🧚 Opening, part 17

“Well, madam,” answered the sultan, “I must own that this third dream has restored my confidence.1 Last night he exactly pointed out to me the place where the treasures are.2 I would rather search in vain than blame myself as long as I live for having, perhaps, missed great riches, by being too unbelieving.”3

Having spoken thus he left the queen’s apartment, caused a pick-axe to be brought to him, and went alone into the late sultan’s private room.4 He immediately began work, and took up more than half the square stones it was paved with, yet saw not the least appearance of what he sought.5 He ceased working to take a little rest, thinking within himself, “I am much afraid my mother had cause enough to laugh at me.”6

However, he took heart and went on with his labor, until he discovered a white slab, which he took up, and under it found a staircase of white marble.7 He immediately lighted a lamp and went down the stairs into a room, the floor whereof was laid with tiles of chinaware, while the roof and walls were of crystal.8 The room contained four golden tables, on each of which were ten urns of porphyry.9 He went up to one of the urns, took off the cover, and, with no less joy than surprise, perceived it was full of pieces of gold.10 He looked into all the forty, one after another, and found them full of the same coin, and taking out a handful, he carried it to the queen.11

The queen, as may be imagined, was amazed when the sultan gave her an account of what he had discovered.12 “Oh my son!” said she, “take heed you do not squander all this wealth foolishly, as you have already done the royal treasure.13 Let not your enemies have so much occasion to rejoice.”14

“No, madam,” answered Zeyn, “I will henceforward live in such a manner as shall be pleasing to you.”15

The queen desired her son to conduct her to the wonderful underground place, which the late sultan her husband had made with such secrecy that she had never heard of it.16 Zeyn led her to the private room, down the marble stairs, and into the chamber where the urns were.17 She observed everything with the eye of curiosity, and in a corner spied a little urn of the same sort of stone as the others.18 The prince had not before taken notice of it, but, opening it, found inside a golden key.19 “My son,” said the queen, “this key certainly belongs to some other treasure.20 Let us search well.21 Perhaps we may discover the use it is designed for.”22

They examined the chamber with the utmost exactness and at length found a keyhole in one of the panels of the wall.23 The sultan immediately tried the key, and readily opened the door which led into a chamber.24 In the midst of this room were nine pedestals of massy gold, on eight of which stood as many statues, each of them made of a single diamond, and from them darted such a brightness that the whole room was perfectly light.25

“Oh heavens!” cried Zeyn, in astonishment, “where could my father find such rarities?”26

The ninth pedestal redoubled this amazement, for it was covered with a piece of white satin, on which were written these words: “Dear son, it cost me much toil to procure these eight statues; but though they are extraordinarily beautiful, you must understand that there is a ninth in the world, which surpasses them all.27 That alone is worth more than a thousand such as these.28 If you desire to be master of it, go to the city of Cairo in Egypt.29 One of my old slaves, whose name is Mobarec, lives there.30 You will easily find him.31 Visit him and tell him all that has befallen you.32 He will conduct you to the place where that wonderful statue is, which you will obtain with safety.”33

The young sultan having read these words said to the queen, “I will set out for Grand Cairo; nor do I believe, madam, that you will now oppose my design.”34

“No, my son,” answered the queen, “I am not against it.”35

The prince made ready his equipage, but would take only a small number of slaves with him.36

Nothing remarkable befell him by the way, but arriving at Cairo he inquired for Mobarec.37 The people told him he was one of the wealthiest inhabitants of the city; that he lived like a great lord, and that his house was open, especially for strangers.38 Zeyn was conducted thither, knocked at the gate, which a slave opened and demanded, “What is it you want, and who are you?”39

“I am a stranger,” answered the prince, “and having heard much of the lord Mobarec’s generosity, am come to take up my lodging with him.”40

The slave desired Zeyn to wait while he went to acquaint his master, who ordered him to request the stranger to walk in.41 The slave returned to the gate and told the prince he was welcome.42

Zeyn went in, crossed a large court, and entered a hall magnificently furnished, where Mobarec received him very courteously, returning thanks for the honor he did him in accepting a lodging in his house.43 The prince, having answered his compliment, said to Mobarec, “I am the son of the late Sultan of Bussorah, and my name is Zeyn Alasnam.”44

“That sovereign,” said Mobarec, “was formerly my master; but I never knew he had any children.45 What is your age?”46

“I am twenty years old,” answered the sultan.47 “How long is it since you left my father’s court?”48

“Almost two-and-twenty years,” replied Mobarec.49 “But how can you convince me that you are his son?”50

“My father,” rejoined Zeyn, “had a subterraneous place under his private room in which I have found forty porphyry urns full of gold.”51

“And what more is there?” said Mobarec.52

“Nine pedestals of massive gold,” answered the prince, “on eight whereof are as many diamond statues, and on the ninth a piece of white satin, on which my father has written what I am to do to procure another statue, more valuable than all those together.53 You know where that statue is, for it is mentioned on the satin that you will conduct me to it.”54

As soon as he had spoken these words, Mobarec fell down at his feet, and kissing one of his hands several times, said: “I bless God for having brought you hither.55 I know you to be the Sultan of Bussorah’s son.56 If you will go to the place where the wonderful statue is, I will conduct you; but you must first rest here for a short time.57 This day I entertain the great men of the city.58 Will you vouchsafe to come and be merry with us?”59

“I shall be very glad,” replied Zeyn, “to be admitted to your feast.”60

Mobarec immediately led him under a dome where the company was, seated him at the table, and served him.61 The merchants of Cairo were surprised and whispered to one another.62 “Who is this stranger to whom Mobarec pays so much respect?”63

When they had dined, Mobarec, directing his discourse to the company, said: “Know, my friends, that this young stranger is the son of the Sultan of Bussorah, my late master.64 His father purchased me and died without making me free; so that I am still a slave, and consequently all I have of right belongs to this young prince, his sole heir.”65