CXXVI NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Once, Malik lived in a big, grand palace. He lived with his wife, Lina. They were very happy in the palace. It was a nice home. Malik loved Lina very much. Lina loved Malik too. They spent happy days with each other. The palace was bright and warm.
Malik looked out the window. He saw small birds flying high. The birds flew far away. He wanted to go outside too. He wanted to see new places. He wanted to see the big, wide world. Malik felt a little sad inside. He wanted to fly like the birds. He felt a little bit stuck.
Lina saw Malik was sad. Her heart felt warm for him. She was a very kind wife. She wanted to help Malik. Lina had a good idea. She wanted to make him happy. She thought of a plan.
Lina went to see the Queen. The Queen was very kind. Lina talked to the Queen. The Queen knew Malik. She said they could go. She gave them a big bag. It had shiny gold coins inside. It was a kind present. The coins were yellow and bright.
They found a pretty house. It was in a small town. The house had a garden. Pretty flowers grew there. They moved into their new home. Malik felt very happy. Lina felt happy too. They ate good food. They played in the garden. They loved their new home.
Time passed by. Malik looked out the window. He still wanted to see new places. Lina had an idea. She wanted to visit her people. Her people lived far away. Lina said goodbye to Malik. She went on her journey. Malik felt a little sad. But he felt brave too. He wanted a new journey.
Malik walked and walked. He saw big mountains. He saw blue rivers. He saw new towns. He met kind new friends. He found a new city. It was a good place. He found a new home there. Malik was happy in his new home. He looked up at the stars. He smiled a big smile. Each night, he looks at stars and smiles. He is home.
Original Story
CXXVI NUIT.
Sire, le marchand de Bagdad acheva de raconter ainsi son histoire: «Les dames n'appliquèrent pas seulement sur mes plaies de la racine que j'ai dite pour étancher le sang, elles y mirent aussi du baume de la Mecque[50], qu'on ne pouvait pas soupçonner d'être falsifié, puisqu'elles l'avaient pris dans l'apothicairerie du calife. Par la vertu de ce baume admirable je fus parfaitement guéri en peu de jours, et nous demeurâmes ensemble, ma femme et moi, dans la même union que si je n'eusse jamais mangé de ragoût à l'ail. Mais comme j'avais toujours joui de ma liberté, je m'ennuyais fort d'être enfermé dans le palais du calife; néanmoins je n'en voulais rien témoigner à mon épouse de peur de lui déplaire. Elle s'en aperçut; elle ne demandait pas mieux elle-même que d'en sortir. La reconnaissance seule la retenait auprès de Zobéide; mais elle avait de l'esprit, et elle représenta si bien à sa maîtresse la contrainte où j'étais de ne pas vivre dans la ville avec des gens de ma condition comme j'avais toujours fait, que cette bonne princesse aima mieux se priver du plaisir d'avoir auprès d'elle sa favorite, que de ne lui pas accorder ce que nous souhaitions tous deux également.
«C'est pourquoi, un mois après notre mariage, je vis paraître mon épouse avec plusieurs eunuques qui portaient chacun un sac d'argent. Quand ils se furent retirés: «Vous ne m'avez rien marqué, dit-elle, de l'ennui que vous cause le séjour de la cour. Mais je m'en suis bien aperçu, et j'ai heureusement trouvé moyen de vous rendre content: Zobéide, ma maîtresse, nous permet de nous retirer du palais, et voilà cinquante mille sequins dont elle nous fait présent, pour nous mettre en état de vivre commodément dans la ville. Prenez-en dix mille et allez nous acheter une maison.»
«J'en eus bientôt trouvé une pour cette somme, et l'ayant fait meubler magnifiquement, nous y allâmes loger. Nous prîmes un grand nombres d'esclaves de l'un et de l'autre sexe, et nous nous donnâmes un fort bel équipage. Enfin nous commençâmes à mener une vie fort agréable; mais elle ne fut pas de longue durée: au bout d'un an ma femme tomba malade et mourut en peu de jours.
«J'aurais pu me remarier et continuer de vivre honorablement à Bagdad, mais l'envie de voir le monde m'inspira un autre dessein. Je vendis ma maison, et, après avoir acheté plusieurs sortes de marchandises, je me joignis à une caravane et passai en Perse. De là je pris la route de Samarcande, d'où je suis venu m'établir en cette ville.»
«Voilà, sire, dit le pourvoyeur qui parlait au sultan de Casgar, l'histoire que raconta hier ce marchand de Bagdad à la compagnie où je me trouvai. - Cette histoire, dit le sultan, a quelque chose d'extraordinaire; mais elle n'est pas comparable à celle du petit bossu.» Alors le médecin juif s'étant avancé, se prosterna devant le trône de ce prince et lui dit en se relevant: «Sire, si votre majesté veut avoir aussi la bonté de m'écouter, je me flatte qu'elle sera satisfaite de l'histoire que j'ai à lui conter. - Hé bien! parle, lui dit le sultan; mais si elle n'est pas plus surprenante que celle du bossu, n'espère pas que je te donne la vie.»
