Pages 135-171
returned to the palace full of the praises of the princess. Diu Faz increased more and more in the favour of the Emperor and in the mean time a son was born unto him by the princess. When the Emperor was informed of this event to distinguish him still more by his royal munificence, he was gratified with his conduct. It happened one day that the king went a hunting accompanied by Diu Faz when a deer startled before him.
The king said, “Now show your archery and nail the hinder foot of this deer to his neck.”
Diu Faz drew his arrow in the name of God and as the deer was scratching his ear with his hinder foot, he left fly and nailed both foot and ear to his neck. The deer gave a struggle and fell on the ground. The Shah was delighted to perceive the accuracy with which his order was executed and applauded his archery to the skies. As they returned to the city there was a gull of wind accompanied with some drops of rain.
A gentle fanning gale of Spring
Scarce mid the flowers was heard to sing
A gentle shower scarce heard to fall
Spread o’er the sun a shadowy pall
While purpling rose leaves burst to view
Wherever the folded rose bud grew
It happened that the Shah entered his garden and caused splendid carpets to be spread. When having seated himself on his throne, the ruby coloured wine was jovially circulated before him. The voice of heart alluring music resounded and Diu Faz, particularly, was ordered to seat himself in the presence and join in the society when the sun veiled his imperial countenance and the Moon appeared in the East.
When Khowers Turk
Khowers Turk for sakes the eastern height
Dark turbaned by the amber look of night
Now seven fair orbs in radiant circles set
Well round the proud celestial minaret
And from the starry tapers of the sky
The lamp of night relumes her beams on high 23
At the time of sunset, the Shah of the sun-like countenance dissolved the festive party, returned to the palace, and everyone went to his own abode. The Shah was in a tranquil slumber when a tempest and whirlwind arose and the thunder began to resound dreadfully, and the face of the earth was still and black. After some time, the violence of the wind and rain abated and the voice of the thunder ceased. When the Shah, being awake, suddenly heard a voice of lamentation he listened to the voice which seemed evidently to proceed from a soul in deep distress. The Shah arose and entered the hall of audience where he found Diu Faz. He instantly laid hold of his hand and conducted him to his own chamber.
“Listen,” said he, “What voice is that which I heard?”
Diu Faz answered, “It is the same voice which I have heard these several nights but I was unwilling to attend to it without your permission. If ,however, it be your Majesty’s pleasure, I will instantly examine into its cause.”
“I think you had better,” said the Shah and Diu Faz immediately proceeded in quest of that voice.
When he arrived at the gate of the city, he perceived that the cry came from without and having opened the gates, he went out. The Shah, however, sent a person after him to observe his actions at a distance. When Diu Faz beheld a person following him, he placed an arrow in his bow and asked sternly who was there.
“Do not shoot,” said the person, “the Shah sent me to bring intelligence of you,”
Both of them then proceeded in quest of the voice till they reached a large walled tomb from which it issued and where there was a lamp burning. The young warrior of Ormus left the king’s messenger without and entered alone. He saw an ancient man there seated and a lamp burning before him, while he was sharpening a couple of daggers on a stone. Observing him more attentively, he perceived such a countenance as he had never beheld. His size was that of a hill and his head like a vaulted dome. His mouth was a perfect cavern, his stature that of a steeple, his arm like tall poplar, his nose like the eastern mound of a fort, his fore-teeth like anvils, his lips like the rim of an immense black vat, and his eyes like basons of blood. It was a form of this portentous kind that sat sharpening the daggers, which he placed on the ground and then uttered a deep sigh.
When his eye fell on Diu Faz, he demanded, “Who are you and what brings you here?”
“I am came,” said Diu Faz, “to enquire into the cause of your sorrow.”
The ancient man said, “It is now some time since I have been here. The king of this land is pious and for some nights, I have lamented over his fate, for such a prince the world will never see again.”
When Diu Faz heard this declaration from the form that resembled a blood drinking Diu more than a man, he expired a sigh of anguish from his heart and liver and asked, “O ancient man is there no way of detaining the departing life of the king?”
The sanguinary monster replied, “There is no way to accomplish it but one. If Diu Faz, the king’s favourite, will deliver to me his son to kill and drink his blood as a ransom for the blood of the king, the king’s life will be lengthened.”
