign, there is nothing but Miſery in the World, you are not ſenſible of the Hardſhips you muſt endure, come follow me, I may perhaps make you forget the thing that has forced you to leave your own Country.
Noureddin Ali followed the Grand Vizier, who ſoon perceived his good Qualities, and fell ſo much in Love with him, that one Day he ſays to him in private, My Son, I am as you ſee ſo far gone in Years, that there is no likelihood I ſhall live much longer, Heaven has beſtowed only one Daughter upon me, who is as beautiful as you are handſome, and now fit for Marriage. Several People of the greateſt Quality at this Court have deſired her for their Sons, but I could not grant their Requeſt. I have a Love for you. and think you ſo worthy to be receiv’d into my Family, that preferring you before all thoſe that have ſaught her, I am ready to accept you for my Son-in-law. If you like the Propoſal, I will acquaint the Suitan my Maſter, that I have adopted you by this Marriage, and I will pray him to grant you the Reverſion of my Dignity of Grand Vizier in the Kingdom of ​Balſora. In the mean time nothing being more requiſite for me, than Eaſe in my old Age, I will not only put you in poſſeſſion of my Eſtate, but leave the Adminiſtration of Publick Aﬀairs to your Management.
When the Grand Vizier had made an end of this kind and generous Propoſal, Noureddin Ali fell at his Feet, and expreſſing himſelf in Terms that demonſtrated his Joy and Gratitude, told the Vizier, that he was at his Command in every thing. Upon this the Vizier ſent for his chief Domeſticks, ordered them to furniſh the great Hall of his Palace, and prepare a great Feaſt; he afterwards ſent to invite the Nobility of the Court and City, to honour him with their Company, and when they were all met, (Noureddin Ali having now told him who he was) he ſaid to thoſe Lords, for he thought it proper to ſpeak thus, on purpoſe to ſatisfy ſuch of them to whom he had refuſed his Alliance, I am now, my Lords, to diſcover ſuch a thing to you, which hitherto I have kept ſecret, I have a Brother who is Grand Vizier to the Sultan of Egypt, as I am to the Sultan of this Kingdom. This Brother has but one Son, whom he would not marry in the Court of Egypt, but ſent him hither to marry my Daughter, that both our Branches may be reunited. His Son, whom I knew to be my Nephew, as ſoon as I ſaw him, is this young Gentleman I here preſent to you, and is to be my Son-in-law, I hope you will do me the Honour to be preſent at his Wedding, which I am to celebrate this Day. The Noblemen who could not take it ill, that he preferred his Nephew before all the great Matches that had been propoſed to him, ſaid, That he had very good Reaſon for what he did, were willing to be Witneſſes to the Ceremony, and wiſhed that God might prolong his Days to enjoy the Satisſaction of the happy Match.
Here Scheherazade broke off, becauſe Day appear’d, and next Night reſum’d her Story.
The Ninety Fourth Night.
SIR, ſaid ſhe, The Grand Vizier Giafar continu’d his Story to the Califf thus, The Lords met at the Vizier of Balſora’s Horſe, having teſtified their Satisfaction at the Marriage of his Daughter, with Noureddin Ali, ſat down ​to Dinner, which laſted a long while, and the latter Courſe was ſweat Meats, of which every one, according to Cuſtom, took what they thought fit. The Notaries came in with the Marriage Contract, the chief Lords ſigned it, and when the Company departed, the Grand Vizier order’d his Servants to prepare a Bagnio, and have every thing in readineſs for Noureddin Ali to bathe. He had fine new Linnen, and every thing elſe provided for him in the moſt curious Manner: When he had waſhed and dried himſelf, he was going to put on his former Apparel, but had an extraordinary rich Sute brought him. Being dreſs’d and perfum’d with the moſt odoriferous Eſſences, he went to ſee the Grand Vizier his Father-in-law, who was exceedingly well pleas’d with his genteel Mien, and having made him fit down, My Son, ſaid he, you have declared unto me who you are, and the Quality you had at the Court of Egypt. You have alſo told me of a Difference betwixt you and your Brother, which occaſion’d you to leave your Country. I deſire you to make me your entire Confident, and to acquaint me with the Cauſe of your Quarrel, for now you have no Reaſon either to doubt me, or to conceal any thing from me.
Noureddin Ali gave him an Account of every Circumſtance of the Quarrel, at which the Grand Vizier burſt out into a Fit of Laughter, and ſaid, This is one of the oddeſt Things that I ever heard; it is poſſible; my Son, that your Quarrel ſhould riſe ſo high, about an imaginary Marriage, I am ſorry you fell out with your Elder Brother upon ſuch a frivolous Matter; but I find he is in the wrong to be angry at what you only ſpoke in Jeſt, and I ought to thank Heaven for that Difference which has procur’d ſuch a Son in-law. But ſaid the old Genlleman, ’tis late, and time for you to retire, go to your Bride my Son, ſhe expects you, to Morrow I will preſent you to the Sultan, and hope he will receive you in fuch a manner as ſhall ſatisfy us both.
Noureddin Ali took leave of his Father-in-law, and went to his Spouſe’s Apartment. It is remarkable, continu’d Giaſar, that Schemſeddin Mohammed happen’d alſo to marry at Cairo the very ſame Day that this Marriage was ſolemniz’d at Balſora, the Particulars of which areas follows.
After Noureddin Ali left Cairo, with an Intention never to return, Schemſeddin Mohammed his elder Brother, who ​was gone a hunting with the Sultan of Egypt, did not come back in a Month, for the Sultan loved that Game extreamly, and therefore continu’d the Sport all that while. Schemſeddin at his Return run to Noureddin Ali’s Apartment, but was much ſurpriz’d when he underſtood that under pretence of taking a Journey of two or three Days, he went away on a Mule the ſame Day that the Sultan went a hunting, and had never appear’d ſince. It vex’d him ſo much the more, becauſe he did not doubt but the hard Words he had given him was the Cauſe of his going away. He ſent a Meſſenger in ſearch of him, who went to Damaſcus, and as far as Aleppo, but Noureddin was then at Balſora. When the Courier return’d and brought Word that he heard no News of him, Schemſeddin Mohammed intended to make further Enquiry after him in other Parts, and in the mean time had a fancy to marry, and match with tho Daughter of one of the greateſt Lords in Cairo upon the ſame Day his Brother married the Daughter of the Grand Vizier of Balſora.
But this is not all, ſaid Giafar, at the end of Nine Months, Schemſeddin Mohammed’s Wife was brought to Bed of a Daughter at Cairo, and on the ſame Day Noureddin’s Wife brought forth a Son at Balſora, who was called Bedreddin Haſſan.
The Grand Vizier of Balſora teſtify’d his Joy by great Gifts, and publick Entertainments for the Birth of his Grandſon. And to ſhew his Son-in-law the great Eſteem he had for him, he went to the Palace, and moſt humbly begg’d of the Sultan to grant Noureddin Ali his Office, that he might have the Comfort before his Death to ſee his Son-in-law made Grand Vizier in his ſtead.
The Sultan, who had taken a great Liking to Noureddin, when his Father preſented him after his Marriage, and had ever ſince heard every Body ſpeak well of him, readily granted his Father-in-law’s Requeſt, and cauſed Noureddin immediately to put on the Robe of the Grand Vizier.
The next Day, when the Father ſaw his Son-in-law preſide in Council as he himſelf had done, and perform’d all the Offices of a Grand Vizier, his Joy was compleat. Noureddin Ali behaved himſelf ſo well in every thing, that one would have thought he had been all his Life-time employed in ſuch Affairs; He continu’d afterward to aſſiſt in ​Council every time, when the Infirmities of Age would not permit his Father-in-law to appear.
The old Gentleman died about four Years after, with great Satisfaction, to ſee a Branch of his Family that promis’d ſo fair to ſupport the Grandeur of it.
Noureddin Ali performed his laſt Duty to him, with all poſſible Love and Gratitude. As ſoon 3as his Son Bedreddin Haſſan had attain’d to ſeven Years of Age, he provided him a moſt excellent Tutor, who taught him ſuch Things as became his Birth. The Child had a ready Wit, and a Genius capable of receiving all the good Inſtructions that could be given.
Scheherazade was going on, but perceiving Day, we put an end to her Diſcourſe, and reſumed it thus the Night following.
The Ninety Fifth Night.
