The Arabian Nights Entertainments — Volume 03

This eBook was produced by JC Byers.
Text scanned by JC Byers and proofread by JC Byers, Sally Gellert, Renate Preuss, and Christine Sturrock.
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 ancient monarchs, not without reason, assumed the haughty title of King of kings. For not to mention those subdued by their arms, there were kingdoms and provinces whose kings were not only tributary, but also in as great subjection as governors in other nations are to the monarchs.
One of these kings, who in the beginning of his reign had signalized himself by many glorious and successful conquests, enjoyed so profound a peace and tranquillity, as rendered him the happiest of princes. The only point in which he thought himself unfortunate was, that amongst all his wives, not one had brought him a son; and being now far advanced in years, he was desirous of an heir. He had above a hundred ladies, all lodged in separate apartments, with women-slaves to wait upon and eunuchs to guard them; yet, notwithstanding all his endeavours to please their taste, and anticipate their wishes, there was not one that answered his expectation. He had women frequently brought him from the most remote countries; and if they pleased him, he not only gave the merchants their full price, but loaded them with honours and benedictions, in hopes that at last he might be so happy as to meet with one by whom he might have a son. There was scarcely an act of charity but he performed, to prevail with heaven. He gave immense sums to the poor, besides large donations to the religious; building for their use many noble colleges richly endowed, in hopes of obtaining by their prayers what he so earnestly desired.