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- [00:02]
Thomas
Welcome to Get Sleepy, where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. My name's Thomas and it's my honor to be your host. Tonight's tale was written by Alicia Stefan and read by Chloe. Both incredibly talented colleagues and such beautiful, kind people. We'll be traveling hundreds of years into the past for a sleepy retelling of an old Turkish fairy tale. It's about a determined young man who goes on a quest to find a silent princess and win her heart. Along the way, you'll find that it only takes a little kindness for a person to transform their luck. And that the best relationships may require a little bit of a challenge before they can fulfill their potential. As we set off on this magical trip, take a moment to relax your body, If you like. Make a mental note of any unfinished business from the day, and then consciously set those things aside. Nobody is expecting you to do any of them right now. Everything can wait till tomorrow when you're rested. What you can do now is imagine that each breath out is taking your stress along with it. Loosen and relax your jaw. Stretch your fingers, your toes and your arms and legs. Imagine you are melting comfortably into your mattress, letting it support all of your weight. Now close your eyes and picture a grand estate. A luxurious house stands there amidst manicured gardens. We're about to meet our young hero and he has no idea of the adventure that lies before him. This is where our story begins.
- [03:30]
Narrator
Long ago, there was a wealthy and influential pasha. A high ranking officer who had a precious son named Mehmet. He was a brave, clever child. And Mehmet's father set an excellent example for his son when it came to performing his duties. But one day, the pasha made a choice that would impact his son's entire life. It happened when a bedraggled woman appeared at the gates. A bird sat on her shoulder. The old woman said that she had been cast out of her home because she had not been able to pay the rent. She asked the pasha to return her land to her so that she would not have to roam from one village to the next. But the pasha refused to grant her request, saying that he could not offer charity. Distressed by his words, the woman cursed his son. She then sagged as if with exhaustion and slowly walked away. Although it was a moment he would not forget, Mehmet did not dwell on her words for very long. The incident was soon behind him and the years went by happily in his father's house. When Mehmet came of age, his father began searching for the woman who should become his wife to Be sure, there were numerous young ladies who seemed to be good options. However, despite Mehmet's considerable wealth and charm, it was as if he were plagued with bad luck. No matter how well each meeting went, or how much the young couple appeared to get on one circumstance or another, always seemed to prevent them from becoming engaged. There was, of course, an explanation, and it came to haunt Mehmet's every thought. The old woman's curse had been real. At first. When he raised the subject with his father, the pasha waved him off impatiently. But his creased brow and brooding face told Mehmet that he too was thinking about the story. After the first failed match, then the second, the pasha would have scoffed at the notion that curses were real. However, with so many unsuccessful matches behind them, he was beginning to entertain the possibility that their problem was of a mystical variety. But still, what was to be done? The pasha quietly hired scouts to comb the area for the old woman he'd turned away long ago. Not surprisingly, they returned empty handed. His efforts to locate her and make amends were far too late. It just so happened at about this time that an old acquaintance of the pasha came calling. He was passing through. Having travelled from a long distance,
- [07:48]
Nightingale
he
- [07:48]
Narrator
knew he'd find a warm welcome at the home of his old friend. As the three men relaxed after dinner, the visitor regaled them with many tales of his travels. But one in particular got Mehmet's attention. Apparently, in a neighbouring kingdom, there was a king with only one child, a daughter. As the traveler told it, the king had very bad luck indeed. For while his daughter was rumoured to be a luminescent beauty, she also refused to speak. She was capable of speech, but still, several years ago, she had simply stopped talking. She spent all her days in her room and refused to utter a single word. The king had been hopeful, bringing one handsome suitor after another to court her. But she wouldn't communicate with any of them. Her father had vowed that any man who could get her talking again would have her hand in marriage. But so far, every fortune seeker had been unsuccessful. Upon hearing this story, Mehmet and his father looked at each other with wide eyes. To their visitor, this was an ordinary fireside tale, but to them it provided a scrap of hope that Mehmet's future could yet be salvaged. After asking many questions of their guest and gleaning as much information as they could, Mehmet and his father bid him farewell and let him go on his way. Then they began preparations for a journey. They agreed that despite the difficulty of finding