Tales of the Peries

celebrated and of good memory Having taken up the child he then went out and his mother with a heavy heart and tearful eye followed behind for the purpose she said Of seeing the sanguinary monster that I may know by whose hand my tender blossom is bruised but God grant that he may fail of his bloody purpose The husband and wife arrived at the mansion of the demon and found the savage still sharpening his dagger He looked up at their approach and Diu Faz threw the infant before him The monster placed a basin beneath the child’s throat and immediately putting a dagger to his throat he separated his head from his body and received the blood in the basin Diu Faz with the utmost difficulty beheld the horrid scene Not so the mother who unable to endure it exclaimed Alas this new blown flower is withered before it had time to mature itself in the garden of life and repeated these verses

How sweet a bud of rosy hue

Has even vanished from the view

The

The fairest of flowers of May

Is ever ever stolen away

Lep torn life was well begun

It never never saw the sun

         Then with a sorrowful sigh her soul deported to present itself before the all. Just when Diu Faz saw this, he had almost put himself to death with his own hand but he reflected “I am a servant and ought to perform my duty to the king who has entertained me in his service for such a juncture as this God be praised that I have been able to accomplish this service. I will first inform him of my success and afterwards we shall see what is concealed behind the veil of futurity. Having left both bodies on the fatal ground he turned his face towards the city with a heart full of grief and repeated these verses:

Thou world most faithless and forsworn

Thus are my fondest hopes forborne

No gratitude to the I owe

No bread or salt didst thou bestow

Vile

Vile world my soul by grief opprest

Curses the time she was thy guest 

         This he muttered as he passed along The kings spy however came up to him and entreated him not to mention that he had discovered that his motions were watched and then remained behind Diu Faz came into the presence of the Shah who desired him to enter. He made his salutations. The king said: “Warrior, you have been along time about this business. What was the occasion of the noise?” He answered It was an old woman who had quarreled with her husband and I have reconciled them.” The Shah perceived that Diu Faz was affected with profound sorrow and retained something on his mind. When the spy returned the king asked what was the matter and heard the whole circumstances of the case. The mind of the Shah was oppressed with this uncommon act of fidelity and he said O Diu Faz, you have done a deed which nobody ever said before Then taking his hand they set out together in quest of that ancient man and

man and arrived at his mansion among the tombs. The Shah there beheld an infant fair as the circle of the moon and a lady beautiful as the beams of the Sun lying lifeless on the ground. He uttered a profound sigh and began to express his gratitude when his attention was attracted from the distress of Diu Faz by the ancient man who arose and saluted him. The Shah said “Alas! What is this which you have done?” The ancient man said Their destiny has come to pass.” Is there no remedy said the Shah for this man who has resigned himself to worse than destruction. “The remedy does not depend on me,” said the ancient man, “but a venerable sage resides on that mountain. If he can be prevailed on to come hither, he may take pity on your situation and offer up intercessory prayers for you. Perhaps too God may grant his prayer and restore these to life.” The Shah was enchanted with the thought and instantly set out for the mountain which he soon reached and ascended. There the voice of a person unseen reached his ear, saying

saying O sun visaged prince, you are welcome. I wished to have the pleasure of seeing you The Shah advanced in the most respectful manner and beheld a venerable sage of radiant aspect throned on a seat of stone with his face turned towards the centre of devotion (Mecca) and nothing but his mat beside him. The Shah made him a profound reverence which he returned and the Shad advanced into his presence with profound respect. Then the sage enquired the cause of his coming. It is not concealed from you said the Shah. Then said the Shah in the name of God arise and let us see what the Mercy of God will do The Dorveish and the Shah and his attendants set out for the mansion of the ancient man. When Diu Faz saw their approach, he ran and threw himself at the feet of the shick. The shick lifted him up and saw that the young warrior was drowned in tears. The sick enquired who it was. “This,” said the Shah is Diu Faz oppressed with grief for the loss of his spouse and son The shick comforted him in a goodly manner -

