Orient
Witness to a Witch Trial
“I was told that every ten years, witchcraft increases and the old witches begin to lead the women astray.” […]
Orient
Humor
The Mystery of the Semen Stain
“‘O Abu Yusuf, tell me what this stain may be?’ The kadi went up to the bed, placed his finger in the middle of the stain, carried it to his eye and his nose, and then said; ‘Commander of the Faithful, it is a man’s semen.'” […]
Human Affairs
Separating the Men and the Boys
“Sister, how can you bear the roughness of your lover’s beard when you kiss him? Surely it must scratch your breasts, and the points of his moustaches stick into your lips and cheeks?” […]
Orient
Traders on the Sea of Darkness
“In the Darkness there is a tree as big as a large village and on it perches an enormous creature, some say a bird.” […]
Medieval Mentality
The Pleasure Contest
“At once the slave from Madinah clasped his hands and began to caress them gently, while the one from Kufah, lying lower, rubbed his feet and took advantage of her position to slip up her hand from time to time and handle the principal merchandise.” […]
Humor
Blowing Smoke
“Hearing these words, the old man bent over flat on his belly on the ass in front of Jafar, in sign of gratitude and respect, and suddenly let a detestable fart.” […]
Orient
Assassins Origins
“When the Sheikh desired the death of some great lord, he would take some of these Asssassins of his and send them wherever he might wish, telling them that he was minded to dispatch them to Paradise. They would according go and kill such and such a man; if they died on their mission, they would go there all the sooner.” […]
Medieval Mentality
What Can Change the Nature of a Man?
“Gentlemen, here is something that puzzles me, because I cannot account for it. How is it that in the kingdoms of Persia, which are such near neighbours of ours, there are folk so unruly and contentious that they are forever killing one another, whereas among us, who are all but one with them, there is hardly an instance of provocation or brawling?” […]
Orient
The Point of No Return
“The army returned at once, terrified and amazed by the unexpected nature of this occurrence. They demanded to know the reason for it and began to utter mutinous threats. What they heard was something they had long yearned to hear.” […]
Medieval Mentality
God Frowns on Wine, But Brandy is OK
“If wine is boiled over a fire, so that it is partly consumed and turns sweet, they are free to drink it without breach of commandment or law.” […]