LXXV NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Bedreddin lived long ago. He was very, very sad.
Bedreddin's Father died. People buried him with honor. Bedreddin was very sad. He missed his father much. Bedreddin loved his father. He felt lost now.
Bedreddin was sad for a long time. He stayed home. He did not go out. He did not go to work. He did not see the King. This made the King angry. The King was the ruler. He did not like this.
The King was very angry. He called his New Helper. King made him helper after Bedreddin's sadness. "Go to Bedreddin's house," he said. "Take everything he owns. Make him leave this place." King spoke loud. His face was red.
The New Helper went quickly. He went with his men. They went to Bedreddin's house. They would do the King's work. The men walked fast. They had a job to do.
Bedreddin had a loyal friend. The friend heard the news. He heard the King's plan. He ran fast to Bedreddin. He wanted to warn him. The friend was brave. He ran very fast.
The loyal friend found Bedreddin. Bedreddin was still sad. The friend spoke fast. "Run away, master! Run fast!" he said. "The King is very angry. They will take your things. They will make you leave." Friend was breathless. He spoke with fear.
Bedreddin was surprised. "Can I get some money?" he asked. "No, master!" said the loyal friend. "The New Helper is coming now. You must go now!" Bedreddin knew big trouble. Bedreddin felt scared. He had no time.
Bedreddin stood up fast. He put on his shoes. He covered his face. He ran from his house. He did not know where to go. He felt scared. He ran into the night. He had to hide.
He wanted to go to the city gate. He ran very fast. He ran to a quiet place. It was a place where people rest. He would go to his father's special place. He ran past many homes. He ran until he was tired.
Night came. Bedreddin went to his father's special quiet place. It was a big, round building. Bedreddin would sleep there. He felt a little safe. He was alone now.
Original Story
LXXV NUIT.
La sultane des Indes ayant été réveillée par sa soeur Dinarzade à l'heure ordinaire, elle prit la parole et l'adressa à Schahriar: Sire, dit-elle, le calife ne s'ennuyait pas d'écouter le grand vizir Giafar, qui poursuivit ainsi son histoire: «On enterra donc, dit-il, Noureddin Ali avec tous les honneurs dus à sa dignité. Bedreddin Hassan de Balsora, c'est ainsi qu'on le surnomma à cause qu'il était né dans cette ville, eut une douleur inconcevable de la mort de son père. Au lieu de passer un mois, selon la coutume, il en passa deux dans les pleurs et dans la retraite, sans voir personne et sans sortir même pour rendre ses devoirs au sultan de Balsora, lequel, irrité de cette négligence et la regardant comme une marque de mépris pour sa cour et pour sa personne, se laissa transporter de colère. Dans sa fureur, il fit appeler le nouveau grand vizir, car il en avait fait un dès qu'il avait appris la mort de Noureddin Ali; il lui ordonna de se transporter à la maison du défunt et de la confisquer avec toutes ses autres maisons, terres et effets, sans rien laisser à Bedreddin Hassan, dont il commanda même qu'on se saisît.
«Le nouveau grand vizir, accompagné d'un grand nombre d'huissiers du palais, de gens de justice et d'autres officiers, ne différa pas de se mettre en chemin pour aller exécuter sa commission. Un des esclaves de Bedreddin Hassan, qui était par hasard parmi la foule, n'eut pas plus tôt appris le dessein du vizir, qu'il prit les devants et courut en avertir son maître. Il le trouva assis sous le vestibule de sa maison, aussi affligé que si son père n'eût fait que de mourir. Il se jeta à ses pieds tout hors d'haleine, et après lui avoir baisé le bas de sa robe: «Sauvez- vous, seigneur, lui dit-il, sauvez-vous promptement. - Qu'y a-t- il? lui demanda Bedreddin en levant la tête? Quelle nouvelle m'apportes-tu? - Seigneur, répondit-il, il n'y a pas de temps à perdre. Le sultan est dans une horrible colère contre vous, et on vient de sa part confisquer tout ce que vous avez, et même se saisir de votre personne.»
«Le discours de cet esclave fidèle et affectionné mit l'esprit de Bedreddin Hassan dans une grande perplexité.» Mais ne puis-je, dit-il, avoir le temps de rentrer et de prendre au moins quelque argent et des pierreries? - Non. seigneur, répliqua l'esclave; le grand vizir sera dans un moment ici. Partez tout à l'heure, sauvez-vous.» Bedreddin Hassan se leva vite du sofa où il était, mit les pieds dans ses babouches, et après s'être couvert la tête d'un bout de sa robe pour se cacher le visage, s'enfuit sans savoir de quel côté il devait tourner ses pas pour s'échapper du danger qui le menaçait. La première pensée qui lui vint, fut de gagner en diligence la plus prochaine porte de la ville. Il courut sans s'arrêter jusqu'au cimetière public, et, comme la nuit s'approchait, il résolut de l'aller passer au tombeau de son père. C'était un édifice d'assez grande apparence en forme de dôme, que Noureddin Ali avait fait bâtir de son vivant; mais il rencontra en chemin un juif fort riche qui était banquier et marchand de profession. Il revenait d'un lieu où quelque affaire l'avait appelé, et il s'en retournait dans la ville.
«Ce juif ayant reconnu Bedreddin, s'arrêta et le salua fort respectueusement.» En cet endroit, le jour venant à paraître, imposa silence à Scheherazade, qui reprit son discours la nuit suivante.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
After the death of his esteemed father, Noureddin Ali, Bedreddin Hassan falls into deep mourning, neglecting his duties to the Sultan of Balsora. Angered by this perceived disrespect, the Sultan orders the confiscation of all Bedreddin's property and his immediate arrest. A loyal slave overhears the decree and warns Bedreddin, who is forced to flee his home with nothing. As night falls, he decides to seek refuge at his father's grand tomb, encountering a wealthy banker on his desperate journey.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to uncertainty
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of 'One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The framing device of Scheherazade telling stories to Sultan Schahriar is central to its structure.
Plot Beats (13)
- Scheherazade continues the story of Giafar to Schahriar.
- Noureddin Ali is buried with honors, leaving his son Bedreddin Hassan in inconsolable grief.
- Bedreddin mourns for two months, exceeding the customary period, and neglects his duties to the Sultan of Balsora.
- The Sultan, offended by Bedreddin's perceived disrespect, appoints a new Grand Vizier and orders the confiscation of Bedreddin's property and his arrest.
- The new Grand Vizier sets out with officers to execute the Sultan's command.
- A loyal slave of Bedreddin overhears the plan and rushes to warn his master.
- The slave finds Bedreddin still grieving and informs him of the imminent danger and the need to flee immediately.
- Bedreddin, in shock, asks if he can at least retrieve some money and jewels, but the slave insists there is no time.
- Bedreddin quickly puts on his slippers, covers his face, and flees his house without knowing where to go.
- His first thought is to reach the nearest city gate, but he runs to the public cemetery instead.
- As night approaches, Bedreddin decides to spend the night at his father's grand domed tomb.
- On his way to the tomb, he encounters a wealthy Jewish banker and merchant returning to the city, who recognizes and salutes him.
- Scheherazade's narration is paused as dawn breaks.
Characters
Scheherazade
Slender and graceful, with features considered beautiful in the context of Indian royalty. Her movements are poised and deliberate, reflecting her intelligence and composure.
Attire: Richly embroidered silk or brocade 'baju kurung' or 'sari' in vibrant colors like sapphire blue or emerald green, possibly with gold threadwork (songket). Adorned with intricate gold jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, and a delicate 'selendang' (shawl) draped over her shoulders.
Wants: To survive each night and ultimately to soften the heart of Sultan Schahriar, ending his tyrannical practice of executing his wives.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent on her ability to entertain and intrigue the Sultan.
From a woman facing certain death, she gradually transforms into a respected and beloved queen, changing the Sultan's heart and saving countless lives.
Intelligent, resourceful, captivating, resilient, and strategic. She uses her storytelling to survive and influence.
Dinarzade
Similar in appearance to her sister, but perhaps slightly softer or less intense, reflecting her role as a supportive companion rather than the primary storyteller.
Attire: A less elaborate but still fine silk 'baju kurung' or 'kebaya' in a soft, complementary color like rose or ivory, with subtle embroidery. Minimal but elegant gold jewelry.
Wants: To support her sister and ensure her survival, playing her part in the nightly ritual.
Flaw: Less assertive than Scheherazade, she relies on her sister's wit for their survival.
Remains a constant, supportive figure, witnessing her sister's triumph.
Loyal, supportive, attentive, and gentle. Her primary role is to prompt Scheherazade and listen intently.
Schahriar
A powerful and imposing figure, likely with a strong build and a commanding presence, reflecting his authority as a sultan. His features might show signs of his past cruelty and current weariness.
Attire: Luxurious, flowing silk 'thobe' or 'dishdasha' in deep, rich colors like crimson or royal purple, possibly with gold embroidery. A jeweled turban ('imamah') on his head, and a wide, ornate belt ('hizam') often with a dagger tucked into it. Fine leather slippers.
Wants: Initially driven by a desire for vengeance against women due to perceived betrayal, he seeks distraction and eventually, perhaps unknowingly, redemption through Scheherazade's tales.
Flaw: His initial cruelty and mistrust of women, and his susceptibility to boredom.
Begins as a tyrannical and vengeful ruler, but through Scheherazade's stories, he gradually transforms into a more just and compassionate leader.
Initially cruel, suspicious, and vengeful, but also capable of being captivated and eventually softened by stories. He is powerful and easily angered.
Giafar
A dignified and wise older man, likely with a lean or average build, reflecting his intellectual and administrative role rather than physical prowess. His demeanor is calm and respectful.
Attire: A formal, long-sleeved 'qamis' or 'thobe' in a respectable color like deep blue or forest green, made of fine wool or linen, possibly with subtle silver embroidery. A simple, elegant 'kufi' cap or a modest turban. Practical leather sandals.
Wants: To serve his Caliph faithfully and to entertain with his stories, demonstrating his wisdom and knowledge.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, but as a vizier, his position is always dependent on the Caliph's favor.
Remains a consistent figure, serving as the narrator within Scheherazade's larger narrative frame.
Wise, loyal, articulate, and observant. He is a skilled storyteller and a trusted advisor to the Caliph.
Noureddin Ali
Though deceased, he is described as having held dignity, implying a man of stature and presence in his lifetime. Likely a robust build, befitting a Grand Vizier.
Attire: As a Grand Vizier, he would have worn the finest robes of his time and region, likely rich silks or brocades with intricate embroidery, and a distinguished turban.
Wants: To serve the Sultan of Balsora and provide for his family.
Flaw: His mortality, which ultimately leads to his son's troubles.
His death is the catalyst for the main plot, setting in motion his son's misfortunes.
Wise, respected, and influential, as evidenced by his high position and the honors given at his burial.
Bedreddin Hassan
A young man, likely of noble bearing due to his upbringing, but currently disheveled and distraught from grief and flight. He would have a slender to average build.
Attire: Initially, fine, but now likely simple and somewhat disordered, perhaps a loose-fitting 'thobe' or 'qamis' of good quality linen or cotton, but worn without his usual adornments. He covers his head with a part of his robe to hide his face, and wears 'babouches' (soft leather slippers).
Wants: To mourn his father, then to escape the Sultan's wrath and survive.
Flaw: His intense grief makes him neglect his duties, leading to the Sultan's anger. He is also somewhat naive and unprepared for political intrigue.
Begins as a grieving, withdrawn noble, then becomes a fugitive, forced to confront harsh realities and rely on his wits for survival.
Deeply grieving, initially withdrawn, then fearful and perplexed. He is loyal to his father's memory and somewhat naive about court politics.
Sultan of Balsora
A powerful and imposing ruler, likely with a strong build and a commanding presence, reflecting his absolute authority. His features might convey a sense of impatience and quick temper.
Attire: Luxurious royal robes, likely flowing silk 'thobe' or 'dishdasha' in rich colors like emerald green or deep red, with elaborate gold embroidery. A jeweled turban ('imamah') and a wide, ornate belt ('hizam') with a ceremonial dagger. Fine leather slippers.
Wants: To maintain his absolute authority and demand respect from all his subjects.
Flaw: His pride and quick temper, which lead him to make rash and harsh decisions.
Remains a static antagonist, his actions driving Bedreddin Hassan's flight.
Quick-tempered, easily offended, proud, and absolute in his authority. He views any slight as a challenge to his power.
New Grand Vizier
A man of authority, likely with a serious demeanor, reflecting his new and important position. His build would be average, befitting an administrator.
Attire: Formal and respectable robes, likely a fine wool or silk 'qamis' or 'thobe' in a deep, somber color like charcoal grey or dark brown, with subtle embroidery. A dignified turban. Practical but well-made leather slippers.
Wants: To faithfully execute the Sultan's orders and secure his new position.
Flaw: His unquestioning obedience to the Sultan, even in harsh commands.
A functional character, serving to advance the plot by carrying out the Sultan's punitive orders.
Obedient, efficient, and perhaps ambitious, having quickly taken over the deceased vizier's role. He is focused on executing the Sultan's orders.
Bedreddin Hassan's Slave
A man of average build, likely agile and quick, as he runs to warn his master. His features would show loyalty and concern.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing, likely a loose-fitting cotton 'thobe' or 'galabeya' in an earthy tone like beige or light brown. A simple head covering. Worn leather sandals.
Wants: To protect his master from danger.
Flaw: His status as a slave means he has limited power to help beyond warning.
A pivotal character who initiates Bedreddin Hassan's escape, then disappears from the narrative.
Loyal, quick-thinking, and affectionate towards his master. He is brave enough to risk his own safety to warn Bedreddin Hassan.
Locations
Noureddin Ali's House Vestibule
The entrance area of a grand house, likely a traditional Abbasid-era residence in Balsora, with a sofa where Bedreddin Hassan is seated, deep in mourning. The architecture would feature intricate geometric patterns, possibly carved wood or stucco, and a cool, shaded atmosphere.
Mood: Somber, sorrowful, then suddenly urgent and panicked.
Bedreddin Hassan receives the urgent warning from his slave about the sultan's wrath and the imminent confiscation of his property and arrest.
Public Cemetery of Balsora
A public burial ground outside the city walls of Balsora, where Noureddin Ali's tomb, a prominent dome-shaped edifice, stands. The area would be dusty, possibly with sparse desert vegetation or date palms, and the light fading as night approaches.
Mood: Desolate, melancholic, a place of refuge and despair.
Bedreddin Hassan flees the city and decides to spend the night at his father's tomb, encountering a rich Jewish banker on his way.