Chapter IX: Part 9

When the ladies were placed, the caliph turned towards them, and said, Ladies, when I shall acquaint you that I came last night disguised in a merchant’s habit into your house, it will certainly alarm you, and make you fear that you have offended me; and perhaps you believe that I have sent for you for no other purpose but to show some marks of my resentment; but be not afraid; you may rest assured that I have forgotten all that has past, and am very well satisfied with your conduct. I wish that all the ladies of Bagdad had as much discretion as you have given proof of before me. I shall always remember the moderation you made use of, after the incivility that we had committed. I was then a merchant of Moussoul, but am at present Haroun Alraschid, the seventh caliph of the glorious house of Abbas, that holds the place of our great prophet. I have only sent for you to know who you are, and to ask you for what reason one of you, after severely whipping the two black bitches, did weep with them? And I am no less curious to know why another of you has her bosom so full of scars.

Though the caliph pronounced these words very distinctly, and the three ladies heard him well enough, yet the vizier Giafar did, out of ceremony, repeat them over again.

But, sir, said Scheherazade, it is day; and if your majesty thinks fit that I shall go on with the rest of this story, you will be pleased to prolong my life until to-morrow. The sultan agreed to it, knowing that Scheherazade would relate the history of Zobeide, which he had a great desire to hear.

SIXTY-THIRD NIGHT.

Dear sister, said Dinarzade, about break of day, if you be not asleep, pray tell us the story of Zobeide, for, doubtless, that lady told it to the caliph. She certainly did, said Scheherazade, after that prince by his discourse had encouraged her to it. And it was in this manner that she satisfied his curiosity:--

The story of Zobeide.

Commander of the faithful, said she, the relation which I am about to give your majesty is one of the strangest that ever was heard. The two black bitches and myself are sisters by the same father and mother; and I shall acquaint you by what strange accident they came to be metamorphosed. The two ladies who live with me, and are now here, are also my sisters by the father’s side, but by another mother; she that has the scars upon her breast is named Amine, the other’s name is Safie, and mine Zobeide.

After our father’s death, the estate that he left us was equally divided among us; and as soon as these two sisters received their portions, they went from me to live with their mother. My other two sisters and myself staid with our mother, who was then alive, and when she died, left each of us a thousand sequins. As soon as we received our portions, the two elder, (for I am the youngest,) being married, followed their husbands, and left me alone. Some time after, my eldest sister’s husband sold all that he had, and with that money and my sister’s portion, they went both into Africa, where her husband, by riotous living and debauchery, spent all; and, finding himself reduced to poverty, he found a pretext for divorcing my sister, and put her away.

She returned to this city; and, having suffered incredible hardships by the way, came to me in so lamentable a condition, that it would have moved the hardest heart to compassion. I received her with all the tenderness she could expect; and, inquiring into the cause of her sad condition, she told me with tears how inhumanly her husband had dealt by her. I was so much concerned at her misfortune that it drew tears from my eyes. I put her into a bath, and clothed her with my own apparel, and spoke to her thus: Sister, you are the elder, and I esteem you as my mother; during your absence, God has blest the portion that fell to my share, and the employment I follow to feed and bring up silk-worms. Assure yourself there is nothing I have but is at your service, and as much at your disposal as my own.

We lived very comfortably together for some months; and as we were often discoursing together about our third sister, and wondering we heard no news of her, she came in as bad a condition as the elder; her husband had treated her after the same manner, and I received her likewise with the same affection as I had done the former.

Some time after, my two sisters, on pretence that they would not be chargeable to me, told me they had thoughts to marry again. I answered them, that if their putting me to charge was all the reason, they might lay those thoughts aside, and be very welcome to stay with me; for what I had would be sufficient to maintain us all three in a manner answerable to our condition. --But, said I, I rather believe you have a mind to marry again; which if you have, I am sure it will very much surprise me; after the experience you have had of the small satisfaction there is in wedlock, is it possible you dare venture a second time? You know how rare it is to meet with a husband that is a real honest man. Believe what I say, and let us live together as comfortable as we can. All my persuasion was in vain; they were resolved to marry, and so they did. But after some months were past, they came back again, and begged my pardon a thousand times for not following my advice. You are our youngest sister, said they, and abundantly more wise than we; but if you will vouchsafe to receive us once more into your house, and account us your slaves, we shall never commit such a fault again. My answer was, Dear sisters, I have not altered my mind in respect to you since we last parted from one another; come again, and take part of what I have. Upon this I embraced them again, and we lived together as we did formerly.

