Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales; Folklore -- Arab countries
The next morning early, Fetnah repaired to the syndic of the jewellers,
being impatient to hear of Ganem’s health, and to tell the mother and
daughter the good news she had for them. The first person she met was the
syndic, who told her that Ganem had rested very well that night; and that
his distemper altogether proceeded from melancholy, and the cause being
removed, he would soon recover his health.
Accordingly the son of Abou Ayoub was much mended. Rest, and the good
medicines applied to him, but, above all, the easiness of his mind, had
wrought so good an effect, that the syndic thought he might without
danger see his mother, his sister, and his mistress, provided he was
prepared to receive them; because there was ground to fear that, not
knowing his mother and sister were at Bagdad, the sight of them might
occasion too great joy and surprise. It was therefore resolved, that
Fetnah should first go alone into Ganem’s chamber, and then make a sign
to the two other ladies to appear, when she thought fit.
Affairs being so ordered, the sick man was acquainted with Fetnah’s
coming, by the syndic, which was so ravishing a sight to him, that he was
again near falling into a swoon. Well, Ganem, said she, drawing near to
his bed, you have again found your Fetnah, whom you thought you had lost
for ever. Ah! madam, said he, interrupting her, what miracle has restored
you to my sight? I thought you were in the caliph’s palace: that prince
has doubtless given ear to you. You have dispelled his jealousy, and he
has restored you to his favour. Yes, my dear Ganem, answered Fetnah, I
have cleared myself before the commander of the true believers, who, to
make amends for the wrong he has done you, bestows me on you for a wife.
These last words occasioned such an excess of joy in Ganem, that he knew
not for a while how to express himself, otherwise than by that passionate
silence so well known to lovers. At length he broke out with these words:
Ah, beautiful Fetnah, may I give credit to what you tell me? May I
believe that the caliph really resigns you to Abou Ayoub’s son? Nothing
is more certain, answered the lady. That prince, who before caused search
to be made for you to take away your life, and who in his fury caused
your mother and your sister to suffer a thousand indignities, desires now
to see you, that he may reward the respect you had for him; and there is
no question to be made, but that he will be profuse in his favours to
your family.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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