THE ARABIAN NIGHTS. THE STORY OF KING SHAHRAYAR AND SHAHRAZAD, HIS VIZIER’S DAUGHTER. TRANSLATED BY HUSAIN HADDAWY.
none have seen what i have seen
he cannot protect what is his
what happened to me is little by comparison
from what I have seen, everyone suffers
i am no longer alone in my misery; i am well
i would like you to do something for me, to satisfy a wish, to answer a question truthfully
what happened to you has never happened to anyone else
when I saw your own misfortune, i felt better
no one is safe in this world
nothing can prevent or alter what is predestined
when a woman desires something, no one can stop her
what has possessed you that you wish to imperil yourself?
you are comfortable, while I am weary; you sleep, while I keep awake
you exert and exhaust yourself to comfort others
if you do this, life will be better and kinder to you, and you will find relief
you have done me a favor beyond description
i would be sitting pretty, but for my curiosity
desist, sit quietly, and don’t expose yourself to peril
i advise you out of compassion for you
i am afraid for you
i cannot tell you
yes, i insist, even if you have to die
i will not change my mind
aren’t you ashamed?
i no longer want you to tell me or explain anything
if he does this, he will live, and live in peace, and there will be no more grief
no, no, i don’t want to know anything. leave me alone, leave me alone. i don’t want to know anything
such tales don’t deter me from my request
may god not deprive me of you
listen well to what i am telling you











