Arabian Nights Entertainments (1706)/Volume 2/The Story of Zobeide
DEar Sister, says 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, says Scheherazade, after that Prince, by this Discourse had encouraged her to it. And it was in this manner that she satisfied his Curiosity.
COmmander of the Faithful, says 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 my self, are Sisters, by the same Father and Mother; and I shall acquaint you by what strange Accident they came to be metamorphoz’d. The two Ladies that 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 on her Breast her Name is Amine, the other 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 those two Sisters received their Portions, they went from me to live with their Mother. My other two Sisters and my self stay’d with our Mother, who was then alive, and when she dy’d left each of us a thousand Sequins. As soon as we receiy’d 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 reduc’d to Poverty, he found a Pretext for divorcing my Sister, and put her away.
She return’d to this City, and having suffer’d incredible Hardships by the way, came to me in so lamentable a Condition, that it would have mov’d the hardest Heart to Compassion. I receiv’d 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 concern’d at her Misfortune, that it drew Tears from my Eyes, I put her into a Bagnio, and cloathed her with my own Apparel, and spoke to her thus. Sitter, you are my 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 your self there’s nothing I have but what is at your Service, and as much at your Disposal as my own.
We liv’d 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 receiv’d her likewise with the same Affection 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 answer’d 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 answerable to our Condition: But, says I, I rather believe you have a mind to marry again; which if you have, I’m sure ’twill very much surprize 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 stay together, and live as comfortably as we can. All my Persuasion was in vain, they were resolv’d to marry, and so they did. But after some Months were past, they came back again, and begg’d my Pardon a thousand times, for not following my Advice. You are our younger 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 alter’d my Mind with respect to you since we last parted from one another; Come again, and take part of what I have. Upon this I embrac’d them, and we liv’d together as we did formerly.
We continued thus a whole Year in perfect Love and Tranquillity; and seeing that God had encreased my small Stock, I projected a Voyage by Sea, to hazard somewhat in Trade. To this end I went with my two Sisters to Basra, where I bought a Ship ready fitted for Sea, and laded her with such Merchandize as I brought from Bagdad; we set Sail with a fair Wind, and soon got through the Persian Gulph; and when we got into the Ocean we steered our Course for the Indies, and saw Land the twentieth Day. ’Twas a very high Mountain, at the bottom of which we saw a great Town; and having a fresh Gale, we soon reach’d the Harbour, where we cast Anchor.
I had not Patience to stay till my Sisters were dress’d to go along with me, but went ashore in the Boat by my self; and making directly to the Gate of the Town, I saw there a great number of Men upon the Guard, some sitting, and others standing with Battons in their Hands; and they had all such dreadful Countenances that it frighten’d me; but perceiving they had no Motion, nay not so much as with their Eyes, I took Courage and went nearer, and then found they were all turn’d into Stones. I enter’d the Town, and pass’d through several Streets, where there stood every where Men in several Postures, but all unmoveable and petrified. On that side where the Merchants liv’d I found most of the Shops shut, and in such as were open, I likewise found the people petrified. I looked up the Chimneys, but saw no Smoak, which made me conjecture that those within as well as those without, were all turned into Stones.
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 Fabrick, I made no doubt but it was the Palace of the Prince who reigned over that Country: And being very much astonish’d that I had not met with one living Creature, I went thither in hopes to find some; I enter’d the Gate, and was still more surprized, when I saw none but the Guards in the Porches, all petrified; some standing, some fitting, and some lying.
I crossed over a large Court, where I saw a stately Building just before me, the Windows of which were enclosed with Gates of massy Gold, I looked upon 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 perceiv’d a Lady in the same manner. 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 saw any thing finer.
I stood some time and admir’d the Riches and Magnificence of the Room; but above all, the Foot-cloth, the Cushions and the Sosa’s, which were all lined with Indian Stuff of Gold, with Pictures of Men and Beasts in Silver drawn to Admiration.
Scheherazade would have continued longer, but Day-light put a stop to her Discourse. The Sultan was mightily pleas’d with the Story: I must, said he, as he was getting out of Bed, know what all this wonderful Petrification of Men will at last come to.
DInarzade was so extreamly pleas’d with the beginning of this Story of Zobeide, that she did not sail to call to 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 her Story to the Califf in this manner:
Sir, said she, I went out of the Chamber where the petrified Queen was, and came thro’ several other Apartments and Closets richly furnish’d: and at last came into a vast large Room, where there was a Throne of massy Gold, rais’d several Steps above the Floor, and enrich’d with large inchas’d Emeralds, and a Bed upon the Throne of rich Stuff, embroidered with Pearls. That which surprized 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 lifted 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 sparked so bright, that I could not endure the Lustre of it, when I saw it by Day.
On each fide of the Bed’s head there stood a lighted Flambeau, but to what Use I could not apprehend: 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 survey’d some other Apartments, that were as fine as those I had already seen. I look’d into all the Offices and Store-Rooms, which were full of infinite Riches, and I was so much taken with the Sight of all these wonderful Things, that I forgot my self, 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 by the same Way I came in, but I could not find it, I lost my self 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 make my Night’s Lodging there, and to depart next Morning betimes, to get aboard my Ship. I laid my self down on the Couch, not without some Dread to be alone in a wild Place; and this Fear hinder’d my Sleep.
About Midnight I heard a Voice like that of a Man reading the Alcoran, after the same manner, and in the same Tone as we use to read it in our Mosques. Being extreamly 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 him; I came to the Closet-Door, where I stood still, no wise 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 shews where we must turn to say our Prayers: There were also Lamps hung up, and 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 Prayers, and a comely young Man sat upon this Carpet reading the Alcoran, which lay before him upon a Desk, with great Devotion. At the sight of this I was transported with Admiration, I wondred how it came to pass that he should be the only living Creature in a Town where all the People were turn’d into Stones, and I did not doubt but there was something in it very extraordinary.
