The end of the full Six Hundredth Night
by Unknown
Adapted Version
Princess Zara found Prince Karim very still. Princess Zara saw him. He lay on the ground. Bad people hurt him. She felt very, very sad. Her heart was full of pain. Tears came to her eyes.
Princess Zara cried for Prince Karim. Her tears fell on his face. She touched his hand. His skin felt warm. She looked closely at his nose. A tiny breath came out. He was still alive! Hope filled her heart.
Princess Zara must find help. She needed a doctor. She closed the tent door. She ran fast to the city. She looked for a kind doctor.
Princess Zara found Doctor Omar. They went back to the tent. But Prince Karim was not there. He was gone. Princess Zara looked everywhere. She felt very, very worried. Her heart felt heavy. Where did he go?
Doctor Omar saw her sadness. He felt bad for Princess Zara. "Come with me," he said. "You can stay in my town. I will help you. My house is safe for you. I will give you food and comfort."
Princess Zara stayed with Doctor Omar. She began to trust him. One day, she told him everything. She spoke about Prince Karim. She told him what happened. Doctor Omar listened well.
Doctor Omar had a good idea. "Let us go to Harran," he said. "Prince Karim's father is King there. We will tell him. He will want to know."
Princess Zara and Doctor Omar traveled. They rode to Harran. They stopped at a big inn. People talked there. Everyone was very sad. Prince Karim was missing. His family missed him. No one knew where he was.
Doctor Omar thought hard. "You must wait here," he told Princess Zara. "I will go first. I will talk to Queen Layla. She is Prince Karim's mother."
Doctor Omar rode to the city. He saw Queen Layla. She was giving food. She helped many poor people. She hoped Prince Karim would come home. She wanted him to be safe. She missed her son much.
Doctor Omar spoke to a helper. "I have a secret," he said. "It is about Prince Karim." He told the Queen. Queen Layla said, "Let him come in."
Doctor Omar told Queen Layla the sad story. He spoke about Prince Karim. Bad things happened to him. Bad people hurt him very badly. Prince Karim was very still. Princess Zara found him. Then he was gone from the tent.
Queen Layla heard the news. She was very, very sad. Her heart hurt much. She felt very weak. She closed her eyes. She fell to the ground.
Helpers gave her water. Queen Layla felt a little better. She opened her eyes. "Go get Princess Zara," she told Doctor Omar. "Bring her to me. I feel sad for her. She needs me."
The King walked by. He saw Queen Layla. She was crying and crying. Her heart was broken. The King asked, "Why are you so sad?"
Original Story
The end of the full Six Hundredth Night.
Then said she:โI have heard, O auspicious King, that, the Princess, deeming her bridegroom dead, wept at this sight right sore; and, calling to mind his youth and beauty, his valour and his many virtues, she washed his face with her tears and exclaimed, "Well-away and woe is me, O my lover, O Khudadad, do these eyes look upon thee in sudden and violent death? Are these thy brothers (the devils!) whom thy courage hath saved, the destroyers of thee? Nay 'tis I am thy murtheress; I who suffered thee to ally thy Fate with my hapless destiny, a lot that doometh to destruction all who befriend me." Then considering the body attentively she perceived that breath was slowly coming and going through his nostrils, and that his limbs were yet warm. So she made fast the tent-door and ran city-wards to seek a surgeon, and anon having found a skilful leech, she returned with him, but lo and behold! Khudadad was missing. She wist not what had become of him, but thought in her mind that some wild beast had carried him off; then she wept bitterly and bemoaned her mishap, so that the surgeon was moved to ruth and with words of comfort and consolation offered her house and service; and lastly he bore her to the town and assigned to her a separate dwelling. He also appointed two slave-girls to wait upon her, and albeit he knew naught of her condition he was ever in attendance on her with the honour and homage due to the kings. One day, she being somewhat less sad of heart, the surgeon, who had now informed himself of her condition, asked her, saying, "O my lady, be pleased to acquaint me with thine estate and thy misfortunes, and as far as in me lieth I will strive to aid and succour thee." And she, observing the leech to be shrewd and trustworthy withal, made known to him her story. Quoth the surgeon, "An it be thy wish, I would gladly escort thee to thy father-in-law the King of Harran, who is indeed a wise sovereign and a just; and he will rejoice to see thee and will take vengeance on the unnatural Princes, his sons, for the blood of thy husband unjustly shed." These words pleased well the Princess; so the surgeon hired two dromedaries which they mounted and the twain set forth for the city of Harran. Alighting