SIR, the Vizier Giafar continu’d his Story, told the Califf, That after Bedreddin Haſſan had been two Years under the Tuition of his Maſter, who taught him perfectly to read; he learnt the Alcoran by heart. His Father Noureddin Ali put him afterwards to other Tutors, by whom his Mind was cultivated to ſuch a Degree, that when he was twelve Years of Age he had no more occafion for them. And then as his Phyſiognomy promiſed Wonders, he was admir’d by all that looked upon him.
Hitherto Noureddin Ali had kept him to his Study, and had not yet brought him in Publick, but now he carried him to the Palace, on purpoſe to have the Honour of kiſsing the Sultan’s Hand, who received him very graciouſly. The People that ſaw him in the Streets were charmed with his genteel Mein, and gave him a thouſand Bleſſings
His Father propoſed to make him capable of ſupplying his Place, ſpared no Coſt for that end, and brought him up to Buſineis of the greateſt Moment, on purpoſe to qualify him betimes. In ſhort, he omitted nothing to advance a Son he lov’d ſo well. But as he began to enjoy the Fruits of his Labour, he was all on a ſudden taken with a violent Fit of Sickneſs; and finding himſelf paſt Recovery, diſpoſed himſelf to die a good Muſſelman.
​In that laſt and precious Moment he forgot not his Son Bedreddin, but call’d for him, and ſaid, “My Son, you ſee this World is tranſitory, there is nothing durable but that which I ſhall ſpeedily go to. You muſt therefore from henceforth begin to fit your ſelf tor this Change, as I have done; you muſt prepare for it without murmuring, and fo as to haye no Trouble of Conſcience for not acting the part of a real honeſt Man. As dor your Religion, you are ſufficiently inſtruted in it, by what you have learnt from your Tutors, and your own Study; and as to what belongs to an honeſt Man, I ſhall give you ſome Inſtructions, which I hope you will make good uſe of. As it is a neceſſary thing to know one’s ſelf, and that you cannot come to that Knowledge, without you firſt underſtand who I am, I ſhall now tell it you,
“I am (ſays he) a Native of Egypt, my Father, your Grandfather, was firſt Miniſter to the Sultan of that Kingdom. I my ſelf had the Honour to be Vizier to that ſame Sultan, and fo has my Brother your Uncle, who I ſuppoſe is yet alive; his Name is Schemſeddin Mohammed. I was oblig’d to leave him, and come into this Country, where I have raiſed my ſelf to the high Dignity I now enjoy. But you will underſtand all theſe Matters more fully by a Manuſcript that I ſhall give you.”
At the ſame time, Noureddin Ali pulled out his Pocket-Book which he had writ with his own Hand, and carried always about him, and giving it Bedreddin Haſſan, “Take it (ſaid he) and read it at your leiſure; you will find among other Things, the Day of my Marriage, and that of your Birth; theſe are ſuch Circumſtances, as perhaps you may hereafter have occaſion to know, therefore you mult keep it very carefully.”
Bedreddin Haſſan being moſt afflicted to ſee his Father in that Condition, and ſenfibly touch’d with this Diſcourſe, cou’d not but weep when he receiv’d the Pocker-Book, and promis’d at the ſame time never to part with it.
That very Moment Noureddin Ali fainted, ſo that it was thought he would have expir’d; but he came to himſelf again, and utter’d theſe Words,
​My Son, ſays he, The Firſt Inſtruction I give you, is not to make your ſelf familiar with all ſorts of People. The way to live happy is to keep your Mind to your felf, and not to tell your Thoughts eaſily,
Secondly, Not to do Violence to any body whatever, for in that Caſe you will draw every Body’s Hatred upon you. You ought to conſider the World as a Creditor, to whom you owe Moderation, Compaſſion and Forbearance.
Thirdly, Not to ſay a Word when you are reproach’d; for as the Proverb fays, He that keeps Silence is out of Danger. And in this Caſe particularly you ought to practiſe it. You alſo know what one of our Poets fays upon this Subject, That Silence is the Ornament and Safe-guard of Life, that our Speech ought not to be like a Storm. of Rain that ſpoils all. Never did any Man yet repent of having ſpoke too little, whereas many have been ſorry that they ſpoke too much.
Fourthly, To drink no Wine, for that is the Source of all Vices.
Fifthly, To be frugal in your way of living; if you do not ſquander your Eſtate away, it will maintain you in time of Neceſlity. I do not mean you ſhould be either too liberal, or too niggardly; for tho’ you have never fo little, if you husband it well, and lay it out on proper Occaſions, you ſhall have many Friends; but if on the contrary you have great Riches, and make but a bad uſe of ’em, all the World will forſake you, and leave you to your ſelf.
In ſhort, Noureddin Ali continued till the laſt Momentof his Breath to give good Advice to his Son; and when he was dead he was magnificently interr’d.
Scheherazade ſtopt her Diſcourſe here, becauſe ſhe ſaw Day, and deferr’d the Reſidue of the Story till next Night.
The Ninty Sixth Night.
THe Sultaneſs of the Indies being awak’d by her Sifter Dinarzade at the uſual Hour, the addrefs’d her felf to Schahriar. Sir, faid ſhe, the Califf was very well fatisfied to hear the Grand Vizier Giafar relate his Story, and he continu’d it thus.
Noureddin Ali was buried with all the Honours due to his Quality, Bedreddin Haſſan of Balſora, for fo he was ​call’d, becauſe born in that Town, was ſo oyerwhelm’d with Grief for the Death of his Father, that inſtead of a Months Time to mourn, according to Cuſtom, he kept Himſelf cloſe ſhut up in Tears and Solitude about two Months, without ſeeing any Body, or ſo much as going abroad to pay his Duty to the Sultan of Balſora; who, being diſpleaſed at this Neglect, look’d upon it as a Slight put on his Court and Perſon, ſuffer’d his Paſſion to prevail, and in his Fury call’d for the new Grand Vizier, (for he had created anew one as ſoon as Nouredden Ali died) commanded him to go to the Houſe of the Deceaſed, and ſeize upon it, with all his other Houſes, Lands and Effects, without leaving any thing for Bedreddin Haſſan, and to bring him Priſoner along with him.
The new Grand Vizier, accompany’d with a great many Meſſengers belonging to the Palace, Juſtices, and other Officers, went immediately to execute his Commiſſion. But one of Bedreddin Haſſan’s Slaves happening accidentally to come into the Crowd, no ſooner underſtood the Vizier’s Errand, but he run before in all haſte to give his Maſter warning. He found him ſitting in the Porch of his Houſe, as melancholy as if his Father had but newly been dead. He fell down at his Feet out of Breath, and after he had kiſſed the Hem of his Garment, cry’d out, My Lord, ſave your ſelf immediately. Bedreddin Haſſan lifting up his Head, What’s the Matter, what News doſt thou bring? My Lord, ſaid he, there is no time to be loſt; the Sultan is horribly incenſed againſt you, and he has ſent People to take all that you have, and alſo to ſeize your Perſon.
The Words of. this faithful and affectionate Slave, put Bedreddin Haſſan into great Confuſion; May not I have ſo much time, ſaid he, as to take ſome Money and Jewels along with me? No, Sir, replied the Slave, the Grand Vizier will be here this Moment, Be gone immediately, ſave your ſelf. Bedreddin Haſſan roſe up from his Sofa in all haſte, and put his Feet in his Sandals, and after he had cover’d his Head: with the Tail of his Gown that his Face might not be known, he fled, without knowing what wav to go to avoid the impending Danger.
The firſt Thought that came in his Head, was, to get out of the next Gate with all ſpeed. He run without ſtopping, till he came to the publick Church-yard, and ſince it was ​growing dark, he refolv’d to paſs that Night on his Fathers Tomb. It was a large Edifice, in form of a Dome, which Noureddin Ali built when he was alive. Bedreddin met a very rich Jew by the way, who was a Banker and Merchant, and was returning from a Place where his Affairs had called him to the City.
The Jew, knowing Bedreddin, halted, and ſaluted him very curteouſly. Day beginning to appear as Scheheraade ſpoke thoſe Words, ſhe put it off till next Night, when ſhe reſum’d her Diſcourſe again,
The Ninty Seventh Night.
SIR, ſaid ſhe, the Calif was very attentive to the Grand Vizier’s Diſcourſe, who went on after this manner. Iſaac the Jew, after he had paid his Reſpects to Bedreddin Haſſan, by kiſſing his Hand, ſays, My Lord, dare I be ſo bold as to ask whether you are going at this time of Night all alone, and ſo much troubled? Has any thing diſquieted you? Yes, ſaid Bedreddin, a while ago I was aſleep, and my Father appearing to me in a Dream, looked very fiercely upon me, as if he were extraordinary angry. I ſtarted out of my Sleep very much frightned, and came out immediately to go and pray upon his Tomb.
My Lord, ſaid the Jew, (who did not know the true Reaſon why Bedreddin left the Town) your Father of happy Memory, and my good Lord, had ſtore of Merchandize in ſeveral Veſſels, which are yet at Sea, and belong to you, I beg the Favour of you to grant me the firſt Refuſal of them before any other Merchant. I am able to pay down ready Money for all the Goods that are in your Ship: And to begin, if you will, give me thoſe that happen to come in the firſt Ship that arrives in Safety, I will pay you down in part of Payment 1000 Sequins. And drawing a Fag from under his Gown, he ſhew’d it him ſealed up with one Seal.
Bedreddin Haſſan being baniſh’d from home, and diſpoſſefs’d of all that he had in the World, look’d upon this Propoſal of the Jew’s as a Favour from Heaven, and therefore accepted it with a great deal of Joy. My Lord, ſaid the Jew, then you ſell unto me for 1000 Sequins, the Lading of the firſt of your Ships that ſhall arrive in this Port. Yes, an-​ſwered Bedreddin, I ſell it to you for 1000 Sequins, it is done. Upon this the Jew deliver’d him the Bag of 1000 Sequins, and offered to count ’em, but Bedreddin Haſſan ſav’d him the Trouble, and ſaid, He would truſt his Word. Since it is ſo, My Lord, ſaid he, be pleaſed to favour me with a ſmall Note in Writing of the Bargain we have made, And having ſaid this, pulled his Ink-horn from his Girdle, and taking a ſmall Reed out of it neatly cut for Writing, he preſented it to him, with a Piece of Paper he took out of his Letter-Caſe; and whilſt he held the Ink-horn, Bedredlin Haſſan wrote theſe Words.
THIS Writing is to Teſtify, That Bedreddin Haſſan of Balſora, has ſold to Iſaac the Jew, for the ſum of a Thouſand Sequins received in Hand, the Lading of the firſt of his Ships that ſhall arrive in this Port.
Bedreddin Haſſan of Balſora
This Note he deliver’d to the Jew, who put it in his Letter-Cafe, and then took his Leave of him.
While Iſaac purſued his Journey to the City, Bedreddin made the beſt of his way to his Father Noureddin Ali’s Tomb. When he came to it, he bowed his Face to the Ground, and with his Eyes full of Tears, deplored his miſerable Condition. Alas! ſaid he, Unfortunate Bedreddin, What will become of thee? Whither canſt thou fly for Refuge againſt the unjuſt Prince that perſecutes thee? Was it not enough to be afflicted for the Death of ſo dear a Father? Muſt Fortune needs add new Misfortunes to juſt Complaints? He continued a long time in this Poſture, but at laſt roſe up again, and leaning his Head upon his Father’s Sepulchre, his Sorrows returned more violently than before, ſo that he ſigh’d and mourned, till, overcome with Heavineſs, he ſtretch’d himſelf all along upon the Floor, and fell aſleep.
He had not ſlept long, till a Genie, who had retired to that Church-yard during the Day, and was intending, according to his Cuſtom, to range about the World at Night, eſpying this young Man in Noureddin Ali’s Tomb; he entered, and finding Bedreddin lying on his Back, was ſurprized at his Beauty.
​Day-light appeared, and prevented Scheherazade’s going on with her Story, but next Night at the uſual Hour ſhe continued it thus,
The Ninty Eighth Night.
WHEN the Genie had attentively conſiderd Bedreddin Haſſan, he ſaid to himſelf To judge of this Creature by his good Mein he would ſeem to be an Angel of the terreſtrial Paradiſe, whom God has ſent to put the World in a Flame with his Beauty. Ar laſt, after he had ſatisfied himſelt with looking upon him, he took a Flight into the Air, where meeting by chance with a Fairy, they ſaluted one another, after which he ſaid to him, Pray deſcend with me into the Church-Yard, where I ſtay, and I will ſhew you a prodigious Beauty, which is worthy your Admiration as well as mine, The Fairy conſented, and both deſcended in an Inſtant, they came into the Tomb, Look ye, ſaid the Genie to the Fairy, ſhowing him Bedreddin Haſſan, did you ever ſee a young Man of a better Shape and more beautiful than this.
The Fairy, having attentively obſerv’d Bedreddin, returned to the Genie, I muſt confeſs, ſaid ſhe, that he’s a very handſome Man, but I juſt now came from ſeeing an Object at Cairo, more admirable than this, and if you will hear me, I will tell you a ſtrange Story concerning her. You will very much oblige me in ſo doing, anſwer’d the Genie. You muſt know then, ſaid the Fairy, (for I will tell it you at length) That the Sultan of Egypt has a Vizier called Schemſedden Mohammed, who has a Daughter of about Twenty Years of Age, the moſt beautiful and complete Perſon that ever was known. The Sultan having heard of this Young Lady’s beauty, ſent the other Day for her Father, and told him, I underſtand you have a Daughter to marry; I have a mind to marry her. Will not you conſent to it? The Vizier, who did not expect this Propoſal, was troubled at it, and inſtead of accepting it joyfully, which another in his Place would certainly have done, he anſwer’d the Sultan; May it pleaſe your Majeſty, I am not worthy of the Honour you would confer upon me, and I moſt humbly beſeech you to pardon me, If I do not agree to your Requeſt; You know I had a Brother, call’d ​Noureddin Ali, who had the Honour, as well as my ſelf, to be one of your Viziers. We had ſome Difference together, which was the Cauſe ot his leaving me on a ſudden, and fince that time I have had no Account of him till within theſe Four Days, that I heard he died at Balſora, being Grand Vizier to the Sultan of that Kingdom.
He has left a Son behind him, and there having been an Agreement between us to match our Children together, if ever we had any, I am perſuaded he intended that Match when he died; and being deſirous to fulfil the Promiſe on my part, I conjure your Majeſty to grant me Leave. You have in your Court many other Lords who have Daughters as well as I, on whom you may pleaſe to beſtow that Honour.
The Sultan of Egypt was incens’d againſt Schemſeddin Mohammed to the higheſt Degree.
Here Scheherazade ſtopt, becauſe Day appear’d and next Night reſum’d her Story, ſtiil perſonating the Vizier Giafar ſpeaking to Harowun Alraſchid the Califf.
The Ninty Ninth Night.
THE Sultan of Egypt provoked at this bold Denial of Schemſeddin Mohammed, ſays to him in Paſſion, which he could not reſtrain; Is this the way you requite my Propoſal to ſtoop ſo low as to deſire your Alliance, I know how to revenge your daring to prefer another to me, and I ſwear that your Daughter ſhall be married to the moſt contemptible and ugly of all my Slaves. And, having ſpoke thoſe Words, he angrily bid the Vizier be gone, who went home to his Houſe full of Confuſion, and extraordinary ſad.
This very Day the Sultan ſent for one of his Grooms, who is Hump-back’d, Big-belly’d, Crook-legg’d, and as ugly as a Hobgoblin, and after having commanded Schemſeddin Mohemmed to conſent to marry his Daughter to this ghaſtly Slave, he cauſed the Contract to be made, and ſigned by Witneſſes in his own Preſence. The Preparations for this Fantaſtical Wedding are all ready, and this very Moment all the Slaves belonging to the Lords of the Court of Egypt,are waiting at the Door of a Bagnio, each with a ​Flambeau in his Hand, for the Crook-back’d Groom, who is bathing himſelf to go along with them to his Bride, who is already dreſs’d to receive him, and when I departed from Cairo, the Ladies met for that Purpoſe, were going to condudt her in all her nuptial Attire to the Hall, where ſhe is to receive her Hump-back’d Bridegroom, and is this Minute now expecting him: I have ſeen her, and do aſſure you, that no Perſon can look upon her without Admiration.
