[1] Cf. Talmud (Polano’s translation), p. 290.—‘While our love was strong we lay on the edge of a sword, now a couch sixty yards wide is too narrow for us.’
V
Fate
There was once a mighty king, who had an only son. When this son grew up every princess was in love with him. The king was very desirous that his son should be early settled in life. He chose for him a princess, whom he proposed he should marry. The son objected very much, saying: ‘It is not my fate to be united to this maiden; I shall not marry her.’
Some time after this the youth came to his father and said: ‘I entreat thee, let me go forth and seek my fortune, and give me three bags of money.’ The king granted his request. The prince prepared everything, and set out on his journey.
He travelled on until he met a stranger; this stranger was an angel, clad in the form of a man. He inquired of the prince: ‘Whither art thou going? what seekest thou?’ The prince told him all, and that he wished to learn what was written in the book of fate for him. Then this stranger showed him a beautiful palace, and said: ‘There thou wilt learn thy fate.’
The prince thanked him, and set out for the palace. When he arrived in the courtyard, he looked round, and saw notes lying about. He began to examine them, but, for a long time, he searched in vain. Then there came from the palace another man, who said to the prince: ‘What dost thou want, brother? what seekest thou?’ The prince answered: ‘I am seeking for the letter in which my fate is written.’ ‘Why seekest thou there? those are only poor folks’ fates, kings’ fortunes are written inside. Come with me and I shall show thee thine,’ said the unknown.
The prince entered the house. The unknown searched for his fate, and called him. Inside was written: ‘Such-and-such a prince will marry a weaver’s daughter who has been ill for nine years.’ He read this out, and the prince was struck with horror. ‘I shall change my fate,’ said the prince to himself. He took his letter of fate, and went to seek the weaver’s daughter.
He went on and on, and was in a thick forest when the shades of evening fell. He wandered on in the hope of finding shelter, and at last he saw the glimmer of a light. He came to a hut, and asked permission to remain there during the night. The master of the house replied: ‘Son, thou art a great man, we have nothing befitting thy rank, but we can give thee the best we have, for a guest is a gift of God.’ The prince stayed there that night, and his host grudged him nothing. When they had finished supper, the prince noticed that somebody was having a meal in another room. He said to his host: ‘I hope that thou wilt not think me inquisitive if I ask who is in the other room, and what is the meaning of this?’ Then the host told him the following tale: