Meeting V

The evening approached. The coolness of the water, and the blows of the viragoes of waiting-women, had by this time refreshed Kurroglou. He felt the necessity of mentioning Belly-Ahmed. On the other hand, the Princess Nighara grew more and more pensive, and she said in her heart: “In his songs he repeats continually Kurroglou’s name, what if it is Kurroglou himself?” She then inquired, “Hear me, young man, tell the truth, art thou Kurroglou?” “God bless thee! thy waiting womens’ whips have tanned my skin like that of an obstinate buffalo, and thou hast never thought till now of asking me whether I am Kurroglou. If thou didst not desire to see me, what was the use of writing that letter through Belly-Ahmed?” “Then thou art him, indeed, pardon me, my Kurroglou! if I have offended thee, it was because I did not know who thou wert. If I have chid thee, thou art at liberty to cut out my tongue; if I have struck thee, I allow thee to cut off my hand, only pardon me.” “I have pardoned thee before this.” “My father, Sultan Murad, is as tall as thyself, I will fetch one of his royal gowns; if it should be too long for thee, I will direct a nail to be driven into each of thy heels, that thou mayest grow taller; if it should be too short, I shall have thy legs chopped off just at the place to which the gown will reach. If it is too wide, 1 will have thy belly cut open, thy skin taken off and stuffed with straw, according to the measure. Only be quick, get out of the water and the matter will be soon settled.” Kurroglou said, “Thou art punishing me according to Abou- Horeyra’s code. But never mind that, I shall obey thee in everything.” But he thought in his heart, “A woman is easily deceived. If the gown should be too long, I will raise myself on tiptoe; if too short, I will bend my knees; if too wide, I shall swell my belly; if too tight, 1 will draw it in.” He then said, “Princess, let the gown be brought."

When he was getting out of the water, Nighara assisted him with her own hand. The mantle was soon brought, and it seemed to have been made expressly for Kurroglou’s use, it fitted him so nicely.

The princess and Kurroglou threw their hands round each other’s neck and went to the kiosk. According to Turkish custom, they drank from the same vessel, he first emptied a cup of wine, and then she emptied it in turn.

The princess inquired, “Tell me, Kurroglou, hast thou got here with thee, thy famous horse Kyrat?” “Yes, I have.” “Thou must find out another horse like him, and buy it for me.”— “Princess, for a horse of this sort you must pay at least five thousand tumans. I have not got so much money.” Nighara ordered immediately the requisite sum to be brought and counted over to him. Kurroglou was delighted to perceive the increasing influence of wine and love on the princess, he then sang in a manner suited to her condition.

Improvisation.—“Moist, moist is the snow that is seen on the top of high mountains. Thy dazzlingeyes are breathing freshness upon my maddened heart. My dear love is clad in rosy garments. She is all over of a roseate hue. The water she drinks is pure as the azure of heaven; her eyes are drunk with love and wine.”

Nighara reclined upon a pillow and looked on him with her moist and beautiful eyes. Her bosom appeared under the transparent robe that covered it, like the pomegranates from Arabistan, or the lemons from Fars. The reins of patience escaped from Kurroglou’s hands, he struck the strings of the guitar and sang:—

Improvisation.—“I see the native village of my beloved. Her lips are made for sucking. Her About two thousand five hundred pounds. breasts escape impatiently from under the gauze that binds them, her breasts like pomegranates!”

Kurroglou regained his self-possession in some degree, and said in his heart: “But art thou not in the very heart of Constantinople? Art thou not in the middle of the seven walls of the Sultan’s harem, and thou darest thus sing from the depth of thy heart! All the inhabitants of Turkey are thy deadly enemies. Some wise ear might be found, thou must be more cautious for the future.” He therefore began to play on the guitar less loudly, and then sang in a more subdued voice:_

Improvisation.—“I am Kurroglou. Am I not free to enjoy a walk in this bower, nor can I show myself here in my own dress? I could not walk at pleasure over the wide world, the world appears too narrow for me.”

