CXIII NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Once, a kind young man rode to His Friend.
The Kind Young Man came to His Friend. His Friend opened the door. She wore a beautiful, pretty dress. She gave him a big, happy smile. She was very kind.
They were very happy to meet. They sat on a soft sofa. They talked and they laughed. They were glad to be together. They had much to say.
They ate yummy food. They had sweet cakes. They had fresh fruit. They had good bread. It was a good meal. They talked for a long time. The sky got dark.
They ate sweet fruits. They drank cool, fresh juice. Happy music played. They listened to the music. It was a good, happy sound.
His Friend sang a beautiful song. The Kind Young Man clapped. He smiled a big, happy smile. Then it was time for bed. He slept at her good house.
The next morning came. The Kind Young Man left a small gift. He put it under a pillow. It was a thank-you surprise. He was very kind.
He said goodbye to His Friend. He said, "I will come back." She smiled. She waved to him. She was glad.
The Donkey Man waited outside. He had his good donkey. The Kind Young Man rode home. He told the man, "Please come back later."
The Kind Young Man was home. He sent yummy cakes. He sent sweet treats. They were for His Friend. It was a good, nice surprise.
He waited for some time. The Donkey Man came back. He had his good donkey. He rode to His Friend again.
His Friend was so happy. She smiled a big, happy smile. They ate more yummy food. They had sweet cakes. Happy music played. They listened to the music.
The next morning came. The Kind Young Man left another small gift. He put it under a pillow. Then he rode the donkey home.
That is all for today. Good night!
Original Story
CXIII NUIT.
Sire, le marchand chrétien continuant de parler au sultan de Casgar, poursuivit de cette manière: «Je n'attendis pas longtemps dans le salon, me dit le jeune homme; la dame que j'aimais y arriva bientôt, fort parée de perles et de diamants, mais plus brillante encore par l'éclat de ses yeux que par celui de ses pierreries. Sa taille, qui n'était plus cachée par son habillement de ville, me parut la plus fine et la plus avantageuse du monde. Je ne vous parlerai point de la joie que nous eûmes de nous revoir, car c'est une chose que je ne pourrais que faiblement exprimer. Je vous dirai seulement qu'après les premiers compliments, nous nous assîmes tous deux sur un sofa où nous nous entretînmes avec toute la satisfaction imaginable. On nous servit ensuite les mets les plus délicats et les plus exquis. Nous nous mîmes à table, et après le repas nous nous remîmes à nous entretenir jusqu'à la nuit. Alors on nous apporta d'excellent vin et des fruits propres à exciter à boire, et nous bûmes au son des instruments que les esclaves accompagnèrent de leurs voix. La dame du logis chanta elle-même et acheva par ses chansons de m'attendrir et de me rendre le plus passionné de tous les amants. Enfin je passai la nuit à goûter toutes sortes de plaisirs.
«Le lendemain matin, après avoir mis adroitement sous le chevet du lit la bourse et les cinquante pièces d'or que j'avais apportées, je dis adieu à la dame, qui me demanda quand je la reverrais: «Madame, lui répondis-je, je vous promets de revenir ce soir.» Elle parut ravie de ma réponse, me conduisit jusqu'à la porte, et, en nous séparant, elle me conjura de tenir ma promesse.
«Le même homme qui m'avait amené m'attendait avec son âne. Je montai dessus et revins au khan de Mesrour. En renvoyant l'homme, je lui dis que je ne le payais pas afin qu'il me vînt reprendre l'après-dînée à l'heure que je lui marquai.
«D'abord que je fus de retour dans mon logement, mon premier soin fut de faire acheter un bon agneau et plusieurs sortes de gâteaux que j'envoyai à la dame par un porteur. Je m'occupai ensuite d'affaires sérieuses jusqu'à ce que le maître de l'âne fût arrivé. Alors je partis avec lui et me rendis chez la dame qui me reçut avec autant de joie que le jour précédent, et me fit un régal aussi magnifique que le premier.
«En la quittant le lendemain, je lui laissai encore une bourse de cinquante pièces d'or, et je revins au khan de Mesrour…» À ces mots, Scheherazade ayant aperçu le jour en avertit le sultan des Indes qui se leva sans lui rien dire. Sur la fin de la nuit suivante, elle reprit ainsi la suite de l'histoire commencée:
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A young man arrives at his beloved's home, where they share a night of joyful conversation, exquisite food, wine, and music, culminating in intimacy. The next morning, he leaves her a purse of gold and promises to return. After sending gifts, he fulfills his promise, enjoying a second magnificent evening with her, leaving another purse of gold the following morning, before the story is cut short by the dawn.
