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The "Aldine" Edition of
The Arabian Nights Entertainments
Illustrated by S. L. Wood
In Four Volumes
London
Pickering and Chatto
1890
Contents of Volume III.
The Story of Beder, Prince of Persia, and Jehaunara, Prince of
Samandal, or Summunder
The History of Prince Zeyn Alasnam and the Sultan of the Genii
The History of Codadad, and His Brothers
The History of the Princess of Deryabar
The Story of Abu Hassan, or the Sleeper Awakened
The Story of Alla Ad Deen; Or, the Wonderful Lamp
Adventure of the Caliph Haroon Al Rusheed
The Story of Baba Abdoollah
The Story of Syed Naomaun
The Story of Khaujeh Hassan Al Hubbaul
The Story of Ali Aba and the Forty Robbers Destroyed by a Slave
The Story of Ali Khujeh, a Merchand of Bagdad
Persia was an empire of such vast extent, that its ancientmonarchs, not without reason, assumed the haughty title of Kingof kings. For not to mention those subdued by their arms, therewere kingdoms and provinces whose kings were not only tributary,but also in as great subjection as governors in other nations areto the monarchs.
One of these kings, who in the beginning of his reign hadsignalized himself by many glorious and successful conquests,enjoyed so profound a peace and tranquillity, as rendered him thehappiest of princes. The only point in which he thought himselfunfortunate was, that amongst all his wives, not one had broughthim a son; and being now far advanced in years, he was desirousof an heir. He had above a hundred ladies, all lodged in separateapartments, with women-slaves to wait upon and eunuchs to guardthem; yet, notwithstanding all his endeavours to please theirtaste, and anticipate their wishes, there was not one thatanswered his expectation. He had women frequently brought himfrom the most remote countries; and if they pleased him, he notonly gave the merchants their full price, but loaded them withhonours and benedictions, in hopes that at last he might be sohappy as to meet with one by whom he might have a son. There wasscarcely an act of charity but he performed, to prevail withheaven. He gave immense sums to the poor, besides large donationsto the religious; building for their use many noble collegesrichly endowed, in hopes of obtaining by their prayers what he soearnestly desired.
One day, according to the custom of his royal predecessors,during their residence in their capital, he held an assembly ofhis courtiers, at which all the ambassadors and strangers ofquality about the court were present; and where they not onlyentertained one another with news and politics, but also byconversing on the sciences, history, poetry, literature, andwhatever else was capable of diverting the mind. On that day aeunuch came to acquaint him with the ar