Chapter XIII: Part 13

When he was arrived in the presence of the sovereign, he kissed the ground seven times, and then spoke in these terms: Commander of the Faithful, I bring to you this old man, and this youth, who each avers himself to be the murderer of the lady.” The caliph then asked the accused, which of the two had murdered the lady in so cruel a manner, and then thrown her into the Tigris. The youth assured him, that he had committed the deed; the old man sustained the contrary. “Go,” said the caliph to the vizier, “give orders for them both to be hanged.”--“But, sire,” replied the vizier, “if one only is criminal, it would be unjust to execute the other.”

At these words the young man replied, “I swear by the great God, who has elevated the heavens to where they now are, that it is I who killed the lady, who cut her in pieces, and then threw her into the Tigris four days since. I do not hope for mercy on the day of judgment, if what I say be not true; therefore, I am the person who is to be punished.” The caliph was surprised at this solemn oath, which he was inclined to believe, as the old man made no reply. Therefore, turning to the youth, “Unhappy wretch,” cried he, “for what reason hast thou committed this detestable crime? and what motive canst thou have for coming to offer thyself for execution!” “Commander of the Faithful,” returned he, “if all that has passed between this lady and myself could be written, it would form a history, which might be serviceable to mankind.” --“Relate it then,” replied the caliph, “I command you to do it.” The young man obeyed, and began in these words.

THE HISTORY OF THE LADY WHO WAS MURDERED, AND OF THE YOUNG MAN, HER HUSBAND.

“Sovereign of the Believers, I must acquaint your majesty, that the lady who was massacred was my wife, and daughter to this old man whom you see, and who is my uncle, on my father’s side. She was only twelve years of age when he bestowed her on me in marriage, and eleven years are passed since that period. I have three sons by her, who are still alive; and must do her the justice to say, that she never gave me the least subject for displeasure. She was prudent and virtuous; and her greatest pleasure consisted in making me happy. On my part I loved her with the truest affection, and anticipated all her wishes, instead of opposing them.

About two months since she was taken ill; I treated her with all possible care, and spared no pains to complete her cure: at the expiration of a month she grew better, and wished to go to the bath. Before she went out of the house she said to me, “Cousin,” for that was my familiar appellation, “I wish to eat some apples; you will oblige me very much, if you could procure me some; it is a long time that I have had this desire, and I must confess, that it is now increased to such a degree, that if I am not gratified I fear some misfortune will be the consequence.”--“Very willingly,” I replied, “I will do all in my power to content you.”

I immediately went in search of some apples, into all the markets and shops I could think of, but I could not obtain one, although I had offered to pay a sequin for it. I returned home much vexed at having taken so much trouble to no purpose. As for my wife, when she came back from the bath, and did not see any apples, she was so chagrined, that she could not sleep all night. I arose early the next morning, and went into all the gardens, but with no better success than on the preceding day. I only met with an old gardener, who told me, that whatever pains I might take I should not meet with any excepting in your majesty’s gardens at Balsora.

As I was passionately fond of my wife, and I would not have to reproach myself with having neglected any means of satisfying her longing, I put on the dress of a traveller, and having informed her of my intention, I set out for Balsora. I went with such dispatch, that I returned to her at the end of a fortnight. I brought with me three apples, which had cost me a sequin a piece. There were no more in the garden, and the gardener would not sell them at a lower price. When I arrived I presented them to my wife, but her longing was then over, so she received them, and only placed them by her side. She nevertheless continued in ill health, and I did not know what remedy to apply for her disorder.

A few days after my return, being in my shop, at the public place where all sorts of fine stuffs are sold, I saw a tall black slave enter, holding an apple in his hand, which I knew to be one of those I had brought from Balsora. I could have no doubts on the subject, for I knew that there were none in Bagdad, nor in any of the gardens in the environs. I called the slave, “My good slave,” said I, “pray tell me where you got that apple.”--“It is a present,” replied he, smiling, “that my mistress made me. I have been to see her to-day, and found her unwell. I saw three apples by her side, and asked her where she had got them; and she told me, that her good man of a husband had been a journey of fifteen days on purpose to get them for her. We breakfasted together, and when I came away I brought this with me.”

This intelligence enraged me beyond measure. I got up, and having shut up my shop, I ran home eagerly, and went into the chamber of my wife. I looked for the apples, and seeing but two, I inquired what was become of the third. My wife then turning her head towards the side where the apples were, and perceiving that there were only two, replied coldly, “I do not know what is become of it, cousin.” This answer convinced me of the truth of what the slave had spoken. I suffered myself to be transported by a fit of jealousy, and drawing a knife, which hung from my girdle, I plunged it in the breast of this unhappy woman. I then cut off her head, and divided her body into quarters; I made a packet of it, which I concealed in a folding basket, and after having sewed the opening of the basket with some red worsted, I inclosed it in a chest, and as soon as it was night, carried it on my shoulders to the Tigris, where I threw it in.

