XCII NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
A kind Grandpa had a big secret. He wanted to make his kin happy again.
Grandpa Schem told Grandma a big story. Her son, Bed, was alive! He showed her young Agib. He showed her Agib's Mother. This made Grandma very surprised and happy.
Grandma felt great joy. She hugged Agib very tight. She hugged Agib's Mother too. She saw Bed's face in Agib's eyes. Happy tears filled her eyes.
Grandpa Schem spoke to Grandma. "Do not be sad," he said. "We go to Egypt. We will find Bed there. We will be happy."
Grandma said yes. She was very happy. They started to get ready quickly.
Grandpa Schem said goodbye. He left the King of Bal. The King gave him many nice gifts. He gave gifts to Egypt's King.
They left Bal. They traveled to Dam. Dam was a big city.
They stopped near Dam. Grandpa Schem set up tents. They would rest for three days. He would buy nice gifts. Gifts were for the King of Egypt.
Agib wanted to see Dam city. He asked Agib's Helper. "Can we go for a walk?" he asked. He wanted to find the baker. He met the baker before.
Agib's Mother said yes. Agib and Agib's Helper went. They walked into Dam city. They went through a big gate.
They walked around the city. They saw many busy shops. They saw a big, old building. People prayed inside.
They saw a small shop. A man made cream tarts. The tarts smelled very yummy. It was Bed. He was Agib's father!
Agib said hello to the man. He looked at the man's face. "Do you know me?" Agib asked.
Bed looked at Agib. He knew his own son! He felt so much joy. "Come in, my boy!" he said. "Have a sweet cream tart!" He hugged Agib tight. Agib's Helper came in too. They were kin again. Joy filled the small shop.
Original Story
XCII NUIT.
«Schemseddin Mohammed, continua le vizir Giafar, après avoir instruit sa belle-soeur de tout ce qui s'était passé au Caire la nuit des noces de sa fille, après lui avoir conté la surprise que lui avait causée la découverte du cahier cousu dans le turban de Bedreddin, lui présenta Agib et Dame de Beauté.
«Quand la veuve de Noureddin Ali, qui était demeurée assise comme une femme qui ne prenait plus de part aux choses du monde, eut compris par le discours qu'elle venait d'entendre que le cher fils qu'elle regrettait tant pouvait vivre encore, elle se leva et embrassa très-étroitement Dame de Beauté et son petit Agib, en qui reconnaissant les traits de Bedreddin, elle versa des larmes d'une nature bien différente de celles qu'elle répandait depuis si longtemps. Elle ne pouvait se lasser de baiser ce jeune homme, qui, de son côté, recevait ses embrassements avec toutes les démonstrations de joie dont il était capable. «Madame, dit Schemseddin Mohammed, il est temps de finir vos regrets et d'essuyer vos larmes: il faut vous disposer à venir en Égypte avec nous. Le sultan de Balsora me permet de vous emmener, et je ne doute pas que vous n'y consentiez. J'espère que nous rencontrerons enfin votre fils mon neveu, et si cela arrive, son histoire, la vôtre, celle de ma fille et la mienne, mériteront d'être écrites pour être transmises à la postérité.»
«La veuve de Noureddin Ali écouta cette proposition avec plaisir, et fit travailler dès ce moment aux préparatifs de son départ. Pendant ce temps-là Schemseddin Mohammed demanda une seconde audience, et ayant pris congé du sultan, qui le renvoya comblé d'honneurs, avec un présent considérable pour lui et un autre plus riche pour le sultan d'Égypte, il partit de Balsora et reprit le chemin de Damas.
«Lorsqu'il fut près de cette ville, il fit dresser ses tentes hors de la porte par où il devait entrer, et dit qu'il y séjournerait trois jours pour faire reposer son équipage, et pour acheter ce qu'il trouverait de plus curieux et de plus digne d'être présenté au sultan d'Égypte.
«Pendant qu'il était occupé à choisir lui-même les plus belles étoffes que les principaux marchands avaient apportées sous ses tentes, Agib pria l'eunuque noir, son conducteur, de le mener promener dans la ville, disant qu'il souhaitait de voir les choses qu'il n'avait pas eu le temps de voir en passant, et qu'il serait bien aise aussi d'apprendre des nouvelles du pâtissier à qui il avait donné un coup de pierre. L'eunuque y consentit, marcha vers la ville avec lui, après en avoir obtenu la permission de sa mère, Dame de Beauté.