When the Fairy left oft ſpeaking, the Genie ſays to him, Whatever you think or ſay, I cannot be perſuaded that the Girl’s beauty-exceeds that of this young Man. I will not diſpute it with you, anſwer’d the Fairy, for I muſt confeſs he deſerves to be married to that charming Creature, which they deſign for Hump-back. And I think it were a Deed worthy of us to obſtruct the Sultan of Egypt’s Injuſtice, and put this young Gentleman in the Room of the Slave, You are in the right, anſwer’d the Genie, “I am extreamly oblig’d to you for ſo good a Thought; let us deceive him, I conſent to your revenge upon the Sultan of Egypt, let us comfort a diſtreſſed Father and make his Daughter as happy as ſhe thinks her ſelf miſerable; I will do my utmoſt Endeavour to make this Project take, and I am perſuaded you will not be backward, I will be at the Pains to carry him to Cairo, before he awake, and afterwards leave it to your Care, to carry him elſewhere, when we have accompliſhed our Deſign.”
The Fairy and the Genie having thus concerted what they had to do, the Genie lifted up Bedreddin Haſſan gently, and with an inconceivable Swiftneſs, carried him through the Air, and ſet him down at the Door of a publick Houſe next to the Bagnio, whence Hump-back was to come with the Train of Slaves that waited for him. Bedreddin Haſſan awak’d that very Moment, and was mightily ſurpriz’d to find himſelf in the middle of a City he knew not, he was a going to cry out, and to ask where he was, but the Genie touch’d him gently on the Shoulder, and forbid him to ſpeak a Word. Then he put a Torch in his Hand, and bid him go, and mix with the Crowd at the Bagnio-Door, and follow them till you come into a Hall, where they are going to celebrate a Marriage. The Bridegroom is a Hump-back’d Fellow, and by that you will eaſi-​ly know him. Put your ſelf at the Right-Hand as you go in, and then immediately open the Purſe of Sequins you have in your Boſom, and diſtribute em among the Muficians and Dancers, as they go along; and when you are got into the Hall, give Money alſo to the Female Slaves you ſee about the Bride, when they come near you; but every time you put your Hand in the Purſe, be ſure you take out a whole Handful, and do not ſpare them. Obſerve to do every thing exactly as I have told you, with great Preſence of Mind; be not afraid of any Perſon or Thing, and leave the reſt to a Superior Power, who will order Matters as he thinks fit.
Young Bedreddin, being well inſtructed in all that he was to do, advanced towards the Door of the Bagnio; the firſt thing he did was to light his Torch at that of a Slave, and then mixing among them as if he belong’d to ſome Nobleman of Cairo, he marched along as they did, and followed Hump-back, who came out of the Bagnio, and mounted a Horſe out of the Sultan’s own Stable. Day-light appearing put a ſtop to Scheherazade’s Diſcourſe, and the deterr’d the following Part of the Story till next Night.
The Hundred Night.
SIR, ſaid ſhe, The Vizier Giafar continued his diſcourſe, and ſaid, Bedreddin Haſſan, coming near to the Muſicians, and Men and Women Dancers, who went juſt before the Bridegroom, pulled out time after time whole Handfuls of Sequins, which he diſtributed among them: And as he thus gave his Money with all unparallel’d Grace, and engaging Mien, all thoſe that received it caſt their Eyes upon him, and after they had a full View of his Face, they found him ſo handſome and comely that they could not look off again.
At laſt they came to Schemſeddin Mohammed’s Gate who was Bedreddin Haſſan’s Uncle, and little thought his Nephew was ſo near. The Door-keepers, to prevent any Diſorder, kept back all the Slaves that carried Torches, and would not let them come in. Bedreddin was likewiſe refuſed, but the Muſicians, who had free Entrance, ſtood ſtill and proteſted they wou’d not go in, if they hindred him to go along with them. He is not one of the Slaves, ſaid they ​look upon him and you’ll ſoon be ſatisfied as to that. He is a young Stranger, who is curious to ſee the Ceremonies obſeryed at at Weddings in this City; and ſaying thus, they put him in the middle of them, and carried him in whether the Porters would or no, they took his Torch out of his Hand, and gave it to the firſt they met; having brought him into the Hall, they placed him at the Right-hand of the Hump-back’d Bridegroom, who ſat near the Vizier’s Daughter on a Throne moſt richly adorn’d.
She appear’d very lovely in all her Dreſſes, but in her Face there was nothing to be ſeen but Vexation and mortal Grief. The Cauſe of this was eaſy to be gueſſed at, when ſhe had by her Side a Bridegroom ſo very deformed, and fo unworthy of her Love. The Throne of that ill-match’d Couple, was in the midit of a Sopha. The Ladies of the Emirs, Vizier’s, and thoſe of the Sultan’s Bed-Chamber, and ſeveral other Ladies of the Court and City were placed on each ſide, a little lower, every one according to their Quality, and all of them o fine and richly dreſs’d, that it was one of the pleaſanteſt Sights that could be ſeen, each of ’em holding a large Wax-Taper in their Hand.
When they ſaw Bedreddin Haſſan come into the Room, they all fix’d their Eyes upon him, and admiring his Shape, his Behaviour and the Beauty of his Face, they could not forbear looking upon him. When he was ſet down, every one left their Seats, and came near to him to have a full View of his Face, and almoſt all of ’em as they turned to their Seats, found themſelves moved with tender Paſſhion.
The Diſparity between Bedreddin Haſſan and the Hump-back’d Groom, who made ſuch a horrible Figure, occafion’d a great Murmuring among the Company, infomuch that the Ladies cried out, We muſt give our Bride to this handſome young Gentleman, and not to this ugly Hump-back. Nor did they reſt here, but utter’d Imprecations againft the Sultan, who abuſing his abſolute Power, would unite Uglineſs and Beauty together, They did alſo upbraid the Bridegroom, ſo as they put him quite out of Countenance, to the great Satisfaction of the Spetators, whoſe Shouts for ſome time put a ſtop to the Conſort of Muſick in the Hall. At laſt the Muſicians began again, and the Women, who had dreſſ’d the Bride, cameallabout her. But ​Scheherazade perceiving Day, broke off till next Night, then ſhe continued her Story.
Note, The Hundred and Firſt, and the Hundred and Second Night, in the Original, contain only a Deſcription of Seven Robes, and ſeven different Drefſes, which the Vizier Schemſeddin Mohammed’s Daughter changed at the Sound of the Inſtruments. And this Deſcription having nothing pleaſant in it; and beſides, being intermixt with Verſes which in the Arabian Tongue are very fine, but would loſe their Beauty by a Tranſlation. I thought it not worth while to tranſlate thoſe two Nights.
The Hundred and Third Night.
SIR, ſays Scheherazade to the Sultan of the Indies, I hope your Majeſty has not forgot, that ’tis the Grand Vizier Giafar who ſpeaks to the Calif Haroun Alraſchid. Each time (continues he) that the new Bride changed her Habit, ſhe roſe up from her Seat, followed by her Bride-woman, and paſt by Hump-back without giving him one look, and went towards Bedreddin Haſſan, before whom ſhe preſented herſelf in her new Attire. On this Occaſion Bedreddin, according to the Inſtructions given him by the Genie, failed not to put his Hand in his Purſe, and pulled out Handfuls of Sequins, which he diſtributed among the Women that follow’d the Bride. Nor did he forget the Players and Dancers, but alſo threw Money to them. ’Twas pleaſant to ſee how puſh’d one another to gather it up. They ſhewed themſelves very thankful, and made him ſigns that the young Bride ſhould be for him, and not for the Hump-back Fellow. The Women that attended her, told her the ſame thing, and did not value whether the Groom heard them or not, for they put a Thouſand Tricks upon him, which very much pleaſed the Spectators.
When the Ceremony of changing of Habits was paſs’d, the Muſick ceaſed and went away, but made a Sign to Bedreddin Haſſan to ſtay behind. The Ladies did the ſame, and went all Home, but thoſe that belong’d to the Houſe. The Bride went into a Cloſet, whither her Women followed to undreſs her, and none remain’d in the Hall but the Hump-back Groom, Bedreddin Haſſan, and ſome of the Domeſticks,
​Hump-back, who was furiouſly mad at Bedreddin ſufpecting him to be his Rival, gave him a croſsLook, and ſaid, And thou, what doſt thou wait for? Why art thou not fone as well as the reſt? Begone. Bedreddin, having no Preſence to ſtay, withdrew, not knowing what to do with himſelf. But he was not got out of the Porch, when the Genie and Fairy met, and ſtopp’d him. Whither are you going? ſaid the Fairy, ſtay, for Hump-back is not in the Hall, he is gone out about ſome Buſineſs; you have nothing to do but return, and introduce your ſelf into the Bride’s Chamber. As ſoon as you are alone with her, tell her boldly, That you are her Husband, that the Sultan’s Intention was only to make Sport with the Groom; and to make this pretended Bridegroom ſome amends, you had caus’d to be prepar’d for him, in the Stable a good Diſh of Cream. And then tell her all the fine things you can think on to perſwade her; for being ſo handſome as you are, little Perſuation will do, ſhe will think herſelf happy of being deceived ſo agreeably. In the mean time, we will take care that Hump-back ſhall not return, and let nothing hinder you to paſs the Night with your Bride, for ſhe is yours, and none of his.
