Part 5 (2/2)

which he has sewed on a collar, and put it round his dog's neck.” On hearing this, I became greatly displeased, and said with anger, put this _wazir_ to death.

The executioners immediately seized hold of his hands, and were going to lead him out [to execution]. The amba.s.sador of the king of the Franks, joining his hands [in humble supplication] stood before me. I asked him what he wanted; he replied, ”I hope I may become informed of the _wazir's_ fault,” I answered, what can be a greater fault than to lie, especially before kings. He replied, ”His falsehood has not yet been confirmed; perhaps what he has said may be true; now, to put an innocent person to death is not right.” I said to him in reply, ”It is not at all consistent with reason, that a merchant, who, for the sake of gain, wanders disconsolate from city to city and from country to country, and h.o.a.rds up every farthing [he can save], should sew twelve rubies, which weigh seven _miskals_ each, on the collar of a dog.” The amba.s.sador in answer said, ”Nothing is surprising before the power of G.o.d; perhaps it may be the case; such rarities often fall into the hands of merchants and pilgrims. For these two [cla.s.ses of people] go into every country, and they bring away with them whatever they find rare in [their travels]. It is most advisable for your majesty to order the _wazir_ to be imprisoned, if he is as guilty [as you suppose]; for _wazirs_ are the intelligencers of kings, and such conduct as this appears unhandsome in the latter, that in a case, the truth and falsehood of which is as yet unascertained, to order them to be put to death, and that the services and fidelity of a whole life should be forgotten.

”Mighty sire, former kings have erected prisons for this very reason, that when the kings or chiefs may be in wrath towards any one, then they might confine him. In a few days their anger will have entirely subsided, and [the suspected one's] innocence will become manifest, and the king will be exempt from the stain of shedding innocent blood, and not have to answer for it on the day of judgment.” Though I wished ever so much to refute him, yet the amba.s.sador of the Franks [264]

gave such just replies, that he reduced me to silence. Then I said, well, I agree to what you say, and I pardon him his life. But he shall remain imprisoned; if in the s.p.a.ce of a year his words are proved to be true, that such rubies are round the neck of a dog, then he shall be released; otherwise, he shall be put to death with many torments. I accordingly ordered the _wazir_ to be carried to prison. On hearing this order, the amba.s.sador made me his humble obeisance, [265] and performed his parting salute.

When this news reached the _wazir's_ family, weeping and lamentations took place, and it became a house of mourning. The _wazir_ had a daughter of the age of fourteen or fifteen years, very handsome and accomplished, perfect in writing and reading. The _wazir_ loved her greatly, and was extremely fond of her; so much so, that he had erected an elegant apartment for her behind his own _diwan khana;_ and had procured for her the daughters of n.o.blemen as her companions, and handsome female servants waited on her; with these she pa.s.sed her time in laughter and joy, and playing and romping about.

It happened that on the day the _wazir_ was sent to prison, the girl was sitting with her young companions, and was celebrating with [infantile] pleasure the marriage of her doll; and with a small drum and timbrel she was making preparation for the night vigils; and having put on the frying pan, she was busy making up sweetmeats, when her mother suddenly ran into her apartment, lamenting and beating [her b.r.e.a.s.t.s], with dishevelled tresses and naked feet. She struck a blow on her daughter's head, and said, ”Would that G.o.d had given me a blind son instead of thee; then my heart would have been at ease, and he would have been the friend of his father.” The _wazir's_ daughter asked, ”What use would a blind son have been to you? whatever he could do, I can do likewise.” The mother replied, ”Dust be on thy head! such a calamity hath fallen on thy father, that he is confined in the prison for having used some improper expressions before the king.” The daughter asked, ”What were the expressions? let me hear them.” Then her mother answered, ”Your father said that there is a merchant in _Nishapur_, who has fixed twelve inestimable rubies on his dog's collar: the king would not believe him, but conceived him a liar, and has imprisoned him. If he had had to-day a son, he would have exerted himself by every means to ascertain the truth of the circ.u.mstance; he would have a.s.sisted his father, besought the king's forgiveness, and have got my husband released from prison.”

