XCIII NUIT

by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier

fairy tale romance tender Ages all ages 526 words 3 min read
Cover: XCIII NUIT

Adapted Version

CEFR A1 Age 5 338 words 2 min Canon 100/100

Agib goes to a shop. He goes with his helper. The shop has yummy tarts!

Agib goes into the shop. His helper is with him. Bedreddin is very happy to see them. Agib asks Bedreddin to stay inside. Bedreddin says, "Yes, I will stay here."

Bedreddin gives them a sweet tart. It is a yummy cream tart. The tart is very good. It tastes so sweet. It is so soft. It smells so good. Agib likes the tart.

Agib says, "Sit here, Bedreddin. Eat with us now." Bedreddin is very happy. He wants to hug Agib. Agib says, "No, please stay there. Just look at me. Talk to me."

Bedreddin is happy. He sings a little song. The song is for Agib. He smiles a lot. His song is sweet. Bedreddin gives food to them. He does not eat. He just serves.

Bedreddin gives them a sweet drink. It is a rose drink. It is cold. It is refreshing. Agib drinks it. He likes it very much. Agib's Helper drinks all of it.

Agib is full. His helper is full. They say, "Thank you, Bedreddin." They go home now. They walk fast.

They go back to their home. It is a big tent. The tent is warm. Grandma is in the tent. They go to see Grandma.

Grandma is very happy. She sees Agib. She hugs him tight. A tear comes to her eye. She thinks of her son. His name is Bedreddin. She misses him much. She feels a little sad.

Grandma says, "Oh, my dear Agib. I wish my son was here. I wish Bedreddin was here too."

They sit for dinner. Grandma gives them a tart. It is her yummy cream tart. The tart looks good. It smells so sweet. She asks, "What did you do today?"

Agib is full. His helper is full. They are very, very full. Their tummies hurt a little. They cannot eat Grandma's tart. They ate so much food. They ate much at Bedreddin's shop. It was all so yummy.

Original Story 526 words · 3 min read

XCIII NUIT.

«Commandeur des croyants, poursuivit le vizir Giafar, Agib, étonné d'entendre ce que lui disait Bedreddin, répondit: «Il y a de l'excès dans l'amitié que vous me témoignez, et je ne veux point entrer chez vous que vous ne vous soyez engagé par serment à ne me pas suivre quand j'en serai sorti. Si vous me le promettez et que vous soyez homme de parole, je vous reviendrai voir encore demain, pendant que le vizir mon aïeul achètera de quoi faire présent au sultan d'Égypte. - Mon petit seigneur, reprit Bedreddin Hassan, je ferai tout ce que vous m'ordonnerez.» À ces mots, Agib et l'eunuque entrèrent dans la boutique.

«Bedreddin leur servit aussitôt une tarte à la crème, qui n'était pas moins délicate ni moins excellente que celle qu'il leur avait présentée la première fois. «Venez, lui dit Agib, asseyez-vous auprès de moi et mangez avec nous.» Bedreddin s'étant assis, voulut embrasser Agib pour lui marquer la joie qu'il avait de se voir à ses côtés; mais Agib le repoussa en lui disant: «Tenez-vous en repos, votre amitié est trop vive. Contentez-vous de me regarder et de m'entretenir.» Bedreddin obéit et se mit à chanter une chanson dont il composa sur-le-champ les paroles à la louange d'Agib; il ne mangea point, et ne fit autre chose que servir ses hôtes. Lorsqu'ils eurent achevé de manger, il leur présenta à laver et une serviette très-blanche pour s'essuyer les mains. Il prit ensuite un vase de sorbet[46], et leur en prépara plein une grande porcelaine, où il mit de la neige fort propre. Puis, présentant la porcelaine au petit Agib: «Prenez, lui dit-il; c'est un sorbet de rose, le plus délicieux qu'on puisse trouver dans toute cette ville; jamais vous n'en avez goûté de meilleur.» Agib en ayant bu avec plaisir, Bedreddin Hassan reprit la porcelaine et la présenta aussi à l'eunuque, qui but à longs traits toute la liqueur jusqu'à la dernière goutte.

«Enfin Agib et son gouverneur, rassasiés, remercièrent le pâtissier de la bonne chère qu'il leur avait faite, et se retirèrent en diligence parce qu'il était déjà un peu tard. Ils arrivèrent sous les tentes de Schemseddin Mohammed, et allèrent d'abord à celle des dames. La grand'mère d'Agib fut ravie de le revoir, et comme elle avait toujours son fils Bedreddin dans l'esprit, elle ne put retenir ses larmes en embrassant Agib. «Ah! mon fils, lui dit-elle, ma joie serait parfaite si j'avais le plaisir d'embrasser votre père Bedreddin Hassan comme je vous embrasse.» Elle se mettait alors à table pour souper; elle le fit asseoir auprès d'elle, lui fit plusieurs questions sur sa promenade, et en lui disant qu'il ne devait manquer d'appétit, elle lui servit un morceau d'une tarte à la crème, qu'elle avait elle-même faite et qui était excellente, car on a déjà dit qu'elle les savait mieux faire que les meilleurs pâtissiers. Elle en présenta aussi à l'eunuque; mais ils avaient tellement mangé l'un et l'autre chez Bedreddin, qu'ils n'en pouvaient pas seulement goûter.»

