Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1845-1854, 1848-08-02
Device of an Arab Lady;

For the edlhcatlon OF :hOse who Imagine
they can penetrate the designs Of woman;
we have translated from French volume,
on Oriental manners,the following little sto-
ry. TO understand it, we have TO inform
our readers, that among the Orienlols, it
is customary to agree ier time to pay
stipulated forfeit if q husband receives from
his wife or wife from her husband, any
thing whatsoever, without previously pro-
nouncing the word Diadests. Each there
fore, practices the greatest ingenuity 10
throw the other off his or her guard.
A philosopher Of that country, who was,
by no means insensible to female charms,
had often worshipped at their shrines ard
IS often (as he lhought) had he suffered
from their wies and caprices.
But he determined to become wiser. He
collected number of steries of female cum
ming, and copied them into book which
he always carried about him, rs 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 young woman OF un-
common beauty. She saluted him as he
passed, offering that he might enter to rest
for a while from his fatigue. Scarcely
had he taken his seat on the carpet, and
near the beautiful creature, when he be-
came alarmed; he drew his book from his
pocket, and began 10 read, without daring
TO cast single glance at his fair neighbor
"That must be charming book" said
the lady, "which can engross your whole
n,tapt;op ~
"Indeed, it is" replied the philosopher
.but it contains secrets"
(which certainly you would concea
fro.n me!" said the lady, with an irresist'
able smile.
.sSince you will have it so,' retorled tht
philosopher, ait contains complete list o
oil the arts ard viles Of cunning wonian-
but am sure you could not learn any
thing from it, and SO it would not in:eres
YOU - ''Are you certain that your list il
eomplete?" said the lady again.
Thus the conversation was gradually re
stunned, the philosopher pocketed his book
and so far forgot himself and his system
of philosophy, that he was kneeling oefor'
the lady, holding one other hands between
his own; and who knows what might have
been the result, had not the lady espied a
a distance her husband who was returning
home. Struck with terror, she exclaimed
81 see my husband at distance, returning
homeward Should he find you here, he
will nut us both to death. see but one
chance for your escape, conceal yourself
in this box of which keep the key"
..aItma be supposed the philosopher die
not hesitate to conceal himself, and tht
lady locked the box, and drew out the key
As the Arab entered his tent, the lady me-
him with smile, saying, ''you came ii
good time, for stranger, calling himself
q philosopher. stopped al our tent to rest
sbut so far forgot himself and propriety, as
to talk to me. of.laye."
The Arab beganrto foam at the moult
with rage; but who can describe the agony
of the philosopher, who could in his re-
treat hear every word that was spoken.
= "Where shall find the wretch2" ex
claimed the Arab, ''that my sword may pit
an and forever to similar presumption?
"Here in this box" said the lady, ,holdin
out the key.
The enraged Arab snatched it out
her hand, but she soon relook it In flt
laughter. e,.
sinstantly pay me forfeit, for hay
canght YOU at last accepting a thing will
out pronouncing the word Diadeste'
For a while the Arab stood as if petr
fed and after recovering little from h
anger, said: II have lost and must pay II