ABNER, the JEW WHO SAW NOTHING
by Wilhelm Hauff · from Fairy tales
Adapted Version
Abner was a smart man. He looked at things with clever eyes. Abner had a good day at work. He walked outside the city gate. He looked left. He looked right.
Soon, a man came running. It was the Stable Master. He looked very worried. "Abner," he said. "Did you see the King's horse? It is lost." The horse was very special.
Abner said, "It has gold hair. It has silver shoes. It is a tall horse. Master happy." "Yes!" he cried. "Where is it?" Abner said, 'I saw nothing.' Master confused.
Then, Queen's helpers came running. They looked very worried too. "Abner," they cried. "Did you see the Queen's dog? It is lost." The dog was very small.
Abner said, "It has long fur. Its tail is fluffy. It walks with a limp. Helpers happy." "Yes!" they cried. "Where is it?" Abner said, 'I saw nothing.' Helpers upset.
The Stable Master was angry. The helpers were angry. "He plays tricks!" they said. They took Abner to the King. The King was in his palace.
The King was very angry. "Abner, you must pay a fine!" he said. "You did not speak clearly. You made us guess. You must pay many coins." Abner felt sad.
Then, a helper ran in. He was out of breath. "Good news!" he cried. "The King's horse is found! The Queen's dog is found!" All were happy.
The King was surprised. "Abner," he asked. "How did you know about them? You said you did not see them. Tell me now."
Abner bowed low. "I walked in the sand," he said. "I saw small paw prints. One print was light. So the dog had a limp. I saw a long mark. The dog had a long tail. I saw ear marks. The dog had floppy ears."
"I saw big hoof prints," Abner said. "The prints were small and neat. I saw tiny silver bits. The horse wore silver shoes. I saw leaves brushed high up. The horse was very tall. It had gold hair on bushes."
The King was very amazed. "You are very smart!" he cried. "You have clever eyes. You think very well. This is good to see."
The King said, "You are very smart. I take away half your fine. But speak clearly next time. Do not make people guess. Always tell us all."
And so, Abner learned that it is good to be smart, but it is always best to speak clearly so all understand. The King learned that looking well can tell you many things!
Original Story
ABNER, THE JEW WHO SAW NOTHING.
THIS is the story of Abner, the Jew, who by reason of his great powers of observation, instead of benefiting himself by his sagacity, brought himself into dire straits and well-nigh lost his life.
Abner, the Jew.
It is well known that all Jews are observant and crafty; Abner was no exception to the rule.
He was strolling one evening beyond the gateway of Morocco, glancing from right to left in case by chance he could see anything likely to be used to his advantage. He was feeling particularly well pleased with himself, for he had done a very good day’s business. He had managed to sell a sick slave for a good sum of money, knowing he would prove of little value to the purchaser, and he had bought a camel-load of gum and spices for a very low price, and expected to make a large profit, so he smiled and stroked his beard and paced up and down in a very happy frame of mind.
154] Presently he heard the sound of people running and shouting and a number of the Emperor’s grooms, with the Master of the Horse at their head, came along. They ran here and there in wild disorder, evidently searching eagerly for something or someone who was lost.
“Hullo, you dog of a Jew,” cried the Master of the Horse, “have you seen anything of the Emperor’s horse, a fine creature ready saddled and bridled? He has run away and is lost.”
“Ah,” answered Abner thoughtfully, “he was one of the swiftest horses you could meet, with a small, delicately-shaped hoof, silver shoes, his mane shone like gold, fifteen hands high, a tail three feet and a half in length, and his bridle bit is of pure gold.”
“Yes, yes,” cried the Master of the Horse, “you have described him exactly; tell me where we can find the Emperor’s horse.”
“But I have seen no horse,” replied Abner, smiling craftily, “how therefore can I tell you where he is?”
The Master of the Horse was about to insist upon Abner explaining this apparent contradiction, when by a strange coincidence another event occurred which prevented him.
A troop of black slaves came running towards them, crying aloud, “Hath any one seen the Empress’ lap-dog? Aline, Aline, where art thou?”