We continued thus a whole year in perfect love and tranquillity; and, seeing that God had increased my small stock, I projected a voyage by sea, to hazard somewhat in trade. To this end I went with my two sisters to Balsora, where I bought a ship ready fitted for sea, and laded her with such merchandise as I brought from Bagdad. We set sail with a fair wind, and soon cleared the Persian gulf; and when we got into the ocean, we steered our course to the Indies, and the twentieth day saw land. --It was a very high mountain, at the bottom of which we saw a great town; and, having a fresh gale, we soon reached the harbour, where we cast anchor.

I had not patience to stay till my sisters were dressed to go along with me, but went ashore in the boat by myself; and making directly to the gate of the town, I saw there a great number of men upon guard, some sitting, and others standing with batons in their hands; and they had all such dreadful countenances that it frightened me; but perceiving they had no motion, not so much as with their eyes, I took courage, and went nearer, and then found they were all turned into stones. I entered the town, and passed through the several streets, wherein stood every where men in various attitudes, but all motionless and petrified. On that side where the merchants lived I found most of the shops shut, and in such as were open I likewise found the people petrified. I looked up to the chimnies, but saw no smoke, which made me conjecture that the inhabitants, both within and without, were all turned into stone.

Being come into a vast square, in the heart of the city, I perceived a great gate, covered with plates of gold, the two leaves of which stood open, and a curtain of silk stuff seemed to be drawn before it; I also saw a lamp hanging over the gate. After I had well considered the fabric, I made no doubt but it was the palace of the prince who reigned over that country; and being very much astonished that I had not met with one living creature, I went thither in hopes to find some. I entered the gate, and was still more surprised when I saw none but the guards in the porches, all petrified, some standing, some sitting, and some lying.

I crossed over a large court, where I saw a stately building just before me, the windows of which were inclosed with gates of massy gold. I supposed it to be the queen’s apartment, and went into a large hall, where there stood several black eunuchs turned into stone. I went from thence into a room richly hung and furnished, where I perceived a lady in the same situation. I knew it to be the queen by the crown of gold that hung over her head, and a necklace of pearl about her neck, each of them as big as a nut: I went up close to her to view it, and never beheld a finer sight.

I stood some time, and admired the riches and magnificence of the room; but, above all, the foot-cloth, the cushions, and the sofas, which were all lined with Indian stuff of gold, with pictures of men and beasts, in silver, admirably executed.

Scheherazade would have continued longer, but day-light put a stop to her discourse. The sultan was highly pleased with the story: I must, said he, as he was getting out of bed, know what all this wonderful petrifaction of men will come to.

SIXTY-FOURTH NIGHT.

Dinarzade was so extremely pleased with the beginning of this story of Zobeide, that she did not fail to call the sultaness before day. If you be not asleep, sister, pray let us know what Zobeide saw more in this strange palace. Scheherazade answered, The lady continued the story to the caliph in this manner:--

Sir, said she, I went out of the chamber where the petrified queen was, and passed through several other apartments and closets richly furnished, and at last came into a vast large room, where was a throne of massy gold, raised several steps above the floor, and enriched with large inchased emeralds, and a bed upon the throne of rich stuff, embroidered with pearls. What surprised me more than all the rest was a sparkling light which came from above the bed. Being curious to know from whence it came. I mounted the steps, and, lifting up my head, I saw a diamond as big as the egg of an ostrich, lying upon a low stool; it was so pure, that I could not find the least blemish in it, and it sparkled so bright, that I could not endure the lustre of it when I saw it by day.

On each side of the bed’s head there stood a lighted flambeau, but for what use I could not comprehend; however, it made me imagine that there was some living creature in this place, for I could not believe that these torches continued thus burning of themselves. Several other rarities detained my curiosity in this room, which was inestimable, were it only for the diamond I mentioned.

The doors being all open, or but half shut, I surveyed some other apartments, that were as fine as those I had already seen. I looked into the offices and store-rooms, which were full of infinite riches, and I was so much taken with the sight of all the wonderful things, that I forgot myself, and did not think on my ship or my sisters; my whole design was to satisfy my curiosity: mean time night came on, which put me in mind that it was time to retire. I was for returning the same way I came in, but I could not find it; I lost myself among the apartments; and finding I was come back again to that large room where the throne, the couch, the large diamond, and the torches stood, I resolved to take my night’s lodging there, and to depart the next morning betimes, to get aboard my ship. I laid myself down upon the couch, not without some dread to be alone in a desolate place; and this fear hindered my sleep.

About midnight I heard a voice like that of a man reading the Koran, after the same manner, and in the same tone which we read in our mosque. Being extremely glad to hear it, I got up immediately, and taking a torch in my hand to light me, I passed from one chamber to another, on that side where the voice came from: I came to the closet door, where I stood still, nowise doubting that it came from thence. I set down my torch upon the ground, and looking through a window, I found it to be an oratory. In short, it had, as we have in our mosques, a niche that shows where we must turn to say our prayers; there were also lamps hung up, and the two candlesticks with large tapers of white wax burning.