that same evening at a caravanserai the leech asked what news had come from town; and the Keeper answered, "The King of Harran had a son passing valiant and accomplished who abode with him for some years as a stranger; but lately he was lost, nor doth any know of him whether he be dead or alive. The Princess Firuzah his mother hath sent allwheres in search of him, yet hath she found nor trace nor tidings of him. His parents and indeed all the folk, rich and poor, weep and wail for him and albeit the Sultan hath other forty and nine sons, none of them can compare with him for doughty deeds and skilful craft, nor from any one of them deriveth he aught of comfort or consolation. Full quest and search have been made but hitherto all hath been in vain." The surgeon thereupon made known these words to the Princess of Daryabar, who was minded to go straightway and acquaint the mother of Khudadad with everything that had befallen her husband; but the surgeon, after full reflection, said, "O Princess, shouldst thou fare with this intent, haply ere thou arrive thither the forty-nine Princes may hear of thy coming; and they, by some means or other, will assuredly do thee die, and thy life will be spent to no purpose. Nay, rather let me go first to Prince Khudadad's mother: I will tell her all thy tale and she doubtless will send for thee. Until such time do thou remain secret in this Serai." Accordingly the leech rode on leisurely for the city and on the road he met a lady mounted upon a she-mule[245](#linknote-245) whose housings were of the richest and finest, while behind her walked confidential servants, followed by a band of horsemen and foot- soldiers and Habashi slaves; and, as she rode along, the people formed espalier, standing on either side to salute her while she passed. The leech also joined the throng and made his obeisance, after which quoth he to a bystander, which was a Darwaysh, "Methinks this lady must be a queen?" "'Tis even so," quoth the other, "she is the consort of our Sultan and all the folk honour and esteem her above her sister-wives for that in truth she is the mother of Prince Khudadad and of him thou surely hast heard." Hereupon the surgeon accompanied the cavalcade; and, when the lady dismounted at a cathedral-mosque and gave alms of Ashrafis[246](#linknote-246) and gold coins to all around (for the King had enjoined her that until Khudadad's return she should deal charity to the poor with her own hand, and pray for the youth's being restored to his home in peace and safety), the mediciner also mingled with the throng which joined in supplications for their favourite and whispered to a slave saying, "O my brother, it behoveth me that I make known without stay or delay to Queen Firuzah a secret which is with me." Replied he, "An it be aught concerning Prince Khudadad 'tis well: the King's wife will surely give ear to thee; but an it be other, thou wilt hardly win a hearing, for that she is distraught by the absence of her son and careth not for aught beside." The surgeon, still speaking low, made reply, "My secret concerneth that which is on her mind." "If this be so," returned the slave, "do thou follow her train privily till it arrive at the palace gate." Accordingly, when the Lady Firuzah reached her royal apartments, the man made petition to her, saying, "A stranger would fain tell somewhat to thee in private;" and she deigned give permission and command, exclaiming, "'Tis well, let him be brought hither." Hereupon the slave presented to her the surgeon whom the Queen with gracious mien bade approach; and he, kissing ground between her hands, made his petition in these words: "I have a long tale to tell thy Highness whereat thou shalt greatly marvel." Then he described to her Khudadad's condition, the villainy of his brothers and his death at their hands and of his corpse having been carried off by wild beasts. Queen Firuzah hearing of her son's murther fell straight- way a-swooning to the ground, and the attendants ran up and, raising her, besprinkled her face with rose-water until she recovered sense and consciousness. Then she gave orders to the surgeon saying, "Hie thee straightway to the Princess of Daryabar and convey to her greetings and expressions of sympathy both from myself and from his sire;" and as the leech departed she called to mind her son and wept with sore weeping. By chance the Sultan, who was passing by that way, seeing Firuzah in tears and sobs and breaking out into sore and bitter lamentation, asked of her the reason thereof.โAnd as the morn began to dawn Shahrazad held her peace till
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Moral of the Story
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Characters
Princess of Daryabar ★ protagonist
Slender and graceful, with features indicative of a Middle Eastern or North African heritage. Her skin is likely olive-toned, and her build delicate but resilient.