this princess and persuading her to speak, Mehmet had no other option than to try. The pasha outfitted Mehmet handsomely for his journey, giving him the best horse in the stable and a servant to accompany him. In addition to as many supplies as he could carry, Mehmet was given a heavy purse of coins so that he might buy whatever he needed along the way. As he bade the pasha farewell on an early morning, he felt that even his stoic and businesslike father was very emotional. To see his beloved son strike out alone in the world was difficult for him. But the Basha knew it was Mehmet's time to benefit from his hard work and diligent schooling. Of all these years, he believed his son could succeed in this quest. The location their guest had described was far away. A journey of many weeks. Then, upon arrival, the travellers would need to make enquiries to find out where the silent Princess lived. At first, the journey was easy. Mehmet and his companion were in good spirits, well rested and well fed. Their horses were fresh and their outlook was cheerful. But as a week and then a month slipped by, they slowly became weary. Traveling all day for an uncertain destination with little of interest to distract them was tiresome. Mehmet had something important to gain from this trip, so he maintained his resolve. The servant, however, grew sullen and and resentful. One morning, Mehmet awoke to find that the man had disappeared with his own horse and the remainder of the supplies they had both been depending upon. Mehmet saddled his horse and silently thanked his lucky stars that he had slept with his good coin purse underneath him. At the very least, he would be able to buy some food. Later that day, he was fortunate to come upon a village where he purchased some additional sustenance and refilled his water. This left him with about half of his money remaining. He also made some enquiries about the silent Princess. To his relief, the villagers were soon nodding in recognition. They pointed to a nearby mountain and told him that her father's palace was was only days away. It would be a hard climb from here, but he could reach it by following the road ahead. Thanking them, Mehmet proceeded along his path. The travelling was as monotonous as ever, but his spirits lifted, knowing he was not far from his destination. It was just before sunset that day when he slowly overtook an old woman on the road. She was walking very slowly and leading a donkey that had a ragged bundle on it. Most curious, however, was that the beast also carried a birdcage Inside there was a nightingale. As he came up next to the woman, she barely looked at him. His heart ached for the lady because she was obviously bone thin and exhausted. Glancing at her baggage, he did not see any obvious signs of food. Aunt, he addressed her politely. Why are you out here all by yourself? She did not respond immediately, but continued trudging onward. Then she finally spoke. Long ago I was cast out of my home by a greedy landlord.
- [16:15]
Nightingale
Now I roam from one village to
- [16:18]
Narrator
the next, earning my supper by doing odd jobs and mixing remedies. She looked back at her saddlebag as if to indicate that it contained her supply of medicines. Mehmet was troubled. He needed to travel onward, but his conscience would not allow him to leave her alone in this state. He offered to give her some money, but the woman scoffed, I do not need the charity of an upstart gentleman. Mehmet pondered this response. Then he had an idea. Would you let me buy a remedy?
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Nightingale
Then
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Narrator
the woman looked at him sideways and set her mouth into a grim line. You are young and healthy, she said.
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Nightingale
You do not need any remedies.
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Narrator
Mehmet frowned, trying to think what he had left to offer. Then the woman halted and turned, appraising him openly. Mehmet felt as if she could see deep into his soul. Ill tell you what, said the woman.
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Nightingale
I won't take charity, but I will sell you this nightingale.
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Narrator
Both of them regarded the bird, which sat silently in its cage. The woman smiled and her eyes lit up. She said, it is a most wondrous
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Nightingale
bird, and though you might think me pitiful, you will soon see that I have sold you something very precious indeed.
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Narrator
Then she named her price, and Mehmet's heart sank. It was every last coin that he had in his purse, but he was a man of honour and he could not backtrack now. He agreed to purchase the nightingale and handed over the rest of his money to the old woman. She weighed the bag approvingly in her hand as he took the cage from her donkey. They nodded to each other before Mehmet continued on his way. But as he was disappearing into the distance, the woman called out after him,
- [19:13]
Nightingale
trust in the nightingale, young sir, and follow where it may lead you. If you do, you may yet see your unrealised dreams come true.
