The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1873-12-06
MISCELLANY.
A New story of Haroun al Raschid.

Therenowned Caliph rose one morning
in very melancholy humor. He at once
summoned his Grand ViZier, who fastened
to obey. He thus addressed the Premier:
81 feel very disconsolate; had dream
last night, when l beheld all the women of
my kingdom at the foot of my throne, be-
seeching me to help them. Their griey-
ances were that they were unhappy, ask
ing rue to remove their wretchedness; and
l must admit, it is true, their lot is very
hard.''
The Grand Vizier replied "Sire, as
sure you that there is no ground for their
complaint, and that among all not one
would consent to exchange her condition.
81 am aware that my ministers are al
ways ready to deal in such phrases when
ever they are repr9ved, that the people
and their interests are neglected. But |
swear by Allah, shall have you strangled
if you do not prodflce in the space OF one
month one happy woman. Do you hear
but one single instance out of my whole
Kingdom. 1t is certainly demand ofnO
great hardship. And now you may go in
peace, and [ shall expect your return after
one month. But if you have not COM
piled with my commands by that time,
fear my rath.''
The Grand Vizier retired disheartened,
as you, my gentle readers, may well I'M
agine. He at once sought an interview
with the President of the Bagdad police,
from whom he obtained poor comfort,
who expressed a serious doubt whether
one happy woman could be found in
Haroun al Raschid's entire kingdom-nay
in the whole world. Leaving him with a
heavy heart, the Premier undertook the
task himself, well knowing that his life
was at stake. As a man ofacnte under
standing, he commenced his Inquiries with
the Sultana. !" Do you expect me to be
happy when the Caiiph scarcely devotes
an hour to me. but instead, walks the
streets all night in disguise. while | must
be filled with constant dread of his meet
ing with some accident at any time? Do
not think of it! The very poorest woman
is happier than | am
The Premier, cast down, left the palace,
when he met a maiden, with blooming
cheeks, carrying a water-vessel on her head,
and singing merrily as she went. lie
called to her saying, ".Art thou happy?
IL happy? Oh. no l am as handsome
as the Sultana, and should like to be in
her place. would please the Caliph as
well. if he would but direct his attention
toward me"
Again defeated, he left her, cogitating
upon new adventures. Suddenly he
thought of his own wife, and asked her,
''Are you happy?'' tHappy.!!" she an
swere6, with such man; it would, in
deed, be difficult undertakings"
He had already turned his back upon
her, and was about to try his fortune with
some other ladies' of .Bagdad. When the
farther he went the less hopeful he was.
Wherever lie inquired, nothing but COM
plants, the same fatal result. Admitted,
that it was rather peculiar idea to ask
the ladies' whether they are happy. Would
they tell the TRUTH? The Grand ViZier
thought so. In his place would have Sc
riously questioned it. He went to the
market-plaee, aud there asked an honest
woman, vendeg of dates. In reply to
his query, whether she was happy, she
said; Happy | happy No, indeed
work from morning early until evening
late and scarcely make a living. [ am
obliged to rise early and retire late to my
rest, not having earned enough frequently
to pay for scanty meal.
Fool shat [ was, the Minister concluded,
that should come here to look for happy
people, and quickly went to the house of a
rich Jewish banker. She certainly must
be happy, reflected the Vizier. she is COM
fortably situated clad in the richest of ap-
parel, decked with the mosteostly jewelry,
and surroundedb by slaves TO do her bidding.
She knows neither care nor want.
''Alas!n was the reply to the general
question, turning her handsome dark eyes
with longing toward heaven. Sire, am
the most unhappy of all women in Bag
dad. Ny husband loves nought but mo
ney and money matters, leaving his wife
to her own sadness. A wife is like unto 4
flower, but to live and flourish when sup
ported by the majestic palm tree, but, neg
lected and forsaken, as the wife is without
love, she is made to wither."
!" By the Prophet, one who loves het
husbandwith such ardor certainly deserves
to be happy. Where shall find the de
sired persona"
The sigh had hardly escaped his breast
when, as if pursued, he ran IN great hastE
to the opposite part of the city. TherB
dWelt woman who had been married but
two months ago. He exclaimed, $ l hayk
found her, have found her,'' and enteref
the house with joy.
liail to the happy woman, !" were hi:
words of greeting, making low bow tx
the young Wife, and waiting with anxiety
for an answer.
Happy, | happy?', replied the young
bride, Struggling her shoulders. "oh, no