My two youngest children were in bed, and asleep; and the third was from home. On my return I found him sitting at the door, and weeping bitterly. I asked him the reason of his tears.--“Father,” said he, “this morning I took away from my mother, without her perceiving me, one of the three apples you brought her. I kept it some time, but as I was playing with it in the street, with my little brothers, a great black slave, who was passing, snatched it out of my hand, and took it away with him. I ran after him, asking him for it; I told him, that it belonged to my mother, who was ill, and that you had been a journey of fifteen days to procure it for her. All was useless, for he would not return it; and as I went on crying after him, he turned back and beat me, and then ran off as fast as he could through so many winding streets, that I lost sight of him. Since then I have been walking out of the city waiting for your return. I was staying here for you, father, to beg that you will not tell my mother, lest it should make her worse.” On finishing these words he redoubled his tears.

This relation from my son plunged me in the deepest affliction. I then saw the enormity of my crime, and repented, though too late, of having given credit to the imposture of the wicked slave, who, from what he had collected from my son, had composed the diabolical fable, which I received as a truth. My uncle, who is now present, arrived at that moment; he came to see his daughter, but instead of finding her alive, he learnt from my lips that she was no more, for I disguised nothing from him, and without waiting for his condemnation, I accused myself as the most criminal of men. Nevertheless, instead of pouring forth the reproaches I so justly deserved, this good man mingled his tears with mine, and we wept together three whole days; he for the loss of a daughter he had always tenderly loved, I for that of a wife, who was dear to me; and of whom I had deprived myself in so cruel a manner, by giving credit to the false testimony of a lying slave.

This, Sovereign of the Faithful, is the sincere confession which your majesty required of me; you know the extent of my crime, and I humbly supplicate you to give orders for my punishment; however rigorous it may be, I shall not murmur at it, but esteem it too light.”

At this the caliph was in great astonishment; but this equitable prince, finding that the youth was more to be pitied than blamed, began to take his part. “The action of this young man,” said he, “is excusable in the sight of God, and may be pardoned by man. The wicked slave is the sole cause of this murder; he is the only one who ought to be punished; therefore,” continued he, addressing the vizier, “I give you three days to find him: if you do not produce him by that time, your life shall be the forfeit instead of his.”

The unhappy Giafar, who had congratulated himself on his safety, was again overwhelmed with despair on hearing this new decree of the caliph; but as he did not dare to reply to his sovereign, whose disposition he was well acquainted with, he went out of his presence, and returned to his house with his eyes bathed in tears; and persuaded, that he had only three days to live. He was so convinced that it was impossible to find the slave, that he did not even seek him. “It is not possible,” cried he, “that in such a city as Bagdad, where there is such an infinity of black slaves, I should ever be able to discover him in question. If God does not reveal him to me, as he did the assassin, nothing can possibly save me.”

He passed the two first days in affliction with his family, who could not help murmuring at the rigour of the caliph. On the third day he prepared for death with firmness, and like a minister, who had ever acted with integrity, and had done nothing with which to reproach himself. He sent for the cadi and other witnesses, who signed the will he made in their presence. After that, he embraced his wife and children, and bid them a last farewell. All his family melted into tears, and never was there a more affecting spectacle. At length an officer of the palace arrived, who told him, that the caliph was much displeased at not having heard from him about the black slave, whom he had commanded him to search for. “I am ordered,” continued he, “to bring you to the foot of the throne.” The afflicted vizier prepared to follow the officer, but as he was going, his youngest daughter was brought to him. She was five or six years old, and the women, who had the care of her, came with her to take leave of her father.

As he was particularly fond of this daughter, he entreated the officer to allow him a few minutes to speak to her. He approached the child, and taking her in his arms, kissed her several times. In kissing her he perceived she had something large in her bosom, which had a strong smell. “My dear little girl,” said he, “what have you in your bosom?”--“My dear father,” replied she, “it is an apple, on which is written the name of the caliph, our lord and master. Rihan [9] our slave sold it me for two sequins.”

At the words “apple” and “slave,” the grand vizier Giafar made an exclamation through surprise and joy; and immediately took the apple from the child’s bosom. He ordered the slave to be called, and when he came into his presence, “Rascal,” said he, “where didst thou get this apple?”--“My lord,” replied the slave, “I swear to you, that I have not stolen it either from your garden, or from that of the Commander of the Faithful.

“The other day, as I was passing through a street, where there were three or four children at play, one of them had this apple in his hand, and I took it away from him. The child ran after me, saying that it did not belong to him, but to his mother, who was ill; that his father, to gratify her longing, had gone to a great distance to procure it, and had brought her three; that this was one, which he had taken without his mother’s knowing it. He entreated me to return it, but I would not attend to him, and brought the apple home; after which I sold it to the little lady, your daughter, for two sequins. This is all I have to say.”