Themes
Emotional Arc
satisfaction to continued satisfaction
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is a fragment from 'The Arabian Nights' (One Thousand and One Nights), specifically part of a longer nested story told by Scheherazade to the Sultan. The context is a series of tales designed to entertain and delay her execution.
Plot Beats (13)
- The young man arrives at the lady's salon and she soon joins him, beautifully adorned.
- They express their joy at reuniting and sit on a sofa, conversing with great satisfaction.
- They are served delicate food, dine, and continue their conversation until nightfall.
- Excellent wine and fruits are brought, and they drink to the sound of instruments and slave voices.
- The lady sings, further enchanting the young man, and he spends the night in pleasure.
- The next morning, the young man discreetly leaves a purse with fifty gold pieces under the bed's pillow.
- He bids the lady farewell, promising to return that evening, which delights her.
- The same man and his donkey await him; he rides back to the khan, telling the man to return for him later.
- Back in his lodging, he arranges for an lamb and cakes to be sent to the lady.
- He attends to business until the donkey master returns, then goes back to the lady's house.
- The lady receives him with joy, and they enjoy another magnificent feast.
- The next morning, he leaves another purse of fifty gold pieces and returns to the khan.
- Scheherazade's narration is interrupted by the dawn.
Characters
The Young Man (Christian Merchant's Son)
Of average height and a lean, agile build, typical of a young man engaged in travel and commerce in the Middle East. His movements are likely confident and purposeful, reflecting his self-assured nature.
Attire: When traveling, he would wear practical but respectable attire for a merchant, such as a simple tunic over trousers, perhaps with a short cloak or vest. For his visits to the lady, he would likely don finer, clean garments, possibly a silk tunic or a well-made cotton robe, though not explicitly described as opulent.
Wants: To experience pleasure, particularly romantic and sensual enjoyment, and to maintain the affection of the lady.
Flaw: His desire for pleasure and his generosity make him susceptible to spending his wealth quickly.
In this snippet, he is in the midst of a pleasure-seeking phase, repeatedly visiting the lady. His arc is yet to fully unfold, but he is currently indulging in a lavish lifestyle.
Passionate, generous, attentive, pleasure-seeking, somewhat impulsive.
The Lady
Possesses a very fine and advantageous figure, described as radiant and captivating. Her presence is alluring and she is adorned with jewels.
Attire: She is described as 'fort parée de perles et de diamants,' indicating a lavish and elegant wardrobe. Her 'habillement de ville' (city clothes) are replaced by more revealing attire for intimate gatherings. She would wear flowing silk robes or tunics, richly embroidered, possibly with a sheer veil or head covering for modesty when outside, but more revealing indoors. The pearls and diamonds suggest a taste for luxury.
Wants: To enjoy companionship, luxury, and the affection of the young man.
Flaw: Her enjoyment of lavish entertainment and gifts might make her somewhat materialistic or dependent on her admirers' generosity.
She is consistently joyful and welcoming to the young man, her character remaining stable as a source of pleasure and affection.
Charming, affectionate, pleasure-loving, appreciative, captivating.
The Man with the Donkey
Likely of a sturdy, working-class build, accustomed to physical labor and guiding an animal. His features would be weathered from outdoor work.
Attire: Wears practical, durable clothing suitable for a common laborer or transporter in the Middle East: a simple, coarse cotton tunic, loose trousers, and perhaps a head covering like a simple turban or keffiyeh to protect from the sun. His clothes would be functional rather than decorative.
Wants: To earn his pay by providing transport services.
Flaw: His subservient role means he has little agency in the story.
Remains a static character, serving his function as a transporter.
Patient, reliable, obedient.
Locations
Lady's Private Salon
An opulent private salon within a grand residence, richly adorned with luxurious furnishings. The setting is intimate, designed for comfort and pleasure, with soft lighting and an atmosphere of romantic indulgence.
Mood: Luxurious, intimate, romantic, indulgent, secretive.
The young man's romantic rendezvous with the lady, involving conversation, a magnificent meal, wine, music, and spending the night together. He leaves money under the pillow each morning.
Khan of Mesrour
A bustling caravanserai, a traditional inn for travelers and merchants, likely featuring a central courtyard surrounded by rooms. It serves as the young man's temporary lodging and a base for his daily activities.
Mood: Busy, functional, transient, commercial.
The young man returns here each morning after his nights with the lady, arranges for gifts to be sent, and conducts his 'serious business' before returning to her in the afternoon.
Street/Path to the Lady's House
The route taken by the young man, accompanied by an attendant and a donkey, connecting the khan to the lady's residence. It suggests the urban or semi-urban environment of Casgar.
Mood: Anticipatory, routine, discreet.
The daily journey of the young man to and from the lady's house, marking the transition between his public and private life.