The _wazir's_ daughter said [in reply], ”O mother, we cannot combat against fate; man under sudden calamity ought to be patient, and place his hopes in the bounty of G.o.d. He is merciful, and does not hold any one's difficulties to be irremovables; weeping and lamentations are improper. G.o.d forbid that our enemies should misrepresent [the motive of our tears] to the king, and the teller of tales calumniate us, for that would be the cause of farther displeasure. On the contrary, let us offer up our prayers for the king's welfare; we are his born slaves, and he is our master; even as he is wroth, so will he be gracious.” The girl, from her good sense, thus made her mother comprehend these things, so that she became somewhat patient and tranquil, and returned in silence to her palace. When the night arrived, the _wazir-zadi_ [266] sent for her foster father, [or nurse's husband], and fell at his feet and beseeched him greatly, and weeping, said, ”I have formed a resolution to wipe off the reproach my mother has cast on me, so that my father may regain his freedom. If you will be my companion, then I will set out for _Niashapur_, and having seen the merchant [who has such rubies round his dog's neck], I will do all in my power [to the end that] I may release my father.”

The man indeed made some excuses at first; at length after much discussion, he agreed [to her request]. Then the _wazir-zadi_ said, ”Make the preparations for the Journey in secrecy and silence, and buy some articles of trade fit to be presented as offerings to kings, and procure as many slaves and servants as may be required; but do not let this circ.u.mstance be revealed to any one.” The foster father agreed [to the project], and set about [the necessary] preparations. When all the materials were got ready, he loaded the camels and mules, and set out; the _wazir's_ daughter also put on the dress of a man, and joined him. No one in the house knew anything whatever [of the departure]. When the morning came, it was mentioned in the _wazir's_ family, that the _wazir-zadi_, had disappeared, and that it was uncertain where she was gone.

At last, the mother, from fear of scandal, concealed the circ.u.mstance of her daughter's disappearance; and there [on the journey] the _wazir-zadi_ gave herself out as a ”young merchant.” Travelling onwards stage by stage, they arrived at _Naishapur_; and with great pleasure they went and put up at the _caravan-serai_ and unloaded all their merchandise. The _wazir-zadi_ I remained there that night; in the morning she went to the bath; and put on a rich dress, according to the costume of the inhabitants of _Rum_, and went out to ramble through the city. Proceeding along, she reached the _chauk,_ and stood where the four great streets crossed each other; and a jeweller's shop appeared on one side, where a great deal of jewels were exposed [for sale], and slaves wearing rich dresses were in waiting, with crossed arms; and a man, who was their chief, of about fifty years [267] of age, dressed like rich persons in a short-sleeved jacket, was seated there, with many elegant companions near him, seated likewise on stools, and conversing among themselves.

The _wazir-zadi_ (who had represented herself as a merchant's son, [268]) was greatly surprised at seeing the jeweller; and, on reflection, she became pleased in her own heart, saying, ”G.o.d grant this be no delusion! it is most probable that this is the very merchant, the anecdote of whom my father mentioned to the king. O, great G.o.d, enlighten me as to his circ.u.mstances.” It happened, that on looking around her, she saw a shop, in which two iron cages were suspended, and two men were confined in them. They looked like _majnun_ in appearance, only skin and bones remained; the hair of their heads and their nails were quite overgrown, and they sat with their heads reclined on their b.r.e.a.s.t.s; two ugly negroes, completely armed, were standing on each side [of the cages]. The young merchant was struck with amazement, and exclaimed, ”G.o.d bless us.” When she looked round the other way, she saw another shop, where carpets were spread, on which an ivory stool was placed, with a velvet cus.h.i.+on, and a dog sat thereon, with a collar set with precious stones around his neck, and chained by a chain of gold; and two young handsome servants waited on the dog. One was shaking [over him] a _morchhal_ [269] with a golden handle, set with precious stones, and the other held an embroidered handkerchief in his hand, with which he [from time to time] wiped the dog's mouth and feet.

