“At the sight of so terrible a figure, the fisherman would
have fled, but was too much terrified. ‘Solomon, Solomon, the
great Prophet!’ exclaimed the Genie, ‘pardon, pardon, pardon!
I never more will oppose your will!’ The fisherman hearing
this took courage, and said ‘Thou proud spirit what is it thou
talkest of? It is 1800 years ago since the prophet Solomon died.
Tell me your history and how you came to be shut up in that
vessel.’ The Genie, turning to his deliverer with a fierce look,
said, ‘thou art very bold to call me a proud spirit. Speak to me
more civilly lest I kill thee.’ ‘What’ replied the fisherman ‘would
you kill me for setting you at liberty? Is that the way you
reward the service I have done you?’ ‘I can't treat you otherwise’
replied the Genie, ‘and that you may be convinced of it listen
to my story: I am one of those rebellious spirits, who opposed
themselves to the will of Heaven. The other Genies owned
Solomon the great prophet, and submitted to him. Sacar and
I only resisted. That potent monarch caused me to be seized and
brought by force before his throne.’”
Arabian Nights
