Malayan literature; comprising romantic tales, epic poetry and royal ...

MAKOTA RADJA-RADJA 179
once upon a time a Persian king named Khrosrou, remarkable
among all the kings of Persia for his power, his greatness of
character, his goodness, and the purity of his morals. His
wife, named Chirine, was of a rare beauty, and no one at that
time could be compared to her, for she possessed all the virtues.
Khrosrou passionately loved Chirine, and among the books,
famous in the world, which speak of loving couples, there is
one called *
Khrosrou and Chirine.' One day Khrosrou was
seated in the palace with his wife Chirine, when a fisherman
brought in a fine fish as a present to Khrosrou. The latter
ordered them to give him a present of 4,000 dirhems.
*' '
You are wTong,' said Chirine.
" '
" *
'
And why ? asked the King.
If, in the future, you made one of your servants a present
of 4,000 dirhems he will not fail to say forthwith, " I am con-
sidered as the equal of a fisherman." If your present is less
"
than 4,000 dirhems, then necessarily he will say, I am con-
sidered as being less than a fisherman," and your actions will
sadden his heart.'
" Khrosrou said :
'
Your observation is just. But I have
spoken, and I cannot reverse what I have said, for it is shameful
for a king to fail in keeping his word.'
" *
Chirine replied, Never mind, I know a way, and no one
can say that you broke your promise.'
" '
'
What is this way ? asked Khrosrou.
" *
Chirine answered : Put this question to the fisherman,
" "
Is this a fresh-water or a salt-water fish ?
" '
If he answers, " It is a fresh-water fish," say, " I want a
salt-water one," and the contrary. Then he will go away and
you will be released from your foolish promise.'
"
Khrosrou, who by love of Chirine could not help hearing
her advice and following it, put the question to the fisherman.
But the latter, suspecting a trap, said, '
It is both.' King
Khrosrou began to laugh, and gave him 4,000 dirhems in
addition.
" The fisherman, having received his 8,000 dirhems, put
them in a sack and went away. On the journey, a dirhem fell
to the ground, and the fisherman, lowering his sack, began to
search for the dirhem that had fallen. When he found it, he
place'd it with the others and took up his march again.