Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales; Folklore -- Arab countries
The forty-nine princes all made themselves known to Codadad, who embraced
them one after another, and told them how uneasy their father was on
account of their absence. They gave their deliverer all the commendations
he deserved, as did the other prisoners, who could not find words
expressive enough to declare the gratitude they were sensible of. Next,
Codadad, with them, took a view of the whole castle, where there was
immense wealth; curious silks, gold brocades, Persian carpets, China
satins, and an infinite quantity of other goods, which the black had
taken from the caravans he had plundered, a considerable part whereof
belonged to the prisoners Codadad had then set free. Every man knew and
reclaimed what belonged to him. The prince restored them their own, and
divided the rest of the merchandise among them. Then he said to them, How
will you do to carry away your goods? we are here in a desert place, and
there is no likelihood of getting your horses. Sir, answered one of the
prisoners, the black robbed us of our camels as well as our goods, and
perhaps they may be in the stables of this castle. That is not unlikely,
replied Codadad; let us see after it. Accordingly they went to the
stables, where they not only found the camels, but also the horses
belonging to the king of Harran’s sons. There were some black slaves in
the stables; who, seeing all the prisoners released, and guessing thereby
that their master had been killed, fled through by-ways well known to
them. Nobody minded to pursue them. All the merchants, overjoyed that
they had recovered their goods and camels, together with their liberty,
thought of nothing but prosecuting their journey; but first repeated
their thanks to their deliverer.
When they were gone, Codadad, directing his discourse to the lady, said,
To what place, madam, do you desire to go? whither did you design when
you were seized by the black? I intend to bear you company to the place
you shall appoint, and I do not question but that all these princes will
do the same. The king of Harran’s sons protested to the lady they would
not leave her till she was restored to her friends.
Princes, said she, I am of a country too remote from hence: and, besides
that it would be an imposition on your generosity to oblige you to travel
so far, I must own to you that I am come from my native country for ever.
I told you a while ago that I was a lady of Grand Cairo; but since you
have shown me so much favour, and I am so highly obliged to you, added
she, looking upon Codadad, I should be much in the wrong in concealing
the truth from you. I am a king’s daughter; an usurper has possessed
himself of my father’s throne after having murdered him, and I have been
forced to fly to save my life.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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