Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales; Folklore -- Arab countries
When Abon Hassan came out of the closet, Mesrour went before him, to show
him the way into an inner apartment, where there was a table spread.
Several eunuchs ran before, to tell the musicians that the sham caliph
was coming, who immediately began a concert of vocal and instrumental
music, with which Abon Hassan was so charmed and transported, that he
could not tell what to think at all he saw and heard. If this is a dream,
said he, it is a long one: but certainly, continued he, it is no dream;
for I can see and feel, walk, hear, and argue reasonably. Whatever it is,
I trust in God: yet I cannot believe but I am the commander of the
faithful; for no other person could live in this splendour. The honour
and respect that is given me, and the obedience paid to my commands, are
sufficient proofs.
In short, Abon Hassan took it for granted that he was caliph, and the
commander of the faithful; and was fully convinced of it, when he entered
that magnificent and spacious hall, which was finely painted. Seven bands
of musicians were placed round the hall, and as many gold branches hung
down from the ceiling, which was painted with blue and gold. In the
middle of the hall there was spread a table, which was served up with all
manner of rarities, in massy gold plates and dishes; and seven young
beautiful ladies, dressed in the richest habits, of the most lively
colours, stood round this table, each with a fan in her hand, to fan Abon
Hassan when at dinner.
If ever mortal was charmed, Abon Hassan was: at every step he took in
that stately hall, he could not help stopping to contemplate on all the
wonders that regaled his eyes, and turned his head first on one side and
then again on the other, which made the caliph almost split his sides
with laughing. At last he went and sat down at the table, and presently
all the ladies that stood about it began to fan him. He looked first at
one and then at another, and admired the grace with which they acquitted
themselves; and told them, with a smile, that he believed one fan was
enough to cool him, and would have six of the ladies sit at table with
him, three on his right hand and three on his left; that, as the table
was round, which way soever he turned, his eyes might be saluted with
agreeable objects.
The six ladies obeyed; and Abon Hassan taking notice that, out of
respect, they did not eat, helped them himself, and invited them to eat
in the most pressing and obliging terms. Afterwards, he asked their
names; which they told him were, White neck, Coral Lips, Fair Face, Sun
Shine, Heart’s Delight, Sweet Looks, and she who fanned him was Sugar
Cane. The many soft things he said upon their names, showed him to be a
man of a sprightly wit, and very much increased the esteem which the
caliph (who saw every thing) had for him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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