burton--1001-nights--sample

others, here am I, your companion of travel: now let me see what
monies you have by you.” I found, however, that they had not a doit,
having squandered their substance in high diet and drinking and carnal
delights. Yet I spoke not a word of reproach; so far from it I looked
over my shop accounts once more, and sold what goods and stock-intrade
were mine; and, finding myself the owner of six thousand ducats,
I gladly proceeded to divide that sum in halves, saying to my brothers,
“These three thousand gold pieces are for me and for you to trade
withal,” adding, “Let us bury the other moiety underground that it
may be of service in case any harm befal us, in which case each shall
take a thousand wherewith to open shops.” Both replied, “Right is thy
recking;” and I gave to each one his thousand gold pieces, keeping the
same sum for myself, to wit, a thousand dinars.
We then got ready suitable goods and hired a ship and, having
embarked our merchandise, proceeded on our voyage, day following
day, a full month, after which we arrived at a city, where we sold our
venture; and for every piece of gold we gained ten. And as we turned
again to our voyage we found on the shore of the sea a maiden clad in
worn and ragged gear, and she kissed my hand and said, “O master, is
there kindness in thee and charity? I can make thee a fitting return for
them.” I answered, “Even so; truly in me are benevolence and good
works, even though thou render me no return.” Then she said, “Take
me to wife, O my master, and carry me to thy city, for I have given
myself to thee; so do me a kindness and I am of those who be meet for
good works and charity: I will make thee a fitting return for these and
be thou not shamed by my condition.”
When I heard her words, my heart yearned towards her, in such
sort as willed it Allah (be He extolled and exalted!); and took her and
clothed her and made ready for her a fair resting-place in the vessel,
68