In the city of Bassorah, there reigned a powerful Sultan who possessed great wealth and owned all that the world had to offer; yet he lacked one thing: a child to inherit his wealth and dominion. Grieved by this misfortune, he began to give generously to holy men and the poor, and he prayed to Allah Almighty, asking that the Lord—to whom belong Might and Majesty—might bless him with a son. Allah, the Compassionate, heard his prayer and granted his wish. One night, as he lay with the Queen, she became pregnant.

When the Sultan learned of her condition, he rejoiced greatly. As the day of birth drew near, he summoned all the astrologers and wise men skilled in reading the stars. He asked them, "Tell us about the child that will be born this month. Will it be a boy or a girl? What does fate hold for this child?"

The astrologers cast their sand boards and studied the stars. They drew up the child's horoscope and told the Sultan: "Your child will be a boy, and you should name him Zayn al-Asnam—Zayn of the Images. When he grows to manhood, he will prove both valiant and intelligent. Yet his days shall be filled with trials and troubles. However, if he faces these hardships with courage, he will become the wealthiest of all kings."

The Sultan exclaimed, "If the child shows such valor as you describe, then whatever hardships come to him will be nothing. For troubles test and strengthen the sons of kings."

Soon after, the Queen gave birth to a son. God blessed the babe with such perfect beauty and loveliness that all who saw him marvelled. The King named his son Zayn al-Asnam, and in his beauty he became like the subject of this verse:

"He showed; and they cried, 'Be Allah blest!' And who made him and formed him His might attest! This be surely the lord of all loveliness; And all others his subjects and thralls be confest."

Zayn al-Asnam grew up and at fifteen years of age, his father appointed an experienced tutor to teach him all the sciences and philosophies. The boy proved an apt student and mastered every branch of knowledge until he came of age.

One day, the Sultan summoned his son into the presence of the great lords and nobles of the realm. There he addressed him with these words: "O my son, Zayn al-Asnam, I am old now and suffer from an illness that may soon claim my life. When that time comes, you will take my throne. So I entrust you with this command: treat no one unjustly, and do not let the poor suffer. Give justice to those who have been wronged, to the measure of your power. But beware of trusting every word the nobles speak to you, for they seek only their own gain, not the welfare of your people. Always listen to the voice of the common folk, for the great lords will betray you if it serves their interests."

A few days later, the Sultan's illness worsened and he died. Zayn al-Asnam mourned his father for six days, and on the seventh, he entered the Divan and took his seat upon the throne. He held a great council at which all the nobles and ministers came to offer their condolences and to wish him strength and prosperity in his reign.

When it was the Four Hundred and Ninety eighth Night

Shahrazad said: Zayn al-Asnam, now young and inexperienced, was swept away by his newfound power and wealth. He spent lavishly on pleasures and the company of youths like himself, neglecting the governance of his kingdom. His nobles, seeing that the King paid no attention to the welfare of his people, began to act with tyranny and oppression. Soon the common folk grew restless, and they rose up against him, ready to depose him. Had it not been for his mother—a woman of wisdom and cunning who was deeply loved by the people—they would have dealt harshly with him. She calmed the people and made them promises of good governance, then she called her son and said to him: "Look at what I foretold for you! You are wasting your kingdom and your life through foolishness. You have placed the government in the hands of inexperienced youth, neglected the wise elders, and squandered both your wealth and that of the treasury on nothing but indulgence and carnal pleasure."

Zayn al-Asnam, awakening from his negligence, accepted his mother's counsel at once. He went to the Divan and entrusted the management of the kingdom to old, experienced officers. Yet by this time, much damage had been done. Bassorah lay in ruins, and the Sultanate had been so depleted that the Prince had become utterly impoverished. He fell into deep repentance and despair. Sleep abandoned him, and he refused food and drink, spending his days and nights in grief and sorrow.

One night, as dawn approached and his eyes grew heavy, an old and venerable Shaykh appeared to him in a vision. The Shaykh said, "O Zayn al-Asnam, do not despair. After great sorrow comes great joy. If you wish to free yourself from this misery, go to Egypt. There you will find treasure that will not only replace what you have wasted but will double it many times over."

When the Prince awoke, he told his mother everything he had dreamed. She laughed at him and said, "Do not believe in dreams—they are mere illusions and idle fancies." But he replied, "Mock me not, Mother. I must go to Egypt. This man I saw is surely one of the saints of Allah, and his words are true."