The young merchant, having looked at the animal with great attention, perceived on its collar the twelve large rubies, as she had heard [them described]. She praised G.o.d, and began to consider thus: ”By what means can I carry those rubies to the king, and show them to him, and get my father released?” She was plunged in these perplexing reflections; meanwhile, all the people in the square and on the road, seeing her beauty and comeliness, were struck with astonishment, and remained utterly confounded. All the people said one to another, ”Even unto this day, we have never seen a human being of this form and beauty.” The _khwaja_ [270] also perceived her, and sent a slave, saying, ”Go thou and entreat that young merchant to come to me.”

The slave went up to her and delivered his master's message, and said, ”If you will have the kindness, then my master is desirous of [seeing] your honour; pray come and have an interview with him.” The young merchant indeed wished this very thing, and said in reply, ”Very well.” [271] The moment she came near the _khwaja_, and he had a full view of her, the dart of attachment pierced his breast; he rose up to receive her respectfully, but his senses were utterly bewildered.

The young merchant perceived that ”now he is entangled in the net” [of my charms]. They mutually embraced one another; the _khwaja_ kissed the young merchant's forehead, and made him sit down near him; and asked with much kindness, ”inform me of your name and lineage? whence have you come, and where do you intend to go?” The young merchant replied, ”This humble servant's country is _Rum_, and Constantinople has been for ages the birth-place [of my ancestors.] My father is a merchant; and as he is now from old age unable to travel [from country to country on his mercantile concerns] on this account he has sent me abroad to learn the affairs of commerce. Until now I had not put my foot out of our door; this is the very first journey that has occurred to me. I had not courage [272] to come here by sea, I therefore travelled by land; but your excellence and good name is so renowned in this country of _'Ajam_ [273] that to have the pleasure only of meeting you I have come so far. At last, by the favour of G.o.d, I have had the honour of [sitting in] your n.o.ble presence, and have found your good qualities exceed your renown; the wish of my heart is accomplished; G.o.d preserve you in safety, I will now set out from hence.”

On hearing these [last words], the _khwaja's_ mind and senses were quite discomposed, and he exclaimed, ”O, my son, do not speak to me of such a thing;” stay some days with me in my humble abode; pray tell me where are your goods, and your servants?” The young merchant replied, ”The traveller's abode is the _sara,e_; [274] leaving them there, I came to see you.” The _khwaja_ said, ”It is unbecoming [a person of your consideration] to dwell in the _sara,e_ I have some reputation in this city, and much celebrity; send quickly for your baggage, &c.; I will prepare a house for your goods; let me see whatever commodities you have brought; I will so manage it, that you will get here great profit on them. At the same time, you will be at your ease, and saved the danger and fatigue [of travelling any farther for a market], and by staying with me a few days you will greatly oblige me.” The young merchant pretended [275] to make some excuses, but the _khwaja_ would not accept them, and ordered one of his agents, saying, ”Send quickly some burden-bearers, and bring the goods, &c., from the _caravanserai_ and lodge them in such a place.”

The young merchant likewise sent a slave of his own with [the agent]

to bring the property and merchandise; and he himself remained with the _khwaja_ until the evening. When the time of [the afternoon]

market had elapsed, and the shop was shut, the _khwaja_ went towards his house. Then one of the two slaves took the dog up under his arm, and the other took up the stool and carpet; and the two negro slaves placed the two cages on the heads of porters, and they themselves, accoutred with the five weapons, [276] went alongside of them. The _khwaja_ took hold of the young merchant's hand, and conversing with him, reached his house.

