XXIX NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Scheherazade began a new story for Dinarzade. Once upon a time. In a big city, lived The Porter.
Dinarzade woke up. "Sister, tell more," she said. Scheherazade smiled. "Yes, little sister. Listen."
The Porter waited with Amine. She wore nice clothes. She looked kind. He carried a big basket. It was very heavy. He wondered about her. Who was this lady? She seemed important. He wanted to ask her name.
Then a door opened. Safie stood there. She was very pretty. Her smile was bright. The Porter looked at her. He felt surprised. His basket almost fell. She was so beautiful. He had never seen such beauty.
Amine saw The Porter's face. She saw his surprise. She smiled a little. She was happy. She liked his wonder.
Safie spoke to Amine. "Come inside, sister," she said. "The man's basket is heavy. He needs rest now."
They went inside the house. It was a big, beautiful house. The house was grand. It had tall walls. They walked through a door. It led to a pretty garden. The garden was very big. Flowers grew everywhere. Birds sang sweet songs. In the garden, a lady sat. She sat on a big, fancy chair. She was Zobéide. She was the most beautiful lady. Her dress shone bright. Jewels sparkled on her. Her eyes were like stars. The Porter looked at her. He could not look away. She stood up. Her movements were slow. She moved like a queen. A soft smile was on her face. She walked to them. She greeted them kindly. Amine and Safie bowed low. Zobéide smiled. She spoke to Amine and Safie. "Please help the Porter," she said. "His basket is heavy." Amine helped. Safie helped. Zobéide helped too. They lifted the goods. They moved them with care. The basket became light. All three ladies helped unload the basket. Amine gave money to The Porter. It was a lot of money. He was very happy. The Porter went home. He had much money. He felt happy. He wondered about the three beautiful ladies. What would happen next?
Original Story
XXIX NUIT.
Dinarzade, réveillée avant le jour, adressa ces paroles à la sultane: Ma soeur, si vous ne dormez pas, je vous prie de poursuivre l'histoire que vous commençâtes hier. Scheherazade aussitôt la continua de cette manière:
Pendant que la jeune dame et le porteur attendaient que l'on ouvrît la porte de l'hôtel, le porteur faisait mille réflexions. Il était étonné qu'une dame, faite comme celle qu'il voyait, fît l'office de pourvoyeur: car enfin il jugeait bien que ce n'était pas une esclave: il lui trouvait l'air trop noble pour penser qu'elle ne fut pas libre, et même une personne de distinction. Il lui aurait volontiers fait des questions pour s'éclaircir de sa qualité; mais dans le temps qu'il se préparait à lui parler, une autre dame, qui vint ouvrir la porte, lui parut si belle, qu'il en demeura tout surpris; ou plutôt il fut si vivement frappé de l'éclat de ses charmes, qu'il en pensa laisser tomber son panier avec tout ce qui était dedans, tant cet objet le mit hors de lui- même. Il n'avait jamais vu de beauté qui approchât de celle qu'il avait devant les yeux.
La dame qui avait amené le porteur s'aperçut du désordre qui se passait dans son âme et du sujet qui le causait. Cette découverte la divertit, et elle prenait tant de plaisir à examiner la contenance du porteur, qu'elle ne songeait pas que la porte était ouverte: «Entrez donc, ma soeur, lui dit la belle portière; qu'attendez-vous? Ne voyez-vous pas que ce pauvre homme est si chargé qu'il n'en peut plus?»
Lorsqu'elle fut entrée avec le porteur, la dame qui avait ouvert la porte la ferma, et tous trois, après avoir traversé un beau vestibule, passèrent dans une cour très-spacieuse et environnée d'une galerie à jour, qui communiquait à plusieurs appartements de plain-pied, de la dernière magnificence. Il y avait dans le fond de cette cour un sofa richement garni, avec un trône d'ambre au milieu, soutenu de quatre colonnes d'ébène, enrichies de diamants et de perles d'une grosseur extraordinaire, et garnies d'un satin rouge relevé d'une broderie d'or des Indes, d'un travail admirable. Au milieu de la cour, il y avait un grand bassin bordé de marbre blanc, et plein d'une eau très-claire qui y tombait abondamment par un mufle de lion de bronze doré.
Le porteur, tout chargé qu'il était, ne laissait pas d'admirer la magnificence de cette maison et la propreté qui y régnait partout; mais ce qui attira particulièrement son attention fut une troisième dame, qui lui parut encore plus belle que la seconde, et qui était assise sur le trône dont j'ai parlé. Elle en descendit dès qu'elle aperçut les deux premières dames, et s'avança au- devant d'elles. Il jugea par les égards que les autres avaient pour celle-là, que c'était la principale, en quoi il ne se trompait pas. Cette dame se nommait Zobéide; celle qui avait ouvert la porte s'appelait Safie; et Amine était le nom de celle qui avait été aux provisions.
Zobéide dit aux deux dames en les abordant: «Mes soeurs, ne voyez- vous pas que ce bon homme succombe sous le fardeau qu'il porte? Qu'attendez-vous pour le décharger?» Alors Amine et Safie prirent le panier, l'une par-devant, l'autre par-derrière. Zobéide y mit aussi la main, et toutes trois le posèrent à terre. Elles commencèrent à le vider; et quand cela fut fait, l'agréable Amine tira de l'argent, et paya libéralement le porteur…
Le jour, venant à paraître en cet endroit, imposa silence à
Scheherazade, et laissa non-seulement à Dinarzade, mais encore à
Schahriar, un grand désir d'entendre la suite; ce que ce prince
remit à la nuit suivante.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A porter, hired by a mysterious noblewoman, arrives at a magnificent house. He is successively captivated by the beauty of three different ladies: the one who hired him, the one who opens the door, and finally, the mistress of the house, who is the most beautiful of all. Despite their high status, all three ladies graciously help the porter unload his heavy basket, and he is generously paid, leaving him (and the audience) in wonder about their true identities and the secrets of their lavish home.
Themes
Emotional Arc
curiosity to wonder
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is a segment from 'The Arabian Nights' (One Thousand and One Nights), specifically the story of 'The Three Ladies of Baghdad' or 'The Porter and the Three Ladies'. The framing device of Scheherazade telling stories to Sultan Shahriar is integral to its original context.
Plot Beats (11)
- Dinarzade asks Scheherazade to continue the story.
- The porter waits with the first lady, reflecting on her noble appearance and his curiosity about her identity.
- A second, stunningly beautiful lady opens the door, captivating the porter.
- The first lady notices the porter's reaction and is amused.
- The second lady urges them inside, acknowledging the porter's burden.
- They enter a magnificent house, passing through a grand vestibule into a spacious, opulent courtyard.
- The porter admires the house's splendor, but is most struck by a third, even more beautiful lady seated on a throne.
- The third lady, Zobéide, descends from her throne and approaches the others, showing her status as the principal lady.
- Zobéide instructs her sisters, Amine (the first lady) and Safie (the second lady), to help the porter.
- All three ladies assist in unloading the porter's basket.
- Amine pays the porter generously.
Characters
Dinarzade
Slender build, of noble bearing, with features common to women of the Arabian court. Her exact height and build are not specified but implied to be graceful.
Attire: Rich, flowing silk robes in deep, jewel tones, possibly embroidered with gold thread. She would wear fine slippers and subtle, elegant jewelry, such as gold bracelets and a delicate necklace, consistent with an Arabian princess of the period.
Wants: To hear the continuation of stories, driven by curiosity and a desire for distraction.
Flaw: Her dependency on Scheherazade for entertainment and her inability to influence the larger narrative of the Sultan's decree.
Remains largely static within the frame story, serving as the catalyst for Scheherazade's narration.
Curious, attentive, and eager for entertainment. She is polite and respectful towards her sister, Scheherazade.
Scheherazade
Elegant and poised, with a commanding yet gentle presence. Her build is likely slender, reflecting her noble status and intellectual prowess.
Attire: Luxurious, flowing robes of fine silk, possibly in rich, warm colors like crimson or emerald, adorned with intricate gold embroidery. She would wear elegant jewelry, such as a jeweled diadem or elaborate necklaces, appropriate for a queen of the Arabian court.
Wants: To survive by entertaining the Sultan, and to ultimately change his cruel decree by demonstrating the power of stories.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent on her ability to maintain the Sultan's interest.
Through her nightly storytelling, she gradually transforms the Sultan's heart and mind, ultimately saving her own life and potentially the lives of many other women.
