Full Text of Tales of the Peries
Tales of the Peries
The History of Azar Shah from the Persie
There is a story which every class of authors are fond of relating, whether they be learned historians or skillful astrologers, whether they record the deeds of ancient times, or collect the grape clusters in the harvest of language, whether they adorn the wonders of reality or display the beauties of fiction.
In the time of the celebrated Sheik Sunian the Emperor Azar Shah reigned in abez, a city in the Western region of the World. Azur[msp] Shah had long been anxious for an heir, but his queen Lullulla[msp] brought him no children. On a day he convened all the Astrologers of the city, and ordered them to examine the tablets of his destiny to see if there was any hope of having a son the astrologers asked a delay, to make their observations and comply with the demands of the Emperor.
When they had finished their observations, they announced the report of the stars, that the Emperor was to have no child unless by Semen Ruh Daughter of the King of the East. In elegance of form this lady surpassed all comparison, the splendour of the full Moon grew dim before her countenance and the sun was darkened by the rays of her beauty
beauty.
No maid of mortal charms but far
Excelling each celestial star,
Well may she boast her regal stem
Fair jewel of the diadem
The beams that round her forehead play
Surpass the moon’s empurpled ray.
When Azar Shah had received this answer he assembled his Vizir, and full Dewan to demand advice for the shaft of Love from an unseen beauty, had already pierced the heart of the Emperor one of the Vizirs named Khujisteray ben Moosahib a wise and knowing man arose and bending the forehead of obedience to the ground said.
May the King live forever, the world will never see a sovereign like thee whose reign is crowned with good fortune, and the favor of God. He whom thou shalt order to undertake the journey of the East shall quickly make the crown of his head, the sole of his foot, “by dint of Gold, by courage bold, or any means of mortal mold.” the desire of the Emperor shall be accomplished” In like manner another Vizir rose and said May the fortune of the Emperor be expanded like a full blown blossom his orders shall certainly be fulfilled. An elegant epistle was immediately penned and given to Khugisteray with the most singular curiosities
curiosities, and rarities of the country, to carry to the regions of the East. The Vizir set out and, after a long journey arrived at the Eastern Sea, but with whatever speed he travelled, the news of his route preceded his arrival, at the court of the Emperor of the East. When the object of his mission was reported to the emperor, he expressed great surprise, that such should be the popular talk before any Embassy had come from the west. The Vizir Khigesteray appeared in the Hall of audience, and according to the custom of ambassadors presented to the King of the East the Letter with all the curiosities and rarities which he had brought, The Emperor was highly pleased with the presents and with the utmost joy, and satisfaction, received the proposal contained in the Letter, he requested the Vizir to remain a few days till the bridal festivities, could be prepared at the end of which he promised to permit him to commence his journey. The Vizir kissed the Ground took his leave in the most respectful manner and went to reside in a Caravansera,
The Emperor entered the Haram and related the news to the Mother of the Princess, The Princess as well the Mother, was greatly pleased at the intelligence, the nagurit? of joy, was ordered to be beat and the Court
Court prepared for the nuptial festivities. In a few days every thing was ready, and the Princess arrayed in royal robes, and golden ornaments, splendid as those of the famous Emperor Khosroo, mounted an Elephant whose howder? and caparison, shone like gold, and attended with maids, beautiful as the Sun, in its splendor, boys of elegant form, and Eunuch graceful as the Moon, in countenance, all arrayed in Princely garments proceeded along with Khujesteray[msp]. From stage to stage from Caravansera to Caravansera they journeyed onwards a procession to use the words of the Poet Huzret Mullah like a rose garden in its beauty.
As o’er the sands they hold their way,
Their tents they pitch with banners gay,
The desert blooms through all its coasts,
Fair as the meads which China boasts.
They arrived at length in the vicinity of Abez.]] In the neighborhood of that city was a garden named [[Baghi Murad] which had been made by the Father of Azur Shah; it was planted, with various kinds of trees, the Pine the Cypress the Boser, The Fir and elm there intermingled their Branches, clashing each other like a scymiter Belt; Flowers of different kinds, the Rose, the Tulip, the sweet
sweet Basil, the hyacinth, and others of a similar species, were arranged in order, on their several banks, and channels of running water, were dispersed among the roots of the trees according to the Verse.
Where’er the rivulet wanders slow
a thousand musky roses blow,
Where languid streamlets sleep btween
The verdure wakes in livelier green,
While every rose a thousand tints,
along its blushing leaves depaints
and as the glowing petals smile
Sweet fragrance makes for many a mile.
In this new Paradise of a garden, they halted, they pitched a tent under fortunate auspices, spread beautiful carpets, and displaced furniture, rich as that of Khosroo, they illuminated the Tent, with a Lustre, and there the Princess Semen Ruh took up her residence. The report of their arrival reached Azur Shah and as the Poet Huzret Mullah says.
The present precious moment seize,
When fortune falls in every breeze,
And ere the Power have time to roam
Bestir yourself invite her home.
The Emperor immediately ordered the Cymbal of joy, and the nagurate? of rejoicing, to be beat, the Corinet? the Pipes the Trumpets the Fifes
Fifes and the cymbals to be sounded the streets to be adorned with mirrors the city to be illuminated with Lamps and Torches and all the taxes of the country to be remitted for one year when the news reached his former queen Lulullah the sighs of her Pride rose to all the Heavens.
Ah alas! said she what stratagem shall I contrive to separate Semen Suh from the king and expel her love from his heart.
At last she thought of a will she bent both her eyes downward on her feet and skillfully planned a scheme to supplant the Princess.
When Semen Suh learned that the Emperor was impatient to visit her she ordered green carpets and rich garments to be strewed from the streets of the city to the Lanes of the Garden and commanded the Damsels beautiful as [Peris] and her youths whose faces rivaled the moon in gracefulness to present him with Basons filled with Rubies and jacinths and Emeralds and Pearls The King arrived in the Garden adorned in the splendid manner. In every place Semen Suh had caused rich carpets to be spread for his reception, a throne of polished Emerald in one quarter in another a throne of Ruby jacinth and fretted Gold. The Emperor was astonished at the magnificence of the exhibition and
and seated himself on the Throne greatly delighted with the grandeur of the lady’s taste He ordered a royal feast to be prepared and invited all the Vizirs the Judges the Nobles the skillful men of business, and the principal Persons of the city The king embraced Khujisteray rewarded him with the highest honors, and presented him with royal robes and a diadem adorned with Gold and jewels a Scymiter Dagger and Sash of curious worksmanship to gather with the [[steed}} Dewzard]] which he had kept as a memorial of his own Father the bridle and saddle of which were likewise ornamented with gold and jewels That night they spent in festivity; it was like the conjunction of the moon and the planet Jupiter and afterwards Semen Suh was conducted in the most magnificent manner to the royal Haram.
On the Emperors burnished throne
The splendid moon of beauty shone
His heart wild thrilling with delight
He hardly dared to trust his sight.
No sooner had the glance of the emperor lighted on the earth illuminating fair than an arrow from the bent bow of her brows pierced his bosom it penetrated to the very wing and notch of the arrow and he said with a sigh,
Gentle be the beauty reign
Oe’r captives which the smiles enchain
When
- When Semen Suh beheld the king she descended from the throne and stood before him veiling her face with the fold of her garment The king could not restrain himself but flinging the arm of affection over the neck of desire drew her to his bosom and snatched an invaluable kiss from her ruby lips Having taken the hand of the fair he seated her on the throne and gently unveiling her face the timid drops of perspiration on her sweet countenance shone like the dew drops on the Ruby Rose Azur Shah gently dried them with the fold of his tunic and said.
The timid drops of dew that grace
A jassamine[msp] coloured charmer’s face
Exceed the rapid torrent force
That wastes a country in its course
The attendants all withdrew and the curtains were drawn on the four sides of the chamber. The emperor drew Semen Suh amorously to his side but no sooner did she meet his embrace than the keenness of desire instantly departed and he perceived himself under the influence of a magical charm The king had immediate recourse to his Physicians and Astrologers but they were equally at a loss concerning the nature of his malady and the means of effecting a cure. At last a Magician more knowing that the rest informed him (that)
the famous Sheik Sunian of Baghdad The King directly called his Vizir Khujisteray and desired him to go and prevail on Sheik Sunian to undertake the cure “Beseech him to pity my situation and not to reckon the fatigues of the journey painful to the sole of his foot Immediately Khujisteray set off and in a few days reached the presence of the Sheik and related to him the particulars of his commission The Sheik made many excuses the Vizir made lamentations till the importunity of the latter prevailed and he succeeded in conducting him safely to the city of Abez The King came out to meet him and introduced him into the city with great honors when all the particulars were related minutely to the Sheik he said there were two disciples who perfectly understood the distemper The name of the one was Danadil but he was absent on his travels in the region of the south. The name of the other was Roshen Limir but he too was unluckily absent in the North. The Sheik immediately addressed a letter to them in these terms “We are in the City of Abez in the presence of Azur Shah on sight of this letter proceed to join us with the utmost haste and without delay” The two disciples received the letters and proceeding with the utmost expedition arrived in the presence of the [doesn’t make sense]
him that his former queen had bewitched him by a spell from which with Heaven she would endeavour to free him The king rewarded him nobly and the Magician having by his skill discovered the charm which was buried beneath the ground he dug it up and recovered the king completely. But that wicked and crafty women no sooner perceived that the spell was broken than she fell on another contrivance. She took a magical stone of such potency that a little of its powder swallowed instantly deprived a person of his senses She grated a little of it to powder and gave it to a trusty and skillful servant to mix secretly with the food of Semen Suh.
The servant too well acquitted herself of the wicked commission and in a single hour the mind of the princess was alienated and she became deplorable frantic Night came but she replied to the tenderest caresses of the king with the coldest indifference and aversion. In vain he attempted to soothe her, next day her distemper was a hundred times worse and soon increased beyond all remedy Azur Shah was greatly distressed again he assembled his astrologers and physicians and ordered them on pain of death to find some remedy for her malady. All their efforts were vain and they came in a body to the king saying “Kill or reward us the stars do not prosper the business in our hands but if any man in the world can cure her “itis” then sheik both on the same day. They were immediately conducted to court with due honors by the vizir the Sheik related to them the particulars of the case and all five the King and his vizir the Sheik and his disciples began to concert measures for the cure. After a dead pause Donadil raised his head and said “Reverend Senior (Din) the case is indeed beyond the Power of Medicine unless the method I propose succeed.” Let the Princess be diverted and amused by marvelous stories and tales of wonders and when her heart is engaged by the stories of the past perhaps the intoxication of Phrenzy will go out of her head" Who knows such stories better than yourself said the Sheik relate then the wonders you yourself have seen and heard but relate them in such a manner that when you and I are dead and gone they may still be recorded in the page of existence” Danadil without further apology desired the sitting room to be prepared and as soon as carpets were spread and the queen brought in he thus commenced his narration. The Tale of Malek Mahommend and Gheti Afroz Queen of the Peris and the First Transformation of the Dove.
Once on a day as Malek Mahommed a brother of mine was on his travels he came by chance to a town called Ekbalia and took up his lodging in a Caravansera when the first watch of the night was suddenly illuminated with brilliant lights and began to resound with the music of innumerable instruments. Behind the lights Peris and Perizadis arrayed in garments of golden tissue advanced in troop and with wonderful tumult spread themselves over the whole face of the sky a marvelous company such as had never been heard or seen. In surprise he asked some people of the place “What is this and who are these?” Somebody told him that it was Gheti Afroz Daughter of the king of the Peris and that having quarreled with her father she resided in this lower world and that her place was in the vicinity of the city. “Can a person see her said he. Better for him to fail of it,” said the other for she generally changes her visitants into the shape of some animal.” It seems my brother had some animal inclinations. Ah said he that must be very fine and curious and off he set for that place. Next morning when he came near the place he saw that the top of it reached to the very sky; the building consisted of alternate layers of burned bricks and pure silver, and at least the one half of all the birds in the air and all the Doves in the universal world were perched on the roof. He came up to the door which was shut and cried aloud “Open to Malek Mahammed" as nobody ever came there who was afraid of being a beast the Princess had ordered when any one approached to open the door and give him his deserts. Accordingly the door was opened and without dread or fear in stepped Malek Mahommed. He saw a throne composed of a single jacinth adorned with the richest Cushions and carpets and a lady beautiful as the silver moon sitting on the throne with a hundred Perizadis brilliant as so many stars and standing round her.
What can Descriptions powers avail
The pen the pencils art must fail No power of fancy e’er pourtrayed
The graces of that purless maid
Sweet angel nature formed to prove
The fond fidelity of love
Her mouths sweet circle formed a line
The pencil never drew one so fine
Her Ruby lips appeared when closed
Arose leaf in two halves disposed.
When Melek Mahommed saw these Daughters of Paradise their queens fair as the mid month moon and her damsels and musicians arranged in rows before her he stood stupefied with wonder. The back of the Queen was towards him as he entered but she perceived him with the corner of her eyes and pointing to a Golden seat near the throne said "come come along you are welcome” and as soon as he had seated himself enquired, “whence who and why have you come hither?” Melek Mohammed answered like one drunk and distracted
Drunk with the win of love I roam
This path and seek no other home
Far from my grasp stole? the tie
Of prudence though for love I die
Gheti Afroz immediately gave him a place in her affections, and ordered Ruh Afza a Perazadi that excelled in elegance of form to bring the ruby coloured wine for a guest was came. Ruh Afza had an apple in her hand which she presented to him. Gheti Afroz said “Why are you angry at our guest that you present him with an apple. He who stomachs an apple must be angry indeed said Ruh Afza. Better however it were a quince said Gheti Afroz and immediately a quince as a sign of welcome was presented to Meleck Mahommed. Still however my brothers confusion prevented him from entering on conversation till the ruby wine that foe to modesty was handed round in silver goblets. Ruh Afza acted the cup bearer and when she had presented ten goblets to Meleck Mahommed he became a little more tranquil. Gheti Afroz then looking him in the face said How do you now guess I will make you a present of your fair cup bearer.” The object of my devotion is single and sufficient said he I can receive no other.” Gheti Afroz was pleased and said I am glad to find your affection so refined and shall be happy to see you some days in this company but man is an impatient creature and from his impatience result many misfortunes which he is very apt to lay to our charge so you had better take Ruh Afza as a remedy of
[impatience] impatience and with the throat of a thirsty lip imbibe the wine of her affection. “The sight of you is too propitious to me said Melech Mahommed “I am too much delighted with the view of these charms. In such conversation the day passed and at night Gheti Afroz orderd a couch to be prepared for Meleck Mahommed in the chamber of Ruh Afza. Melech Mahommed said “what cruel speech is this a second time is not the view of your charms enough for me?” Gheti Afroz bent her under lip with a sarcastic smile. I fear you will not be as easily satisfied but remember any indiscretion will be your farewell to my society. The view of your charms even from a distance is too great a pleasure for me” said he “I shall be in no danger of indiscretion.” You know best said Gheti Afroz. Within the place was a bason of water on the one side of which she ordered her own couch to be spread and on the other that of Malech Mahommed. That night he passed very vexatiously. Next day they caroused by the bason of water and Ruh Afza was cup bearer of the party. Maleck Mahommed love waxed so warm that he could brook no further delay and passionately threw
[himself] himself at the feet of Gheti Afroz. “Be content and cautious said the princess for any indiscretion will make a beast of you and that you will find no easy thing to remedy. It is better to be patient even under a thousand difficulties. Be seated and compose yourself.” But in the victory of the senses what room is there for patience or propriety. A Perezad brought in a scented Rose to present to the princes. Melech Mahommed led her forward in hopes that his hand might chance to touch that of Gheti Afroz. The princess stretched out her hand to take the Rose when Malech Mahommed devoid of self command fixed an impassionate kiss on it. “Ah you cursed billing dove” said Gheti Afroz what is that for and immediately Melech Mahammend baffled of his desire whirled round and round in the form of a dove.
