Zotenberg's text. When dealing with the Nights proper
we gave the reader an opportunity of comparing Burton's translation with
Payne's which preceded it. We now purpose placing in juxtaposition two
passages from their supplemental volumes, and we cannot do better than
choose from either "Alaeddin" or "Zayn Al Asnam," as in the case of both
the order is reversed, Burton's translation having preceded Payne's.
Let us decide on the latter. Any passage would do, but we will take that
describing the finding of the ninth image:
Payne Burton
Then he set out and Then he set out nor
gave not over journeying ceased travelling till such till he came to
Bassora, time as he reached Bassorah, and entering his palace, when he
entered saluted his mother and his palace; and after told her all that
had saluting his mother, he befallen him; whereupon apprized her of all
things quoth she to him "Arise, that had befallen him. O my son, so thou
mayst She replied, "Arise, O see this ninth image, for my son, that we
may look that I am exceedingly upon the Ninth statue, rejoiced at its
presence with for I rejoice with extreme us. So they both joy at its
being in our descended into the underground possession." So both hall
wherein were descended into the pavilion the eight images, and where
stood the eight found there a great marvel; images of precious gems,
to wit, instead of the and here they found a ninth image, they beheld
mighty marvel. 'Twas the young lady resembling this: In lieu of seeing
the the sun in her loveliness. Ninth Statue upon the The prince knew her
golden throne, they found when he saw her, and seated thereon the young
she said to him, "Marvel lady whose beauty suggested not to find me
here in the sun. Zayn place of that which thou al-Asnam knew her at
soughtest; me thinketh first sight and presently thou wilt not repent
thee she addressed him saying, an thou take me in the "Marvel not for
that stead of the ninth image." here thou findest me "No, by Allah, Oh
my in place of that wherefor beloved!" replied Zein thou askedst; and
I ul Asnam. "For that thou deem that thou shalt not art the end of my
seeking, regret nor repent when and I would not exchange thou acceptest
me instead thee for all the jewels in of that thou soughtest." the
world. Didst thou Said he, "No, verily, but know the grief which
thou art the end of every possessed me for thy wish of me nor would
separatio
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