The Door being only half shut, I open’d it and went in, and standing upright before the Niche, I said this Prayer aloud, Praise be to God that has favour’d us with a happy Voyage, and may be graciously pleas’d 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 Lady, pray let me know who you are, and what has brought you to this desolate City? And, in Requital, 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 20 Days sailing; and when I done, I pray’d 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, says the young Man, have Patience for a Moment. At those Words he shut the Alcoran, 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 Commotions in my self, as I never had done before. He made me fit down by him, and before he began his Discourses, I could not forbear saying to him, with an Air that discover’d 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 abuse your Attention. The Sultan got up, resolving next Night to hear the Remainder of this wonderful Story.
IF you be not asleep, Sister, says Dinarzade next Morning, before it was Day, I would pray you to resume the Story of Zobeide, and acquaint us what pass’d between her and the young Man, that she found alive in that Palace you gave us so fine a Description of. I will immediately satisty you said the Sultaness Zobeide went on with her Story thus.
Madam, says the young Man, you have given me to understand that you have the Knowledge of a true God, by the Praver 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 rebell’d against God.
And tho’ I was begotten and born of an idolatrous Father and Mother, I had the good fortune in my Youth to have a Woman Governess, who was a good Musselman, I had the Alcoran by Heart, and understood the Explanation of it perfectly well. Dear Prince, would she often times say, There is but one true God, take heed that you do not acknowledge and adore any other, She learnt me to read Arabick and the Book she gave me to exercise upon was the Alcoran. As soon as I was capable of understanding it, she cxplain’d to me all the Heads of this excellent Book, and infused 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.
’Tis about three Years and some Months ago, that a thundring Voice was heard all on a sudden, so distinctly, through the whole City, that no body could miss hearing it. The Words were these: Inhabitants, abandon the Worship of Nardoun, and of Fire, and worship the only God that shews Mercy.
This Voice was heard three Years successively, but no body was converted: So the last Day of the Year, at four a Clock in the Morning, all the Inhabitants in general were chang’d in an Instant into Stone, every one in the same Condition and Posture they happened then to be in. The King, my Father, had the same Fate, for he was metamorphos’d 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 him 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 extreamly: 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 am come 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 Vicegerent to our Prophet whom you acknowledge, do you the Honour that is due to your Merit. This renown’d Prince lives at Bagdad, and as soon as he is informed of your Arrival in his Capital, you will find that ’tis not in vain to implore his Assistance. ’Tis 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 my Slaves, all very much troubled for my Absence. After I had presented my Sisters to the Prince, I told them what had hinder’d 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 unlading the Merchandize 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 was in our Option 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 took in at Balsora) at last we set Sail with a Wind as favourable as we could wish.
Here Scheherazade saw Day, and stopt her Discourse: The Sultan arose without speaking a Word, but ha propos’d to himself to hear the end of Zobeide’s Story, and the wonderful Deliverance of this young, Prince.
WHEN the ensuing Night was almost gone, Dinarzade being impatient to know the Success of Zobeide’s Voyage, called to the Sultaness: My dear Sister, Day begins to break, for God’s sake continue the Story of yesternight, and tell us whether the young Prince and Zobeide arriv’d safe at Bagdad. I will, says Scheherazade, Zobeide addressing her self to the Caliph went on thus,
Sir, said she, the young Prince, my Sisters and my self enjoy’d our selves for sometime 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 ask’d me one Day, what we should do with him when we came to Bagdad? I perceiv’d immediately that they put this Question to me, on purpose to a discover my Inclinations, therefore resolving to put it off with a Jest, I answer’d them, I will take him for my Husband: and upon that, turning my self to the Prince, Sir, humbly beg of you to give your Consent, for as soon as we came 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 my self 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 formerly.
We were come into the Persian Gulph, and not far from Balsora, where I hop’d, considering the fair Wind, we might have arriv’d the Day following; but in the Night, when I was asleep, my Sisters watch’d their Time, and threw me over board. They did the same to the Prince, who was drown’d, 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 Desart Island, lying about twenty Miles from Balsora. I soon dried my Cloths 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 my self 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 Serpent larger than he 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 at the great Serpent with all my Strength, whom I hit on the Head, and Killed him. The other finding him self at liberty, took to his Wings and flew away: I looked a long while after him in the Air, as being 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 surprized to see a black Woman by me, of a lively and agreeable Complexion, who held two Bitches tied together in her Hand, 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 revenge you on them, as soon as I was set at liberty by your generous Assistance, I called several of my Companions together, Fairies like my self, we have carried all the Lading that was in your Vessel, into your Store-houses at Bagdad, and afterwards sunk it.
Those two black Bitches are your Sisters, whom I have transformed into this Shape: But this Punishment is not sufficient, for I will have you to treat them after such a manner as I shall direct.
At these Words the Fairy took me fast under one of her Arms, and the two Bitches in the other, and carried me ta my House in Bagdad, where I found all the Riches which were loaden on board my Vessel in my Store-houses. Before she left me, she delivered me the two Bitches, and told me, If you will not’be chang’d into a Bitch, as they are, I ordain you in the Name of him that governs the Sea, to give cach of your Sisters oy Night an 100 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 Reluctancy 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 my self, that you desire to be informed of, my Sifter 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 Visier to pray fair Amine to acquaint him wherefore her Breast was mark’d with so many Scars.
Bur, Sir, said Scheherazade, it is Day, and T 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.