The poor dove was quite petrified at this token of affection the live long day he flew from turret to turret and hopped from branch to branch before his unrelenting mistress ,but finding it was all to no purpose, he next took the nearest road to his own house. He flew into it without ceremony but presently observed with very little satisfaction that his servants with great glee were setting gins and traps to catch him. This was an unforeseen stroke but providence
[stood] stood his friend and it came into the head of one of them to say Poor little dove let it go my lads for the love of our master who has not been seen these many a day. Then they let him go, but he overheard one of them say to another Our master’s uncle Danish Bait the King’s vizir of this city has been enquiring after him and I told him that Melech Mahommed had not been seen since he set out for the place of the Peries. For the place of the Peries said he, that cursed race can in a single moment turn a man into a beast. If he come look let me know and do not let him return to them.” When the dove heard this he thanked his stars and immediately flew to the house of Danish Bait. The Vizir was sitting on his seat of dignity surrounded by mew of business and engaged in the discussion of some important matters. The dove flew round the chamber and perched on the lap of his uncle. Danish Bait thought a mere bird would not have been so familiar with him and immediately conjectured this to be his nephew metamorphosed by the Perizadis in the shape of a dove. He called Cafoor an eunuch of the Seraglia to bring him a box of medicine and having inserted
[a] a little of it to the bill of the dove it fluttered round and round in a circle and immediately Melech Mahommed recovered his own form.
Danish Bait embraced his nephew with great joy and strenuously advised him to send for his effects and his servants and never to visit that Caravansera again for if the same misfortune befell him a second time he would be unable to restore him. I have done with it said his nephew I may well think one visit enough. When Melech Mahommed returned to his own house his servants all came to congratulate him and enquired what had befallen him. Befallen me said he I fell into your hands and a fine hospitable reception I met with. You wanted to cut off my head with my own knife. God a mercy that I got out of your clutches. His servants could not comprehend his meaning till he mentioned the circumstance of the dove when they thanked their stars that worse had not happened. Melech Mahommed rewarded handsomely the man whose compassion had saved his life for many days lived as happy as the day was long.
The Second Transformation of the water Bird
By chance as he was setting one night
[in]
a musing mood I wonder thought he if Gheti Afroz has ever compassionated the situation she reduced me to The more he mused the more he got perplexed till at last he called for wine to drive the thought out of his head He tossed off a couple of Goblets but instead of driving he idea out of his head it drove it into his heart till he became quite impatient to see her again Make an ass or a dog of me said he I will not desert the lovely charmer He kicked down his bottle and glass on the ground quite forgot his uncle’s advice and up he got to set out for the Place of Gheti afroz The people of the house when they perceived his intention ran with doleful hubbub to hinder him all in vain-
Fearful of harm without delay
Where love and beauty led the way
He took the path intend to gain
His heart’s dear solace all in vain,
When he came to the door of the Palace he called aloud open to the faithful Melech Mohammed” The door was opened in he went and saw Gheti afroz dressed in robes of incomparable beauty and her lovely face flushed with the juice of the grape setting without in such a delicious posture that he was enflamed
with love a hundred thousand times more than ever Smiling she asked him what strange disorder seized you how could a wise man like you be guilty of such an indiscretion Ah said he it was very hard to be so severely punished for one kiss of that charming hand well said she I love you so dearly that to compensate the misfortune you shall have free leave to kiss both my hands and my feet as often as you please but beware of further indiscretion or you know what will happen-
His bursting joy so long denied
Impetuous all restraint defied
So glad to wanton unconfined
She like pistachis bursts its rind
He prostrated himself on the ground for delight the music played and the cup of friendship went jovially round till the decline of day then night closed her sable canopy over their heads and they spread their couches of repose Gheti afroz ordered his couch as before to be spread on the other side of the bason of water Melech Mahommed objected How can I then have pleasure of kissing your hands and
feet She said I do not wish to have you to punish again for indiscretion He protested she relented
and finally permitted him to have his couch placed by her own ah thought Melech Mahommed I see she has more affection for me than she is willing to shew I was anxious to have an opportunity of admiring her even at a distance and She has given me a place close beside her The goblet went round they were both warmed with wine and Hour after hour he kissed her hands and her feet and could not help aspiring to her lips and her mouth ah” said he there is nothing like lip to lip. How shall I accomplish the fear of falling from his present Good fortune altogether being again converted with a beast restrained him but for all that he could not command himself ah that mischievous power of wine when does it leave a person the power of self-restraint Betide whatever betide said he as he placed his two hands on the sides of her couch and bent to kiss her peach-like lip but as his breath reached her nostrils she awaked and saw that he had assumed a strange position smiling disdainfully she said “ah you simpleton what was it you promised Be cautious or you must
once more take your departure” Melech Mahommed retreated to his couch in disgrace “Gods what a fate is mine said he to himself “to be still baffled of attaining my desire at the very moment when it seems within my reach. –
When the golden sun appeared at the windows of the East they assembled round the bason of the water Gheti afroz exclaimed.
“Where is the fair cheeked damsel you
From whose soft pearly hand alone
The ruddy goblets as they flow,
Can mitigate the lovers woe,
Ruh afzah immediately entered with the silver featured cupbearers and brought in the ruby wine saying -
Well may the ruby boast its hew
Mid jewels hanged to court the view
But Golden cups of ruby wine
The ruby’s richest hues outshine
When night had arrayed the world in her party coloured vesture they retired to their couch of repose and the conversation having turned on jewels Melech Mohammed said that he possessed two which were brilliant as the lamp of the Night and Gheti afroz requested he would send for them next morning. When Gheti aforz fell asleep
Melech Mohammed impelled by love advanced and laying hold of her hand moved it over his eyes and casting his eyes on her lips exclaimed-
In fancy once with headlong haste
I dared that ruby lip to taste
And never never from my heart
Can the dear delusion part
He could have wished to have restrained the impetuosity of his passion but was quite unable-
That sugared juicy lip too sweet
With lips of mortal man to meet
Inflamed his soul that lip to gain
Might recompence an age of pain
No longer able to brook restraint he snatched a kiss immediately Gheti afroz awoke and angrily exclaimed “Ha wanter bird what is that” Melech Mohammed fluttering pendulous in a moment appeared in the form of a water bird-
At the period of the story Semen ruh the queen of azar Shah asked Did the Poor unfortunate lover ever regain his form. orders were immediately issued to beat the drums for joy and proclaim the success of the Sheik and his disciples who then
proceeded as follows,
When Melech Mohammed was changed into a water bird servants of the princess drove him away from the couch. It was a dark night, and as he did not know where to bend his course, he remained in the bason of the water a malice on bad luck said he, what a [jade] of a star is mine to play me such a dogs trick”
When the golden sun displayed his radiance from the east Gheti afroz according to custom sealed herself by the bason of water and observeing backwards and forwards she exclaimed “ah you impatient creature, did not I tell you to be respectful or some misfortune would happen but you would not listen to me and now why do you flutter about there which can avail you nothing why do you not go to your uncle who perhaps may restore you to your own form” Melech Mahommed now perceived that though he stayed a thousand years it would be to no purpose so he immediately got under wing for his own city- By chance the sultan had that day gone to a hawking and was taking his diversion by the side of a lake which abounded in water fowl a hungry falcon was perched on his fist and his eye caught a glimpse of Melech Mahommed as he was passing
he immidiately threw off the falcon which soon grasped Melech Mohammed like grim death by the neck with his talons who unable to extricate himself,when almost at the last gasp precipitated himself with the falcon into the lake after two or three plunges beneath the surface the hawk who had got out of his element and whose feathers were all ruffled and spoiled by the water quilled his prey and with extreme difficulty got out of the lake The king was angrey when he saw that he did not fetch the quarry and told the falconer who had charge of him that he should suffer for having neglected the hawk Melech Mohammed repined quite dispairing of escaping while the king continued his diversion when the king departed the falconer whom he had chid returned to the lake thinking the bird which had been wounded might still linger behind as ill luck would have it he observed Melech Mahommed on the act of taking his flight “Blessed be the mark said he here is the very bird and immediately threw off a falcon Melech Mahommed saw a very large falcon pursuing him and put all his hope in flight The hawk
pounced at him and seized him in the air the water bird with great difficulty dragged him again under water and escaped severely wounded in the struggle Melech Mahommed remained in the lake till the Danger was over when he took flight and arriving at his uncles house perched on the roof. His uncle at that very time was looking at the game which had been brought in and expressing his regret that the water bird had escaped from the clutches of the hawk and that the hawk had been dabbled in the water Melech Mahommed thought this a fit time to make his appearance and draggled and stained with blood as he was darted into the middle of the party Every body was surprised at the circumstance and thought it ominous for a water fowl to venture amid a company of men But when Danish Bait saw the woeful flight in which the bird was with his feathers and wings all ruffled and bespattered with blood he immediately divined that it was Melech Mahommed who had been wounded by the claws of the hawk and said “water bird if you be my nephew rustle your feathers The bird complied and
his uncle railed at him bitterly- “Miscreant said he you would have been finely served had the hawk ended your unlucky days Did I not tell you to avoid these ill fated beings but you would still return to that place of perdition after sitting long silent and sulky he began to pity the poor bird and said If you will take a solemn oath never again to be a miscreant I will forgive you this once.” The water bird nodded assent and Danish Bait sent the eunuch Cafoor for the box of medicine and put a little of it into his mouth by virtue of which he recovered his own form after a severe admonition he proceeded to his own house and his people who had been greatly alarmed at his absence came round him and demonstrated “what a sad madness is this which has fallen over on you to be constantly deserting us in so strange a manner your uncle has taken a solemn oath that if you do so any more he will have no pity on you though you should die for it” he told them that he repented of his freaks and resolved never again to go
The Third transformation of the ass
Melech Mahommed lived for some time in his usual manner and every day visited his
uncle But as he was one night sitting at home he heard a strange tumult in the air and looking up he saw Gheti afroz seated in a splendid throne surrounded with hosts of Perizadiz music of exquisite modulation playing before her; a miraculous spectacle with strange hubbub and riotous mirth diffused all over the face of the sky at this sight Melech Mohammed was ready to dance alone what a poor ninny am I thought he to have deserted so dilectable a company to live in a pitiful place like this” Till the Perezadis disappeared he stood staring as if he would gaze his eyes out and then like a frantic person ordered his horse for he would go to visit his uncle as this was his usual practice nobody had any suspicion of him so having taken the jewels which he had mentioned to Gheti afroz along with him he mounted his horse and took the load to the palace of the Peris when he come to the door he rattled the ring and called out open to the faithful Melech Mahommed so said so done he entered and saw Gheti afroz a thousand times more charming than ever arrayed in robes of unearthly splendor seated on her throne as soon as she saw him she
she cried Come away You are welcome I am glad to see that you have not forget me She gave him a seat on her own cushion and enquired after his adventures. He produced jewells and presented them in the most respectful manner She gave them to her steward saying well well but Melech Mahommed when did you get rid of the form of a water bird” Fetching a deep sigh he answered—
Wound on wound and grief on grief
And still to sigh without relief
Must be the hapless lover’s part
I fence your beauty pierce his heart
But it is yourself said she casting her arms round his neck who have brought all these woes on your own head and how can I prevent them and added with an embrace.
To kiss my hands and kiss my feet
For true love is no longer meet
Now to my glowing lips aspire
But there but there restrain desire
He protested that the honour equally exceeded his deserts and his expectations Goblets of ruby were then ushered in by the silver-featured cupbearers bustling and jingling the glasses to show their alacrity
and
and they enjoyed the festive board till midnight when their couches were prepared by the basin of water. In a moment a strange tumult spread over the azure expanse of heaven. Gheti Afroz and Melech Mohammed started from their sleep and enquired from Ruh Afza the cause of the unusual noise. A messenger announced the arrival of Filsoof her fathers Vizier. At that instant, the Vizier entered the door and with profound obeisance presented a letter. She placed it on her eyes and having perused it cast a blushful look down on the ground. The Vizier, however, took up the conversation in a stile or respectful remonstrance. “Princess said he “what sort of baseness is this to be engaged in to associate yourself with a mortal man What have the Perizadis to do with mankind? Our whole race are in a passion at your conduct and affection scarce lives in the breast of your father though he is continually representing to himself that—
A child whose faults unnumbered rise
Is blameless in his father’s eyes
For children joys uncounted give
But childless it is death to live
Shake off this base infatuation
immediately
immediately and come along with me to your father It is long since all your relations have been anxious to see you after along pause Gheti Afraz raised her eyes and said This letter of reprehension is I see a fabrication of your own and is a futile as it is false This man of mortal race has been long a tried friend of mine For me he has endured every kind of misery I have several times changed him into the shape of some animal but in spite of all my injuries he has been faithful and has not forsaken my socity I am now ashamed to confess the vehemence of me affection for him, for I have neither peace nor tranquility except in his presence and could not live out of his sight With this she threw her arms round the neck of Melech Mohammed and they mutually impressed the most fervent kisses on each others’ lips The Vizier sighed with indignation while Melech Mohammed repeated this stanza—
All earthly happiness in mine
No more I joy no more repine
No care have I of good or ill
Save of my sovereign lady’s will
The
The Vizier saw no remedy for the evil & remained silent for pure rage “Vizier said Gheti Afraz, my father and mother have no longer any affection for me tell them to set their hearts on some other I am entangled in the mazes of an earthly love—
My father leaves me without a mock?
But when were the chickens hatched by the cock
My haughty mother adieu to thee
My humble love is enough for me
My Brother of me has little heed
Two harvests we of different seed
But let my busy prying Aunt
Be careful to avoid my haunt
The little ant my aunt shall be
For my earthly love is enough for me.