«Ils entrèrent dans Damas par la porte du Paradis, qui était la plus proche des tentes du vizir Schemseddin Mohammed. Ils parcoururent les grandes places, les lieux publics et couverts où se vendaient les marchandises les plus riches, et virent l'ancienne mosquée des Ommiades[44] dans le temps qu'on s'y assemblait pour faire la prière[45] d'entre le midi et le coucher du soleil. Ils passèrent ensuite devant la boutique de Bedreddin Hassan, qu'ils trouvèrent encore occupé à faire des tartes à la crème. «Je vous salue, lui dit Agib, regardez-moi. Vous souvenez- vous de m'avoir vu?» À ces mots, Bedreddin jeta les yeux sur lui, et, le reconnaissant, (ô surprenant effet de l'amour paternel!) il sentit la même émotion que la première fois: il se troubla, et au lieu de lui répondre, il demeura longtemps sans pouvoir proférer une seule parole. Néanmoins ayant rappelé ses esprits: «Mon petit seigneur, lui dit-il, faites-moi la grâce d'entrer encore une fois chez moi avec votre gouverneur; venez goûter d'une tarte à la crème. Je vous supplie de me pardonner la peine que je vous fis en vous suivant hors de la ville: je ne me possédais pas, je ne savais ce que je faisais; vous m'entraîniez après vous sans que je pusse résister à une si douce violence.»
Scheherazade cessa de parler en cet endroit, parce qu'elle vit paraître le jour. Le lendemain elle reprit de cette manière la suite de son discours:
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Schemseddin Mohammed informs Bedreddin's mother (Noureddin Ali's widow) that her son might be alive, leading her to embrace her grandson Agib and agree to travel to Egypt with them. After securing permission and gifts from the Sultan of Balsora, the group journeys towards Damascus. Outside the city, Agib requests to explore Damascus and find the pastry chef he once encountered. He and his guardian discover Bedreddin Hassan still making cream tarts. Agib speaks to him, and Bedreddin, recognizing his son, is overcome with emotion and invites them into his shop, bringing the long-separated family to the brink of a full reunion.
Themes
Emotional Arc
sorrow to joy
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story is part of 'One Thousand and One Nights' (Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The mention of specific cities like Damascus and Cairo grounds the fantastical elements in a recognizable geography.
Plot Beats (13)
- Vizier Giafar (Schemseddin Mohammed) informs Noureddin Ali's widow about the events in Cairo, the discovery of the notebook in Bedreddin's turban, and introduces her to Dame de Beauté and Agib.
- The widow, understanding her son Bedreddin might be alive, embraces Dame de Beauté and Agib, shedding tears of joy and recognizing Bedreddin's features in her grandson.
- Schemseddin encourages the widow to cease her mourning and prepare to travel to Egypt with them, expressing hope for Bedreddin's reunion.
- The widow agrees, and preparations for departure begin.
- Schemseddin takes leave of the Sultan of Balsora, receiving honors and gifts for himself and the Sultan of Egypt.
- The group departs Balsora and travels towards Damascus.
- Near Damascus, Schemseddin sets up tents outside the city for a three-day rest and to acquire gifts for the Sultan of Egypt.
- Agib asks his eunuch guardian to take him into Damascus to explore and to inquire about the pastry chef he previously encountered.
- With his mother's permission, Agib and the eunuch enter Damascus through the Gate of Paradise.
- They tour the city's public places, markets, and the Ommiades mosque.
- They pass Bedreddin Hassan's shop and find him making cream tarts.
- Agib greets Bedreddin, asking if he remembers him.
- Bedreddin recognizes Agib, is overcome with paternal emotion, and invites Agib and his guardian into his shop to taste a cream tart, apologizing for his past pursuit.
Characters
Schemseddin Mohammed
A man of mature years, likely of a dignified and authoritative build, befitting his status as a vizier. His features would reflect his Arabian heritage, with a strong nose and dark eyes.
Attire: Rich, flowing robes of fine silk, possibly in deep blues, greens, or purples, indicative of his vizier status. He would wear a turban, likely adorned with a jewel or intricate embroidery, and soft leather slippers. The fabric would be luxurious, perhaps brocade or damask.
Wants: To reunite his family, particularly his nephew Bedreddin with his daughter and grandson, and to ensure their well-being and happiness.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency to be overly formal or cautious due to his political role, which might delay personal matters.
He is actively working to resolve the family's long-standing separation, moving closer to a reunion by bringing his sister-in-law and grandson to Egypt.
Responsible, diplomatic, caring, persistent, strategic.
Giafar
As a vizier, he would be a man of respectable appearance, likely of Arabian descent, with a presence that commands attention.
Attire: Formal vizier's attire, consisting of flowing robes of fine fabric, possibly silk or brocade, and a turban. Colors would be rich but perhaps slightly less ostentatious than a sultan's.
Wants: To fulfill his duties as a vizier, which includes relaying important information and facilitating diplomatic exchanges.
Flaw: Not enough information to determine.
Remains a static character in this excerpt, serving as a narrator of past events.
Informative, formal, respectful.
Dame de Beauté
A beautiful young woman, likely with features characteristic of Arabian women, possibly with a graceful and delicate build. Her beauty is implied by her name.
Attire: Elegant but modest Arabian attire, perhaps a finely woven silk dress (thobe or abaya style) in soft colors like rose, cream, or light blue, possibly with subtle embroidery. She would wear a veil or headscarf when in public, but perhaps not in private family settings. Soft leather slippers.
Wants: To be reunited with her husband, Bedreddin, and to ensure the happiness and safety of her son, Agib.
Flaw: Her past sorrows may make her vulnerable to emotional distress.