“Is it not a small spaniel with a long coat, a feathery tail, and lame in the right foreleg?”
ABNER, THE JEW WHO SAW NOTHING “They ran here and there in wild disorder” (p. 154)
“Yes, yes,” cried the slaves, “of a certainty thou hast described the dog. The Empress is in a swoon 157] on account of the loss of her favourite and will certainly not recover until Aline is restored to her; tell us, therefore, where thou hast seen the dog!”
“I have seen no dog,” replied Abner, “neither was I so much as aware that our Empress possessed one.”
Then both the stable men and the slaves of the harem fell to abusing Abner, the shameless Jew, who did not scruple to make game of his Emperor and Empress. They seized him and dragged him before the Emperor and recounted all that had happened, suggesting that most certainly the Jew had seen and stolen the animals in question.
The Jew continued to protest his innocence, but all in vain; by way of a beginning he was ordered and received fifty strokes with the bastinado upon the soles of his feet, and after that he was assured that if the horse and the little dog were not recovered he would pay for their loss with his life.
The palace was still in a high state of commotion, when a black slave came running in, breathless and exhausted, but bearing the good news that both horse and dog had been found.
The horse, fed on the best corn and oats in the Emperor’s stable, had yet preferred his freedom and a bite of grass in a green meadow, where he had been found quietly grazing.
As for the little dog, he had been found in the company of a number of mongrels whose society was quite unfit for such an aristocratic little animal as an Empress’ pet.
The Emperor now demanded an explanation from 158] Abner as to how he had been able to describe two animals he had never seen.
The Jew bowed low before the Emperor and made answer: “I was taking a walk in the cool of the evening in a little wood, where the soil was sandy and loose; presently I noticed the prints of small paws, the right fore-paw print making a slighter impression in the sand than the others, therefore I knew the little animal was lame. One each side of the fore-paw prints there was a slight trail in the sand which proved the animal’s ears had been long and sweeping the ground, and it was impossible to avoid knowing that the tail was long and feathery, for, in an access of joy, probably at the freedom he was enjoying, he had wagged his tail to and fro, and brushed the sand aside. Therefore I knew to a nicety the kind of dog that had passed that way.
“As far as the horse is concerned, as I was walking upon another path in the wood I noticed the tracks of a horse’s hoofs. I examined them and found them small and delicate, such as only a highly-bred horse’s hoofs would be; from the distance apart I judged that the horse had been galloping at a great rate, and I noticed a stone against which he had evidently struck one hoof and left a small silver shaving, therefore I knew he was shod with silver shoes. The path down which I was walking was seven feet wide and the palms on each side had had the dust brushed from their leaves. ‘Ah!’ said I, ‘the horse swished his tail to and fro and swept the palms with it on each side of him, therefore the tail must have been at least three and a half feet in length.’ The branches of the trees beneath 159] which I was walking were some five feet from the ground and I saw that leaves had freshly fallen from them, no doubt brushed off by the horse in his flight, therefore I guessed him to be fifteen hands high. On the bushes I saw traces of golden-brown horse hair, caught here and there, and I knew then the colour of the horse that had passed that way.
“As I left the cover of the bushes I noticed a tiny mark of gold on a rock, and guessed that the runaway had had a golden bit between its teeth, which it had rubbed against the stone as it bounded past.”
“Now, by the beard of the Prophet,” cried the delighted Emperor, “that is what I call good eyesight, and no mistake. I only wish my master of the Hounds and the Chief of the Police had such eyes for a trail. Now, Master Jew, it is but fair we should reward you on account of what you have innocently suffered, and for the sake of the sagacity you have shown. As you should have paid me a hundred sequins, you shall be pardoned fifty on account of the fifty strokes you received. Now open your purse and pay me the other fifty, but remember to beware in future of how you make a laughing stock of your Emperor: if you wish to ridicule anyone, the pain in your feet may serve to remind you it would be best to make a butt of one of lesser degree!”
160]
Story DNA
Moral
Even extraordinary observation skills can lead to trouble if not used wisely or communicated clearly.
