CXV NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Mr. Omar lived in a city. He had a purse. But someone took his purse! The Judge asked Mr. Omar about his purse. Mr. Omar said it was his. He said it had twenty coins. The Judge opened the purse. He saw the twenty coins. He gave the purse back to Mr. Omar.
Then the Judge called Ahmed. Ahmed came before the Judge. "Did you take the purse?" the Judge asked. Ahmed was very hungry. Ahmed said, "Yes, I took it." Judge was sad. Ahmed's hand was hurt badly. It was put in a bandage. He could not use it. This was his punishment.
Mr. Omar felt sad for Ahmed. He asked the Judge to be kind. The Judge listened. Mr. Omar gave the purse to Ahmed. "I hope you will be okay," he said. Mr. Omar showed kindness to Ahmed.
Some kind people saw Ahmed. They helped him. They put a soft bandage on his hand. They gave him water to drink. Ahmed felt very sad. He felt much shame.
Ahmed did not want to go home. He was too ashamed to be seen. He went to Layla's house. He walked many streets. He hid his hurt hand. It was under his clothes.
Layla saw Ahmed. He looked very pale. He looked very sad. She asked him, "Ahmed, what is wrong? Are you sick?" Layla was worried about him.
Ahmed said, "Just a headache." But Layla knew. She felt he hid something big. His eyes looked very sad. He did not look at her.
They ate supper. Ahmed could not use his right hand. He did not eat much food. Layla watched him closely. She knew something was very wrong.
Layla said, "Please tell me, Ahmed. "What is your secret?" She gave him juice. Ahmed took it with his left hand. He was almost ready to tell her the sad truth. Layla looked at Ahmed. She waited. What do you think Ahmed will tell her? Will Layla be kind?
Original Story
CXV NUIT.
Sur la fin de la nuit suivante, la sultane adressa ainsi la parole à Schahriar: Sire, le jeune homme de Bagdad poursuivant son histoire: «Lorsque le lieutenant de police, dit-il, eut la bourse entre les mains, il demanda au cavalier si elle était à lui et combien il y avait mis d'argent. Le cavalier la reconnut pour celle qui lui avait été prise, et assura qu'il y avait dedans vingt sequins. Le juge l'ouvrit, et après y avoir effectivement trouvé vingt sequins, il la lui rendit. Aussitôt il me fit venir devant lui. «Jeune homme, me dit-il, avouez-moi la vérité. Est-ce vous qui avez pris la bourse de ce cavalier? N'attendez pas que j'emploie les tourments pour vous le faire confesser.» Alors, baissant les yeux, je dis en moi-même: «Si je nie le fait, la bourse dont on m'a trouvé saisi me fera passer pour un menteur.» Ainsi, pour éviter un double châtiment, je levai la tête et confessai que c'était moi. Je n'eus pas plus tôt fait cet aveu que le lieutenant de police, après avoir pris des témoins, commanda qu'on me coupât la main, et la sentence fut exécutée sur-le-champ, ce qui excita la pitié de tous les spectateurs: je remarquai même sur le visage du cavalier qu'il n'en était pas moins touché que les autres. Le lieutenant de police voulait encore me faire couper un pied; mais je suppliai le cavalier de demander ma grâce: il la demanda et l'obtint.
«Lorsque le juge eut passé son chemin, le cavalier s'approcha de moi: «Je vois bien, me dit-il en me présentant la bourse, que c'est la nécessité qui vous a fait faire une action si honteuse et si indigne d'un jeune homme aussi bien fait que vous; mais, tenez, voilà cette bourse fatale, je vous la donne et je suis très-fâché du malheur qui vous est arrivé.» En achevant ces paroles il me quitta, et comme j'étais très-faible à cause du sang que j'avais perdu, quelques honnêtes gens du quartier eurent la charité de me faire entrer chez eux et de me faire boire un verre de vin. Ils pansèrent aussi mon bras et mirent ma main dans un linge que j'emportai avec moi attaché à ma ceinture.
«Quand je serais retourné au khan de Mesrour dans ce triste état, je n'y aurais pas trouvé le secours dont j'avais besoin. C'était aussi hasarder beaucoup que d'aller me présenter à la jeune dame. Elle ne voudra peut-être plus me voir, disais-je, lorsqu'elle aura appris mon infamie. Je ne laissai pas néanmoins de prendre ce parti, et afin que le monde qui me suivait se lassât de m'accompagner, je marchai par plusieurs rues détournées et me rendis enfin chez la dame, où j'arrivai si faible et si fatigué que je me jetai sur le sofa, le bras droit sous ma robe, car je me gardai bien de le faire voir.
