بخش 169 - خنده گرفتن آن کنیزک را از ضعف شهوت خلیفه و قوت شهوت آن امیر و فهم کردن خلیفه از خندهٔ کنیزک

Femina languorem ejus vidit; rem mirando in cachinnos ivit: risus eam occupavit.

Venit in mentem virilitas ducis fortissimi qui leonem interfecit dum membrum (virile) ejus tale est.

The woman's laughter overpowered (her) and was prolonged: she tried hard (to suppress it) but her lips would not shut.

She kept laughing violently like beng-eaters: her laughter overpowered (all considerations of) gain or loss.

Everything that she thought of (only) increased her laughter, as (when) a flood-gate is suddenly opened.

Weeping and laughter and sorrow and joy of heart—know that each one (of them) has an independent source.

Each one has a (particular) store-house: know, O brother, that the key thereof is in the hand of the Opener.

Her laughter was never ceasing: then the Caliph became enraged and fierce.

He quickly drew his scimitar from its sheath and said, “Declare the secret cause of thy laughter, O foul (woman)!

From this laughter a suspicion has come into my heart: tell the truth, thou canst not cajole me.

And if thou deceive me with falsehoods or idly utter glib excuses,

I shall know, (for) there is light in my heart: thou must tell everything that ought to be told.

Know that in the heart of kings there is a mighty moon, though sometimes it is overclouded by forgetfulness.

In the heart there is a lamp with which one goes about (as a rule); at times of anger and concupiscence it is put under the basin.

That clairvoyance accompanies me just now: unless thou tell that which ’tis thy duty to tell,

I will sever thy neck with this scimitar: evasion will not avail thee at all.

And if thou tell the truth, I will set thee free: I will not violate the duty I owe to God, I will make thee glad.”

At the same moment he placed seven Qur’áns one on the top of another and swore an oath and thus confirmed (his promise).