Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 3.djvu/27

11 the body.’ Hardly had the peahen done speaking, when the antelope came up to them, thinking to shelter under the shade of the tree, and seeing the two birds, saluted them and said, ‘I came to this island to-day, and I have seen none richer in herbage nor more pleasant of habitance.’ Then he besought them of company and amity, and they, seeing his friendly behaviour to them, welcomed him and gladly accepted his offer. So they swore friendship one to another and abode in the island in peace and safety, eating and drinking and sleeping in common, till one day there came thither a ship, that had strayed from its course in the sea. It cast anchor near them, and the crew landing, dispersed about the island. They soon caught sight of the three animals and made for them, whereupon the peahen flew up into the tree and the antelope fled into the desert, but the duck abode paralysed (by fear). So they chased her, till they caught her and carried her with them to the ship, whilst she cried out and said, ‘Caution availed me nothing against Fate and destiny!’ When the peahen saw what had betided the duck, she came down from the tree, saying, ‘I see that misfortunes lie in wait for all. But for yonder ship, parting had not befallen between me and this duck, for she was one of the best of friends.’ [sic] Then she flew off and rejoined the antelope, who saluted her and gave her joy of her safety and enquired for the duck, to which she replied, ‘The enemy hath taken her, and I loathe the sojourn of this island after her.’ Then she wept for the loss of the duck and repeated the following verses:

And also these: