He now placed his whole reliance upon God, looked in the direction of the parrot, took his aim, then shut his eyes, and let fly the third arrow. In the hour of his despair the hand of heaven saved him. The arrow pierced the brain of the parrot, which fell lifeless from the cage. A fearful storm of whirlwinds, thunders, and lightnings burst around him, while heaven and earth were involved in impenetrable darkness. Hatim was terrified, and knew not whether he was still in this world or had entered eternity. When the noise and disorder had ceased, he no longer beheld the garden nor the palace nor the parrot. At his feet lay the bow and arrows, and beside them a vast diamond of brilliancy like the sun.
He rose up and seized the diamond. Instantly all the marble statues started into life. When they saw Hatim, they asked, “Who are you, and how have you been able to break the enchantment in which we were held?” He told them the whole occurrence; and they prostrated themselves at his feet and vowed to serve him while they lived. Hatim took them with him and returned to the capital of Katan. On his way he met some of the attendants of the bath who, on hearing the result of his adventure, hastened to give the intelligence to their king. At length Hatim reached the city, and had an interview with the ruler, to whom he shewed the diamond, saying, “Sire, this jewel I present to you; but it will be necessary for me first to shew it to Husn Banu, after which it shall be returned to you. The people who accompany me are poor and destitute; be pleased, then, to furnish them with the means of subsistence till they reach their own country.” The request was complied with and the people joyfully departed. Shortly after, Hatim took leave of the king, who appointed a splendid retinue to accompany him home furnished with everything requisite for the journey. Hatim accordingly set off, and without any interruption arrived safe in Shahabad. The people rejoiced when they saw him, and forthwith conducted him to the gate of the palace of Husn Banu. The lady gave orders for his immediate admission, and asked him to relate the occurrences of his journey.
Hatim narrated in detail what he had seen and suffered, and produced the diamond as proof. He then addressed Husn Banu, saying, “Now that I have accomplished your tasks, may I request that you will perform your promise to me?” She replied, “I am entirely yours. Dispose of me as you think proper.” Hatim gave orders for a princely feast, and Husn Banu was married to the Assyrian prince Munir, and so the two lovers reached the summit of happiness.
The celebration of the marriage completed, Hatim took leave of Munir and Husn Banu; and having, agreeably to his promise, sent the diamond to the prince of Katan, he started for Yemen. When he entered the boundaries of his native land, the whole country was one scene of joy. “Hatim,” said the people, “after so long an absence, has returned to his own country.” At length Hatim reached the capital of Yemen, and was affectionately received by his father and mother. His arrival was hailed with universal joy and every house resounded with music and mirth.
His father shortly afterwards resigned the reins of government into the hands of Hatim, and lived in retirement for the twelve remaining years of his life. Hatim reigned long over Yemen; and blessed with the affection of the beautiful Zarinposh, passed his life in uninterrupted happiness.
Thus ended the seven adventures of Hatim Taï. May this narrative in some degree perpetuate his memory, and cause his virtues to be imitated by future generations.
[The End]
NOTES.
INTRODUCTION NOTES.
[1] he said to the lion Hatim (be it known) knew the languages of all animals, and conversed with them most freely wherever he went.