THE SECOND OFFICER'S STORY
by Unknown · from Tales from the Arabic — Volume 02
Adapted Version
Lina was a clever girl. She had a secret friend named Tom.
King Jad was a strong king. He was very strict. He heard a story one day. The story said Lina had a secret friend. She saw him every day.
King Jad sent a guard. "Watch Lina's house," he said. The guard watched the house. He saw Tom go to Lina's house.
The guard told King Jad. "I saw Tom at Lina's house."
King Jad went to the house. The guard went with him. They knocked on the door. They went inside.
They found Lina and Tom. They were playing a fun game. Lina smiled a big smile. "Hello, King Jad!" she said. "Want some cookies and juice?"
Lina gave them cookies. She gave them juice. Then she took her toys. She took her shiny play bands. She gave them to King Jad. "These are for you," she said.
She turned to Tom. "Run away, Tom!" she said. "Run away now!" Tom ran out very fast.
Tom was safe. Lina took her toys back from King Jad. "You must leave now," she said. "Leave now, or I'll tell everyone. I'll tell all you were here."
King Jad was very surprised. He left the house. He took no toys. He was surprised by clever Lina.
Everyone talked about it. "Lina was very clever," they said. "She helped her friend Tom." King Jad learned a lesson. Cleverness is key. Lina and Tom were happy and safe. Everyone said, "Lina is so smart!"
Original Story
THE SECOND OFFICER'S STORY.
I was once an officer in the household of the Amir Jemaleddin El Atwesh El Mujhidi, who was invested with the governance of the Eastern and Western districts,[FN#107] and I was dear to his heart and he concealed from me nought of that which he purposed to do; and withal he was master of his reason.[FN#108] It chanced one day that it was reported to him that the daughter of such an one had wealth galore and raiment and jewels and she loved a Jew, whom every day she invited to be private with her, and they passed the day eating and drinking in company and he lay the night with her. The prefect feigned to give no credence to this story, but one night he summoned the watchmen of the quarter and questioned them of this. Quoth one of them, "O my lord, I saw a Jew enter the street in question one night; but know not for certain to whom he went in." And the prefect said, "Keep thine eye on him henceforth and note what place he entereth." So the watchman went out and kept his eye on the Jew.
One day, as the prefect sat [in his house], the watchman came in to him and said, "O my lord, the Jew goeth to the house of such an one." Whereupon El Atwesh arose and went forth alone, taking with him none but myself. As he went along, he said to me, "Indeed, this [woman] is a fat piece of meat."[FN#109] And we gave not over going till we came to the door of the house and stood there till a slave-girl came out, as if to buy them somewhat. We waited till she opened the door, whereupon, without further parley, we forced our way into the house and rushed in upon the girl, whom we found seated with the Jew in a saloon with four estrades, and cooking-pots and candles therein. When her eyes fell on the prefect, she knew him and rising to her feet, said, "Welcome and fair welcome! Great honour hath betided me by my lord's visit and indeed thou honourest my dwelling."
Then she carried him up [to the estrade] and seating him on the couch, brought him meat and wine and gave him to drink; after which she put off all that was upon her of raiment and jewels and tying them up in a handkerchief, said to him, "O my lord, this is thy portion, all of it." Moreover she turned to the Jew and said to him, "Arise, thou also, and do even as I." So he arose in haste and went out, scarce crediting his deliverance. When the girl was assured of his escape, she put out her hand to her clothes [and jewels] and taking them, said to the prefect, "Is the requital of kindness other than kindness? Thou hast deigned [to visit me and eat of my victual]; so now arise and depart from us without ill-[doing]; or I will give one cry and all who are in the street will come forth." So the Amir went out from her, without having gotten a single dirhem; and on this wise she delivered the Jew by the excellence of her contrivance.'
The folk marvelled at this story and as for the prefect and El Melik ez Zahir, they said, 'Wrought ever any the like of this device?' And they marvelled with the utterest of wonderment Then arose a third officer and said, 'Hear what betided me, for it is yet stranger and more extraordinary.
Story DNA
Moral
null
Plot Summary
An officer recounts how his master, Amir Jemaleddin, learned of a wealthy woman's affair with a Jew. After confirming the report, the Amir and the officer force their way into the woman's house. The quick-witted woman, recognizing the Amir, feigns hospitality, offers him food and drink, then strips off her valuable clothes and jewels, giving them to him while instructing the Jew to flee. Once the Jew is safe, she reclaims her belongings and threatens to expose the Amir if he doesn't leave empty-handed. Outsmarted, the Amir departs, marveling at her cleverness.
Themes
Emotional Arc
tension to relief
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 context reflects a period where religious and social norms could lead to severe consequences for illicit affairs, especially those crossing religious lines.
Plot Beats (10)
- The narrator, a trusted officer, introduces his former master, Amir Jemaleddin El Atwesh El Mujhidi.
- The Amir hears a rumor about a wealthy woman having a daily affair with a Jew.
- The Amir dispatches a watchman to investigate and identify the house.
- The watchman confirms the Jew's visits to the specific woman's house.
- The Amir, with only the narrator, goes to the house, forces entry, and finds the woman and the Jew together.
- The woman, recognizing the Amir, greets him with feigned hospitality, offering him food and drink.
- The woman removes all her valuable clothing and jewels, hands them to the Amir, and instructs the Jew to leave.
- Once the Jew is gone, the woman retrieves her belongings and threatens to raise an alarm if the Amir does not depart immediately without taking anything or causing trouble.
- The Amir, outmaneuvered, leaves the house without any spoils, marveling at the woman's cunning.