Giafar could not help wondering that the roguery of a slave should have caused the death of an innocent woman, and nearly deprived himself of life. He took the slave with him, and when he had reached the palace, he related to the caliph what the slave had confessed, and the chance by which he discovered the crime.

The astonishment of the caliph cannot be equalled; he could not contain himself, and burst into violent fits of laughter. At last, having resumed a serious air, he said to the vizier, that since his slave had occasioned so much confusion, he merited an exemplary punishment. “Sire,” replied the vizier, “I cannot deny it; yet his crime is not inexcusable. I know a history, far more surprising, of a vizier of Cairo, called Noureddin [10] Ali, and Bedreddin Hassan, [11] of Balsora. As your majesty takes pleasure in hearing such stories, I am ready to relate it to you; provided, that if you find it more wonderful than the circumstance which occasions me to tell it, you will remit the punishment of my slave.”--“With all my heart,” returned the caliph, “but you have undertaken a great enterprize, and I do not think you can save your slave, for the story of the apples is a very singular one.” Giafar then began his story in these words.

THE HISTORY OF NOUREDDIN ALI, AND BEDREDDIN HASSAN.

Commander of the Faithful, there was formerly a sultan in Egypt, who was a great observer of justice; he was merciful, beneficent, and liberal, and his valour made him the terror of the neighbouring states. He provided for the poor, and protected men of learning, whom he raised to the first employment in his state. The vizier of this sultan was a prudent, wise, and penetrating man, skilled in literature and all the sciences. This minister had two sons, handsome in person, and resembling their father in talents. The eldest was named Schemseddin [12] Mohammed, and the youngest Noureddin Ali. This last, in particular, possessed as much merit as can fall to the lot of any individual. The vizier, their father, dying, the sultan sent for them, and having put on each the dress of a common vizier, “I regret your father’s death,” said he, “and feel sincerely for your loss; and as I wish to prove it to you, I invest each of you with the same dignity, for I know you live together, and are perfectly united. Go, and imitate your father.”

The two new viziers thanked the sultan for the favour he had conferred on them: and returned home to order their father’s funeral. When a month was expired, they made their appearance in public; and went for the first time to the council of the sultan, after which they continued to attend regularly every day, that it assembled. Whenever the sultan had a hunting-party, one of the brothers accompanied him; and they partook of this honour alternately. One evening, on the morrow of which the eldest brother was to be of the sultan’s hunting-party, they were talking after supper on different subjects, when Schemseddin Mohammed said to Noureddin, “Brother, as we are not yet married, and live in such harmony, a thought has occurred to me. Let us both marry on the same day, and to two sisters, whom we will choose out of some family, whose rank is equal to our own. What think you of this proposal?” --“I think, brother,” replied Noureddin Ali, “that it is worthy of the friendship that unites us. You could not have arranged a better plan, and I am ready to do whatever you wish in it.” --“Oh,” resumed the eldest, “this is not all; my imagination goes much farther. Suppose, that our wives become pregnant on the first night of our marriage, and that they afterwards produce on the same day, your wife a son, and mine a daughter, whom we will unite, when they are of a proper age.”--“Ah!” exclaimed his brother, “this is indeed an admirable project. This marriage will complete our union, and I readily give my consent. But, brother,” added he, “if it happens that this marriage takes place, should you expect my son to settle a fortune on your daughter?”--“In that there is no difficulty,” replied the other, “and I am persuaded, that besides the usual agreements in a marriage contract, you would not object to give in her name at least three thousand sequins, three good estates, and three slaves.” “That I cannot agree to,” returned Noureddin. “Are not we brothers and colleagues, each invested with the same dignity and title? Besides, do not we both know what is just? The male being more noble than the female, ought not you to bestow a large portion on your daughter? I perceive you are a man who wishes to enrich himself at other people’s expense.”

Although Noureddin Ali had said these words in joke; yet his brother, who was not of a good temper, was highly offended. “Misery attend your son!” said he, angrily, “since you dare to prefer him to my daughter. I am surprised that you should have the impertinence only to suppose him worthy of her. You must have lost your senses to make yourself my equal, by saying that we are colleagues; know, that after such insolence, I would not marry my daughter to your son, even if you were to give her more riches than you are possessed of.” This curious quarrel between the brothers about the marriage of their children, who were not yet born, did not cease here. Schemseddin Mohammed went so far as to use menaces; “If I were not obliged,” said he, “to accompany the sultan to-morrow, I would treat you as you deserve; but on my return I will show you, if it becomes the youngest brother to speak to the eldest in the insolent manner you have treated me.” At these words he retired to his apartment, and his brother did the same.

