The Arabian Nights Entertainments | Page 2

no perplexities. Fantastic, magnificent, extravagant, beautiful, gloriously colored, humorous--was ever book of such infinite contrasts?
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THE CONTENTS
THE SULTAN AND HIS VOW
THE STORY OF THE MERCHANT AND THE GENIE
THE THREE CALENDERS, SONS OF KINGS, AND THE FIVE LADIES OF BAGDAD
THE STORY OF THE THREE SISTERS
THE STORY OF ALADDIN; OR, THE WONDERFUL LAMP
THE HISTORY OF ALI BABA, AND OF THE FORTY ROBBERS KILLED BY ONE SLAVE
THE STORY OF SINDBAD THE SAILOR
[Illustration]
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THE ILLUSTRATIONS
The genie immediately returned with a tray bearing dishes of the most delicious viands Frontispiece
He had the gift of understanding the language of beasts
He was chained to the spot by the pleasure of beholding three such beauties
These ladies vied with each other in their eager solicitude to do me all possible service
The gardener, with the rake which he had in his hand, drew the basket to the side of the canal
He presently discovered a gold box, about a foot square, which he gave into the princess's hands
She drew the poniard, and, holding it in her hand, began a dance
Having balanced my cargo exactly, and fastened it well to the raft, I went on board with the two oars I had made
[Illustration]
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THE ARABIAN NIGHTS
THE SULTAN AND HIS VOW
It is written in the chronicles of the Sassanian monarchs that there once lived an illustrious prince, beloved by his own subjects for his wisdom and his prudence, and feared by his enemies for his courage and for the hardy and well-disciplined army of which he was the leader. This prince had two sons, the elder called Schah-riar, and the younger Schah-zenan, both equally good and deserving of praise.
When the old king died at the end of a long and glorious reign, Schah-riar, his eldest son, ascended the throne and reigned in his stead. Schah-zenan, however, was not in the least envious, and a friendly contest soon arose between the two brothers as to which could best promote the happiness of the other. Schah-zenan did all he could to show his loyalty and affection, while the new sultan loaded his brother with all possible honors, and in order that he might in some degree share the sultan's power and wealth, bestowed on him the kingdom of Great Tartary. Schah-zenan immediately went to take possession of the empire allotted him, and fixed his residence at Samarcand, the chief city.
After a separation of ten years Schah-riar so ardently desired to see his brother, that he sent his first vizier,[1] with a splendid embassy, to invite him to revisit his court. As soon as Schah-zenan was informed of the approach of the vizier, he went out to meet him, with all his ministers, in most magnificent dress, and inquired after the health of the sultan, his brother. Having replied to these affectionate inquiries, the vizier told the purpose of his coming. Schah-zenan, who was much affected at the kindness and recollection of his brother, then addressed the vizier in these words: "Sage vizier, the sultan, my brother, does me too much honor. It is impossible that his wish to see me can exceed my desire of again beholding him. You have come at a happy moment. My kingdom is tranquil, and in ten days' time I will be ready to depart with you. Meanwhile pitch your tents on this spot, and I will order every refreshment and accommodation for you and your whole train."
[Footnote 1: Vazir, Vezir--literally, a porter, that is, the minister who bears the principal burden of the state.--D'Herbelot, Bibliotheque Orientale.]
At the end of ten days everything was ready, and Schah-zenan took a tender leave of the queen, his consort. Accompanied by such officers as he had appointed to attend him, he left Samarcand in the evening and camped near the tents of his brother's ambassador, that they might proceed on their journey early the following morning. Wishing, however, once more to see his queen, whom he tenderly loved, he returned privately to the palace, and went directly to her apartment. There, to his extreme grief, he found her in the company of a slave whom she plainly loved better than himself. Yielding to the first outburst of his indignation, the unfortunate monarch drew his scimitar, and with one rapid stroke slew them both.
He then went from the city as privately as he had entered it, and returned to his pavilion. Not a word did he say to any one of what had happened. At dawn he ordered the tents to be struck, and the party set forth on their journey to the sound of drums and other musical instruments. The whole train was filled with joy, except the king, who could think of nothing but his queen, and he was a prey to the deepest grief and melancholy during the whole journey.
When he approached