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mistress of [all] sciences and studied the writings of the sages and the histories of the boon-companions,[1] and she was possessed of abundant wit and knowledge galore and surpassing apprehension. She heard that which the folk suffered from the king and his despiteous usage of their children; whereupon compassion gat hold upon her for them and jealousy and she besought God the Most High that He would bring the king to renounce that his heresy,[2] and God answered her prayer. Then she took counsel with her younger sister and said to her, ‘I mean to contrive somewhat for the liberation of the people’s children; and it is that I will go up to the king [and offer myself to him], and when I come to his presence, I will seek thee. When thou comest in to me and the king hath done his occasion [of me], do thou say to me, ‘O my sister, let me hear and let the king hear a story of thy goodly stories, wherewithal we may beguile the waking hours of our night, till we take leave of each other.’ ‘It is well,’ answered the other. ‘Surely this contrivance will deter the king from his heresy and thou shalt be requited with exceeding favour and abounding recompense in the world
- ↑ i.e. those whose business it is to compose or compile stories, verses, etc., for the entertainment of kings and grandees.
- ↑ i.e. that his new and damnable custom. The literal meaning of bidah is “an innovation or invention, anything new;” but the word is commonly used in the sense of “heresy” or “heterodox innovation,” anything new being naturally heretical in the eyes of the orthodox religionist.