When the Vizier heard this unable longer to restrain himself he rose and said abraptly Gods curse on my head if ever more I see thy face.” “Amen said Gheti Afraz. He shook open the fold of his garment. “Long be the life of Ansar Shah. We have nothing more to do with thee,” and immediately departed with his attendants when he presented himself before Ansar Shah he related the bad
success
success of his mission and mentioned what he has seen and heard the elder brother of Gheti Afraz immediately proposed to pay her a visit and reclaim her to her duty “At all events said Ansar Shah let us destroy this man of mortal mirth and then her affections may take another course. Melech Mohammed, however, was all the while congratulating himself extremely on all that had happened Ah said he I go on prosperousely you see In what stile said Gheti Afraz for the love other I have dismissed my father’s Vizier” My soul is unable to express the fervor of my gratitude answered Melech Mohammed. The silver limbed cupbearers bought in the ruby wine and after having quaffed several goblets they embraced each other tenderly and passed the time in affectionate carasses[msp] till midnight when then retired to the same couch “Be cautious said Gheti Afraz not to transgress your prescribed limits and be not guilty of any indiscretion that you will have cause to repent of “I am too happy he answered to be permitted to kiss your hands and feet Twining their
their arms affectionately around each other’s necks, they laid themselves down to sleep. Sleep however was the least thing that Melech Mohammed thought of as the verse says—
Ah how can patience e’er reside
With youthful sovereigns drunk with pride
Ah how can patience e’er empty
A youthful lover drunk with joy
Incapable of rest he rose and beheld the Narcissus-like eyes of the princess closed in the profound sleep of wine and the drops of perspiration standing on her brow. Melech Mohammed said as he kisses her hand and her cheek—
Upon her rosy features shine
The pearly dews of joyous wine
As dew drops bright the rose(s)pervade
Whose leavs expand beneath the shade
Betide what may thought he will endure no more delay As he attempted to unloose the cestus of desire Gheti Afraz started from sleep “Melech Mohammed” said she why will you not love compassion on yourself? Are you so anxious to be again under wing Melech Mohammed ashamed of his
conduct
conduct, retired to his couch and after some reflection and a cup of reconciliation Gheti Afraz again lay down to sleep—
She Joseph new of golden light Fram daemon gloom emerges bright To Tunis shone when brusting free From the dark monster of the sea
Gheti Afraz arose and walked with Melech Mohammed through the garden afterwards taking him along with her in the ornamented car they want a-hunting into the desart They hunted east they hunted west wherever there was plenty of game and then they prepared to noble feast in a spot of uncommon beauty roasted the produce of the chase and jovially quaffed the flowing goblet after which they turned their faces homeward and arrived at the palace in the twinkling of an eye The musicians then brought their instruments and struck up the most delightful harmony and they amused themselves with music and dancing like eveining—
When evening starred with roses bright
Returns with soft and dangerous light
And
And quick the ruddy (?) goblets move
Sin in the tempting hour of love
As down the West the Sun declines
His disk a golden goblet shines
To bathe in western water sent
O’er the green fritted firmament
As slow the dusky mists congeal
Their magic lines of fate reveal
Their freckled character which lie
Obscure along the evening sky
Like a lion for the chace[msp]
Upstarts the moon with sanguine face
And tell the raven night be o’er
Immerses fierce her claws in gore
When evening set in she ordered her car in which having seated herself with Melech Mohammed attended with innumerable torches they set out for the garden of the Shah. In a moment they had entered the gate and were traversing the garden; they proceeded to the brink of the reservoir and there having seated themselves they passed the goblet jovially round till half the night was spent. Then they remounted the car, returned to the place in an instant and retired to their chouches of repose again Melech Mohammed rested
by
by the side of the Princess he awaked during the night and saw Gheti Afraz in all her charms sleeping in a careless position and her lovely face bathed in the dew of her perspiration and he exclaimed.—
How fair the scene that courts my view
A sweet rose garden bathes in dew
Pure as the chrystal streams that run
From the dear fountain of the sun
He kissed her charming countenance and perceiving that she was greatly overcome with wine he said to himself “Hap what may, I will assay” And quickly unloosed the cestus a desire. That instant Gheti Afraz awoke and perceiving his indiscretion in great fury exclaimed “Ha! Cursed ass what is that?” Melech Mohammed without remedy instantly took a long leap in the form of an ass— At this period of the narration the queen Semen Ruh again raised her eyes and enquired if the Poor fellow ever recovered his own form The drums were immediately ordered to be beat for joy Azar Shah expressed the proundest gratitude to the
Shiek
and his disciples and they all said by the blessing of God the queen would certainly recover from her malady When the servant of Gheti Afroz saw that Melech Mahommed was transformed into an ass that took sticks and beat him and drove him out of the apartments of the queen God a mercy thought he What an unlucky job is this I have brought on my own head What shall I do now, or what scheme I fall upon" Having no other resource, he trudged off to the city and coming to his uncle’s house attempted to enter The Chobolans presently saluted him with their cudgels and, having thrashed him well drove him away It was then he felt all the disgrace of his ass’s shape and being quite at a loss to which hand to turn himself, he consoled himself with the idea that.
Whatever by a friend is thrown
Is lucky, be it stick or stone.
He then took the road to his own house, when who should he encounter but his own servants again, who ran for sticks to beat him, but there the ass had the heels of them, and scapering nimbly into his own house he tumbled
himself
directly into his bed. By all that is wonderful" said the servants this can be nobody but our master and love has made an ass of him as it oft has done of many good men Who ever heard of an ass going to bed Aye, it can be nobody but our master He would not mind what his uncle told him They then proceeded to inform him of the indignation of his uncle at his infamous conduct and that he had taken a solemn oath never to pity him though he should die The doleful ass showed by his mumping that he knew their meaning Day passed after day, but no remedy for the poor ass At last his servants said It is true the old curmudgeon will have no pity on him but yet it is fit that we should try what can be done.” They set out in a body to Danish Bait and told him that his nephew was again transformed, and transformed into an ass too The vizir was quite ashamed at the account and reviled him bitterly “No” said he though the soul should go out of his unlucky
carcase
I will have nothing to do with him Let him wear his ass hide to the end of time, till death strip it over his ears The servants of Melech Mahommed were quite at a nonplus and returned all in the dumps to their master the ass who finding there was no remedy resigned himself to fate like an ass of patience
Disasters on my head let fall
Thy humble slave shall bear them all
And unrepiningly submit
To all Majestic power deems fit.
Nine weary months he remained in this situation, and all the while his uncle made not the least enquiry after him.
The visit of King Anu Shah to the Place of the Peries.
It happened by chance one night that Anu Shah King of that country was carousing on the terraced roof of his places when the Perizadis with the sound of mirth and exquisite music appeared on the face of the sky; strange and splendid company such as had never else been seen. He beheld Gheti Afroz in splendid array seated on a throne composed of a single polished jacinth, a vizir beautiful as the Moon
with
the flowing goblet passing and repassing before her Anu Shah was inflamed with love at her aspect What a wonderfully charming place said he must be the residence of these Perizadis Their charms would render any place quite delightful. I wonder if it possible for a person to form an acquaintance with them “Who fails of that fares the better said Danish Bait for they never fail some way or other to ruin the person that has any intercourse with them They generally conclude by changing him into some animal, and he is lucky man that ever recovers his own form” “Amusing enough, to be sure said the King but the question is how to get acquainted with them Said another vizir who owed a sort of grudge to Danish Bait Of all the men in the world, nobody is so well acquainted with them as his own nephew who has visited them a hundred times and could tell you all about them had they not out of pure good will and friendship lately changed him into an ass “Oh send for him, by all means said the Shah I long to hear what account he gives of them
Danish
Bait who during the narration was ready to sink into the ground for perfect shame, protested and swore that he has never nephew in existence “Poh” said the shah be done with you nonsense, and bring him instantly here, or I shall be quite indignant Danish Bait saw that all his asseverations gained no credit and fearful of provoking the prince nill he will he, he was forced to trudge off to his nephew’s house The poor ass, who had long been moping sadly abed no sooner saw his uncle than he made him an awkward bow and attempted to resign his place to him Danish Bait with great indignation told him the place of an ass was fit only for an ass and began to revile him in the bitterest torn Abominable, worthless animal said he Did not I tell you to what a black end you would bring yourself It is not enough for you to bring ruin on your own head but you must bring irretrievable disgrace on every person connected with you I have now let you to wear your ass’s hide for 9 months to see if it be possible to make you feel your own disgrace and now though you ought to be left to die in that pretty figure you cut yet come along
instantly
for King Anu Shah wishes to hear the history of this pretty amour of yours, which gave you so much satisfaction Bring a halter youth said he to the servants that we may teach him to relish the sweetness of love They bound a halter round the neck of the helpless ass and led him out of the door, while Danish Bait mounted his horse and ordered them to drive him on before them that everybody might see an idiot in his true shape Melech Mahommed took it all with patience, thinking it less than he deserved to pay for his folly When Danish Bait however had proceeded a few paces be began to pity his situation “Though he is but an ass at best thought he he bears my nephew’s name and people would not it were well done of me to carry him to court in this situation He therefore turned out of the public road and when he came to his own house he sent the eunuch Cafoor to bring the box of medicine He found the box of medicine was nearly empty Bring water cried he An ass must by all means fill his belly He diluted what remained of the medicine and poured it down the throat of the ass which immediately took
a
couple of skip and Melech Mahommed recovered his own form Clothes were brought to him, and after he had dressed himself, they mounted on horseback and proceeded to pay their devoirs to the Shah The Shah, quite impatient, no sooner set eyes on Melech Mahommed then he asked how he came to quit the society of the Perizadis Oh said Danish Bait they too clever for him it is one the slightest of their tricks to change a man into an ass by the same token that this hopeful nephew of mine has been one for these 9 months Ass or dog said Melech Mahommed it is all too little to drive the pleasure of a single interview with them out of a person’s head” After a full and particular account of all his adventures, Anu Shah requested him to carry a message to Gheti Afroz “For when” says he can we find so proper a messenger as you who have so much frequented their society Of all things in the world this was what Melech Mahommed most ardently desired for he saw he should now have the sanction of both the king and the court whereas he had formerly
been
obliged to slink off without his uncles knowledge or permission. The Shah’s message was couched in these terms “Princess, it is now some time since you have taken up your residence in the confines of my territories but notwithstanding my ardent desire of your society you have never afforded me an opportunity of indulging it We have been neighbours a long while why should we not live on terms of intimacy or at least as visiting acquaintance I am extremely desirous of such an intercourse and if you will give me leave I propose shortly to have an hour’s conversation with you and to take a look at the wonders of your Palace.” Melech Mahommed set off with speed and quickly arrived at the door of the Palace of the Peries He called out “Open to the faithful Melech Mahommed The door was instantly opened He entered and saw Gheti Afroz sitting on the brink of the basin of water As soon as she saw him she cried Come away, you are welcome I have long been thinking of you See, here is your place still vacant And with the most affectionate tenderness she placed him by her side She immediately ordered wine to be brought in to drive away the memory
of
past sorrows and after they had quaffed several goblets she asked him when he recovered his own form Melech Mahommed answered in the words of the poet.
Impationed love that once consigned
My nown a jest to all mankind
Woe all my mistress left to me
Between my soul and misery
“But all that has befallen you has happened through your own impatience said the Princess What can a man expect who is devoid of self-command” While they were still conversing on the subject a tremendous menacing noise was heard from the sky and suddenly a host of Perizadis filled the whole air A Perizada in the confidence of Ansar Shah entered the palace and after due obeisance announced “This is the order of Ansar Shah If Gheti Afroz with due respect immediately herself before us she is permitted to see the light of our countenance If she refuses I will order her to be brought in fetters This our order” Gheti Afroz cast her eyes down on the ground and remained silent Melech Mahommed now began to recollect the message of the Shah which the caresses of his mistress
had
driven quite out of his memory “Princess said he I ought to have delivered a message which I bring you from King Anu Shah He has been seized with a violent longing for your society and is anxious to obtain your acquaintance He says you have lived a long time in his vicinity without taking any notice of him and asks why you and he should not be better acquainted and now, if he can obtain your permission he proposes to pay you a visit of ceremony Gheti Afroz said Very good, the same idea has often occurred to myself, but its execution has always been deferred from time to time Enjoy the feast and quaff the wine till I have dismissed this Perizada when I will give you an answer” Then turning to the Perizada Has Ansar Shah no sense of pride that he will still persist in teasing me with messages Are not the harshness of my answer and the ignominious manner which I dismissed the Vizir sufficient to convince him that I have completely renounced his allegiance He is provoked by my conduct and I am full of resentment of him Go this is your answer If Asar Shah be inclined to send his host against me tell him to do it
quickly
and he shall quickly see how black a day shall dawn upon their heads” When the Peri saw that this key would upon the coffen he departed to report his success to Asar Shah No sooner was he gone than Melech Mahommed passionately clasped her round the neck and attempted to snatch a kiss but tossing his arm she frowardly rejected his caresses saying “There is a time for everything; there is an end of the head hacks and heart burnings you constantly cause me.” Melech Mahommed desisted and said with some peevishness, “Why should you turn your resentment on me Is it my reward for presenting you with two such fine jewels to hear such a speech from your lips Gheti Afroz replied with bitterness “Do you think I value your jewels Of what worth are they to me And she immediately ordered Ruh Afza to bring some tables entirely set out with jewels Ruh Afza went to the treasurer and ordered him to bring in several tables of jewels arranged in the manner of lustres together with the jewels of Melech Mahommed Gheti Afroz in an angry tone said There are your jewels take them away with as many others as you
please
Melech Mahommed looked up and saw that the whole house was illuminated with the brilliancy of the precious stones as when the sun emerges from the darkness of night Every jewel seemed to outvalue the riches of the whole world and in comparison of their splendor his own seemed quite devoid of brilliancy “What an arch blockhead” thought he, to have offended Gheti Afroz for such a trifle An hour passed away and the princess did not condescend to look on the side of the house where he was Melech Mahommed then bent down his eyes on the ground and began to weep and wail bitterly till at last the princesses was melted and began to be sorry for the words she had uttered Melech Mahommed said she how would you find in your heart to speak to me so unkindly and now you are like to break your heart at the harsh speech which you yourself provoked He replied
Ah! What luckless fate is mine
Doomed mid untasted joys to pine
Ah, who could dream that cruel pride
Should on that charming lip reside
Bitterness and gall have chased
The ripe, the rich pistachios’ taste
the
The features of Gheti Afroz relaxed and with a tender smile she cast her arms round the neck of Melech Mahommed and kissed his check Mutual caresses soon expelled the rust and canker of resentment from their hearts and Gheti Afroz added, “Let us quite forget what each of us said, for affection is sickened by such hasty discourse.” Melech Mahommed felt a painful sense of obligation at the least token of affection and was quite ashamed of her tenderness. Gheti Afroz then observed to him But you are a messenger at present you must return and gratify the wish of King Anu Shah and tell him from me that I am extremely rejoiced that it is the inclination of the Shah to illuminate with the light of his presence this dark and paltry cottage of mine Observe however, that I shall only permit three persons to enter my palace Let one of these be the Shah another Danish Bait and the third a poor silly sweetheart of mine whom you know.” Gheti Afroz then called the cooks of her household and ordered them to prepare a thousand dishes of every various kind “What need of such formidable preparations for only three guests asked Melech Mahommed. The princess replied It is true I have
only
invited three guests into my palace, but the Shah may station his whole army without But pray said she what is the number of the Shah army” He answered Eighty thousand “Prepare eighty thousand dishes” said the princess He replied “That is quite extravagant a great deal less will be sufficient Impatient of contradiction she immediately order them to make ready a hundred thousand dishes She directed her cooks to provide themselves with materials and to take care to be rather abundant than scanty in their preparations She then wrote to conciliate her father and informed her brothers that she would shortly present himself in her father’s court but on the sole condition that in the interval she should not be teased messengers “At present said she “I have engaged my promise to receive ceremonious visit from King Anu Shah and am now busied in preparing the entertainment I am quite anxious to enjoy the pleasure of your society but yet it is proper to respect the dignity of a sovereign For this cause I entreat you to send me Meher Anglez and Shok Anguz with two companies of musicians
and
dancers to entertain the monarch with suitable respect They shall be sent back at the close of the entertainment of Ansar Shah Grant this favor to his daughter she will be ever bound to him in all devotion. The letter was dispatched by one of her confidential servants and in an instant was presented with due respect at the Durbar of Ansar Shah Ansar Shah pleased the letter and in fury tore it to pieces “Musicians and dancers,” said he I will not send her so much as one hair of a day The messenger of Gheti Afroz wished herself only safe out of the presence but the elder brother of the princess felt all his affection for her revive and kneeling before his father he began to petition for his sister To incur blame is the fote of the inferior but to pardon offenses is the glory of the superior.”
