Part 11

Her tears and complaints were of no effect, for she was presented to the Sultan of the Genii, who having gazed on her with attention, said to Zeyn: “Prince, I am satisfied with your behavior. The maiden you have brought me is beautiful and good, and I am pleased with the restraint you have put on yourself to fulfill your promise to me. Return to your dominions, and when you enter the underground room, where the eight statues are, you shall find the ninth which I promised you. I will make my genii carry it thither.”

Zeyn thanked the King of the Genii, and returned to Cairo with Mobarec, but did not stay long in Egypt, for his impatience to see the ninth statue made him hasten his departure. However, he could not but often think regretfully of the young girl he had married and blame himself for having deceived her. “Alas!” said he to himself, “I have taken her from a tender father to sacrifice her to a genie. Oh, wonderful beauty! You deserve a better fate.”

Sultan Zeyn, disturbed with these thoughts, at length reached Bussorah, where his subjects made extraordinary rejoicings for his return. He went directly to give an account of his journey to his mother, who was in a rapture to hear that he had obtained the ninth statue. “Let us go, my son,” said she, “and see it, for it is certainly in the underground chamber, since the Sultan of the Genii said you should find it there.”

The young sultan and his mother being both impatient to see the wonderful statue, went down into the room of the statues; but how great was their surprise, when, instead of a statue of diamonds, they beheld on the ninth pedestal a most beautiful girl, whom the prince knew to be the same whom he had conducted to the island of the genii! “Prince,” said the young maid, “you are surprised to see me here. You expected to have found something more precious than me, and I question not but that you now repent having taken so much trouble. You expected a better reward.”

“Madam,” answered Zeyn, “Heaven is my witness that I more than once had nearly broken my word with the Sultan of the Genii by keeping you myself. Whatever be the value of a diamond statue, it is worth the satisfaction of having you mine? I love you above all the diamonds and wealth in the world.”

Just as he had done speaking, a clap of thunder was heard, which shook the subterraneous place. Zeyn’s mother was alarmed, but the Sultan of the Genii immediately appearing dispelled her fear. “Madam,” said he to her, “I protect and love your son. I had a mind to try, whether, at his age, he could subdue himself. This is the ninth statue I designed for him. It is more rare and precious than the others. Live happy, Zeyn, with this your wife,” said he, directing his discourse to the young prince, “and if you would have her true and constant to you, love her always and love her only.”

Having spoken these words, the Sultan of the Genii vanished, and Zeyn, enchanted with the young lady, the same day caused her to be proclaimed Queen of Bussorah, over which they reigned in mutual happiness to an advanced age.

THE DYED JACKAL

Once upon a time a Jackal, who was prowling around the suburbs of a town, fell into an indigo-tank. He found that he was unable to get out of this, and so lay down as though he were dead.

In due time the dyer came to the tank, and finding what he supposed to be a dead Jackal, took him out and threw him into the jungle.

When the dyer was far enough away the Jackal scrambled to his feet, and looking himself over found his color changed to a beautiful blue.

“Now,” he said to himself, “I am certainly much prettier than I was before; why should not this accident prove to be a good thing for me. When the other jackals see my wonderful color, it should be easy for me to persuade them that I should be their king.”

So he got the jackals of the jungle together, and said to them: “Good people, the Goddess of the Wood has anointed me king. Behold the hue of royalty! And after this do no business without my permission.”

The jackals were overcome by the distinguished color, and promised obedience, and so began the reign of the dyed Jackal. But soon he was not content just to rule over his own kind, whom he began to despise, so he declared himself king of the lions and tigers, from among whom he selected his special attendants, keeping his own kindred at a distance, as though he were ashamed of them.

Of course, this made the jackals very indignant, and some of them took counsel together to see what could be done about it.

One of the wise old beasts addressed them, saying: “Leave this impostor to me. The lions and tigers and the rest think he is a king because he is colored blue, but we must show them his true colors. Now, do as I tell you. When night comes, all of you gather around him, and set up a great yell together. He is sure to join in as he used to do, for——

“‘Hard it is to conquer nature: if a dog were made a king, Mid the coronation trumpets, he would gnaw his sandal-string.’

“And when he yells, the lions and tigers will know him to be a jackal, and fall upon him.”

They did just what the wise old beast had suggested, and the thing befell exactly as he said it would. And so ended the reign of the dyed jackal.

WHY DOGS WAG THEIR TAILS

A rich man in a certain town once owned a dog and a cat, both of which were very useful to him. The dog had served his master for many years and had become so old that he had lost his teeth and was unable to fight any more, but he was a good guide and companion to the cat, who was strong and cunning.

The master had a daughter who was attending school at a convent some distance from home, and very often he sent the dog and the cat with presents to the girl.

