Part 3 (2/2)
”In short, _Naufal_ having rewarded all of them according to their desserts, thought it contrary to gentlemanly conduct and manliness of character to harbour enmity and strife towards a man like _Hatim_, from whom mult.i.tudes received happiness, and who, for the sake of the necessitous, did not even spare his own life, and was entirely devoted to the ways of G.o.d. He instantly seized _Hatim's_ hand with great cordiality and friends.h.i.+p, and said to him, 'Why should it not be the case? [200] such a man as you are can perform such an action.' Then the king, with great respect and attention, made _Hatim_ sit down near him, and he instantly restored to him the lands and property, and the wealth and moveables, he had confiscated; and bestowed on him anew the chieftains.h.i.+p of the tribe of _Ta,i_, and ordered the five hundred pieces of gold to be given to the old man from the treasury, who, blessing [the king], went away.”
When I had heard the whole of this adventure of _Hatim's_, a spirit of rivalry came into my mind; and this idea occurred to me, viz., ”_Hatim_ was the only chief of his own tribe [of Arabs]. He, by one act of liberality has gained such renown, that to this day it is celebrated; whilst I am, by the decree of G.o.d, the king of all _Iran_; and it would be a pity if I were to remain excluded from this good fortune. It is certain that in this world no quality is greater than generosity and liberality; for whatever a man bestows in this world, he receives its return in the next. If any one sows a single seed, then how much does he reap from its produce! With these ideas impressed upon my mind, I called for the lord of the buildings, and ordered him to erect, as speedily as possible, a grand palace without the city, with forty high and wide gates. [201] In a short time, even such a grand palace as my heart wished for, was built and got ready, and in that place every day at all times, from morning till night, I used to bestow pieces of silver and gold on the poor and helpless; whoever asked for anything in charity, I granted it to the utmost of his desire.
In short, the necessitous entered [daily] through the forty gates, and received whatever they wanted. It happened one day that a _fakir_ came in from the front gate and begged some alms. I gave him a gold piece; then the same person entered through the next gate, and asked two pieces of gold; though I recollected him [to be the same _fakir_], I pa.s.sed over [the circ.u.mstance] and gave them. In this manner he came in through each gate, and increased a piece of gold in his demand each time; and I knowingly appeared ignorant [of the circ.u.mstance], and continued supplying him according to his demand. At last he entered by the fortieth gate, and asked forty pieces of gold--this sum I likewise ordered to be given him. After receiving so much, the _fakir_ re-entered from the first gate and again begged alms: his conduct appeared to me highly impudent, and I said, hear, O avaricious man, what kind of a _fakir_ art thou, that dost not even know the meaning of the three letters which compose the word [Arabic: faqr] _fakr_ (poverty); a _fakir_ ought to act up to them. He replied, ”Well, generous soul, explain them yourself.” I answered, ”[Arabic: f] _fe_ means _faka_ (fasting); [Arabic: q] _kaf_ signifies _kina'at_ (contentment); and [Arabic: r] _re_ means _riyazat_ (devotion); [202]
whoever has not these three qualities, is not a _fakir_. All this which you have received, eat and drink with it, and when it is done, return to me, and receive whatever thou requirest. This charity is bestowed on thee to relieve immediate wants and not for the purpose of acc.u.mulation. O avidious! from the forty gates thou hast received from one piece of gold up to forty; add up the amount, and see by the rule of arithmetical progression how many pieces of gold it comes to; and even after all this, thy avarice hath brought thee back again through the first gate. What wilt thou do after having acc.u.mulated so much money? A [real] _fakir_ ought only to think [of the wants] of the pa.s.sing day; the following day the great Provider [of necessaries]
will afford thee a new pittance. Now evince some shame and modesty; have patience, and be content; what sort of mendicity is this that thy spiritual guide hath taught thee?”
On hearing these reproaches of mine, he became displeased and angry, and threw down on the ground all [the money] he had received from me, and said, ”Enough, sir, do not be so warm; take back your gifts and keep them, and do not again p.r.o.nounce the word generosity. It is very difficult to be generous; you are not able to support the weight of generosity, when will you attain to that station? [203] you are as yet very far from it. The word [Arabic: sakhy] _Sakhi_ (generous), is also composed of three letters; first act up to the meaning of those three letters, then you will be called generous.” On hearing this I became uneasy, and said to the _fakir_, well, holy pilgrim, explain to me the meaning of those three letters. He replied, ”from [Arabic: s] _sin_ is derived _sama,i_ (endurance); from [Arabic: kh]
_khe_ comes _khaufi Ilahi_ (fear of G.o.d); and from [Arabic: y]_ye_ proceeds _yad_ (remembrance of one's birth and death). Until one is possessed of these three qualities, he should not mention the name of generosity; and the generous man has also this happiness, that although he acts amiss [in other points], yet he is dear to his Maker [on account of his generosity]. I have travelled through many countries, but except the princess of _Basra_, I have not seen a [person really] generous. The robe of generosity G.o.d hath shaped out on [the person] of that woman; all others desire the name, but do not act up to it.” On hearing this, I made much entreaty, and conjured him [by all that was sacred] to forgive my rebuke, and take whatever he required. He would not, on any account, accept my proffered gifts, but went away repeating these words, ”Now if thou wert to give all thy kingdom, I would not spit upon it, nor would I even **.” [204]
The pilgrim went away, but having heard such praises of the princess of _Basra_, my heart became quite restless, and no way could I be easy. Now this desire arose within me, that by some means or other I must go to _Basra_ and take a look at her.
In the meantime, the king, my father, died, and I ascended the throne. I got the empire, but the idea [I had formed of going to _Basra]_] did not leave me. I held a consultation with the _wazir_ and n.o.bles, who were the support of the throne, and the pillars of the empire, saying, I wish to make a journey to _Basra_. Do ye remain steady in your respective stations; if I live, then the duration of the journey will be short; I will soon be back. No one seemed pleased at the idea of my going; in my helplessness, my heart continued to become more and more sorrowful. One day, without consulting any one, I privately sent for the resourceful _wazir_, and made him regent and plenipotentiary [during my absence], and placed him at the head of the affairs of the empire. I then put on the ochre-coloured habit [of a pilgrim], and, a.s.suming the appearance of a _fakir_, I took the road to _Basra_ alone. In a few days, I reached its boundaries, and [constantly] began to witness this scene; wherever I halted for the night, the servants of the princess advanced to receive me, and made me halt at some elegant house, and they used to provide me in perfection with all the requisites of a banquet, and to remain in attendance on me all night with the utmost respect. The following day, at the next stage, I experienced the same reception. In this comfort I journeyed onwards for months; at last I entered [the city of] _Basra_. I had no sooner entered it, than a good-looking young man, well dressed, and well-behaved, who carried wisdom in his looks, came up to me, and said with extreme sweetness of address, ”I am the servant of pilgrims; I am always on the look out to conduct to my house all travellers, whether pilgrims or men of the world, who come to this city; except my house alone, there is no other place here for a stranger to put up at; pray, holy sir, come with me, bestow honour on my abode, and render me exalted.
I asked him, ”what is the n.o.ble name of your honour?” He replied, ”they call the name of this nameless one _Bedar Bakht_.” Seeing his good qualities and affable manners, I went along with him and came to his house. I saw a grand mansion fitted up in a princely style--he led me to a grand apartment, and made me sit down; and sending for warm water, he caused [the attendants] to wash my hands and feet; and having caused the _dastar-khwan_ [205] to be spread, the steward placed before me alone a great variety of trays and dishes, and large quant.i.ties of fruit and confectionery. [206] On seeing such a grand treat, my very soul was satiated, and taking a mouthful from each dish, my stomach was filled; I then drew back my hand from eating. [207]
The young man became very pressing, and said, ”Sir, what have you eaten? all the dinner remains as it were for a deposit; [208] eat some more without ceremony.” I replied, there is no shame in eating; G.o.d prosper your house, I have eaten as much as my stomach can contain, and I cannot sufficiently praise the relish of your feast, and even now my tongue smacks with their flavour, and every belch [209] I make is absolutely perfumed, now pray take them away. ”When the _dastar-khwan_ was removed, they spread a carpet of _kashani_ velvet, and brought to me ewers and basins of gold, with scented soap and warm water, wherewithal I might wash my hands; then _betel_ was introduced, in a box set with precious stones, and spices of various kinds; whenever I called for water to drink, the servants brought it cooled in ice. When the evening came, camphorated candles were lighted up in the gla.s.s shades; and that friendly young man sat down near me and entertained me with his conversation. When one watch of the night had elapsed, he said to me, ”be pleased to sleep in this bed, in front of which are curtains and screens.” I said, O, Sir, for us pilgrims a mat or a deer-skin is sufficient; this [luxury]
G.o.d has ordained for you men of the world.
He replied, ”All these things are for pilgrims; they do not in the least belong to me.” On his pressing me so urgently, I went and lay down on the bed which was softer than even a bed of flowers. Pots of roses and baskets of flowers were placed on both sides of the bedstead, and aloes and other perfumes were burning; to whichever side I turned, my senses were intoxicated with fragrance; in this state I slept. When the morning came, [the attendants] placed before me for breakfast, almonds, pistachio nuts, grapes, figs, pears, pomegranates, currants, dates, and _sharbat_ made of fruit. In this festive manner I pa.s.sed three days and nights. On the fourth day I requested leave to depart. The young man said, with joined hands, ”Perhaps I have been deficient in my attentions to you, for which reason you are displeased.” I replied with astonishment, for G.o.d's sake, what a speech is this? the rules of hospitality [require one to stay] three days--these have I fulfilled; to remain longer would be improper; and besides this, I have set out to travel, and if I remain merely at one place, then it will not suit; for which reason I beg leave to depart; in other respects, your kindness is such that my heart does not wish to be separated from you.
He then said, ”Do as you please; but wait a moment, that I may go to the princess and in her presence mention [the circ.u.mstance]; and as you wish to depart [be it known to you], that all the wearing apparel and bedding, also the vessels of silver and gold, and the jewelled vessels in this guest's apartment, are your property; whatever directions you may give for the purpose of taking them away, an arrangement [to that effect] shall be made.” I answered, ”cease [210] to talk in this manner; I am a pilgrim, and not a strolling bard; if such avarice had a place in my heart, then why should I have turned pilgrim; and where would be the evil of [my leading] a worldly life?” That kind young man replied, ”If the princess should hear of this circ.u.mstance [of your refusal], she will discharge me from my employment, and G.o.d knows what other punishment I shall receive; if you are so indifferent [to possess them], then lock up all these articles in a room, and put your seal on the door, and you may hereafter dispose of them as you please.”
I would not accept [his offer], and he would not submit [to me]. At last, this plan was adopted, I locked them all up in a room, and put my seal on the door, and waited [with impatience] for leave of departing. In the meantime a confidential eunuch, having on his head an aigrette, and a short robe round his loins, and a golden mace studded with gems in his hand, accompanied by several other respectable attendants, filling [various] offices, came near me with this splendour and pomp. He addressed me with such kindness and complaisance that I cannot express it, and added, ”O, sir, if shewing kindness and benevolence, you do me the favour to dignify my humble dwelling with your presence, then it will not be far from courtesy and condescension.
Perhaps the princess will hear that a traveller had been here, and no one had received him with courtesy and politeness; and that he had gone away as he came; for this reason G.o.d knows what punishment she will inflict on me, or how far her displeasure will be raised; yea more, it is a matter affecting my life,” I refused to listen to his request, but through dint of solicitations he overcame my resistance, and conducted me to another house, which was better than the first Like the former host, he entertained me twice a day for three days and nights, with the same kind of meals, and in the morning and afternoon sherbet, and fruits for pa.s.sing away the time, and he told me that I was the master of all the rich gold and silver dishes, carpets, &c, and that I might do with them whatever I pleased.
On hearing these strange proposals, I was quite confounded, and wished that I might by some means take my leave and escape from this place. On perceiving my [embara.s.sed] countenance, the eunuch said, ”O creature of G.o.d, whatever your wants or wishes may be, impart them to me, that I may lay them before the princess.” I replied, ”in the garb of a pilgrim, how can I desire the riches of this world, which you offer me unasked, and which I refuse?” He then said, ”The desire of worldly goods forsakes the heart of no one, for which reason some poet has composed these verses:--
”I have seen [ascetics] with nails unpared; I have seen [others] with hair thickly matted; I have seen _jogis_ [211] with their ears split, Having their bodies covered with ashes; I have seen the _maunis_ [212] who never speak; I have seen the _sevras_ [213] with heads shaved; I have seen [the people] sporting, In the forest of _Ban-khandi_; I have seen the brave, I have seen heroes; I have seen the wise and the foolish, all; I have seen those filled with delusion, Continuing in forgetfulness amidst their wealth; I have seen those [who were] happy from first to last.
I have seen those [who were] afflicted from their birth; But never have I seen those [men]
In whose minds avarice did not exist.”
On hearing these [lines], I replied, what you say is true, but I want nothing; if you will permit, I will write out a note and send it which will express my wish, and which you will convey to the presence of the princess, it will be [doing me] a great favour, as if I had received all the riches in the world. The eunuch said, ”I will do it with pleasure, there is no difficulty in it.” I immediately wrote a note to the following purport:--first, I began with the praise of G.o.d; I then related my circ.u.mstances and situation, saying, ”that this creature of G.o.d had, some days since, arrived in the city, and from the munificence of her government, had been taken care of in every way; that I had heard such accounts of her highness's generosity and munificence, as had raised in me an ardent desire to see her, and that I had found those qualities four-fold greater than they had been represented. Your n.o.bles now tell me to set forth before you whatever wants or wishes I may have; for this reason I beg to represent to you without ceremony the wishes of my heart. I am not in want of the riches of this world. I am also the king of my own country; my sole reason for coming so far and undergoing such fatigues, was the ardent desire I had to see you, which motive only has conducted me here in this manner quite alone. I now hope through your benevolence to attain the wishes of my heart; I shall then be satisfied. Any further favours will rest with your pleasure; but if the request of this wretch is not granted, then he will wander about in this same manner, encountering hards.h.i.+ps, and sacrifice his restless life to the pa.s.sion he feels for you. Like _Majnun_ and _Farhad_, [214] he will end his life in some forest or mountain.”
Having written my wishes, I gave the note to the eunuch; he carried it to the princess. After a short while, he returned and called me, and conducted me to the door of the seraglio. On arriving there, I saw an elderly and respectable woman dressed in jewels, sitting on a golden stool, and many eunuchs and other servants richly clothed, were standing before her with arms across. I imagining her to be the superintendent of affairs, and regarding her as a venerable [person], made her my obeisance; the old lady returned my salute with much civility, and said, ”Come and sit down, you are welcome; it is you who wrote an affectionate note to the princess.” I feeling ashamed, hung down my head and remained sitting silent.
After a short pause, she said, ”O, young man, the princess has sent you her _salam_, [215] and said thus, 'There is nothing wrong in my taking a husband; you have solicited me [in marriage]; but to speak of your kingdom, and to conceive yourself a king in this mendicant state, and to be proud of it, is quite out of place; for this reason, that all men among each other are certainly equal; although superior consideration ought to be due to those who are of the religion of _Muhammad_. I also have wished for a long while to marry, and as you are indifferent to worldly riches, to me likewise G.o.d has given such wealth as cannot be counted. But there is one condition, that first of all you procure my marriage portion.' [216] The marriage-gift of the princess,” added the old lady, ”is a certain task to perform, if yon can fulfil it.” I replied, ”I am ready in every way, and I shall not be sparing of my wealth or life; tell me what the task is, that I may hear it. The old woman then said, ”Remain here to-day, and tomorrow I will tell it to you.” I accepted [her proposal] with pleasure, and taking my leave, I came out.
The day had in the meantime pa.s.sed away, and when the evening came, a eunuch called upon me, and conducted me to the seraglio. On entering, I saw that the n.o.bles, the learned, the virtuous, and the sages of the divine law were present. I likewise joined the a.s.sembly and sat down. In the meantime the cloth for the repast was spread, and eatables of every variety, both sweet and salt, were laid out. They all began to eat, and with courtesy solicited me to join them. When dinner was over, a female servant came out from the interior [of the seraglio]
and asked, ”Where is _Bahrawar_? call him.” The servants in waiting brought him immediately; his appearance was very respectable, and many keys of silver and gold were suspended from his waist. After saluting me, he sat down by me. The same female servant said, ”O, _Bahrawar_, whatever thou hast seen, relate it fully [to this stranger].”
_Bahrawar_, addressing himself to me, began the following narration:--”O, friend! our princess possesses thousands of slaves, who are established in trade; among them I am one of the humblest of her hereditary servants. She sends them to different countries with goods and merchandise, worth _lakhs_ of rupees, of which they have the charge; when these return [from the respective countries to which they were sent to trade], then the princess, in her own presence, inquires of them the state and manners of such country, and hears [their different accounts]. Once it so happened that this meanest [of her slaves] went to the country and city of _Nimroz_ [217] to trade, and perceiving that all the inhabitants were dressed in black, and that they sighed and wept every moment, and it appeared to me that some sad calamity had befallen them. From whomsoever I asked the reason [of these strange circ.u.mstances], no one would answer my inquiry. One day, the moment the morning appeared, all the inhabitants of the city, little and great, young and old, poor and rich, issued forth. They went out and a.s.sembled on a plain; the king of the country went there also mounted on horseback, and surrounded by his n.o.bles; then they all formed a regular line, and stood still.
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