While the Fairy thus encouraged Bedreddin, and inftructed him how he ſhould behave himſelf, Hump-back was really gone out of the Room. For the Genie went to him in the Shape of a great Cat, miauling at a moſt fearful Rate. The Fellow called to the Cat, and clapt his Hands to make her flee, but inſtead of that, the Cat ſtood upon her hinder Feet, ſtaring with her Eyes like Fire, looking fiercely at him, miauling louder than ſhe did at firſt, and growing bigger till ſhe was as large as an Aſs. At this fight, Hump-back would have cried out for Help, but his Fear was ſo great, that he ſtood gaping, and could not utter one Word; and that he might have no time to recover, the Genie changed himſelf immediately into a large Buffalo, and in this Shape called to him with a Voice that redoubled his Fear, Thou Hump-back Villain. At theſe Words the aftrighted Groom caſt him ſelf on the Ground, and covering his Face with his Gown that he might not ſee this dreadful Beaſt, “Sovereign Prince of Buttaloes, (ſaid he) what is it you want of me?” “Wo be to thee (repliesthe Genie) haſt thou the boldneſs to venture to marry my Miſtreſs.” &;dquo;O my Lord, (ſaid Hump-back) I pray you to pardon me, ​if I amguilty ’tis thro’ Ignorance. I did not know that this Lady had a Bufſalo to her Sweet-heart; command me in any thing you pleaſe, I give you my Oath that am ready to obey you. By Death, (replied the Genie) if thou goeſt out from hence, or ſpeakeſth a Word till the Sun riſes, I will cruſh thy Head to pieces; but then I give thee Leave to go from hence: I warn thee to make diſpatch, and nor to look back; but if thou haſt the Impudenee to return, it ſhall coſt thee thy Life.” When the Genie had done ſpeaking, he transformed himſelf into the Shape of a Man, took Hump-back by the Legs, and after having ſet him againſt the Wall with his Head downwards, If thou ſtir, ſaid he, before the Sunriſe, as I have told thee already, I will take thee by the Heels again, and daſh thy Head in a thouſand pieces againſt the Wall.
To return to Bedredden Haſſan, who being promp’d by the Genie, and the Preſence of the Fairy, he got into the Hall again, from whence he ſlipt into the Bride-chamber, where he ſat down expecting the Succeſs of his Adventure. After a while the Bride arriv’d, condudted by an old Matron, who came no further than the Door, exhorting the Bride-groom to do his Duty like a Man, without looking in to ſee if it was Hump-back or another, and then locked the Door, and retir’d.
The young Bride was mightily ſurpriz’d inſtead of Hump-back to find Bedreddin Haſſen, who came up to her with the beſt Grace in the World. “What! My dear Friend, (ſaid ſhe) by your being here at this time of Night, you muſt be my Husband’s Comrade?” “No, Madam, (ſaid Bedreddin) I am of another ſort of Quality than that ugly Hump-back.” “But (ſaid ſhe) you don’t conſider that you ſpeak degradingly of my Husband.” “He your Husband, Madam, (replies he) can you retain thoſe Thoughts ſo long? be convinc’d of your Miſtake, Madam, for ſo much Beauty muſt never be ſacrific’d to the moſt contemptible of all Mankind. ’Tis I, Madam, that am the happy Mortal for whom it is reſerv’d, The Sultan had a mind to make himſelf merry, by putting this Trick upon the Vizier your Father, but he has choſen me to be your real Husband, You might have obſerved how the Ladies, the Muſicians, the Dancers, your Women, and all the Servants of your Family were pleaſed with this Comedy, We have ſent ​that Hump-back Fellow to his Stable again, where he is juſt now eating a Diſh of Cream. And you may reſt affur’d, that he will never appear any more before your Eyes.”
At this Diſcourſe the Vizier’s Daughter (who was more like one dead than alive when ſhe came into the Bride-chamber) put on a gay Air, which made her ſo handſome, that Bedreddin was perfecly charm’d with her.
I did not expect, ſaid ſhe, to meet with fo plealant a Surprize; and I had condemn’d my ſelf to live unhappy all my Days. But my good Fortune is ſo much the greater, that I poſſeſs in you a Man that is worthy of my tendereſt Affection.
Having ſpoke thus, ſhe undreſs’d herſelf and ſtep’d into Bed, Bedreddin Haſſan overjoy’d to ſee himſelf Poſeſſor of ſo many Charms, made haſte to follow her, and laid his Cloaths upon a Chair, with his Bag that he got from the Jew; which notwithſtanding all the Money he had pulled out, was ſtill full. He likewiſe laid off his Turban, and put on a Night-cap that had been ordain’d for Hump-back, and ſo went to Bed in his Shirt and Drawers. His Drawers were of blue Sattin, tied with a Lace of Gold.
Day beginning to dawn, oblig’d Scheherazade to ſtop, but next Night, being call’d upon at the ordinary Hour, ſhe reſumed her Story, and went on after this manner.
The hundred and Fourth Night.
WHILST the two Lovers were aſleep, (ſaid the Grand Vizier Giafar) the Genie, who had met again with the Fairy, ſays to him, That it was high time to finiſh what was begun, and ſo ſucceſsfully carried on hitherto, then let us not be overtaken by Day-light, which will ſoon appear, go you and bring off the young Man again without awak’ning him.
The Fairy went into the Bed-chamber where the two Lovers were faſt aſleep, took up Bedreddin Haſſan juſt as he was, that is to ſay, in his Shirt and Drawers, and in Company with the Genie with a wonderful Swiftneſs flew away with him to the Gates of Damaſcus in Syria, where they arrived juſt at the time when the Officers of ​the Moſques appointed for that End, were calling the People to come to Prayers at the break of Day. The Fairy laid Bedreddin Haſſan ſoftly on the Ground and, leaving him cloſe by the Gate, departed with the Genie.
The Gate of the City being open’d and a great many People aſſembled to get out, they were mightily ſurpriz’d to ſee Bedredden Haſſan lying in his Shirt and Drawers upon the Ground. One ſaid, He has been hard put to it to get away from his Miſtreſs, that he could not get time to put on his Cloaths. Look ye, ſays another, how People expoſe themſelves, ſure enough he has ſpent ſome part of the Night in drinking with his Friends, ’till he has got drunk, and then, perhaps, having occaſion to go out, inſtead of returning is come this length, and not having his Senſes about him, was overtaken with Sleep. Others were of another Opinion; but no Body could gueſs what had been the occaſion of his coming thither.
A ſmall Puff of Wind happening to blow at the ſame time, uncover’d his Breaſt that was whiter than Snow. Every one being ſtruck with Admiration at the Fineneſs of his Complexion, they ſpoke ſo loud that it awak’d the young Man.
His Surprizal was as great as theirs, when he found himſelf at the Gate of a City, where he had never been before, and encompaſſed by a Croud of People gazing at him. Gentlemen, ſaid he, for Gods ſake tell me where I am, and what you would have of me? One of the Crowd ſpoke to him, ſaying, Young Man, the Gates of the City were juſt now open’d, and as we came out we found you lying here in this Condition, and ſtood ſtill to look on you; Have you lain here all Night? And don’t you know that you are at one of the Gates of Damaſcus? At one of the Gates of Damaſcus! anſwer’d Bedreddin; ſure you mock me. When I lay down to ſleep laſt Night, I was at Cairo. When he ſaid theſe Words, ſome of the People, moved with Compaſion for him, ſaid, *rsquo;Tis a pity that ſuch a handſome Young Man ſhould have loſt his Senſes, and ſo went away.