One day he called the faithful animals and bade them carry a magic ring to his daughter.

“You are strong and brave,” he said to the cat. “You may carry the ring, but you must be careful not to drop it.”

And to the dog he said: “You must accompany the cat to guide her and keep her from harm.”

They promised to do their best and started out. All went well until they came to a river. As there was neither bridge nor boat, there was no way to cross but to swim.

“Let me take the magic ring,” said the dog as they were about to plunge into the water.

“Oh, no,” replied the cat, “the master gave it to me to carry.”

“But you cannot swim well,” argued the dog. “I am strong and can take good care of it.”

But the cat refused to give up the ring until finally the dog threatened to kill her, and then she reluctantly gave it to him.

The river was wide and the water so swift that they grew very tired, and just before they reached the opposite bank the dog dropped the ring. They searched carefully, but could not find it anywhere, and after awhile they turned back to tell their master of the sad loss. Just before reaching the house, however, the dog was so overcome with fear that he turned and ran away and never was seen again.

The cat went on alone, and when the master saw her coming he called out to know why she had returned so soon and what had become of her companion. The poor cat was frightened, but as well as she could she explained how the ring had been lost and how the dog had run away.

On hearing her story the master was very angry, and commanded that all his people should search for the dog, and that it should be punished by having its tail cut off.

He also ordered that all dogs in the world should join in the search, and ever since when one dog meets another, he says: “Are you the old dog that lost the magic ring? If so, your tail must be cut off.” Then immediately each shows his teeth and wags his tail to prove that he is not the guilty one.

Since then, too, cats have been afraid of water and will not swim across a river if they can avoid it.

PRINCE VARNA

There was once a Rajah whose wife died, leaving to her husband a little son, who was a great comfort to his grief-stricken father. In due time the young prince was christened and his godmother was a princess who was known far and wide for her wisdom and kindness, and everyone called her “the good queen.” She named the little prince Varna, and loved him as though he were her own son.

When Varna was three years old the Rajah married a princess of great beauty, but who was hard-hearted and cruel. In the course of time a second prince was born, and the queen was filled with jealous rage at the thought that Varna, and not her own son, was heir to the throne. But she was very careful not to let the Rajah discover her real feelings.

In the mountain there lived an old witch whom the queen knew well, and she sent to her a trusty servant, asking that she find some way of getting rid of her stepson, who stood in the way of her own son. But the witch replied that she could work no harm against the young prince, because he was under the protection of his godmother, whose power was greater than her own.

The “good queen” lived in a country which was far away, but was able to keep herself well-informed of all that went on, and she knew what the wicked queen desired. She sent to the young prince a ring of jade with instructions that he must always wear it, as it would protect him from all harm while in his father’s country. But as a talisman this ring was useless elsewhere. This the wicked queen knew, so she made every effort to entice him away from his father’s dominions.

Her efforts met with no success, but circumstances brought about that which she herself had been unable to. When the young prince was fifteen years old his father’s only sister, who had married the king of a distant country, wrote to her brother begging him to permit his son to pay her a visit, as she greatly desired to see the nephew of whom she had received the most excellent reports.

The Rajah at first refused to allow Varna to leave the country, as he was fearful that harm might come to him, but his sister entreated and his wife insisted, so he finally gave his consent, although reluctantly.

Varna was both good and handsome. When an infant he had been placed in the care of one of the court ladies, who afterward became his governess, and between them existed a great affection, which was shared equally by the lady’s daughter Zaïda. When he became old enough to need the guidance of a tutor and guardian, this lady’s husband took her place, and they both loved him as though he were their own son.

At length the young prince set forth on his journey, accompanied by his tutor and former governess and a numerous retinue. All went well until they left his father’s dominions, when the talisman lost its power to protect him. They were crossing a desert under a burning sun and at length reached an oasis, where the caravan rested. Suddenly Varna sprang from his carriage, and immediately disappeared. As time went on and he did not return, the tutor and his wife were filled with alarm. They sought for him in every possible place, but could not find him.

Sadly they mingled their tears, for they were sure that this was the work of the wicked queen and the witch of the mountain. Suddenly they heard a voice, which came from the branches of a tree beneath which they were sitting. Looking up, they saw a large bird, which said to them: “You seek your prince in vain. Return to your own country and tell the king that many moons shall come and go before his son shall be restored.” There was nothing else to do, so they sorrowfully went home, and when they told their sad news to the king he was so deeply grieved that he was stricken with a severe sickness from which he never recovered.

The wicked queen was now happy; her son was the Rajah, and she wielded all the authority. The power that was hers made her harsher and more cruel than ever, and the people soon began to hate her, especially as they believed that it was she who had caused the disappearance of Prince Varna. Fortunately, her son was loved by his subjects, for he was kind and noble, and only this kept them from rebellion.