Plot Summary
Abner, a highly observant Jewish merchant, accurately describes the Emperor's lost horse and Empress's lost dog based solely on their tracks, but claims he hasn't seen them. This leads to him being accused of theft and mockery, resulting in a physical punishment and a threat of death from the Emperor. When the animals are found, Abner explains his incredible powers of deduction, impressing the Emperor, who then partially pardons him while still warning him against disrespect.
Themes
Emotional Arc
self-satisfaction to fear to relief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Wilhelm Hauff's tales often drew on Arabian Nights influences and sometimes reflected contemporary European stereotypes, which should be considered in adaptation.
Plot Beats (13)
- Abner, a clever Jewish merchant, is content after a profitable day and takes an evening stroll, observing everything around him.
- He encounters the Emperor's Master of the Horse, who asks if he has seen the Emperor's lost horse.
- Abner describes the horse perfectly, but states he has not seen it, confusing the Master of the Horse.
- Immediately after, a troop of slaves asks if he has seen the Empress's lost lap-dog.
- Abner again describes the dog perfectly, but denies having seen it, further perplexing the slaves.
- Both groups accuse Abner of mocking them and stealing the animals, seizing him and bringing him before the Emperor.
- Abner is questioned, protests his innocence, but is ordered to receive fifty strokes of the bastinado and threatened with death if the animals are not recovered.
- A slave arrives with news that both the horse and dog have been found.
- The Emperor demands Abner explain how he could describe the animals so accurately without having seen them.
- Abner explains in detail how he deduced the dog's characteristics from its paw prints, ear trails, and tail marks in the sand.
- Abner then explains how he deduced the horse's characteristics from its hoof prints, silver shaving, tail marks on palms, height from brushed leaves, and a golden mark on a rock.
- The Emperor is greatly impressed by Abner's sagacity and eyesight.
- The Emperor pardons Abner fifty sequins for the fifty strokes he received, but still makes him pay the remaining fifty, warning him not to make fun of his Emperor again.
Characters
Abner, the Jew ★ protagonist
A man of average height and build, with a presence that suggests a life of commerce and shrewd dealings. His movements are deliberate and observant.
Attire: Likely wears practical, yet respectable, clothing suitable for a merchant in Morocco during the period, perhaps a simple tunic (jellaba or djellaba) made of linen or wool, possibly in earthy tones, with a sash around his waist. His attire would be clean but not ostentatious.
Wants: To profit from his business dealings and to survive by his wits. Later, to clear his name and avoid punishment.
Flaw: His craftiness and tendency to be overly clever in his responses can be misinterpreted, leading him into trouble.
Starts as a successful, self-satisfied merchant who inadvertently gets into trouble due to his cleverness. He then uses his unique skills to explain his innocence, ultimately being partially pardoned but still facing a consequence for his perceived insolence.
Observant, sagacious, crafty, shrewd, intelligent, resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man of North African descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a thoughtful expression, with dark, keen eyes and a well-maintained dark beard. He wears a simple, long-sleeved, earth-toned linen jellaba with a woven sash around his waist, and soft leather babouches on his feet. His hands are clasped in front of him, one gently stroking his beard. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Emperor ◆ supporting
A figure of authority and power, likely of a robust build befitting a ruler. His presence commands respect and fear.
Attire: Wears opulent and culturally appropriate Moroccan royal attire, such as a richly embroidered silk caftan or djellaba, possibly in deep jewel tones, with a wide sash. He might wear a jeweled turban or a fez. His clothing would be adorned with gold thread and fine fabrics.
Wants: To maintain order and the dignity of his court, to recover his lost animals, and to dispense justice.
Flaw: Initially quick to judge and punish based on accusations, without full investigation.
Begins as an angry ruler ready to punish Abner severely but changes his mind upon hearing Abner's explanation, showing a capacity for justice and admiration for intellect.
Authoritative, quick to anger, just (eventually), appreciative of intelligence, somewhat pragmatic.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man of North African descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a commanding expression, with a well-groomed dark beard and stern eyes. He wears a richly embroidered deep blue silk caftan with gold thread patterns, a wide gold-brocade sash, and a jeweled turban. His posture is regal and authoritative. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Master of the Horse ◆ supporting
A man of a strong, perhaps athletic build, befitting someone in charge of horses. He would appear harried and anxious when the Emperor's horse is lost.
Attire: Wears practical but official attire, perhaps a sturdy linen tunic (qamis) and trousers, with a vest or jacket over it, suitable for riding and stable work. His clothing might be in muted colors, possibly with some official insignia.
Wants: To recover the Emperor's lost horse and avoid the Emperor's wrath.
Flaw: Quick to accuse and resort to violence (seizing Abner) without fully understanding the situation.
Remains largely static, serving as an initial antagonist to Abner.
Loyal (to the Emperor), anxious, accusatory, somewhat hot-headed.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult man of North African descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a worried and slightly aggressive expression, with short dark hair. He wears a practical, sturdy light brown linen tunic (qamis) over darker trousers, with a simple leather belt. His posture is tense, as if ready to spring into action. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Emperor's Horse ○ minor
A swift, highly-bred horse, fifteen hands high, with a small, delicately-shaped hoof. Its mane shines like gold, and its tail is three and a half feet in length.
Attire: Ready saddled and bridled with a bridle bit of pure gold. Shod with silver shoes.
Wants: To enjoy freedom and natural grazing.
Flaw: Its desire for freedom leads it to stray.
Escapes, is found, and returned to the Emperor.
Independent, spirited, prefers freedom over luxury.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy bay horse with a glossy coat, standing calmly in a sun-dappled stable yard. It wears simple, well-maintained leather tack with minimal brass fittings, its mane neatly braided. The horse has a kind, intelligent eye and a relaxed posture, one hind hoof slightly rested. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Empress' Lap-dog (Aline) ○ minor
A small spaniel with a long, feathery coat and tail. It is lame in the right foreleg.
Wants: To explore and socialize.
Flaw: Its lameness and tendency to wander off.
Wanders off, is found, and returned to the Empress.
Playful, enjoys the company of other dogs, even mongrels.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young girl of about ten years old, with delicate, doll-like features and large, curious eyes. Her hair is a cascade of pale blonde ringlets, adorned with a tiny silk bow. She wears a miniature ballgown of pale pink satin with lace trim and pearl buttons, puffed sleeves, and a full skirt over layers of tulle. She sits primly on a small velvet cushion, posture perfect and head tilted slightly, holding a tiny porcelain teacup with one hand. Her expression is one of poised, attentive stillness. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Beyond the Gateway of Morocco
An area just outside the city gates of Morocco, likely a dusty, open space leading to roads and paths, with some vegetation like palms. The ground is sandy and loose in places, with bushes and trees forming a 'little wood' nearby.
Mood: Initially content and bustling, later tense and chaotic due to the search, then relieved.
Abner is strolling, observes tracks, and is accosted by the Emperor's grooms and slaves searching for the lost animals.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, dusty path leading away from a massive, sun-baked mud-brick city gate with intricate geometric carvings. On either side of the path, sparse, gnarled olive trees and date palms cast long shadows in the golden hour light. The ground is a mix of fine sand and small, light-colored pebbles, with occasional tufts of dry grass. In the distance, low, rolling hills are visible under a clear, warm sky. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
The Emperor's Palace
A grand, bustling palace where the Emperor resides, characterized by a high state of commotion due to the lost animals. It features areas where slaves and officials move quickly.
Mood: Chaotic, anxious, authoritative, later relieved and amused.
Abner is dragged before the Emperor, interrogated, punished, and later explains his observations.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent, high-ceilinged hall within a Moroccan palace, featuring intricate zellige tilework in blues, greens, and gold on the lower walls, transitioning to smooth, polished tadelakt plaster above. Sunlight streams through tall, arched windows with carved cedarwood screens, illuminating dust motes in the air. Massive, dark cedarwood doors with heavy brass knockers stand at one end. The floor is covered with rich, patterned Berber rugs. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.