Diu Faz uttered a profound sigh but the bread and salt of his prince prevailed and he thought, “If the princess and I live, God may give us another son, but when will we see so good a king?”
Horrified and confounded, he took the road to his house. The king’s messenger also heard what passed and returned to the city. Diu Faz came to his house and awoke the princess who was sleeping with her child in her arms.
“Lady,” said he, “Take your heart off this child, he is devoted to death for a pious purpose.”
The princess wailed and wept and besought her husband not to repeat so dreadful a speech. He related to her the whole story, adding “Be patient for it is for a pious purpose that he must die. He that gave us this will give us another. Besides, the action will be 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. 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 bason 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 bason. 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 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 departed 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 forborn
No gratitude to the I owe
No bread or salt didst thou bestow
Vile world my soul by grief opprest
“Curses the time she was thy guest.”
This he muttered as he passed along. The king’s 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 of before.”
Then, taking his hand, they set out together in quest of that ancient 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, “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 Shah 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 Dervish and the Shah and his attendants set out for the mansion of the ancient man. When Diu Faz saw the e young warrior was drowned in tears. The sheik 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 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 Shams fair regions ofance
In other words, it was now the time of morning prayer and the sheik 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 Sheik. The Shah chose him for his spiritual father, but that instant the sheik 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 his life in joy and pleasure.
Sequel of the adventures of Roshen Zemir
When Roshen Zemir had arrived so far in the story, Semen 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 Sheik asked Semen Ruh how she was and how she found herself.
“By God’s favour,” said she, “I am pretty well and monstrously sleepy. Be quick with the story that I may get a nap.”
The Sheik looked towards Azar Shah and said, “this sleepiness bodes 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 Sheik.
“Cannot you be patient till the story is done?” said Semen Ruh, “and do not interrupt us. Besides I feel 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 Sheik to Roshen Zemir, who immediately resumed his narration.
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 sun24
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 Mise 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 the 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 Mir, where a mighty uproar immediately arose on all sides and every one began to fly for his life. I also took my own road and travelled on till I arrived at a city where everybody had but one leg. I stared at them in utter astonishment, and they in their turn 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 at how he gets along.” I enter the city and arrived at the royal hall of audience 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 pleases your Majesty,” said I, “I perceive that I am a very odd fellow. To be sure God forgive me.”
I answered all his Majesty’s questions with due respect, but as we were in the midst of our conversation, a great uproar and tumult arose and every person in the fields came hopping into the city.
Lord have mercy, thought I, if the serpent has come here fore in quest of me, it is needless to try to hide myself, and it 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 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 obligingly lifted them up for me and took the road for Mirr.
When we arrived at Mirr, I told him that I was both hungry and thirsty. He let me down from this back and when I produced some 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 it only advanced with greater impetuosity. I aimed another arrow at its head and it received a mortal wound. At the blow of the third arrow, I observed that each of the arrow by the violence of the poison moldered like rotten wood.
The snake, when he saw his enemy dead, began to leap for joy and cut a thousand capers. The ancient 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 snakes. He gave me a mirror and requested 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, invoke the name of God and Snake yourself. Be ready for an archer will first advance and take aim at you. As soon as you see him, draw 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. Having repeated the great names of God (Surei 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 completion. 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 the venerable, I have come here to break the enchantment.”
“If that be your intention,” said the lady, “conceal yourself in a corner till the time that the Diu arrives.”
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 Diu has brought me here by violence.”
I remained concealed in a corner till a loud uproar arose and the Diu 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 no lay your hands on me.”
When I saw this, I pulled out my mirror and consulted it there. I saw my direction.
“This is a Diu hold the gloss before him and having seized him by the throat with both your hands destroy him by kicks and buffets, but touch not your scymiter.”
At this sign of victory I come forth from my hiding place and the Diu attacked me. I seized him firmly by the neck 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 scymiter when all at once fivethousand demons sprung up and attacked me on all sides.
Again, I consulted my mirror where I saw written: say aloud 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 demons will assail you.”
“Most venerable sage, have the goodness to inform me of your name,” said I.
He answered, “my name is Khalifah and I am one of the vicegerents of Suliman the prophet.”
After taking leave of the sage, I traveled on for twenty days and nights till I 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 and requested me to inform the Governor of the city that the daughter of the king who was carried away by the demon arrived and desired to see him. I went and delivered the Message.
The Governor came with all speed and made a respectful salutation to the princess. Having mounted her on an elephant in a splendid 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 attendants with him, he attended the princess and walked on foot before her stirrup.
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 she had now attained her desire, the princess declared it was impossible for her to leave me. I mounted on an elephant which carried me along with her.
When we proceeded several leagues from that city, I was overcome with sleep. When I awoke, a lake was near us and I resolved to bathe. I descended to the lake and undressed myself accordingly when the demons, having taken the mirror from my garments, bound me hard and fast and instantly attacked the company and killed and consumed the whole party with fire.
They were then proceeding to destroy the princess when one of the demons was moved to compassion.
“It is a pity,” said he, “to kill so fair a damsel. Let her be our cupbearer.”
Night came on and they bound me fast to a tree. Terribly frightened and quite at a loss as to what device to fall on, I fortunately recollected the ancient sage. In that instant, he presented himself. He repeated a powerful prayer and breathed over the host of demons and having taken the mirror from them, gave it into my hand saying, “Considerate man be prudent and consult the mirror.”
He immediately vanished and when I looked into the mirror, I saw 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. Those of our company 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 daughter’s arrival sent all the city out to meet her. The princess entered the city amid their conratulations and threw herself at the feet of her father and related from first to last all that had befell her. The Shah sent for me into his 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 father, “by no means permit him to depart, but unite him to me in marriage.”
When I heard this proposition, I was totally confounded and almost lost my sense. I instantly left the city and when I had 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 gave thanks to God. The venerable Sick Seiman asked her how she was now.
The princess answered, “I am now quite well and only want to hear the conclusion of Melech Mahommed’s story so that I may now know how the luckless lover succeeded at last.”
Danadil then came forward and resumed his narrative.
Conclusion of the story of Gheti Afroz and Melech Mahommed with the Fifth Transformation of the Dog also the Transformation of King Anu Shah into a cat and the Concession 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 watch
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 Seimen 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 here, yet have patience for few days.”
She saw that it was necessary to comply with her father’s request and therefore put the best face possible on the matter. As it happened, the Shah, in few days, fell sick and in consequence of that sickness exchanged his habitation in this unreal world for a mansion in the world of reality.
In life’s sad grave all mortals must confess
They gain and 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 us have no trouble here with your wish to reside her among us. Dismiss this poor despicable creature of mortal extraction. It is not proper for him to remain here.”
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 taken the hand of her lover, mounted her car and set out on her journey.
Now comes the hour of perfect bliss
No happiness can equal this
Whether they bid me swim or sink
I reck not what people think
They arrived at her residence in the twinkling of a feather and the 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 Ruh Afza and at the word the goblet began to circulate to the melody of soft music. The time passed away in mirth and song. On a certain day that had been spent in joy and mirth in wine and music in kissing 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 found them with their arms mutually entwined around each other’s necks and Melech Mahommed repeating to himself
I am thine and thou art mine
Affection never equaled thine25
The languid Narcisuss-like eye of Gheti Afroz gradually yielded to slumber and she fell asleep on the sofa with Melech Mohammed at her side. Everyone had now retired and a part of the night was passed but Melech Mohammed remained devoid of rest. From the violence of passion he snatched kiss after kiss 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 awoke and opened her seditious tempting eyes and enraged, exclaimed, “Cursed dog, what are you doing?”
Immediately, the luckless Melech Mahommed made a bound and assumed the shape of a dog. Then, the servants ran and with hard blows, drove him out of the palace. Melech Mahommed said to himself
Black be the hour and black the day
That led my wandering wide astray
After running up and down and lingering here and there for some time, the poor dog, quite ashamed of his condition, turned towards the city. Danish Bait had mounted his horse and was proceeding to court when the dog ran and crawled beneath the horse’s belly and cowering fawned among his feet.
Danish Bait immediately comprehended the matter. “Ah,” thought he, “it is that unhappy Nephew of mine that has got into this disgraceful situation.” He immediately ordered him to be carried to the dog kennel. “As long as he lives,” thought he, “he shall wear a dog’s collar round his neck.”
Melech Mahommed saw that he had nothing for him but to trust to providence and said to himself,
“The rose of fortune blossoms fair
The thorn is still my luckless share.”
Six months he remained in the shape of a dog.