My Son, ſays an old Gentleman to him, you know not what you ſay, How is it poſſible that you being this Morning at Damaſcus, could be laſt Night at Cairo? ’Tis true for all that, ſaid Bedreddin; for I ſwear to you, that I was all Day Yeſterday at Balſora, He had no ſooner ſaid theſe ​Words, but all the People fell into a Fit of Laughter, and cried out, He’s a Fool, he’s a Madman. There were ſome however that pitied him becauſe of his Youth; and one among the Company ſaid to him, My Son, you muſt certainly be crazed, you do not conſider what you ſay. Is it poſſible that a Man could yeſterday be at Balſora, the ſame Night at Cairo, and next Morning at Damaſcus? Sure you are aſleep ſtill; come rouſe up your Spirits, What I ſay, anſwer’d Bedreddin Haſſan, is ſo true, that laſt Night I was married in the City of Cairo. All thoſe that laugh’d before, could not forbear laughing again, when he ſaid ſo, call your ſelf to mind, ſays the ſame Perſon that ſpoke before, you have ſure enough dreamt all this, and that Fancy ſtill poſſeſſes your brain, I am ſenſible of what I ſay, anſwer’d the Young Man. “Pray can you tell me how it was poſſible for me to go in a Dream to Cairo, where I am very certain I was in Perſon, and where my Bride was ſeven times brought before me, each time dreſs’d in a different Habit, and where I ſaw an ugly Hump-back Fellow, to whom they intended to give her. Beſides I want to know what is become of my Gown, my Turban, and the Bag of Sequins I had at Cairo.”
Tho’ he aſſur’d them that all theſe things were Matter of Fact, yet they could not forbear to laugh at him; which put him into ſuch a Confuſion, that he knew not well what to think of all thoſe Adventures.
Day-light which began to appear in Schahriar’s Apartment, impoſed Silence on Scheherazade, but next night the reſum’d her Story.
The Hundred and Fifth Night.
SIR, ſaid ſhe, after Bedreddin Haſſan had confidently affirm’d all that he ſaid to be true, he roſe up to go into the Town, and every one that followed him, call’d out, A Madman, a Fool. Upon this ſome look’d out at their Windows, ſome came to their Doors, and others join’d with thoſe that were about him, calling out as they did, Madman, but not knowing for what. In this Perplexity of Mind the young Gentleman happen’d to come before a Paſtry-Cook’s Shop, and went into it to avoid the Rable.
This Paſtry-Cook had formerly been Captain to a Troop of Arabian Robbers, who plunder’d the Caravans; and though he was become a Citizen of Damaſcus, where he ​behaved himſelf to every one’s Content, yet he was dreaded by all thoſe that knew him; wherefore, as ſoon as he came out to the Rabble that follow’d Bedreddin, they diſpers’d.
The Paſtry-Cook ſeeing them all gone, ask’d him what he was, and who brought him thither? Bedreddin Haſſan told him all, not concealing his Birth, nor the Death of his Father the Grand Vizier: He afterwards gave him an Account why he left Balſora; how, after he fell aſleep the Night following upon his Father’s Tomb, he found himſelf when he awaked at Cairo, where he had married a Lady; and at laſt, in what Amazement he was in when he found himſelf at Damaſcus, without being able to penetrate into all thoſe wonderful Adventures.
“Your Hiftory is one of the moſt ſurprizing (ſaid the Paſtry-Cook) but if you will follow my Advice, you ſhall let no Man know thoſe Matters you have revealed to me, but patiently expect till Heaven think fit to put an end to your Misfortunes; you ſhall be free to ſtay with me till then; and ſince I have no Children, I will own you for my Son, if you conſent to it; and after you are ſo adopted, you may freely walk up and down the City, without being expoſed any more to the Inſults of the Rabble.”
Tho’ this Adoption was below the Son of a Grand Vizier, Bedreddin was glad to accept of the Paſtry-Cook’s Propoſals, judging it the beſt thing he could do, confidering his then Circumſtances. The Cook cloathed him, call’d for Witneſſes, and went before a Notary, where he acknowledg’d him for his Son. After this, Bedreddin ſtaid with him, by the Name of Haſſan, and learned the Paſtry Trade.
Whilſt this paſt at Damaſcus, Schemſeddin Mohammed’s Daughter awak’d, and finding Bedreddin gone out of Bed, ſuppos’d he had riſen ſoftly for fear of diſturbing her, but he would ſoon return. As ſhe was in Expectation of him, her Father the Vizier (who was mightily vex’d at the Affront put upon him by the Sultan) came and knock’d at her Chamber-Door, with a Reſolution to bewail her ſad Deſtiny. He called her by her Name, and ſhe knowing him by his Voice, immediately got up, and open’d the Door. She kiſſed his Hand, and receiv’d him with ſo much Satisfaction in her Countenance, as ſurpriz’d the Vizier, (who expected to find her drown’d in Tears, and as much griev’d ​as himſelf. Unhappy Wretch! ſaid he in a Paſſion, Do you appear before me thus, after the hideous Sacrifice you have juſt conſummated, can you ſee me with ſo much Satisfaction. Scheherazade left off when he ſhe came this lengrh, becauſe Day appear’d; and next Night reſum’d her Diſcourſe to the Sultan of the Indies.
The Hundred and ſixth Night.
SIR, the Grand Vizier Giafar went on with the Relation of Bedreddin Haſſan’s Story thus.
The new Bride ſeeing her Father angry at her pleaſant Countenance, ſays to him, For God’s ſake, Sir, do not reproach me wrongfully; ’tis not the Hump back Fellow, whom I abhor more than Death; ’tis not that Monſter I have married, every body laugh’d him ſo to ſcorn, and put him ſo out of Countenance, that he was forc’d to run away and hide himſelf, to make room for a charming Young Gentleman, who is my real Husband. What a Fable do you tell me, ſaid Schemſeddin Mohammed, roughly? What! Did not Crook-back lie with you to-Night? No, Sir, ſaid ſhe, It was that young Gentleman, I told you of who has large Eyes, and black Eye-brows. At theſe Words the Vizier loſt all Patience, and fell into a terrible Paſſion; Ah wicked Woman! ſays he, you will make me diſtracted? ’Tis you, Father, ſaid ſhe, that puts me out of my Senſes by your Incredulity. So ’tis not true then, replies the Vizier, that Hump-back,———Let us talk no more of Hump-back, ſaid ſhe, a Curſe upon Hump-back, muſt I always have him caſt in my Diſh. Father, ſaid ſhe, I tell you once more, that I did not bed with him, but with my dear Spouſe, who, I believe, is not very far off,
Schemſeddin Mohammed went out to ſeek him, but inſtead of ſeeing him, was mightily ſurprized to find Hump-back with his Head on the Ground, and his Heels uppermoſt, as the Genie had ſet him againſt the Wall. What’s the meaning of this, ſaid he, who plac’d you thus? Crook-back, knowing it to be the Vizier, anſwer’d, Alas! alas! ’tis you then that would marry me to the Miſtreſs of a Buffalo, the Sweet-heart of an ugly Genie, I won’t be your Fool, you ſhar’t put a Trick upon me.
Scheherazade ſtopt here, and next Night reſum’d her ſtory thus.
The Hundred and ſeventh Night.
SIR, Schemſeddin Mohammed, when be heard Hump-back ſpeak thus, thought he was raving, and bid him move, and ſtand upon his Legs. I will take care how I do that, ſaid Hump-back, unleſs the Sun beriſen. Know, Sir, that when I came hither laſt Night, on a ſudden a black Cat appear’d to me, and in an inftant grew as big as a Buffalo: I have not forgot what he ſaid to me, therefore you may go about your Buſineſs, and leave me here. The Vizier, inſtead of going away, took him by the Heels, and made him get up. Then Hump-back ran as faſt as he could, without looking behind him; and coming to the Palace, preſented himſelf to the Sultan, who laugh’d heartily when he had told him the Story how the Genie had ſerv’d him.
Schemſeddin Mohammed returned to his Daughter’s Chamber, more aſtoniſh’d than before. Well then, my abuſed Daughter, ſaid he, can you give me no further Light into this matter? Sir, ſaid ſhe, I can give you no other account than what I have done already. Here are my Husband’s Cloaths which he left upon the Chair, perhaps you may find ſomewhat there that may ſolve your Doubt. Then ſhe ſhewd him Bedreddin’s Turban, which he took and examin’d narrowly on all fides. I ſhould take this to be a Vizier’s Turban, if it were not made after the Mouſſoul Faſhion. But perceiving ſomewhat to be ſew’d between the Stuff and the Lining; he call’d for Scizars, and having unzip’d it found the Paper which Noureddia Ali gave Bedreddin his Son as he was dying, and he put it in his Turban for more Security.
