XXXI NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Let's hear a new story! It is about a kind porter. He meets three ladies. They live in a big house.
Zobeide spoke to The Porter. "You can stay here," she said. "But you must be good. Do not ask us questions. Keep our secrets safe."
Amine made a yummy meal. She put many foods on the table. The ladies sat down. The Porter sat with them. He was very happy. The ladies were so kind.
Amine poured a special drink. She gave it to The Porter. He drank it. He sang a happy song. The ladies liked his song. They clapped for him.
It became dark outside. Safie spoke to The Porter. "Time for you to go," she said. "You must go home now."
The Porter did not want to leave. "I am having much fun!" he said. "I cannot find my home now. Please let me stay here. Just for this one night."
Amine helped The Porter. "He is right," she said. "Let him stay here. He can stay tonight." Her sisters agreed.
Zobeide said, "Yes, stay. Follow one rule. Do not ask us questions. Do not ask about anything we do."
Zobeide told The Porter to look. "Read words above our door." The Porter went. He read the golden words. They said: "Ask questions, hear sad things."
The Porter came back. He spoke to the ladies. "I promise," he said. "I will be quiet. I will not ask questions."
Amine brought more food. She lit many pretty lights. The room smelled very nice. They sat down again. They ate and drank. They sang and told stories.
The ladies gave The Porter more drinks. He laughed very much. He felt so happy. Everyone had a good time. They were all very joyful.
Then, a loud knock came. Someone was at the door! What would happen now? The story will tell us soon.
Original Story
XXXI NUIT.
Dinarzade, le lendemain, ne manqua pas de réveiller la sultane à l'heure ordinaire et de lui dire: Ma chère soeur, si vous ne dormez pas, je vous prie, en attendant le jour, qui paraîtra bientôt, de poursuivre le merveilleux conte que vous avez commencé. Scheherazade prit alors la parole, et s'adressant au sultan: Sire, dit-elle, je vais, avec votre permission, contenter la curiosité de ma soeur. En même temps elle reprit ainsi l'histoire des trois calenders:
Zobéide ne voulut donc point reprendre l'argent du porteur: «Mais mon ami, lui dit-elle, en consentant que vous demeuriez avec nous, je vous avertis que ce n'est pas seulement à condition que vous garderez le secret que nous avons exigé de vous; nous prétendons encore que vous observiez exactement les règles de la bienséance et de l'honnêteté.» Pendant qu'elle tenait ce discours, la charmante Amine quitta son habillement de ville, attacha sa robe à sa ceinture pour agir avec plus de liberté, et prépara la table. Elle servit plusieurs sortes de mets, et mit sur un buffet des bouteilles de vin[16] et des tasses d'or. Après cela, les dames se placèrent et firent asseoir à leurs côtés le porteur, qui était satisfait au delà de tout ce qu'on peut dire, de se voir à table avec trois personnes d'une beauté si extraordinaire.
Après les premiers morceaux, Amine, qui s'était placée près du buffet, prit une bouteille et une tasse, se versa à boire, et but la première, suivant la coutume des Arabes. Elle versa ensuite à ses soeurs, qui burent l'une après l'autre; puis remplissant pour la quatrième fois la même tasse, elle la présenta au porteur, lequel, en la recevant, baisa la main d'Amine, et chanta, avant que de boire, une chanson dont le sens était que, comme le vent emporte avec lui la bonne odeur des lieux parfumés par où il passe, de même le vin qu'il allait boire, venant de sa main, en recevait un goût plus exquis que celui qu'il avait naturellement. Cette chanson réjouit les dames, qui chantèrent à leur tour. Enfin, la compagnie fut de très-bonne humeur pendant le repas, qui dura fort longtemps, et fut accompagné de tout ce qui pouvait le rendre agréable.
Le jour allait bientôt finir, lorsque Safie, prenant la parole au nom des trois dames, dit au porteur: «Levez-vous, partez: il est temps de vous retirer.» Le porteur, ne pouvant se résoudre à les quitter, répondit; «Eh! mesdames, où me commandez-vous d'aller en l'état où je me trouve? je suis hors de moi-même à force de vous voir et de boire; je ne retrouverais jamais le chemin de ma maison. Donnez-moi la nuit pour me reconnaître; je la passerai où il vous plaira; mais il ne me faut pas moins de temps pour me remettre dans le même état où j'étais lorsque je suis entré chez vous: avec cela, je doute encore que je n'y laisse la meilleure partie de moi-même.»
Amine prit une seconde fois le parti du porteur: «Mes soeurs, dit- elle, il a raison; je lui sais bon gré de la demande qu'il nous fait. Il nous a assez bien diverties; si vous voulez m'en croire, ou plutôt si vous m'aimez autant que j'en suis persuadée, nous le retiendrons pour passer la soirée avec nous. - Ma soeur, dit Zobéide, nous ne pouvons rien refuser à votre prière. Porteur, continua-t-elle en s'adressant à lui, nous voulons bien encore vous faire cette grâce; mais nous y mettons une nouvelle condition. Quoi que nous puissions faire en votre présence, par rapport à nous ou à autre chose, gardez-vous bien d'ouvrir seulement la bouche pour nous en demander la raison: car en nous faisant des questions sur des choses qui ne vous regardent nullement, vous pourriez entendre ce qui ne vous plairait pas: prenez-y garde, et ne vous avisez pas d'être trop curieux en voulant trop approfondir les motifs de nos actions.
«- Madame, repartit le porteur, je vous promets d'observer cette condition avec tant d'exactitude que vous n'aurez pas lieu de me reprocher d'y avoir contrevenu, et encore moins de punir mon indiscrétion: ma langue, en cette occasion, sera immobile, et mes yeux seront comme un miroir qui ne conserve rien des objets qu'il a reçus. - Pour vous faire voir, reprit Zobéide d'un air très- sérieux, que ce que nous vous demandons n'est pas nouvellement établi parmi nous, levez-vous et allez lire ce qui est écrit au- dessus de notre porte en dedans.»
Le porteur alla jusque là, et y lut ces mots, qui étaient écrits en gros caractères d'or: Qui parle de choses qui ne le regardent point entend ce qui ne lui plaît pas. Il revint ensuite trouver les trois soeurs: «Mesdames, leur dit-il, je vous jure que vous ne m'entendrez parler d'aucune chose qui ne me regardera pas et où vous puissiez avoir intérêt.»
Cette convention faite, Amine apporta le souper, et quand elle eut éclairé la salle d'un grand nombre de bougies préparées avec le bois d'aloès et l'ambre gris, qui répandirent une odeur agréable et firent une belle illumination, elle s'assit à table avec ses soeurs et le porteur. Ils recommencèrent à manger, à boire, à chanter et à réciter des vers. Les dames prenaient plaisir à enivrer le porteur, sous prétexte de le faire boire à leur santé. Les bons mots ne furent point épargnés: enfin ils étaient tous dans la meilleure humeur du monde lorsqu'ils ouïrent frapper à la porte… Scheherazade fut obligée en cet endroit d'interrompre son récit, parce qu'elle vit paraître le jour.
Le sultan, ne doutant point que la suite de cette histoire ne méritât d'être entendue, la remit au lendemain, et se leva.
Story DNA
Moral
Unwarranted curiosity can lead to unpleasant consequences.
Plot Summary
Scheherazade continues the tale of the three calenders, focusing on a porter who has been invited to stay with three beautiful ladies. After a delightful meal, the ladies ask him to leave, but he pleads to stay the night. Amine, one of the sisters, successfully advocates for him, but Zobéide imposes a strict condition: he must not question anything they do. The porter agrees after reading a warning inscribed above the door, and they resume their festivities, only to be interrupted by a knock at the door, leaving the story on a cliffhanger.
Themes
Emotional Arc
satisfaction to anticipation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Part of the larger 'One Thousand and One Nights' collection, reflecting medieval Middle Eastern storytelling traditions, where tales are nested within a framing story.
Plot Beats (13)
- Dinarzade prompts Scheherazade to continue the story of the three calenders.
- Zobéide allows the porter to stay, reiterating the condition of secrecy and proper conduct.
- Amine prepares a lavish meal with wine, and they all dine together, the porter delighted by the ladies' beauty.
- Amine serves wine, and the porter sings a song praising the wine from her hand, entertaining the ladies.
- As evening approaches, Safie tells the porter it's time for him to leave.
- The porter, unwilling to depart, pleads to stay the night, citing his inebriated state and desire to remain.
- Amine supports the porter's request, convincing her sisters to let him stay for the evening.
- Zobéide grants the request but adds a new, crucial condition: the porter must not question anything they do or say.
- The porter is instructed to read an inscription above the door, which states: "He who speaks of things that do not concern him hears what does not please him."
- The porter returns, swearing to uphold the condition of non-interference and silence.
- Amine brings supper, lights many fragrant candles, and they resume eating, drinking, singing, and reciting verses.
- The ladies enjoy getting the porter drunk, and the company is in high spirits.
- A knock is heard at the door, forcing Scheherazade to interrupt her tale as day breaks.
Characters
Scheherazade ★ protagonist
Graceful and poised, with an elegant bearing befitting a queen. Her movements are deliberate and captivating, reflecting her intelligence and storytelling prowess.
Attire: Rich, flowing silk robes in deep jewel tones like sapphire or emerald, possibly embroidered with gold thread. She would wear a finely woven veil or headscarf, and delicate gold jewelry, such as bracelets and earrings, consistent with a Persian sultana.
Wants: To survive by entertaining the Sultan and to ultimately end his tyrannical practice of executing his wives.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at stake, dependent on her ability to maintain the Sultan's interest.
She begins as a woman risking her life daily and gradually transforms the Sultan's heart and mind through her tales, ultimately saving herself and all other women.
Intelligent, resourceful, captivating, strategic, resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Persian woman with dark, intelligent eyes and long, intricately braided black hair, adorned with small gold beads. She has fair skin and a delicate, expressive face. She wears a flowing sapphire-blue silk robe, embroidered with gold patterns along the sleeves and hem, and a sheer, gold-trimmed veil draped over her head. Her posture is regal and composed, with a slight, knowing smile. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Dinarzade ◆ supporting
Likely shares some familial resemblance with Scheherazade, perhaps slightly younger and less imposing in stature, with a gentle and supportive demeanor.
Attire: Comfortable but elegant attire, such as a simple, flowing tunic and trousers or a modest dress in soft, warm colors like rose or cream, made of fine linen or cotton, appropriate for a lady of the court but less ornate than her sister's.
Wants: To support her sister Scheherazade and ensure her survival by prompting her to continue her stories.
Flaw: Her dependence on Scheherazade's storytelling for her own safety and the safety of other women.
Remains a constant, supportive presence, her role primarily to facilitate Scheherazade's narrative.
Supportive, curious, loyal, gentle, attentive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Persian woman with soft, kind features, dark eyes, and long, dark hair styled in a simple, elegant braid. She has fair skin and a gentle expression. She wears a flowing cream-colored linen tunic with subtle gold embroidery at the neckline, and loose, matching trousers. Her posture is attentive and supportive. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Sultan Shahryar ⚔ antagonist
A powerful and imposing figure, likely with a strong build befitting a ruler. His presence commands authority, though his initial demeanor is one of weariness and cynicism.
Attire: Luxurious, heavy silk robes in deep, rich colors like crimson or royal purple, embroidered with intricate gold patterns, indicative of his status as a Persian sultan. He would wear a jeweled turban and perhaps a heavy gold necklace or armbands.
Wants: Initially driven by a desire for revenge against women due to perceived betrayal, he seeks to pass the nights without boredom, leading him to listen to Scheherazade.
Flaw: His deep-seated mistrust and cynicism, which Scheherazade slowly erodes.
Transforms from a cruel and vengeful ruler into a just and compassionate one, thanks to Scheherazade's influence.
Initially cruel, cynical, weary, but gradually becomes intrigued, curious, and eventually softened.
Image Prompt & Upload
A powerful Persian man with a strong build, a well-groomed dark beard and mustache, and dark, piercing eyes. He has olive skin and a stern, contemplative expression. He wears a luxurious crimson silk robe, intricately embroidered with gold thread, and a jeweled turban adorned with a large ruby. His posture is regal and authoritative. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Zobeide ◆ supporting
One of the three beautiful ladies, likely the eldest or the leader, possessing an air of authority and seriousness. Her beauty is striking and refined.
Attire: Elegant and modest, yet luxurious. She would wear a flowing silk dress or a richly embroidered abaya in a deep color like indigo or emerald, with delicate gold jewelry. Her attire would suggest a woman of means and refinement.
Wants: To maintain the secrecy and order of her household, and to protect herself and her sisters from unwanted intrusion or judgment.
Flaw: Her strict adherence to rules and her fear of exposure or judgment.
Remains consistent in her role as the cautious and authoritative sister, setting the terms for the porter's stay.
Authoritative, serious, cautious, hospitable (within limits), mysterious.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young Arabian woman with a serious expression, dark, expressive eyes, and long, dark hair styled elegantly with subtle gold ornaments. She has warm olive skin. She wears a flowing indigo silk dress, richly embroidered with silver thread along the neckline and cuffs. Her posture is dignified and composed. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Amine ◆ supporting
Described as charming, she is likely vivacious and graceful, with a more active and engaging presence than Zobeide. Her beauty is captivating and lively.
