Part 29

The little Agib, vexed at the joke of his school-fellows, immediately left the school, and returned home in tears. He went first to the apartment of his mother, who, alarmed at seeing him in so much affliction, anxiously inquired the cause. He could only answer by broken words, interrupted with sobs, so great was his grief; and it was not till after several attempts, that he could explain the mortifying subject of his sorrow. When he had finished, “In the name of God, mother,” added he, “do tell me who is my father?”--“My son,” replied she, “your father is the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed, who embraces you every day.”--“You do not tell me the truth,” resumed he, “he is not my father, but yours. But whose son am I?” At this question, the Queen of Beauty, recalling to her mind the night of her marriage, which had been followed by so long a widowhood, began to weep with the utmost regret, for the loss of a husband so amiable as Bedreddin.

At the moment when the Queen of Beauty, as well as her son Agib, was weeping, the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed entered, and desired to know the cause of their affliction. His daughter informed him, by relating the mortification her son had met with at school. This account very much affected the vizier, who joined his tears with theirs; and who supposing from this, that the world entertained opinions not very favourable to his daughter’s virtue, felt extremely mortified. Being very much disturbed by this cruel reflection, he went to the palace of the sultan, and after having prostrated himself at his feet, he humbly entreated him to grant him permission to take a journey into the provinces of the Levant, and more particularly to Balsora, to seek his nephew Bedreddin Hassan; for he could not bear, that the whole city should suppose that a Genius had slept with his daughter. The sultan felt for the grief of the vizier, approved his intention, and gave him leave to execute it; he even wrote a letter of recommendation, in the most obliging manner, to the princes and nobles in whose dominions Bedreddin might be, to give their consent that he should accompany the grand vizier.

Schemseddin Mohammed could not find words to express his gratitude to the sultan for all his goodness towards him. He could only prostrate himself a second time before this prince; but the tears which flowed from his eyes sufficiently proved his feelings. At length, he took his leave of the sultan, after wishing him every kind of prosperity. When he returned home, he immediately began to prepare for his departure, which was done with so much diligence, that at the end of four days he set off, accompanied by his daughter and by Agib, his grandson.

They took the road to Damascus, and travelled nineteen days without stopping: but on the twentieth, being arrived in a beautiful meadow, at a little distance from the gates of that city, they alighted; and had their tents pitched on the banks of a river, which runs through the city, and renders the surrounding country very agreeable.

The vizier Schemseddin Mohammed declared his intention of remaining two days in this beautiful spot, and that he intended on the third to continue his journey. He, however, allowed the persons in his suite to visit Damascus. They almost all availed themselves of this permission, some from curiosity to see a city they had heard so favourably spoken of; others to dispose of Egyptian merchandise, which they had brought with them, or to buy the silks and rarities it produced.

The Queen of Beauty, wishing that her son Agib should also have the gratification of walking about this celebrated city, ordered the black eunuch, who filled the office of governor to the child, to take him there; and be very careful, that he did not meet with any accident.

Agib, being magnificently dressed, set out with the eunuch, who carried a large cane in his hand. They had no sooner entered the city, than Agib, who was as beautiful as the morning, attracted the admiration of every one. Some ran out from their doors to see him nearer; others came to the windows; and those who were walking in the streets, not satisfied with stopping to look at him, accompanied him, in order to have the pleasure of contemplating his beauty for a longer time. In short, every one admired him, and poured benedictions on his father and mother, for having brought into the world so sweet a boy. The eunuch and he came by chance to the shop where Bedreddin Hassan was, and being surrounded by so great a crowd of people, they were obliged to stop at his door.

The pastry-cook, who had adopted Bedreddin as his son, had been dead some years, and left him, as his heir, his shop, and all his property. Bedreddin, therefore, was now master of the shop; and exercised the trade of pastry-cook so successfully, that he had acquired a great reputation in Damascus. Observing so many people assembled round his door to look at Agib and the black eunuch, he also began to examine them attentively.

Having cast his eyes on Agib, he felt himself agitated, yet without knowing why. He was not struck, like the mob, with the extreme beauty of this boy; his emotion arose from another cause, which he could not comprehend. It was the force of blood, which agitated this tender father, who, leaving his occupations, approached Agib, and said to him, with an engaging air. “My little gentleman, you have won my heart; and I beg you will do me the favour to walk into my shop, and eat some of my pastry; that I may, during that time, have the pleasure of admiring you at my leisure.” He pronounced these words with so much tenderness, that the tears came into his eyes. The little Agib was affected by it, and turning towards the eunuch, said, “This good man has a countenance that pleases me; and he speaks to me in so affectionate a manner, that I cannot avoid doing what he requests; let us go in, and eat some of his pastry.” --“Oh no, indeed,” replied the eunuch, “it would be a pretty tale to tell, that the son of a vizier, as you are, went into a pastry-cook’s shop to eat; do not think that I shall suffer it.” --“Alas, my young gentleman,” cried Bedreddin “then they are very cruel to trust you with a man who treats you so harshly:” then addressing the eunuch, “My good friend,” said he, “do not prevent this young gentleman from doing me the favour I ask; do not mortify me so. Rather do me the honour of coming in with him, and by so doing, you will evince, that although you are without as brown as the chesnut, yet that you are equally white within. Do you know,” continued he, “that I have a secret, which will change your colour from black to white?” The eunuch began to laugh on hearing this, and asked Bedreddin what this secret was. “I will tell you,” replied he, and immediately he recited some verses in praise of black eunuchs, saying that it was owing to them, that the honour of sultans, of princes, and of all great men was in safety. The eunuch was delighted with these verses, and no longer resisting the entreaties of Bedreddin, he suffered Agib to go into his shop, whither he also accompanied him.

Bedreddin Hassan was extremely pleased at having obtained his request; and returning to his work which he had left, “I was making,” said he, “some cheesecakes; you must, if you please, eat some, for I am persuaded you will find them excellent; my mother, who makes them admirably, taught me how to make them also, and they come from all quarters of the town to buy them of me.” Saying this he drew a cheesecake out of the oven, and having strewed on it some grains of pomegranate and sugar, he served it to Agib, who found it delicious. The eunuch, to whom Bedreddin presented one likewise, was of the same opinion.

Whilst they were both eating, Bedreddin examined Agib with the greatest attention; and reflecting, that he perhaps had such a son by the charming wife, from whom he had been so soon and so cruelly separated, he could not suppress some tears. He was preparing to question the little Agib on the reason of his journey to Damascus, but had not time to satisfy his curiosity: for the eunuch, who wished to hasten his return to the tents of his grandfather, took him away as soon as he had done eating. Bedreddin Hassan was not satisfied with following him with his eyes only, but immediately shutting up his shop, he set off after them, and overtook them by the time they had reached the gate of the city.

The eunuch, perceiving that he followed them, was very much surprised, and said to him angrily, “How importunate you are, what do you want?”--“My good friend,” replied Bedreddin, “do not be displeased; I have a little business just out of the city, which I have thought of, and I must go and give orders concerning it.” This answer did not satisfy the eunuch, who turning to Agib, said, “See what you have brought on me; I foresaw, that I should repent of my compliance; you would go into this man’s shop, but indeed I was a fool to suffer it.”--“Perhaps,” said Agib, “he may really have business out of the city, and the road is free for every one.” They then continued walking, without looking behind them, till they were arrived at the tents of the grand vizier; they then looked back, and saw that Bedreddin followed close. Agib, perceiving that he was within a few paces of him, blushed and turned pale successively, according to the different emotions which arose. He feared that the vizier, his grandfather, would learn, that he had been in a pastry-cook’s shop to eat. With this apprehension he took up a large stone, that lay at his feet, threw it at Bedreddin, and striking him in the middle of his forehead, covered him with blood. He then ran away, as fast as he could, into the tent with the eunuch, who said to Bedreddin, that he must not complain of a misfortune, which he deserved, and had brought upon himself.

Bedreddin returned to the city, stopping the blood from his wound with his apron, which he had not taken off. “I was wrong,” said he to himself, “to leave my house, and occasion so much pain to this child; for he only treated me thus, because he no doubt supposed that I had some bad design against him.” Being returned home he had his wound dressed; and consoled himself with reflecting, that there were many people in this world more unfortunate than himself.

Bedreddin continued to exercise the business of pastry-cook at Damascus, and his uncle Schemseddin Mohammed left it three days after his arrival. He took the road to Emaus, from thence to Hamah, and thence to Aleppo, where he rested two days. From Aleppo he crossed the Euphrates, entered Mesopotamia, and after having traversed Mardin, Moussoul, Sengira, Diarbekir, and several other towns, he arrived at last at Balsora, where he directly requested an audience of the sultan, who was no sooner informed of the rank of Schemseddin Mohammed, than he granted it. He received him very favourably, and asked him the cause of his journey to Balsora. “Sire,” replied the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed, “I am come to learn tidings of the son of Noureddin Ali, my brother, who had the honour of serving your majesty.”--“It is a long time since Noureddin Ali died,” answered the sultan, “as for his son, all that I can inform you of is, that about two months after the death of his father, he suddenly disappeared; and no one has seen him since, notwithstanding the pains I have been at to discover him. But his mother, who was the daughter of one of my viziers, is still living.” Schemseddin Mohammed requested permission to see her, and to conduct her into Egypt, to which the sultan having consented, he would not defer till the morrow so great a gratification; he inquired for the abode of this lady, and went to her immediately, accompanied by his daughter and her son.

The widow of Noureddin Ali lived in the same house which had been occupied by her husband during his life. It was a handsome mansion, built in a superb style, and ornamented with columns of marble; but Schemseddin did not stop to admire it. On entering it he kissed the door, and a marble, on which was written, in letters of gold, the name of his brother. He desired to speak to his sister-in-law, whose servants informed him, that she was in a small edifice, built in the shape of a dome, which they showed him in the middle of a spacious court. This tender mother was accustomed to pass the greatest part of the day and night in this building, which she had erected to represent the tomb of Bedreddin Hassan, whom she supposed to be dead; having so long in vain expected his return. She was then occupied in weeping for the loss of this dear son, and Schemseddin Mohammed found her buried in the deepest affliction.

He paid his compliments to her on entering, and having entreated her to suspend her tears and lamentations, he acquainted her, that he had the honour of being her brother-in-law; and also told her the reason which had caused him to leave Cairo, and travel to Balsora. After having informed his sister-in-law of every thing that had happened at Cairo on the night of his daughter’s nuptials, and the surprize which the discovery of the packet, that was found sewn up in Bedreddin’s turban, had occasioned, he presented Agib and the Queen of Beauty to her.

When the widow of Noureddin Ali, who had hitherto remained seated, like one who took no interest in the affairs of this world, understood by the conversation of Schemseddin Mohammed, that the dear son she so much regretted might still be alive, she got up, and closely embraced the Queen of Beauty and the little Agib, in whom she recognised the features of Bedreddin. The tears that now fell from her eyes, were different from those she had long been in the habit of shedding. She could not kiss the youth enough, who, on his part, received her embraces with every demonstration of joy he was capable of. “It is time, madam,” said Schemseddin Mohammed, “to put an end to your sorrows, and to dry your tears: for you must now arrange your affairs, and go with us into Egypt. The sultan of Balsora has given me permission to take you with me; and, I trust, you will not refuse your consent. I hope we shall have the good fortune to meet with my nephew, your son; and, if that should happen, the history of him, of you, of my daughter, and myself, will be worthy of being written down, and transmitted to after-ages.”

The widow of Noureddin Ali listened to this proposal with great pleasure, and instantly began to make preparations for departure. During this, Schemseddin Mohammed requested another audience; and having taken leave of the sultan, who sent him back, laden with honours, and with a considerable present for the sultan of Egypt, he left Balsora, and again took the road to Damascus.