Schemseddin Mohammed arose very early the next morning, and repaired to the palace; from whence he went out with the sultan, who bent his course above Cairo, towards the pyramids. As for Noureddin Ali, he passed the night in great distress; and having well considered, that it was not possible for him to remain any longer with a brother, who treated him with such contempt, he formed the resolution of quitting the house; he prepared a good mule, furnished himself with money, precious stones, and some eatables; and having told his people that he was going a journey of three or four days, in which he wished to be alone, he departed.

When he was out of Cairo, he went over the desert towards Arabia; but his mule becoming lame on the road, he was obliged to continue his journey on foot. He had the good fortune to be overtaken by a courier who was going to Balsora, and who took him up behind him. When they were arrived at Balsora, Noureddin Ali alighted, and thanked the courier for the favour he had done him. As he walked along the streets seeking for a lodging, he saw a person of great quality and distinction coming, accompanied by a numerous train, to whom all the inhabitants paid great respect, by waiting to let him pass; and Noureddin Ali stopped like the rest. It was the grand vizier of the sultan of Balsora, who was parading the city to preserve peace and good order by his presence.

This minister having by chance cast his eyes on the young man, was struck with his engaging countenance: he looked on him pleasantly, and as he passed near him, perceiving that he was in the dress of a traveller, he stopped to ask him, who he was and from whence he came. “My lord,” replied Noureddin Ali, “I am from Egypt, and born at Cairo. I have quitted my country on account of a quarrel with one of my relations, and I have resolved to travel over the whole world, and to die rather than return.” The grand vizier, who was a venerable old man, having heard these words, replied, “My son, do not put in execution the project you have formed. In this world there is nothing but misery, and you little think what pains you will have to endure. Rather come with me, and perhaps I can make you forget the subject which has obliged you to abandon your country.”

Noureddin Ali followed the grand vizier of Balsora, who soon becoming acquainted with his good qualities conceiving a great affection for him; so that one day, when they were alone together, he thus addressed him: “My son, I am, as you see, so far advanced in years, that there is no prospect of my living much longer. Heaven has given me an only daughter, who is as handsome as yourself, and now of a marriageable age. Many of the most powerful lords of this court have already asked her for their sons, yet I never could bring myself to part with her. But I love you, and think you so worthy of being allied to my family, that I am willing to accept you as my son-in-law, in preference to all who have applied. If you receive this offer with pleasure, I will acquaint the sultan, my master, that I have adopted you by this marriage, and I will entreat him to grant me the reversion of my appointment as grand vizier of Balsora; at the same time, as I wish for a little rest from business in my old age, I will not only resign to you the disposal of all my possessions, but also the administration of the affairs of state.”

The grand vizier had no sooner finished these words, which so strongly evinced his goodness of heart and generosity, than Noureddin Ali threw himself at his feet, and declared, in terms which proclaimed the joy and gratitude that flowed from his heart, that he was ready to do any thing that he would dictate. The grand vizier then called the principal officers of his household, and ordered them to prepare the great saloon in his house for a grand entertainment: he then sent invitations to all the grandees of the court as well as of the city to favour him with their company. When they were all assembled, as Noureddin Ali had made him acquainted with his rank, he thus addressed them: “My lords, I am happy to inform you of a circumstance, which I have hitherto kept secret. I have a brother, who is grand vizier of the sultan of Egypt, as I have the honour to be grand vizier to the sultan of these dominions. This brother of mine has an only son, whom he would not marry at the court of Egypt, and he has sent him here to be united to my daughter, that the two branches might be thus joined together. This son, whom I recognised as my nephew on his arrival, and whom I am going to make my son-in-law, is this young nobleman, whom I have the pleasure of introducing to you. I flatter myself you will do him the honour of being present at the nuptials, which I intend shall be solemnized this day.” The grand vizier talked to them in this style, thinking, that no one could be offended at his preferring his nephew to all those who had offered their alliance; and in fact they replied, that he did right to conclude this marriage, that they would willingly be present at the ceremony, and that they hoped God would bless them many years with the fruits of this happy union. They had no sooner expressed their approbation of the marriage of the vizier’s daughter with Noureddin Ali, than they sat down to table, where they remained a considerable time. Towards the end of the repast the confectionary was served, and each one, as is the custom, having taken as much as he wished to carry away, the cadis entered with the marriage contract in their hands. The principal grandees signed it, after which the whole company retired.

When no one remained but the people belonging to the house, the grand vizier desired those who had the care of the bath, to conduct Noureddin Ali thither. He found it provided with new linen of a beautiful fineness and whiteness, as well as with every other necessary. When the bridegroom had been well washed and rubbed, he was going to put on the same dress he had pulled off, but another of the greatest magnificence was presented to him in its place. Thus adorned and perfumed with the most exquisite odours, he returned to the grand vizier, his father-in-law, who was charmed with his appearance; and placing him by his side, “My son,” said he, “you have disclosed to me who you are, and the rank you held at the Egyptian court; you have also told me, that you had a quarrel with your brother, for which reason you left your country; I entreat you to relate to me the subject of your difference, for you must now place an entire confidence in, and conceal nothing from, me.