The young merchant saw that the house was grand, and fit for kings or n.o.bles [to reside in]. Carpets were spread on the border of a rivulet, and before the _masnad_ the different articles for the entertainment were laid out. The dog's stool was placed there also, and the _khwaja_ and young merchant took their seats; he presented to him some wine without ceremony; they both began to drink. When they got merry, the _khwaja_ called for dinner; the _dastar-khwan_ [277] was spread, and the good things of the world were laid out. First they put some meat in a dish, and having covered it with a cover of gold, they carried it to the dog, and having spread an embroidered _dastar-khwan_, they laid the dish before him. The dog descended from his stool, ate as much as he liked, and drank some water out of a golden bowl, then returned and sat on his stool. The slaves wiped his mouth and feet with a napkin, and then carried the dish and bowl to the two cages, and having asked for the keys from the _khwaja_, they opened the locks.

They took out the two men [who were confined in the cages], gave them many blows with a great stick, and made them eat the leavings of the dog and drink the same water; they again fastened the doors [of the cages] and returned the keys to their master. When all this was over, the _khwaja_ began to eat himself. The young merchant was not pleased at these circ.u.mstances, and did not touch the victuals from disgust. How much soever the _khwaja_ pressed him, yet he flatly refused. Then the _khwaja_ asked the reason of this, saying, ”Why do you not eat?” The young merchant replied, ”This conduct of yours appears disgusting to me, for this reason that man is the n.o.blest of G.o.d's creatures, and the dog is decidedly impure. So to make two of G.o.d's own creatures eat the leavings of a dog, in what religion or creed is it lawful? Do not you think it sufficient that they are your prisoners? otherwise they and you are equal. Now, I doubt if you are a _Musulman_; who knows what you are? Perhaps you wors.h.i.+p the dog; it is disgusting to me to eat your dinner, until this doubt is removed from my mind.”

The _khwaja_ answered, ”O, son, I comprehend perfectly all that you say, and am generally censured for these reasons; for the inhabitants of this city have fixed upon me the name of dog-wors.h.i.+pper, and call me so, and have published it [everywhere]; but may the curse of G.o.d alight on the impious and the infidel!” The _khwaja_ then repeated the _kalima_, [278] and set the young merchant's mind at ease. Then the young merchant asked, thus, ”If you are really a _Musalman_ in your heart, then what is the reason of this? By so acting, get yourself generally censured?” The _khwaja_ said in reply, ”O, son, my name is reprobated, and I pay double taxes in the city, that no one may know this secret [motive of my conduct]. It is a strange circ.u.mstance, which, whoever hears, will get nothing by the recital but grief and indignation. You must likewise pardon me [from relating it]; for I shall not have strength of mind to recount it, nor will you have the composure of mind to listen to it.” The young merchant thought within himself, ”I have only to mind my own business; why should I to no purpose press him further on the subject?” She accordingly replied to the _khwaja_, ”Very well; if it is not proper to be related, do not mention it.” He then began to partake of the dinner, and having lifted a morsel, began to eat. The s.p.a.ce of about two months [279]

the young merchant pa.s.sed with the _khwaja_, with such prudence and circ.u.mspection, that no one found out by any chance that he was a woman [in disguise]. All thought that this [individual] was a male, and the _khwaja's_ affection for him increased daily, so that he could not allow him to be a moment absent from his sight.

One day, in the midst of a drinking feat, the young merchant began to weep. On seeing it, the _khwaja_ comforted her, and began to wipe away his tears with his handkerchief, and asked him the cause of his weeping. He answered, ”O, father, what shall I say? would to G.o.d that I had never attained access to your presence, and that your wors.h.i.+p had never shown me that kindness which you are shewing. I am now distressed between two difficulties; I have no heart to be separated from your presence, nor is there a possibility of my staying here. Now, it is necessary for me to go; but in separating from you, I do not perceive hopes of life.”

On hearing these words, the _khwaja_ involuntarily wept so loudly, that he was nearly choked, and exclaimed, ”O, light of my eyes! are you so soon tired of your old friend, that you think of going away and leaving him in such affliction? banish from your heart the idea of departing; as long as I have to live, remain here; I shall not live a day in your absence, and must [in such case] die before my appointed hour. The climate of this kingdom of Persia is very fine and congenial [to your health], you had best despatch a confidential servant, and send for your parents and property here; I will furnish whatever equipages and conveyances you require; when your parents and all their household come here, you can pursue your commercial concerns at your ease. I also have in my life gone through many hards.h.i.+ps, and have wandered many countries. I am now old and have no issue; I love you dearer than a son, and make you my heir and head manager. Be you, on the other hand, careful and attentive to my concerns. Give me a bit of bread to eat whilst I live; when I die, be pleased to bury me, and then take [possession of] all my wealth and effects.”

To this the young merchant replied, ”It is true, you have, more than a father, shewn to me kindness and affection, so that I have forgotten my parents; but this humble culprit's father only allowed a year's leave; if I exceed it, then he in his extreme old age will weep himself to death; finally, a father's approbation is meritorious before G.o.d, and if mine should be displeased with me, then I fear he may curse me, and I shall be an outcast from G.o.d's grace in this world and the next. Now such is your wors.h.i.+p's kindness, that you will give me leave to obey my father's commands, and fulfil the duties [of a son] towards a parent; I shall, while life lasts, bear on my neck the grat.i.tude I owe for your kindness. If I am ever [so fortunate as] to reach my native country, I will still ever think of your goodness with my heart and soul. G.o.d is the Causer of causes; perhaps some such cause may again occur, that I may have occasion to pay you my respects. In short, the young merchant urged such persuasive and feeling arguments to the _khwaja_, that he, poor man, being helpless, yielded to their force. [280] Inasmuch as he was now completely fascinated, he began to say in reply, ”Well, if you will not stay here, I will myself go with you. I consider you equivalent to my own life: hence, if my life goes with you, of what use is a lifeless body? If you are determined to go, then proceed, and take me with you.” Saying this to the young merchant, he began his preparations likewise for the journey, and gave orders to his agents to get ready quickly the necessary conveyances.

When the news of the _khwaja's_ departure became public, the merchants of that city on hearing it, began likewise their preparations to set out with him. The dog-wors.h.i.+pping _khwaja_ took with him specie and jewels to a great amount, servants and slaves without number, and rich rarities and property worthy of a king, and having pitched his tents of various sorts outside of the city, he went to them. All the other merchants took articles of merchandise with them according to their means, and joined the _khwaja_; they became for themselves a [regular] army.

One day, having fixed on a lucky moment for departure, they set out thence on their journey. Having laden thousands of camels with canvas sacks filled with goods, and the jewels and specie on mules, five hundred slaves from the steppes of _Kapchak_, from _Zang_, and from _Rum_, [281] completely armed, men used to the sword, mounted on horses of Arabia, of Tartary, and of _Irak_, accompanied [the caravan]. In the rear of all came the _khwaja_ and the young merchant, richly dressed, and mounted on sedans; a rich litter was lashed on the back of a camel, in which the dog reposed on a cus.h.i.+on, and the cages of the two prisoners were slung one on each side of another, across a camel, and thus they marched onwards. At every stage they came to, all the merchants waited on the _khwaja_ and on his _dastar-khwan_ they ate of his food and drank of his wine. The _khwaja_ offered up his grateful thanks to the Almighty for the happiness of having the young merchant with him, and proceeded on, stage by stage. At last, they reached the environs of Constantinople in perfect safety, and encamped without the city. The young merchant said [to the _khwaja_], ”O, father, if you grant me permission, I will go and see my parents, and prepare a house for you, and when it is agreeable to you, you will be pleased to enter the city.”

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