Princess Nighara having heard these words, was confirmed in her opinion that this was the true Kurroglou, and said, “Be not disheartened. Thou canst not move one step from hence, without exeiting suspicion. But on the mollah’s gown as before, go and buy me a horse. Then thou must return here in the same manner as thou hast entered first.

1 shall issue strict orders next morning that no one should dare to stir out of the town. I shall alone take a drive. If thou art. young and gallant, thou shalt have an opportunity of distinguishing thyself.”

Having made the above arrangement. Kurroglou took leave of the princess, returned to the bank of the piece of water to collect the articles of the mollah’s dress, which had been scattered about, and having arranged in due order the turban, the rosary, the kaba, and the mantle, he left the harem. At the gate he was surrounded by the guards, who inquired how much money he had received from the princess for the news he brought her from the sultan. Kurroglou in reply, gave a ducat to each of the wardens: “Whither now, Haji? doest thou go back to Mecca?” “Yes, I must visit Mecca every year.” “Do not forget to tell the Sultan, that since his departure we have not received one farthing’s pay from the Princess Nighara.”

Kurroglou, feigning surprise, inquired, “Indeed, have you not received the pay that is due to you?— if so, I shall be here again to-morrow, at the same hour, to command the princess to pay you.” But he said in his heart: I shall come here to-morrow to elope with the Princess Nighara. He then added: “In order to show you are dissatisfied, you must on your part abandon your stations.” “We shall fall victims to thee, holy man!”

Kurroglou then went to the old woman’s house.

He concealed in it the five thousand tumans, and went to the bazaar where horses were sold. Having purchased a colt three years old, he brought and tied it in the stable; he likewise prepared the saddle and all other things requisite for the journey. Kurroglou having undergone so much fatigue, slept soundly, and when he awoke the sun had already risen. He heard the drums beating in the bazaars. “Old woman, what means this drumming?” “My son, the daughter of the Sultan Murad goes out once a week to take a walk. These drums are beating, that no one may dare to walk in the streets, lest he should unconsciously see the princess’s face.” Kurroglou now repeated his namaz. He then armed himself, led both his horses out of the stable, and having given the old woman so much gold, that her eyes brightened at the sight, he said: “Now, mother, thou hadst best hide thyself in a corner and sit still. I shall create a great deal of noise in the town, they will be sure to look for me at this house, and shouldst thou not hide thyself until the storm be over, thou art likely to suffer for it.” <k I thank thee, my son, farewell to thee.”

Kurroglou soon found himself at a farsakh’s distance from Constantinople; he rode on Kyrat, dragging after him the colt, whose bridle he had attached to his stirrup At last he made a halt and looked towards the road, from which the Princess Nighara was to appear. He listened, and lo! the noise of the wheels of the princess’s carriage struck his ears. He galloped on his Kyrat towards her. Transported with joy, she stepped out of the carriage and stood in the road. Kurroglou rode at full speed in that direction, and without stopping, seized Nighara from the troop of her waiting women, and placed her behind him on the saddle. Having untied the shawl of his girdle, he bound round with it the princess and himself, and having fastened it, tied it in a knot. “Warrior Kurroglou, why dost thou not give me a separate horse?” “Fear nothing, Thy horse attached to my stirrup, will be sure to reach Chamly-bill. Clasp me now with both thy arms.” He then directed his course to the full speed of his horse along the byeways, in order to leave no trace behind, and to mislead his pursuers. He did not stop to take breath before he found himself at twenty farsakhs distance from Constantinople.

Listen now what became of Nighara’s waiting-women. They all returned to town to the palace of the Prince Burji Sultan, crying, shrieking, and tearing their hair. “Whilst thou art sitting here, thy sister has been seized and carried away by a brigand. Poor soul, she was so unwilling to go, she cried so piteously! But she could not resist. He placed her behind him and carried her away/

Burji Sultan lost his senses. He jumped on a horse, rushed onwards in pursuit. Every Turk who had heard this extraordinary news hastened to follow the prince.