That very night, he mounted his horse and rode away in secret, leaving his kingdom behind. He travelled day and night until he reached Cairo. Exhausted, he tethered his horse and took shelter in a great mosque. After resting a while, he went out and bought some food. When he returned, his fatigue overcame him and he fell asleep. Soon the Shaykh appeared to him again in a vision.

When it was the Four Hundred and Ninety ninth Night

Shahrazad said: The Shaykh appeared to the Prince again and said, "O Zayn al-Asnam, you have obeyed me in all things, and I have tested you to see if you are brave or cowardly. Now I know your worth. You have accepted my words and acted upon my advice. Return at once to your capital, and I will make you a wealthy ruler—so wealthy that no king before you was ever so rich, nor will any king after you equal your fortune."

When Zayn al-Asnam awoke, he cried out: "In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful! What manner of man is this Shaykh who has driven me to Cairo? I thought he was the Prophet—God's peace and blessings be upon him—or one of the righteous saints of Allah. By God, I did well to tell no one of my dream save my mother. But now I fear this old man deceives me, and I will have nothing more to do with him or his words."

That night he slept in the mosque, and the next morning he mounted his horse. After several days of hard travel, he arrived back in Bassorah. He entered the city by night and went directly to his mother, who asked, "Have you gained anything from what the Shaykh promised you?" He told her all that had happened. She tried to comfort him, saying, "Do not grieve, my son. If Allah has destined something for you, it will come without your labour. I wish you would become wise and abandon these ways that have brought you to poverty. Turn away from singers and the society of idle and loose-living people, whether men or women. Such pleasures are for the sons of worthless men, not for princes like yourself."

Zayn al-Asnam swore an oath to his mother that he would remember all her counsel, never disobey her commands, and devote himself entirely to the governance of his kingdom. Then he went to sleep. In his dreams, the Shaykh appeared to him a third time and said, "O Zayn al-Asnam, O brave Prince, today I will keep my promise with you. Take a pickaxe and go to your father's old palace. Dig in the ground, and you will find something that will make you rich."

When he awoke, the Prince hurried joyfully to his mother and told her the dream. She laughed again and said, "This old man is merely mocking you. Forget about him." But he replied, "No, Mother. This Shaykh speaks only truth. The first time he tested me, but now he means to fulfill his promise."

His mother said, "Well, the work is not difficult. Do as he bade you, and may God willing grant you success. Yet I fear you will return to me saying, 'You were right, Mother.'" But Zayn al-Asnam took up a pickaxe and descended to the vault where his father lay buried. He began to dig, and soon he uncovered a stone with a ring set in it. Removing the stone, he found a flight of steps leading downward. He descended and found a vast underground chamber supported by columns of marble and alabaster. Inside, he discovered a pavilion that took his breath away, and within it stood eight jars of green jasper.

"What can these jars contain?" he wondered.

When it was the Five Hundredth Night

Shahrazad said: When Zayn al-Asnam opened the jars, he found each one filled with ancient gold coins. He took some and brought them to his mother, saying, "See, Mother? I was right!" She marvelled at the sight and cautioned him, "Be careful not to waste this treasure as you did the last." He promised her he would not.

They descended together into the underground chamber and examined the pavilion. To her amazement, the Queen saw that all eight jars overflowed with gold. But as they looked about, they noticed a smaller jar of green jasper, cunningly wrought. When Zayn al-Asnam opened it, he found a golden key inside. The Queen said, "Surely this key unlocks some door. Let us search for it."

They searched throughout the chamber and pavilion until they found a wooden door with a lock. The Prince applied the key, and the door swung open, revealing a second palace that was even more magnificent than the first. Its light seemed to radiate from within, though there was neither lamp nor candle burning. Inside they found eight statues, each carved from a single precious stone and seated upon a golden throne. Each statue was of exquisite beauty and priceless worth.

Zayn al-Asnam marvelled and asked his mother, "How did my father obtain such rare treasures?" As they gazed at the statues in wonder, the Queen noticed a silken hanging inscribed with writing. She read aloud: "O my son, marvel not at this great wealth which I have gathered through hard toil and struggle. But know that there exists a Ninth Statue worth twenty times more than these eight. If you wish to obtain it, go again to Cairo. There you will find a former slave of mine named Mubarak. He will guide you to the Statue. You will easily find him, for when you arrive in Cairo, the first person you ask will direct you to his house—he is well known throughout the city."

