burton--1001-nights--sample

O thou who doest good to him that doth evil, leave the evil doer to his
evil deeds. Moreover they are still my brothers.” But she rejoined,
“By Allah, there is no help for it but I slay them.”
I humbled myself before her for their pardon, whereupon she bore
me up and flew away with me till at last she set me down on the
terrace-roof of my own house. I opened the doors and took up what
I had hidden in the ground; and after I had saluted the folk I opened
my shop and bought me merchandise. Now when night came on I
went home, and there I saw these two hounds tied up; and, when they
sighted me, they arose and whined and fawned upon me; but ere I
knew what happened my wife said, “These two dogs be thy brothers!”
I answered, “And who hath done this thing by them?” and she rejoined,
“I sent a message to my sister and she entreated them on this
wise, nor shall these two be released from their present shape till ten
years shall have passed.”
And now I have arrived at this place on my way to my wife’s sister
that she may deliver them from this condition, after their having endured
it for half a score of years. As I was wending onwards I saw this
young man, who acquainted me with what had befallen him, and I
determined not to fare hence until I should see what might occur
between thee and him. Such is my tale!
Then said the Jinni, “Surely this is a strange story and therefor I
give thee the third portion of his blood and his crime.” Thereupon
quoth the third Shaykh, the master of the mare-mule, to the Jinni,
“I can tell thee a tale more wondrous than these two, so thou grant me
the remainder of his blood and of his offense,” and the Jinni answered,
“So be it!” Then the old man began
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