As soon as they had arrived in the vicinity of that city, Schemseddin ordered them to pitch their tents just without the gate, by which they were to enter; and told his people, he should remain there three days, for the purpose of resting; and also to purchase whatever was to be found most curious and worthy of being presented to the sultan of Egypt. While he himself was occupied in making choice of the most beautiful stuffs, which the principal merchants had brought to him, Agib entreated the black eunuch, his governor, to go and walk in the city with him; telling him, that he was desirous of seeing whatever he had not had time to see when he was there before; and that he was also very anxious to get some intelligence of the pastry-cook, at whom he had thrown the stone, and wounded. The eunuch agreed to it, and walked into the city with him; having first obtained leave of his mother, the Queen of Beauty.

They entered Damascus by the gate which led to the palace, and which was the one that was nearest to the tents of the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed. They walked through the great squares, saw the public buildings, and the covered market, or place where the richest merchandize was sold. They then came to the antient mosque of the Ommiades, [18] about the time they were assembling for prayers, [19] between noon and sun-set. They then passed by the shop of Bedreddin Hassan, whom they found still engaged in making cheesecakes. “Your servant,” said Agib to him, “look at me; don’t you remember to have seen me before.” At these words Bedreddin cast his eyes upon him, and instantly recognised him. At the very same moment, O surprising effect of paternal love! he felt the same emotion he had done the first time. He was much troubled; and instead of answering him, he remained some time without the power of speaking a single word. Having at length recollected himself, he said, “Do me the favor, my young lord, once more to come into my shop with your governor, and taste a cheesecake. I beg you will pardon me for the displeasure I caused you by following you out of the city: I was hardly myself, and knew not what I did. It was a sort of charm, which drew me after you, and which I could neither resist nor account for.”

Agib, surprised at this speech of Bedreddin, replied, “The friendship you profess towards me, is carried to an excess, and I will not come into your house, unless you promise faithfully not to follow me when I go away. If you pledge your word, and keep it, I will come again to-morrow, while the vizier, my grandfather, is engaged in making purchases for a present to the sultan of Egypt.” --“My little master,” answered Bedreddin Hassan, “I will do any thing you desire me.” Agib and the eunuch then entered into his shop.

Bedreddin immediately presented them with some cheesecakes, which were as delicate and good as those they had tasted the first time. “Come,” said Agib, “sit down next me, and eat with us.” Bedreddin, being seated, was going to embrace Agib, to express to him the joy he experienced at being near him, but Agib pushed him back, saying, “Be quiet, your friendship is too tender. Be content with looking at and conversing with me.” Bedreddin obeyed, and began to sing a song, which he composed at the moment in praise of Agib. He did not eat, and was only attentive to serve his guests. When they had done eating, he gave them water to wash in, [20] and a very white and delicate napkin to wipe their hands. He then took a vase of sherbet, and prepared a large china bowl full, in which he put some snow; [21] and presenting the bowl to the little Agib, “Take it,” said he, “it is some rose sherbet, the most delicious that this city can produce; you never tasted any so good.” Agib drank some with great pleasure; Bedreddin then took the bowl and presented it to the eunuch, who drank it up to the last drop.

When Agib and his governor were satisfied, they thanked the pastry-cook for the good cheer they had received; and returned as quick as they could, it being rather late. They arrived at the tents of Schemseddin Mohammed, and went first to that which the ladies occupied. The grandmother of Agib was rejoiced to see him again, and as she had always her son Bedreddin in her mind, she could not refrain from tears on embracing Agib. “Ah, my child,” cried she, “my happiness would be complete, if I could have the pleasure of embracing your father, Bedreddin Hassan, as I do you.” She was just going to supper; she made him sit next her, and asked him many questions about his walk; then, saying that he must have a good appetite, she helped him to a piece of cheesecake, that she had made herself, and which was excellent; for, as we have already said, she could make them better than any pastry-cook. She gave some to the eunuch also, but they had both eaten so much with Bedreddin, that they could with difficulty taste it.