One day, about three years after the supposed death of Prince Varna, the young Rajah was out hunting, a sport of which he was very fond. He and his courtiers stopped to rest at a pleasant spot, and refreshments were prepared for them. While at luncheon his attention was attracted to a bird of brilliant red plumage which was perched on the branch of a tree. Taking some crumbs, he threw them beneath the tree, and the bird flew down and ate them.

Cautioning his courtiers to make no noise, he gradually approached the gaily clad bird, which, to his surprise, did not fly away. In the open palm of his hand were more crumbs, and the bird actually hopped towards him and ate these too.

Such confidence and lack of fear quite moved the Rajah, who resolved to take his little feathered friend home with him. He tenderly stroked its pretty feathers, and the bird made no effort to fly away. Soon it nestled on his shoulder and stayed there until the party returned to the palace.

The young ruler became greatly attached to his new pet, and would allow no one but himself to look after it. He even took it with him when he went out walking—the bird on his shoulder.

One day when they were out together the prince passed the house where Varna’s former governess and her daughter lived. Both of them were sitting by an open window, and suddenly the bird flew from its master’s shoulder to the window sill. It looked right into the eyes of both mother and daughter and boldly approached them. This utter absence of fear, and also, perhaps, the bright red plumage, attracted them as it had the Rajah, and they at once fell in love with it.

The Rajah soon missed his pet, and looking about saw the two ladies caressing it. He called and whistled, but the bird paid no attention to him. He then entered the house, intending to take the bird away, but when he reached the room in which they were it flew up to the ceiling where it could not be reached.

After spending some time in vain efforts to capture the bird, the ladies begged the Rajah to leave it with them for a few days, promising to take the greatest care of it. To this he consented, and at once, as though understanding all that was said, the bird flew to Zaïda and nestled on her shoulder.

That night the mother dreamed that she saw the “good queen,” who told her to go to a certain tree in her garden and to lift up a large stone which she would find beneath it. There she would find a small phial which was filled with bright red liquid. This she was to sprinkle over the Rajah’s bird.

This dream made such an impression upon the former governess that in the morning, as soon as she arose, she hastened to the garden. The stone was there beneath the tree, and upon removing this she saw the phial containing the bright red liquid.

Hurrying back to the house she told her daughter about the dream, and showed her the small bottle she had found.

Without a word Zaïda held out her hand, to which the bird at once flew. Her mother removed the cork and sprinkled the contents of the phial over the bright red feathers, and there before them stood the handsome Prince Varna.

Great was the joy of this meeting, and when they were somewhat composed the ladies asked the prince to tell them of his adventures.

He told them that when his carriage had stopped at the oasis some force had compelled him to spring from it, and he found himself transformed at once into a bird. Many times had he tried to reach his own country, but was unable to do so until now. He had suffered greatly, and his only comfort was when the good queen visited him. It was through her that he was at last enabled to meet his brother, and finally be turned again into human form.

It was not long before the Queen learned from the witch of the mountain that Prince Varna had returned, and she immediately sought to destroy him. Hastening to her son she said that some ill-disposed subjects were plotting to dethrone him, and that they had set up an impostor who they declared to be Prince Varna.

The Rajah told her to have no fear, and that he would soon find the conspirators and properly punish them. He made inquiries and found that Prince Varna was at the house of his former governess, so he went there at once, determined to find out the truth for himself.

The two ladies and Prince Varna were in earnest conversation when the Rajah reached their house, and great was his astonishment to find that this was really his long lost brother, whom he immediately recognized.

“Brother,” said he, “I came here thinking to find an impostor, but it makes me happy to see alive you whom we have so long mourned as dead. The throne is yours, and I am your most loyal subject.”

The two brothers embraced one another with great affection, and then hastened to the royal palace, where, in the presence of the entire court, the crown was placed upon Varna’s head by his brother himself. This defeat of the wicked queen’s plans was so great a shock to her that she immediately perished.

The new Rajah and the lovely Zaïda were soon married, and to their great joy the good queen herself attended the wedding. Her most valued gift was the assurance that the witch of the mountain had no more power over him.

Varna insisted that his noble brother share the throne with him, and no ruler was ever more beloved by faithful and loyal subjects than was each of these.

EMPRESS JANQWI AND THE MAGICIANS

Thousands of years ago, when China was peopled by giants, that country was ruled by a great Empress named Janqwi, who came to the throne when her brother, Emperor Fugi, died. This story tells how the heavens and one of the pillars which upheld the sky were damaged during a rebellion raised by one of her subjects, and how she mended the broken parts.

The man who rebelled was a wicked and fearsome magician named Korkwi, a giant quite terrible to look upon. He was twenty-eight feet tall, whose face and body were entirely covered with coal-black hair, so it can be imagined that he was anything but beautiful.