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Narrator
Puzzled by this last pronouncement, Mehmet rode off into the sunset, now in possession of of nothing but a few days supply of food and a strange bird. For the next three days he made slow progress up the mountain, always travelling in the direction the villagers had indicated, he wryly observed, that the bird he had purchased appeared to have even less value than he'd thought. It was a nightingale that did not sing. He started making humorous observations to his companion, cracking jokes and singing songs of his own. The bird never answered, and Mehmet plodded steadily onward, feeling very alone. Finally, at the end of the third day, he reached the gates of the palace. It was a majestic sight, with graceful domes and bold towers soaring into the sky. Naturally, there were also high walls to protect the royal family within. Mehmet presented himself to the guards at the gate, saying that he had come to meet the princess. The guards looked unsurprised. In fact, they appeared quite bored by him. It occurred to Mehmet that he looked shabby and unremarkable, and that he must be the hundredth man to present himself in this manner, only to fail. After a leisurely stare. One of the guards said that Mehmet should come again in the morning. Then he would be allowed to wait his turn for an audience with the princess. The weary traveler turned and and walked away, leading his horse and his bird behind him. He would find someplace along the road, out of sight, to lay down his bedroll for the evening. Later, as Mehmet reclined on his thin mattress, staring at the stars, something very peculiar happened. The bird spoke to him.
- [22:21]
Nightingale
Young sir, it said, do not take me for some ordinary bird. I do not waste my time singing idol songs. But I will tell you what you must do tomorrow in order to coax the princess to speak.
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Narrator
Mehmet sat bolt upright and stared at the cage in disbelief. The bird continued.
- [22:51]
Nightingale
I see that the cat has got
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Narrator
your tongue, it said dryly.
- [22:56]
Nightingale
But that is just as well as you need to listen very carefully to what I have to say.
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Narrator
Mehmet swallowed down the protests that were rising up in him. Was this really happening? The bird went on.
- [23:17]
Nightingale
When we arrive at the palace, you'll have me concealed inside your clothing as you walk into the room. I will fly unnoticed to a hiding place. Mark well where I have gone, for it will be important.
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Narrator
Mehmet nodded at the bird wordlessly.
- [23:41]
Nightingale
The princess will, of course, refuse to speak to you when that happens. Beg her pardon while you speak to the part of the room where I am hidden. You need only introduce your yourself to the piece of furniture or drapery where I have hidden, and I will do the rest. You must follow my lead.
- [24:09]
Narrator
This sounded like an improbable solution to Mehmet, but he knew that he had nothing better planned. What was the harm? He thought in taking the strange bird
- [24:23]
Nightingale
with him, it didn't even matter if
- [24:27]
Narrator
it became lost at the palace, as he would be no worse off than before. Mehmet told the bird that he would follow the instructions and his feathered companion fell silent once more. It wasn't long before Mehmet was fast asleep. The night passed quietly. Before he knew it, the sun had risen and it was time for him to return to the palace gates. Mehmet packed up his meager possessions. Then, as they had discussed the night before, the bird settled inside a drape of his clothing. Upon arriving, Mehmet found that several men were ahead of him. As each suitor was led in and then summarily ejected, he tried to keep up his courage. He had known this would not be easy. He reminded himself that this was the only way for him to move forward and hopefully end the curse that had been placed upon him. Finally, it was his turn. Leaving his horse at the gate, Mehmet followed the guards inside. He tried not to gawk open mouthed at the stately beauty of the courtyard. It was gorgeously landscaped and had many cascading fountains that bubbled sweetly. The sun even seemed to shine more brightly inside the palace walls. He felt as if he'd stepped into a beautiful picture. The guards led him to a lavish reception room with soaring ceilings and sumptuous colourful tiles. In the middle of the room, seated on a luxurious couch, was a woman wearing numerous veils. She had several attendants there to wait on her and an open book lay to her side. He had heard that she was beautiful, but he couldn't see her features at all. As Mehmet nervously walked to a spot a few paces away from her, the bird gracefully swooped from his clothing. It then obscured itself inside the base of a large candlestick nearby. Mehmet saw this from the corner of his eye. But neither the princess nor her guards or attendants seemed to notice. And of course, the lady in question said not one single word. Mehmet tried introducing himself. He asked the princess how she was doing and wondered aloud what she was reading. But there was no reaction. Then Mehmet took a deep breath and began the play acting that the bird had prescribed. I hope you do not mind, Princess, but I have travelled alone for many miles now and I find I simply must talk to someone. With your leave, I may have a chat with this candlestick here. If the princess found that odd, which she surely must have, she refrained from commenting. Knowing there was no going back, Mehmet walked over to where the bird was hiding. And said, hello there, Candlestick. How are you today? He wasn't sure, but he thought he heard a quiet laugh from one of the guards at the door. Mehmet knew he must appear ridiculous, but then the bird called out, very well
- [29:11]
Nightingale
indeed, but nobody has spoken with me in such a long time. Would you like to hear a story?