Le jour, qui paraissait, empêcha Scheherazade d'en dire davantage cette nuit; mais sur la fin de la suivante, elle continua son récit dans ces termes:


Story DNA fairy tale · tender

Plot Summary

Agib, a young man, visits Bedreddin Hassan's pastry shop for a second time, making Bedreddin promise not to follow him. Bedreddin serves Agib and his eunuch a delicious tart and sherbet, expressing overwhelming affection for Agib, who politely keeps his distance. Upon returning to his camp, Agib's grandmother, who is Bedreddin's mother, embraces him with tears, wishing to see her lost son, also named Bedreddin Hassan. She serves Agib and the eunuch her own excellent cream tart, but they are too full from Bedreddin's hospitality to eat it, setting the stage for a future recognition.

Themes

love at first sightdestinyfamilial connectionhospitality

Emotional Arc

anticipation to recognition

Writing Style

Voice: third person omniscient
Pacing: moderate
Descriptive: moderate
Techniques: nested stories, direct address to reader

Narrative Elements

Conflict: person vs fate
Ending: ambiguous
the cream tartthe rose sherbet

Cultural Context

Origin: Arabian
Era: timeless fairy tale

This excerpt is from 'The Arabian Nights' (One Thousand and One Nights), specifically the story of Bedreddin Hassan, which is known for its intricate plot of separated family members unknowingly interacting.

Plot Beats (11)

  1. Agib, accompanied by his eunuch, reluctantly enters Bedreddin Hassan's shop after making Bedreddin promise not to follow him.
  2. Bedreddin serves them a delicious cream tart, as excellent as the first time.
  3. Agib invites Bedreddin to eat with them, but pushes him away when Bedreddin tries to embrace him due to his intense affection.
  4. Bedreddin sings a song of praise for Agib, serves his guests, but does not eat himself.
  5. Bedreddin offers them rose sherbet, which Agib enjoys, and the eunuch drinks completely.
  6. Agib and the eunuch, full and satisfied, thank Bedreddin and leave quickly.
  7. They return to Schemseddin Mohammed's tents and go to the ladies' tent.
  8. Agib's grandmother is overjoyed to see him and, thinking of her son Bedreddin, cries while embracing Agib.
  9. She expresses her wish to embrace Agib's father, Bedreddin Hassan.
  10. At supper, she serves Agib and the eunuch a piece of her own excellent cream tart, asking about their outing.
  11. Agib and the eunuch are too full from Bedreddin's food to even taste the grandmother's tart.

Characters 4 characters

Agib ★ protagonist

human child male

A young boy, likely slender and of a height appropriate for his age, with a delicate appearance. His movements are somewhat reserved, indicating a polite upbringing.

Attire: Finely made clothing, indicative of his noble status as the grandson of a vizier. Likely wears a miniature version of a thobe or a tunic and trousers made of fine linen or silk, possibly with subtle embroidery, in colors like cream, light blue, or soft green. He would wear soft leather slippers.

Wants: To enjoy his outing, explore, and fulfill his duties (visiting the sultan's gift preparations). He also seeks pleasant company and good food.

Flaw: Perhaps a slight naiveté due to his youth, though he shows good judgment. His politeness might make him susceptible to flattery.

In this excerpt, he primarily acts as a catalyst for interaction between Bedreddin and his grandmother. He experiences a pleasant outing and good food.

His youthful, noble appearance, perhaps with a slight air of curiosity.

Polite, discerning, somewhat reserved, appreciative of good food and company, but also firm in his boundaries (as seen when he repels Bedreddin's embrace).

Image Prompt & Upload
A young boy of Arab descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has smooth, dark hair, neatly styled, and large, expressive dark eyes. His skin is a warm olive tone. He wears a cream-colored silk tunic with subtle gold embroidery along the collar and cuffs, loose-fitting white linen trousers, and soft, pointed red leather slippers. His expression is polite and slightly curious. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Bedreddin Hassan ◆ supporting

human young adult male

A skilled pâtissier, likely of average build, with hands accustomed to his craft. He is eager and expressive in his demeanor.

Attire: Practical but clean clothing suitable for a pâtissier in an Arabian setting. He might wear a simple, light-colored cotton tunic (qamis) with rolled-up sleeves, loose trousers, and a clean apron over it. His attire would be modest but well-maintained, perhaps a light brown or off-white. He might wear soft leather sandals.

Wants: To please his guests, particularly Agib, and to express his joy and affection. He takes pride in his culinary skills.

Flaw: His enthusiasm can be overwhelming, causing him to overstep boundaries (like trying to embrace Agib).

In this excerpt, he is simply a generous host, unaware of his familial connection to Agib. He remains consistent in his role as a skilled pâtissier.