When Zayn al-Asnam read this, he said to his mother, "You see, Mother? Now my dream is proven true. I must go to Cairo again to find this Ninth Statue. What do you say—was my vision mere fancy, as you told me?"

His mother replied, "O my son, since you are under the protection of the Prophet—God's peace and blessings be upon him—go safely. I and your Wazir will govern your kingdom in your absence until you return."

The Prince prepared himself and rode to Cairo. He asked for Mubarak's house, and the people told him, "This is a man of great wealth and boundless generosity. His home is always open to strangers." They showed him the way, and he came to Mubarak's mansion. When he knocked, a slave answered the door and asked, "Who are you and what do you want?" Zayn al-Asnam replied, "I am a foreigner from a distant land, and I have heard of your master's fame for generosity. I have come to be his guest."

The slave went to his master and returned to say, "Come in, my lord. Mubarak waits for you."

When it was the Five Hundred and First Night

Shahrazad said: The Prince entered a spacious courtyard adorned with trees and fountains. A slave led him to where Mubarak sat. The man rose at once and greeted him warmly, saying, "Blessed are you! Who are you, and from where do you come?"

The Prince replied, "I am Zayn al-Asnam, son of the Sultan of Bassorah, who died a year ago. I am looking for you, Mubarak, who was a slave of my father."

Mubarak started in surprise. "You are the son of the King of Bassorah? But I never knew he had a son! How old are you?"

"About twenty," the Prince said. "But tell me, how long ago did you leave my father?"

"Eighteen years ago," Mubarak answered. "But how can you prove to me that you are truly his son? My late master left no known heir."

The Prince said, "You alone know that my father had a vault built beneath his palace, where he placed forty jars of green jasper filled with ancient gold. You also know of a second palace within that vault, where eight statues of precious stones sit upon thrones of gold. There is also a silken hanging with writing that tells me to seek you, for you will know where the Ninth Statue may be found. It is worth more than all the eight together."

When Mubarak heard these words, he fell at the Prince's feet and kissed them, crying, "Pardon me, my lord! You are truly the son of my old master!" He then said, "I have prepared a feast for all the nobles of Cairo. Will you honour us with your presence?"

"With pleasure," replied the Prince.

Mubarak led him to a great hall filled with the lords and nobles of the city. He seated Zayn al-Asnam in the place of honour, and as the feast was served, Mubarak himself waited upon the Prince with humble devotion, crossing his arms behind his back and often kneeling. The nobles of Cairo marvelled to see Mubarak, one of their greatest men, serving the young stranger with such respect and wondered greatly who he might be.

When it was the Five Hundred and Second Night

Shahrazad said: After the feast was over, Mubarak turned to the assembled nobles and said, "O lords, do not wonder at the honour I show this young man. He is the son of my old master, the Sultan of Bassorah, who purchased me with his own money. I am bound by law to serve his son, and all that I possess—every coin and every possession—belongs to him, not to me."

When the nobles heard this, they rose and paid their respects to Zayn al-Asnam with great honour. Then the Prince said, "O Mubarak, let all of you be my witnesses. You are now free, and all your wealth and possessions are yours to keep. Ask of me whatever you wish, for I will not deny you."

Mubarak kissed his hand and thanked him, saying, "O my lord, I wish for nothing but your happiness. The wealth I have is more than sufficient for my needs." The Prince remained Mubarak's guest for four days, during which all the nobles of Cairo came daily to pay their respects to the master of Mubarak and the King of Bassorah.

After resting, Zayn al-Asnam said to Mubarak, "My time here has been long. Let us depart."

Mubarak replied, "O my lord, the matter you seek is rare and dangerous. I do not know if your courage is equal to the task." But the Prince answered, "Know, O Mubarak, that wealth is won only through hardship. Whatever comes to mankind comes by the will and decree of the Creator. Have no fear for me. Be of stout heart."

Mubarak ordered his slaves to prepare for the journey. They mounted their horses and travelled by day and night through wild lands, seeing wonders and marvels that bewildered them until they drew near a certain place. There Mubarak told the slaves and eunuchs to remain behind with the pack animals while he and the Prince continued on foot.

"Now, O my lord, we have reached the land where the Image dwells," said Mubarak. "This is a place of great danger, and you must be brave."

They walked until they came to a lake of great length and width. Mubarak said to the Prince, "Soon a small boat will come to us, its banner blue and its planks made of the finest woods from Comorin. But I must charge you with something very important."

"What is it?" asked the Prince.

"You will see in that boat a ferryman whose form is most strange—he has the head of an elephant but the body of a lion. You must not speak a word to him, lest he drown us both. Know that this place belongs to the King of the Jinn, and all that you see here is the work of the Jinn."

When it was the Five Hundred and Third Night

Shahrazad said: As they stood by the lake, a small boat appeared with a banner of blue silk. Its planks were of the finest fragrant wood, and within it stood a ferryman with the head of an elephant and the body of a lion. The creature wound its trunk around both men and lifted them gently into the boat. Then it paddled across the lake with powerful strokes until it reached the far shore and set them down.

As they walked forward, they gazed in wonder at the trees about them, which bore ambergris, rare woods, sandalwood, cloves, and jasmine, all in flower and fruit, spreading the most wonderful perfumes. Birds with beautiful plumage sang melodies that ravished the heart.

Mubarak turned to the Prince and asked, "What do you think of this place, my lord?"

"In truth," answered the Prince, "I believe this is the Paradise promised to us by the Prophet—God's peace be upon him!"

They continued until they came upon a magnificent palace built of emeralds and rubies with doors and gates of pure gold. A bridge one hundred and fifty cubits long and fifty cubits wide, fashioned from a single rib of a great fish, led to the gates. At the far end stood countless hosts of the Jinn, fearful to behold and arrayed in armor that flashed like lightning, each bearing a javelin of steel.

"This is a marvellous sight," said the Prince to his companion.

"Yes," replied Mubarak, "but we must not advance further lest we come to harm. We must wait here. May Allah grant us safety."

He then took out four strips of yellow silk from his pouch. He girded himself with one and threw another over his shoulders, giving the remaining two to the Prince. Next, he spread before each of them a white sash and drew forth from his pouch precious stones, rare scents, ambergris, and aloe wood. When both were ready, Mubarak taught the Prince the words to speak to the King of the Jinn: "O my lord, Sovereign of the Spirits, we stand within your realm and throw ourselves upon your protection." The Prince added, "I earnestly entreat you to accept us."

But Mubarak said, "O my lord, I am greatly afraid. Listen well. If the King is pleased with us, he will appear in the form of a beautiful man of incomparable grace. But if not, he will take a fearful and terrible shape. If you see him in his gracious form, rise at once and greet him. But above all, do not step beyond the edge of this cloth upon which you sit."

"I hear and obey," replied the Prince. "And if he greets me with a welcoming face and asks what I wish, I will say, 'O King of the Spirits, Sovereign of the Jinn, my father, the former Sultan of Bassorah, whom the Angel of Death has taken—as you well know—was always under your protection. I come now to seek the same safeguard for myself.'"

When it was the Five Hundred and Fourth Night

Shahrazad said: Mubarak continued his instruction, saying, "When he offers to grant your wish, ask him for the Ninth Statue, which he promised your father. Tell him that nothing in the world is more precious than it."

Mubarak then began his conjurations, fumigations, and recitations of mystical words. The sky grew dark with clouds and rain fell in torrents. Lightning flashed and thunder roared, and a great wind arose with a voice like the earthquake of the Day of Judgment. The Prince trembled with fear at these horrors, but Mubarak laughed and said, "Fear not, my lord. These signs are good omens of success. Be at ease."

Soon the sky cleared and the air filled with sweet perfumes. A beautiful man appeared before them—more handsome than any mortal, save only He who is without equal and to whom belongs all glory. He gazed at the Prince with a gladsome and smiling face. The Prince rose at once and spoke the blessings Mubarak had taught him.

The King of the Jinn smiled and said, "O Zayn al-Asnam, I loved your father greatly. Whenever he visited me, I gave him one of the images you have seen, each carved from a single precious gem. You, too, will become dear to me, even more than your father. Before he died, I charged him to write the inscription you read, and I made a covenant with him to protect you as I protected him and to give you the Ninth Statue, which is of greater worth than all the others. Now I am ready to keep my word and to grant you my promised aid."

When it was the Five Hundred and Fifth Night

Shahrazad said: The King of the Jinn continued, "I will take you under my protection. The Shaykh you saw in your dreams was myself. I it was who bade you dig beneath your palace and find the vault with the jars of gold and the eight statues. I know why you have come, and I will give you what you seek. But this I require: you must bring me a maiden of fifteen years, incomparable in beauty, pure and virginal, who has never known any man and has never lusted for one. You must keep faith with me and safeguard her when you bring her to me. Do not play the traitor with her."