«Cependant la dame avertie de mon arrivée et du mal que je souffrais, vint avec empressement, et me voyant pâle et défait: «Ma chère âme, me dit-elle, qu'avez-vous donc?» Je dissimulai: «Madame, lui répondis-je, c'est un grand mal de tête qui me tourmente.» Elle en parut très-affligée: «Asseyez-vous, reprit- elle, car je m'étais levé pour la recevoir; dites-moi comment cela vous est venu: vous vous portiez si bien la dernière fois que j'eus le plaisir de vous voir! Il y a quelque autre chose que vous me cachez; apprenez-moi ce que c'est.» Comme je gardais le silence, et qu'au lieu de répondre, les larmes coulaient de mes yeux: «Je ne comprends pas, dit-elle, ce qui peut vous affliger. Vous en aurais-je donné quelque sujet sans y penser, et venez-vous ici exprès pour m'annoncer que vous ne m'aimez plus? - Ce n'est point cela, madame, lui repartis-je en soupirant, et un soupçon si injuste augmente encore mon mal.»
«Je ne pouvais me résoudre à lui en déclarer la véritable cause. La nuit étant venue, on servit le souper. Elle me pria de manger; mais, ne pouvant me servir que de la main gauche, je la suppliai de m'en dispenser, m'excusant sur ce que je n'avais nul appétit: «Vous en aurez, me dit-elle, quand vous m'aurez découvert ce que vous me cachez avec tant d'opiniâtreté: votre dégoût, sans doute, ne vient que de la peine que vous avez à vous y déterminer. - Hélas! madame, repris-je, il faudra bien enfin que je m'y détermine.» Je n'eus pas prononcé ces paroles qu'elle me versa à boire, et me présentant la tasse: «Prenez, dit-elle, et buvez, cela vous donnera du courage.» J'avançai donc la main gauche et pris la tasse.»
À ces mots, Scheherazade, apercevant le jour, cessa de parler; mais la nuit suivante elle poursuivit son discours de cette manière:
Story DNA
Moral
Even in dire circumstances, one's actions have consequences, but compassion can offer a path to redemption.
Plot Summary
A young man from Baghdad is caught stealing a purse, confesses, and has his hand amputated as punishment. The victim, a compassionate cavalier, intervenes to save his foot and then returns the purse, expressing sympathy for the young man's plight. Ashamed and injured, the young man seeks refuge with a lady, attempting to conceal his wound and the truth behind his distress. The lady, sensing his deep sorrow, presses him to reveal his secret, leading him to the brink of confession.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to uncertain hope
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is an excerpt from One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The legal punishment of amputation for theft reflects historical Islamic law (hudud punishments).
Plot Beats (9)
- The police lieutenant questions the cavalier about his stolen purse, which is identified and returned.
- The young man is brought before the lieutenant, confesses to the theft, and has his hand cut off as punishment.
- The cavalier, moved by pity, intercedes to prevent further punishment and then gives the purse back to the young man, expressing sympathy.
- Kind strangers help the injured young man, bandaging his arm.
- The young man, ashamed and injured, decides against returning to his lodging and instead goes to the lady's house, concealing his arm.
- The lady, noticing his pallor and distress, questions him about his condition.
- The young man tries to hide his injury and the truth, claiming a headache, but the lady senses he is hiding something more serious.
- During supper, the young man's inability to use his right hand and his lack of appetite further raise the lady's suspicions.
- The lady insists he reveal his secret, offering him wine for courage, and he takes the cup with his left hand, on the verge of confession.
Characters
Scheherazade
Slender and graceful, with features considered beautiful in the Arabian tradition. Her posture is poised and elegant, reflecting her royal status and intellectual prowess.
Attire: Luxurious, flowing silk robes (thobe or abaya style) in rich jewel tones, possibly embroidered with gold thread. She might wear a veil or head covering, but it would be sheer and decorative, allowing her beauty to be seen. Fine gold jewelry, such as bracelets and necklaces, would adorn her.
Wants: To save her own life and the lives of other women by captivating the Sultan with her stories, ultimately hoping to cure him of his madness.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent on her ability to maintain the Sultan's interest.
She begins as a woman facing certain death, but through her ingenuity, she gradually transforms the Sultan and secures her own future and the well-being of the kingdom.
Intelligent, resourceful, courageous, captivating, empathetic.
Schahriar
A powerful and imposing figure, likely with a strong build befitting a sultan. His features would convey authority, but also a hint of the weariness or madness that has consumed him.
Attire: Richly embroidered silk caftan or thobe in deep reds or purples, possibly with gold brocade. A jeweled turban would adorn his head, signifying his immense power. He would wear heavy gold rings and possibly a ceremonial dagger at his waist.
Wants: To prevent future betrayal by marrying a new virgin each night and executing her the next morning, driven by a deep-seated mistrust of women.