In the mean time, Kurroglou dismounted from his horse in a lovely meadow situated in the mountains. “Be seated, dear lady, let us take rest, and in the mean time our horses must he fed. I had no sleep all night. Lose not the horses from thy sight; I shall take a nap.” “Dost thou intend to have a long sleep or a short one?” Kurroglou placing his face close to Nighara’s cheek, replied. Dear young darling, my sleep is of a double nature, one is but three days, and the other seven days long.” “What a pretty lover! May thy house fall in ruins! Not content to have brought me from Stambul into this desert, he must needs frighten me with so long a sleep. A rescue may arrive from the city. This is not the place for joking.” “Young lady, should the pursuing army find us in this place, so much the better, The meadow is smooth, just fit for a field of battle. My Kyrat possesses this virtue, that whenever my enemy sets out from any place against me, he neighs; when the foe has made half its distance, Kyrat grows restless and sneezes; and when at last the enemy is on the point of showing himself, Kyrat digs the ground with his hoof, and foams at the mouth. Mark well all those signs, and when the last is given, thou must awake me.” This said, he placed her head under his own, and cheek by cheek, he fell asleep.

Nighara observed Kyrat with great attention. Soon after the fine horse neighed. After a few hours, he began to walk about restlessly to and fro and at the same time he sneezed. At last she looked and beheld Kyrat scratching the ground with his hoof, and foaming at the mouth. She then awoke Kurroglou. “What is the matter?” he inquired: “Get up, get up, Kyrat is digging the earth and grows restless.”

Kurroglou then rose, tightened the girths of Kyrat’s saddle, and placing Nighara on the colt, got on his own horse. Leaning upon his lance he stood quietly. “Why dost thou not fly? The pursuing party will soon be here,” asked Nighara. “If they should not find us, they will be sure to pursue us to the very gates of Chamly-bill, and to annoy us on our progress. Let me rather wash their heads well on the spot, and show them what 1 can do. In the contrary case they would give us no respite.”

He looked towards the town and saw a horseman coming towards him with the velocity of the wind. “Who can it be?”

In the first burst of fury, Burji Sultan set off alone to his sister’s rescue. The troops remained behind him at some distance. The prince flies on and sees from afar, a giant standing on horseback and leaning upon a lance; by his side stood the Princess Nighara mounted on another horse. He said in his heart: “I cannot fight in single combat with a warrior like this. A tiger like him, who was daring enough to seize the Sultan’s daughter in the very heart of Constantinople, can be no other than Kurroglou of Chamly-bill himself. I had, therefore, better ride up to him and try to protract the time by various subterfuges, until the entire army may arrive.” He then called from a distance: “Hallo! warrior, I should like to fight a duel with thee in the Persian fashion. I have had lessons from Kurroglou himself. But thou must have patience enough first to hear me sing an air. We will fight after I have finished it.” “Thou art,” replied Kurroglou, “a swindler and a miscreant, thou wishest to sell me the merchandise which thou hast bought from me before! As for thee, princess—be not afraid. This lad intends to keep me here by treason, till the time when the troops shall have come up. I could easily settle my account with him by a single blow, but I shall not break thy heart, princess. He is thy brother, and for that reason alone I shall await the arrival of the pursuing party.”

Then turning to the prince: “Well, lordling, thou mayest sing now, let us see if thou canst do so.” Burji Sultan sang the following air in reply: —

Improvisation.—“Whither art thou bound, Kurroglou? We shall see, whether Nighara is to be thine or mine.”

His eyes then were directed to his sister. He saw that she stood pale gazing on them, his eyes bristled like a poniard’s edge. He sang as follows:

Improvisation “How beautiful she looks! Her bosom is overshadowed by a half-diaphanous robe, with one opening. Her palace stands in the midst of gardens covered with flowers of various hue. From the centre of the pure whites of her eyes, two black pupils are shedding their light. She must either be thine or mine.”