Attire: Initially, she wears fine, flowing robes of silk or brocade, perhaps in deep jewel tones like sapphire or emerald, with intricate gold embroidery. Later, her attire might be more subdued, but still of quality, reflecting her royal status even in distress. She would wear a veil or head covering when in public, as is customary.
Wants: To find and save her beloved Khudadad, and later, to seek justice for him and ensure her own safety.
Flaw: Her deep emotional attachment to Khudadad makes her vulnerable to despair and grief, which can temporarily incapacitate her.
She begins as a grieving widow, but through her resilience and the surgeon's help, she transforms into a determined advocate for justice and a survivor seeking to reunite with her husband's family.
Loyal, deeply loving, resilient, perceptive, and resourceful. She is quick-witted enough to notice Khudadad's lingering breath and to seek help.
Khudadad ◆ supporting
Strong and well-built, as befits a valiant prince, with features typical of a Middle Eastern or North African man. His body bears the marks of a warrior, though he is currently in a state of near-death.
Attire: When found, he is likely dressed in the remnants of travel attire, possibly fine linen or cotton garments, now torn and bloodied from the attack. Before this, he would have worn the rich, practical clothing of a prince on a quest, perhaps with a turban.
Wants: To return home safely with his bride and fulfill his destiny.
Flaw: His trust in his treacherous brothers, which leads to his near-fatal attack.
He is in a state of suspended animation, his fate unknown to most, serving as the catalyst for the Princess's and Surgeon's journey.
Valiant, accomplished, courageous, and virtuous. He is a beloved son and husband.
The Surgeon ◆ supporting
A man of mature age, likely of average height and build, with a wise and observant demeanor. His hands would be skilled and steady, his face showing signs of experience and compassion. He would be of Middle Eastern or North African ethnicity.
Attire: Practical, clean robes of good quality linen or cotton, perhaps in muted tones like cream, grey, or light blue, indicative of his respected profession. He might wear a simple turban or skullcap. He would carry a small satchel with his medical instruments.
Wants: To help those in distress, particularly the Princess, and to ensure justice is served for Khudadad.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his compassion could potentially put him in danger.
He begins as a rescuer of the Princess, then becomes her trusted advisor and advocate, actively working to uncover the truth and seek justice.
Shrewd, trustworthy, compassionate, resourceful, and diplomatic. He is quick to offer aid and wise in his counsel.
Queen Firuzah ◆ supporting
A regal woman of mature age, likely still possessing great beauty and dignity, though now marked by sorrow. Her features would be consistent with a queen from a Middle Eastern kingdom.
Attire: Rich, flowing robes of silk and brocade, perhaps in deep purples, golds, or reds, adorned with intricate embroidery and jewels. She would wear a magnificent headpiece or turban, and fine jewelry. Her clothing would be of the highest quality, reflecting her status as the Sultan's consort.
Wants: To find her lost son, Khudadad, and ensure his safe return. To mourn him if he is truly lost.
Flaw: Her overwhelming grief for Khudadad makes her vulnerable and distracts her from other matters.
She is introduced as a grieving mother, actively seeking her son. Her arc involves receiving the devastating news of his presumed death and then preparing to meet her daughter-in-law.
Deeply loving, charitable, distraught by grief, and highly respected. She is a devoted mother.
