BOOK I.
Containing the history of Husn Bānū, the daughter of Burzakh the merchant—Her expulsion from the King of Khorasan’s capital, and her removal from her country—Her finding in the desert the treasures of seven kings, and her beneficence towards mankind—Her becoming celebrated in the world, and her being beloved by Munir, the Assyrian prince—Hatim hears of the circumstance—His visit to Husn Bānū on account of her seven remarkable sayings, of which he undertakes an explanation.
In the kingdom of Khorasan there lived a monarch named Kurdan Shah, who supported in his train five hundred thousand horsemen and ten thousand couriers, also musketeers and archers. Each of his nobles he entrusted with the care of a province; his justice and equity were such that he made the lion and the lamb drink water from the same fountain; and he never oppressed his subjects. In his reign there lived a merchant, named Burzakh, who possessed much wealth and dignity, and whose agents travelled in all directions in pursuit of commerce. He himself was on intimate terms with the king, and the monarch’s regard for him was extreme. After some time, when his hour arrived, he died, and left no heir except an only daughter, Husn Banu, on whom was settled the whole of her father’s wealth. At this period Husn Banu was twelve years old, and Burzakh on his death-bed left his daughter to the king’s care, who with great kindness said, “She is my own daughter”; and he accordingly made over to Husn Banu all the wealth left by her father.
Shortly after, the daughter, who was possessed of wisdom, and looked on worldly wealth as sand, began to bestow her treasures in charity, and she used to remark, “that we ought not to entangle ourselves amidst the contaminations of the world.” Having sent for her nurse, she consulted her, saying, “My dear mother, it is not my intention to marry; pray tell me by what means I can keep myself secure from the hands of worldly men.” The nurse replied, “I have seven propositions which you shall put to every man who desires to become your husband; whosoever shall answer them properly, and shall agree to the terms which they embrace, him you shall accept. The seven propositions are the following:
“1st. What I saw once, I long for a second time.
“2d. Do good, and cast it upon the waters.[1]
“3d. Do no evil; if you do, such shall you meet with.
“4th. He who speaks the truth is always tranquil.
“5th. Let him bring an account of the mountain of Nida.
“6th. Let him produce a pearl of the size of a duck’s egg.