I saw a little carpet laid down, like those we have to kneel upon when we say our prayers, and a comely young man sat upon this carpet, reading with great devotion the Koran, which lay before him upon a desk. At the sight of this I was transported with admiration. I wondered how it came to pass that he should be the only living creature in a town where all the people were turned into stones, and I did not doubt but there was something in it very extraordinary.

The door being only half shut, I opened it and went in, and standing upright before the niche, I said this prayer aloud; “Praise be to God, who has favoured us with a happy voyage, and may he be graciously pleased to protect us in the same manner, until we arrive again in our own country. Hear me, O Lord, and grant my request.”

The young man cast his eyes upon me, and said, My good lady, pray let me know who you are, and what has brought you to this desolate city? And in return I will tell you who I am, what happened to me, why the inhabitants of this city are reduced to that state you see them in, and why I alone am safe and sound in the midst of such a terrible disaster.

I told him in few words from whence I came, what made me undertake the voyage, and how I safely arrived at the port after twenty days’ sailing; and when I had done, I prayed him to perform his promise, and told him how much I was struck by the frightful desolation which I had seen in all places as I came along.

My dear lady, said the young man, have patience for a moment. At these words he shut the Koran, put it into a rich case, and laid it in the niche. I took that opportunity to observe him, and perceived so much good nature and beauty in him, that I felt such strange emotions in myself as I had never done before. He made me sit down by him; and before he began his discourse, I could not forbear saying to him, with an air that discovered the sentiments I was inspired with, Amiable sir, dear object of my soul, I can scarce have patience to wait for an account of all those wonderful things that I have seen since the first time I came into your city; and my curiosity cannot be satisfied too soon; therefore, pray sir, let me know by what miracle you alone are left alive among so many persons that have died in so strange a manner.

Scheherazade broke off here, and said to Schahriar, Sir, perhaps your majesty does not perceive it is day; should I continue my discourse any longer, I should trespass on your patience. The sultan got up, resolving next night to hear the remainder of this wonderful story.

SIXTY-FIFTH NIGHT.

If you be not asleep, sister, said Dinarzade, next morning, before it was day, I would pray you to resume the story of Zobeide, and acquaint us with what passed between her and the young man that she found alive in the palace you gave us so fine a description of. --I will immediately satisfy you, said the sultaness. Zobeide went on with her story thus:

Madam, said the young man, you have given me to understand you have a knowledge of the true God, by the prayer you just now addressed to him. I will acquaint you with the most remarkable effect of his greatness and power. You must know, that this city was the metropolis of a mighty kingdom, over which the king my father did reign. That prince, his whole court, the inhabitants of the city, and all his other subjects, were magi, worshippers of fire, and of Nardoun, the ancient king of the giants, who rebelled against God.

And though I was begotten and born of an idolatrous father and mother, I had the good fortune in my youth to have a governess who was a good mussulman; I had the Koran by heart, and understood the explanation of it perfectly well. Dear prince, would she oftentimes say, there is but one true God; take heed that you do not acknowledge and adore any other. She taught me to read Arabic, and the book she gave me to preach upon was the Koran. As soon as I was capable of understanding it, she explained to me all the heads of this excellent book, and infused piety into my mind, unknown to my father, or any body else. She happened to die, but not before she had perfectly instructed me in all that was necessary to convince me of the mussulman religion. After her death, I persisted with constancy in the belief I was in; and I abhor the false god Nardoun, and the adoration of fire.

It is about three years and some months ago, that a thundering voice was heard all of a sudden so distinctly through the whole city, that nobody could miss hearing it. The words were these: ‘Inhabitants, abandon the worship of Nardoun, and of fire, and worship the only God that shows mercy.’

This voice was heard three years successively, but nobody was converted; so the last day of the year, at four o’clock in the morning, all the inhabitants in general were changed in an instant into stone, every one in the same condition and posture they happened to be then in. The king, my father, had the same fate, for he was metamorphosed into a black stone, as he is to be seen in this palace; and the queen, my mother, had the like destiny.

I am the only person that did not suffer under that heavy judgment, and ever since I have continued to serve God with more fervency than before. I am persuaded, dear lady, that he has sent you hither for my comfort, for which I render him infinite thanks; for I must own that this solitary life is very uneasy.

All these expressions, and particularly the last, increased my love to him extremely. Prince, said I, there is no doubt but Providence hath brought me into your port, to present you with an opportunity of withdrawing from this dismal place. The ship that I came in may in some measure persuade you that I am in some esteem at Bagdad, where I have left also a considerable estate; and I dare engage to promise you sanctuary there, until the mighty commander of the faithful, who is vice-regent to our prophet, whom you acknowledge, show you the honour that is due to your merit. This renowned prince lives at Bagdad, and as soon as he is informed of your arrival in his capital, you will find that it is not in vain to implore his assistance. It is impossible you can stay any longer in a city where all the objects you see must renew your grief: my vessel is at your service, where you may absolutely command as you shall think fit. He accepted the offer, and we discoursed the remaining part of the night about our embarkment.

As soon as it was day we left the palace, and came aboard my ship, where we found my sisters, the captain, and the slaves, all very much troubled for my absence. After I had presented my sisters to the prince, I told them what had hindered my return to the vessel the day before, how I had met with the young prince, his story, and the cause of the desolation of so fine a city.

The seamen were taken up several days in unlading the merchandise I brought along with me, and embarking, instead of that, all the precious things in the palace, as jewels, gold, and money. We left the furniture and goods, which consisted of an infinite quantity of plate, &c. because our vessel could not carry it, for it would have required several vessels more to carry all the riches to Bagdad that we might have chosen to take with us.

After we had laded the vessel with what we thought fit, we took such provisions and water aboard as were necessary for our voyage (for we had still a great deal of those provisions left that we had taken in at Balsora:) at last we set sail with a wind as favourable as we could wish.

Here Scheherazade saw day, and stopped her discourse; the sultan arose without speaking a word; but he proposed to himself to hear the end of Zobeide’s story, and the wonderful deliverance of this young prince.

SIXTY-SIXTH NIGHT.

When the ensuing night was almost past, Dinarzade, impatient to know the success of Zobeide’s voyage, called the sultaness: My dear sister, day begins to break; for God’s sake continue the story of yesternight, and tell us whether the prince and Zobeide arrived safe at Bagdad. I will, said Scheherazade.

Zobeide, addressing herself to the caliph, went on thus:

Sir, said she, the young prince, my sisters, and myself, enjoyed ourselves for some time very agreeably: but alas! this good understanding did not last long, for my sisters grew jealous of the friendship between the prince and me, and maliciously asked me one day, what we should do with him when we came to Bagdad? I perceived immediately that they put this question to me on purpose to discover my inclinations; therefore resolving to put it off with a jest, I answered them, I will take him for my husband; and upon that, turning myself to the prince, Sir, I humbly beg of you to give your consent; for as soon as we come to Bagdad, I design to offer you my person to be your slave, to do you all the service that is in my power, and to resign myself wholly to your commands.

The prince answered, I know not, madam, whether you be in jest or no; but for my own part, I seriously declare, before these ladies, your sisters, that from this moment I heartily accept your offer, not with any intention to have you as a slave, but as my lady and mistress; nor will I pretend to have any power over your actions. At these words my sisters changed colour, and I could perceive afterwards that they did not love me as formerly.

We were come into the Persian gulf, and not far from Balsora, where I hoped, considering the fair wind, we might have arrived the day following; but in the night, when I was asleep, my sisters watched their time, and threw me overboard. They did the same to the prince, who was drowned. I swam some minutes on the water; but by good fortune, or rather miracle, I felt ground. I went towards a black place, that, by what I could discern in the dark, seemed to be land, and actually was a flat on the coast; which, when day came, I found to be a desert island, lying about twenty miles from Balsora. I soon dried my clothes in the sun; and as I walked along, I found several sorts of fruit, and likewise fresh water, which gave me some hopes of preserving my life.

I laid myself down in a shade, and soon after I saw a winged serpent, very large and long, coming towards me, wriggling to the right and to the left, and hanging out his tongue, which made me think he had got some hurt. I arose, and saw a larger serpent following him, holding him by the tail, and endeavouring to devour him. I had compassion on him, and instead of flying away, I had the boldness and courage to take up a stone that by chance lay by me, and threw it with all my strength at the great serpent, whom I hit on the head and killed him. The other, finding himself at liberty, took to his wings and flew away. I looked a long while after him in the air, as an extraordinary thing; but he flew out of sight, and I lay down again in another place in the shade, and fell asleep.

When I awaked, judge how I was surprised to see by me a black woman, of a lively and agreeable complexion, who held tied together in her hand, two bitches of the same colour. I sat up and asked her who she was. I am, said she, the serpent whom you delivered not long since from my mortal enemy. I knew not how to acknowledge the great kindness you did me, but by doing what I have done. I knew the treachery of your sisters, and to avenge you on them, as soon as I was set at liberty by your generous assistance, I called several of my companions together, fairies like myself. We have carried into your storehouses at Bagdad all your lading that was in your vessel, and afterwards sunk it.

These two black bitches are your sisters, whom I have transformed into this shape, but this punishment is not sufficient; for I will have you treat them in such a manner as I shall direct.

At those words the fairy took me fast under one of her arms, and the two bitches in the other, and carried me to my house in Bagdad, where I found in my storehouses all the riches which were laden on board my vessel. Before she left me, she delivered me the two bitches, and told me, If you will not be changed into a bitch as they are, I ordain you, in the name of him that governs the sea, to give each of your sisters every night a hundred lashes with a rod, for the punishment of the crime they have committed against your person, and the young prince whom they drowned. I was forced to promise that I would obey her order. Since that time I have whipped them every night, though with regret, whereof your majesty has been a witness, I give evidence by my tears with how much sorrow and reluctance I must perform this cruel duty; and in this your majesty may see I am more to be pitied than blamed. If there be any thing else, with relation to myself, that you desire to be informed of, my sister Amine will give you the full discovery of it, by the relation of her story.

After the caliph had heard Zobeide with a great deal of astonishment, he desired his grand vizier to pray fair Amine to acquaint him wherefore her breast was marked with so many scars.

But, sir, said Scheherazade, it is day, and I dare not detain your majesty any longer. Schahriar being persuaded that the story which Scheherazade was to relate would explain the former, said to himself, I must have the pleasure of hearing this story out: upon which he arose, and resolved that Scheherazade should live one day longer.

SIXTY-SEVENTH NIGHT.

Dinarzade longed to hear the story of Amine, and therefore waked the sultaness a long while before day, saying, Dear sister, pray let us know why fair Amine had her breast so covered with scars. --I consent to it, said the sultaness; and that no time may be lost, you may know that Amine addressed herself to the caliph, and began her story after this manner:

The story of Amine.

Commander of the faithful, said she, to avoid repeating what your majesty has already heard by my sister’s story, I shall only add, that after my mother had taken a house for herself to live in during her widowhood, she gave me in marriage, with the portion my father left me, to a gentleman that had one of the best estates in the city.

I had scarce been a year married, when I became a widow, and was left in possession of all my husband’s estate, which amounted to ninety thousand sequins. The interest of this money was sufficient to maintain me very honourably. In the mean time, when my first six months’ mourning was over, I caused to be made me ten suits of clothes, very rich, so that each suit came to a thousand sequins; and when the year was past, I began to wear them.

One day as I was busy alone about my domestic affairs, I was told that a lady desired to speak to me. I ordered her to be brought in. She was a person advanced in years: she saluted me by kissing the ground, and told me, kneeling, dear lady, excuse the freedom I take to trouble you; the confidence I have in your charity makes me thus bold. I must acquaint your ladyship, that I have an orphan daughter, who is to be married this day: she and I are both strangers, and have no acquaintance in this town; which much perplexes me, for we wish the numerous family with whom we are going to ally ourselves to think we are not altogether strangers, and without credit; therefore, most beautiful lady, if you would vouchsafe to honour the wedding with your presence, we shall be infinitely obliged to you, because the ladies of your country will then know that we are not looked upon here as despicable wretches, when they shall come to understand that a lady of your quality did us that honour. But alas, madam, if you refuse this request, we shall be altogether disgraced, and dare not address ourselves to any other.

This poor woman’s discourse, mixed with tears, moved my compassion. Good woman, said I, do not afflict yourself; I am willing to grant you the favour you desire; tell me what place I must come to, and I will meet you as soon as I am dressed. The old woman was so transported with joy at my answer, that she kissed my feet without my being able to hinder it. Good charitable lady, said she, rising up, God will reward the kindness you have showed to your servants, and make your heart as joyful as you have made theirs. It is too soon yet to give yourself that trouble: it will be time enough when I come to call you in the evening. So farewell, madam, said she, till I have the honour to see you again.

As soon as she was gone, I took the suit I liked best, with a necklace of large pearl, bracelets, pendents in my ears, and rings set with the finest and most sparkling diamonds; for my mind presaged what would befal me.

When night drew on, the old woman came to call me, with a countenance full of joy; she kissed my hands, and said, My dear lady, the relations of my son-in-law, who are the principal ladies of the town, are now met together; you may come when you please, I am ready to wait on you. We went immediately, she going before, and I followed her, with a good number of my maids and slaves, very well dressed. We stopt in a wide street, newly swept and watered, at a spacious gate with a lantern before it, by the light of which I could read this inscription over the gate in golden letters: “Here is the abode of everlasting pleasures and content.” The old woman knocked, and the gate was opened immediately.