Noureddin Ali recounted all the circumstances relative to his dispute with his brother, at which the grand vizier could not refrain from laughing very heartily. “This is indeed,” said he, “the strangest thing I ever heard of! Is it possible, that your quarrel was carried to such a height merely for an imaginary wedding? I am sorry that you quarrelled with your elder brother for such a trifle; however, I perceive that he was in the wrong to be offended with what you said merely in joke, and I ought to be thankful to Heaven, that this difference between you has been the means of procuring me a son-in-law such as you. But,” continued the old man, “the night is advancing, and it is time for you to retire. Go, my daughter is expecting your arrival. To-morrow I will present you to the sultan, and I flatter myself he will receive you in a way to satisfy us both.”

Noureddin Ali left his father-in-law, to repair to the chamber of his bride. What is very remarkable (continued the grand vizier Giafar,) is, that on the same day that these nuptials were celebrated at Balsora, Schemseddin Mohammed was married at Cairo, in the manner I am going to relate.

After Noureddin Ali had left Cairo with the intention of never revisiting it, Schemseddin Mohammed, his elder brother, who was gone with the sultan on the hunting-party, returning at the end of a month (for the sultan being passionately fond of hunting had been absent thus Long,) ran into the apartment of Noureddin Ali; but what was his surprise on being informed that he had left Cairo under pretence of making a journey of four or five days, that he set off on a mule on the very day of the hunting-party of the sultan, and that since that time he had never been seen or heard of. Schemseddin was the more chagrined at this intelligence, as he accused himself of having been the cause of his brother’s absenting himself by the harsh words which had passed between them. He dispatched a courier, who passed through Damascus, and went on to Aleppo; but Noureddin Ali was at that time at Balsora. When the courier returned without bringing any tidings of him, Schemseddin Mohammed determined to send in other parts to seek for him, but in the meantime he formed the design of marrying. He made choice of the daughter of one of the most powerful grandees of Cairo, and was united to her on the same day that his brother married the daughter of the grand vizier of Balsora.

But this is not all (continued Giafar;) I will now tell you, Commander of the Faithful, what happened afterwards. At the expiration of nine months the wife of Schemseddin Mohammed was delivered of a daughter at Cairo, and on the same day the wife of Noureddin Ali at Balsora brought into the world a boy, who was named Bedreddin Hassan. The grand vizier of Balsora testified his joy by great presents and public rejoicings, which he ordered on the birth of his grandson. He afterwards, to prove his affection for Noureddin Ali, went to the palace to entreat the sultan to grant him the reversion of his office, that he might have the satisfaction, before he died, of seeing his son-in-law in his place.

The sultan, who had seen Noureddin Ali immediately after his marriage, and had heard him spoken of favourably since that time, readily granted the favour which was requested of him; and he ordered him to be robed in his presence in the dress of grand vizier.

The happiness of the father-in-law was complete, when he saw Noureddin Ali preside at the council in his place, and perform all the functions of grand vizier. Noureddin Ali acquitted himself so well, that he appeared to have exercised that office all his life. He continued to assist at the council, whenever the infirmities of age would not allow his father-in-law to be present. This good old man died four years after this marriage, with the satisfaction of seeing a branch of his family, who promised to sustain the honour and credit of it.

Noureddin Ali performed the last duties to his father-in-law, with the greatest kindness and gratitude, and as soon as Bedreddin Hassan, his son, had reached the age of seven years, he placed him under the tuition of an excellent master, who began his education in a way suitable to his birth. He found in his pupil a quick and penetrating understanding, capable of profiting from the instructions it received.

In the course of two years after Bedreddin Hassan had been with his tutor, he had learnt to read, and was also acquainted with the koran by heart. Noureddin Ali, his father, then procured him other masters, by which he made such a rapid progress in his studies, that at the age of twelve years he was no longer in need of their assistance. By that time, as the features of his countenance were fully formed, he became the admiration of all who saw him.

Till then Noureddin Ali had only sought to make him study, and had not brought him out into the world. He now took him to the palace, in order to have the honour of introducing him to the sultan, who received him very favourably. The people in the streets, who saw him as he went along, were so struck with his beauty, that they uttered a thousand benedictions and exclamations of surprise.