Now

Now every star along the purpling sky

from midnight watching winks the drowsy eye

Like youth man’s luck the yellow mantled sun

Moved forth while night retreats with beams dun

As lighting waved air alis sabre dance

The morning beams air Shames fair regions ofance 

         In other words

         It was now the time of Morning Prayer and the shick prepared to perform his orisons He ordered the two bodies to be placed near each other and lifted the hands of Petition in devotion, and said Merciful and beneficent father, lord of heaven and earth I trust thou in thy clemency will behold the distress of thy servant and restore the lives of these copses While he was yet speaking, they revived by the command of the author of life and both threw themselves at the feet of the Shick. The Shah chose him for his spiritual father but that instant the shick vanished from the eyes of man. The Shah and Diu Faz with his wife and child then returned to the city and soon after the latter was created Vizier to the great satisfaction of his sovereign and spent the rest of

of his life in joy and pleasure.

         Sequel of the adventures of Roshen Zemir

         When Roshen Zemir had arrived so far in the story, Lemen Ruh interrupted him. But tell me my excellent young man, whether the lady ever returned to her father and mother He answered perhaps not The Shick asked Semen Ruh how she was and how she found herself. By Gods favour. said she, “I am pretty well and monstrously sleepy, be quick with the story that I may get a nap. The Shick looked towards Azar Shah and said this bodies well. “By God’s favour she will be quite recovered by the time the story is finished.” Azar Shah instantly fell at the feet of the Shick. cannot you be patient till the sotry is done ” said Lemen Ruh, “and do not interrupt us: besides I ful myself still a little uneasy, let us proceed.” “Blessed be the mask.” said Azar Shah. “I see that the lady is recovering her senses. Go on with the rest of your story.” Said the Shick to Roshen Zamir, who immediately resumed his narration. Where

Where am I now no mortal force

My speech can bridle in its course

But like a plaint round the sun

I start again my race to run 

         Well as I was saying after the serpent had left the Caravan, the chief of the Caravan related this story and afterwards we proceeded on our journey. After sometime had elapsed, we arrived at the city of Mirr where I took up my residence and every one turned his attention to his own affairs. I generally kept within doors in my own house till six months were expired, and then I began to think what was necessity of my running. My nose into adventures and trumping a month’s journey for the express purpose besides. After all, who knows what whim may get into the serpents noddle in the end? Reasoning in this manner, I set my mind at rest on the subject, but the seventh month had not elapsed before the said snake arrived on the confines of Mirr, where a mighty uproar immediately arose on all sides and every one began to fly for his life. I also took my

my own road and travelled on till I arrived at a city where every body had but one leg. I stared at them in utter astonishment, and they in their town began to look to one another and sneer at me there goes a pretty fellow on two legs! Since one will not serve him look you how he gets along. I enter the city and arrived at the royal hall of audina, where the king was seated and all the rest were standing. I likewise took my stand on one side, and the king observing me said, “Ho! You man of an odd, make whence come you!” “As it please your Majesty.” Said I. “I perceive that I am a very odd fellow. toke sure God forgive me.” I answered all his Majesty’s questions with diw respect, but as we were in the midst of our conversation, a great uproar and tumult arose and every person in the fileds came hopping into the city. Lord have mercy thought, I, if the serpent has come here fore in quest of me, if is needless to tiy to hide myself, and if would be very improper for the sake of my single self to distress all the poor souls. So I even turned on my heel of my own accord and went to meet him. When the snake saw me coming, he Stood

Stood still and waited for me. And when I come to him, he mounted me on his neck as I was seating myself down, fell my bow and arrows. The snake very obliging lifted them up for me and took the road for mirr when we arrived at Mirr. I made signs to him that I was both hungry and thirsty. He let me down from this back, and when I had produced same bread and water, I returned to him. And having mounted, he took the road to his residence and set me down at the mouth of the den. I presently saw a yellow scorpion making at me and struck it with an arrow, but if only advanced with the greater impetuosity. I aimed another arrow at its head and as its time was come, it received a mortal wound and at the blow of the thuid arrow. I observed that each of the arrow by the violence of the porrow moulered like rotten wood. The snake, when he saw his enemy dead, began to leap for joy and cut a thousand capir. The anuin sage now made his appearance. I made him a salutation, then taking me by the hands he conducted me up to the top of the mountain and showed me the young snake. He gave me a mirror And

