The Thousand and One Days

nger and to an insupportable vanity. He was always saying that no prince in the world was so generous as himself. Giafar, his chief vizir, being at last quite disgusted with his boasti

or being born in your dominions, and that the latter congratulate themselves on having quitted their country to come and live under your laws." Har

boulcassem, who, though a private individual, lives in more magnificence than kings

with anger. "Do you know," he said, "that a subject w

saw this Aboulcassem; I stayed at his house; my eyes, though accustomed to your treasur

"You are most insolent," he cried, "to place a private individual on

ded him to arrest the vizir Giafar. He then went to the apartment of the prince

rd?" said she; "what cause

s advised him to suspend his resentment, and send some one to Basra to ascertain the truth of Giafar's assertion; if it was false, she argued, the vizir should be

ght, from an aversion to my vizir, give me a false statement, I will myself go to Basra and judge of the truth of this report. I will make acquaintance with this young man, whose generosity is

, mounted his horse, and left the city, not wishing any one to follow him, though Zobeide entreated him not to go alone. Arrivi

n this city a young man called Aboulcassem, who su

ired to rest after partaking of a slight refreshment. He was up very early in the morning, and walked about until sunrise. Then he approached a tailor's shop and asked for the dwelling of Aboulcassem. "From wha

no one in this city, and I shall be obliged

r master. He approached one of them and said, "Friend, I wish you would take the trouble to go to the lord Aboulcassem and tell him a stranger wishes to see him." The domestic judged from the appearance of Haroun that he was no common man. He ran to apprise his master, who coming into the court took the stranger by the hand and conducted him to a

caliph, "and I have taken a lodging at th

ost delicious that could be obtained in the East, he acknowledged that he had never tasted better. As it was now near the hour for dinner, Aboulcassem conducted his guest to another room, where they found a table covered with the choicest delicacies served on dishes of massive gold. The repast finished, the young man took the caliph by the hand and led him to a third room more richly furnished than the two others. Here the slaves brought a prodigious quantity of gold vase

admiration when Aboulcassem suddenly took them away. Haroun was offended at this, and said to himself, "What does all this mean? It appears to me this young man does not merit so much praise. He takes away the tree and the peacock when he sees me occupied in looking at them more than he likes. Is he afraid I want him to make me a present? I fear Giafar is mistaken in calling him a generous man." He was thus thinking when Aboulcassem returned accompanied by a little page as beautiful as the sun. This lovely child was dressed in gold brocade covered with pearls and diamonds. He held in his hand a cup made of one single ruby, and filled with wine of a purple colour. He approached the caliph, and prostrating himself to the ground, presented the cup. The prince extended his hand to receive it, but, wonderful to relate, he perceived on giving back the cup to the page, that though he had emptied the cup, it was s

isplaying his riches to the eyes of strangers. And why? Only to satisfy his pride and vanity. In reality he is a miser, and I ought not to pardon Giafar for thus deceiving me." Whilst making these disagreeable reflections on his minister, he arrived at the caravansary. But what was his astonishment on finding there silken carpets, magnificent tents, a great number of servants, slaves, horses, mules, camels, and besides all these, the tree and the peacock, and the page with his cup? The domestics prostrated themselves before him, and presented a roll of silk paper, on which were written these words, "Dear and amiable guest, I have not, perhaps, shown you the respect which is your due; I pray you to forget any appearance of neglect in my manner of receiving you, and do not distress me by refusing the little presents I have sent you. As to the tree, the peacock, the page, and the cup, since they ple

re so valuable, that I fear I cannot accept them without abusing your generosity. Permit me to send them back before I return to Bagdad, and publish to the world your magnificence and generous hospitality." "My lord," answered the young man wit

your presents are too costly; they surpass those of kings, and if I dared tell you what I thin

o refuse my presents; and now to oblige you to accept them, I will tell you that every day I can make the same and even more magnificent ones without inconveniencing myself. I see," add

t, in which was a throne of gold placed on the richest carpets. Haroun could not believe he was in the house of a subject; he imagined he must be in the abode

OF ABO

daughter of the richest merchant in that city. I am the only child of that marriage, so that inheriting the estates of both my parents I became possessed on their death of a very splendid fortune. But I was young, I liked extravagance, and having wherewith

a very miserable situation. I was without money, and of all my large fortune there remained but one gold sequin. In order to do something for a living I changed my sequin into aspres, and purchased some preserved apples, sweetmeats, balms, and roses. With these I went every day to the house of a merchant where many persons of rank and others were accustomed to assemble and converse together. I presented to them in a basket what I had to sell. Each took what he liked, and n

g for it." At the same time I offered him my basket; he took some perfume, and told me to sit