She is on a journey towards reunion and resolution, moving from a state of longing to one of active hope.
Loving, gentle, hopeful, resilient, devoted.
Agib
A young boy, likely around 8-12 years old, with features that strongly resemble his father, Bedreddin. Agile and curious, as befits a child.
Attire: Comfortable but well-made children's clothing, perhaps a tunic and trousers in linen or cotton, in colors like light brown, cream, or soft blue. He might wear a small cap or turban, or just have his hair uncovered. Soft leather sandals.
Wants: To explore the world, learn new things, and perhaps unknowingly, to find his father. He is driven by youthful curiosity.
Flaw: Childish impulsiveness, leading him to wander off or act without full consideration of consequences.
He is on a journey of discovery, unknowingly leading to the reunion with his father, and experiencing the world around him.
Curious, adventurous, joyful, affectionate, bold.
Noureddin Ali's widow
An elderly woman, likely frail from years of sorrow, but with a sudden resurgence of energy upon hearing news of her son. Her features would be those of an older Arabian woman, perhaps with deep-set eyes and a gentle demeanor.
Attire: Simple, somber, but well-maintained clothing, likely a dark-colored, flowing dress (thobe or abaya style) made of cotton or linen, reflecting her widowhood and long period of mourning. Perhaps a plain, dark headscarf. Soft, comfortable slippers.
Wants: To see her son, Bedreddin, again and to be reunited with her family. Her primary motivation is the love for her lost son.
Flaw: Her deep sorrow had made her withdrawn from the world, almost losing hope.
Undergoes a significant emotional shift from deep mourning and withdrawal to renewed hope and active participation in family matters, preparing to travel to Egypt.
Mournful, devoted, hopeful, affectionate, resilient.
Bedreddin Hassan
A young man, likely in his twenties or early thirties, with a striking appearance that captivates others, even in his humble disguise as a pastry chef. His features would be distinctly Arabian.
Attire: Despite his noble birth, he is currently dressed as a pastry chef: a simple, clean white linen tunic, possibly with rolled-up sleeves, and plain trousers. A white apron would be tied around his waist, likely dusted with flour. Simple leather shoes.
Wants: To make a living as a pastry chef, but deep down, he yearns for his lost family, though he may not consciously realize it until confronted.
Flaw: His emotional nature can overwhelm him, making him speechless or impulsive.
He is on the verge of a major revelation, moving from an unconscious longing to a conscious recognition of his son and the potential for family reunion.
Affectionate, emotional, diligent, somewhat naive, deeply loving.
Black Eunuch
A man of African descent, likely of a strong and imposing build, typical for a guardian or attendant in a wealthy household. His features would be distinctively African.
Attire: Practical but respectable attire for an attendant, perhaps a dark, simple tunic and trousers made of sturdy cotton or linen. He might wear a simple head covering. Soft leather boots or sandals.
Wants: To ensure the safety and well-being of Agib, fulfilling his duties as a guardian.
Flaw: Bound by duty, he may lack personal initiative beyond his assigned tasks.
Remains a static character, serving his function as a guardian.
Responsible, protective, obedient, observant.
Locations
Vizier Giafar's Residence in Balsora
A private chamber within a grand Abbasid-era palace in Balsora, likely adorned with intricate geometric tile mosaics, carved stucco, and possibly muqarnas vaults. The setting suggests comfort and privacy for important family discussions.
Mood: Initially somber and regretful, transforming into hopeful and joyous as the family reunites and plans are made.
Schemseddin Mohammed reveals the truth about Bedreddin to his sister-in-law, who then embraces Agib and Dame de Beauté, recognizing Bedreddin's features in Agib. Plans are made for their journey to Egypt.
Encampment Outside Damascus
A temporary encampment of large, luxurious tents set up just outside the city gates of Damascus, specifically near the 'Gate of Paradise'. The area is likely dusty, with sparse vegetation typical of the Syrian landscape, but the tents themselves are grand.
Mood: Busy and expectant, with a sense of preparation and commerce.
Schemseddin Mohammed sets up camp to rest his entourage and procure gifts for the Sultan of Egypt. Agib requests to visit the city from here.
Souk and Public Spaces of Damascus
The vibrant, bustling public squares and covered markets (souks) of Damascus, entered through the 'Gate of Paradise'. The architecture is characteristic of a historic Islamic city, with narrow, winding alleys, stone buildings, and the grand Umayyad Mosque.
Mood: Lively, crowded, and full of everyday activity and commerce.
Agib and the eunuch explore the city, passing through the souks and by the Umayyad Mosque, eventually leading them to Bedreddin's pastry shop.
Bedreddin Hassan's Pastry Shop in Damascus
A modest but busy pastry shop in Damascus, likely a small, open-fronted establishment typical of a souk, with an oven for baking and a counter for displaying pastries. The air would be fragrant with the smell of sweets.
Mood: Busy and aromatic, suddenly charged with emotion and recognition.
Agib encounters Bedreddin Hassan, his father, who is still making cream tarts. Bedreddin recognizes Agib, leading to a powerful emotional reunion.