Intelligent, resourceful, captivating, and courageous. She is a master storyteller, able to hold the attention of both her sister and the Sultan.
The Porteur
Strong and sturdy build, accustomed to physical labor, likely of average height for a man of his profession in Baghdad. His hands would be calloused from carrying heavy loads.
Attire: Simple, practical working clothes typical of a porter in Baghdad: a loose-fitting tunic (qamis) of coarse linen or cotton, possibly a vest, wide trousers (sirwal), and sturdy leather sandals. His clothes would be functional, possibly showing signs of wear, in earthy tones like brown, grey, or undyed fabric.
Wants: To earn his living by carrying goods, and to satisfy his curiosity about the mysterious ladies and their opulent home.
Flaw: Easily overwhelmed by beauty and luxury, leading him to forget his immediate tasks or duties.
He is introduced to a world of luxury and mystery far beyond his daily experience, sparking his curiosity and wonder.
Curious, easily astonished, observant, and somewhat naive. He is diligent in his work but easily distracted by beauty and luxury.
Amine
Described as a 'young lady', implying grace and beauty. Her build is elegant and refined, consistent with a woman of distinction.
Attire: Elegant and refined attire, likely a flowing silk dress (thobe) in a rich color, possibly with delicate embroidery, reflecting her status as a 'person of distinction'. She would wear fine slippers and understated, tasteful jewelry.
Wants: To procure provisions for her household and to enjoy the unfolding events, particularly the porteur's reactions.
Flaw: Her amusement can sometimes distract her from immediate tasks, like closing the door.
Remains consistent, serving as the initial point of contact for the porteur and a key figure in the mysterious household.
Noble, discerning, and possesses a subtle sense of humor. She is observant of others' reactions and finds amusement in them.
Safie
Exceedingly beautiful, described as having charms that struck the porteur so vividly he almost dropped his basket. Her build is graceful and captivating.
Attire: Magnificent and alluring attire, likely a flowing silk dress (thobe) in a vibrant, rich color, possibly adorned with fine jewels or intricate embroidery, befitting her extraordinary beauty. She would wear delicate slippers and exquisite jewelry.
Wants: To manage the household, assist her sisters, and maintain the comfort of their guests.
Flaw: Her overwhelming beauty can be a distraction to others.
Remains consistent, serving as a vision of beauty and a practical member of the household.
Strikingly beautiful, observant, and practical. She notices the porteur's struggle and prompts her sister to act.
Zobéide
The most beautiful of the three ladies, and the principal one, implying a regal and commanding presence. Her build is elegant and refined, befitting her status.
Attire: The most magnificent attire, likely a flowing court dress (thobe) of the finest silk or brocade in a royal color like gold or deep purple, richly embroidered with gold thread and possibly adorned with precious stones. She would wear exquisite slippers and the most opulent jewelry, including a jeweled diadem or elaborate necklaces and bracelets.
Wants: To preside over her household, ensure the comfort of her guests, and maintain the decorum and hospitality of her magnificent home.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated, but perhaps a certain detachment due to her elevated status.
Remains consistent, establishing her role as the head of the mysterious household.
Gracious, authoritative, and compassionate. She is the principal lady, showing concern for the porteur's well-being.
Locations
Street outside the house
A public thoroughfare in an Arabian city, likely narrow and unpaved, leading to the entrance of a grand residence. The air is cool and still, just before dawn.
Mood: Anticipatory, mysterious, quiet
The porter waits with his basket, reflecting on the lady, and is then struck by the beauty of the second lady who opens the door.
Grand Vestibule
A beautiful entrance hall, likely adorned with intricate patterns and rich materials, connecting the street entrance to the inner courtyard.
Mood: Elegant, welcoming, hinting at luxury
The porter and the two ladies pass through this space on their way to the courtyard.
Spacious Courtyard with Fountain and Throne
A very spacious inner courtyard, open to the sky, surrounded by an open gallery that connects to magnificent ground-floor apartments. In the center is a large white marble basin with a gilded bronze lion's head spouting clear water. At the far end, a richly furnished sofa with an amber throne supported by four ebony columns, adorned with diamonds and pearls, and draped in red satin embroidered with Indian goldwork.
Mood: Opulent, serene, magical, luxurious
The porter is overwhelmed by the magnificence and the beauty of the third lady, Zobéide, who is seated on the throne. The ladies then unload the basket.