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Narrator
Mehmet responded, that he most certainly would. Then he sat himself down, as if preparing for a riveting tale.
- [29:33]
Nightingale
Once upon a time, began the nightingale, there was a sultan who had a beautiful daughter. Her father loved her very much, but when it was time for her to marry, she refused every suitor.
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Narrator
At this point, the bird paused dramatically. Mehmet wondered if the princess at his side might not be seeing a little of herself. In this tale, the hidden bird continued,
- [30:12]
Nightingale
the girl held out until she was almost too old to marry. At that point, only three very determined men remained, and she decided she would have to accept one of them. She didn't know which one to choose, so she summoned them. She told the man that each of them must go out into the world and learn a new skill. Upon returning in six months, whichever of them proved to be the most impressive would become her husband.
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Narrator
Mehmet snuck a sideways glance at the princess. She showed no emotion, but he felt she was sitting up a little straighter, listening. Please, Candlestick, he said. Go on.
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Nightingale
The three men departed together, the bird
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Narrator
continued, and after refreshing themselves at a
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Nightingale
nearby spring, they agreed to part ways. They would meet there again when six months had elapsed, they decided, and then they would see who had become the most talented among them.
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Narrator
Mehmet nodded sagely and told the candlestick that this seemed very wise. The bird continued its story.
- [31:57]
Nightingale
Six months later, the three men met at the spring again, just as they had planned. Boasting ensued, for each one thought he had excelled above the others. I think I will win, the sultan's daughter, said the first with a confident smile, for it is not everybody who is able to accomplish a whole year's journey in an hour. That is clever, certainly, answered the second,
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Narrator
but I have gained the power to
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Nightingale
see very far into the distance, since the winner of this contest will govern a country that will be much more useful. I'm sorry to disappoint both of you, said the third. Both of those skills are helpful. But when the maiden hears that I
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Narrator
can bring the dead back to life,
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Nightingale
she won't hesitate to make me her husband.
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Narrator
Then the third man added, but come,
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Nightingale
let the lady choose. Let the lady herself decide.
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Narrator
Wanting to show off his skills the second man put up his hand and said, wait, my friends. It would be wise to find out first what is going on at the palace.
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Nightingale
Then he waved his hands in the air and spoke some mysterious words. In an instant he turned pale and cried out, what is it?
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Narrator
Exclaimed the others.
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Nightingale
With a shaking voice he gasped, the sultan's daughter is lying on her bed
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Narrator
and has barely a few minutes to live. What can be done to save her?
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Nightingale
The third man said, I have an ointment that will cure any illness.
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Narrator
But how to reach her in time?
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Nightingale
Give it to me, said the first. Taking the remedy, he instantly transported himself to the bedside of the maiden, who was surrounded by her father and many weeping attendants. Clearly there was not a second to lose, for she was unconscious and her face was cold. Plunging his finger into the ointment, the
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Narrator
first Sutta touched her eyes, mouth and
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Nightingale
ears with the paste. Then everyone waited with anticipation to see if it would revive her. A miracle occurred. As they watched, the colour came back into her cheeks and she smiled up at her father. The sultan, almost speechless with joy at this reprieve, embraced his daughter, daughter tenderly, and then turned to the young man who had appeared to save her. He thought he recognised him.
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Narrator
Are you not one of those three
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Nightingale
who set out on a quest six months ago? The young man said, yes, he was. The other two men were following behind him so that all three of them could be judged.
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Narrator
At this point in the story, the nightingale inside the candlestick stopped. It asked Mehmet which of the three deserved to marry the Sultan's daughter. Mehmet replied, well, of course, it was the one with the ointment. If he had not provided that, the maiden would have died. The princess's attendants began whispering quietly among themselves. Mehmet smiled, knowing he had intrigued them. The bird chimed in with a competing opinion.
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Nightingale
But if it had not been for
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Narrator
the man who could see far into
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Nightingale
the distance, they would never have even known that the maiden was ill. I would give it to him.
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Narrator
Hearing this statement, even the guards at the door took to muttering. They obviously disagreed. And then suddenly, the silent princess jumped up from her cushions.
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Nightingale
You are obviously fools.
