Arabian Nights: 242 Night: Jullanar of the Sea - 13

The following night Shahrazad said:

Jullanar's brother Sayih said, when a child is born to us, we pencil his eyes.  This is a ritual, which ward off the child from drowning, suffocation and other dangers expected of life in the sea. We walk in the sea just as you walk on land.  He pulled from his pocket a sealed bag, and breaking the seal he emptied it scattering the strings of rubies and all kinds of jewels in addition to three hundred emeralds and cabochons, and three hundred gemstones, as big as pigeon eggs glittering like the sun. Then he said, "O king, these big gems are a gift for your little son Badr; and these rubies, emeralds and other jewels are a gift from us to you.  See, we had not brought you anything, being unaware of Jullanar's situation.  Now we have met you and become one family, and in future we will bring other gifts in due course.  I know the source of these stones better than anyone else in land and sea."

The king was dazzled by the show of these stones, and he thought that some stones are worth more than his kingdom. He thanked Sayih. Then he turned to Jullanar and said, "I am embarassed before your brother.  He has generously given me these jewels, which is beyond my reach."

Sayih said, "O king of the age, it is you who have the prior claim on us, and it behooves us to thank you, for you have treated my sister kindly. And we stand at your service."

The king returned his thanks profusely.

Sayih rising himself to express his farewell, said, "O king! Grant us leave for our departure, for we long for our home.  We will never cease to serve you, and my sister Jullanar.  We are not happy to leave you, and we will come to you again and again."

They rose, and with one leap, flew off.

The king continued to cherish Jullanar and the boy grew in the midst of wealth and prosperity.  His uncle and grandma used to visit him occasionally with gifts toys and sweets.

By the time he was fifteen, he was unequalled in charm, beauty and grace.  By then he had learned grammar, lexicography, penmanship, history and was well versed in Quran.

Morning overtook and Shahrazad put a pause to her story telling.

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