La sultane Scheherazade s'arrêta en cet endroit parce qu'il était jour. La nuit suivante, elle reprit ainsi son discours:
Story DNA
Plot Summary
The merchant of Baghdad, having been healed and married, finds himself restless despite a comfortable life in the Caliph's palace. His perceptive wife, Zobeide's favorite, secures their freedom and a generous gift of 50,000 sequins from Zobeide. They establish a beautiful home in Baghdad and live happily for a year until his wife suddenly falls ill and dies. Grieving but driven by a desire to see the world, the merchant sells his possessions, travels through Persia to Samarkand, and settles there, concluding his tale within the larger frame story of One Thousand and One Nights.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Part of the One Thousand and One Nights collection, reflecting medieval Islamic society and storytelling traditions.
Plot Beats (14)
- The merchant recounts how he was perfectly healed by Zobeide's balm and lived happily with his wife in the Caliph's palace.
- Despite his happiness, the merchant yearns for his freedom and life in the city, but hides his feelings from his wife.
- His wife perceives his unhappiness and, out of loyalty to Zobeide, finds a way to grant them both their freedom.
- The wife successfully persuades Zobeide to release them from the palace, receiving 50,000 sequins as a gift.
- The merchant uses 10,000 sequins to buy and magnificently furnish a house in the city.
- They move into their new home, acquire many slaves, and begin a very pleasant life.
- After one year, the merchant's wife falls ill and dies within a few days.
- The merchant, though able to remarry, decides to sell his house and goods to travel the world.
- He joins a caravan, travels through Persia to Samarkand, and eventually settles in the city where he is now.
- The storyteller (the purveyor) concludes the merchant's tale to the Sultan of Casgar.
- The Sultan finds the story extraordinary but declares it not as surprising as the story of the little hunchback.
- The Jewish doctor then offers to tell a story he believes will satisfy the Sultan more than the hunchback's tale.
- The Sultan agrees, threatening the doctor's life if his story is not more surprising.
- Scheherazade stops her narration as day breaks, promising to continue the next night.
Characters
Le Marchand de Bagdad
A man of average height and build, likely with a sun-kissed complexion from his travels. He would have the physical resilience of someone accustomed to long journeys and the rigors of trade.
Attire: When first introduced, he would wear practical but respectable merchant attire: a loose-fitting tunic (qamis) over trousers (sirwal), perhaps a vest (sadriya) and a simple turban (imamah) made of fine cotton or linen, in earthy tones suitable for travel. Later, in Bagdad, he would wear more luxurious versions, perhaps a silk kaftan over his qamis, with a more elaborate turban and soft leather slippers.
Wants: To regain his freedom and independence, to see the world, and to live comfortably on his own terms.
Flaw: His restlessness and desire for freedom can make him impatient with confinement, even luxurious confinement.
He transitions from an injured, confined man to a free, wealthy merchant who travels the world, ultimately settling in a new city. He learns the value of freedom and the impermanence of life.
Resourceful, adaptable, restless, appreciative, and somewhat independent. He values his freedom above luxury.
La Favorite de Zobéide
A woman of graceful stature, likely slender and elegant, befitting a lady-in-waiting in a royal court. Her movements would be refined and poised.
Attire: Luxurious court attire: a flowing silk kaftan in rich jewel tones (e.g., emerald green or sapphire blue), possibly embroidered with gold thread, worn over a fine linen underdress. She would wear delicate gold jewelry, such as bracelets and earrings, and soft embroidered slippers. Her head might be covered with a sheer, decorated veil.
Wants: To ensure her husband's happiness and freedom, even if it means sacrificing her own comfortable position.
Flaw: Her loyalty to Zobéide initially makes it difficult for her to express her own desires for departure.
She transitions from a loyal courtier to a devoted wife who prioritizes her husband's happiness. Her arc is cut short by her untimely death.
Intelligent, perceptive, compassionate, loyal, and understanding. She is observant of others' feelings.
Zobéide
A woman of regal bearing, likely of a more mature age, with an air of authority and benevolence. Her presence would command respect.
Attire: Exquisite royal attire: a magnificent, flowing robe (possibly a thobe or kaftan) made of the finest silk or brocade, in rich colors like deep purple or crimson, heavily embroidered with gold and silver threads and possibly adorned with precious stones. She would wear elaborate gold jewelry, including a jeweled necklace and bracelets, and a regal headpiece.
Wants: To ensure the well-being and happiness of her favored lady-in-waiting and her husband, even if it means personal sacrifice.