If Justice vengeful that a fault is done
All due protection in her worth outrun
Which canst thou say will deeper blame deserve
Who errs himself or bids the law to swerve
Gheti
Gheti Afroz has no doubt behaved improperly but as she hopes for pardon from the generosity of the Shah she is ashamed to raise her voice in his presence.
He honours not the Lord of day
Who lauds the brilliance of his ray
Nor shall disgrace accuse from him
Who says that motes in sunbeams swim
No speck can dim the rays divine
That round the sun of impere shine
But since so noble a personage as King Anu Shah is to be her guest it is probably that she may have made proud promises and that the expectation of every eye is turned upon her To disappoint her at this time by frustrating her promise would be to cover her with indelible disgrace Anu Shah too would perhaps say Ansar Shah refuses to grant you the musicians and performances and you falsely boasted of what you could not perform Now there can be no doubt but that she has expected from your generosity that the performers with their musical instruments
arrayed
in rich garments and adorned with splendid jewels would be sent at her request” Ansar Shah perceived that what her brother proposed was nothing more than reasonable, but he answered haughty “She has turned her back on me and associated herself with the face of man. God grant that in her life no pleasure may come of it All this the messenger of Gheti Afroz heard but said nothing In short, after some altercation Ansar Shah directed his son to deliver the two persons required with the companies of musicians too Messenger, send them off said he to that unhappy girl and let her keep them and let me never see their face again” The messenger made prostration and with the two Peris departed and in the twinkling of an eye arrived in the presence of Gheti Afroz Gheti Afroz was greatly delighted when.
Sweet maiden’s sugar-lipped advance
Skilled to weave the merry dance
On their heads, their veils they throw
O’er there backs their tresses flow
Their raven locks in ringlets twine
Amid them countless jewels shine
Plump
Plump their forms; each slender waist
Seems too small to be embraced
Gheti Afroz after their arrival requested Melech Mahommed to present her respects to the Shah and to tell him that she expected him with all host at the end of three days Melech Mahommed returned with speed to the court of King Anu Shah, who was expecting him with extreme impatience The Shah enquired what answer he brought. Melech Mahommed replied May the life of the king be long and prosperous She received your message with many expressions of pleasure and she hopes at the end of three days to be able to receive you with suitable respect She however, requests that her intimate guests may be only there Your Majesty Danish Bait and your servant But all your host may pitch their tents without the place and sent down in rank and file to the banquet Anu Shah was highly delighted and could hardly prevail on himself to wait for the expiration of the three days He often caught himself repeating,
Tomorrow
- Tomorrow ah the thought with sweet
- Tomorrow with my love to meet
- A night without a moon like that
- Was never seen by man [Iwis?]
- When the three days were nearly expired Melech Mahommed who was as impatient as Anu Shah proposed to visit Gheti Afroz and bring intelligence in what state her preparations were He took horse and quickly arrived at her residence as he entered he observed that the garden the doors and the walls of the palace were all adorned in the most incomparable stile
- The groves of Irem fanned as long
- In many an Eastern poets song
- Where spicy fragrance filled the air
- Could never with these groves compare
- In the garden he saw Gheti afroz seated on a splendid golden throne of Gold looking so lovely and so charming that her lover was ready to resign his soul as soon as he she saw him she cried “come away come away how do you like my preparations I am happy to show them to you first She then asked what news of Anu Shah He replied the eyes of the kings are constantly fixed on the road to your palace
- As
- As he who with attentive ear
- awaits the crier’s voice to hear
- announced that fasting days expire
- So sits Shah with keen desire
- His eager eyes incessant roam
- Towards the portals of your dome
- Gheti afroz said let him come with all possible speed Melech Mahommed instantly returned to the court of the Shah and reported that his presence was [expitched?] anu Shah ordered his drums to beat and trumpets to play and his army to assemble. He then dressed himself in thesabif? of a cavalier and ordered his [harsemer?] to blow their bugles
- So loud the shrilling bugles play
- That hearts of warriors melt away
- By brazen drums resounding hoarse
- The sun is startled in his course
- The Marshals in every street arranged the army numerous as the waves of the ocean and when the whole was compleated the Shah mounted on horseback A poet thus described his steed,
- On a course swift and strong
- He like a tempest rushed along
- Swift as the breeze the fiery horse
- Yet smooth as water in its course
- Like
- Like nighting glanced his rapid feet
- The perizdi race to meet
- His twinkling ears at every prance
- Like daggers in his front advance
- White as the Sumbals living mows
- His man wide on the breezes flows
- His footsteps like the lapse of time
- No ear can catch their falling chime
- Having mounted on horseback the cavalcade to the place of the Peries when Melech Mahommed struck the ring and instantly the door was opened. The Shah having arranged his host in order and directed them to pitch their tents without entered the palace along who with Danish Bait There encountered Ruh afroz who came with certain Perizadis to salute him at his entrance when the eyes of the Shah fell on Ruh afra he was astonished at beauty
- Sudden before his [dazzla?] eyes
- He saw a lovely charmer rise
- Sweet as the soft Narcissus flower
- Beneath her Beautys tyrant power
- Bound in her ringlets [cruechain?]
- Hosts of lovers wift in vain
- The Shah was quite captivated by her
- charms
charms and enquired if this was Gheti afroz Melech Mahommed replied this is only Ruh afza her cupbearer one of the meanest of her attendants if the damsel herself be willing the princess with give her to you in a present That said the Shah would be the summit of happiness for in heart and soul for I am quite enamored with the fair Ruh afza took the hand of the Shah and conducted him into the Garden Nothing could express his astonishment at the view Its gates and walls were entirely composed of jacinth and turquoise rubies and emeralds pearls rock chrystal and every species of precious stone the carpets were of velvet golden tissue and silk [spregged?] and flowered and of an indigo colour damsels fair as the silver moon were stationed in every avenue with wines of every kind and goblets formed of a single emerald while the choicest sweetmeets were piled on trays with gold in every avenue was placed a throne formed of sandal and aloes wood adorned with splendid carpets and on every bough were perched parrots and parroquets of harmonious voices opening
- their
their throats in praise of the all bounteous king
- If from the fields of heavenly light
- an angel there had bent his flight
- as the sleek moth with powdery wing
- Circles the lamps in ceaseless ring
- He sure had lingered in its round
- Nor ever left the charmed ground
- The Shah was in an extasy of delight but when the glamour of his eyes fell on Gheti afroz
- A heaven of charms appeared the queen
- Such as no mortal eye had seen
- Charms to compare with which were weak
- The lustre of a Peris cheek
- Charms that were viewed with mute surprise
- And the fair of paradise
- He was seated on a throne of polished emerald the radiations of her [sory?] cheek were like the blissful rays of the ruby while the Shah fancied in sooth that the Orient Moon had descended from heaven and exclaimed in extacy
- Whence spread the dazzling blaze of light
- Is this the Moon Deceives my sight
- The Brilliance of the Tulip flower
- Or the bright sun at noontide hour
- Who such celestial beam imparts
- The mirror and the queen of hearts
- Sweet
- Sweet jasmine fair of race divine
- Whose charms the sun and moon outshine
- Should Chinas a blest painter view
- That rosy cheeks seductive hew
- Soon would he own with sickening sighs
- That nature for his art out vies
- Ah should more travellor on his way
- That fascinating face survey
- The wonderer would forget the road
- To any place save thine abode
- Ah that the fortune sould be mine
- To alarm a heart no longer thine
- While tis another hap to prove
- How sweet the thrilling drought of love
- Gheti afroz with the most enchanting grace replied in the same stile
- The thrilling goblet and the wine
- Of love ecstatic still are mine
- And tenderness will best reveal
- The time to break the secret seal
- She placed the Shah on the throne her side edging half round so as to address herself to him with the greater facility and seated Danish Bait and Melech Mahommed on too ornamented chairs beside the throne when the Shah looked round him he was astonished to behold
- nothing
nothing but what was formed of rubies and jewels after some time spent in conversation Gheti afroz enquired of the company would chose to view the bason of water Your pleasure is ours said the Shah sofas were immediately spread on the brink of the bason and such exhibitions was presented as the eyes of time had never before witnessed The bason was entirely filled with rose water and numerous jest of this fragrant liquid were playing in regular rows and artificial water birds formed with skillful devices flew round the bason without danger of being submerged
- The eye that once the scene surveys
- Would love to linger still and gaze
- Like him that lingers still to drink
- By clear Euphrates willowy brink
- The Shah turning to Danish Bait said this infinitely surpasses all that I have seen but you who are a man of years and have seen the world have you ever beheld anything to be compared with it The Vizir replied I have never so much as heard of such a thing none but a peri I suppose has ever seen it The Shah then said to Gheti afroz Princess Indeed only wish you as much happiness as your
- entertainment
entertainment affords me pleasure. “The foot of the Padshah” said she “brings prosperity and happiness” She then beckoned Ruh afra to introduce the cup of friendship Ruh afra with the rosy complexioned cupbearers instantly brought in the rosy tinted wine and Gheti directed her to present the goblet to the Shah at the same time telling Lok angur the Houri to hand a cup to Danish Bait mercy on me! thought Melech Mahommed I am going forward with a backsliding pace who can gainsay a Monarches will but who is to be any cupbearer now that the Shah has taken Ruh afra?” The mirth grew more gay as the wine went round till the Shah observed Danish Bait passing his glass “No no my friend” said he no apologies will take to day” “Master of mine said Danish Bait “a fellow like me grown old and cold should avoid such hot headed doings” “What said the Shah “don’t you recollect what people say when they repent of their sins
- When friends the purple goblet fill
- Even sages drink against their will
- The
- The hermit flings his beads aside
- and quaffs perforce the muddy tide
- Danish Bait made a thousand excuses but the Sahah laid hold of a goblet saying come I myself will be you cupbearer Vizier said Gheti afroz won’t this instance of kindness and condescension induce you to drink with us you know the saying
- Unbounded favours princes grace
- Yet still the subject ought to know his place
- Danish bait saw it was not time to tamper and found it necessary to humour the joke so he seized the goblet and tossed it off after the first cup he made no more [illeg.] faces. One goblet made way for another The butler now come to announce dinner Gheti afroz enquired if all the host of the Shah had arrived The heralds reported that they had and that the whole plain was darkened with them tent crowding on tent pavilion on pavilion and tent rope intertwined with tent rope in every direction to the distance of five Farsangs Gheti afroz then directed the Perizadis to range tables in order for the host and cover them with a
- hundred
hundred thousand various dishes of meats and his was instantly performed with such dexterity that it was not ever necessary for a single person to stir from the place where he had seated himself Meantime diner was served up with in the place even in a superior stile while a contest of politeness was carried on between the Shah and the princess “I am sure your hospitality must quite empty said the Shah Sovereign of the world said Gheti afroz this Paultry cottage is illuminated with splendor by the light of your footsteps all my race are honoured with your visit and I the least of them all am highly exalted It was presently reported that the host had finished their meal and had been unable to consume the vast quantity of food that had been sent before them when Dinner was over Gheti afroz proposed to walk over the gardens They set out and every garden which they entered was adorned in a different manner with trees and rose bushes plainted in such exquisite
- order
order as human skill could never attain. ”Gracious!” said the Shah, “the Paradise above and the beautiful Houris can never equal this in beauty!” They walked through the garden about an hour, and however they went Ruh Afra and Zok Angeez attended him with garden flagons and goblets of emeralds and gacinth [Likely from 'jacinth', an Old Latin word for hyacinth] and wherever they halled present cups of wine Better Sack could never betide them. Pheti Afroz said to the Shah “Lest your Majesty should feel yourself lonely here I will present you with Ruh Afra for a companion.”
- “See the sable night advancing
- See the beauteous Pleiades dancing
- Night pale queen does westward run
- To seek her Radiant lord the sun.”
When the raven feather of night darkened the day, Danish Bait whispered in the king’s ear that it was now time to retire. The Shah agreed and shortly after told Pheti Afroz that next month if he had her permission he would have the honor of waiting on her. “If I have any influence over you whatsoever,” replied she, “I will not dispense with your company to night.” The Shah was exceedingly rejoiced at the proposal.
- “Inflamed with wine inflamed with love
- How could he frame the banquets move
- His maudlin eyes with nectar shine
- He pants for her who hands the wine.”
He turned to Danish Bait and muttered, “There can be no great harm in staying a single night”. “As your Majesty pleases,” said the vizir. This resolution was equally agreeable to all parties and the princess having taken the hands of the Shah, the vizir, and her lover conducted them to see the chambers. The first chamber they entered was splendidly illuminated with Castres? of jewels each of which was worth an empire in value. In that chamber they found a beautiful damsel of fourteen years of age whose [chuks?] were brought as the circle of the sun and whose name was derived from the honeyed sherbet which distilled from her lips.
- “That fair if night's refulgent queen
- In all her lovelings had seen
- From the eye of heaven had fled,
- One tearful star of envious Zend.”
The fair laid hold of an emerald flagon and a diamond goblet and as she joined the party the chamber was illuminated with her beauty when the eye of the king Anu Shah fell on that ravisher of hearts he quite distracted with admiration exclaiming in a doleful tone:
- “Who fills my soul with new alarms?