They brought me to the lower end of the court, into a large hall, where I was received by a young lady of admirable beauty. She came up to me, and after having embraced me, she made me sit down by her upon a sofa, where there was a throne of precious wood, set with diamonds. Madam, said she, you are brought hither to assist at a wedding; but I hope this marriage will prove otherwise than what you expected. I have a brother, one of the handsomest men in the world: he is fallen so much in love with the fame of your beauty, that his fate depends wholly upon you, and he will be the unhappiest of men if you do not take pity on him. He knows your quality, and I can assure you he is in nowise unworthy of your alliance. If my prayers, madam, can prevail, I shall join them with his, and humbly beg you will not refuse the offer of being his wife.

After the death of my husband, I had no thought of marrying again: but I had no power to refuse the offer made by so charming a lady. As soon as I had given consent by silence, accompanied with a blush, the young lady clapt her hands; and immediately a closet door opened, out of which came a young man of a majestic air, and so graceful a behaviour, that I thought myself happy to have made so great a conquest. He sat down by me, and by the discourse we had together, I found that his merits far exceeded the account his sister had given me of him. When she saw that we were satisfied with one another, she clapt her hands a second time, and out came a cadi, or scrivener, who wrote our contract of marriage, signed it himself, and caused it to be attested by four witnesses he brought along with him. The only thing that my new spouse made me promise, was, that I should not be seen by nor speak with any other man but himself; and he vowed to me, upon that condition, that I should have no reason to complain of him. Our marriage was concluded and finished after this manner; so I became the principal actress in a wedding whereunto I was only invited as a guest.

After we had been married a month, I had occasion for some stuffs. I asked my husband’s leave to go out and buy them, which he granted; and I took that old woman along with me, of whom I spoke before, she being one of the family, and two of my own female slaves.

When we came to the street where the merchants dwell, the old woman told me, Dear mistress, since you want silk stuffs, I must carry you to a young merchant of my acquaintance: he has of all sorts, and it will prevent your wearying yourself by going from one shop to another. I can assure you that he is able to furnish you with that which nobody else can. I was easily persuaded, and we entered into a shop belonging to a young merchant who was tolerably handsome. I sat down, and bade the old woman desire him to show me the finest silk stuffs he had. The woman bade me speak myself; but I told her it was one of the articles of my marriage contract, not to speak to any man but my husband, which I ought to keep.

The merchant shewed me several stuffs, of which one pleased me better than the rest; but I bade her ask the price. He answered the old woman, I will not sell it for gold or money, but I will make her a present of it, if she will give me leave to kiss her cheek. I ordered the old woman to tell him that he was very rude to propose such a thing; but instead of obeying me, she said, What the merchant desires of you is no such great matter; you need not speak, but only present him your cheek, and the business will soon be done. The stuff pleased me so much that I was foolish enough to take her advice. The old woman and my slaves stood up, that nobody should see, and I put up my veil; but instead of a kiss, the merchant bit me till the blood came.

The pain and surprise were so great, that I fell down in a swoon, and continued in it so long, that the merchant had time to shut his shop, and fly for it. When I came to myself, I found my cheek all bloody; the old woman and my slaves took care to cover it with my veil, that the people who came about us could not perceive it, but supposed it to be only a fainting fit.

Scheherazade, as she spoke these words, perceived day, and held her peace. The sultan finding the story both extraordinary and pleasant, rose up, with a design to hear the rest of it.

SIXTY-EIGHTH NIGHT.

When next night was near at an end, Dinarzade awaked and called to the sultaness, If you please, sister, pray continue the story of Amine. Scheherazade answered, the lady resumed it thus:

The old woman who was with me, being extremely troubled at this accident, endeavoured to comfort me; My dear mistress, said she, I beg your pardon, for I am the cause of this misfortune, having brought you to this merchant, because he is my countryman; but I never thought he would be guilty of such a villanous action. But do not grieve: let us make haste to go home; I will give you a medicine that shall perfectly cure you in three day’s time, so that the least mark shall not be seen. The fit had made me so weak that I was scarce able to walk: but at last I got home, where I had a second fit, as I went into the chamber. Meanwhile, the old woman applied her remedy, so that I came to myself, and went to bed.