Attire: Initially, an elegant 'city dress' (likely a flowing abaya or caftan), which she then ties up for practicality. Her working attire would be a simpler, yet still fine, linen or cotton dress in a pleasant color like rose or light blue, tied at the waist with a sash, allowing freedom of movement.
Wants: To ensure the comfort and entertainment of her guests, and to enjoy the company and festivities.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency to be overly trusting or to bend the rules for the sake of enjoyment.
Remains consistent in her role as the charming and practical sister, facilitating the festivities.
Charming, hospitable, lively, practical, persuasive.
Image Prompt & Upload
A charming young Arabian woman with a lively face, bright dark eyes, and long, dark hair tied back in a practical yet elegant style. She has warm olive skin and a welcoming smile. She wears a light blue linen dress, tied at the waist with a simple sash, allowing freedom of movement. Her posture is graceful and active, as if in motion. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Safie ◆ supporting
One of the three beautiful ladies, likely possessing a quiet elegance. Her beauty is serene and composed.
Attire: Elegant and refined, similar to Zobeide but perhaps in a softer color. A flowing silk dress or caftan in a shade like lavender or pale gold, with subtle embroidery, indicating her status and grace.
Wants: To maintain the decorum and schedule of the household, speaking on behalf of the group when necessary.
Flaw: Less vocal than her sisters, perhaps more reserved.
Remains consistent in her role as the composed sister who speaks when necessary to guide the events.
Composed, polite, direct, observant.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young Arabian woman with a composed face, calm dark eyes, and long, dark hair elegantly styled with a simple, refined head covering. She has warm olive skin and a serene expression. She wears a flowing lavender silk caftan with subtle silver embroidery along the sleeves and hem. Her posture is dignified and composed. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Porter ★ protagonist
A strong, sturdy man accustomed to physical labor, but not necessarily refined. He would have a robust build from carrying heavy loads.
Attire: Simple, practical working clothes: a coarse linen tunic, loose trousers, and perhaps a sturdy vest, all in earthy tones like brown or off-white, showing signs of wear. He might wear a simple head covering to protect from the sun.
Wants: Initially to earn money by carrying goods, then to enjoy the unexpected hospitality and beauty of the ladies, and to avoid leaving their enchanting company.
Flaw: His curiosity and his inability to resist temptation (both alcohol and the ladies' company), which could lead him to break his promise.
Transforms from a weary laborer into a delighted guest, experiencing an unexpected night of luxury and mystery, and facing the challenge of adhering to strict conditions.
Jovial, easily delighted, appreciative, somewhat naive, curious, easily intoxicated.
Image Prompt & Upload
A sturdy Arabian man with a robust build, a weathered but honest face, and short, dark hair with some stubble. He has warm olive skin and a jovial, delighted expression. He wears a coarse brown linen tunic, loose off-white trousers, and a simple head covering. He holds a gleaming golden cup in his hand. His posture is relaxed and appreciative. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Ladies' Private Salon
An opulent, private room within a grand house, furnished for dining and entertainment. It features a table laden with various dishes, a buffet holding bottles of wine and golden cups. Later, it is illuminated by numerous candles made with aloes wood and ambergris, casting a beautiful, fragrant glow.
Mood: Luxurious, mysterious, convivial, later becoming increasingly intoxicating and lively.
The porter is invited to dine with the three beautiful ladies, leading to a long meal, singing, drinking, and eventually, the agreement for him to stay the night under strict conditions. The evening culminates in a lively supper before an unexpected knock at the door.
Image Prompt & Upload
An opulent Abbasid-era salon, richly decorated with geometric tile mosaics and intricate muqarnas vaults on the ceiling. Low, cushioned divans line the walls, and a large, polished wooden dining table is laden with silver platters of food and golden goblets. Numerous tall, slender candles made of aloes wood and ambergris cast a warm, flickering light, creating long shadows and highlighting the vibrant colors of the silk cushions and tapestries. The air is thick with the scent of spices and perfume. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Inner Side of the Entrance Door
The inside surface of the main entrance door to the ladies' dwelling, featuring a prominent inscription in large golden characters.
Mood: Mysterious, foreboding, emphasizing the strict rules of the house.
The porter is directed to read the inscription on the door, which warns against curiosity and speaking of things that do not concern one, solidifying the condition for him to stay.
Image Prompt & Upload
A heavy, dark cedarwood door, typical of an Arabian mansion, with intricate brass fittings and a large, ornate knocker. Centered on the inner surface of the door, an inscription in elegant, flowing Arabic script is rendered in gleaming gold leaf, catching the soft, warm light from within the salon. The wood grain is visible beneath the polished surface, and the surrounding wall is a cool, smooth plaster. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