To this, the Prince swore a great oath, adding, "O my lord, it will be most difficult to find such a maiden. Even if I find one beautiful and young as you require, how shall I know if she has never desired a man or been desired by one?"

The King replied, "You are right. Such knowledge is beyond mortal men. But I will give you a mirror of my own. Whenever you see a young lady whose beauty pleases you, open this glass. If her image appears clear and bright within it, you will know she is pure and unsullied. But if the image appears dim or darkened, then the girl is not chaste. If you find her pure and gifted with all good qualities, bring her to me. But beware not to wrong her! And if you break your promise to me, know that you will lose your life."

The Prince swore a solemn and binding oath to keep faith with the King.

When it was the Five Hundred and Sixth Night

Shahrazad said: The King gave the Prince the magic mirror, saying, "Go now and fulfill your oath." The Prince and Mubarak bowed respectfully and departed. They journeyed back to the lake, where soon the strange ferryman appeared in his boat. They boarded and crossed back to the shore. After resting in Cairo, the Prince said to Mubarak, "Let us go to Baghdad to search for this maiden."

But Mubarak replied, "We are in Cairo, one of the wonders of the world. I am certain we can find such a girl here. I have knowledge of an old woman—cursed be her—who makes marriages. She is expert in all manner of tricks and knows where to find beautiful maidens. She will do her best for a good reward."

He sent for the woman and told her he wanted a maiden of perfect beauty, no older than fifteen, to marry the son of his lord. He promised her generous payment if she would find such a girl.

The old woman answered, "Rest assured, my lord, I will find her. I know many beautiful maidens, daughters of honourable families." But she did not know about the mirror.

She went out into the city to search. Whenever she found a girl of notable beauty, she brought her to Mubarak. But when he examined her image in the mirror, it appeared dark and dim, showing her to be unchaste. One by one, she brought him every beautiful maiden in Cairo, but none proved pure according to the mirror. At last, Mubarak decided they must go to Baghdad.

When it was the Five Hundred and Seventh Night

Shahrazad said: The Prince and Mubarak went to Baghdad and rented a magnificent mansion in the centre of the city. They lived in great luxury and gave lavish feasts. They invited all the nobles to dine at their table, and the leftover food was distributed to the poor and destitute. Every hungry stranger who lodged in the mosques was welcome at their house. Soon word spread throughout Baghdad of their generous and noble deeds, and they became famous for their charity.

Now, there was an Imam named Abu Bakr in one of the great mosques near their mansion. He was a jealous and envious man who, hearing of their wealth and generosity and fearing their growing fame, began to plot against them. One afternoon, after the midday prayer, he stood before the congregation and spoke in a loud voice: "O believers, I must warn you of danger. In our quarter dwell two strangers who spend vast sums of money—money beyond measure. I suspect they are thieves and brigands who have stolen their wealth in their own country and come here to spend their plunder. I counsel you to guard yourselves against them, for if the Caliph learns of their presence, you may all fall into trouble with them. I have done my duty in warning you."

All the people agreed with him, crying, "We will do whatever you command, O Abu Bakr!"

When it was the Five Hundred and Eighth Night

Shahrazad said: The Imam Abu Bakr, in his malice, went to his quarters and began to write a letter to the Caliph, accusing the two strangers of being brigands and thieves.

But by the decree of fate, Mubarak happened to be in the mosque when Abu Bakr made his accusation. Without delay, Mubarak returned home, gathered one hundred dinars and a bundle of valuable silver clothing, and went to the Imam's house. Abu Bakr opened the door angrily and demanded, "What do you want, and who are you?"

Mubarak replied respectfully, "I am Mubarak, in service to my lord, the Emir Zayn al-Asnam. My master, hearing of your great learning and your fair reputation in this city, greatly desires to know you. He sends you these humble gifts—clothing and money—hoping you will accept them as a token of his respect. God willing, he will show you even greater honour."

The moment Abu Bakr saw the money and fine clothes, his anger turned to regret. He said, "I beg your pardon! I am ashamed that I have not called upon your master. I repent deeply of my neglect. Please tell him that tomorrow I will come to offer him the honour due to him."