- Are these the fair Zulukhas charms?
- Or beaming with celestial love
- Some angles from the blest above
- Sweet on her placid features lie
- The tender Mercies of the sky
- And clam as life’s eternal stream
- A mild celestial softness beam.”
He anxiously asked Pheti Apoz the name of the conqueror of hearts. The princess, who did not greatly approve this indication of the steadiness of the Shah’s affections, said in a [allered?] tone “She is a Lady whom I greatly respect and who holds the first place in my affection of all the Houris and the Peris and her name is Izrat Afra.” At the same time she proposed to visit the upper apartments. The Shah, whose raptures were a good deal chilled by the coldness of her manner, could not avoid accompanying her. There they beheld a splendid throne on each of the four corners on which was placed an ornamented figure of a peacock, the interior of which was stuffed with [utter?] and [aboes?] wood which at every passing breeze perfumed the whole garden by their fragrant odor. The Shah asked, “What was the use of it is the car on which I travail?” “Zephid Ghete Afroz with which I can go in a moment wherever I please.” Anu Shah was curious to try it and asked if it would exhibit the same properties with him. “You shall see.” said the Princess, and immediately ordered a mattress of golden tissue and admirable workmanship to be spread in it and mounting placed the Shah by her side. She beckoned the Vizir and Melech Mahommed to seat themselves on the opposite side and in order to gratify the Shah she placed Izrut Afra between herself and him. Band of Peris arranged in [hume sous zoues?] were ordered to attend with blazing torches and the most exquisite musicians with their instruments of music as thought and Izrut Afra was appointed to hand round the goblet—“but don’t” says the Princess maliciously “give a single cup to Melech Mahommed.” They merrily tossed off their cups but poor Melech Mahommed sat biting his thumbs and muttering:
- “If I should lose my lady’s grace
- Compound this ugly [Hang dog face?]
- And should her favor light amiss
- A sign [poot?] seize this clumsy [phizz?].
Ghete Afroz could not resist laughter and added, “Well give the poor fellow a cup to console him.” Whenever Izzut handed round the cup the Shah fixed his ardent eyes on her as much to say:
- “To one loved from my fancy flies
- I kiss her cheeks I kiss her eyes
- And still where playful fancy drays
- Mine eyes would ever sleepless gaze.”
Ghete Afroz then called the bearers of the car who immediately took it up and ascended through the air with extreme velocity till they almost touched the azure vault of heaven. The army of the Shah beheld this strange spectacle in the
air and they immediately reported to the people of Okbalia that King Anu Shah with his vizir and Melech Mahommed along with Ghete Afroz were sitting and carousing in mid air with a beautiful Houri for their cup bearer and the good people of Okbalia came flocking out to see the sight as if it had been to a procession a strange sight it was they saw the car was suspended in open air almost involved in a cloud of fragrant incense which spread far and wide its odorous perfumes and all around resounded the music if innumerable instruments the Modulation of which was strange and uncommon. But all the thrumming of the pipes and tabours could not distract the attention of the people from the situation of the king. “Alas the day!” cried they, “What shall we do without a king? Woe betide the time that we should lose him.” Aclender coolly observed,
- “One year begins another ends
- One rises up and one descends
- Every one his fate must prove,
- As written in the books above.”
Others were not quite so much distressed.
“Never fear,” said they “the Vizir is a knowing old boy I warrant you he brings him home safe and sound as we may soon find to our cost.” The aerial party however continued their [Frustine?] till near midnight when in the twinkling of an eye they columned to the palace of the princess and enjoyed a delicate [Tepast Ruh Afza?] in all her claims adorned like a bride and perfumed with the choicest odors waited on the more the Shah with such assiduity that she quite lavished his heart and intoxicated his senses Zok Anguz arrayed in magnificent garments in like Manner on Danish Bait at a signal from the queen of the Peris they retired to repose when Anu Shah and Danish entered thumping apartments they found they were illumini rated by Moons of beauty the Shah exclaimed in delight,
- “Cous what a prospect charms mine eye,
- I feel my [labished?] senses fly
- My soul on seas of rapture lost
- Be calm on thou art ever lost
- Drunk with the wild unhoped-for bliss
- My fancy [neer?] dearest soar to this
- Like are that dreams in troubled sleep
- By fists I laugh by the [Ieveep Ruh?]
Ruh Afza replied with a smile of complaisance and the Shah continued his rhapsody:
- “O thou who sold in smiling state
- On whom prophetic omens wait
- Whose brilliant eyes are dear to love,
- Beyond the luckiest stars above,
- Whose eyebrows admirable arch
- Would mend a limping pools March
- Whose admirable."
“May the fortune of the Shah be as admirable as his verses” said Ruh Afza, “you see Jam Leady to reward the Poet by the most propitious omens in my power.” The Shah threw his arm around her neck and caressed her tenderly [repcoting?] with rapture
- "What medicine can the bosom prove
- When all the heart is drunk with love
- When at the melting charmers glances
- In the Eye-soft rapture dances
- And every sense is turned to bliss
- What remedy awaits for this?"
Ruh Afza gave him a broad hint that the remedy was by no means difficult. As for Danish Bait the old codger retired quietly to his bed chamber thinking of no evil whatsoever when who should he find seated
on his couch but the lovely Zok Anguz arrayed in all the beauty of Sun with her whole apparel sparkling with jewels. She saluted him gracefully as he entered and the sight of her so warmed his old heart that he could not help breaking out in a [poetical?] rapture likewise.
- “No dagger keen no murdering lance
- Is deadlier than that piercing glance.
- Though lovely as the dawn of day,
- That face its charming hints display
- Though odorous as the breeze of eve
- Thy sable ringlets interweave
- No dagger keen no murdering lance
- Is deadlier than that piercing glance.”
Then seizing the hand of his charmer he proceeded to recruit his energies with another goblet of wine.
Melech Mahommed who had same idea of what was going forward perceived that the same was likely to hang heavy on nobody’s hands but his own; so, mustering all his courage he took way to the charmer of Ghete Afroz “Let us hope the best thought he who knows what the force of good example may effect.” When he entered the chamber he saw that the princess was waiting for him. She cried come
away what has kept you so long. He approached and said-
Love that so every heart brings joy
To me brings only sad annoy
Affection preys upon my heart
And all its mead is thrilling smart
While promises bring no relief
But swell with baffled hopes my grief.
The princess replied
Ah never with [hasty?] hand remove
The pearly drops that spring from love
Ere yet congealed at beautys shine
Like jewels on thy vest they shine
Melech Mahommed answered
The slave which these dear [ringlets?] bend
Why is he felon like confined
The felon sure should mercy prove
Whose only crim is fondest love
Or think when when [Mercy’s?] claims would fail
That begging [Takers?] oft prevail
Lest wandering for and wide they name
The miser to his lasting shame
The heart of Gheti afroz was [melled?]
and she desired him to take courage for in due time he should his thirst in the pure stream of affection and drink copious droughts of the wine of love; but above
above all she inculcated the virtue of patience as the surest and speediest means of attaining the accomplishment of his wishes strenuously [exherted?] him to avoid indiscretion and not disgrace both himself and her in the presence of king Anu Shah.-
Mouth by mouth the infants [illeg.]
In fresher livelier charms is seen
But never on the lavished sight
The full formed virgin burst to light
Melech Mahommed was inraptured and cried in extacy after the experience of many sorrows what a sovereign delight it is to view these charms.-
“These charms” said the princess “you can view any dya of the week but will that satisfy your desire” Melech Mahommed frankly confessed that his desire was quite insatiable but the princess suggested the old remedy of patience and told him of his desire. No abatement he might hope much from time after conversing some time in this intimate manner and pledging several mutual goblets which did not much tend to allay the fever in Melech Mahommed blood they lay down to rest. The first that waked was Melech Mahommed
Mahommed whose [rest?] was none of the sounded after tossing and turning and swearing the night would last forever he rose and beheld Gheti afroz in all her charms sleeping in a careless posture. “Ah” said he “this unlucky patience takes a terrible time to cure a fever.”
“Come weal or woe I forward go.”
The moment he touched her cesties the arch tormentor started from slap and said in a better lone. “Senseless creature that your will you persist in banishing yourself from my society and bringing irretrievable disgrace on your unlucky head. Dessit or be instantly transformed into some brutal shape that alone is worthy of you.” At this oration every ward of which Melech Mahommed knew to be verity he was terribly disconcerted and instantly slunk of to his couch in a most pitiful manner where a thousand torturing reflections came to his consolation in about an hour the golden plumed peacock of the dawn raised his radiant head the bright morning undrew the dusty curtains of the [displaced?] night and the light of the world displayed his beams above the mountains Budukshan Gheti afroz
Afroz awake and ordered the hall to be adorned with rich carpets and tapestry- the Shah then made his appearance and after him Melech Mahommed with a fine [illeg.] face a little dubious of his reception. The Shah asked him {what?} had come of his uncle Danish Bait and desired him to find him out. Melech Mahommed went to summon him and found his sage uncle in a sound nap with is arms turned lovingly round the neck of Zok Angeez. He returned to the party and reported that he had found him moralizing when the Vizir had joined them the Shah leave of Gheti Afroz with innumerable compliments on both sides and with the Vizir and Melech Mahommed proceeded to the army who were [was] waiting for him in their stations. He then set out for town amid the shouts and exaltation of a hundred thousand men and dismissed the multitude at the gates of the city the citizens of Ekbalia came flocking to meet him on his return and were not a little disappointed after all hisadventures to see him riding on horseback like other people Melech Mahommed proceeded to his own house and all his servants came to congratulate him that for
For once he had come back safely from the Peries. The preceding having been a very [illeg.] [illeg.] night he immeditately retreated to his couch where having reposed for some time he went to the house of his [uncle?] and proceeded along with im to court to wait on king Anu Shah.
The visit of Gheti Afroz and the Preris to king Anu Shah,
The fourth transformation of Melech Mahommed into an [Olo?]. The Shah consulled with Danish [Bait?] and told him he proposed to give an enteretainment to Gheti Afroz in a [style?] of suitable magnificence of she could be induced to visit him. Danish [Bait?] highly approved of the idea if it were agreeable to the Brizadis. He then asked Melech Mahommed if he thought Gheti Afroz would accept the invitation Melech Mahommed said she certainly would and though she would make some eye uses it would be easy to prevail on her. The Shah called his stewards and ordered him to prepare with the utmost dispatch a hundred thousands dishes of meat of every various kind each according to its proper quality and likewise to fit up in the most magnificent
Magnificent still a hall covered with a acrpets an outer room for placing the baggage in a chamber for perfumes another for ablution another for [illeg.] another for [Sherbed?] and another for wine and says he “you shall answer with your office that everything be ready that can possibly be asked for even to the milk of a bird and the soul of a man.” The steward immediately went and issued the strongest injunctions to all the servants to exert themselves and every person applied himself [assiduously?] to his own business. The Shah then desired Meelch Mahommed to bear his respects to Gheti Afroz and tell her “Though it be presumptuous in a mortal to pretend to entertain her who possesses whatever God has created. Yet my desire of her society is so great I cannot refrain from intreating her to illumine with the rays of her beauty. My [paltry?] [attage?] though it should only be for a single hour. The princess will pardon the presumption of her goodness for once to take a single look at our habitation.[”?] Melech Mahommed immediately proceeded to the palace of
Of Gheti Afroz and knocked at the door calling out lustily to open to the faithful Melech Mahommed. The door was opened he entered and beheld Ghti Afroz as charming as ever seated on her throne. She cried [“?]come away you are very welcome. Indeed I was just thinking on you.”-
Welcome welcome dearly welcome
A fond welcome my dear
It brings a hundred lives to me
Each step that brings thee near
She seated him by her side and asked “what news have you brought” He said “I bring you a message from king Anu Shah. He desired to the remembered to you in terms of the profoundest respect and with the sincerest wishes for your happiness and moreover he requests that you would not be displeased at his presumption when he requests you for the space of a single hour to illumine his cottage with the light of your footsteps Gheti afroz answered “I will certainly go if it will give you any pleasure Melech Mahommed replied how should I presume to direct your pleasure” the princess answered but, I have so much as that to the lord of my heart, Melech Mahommed exclaimed in transport
As bursts the ripe pistachios and
So bursts my heart with joy confined and
And she immediately added “whenever my sovereign signifies his pleasure I wil take horse with heart and hand.” She then assembled the [Perizadis?] and arrayed herself with [Izrut Afzu?] the [Houri Ruh Afza?] and Lok [illeg.] in splendid garments of golden tissue richly adorned with jewels. Remove the gorgeous [illeg.] from her neck a hoard of jewels would her garments dark. “Melech Mahommed” said she “shall I ride on my car or go on horseback” he answered “your pleasure is my law she said to ride in a car I fear will not be so respectful” She had two horses of incomparable excellence the names of which were Abarpa and Badpa-
When Badpa paces unconfined
Every bound outstrips the wind
He vibrates with a gentle spring
As if he trod the lusts sweat string
As odiours float along the breeze
Both horses were [accountered?] in a splendid manner with bridles adorned with precious stones. The princess herself mounted Abarpa Izrut Badpa and they set out for the city preceded by Melech Mahommed on his own steed. They came with great hamp and
And hubbub to the gate of the city Ekabalia and melech Mahommed went on before to apprise the Shah of her arrival. The shah turned up his eyes to the firmament said he “she must be still a good way off” there no sound in the air as soon as he learned that she was entering the city on horseback by the gate he advanced on foot to meet her when the princess saw the Shah she dismounted from her horse and joined him on foot with her whole train. But the Shahs attendeants and courtiers became accustomed to the Perizadis they soon proceeded from astonishment to imperitinence and began to paw and handle them a little uncivilly Gheti afroz observed with a side glance this presumption of mortals and turning indignantly to the shah she said “I am a Perizadi and to gratify your majesty, order I will in a moment change them into [brute?] beasts.” The Shah was enraged at the impertinence of his courtiers and immediately dismissed the whole of them with disgrace. Then taking the hand of Gheti afroz in a most
most respectful manner he conducted her into a saloon and seated her on a golden throne The rose linted cupbearers immediately introduced the ruddy wine and skillful musicians entered with harp and lyre tambourine and flute and other delightful instruments of music when they had seated themselves the Shah resumed his apologies “We of the race of men said he and have never seen such jewels and ornaments as adorn your train excuse the fault of curiosity” May the King live forever said Gheti Afroz a jewel is but a stone and unworthy of your majestys attention let us be cheerful and think no more of it The perfumes of saffron and other odors were diffused around and the Perizadis resumed their good humor The banquet was speedily announced the servants with great dexterity covered the table and placed the several dishes and salt sellers in their proper places and distributed slices of bread in the intervals Anu Shah and Gheti Afroz seated themselves at the head of the table and every person took his respective place and assailed the dishes
with
with great dispatch Gheti Afroz saw that the preparations [ended?] her own both in quantity and quality and repeated,
Your banquet from the foremost dish
Excels [een?] to the lated fish
Blest be your basket and your store
And may they prosper more and more
When the tables were removed the servants were ordered to distribute the fragments of the feast to all comers Having adjourned to the tank and made their ablution another table was set and [bited?] and perfumes brought in Every perfume was lavished that was rare and costly as Sandal and [chua atter?] of roses and saffron amber and rose water according to the prayer of the poet
Yet yet the the massy goblet pour Till joy itself be felt no more Till not a shade of thought remain To [flis?] across my [ruting?] brain
The Shah said to Gheti Afroz Permit your slave to perfume a certain person with my own hands Can you guess who Ruh Afza no doubt said the princess Gheti Afroz perfumed with her own hands the garments of her favorite Izrut Afza and turning to Melech Mahommed with an arch look said It is
my
my sovereign will and pleasure that you perfume me your liege and mistress if it won’t distress you too much Melech Mahommed delighted at being permitted to perform this office in the presence of the Shah and his uncle the whole company sprung up with the utmost alacrity and perfumed her as if he would never have tried whispering all the while,
My heart beats quick with fond alarms My soul is fluttering round your charms Too full my breast its joy to hide Aright aleft I look with pride To ask the circle where you shine Can any mistress equal mine
When the company had sufficiently enjoyed the perfumes the silver limbed cupbearers introduced the ruddy wine and the players on the lyre and flute struck up the most delightful harmony afterwards they walked in the garden till the rays of the Sun dived into the bake of the West and the watery circle of the Moon displayed its pale beams Then the Shah ordered a chamber to be prepared and the company retired to rest When the bustle of the retiring crowd was over Gheti Afroz took the hand of Melech Mahommed and conducted him
to
to her own chamber After some time spent in conversation they retired to their couches Melech Mahommed however was as ready to die as to sleep From the strength of the wine and the predominance of love he was so intoxicated that he had no power of self restraint unable to lie still he rose up and saw Gheti Afroz sleeping in all her charms in the deep sleep of wine Hap or happen what may said he “I may now attain my wish Determined to be guilty of a [hunous?] indiscretion he stretched out his hand to lay hold of her cestus when the merciless tormentor again awaked and in a fit of passion exclaimed Cursed ox what is this you are about Melech Mahommed with an awkward leap flounced off the couch and stood on the floor in the form of an ox Immediately her attendants threw a rope round his neck and bound him to a sturdy tree to prevent him from trampling the garden of the Shah with his hoofs Gheti Afroz at him said:
With scornful smile with tearful eye I see thy figure stalking by
Taking some brilliant jewels she suspended them round his neck at the same
time
time ordering several large bells to be suspended at it when Melech Mahommed saw himself thus equipped and recollected this indiscretion he could not help admitting
Again my said deserts I rue My punishment is just is true [Since?] every poor excuse is vain You justly give your [wrath?] he [rain?]
Gheti Afroz returned sleep and left him leisure for reflection Mercy on me thought he what a dreadful change a glance of the eye has produced He was already but too well acquainted with the tender mercy of his mistress and he could not now help regretting that a trifling childish desire should lead person into such terrible misfortunes,
Your heart is marble soul of mine Nor can to [mercy’s?] voice incline In vain my wistful eyes entreat Compassion that they [nor shole?] meet
The more his reflection came to his aid the greater was his distress and the more remedy less did his case appear he not only foresaw that the Shah as well as his uncle would inevitably be spectators of his disgrace but he recollected with no very pleasurable emotions that not a single particle
of
of medicine remained in his uncle’s casket “Lord have mercy poor soul thought he for anything that I see I am utterly undone In this doleful state along night passed away till the beams of the golden sun appeared from the chamber of the East
The Orient moon’s bright banners flew Like [Chosrus?] standards on the view Hope brightens at [churing?] ray And drives intruding griefs away
King Anu Shah rose with the sun and seated himself on the throne and Gheti Afroz like a majestic peacock advanced with stately step to salute him and seated herself by his side after they had drunk some goblets of a morning cordial Gheti Afroz arose and with much politeness took her leave The Shah ordered splendid garments with rich necklaces of pearl and several bashes of [bequiteful?] horses to be presented to her at her departure To greatly the Shah she accepted the pearls and set out for her palace The Shah was still sitting on his throne and conversing with Danish Bait when casting a side glance towards the garden he beheld a horned ox bound to a stout tree by a rope round his neck Everybody was
surprised
surprised and asked who has brought this ox here “Immediately the Shah recollected that he had not seen Melech Mahommed that morning “God forbid” said he “that this unlucky beast should be our friend himself Bring us ward where he is Perhaps he has gone to his uncle’s house” His uncle immediately bowed his head to the ground and said God knows I can tell you nothing about him but as soon as he saw the ox adorned with gold and jewels I would not wonder thought he if this very animal were that ill fated fellow “and he said with a [sorcasted?] smile” May the King live forever if Melech Mahommed be not standing in the presence in beauty and grandeur for Gheti Afroz has gone and left him here to draw The prince asked where he was There he is said Danish Bait tied in a most magnificent style to the tree It was very wrong said the prince for Melech Mahommed to kiss the cheek of the princess in the manner he did before all the company The hapless ox said to himself I also repent of it most heartily but I have some hopes from the courtesy and kindness of the king and a shower of tears trickled down his ox
like
like face Danish Bait said If the king will not credit it let him only look here and he began to lament bitterly by the side of the ox crying Melech Mahommed if this be you make some sign to let me know The ox made signs by nodding his head Danish Bait said the curse of God light on you and your doings wretch that you are of matchless shamelessness and impudence He called his people to get cords and bind him and make him carry all the water that was wanted for ablution The Shah and all who were at the banquet burst out a [laugh?] While the hapless
He that hath happiness in store May laugh today or tomorrow But a man will never laugh the more That his heart is oppressed with sorrows
At last Danish Bait called to his servants to loosen that ill starred wretch and drive him off to his house and mounting his horse he set out while they drove the ox before him all the way When he got home he ordered them to conduct him to the stall and every day to give him fodder till he grew fat and when winter comes said he I will have him
boiled
boiled and make mince meat of him and to show that he meant to keep his promise he gave one of his people the charge of him till he should grow fat The poor helpless ox was forced to take up his residence in the stall A long time passed away and the affair slipped out of the memory of the Shah and still his uncle showed no sign of compassion For the space of six months he stayed in the stall It happened however one day that as the Prince was at his wine it came to his head that it was a long while since he had heard any news of Gheti Afroz and that all the while she seemed to have quite forgotten him Who thought he shall I send to fetch tidings of her he recollected the unlucky Melech Mahommed who had been his messenger on a former occasion and who was still in the shape of an ox What was to be done the prince said to Danish Bait can you for this time do me the favor to restore Melech Mahommed to his proper shape the Vizir recollected the oath he had taken never again to give him medicine But suffer him to die in the shape in which he was and began to make excuses and even sent
for
for the box of medicine and showed it to the prince that he might see with his own eyes that he could give hime nor more and to cure him said he by any other means will be very difficult after remaining some time silent the Shah said To gratify me make a little more of that medicine He answered may the king live for ever if the plant of which it is made can be Procured in this country any where except on the hill of Serendil The Prince asked how many days journey it was off he answered a whole months journey The Prince ordered some swift runners to be brought into the presence and asked them in how many days they could bring him that plant one said in twenty days The prince said it must be brought much quicker Another said in fifteen days The Prince said it must be brought much sooner than that Then said one of them I will bring it in ten days The Prince conferred on him great rewards and presents beyond number and bade him instantly depart The Messenger set out with speed and flew like the swiftest falcon and in five days he arrived at
the foot of the Hill and by the favour of Providence, brought away the plant in his hand and immediately turning round he began to fly like a bird so that on the tenth day at noon he presented the Plant to the Shah The Shah praised him highly and conferred* on him and sending for Danish Bait he showed him the plant Danish Bait immediately at the command of the Shah Brought some other ingredients from his house and prepared such a quantity of the medicine that if Melech Mahommed had been metamorphised a hundred times into a beast it would have been sufficient to restore him to his own shape The Shah ordered Melech Mahommed to be brought They brought him accordingly and placed him at the foot of the throne Danish Bait said fallous face this time by the fortune and favour of the Shah you are to be come a man else you had died under your disgrace for you had never been curried by me but if you will now take a solemn Oath never again to incur the same I will give you the medicine once more”
The ox saw that the box was again full
of medicine and immediately he began to move his head signiphicantly up and down as much as to say that he promised whatever they pleased Danish Bait ordered them to lower a little water on the medicine and pour it into his mouth as soon as he had swallowed it he made a bound and stood up in his own form Immidiately he made obeisance to the Shah and fell at his uncles but they dispatched him directly to the bath and after he had dressed himself he returned into the presence of the Shah The Shah said Really Melech Mahommed you have made a beast of your self often enough are now and you occasion great distress to me and my Vizir He promised faithfully to do so no more and made a great many apologies
The Visit of Gheti afroz and Melech Mahommed to court of her Father ansar Shah king of the Peris
The Shah ordered him again to carry a message for him and to present his respect to Ghiz afram and to tell her that it was now along while since her head heart how she fated and that was quite distress at her coldness and anxious to have the pleasure of seeing her Melech Mahommed took leave mounted his steed and soon arrived at the door of the palace He knocked at the door Gheti afroz heard a noise without and cried open the door for my faithful Melech Mahommed is come Immediately the door was opened and he entered and saw Gheti Afroz sitting on the throne draped in green garments her ears and neck adorned with rich jewels a perfect picture of voluptuousness and pleasure Melech Mahommed said Great God here have I been sending my precious days in woe for the space of six months separated from you and you are living as merry as the day is long without the slightest regard to my situation he then repeated this verse
- Tis a strange custom it is not
- Alas that men maintain it true
- The absent ever are forgot
- Soon as their face is out of view
Gheti afroz “said I swear by god I have thought of you day and night all the time but come sit down beside me and she placed him by her side he called for wine and Ruh afza with the cupbearers entered The cup had passed round several times when
a wonderful and extraordinary noise from the azure vault of heaven and forty the and Perizadas mounted on horseback appeared Gheti afroz saw that the pomp and state was that of one of her elder brothers With great tumult they entered the palace and Gheti afroz arose and made respectful salutations and with great kindness enquired concerning the state of her brothers health and how her mother and father and sister and aunt the whole of her relations were Her brother answered every question civilly and seeing a youth of the race of man sitting by her side he said Gheti afroz is the person of human race of whom you are so much enamoured” She answered it is he asked What is his name she said the faithful Melech Mahommed what fidelity said he has he shown to you She said he has endured the most wonderful distress for my sake and has never lost his patience The colour left the cheek of Melech Mahommed, who said to himself “what new mischief in the Devil’s name means to come of all this Gheti afroz saw that he was terribly frightened and in a most affectionate manner said you now! what are you afraid of you have nothing to do with any body but myself take courage Melech
Melech Mahommed then recovered a little tranquility of mind The brother of Gheti afroz laid hold of her hand Sister you must swear by the unity of the just and powerful God and the favour of the prophet Solomon that you will for once return to the allegiance of your father at this very time the marriage of our elder brother is to be celebrated and if you are absent the ornament of the family will be absent and though you have cause to be angry do not expose me to the disgrace of a fruitless journey He pressed her so earnestly that Gheti afroz could not find in her heart to resist his importunity She rose and ordered her car and desired all her attendants to make ready On one condition alone said she I will go with you I have a particular affection for this youth of the race of man and from him I cannot endure to be absent for a moment I will take him along with me and therefore take care that nobody behave to him disrespectfully He brother said do exactly as you think proper I will act with proper respect and pleasure shall be mine She immidiately mounted her car in which her brother seated himself along with Melech Mahommed Her brother said carry her
her all your servants and furniture with you She answered shall afterwards return here They set out and a little arrived near the abode of her father. anzar Shah was informed that Gheti afroz was coming and he sent her elder brother with all his Vizirs and Troops to meet her as he had the greatest affection for her of all his children for this reason he was extremely delighted her ordered the most care and costly carpets to be spread in the most delightful places and his own chamber to be prepared for her reception Gheti afroz was introduced into the city with every mark of respect and conducted in the most respectful manner to an interview with her father the Shah who showed her every mark of favour and affection and inquired kindly about her affairs But what man creature is this said he that you have taken such an affection for This is he said she turning to Melech Mahommed But what is his name said her father The faithful Melech Mahommed,” answered the Princess Catching him immidiately by the hand she made him prostrate himself at the feet of her father ansar Shah raised the head of Melech Mahommed and
and scarcely able to smother his resentment squeezed it so hard to his breast that Melech Mahommed began to conjecture that as bottom this reception cost him dear sighing deeply, he recited this verse
- The harms that from affection spring
- A soothing joy with sorrow bring
- But broken vows admit no cure
- And ever more their wrongs endure
After a little the Shah desired Gheti afroz to go and pay her respects to her mother The princess obeyed and taking the hand of Melech Mahommed left the audience chamber entered into the interior apartments fell at the feet of her mother and caused Melech Mahommed to prostrate himself in like manner her mother showed a true motherly temper, tating her soundly and every minute more and more severely Daughter said she if your heart be quite fixed on this man creature there is no help for it but you might live at home nevertheless and keep him to wait in your presence but you have flung of into an outlandish country and left me with a burning heart to think of your conduct But this I fancy you reckon and dutiful Besides you know I have betrothed you to person who is constantly sending some messenger
messenger or other backwards and forwards to torment us with representens of conduct For durst you venture to disgrace me so Take shame to yourself and try to behave a little prudently Gheti afroz said nobody has any right to interfere with my conduct and I will have nothing to do with any husband for my affections are fixed on a mortal man His love is so constant and pure as to desirace a return and I am well contented with his affections If you leave my conduct to my own disposal it will be best if not I will be the death of myself or I shall steal off without once looking behind me to some place so remote that I shall never afterwards hear of your name nor you of mine Her mother saw that her spirit was intractable Nevertheless thought she since she has come here her father and Brother will find a method of managing her to heart her too roughly at first however may not be soproper She therefore caused a lofty hall and apartments to be prepared for her reception and left her there to her own miditations to Employ herself after her own way Gheti afroz placed Melech Mahommed by her and said Take care a thousand times care to commit no impropriety here and disgrace both yourself and me where every one is thirsting for
For your blood Melech Mahommed answered confidently I am not quite such an [idiot] as with all my sense about me and my eyes open to plunge into [irrevertibal] infancy. When the unwearied Sun had conducted his splendid caravan to the gates of the west and the moon adorned with the stars of heaven for jewels appeared and splendid banquits* were spread for friendly intercourse they spent an hour in feasting and pleasant conversation and then retired to the sleeping apartment and slept beside each other. Melech Mahommed arose and said to himself I find I have got into such a perelous* situation that it will be next to impossible to extricate myself with life it is better therefore at all wants to gratify my passion that my heart may longer be tormented by with the regret of unaccomplished desire. But just as he wished to lay hold of the girdle of desire the tormenting tempter awaked and saw Melech Mahommed sitting up and ready to atempt* an impropriety. Senseless creature said she what wicked design are you hatching. Lay said every thought of the kind at least for some days or you will repent of it is absolutely necessary for you too to refrain from kissing either my
lips or feet or you will never escape from this place of perdition. In the company of the Still researching what these are! Possibly the plural feminine of Peri. it is necessary to act in a respectful manner as the saying is – Wheneer you tarry with an host Beware lest dew* respect be lost To friendship comes no direr pest Than is a disrespectful guest Ah thought Melech Mahommed there is nothing for it but preserving my respectful carriage so he lay down again repeating to himself Our faults I fancy soon or late Fall on our unsuspecting pate I counted here without my host And have my former favour* lost How unlucky it is not only to fail of my purpose but to be excluded from kissing both her feet and her lips The helpless ass will oft in judgement* fail And lose his ears but not regain his tail Thus thought he and repeated to himself Kind to the guest and cruel to the lover Gods! what affection can we here discover Kind to the cruel cruel to the kind Tis true we all have heard that love is blind But sure if Loves religion center there The followers of his doctrine must [dare]
Gheti Afroz said don’t be distressed there are a thousand nights as good as that before you, you may expect a speedy reward and reckon that much time is gone by and little remains between you and it – The Whole night was spent in this unsatisfactory kind of conversation the greater light the dispenser of happiness to the world the beautiful sun that illuminates the earth at the order of the Merciful God raised his head in the region of the East and the tyrant of the world was illuminated. At dawn of morn the mighty painter rose And bade his splendid palaces [unloose] Rich flowery tents display’d his vast design With golden hues from the [cerution?] mine Nights black [pairlian?] vanished from the sky Faint and more faint her twinkling tapers die A monarch now his radiance darts afar Along the dusky realms of [Zanguibar] So great [Secander?] struck the nations dumb When waved his conquering mace and vanquished Rum, At sun rise Ansar Shah mounted his imperial throne and ordered the drums to announced the nuptials at the order of the
Shah struck up the double drums the trumpets the serpents and the cornets and the [barbuts?] and all the other kinds of musical instruments. The sound of Ansar Shahs drum was heard as far as five [farsangs?] all the world were enraptured at the noise and immediately prepared to celebrate the marriage. [In short?] an assembly was soon collected like that of the blest in Paradise illuminating the world and thus they spent seven days in festive joys on the eight day which was that of the ceremony he ordered all the city to be adorned with looking glasses and to be illuminated with lustres* and torches in the most splendid style. He himself went in procession with all his hosts of Houris and Peris with royal splendor and he ordered his now Juan Bukkt to proceed before him to the splendid palace where the bride resided. There they prepared a throne for the Shah so splendid that it dazzled the eyes of all the world Ansar Shah seated himself on the throne and Gheti Afroz adorned herself in the most [elegant] royal robes for thought she Melech Mohammed will see me while on every side the Perizadis in squadrons and in rows
ranged themselves before him Aright aleft before the throne Bright ranks of youthful charmers shone While regal pomp was placed on high Mid fortune and prosperity On the one side appeared the nobles of the city on the other the judged. In this manner the social board was arranged and nothing could excel the magnificence of the Perizades for as the poet says High in the Palace sat the princely band With martial nobles ranged on every hand The welcome nuptials all there* thoughts employ And tune their souls to sprightly notes of joy Oer treasured heaps the deft assistants lean And wealth unmeasured flits their hands between Beneath the loads of pearl and precious stone Jacinth and ruby numerous camels groan But first of gems the ruby claims the van Fair light of Yemen and of [Budukanan?] A thousand camel loads of tapestry gay Glittering brocades that changeful hues display Fair [Khotens?] youths the radiant stuffs unfold Each wears a belt and poniard rough with gold With numerous [Linge?] youths of amber hue Who boast the scent and tinge of amber too Around were heaps of gems of amber spread Innumerous as the waves that roughen ocean’s bed
In short it baffled all powers of discreption* to describe the magnificence and splendor of the ceremonies with which the noble maid was wedded to the young prince and the planet Jupiter united with the moon of beauty. They brought her home with all manner of mirth and magnificence and Gheti Afroz likewise having taken lease of her mother father and mother came to her palace and spent some hours in pleasant conference with Melech Mahommed. The luckless lover said in his passion When all are risting* in joys One only grief my heart employs One only thought of my spirit fills Yet fortune to increase the ills Which on my tortured bosom prey Has stolen my hapless kiss away. The fair to please him pledged him in some cups saying What would you heartless lover say If fortune stole myself away Gheti Afroz showed him great affection and Melech Mahommed recited With water from the chrystal* lake You promised first my thirst to slake I seized the tempting draught in haste And again in the same train Ah pierce not the heart again A thousand times already slain
Gheti Afroz was highly pleased and said If heaven shall grant me thine embrace I fancy it will soon take place The [roseate?] bud of young desire Expands by passions genial fire She then kindly laid her [lip] to his and said Soul of my life I fear for you lest you get intoxicated with my favour* and swerve from the dictates of that profound respect the neglect of which will be equally regretted by both you and me and the nature of this place is such that a man of mortal race cannot safely reside in it. Melech Mahommed without remedy hung down his head and attempted to fortify his resolution by every terrible consideration he could think of and recited the following verse Oft have I dived in ocean’s depths profound Yet heer* this luckless hand one pearl has found Though countless gems in generous ocean [bread] This wayward fate withholds the precious [mud] When the story had proceeded thus far Semen Ruh opened her mouth and said Ha my learned young man did the unhappy lover ever attain the accomplishment of his desire the sheik smiled and [observed] that would appear from the progress of the story when Azar Shah heard this he was delighted
and kissed the feet of the sheik and poured out the most profuse effusions of thanks to Danadil replied It is all through virtue of his holiness her present or I might have told a thousand such stories without the slightest effect in removing the sorcery and restoring Shemen* Ruh to herself again verily it is all the virtue of the sheiks most venerable presence. As they were in the height of their compliments Semen Ruh impatient at seeing [no?] prospect of the story proceeding interrupted them to request that Danadil would return to Melech Mahommed for she was quite impatient to hear the rest of the story. That will come in its due time said the Shiek. Semen Ruh did not so easily give up the point but the more she entreated the farther she was from attaining it for behold at last instead of Danadil Roshhen Zemir was called up and desired to [retell] what adventures he had heard and seen Roshen Zemir did not want many entreaties but immediately proceeded as follows The Marvellous* adventures of Roshen Zemirs ourself When story tellers have to tell a story The orator behinds in all his glory The pearl of price is sure the power of speech [It is] a jewel that no price can reach
No man of understanding dare deny it Why men are reckoned men of judgment by it But next to him who can relate a story The hero of the late comes in for glory A man is lucky in this lower dwelling Of whom remains a story with the telling For this good reason Roshen Zemir proceeded to relate a story about his own personal self. Lady of the land I will tell you what said he – I formerly travelled a good deal with the caravans and once upon a time as were journeying towards [Mirr] we happened to pitch our tents at the foot of a hill around which the ground was smooth and level. The day drew to a close the shades of night began to thicken the sun descended into the cavern of the west and the sable legions of [Zanguebar] began to prevail against the brilliant sun of Rum as the song says For in the palace of the twilight skies The graceful queen of heaven began to rise Wan was her [watery?] with grief opprest Like some sweet angel banished from the blest The modest groves like timid virgins drew Before their charms a veil of shadowy blue Fine as the Houris veils in paradise Which hide their charms from guardian angels eyes
Amid the gardens torch lights glimmering gay
The roses buds like turquoise gems display
With ruby light the opening petals shine
As mantles in the cup the rosy wine
How softly beams the radiant lamp of night
While earths dark Mansion glows with silver light
And swiftly though the sky‘s pavilion move
The airy dancers of the fields above
While from the Ocean of octhereal blue
Celestial divers bring the starry gems to view
In short at sunset the whole caravan went
to rest and the half of the night was spent
when I awoke and without saying a word to any body but myself proceeded to reconnoitier our situation. I come without the lines when I was astonished to see the whole caravan surrounded by an immense wall. What in in the world in [is?] this? said I to myself when we pitched our tents here no such thing was to be seen. What can this be? I approached it and put my hand on the wall. I felt a part of it soft and warm and distinctly perceived the motion of breathing. Lord have mercy thought I if this be not a living creature. To be more certain I held my hand still for some time and observed at last that it was an immense serpent
[which]
which had encircled the whole caravan and God a Mercy said I if we shall all of us be a mouthful for it. As I was in these doleful dumps what should I hear to comfort me but the shrieks regrets and lamentations of the whole caravan. every man began to wail and cry out lustly Ah my poor fatherless children said one. ah my luckless self said another to owe my death to such a fearful brute in this delightful. Still they kept each other company till morning. The sun the Sultan of Rum at last raised his head or as the Poet says
Now from his halls with stately stalk
Behold the fair magician walk
His talisman of Sunderos (?)
Dispells the vapours dark and gross
His chrystal ear he rases (?) high
Oer every throne of ebony
from shrinking Night his timid bride
The rosy veil he draws aside
Ye drowsy sleepers ope your eyes
To view the gay reviving skies
The cock crows up the drowsy dawn
The birds are chirping on the lawn
Ye sleepers hark tis opening day Tell us what the songsters say
At break of day people saw that the whole caravan was incercled (encircled?) like a gem set in a
[ring]
ring by an immende (immense?) serpent that from time to time uttered a most frightful hiss that was heard for many furlongs and nobody could suggest a remedy for, our disstress. It held its tail in its mouth and neither attempted to swallow any body alive not yet would suffer them to proceed on their journey so that every one was quite at a loss what device to fall on the Mussulmen and the Dervishes began to say their prayers as fast as they were able with loud lamentation from such a dreadful monster good lord [sentence structure very unclear here] deliver us but the snake did not budge an inch for their orisons and every body was ready to expire for teror when all at once by the grace of God I plucked up courage. Roshen Zemir my friend said I come along and stir thy stumps and try whether thou art not destined for victory when every body else is driven to dispair for verily if thou killest not this monster thou art no man for this good world. Having therefore rattled over my prayers and said my confession of faith to prepare for the worst. I seized my bow and my polished arrows of a pure water and advanced to the monster who presented himself exactly like hill or a mountain.
[I]
I notched one of my arrows in the great name of God and drew it home quite to my ear but just as I took aim at him the monsters mouth quitted the lip of his tail and opened a space of a couple of spear lengths. I was immediately for stepping without the terrible circle when he again sized the lip of his tail in his mouth and effectually barred all passion. I repeated the process several times and always with the same success. No thought I if I strike him with an arrow ever so dexterously he will never die of a single would and it will be a terer [terror] unlucky pece [piece] of businesses if it should provoke him to sawallow [swallow?] up the whole caravan but no doubt the monster must have some meaning in having stopped us in this manner. I therefore present myself before the cuff of the aravan (?). Sir said I you are a venerable and respectable man and no doubt there are many respectably persons who have seen life along with you, will have the goodness to assumable them perhaps somebody may hit upon expedient worthy to be adopted. The chief of the caravan assented and proclaimed that all the men of learning and wisdom and bravery present should forthe with
[assemble]
assemble and favor him with their advice. My friends said he let every person declare what he thinks the most useful expedient for truly this monster without a tongue is not without an intention. Had he intended to have devoured us he had not left us all safe and sound to the present time but he has neither injured us nor will he suffer us to proceed on our journey. wherefore the question is by what means are we to find out what he wants. Among the rest an intelligent business like gentleman who knows the outs and ins of life stood up and [caret symbol with nothing added. Potentially “said”?] Hajeh (?) it is true this snake has no tongue but that is no reason why he should have no ears and it is very probable if any person would take the trouble to speak to him that he may turn out not to be very hard of hearing so that if any stout hearted had [lad?] could get up to his ear and ask him in a civil whisper what it is that he wants I warrant you he will make some motion to bewray his meaning. On this everybody turned their eyes on me. Let Roshen Lemir alone for that he is the man of my money, your humble servant. For the
[sake]
sake of modesty was necessitated to agree to the proposal after a couple of genuflexians [genuflections?] and thanks for the favor conferred on him and set off to the conference. I went up to the monsters head and shouted Halloo Mr Son-guted (?) what kind of a business is this you have set about to annoy the race of true believers in such an unheard of manner. Not a man of them I can assure ever expected you of all the birds in the air to interrupt their journey. If you have any particular wish do me the favor to tell me that I may do my utmost to oblige you. When the snake heard this civil request he lifted up his head for the space of three spear lengths and the people of the caravan. When they perceived this favorable symptom began to recover their spirits. I returned to the chief of the caravan to inform him of the success of my mission and the same sensible old gentleman said again to the master of the caravan. There can be no doubt that the snake has opened a passage for you give orders to pack up and load without delay and fear nothings Every body packed up his baggage with prodigious alacrity but nobody courage to take the road when the self same old gentleman seeing his posture of affairs mounted his horse and went out of the circle courageously and was followed by the caravan among
[the]
the rests. I set forward but just as I was going to advance the snake again put forward his head and completed the circle. I stepped hastily back and the snake instantly opened the patch. I was a good deal amazed at this and by no means deliged [delighted?] in truth he is enraged at me though I and I immediately shaped my fist up an arrow but on second thoughts I determined to be patient again. I attempted to mix in the crow [crowd?] as the people fitted of again the monster advanced his snout across my way. God a mercy said I what malicious desin [design?] can the monster be hatching against me? I put my trust in providence and stepped back the few people who remained had by this time taken their departure and I alone and lonely remained within the circle when it suddenly struck me[:] had the snaked wanted only to devour men he would never had let the caravan go. He must certainly have some peculiar spite at me that of all persons in the world he is determined to detain me here. My friends of the caravan had set
[down]
down me for a dead man. Poor Roshen Lemir said they he drew the wrong bow when he took aim at the snake and will certainly be swallowed alive for his feats of archery. Else why of all the caravan did the snake detain him alone. Every body made their own reflections and I shouted aloud for gods sake friends try to give me a little water. Accordingly they contrived to hand me a little water and having recommended me to providence set off. When the caravan had got to a good distance and could no longer be seen the snake slipt [slipped?] his tail out of his mouth and stretched himself at length. His length was about one league and his breadth very little short of it. He then raised his head and looked after the caravan and I for fear of my life began to fly as fast as my feet could carry me. When the snake saw me absconding in this manner he drew me back to him with his breath so gently that I really did not perceive my own motion and immediately he made me
[a]
a sign to mount and seat myself on his back. I really had not courage to cut capers(??) or ride the great horse with such a monstrous animal but he immediately took me up in his mouth and placed me on his back in spite of me. As his sides were steep and his skin slippery I immediately slipped down to the ground and he quickly lifted me up again and having placed one on his neck I saw that there was a hole among the scales and having fixed myself there I held stoutly with both hands and recommended myself to god as the verse goes
While tis a friend that holds the rope
Whereer he leads me I have hope
When the snake perceived that I had got so firm a hold that there was no farther fear of falling he began to stir himself with such agility that he presently outstripped the wind and every time that he drew his breath aflame of fire burst from his mouth that parched and shriveled the whole desert. When he had travelled on for
[a]
a certain space we arrived at the foot of hill and I saw [caret sign with no further marking: a?] hole in the side of it of such dimensions that the serpent could enter with facility. When he arrived at the mouth of the den he let me down from his back and made me a sign to go in. Fairly and softly thought I this hole no doubt is your den but why should you do particularly wish me to visit it however said I in god's name let me enter in I went but nothing earthy was visible I presently turned on my heel and met me friend at the mouth of the den. He made me a sign as much as to say Have the goodness to walk back again and kept biting his lips most terribly with his teeth which being interpreted was to denote kile [?] in all or some thing of the kind at least. Doubtless thought I this must be some monsters mansions and what a frightful brute must it be that a beast like you is afraid of the very thought of it put me in a cold shiver. If such a pertetent (?) monster as you be frightened the lord have mercy on my luckless soul I may well be terrified and
out of my seven senses when the monster saw that I was afraid and would not enter into the den again he came near and setting his monstrous muzzle to the mouth of the den raised such a dreadful yell that both hill wild and wilderness shook at the sound at that instant a yellow scorpion of two spans length darted out and assailed the snake The snake for all his monstrous zire was frightened and fled without once looking behind him to distance of a whole league and there be stopped I however plucked up courage and pulling and arrow out of my quiver struck the scorpion and killed him on the spot I presently saw a great light near me and perceived that it was a lustre formed of precious stones each of which was worth a whole kingdom The serpent now made me a sign to carry off as many of them as I could I took a goodly number and saw that an immense treasure of them was there deposited Then the serpent took me up and placed me on his neck and came out of the den when I came to the door of den I saw a sage of a luminous aspect standing and made him a salam he returned my salutation
saying