It had long been his desire to rule the country, so when Fugi died, he thought his opportunity had come. But Janqwi was too clever for him, and she mounted the throne which was rightly hers.

This so enraged Korkwi that he raised a large army and defied the Empress. The next thing he did was to use his wizard’s power, and flood the country, so that thousands of people were drowned. This meant war between the Empress and Korkwi.

Among the warriors of Janqwi were two brilliant young warriors named Haki and Oku, and the first of these she appointed to command that part of the army which would be first to engage the enemy.

This great honor delighted Haki, and he at once made himself ready for battle. He had mounted his favorite charger and had just started for the front when he heard his name called loudly by someone who was galloping behind him. He looked around and saw his friend Oku, who said to him: “Halt, Haki! I intend to lead the first army!”

This enraged Haki, who exclaimed: “You are insolent! The Empress Janqwi has appointed me to lead our warriors into battle; your place is with the reserves.”

To this Oku replied: “It is my right to lead the first army, and yours to follow.”

Then Haki lunged at Oku with his sword, but the latter caused his horse to swerve quickly, and with his lance he wounded Haki’s steed.

Haki at once dismounted and prepared to rush at his comrade when Oku, with lightning rapidity, tore the badge of leadership from Haki’s helmet, and galloped quickly away.

Now the Empress had seen all of this through the palace window, and she could not help admiring the dexterity of the ambitious Oku, so she divided the leadership of the front army between them, making Oku commander of the left wing and Haki of the right. So the two became friends again, and they marched against Korkwi at the head of a hundred thousand soldiers.

They soon reached the place which the rebel had fortified, and Korkwi thought it would be easy, with all the power that he possessed, to frighten them into submission. Seizing an immense iron rod, he mounted a powerful black horse, and with a roar like an angry lion he charged his foes. But he found that Haki and Oku did not fear him.

He was coming toward them at a terrific rate, and the two comrades said to each other: “We will attack him from right and left, and not allow him to escape alive.” But the wizard was a fierce fighter, and his iron rod a fearful weapon. For a long time they fought without either side gaining.

Then Korkwi aimed a blow at Haki’s head, and in order to avoid this Haki turned his horse too quickly, so that the animal’s rear hoof struck against a large stone.

The horse suddenly reared up straight, and threw Haki to the ground, and Korkwi thought he had his enemy at his mercy. Drawing his huge sword, he was about to sever his head from his body when Oku wheeled his horse right in front of him, and at once attacked the magician.

Now the brunt of the fight had fallen to Haki’s lot, so that Oku was fresher than his friend. Korkwi was tired, and did not fancy engaging the young warrior, so he turned and fled.

Haki had been only stunned by the fall, and he soon recovered. He rushed after Korkwi on foot, while Oku pursued on horseback. Korkwi turned, and fitting an arrow to his bow, aimed the shaft at Oku, who, being on horseback, was ahead of his comrade. Just in time Oku swerved, so that the arrow missed him.

When the wizard saw that he had failed to kill either of his pursuers, he saw that he would have to use his magic power in order to save himself, so he stretched forth his wand, and there came a great wave which engulfed Janqwi’s army and the two young generals.

Haki and Oku were struggling in the water, and Korkwi went after them with his iron rod, ready to strike. Suddenly a small island seemed to lift itself out of the water right in front of them, and upon it stood an old man, with snow white hair. He stretched out his hands over the water, which went to the right and to the left, leaving a dry path by means of which the young warriors reached the island.

Seeing that his enemies were now safe, Korkwi turned furiously upon their preserver. He rushed upon the old man, who merely laughed and then turned into a beautiful white bird and flew away.

All thought of further fighting was for the time abandoned. Haki and Oku saw that it was useless for them, being only human, to fight against Korkwi, who possessed supernatural powers, so they returned to the Empress, who decided to call on Shiku, the Fire King, for aid.

Now the Fire King lived at the South Pole, where all was snow and ice, for he burned up everything else around him. He also was a giant, with a face like marble and whose hair and beard were snow white. He was master of all fire, as Korkwi was of water, and his strength was marvelous.

The Empress sent Oku to the South Pole to ask Shiku for help, and this the Fire King at once promised to give. He then told Oku that it was he who had saved the two young generals from drowning, and Oku thanked him for coming to their rescue.

Shiku and Oku returned to the Empress, who made the Fire King Commander-in-Chief of her army. He told her to have no fear, for he would certainly vanquish their enemy.

The new general was aware of the source of the magician’s power, and he instructed all of the soldiers to gather large quantities of a certain plant. This was done, and a great fire was made of all that was collected, and then everyone was ordered to fill a bag full of the ashes.