Pagina 342 di 1116

As for this damsel I snatched her away on her bride-night when

she was a girl of twelve and she knew no one but myself. I used

to come to her once every ten days and lie with her the night,

under the semblance of a man, a Persian; and when I was well

assured that she had cuckolded me, I slew her.

But as for thee I am not well satisfied that thou hast wronged me

in her; nevertheless I must not let thee go unharmed; so ask a

boon of me and I will grant it." Then I rejoiced, O my lady, with

exceeding joy and said, "What boon shall I crave of thee?" He

replied, "Ask me this boon; into what shape I shall bewitch thee;

wilt thou be a dog, or an ass or an ape?" I rejoined (and indeed

I had hoped that mercy might be shown me), "By Allah, spare me,

that Allah spare thee for sparing a Moslem and a man who never

wronged thee." And I humbled myself before him with exceeding

humility, and remained standing in his presence, saying, "I am

sore oppressed by circumstance." He replied "Talk me no long

talk, it is in my power to slay thee; but I give thee instead thy

choice." Quoth I, "O thou Ifrit, it would besit thee to pardon me

even as the Envied pardoned the Envier." Quoth he, "And how was

that?" and I began to tell him