Arabian Nights Entertainments (1706)/Volume 2/The Story of the Second Callender
DInarzade not doubting to find as much Delight in the Story of the second Callender, as she had in the first, fail’d not to call upon the Sultaness before Day. If you be not asleep, Sister, said she, I would pray you to begin the Story that you promis’d: Upon which, Scheherazade addressed her Discourse to the Sultan, and spoke as follows:
Sir, The Story of the first Callender seem’d very strange to the whole Company, but especially to the Califf, who notwithstanding the Slaves stood by with their Scimeters in their Hands, could not forbear whispering to the Visier. Many Stories have heard, but never any thing that came near the Story of the Callender. Whilst he was saying this the second Callender began, addressing his Speech to Zobeide.
MADAM, said he, to obey your Command, and to show you by what strange Accident I became blind of the right Eye, I must of Necessity give you the whol Account of my Life.
I was scarce past my Infancy when the King my Father (for you must know, Madam, I am a Prince by Birth) perceiv’d that I was endow’d with a great deal of Sense, and spared nothing that was proper for improving it, he employ’d all the Men in his Dominions that excell’d in Sciences and Arts, to be constantly about me.
No sooner had I learnt to read and write, but I learn’d the Alcoran from the Beginning to the End by Heart. That admirable Book which contains the Foundation, the Precepts and the Rules of our Religion: And that I might be throughly instructed in it, I read the Works of the most approved Authors, by whose Commentaries it had been explained. I added to this Study, that of all the Traditions collected from the Mouth of our Prophet, by the great Men that were co-temporary with him. I was no! satisfied with the Knowledge alone of all that had any Relation to our Religion, but made also a particular Search in our Histories. I made my self perfect in polite Learning, in the Works of Poets and Versification. I applied my self to Geography, to Chronology, and to speak our Arabian Language in its Purity, nor forgetting, in the mean time, all such Exercises as were proper for a Prince to understand. But one thing which I was mightily in love with, and succeeded into Admiration, was, to form the Characters of our Arabian Language, wherein I surpassed all the Writing-Masters of our Kingdom that had acquired the greatest Reputation.
Fame did me more Honour than I deserved, for she not only spread the Renown of my Parts through all the Dominions of the King my Father, but carried it as far as the Indian Court, whose Potent Monarch, desirous to see me, sent an Ambassador with rich Presents, to demand me of my Father, who was extream glad of this Embassy for several Reasons; he was perswaded that nothing cou’d be more commendable in a Prince of my Age than to travel and see foreign Courts; and besides he was very glad to gain the Friendship of the Indian Sultan. I departed with the Ambassador, but with no great Retinue, because of the Length and Difficulty of the Journey.
When we had travell’d about a Month, we discover’d at a Distance a great Cloud of Dust, and under that we saw very soon 50 Horsemen well armed, who were Robbers coming toward us at a full Gallop. Scheherazade perceiving Day, told the Sultan of it, who got up, but desiring to know what past between the 50 Men on Horseback, and the Indian Ambassador, this Prince was somewhat impatient till next Night came.
IT was almost Day when Dinarzade awak’d next Morning, and call’d to her Sister, if you be not asleep, dear Sister, I pray you continue the Story of the second Callender. Scheherazade began in this Manner:
Madam (says the Callender) always speaking to Zobeide, as we had 10 Horses laden with Baggage and other Presents, that I was to carry to the Indian Sultan, from the King my Father, and that my Retinue was but small, you may easily judge that these Robbers came boldly up to us; and not being in a Posture to make any Opposition, we told them that we were Ambassadors, belonging to the Sultan of the Indies, and hop’d they would attempt nothing contrary to the Respect that is due to them, thinking by this Means to save our Equipage and our Lives: But the Robbers most insolently replied, For what Reason would you have us shew any Respect to the Sultan your Master; we are none of his Subjects, nor are we upon his Territories? And having spoke thus, they surrounded and fell upon us: I defended my self as long as I could; but finding my self wounded, and seeing the Ambassador with his Servents and mine lying on the Ground, I made use of what Strength was yet remaining in my Horse, who was also very much wounded, and separated my self from the Crowd, and rode away as fast as he could carry me: but he happening all of a sudden to fall under me, by Weariness and the Loss of Blood, he fell down dead. I got rid of him in a Trice; and finding that I was pursu’d, it made me judge the Robbers were not willing to quit the Booty they had got.
Scheherazade perceiving Day coming on, was oblig’d to stop here. Oh Sister, said Dizarzade, to-morrow I shall be more diligent, in hopes you will make Reparation to the Sultan for the Loss that his Curiosity has sustain’d through my Neglect. Schahriar arose without saying one Word, and went to his usual Consultation.
DInarzade fail’d not to call the Sultaness a good while before Day: My dear Sister, says she, if you be not asleep, I pray you resume the Story of the Callender; I consent to it, said Scheherazade; and so continu’d in these Words:
Here you see me, said the Callender, all alone wounded, destitute of all Help, and in a strange Country; I durst not betake my self to the high Road, fearing I might fall again into the Hands of these Robbers. When I had bound up my Wound, which was not dangerous, I march’d on the rest of the Day, and arriv’d at the Foot of a Mountain, where I perceiv’d a Passage into a Cave; I went in, and stay’d there that Night with little Satisfaction, after I had eaten some Fruits that I gather’d by the way.
I continued my Journey for several Days following, without finding any Place of Abode: But after a Month’s time, I came to a large Town well inhabited, and situated so much the more advantageously, that it was surrounded with several Rivers, so that it enjoyed a perpetual Spring.
The pleasant Objects which then presented themselves to my View, afforded me some Joy, and suspended for some time the mortal Sorrow with which I was overwhelm’d, to find my self in such a Condition. My Face, Hands and Feet, were all tawny and sun-burnt, and by my long Journey my Shoes and Stockings were quite worn out, so that I was forc’d to walk bare-footed; and besides, my Cloaths were all in Rags. I entred into the Town to inform my seif where I was, and address’d my self to a Taylor that was at work in his Shop; who perceiving by my Air that I was a Person of more Note than my outward Appearance bespoke me to be, made me to fit down by him, and ask’d me who I was, and from whence I came, and what had brought me thither? I did not conceal anything of all that had befall’n me, nor made I any Scruple to discover my Quality.
The Taylor listen’d with Attention to my Words; but after I had done speaking, instead of giving me any Consolation, he augmented my Sorrow: Take heed; says he, how you discover to any Person what you have now declared to me; for the Prince of this Country is the greatest Enemy that the King your Father has, and he will certainly do you some Mischief when he comes to hear of your being in this City. I made no doubt of the Taylor’s Sincerity, when he nam’d the Prince: But since that Enmity which is between my Father and him has no relation to my Adventures, I must beg your Pardon, Madam, to pass it over with Silence.
I return’d the Taylor Thanks for his good Advice, and shew’d my self inclinable wholly to follow his Counsel, and assur’d him that his Favours shall never be forgot by me. And as he believ’d I could not but be hungry, he caus’d them to bring me somewhat to eat, and offered meat the same Time a Lodging in his House, which I accepted. Some Days after finding me pretty well recover’d of the Fatigue I had endured by a long and tedious Journey; and besides, being sensible that most Princes of our Religion, did apply themselves to some Art or Calling, that might stand them in stead upon Occasion, he ask’d me if I had learnt any thing whereby I might get a Livelihood, and not be burthensome to any Man? I told him that I understood the Laws both divine and humane; that I was a Grammarian and Poet, and above all, that I understood Writing perfectly well. By all this, says he, you will nor be able, in this Country, to purchase yourself one Morsel of Bread; nothing is of less Use here than those Sciences: But if you will be advis’d by me, says he, dress your self in a Labourer’s Habit; and since you appear to be strong, and of a good Constitution, you shall go into the next Forrest and cut down Fire-Wood, which you may bring to the Market to be sold; and I can assure you, it will turn to so good an Account, that you may live by it, without Dependance upon any Man: And by this Means, you will be in a Condition to wait for the favourable Minute, when Heaven shall think fit to dispel those Clouds of Misfortune that thwart your Happiness, and oblige you to conceal your Birth; I will take care to supply you with a Rope and a Hatchet.
The Fear of being known, and the Necessity I was under of getting a Livelihood, made me agree to this Proposal, notwithstanding all the Meanness and Hardships that attend it. The Day following the Taylor brought me a Rope, a Hatchet and a short Coat, and recommended me to some poor People that gain’d their Bread after the same Manner, that they might take me into their Company, They conducted me to the Wood, and the first Day I brought in as much upon my Head as brought me half a Piece of Gold, which is the Money of that Country: For tho’ the Wood is not far distant from the Town, yet it was very scarce there, by reason that few or none would be at the Trouble to go and cut it. I gain’d a good Sum of Money in short Time, and repaid my Taylor what he advanced for me.
I continu’d this Way of Living for a whole Year and one Day; that by chance I was gone farther into the Wood than usual, I happen’d to light on a very pleasant Place, where I began to cut down Wood; and in pulling up the Root of a Tree, I espied an Iron Ring, fasten’d to a Trap-Door of the same Metal: I took away the Earth that cover’d it; and having lift it up, saw Stairs, which I went down with my Ax in my Hand.
When I was come to the Bottom of the Stairs, I found my self in a large Palace, which put me in a mighty Consternation, because of the great Light, which appear’d as clear in it, as if it had been above Ground in the open Air. I went forward along a Gallery, supported by Pillars of Jaspis, the Basis and Chapter of massey Gold: But seeing a Lady of a noble and free Air, and extraordinary beautiful, coming towards me; this turn’d my Eyes from beholding any other Object but her alone.
Here Scheherazade stopt, because Day appeared: But Dinarzade said, Dear Sister, I confess I am extreamly well-pleas’d with what you have told us to-day, and I do imagine that the following Part must be no less surprizing. You are not mistaken, said the Sultaness, for the Remainder of, this Story of the second Callender is better worth, my Lord, the Sultan’s Attention, than all that he has hitherto heard. I doubt that, says Schahriar, (as he was getting up) but we shall know that to-morrow.
THE Sultaness being awak’d, as usual, gave the Sultan an Account, that the second Callender continu’d the Story, thus: Being desirous (says he) to spare the Lady the Trouble to come to me, I made haste to meet her; and as I was saluting her with a low Bow, she ask’d me, What are you, a Man or a Genie? A Man, Madam, said I: I have no Correspondence with Genies. By what Adventure, said she, (fetching a deep Sigh) are you come hither? I have liv’d here these 25 Years, and never saw any Man but your self, during that Time.
Her great Beauty, which had already smitten me, and the Sweetness and Civility wherewith she received me, made me bold to say to her, Madam, before I have the Honour to satisfy your Curiosity, give me leave to tell you, that I am infinitely satisfy’d with this unexpected Rencounter, which offers me an Occasion of Consolation in the midst of my Affliction; and perhaps it may give me an Opportunity to make you also more happy than you are. I gave her a true Account by what strange Accident, she saw in me, the Son of a King, in such a Condition as I then appear’d in her Presence; and how Fortune would have it, that I should discover the Entrance into that magnificent Prison, where I had found her, but in an uneasie Condition, according to Appearance.
Alas! Prince, said she, (sighing once more) you have just Cause to believe, this rich and pompous Prison, cannot be otherwise than a most wearisome Abode; the most charming Places in the World, being no wise delightful when we are detained there contrary to our Will, It’s not possible but you have heard of the great Epitimarus, King of the Isle of Ebene, so called from that precious Wood it produces in Abundance, I am the Princess his Daughter.
The King, my Father, had chosen for me a Husband, a Prince that was my Cousin; but on my Wedding-Night, in the midst of the Rejoicing, there was in the Court, and the Capitol City of the Kingdom, of the Isle of Ebene, before I was given to my Spouse, a Genie, who took me away; I sainted at the same Moment, and lost all my Senses; but when I came to my self again, I found my self in this Place. I was a long time inconsolable, but Time and Necessity hath accustom’d me to see and receive the Genie. ’Tis 25 Years, as I told you before, that I have continued in this Place, where, I must confess, I have every thing that I can wish for, necessary to Lite, and also every thing that can satisfy a Princess that loves nothing but fine Dresses and Fashions.
Every ten Days, says the Princess, the Genie comes hither to lie with me one Night, which he never exceeds; and the Excuse he makes for it is, that he is married to another Wife, who would grow jealous, if she came to know how unfaithful he was to her: Mean while, if I have occasion for him by Day or Night, as soon as I touch a Talisman, which is at the Entrance into my Chamber, the Genie appears. It is now the fourth Day since he was here, and I do not expect him before the End of six more; so, if you please, you may stay five Days and keep me Company, and I will endeavour to entertain you according to your Quality and Merit. I thought my self too fortunate, to have obtained so great a Favour, without asking it, to refuse so obliging a Proffer. The Princess made me go into a Bagnio, which was the most handsome, the most commodious, and the most sumptuous, that could be imagin’d; and when I came forth, instead of my own Cloaths, I found another very costly Suit, which I did not esteem so much for its Richness, as that it made me look worthy to be in her Company. We sat down on a Sofa cover’d with rich Tapestry, with Cushions to lean upon of the rarest Indian Brocard; and some time after, she cover’d a Table with several Dishes of delicate Meats. We eat together, and passed the remaining Part of the Day with very much Satisfaction; and at Night she receiv’d me into her Bed.