Sehemſeddin Mohammed, having open’d the Paper, knew his Brother Noureddin’s Hand, and foend this Subſcription. For my Son Bedreddin Hassan. Before he cou’d make any Reflections upon it, his Daughter deliver’d him the Bag, that lay under his Cloaths, which he likewiſe open’d, and found it full of Sequins; for, as I told you before, notwithſtanding all the Liberality of Bedreddin, it was ſtill kept full by the Genie and Fairy. He read theſe following Words upon a Note in the Bag. A thouſand Sequins belonging to Iſaac the Jew. And theſe Lines underneath, which the Jew wrote before he parted from Bedreddin ​Haſſan, Delivered to Bedreddin Haſſan, for the Cargo of the firſt of thoſe Ships that formerly belong’d to Noureddin Ali his Father, of worthy Memory, ſold unto me upon its Arrival in this Place. He had ſcarce read theſe Words, when he gave a ſhout, and fainted away.
Scheherazade gave over here, and next Night began again thus.
The Hundred and Eighth Night.
SIR, the Vizier Schemſeddin Mohammed being recovered from his Fit by the help of his Daughter, and the Women ſhe called to her Aſſiſtance. Daughter (ſaid he) do not frighten your ſelt at this Accident, the Reaſon of it is ſuch as you can ſcarcely believe. Your Bridegroom is your Couſin the Son of Noureddin Ali. The Thouſand Sequins in the Bag puts me in mind of a Quarrel I had with my dear Brother; ’tis without doubt the Dowry, he gives you. God be praiſed for all Things, and particularly for this miraculous Adventure which demonſtrates his Almighty Power. Then looking again upon his Brother’s Writing, he kiſſed it ſeveral Times, ſhedding abundance of Tears.
He looked over the Book from one end to t’other, where he found the Date of his Brother’s Arrival at Balſora, of his Marriage, and of the Birth of Bedreddin Haſſan; and when he compar’d the ſame with the Day of his own Marriage, and the Birth of his Daughter at Cairo, he admir’d how every thing did agreee ſo exactly.
This bappy Diſcovery put him into ſuch a tranſport of Joy, that he took up the Book, with the Ticket of the Bag, and ſhew’d it to the Sultan, who pardoned what was paſt, and was ſo much pleaſed with the Relation of this Adventure, that he cauſed it with all its Circumſtances to be put in Writing tor the Uſe of Poſterity.
Mean while the Vizier Schemſeddin Mohammed could not comprehend, the Reaſon why his nephew did not appear; he expected him every Moment, and was imatient to have him in his Arms. After he had expected him ſeven Days in vain, he ſearched for him through all Cairo, but could hear no News of him, which perplex’d him very much. This is the ſtrangeſt Adventure, ſaid he, that ever Man met with. And not knowing what Alterations might happen, he thought fit to draw up in Writing with his own Hand, after what Manner the Wedding had been ſolemniz’d; how the Hall and the Daugfiter’s Bed-​chamber was furniſh’d, and other Circumſtances. He likewiſe made the Turban, the Bag, and the reſt of Bedreddin’s Things into a Bundle, and lock’d them up———
The Sultaneſs ſtopp’d here, and next Night purſued her Diſcourſe thus.
The Hundred and Ninth Night.
SIR, after ſome Days were paſt, the Vizier’s Daughter perceiy’d herſelf with Child, and was brought to Bed of a Son after Nine Months. A Nurſe was provided for the Child, beſides other Women and Slaves to wait upon him; and his Grandfather call’d him Agib.
When young Agib had attain’d the Age of Seven, the Vizier inſtead of learning him to read at home, put him to School with a Maſter who was in great Eſteem; and two Slaves were order’d to wait upon him. Agib us’d to play with his School-fellows, and as they were inferior to him in Quality, they ſhewed him great Reſpect, according to the Example of their Maſter, who many times would paſs by Faults in him, that he would not paſs by in the reſt. This Complaiſance ſpoiled Agib, ſo that he became proud and inſolent, would have his Play-fellows bear all of him, and would bear nothing from them, but be Maſter every where, and if any one took the Liberty to thwart him, he would call them a thouſand Names and many times beat them,
In ſhort, all the Scholars were weary of his Company and complained of him to their Maſter, He anſwered, That they muſt have Patience. But when he ſaw that Agib ſtill grew more and more inſolent, and occaſion’d him a great deal of Trouble, Children ſaid he to his Scholars, I find Agib is a little infolent Gentleman; I will ſhew you a way how to mortify him, ſo as he ſhall never torment you any more. Nay, I believe, it will make him leave the School. When he comes again to Morrow, and that you have a mind to play together, ſet your ſelves round him, and do one of you call out, Come let us play, but upon Condition, That they who defire to play ſhall tell his own Name, and the Names of his Father and Mother; and they who refuſe it, ſhall be eſteem’d baſtards, and not ſuffer’d to play in our Company.
Next Day, when they were gather’d together, they fail’d not to follow their Maſter’s Inſtructions; they plac’d ​themſelves round Agib, and one of them call’d out, Let ts begin a Play, but on Condition, That he that cannot tell his own Name, and that of his Father and Mother, ſhall not play at all, They all cried out, and ſo did Agib, We conſent to it. Then he that ſpoke firft ask’d every one the Queſtion, and all fulfill’d the condition except Agib, who anſwer’d, My Name is Agib, my Mother is call’d the Lady of beauty, and my Father Schemſedden Mohammed, Vizier to the Sultan.
At theſe Words all the Children cried out, Agib, What do you ſay? That’s not the Name of your Father, but your Grand-father, A Curſe’on you, ſaid he in a Paſſion. What! Dare you ſay that the Vizier Schemſeddin Mohammed is not my Father? No, no, cried they with great Laughter, he is but your Grandfather, and you ſhall not play with us. Nay, we will take care how we come into your Company. Having ſpoke thus, they all left him, ſcoffing him, and laughing among themſelves, which mortified Agib ſo much, that he wept.
The School-maſter, who was near, and heard all that paſt, come juſt at the nick of time, and ſpeaking to Agib, ſays he, Agib, do not you know that the Vizier Schemſeddin Mohammmed is none of your Father, but your Grand-father, and the Father of your Mother, the Lady of beauty. We know not the Name of your Father no more than you do. We only know that the Sultan was going to marry your Mother to one of his Grooms, a Hump-back Fellow; but a Genie lay with her. This is hard upon you, and ought to teach you to treat your School-fellows with leſs Haughtineſs than you have done hitherto.
Here Scheherazade ſtopp’d, and next Night reſum’d her Diſcourſe thus:
The Hundred and Tenth Night.
SIR, Little Agib being nettled at this, run haſtily out of the School, and went home crying. He came ftrait to his Mother’s Chamber, who being alarm’d to ſee him thus griev’d, ask’d him the Reaſon? He could not anſwer for Tears, his Grief was ſo great, and it was but now and then he could ſpeak plain enough to repeat what had been faid to him, and occafion’d his Sorrow.
When he came to himſelf, “Mother (ſaid he) for the Love of God be pleas’d to tell me who is my Father?” My Son, (ſaid ſhe) “Sehemſeddin Mohammed, that every Day makes ſo much of you, he is your Father,” You do ​not tell me the Truth, (ſaid he) heis your Father, and none of mine. But whoſe Son am I?” At this Queſtion, the Lady of Beauty calling to mind her Wedding-Night, which had been ſucceeded by along Widowhood, began to ſhed Tears, repining bitter]y at the Loſs of ſo loving a Husband as Bedreddin.
Whilſt the Lady of Beauty and Agib were both weeping, in comes the Vizier, who demanded the Reaſon of their Sorrow. The Lady told him the Shame Agib had undergone at School, which did ſo much affect the Vizier, that he join’d his Tears with theirs; and judging from this, that the Misfortune that had happen’d to his Daughter, was the common Diſcourſe of the Town, he was quite out of Patience.
Being thus afflicted, he went to the Sultan’s Palace, and falling proſtrate at his Feet, moſt humbly pray’d him to give him Leave to make a Journey into the Provinces of the Levant, and particularly to Balſora, in ſearch of his Nephew Bedreddin Haſſan. For he could not bear any longer, that the People of the City ſhould believe a Genie had got his Daughter with Child,
The Sultan was much concern’d at the Vizier’s Affliction, approv’d his Reſolution, and gave him Leave to go. He caus’d a Paſs-port alſo tobe wrote for him, praying, in the moſt obliging Terms that could be, all Kings and Princes, in whoſe Dominions the ſaid Bedreddin might ſojourn, to grant that the Vizier might bring him along with him.
