Page:The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Vol 9.djvu/242

212 servant; so ask what thou wilt, for I hearken to thy word and obey thy commandment; and if thou have need of me at any time, by land or by sea, rub the ring and thou wilt find me with thee. But beware of rubbing it twice in succession, or thou wilt consume me with the fire of the names [graven thereon]; so wouldst thou lose me and after regret me. Now have I acquainted thee with my case and peace be on thee!’

‘What is thy name?’ asked Marouf, and the genie answered, ‘Aboussaadat.’ ‘O Aboussaadat,’ said Marouf, ‘what is this place and who enchanted thee in this casket?’ ‘O my lord,’ replied he, ‘this is a treasure called the Treasure of Sheddad son of Aad, him who builded Irem of the Columns, the like whereof was not made in the lands. I was his servant in his lifetime and this is his seal-ring, which he laid up in his treasure; but it is thy lot.’ Quoth Marouf, ‘Canst thou transport that which is in the treasure to the surface of the earth?’ ‘Yes,’ answered the genie. ‘Nothing easier.’ ‘Then,’ said Marouf, ‘bring it forth and leave nothing.’ So the genie signed with his hand to the ground, which clove asunder, and he descended and was absent a little while. Presently, there came forth young and graceful boys, with fair faces, bearing golden baskets full of gold, which they emptied out and going away, returned with more: nor did they cease to transport the gold and jewels, till, in a little, they said, ‘There is nought left in the treasure.’ Whereupon out came Aboussaadat and said to Marouf, ‘O my lord, thou seest that we have brought forth all that was in the treasure.’

‘Who are these beautiful boys?’ asked Marouf, and the genie answered, ‘They are my sons. This affair merited not that I should call together the Marids for it, wherefore my sons have done thine occasion and are honoured by