Kurroglou exclaimed, “Son of a burnt father! This woman, with the dark hair, with eye-brows arched like a bow, belongs to me. Of what use is she to thee? in every case thou wouldst be obliged to give her to somebody.” Kurroglou seeing that the pursuing party was coming nearer and nearer, said to Nighara, “See what a treacherous man thy brother is. His army is arrived.” Burji Sultan then sang the following air which had been composed by Kurroglou:—

Improvisation.— the Khans are closing-on the field of battle, sweet souls must fall a sacrifice to thee. Torrents of gore are gushing on earth in succession. Nighara must either be thine or mine.”

Kurroglou exclaimed, “She is thine, prince, only come and take her.” Burji Sultan then sang on: _

Improvisation.—“I am the sultan’s son; my name is Burji. I twist the heads of my enemies. Let us cross our curved swords. She is either thine or mine.”

Kurroglou shouted, “Listen to me, thou sultan s puppy. The airs of warlike challenges are the heirloom that shall be left after me to future ages. My songs are more beautiful than thine. Listen, and learn.” Upon this he took the guitar, tuned it, and supporting it on the stirrup, he struck an air, and sang:—

Improvisation.— “I have told thee my Yes! My name is Kurroglou. I am Kurroglou; my horse is mad, I am a madman too. I am the ram, the leader of the human flock; I am Kurroglou!”

The commander of a troop of horse, who stood behind the prince, said to his horsemen: “Children, my souls, this is Kurroglou himself. When a mountain covered with snow hears his voice, she trembles from fear, and shakes off all the snow from her head. When a pregnant woman hears it, she miscarries. I swear, by the first four khalifs, that he will exterminate us all to a man. I am going back, and whoever is not a fool, let him follow me”

Kurroglou, seeing that an entire troop of horse was in retreat, said to Nighara: u Princess, be of good cheer. 1 think that the whole of thy brothers army will turn back without drawing a swordand in his heart he said: Bravo, Kurroglou! thou must again fall on them vigorously with a song, and they "will all be put to flight. He sang as follows:— Improvisation —“I know well the soul of a true man. I laugh in the face of a base cowardly villain, T can chew iron to atoms, and spit it out towards heaven. I am Kurroglou—hear, ye miscreants— Kurroglou!”

The horsemen of another troop of Turkish horse began to whisper to each other, “Who can resist a man that is able to chew iron into atoms, and spit it towards heaven?’ They also gave way. But the rest of the army kept standing bravely close behind Burji Sultan. Kurroglou said in his heart: May I defile your turbans! You do not run away! He then sang:—

Improvisation.—“It is my guitar that is sonorous. It is I who shall suck Nighara’s lips. My sword is Egyptian. My lance is of bamboo. Kurroglou—yes, I am Kurroglou!’

Even Burji Sultan himself looked behind on those who stood at his back. But they all remained firm in their places. Kurroglou san >:_

“I am Kurroglou! 1 drag the corpses on the sand. I shall sow barley where you stand now I shall pour an army upon you. 1, Kurroglou, the ram Kurroglou!”

An allusion to Tim our long’s and Jeiigiskhan’s custom of destroying towns. They used to put all the inhabitants to With his last word he pushed his horse into the centre of Burji Sultan’s troops. Thou wouldst say that a single hungry wolf had rushed in the midst of a numerous flock of sheep. Seventeen Turkish corpses dropped from their horses. The remainder dispersed over the meadow as a flock of frightened gazelles. The prince alone still held out, and was now turning his horse to attack Kurroglou. “W hat is to be done?” thought Kurroglou; “if I were to kill him, his sister will never pardon me; she would fill my days with bitterness.” He looked on her, and saw she was crying. “Wherefore dost thou weep? “O, Kurroglou! I have but one brother.

Do not kill him!” “My soul, be not afraid.”

Meanwhile the prince had rushed on him, sword in hand, and exclaimed, “Here is my gift, take it!.. Kurroglou warded off the blow, and said, “Thy master of the horse does not deserve the bread be eats from thy bounty. He did not tie fast enough the girth of thy horse, and, in consequence of this, thou art wavering in the saddle. I advise thee to dismount, and shorten the girths; then come and fight with me.”