Schemſeddin Mohammed, not knowing how to expreſs his Thankfulneſs to the Sultan for this Favour, thought it his Duty to fall down before him a ſecond time, and the Floods of Tears he ſhed, gave him ſufficient Teſtimony of His Gratitude. At laſt, having wiſhed the Sultan all manner of Proſperity, he took his Leave, and went home to his Houſe, where he diſpoſed every thing for his Journey; and the Preparations for it were carried on with ſo much Diligence, that in four Days after he had left the City, accompany’d with his Daughter, the Lady of Beauty, and his Grandſon Agib.
Scheherazade, perceiving Day, ſtopp’d. And the Sultan of the Indies got up, extreamly pleas’d with the Sultaneſs’s Diſcourſe, and reſolved to hear it to the end, Scheherazade ſatisfied his Curioſity, in the Night following, thus.
The Hundred and Elevemh Night.
SIR, the Grand Vizier Giafar continuing his Diſcourſe to the Califf, Haroun Alraſchid, proceeded thus. Schemſeddin Mohammed ſet out for Damaſcus with his Daughter, the beautiful Lady, and Agib his Grandchild. They travelled Nineteen Days without ſtopping any where; but on the Twentieth, arriving in a very pleaſant Mead, at a ſmall diſtance from the Gate of Damaſcus, they ſtopp’d there, and pitch’d their Tents upon the Banks of a River that runs through the Town, and gives a very agreeable Proſpect to its Neighbourhood.
The Vizier Schemſeddin Mohammed declar’d he would ſtay in that pleaſant Place two Days, and purſue his Journey on the Third. In the mean time he gave Leave to his Retinue to go to Damaſcus: And almoſt all of ’em made uſe of it; ſome influenc’d by a Curioſity to ſee a City they had heard ſo much of, and others by the Opportunity of vending there the Egyptian Goods they had brought with them, or buying Stuffs, and the Rarities of the Country. The beautiful Lady deſiring her Son Agib might ſhare in the ſatisfaction of viewing the celebrated City, order’d the black Eunuch, that acted in the Quality of his Governor, to conduct him thither, and take care he came to no Harm.
Agib in magnificent Apparel, went along with the Eunuch, who had a large Cane in his Hand, They had no ſooner entred the City, than Agib, fair and glorious as the Day, attracted the Eyes of the People. Some got out of their Houſes to gain a nearer and narrower View of him; others put their Heads out at the Windows, and thoſe who paſs’d along the Streets were not ſatisfied in ftopping to look upon him; but kept pace with him, to prolong the Pleaſure of the agreeable fight. In fine, there was no Body that did not admire him, and bequeath a thousand Benedictions to the Father and the Mother, that had given Being to ſo fine a Child, By chance the Eunuch and he paſſed by a Shop where Bedreddin Haſſan was, and there the Crowd was ſo great that they were forced to halt.
​The Paſtry-Cook that had adopted Bedreddin Haſſan, had died ſome Years before, and left him his Shop and all his Eſtate. So Bedreddin became Maſter of the Shop, and manag’d the Paſtry-Trade fo dextrouſly, that he gain’d great Reputation in Damaſcus. Bedreddin ſeeing ſo great a Crowd before his Door, that were gazing fo attentively upon Agib and the black Eunuch, ſtep’d out to ſee ’em himſelf.
This ſaid, Scheherazade perceiv’d it was Day, and fo was ſilent: Upon which Schahriar roſe, impatient to know what ſhould paſs between Agib and Bedreddin. Towards the end of the next Night, the Sultaneſs ſatisfied his Impatience, in reſuming the Story as follows.
The Hundred and Twelfth Night.
BEdreddin Haſſan, continued the Vizier Giafar, having caſt his Eyes particularly upon Agib, preſently found himſelf moved, he knew not how nor what for. He was not ſtruck like the People with the ſhining Beauty of the Boy; ’twas another Cauſe unknown to. him, that gave Riſe to the Trouble and Commotion he ’was in. ’Twas the Spring and Force of the Blood that worked in this tender Father, who, laying aſide all Buſineſs, made up to Agib, and with an engaging Air, ſaid to him: My little Lord, who has won my Sou!, be ſo kind as to come into any Shop, and eat a Bit of ſuch Fare as I have; that during that time I may have the Pleaſure of admiring you at my Eaſe. Theſe Words he pronounced with ſuch Tendernefs, that Tears trickled from his Eyes. Little Agib was mov’d when he ſaw it, and turning to the Eunuch, “This honeft Man (ſays he) has a Face that pleaſes me; he ſpeaks in ſuch an affectionate manner, that I can’t avoid complying with what he asks: Let’s ſtep into his Houſe and taſte his Paſtry.” “Ay, in my troth, (replied the Slave) ’twould be a fine thing to ſee the Son of a Vizier, like you, go into a Paſtry-Shop to eat; do not you imagine that I’ll ſuffer any ſuch thing” “Alas! My little Lord, (cried Bedreddin) ’tis a flaming Piece of Cruelty, to truſt your Conduct in the Hands’of a Perſon that treats you ſo harſhly.” Then applying himſelf to the Eunuch, “My good Friend, (continu’d he) Pray do not ​hinder this young Lord to grant me the Favour ask; do not put that piece of Mortification upon me: Rather do me the Honour to walk in along with him, and by ſo doing you’ll give the World to know, that tho’ your Outſide is brown like a Cheſnut, your Inſide is as white as his: Do you know (continued he) that I am Maſter of the Secret to make you white, inſtead of being black as you are.” This ſet the Eunuch a laughing, and then he asked Bedreddin, What that ſecret was? I’ll tell it you, replied Bedreddin; and ſo he repeated ſome Verſes in praiſe of black Eunuchs, implying, that ’twas by their Miniſtry that the Honour of Princes, and of all great Men, was inſured. The Eunuch was ſo charmed with theſe Verſes, that without further Heſitation, he ſuffered Agib to go into the Shop, and went in with him himſelf.
Bedreddin Haſſan was overjoyed, in having obtained what he ſo paſſionate!y deſired, and falling about the Work he had thus diſcontinued, I was a making, ſaid he, Cream Tarts; and you muſt with ſubmiſſion, eat of ’em; I’m perſwaded you’ll find them very good; for my own Mother, who makes them incomparably well, taught me to make ’em, and the People ſend to buy them of me from all Quarters of the Town. This ſaid, he took a Cream Tart out of the Oven, and, after ſtrewing upon it ſome Pomegranate-Kernels and Sugar, ſet it before Agib, who found it very delicious.
Another was ſerved up to the Eunuch, and he gave the ſame Judgment.
While they were both eating, Bedreddin Haſſan minded Agib very attentively; and after looking upon him again and again, it came into his Mind, that, for any thing he knew, he might have ſuch a Son by his charming Wife, from whom he had been ſo ſoon and fo cruelly ſeparated; and the very Thought drew Tears from his Eyes. He was a thinking to have put ſome Queſtions to little Agib about his Journey to Damaſcus; but the Child had no time to gratify his Curioſity, for that the Eunuch, preſſing him to return to his Grand-father’s Tents, took him away as ſoon as he had done eating. Bedreddin Haſſan, not contented with looking after him, ſhut up his Shop immediately, and went after him.
​When Scheherazade came to this Period, ſhe perceived Day, and diſcontinued her Story. Then Schahriar roſe, reſolving to hear the Story out, and to ſuffer the Sultaneſs to liye till ſhe had made an end of it.
The End of the Third Volume.
* ↑ The Barmecides were a Family come out of Perſia, and of them the Grand Vizier was deſcended.
* ↑ This Word fignifies in Arabick Baſilick, an odiferous Plant, and the Arabians call their Slaves by this Name, as the Cuſtom in France is to give the Name of Jeſſemin to a Poorman.
* ↑ Noureddin ſignifies in Arabick the Light of Religion.
* ↑ And Bedreddin the Full Moon of Religion.
* ↑ This is to ſay the Sun of Religion.
* ↑ All the Eaſtern Notions lie in their Drawers, and this Circumſtance will ſtand him in ſtead in the Sequel of the Story.
* ↑ The Town of Mouſſoul is in Meſopotamia, built over againſt old Nineveh.
* ↑ This Word in 'Arabick ſignifies Wonderful.