And request me to enter into a certain place and break the enchantment I received The mirror from him and she told me when you reach the door of the palace There invoke the name of God and Snake yourself. “Ready an archer will first advance and take aim at you as soon as you see him drau your sabre and fear nothing. He is fated to fall before you.” When I arrive at the door of the palace, I acted accordingly and began with killing the archer and having repeated the great names of God (Surec fatteha ushlass) in the chapter of victory. I entered and saw a magnificent building, but quite empty. Having traversed it, I reached at last a chamber where sat a fair damsel, beautiful as the light of the Sun, but looking miserably then and of a yellow complextion. When she saw me, she saw a young man. “Were you weary of your life, that you come here?” I answered,: “not in the smallest days, but in conformity to the will of God and at the order of venerable says I am come here break the enchantment.” “If that be your intention,” said the lady, “concealed yourself in a corner till he time that the Diu arrives I

I asked her who she was and how she came there. She replied I am the daughter of the King of Herman and a certain Diw has brought me here by violence. I remained concealed in a corner till a loud uproar arose and the Diw arrived. He seated himself by the lady like a mountain in size and whenever he attempted to touch her she said I am sick do not lay your hands on me.

         When I saw this I pulled out my mirror and consulted if there I saw my direction. This is a Diw Hold the glass before him and having seized him by the throat with both your hands destroy him by kicks and buffets but touch not your seymitir “At this sign of victory I come forth from my hiding place and the Diw attacked me I seized him firmly by the necke and presented the mirror when all his fangs instantly lost their force I followed up my attack with kicks and buffets and made a violent struggle till he was almost quite exhausted I then laid hold of my seymitir when all at once five

five thousand damons sprund up and attacked me on all sides again I consulted my mirror where I saw writen say alaud may you all be consumed by the Power of Suliman the prophet when I had uttered these words fire fell on all their bodies and they all fled in a blaze of flame I thanked God and taking the lady by the hand came out of the palace I came before the sage and saluted him He replied Thank God you may now return I commit you over to the divine protection but pray conduct this lady back to her own residence and be careful of your conduct for many damons will alsail you most venerable sage have the goodness to inform me of your name said I. He answered my name is Hhalifah and I am one of the viceregents of Suliman the prophet after taking leave of the sage I traveled on for twenty days and nights till arrived at a certain city Enquiring its name I was told it was situated on the confines of Herman The lady was delighted when she heard the name of Herman she gave thanks to God

God and requested me to inform the Governor of the city that the daughter of the king who was carried away by the doeman was arrived and desired to see him I went and delivered the Message the Governor came with all speed ande Made a respectful salutation to the princess and having mounted her on an elephant in a splendide powder adorned with gold he conducted her with great pomp into the city where he prepared a feast and ordered great sums to be distributed in charity This continued for three days on the fourth having taken splendid presents and innumerable multitude of attendents with him he attended the princess and himself walked on foot before her stirup The princess said to me come along accompany me till we arrive in the presence of my father I requested her to permit me now to take my leave of her and go about my own business as hshe had now attained her desire the princess declared it was impossible for her to leaver me and will I will I mounted on an elephant and carried me along

along with her when we had proceeded several leagues from that city I was overcome with sleep and when I awoke a lake was near us and I resolved to bathe I descended to the lake and undressed myself accordingly when the damons having take the mirror from my garments bound me hard and fast and instantly attacked the company and killed and consumed the whole party with fire The were then proceeding to distroy the princess when one of the damons was moved to compassion It is a pity said he to kill so fair a damsel ler her be our cupbearer Night came on and they bound me fast to a tree terribly frightened and quite at a lop what deirce to fall on I fortunately recollect the ancient sage in this extemely and that instant he presented himself He repeated a powerful prayer and breathed over the host of damons and having taken the mirror from them gave it into my hand saying I considerate man be prudent and consult the mirror He immediately vanished and and when I looked into the mirror I saw written

