Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales -- Arab countries; Tales -- Arab countries
Zobeidè, after listening to this narration, seemed to hesitate on
what she should say; which the three calenders observing, they
entreated her to be equally generous to the three pretended
merchants of Moussoul, as she had been to them. “Well then,” she
cried, “I agree to it. I wish all of you to be under the same
obligation to me. I will therefore do you this favor, but it is only
on condition that you instantly quit this house, and go wherever you
please. Zobeidè gave this order in a tone of voice, that showed she
meant to be obeyed: the caliph, the vizier, Mesrour, the three
calenders, and the porter, therefore, went away without replying a
word; for the presence of the seven armed slaves served to make them
very respectful. They had no sooner left the house, and the door was
shut, than the caliph said to the three calenders, at the same time
without letting them know who he was, “What, gentlemen, as you are
strangers, and but just arrived in this city, do you intend to do?
and which way do you think of going, as it is not yet day-light?”
--“This very thing, sir,” answered they, “much embarrasses
us.”--“Follow us, then,” replied the caliph, “and we will
relieve you from this difficulty.” He then whispered his vizier,
and ordered him to conduct them to his own house, and bring them to
the palace in the morning. “I wish,” added he, “to have their
adventures written; for they are worthy of a place in the annals of
my reign.”
The vizier Giafar carried the three calenders home; the porter went
to his own house, and the caliph, accompanied by Mesrour, returned
to his palace. He retired to his couch, but his mind was so entirely
occupied by all the extraordinary things he had both seen and heard,
he was unable to close his eyes. He was particularly anxious to know
who Zobeidè was, and the motives she could possibly have for
treating the two black dogs so ill; and also the reason that
Aminè’s bosom was so covered with scars. The morning at length
broke while he was still engaged with these reflections. He
immediately got up, and went into the room where he held his
councils; he then gave audience, and seated himself on his throne.
It was not long before the grand vizier arrived, who directly went
through the usual ceremonies of respect. “Vizier,” said the
caliph to him, “the business which is now before us is not very
pressing; that of the three ladies and the two black dogs is of more
consequence, nor will my mind be free from agitation till I am fully
informed of every thing that has caused me so much astonishment. Go
and order these ladies to attend, and at the same time bring back
the three calenders with you. Begone, and remember I am impatient
for your return.”
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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