The Missing Statue
Introduction to King Suffar
Suffar, the young King of Egypt, was handsome, strong, and cheerful. He excelled in games and sports and was a brave warrior. Under the guidance of his old tutor, Zenda, he learned everything a young king should know, along with many other subjects.
A King’s Flaw
However, King Suffar had one significant flaw—he was extremely lazy and indulgent. While he was not lazy when it came to sports or revelry, hunting all day and dancing all night, he neglected the affairs of the state. Instead of attending to the welfare of his kingdom and subjects, he left the governance of the kingdom to his ministers, who relished their newfound power.
Concerns of the Wise Tutor
The only person who admonished the king was his old tutor, Zenda. He informed King Suffar that his subjects were suffering under the oppressive rule of the unjust ministers. The people faced high taxes, and those unable to pay were imprisoned, with much of the wealth lining the pockets of the ministers.
King Suffar ignored Zenda’s warnings, and the courtiers mocked him. Driven away by the king’s disregard, Zenda retreated to a humble cottage in the forest, accompanied only by his youngest daughter, Zara.
The Appearance of the Genie
One day, when King Suffar was alone, a stern-looking man emerged in a cloud of blue smoke. “I am Zeim, the King of all the Genies,” he proclaimed. “I have always loved and protected your family. You are destroying both yourself and your country by living solely for pleasure. Your courtiers mock you, and your ministers deceive you. For your family’s sake, I am here to assist you.” Zeim instructed the king to find a trapdoor in his father’s study, leading to a staircase that concealed a fabulous treasure. However, to claim it, the king had to follow a command inscribed there.
The Quest Begins
With Zeim’s words still echoing in his ears, Suffar rushed to his father’s study, uncovering the trapdoor and descending the staircase. There he discovered a vast room filled with gold, silver, and glimmering jewels. In the centre stood an empty pedestal with an inscription that read: “Before you can take this treasure for your own, you must find the missing statue. It is the most precious part of the treasure.”
Unsure where to begin, Suffar decided to seek advice from his old tutor. He hurried to the cottage to share his experience. Zenda, who knew Zeim well, took Suffar to the Palace of Glass, where the genie resided. Upon their arrival, Zenda called for Zeim, who welcomed them.
The Search for Virtue
“I am glad you have commenced your search,” Zeim said. “I will provide additional assistance. If you bring me a girl who is truly modest and good, I will reveal the missing statue to you. Use this mirror; its surface will cloud over if the girl lacks those virtues, but if she possesses them, her face will be clear.”
With newfound determination, King Suffar and Zenda set off on their quest. They searched castles, humble homes, and everything in between, but time after time, the mirror failed to reflect a virtuous maiden. Eventually, exhausted and discouraged, they returned to the forest cottage.
A Surprising Discovery
Upon their return, Zara awaited them with a good meal. As she prepared the table, she picked up the mirror and gazed into it for a moment. To the king’s astonishment, the mirror remained clear, revealing Zara’s beautiful face within its glass.
Zara’s father felt a heavy heart at the thought of giving his youngest daughter to the Genie. Nevertheless, he understood the necessity for the young king’s sake. They escorted Zara to Zeim’s palace, while Suffar, smitten with the girl, felt just as unhappy. He vowed that he would not touch a single piece of the treasure he once coveted.
The Wedding Feast
When Suffar visited the treasure one last time, he was amazed to find a statue now occupying the pedestal. He uncovered it to reveal Zara, dressed in royal robes and smiling warmly.
In a cloud of blue smoke, Zeim emerged once more. “Here is the most precious treasure of all,” he proclaimed. “She is your bride. She will aid you in the challenging task of ruling your kingdom, and her father will always be by your side to offer guidance.”
A grand wedding feast ensued, and the wicked ministers were promptly dismissed. Under the wise leadership of King Suffar and Queen Zara, the people of the kingdom thrived, living happily and contentedly ever after.