Flaw: His deep-seated paranoia and cruelty, which isolates him and brings him no peace.
He begins as a tyrannical and vengeful ruler, but through Scheherazade's nightly tales, he slowly begins to heal, his cruelty diminishing as his interest in life and stories is rekindled.
Initially cruel, vengeful, suspicious, but gradually becomes intrigued and perhaps softened by Scheherazade's stories. He is a man of absolute power.
The Young Man from Bagdad
Described as 'bien fait' (well-built), suggesting a handsome and physically capable young man, though currently weakened by his injury. He is likely of average height for an Arabian man of his time, with a lean build.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing of a commoner or merchant, perhaps a linen tunic and trousers, possibly with a vest or outer robe. The colors would be muted, like earthy browns, creams, or blues. After his injury, his right arm is concealed under his robe.
Wants: Survival, maintaining his dignity, and continuing his relationship with the young lady, despite his misfortune.
Flaw: His desperation leads him to theft, and his pride makes him conceal his injury, complicating his situation.
He suffers a grave physical punishment for his crime and is forced to confront the consequences of his actions, learning about both human cruelty and unexpected kindness. He is in the process of learning humility and the difficulty of concealing truth.
Desperate, proud, secretive, somewhat naive, capable of both wrongdoing (theft) and remorse. He is also resilient, trying to navigate his difficult circumstances.
The Cavalier
A man of some standing, likely well-dressed and of a respectable build. His features would convey a sense of justice and later, compassion.
Attire: Fine, but not overly ostentatious, Arabian attire. Perhaps a well-tailored thobe or caftan in a respectable color like deep green or burgundy, with a simple turban. He would carry a purse.
Wants: To recover his stolen property, but then to show mercy and understanding to the thief.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but perhaps a tendency towards excessive generosity once his initial anger subsides.
He begins as the victim of a crime seeking justice, but transforms into a figure of mercy and charity, showing compassion to his offender.
Just, observant, compassionate, generous, understanding.
The Lieutenant of Police
A figure of authority, likely robust and imposing, with a stern demeanor. His features would reflect his role as an enforcer of the law.
Attire: Official robes, possibly in a dark color like black or deep blue, signifying his position. He might wear a specific headwear indicating his rank, and perhaps a ceremonial staff or weapon.
Wants: To uphold the law and administer justice swiftly and decisively.
Flaw: His strict adherence to the law might lack nuance or mercy without external intervention.
Remains consistent in his role as an enforcer of the law, demonstrating the legal system of the time.
Strict, unyielding, adheres strictly to the law, but capable of granting clemency when requested by a respected citizen.
The Young Lady
Likely beautiful and delicate, as the young man is concerned about her reaction to his 'infamy.' She is described as coming with 'empressement' (eagerness), suggesting a lively and caring nature. Her pallor when seeing the young man indicates her sensitivity.
Attire: Elegant, but perhaps less opulent than a sultan's wife. A flowing silk dress (thobe or abaya style) in a soft color like rose, cream, or light blue, possibly with subtle embroidery. She would wear modest jewelry.
Wants: To understand and alleviate the suffering of the young man she cares for.
Flaw: Her inability to discern the young man's true problem due to his secrecy, leading to misunderstandings.
She remains a figure of unwavering care and concern, her arc is tied to her reaction to the young man's eventual revelation.
Caring, affectionate, perceptive (sensing the young man's hidden trouble), persistent in her concern, somewhat naive about the true nature of his problem.
Locations
Public Square / Market Area
A bustling public space in Baghdad, likely paved with rough-hewn stones or packed earth, where legal proceedings and public punishments are carried out. There would be a crowd of spectators, and possibly stalls or shops nearby.
Mood: Tense, somber, with an underlying sense of public spectacle and pity.
The young man's hand is cut off as punishment for theft, witnessed by a crowd and the cavalier.
Baghdad Residential Street
Narrow, winding streets typical of an old Arabian city, with tall, windowless mud-brick or stone walls of houses on either side, offering shade. The path is likely uneven, possibly with some refuse or stray animals.
Mood: Desolate, weary, with a sense of urgency and vulnerability.
The young man, weak from his injury, navigates these streets to avoid attention and reach the lady's house.
Lady's Salon/Reception Room
A richly appointed reception room within a wealthy Baghdadi house, featuring low divans or sofas covered in luxurious fabrics, possibly with intricate geometric patterns. The room would be dimly lit by lamps or filtered light from a courtyard, creating a private, intimate atmosphere. Walls might be adorned with plasterwork or textiles.
Mood: Intimate, concerned, with an underlying tension of unspoken truth.
The young man arrives injured and tries to conceal his wound from the lady, who expresses concern and tries to get him to eat.