Flaw: Her attachment to her favored lady-in-waiting, though she ultimately overcomes it for the sake of others' happiness.
She demonstrates her benevolence by allowing her favorite lady-in-waiting and her husband to leave the palace, showing her capacity for selfless generosity.
Benevolent, understanding, generous, and wise. She values the happiness of those around her, especially her favorites.
Le Sultan de Casgar
A powerful and imposing figure, likely of a robust build, reflecting his authority and position. He would be seated on a throne, exuding majesty.
Attire: Opulent royal attire: a magnificent, flowing silk kaftan in a rich color like royal blue or deep purple, intricately embroidered with gold thread and possibly adorned with precious stones. He would wear a large, jeweled turban (turban-e-shah) and a wide, ornate belt with a large buckle. Fine leather slippers would complete his ensemble.
Wants: To be entertained by extraordinary stories and to pass judgment.
Flaw: His impatience and demanding nature regarding the quality of stories.
He serves as the audience and judge for the stories, driving the narrative forward by demanding more surprising tales.
Demanding, curious, appreciative of good stories, and capable of both severity and mercy (as indicated by his threat to the Jewish physician).
Le Pourvoyeur
A man of practical build, perhaps slightly portly, indicative of someone involved in provisioning and trade. He would have a respectful but confident demeanor.
Attire: Respectable but not overly luxurious attire, suitable for someone who deals with goods and serves the court. Perhaps a well-made linen tunic (qamis) over trousers, with a simple vest and a practical, unadorned turban or cap. Colors would be muted but clean.
Wants: To entertain the Sultan and fulfill his duty by recounting interesting tales.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, but his desire to please could make him susceptible to pressure.
He serves as a conduit for the merchant's story, demonstrating his role in the court's entertainment.
Eager to please, observant, and a good listener, as he recounts the merchant's story accurately.
Le Médecin Juif
An elderly man, likely slender and somewhat stooped from age and study. His appearance would suggest wisdom and experience.
Attire: Traditional attire for a scholar or physician of the era: a long, dark, simple robe (jubbah) made of wool or linen, perhaps with a plain sash. He might wear a small, round cap (kippah or similar) under a simple turban. His clothing would be clean but not luxurious, emphasizing his profession over wealth.
Wants: To save his life by telling a story more surprising than the previous one, and to demonstrate his wisdom.
Flaw: His life is literally at stake, making him vulnerable to the Sultan's judgment.
He steps forward to tell his story under duress, setting up the next narrative in the larger frame story.
Courageous (to approach the Sultan with a story under threat), confident in his storytelling ability, and respectful.
La Sultane Scheherazade
A woman of captivating beauty and grace, with an intelligent and serene demeanor. Her presence would be both alluring and commanding.
Attire: Magnificent royal attire: a flowing, richly embroidered silk kaftan or gown in vibrant colors (e.g., deep blue, gold, or crimson), possibly with sheer, jeweled overlays. She would wear an abundance of exquisite gold and pearl jewelry, including necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Her head would be adorned with a delicate, jeweled veil or tiara.
Wants: To save her own life and the lives of other women by captivating the Sultan with her stories, thus delaying her execution.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent on her ability to maintain the Sultan's interest.
She is the ultimate frame narrator, whose ongoing act of storytelling is her survival and the central mechanism of the entire collection of tales.
Intelligent, resourceful, courageous, patient, and an unparalleled storyteller. She possesses immense wit and charm.
Locations
Caliph's Palace in Baghdad
A grand and opulent Abbasid-era palace in Baghdad, likely featuring intricate muqarnas vaults, courtyards with riad fountains, and geometric tile mosaics. It contains an apothecary where unadulterated Mecca balm is stored.
Mood: Initially a place of recovery and security, but quickly becomes confining and stifling for the merchant due to his loss of freedom.
The merchant recovers from his injuries, lives with his wife, and eventually receives permission and funds to leave.
Merchant's House in Baghdad
A newly purchased and magnificently furnished house in Baghdad, reflecting the wealth of a successful merchant. It would likely feature a central courtyard, possibly with a small garden or fountain, and rooms adorned with rich textiles and carved wooden furniture.
Mood: Initially pleasant and comfortable, a symbol of newfound freedom and prosperity, but ultimately becomes a place of sorrow due to the wife's illness and death.
The merchant and his wife establish a comfortable life after leaving the palace, but their happiness is cut short by her death.
Caravan Route through Persia and Samarkand
A long, arduous journey across diverse landscapes, from the arid plains and mountains of Persia to the more fertile oases leading to Samarkand. The route would involve dusty tracks, rocky passes, and stops at caravanserai.
Mood: Adventurous and solitary, driven by a desire to see the world, but also potentially dangerous and lonely.
The merchant embarks on a journey of exploration and trade after his wife's death, eventually settling in a new city.