Tales from 1001 Arabian Nights

von Richard F. Burton

These tales comprise of fantasy and a whimsical plot arrangement; the story goes thus:Shahryar, king of India, inflamed with jealousy by his wife's infidelity and wanton ways, executes her. After which he resolves to take revenge on all womankind. Hence, each night after having betrothed a beautiful girl, kills her the next morning. A stage comes when there is no eligible woman left for him (with many having fled his kingdom) except the daughter of his Wazir, Shahrazad. The Wazir, having no choice, gives his daughter to king Shahryar.Shahrazad, a beautiful but shrewd girl, learns of the king's fondness for enchanting stories. Thus, she begins telling him one every night, keeping the climax in abeyance. Eager to know the outcome of the story's ending, King Shahryar condones the killing everyday. Eventually, after a thousand and one nights, King Shahryar is cured of his euphoria, and Shahrazad in turn bears him three children.