Arabian Nights: 230th Night: Jullanar of the Sea 1

Once in Persia, there was a king whose capital was the city of Khurasan.  He was mighty king, so that all lords, chiefs, and fiefs paid him tributes that made him rich. He was sensible and judicious, and was very kind to his subjects. Towards minor offenders he showed clemency.  His subjects loved him very much. He had myraids of concubines, whom he housed in separate houses. But the king had no sons. He was worried over this, and he abundantly gave alms  and offered sacrifices to deities. He was worried over this, and he feared that he would die without having a successor to his throne.

Slave trade had been flourishing in the city and slave merchants came to him when new slave girls came by and the king bought them at high price. In addition to better price, if the girl was of exceptional beauty, the king would bestow on him robes of honour and written orders exempting him from levy of taxes.  Merchants from far and wide markets came to him and offered concubines.  In spite of all these he was depressed over the absence of a successor.

Night was over, and the dawn came and Shahrazad put a pause on her story telling.
 

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