His hands, perhaps slightly flour-dusted, expertly serving a delicate pastry or sorbet.

Enthusiastic, generous, skilled in his craft, affectionate, somewhat effusive in his expressions of friendship, obedient.

Image Prompt & Upload
A young Arab man, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a friendly, open face with dark, expressive eyes and a neatly trimmed dark beard. His skin is a warm, medium-brown tone. He wears a clean, light cream-colored cotton tunic with the sleeves rolled up to the elbows, loose dark brown trousers, and a clean white linen apron tied at the waist. His hands are slightly dusted with flour. He holds a small, ornate porcelain bowl of sorbet in his hands, offering it forward. His expression is eager and hospitable. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Eunuque ◆ supporting

human adult male

A guardian figure, likely of a sturdy build to fulfill his protective role. His demeanor would be watchful and attentive.

Attire: Practical and dignified attire suitable for a high-ranking servant or governor in an Arabian court. He might wear a simple, dark-colored thobe or tunic, perhaps with a wide sash, and sturdy leather sandals. His clothing would be less ornate than Agib's but of good quality.

Wants: To protect and accompany Agib, ensuring his safety and well-being.

Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps a tendency to be overly cautious.

Remains a constant, protective presence throughout the excerpt.

His watchful eyes and proximity to Agib.

Watchful, dutiful, observant, and appreciative of good food (as he drinks the sorbet to the last drop).

Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Arab man, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a serious, watchful expression with dark, deep-set eyes and a short, neatly trimmed dark beard. His skin is a medium-brown tone. He wears a dark green, long-sleeved cotton thobe, cinched at the waist with a wide, plain leather belt, and sturdy brown leather sandals. His arms are crossed over his chest, conveying a protective stance. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.

Agib's Grandmother ◆ supporting

human elderly female

An elderly woman, likely with a gentle but strong presence, showing signs of age but still active (making tarts). Her embrace of Agib suggests warmth.

Attire: Dignified and comfortable clothing suitable for an elderly noblewoman. She might wear a flowing, dark-colored silk abaya or a finely embroidered caftan over a simple dress, with a soft head covering (tarha) that frames her face. Colors might be deep blues, purples, or rich browns.

Wants: To care for her grandson, to express her love, and to remember and mourn her lost son, Bedreddin.

Flaw: Her sorrow and longing for her son, which can bring her to tears.

She remains consistent in her role as a loving grandmother and grieving mother.

Her tearful embrace of Agib, combined with her homemade tart.

Affectionate, sentimental, skilled in domestic arts (tart making), deeply misses her son, attentive to her grandson.

Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly Arab woman, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, wrinkled face with gentle dark eyes and a soft smile. Her hair is white, neatly covered by a flowing, deep blue silk headscarf that drapes over her shoulders. Her skin is a warm, light-brown tone. She wears a long, loose-fitting, dark purple caftan with intricate gold embroidery along the neckline and cuffs. Her hands are clasped gently in front of her. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations 2 locations
No image yet

Bedreddin Hassan's Shop

indoor afternoon Warm, pleasant (implied by open shop front)

A bustling shop, likely open-fronted to the street, where Bedreddin Hassan sells his pastries. It contains a space for guests to sit and be served, with a focus on cleanliness and presentation.

Mood: Welcoming, lively, filled with the aroma of pastries, with an underlying tension due to Bedreddin's intense affection for Agib.

Agib and the eunuque are served a cream tart and rose sorbet by Bedreddin, who expresses his affection for Agib through song and service.

Display of cream tarts and other pastries Seating area for guests Porcelain serving ware Vase of sorbet Clean white napkin
Image Prompt & Upload
A vibrant, open-fronted souk stall in an Abbasid-era city, filled with an array of intricately decorated pastries and sweets on polished brass trays. Sunlight streams in from the bustling street, illuminating the rich colors of spices and fabrics in the background. Inside, low wooden tables with cushions are set for guests, and a large, ornate porcelain bowl of sorbet sits ready. The air is warm and fragrant with rosewater and baked goods. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
No image yet

Schemseddin Mohammed's Tents (Ladies' Tent)

indoor dusk Cooling evening air (implied by 'un peu tard')

A luxurious tent within a larger encampment, likely made of rich fabrics and adorned with cushions and carpets, serving as the private quarters for the women of the household.

Mood: Comforting, familial, warm with affection, but also tinged with melancholy due to the grandmother's longing for her son.

Agib returns to his grandmother, who embraces him with tears, longing for her son Bedreddin. She serves him her own homemade cream tart for supper.

Richly woven carpets and cushions Low dining table Oil lamps or lanterns providing soft light Cream tart prepared by the grandmother
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent, spacious tent interior, characteristic of a wealthy Arabian encampment, with walls and ceiling draped in deep crimson and gold embroidered fabrics. Soft, warm light emanates from ornate brass lanterns hanging from the central pole. Plush, patterned kilim rugs cover the ground, and scattered silk cushions invite relaxation. A low, circular dining table is laden with a few dishes, including a freshly baked cream tart. The atmosphere is intimate and familial. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.