One day, Anushah said, “It is a long time now since I have heard anything of my friend Gheti Afroz. What can have come of Melech Mahommed? Can he be playing at chess with her all this while? I must go and see how matters go on.”
He immediately mounted a horse and with a few attendants arrived at the door of her palace. The door was opened and the Shah went in and saw Gheti Afroz adorned in splendid garments of gold cloth. She immediately advanced and, taking him by the hand, conducted him up to the throne and ordered the wine to be introduced. Ruh Afza instantly brought in the ruby wine and they passed the night away in quaffing the goblet and relishing the choicest fruits. When the circle of the earth illuminating Sun descended into the gulf of Babel and the earth had arrayed herself in sable garments or as the Poet says when
The Zingi legions ifsing sad and slow
O’er earths green visture bid their tresses flow
While as their blackening ranks debate afar
The sky glows brilliant as one sparkling star.
The Shah retired to his couch of rest, but Gheti Afroz sent for Ruh Afza and said, “contrive by art Magic to turn this Shah of yours into the form of an animal that he may know how poor Melech Mahommed fares, so that some comfort may teach that unhappy lover
When love my friend assails with glances sly
The devotee will find it hard to fly
For in a single Moment disappears
The sage devotion of an hundred years
Whour the lovers feverish pulse would try
Must know the symptoms well by sympathy
Great Avicennas’
skies had all been vain
Caliph himself had felt the lover’s pain.”
Ruh Afza said, “with all my heart I myself wished to propose the very thing to your Majesty.”
In short, the first part of the night had passed, and the Shah was intoxicated with ruby and the kisses of his Mistress and as the song says
Law at her feet the lover fell
But then other what tongue can tell
The sweet caresses sighs and kisses
That serve to usher sweeter blesses26
The Shah, eager to crop the new blown rose of desire, wished to sleep in the same couch with Ruh Afrza.
She proved capricious and getting into a passion exclaimed, “Ha you cat, what would you scratch me?”
Instantly, the magnanimous king of the nations felt himself whirled giddily round in a circle and taking a spring with his head down most and his heels utmost assumed the form of a cat. Astonished and vexed at the incident that had befallen him, he knew not what to do with himself and till morning he strolled through the garden caterwauling his fate most piteously. When the sun that world subduing Secanider unveiled his glittering countenance, the Shah, ashamed of his situation, crept out of the precincts of the palace and concealed himself in a corner.
At morning, Danish Bait arose and said to himself, “I must try to get some news of the Shah and his affairs amongst the Peris.”
He mounted his horse and when he came near the Palace, he saw the cat running to meet him. “Ah,” thought he, “it is the Shah sure enough,” and he cried, “very well done great prince.”
Immediately the cat came up to him and he lifted it and placed it in his bosom. Then having sent for the box of medicine, she put a little into the cat’s mouth when the cat whirled round and round and then assumed its own shape.
The Shah immediately dressed himself and rode off for the palace. He was more mortified with the accident than ever a person was in the world and said to Danish Bait, “There is neither while not stratagem by which I can be avenged of her for a Mortal man like me can never contend with a Peri. Thus far, however, I can. Melech Majommed is her sole delight. I will put him to death and sear her bosom with a lasting wound.”
The Vizier answered, “Be it according to your Majesty’s pleasure.”
“Where is he?”s aid the Shah, “send for him instantly.”
Fortunately, however, Gheti Afroz, after the Shah was changed into a cat, had sent a Perizadi to watch his motions and inform her of whatever should happen. When the Peri heard him express his intention of putting Melech Mahommed to death, she instantly set out to inform her mistress who was presently acquainted with all their proceedings. As soon as Gheti Afroz heard the news, she began to weep and wail bitterly and instantly springing up proceeded to the Court of the Shah.
When the Shah enquired for Melech Mahommed, Danish Bait informed him that he was in the shape of a dog and chained up in his dog kennel. The Shah directly sent some executioners in quest of him, who with great rage and cruelly loosed the dogs and brought them out, lashing them severally all the way.
