Arabian Nights: 251st Night: Jullanar of the Sea - 22

The following night Shahrazad said:

Jauhara was on the top of a tree in an island. Badr was under the tree blinking at her. 

Badr marveled at the strange coincidence, and he said to himself, "There is no doubt that my uncle had defeated al-Shamandal," and he felt very Happy, "and there is no doubt that I have attained my aim and fulfilled my wish by the capture of her father."

He said to her, "Oh my lady, come down to me, for I am captured by your eyes and slain by your love.  It was on our account that this turmoils took place, for I am Badr, king of Persia, and Sayih is my uncle, who came to your father to demand you in marriage for me.  I have left my kingdom and my mother and relatives; I have parted from my friends and companions, and I have come far away from my country for your sake.  Our meeting here is a rare coincidence.  Come down to me, and I will take you to your father's palace, ask my uncle Sayih to release him, and make you my lawful wife."

Jauhara heard this, and thought, "It was on account of this vile, good-for-nothing coward that my father's army has been routed, his men have been killed, and he has been taken prisoner, and I have been driven away far from my home to this island.  If I do not find a way to foil him, this worthless fellow will overpower and have his will imposed on me, for he is in love and lover is not blamed for anything he does." 

She decided to deceive him with sweet words and coquettish behaviour.  He made eyes at him, and said, "My lord, O my darling, are you indeed king Badr, the son of Jullanar of the sea?" 

He replied, "Yes, my lady, I am."

She said, "May God cut off my father's hand, and take his Kingdom from him and may He never grant him consolation or return from exile! 
How could he desire anyone more handsome, more elegant, or more suitable than you?  My God, he has little sense or judgment."  "O king," she continued after a while, "if you love me a span, I love you two cubits, for I have fallen in the snares of your love and I am one of your victims.  Your love for me had transferred itself to me, and what I feel for you now is manyfold greater than what you feel for me."

Then she climbed down the tree, and coming upto him, embraced him and kissed him.  His love and desire for her grew even greater.  He did not doubt her, but trusted her.  He too embraced her and kissed her.  Then he thought, "My God, my uncle has not done justice to a fortieth part of her charm or a carat of her beauty."

Morning overtook and Shahrazad lapsed into silence.



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