As his father wished to make him capable of being equal, one day, to fill the situation he himself held, he spared nothing to qualify him for it, and by making him enter into affairs of the most difficult nature, he prepared him early for that kind of employment. In short, he neglected nothing that could tend to the advancement of a son whom he tenderly loved; and he began to enjoy the fruits of his trouble, when he was suddenly attacked by a disease so violent, that he was sensible his end was approaching. He, therefore, did not flatter himself with hopes of recovery, but prepared to die like a good mussulman. In these precious moments, he did not forget his beloved son Bedreddin; he ordered him to be called to his bedside, and thus addressed him: “My son, you see that this world is perishable: that only, to which I am shortly going, is eternal. You must, from this moment, begin to adopt the sentiments I now feel, and prepare to take this journey without regret; your conscience acquitting you of having neglected any of the duties of a mussulman, or of an honest man. With regard to your religion, you have been sufficiently instructed in that by the masters you have had, as well as by what you have read. As to what relates to an honest man, I will now give you some advice, from which I hope you will endeavour to profit. As it is in the first place necessary to know yourself, and you cannot possibly have that knowledge without knowing who I am, I will now inform you.

“I was born in Egypt,” continued he; “my father was prime minister to the sultan of those dominions. I too had the honour of being one of the viziers of the same sultan, jointly with my brother, your uncle, who, I believe, is still alive, and is called Schemseddin Mohammed. I was under the necessity of separating from him, and I came into this country, where I reached the rank which I have till now enjoyed. But you will be made acquainted with a fuller detail of these circumstances by a packet, which I shall give you.”

Noureddin Ali then took out the packet, which he had written with his own hand, and which he always carried about him, and giving it to Bedreddin Hassan, “Take it,” said he, “you will read it at your leisure; you will find in it, among other things, the day of my marriage, and that of your birth. These are circumstances, which may be useful to you in the end, and you must, therefore, carefully preserve it.” Bedreddin Hassan, truly afflicted at seeing his father in such a state, and sensibly touched by this discourse, received the packet with tears in his eyes, promising never to let it go out of his possession.

At this instant Noureddin Ali was seized with a fainting fit, which, it was feared, would terminate his existence: he recovered, however, and continuing to address his son, “The first maxim I wish to impress on your mind,” said he, “is, not to hold intercourse with all kinds of persons. The way to live in safety is to be reserved, and not be too communicative.

“The second is, not to commit violence on any one; for were you to do so, all the world would revolt against you, and you must regard the world as a creditor, to whom you owe moderation, compassion, and toleration.

“The third, never to reply when you are spoken to in anger. ‘He is out of danger,’ says the proverb, ‘who remains silent.’ On such occasions, in particular, you should attend to this. You know also what one of our poets has written on this subject; ‘silence is the ornament and safeguard of life; we should not by speaking resemble the stormy rain, which spoils every thing.’ We never repent of having been silent, but often regret having spoken.

“The fourth is, not to drink wine, for it is the source of all vice.

“The fifth, to manage your fortune with economy; if you do not spend it extravagantly, you will have what is necessary to assist you in case of need. You must not, however, save too much, and become a miser. If you have only a little, and yet spend that with propriety, you will gain many friends; but if, on the contrary, you possess great riches, and do not make a good use of them, every one will despise and abandon you.”

Noureddin Ali continued giving this kind of advice to his son, till the last moments of his life; and when he died, he was interred with all the honours due to his rank and dignity. Bedreddin Hassan, of Balsora, for thus he was named, from his being born in that town, was inconsolable at the death of his father. Instead of one month, as is the custom, he passed two in his retreat, to give way to his sorrow; during which time, he would not see any one, nor even go out to pay his respects to the sultan, who being displeased with this neglect, which he considered as a mark of contempt towards him and his court, suffered his anger to rise to a great height. He summoned the new grand vizier, whom he had elected to supply the place of Noureddin Ali, and ordered him to go to the house of the deceased, and to confiscate it, together with all his other houses, grounds, and effects, without leaving any thing for Bedreddin Hassan, whose person also he desired to be seized.

The grand vizier, accompanied by a number of the officers of the palace, immediately set out to execute his commission. One of the slaves of Bedreddin Hassan, who had by chance joined the crowd, no sooner learnt the intention of the grand vizier, than he hastened to warn his master of the danger. He found him seated in the vestibule of his house, in as deep affliction as if his father was but just dead. He threw himself at his feet quite out of breath, and after having kissed the bottom of his robe, “Fly, my lord,” cried he, “fly quickly!”--“What is the matter?” inquired Bedreddin, raising his head, “what news hast thou?”--“My lord,” replied the slave, “you have not a moment to lose. The sultan is enraged against you, and they are now coming, by his order, to confiscate all your possessions, and even to seize your person.”

This intelligence of his faithful and affectionate slave occasioned Bedreddin some perplexity. “But,” said he, “cannot I return and take at least some money and jewels?”--“My dear lord,” replied the slave, “the grand vizier will be here in a moment. Depart instantly, and make your escape.” Bedreddin Hassan immediately got up from the sofa on which he was sitting, and put on his slippers; then covering his head with one corner of his robe, to conceal his face, he fled without knowing where to turn his steps, to avoid the danger which threatened him. The first thought that occurred, was to reach the nearest gate of the city. He ran without stopping, till he came to the public cemetery, and, as night was approaching, determined to pass it near his father’s tomb. This was a large edifice of a magnificent appearance, built in the shape of a dome, which Noureddin Ali had erected during his lifetime; but Bedreddin in his way met with a Jew, who was very rich, and a banker and merchant by profession. He was returning to the city from a place where he had been on business.