My husband came to me at night, and seeing my head bound up, asked me the reason. I told him I had the head-ache, and hoped he would inquire no further; but he took a candle, and saw my cheek was hurt. How comes this wound? said he. And though I was not very guilty, yet I could not think of owning the thing; besides, to make such a confession to a husband, I thought was somewhat indecent; therefore I told him, That as I was going to seek for that stuff you gave me leave to buy, a porter carrying a load of wood came so close by me, as I went through a narrow street, that one of the sticks gave me a rub on the cheek; but it is not much hurt. This put my husband in such a passion, that he vowed he should not go unpunished; for I will to-morrow give orders to the lieutenant of the police to seize upon all those brutes of porters, and cause them to be hanged. Being afraid to occasion the death of so many innocent persons, I told him, Sir, I should be sorry that so great a piece of injustice should be committed. Pray do not do it; for I should deem myself unpardonable if I were the cause of so much mischief. Then tell me sincerely, said he, how came you by this wound? I answered, That it came through the inadvertency of a broom-seller upon an ass, who coming behind me, and looking another way, his ass gave me such a push that I fell down, and hurt my cheek upon some glass. --Is it so? said my husband; then to-morrow morning, before sun-rising, the grand vizier Giafar shall have an account of this insolence, and he shall cause all the broom-sellers to be put to death. --For the love of God, sir, said I, let me beg of you to pardon them, for they are not guilty. --How, madam, said he, what is it I must believe? Speak, for I am absolutely resolved to know the truth from your own mouth. --Sir, said I, I was taken with a giddiness in my head, and fell down, and that is the whole matter.

At these last words, my husband lost all patience. Oh! cried he, I have given ear to your lies too long; with that, clapping his hands, in came three slaves: Pull her out of bed, said he, and lay her in the middle of the floor. The slaves obeyed his orders, one holding me by the head, and another by the feet: he commanded a third to fetch him a scimitar; and when he had brought it, Strike, said he; cut her in two in the middle, and then throw her into the Tigris to feed the fishes. This is the punishment I give to those to whom I have given my heart, if they falsify their promise. When he saw that the slave made no haste to obey his orders, Why do you not strike? said he. Who is it that holds you? What are you waiting for?

Madam, then said the slave, you are near the last moments of your life; consider if you have any thing to dispose of before you die. I begged leave to speak one word, which was granted me. I lifted up my head, and looking wistfully to my husband, Alas! said I, to what condition am I reduced! must I then die in the prime of my youth? I could say no more, for my tears and sighs prevented me. My husband was not at all moved, but, on the contrary, went on to reproach me; so that to have made answer would have been in vain. I had recourse to entreaties and prayers; but he had no regard to them, and commanded the slaves to proceed to execution. The old woman who had been his nurse came in just at that moment, fell down upon her knees, and endeavoured to appease his wrath. My son, said she, since I have been your nurse, and brought you up, let me beg the favour of you to grant me her life; consider that he who kills shall be killed, and that you will stain your reputation, and lose the esteem of mankind. What will the world say of such a bloody rage? She spoke these words in such an affecting manner, accompanied with tears, that she prevailed upon him at last.

Well then, said he to his nurse, for your sake I will spare her life; but she shall carry some marks along with her to make her remember the crime. With that, one of the slaves, by his order, gave me so many blows as hard as he could strike, with a little cane, upon my sides and breast, that he fetched both skin and flesh away, so that I lay senseless. After that he caused the same slaves, the executioners of his fury, to carry me into a house, where the old woman took care of me. I kept my bed four months; at last I recovered; the scars you saw yesterday, against my will, have remained ever since.

As soon as I was able to walk, and go abroad, I resolved to go to the house which was my own by my first husband, but I could not find the place. My second husband, in the heat of his wrath, was not content to have razed it to the ground, but caused all the street where it stood to be pulled down. I believe such a violent proceeding was never heard of before; but against whom should I make my complaint? The author had taken such care that he was not to be found, neither could I know him again if I saw him; and suppose I had known him, is it not easily seen that the treatment I met with proceeded from absolute power? How then dared I make any complaint?

Being desolate, and unprovided of every thing, I had recourse to my dear sister Zobeide, who gave your majesty just now an account of her adventures; to her I made known my misfortune; she received me with her accustomed goodness, and advised me to bear it with patience. This is the way of the world, said she, which either robs us of our means, our friends, or our lovers, and oftentimes of all at once. And at the same time, to confirm what she had said, she gave me an account of the loss of the young prince, occasioned by the jealousy of her two sisters; she told me also by what accident they were transformed into bitches; and in the last place, after a thousand testimonials of her love towards me, she showed me my youngest sister, who had likewise taken sanctuary with her after the death of her mother.