I, sighing; "I cannot do so without reopen

g conversation, on rising to depart he took out his purse and gave me ten gold sequins. I was greatly surprised at this liberality. The wealth

length, one day, as I was addressing him after he had taken a little balm from my basket, he made me again sit by him, and pressed me so

s charmed with my behaviour. "Aboulcassem," he often said to me, "I am enchanted that I met you at Bagdad. You appear worthy of all I have done for you." I was touched with the kindness he evinced for me, and far from abusing it, endeavoured to do all I could to please my kind benefactor. Instead of seeking companions of my own age, I always kept in his company, scarcely ever leaving him. At last this good old man fell sick, and the physicians despaired of his life. When he was at the last extremity he made all but myself leave him, and then said, "Now is the time, my son, to reveal to you a most important secret. If I had only this house with all its riches to bequeath, I should leave you but a moderate fortune; but all that I have amassed during the course of my life, though considerable for a merchant, is nothing in comparison to the treasure that is concealed here, and which I am now about to reveal to you. I shall not tell you how long ago, by whom, or in what manner it was found, for I am ignorant of that myself; all I know is, that my grandfather, when dying,

eeded at once to see this treasure. I confess to you, my lord, that I was thunderstruck. I found it to be, if not inexhaustible, at least so vast that I could never expend it, even if heaven were to permit me to live beyond the age of man. My resolution therefore was at once formed, and instead of keeping the promise I made to the old merchant, I spend my riches freely. It is my boast that there is no one

ll the treasures of the commander o

ld imagine how my fortune increased, while I was thus squandering it. As the old man predicted, a feeling of envy was excited against me. A rumour prevailed th

e to demand where the treasure is which

out foundation; but instead of compelling me to discover my treasure, "My lord Aboulcassem," continued he, "I exe

do you ask

yself with ten go

ou have only to come here every day or every mon

"I wish that you could find a thousand treasures. Enjoy your fortune in peace; I shall never

ulfatah-Waschi sent for me, and,

th part belongs to God; you must give it to the king. Pay the fifth

you at the same time that I will confess nothing, though I should be torn in pieces. But

t month. This vizir, fearing no doubt that the king of Basra would hear of what had passed, thought it better to inform him himself of the circumstance.

k you. Why do you not show me your treasure? Do you

ld not discover my treasure; I consent every day to pay to your majesty two thousand gold sequins. If you refuse to accept them, and think

vizir as I said this, a

able-it is of itself a real treasure. Send the young man back

the prince, the vizir, and the lieutenant of police, more than one million sixty thousand gold sequins. This, my lord, is all

E STORY OF THE T

generosity can never exhaust? No! I cannot believe it, and if it was not exacting too much from you, my lord, I would ask to see what you possess, and I swear never to reveal what you may confide to me.

e, "whatever the conditions,

and, ready to cut you to pieces at any moment, if you violate the laws of hospitality. I know very well I am acting imprudently, and oug

isfy my curiosity

remain here this night, and when my domestics are gone

im to repose, after placing at the head and foot of his bed their lighted tapers, whose perfumed wax emitted an agreeable odour. Instead of taking any rest, Haroun-al-Raschid impatiently awaited the appearance of Aboulcasse

y to follow you, and I again swear that you w

over his eyes, he said, "I am sorry, my lord, to be obliged to treat yo

," interrupted the caliph, "and

illiantly lighted by carbuncles. When they arrived at this room the young man unbound the caliph's eyes, and the latter gazed with astonishment on the scene before him. A basin of white marble, fifty feet in circumference and thirty feet deep, stood in the middle of the apartment. It was full of large pieces of gold, and ranged round it were twel

asin, replied: "Here are, I confess, immen

s basin is empty I shall have recours

rve two persons seated on a throne of gold, who he said were the first masters of the treasure. They were a prince and princess, having on their heads crowns of diamonds. They appeared as if still alive, and were in a reclining posture, their heads leaning against each other. At their feet was a table of ebony, on which were written these words in letters of gold: "I have amassed all these riches during the course of a long life. I have taken and pillaged towns and castles, have conquered kingdoms and overthrown my ene