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Narrator
She exclaimed. Without the man who had the power to reach the palace in time, the ointment itself would have been useless and the maiden would have died. He was by far the cleverest and most important of the three men. At this unexpected pronouncement, the entire room fell silent. The guards and attendants stood with their mouths open in surprise, and the princess herself appeared frozen to the spot where she stood. As everyone realized what had just happened. A slow smile spread across Mehmet's face. He had done it. He had gotten the princess to break her silence. All of a sudden the room was in an uproar as guards ran through the door to inform the king. In moments, the princess's father was present, a great smile upon his face. He looked from his daughter to Mehmet and back again, delighted that one of her suitors had finally succeeded. But with a rigid posture that suggested stubbornness. The girl returned to her couch, sat down, and picked up her book. One impulsive utterance was a mistake she had made in the moment. She did not intend for this visitor to undo all her good work of the past couple of years, for that was how the princess thought of her efforts to repel dull and worthless suitors. She wanted to apply herself to her studies and enjoy her relative independence. Her silence was sometimes difficult to maintain, but it was worth it to avoid marriage to any one of the unappealing men who had come calling. The king appeared much encouraged, but he was not yet convinced that Mehmet had passed the test. He informed the young man that he expected him to return tomorrow and get the princess to speak again. It was good to know she was capable of it, but only the man who could persuade her to break her silence permanently would be acceptable. The young suitor was told to return the next day. At the same time, Mehmet found this
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Nightingale
new rule rather unfair.
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Narrator
But what could he do? As the king and his guards retreated from the room, Mehmet allowed the bird to slip back into his clothing unnoticed. He would need the nightingale's help again in order to triumph on the morrow. The next day, Mehmet presented himself at the gates. This time he was not required to wait in line. He was admitted immediately, and with the bird hidden in his clothing, he proceeded through the lovely gardens to the same reception hall as the day before. Once again, the princess reclined on her couch, heavily veiled. As before, the guards and the servants were present. This time, however, unbeknownst to Mehmet, the king was peeking through the door to see what would happen. The bird slipped easily into the same place as it had the day before, concealed by the candlestick's wide base. After greeting the princess and failing to elicit a response, Mehmet said that he would be having a conversation with the candlestick. He added that he hoped it would not be a bother. Of course, the lady did not respond one way or the other. How are you today, Candlestick? Asked Mehmet. The bird responded that it was very well and asked if Mehmet would like to hear a story. Making himself quite comfortable on the floor, Mehmet lit up with an expression of delight and said that he would love to hear a story.
- [43:10]
Nightingale
This is a comical tale, the bird said, about yet another beautiful young lady who did not wish to marry.
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Narrator
Mehmet nodded, secretly wondering how the princess would feel about this continuing theme. The story that unfolded was a bit absurd.
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Nightingale
One day a beautiful lady realised that she had held out too long for
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Narrator
the perfect husband and that she would
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Nightingale
soon be too old to marry. So she chose three of the best
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Narrator
suitors who had been courting her and
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Nightingale
planned a way for them to compete for her hand. She summoned the first man to her presence and told him that a ghost was haunting her bedchamber. She needed his help to scare it away. The lady instructed her suitor to drape himself in a bedsheet and sit in her room to show the unwelcome spirit that there was a new occupant. If the ghost did not appear by
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Narrator
morning, she told the man, they would
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Nightingale
be free of its hauntings for good. The suitor was all too glad to follow her instead instructions, even though he was a little afraid of ghosts. So he installed himself resolutely in her room, draped like a ghost, and waited motionless in the corner. Meanwhile, the lady summoned the second suitor. She told him that there was a ghost sitting in the corner of her bedchamber and that she was too afraid to enter. The woman begged the second suitor to stand in the opposite corner of the room. Then, if the ghost should stand up, he was to trap and subdue the spirit so that it could be removed. Eager to show his devotion and bravery, the man gladly agreed. He crept into her bedroom and stood in the corner opposite the man in the chair, watching and waiting for him to get up. While all of this was going on, the lady summoned the third and final suitor. Affecting great emotion, she told him that a terrible ghost was sitting in her room. She begged the third man to rush to her bedchamber immediately and drag it away. The suitor wasted no time, valiantly flinging the door of the bedroom open. This caught the first man, the seated one, by surprise. He jumped up from his chair, still covered in the bedsheet. Meanwhile, the second man, who was waiting in the corner, saw his moment of triumph had come. He threw himself upon the ghost and dragged him from the room, shouting to the lady that he he had captured and subdued the spirit. And what could the third Suitor do. After a moment of utter confusion, he chased after both of them, shaking his fist. Soon all three found themselves standing in front of the lady. So tell me, said the bird, which of these willing men deserved to win the lady? I would choose the third man, the one who opened the door, ready to
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Narrator
bravely drag the ghost away. Mehmet put his hand on his chin and furrowed his brow, appearing to consider this question very carefully. Then he held up his finger and protested. No, no candlestick, he said. It is obvious that the man who waited so quietly in the corner was the best. He demonstrated both patience and courage. At this, the princess could no longer contain herself. She stood so quickly that some of her veils fell off. And through the thin cover that remained, she spoke her own opinion with a tone of great annoyance.