The stupid Turk believed these words, and lowered himself to fasten the girth. Kurroglou the sword, to level the houses, and, after ploughing the ground, SOW corn on it. One of these melancholy scenes of desolation is yet to be seen in the environs of Teheran,—the site > f the ruins of the once famous Arabian city, Key. attacked him at that moment, and, pushing him cautiously with his club, brought him to the ground. He then sprang from Kyrat, seated himself on the prostrated man, and drew a knife, apparently inteuding to cut off his head. The prince wept, and invoked his sister’s aid. “How is this! Didst thou not say she must be either thine or mine. Why dost thou shed tears now?” Burji Sultan said, “Sultan Murad has but one son and one daughter in the world: the one thou wilt slay, the other thou wilt carry away, and the entire family will be extinct. “Wilt thou now give me thy sister in marriage? If so, I shall grant thee thy life.” “I am as learned as a mollah. I have perused all the seven volumes of the Arabian commentaries of the Koran. I know by heart all the formulas used at weddings.” Thus, being afraid of losing his life, the prince pronounced the nuptial orison, according to the Koran, and gave him Nighara for a wife. Kurroglou raised him from the earth, kissed his forehead, and said, “From this moment thou mayst reckon me amongst the number of the most faithful of Sultan Murad’s servants. In his name, and by his authority, I shall reign in Chamly-bill. Where could the Sultan find a better husband for his daughter than I am myself?”

Kurroglou then rode away, taking the princess with him. Poor Burji Sultan stood, and gazed on his sister, until at last she disappeared in the distance. It was not till then that he turned his horse’s head in the direction of Constantinople.

But listen now to the news about Kurroglou. He journeyed on from one menzil to another, and came at last to the borders of a meadow on which upwards of forty tents had been pitched. It was the son of a first minister of an European monarch, with his attendants and suite. We cannot tell by what chance that young man had happened to see somewhere a portrait of the Princess Nighara. When he had heard that she was a daughter of the Turkish Sultan, he undertook a journey for the purpose of embracing the Mussulman faith, and entering the service of that potentate, in order to become worthy, by this means, of the name of his son-in-law.

When Nighara saw a camp on the meadow, she said, “Warrior Kurroglou, I beg of thee, let us make a turn to avoid this camp; let us ride the other way.” “If thou wouldst give me leave, princess, I shall soon turn all these tents upside down. Some hundred thousand tumans, of which 1 can make a spoil here, will enable me to provide for the ceremonies of our wedding, and to make a dowry for thee. I neither plough nor trade; I must consequently avail myself of an opportunity like the present to provide myself with money.” “I want no expensive ceremonies at the wedding, nor do I want a rich dowry, all I desire from thee is to conduct me to Chamly-bill. What necessity is there for us to expose ourselves to fresh fatigues and dangers on the road? Thou hast already proved, by thy courage, to be worthy of my esteem, and I am satisfied.”

Kurroglou then began to ramble about the camp.

The son of the European minister was standing at the doors of his tent, and saw a woman pass on horseback that way, accompanied by a man, who sat, himself like a mountain, upon another mountain— his horse. His curiosity was excited to know who they were, and he told his equerry to have a pair of horses saddled. He also ordered the master of his household to have a tray filled with a variety of delicacies, both for eating and drinking, and to send it to the princess with a request that she would accept and eat of them; and, also, that she would leave there the horses, which were tired, and take a couple of fresher and finer ones.