t in living as you now do, and I condemn the advice given you by the old merchant. But I should like to know the

of Abdelaziz, fearing to be observed by his servants, wished to return before daybreak in the same manner as they came, namely, the caliph blindfolded and bareheaded, and Aboulcassem with his scimitar in his hand, ready to cut off the prince's head if he made the least resistance. In this order they traversed the garden, and ascended by

is minister was one of those wicked men to whom the greatest crimes are nothing, when they wish to gain their own ends. He had a daughter eighteen years of age, and of surpassing beauty. She was named Balkis, and possessed every good quality of heart and mind. Prince Aly, nephew of the king of Basra, passionately loved her; he had already demanded her of he

"My lord," said she, "what is it you propose to your daughter? Do you know the peril to which

zir, "but nothing will turn me from my resolu

ther," said the weeping girl, "stifle this feeling of avarice, seek not to

me my actions. Answer me not. I desire you to repair to the house of Aboulcassem,

he richest apparel and most costly ornaments, though in reality she needed nothing to enhance her natural beauty. No young girl was less desiro

y knocked and desired to speak to the son of Abdelaziz. A slave led her to a room where his master was reposing on a sofa, musing on the vicissitudes of his past life. As soon as Balkis appeared Aboulcassem rose to receive his visitor; he gravely

lucky star for procuring me this delightfu

ady might not be exposed to their curious looks. He waited on her himself, presenting her with the best of every thing, and offering her wine in a gold cup enriched with diamonds and rubies. But all these polit

sudden grief? Have I said or done any thing to cause your tears to

treasure, wishes me to discover where you have concealed it. He has ordered me to come here and spare no means to induce you to show it me. I refused to do so, but he has sworn to kill me if I ret

have informed me of this. You will not repent your noble frankness; you shall see my treasure, and be

t you pass for the most generous of men. I am charmed with your noble conduct

re they remained until all was quiet in the dwelling. Then blindfolding the eyes of Balkis he said, "Pardon

fidence in your generosity that I will follow wherever you desire;

Every thing she saw astonished her. But the objects that most attracted her attention were the ancient owners of the treasure. As the queen had on a necklace composed of pearls as large as pigeons' eggs, Balkis could not avoid expressing her admiration. Aboulcassem de

ced the bandage over her eyes, and conducted her to a saloon where they conversed together until sunrise. Bal

return. Fearing she might not be sufficiently able to charm Aboulcassem, he remained in a state of inconceivable agitation.

" he said, "have yo

to unite their riches, they could not be compared to those of Aboulcassem. But still, however vast this young man's treasures, I

relate to him the events of his journey, and ended by asking, "Giafar, what shall I do? You know the gratitude of monarchs ought to surpass the pleasures they have received. If I should send th

king of Basra and order him to commit the government of the state to the young Aboulcassem. We can soon de

lcassem, and of taking vengeance on the king of Basra and his unworthy vizir, who have concealed from me the considerable sums they have e

tle page, the tree, and the peacock. He also gave her a beautiful female slave. Zobeide found this slave so charming that she smilingly told the caliph she accepted this gift with more pleasure than

o the king, who was greatly concerned on reading it. The prince showed it to his vizir. "Aboulfatah," said

ve he is dead. I can keep him so well concealed that he shall never be seen again; and by this means you will always remain on the throne and possess the ri

the king; "but what answer

e deceived as well as others. Let me execute the design

oung man had no sooner taken the cup from his lips than he fainted away. His servants hastened to support him, but soon perceiving he had all the appearance of a dead man, they placed him on a sofa and uttered the most lamentable cries. The guests, struck with sudden terror, were silent from astonishment. As for Aboulfatah, it is impossible to say how well he dissimulated. He not only feigned the most immoderate grief, but tore his clothes and excited the rest of the company to follow his example. He ordered a coffin to be made of ivory and ebony, and while they were preparing it, he collected all the effects of Abo

ffin in this tomb, and the perfidious Aboulfatah, leaning his head on his knees, beat his breast, and gave way apparently to the most violent grief. Those present pitied and prayed heaven to console him. As night approached the people returned to the town, but the vizir remained with two of his slaves in the tomb, the door of whic

sand torments if you will not discover to me your treasure. I will rack your body with tortures-will invent each day new sufferings to render life insupportab

" replied Aboulcassem; "I wi

whip made of twisted lion's skin, with which he struck so long and with such violence that the young man fainted. When the vizir saw him in t

, "I tried yesterday, but in vain, to overcome the firmness of Aboulcassem; h

sfied with all you have done. Ere long, I hope, we shall know where this treasure is conc

to occupy your place, was so enchanted, and made such

ecret or leave him to perish. But on arriving at the tomb, he was surprised to find the door open. He entered trembling, and not seeing the son of Abdelaziz in the coffin, he nearly lost his senses. Returning instantly to the palace, he related to the k

ave taken his life yesterday! He would not then have caused us such uneasiness. But we will not quite despair yet; if he has taken flight, as no doubt

dividing them into two bodies, gave the command of one to his vizir, and placing himself

met the courier returning, who said to him, "My lord, it is useless for you to proceed further, if Aboulcassem is the sole cause o

tears on hearing the sad news, and, thinking it was useless to continue his journey, retraced his steps. As soon as he arrived at

ince, "you have soon returned.

e, expect to hear the bad news I am going to tell. Aboulcassem is no m

g any signs of life. At length his eyes sought the courier, who had returned from Basra, and he asked for the despatch. The prince read it with much a

ect that the king of Basra and his vizir, instead of

uspicion occurred to me, and I advi

nd horsemen of my guard, march to Basra, seize the two guilty wretches, an

an, after long remaining insensible, was beginning to recover, when he felt himself laid hold of by powerful arms, taken f

any pity spare me these useless torments, for again I declare

s who had lifted him from the coffin; "instead of

nd, looking at his liberators, recognized the

aid, "is it to yo

rothed, whom you see with me. Informed of your noble behaviour, he

uld expose my life a thousand times, rathe

ls they had given him, expressed to the lady and the prince his grateful thanks for t

s, was informed of all concerning you. This slave is one of the two who were with him in the tomb, and as he had charge of the key he confided it to me for a few hours. I no sooner made thi

s it possible so unworthy and cruel

he vizir, finding you have escaped, will seek you in all directions. I am going to conduct you to

o his own palace, and kept him so well concealed, that it was impossible his enemies could discover him. Aboulcassem remained some time in prince Aly's house, who treated him most kindly,

your enemies know not what is become of you. Hasten

first thing he did on entering the city was to hasten to the place where the merchants usually assembled. The hope of seeing there some one he had known at Basra, and of relating his misfortunes, was his only consolation. He was vexed at being unable to find this place, and traversing the town, sought in

, "I have just seen my

he said; "Aboulcassem no longer lives. Deceived by som

hful; I assure you it is he: I

was the son of Abdelaziz. They found him in the same place, for, imagining he had recognized his little page, he waited till the child reappeared at the window. Whe

himself-he it was whom you entertained at Basra-it was to him that you

into the apartment of Haroun. The prince was seated on a sofa. He was extremely affected at the sight of Aboulcassem. He hastened towards the young man, and he

guest. It was I whom you received so hospitably, and

iph, and who from respect had drawn his cloak over his head, an

you who honoured your slave's house?" And he threw himse

d placing him on a sofa, "that you are still

AND THE PA

, and how he had been preserved from the fury of tha

ed to take your life. Aboulfatah, by putting you to the most frightful tortures, hoped to induce you to reveal your treasures; that was the sole reason he delayed your death. But you would have been revenged. Giafar, with a larg

s birds, who mingling their notes formed the most charming concert. The baths of Haroun-al-Raschid were under this dome. The prince and his guest took a bath, after which the attendants rubbed them with the finest towels, which had never before been used. They then clothed Aboulcassem in rich apparel. The caliph conducted him to a chamber where refreshments awaited them, such as roasted fowls and lamb, white soups, pomegranates from Amlas and Ziri, pears from Exhali, grapes from Melah and Sevise, and apples from Ispahan. After they had partaken of these

"allow me to present t

ssion, than the caliph ordered a scaffold to be erected before the palace, to which the wicked Aboulfatah was conducted. The people knowing the cruelty of this vizir, instead of being touched with his misfortune, testified the utmost impatience to witness his execution. The executioner was already prepared, sabre in han

aliph, "you, indeed, deserve a crown! Happy t

with the lady who had the generosity to avert from me the fury of her father; these two lovers are worthy this honour. As to

to accord him liberty as well as life, he ordered the vizir to be shut up in a dark tower for the remainder of his days. When the people of Bagdad were informed that it was Aboulcassem himself who had begg