Arabs -- Folklore; Fairy tales -- Arab countries; Tales -- Arab countries
When he approached the capital of the Indies, he perceived the
sultan Schahriar and all his court coming out to greet him. What
joyful sensations arose in their breasts at this fraternal meeting!
They alighted and ran into each other’s arms: after a thousand
expressions of regard, they remounted, and entered the city amidst
the acclamations of the surrounding multitude. The sultan conducted
the king, his brother, to a palace, which had been prepared for him.
It communicated by a garden with his own; and was even more
magnificent, as it was the spot where all the fêtes and splendid
entertainments of the court were given; and it was now even
increased in splendour by new and brilliant ornaments.
Schahriar immediately left the king of Tartary, in order that he
might have time to bathe and change his dress; on his return from
the bath he went immediately to him again. They seated themselves on
a sofa, and as the courtiers, through respect, stood at a
considerable distance, these two brothers conversed with each other
at their ease, after so long an absence; and seemed even more united
by affection than blood. They ate together at supper, and after
their repast they again conversed, till Schahriar, perceiving the
night far advanced, left his brother to repose.
The unfortunate Schahzenan retired to his couch; but if the presence
of the sultan had for a while suspended his grief, it now returned
with redoubled force. Instead of enjoying that rest he was so much
in want of, the most agonizing reflection dwelt upon his mind. Every
circumstance of his queen’s infidelity presented itself to his
imagination with such violence, that it almost deprived him of his
reason. Not being able to sleep, he arose, and giving way to these
afflicting thoughts, they made such a deep impression of sorrow on
his countenance, that the sultan could not fail of remarking it.
“What cause of complaint,” thought he, “can the king of
Tartary have? He cannot object the reception I have given him. I
have received him as a brother whom I tenderly love; and I cannot
reproach myself with any thing. Perhaps he feels a regret at the
distance he is from his kingdom and his consort? If that indeed
afflicts him, I must hasten the presents I am preparing for him,
that he may set out, whenever he pleases, on his return to
Samarcand.” This he immediately set about; and sent a part of the
presents even the next day. These were composed of every thing rare,
singular, and valuable, that India could produce. In the mean time
the sultan endeavoured to amuse his brother by every species of
pleasure; but the most splendid entertainments and gayest fêtes
only served to increase his melancholy.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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