Nighara seeing that a servant was coming with the dainties in their direction, said, “See my Kurroglou, would it be proper to treat so rudely, as thou hast intended, so polite a gentleman as this?” Kurroglou was too cunning not to understand the )object for which the dainties had been sent, and said, “If thou couldst but see what is at the bottom of this full glass, thou wouldst not approach it to thy lips.” Here the servant with the tray called out, “Warrior! the European sends thee this tray with dainties.” Kurroglou said to Nighara, “Get thee down from thy horse.” They then both placed themselves on the ground, and commenced eating the things that had been sent. The tray was soon empty. When the servant was to take it away, he was frightened with the sight of Kurroglou’s enormous mustachios, but the latter thought: This lad looks like a man that has the gift of speech. I suppose one can talk with him. “Servant, as we are going away immediately, if thou hast anything to tell, say it now.” “No, warrior, I have nothing to tell.’ Kurroglou first placed Nighara, and then got up himself on horseback. The servant stood by and said at last, “Warrior, I have one prayer.” “Say, what it is.” “The European sends thee a greeting, and begs that thou wouldst accept a couple of his horses in exchange for thine own.” “But who is that European of thine?” “The son of the first vizier of the court of the European monarch.” “Then 1 shall not accept horses of thy master, but would be glad to present him with mine gratis. We are nomades, our camp is but on the other side of yonder mountain, and we can as well reach it on toot/’ This said he turned Kyrat towards the tents. (i I shall not ride thither,said Nigliara. Kurroglou became angry, and shouted to her, “Daughter of a burnt father, what means the word, [ shall not ride?’ There w~as no disobeying him.

Kurroglou having reached the European’s tent, lowered himself to take a peep into the interior. He looked and beheld that the European was a youth,—but what a youth! all resplendent like a sun. “Salam!” said Kurroglou. The salam was politely returned by the European who asked, “Warrior, what is thy profession?” “I am an Aushik.” Nighara stood behind him. “Will you then play or sing for me a little?” enquired the European.

Kurroglou took the guitar and improvised as the circumstances required.

Improvisation.—“Arise, thou son of Europe, let us light a battle, young man! Whatever language thou mayst choose to use, my sword is sure to give thee a clear answer, European youth!”

The young man’s eyes were on the Princess Nighara, he saw that her eyelashes were standing up like the point of a poniard and pierced through the veil. After a closer examination he could soon distinguish the eyes, and found them exactly similar to those of the portrait in his possession. The reins of the European’s self-possession escaped from his hand; he could do nothing but look on her. Kurroglou was not a little displeased, seeing that the European did not listen to him, and that his song past the unheeding ears of the stranger like wind: he therefore thought, “Ha! villain dost thou stare at Nighara!” He then sang:

Improvisation.—“A thorn was appointed to guard the rose. He tore her heart in a thousand pieces. Young European, why dost thou gaze on Nighara thus?”

The young man said, “Warrior, what Nighara dost thou speak of?’ 1 “The daughter of the Turkish Sultan.” The European said in his heart, “God! thou hast placed her in my way at last! I shall forthwith proceed to wrest her from this beggar’s hand, and shall marry her this evening.” He motioned his servants to surround both Kurroglou and Nighara. The attendants were in great numbers, but they were all mere dwarfs, the tallest of them was of the size of his master. Kurroglou thought, “Fox of a giaour! Dost thou think of hunting down a mastiff forty years’ old, with puppies like these?” He sang:

Improvisation.—“I know the man whom I shall burn with fire. I shall be the cause of thy mother’s tears. Arise, O European youth and direct thy goods to be loaded on the mules, they must all go to Chamly-bill”

The European then exclaimed, “Who art thou, scoundrel, thus to command me to load my property on the mules?” “Ha! ha, who am I? Listen!” He then sang again.

Improvisation.—“For the traveller, I am a son of the way-layer travelling. For the brave I am a servant, nay, a worshipper. Verily, I tell thee, O European youth! I am Kurroglou. Be reasonable, young man.”

The European replied, “Kurroglou, hear me, thou hast but as yet fought with lambs alone, hitherto thou hast never met a ram.”

He then drew the sword and rushed upon Kurroglou. The latter with one blow of his club, struck the sword from the European’s hand, whilst at the same time with the other hand he gave him such a tremendous box of the ear, that the young man, like one drunk and senseless, dropped in the middle of his tent, where he lay as if he had been dead for three years. His servants rushed upon the victor. Kurroglou slew a dozen of them, the others he put to flight.

