Arabian Nights: 248th Night: Jullanar of the Sea - 19

The following night Shahrazad said:

Sayih said to his mother, "My nephew is superior to her, because his father was king of all Persians.  He is now their king. Indeed, none but Jauhara is worthy of him, and none but he is worthy of her.  I will take to her father necklaces of rubies and other jewels, a present worthy of him, and demand her in marriage. If he objects to that I must endeavour to fulfill my nephew's wish, even if costs my life, because I was the cause of his infatuation, and just as I plunged him in the ocean of love, I will endeavour to marry him to the girl, and God will help me."

His mother replied, "Do as you wish, but when you speak with al Shamandal, beware of offending him, for you know his pride and violent temper, and I fear he will lay hands on you, for he has no respect for anyone."  Sayih replied, "I hear and obey."

He took two bags full of precious necklaces, emerald cabochons, and rubies and diamonds, and bade his servants to carry them and accompany him.  He set out for the palace of al Shamandal.  He reached the palace, obtained leave to enter it, and kissed the ground before him when he met Shamandal.  King Shamandal rose to greet Sayih, and bade him to sit.  When he was seated, the king said to him, "Blessed is your coming.  I have missed you in your absence.  Tell me your wish and I will grant it."  Sayih rose, and kissed the ground once more before the king, said to him, "O King of the age, my errands is to the Almighty God and to the gallant king and valiant lion, whose fame has spread far and wide, whose praise has been sung in all the provinces and cities for justice, his forbearance, his mercy, his generosity, his kindness and his graciousness."  Then he opened the two bags, and emptying out the precious necklaces, the emerald cabochons, and rubies and diamonds before the king.  "O king, I hope that you will do me a favour and make me happy by accepting my present."

King al-Shamandal replied, "There is neither reason nor explanation for such a present," the king replied, "what prompted you to give me this great treasure, and what do you expect in return?  Explain your case and tell me your need.  If it is in my power, I will grant it at once, without further ado; and if I am unable to grant it, I will be excused, 'for God asks nothing of a soul beyond its means."'  Sayih rose and kissing the ground before the king, said, "O.king, my need is within your means; it is in your possession, and within your power, for I am not mad enough to ask the king for a favour he is unable
to grant."

But morning overtook and Shahrazad lapsed into silence.

Notes:-
1. cabochons: Polished but not faceted jewels. A faceted jewel has flat top and faces across it.  Faceted gem has domed top and flat bottom.


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