The next Day, as she contriv’d all manner of Ways to please me, she brought in, at Dinner, a Bottle of old Wine, the most excellent that ever was tasted, and out of Complaisance, she drank some Part of it with me. When my Head grew hot with the agreeable Liquor, Fair Princess, said I, you have been too long thus buried alive, come follow me, and enjoy the real Day, from which you have been deprived so many Years, and abandon this false Light, that you have here. Prince, replied she, with a Smile, Leave this Discourse, if you out of ten Days will grant me Nine, and resign the last to the Genie, the fairest Day that ever was would be nothing in my Esteem. Princess, said I, it’s the Fear of the Genie that makes me speak thus; for my part, I value him so little, that I will break his Talisman, with the Conjuration that’s wrote about it, in Pieces, Let him come then, I will expect him, and how brave or redoubtable soever he be I shall make him feel the Weight of my Arm. I swear solemnly, that I will extirpate all the Genies in the World, and him first. The Princess, who knew the Consequence, conjur’d me not to touch the Talisman, for that would be a means, said she, to ruin both you and me; I know what belongs to Genies better than you. The Fumes of the Wine did not suffer me to hearken to her Reasons; bur I gave the Talisman a Kick with my Foot, and broke it in several Pieces.
At these Words Scheherazade perceiving Day, grew silent, and the Sultan got up, not doubting but the breaking of the Talisman had some remarkable Event, and therefore resolved to hear that Story to the end.
DInarzade being awake somewhat before Day, says to the Sultaness, Sister, if you be not asleep, I pray you acquaint us with what happen’d in the subterranean Palace after the Prince had broke the Talisman, I am just going to relate it, said Scheherazade. Upon which reassuming her Narrative, she continu’d her Discourse thus, in the Person of the second Callender.
The Talisman was no sooner broke, but the Palace began to shake, and was ready to fall, with a hideous Noise like Thunder, accompanied with Flashes of Lightning, and a great Darkness. This terrible Noise in a Moment dispell’d the Fumes of my Wine, and made me sensible, but too late, of the Folly I had committed. Princess, cry’d I, what means all this? She answer’d in a Fright, and without any Concern for her own Misfortunes, Alas, you’re undone if you do not escape presently.
I followed her Advice, and my Fears were so great that I forgot my Hatchet and Cords. I was scarcely got to the Stairs by which I came down, till the inchanted Palace open’d at once, and made Passage for the Genie, He ask’d the Princess in great Anger, What has happen’d to you, and why did you call me? A Qualm at my Stomach, said the Princess, made me fetch this Bottle which you see here, out of which I drank Twice or Thrice, and by Mischance made a false Step, and fell upon the Talisman, which is broke, and that is all the matter.
At this Answer, the furious Genie told her, You are a False Woman, and a Liar; How came that Ax, and those Ropes there? I never saw them till this Moment, said the Princess. Your coming in such an impetuous manner, has, it may be forc’d them up in some Place as you came along, and so brought them hither without your knowing it.
The Genie made no other Answer but what was accompanied with Reproaches and Blows, of which I heard the Noise. I could not endure to hear the pitiful Cries and Shouts of the Princess so cruelly abus’d. I had already laid off the Suit she made me put on, and took my own, which I had laid on the Stairs the Day before, when I came out of the Bagnio: I made haste up Stairs, being so much the more full of Sorrow and Compassion, that I had been the Cause of so great a Misfortune, and that by sacrificing the fairest Princess upon Earth to the Barbarity of a merciless Genie, I was become the most criminal and ungrateful of all Mankind. ’Tis true, said I, she has been a Prisoner this 25 Years; but, setting Liberty aside, she wanted nothing that could make her Happy, My Madness has put an End to our Happiness, and brought her under the Cruelty of an unmerciful Devil; I let down the Trap-door, cover’d it again with Earth, and return’d to the City with a Burden of Wood, which I bound up without knowing what I did; so great was my Trouble and Sorrow.
My Landlord the Taylor was very much rejoyc’d to see me; your Absence, said he, has disquieted me very much, by reason you had entrusted me with the Secret of your Birth, and | knew not what to think; I was afraid some Body had known you; God be thank’d for your Return, I thanked him for his Zeal and Affection, but never a Word durst I say of what had past, nor the Reason why I came back without my Hatchet and Cords.
I retir’d to my Chamber, where I reproach’s myself a thousand Times for my excessive Imprudence; nothing (said I) could have parallel'd the Princess’s good Fortune and mine, had I forborn to brake the Talisman.
While I was thus giving my self over to melancholy Thoughts, the Taylor came in, and told me, An old Man, said he, whom I do not know, brings me here your Hatchet and Cords, which he found in his Way, as he tells me, and understood by your Comrades that go along with you to the Woods, that you lodge here; come out and speak to him, for he will deliver them to none but your self.
At this Discourse, I chang’d Colour, and fell a trembling: While the Taylor was asking me the Reason, my Chamber Floor open’d at once, and the old Man, having no Patience to stay, appeared to us with my Hatchet and Cords. This was the Genie, the Ravisher of the fair Princess of the Isle of Ebene, who had thus disguis’d himself, after he had treated her with the utmost Barbarity. I am a Genie, said he, Son of the Daughter of Eblis, Prince of Genies; Is not this your Hatchet, said he, speaking to me, and are not these your Cords?
Here Scheherazade saw Day, and left off. The Sultan found the Story of the second Callender too curious, not to desire that he might hear it out, and therefore got up, with an Intention to hear the rest next Morning.
THE Day following, Dinarzade call’d upon the Sultness, My dear Sister, pray tell us how the Genie treated the Prince. I will satisfy your Curiosity, replied Scheherazade, and then re-aslum’d her Story of the second Callender, thus:
The Callender continuing his Discourse to Zobeide, Madam, says he, After the Genie had put that Question to me, he gave me no Time to answer, nor was it in my Power; so much had his terrible Aspect put me beside my self. He grasp’d me by the Middle, dragg’d me out of the Chamber, and mounting into the Air, carried me up as high as the Skies with such Swiftness, that I perceived I was got so high without being able to take notice of the Way he carried me in so few Moments. He descended again in like manner to the Earth, which on a sudden he caused to open with a Knock of his Foot, and so sunk down at once, where I found my self in the inchanted Palace, before the fair Princess of the Isle of Ebene. But alas, what a Spectacle was there! I saw that which pierc’d me to the Heart; this poor Princess was quite naked, all in Blood, and laid upon the Ground more like one dead than alive, with her Cheeks all bath’d in Tears.
Perfidious Wretch, said the Genie to her, pointing at me, Is not this your Gallant? She cast her languishing Eyes upon me, and answered mournfully, I do not know him, I never saw him till this Moment. What, said the Genie, He is the Cause of thy being in the Condition thou art justly in; and yet dar’st thou say thou dost not know him? If I do not know him, said the Princess, would you have me to make a Lie on purpose to ruin him? Oh then, said the Genie, pulling out a Scimiter, and presenting it to the Princess, It you never saw him before, take the Scimiter and cut off his Head. Alias, replied the Princess, How is it possible that I should execute what you would force me to do? My Strength is so far spent that I cannot lift up my Arm; and if I could, how should I have the Heart to take away an innocent Man’s Life, and one I do not know? This Refusal, said the Genie to the Princess, sufficiently informs me of the Crime. Upon which, turning to me, And thou (said he) dost thou not know her?