Having manacled the European’s arms, he bound him on the first horse that fell in his way, and ordered the servants that remained to strike their tents. In an instant the entire camp was laid down, and after being packed up, was loaded on the mules’ backs. Kurroglou drove them before him, with his naked sword. At the end of a few farsakhs, the European came to his senses. He then began to implore the Princess Nighara to intercede in his favour. “Lady, thou must hear all the truth. Thy portrait had fallen in my hands. I came from Europe for thy sake alone. I was not aware that thou hadst fallen into the hands of a dragon like this.

I conjure thee, in God’s name! free me from his hands at all risk; take the manacles off my legs.”

“Tt 1 were to unbind thee and to betray Kurroglou, thou wouldst make thy escape?” “Yes, I would escape, under the condition that thou shouldst prevent him from pursuing me.” “Agreed: 1 shall not let him go in any case. Be of good cheer.”

Nighara approached Kurroglou. “Warrior, I have one humble request to make.” “What is it, my dear?” “Give an order that the European’s fetters be taken off. He is so unhappy.” T s j, a )| do as thou biddost, my beloved” He then went, and after having unbound the young man, allowed him to get on horseback. Nighara inquired. My dear, what hast thou paid for my horse?” He replied, “One or two hundred tumans.” I am ’ good a horseman as thyself; let us try which of us can run the faster.” In the mean time she had given a hint to the European, that he should avail himself of their absence and try to escape. Kurroglou saw clearly what was the matter, and said, “I must confess, my Nighara, that I am not inclined, after so many fatigues, to have a gallop. I feel weary.” “Do my dear, I pray thee, if thou lovest me.”

Kurroglou not wishing to afflict her, started at full speed, and they both were soon lost to the eye in the dust and the distance. The European began to fly away in a contrary direction.

Kurroglou having on his return found that the European was gone, said, “Well, Nighara, he is fled, but I shall catch him again.” “No, my love, do no such thing, I have purposely sent him away from hence.” How! wouldst thou that I should allow my game to escape from my hands?” “Listen, Kurroglou! seest thou this ring on my finger? Under this precious stone there is a grain of poison. If thou shouldst pursue the European, thou must expect to find my corpse here on thy return. I swear it by God’s name.”

Kurroglou hesitated no longer and came back.

They then pursued their journey from one menzill to another. When they had arrived in the neighbourhood of Chamly-bill, Kurroglou perceived that a rich merchant lay encamped with his caravan, upon a delightful meadow. They were enjoying themselves drinking wine, eating kebabs and playing the game of backgammon. He then said to Nighara, “If we could succeed in seizing this caravan, I should get money enough to purchase some wedding dresses for thee.” “Oh no, warrior, we have had enough of it. From this place to Chamly-bill I shall not suffer even an ant to complain against thee under thy feet.”

They had by this time arrived close to the caravan. The merchant seeing the princess who rode with Kurroglou, felt an ardent desire of possessing her. The more so that none of his wives accompanied him. He called on his servant, in whose hand he slipped ten tumans, saying, “Run quickly and give this money to the man who is riding with this veiled female. Tell him that the master of the caravan is desirous of having her for a wife, and invites the man himself to a wedding supper. He will be at liberty to depart next morning, and 1 shall give him fifty tumans besides, with the woman into the bargain, if he likes.”

Kurroglou, having heard what the slave said, coloured up, and whispered to Nighara, “See now, thou would s t not allow me to destroy this caravan; the consequence is, that the miscreant presumes to lay his hand on my wife. Those rich men are all alike.” He took out his guitar, and after tuning it, sang as follows:—

Improvisation.—“A mist is descending upon the tops of the high mountains. Darkness, fog, and humidity dwell on them. The snow is coming down, the ravines and mountain passes become inaccessible for a caravan. Bitter and cold blasts are blowing.”

Here he motioned Nighara not to quit his side, and sang on:—

Improvisation.—“Winter, winter is come. Wild ducks are flocking on the lakes. The antelopes have descended in herds into the valleys. Thou art alone, foreign warrior, in the midst of men who are strangers to thee; their language is unknown to thee; thou art indeed to be pitied.”