This Jew, who was called Isaac, knowing Bedreddin Hassan, stopped, and saluted him very respectfully: after having kissed his hand, he said, “My lord, may I take the liberty of asking you, where you are going at this hour, alone, and in appearance so agitated? is there any thing that afflicts you?”--“Yes,” replied Bedreddin, “I fell asleep just now, and my father appeared to me in a dream. He had a dreadful countenance, as if he had been very angry with me. I awoke much terrified, and I set off immediately to come and pray at his tomb.”--“My lord,” replied the Jew, who did not know the real cause of Bedreddin’s quitting the city, “as the late grand vizier your father, and my lord of happy memory, had several vessels laden with merchandize, which are still at sea, and now belong to you, I entreat you to grant me the preference over any other merchant. I am in a situation to purchase for ready money the cargoes of all your vessels, and as a proof of what I say, if you approve of it, I will give you a thousand sequins for the first which arrives in port. I have them here in a purse, and am ready to advance them.” Saying this, he drew out from under his robe, a large purse, sealed with his seal, which he showed him.

Bedreddin Hassan, situated as he was, forced to fly from his home, and robbed of every thing he possessed, looked upon this proposition of the Jew as a favour from Heaven; and accepted the offer with great joy. “My lord,” said the Jew, “you grant me then the cargo of the first of your vessels that arrives, for one thousand sequins?”--“Yes,” replied Bedreddin, “I do, the bargain is made.” The Jew then put the purse of sequins into his hands, at the same time offering to count them, but Bedreddin spared him the trouble, by saying he trusted in his honour. “Well, then, my lord,” resumed the Jew, “will you have the goodness to write a little agreement of the bargain we have made? He then pulled out from his girdle an ink-horn, and having taken a cane prepared for writing, he presented it to him with a bit of paper, which he found in his pocket-book, and while he held the ink, Bedreddin wrote these words:

“This writing is to witness, that Bedreddin Hassan, of Balsora, has sold the cargo of the first of his ships, which make this port, to the Jew Isaac, for the sum of one thousand sequins, received.

Bedreddin Hassan, of Balsora.”

Having written this, he gave it to the Jew, who put it in his pocket-book, and they separated; Isaac pursuing his way to the city, and Bedreddin Hassan that which led to the tomb of his father, Noureddin Ali. When he had reached it, he prostrated himself with his face towards the earth; and, bathed in tears, began to lament his miserable fate. “Alas!” said he, “unfortunate Bedreddin, what will become of thee? Where will thou go to seek an asylum from the unjust prince who persecutes thee? Was it not affliction enough to lose a father so dear? Why would fortune add another grief to those thou hast already suffered?” He remained a considerable time in this state; but at length he arose, and leaning his head on his father’s sepulchre, he renewed his lamentations, and continued to weep and sigh, until overtaken by sleep, he laid himself down on the pavement, where he fell into a gentle slumber.

He scarcely tasted the sweets of repose, when a Genius, who had chosen this cemetery as his retreat during the day, preparing to begin his nightly excursions, perceived this young man in the tomb of Noureddin Ali. He entered, and as Bedreddin lay on his back he was struck with admiration of his beauty, and having examined him attentively for some time, he said to himself, “To judge of this creature by his countenance, it can only be an angel sent by God from the terrestrial paradise, to inflame the world with his beauty.” After he had considered him again, he rose into the air, where by chance he met a fairy. They saluted each other, after which he said, “I entreat you to descend with me to the cemetery where I live, and I will show you a prodigy in beauty, who is no less worthy of your admiration than of mine.” The fairy consented, and they both instantly descended: when they were in the tomb, the Genius, showing her Bedreddin, “Well,” said he, “did you ever see so handsome a youth as this?”