saying you are very welcome here Roshen Zemir who of my acquaintance in the world can this be thought I quite surprised who can it be that knows my name so well Most venerable father said I if I may be allowed to enquire how come you to know my name That said he I know by Gods good favour This scorpion which you have killed has yet another companion which is at present sitting on her eggs and will come forth at the end of six months It is therefore absolutely necessary for you to return hither at the end of that period So take care that you do not forget for if you do be assured that wherever you are this serpent will find you out and devour you for look you this female scorpion has killed the companion of the snake and forcibly possessed itself of her residence Two young snakes have however escaped and are concealed by my care and if it please God at your return I will introduce them to you That serpent has every day made sings to me to kill the scorpion but I told it that its death did not be at my
door
door a young man called Roshen Zemir will arrive here and kill it to content you Most venerable sage said I may it please you to let me know your name that you will learn at your return said he for it is written above that you have two or three more pieces of good service to perform You may now take your departure and God be your guide but take care not to forget that you have to return here again The serpent stood stock still till the ancient sage had finished his oration but as soon as he had bid me farewell he began to move off with me mounted on his shoulders and we had not travelled long before the tents of the caravan began to appear and it fortunately happened to be the very caravan I had left When I came near every body was in a dreadful alarm crying there comes the monster again lord help us I sung lustily out to everyone to be cheery for he would do them no harm He then let me down from his neck and immediately set out for his own place of residence while I joined the caravan and
having
having gone to the chief to the utter astonishment of every body related what had befallen me Gods mercy be on your head said all of them You have performed a wonderful feat Rosher Zemir said the chief of the caravan nobody ever has or will perform the like, except the young hers Diu Faz and he was a man of mettle who could perform a notable feat and demonstrate his loyalty purely
What was that feat asked your humble servant The chief of the caravan answered,
The Story of the Diu Faz or Kill Devil
The relators of Marvellous stories mention that there lived once on a time a young man of Ormus whose name was Diu Foz He set out for India in order to push his fortune and when he arrived in that country he first and foremost paid his respects to the Emperor The Emperor of India asked who he was whence he came and what were his intentions King of the world my name
is
is Diu Foz answered he I am come from the city of Ormus to enter into your service and am ready to perform whatever task you may please to impose on me what pay will content you asked the emperor. Every day answered Diu Faz you must pay me a thousand pieces of silver (500 Rupees) I will not serve you for farthing less No thought the Emperor He shall not receive such a pay for so much as a single day till we can see what kind of service he can perform for doubtless he will turn out to be only a high flyer. The Emperor answered him neither good nor bad but entered his palace and mentioned the circumstance to the queen The daughter of the Emperor was sitting in the presence and said by all means, engage this person for one day or other He may do you good service He must certainly be a man of ability to make such demand When the Emperor heard his daughter talk thus he flew into a violent passion Worthless wretch sad he you durst
not
not utter such words in my presence unless you had fallen in love with him yourself If this man should enter into my service every one would say that the Emperor had engaged him to please his daughter and this my name would be defamed God forbid said the princess when she heard such a speech from her father that ever your daughter should waste a single thought on a person of his description who has never seen the face of man excepting that of a never relation but of you Speak of your real opinion Nothing remains for me but regret The Emperor was still more enraged at this observation and said to the queen she shall not remain in the palace for I cannot bar the sight of her If that is the case said the princess in Gods name send her where you please and give her to whom you will “My own fate shall befall me and if you cast me off God will not reject me” “I will give you to this very fellow
said
said the Emperor According to your majestys pleasure said the princess
The Emperor immediately ordered the eunuchs of the seraglee to take his daughter and carry her to the young man They did according to their orders saying receive the maiden which the Emperor presents to you Gods favour and the Emperors forgiveness be up to you but get out of the kingdom instantly” The young man and the princess equally amazed and concerned set forward on their journey and the princess casting back a look on her fathers palace Father said she you have in this unkind manner expelled me from the city It is we shall now see what favour God has in store for me So saying she set forward When Diu Faz and the princess had arrived without the city they walked on for come furlongs till they came to a place where two roads met and were quite as a loss to know whither either of them led Looking round they observed a stone seat and certain characters inscribed on the stone On examining
the
the characters attentively they saw that the meaning was whowever arrives here and is ignorant of the road let him know that the road on the right hand is without danger and without Difficulty but that on the left is full of difficulty and danger When Diu Faz had read the inscription[,] he looked to the daughter of the Emperor as much as to say What would you have me do Why do you ask me such a question said the fair ask your own courage. I will follow you wherever your heart leads you go on
Hap what may said Diu Faz God be on my guard and proceeded on the left hand road and the lady followed on close behind him For three days and three nights they saw no appearance of danger On the fourth day an immense desert expanded before them devoid of house or whole without wells and without water in which two tremendous elephants of prodigious size appeared which as soon as they smelled the scent of man attacked them with the utmost fury Fair lady what say you now to the matter inquired Diu Faz The lady answered
What
What do you carry that bow and arrow for I wonder if you can hit your mark
He immediately clapped his hand on his quiver and laying hold of an arrow exclaimed
The champion when takes his stand
With bow and quiver in his hand
The might of lions can deride
Or elephants inflamed with pride
The lady answered in the same strain
Such as the youth for me has charms
The coward neer shall reach my arms
He replied,
“Love frenziede force impells the blow
Instant lies low”
At instant on of the elephants approached the young warrior drew the arrow home even to his ear and struck it up to the feather and notch in his eye Seizing another arrow he instantly struck it so forcibly through the other eye that with a dreadful yell it fell on the ground and expired The second elephant advanced still more furiously and was slain as quickly as the first He then drew his scimitar and cut off both their trunks The Emperor’s daughter was greatly delighted with
this
this expert Observing the bodies a little more carefully they perceived a scar on each of their foreheads. What can this be said they and pulling out knife cut open the scars and perceived that there was a jewel in each of them brilliant as the rays of the sun They praised God for so lucky a chance and proceeded on their way till they arrived at a vast and populous city with minarets marquis and lofty domes raised up to the heavens in every quarter Diu Faz covered the lady with a veil and conducted her to the caravansera Towards the close of the day Diu Faz having taken his bow and arrows in his hand came out of the caravansera and saw the Emperors vizier marching along with great pomp and tumult He inquired who it was and was informed that it was the Emperor vizier going to counsel He approached and saluted him What do you want said the Vizier and whence do you come I am a nature of Ormus said Diu Faz and am now come from India How did you contrive to reach this country said the Vizier Blessed be God answered the young warrior I reached it through his favor Did you meet with no dangerous
adventure
adventure asked the vizier Diu Faz answered I met with nothing the world except two furious elephants on my road which by God’s assistance I killed
When the Vizier heard that he was amazed and said Killed both the elephants did you say Where is the man who could kill two such prodigious animals
That man am I by God’s favor, said Diu Faz
How can you prove your words to be true said the Vizier,
What proof would you have said Diu Faz.
Was there anything in their foreheads said the Vizier.
Whatever there was I have brought it along with me, said he.
Seeing is believing, replied the Vizier.
“It is at my lodging” replied Diu Faz.
The vizier accompanied him to the door of the caravansera Diu Faz went in and having brought out the precious stones showed him. Then the vizier was convinced and said, God’s mercy rest on your head nobody could have slain them but yourself They have long blocked up that road and a considerable period has now elapsed since the precious stones were inserted in their forehead and they were turned loose Come [along]
along with me that I may present you to the sunlike presence of the Emperor Having caused Diu Faz to mount his own horse he conducted him to the Emperors Court Diu Faz saluted him with due reverence.
Who is young man? said the Emperor, and Vizier related the circumstance of his story The Emperor praised him highly and present[ed] him the jewels he had brought
But who said he Was your companion on this journey
The emperors daughter of India said he
What connection has she with you asked the Prince then. Diu Faz related to him the whole story. The Emperor greatly blamed the father of the princess and invited Diu Faz to enter into his service “That is the very thing which your servant desires” answered he
“But what pay do you demand” said the Emperor.
“A thousand pieces of silver per day” answered the warrior.
The emperor agreed to the condition But said Diu Faz this lady is still an unblemished virgin I have rigorously refrained from all connection with her until I should have an opportunity of celebrating our Marriage The Shah instantly [ordered]
ordered the treasure to deburse on the spot The sun requisite for the Marriage and thus were these two constellations of valour and beauty (Jupiter and the Moon) united in a princely and splendid [style] Afterwards the Shah ordered him to [the] send his spouse to visit the royal [harem] In order said he That she may form acquaintance with the ladies of my family
That I will with all my heart said Diu Faz and as soon as he came home he mentioned the King’s proposal to his lady The princess however did not so easily assent to it
What have I to do with the with the Kings family said she Once for all that will never do
When Diu Faz met the king Lay long live you majesty said he I have delivered your message but the lady will not assent to it Pray excuse but that she is the daughter of an Emperor The ladies of the Sultan however went one day to visit the princess and were received in the politest stile They were entertained with imperial Magnificence and the whole day was devoted to the entertainment so that the Night was arrayed in her sable vestments before the family of the Emperor [returned]
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 distinguished him still more by his royal munificence? bring hige gratified with his conduct[.] It happened one day that the king went a hunting accomined (*accompanied) by Diu Faz when a deer starlen before hime[.] 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]
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 had veiled his imperial countenance and the Moon had appeared in the East -
When Rums bright Monarch from the Hindus flies
And dark the throne of heavenly Jamshid lies,
The Mighty former mid the vault of blue
Innumerous forms of beauty call to view
But two fair sisters of celestial line
He bids o’er all their charms superior shine
The golden rose adorns the eldests veil
The silver suits the younger’s features pale
When Khowers Turk for sakes the eastern height
Dark turbaned by the amber look of night
[now]
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 [like re-illuminates]? her beams on high
At the time of sunset the Shah of the sunlike countenance dissolved the festive party and 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[,] and as he listened to the voice 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 hear[?”]
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]
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 where 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]
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 foreteeth 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 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[,] his race is run 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]
life of the king[.]
The sanguinary monster replied[,][“] There is no way to accomplish it but one[.] If Diu Faz[,] the kings 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 Kings 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 wail’d and wept and besought her husband not to repeat so dreadful a speech[.] He related to her the whole story[,] adding [“] Be patient 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]
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 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 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 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 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 God[‘]s 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 [slupiness?] 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? Story?] 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 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 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 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 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 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 (assail?) 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 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 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 (sic) 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 (sic) 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 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 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 (different spelling?) asked he how she was now The princess answered I am now quite will (well?) 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 (connection?) 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 (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 Sheimen Rush (another spelling emerges)
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 (sic) 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 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 (?[Ireck?]) 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 (sic) 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 (sic) and opened her sidetious (sic) tempting eyes and <periesms.161.3.50>
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 by did of 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 ["I]t is a long time now since I have heard any thing of my friend Gheti Afroz[.] [W]hat can have come of Melech Mahommed[?] [C]an he be playing at chess with her all this while[?] I must go and see how matters go on[."] [H]e 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 the pafsed [?] 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 [??]ing 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 [“C]ontrive 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 avecennas skies had all been vain
- Caliph himself had felt the lovers pain[.”]
Ruh Afza said[,] [“W]ith all my heart I myself wished to propose the very thing to your Majesty.[“] In short the first part of the night had passed the Shah was intoxicated with ruby wine.
wine 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 blesses
The Shah[,] eager to crop the new blown rose of desire[,] wished to sleep in the same couch with Ruh Afrza[.] [S]he proved capricious and getting into a passion exclaimed[,”]Ha you cat[,] what would you scratch me[?”] [I]nstantly 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[.] [A]stonished 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[.] [W]hen the sun that world subduing Secander 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 Morn. Danish Bait arose and said to himself[,] [“]I must try to get some news of the Shah and his affairs go on among the Peris.[“] He mounted his horse and when he came near the Palace he saw come 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 an[d] 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[,] [“T]here 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[.] [W]here is he[?”] [S]aid the Shah [,][“S]end for him instantly.[“] Fortunately however Gheti Afroz after the Shah was changed into a cat had sent a Perizadi to watch his motions[,] ordering her to hold herself invisible and inform her of whatever should happen[.] [W]hen 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[.] [A]s 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[.] [W]hen 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 [afs?] 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[.”] [W]hen the dog heard the voice of the princess[,] he wiled rapidly round and resumed his own form amid the doges like a flash of lightening[.] [W]hen 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 Perizadis with terrible noise and tumult was heard in the Medare 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[.] [M]ean time the precious days of life are given to the wind[.] [I]f 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 me a favorable answer that I may know my fate.[“] Gheti Afroz answered [“L]et 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 bower. 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 [diseases?] 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.[“] Melech Mahommed heard these words had he been sick for a hundred years he had 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. [S]he 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 Ruoshen 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 spices of respect and honour. There the
Shah took leave of him and returned to his own City of Abriez 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