written cry aloud may you all be cut to pieces by virtue of the power of God and the prophet Suliman Instantly by the power of almighty God their hands and their feet were separated and their heads tumbled from their bodies Thos of our compant that remained alive were filled with joy and wonder Then having mounted the lady we proceeded on our journey after some days we arrived in the vicinity of Herman and the King being informed of his daugters arrival sent all the city out to meet her The princess entered the city amid their gratulations and threw herself at the feet of her father and related from first to last all that had befalled her The Shah sent for me into the presence and entreated me with the highest honor I remained some days with him and then requested permission to take my leave The princess said to her fathher By no means perhim to depart but unite him to me in marriage when I heart (sic) this proposition I was totally confounded and almost lost my sense Instantly left the cit and when I had Proceeded

Proceeded some way from it the ancient sage appeared before me I saluted him respectfully He said my son return me now the mirror which is of the utmost importance to my welfare I kissed the mirror and returned it He received it and instantly vanished from my view

         When Roshen Zemir had proceeded thus far with the story Semen Ruh (name?)gave thanks to God The venerable sick Seiman asked he how she was now The princess answered I am now quite will and only want to hear the conclusion of Melech Mahommeds story that I may now how the luckless succeeded at last. Danadil then came forward and resumed his narrative

         Conclusion of the story of Gheti Stroz amd Melech Mahommed with the Siepth Transformation Of the Dog also the transformation of king anushah into a cat and the conecsion of the History of azar shah

         In the presence of princes he present who will A man may step forward with science and skill Another with pockets well furnished with gold As for may aspire and not yet be too bold 

But there still comes a third who that honour may wach

The man who can cleverly handle his spuch

Of science or wealth I pretend no to bray

But try me I beg if my tongue cannot wag

Attend to me O Sheimen Rush

         Gheti Afroz after the marriage of her brother requested permission of her mother and father to take her leave Her father said though I know you will not remain her yet have patience for few days the saw that it was necessary to comply with her fathers request and therefore put the best face possible on the matter as it happened to the Shah in few days fell sick and in consequence of that sickness exechanged his habitation in this unreal world for a mansion in the world of reality.

In lifes sad sames all mortals must confess

They gaina nd lose as in the game of chess

One eager draws the lines his game to play

Another sweeps from the board away 

         The elder brother of Gheti Afroz sat in the throne of her father and after the funeral ceremonies were over he said to his sister Let

Let us have no trouble here with you wish to reside her among us dismiss this poor despicable creature of mortal extraction it is not proper for him to remain her Gheti Afroz answered it is quite impossible that my heart should forget my faithful lover I will forsake you all first but him I will not forsake She instant rose and having take the hand of her lover mounter her car and set our on her Journey Respecting

Now comes the hour of perfect bliss

No happiness can equal this

Whether they bid me swim or sink

Treck not what people think

         They arrived at her residence was illumined by the light of her footstep Melech Mahommed thanked God that he had Got safely back again Bring the Ruby wine said the princess to the Ruh Afza and at the word the goblet began to circualte to the melody of soft music and the time passed away in mirth an song on a certain day that had been spunk in joy and mirth in wine and music in Helping

And caressing what time the sun the sultan of Rum advanced against the kingdom of Mugrub and the sable monarch of Languibar introduced the moon the evening fornd them with their arms mutually entwined a round (sic) each others necks and Melech Mahommed repeating to himself

I am thine and thow art mine

Affection never equalled thine 

         The languid Narcisses like eye of Gheti Afroz gradually yielded to slumber and she fell a sleep on the sopha with Melech Mohammed at her side Every one had now retired and a part of the night was passed but Melech Mohammed remained devoid of rest FRom after Kifs and perceived that Gheti Afroz was immersed in profound sleep and in an unguarded position

Bless sweet flower of wine he cries

That seals so sound her lovely eyes 

         Unable to restrain himself he stretched out his hand and laid hold of the girdle of desire That instant the fair awaked and opened her sidetious tempting eyes and enraged