The fairy examined Bedreddin attentively, then turning towards the Genius, “I confess,” replied she, “that he is very well made, but I have just seen at Cairo, an object still more wonderful; and will tell you something concerning it, if you will attend to me.” --“That I will with pleasure,” replied the genius.--“You must know then,” resumed the fairy, “for I shall begin from an early date, that the sultan of Egypt has a vizier, named Schemseddin Mohammed, and he has a daughter about twenty years of age. She is the most beautiful and perfect creature that was ever beheld. The sultan hearing from every one of the extraordinary beauty of this young lady, sent for the vizier, her father, a few days since, and said to him. ‘I understand you have a daughter, who is marriageable; and I wish to make her my wife; will not you give your consent?’ The vizier, who did not at all expect such a proposal, was rather disconcerted; but he was not dazzled by the prospect of such a match for his daughter; and instead of accepting the offer with joy, as many in his place would have done, he replied to the sultan, ‘Sire, I am not worthy of the honour your majesty would confer on me, and I humbly entreat you not to be displeased, that I should oppose your design. You know that I had a brother, called Noureddin Ali, who, as well as myself, had the honour of being one of your viziers. We had a quarrel together, which was the cause of his suddenly disappearing, and I have never heard of him since that time, till within these four days; when I learnt, that he is lately dead at Balsora, where he enjoyed the dignity of grand vizier to the sultan of that kingdom. He has left one son, and as we formerly agreed to marry our children, if ever we had any, to each other, I am persuaded that when he died, he continued in the same design. For this reason I wish, on my part, to perform my promise; and I supplicate your majesty to permit me to do so. There are many nobles in this court who have daughters as well as myself, and whom you can honour with your alliance.’

“The sultan of Egypt was extremely irritated by the refusal of Schemseddin Mohammed, and said to him, in a transport of anger, which he could not suppress, ‘Is it thus you return the goodness with which I condescended to propose my alliance with your family; I shall know how to revenge myself for the preference you have the assurance to show to another; and I swear to you, that your daughter shall have no other husband than the lowest and most ill-looking of my slaves.’ In saying this he dismissed the vizier, who returned home, full of confusion, and much mortified.

“To-day the sultan ordered one of his grooms to be brought to him, who is very much deformed, and so ugly it is impossible to look at him without terror; and after having commanded Schemseddin Mohammed to give his consent to the marriage of his daughter with this horrible slave, he had the contract drawn up, and signed by witnesses in his presence. The preparations for these curious nuptials are now completed, and at this moment all the slaves of the grandees of the Egyptian court are at the door of a bath, each with a torch in his hand; they are waiting for hunchback, the groom, who is in the bath, to come out, that they may lead him to his bride, who is already dressed for his reception. At the time I left Cairo the ladies were assembled to conduct her in her nuptial ornaments to the hall, where she is to receive her deformed bridegroom, and where she is now expecting him. I saw her; and assure you, that it is impossible to view her without admiration.”

When the fairy had ceased speaking, the genius replied, that he could not believe it possible for the beauty of this damsel to surpass that of the youth before them. “I will not dispute with you,” said the fairy; “I will only say, that he deserves to marry the charming lady, who is destined for the groom; and I think we should perform an action worthy of ourselves, were we to oppose the injustice of the sultan, and to substitute this young man for the slave.”--“You reason justly,” resumed the genius, “and you cannot conceive how much I admire you for this idea; I consent; let us counteract the vengeance of the sultan, console an afflicted father, and make his daughter as happy as she now conceives herself to be miserable. I will omit nothing to make this project succeed, and I am persuaded, that on your part you will not be sparing in your exertions; I take upon me to carry this youth to Cairo, without waking him, and I leave to you the care of the disposal of him after we have executed our enterprise.”

After the genius and the fairy had concerted together what they should do, the former gently raised Bedreddin, and transported him through the air with an inconceivable swiftness, and placed him at the door of a public apartment adjoining the bath from whence the groom was to come, accompanied by the slaves who were waiting for him.

Bedreddin Hassan, awaking at this instant, was much astonished to find himself in a city he was not acquainted with: and was going to inquire where he was, when the genius gave him a gentle tap on the shoulder, and warned him not to speak a word; then putting a torch in his hand, “Go;” said he to him, “and mix with the people whom you see at the door of that bath, and walk with them till you come to a hall, where a wedding is going to be celebrated. You will easily distinguish the bridegroom, by his being deformed. Place yourself on his right hand, when you enter; and open now and then the purse of sequins, which you have in your bosom, and distribute them among the musicians and dancers as you go along. When you have reached the hall, do not fail to give some also to the female slaves, whom you will see about the bride, when they approach you. But remember, whenever you put your hand in your purse, draw it out full of sequins, and beware of sparing them. Do exactly as I have told you, with confidence, and be not surprised at any thing; fear no one, and trust for the consequence in the superior power of one who will dispose of every thing as he thinks best for you.”

The young Bedreddin, well instructed in what he was to do, advanced towards the door of the bath. The first thing he did was to light his torch by that of a slave; then, mixing with the rest, as if he had belonged to a grandee of Cairo, he walked with them, and accompanied the groom, who came out of the bath, and mounted one of the horses from the sultan’s stable.

Bedreddin, finding himself near the musicians and dancers, who preceded the hunchback, frequently drew from his purse handfuls of sequins, which he distributed amongst them. As he conferred these bounties with admirable grace, and the most obliging air, all those who received them cast their eyes on him; and no sooner had they seen him than they were rivetted on him, so great was his beauty and the symmetry of his person.