Agib had scarcely touched a bit of the cheesecake he had been helped to, when pretending that it did not suit his palate, he left it on his plate; and Schaban, [22] for this was the name of the eunuch, did the same. The widow of Noureddin Ali, vexed at seeing her grandson so indifferent about her cheesecake, said, “What, my son! do you scorn the work of my hands in this way? Let me tell you, that no one in the world can make such good cheesecakes, excepting your father, Bedreddin Hassan, to whom I myself taught the curious art of making them.”--“Ah, my good grandmother,” cried Agib, “allow me to say, that if you cannot make them better than this, there is a pastry-cook in this city who surpasses you in this great art: we have just been eating one in his shop, which is a great deal better than this of yours.”

At these words the grandmother, casting an angry look at the eunuch, “What, Schaban,” said she, “is my grandson intrusted to your care in order that you should take him to eat at a pastry-cook’s like a beggar’s child!”--“Madam,” replied the eunuch, “it is true that we have been talking to a pastry-cook, but we did not eat with him.”--“Pardon me,” interrupted Agib, “we went into his shop, and eat a cheesecake.” The lady, still more irritated against the eunuch, left the table abruptly, and ran to the tent of Schemseddin Mohammed, whom she acquainted with this misdemeanor of the eunuch, in terms more fitted to exasperate the vizier against the delinquent, than to incline him to forgive the fault.

Schemseddin Mohammed, who was naturally of a warm temper, did not omit so favourable an opportunity of putting himself in a passion. He immediately repaired to the tent of his sister-in-law, and said to the eunuch: “Wretch, hast thou the temerity to abuse the confidence I have placed in thee?” Schaban, although sufficiently convicted by the testimony of Agib, thought proper still to deny the fact. But the child maintained the contrary: “Grandfather,” said he to Schemseddin Mohammed, “I assure you that we have eaten so much, that we are not in want of any supper. The pastry-cook also regaled us with a large bowl of sherbet.”--“Well, wicked slave,” cried the vizier, turning to the eunuch, “after this wilt thou still deny, that you both went into a pastry-shop and eat there?” Schaban had the effrontery to swear, that it was not true. “Thou art a liar,” said the vizier, “I believe my grandson rather than thee. Nevertheless, if thou canst eat the whole of the cheesecake which was on this table, I shall be persuaded that thou speakest truth.”

Schaban, although full to the very throat, submitted to this trial, and took a bit of the cheesecake; but he was obliged to take it out of his mouth again, for his stomach turned against it. He, however, continued in his falsehood, and said, that he had eaten so much the preceding day, that his appetite was not yet returned. The vizier, irritated by the repeated falsities of the eunuch, and fully convinced that he was guilty, had him laid on the ground, and ordered him to receive the bastinado. The unhappy wretch uttered loud cries on suffering this punishment, and confessed the fact. “It is true,” cried he, “that we did eat a cheesecake at a pastry-shop, and it was an hundred times better than that which is on this table.”

The widow of Noureddin Ali thought, that it was through spite to her, and to mortify her, that Schaban praised the pastry-cook’s cheesecake; therefore, addressing herself to him, “I cannot believe,” said she, “that the cheesecakes of this pastry-cook are more excellent than mine. I will be satisfied on this point; thou knowest where he lives; go to him, and bring me back a cheesecake directly. She then ordered some money to be given to the eunuch to buy the cheesecake, and he set off. Being come to the shop of Bedreddin, “Here, my good pastry-cook,” said he, “here is some money for you; give me one of your cheesecakes; one of our ladies wishes to taste them.” There happened to be some hot, just out of the oven; Bedreddin chose the best, and giving it to the eunuch, said, “Take this, I warrant it to be excellent; and I can assure you, that no one in the world can make such, excepting my mother, who perhaps is still living.”