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Nightingale
Why do neither of you appreciate the first man?
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Narrator
He sat like a statue, covered in an uncomfortable sheet, for hours, secretly fearing the approach of a ghost. He is obviously the most valiant and steadfast of the three, overcoming his own fears.
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Nightingale
He's the only, only one who deserves
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Narrator
the hand of the lady. All eyes turned to the princess, and her father's laughter could be heard through the doorway. Mehmet was overcome with happiness that he had passed the test a second time. Surely now, he thought, he must gain the hand of the prince. But the king was not yet completely convinced. He congratulated Mehmet on his powers of persuasion and said that he seemed a worthy and intelligent young man. However, the king added, I cannot in good conscience have my daughter engaged to anyone unless she tells him her name of her own free will. At this, Mehmet's heart sank. However, he knew that it was only good and right that the princess should choose. So he agreed to return one more time the next day and make a final effort. The reception room was charged with energy. When Mehmet appeared for the third time, it seemed like the attendants stood just a little taller. The guards were poised to lean inward. Certainly the king was listening at the door. Everyone was eager to see what would occur on this day of Mehmet's final trial. But there was a problem. Frustrated by the fact that she had twice broken her silence, the princess very cleverly destroyed the candlestick where the bird had been hiding. Upon walking into the room, Mehmet was initially dismayed. But he need not have feared the remarkable bird seemed to know exactly what to do. Instead of slipping into the base of the candlestick, he quickly darted into the folds of the drapery at the window. Mehmet saw this with Relief. His plan was clear. As always, the princess ignored Mehmet's greeting, but he saw that she had fewer veils on. It was as if she wanted to see him better. Through the filmy covering, he could make out the shadowy outline of her face and the suggestion of her intelligent gaze. His heart fluttered just a little, but he told himself to focus on the task at hand. He motioned to the window and told the princess he was just going to converse with the world outside. Strolling over, he stood near the heavy drapery and wished the window a good day. Naturally, the bird's familiar voice emanated from the fabric. The charade began anew.
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Nightingale
Would you like to hear another story?
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Narrator
The bird asked.
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Nightingale
I have one with a most perplexing ending, and I would love to hear your opinion on it. Mehmet grinned ear to ear.
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Narrator
He had high hopes. The bird told a story of three men who happened to meet while travelling on the road.
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Nightingale
One was a carpenter, one was a tailor, and the last was a student. Because they were journeying in the same direction, they joined up when night fell. They were lucky enough to find a farmer who let them rest in his barn. But the carpenter simply could not sleep. As he lay there, he noticed some scraps of wood nearby. Just to pass the time, he set to building.
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Narrator
After a couple of hours, he had
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Nightingale
crafted an impressive replica of a lady. Feeling very satisfied with his work, he found that he was finally drowsy. Setting the statue out in the moonlight, he lay down and went to sleep. Just about this time, the tailor awoke. After tossing and turning on his pile of hay for many minutes, he finally got up and went outside for a
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Narrator
breath of fresh air.
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Nightingale
He was surprised to see the elegant shape of a lovely girl in the semi darkness. It took him a moment to realise it was a wooden statue. He knew his companion must have made the figure. Delighted by the skill of the carpenter, he felt he could add his own contribution. Improving upon the statue,
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Narrator
he took some
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Nightingale
sacks that were lying nearby and deftly sewed them into a pretty dress. Draping his work over the wooden statue, he stood back and admired it. He was very pleased. Feeling fulfilled, he was once again sleepy. He lay down and was slumbering in no time. No sooner was the tailor dreaming happily than the student awoke. After lying there in the dark for too long, pondering the different questions of life, he had the idea of taking a look at the night sky. Imagine his sky surprise when he exited the barn to find a beautifully formed lady outside, draped in a very lovely dress. Of course, he soon realized that she was just an incredible statue, and he knew his companions must have created her. But he was overcome by the beauty of their art. As the sun began to rise, casting its rosy hues over the land, the student fell on his knees and offered
- [58:16]
Narrator
a fervent wish to the universe.
