The examiner. [volume] (Louisville, Ky.) 1847-1849, 1848-08-26
Device OF an Arab Lady.

For the edification Of those who imagine
they can penetrate the designs of woman,
we have translated, from French volume
on Oriental manners, the following little
story. To understand it, We have to in
form our readers that among the Orientals
it is customary to agree for time to pay
stipulated forfeit if husband receives from
wife, or a wife from husband, anything
whatever. without previously pronouncing
the words "Diadeste." Each, therefore,
practices the greatest ingenuity 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 suffered from
their wiles and caprices. But he determin-
ed to become wiser. He collected num-
Der of stories of female cunning, and CO.
pied them into book, which he always car.
ried about him, as occasion might require
10 consult it.
One evening as he was passing through
an Arab camp, he noticed at the entrance
OF one Of the tents young woman Of un-
common beauty. She salutsd him as he
passed, offering that he might enter and
rest from his fatigue. Scarcely had he Ia
ken his seat on the carpet, and near the
beautiful creature, when he became alarm
ed, he drew his book from his pocket and
began to read, without daring to cast sin
gle glance at his fair neighbor.
THAT must be charming book, said
the lady, ''to engross your whole attention
So"
"lndeed it is" replied the philosopher,
but it contains secrets.
(Which certainly you would not conceal
from me" said the lady, with an irresista.
bic smile.
"Since you will have it so, retorted the
philosopher. ''it contains a complete list Of
all the arts and wiles of cunning women
but am sure you could not learn anything
from il, and so il would not interest you"
"Are you certain that your list is COM
plete!" 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 kneeling 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 at dis
lance her husband, who was returning home.
Struck with terror, she exclaimed, al see
my husband at distance, returning home
ward Should he find you here, he will
put both of us TO death. see but one
chance for your escape, conceal yourself in
this box, Of which keep the key"
Ii may be supposed the philosopher did
not long hesitate to conceal himself, and the
lady locked the box and drew the key. As
the Arab entered his tent, the lady met him
with smile saying, "You come in good
time-for a stranger, calling himself phi
losopher, stopped at our tent to rest, but so
far forgot himself 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 "Where
shall | find the wretch" exclaimed the
Arab, "that my sword may put an end for
ever to a similar presumption?" "Here, in
this box, " said the lady holding out the key.
The enraged Arab snatched il out of her
hand, bu: she soon retook itin fit Of laugh.
ter. "lnstantly pay me forfeit, for have
caught you at last accepting thing with.
out pronouncing the word Diadesfe."
For awhile the Arab stood as il petrifed,
and after recovering a little from his anger,
said--"l have lost, and must pay the for.
felt, but let me request you hereafter to gain
your ends without giving me such bitter
vexation." ltrclE
After a while the Arab had to attend to
other business, and left his tent, and the la.
dy unlocked the box, in which she found
the poor philosopher more dead than alive.
On saying, "you are safe," the philosopher
vaulted ninlbly from his retreat. "Depart
in peace" said the lady to him, "but do not
forget to record this days occurrence in
your book"