As soon as the merchants had heard Kurroglou’s voice, they said to the master of the caravan, “O may not thy house fall in ruins!—this man is the robber Kurroglou; thou hast not only given him no haratch, but moreover wishest to take his wife from him. Let us make haste to mend the fault and collect a sum of money; let every tent furnish one purse, and then let our gift be sent to him. If he takes it, we must thank him for the mercy he deigns to show us; if he rejects it and should slay us, he has a right to do it.”

They all left the camp and fell down at Kurroglou’s feet. “Renowned warrior, we beg of thee to pardon us our folly and ignorance.’ Kurroglou exclaimed, “Let the master of the caravan be brought here.” “O warrior! the master of the caravan is dead. “Let then the wares be packed on the camels, and let the caravan follow me.” The merchants with bags of money in their hands, continued to implore his mercy. Kurroglou sang as follows:—

Improvisation.—“Dost thou recollect the day, thou battering ram, Kurroglou! When thou hast bound my heart with the knot of gratitude. Thou art vigorous, thy horse is swift. Where is the hand more powerful than thine?”

The merchants began to implore the princess, “We conjure thee, for God’s sake, speak in our favour.” Nighara then said, “They have committed a fault, but I pray thee make me a present of their guilt.”

Kurroglou ordered one thousand five hundred tumans to be paid down as a haratch, pocketed it carefully, and proceeded on his journey, accompanied by Nighara.

The advanced guards from Chamly-bill recognised their lord riding at a good distance. Ayvaz then set out to meet him at the head of seven hundred and seventy-seven horsemen. Whilst one was galloping at the full speed of his horse, another played with the jarid; another again, after launching his horse in a full gallop, turned round and fired over his shoulder. Thus in the midst of shouts of joy, laughter, and firing, they made a triumphal entry into Chamly-bill. Nighara was delighted and asked, “Warrior, which of these is Ayvaz? let me see him.” Kurroglou sang as follows:—

Improvisation.—“Look there, my dear love! That horseman is Ayvaz.—Look at him, and stretch my soul on the bed of the fire of jealousy.—See, this is Ayvaz, but do not fall in love with him. In his hand appears a hezzara shield; the sugar of eloquence is on his tongue, and the outline of the pencil of the Almighty’s hand is on his eye-brows; on his left and right appear warriors on horseback. Look, but thou must not fall in love with him; he is but a lad fourteen years’ old; a crane’s plume is on his head. This rider is Ayvaz,—yes, Ayvaz himself.”

Before Kurroglou had time to dismount from his horse, his seven hundred and seventy-seven warriors were already standing drawn up in a line, and saluting him with a low bow. Kurroglou said, “Go, and make a bow to the Princess Nighara. We are bound to honour her; she is the Turkish Sultan’s daughter.” And he was rejoiced to see the seven hundred and seventy-seven armed men standing humbly in a line before Nighara, who sat in the gate of Chamly-bill. He exclaimed, “O God! let us thank Thee, and glorify Thy name. I owe it to Thy bounty alone, that I have been able to reach the goal of my most sanguine hopes.” He then struck the strings of his guitar, and sang.

Improvisation — “The mists of adversity have been dispelled by Kurroglou’s faith, and by his trust in God. They have vanished as the dusk of the morning. Here is my Ayvaz! Ayvaz, listen to me!”

He ordered him, without delay, to send for a palanquin, and to conduct in it the princess into the fortress. Soon after, all Kurroglou’s wives and female slaves came out of the fort. Nighara, placed upon the luxurious pillows of the palanquin, was introduced with joy, splendour, and esteem into the apartments that had been prepared for her use in the harem.

Belly-Ahmed was liberated from his prison. Kurroglou covered him with a splendid klielat; and, after heaping favours and gifts upon him, made him one of the principal commanders of his troops. He afterwards said to the chiefs, - T his is the day of my wedding: 1 wish to add joy to joy by giving... wife to Ayvaz.” The double festivity was celebrated during forty days and nights. Musicians, singers, dancers, and jugglers came in crowds, collected from the surrounding country, to amuse the guests. The wine continued flowing in torrents; and it flows to this very hour!