380 AL-RASHID AND THE FART Abbi, News and Zubaidah ‘3 Bath IT is related that the Khalifah Harun al-Rashid loved his wife and cousin, Zubaidah, so well that he made, for her sole use and in her own garden,

380 AL-RASHID AND THE FART Abbi, News and Zubaidah ‘3 Bath IT is related that the Khalifah Harun al-Rashid loved his wife and cousin, Zubaidah, so well that he made, for her sole use and in her own garden, a great fountain basin of water, hidden among leafy trees, where she might bathe, safe from the eyes of men and the sun’s rays. On one day of great heat the lady Zubaidah came alone into the grove and, undressing completely by the side of the fountain, stepped into the water. She did not, however, go in above her knees, fearing the shiver of water when the body is plunged into it entire and also being unable to swim. Instead she poured water over her shoulders in little waves out of a cup which she had brought with her, shivering at its cool and silver kisses. The Khalifah, who had seen her going towards the fountain, followed her softly, deadening the sound of his footsteps, and arrived when she was already naked. Hidden by the leaves, he set himself to admire the white rareness of her against the water; but, as he was leaning with his hand against a branch, it suddenly cracked beneath his fingers. At this point Shahrazad saw the approach of morning and discreetly fell silent.