- [58:22]
Nightingale
He prayed for this lovely creation to
- [58:24]
Narrator
come to life, and graced them all with her presence.
- [58:31]
Nightingale
Lo and behold, a miracle occurred, and she stood there as a living, breathing woman. At that moment, the carpenter and the tailor came out of the barn, rubbing sleep from their eyes. All three men stood amazed by her beauty. It was immediately evident that each of them desired her to take him as her husband.
- [59:07]
Narrator
Now the bird said with a businesslike
- [59:11]
Nightingale
tone, you must tell me which of these three men most did deserved to win the love of the beautiful lady? I must say that I am in favour of the carpenter. After all, it was his idea to construct the statue. To begin with,
- [59:35]
Narrator
Mehmet put his hands on his hips and appeared to think carefully, all the while allowing the attention in the room to grow. I must once again disagree with you, he said after a long and suspenseful silence. Without the skill of the tailor, the lady would not have been so elegant. After Mehmet said this, the reception room seemed suspended in time. For a moment, everyone held their breath. Would the princess be able to keep her silence this time? She tried. She made her best effort, but her opinions got the better of her. You are both ridiculous. The princess cried out, pulling her veil from her face in exasperation.
- [60:42]
Nightingale
Without the miraculous workings of the student, the lady would have remained a mere statue.
- [60:49]
Narrator
Mehmet turned and bowed deeply to the princess, pretending he did not notice how beautiful she was. You have an excellent point, your highness. And I defer to your superior understanding of the rules of love, as I am but a foolish man. At this, the princess could not help but smile. She knew that Mehmet was gently teasing her. He had not previously struck her as being an overly humble man. She also realised that her game of silence was finally going to have to end. But even after this outburst from the princess, a look of nervousness crossed Mehmet's face because he knew he had to pass one final test. Only the princess would decide whether or not he succeeded. Standing upright, he said, you, Highness, it is so wonderful to make your acquaintance. My name is Mehmet. You could have heard a pin drop in the room as everyone paused. They did not move or make a sound for fear of intruding upon the moment of truth. Would the princess retreat in their Silence. And her veils again. And as that tension mounted, a voice emanated from the drapes again.
- [62:54]
Nightingale
I think her name must be Maryam, don't you?
- [63:01]
Narrator
Stifling a laugh, Mehmet responded, surely not. I'm quite certain that she's called Eslim now. Familiar with this routine? The princess huffed.
- [63:16]
Nightingale
My name is Alia, she said. You are the most exasperating person.
- [63:25]
Narrator
Then she added, but I do like your stories. Mehmet was filled with joy, and the attendance and guards quite forgot themselves. Letting out a cheer, the king rushed in and took Alia's hand and then Mehmet's. He congratulated and thanked them, for he knew that he was finally to have a son in law and the marvellous wedding he had always wanted for his only daughter. And somehow, with all the commotion, the bird was able to slip back into the folds of Mehmet's clothing one last time, never to be discovered. The young adventurer and his horse were given luxurious accommodation at the palace. Meanwhile, messengers were sent to Mehmet's father to announce the upcoming nuptials. The young man looked forward to the event with joy and relief, knowing he had changed his fate. Then, with Mehmet's future settled, the bird requested to be freed. Of course Mehmet agreed, but he knew he would miss his friend. Outside the palace walls, the nightingale rested briefly on Mehmet's hand and spoke one last time. The bird explained that it would find its way back to the lady from the road. They were tied together by fate and by friendship. Even as the old woman had pretended to give the bird to Mehmet, she had known it would return. Will I ever see you again? Mehmot asked. He had become fond of the nightingale and was sorry to see it go. Cocking its head to the side, the bird regarded him with a twinkling eye.
- [66:12]
Nightingale
My mistress and her sisters are everywhere, making sure that good and evil, generosity and selfishness and wisdom and foolishness are balanced. I may yet return to you. If you are watching, you will know me.
- [66:36]
Narrator
And with that, the bird flapped its wings and vanished into the night. Mehmet and Alia were married, but only after many spirited negotiations about what type of festivities would be had and who would be invited. Ultimately, compromises were made, as they would be in the ensuing years, and their long and happy lives together were built upon three things, although they could never really agree on which was the most important romance, comedy, and lively debate.
- [71:41]
Thomas
Sam.