Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1848-07-15
DEVICE OF AN ARAB LADY.

DEVICE OF AN ARAB LADY.
Eor the edification of those who imagine |
they can penetrate the designs Of woman, we |
have trans lated from French volume, on
Oriental mcnners, the following little story.
To understand it, we nave TO inform our rea-
ders, that among the Orcntials it is customary
to agree for a time 10 pay stipulated forfeit
if husband receives from his wife, or wife
from husband, anything whatever, without
previously pronouncing the word Diddeste.-
Each, therefore, practices the greatest inge-
nuity TO throw the other of his or her guard
A philosopher of that country, who was by
no means insensible to female charms, had
often worshipped at their shrine and as
often (as he thought) had he suffered from
their wiles and caprices.
But he determined 10 become wiser. He
collected a number of stories of female cum
ming, and copied them into book, which he
always carried about with him, as occasion
might require to consult it.
One evening, as he was passing through an
Arab camp, he noticed at the entrance of one
OF the tents a young woman of uncommon
beaSty. She saluted him as he passed, offer
ing that he might enter TO rest for while
from his fatigue. Scarcely had he taken his
seat on the carpet, and near the beautiful
creature, when he became alarmed he drew
his book from his book from his pocket, and
began TO read without daring TO cast single
glance at his fair neighbor.
"That must be a charming book" said
the lady, (which can engross your whole at
tention So
"lndeed, it is,' replied the philosopher
'but it contains secrets"
(which certainly you would not conceal
from me :" said the lady, with an irresistible
smile.
'Since you will have it so,,' retorted the
philosopher Kit contains Il complete list of
all the arts and wiles of cunning women--bnt
am sure you could not learn anything from
it, and so ii would not interest you"
'Are you certain that your list is COM
plete 81 said the lady again.
Thus, the conversation was gradually re-
sumed, the philosopher pocketed his book,
and so far forgot himself and his system Of
philosophy, that he was kneelng before the
lady, holding one Of her hands between his
own and who knows what might have been
the result, had not the lady espied al dis
tance her husband, who was returning home.
Struck with terror, she exclaimed, II see my
husband at a distance, returning homeward
Should he find you here, he will put both OF
us TO death. see but one chance for your
escape, conceal yourself in thi. box, OF which
| keep the key"
1t may be supposed the philosopherdid not
hesitate long to conceal HIMSELF and the lady
locked the box, and drew the key. As the
Arab entered his tent the lady met him will
smile, saying, 'You come in good time, ioI
stranger, calling himself philosopher, stop
ped at our tent to rest, but so far forgot him
self and propriety, as TO talk to me OF love
The Arab began to foam at the mouth
with rage but who can describe the agony
of the philosopher, who could in his retreat
hear every word that was spoken
aWhere shall find the wretch y eNciaml
ed the Arab, ''that my sword may put an en'
forever TO similar presumption
ssHere, in this box" said the lady, holdin;
out the key.
h The enraged Arab snatched 1t out OF he
;, hand. but she soon retook il, in Il fit on laugh
A ter.
!. sInstantly pay me ii forfeit, for hav
: caught you at last accepting thing witho'
e pronouncing the word Diadeste'
4 For awhile the Arab stood as II petriteC
and after recovering little from his ange
said: 81 have lost, and must pay the foriei
a but let me request you hereafter to gain yo'
ends without giving me sdch bitter veN'
os ton"
y After awhile the Arab had TO attend
70 other business, and left his tent, and the lad
, unlocked the box, in which she found II
= poor philosopher more dead than alive
:, saying, you are safe!' the philosopher vau
- ed nimbly from his retreat. ''Derri
~ peace" said the lady 10 him, "but do II
- - forget to record this days occurrence IN yo
:. book.n