Locations
Desert Tent
A simple tent, likely made of woven goat hair or thick fabric, pitched in a desert environment. The interior is intimate, providing shelter and privacy.
Mood: Desperate, sorrowful, then hopeful
The Princess discovers Khudadad's near-death state, believes him dead, then realizes he's alive before he disappears.
Surgeon's Dwelling in the City
A private residence within a bustling city, likely an Arabian-style house with cool, shaded rooms, possibly featuring intricate tile work or carved wooden elements, offering comfort and seclusion.
Mood: Safe, comforting, reflective, a place of temporary refuge
The Princess is housed and cared for by the surgeon, who eventually learns her story and offers assistance.
Caravanserai on the Road to Harran
A roadside inn or caravanserai, typical of ancient trade routes in the Middle East. It would feature a large courtyard for animals and goods, surrounded by rooms for travelers, built with sturdy stone or mud-brick walls to offer security.
Mood: Busy, transient, a hub of information and temporary rest
The Princess and surgeon stop here, gathering crucial news about Khudadad's disappearance from the King of Harran's court.
Cathedral-Mosque in Harran
A grand congregational mosque in the city of Harran, likely featuring a large prayer hall, possibly with a central dome, minarets, and intricate geometric patterns or calligraphy. The architecture would reflect Abbasid or early Islamic styles, with cool stone floors and high ceilings.
Mood: Reverent, public, a place of solace and community
Queen Firuzah distributes charity and prays for Khudadad's return; the surgeon approaches her here to reveal his secret.
Queen Firuzah's Royal Apartments in Harran Palace
The private chambers of Queen Firuzah within the royal palace of Harran. These would be opulent, featuring rich textiles, possibly muqarnas vaults, and an inner courtyard or private garden view. The architecture would be grand and refined, reflecting the wealth of an Arabian sultanate.
Mood: Private, sorrowful, then dramatic
The surgeon reveals Khudadad's fate to Queen Firuzah, causing her to swoon and then to weep, which alerts the Sultan.
Story DNA
Moral
null
Plot Summary
After finding her husband Khudadad seemingly dead from his brothers' treachery, the Princess of Daryabar seeks a surgeon, only to return and find Khudadad's body missing. A kind surgeon offers her refuge and, learning her story, escorts her towards Khudadad's home city of Harran. There, they discover the kingdom mourns Khudadad's disappearance. The surgeon, acting on the Princess's behalf, informs Queen Firuzah, Khudadad's mother, of her son's apparent murder, causing the Queen to swoon before she sends for the Princess.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to hope
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of 'The Arabian Nights' or 'One Thousand and One Nights', a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The social structures, travel methods, and customs reflect that period.
Plot Beats (15)
- The Princess of Daryabar finds Khudadad seemingly dead, betrayed by his brothers.
- She weeps over him, then notices he is still faintly breathing and warm.
- She leaves to find a surgeon, securing the tent door.
- Upon returning with the surgeon, Khudadad is missing, leading her to believe a wild beast took him.
- The surgeon, moved by her plight, offers her shelter and service in his city.
- After some time, the Princess confides her full story to the trustworthy surgeon.
- The surgeon suggests taking her to Khudadad's father, the King of Harran, for justice.
- They travel to Harran, stopping at a caravanserai where they learn of the kingdom's deep sorrow over Khudadad's disappearance.
- The surgeon advises the Princess to remain hidden while he goes ahead to speak with Queen Firuzah, Khudadad's mother.
- The surgeon encounters Queen Firuzah, who is performing acts of charity and praying for Khudadad's safe return.
- He gains an audience with the Queen by stating his secret concerns her son.
- The surgeon recounts Khudadad's betrayal, apparent death, and the disappearance of his body.
- Queen Firuzah faints upon hearing the news.
- After recovering, she instructs the surgeon to bring the Princess to her, expressing sympathy.
- The Sultan, passing by, sees Firuzah weeping and asks for the reason.
