Arabian Nights:190th Night: The Wealthy Man & The Slave Girl -20

The following night Shahrazad said:

It is related, O happy King, that the jeweler said:
I stayed with him that night, and in the morning returned to my house and hardly had I sat down, the maid servant arrived.  I told her what had happened between Ali ibn Bakkar and myself, and she said, "You are right, I will go to my lady, tell her what you have said, and convey to her your invitation."  She went out, and soon returned, and said to the jeweler, "Go to your other house, and make it ready."  She took out a purse and, giving it to me, said, "Use this money to buy food and drink."  But I swore that I would never touch it, and she took the purse back and departed.

I was still annoyed at her behaviour, when I went to my other house.  I took with me all the utensils in my possession, borrowed from friends all sorts of fine vessels of gold and silver, carpets, drapes, and whatever else was needed, bought all necessary provisions, and had everything ready.  The girl came and saw what I have done, and she was pleased.  I said to her, "Now go to Ali ibn Bakkar, and bring he here secretly."  She went out and brought him with her.  He was finely dressed and looking all delicacy and grace.  I received him with respect and courtesy, and seating him on a couch, set before him the most marvelous vessels and sat talking with him.

The girl went away and returned after the evening prayer with Shams al-Nahar, attended only by two maids.  When the two lovers saw each other, they were so overcome with passion that they stood still; then they fell down in a swoon. It was a terrible sight.  I endeavoured to revive him, while the girl endeavoured to revive Shams al-Nahar until they came to themselves.  When they regained some strength, they talked with each other for a while in a faint voice.  I offered them some wine and they drank, and I set food before them and they ate.  They thanked me, and I asked whether they would like some more wne and they said they would.  So I took them to another room where they sat to drink, forgot their worries, enjoyed themselves, and grew merry, all the while feeling astonished and pleased with what I had done for them.  Shams al-Nahar asked me, "Do you have lute or some other musical instrument?" I replied, "Yes, indeed." and brought her a lute.  She took it, tuned it, and played and sang with consummate skill.

But morning overtook and Shahrazad lapsed into silence.



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