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my brother, be not abashed at me;[1] if so be withal[2] thou carest not to learn a trade, I will open thee a merchant’s shop of the costliest stuffs and thou shalt make thyself acquainted with[3] the folk[4] and shalt give and take and sell and buy and become known in the city.”
When Alaeddin heard these words of his uncle the Maugrabin, to wit, that it was his intent to make him a merchant,[5] a trader,[6] he rejoiced exceedingly, well knowing that all merchants’ apparel is neat and elegant;[7] so he looked at the Maugrabin and smiled and bowed his head, as who should say, “I am content.” The[8] magician, seeing him smile, knew that he was content to be a merchant and said to him, “Since thou art content that I should make thee a merchant and open thee a shop, be a man, O son of my brother, and to-morrow, God willing,
- ↑ Or “constrain not thyself for me,” i.e. do not be ashamed to say what thou wishes, lit. “let it not be hard or grievous upon thee from or on account of me” (la yesubu aleika minni). Burton, “Let not my words seem hard and harsh to thee.”
- ↑ Fe-in kana keman (vulg. for kema anna). Burton, “if despite all I say.”
- ↑ Fi, lit. “in,” but here used, as is common in Syria, instead of bi “with.”
- ↑ Burton, “Shalt become famous among the folk.”
- ↑ Khwaja (Persian).
- ↑ Tajir (Arabic equivalent of khwaja).
- ↑ Burton, “that such folk dress handsomely and fare delicately.”
- ↑ Night DXX.