Thus we gave God thanks, who had brought us together again, resolving to live a single life, and never to separate any more, for we have enjoyed this peaceable way of living a great many years; and as it was my business to mind the affairs of the house, I always took pleasure to go myself, and buy in what we wanted. I happened to go abroad yesterday, and the things I bought I caused to be brought home by a porter, who proved to be a sensible and jocose fellow, and we kept him with us for a little diversion. Three calenders happened to come to our door as it began to grow dark, and prayed us to give them shelter till the next morning. We gave them entrance, but upon certain conditions, which they agreed unto; and after we had made them sit down at the table by us, they gave us a concert of music after their fashion, and at the same time we heard knocking at our gate. These were the three merchants of Moussoul, men of a very good mien, who begged the same favour which the calenders had obtained before. We consented to it upon the same conditions, but neither of them kept their promise; and though we had power as well as justice on our side to punish them, yet we contented ourselves with demanding from them the history of their lives, and consequently confined our revenge to dismissing them after they had done, and depriving them of the lodging they requested.

The caliph Haroun Alraschid was very well satisfied with these strange stories, and declared publicly his astonishment at what he had heard.

But, sir, said Scheherazade, day begins to break; so that I have not time to acquaint your majesty what the caliph did to put an end to the enchantment of the two black bitches. Schahriar supposing that the sultaness would finish the story of the five ladies and the three calenders the next night, rose up, and suffered her to live till next morning.

SIXTY-NINTH NIGHT.

For the love of heaven, sister, said Dinarzade, before it was day, if you be not asleep, tell us how the two black bitches were brought to their former shape, and what became of the three calenders. --I will satisfy your curiosity, said Scheherazade. Then addressing her discourse to Schahriar, she pursued it thus:

Sir, the caliph having satisfied his curiosity, thought himself obliged to give some marks of grandeur and generosity to the calender princes, and also to give the three ladies some proofs of his bounty. He himself, without making use of his minister, the grand vizier, spoke to Zobeide: Madam, this fairy, that shewed herself to you in the shape of a serpent, and imposed such a rigorous command upon you, did she not tell you where her place of abode was? Or rather, did she not promise to see you, and restore those bitches to their natural shape?

Commander of the faithful, answered Zobeide, I forgot to tell your majesty, that the fairy left with me a bundle of hair, saying withal, that her presence would one day be of use to me; and then, if I only burnt two tufts of this hair, she would be with me in a moment, though she were beyond mount Caucasus. --Madam, said the caliph, where is the bundle of hair? She answered, ever since that time, I have had such a particular care of it, that I always carry it about me. Upon which she pulled it out, just opened the case where it was, and showed it to him. Well then, said the caliph, let us make the fairy come hither; you could not call her in a better time, for I long to see her.

Zobeide having consented to it, fire was brought in, and she threw the whole bundle of hair into it. The palace began to shake at that very instant, and the fairy appeared before the caliph, in the shape of a lady very richly dressed.

Commander of the faithful, said she to the prince, you see I am ready to come and receive your commands. The lady who gave me this call by your order did me a particular piece of service; to make my gratitude appear, I revenged her of her sisters inhumanity by changing them into bitches; but if your majesty commands it, I will restore them to their former shape.

Handsome fairy, said the caliph, you cannot do me a greater pleasure; vouchsafe them that favour, and after that I will find some means to comfort them for their hard penance. But besides, I have another boon to ask in favour of that lady, who has had such cruel usage from an unknown husband; and as you undoubtedly know a great many things, we have reason to believe that you cannot be ignorant of this. Oblige me with the name of this barbarous fellow, who could not be contented to exercise his barbarous cruelty upon her person, but has also most unjustly taken from her all her substance. I only wonder how such an unjust and inhuman action could be performed in spite of my authority, and not come to my ears.

To oblige your majesty, answered the fairy, I will restore the two bitches to their former state, and I will so cure the lady of her scars, that it shall never appear she was so beaten; and at last I will tell you who it was that did it.

The caliph sent for the two bitches from Zobeide’s house; and when they came a glass of water was brought to the fairy by her desire; she pronounced over it some words, which nobody understood; then throwing some part of it upon Amine, and the rest upon the bitches, the latter became two ladies of surprising beauty, and the scars that were upon Amine vanished away. After which, the fairy said to the caliph, Commander of the faithful, I must now discover to you the unknown husband you inquire after; he is very near related to yourself, for it is prince Amin, your eldest son, who falling passionately in love with this lady, by the fame he had heard of her beauty, by an intrigue got her brought to his house, where he married her. As to the strokes he caused to be given her, he is in some measure excusable; for the lady, his spouse, had been a little too easy, and the excuses she had made were capable of making him believe she was more faulty than she really was. This is all I can say to satisfy your curiosity; and at these words she saluted the caliph, and vanished.

The prince being filled with admiration, and having much satisfaction in the changes that had happened through his means, did such things as will perpetuate his memory to all ages. First, he sent for his son Amin, and told him that he was informed of his secret marriage, and how he had wounded Amine upon a very slight cause. Upon this the prince did not wait for his father’s commands, but received her again immediately.