- The story concludes with the Amir and others expressing astonishment at the woman's clever device.
Characters
The Second Officer
A man of average height and build, likely with a complexion suited to the Middle Eastern climate, perhaps olive-toned. His features would be typical of an Arab man of the period, with dark eyes and hair.
Attire: As an officer in the household of an Amir, he would wear practical but respectable attire. This would likely include a simple, long-sleeved tunic (qamis) made of linen or cotton, possibly a vest (sadriya) over it, and loose trousers (sirwal). Colors would be muted, such as earth tones, blues, or whites, reflecting his supportive role rather than a position of ultimate authority. He would wear soft leather slippers.
Wants: To serve his Amir faithfully and to recount his experiences accurately.
Flaw: Perhaps too passive, following orders without question, even when morally ambiguous.
He serves as a narrator, his character doesn't undergo a significant arc within this short anecdote, but he learns from the events he witnesses.
Loyal, observant, discreet, and a good storyteller. He is a trusted confidant to the Amir.
Amir Jemaleddin El Atwesh El Mujhidi
A man of authority, likely well-built and commanding, with features typical of an Arab ruler. He would carry himself with an air of power and confidence. His height would be average to tall, and his build robust.
Attire: As an Amir, his attire would be rich and indicative of his status, but practical for governance. He would wear a flowing, embroidered thobe or dishdasha made of fine linen or silk, possibly in deep blues, greens, or maroon. Over this, he might wear a more ornate outer robe (bisht) with gold or silver embroidery. A jeweled turban (imamah) would adorn his head, signifying his authority. Soft leather boots or ornate slippers would complete his ensemble.
Wants: To maintain order and uphold moral standards (as he perceives them) within his governed districts, and to assert his authority.
Flaw: Overconfidence and underestimation of others' intelligence, leading him to be outwitted.
He begins as an enforcer of his perceived moral order but is ultimately humbled and impressed by the cleverness of the woman he sought to punish.
Shrewd, authoritative, cunning, and initially driven by a sense of justice (or perhaps possessiveness over his domain's women). He is ultimately outwitted.
The Woman
Described as a 'fat piece of meat' by the Amir, implying she is attractive and perhaps voluptuous by the standards of the time. Her features would be consistent with an Arab woman, likely with dark hair and eyes, and an olive complexion.
Attire: As a wealthy woman, her clothing would be luxurious. Before disrobing, she would wear a finely made dress (thobe or jallabiya) of silk or fine cotton, possibly embroidered, in rich colors like emerald green, sapphire blue, or crimson. She would be adorned with numerous jewels: necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings, likely made of gold with precious stones. After disrobing, she would be in simple undergarments or a light shift.
Wants: To protect her lover and her own reputation/freedom from the Amir's judgment.
Flaw: Her illicit affair makes her vulnerable to societal judgment and the Amir's authority.
She begins as a woman in a compromising situation but transforms into a triumphant figure who outwits a powerful ruler through her ingenuity.
Clever, quick-witted, resourceful, bold, and courageous. She is not easily intimidated and acts decisively under pressure.
The Jew
His physical description is not detailed, but he would be a man of the region, likely with an olive complexion, dark hair, and eyes. His build would be average.
Attire: His clothing would be typical for a man of his status in the region, likely a simple tunic and trousers of linen or cotton, in practical, muted colors. Not as wealthy as the woman, but not destitute.
Wants: To continue his affair with the wealthy woman and to escape punishment when discovered.
Flaw: Fear and vulnerability due to his illicit affair and his status as a Jew in a potentially hostile environment.
He begins in a dangerous situation and is saved by the quick thinking of his lover, escaping potential punishment.
Lover, somewhat passive, and easily frightened when discovered. He is quick to obey the woman's instructions.
The Watchman
A man of average build, likely with a weathered appearance from working outdoors at night. His features would be typical of an Arab man.
Attire: Practical, dark clothing suitable for night patrols. This would include a simple tunic and trousers, possibly a cloak for warmth, made of sturdy wool or cotton in dark blues, browns, or greys. He might carry a staff or lantern.
Wants: To perform his duties as a watchman and report his findings to the Amir.
Flaw: Limited authority, he is merely an observer and reporter.
A static character who serves to advance the plot by providing crucial information.
Diligent, observant, and dutiful. He follows the Amir's orders precisely.
The Slave-Girl
Her physical description is not detailed, but she would be a young woman, likely with features typical of an Arab or North African woman, perhaps with dark hair and eyes and an olive complexion.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a household servant. This would likely be a plain, long-sleeved dress (jallabiya) of cotton or linen in muted colors like beige, light blue, or white. She would wear simple leather slippers.
Wants: To perform her household duties, such as buying provisions.
Flaw: Her vulnerability as a slave-girl, unable to resist the Amir's intrusion.
A static character who serves as a plot device to allow entry into the house.
Obedient and performs her duties, but is easily surprised and intimidated by the sudden intrusion.
Locations
Amir Jemaleddin El Atwesh El Mujhidi's House
The private residence of the Amir, where he conducts official business and receives reports. It is implied to have a space where he sits and receives visitors.
Mood: Official, authoritative, private
The Amir receives the watchman's report about the Jew's movements, leading to his decision to investigate.
The Woman's House
A private dwelling with a door that opens directly onto the street. Inside, there is a saloon featuring four raised platforms (estrades), cooking pots, and candles, indicating a space for dining and intimate gatherings.
Mood: Intimate, clandestine, later tense and defiant
The Amir and the officer force their way in, discovering the woman and the Jew. The woman then cleverly outwits the Amir to save the Jew.