I should have been the most ungrateful Wretch, and the most perfidious of all Mankind, if I had not shown my self as faithful to the Princess as she was to me, who had been the Cause of her Misfortunes. Therefore I answer’d the Genie, How should I know her, that never saw her till now? If that be so, said he, Take the Scimeter and cut off her Head: On this Condition I will set thee at Liberty, for then I shall be convinc’d that thou didst never see her till this very Moment, as thou say’st thy self. With all my Heart, reply’d I, and took the Scimeter in my Hand.
But, Sir, said Scheherazade, ’tis Day, and I ought not to abuse your Majesty’s Patience. These are wonderful Events, said the Sultan to himself. We shall know to Morrow if the Prince was so cruel as to give Obedience to the Genie’s Command.
WHen the Night was near at an end Dinarzade calls upon the Sultaness, Sister, if you be not asleep, I would pray you to continue the Story which you could not finish Yesterday, I will, said Scheherazade, and without Loss of Time you shall understand, that the second Callender went on thus.
Do not think, Madam, that I drew near to the fair Princess of the Ile Ebene, to be the Executioner of the Genie’s Barbarity, I did it only to demonstrate by my Behaviour, as much as possible, that as she had shown her Resolution, to sacrifice her Life for my sake, that I would not refuse to sacrifice mine for hers. The Princess, notwithstanding, her Pain and Suffering, understood my Meaning; which she signified by an obliging Look, and made me understand her Willingness to die for me; and that she was satisfied to see how willing I was also to die for her, Upon this I stept back and threw the Scimeter on the Ground, I shall for ever (says I to the Genie) be hateful to all Mankind, should I be so base as to murder, I do no only say a Person whom I do not know, but also a Lady like this; who is ready to give up the Ghost; do with me what you please, since I am in your Power, I cannot obey your barbarous Commands.
I see, said the Genie, that you both outbrave me and insult my Jealousie; but both of you shall know by the Treatment I give you, what I am capable to do. At these Words the Monster took up the Scimeter and cut off one of her Hands, which only left her so much Life as to give me a Token with the other, that she bid me for ever Adieu. For the Blood she had lost before, and that which gush’d out then, did not permit her to live above one or two Moments after this barbarous Cruelty; the Sight of which threw me into a Fit. When I was come to my self again, I expostulated with the Genie, why he made me languish in expectation of Death: Strike, cry’d I, for I am ready to receive the mortal Blow, and expect it as the greatest Favour you can show me. But instead of agreeing to that, Look ye, says he, how Genies treat their Wives whom they suspect of Unfaithfulness; she has receiv’d thee here: and were I certain that she had put any further Affront upon me, I would make thee to die this Minute; but I will content my self to transform thee into a Dog, Ass, Lion or Bird, take thy choice of any of these, I will leave it to thy self.
These words gave me some Hopes to mollifie him, O Genie, said I, moderate your Passion, and since you will not take away my Life, give it me generously, I shall always remember your Clemency, if you pardon me, as one of the best Men in the World pardoned one of his Neighbours that bore him a mortal Hatred, The Genie ask’d me what had passed between those two Neighbours, and said, he would have Patience till he heard the Story, which | told him thus; and I believe, Madam, you will not take it ill if I also relate it to you.
IN a considerable Town, two Persons dwelt next Door to one another; one of them conceiv’d such a violent Hatred against the other, that he who was hated, resolv’d to remove his Dwelling farther off, being persuaded that their being Neighbours was the only Cause from whence his Animosity did arise: For tho’ he had done him several Pieces of Service, he found, nevertheless, that his Hatred was nothing diminish’d; therefore he sold his House with what Goods he had left, and retir’d to the Capitol City of that Kingdom, which was not far distant, He bought a little Spot of Ground, which lay about half a League from the City; he had a House convenient enough, with a fine Garden and a pretty spacious Court, wherein there was a deep Well which was not in use.
The honest Man having made this Purchase, put on a Dervis or a Monk’s Habit, to lead a retired Life, and caused several Cells to be made in the House, where in a short time he establish’d a numerous Society of Dervises, he came soon to be publickly known by his Virtue, through which he acquired the Esteem of a great many People, as well of the Commonaly as of the Chief of the City. In short, he was extreamly honoured and cherished by every one. People came from afar to recommend themselves to his Prayers; and all those who came to live with him publish’d what Blessings they received through his Means.
The great Reputation of this honest Man having spread through the Town from whence he came, it touch’d the envious Man so much to the quick, that he left his House and Affairs with a Resolution to go and ruin him: With this Intent he went to the new Convent of Dervises, of which his former Neighbour was the Head; who received him with all imaginable Tokens of Friendship. The envious Man told him that he was come on purpose to communicate a Business of importance to him, which he could not do but in private: And because that no-body shall hear us, let us, says he, take a walk in your Court; and seeing Night begins to draw on, command your Dervises to retire to their Cells. The Head of the Dervises did as he required.
When the envious Man saw that he was alone with this good Man, he begun to tell him his Errand, walking aside by side in the Court till he saw his Opportunity; and getting the good Man near the Brink of the Well, he gave him a Thrust and push’d him into it, without any Body’s being Witness to so wicked an Action. Having done thus he marched off immediately, got out at the Gate of the Convent, without being known of any one, and came Home to his own Houle very well satisfied with his Journey, being fully persuaded that the Object of his Hatred was no more in this World but found himself highly mistaken.
Scheherazade could go no further because Day began to appear. The Sultan conceived great Indignation against the envious Man, and says to himself, I heartily wish that no Hurt may come to this honest Man. I hope to hear to-morrow that Heaven did not forsake him on this Occasion.
IF you be not asleep, Sister, said Dinarzade, next Morning, I conjure you to tell us if the honest Dervis came safe and sound out of the Well. Yes, replied Scheherazade: And the second Callender pursued his Story thus. The old Well, says he, was inhabited by Fairies and Genies, which happened luckily for the Relief of the Head of the Convent; for they received and supported him, and carried him to the Bottom, so that he got no Hurt. He perceived well enough that there was something extraordinary in his Fall, which must otherwise have cost him his Life; whereas he neither saw nor felt any thing. But he soon heard a Voice, which said, Do you know what honest Man this is to whom we have done this Piece of Service? Another Voice answer’d, No. To which the first replied, Then I will tell you. This Man out of Charity, the greatest that ever was known, left the Town he lived in, and has establish’d himself in this Place, in hopes to cure one of his Neighbours of the Envy he had conceiv’d against him; he has acquired such a general Esteem, that the envious Man, not able to endure it, came hither on purpose to ruin him, which he had perform’d had it not been for the Assistance which we have given this honest Man, whose Reputation is so great, that the Sultan who keeps his Residence in the neighbouring City, was to pay him a Visit to-morrow, to recommend the Princess his Daughter to his Prayers.
Another Voice ask’d, What need had the Princess of the Dervis’s Prayers? To which the first answer’d, You do not know, it seems, that she is possess’d by Genie Maimoun, the Son of Dimdim, who is fallen in Love with her. But know well how this good Head of the Dervises may cure her; the Thing is very easy, and I will tell it you. He has a black Cat in his Convent with a white Spot at the End of her Tail, about the Bigness of a small Piece of Silver Money, let him only pull seven Hairs out of this white Spot, burn them and smoke the Princess’s Head with the Fume, she will not only presently be cured, but be so safely deliver’d from Maimoun, the Son of Dimdim, that he will never dare to come near her a second Time.
The Head of the Dervises remembred every Word of this Discourse between the Fairies and the Genies, who were very silent all the Night after. The next Morning by break of Day, that he could discern one Thing from another, the Well being broke down in several Places, he saw a Hole by which he crept out with ease.
The other Dervises who had been seeking for him, were rejoyced to see him; he gave them a brief Account of the Wickedness of that Man to whom he had given so kind a Reception the Day before, and retired into his Cell. It was not long till the black Cat, of whom the Fairies and the Genies had made mention in their Discourses the Night before, came to fawn upon her Master, as she was accustomed to do; he took her up and pull’d out seven Hairs off the white Spot that was upon her Tail, and laid them aside for his Use when Occasion should serve.
The Sun was not high when the Sultan, who would leave no means untried that he thought could restore the Princess to her perfect Health, arrived at the Gate of the Convent. He Commanded his Guards to halt, whilst he with his principal Officers went in. The Dervises received him with profound Respect.
The Sultan called their Head aside, and says, Good Sheich, it may be, you know already the Cause of my coming hither. Yes, Sir, replies he very gravely, it I do not mistake it, ’tis the Disease of the Princess which procures me this Honour that I have not deserved. That’s the very Thing, replied the Sultan, You will give me new Life, if your Prayers, as I hope they will, can procure my Daughter’s Health. Sir, said the good Man, if your Majesty will be pleased to let her come hither, I am in hopes, that thro’ God’s Assistance and Favour, she shall return in perfect Health.
The Prince, transported with Joy, sent immediately to Fetch his Daughter, who very soon appear’d with a numerous train of Ladies and Eunuchs, but masqued, so that her Face was not seen. The Chief of the Dervises caus’d a Pall to be held over her Head, and he had no sooner thrown the seven Tufts of Hair upon the burning Coals, but the Genie Maimoun, the Son of Dimdim, gave a great Cry without any Thing being seen, and left the Princess at Liberty; upon which she took off the Veil from her Face, and rose up to see where she was, saying, Where am I, and who brought me hither? At which Words the Sultan overcome with Excess of Joy, embraced his Daughter, and kissed her Eyes; he also kissed the Chief of the Dervises Hands, and said to his Officers, Tell me your Opinion, What Reward does he, deserve that has thus cured my Daughter? They all cry’d, He deserves her in Marriage. That is what I had in my Thoughts, said the Sultan; and I make him my Son-in-Law from this Moment. Some Time after the prime Visier died, and the Sultan conferr’d the Place upon the Dervise. The Sultan himself also died without Heirs male; upon which the religious Orders and the Militia gathered together, and the honest Man was declared and acknowledged Sultan by general Consent.
Day-light appearing, Scheherazade was obliged to break off her Story. Schahriar look’d upon the Dervis to be worthy of the Crown he had got, but was desirous to know if the envious Man did not die for Spite, and got up with an Intention to hear it next Night.
DInarzade, when it was time, addressed her Speech to the Sultaness, thus: My dear Sister, said she, if you be not asleep, I would pray you to conclude the Story of the hated and envious Man. With all my Heart, answers Scheherazade. The second Callender continued his Story thus: The honest Dervis, said he, being mounted on the Throne of his Father-in-law, as he was one Day in the midst of his Courtiers upon a March, he espied the envious Man among the Crowd of People that stood as he past along, and calling one of the Visiers that attended him, whisper’d in his Ear thus; Go bring me that Man you see there; but have a care you do not frighten him. The Visier obey’d, and when the envious Man was brought into his Presence, the Sultan said, Friend, I am extream glad to see you: Upon which he called to an Officer, Go immediately, says he, and cause to be paid this Man out of my Treasury 100 Pieces of Gold, let him have also 20 Load of the richest Merchandize in my Store-house, and a sufficient Guard to conduct him to his House. After he had given this Charge to the Officer, he bid the envious Man farewel, and proceeded on his March.
When I had finished the Recital of this Story to the Genie, the Murtherer of the Princess of the Isle of Ebene, I made the Application to himself thus, O Genie! You see here that this bountiful Sultan did not content himself to have forgot the Design of the envious Man to take away his Life, but treated him kindly, and sent him back with all the Favours which I just now related, In short, I made use of all my Eloquence, praying him to imitate such a good Example, and to grant me Pardon: But it was impossible for me to move his Compassion.
All that I can do for thee, said he, is, that I will not take thy Life; don’t flatter thy self that I will send thee safe and sound back, I must let thee feel what I am able to do by my Inchantments; with that he laid violent Hands on me, and carried me cross the Vault of the subterrannean Palace, which opened to give him Passage, he flew up with me so high, that the Earth seemed to be only a little white Cloud; from thence he came down again like Lightning, and alighted upon the Ridge of a Mountain.
There he took up an Handful of Earth, and pronounced or rather mutter’d some Words which I did not understand, and threw it upon me, Leave the Shape of a Man, says he to me, and take on thee that of an Ape. He vanish’d immediately, and left me alone transform’d into an Ape overwhelm’d with Sorrow in a strange Country, not knowing if I was near unto, or far from my Father’s Dominions.
I went down from the height of the Mountain, and came into a plain Country, which took me a Month’s time to travel through, and then I came to a Coast of the Sea, It happened to be then a great Calm, and I espied a Vessel about half a League from the Shore: I would not lose this good Opportunity, but broke off a large Branch from a Tree, which I carried with me to the Sea-side, and set my self astride upon it, with a Stick in each Hand to serve me for Oars.
I launched out in this Posture, and advanced near the Ship: When I was nigh enough to be known, the Seamen and Passengers that were upon the Deck thought it an extraordinary Spectacle, and all of ’em look’d upon me with great Astonishment. In the meantime I got aboard, and laying hold of a Rope, I jump’d upon the deck and having lost my Speech, I found my self in very great Perplexity; and indeed the Risque I run then, was nothing less than when I was at the Mercy of the Genie.
The Merchants being both superstitious and scrupulous, believ’d I should occasion some Mischief to their Voyage if they receiv’d me; therefore, says one, I will knock him down with an Hand-spike; says another, I will shoot an Arrow through his Guts; says a third, Let us throw him into the Sea. Some of them would not have fail’d to have executed their Design, if I had not got to that side where the Captain was, when I threw my self at his Feet, and took him by the Coat in a begging Posture. This Action, together with the Tears which he saw gush from my Eyes, moved his Compassion; so that he took me into his Protection, threatned to be revenged on him that should do me the least Hurt; and he himself made very much of me. And on my part, though I had no Power to speak, I did by my Gestures, shew all possible Signs of Gratitude.
The Wind that succeeded the Calm was gentle and favourable, and did not alter for 50 Days, but brought us safe to the Port of a fine Town, well peopled, and of great Trade, where we came to an Anchor: It was so much the more considerable, that it was the Capital City of a powerful State.
Our Vessel was speedily surrounded with an infinite Number of Boats full of People, that either came to congratulate their Friends upon their safe Arrival, or to enquire for those they had left behind them in the Country, from whence they came, or, out of Curiosity, to see a Ship that came from a far Country.
Amongst the rest, some Officers came on board, desiring to speak with our Merchants in the Name of the Sultan, The Merchants appearing, one of the Officers told them, the Sultan, our Master, hath commanded us to acquaint you that he is glad of your safe Arrival, and prays you to take the Trouble, every one of you to write some Lines upon this Roll of Paper, and that his Design by this may be understood, you must know that we had a prime Visier, who, besides a great Capacity to manage Affairs, understood writing to the highest Perfection. This Minister is lately dead, at which the Sultan is very much troubled, and since he can never behold his writing without Admiration, he has made a solemn Vow, not to give the Place to any Man but to him that can write as well as he did. Abundance of People have presented their Writings; but to this Day, no body in all this Empire has been judg’d worthy to supply the Visier’s Place.
Those Merchants that believed they could write well enough to pretend to his high Dignity, wrote one after another what they thought fit. After they had done, I advanc’d, and took the Roll out of the Gentleman’s Hand, But all the People, especially the Merchants, cried out, He will tear it or throw it into the Sea, till they saw how properly I he!d the Roll; and made a Sign that T would write in my turn, Then they were of another Opinion, and their Fears turn’d into Admiration: However, since they had never seen an Ape that could write, nor could be persuaded that I was more ingenious than other Apes, they offer’d to snatch the Roll out of my Hand; but the Captain took my part once more. Let him alone, said he, suffer him to write. If he only scribles the Paper, I promise you that I will punish him upon the spot. If on the contrary he writes well, as I hope he will, because I never saw an Ape so handy and ingenious, and so apprehensive of every thing, I do declare that I will own him as my Son; I had one that had not by far the Wit that he has. Perceiving that no Man did any more oppose my Design, I took the Pen and wrote before I had done, six sorts of Hands, us’d among the Arabians, and each specimen extemporary Distich or Quatrain in praise of the Sultan. My Writing did not only out do that of the Merchants, but I dare say, they had not before seen any such fair Writing in that Country. When I had done, the Officers took the Roll and carried it to the Sultan.
Thus far was Scheherazade come with her Story when Day-light appear’d, Sir, said she to Schahriar, If I had time to continue, I would give your Majesty an Account of Things far more surprizing than what I have already told, The Sultan, who had resolved to hear the End of the Story, got up without saying one Word.
THE next Morning Dinarzade, being awake before Day, called the Sultaness, and said, Sister, if you be not asleep, pray let us hear the rest of the Adventures, that happened to the Ape. I believe my Lord the Sultan is no less curious to know it than my self. You shall both be satisfied, answer’d Scheherazade, and that you may soon be eas’d of your Longing, the second Callender continued his Story thus.
The Sultan took little Notice of any of the other Writings, but consider’d mine, which was so much to his liking that he says to the Officers, Take the finest Horse in my $table, with the richest Harness, and a Robe of the most sumptuous Brocard to put upon that Person who wrote those six Hands, and bring him hither to me. At this Command the Officers could not forbear laughing; the Sultan grew angry at their Boldness, and were ready to punish them till they told him, Sir, we humbly beg your Majesty’s Pardon, these Hands are not writ by a Man, but by an Ape. What do you say, says the Sultan? Those admirable Characters, are they not writ by the Hand of a Man? No, Sir, replied the Officers, we do assure your Majesty, that it was an Ape, who wrote them in our Presence. The Sultan was too much surpriz’d at this Account, not to desire a fight of me, and therefore says, Do what I commanded you, and bring me speedily that wonderful Ape.
The Officers returned to the Vessel, and shew’d the Captain their, Order, who answer’d, the Sultan’s Commands must be obey’d. Whereupon they cloath’d me with that rich Brocard-Robe, and carried me a-shore, where they set me on Horseback whilst the Sultan waited for me at the Palace with a great Number of Courtiers, whom he gather’d together to do me the more Honour.
The Cavalcade being begun, the Harbour, the Streets, the publick Places, Windows, Terrases, Palaces and Houses were all fil’d with an infinite Number of People of all sorts, who were curious to come from all Parts of the City to see me: For the Rumour was spread in a Moment, that the Sultan had chosen an Ape to his Grand-Visier; and after having served for a Spectacle to the People, who could not forbear to express their Surprize by redoubling their Shouts and Cries, I arrived at the Palace of the Sultan.
I found the Prince sat on his Throne in the midst of the Grandees; I made my Bow three times very low, and at last I kneel’d and kiss’d the Ground before him, and afterwards sat down in my Seat in the Posture of an Ape. The whole Assembly admired me, and could not comprehend how it was possible that an Ape should understand so well to give the Sultan his due Respect; and he himself was more astonish’d than any Man. In short, the Ceremony of the Audience would have been compleat, could I have added a Speech to my Behaviour but Apes do never speak, and the Advantage I had of having been a Man did not allow me that Privileg.
The Sultan dismiss’d his Courtiers, and none remain’d by him but the Chief of his Eunuchs, a little young Slave and my self. He went from his Chamber of Audience into his own Apartment, where he ordered Dinner to be brought. As he sat at Table he gave me a Sign to come near and eat with him: To show my Obedience, I kissed the Ground, stood up, sat me down at Table, and eat with Discretion and moderately.
Before the Table was uncovered, I espied an Inkhorn, which I made a sign should be brought me; having got it I wrote upon a large Peach some Verses after my way, which testified my Acknowledgment to the Sultan; who, having read them after my presenting him the Peach, it increased his Astonishment. When the Table was uncover’d, they brought him a particular Liquor, of which he caus’d them to give me a Glass: I drank, and wrote some new Verses upon it, which explained the State I was in after a great many Sufferings. The Sultan read them likewise, and said, An Ape that was capable of doing so much, ought to be exalted above the greatest of Men.
The Sultan caused them to bring in a Chess-board, and asked me by a Sign, if I understood that Game, and would play with him? I kissed the Ground, and laying my Hand upon my Head, signified that I was ready to receive that Honour. He won the first Game, but I won the second and third; and perceiving he was somewhat displeased at it, made a Quatrain to pacifie him, in which I told him, That two potent Armies had been fighting very eagerly all Day, but that they made up a Peace towards the Evening and passed the remaining part of the Night very peaceably together upon the Field of Battle.
So many Things appearing to the Sultan, far beyond whatever any one had either seen or known of the Behavour and Knowledge of Apes, he would not be the only Witness of these Prodigies himself; but having a Daughter, called the Lady of Beauty, to whom the Head of the Eunuchs then present was Governor, Go, said the Sultan to him, and bid your Lady come hither: I am willing she should have a Share in my Pleasure.
The Eunuch went, and immediately brought the Princess, who had her Face uncover’d; but she was no sooner got into the Room, when she put on her Veil, and said to the Sultan, Sir, your Majesty must needs have forgot your self; I am very much surprized that your Majesty has sent for me to appear among Men. How Daughter! said the Sultan, you do not know what you say! Here is no body but the little Slave, the Eunuch your Governor, and my self, who has the Liberty to see your Face; and yet you lower your Veil, and would make me a Criminal in having sent for you hither. Sir, said the Princess, Your Majesty shall soon understand that I am not in the wrong. That Ape you see before you, tho’ he had the Shape of an Ape, is a young Prince, Son of a great King; he has been metamorphiz’d into an Ape by Inchantment. A Genie, the Son of the Daughter of Eblis, has maliciously done him this Wrong, after having cruelly taken away the Life of the Princess of the Isle of Ebene, Daughter to the King Epitimarus.
The Sultan afstonish’d at this Discourse, turned towards me, and spoke no more by Signs, but in plain Words asked me, if it was true what his Daughter aid? Seeing I cou’d not speak, I put my Hand to my Head to signify that what the Princess spoke was true. Upon this the Sultan said again to his Daughter, How do you know that this Prince has been transform’d by inchantments into an Ape? Sir, replied the Lady of Beauty, your Majesty may remember, that when I was past my Infancy, I had an old Lady waited upon me, she was a most expert Magician, and taught me 70 Rules of Magick, by Virtue of which I can transport your capital City into the midst of the Sea in the Twinkling of an Eye, or beyond Mount Cancasus. By this Science I know all inchanted Persons at first Sight: I know who they are, and by whom they have been Inchanted; therefore do not admire if I should forthwith relieve the Prince in despight of the Inchantments, from that which hinders him to appear in your sight what he naturally is. Daughter, said the Sultan, I did not believe you to have understood so much. Sir, replied the Princess, these Things are curious and worth knowing; but I think I ought not to bragg of them. Since it is so, said the Sultan, you can dispel the Prince’s Inchantment. Yes, Sir, said the Princess, I can restore him to his first Shape again. Do it then, said the Sultan, you cannot do me a greater Pleasure; for will have him to be my Visier, and he shall marry you. Sir, said the Princess, I am ready to obey you in all that you shall be pleas’d to command me.
Scheherazade, as she spoke, spied Day, and broke off her Story of the second Callender: And Schahriar judging the Sequel wou’d be as diverting as the former Part of it, resolved to hear it next Day.
DInazade call’d upon the Sultaness at the usual Hour, saying, Sister, if you be not asleep, pray do us the Favour to tell us how the Lady of Beauty restor’d the second Callender to his former Shape. You shall hear it, said Scheherazade; The Callender resum’d his Discourse thus.
The Princess, the Lady of Beauty, went into her Apartment, from whence the brought a knife, which had some Hebrew Words engraven on the Blade: She made us all viz. the Sultan, the Master of the Eunuchs, the little Slave and my self, to go down into a private Court adjoining to the Palace, and there left us under a Gallery that went round it. She placed her self in the middle of the Court, where she made a great Circle, and within it she wrote several Words in Arabian Characters, some of them ancient, and others of those which they call the Character of Cleopatra.
When She had finished and prepared the Circle as she thought fit, she placed her self in the Center of it, where she began Adjurations, and repeated Verses out of the Alcoran. The Air grew insensibly dark, as if it had been Night, and the World about to be dissolved: We found our selves struck with a panick Fear, and this Fear encreased the more when we saw the Genie, the Son of the Daughter of Eblis, appear all of a sudden in the Shape of a Lion of a frightful Size.
As soon as the Princess perceived this Monster, You Dog, said she, instead of creeping before me, dare you present your self in this Shape, thinking to frighten me? And thou, reply’d the Lion, art thou not afraid to break the Treaty which was solemnly made and confirm’d between us by Oath, not to wrong or do one another any Hurt? Oh thou cursed Creature! reply’d the Princess, I can justly reproach thee with doing so. The Lion answered fiercely, thou shalt quickly have thy Reward for the Trouble thou hist given me to return: With that he opened his terrible Throat, and run at her to devour her; but she, being on her Guard, leap’d backward, got Time to pull out one of her Hairs, and by pronouncing three or four Words, chang’d her self into a sharp Sword, wherewith she cut the Lion through the Middle in two Pieces.
The Two parts of the Lion vanished, and the Head only was left, which changed it self into a large Scorpion. Immediately the Princess turn’d her self into a Serpent, and fought the Scorpion; who, finding himself worsted, took the Shape of an Eagle, and flew away: But the Serpent at the same time took also the shape of an Eagle that was black and much stronger, and pursued him; so that we lost the Sight of them both.
Some time after they had disappeared, the Ground opened before us, and out of it came forth a Cat, black and white, with her Hair standing upright, and keeping a fearful Miauling; a black Wolf followed her close, and gave her no Time to rest. The Cat being thus hard beset, changed her self into a Worm; and being nigh to a Pomgranate that had accidentally fallen from a Tree that grew on the Side of a Canal, which was deep but not broad; the Worm pierced the Pomegranate in an Instant, and hid it self, but the Pomgranate swell’d immediately, and became as big as a Gourd, which mounting up to the Top of the Gallery, rowl’d there for some Space backward and forward, fell down again into the Court, and broke into several Pieces.
The Wolf, who had in the mean while transformed it self into a Cock, fell a picking up the Seeds of the Pomgranate one after another, but finding no more he came towards us with his Wings spread, making a great Noise, as if he would ask us whether there was any more Seed. There was one lying on the Brink of the Canal, which the Cock perceiving as he went back, run speedily thither; but just as he was going to pick it up, the Seed roul’d into the River and turn’d into a little Fish.
But I see Day, Sir, said Scheherazade, which had it not come so suddenly, I am persuaded that which I should have said further would have given your Majesty a great deal of Satisfaction. Upon this she stop’d and the Sultan arose; his Thoughts being altogether taken up with unheard of Adventures, he was extreamly impatient till he heard the rest of the Story.
DInarzade made no Scruple to disturb the Sultaness next Morning, and call’d to her, Sister, If you be not asleep, pray begin where you left off that wonderful Story last Night, I am very desirous to know what followed after all those Metamorphoses. Scheherazade call’d to mind where she made a Stop, and addressing her Discourse to the Sultan, Sir, says she, the second Callender continued his Story after this manner.
The Cock jump’d into the River and was turned into a Pike that pursued the small Fish; they continued both under Water above two Hours and we knew not what was become of them, but all of a sudden we heard terrible Cries which made us to quake, and a little while after we saw the Genie and Princess all in Flames: They threw Flashes of Fire out of their Mouths at one another, till they came to it Hand to Hand, then the two Fires increased, with a thick burning Smoak, which mounted so high that we had Reason to fear it would set the Palace on Fire. But we very soon had a more pressing Occasion of Fear, for the Genie having got loose from the Princess, came to the Gallery where we stood, and blew Flames of Fire upon us: We had all perished if the Princess, running to our Assistance, had not forc’d him by her Efforts, to retire and defend himself against her; yet notwithstanding all her Diligence she could not hinder the Sultan’s Beard from being burnt and his Face spoil’d; the chief of the Eunuchs from being stifled and burnt on the Spot, nor a Spark to enter my Right-Eye and make it blind. The Sultan and I expected nothing but Death, when we heard a cry, Victory, Victory; and all of a sudden the Princess appeared in her natural Shape, but the Genie was reduc’d to an Heap of Ashes.
The Princess came-near to us, and that she might not lose Time, cal’d for a Cup full of Water, which the young Slave that had got no Damage, brought her: She took it, and after pronouncing some Words over it, threw it upon me, laying, If thou art become an Ape by Inchantmont, change thy Shape and take that of a Man which thou hadst before. These Words were hardly utter’d till I became a Man, as I was before, one Eye only excepted.
I was preparing my self to give Thanks to the Princess, but she prevented me, by addressing her self to her Father thus, Sir, I have got the Victory over the Genie, as your Majesty may see; but it’s a Victory that costs me dear; I have but a few Moments to live, and you will not have the Satisfaction to make the Match you intended, the Fire has pierced me during the terrible Combat, and I find it consumes me by degrees: This would not have happen’d had I perceived the last of the Pomgranate Seed, and swallow’d it as I did the other, when I was chang’d into a Cock: The Genie had fled thither as to his last Intrenchment, and upon that the Success of the Combat depended, which would have been successful and without Danger to me. This lip oblig’d me to have recourse to Fire, and to fight with those mighty Arms as I did between Heaven and Earth, in your Presence; for in spite of all his redoubtable Art and Experience, I made the Genie to know that I understand more than he, I have conquer’d and reduc’d him to Ashes, but I cannot escape Death which is approaching.
Here Scheherazade broke off the Story of the second Callender, and said to the Sultan, Sir, Day-light appears which forbids me to say any more; but if your Majesty thinks fit to let me live till to-morrow, you shall hear the End of this Story. Schahriar consented and got up according to Custom, to take care of the Affairs of his Empire.
DInarzade awaking some Time before Day, called upon the Sultaness, and said, My dear Sister, if you be not asleep, I would pray you to finish the Story of the second Callender. Scheherazade resum’d her Discourse; and went on as follows:
The Callender always directing his Speech to Zobeide, told her, Madam, the Sultan suffered the Princess, the Lady of Beauty, to go on with the Recital of her Combat. And when she had done, he spoke to her in a Tone that sufficiently testified his Grief. My Daughter said he, you see in what Condition your Father is; alas! I wonder that I am yet alive! Your Governor, the Eunuch, is dead, and the Prince whom you have delivered from his Enchantment has lost one of his Eyes. He could speak no more, for his Tears, Sighs, and Sobs made him Speechless; his Daughter and I were exceeding sensible of his Sorrow, and wept with him.
In the mean Time, while we were striving to out-do one another in Grief, the Princess cry’d, I burn, Oh I burn. She found that the Fire which consumed her, had at last seiz’d upon her whole Body, which made her still cry, I burn, until Death had made an end of her intolerable Pains. The Effect of that Fire was so extraordinary, that in a few Moments she was wholly reduc’d to Ashes, as was the Genie.
I can’t tell you, Madam, how much I was grieved at so dismal a Spectacle: I had rather all my Life have continued an Ape or a Dog, than to have seen my Benefactress thus miserably perish. The Sultan being afflited beyond all that can be imagin’d, cried out piteously, and beat himself on his Head and Stomach until such time as, being quite overcome with Grief, he fainted away, which made me Fear his Life. In the mean time the Eunuchs and Officers came running at the Sultan’s Cries, and with very much ado brought him to himself again, There was no need of that Prince and me to give them a long Narrative of this Adventure, in order to convince them of their great Grief. The two Heaps of Ashes, into which the Princess and the Genie had been reduc’d, was Demonstration enough. The Sultan was hardly able to stand upright, but was forced to be supported by them till he could get to his Apartment.
When the Noise of the tragical Event had spread itself through the Palace and the City, all the People bewail’d the Misfortune of the Princess, the Lady of Beauty, and were sensible of the Sultan’s Affliction, Every one was in deep Mourning for seven Days, and a great many Ceremonies were perform’d: The Ashes of the Genie were thrown into the Air, but those of the Princess were gather’d into a precious Urn to be kept, and the Urn was set in a stately Tomb, which was built for that purpose, on the same Place where the Ashes had laid.
The Grief which the Sultan conceived for the Loss of his Daughter threw him into a fit of Sickness which confined him to his Chamber tor a whole Month. He had not fully recovered Strength when he sent for me, Prince, said he, Hearken to the Orders which I now give you, it will cost you your Life if you do not put them in Execution. I afsur’d him of exact Obedience; upon which he went on thus; I have constantly lived in perfect Felicity, and was never crossed by any Accident; but by your Arrival all my Happiness I possessed is vanished, my Daughter is dead, her Governor is no more, and it is through a Miracle that I am yet alive. You are the Cause of all those Misfortunes, for which it is impossible that I should be comforted; therefore depart from hence in Peace, but without further Delay, sor I my self must perish if you stay any longer; I am persuaded, that your Presence brings Mischief along with it: That is all I have to say to you. Depart, and take care of ever appearing again in my Dominions; there is no Consideration whatsoever, that shall hinder me from making you repent of it. I was going to speak, but he stopt my Mouth by Words full of Anger; and so I was oblig’d to remove from his Palace, rejected, banish’d, thrown off by all the World, and not knowing what would become of me, Before I left the City I went into a Bagnio, where I caus’d my Beard and my Eye-brows to be shav’d, and put on a Callender’s Habit. I began my Journey, not so much deploring my own Miseries, as the Death of the two fair Princesses, of which I have been the Occasion, I passed through many Countries without making my self known; at last I resolv’d to come to Bagdad, in hopes to get my self introduc’d to the Commander of the Faithful to move his Compassion, by giving him an Account of my strange Adventures. I came hither this Evening, and the first Man I met was this Callender, our Brother, that spoke before me. You know the remaining Part, Madam, and the Cause of my having the Honour: to be here.
When the second Callender made an end of his Story, Zobeide, to whom he had address’d his Speech, told him, ’Tis very well, you may go which way you please, I give you leave; but instead of departing, he also petition’d the Lady to show him the same Favour she had vouchsafed the first Callender, and went and sat down by him: But, Sir, said Scheherazade, as she spoke these Words, ’Tis Day, and I must go no further. I dare however assure you, that how agreeable soever the Story of the second Callender may seem to you, that of the third will be no less Worthy of your hearing, if your Majesty will be pleas’d to have the Patience. The Sullan being desirous to know whether it would appear so wonderful as the last, got out of Bed with a Resolution to prolong Scheherazade’s Life further, tho’ the Delay he had granted was determined several Days before.