“This is but cold kindness,” thought Melech Mahommed, “doubtless this day will be the death of me.” Fetching a deep sigh, he repeated the following verses:
Sweet Zephyr to my love impart
The anguish of my banished heart
She feasts from care and sorrow free
And never never thinks of me
If where my charmers graces dwell
She would but grant her slave a cell
Blest in her view with conscious pride
I yet would were the ass hide
Sweet zephyr to my fair impart
The anguish of my fainting heart
Gheti Afroz comprehended his meaning and instantly exclaimed in a loud voice, “My faithful Melech Mahommed, why as you not resume your own own form?”
When the dog heard the voice of the princess, he whirled rapidly round and resumed his own form amid the dogs like a flash of lightening. When Anu Shah was informed of this event, he bit his nails in astonishment and vexation and, finding himself without remedy, he sat stock still with shame and mortification.
Gheti Afroz in the kindest and tenderest manner said to Melech Mahommed, “How stupidly have I managed the business that you have heard nothing of what has happened.” For indeed the luckless lover had heard nothing of the adventures at the Palace of the Peris. Gheti Afroz then informed him all her proceedings for which he was extremely grateful and said,
“For thy dear love who would not bear
Adventures ever strange and rare”
The jovial assembly met and Ruh Afza handed round the ruby colored wine to the sound of mirth and music. The two lovers were all the world to each other and Melech Mahommed kissed her hands and feet repeating this verse:
All mortal love compared with thee
Seems like the pathway dust to me
The dust shall flit in empty air
Nor ever soil a foot so far
While there they enjoyed each other’s society, the voice of Perizadas with terrible noise and tumult was heard in the Med and they presently perceived that it was the Vizir of the king to whom Gheti Afroz had been betrothed by her father Ansor Shah. He came as an ambassador and was introduced into the presence of the princess who ordered him to deliver his message.
“May you attain every happiness,” said he, “thy Master desires me to say ‘My heart has for a long time been yours but you have never shown me any affection. Meantime, the precious days of life are given to the wind. If it be your intention rather have pity on me and kill me at once, for one of your glances is the sign of life or death to me, but if there is any kindness in your tender heart, give me a favorable answer that I may know my fate.”
Gheti Afroz answered, “Let him take off his affections from me and leave me to the enjoyment of my own destiny. This youth of the race of man who sits here before you will I make the diadem of my power. Hope nothing from me for I am quite incapable of altering my conduct.”
The Vizir replied, “Thou art done with me and I am done with thee,” and immediately departed with a burning breast and a watery eye.
Gheti Afroz took the hand of Melech Mahommed and seated him on her own throne and said, “My faithful friend. In your separations from me you have endured many distresses, but now I am wholly and solely yours. I devote myself to you and resign myself entirely into your hands. Be you my head the throne the kingdom and myself are yours then.”
When Melech Mahommed heard these words, had he been sick for a hundred years he would have instantly revived, and he repeated
He that in thirst expiring lay
Has found where life’s pure waters play
The wealth of all the world can bring
No joy like Life’s celestial spring,
Then the faithful Melech Mahommed sat on throne and spent all the rest of his life in the glances of his beautiful Mistress in joy, rejoicing mirth, and pleasure, and the full enjoyment of his desires.
Danadil had no sooner finished the story than Semen Ruh arose and threw herself at the feet of the Sheik
“How are you now?” said the sheik.
She replied, “By your favour, I am quite recovered and I now perceive no vestige of my disorder.”
Azar Shah likewise fell at the feet of Sheik and expressed his obligations. He extolled Danadil and Roshen Zemir to the skies and punished the sorceress with the edge of the sword. He ordered the double drums, durms, and cornets to be sounded and prepared a royal entertainment and distributed great sums in charity. He invited all the learned men and men of science and caused the city to be adorned with mirrors and declared himself the disciple of the venerable Sheik.
After sometime, the Sheik requested permission to depart and was attended the first stage by the king with every species of respect and honour. There, the Shah took leave of him and returned to his own City of Abez where he ordered a public thanksgiving and lived in happiness and pleasure with Semen Ruh in the full attainment of his desires with a numerous offspring. Thus, God granted their desires and wishes and so may he grant all of us to quaff copiously the sherbet of his presence and love through the favour of the prophet and his descendants. Amen.
Copy from a Mss. in the possession of Leyden Mordaunt Ricketts Calcutta 26th January 1812
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23. [For analysis of verse, see ]↩
24. [For analysis of verse, see ]↩
25. [For analysis of verse, see ]↩
26. [For analysis of verse, see ]↩