Mubarak replied, "My master's one wish is to receive your visit and be blessed by your presence." Then he kissed the Imam's hand and departed.

The next day, Abu Bakr led the Friday prayer and, standing in the midst of the congregation, declared: "O Muslims, great and small, I must correct what I said yesterday about the two strangers. Envy falls only upon the wealthy and the praiseworthy, never upon the mean and wretched. One of these men is an Emir of high birth and noble lineage, not a brigand as I was falsely told. I have learned that this is a man of exalted rank who may well be known to the Commander of the Faithful. Beware lest anyone speak ill of him, for you will bring ruin upon yourselves and upon me."

When it was the Five Hundred and Ninth Night

Shahrazad said: After the prayers, Abu Bakr dressed himself in his finest robes and went to the Prince's mansion. When he entered, he bowed deeply and gave the Prince the highest honour. Zayn al-Asnam, being naturally courteous though young, returned his civility warmly and seated him upon the divan. They were served coffee fragrant with ambergris, and then they shared a fine breakfast together. Afterward, they talked like intimate friends.

The Imam asked, "O my lord Emir, do you plan to stay long in Baghdad?"

"Yes," replied the Prince, "I intend to remain here until my purpose is fulfilled."

"And what may that purpose be?" asked Abu Bakr. "Perhaps I can be of service to you."

The Prince answered, "I seek to marry a maiden of fifteen years—beautiful, pure, virginal—whom no man has ever known and who has never lusted for any man. She must be unique in her loveliness."

Abu Bakr replied, "O my lord, this is difficult indeed, but I know a girl who matches your description perfectly. Her father is a Wazir who has resigned from office and now lives in retirement, carefully overseeing his daughter's upbringing. I believe she will suit you, and her parents will be pleased with such a marriage."

"I would like to see her first," said the Prince, "and judge her beauty for myself. But as for her purity, I have means to determine that."

The Imam asked, "How can you judge her purity from her face, my lord? That seems impossible."

"Perhaps," said the Prince. "But if you will introduce me to her father, he can bring her before me."

When it was the Five Hundred and Tenth Night

Shahrazad said: Abu Bakr took the Prince to the mansion of the Wazir. When they entered, the Wazir rose and received them with great respect, especially when the Imam told him that an Emir wished to marry his daughter. The Wazir summoned his daughter to his presence. When she came, he bade her remove her face veil.

When the Prince saw her, he was amazed. She was so beautiful that he had never seen anything to compare with her radiance and brilliance. He drew forth the magic mirror and examined her image. The mirror was perfectly clear and bright, like pure silver, and her reflection showed her to be as pure as a white dove.

Immediately, the Prince sent for the Kazi and witnesses, and they drew up the marriage contract and performed the ceremony. It was a wedding of great splendor, the like of which had never been seen. The Prince invited all the nobles and honored Abu Bakr with special gifts. He sent precious jewels to the bride and rare gifts to her father. The wedding feast was celebrated with great magnificence.

When the ceremony was finished, Mubarak said to the Prince, "O my lord, let us depart now, for we have found what we sought."

"You are right," said the Prince, and they began their preparations. They had a covered litter made ready for the bride to be carried by camels. But Mubarak took the Prince aside and warned him, "O my lord, I must caution you. Keep watch over your desires and your passions. Remember the oath you swore to the King of the Jinn. You must guard the maiden and not lay a hand upon her."

The Prince sighed deeply, "O Mubarak, if you only knew the love and longing that burns in my heart for this young lady! All I can think of is taking her to Bassorah and making her my wife."

Mubarak replied sternly, "Keep your faith and do not break your oath, lest terrible harm befall you and the maiden both. Remember your vow, or your passion will destroy your reason and rob you of your fortune, your honour, and your life."

The Prince said, "O Mubarak, then be my guardian. Do not allow me to look upon her."

When it was the Five Hundred and Eleventh Night

Shahrazad said: Mubarak, as the Prince's guardian, kept strict watch over the bride. He did not allow the Prince to see her or speak to her as they journeyed toward the Island of the Jinn. After they had travelled for many days and the bride had not seen her bridegroom since the wedding night, she turned to Mubarak and asked, "By God, tell me truly—is it by the Prince's command that I am kept apart from him?"

Mubarak replied sadly, "O lady, your case grieves me greatly. But I must tell you the truth. You believe that Zayn al-Asnam is your true husband, but he is not. The wedding was merely a deception before your parents and people. You are not going to him as a bride, but to the King of the Jinn, whom the Prince has promised you to."

When the bride heard these words, she wept bitterly. The Prince also wept for her, but they did not turn back. The maiden cried out, "You have no pity for me! You fear nothing from Allah, though you have taken a stranger maiden from her parents and cast her into this terrible fate. What answer will you give to God on the Day of Judgment for this treachery?"

But the Prince and Mubarak did not relent. They journeyed on until they came to the King of the Jinn. When he saw the maiden, she pleased him greatly. He turned to Zayn al-Asnam and said, "The bride you have brought me is beautiful indeed, yet more precious to me is your faithfulness. You have shown true faith, mastery over your own desires, purity of heart, and great courage. Go now to your home, and the Ninth Statue that you sought will be sent to you by one of my servants."

The Prince kissed the King's hand and returned with Mubarak to Cairo. But he could not rest there long. His yearning and anxiety to see the Ninth Statue drove him onward. He hastened his journey homeward, yet even as he travelled, he groaned and lamented, "O for the joys I have lost because of you! O incomparable beauty, whom I took from your parents and brought to the King of the Jinn. Alas, what sorrow I have brought upon myself!"

When it was the Five Hundred and Twelfth Night

Shahrazad said: Zayn al-Asnam chided himself for the deception and treachery he had practiced upon the maiden and her parents. He travelled swiftly until he reached Bassorah. He entered his palace and greeted his mother, then told her all that had happened. She said, "Come, my son, let us go and see the Ninth Statue, for I rejoice at its arrival."

They descended together into the pavilion where the eight statues of precious gems stood upon their thrones. But instead of seeing the Ninth Statue upon the empty throne, they found the maiden herself seated there—her beauty radiant as the sun.

When Zayn al-Asnam recognised her, she spoke and said, "Do not marvel to find me here instead of the Statue you sought. I believe you will not regret having me instead of any jeweled image."

He cried out, "No, by God! You are the desire of my heart, the end of all my wishes. I would not exchange you for all the gems in the world. I have grieved terribly since we parted, knowing that I deceived you and your parents, that I betrayed you to the King of the Jinn. I had almost decided to break my oath and return you to Bassorah as my bride, until Mubarak dissuaded me, for he feared it would cost us our lives."

Suddenly they heard a terrible roar of thunder that shook the earth. The Queen mother was seized with fear. But then the King of the Jinn appeared and said to her, "Do not be afraid, O lady. I am the guardian and protector of your son, whom I love for the affection his father showed me. I am the Shaykh who appeared to him in his dreams. My purpose was to test his courage and to learn whether he could conquer his own desires for the sake of his oath, or whether the beauty of this maiden would overcome him."

When it was the Five Hundred and Thirteenth Night

Shahrazad said: The King of the Jinn spoke further, "Zayn al-Asnam has not perfectly kept his oath with me, for he longed for this maiden to become his wife. Yet his failing springs from human weakness, and I have repeatedly commanded him to guard her. I now reward his valor and faithfulness and bestow her upon him as his bride. She is the Ninth Statue I promised—fairer than all these precious images, a beauty unequaled in all the world of men."

Then the King of the Jinn turned to the Prince and said, "O Emir Zayn al-Asnam, this maiden is your bride. Take her and enjoy her on this one condition: you must love only her and take no other wife. I pledge that her faithfulness to you will be unwavering and true."

With these words, the King of the Jinn vanished. The Prince, overjoyed and gladdened, went forth with the maiden. That very night, he fulfilled his marital duties with great love and affection. He made wedding feasts and celebrations throughout his realm. In time, he formally wedded her before all his people and consummated the marriage.

He then established himself firmly upon his throne, ruling with justice and clemency. His bride became Queen of Bassorah. His mother lived for a time longer but eventually passed away, and he and his wife mourned her deeply. After that, the Prince and his Queen lived together in happiness and joy until the day came when death, the Destroyer of delights and the Separator of companions, claimed them both.

And Shahrazad ceased to speak her pleasant words. Dunyazad said, "O sister, how rare and delightful is your tale!" Shahrazad replied, "And what is this compared to the tale I shall tell you tonight of Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp, if my lord the King allows me to live?"

The King said to himself, "By God, I will not slay her until she has finished the tale of Aladdin."

When it was the Five Hundred and Fourteenth Night

Shahrazad began to relate the story of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp.