The Singer of Tales

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Appendix III. Return Songs

A. Parry 6818, by Alibeg Begović in Bijelo Polje

B. Parry 12417, by Šaćir Dupljak in Bijelo Polje

C. Parry 6229, by Avdo Avdić in Gacko

D. Parry 6580, by Murat Čustović in Gacko

E. Parry 1905, by Franje Vuković in Bihać

F. Parry 1939, by Murat Žunić in Bihać

a. Parry 6812, by Husein Dupljak in Bijelo Polje

b. Parry 12384, by Šećo Kolić in Bijelo Polje

c. Parry 12408, by Mustafa Čelebić in Bijelo Polje

d. Parry 12465, by Avdo Međedović in Bijelo Polje

e. Parry 1280a, by Jašar Krvavac in Gacko

f. Parry 1920, by Murat Žunić in Bihać

The telegraphic style of this and of the following appendix is used not merely to save space, but also in order to bring closer together the corresponding parts of the several texts and thus to facilitate the comparison of themes.

Introductory Theme One: Capture of the Hero

D

Place is Zadar. Three prisoners are shouting: Alagić Alija, Zorbac Mustafagha, and Čejanović Meho. Alagić tells his story: father dead, mother reared him for twelve years, and he became Četnik. At sixteen he had won his horse and arms; at eighteen the sultan sent him a sword; at twenty-four mother urged him to marry Zlata of Bey Kumalić. On wedding night a bloody hero arrived; the Vlahs had attacked Lika. Wife urged him to go. He was captured by Matić Kapetan seven years ago. Feels sorry for unloved Zlata. Zorbac tells his story: he has no family except for a band of thirty Četniks. Attacked by Matić Kapetan with army bound for Border, who captured him and gave him to Ban of Janok seven years ago. Feels sorry for families of thirty Četniks. Meho tells his story: father died when he was four. At fifteen he raided, gathering money.

f

Song opens with marriage of Bosnić Osmanbey of Glasinac. Wedding guests go to Taslidža for Zlata. Girl won’t ride horse and is brought back in golden litter with golden apple on top. On way back, race is declared from apple tree to king’s house. Youth rides by litter and girl urges him to enter race. He is standard-bearer of Osman. She gives him permission to enter race. Standard-bearer wins. Brings news of arrival of girl to Bey. In midst of festivities messenger {242|243} arrives from sultan and delivers firman. Sultan at war with four kings. Turks besieged in Hotin. Sultan calls Bey to army as commander. Bey agrees to go. Wedding ceremony held. After a time in marriage chamber, Bey looks out window and sees youths hurling stones and jumping, among them standard-bearer. Bey comes down and all run away except standard-bearer, who asks Bey where he is going. Bey says to imperial army. Tells standard-bearer to get ready. Wife (bride) complains. Bey gives her money for seven years. Tells her to wait that time and even an eighth, but in ninth to marry again. Bey departs. Bey goes to vizier in Sarajevo. Vizier gathers Bosnian army. Ban leads army to Mt. Pokoja, where he meets sultan’s messengers to say sultan has gone to Hotin with rest of army. Bey proceeds and joins sultan. Sultan gives him command. He has one success after another against enemy, but finally is betrayed by pashas and viziers into hands of king of Moscow, in whose prison he languishes for twelve years. His men, including standard-bearer were killed in final encounter when viziers withdrew their armies. In nineteenth year of absence the king of Moscow has son born and declares festival to which he invites the king of Lehovo, who asks if Osman is still in prison. They go to see Osman. Lehovo buys Osman from king of Moscow, takes him to Lehovo, feeds and houses him comfortably.

Introductory Theme Two: Capture of Radovan

A

Place is Zadar. Cannon rejoicing, but no conversation or speech. Radovan goes directly to prison. No jailer mentioned. Prison described. Radovan walks around and sings a little about prison.

В

Serfs gather with thorns before castle; list complaints: Radovan captures maidens, kills youths. King sends serfs away, promises help. Writes letter to priest Milovan, Radovan’s godfather, to betray Radovan. Priest writes Radovan, inviting him to christening of son. Sends letter with messenger, letter delivered, messenger tipped. Radovan reads letter, slaps thigh. Mother asks why. Radovan explains. Mother urges him to go, Radovan hesitant, does not trust priest. Mother prevails. Radovan dresses, arms, prepares horse. Goes to priest at border. Radovan and priest drink. Next morning priest seeks special wine, which he drugs. Radovan sleeps, is bound, put in coach, taken to Janok. Cannon rejoicing at capture of Radovan. They beat Radovan into consciousness. He curses priest. No conversation. Radovan is taken directly to prison. Prison is described.

С

Place is Zadar. Ban lists complaints against Radovan: killed brother, captured sister and married her to gypsy. Radovan says he has lived full life, but threatens that Mujo will come and take vengeance. Ban afraid but calls jailer, gives orders, and says he will take his bones, make them into powder, and shoot from cannon. Prison is described.

D

Meho’s story is interrupted by arrival of jailer with new prisoner. Alagić asks who he is— Uskok Radovan. {243|244}

E

Uskok Radovan sets out to seek blood brother, Šarac Mehmedagha. Radovan is in disguise. Lost in fog. Comes to well of Mitrović Ilija. Ilija sends soldiers to capture him. After fight they take him to Ilija. Ilija asks why he has come. Radovan tells of Šarac lost twelve years and of how he was lost in fog and captured. Ilija sends him to Gavran Kapetan. Gavran sends him to Zadar. Ban puts him in jail.

F

Radovan takes horse to well by tower of Smiljanić Sirdar. Sirdar sends men to capture him. Fight. Horse killed, Radovan captured. Sirdar asks him to leave Mustajbey and come over to their side. Radovan refuses. Sirdar takes him to Ban of Zadar, who offers same terms. Radovan refuses, is put in jail.

Introductory Theme Three: Conversation between Radovan and Hero

A

On rock in middle is a prisoner with long hair. Greetings. Prisoner asks Radovan who he is. Recognitions. Prisoner is Arnaut Osman. Has been there eleven years. No other prisoner mentioned. Osman asks about: Border, houses, buljukbaše, kafana, han. Asks if Turks remember him. Asks about: house, mother, wife. Radovan answers about: Border, houses, buljukbaše, kafana, han; Turks do remember him, but have heard of his death seven years ago. Otherwise Radovan would have sought him. Tells of: house, mother, horse, sword, wife to marry dizdar in fifteen days. Osman shouts and kicks door.

В

Radovan sees old prisoner on a stump. Greetings. Chains described. Novljanin Alija had hoped Radovan would rescue him. Alija asks about: his house, horse, dogs, tambura, mother, wife. Radovan answers about: house, horse, tambura, dogs, weapons, mother. Alija asks about: kafana and if Turks remember him. Radovan answers about: kafana and that Turks remember, but heard of his death a year ago. His wife about to remarry soon, in ten or twelve days—to Šarac Mahmutagha. Alija shouts day and night.

C

Radovan sees hero in dry corner. Recognitions, Ograščić Alija. Alija says he had hoped Radovan would rescue him. Has been there twelve years without seeing sun or moon or anybody. No other prisoner is mentioned. Alija asks about: Border, tavern, if Turks remember him, about house, mother, sister, wife, son Hadžija. Radovan answers about: tavern, Turks remember him, tower in ruins, mother begs, sister unmarried, wife to marry Halil, son is cowherd.

D

Alagić Alija asks Radovan about: Border, tavern, aghas, mother, wife. Radovan answers: mother conquered, tower ruined, wife about to marry Halil. Alija shouts. {244|245}

E

Thirty prisoners. Greetings. One is sitting on stone, playing šargija and singing. At end of song, goes to Radovan and greets him. Recognize immediately. Šarac asks when Radovan left Lika. Radovan says week ago. Recounts story of capture, including conversation with Ilija. Šarac asks about: house, horse, servant Bilaver, mother, wife, pistols, tambura. Radovan answers about: house, horse, Bilaver, mother, pistols, sword, and tambura. All well except mother cries. Wife will marry Halil in week. Radovan advises him to shout three days and four nights.

F

Radovan finds Šarac Mehmedagha of Gospić with thirty prisoners. Šarac is described. They recognize each other immediately. Radovan tells Šarac he was in Lika three days ago. Šarac asks about: father, mother, wife, twin sons. Answer: mother dead, father, Osmanagha, blind, twins play in grandfather’s lap. Wife to marry Halil and leave sons and father-in-law.

Theme One: Shouting in Prison

a

Prisoner shouts for twelve years. Knows neither summer nor winter. Prison and prisoner described. Banica goes to ban. Place is Zadar. She asks either release or execute prisoner or she will take twin sons and throw them into sea and then flee home to Malta. Ban goes to prison and asks prisoner why he is shouting. Prisoner is Kovčić Muratbey. Prisoner says he dreamed a dream that wife remarried, mother dead, house ruined.

A

Ban hears, calls jailers to ask cause. Osman says cause is wife’s remarriage. Asks ban to ransom on oath to kill dizdar and bring head to ban. Jailers give message. Osman is brought to ban. Ban asks cause; Osman answers. (No banica)

b

Thirty prisoners are shouting in Božur. One does not shout. He tells others they are new prisoners, but he has been there twelve years. He has heard that his wife will marry again, Uzun Ahmedagha of Cetinje, fifteen days hence. Uzun had captured Anđa, daughter of Ban of Kaltuk, but girl will not become Moslem. Uzun will hold horse race with her as prize, at prisoner’s home in Havala. Ban of Božur hears this story and comes to jail, asks prisoners why they shout. They complain of conditions in prison. Ban asks single prisoner about story he just heard.

с

Place is Zadar. Prisoner shouts three days, four nights. Disturbs ban, banica, and twin sons. Banica sends ban to prison grating to ask what is wrong. Ban goes. Prisoner is Kovčić Muratbey. Bey has recently received letter. Retells story of own wedding—was interrupted on wedding night as he was lifting bride’s veil. Bride sent him with others on raid in which he was captured. If he wouldn’t go, she would. Horse had returned home after bey’s capture. Letter from mother, {245|246} saying Šarac Mahmutagha is about to marry wife against her will in fifteen days. She has sent letter to her brother, Alagić Alija, to stop Šarac, but he is afraid of vizier.

В

Queen is disturbed by Alija’s shouting. On third morning goes to king, complains: release or kill him, or she will take two cradles, throw into sea, kill self. Children cry. King sends jailer. Alija brought into courtyard, given wine. King asks cause of shouting. Alija says it is wife’s remarriage.

d

Prisoner shouts in Zadar for twelve days and twelve nights. Frightens banica and children, twins, son and daughter. Ban scolds her for leaving harem, first time in twelve years of marriage. She tells him why. She describes prison. It is eight years since he captured Kara Omeragha. Either release or kill him. Require three oaths of a Turk for ransom, or she will go home and leave children. Ban tells her he will not release Omer but will execute him. There has been no trouble since he has been in prison. He calls jailer Rade and with him goes to prison. Omer is described. Ban asks him why he shouts. Omer says he had been married only three years when captured by ban. Feels sorry for wife and mother. After first year letter from mother told of birth of son. Three years later another letter told name of son, Kara Mujo. Another letter told when they sent him to school. After four years another letter told of smallpox. Another letter told that boy had smallpox but recovered. He now writes from school to mother asking about father. Two years later another letter tells that wife wants to marry and leave son, but only suitor is Šarac Mahmutagha. Omer had replied to mother to write when wedding guests would come. This letter had just arrived.

e

Place is Janok. Prisoner shouts three days, three nights, disturbs banica and two sons. She goes to ban. Release or kill him, or she will go home to General Jovan. Ban calls jailer to bring Turks from jail. Have been there twelve years, Alagić Alija and with him Velagić Selim. Prisoners are described. Ban asks why they shout. Alija is not worried about Border or house, wife, mother, or two sons, but tired of jail. Ban says Alija cannot be pardoned, too many crimes: killed ban’s two brothers and father. Will take his bones, etc. Ban offers to bargain with Selim.

C

Alija shouts three days and three nights. Banica is disturbed, their two sons frightened. On fourth morning wife goes to ban. Takes quilt from head, complains: kill or ransom him. Threatens to throw two sons and self into sea. Ban promises. Sends wife back to room. Watches from window. Jailer goes to prison, releases Alija, takes him across courtyard to ban. Ban inquires cause of shouting. Alija says prison is cause.

D

Banica Jerinja is disturbed by Alija’s shouting and goes to ban. She says children are crying and asks that prisoner be released or killed. Otherwise she will throw {246|247} children from the tower and jump into the sea. Ban sends jailer to bring Alagić. Ban asks Alija why he shouts; Alija tells of things at home.

E

Shouting annoys ban, banica, baby. Ban sends jailer to find out what is wrong. Šarac asks jailer to ask ban to let him come to see him. Offers horse and sword to jailer, who reports that ban allows Šarac to come. Šarac is described. He explains situation at home.

F

Šarac shouts for jailer, asks him to go to ban and request release on oath in order to settle affairs at home. Offers jailer his horse. Jailer goes to ban and tells him the news Radovan had given Šarac. Asks for release. Ban refuses, but banica and jailer intervene. Ban goes to jail.

Theme Two: Bargaining for Release

a

Prisoner asks to be released for ransom or to be killed. Ban asks for horse, one thousand ducats, sword. Bey gives oath and is released,

A

Ban asks what oath Osman will give to return to jail and bring Dizdar’s head. Osman gives three oaths of a Turk and Albanian “besa.”

b

Ban says he will release prisoner and will give him horse, if he will enter race and bring Anđa to him unloved. Prisoner agrees and is released.

c

Bey asks ban to release him, promising that he will return. Ban refuses. Banica intervenes. She requires oath of a Turk. Ban refuses again, but she wins. Ban goes to prison. He requires oaths of a Turk, horse, sword. Bey agrees to bring these and to return to prison. He is released.

В

Alija asks to be released in order to kill suitor. He promises suitor’s head. King refuses. Queen intervenes and asks Alija for oaths to return to prison. Alija gives three oaths of a Turk.

d

Omer asks ban to release him on oaths for ransom or to kill him. Ban will not accept ransom, but will release him on oaths to return to prison. Omer gives oaths and is released.

e

Ban requires oaths of a Turk, horse, sword. Selim agrees to bring these and to return to prison, and he is released. {247|248}

C

Ban asks for one thousand ducats, horse, saddle, pistols, sister, and son Tadija. Alija allows all but sister. Ban asks for Tadija instead. Alija agrees.

D

Ban bargains. Asks for wife (error), one thousand ducats, horse, sword. Alija agrees and is released.

E

Ban refuses release, but banica intervenes. Ban will release if Šarac will return and bring one hundred ducats. Šarac agrees.

f

Lehovo explains to Osman that he had been captured by Osman’s father at Kosovo and had been treated by father as he treated Osman. King releases Osman without ransom as Osman’s father had released him. Lehovo asks Osman whether he will go straight to Bosnia or to Stambol, warning him he will be killed in Stambol. Osman says he will go to Stambol first.

F

Šarac asks for release. Ban will not ask ransom, but Šarac promises to return to jail. Thirty prisoners guarantee his return with their lives. Ban agrees. Radovan asks for release, but refuses to leave Mustajbey. Ban says he will execute him in week,

Theme Three: Preparation for Journey Home

a

Chains are taken off and tattoo put on Murat’s chest to indicate he is prisoner. Ban gives money to have his hair cut. (No mention that hair is actually cut.)

A

Ban calls servants to wash Osman, cut hair, and bring new clothes, but Osman refuses. Will close eyes, take staff and pouch to beg. Ban offers horse and arms, but Osman refuses, since own horse and arms are home. Wants only passport, which he receives with one hundred ducats.

b

Prisoner is given-food, drink, rest for week, clothes, armor, and horse (his own, twelve years in stable). As the prisoner departs, the ban asks his name. It is Poro of Havala.

с

Bey is cleaned up; hair and nails are cut. Puts on beggar’s clothes. Takes staff.

В

King calls servants to shave Alija, cut hair and nails, but Alija refuses. Asks for passport, money, and staff. Leaves. {248|249}

d

Chains are taken off, but ring is left around neck. Ban changes mind and has ring removed. Omer is described. Ban asks if he wants to be cleaned up. Omer doesn’t care, but banica insists. They also give him old clothes (neither good nor bad). Omer is taken to tavern to drink and eat. Given money. Departs.

e

Ban gives money to Selim. Alija asks Selim to tell mother not to expect him. Alija returns to prison.

C

Ban brings servants to wash Alija, cut hair and nails, but Alija refuses, since it will be easier to beg ransom. He does ask for staff, and agrees to return in forty days.

D

Alija is cleaned up. They give him something to eat and drink. He rests, and departs.

E

Servants wash Šarac, shave, cut nails. Jailer puts ring around neck of prisoner. Ban gives him money. Šarac thanks ban and banica. Jailer gives staff.

f

Lehovo gives him money, puts him on ship for Stambol.

F

Šarac takes staff.

Theme Four: Journey Home

a

Murat goes to Udbina to the tower of Mujo.

A

Ban watches Osman depart. Osman goes to tavern to drink, then across plain. Passes three hundred sentinels on way to tavern on border. Tavern maid, Ruža, is his blood sister, but does not recognize him. He drinks heavily. Ruža asks who he is, but he is angry and does not answer. He proceeds home.

b

Poro departs. At border, horse is frightened. Poro sees golden bird on branch. Bird asks him to wrap it in handkerchief, and put it in his belt to give to his bride to put under her belt on night of marriage to Uzun. Poro takes bird as directed and proceeds home.

с

Bey goes over mountains (named) to Udbina. Wedding guests are on plain.

B missing {249|250}

d

Omer travels day and night across mountains (named). Sees towers of home and his own repaired house.

e

Selim crosses mountains to border. Sees in distance one tower in good repair and one tower in ruins, with cuckoo. Meets shepherd and asks whose towers those are. The good one is Alija’s, the ruined one is Selim’s. Cuckoo lamenting is Selim’s mother; the sheep are Alija’s. Tells of marriage of Selim’s wife to Vrsić Ibrahim. Selim goes down mountain.

C

By city gate Alija has begged one thousand ducats. In midst of plain Alija rests and wishes for horse. Travels all night.

D

Alija crosses mountains (named) from which he sees tower and horses. Descends to Ribnik and tower.

E

Travels over mountains (named), rests, finally sees tower and approaches spring near Udbina.

f

Osmanbey arrives at Stambol at dawn. Hears muezzin and weeps. His sorry state described. Old man appears. Asks who he is. Osman tells him. Also reminds him that it was he (old man) who had brought him letter from Sultan years ago. Tells Osman to be careful and takes him to his own home. That night tells him to flee and not to come to Stambol until a firman arrives with half of the golden seal on it. Mehmed Efendi (old man) will try to clear him with sultan. Osman goes to Bosnia.

F

Šarac crosses plain and mountains to Buhovica. Rests and looks toward tower in Gospić. Hears drums and trumpets of wedding guests. Goes to tower and tent of Mujo.

Theme Five: From Arrival in Home Country to Arrival in Own House

a

Mujo does not recognize Murat, who gives deceptive story about Murat’s death. He receives gifts. Wedding guests arrive and Mujo explains whose they are (Murat’s wife and Šarac.) Murat goes to his own tower.

A missing

b missing

c

Šarac says he and wedding guests will give alms if bey will tell him of Murat. {250|251} Murat tells deceptive story of death. Gifts given for health of wife, who is praised by Šarac.

B

In Kladuša Alija finds Mujo, Halil, and thirty aghas in green bower. Tells deceptive story of Alija’s death. They give gifts and tell of coming wedding. Guests arrive.

d missing

e

Selirn spreads cloak beside the road. Mujo, Halil, and other guests, including Tale, give gifts. (No deceptive story.) Selim goes to Alija’s tower and tells Alija’s mother, sister, and two sons, where he is, but promises to rescue him. They recognize him by his voice.

C

Next day Alija meets Mustajbey, Mujo, and wedding guests of son Hađo returning from Kaniđa with bride. Alija spreads out coat to beg. Bey asks who he is. Alija says Bunić Mujo. Bey asks about Alija and Alija says he died in prison, etc. Bey gives alms and asks Alija not to tell wedding guests about Alija’s death because of son’s wedding. Hađo would go to Zadar and ask ban why he killed father. Alija tells same story to Mujo and other guests. Son approaches, singing about father, asks who Alija is. Alija answers Bunić Mujo. Where is Alija? Alija tells story of death. Son gives alms and declares that when he has delivered bride he will go to Zadar. Twelve đevers pass and ask for Alija. Bride also asks and is given deceptive story. All give alms. Tale is last. Alija goes by short cut to Uzdvorje. Sees repaired tower. Courtyard gate opens.

D missing

E

Evening; Šarac stops to pray. Thirty maidens come from Udbina for water. He hides in grass. After maidens have taken water, they dance. Šarac approaches. They ask who he is. Says he is son of Omeragha of Mostar, released for ransom to visit dying mother. Deceptive story about Šarac. Gifts. Girls tell about coming wedding. Guests have arrived. Girls return to Udbina. After prayer Šarac returns to Udbina.

f

When Osman arrives at road to Tasliđa, whence they had brought his bride twenty years ago, he meets wedding guests with old man, Usuf Alajbey, Osman’s uncle. Osman gives deceptive story. He is Parmaksuz Alagha of Kladuša and had gone with Osman’s army years ago. Deceptive story of death of Osman. Wedding guests are those of Mehmedbey, Osman’s son, born after Osman’s departure. Usuf points out youth to father. The standard-bearer for wedding guests is Selim, son of Osman the standard-bearer. Osman asks permission to go with them so that he may get clothes. Usuf tells nephew to give horse to Osman. Meho objects, saying he had promised not to give horse to anyone but father. Uncle insists. Osman asks for pistols to shoot when he brings news of {251|252} arrival of wedding guests. Horse recognizes master. Uncle amazed at horse’s actions. Osman asks son if grandmother alive. Yes, but blind from weeping. Mother alive, still waiting for Osman. Osman rides to tower and shoots pistols.

F

Šarac goes to tower of Mujo. Gives deceptive story, saying he is Bećiragić Meho of Skradin, and that Šarac is dead. Mujo sighs. Games, race; Šarac enters with Halil, and wins. Halil wants to fight but is stopped by Mujo.

Theme Six: Arrival Home and Recognitions

a

Šarac Mahmutagha is given deceptive story about Murat. Gives gift. Also guests give gifts. Murat goes to wife and maids and tells deceptive story. Wife cries. Gives gifts for soul of Murat. Murat takes šargija and sings. He doesn’t wonder at Ban of Zadar for releasing him, nor at Mujo—only Tale had said the prisoner looked like Murat—doesn’t wonder at mother, but wife didn’t recognize him nor any Turk. Goes to room and gets weapons, then to horse, who recognizes him. He mounts, jumps over wall, shouts at Šarac. Šarac flees, but Murat kills him and scatters guests. Murat goes to tower to mother, who is mourning son. Recognition. Mother tells him not to harm wife, dies. Murat drives out maids, buries mother.

A

Osman knocks at gate and tells mother he has news of Osman. Mother doesn’t recognize him. Osman tells deceptive story of death and burial. Mother gives alms in name of son. Osman calls wife to door. Tells same story. She gives alms for health of dizdar not Osman. Osman goes to tavern. Drinks. Keeper asks who he is and says he had neighbor Osman who drank like that. Osman takes keeper to upper story and shows passport. Wedding guests arrive. Osman, drunk in tavern, sees them. Festivities at house. Osman arrives, drinks. Dances on staff and one leg. Dizdar throws him money. He sings; wedding guests are amazed at voice of old beggar. Goes to horse in stable. Horse recognizes him. Goes to tower, sees mother weeping in one room, wife with maids in another, the dizdar drinking in another. Gets sword. On way back tells mother that Osman will return tonight. Kills dizdar, announces himself to maids and wife. Takes wife to stable and ties her up. Goes to mother and tells her truth. Next morning announces his arrival to wedding guests from tower, scolds them, and they depart.

b

Poro comes upon wedding guests. Calls mother to come to rose garden. Deceptive story of Poro’s death: has sent Poro to accompany bride. Poro asks for tambura. Mother takes him to son’s room, which has not been opened. Mother will not listen, but leaves. Wife hears (song not given). She recognizes him and goes to his room. They embrace. Poro tells her what to do with bird. He will accompany her. He takes horse and joins wedding guests, enters race for Anđa, wins girl, gives her to mother. Wedding guests leave with bride and Poro. At Cetinje, bride is taken to marriage chamber. Uzun hears bird and thinks Mejruša is {252|253} pregnant. Calls judge for annulment—let her take child and seek a husband from door to door. Poro hears from window. Bride asks for Uzun’s horse, which is refused and then given. Poro enters and asks for Mejra in marriage and horse. Judge marries them. Mejra takes out bird and shows it to Uzun and announces Poro has returned. Uzun kills himself. Poro takes Mejra home and tells mother he is son. Mother embraces and dies. Burial.

c

Murat climbs stairs in tower. Mother exclaims to wire that tower has not shaken so since Murat was captured. Wife weeps. Murat knocks and asks entrance to beg. Wife asks mother’s permission, granted. Deceptive story of death. Mother gives cloak of Murat to Murat for soul of son. Wife gives money. Goes to wedding chamber, where he had been only one night. Takes tambura, sings. (Song not given.) Horse hears, hounds hear, recognize. Wife runs to him, also mother. Embrace. Murat dresses, takes arms and horse, goes to tent of Šarac. Šarac flees, Murat overtakes and kills him. Tale arrives, also Alagić Alija, Murat’s uncle. Aghas sit down and drink.

В

Alija goes to tower, meets two sentinels, tells deceptive story. They weep. Goes to blind mother, tells deceptive story, gifts. Asks mother about: Alija’s horse, hounds, sword, tambura, pistols, cloak. Mother explains that wife is leaving her one third of possessions, all clothes and arms, but is taking horse. Alija goes to wife’s room, tells deceptive story, wife and maids give gifts to health of new groom. Alija goes to horse and hounds, who recognize him, then to wedding guests and Šarac, who give gifts for health of Šarac. Alija returns to mother, gets Alija’s sword and tambura. At courtyard gate sings: doesn’t wonder at mother, but at wife. Alija goes to stable and mounts horse, attacks and kills Šarac, drives away maids and kills wife. Declares himself to mother, who dies.

d

At gate Omer asks for alms. Mother doesn’t recognize him. Says no one home but herself and child, nine years old. Who is he? Omer doesn’t give name, but says he has been imprisoned ten years. Mother takes him in. He tells deceptive story that he is Uskok Mališan of Ada. Had been in prison with Omer and had read all her cards. Omer is dead. He is seeking ransom. Mother gives food and tells of wedding in week. He goes to horse. Recognition. Wife hears him tell horse that he is glad he hadn’t forgotten him, since his wife had. She laments. Omer kills wife. Mother comes and scolds him for what he has done. He tells her who he is. Recognition. Mother faints; Omer revives her. Tells her not to tell his son. Omer changes and goes to Mahmud in Predvorac. Šarac’s friends see Omer from distance and say it looks like Omer. Šarac recognizes him and horse. Tries to shut gate but friends won’t let him. Omer from gate challenges him to combat. Omer kills Šarac and returns to Udbina.

e

Selim goes to his own tower. Goes to horse and servant Ibrahim, who is weeping. Ibro recognizes him by his voice, horse recognizes him. Selim asks {253|254} Ibro not to tell. Goes to mother, who gives gift for soul of Selim. Finds sister embroidering and weeping. Gift. Wife is with maids. Gift for soul of Selim. Returns to mother, sups, sleeps. At midnight takes tambura and sings. Wonders at Vrsić taking away wife. Mother hears, recognizes him, asks no harm be done to wife. Selim suggests they give sister to Vrsić. This is done next morning. Guests depart. Selim is shaved, hair and nails cut.

C

In yard three kolos are being danced. Wife comes from tower, meets prisoner, asks name. Deceptive story of death and burial of Alija. Wife gives alms, tells of son’s wedding, cries. She has no champion. Alija agrees and while wife prepares his horse, he goes to barber, who recognizes him. Alija asks him not to tell. Barber gives him clothes. Goes to horse, who recognizes master. Goes to meet wedding guests. Contest, Alija races horse back to tower. Outraces Mujo. Alija goes to garden and fountain and hides in rose arbor. Wedding guests arrive, festivities. Son takes bride to chamber. Alija sits on chair by fountain and drinks wine from son’s cup. Slave girl Kumrija comes to fountain. Says if Hađo saw him, he would kill him, since no one may sit in that chair except him. Alija asks her how she would recognize Alija. Has mark on right arm. Would recognize him when she washed and clothed him. Alija shows mark and asks her to unlock his room, and while he gets tambura and sings, she should tell son, wife, and wedding guests of his arrival. He sings; doesn’t wonder at son, but at wife. Wife, Mustajbey, Mujo, and son go to room. “Why didn’t you tell us?”

D

They are throwing stones. Alija joins game, wins. Jumping contest. Alija wins. In tower goes to mother, who tells of coming marriage. Alija takes tambura and sings. Wife runs to mother, who listens and weeps, and asks Alija who he is and whence he comes. Deceptive story of death. Alija has come to gather ransom. Gift from mother, gift from wife to health of Halil. Goes to wedding guests. Gifts. Alija takes tambura in tower and sings. Wife weeps, goes to mother, swears it is Alija. Looks at him and recognizes him. Asks him to roll up sleeve. Sees mark and screams. Mother comes. Embraces son. Halil hears news, gets on horse, and flees.

E

In courtyard Šarac finds guests. Goes to stable; servant Bilaver is with horse. Šarac asks permission to touch horse. Servant warns him. Šarac embraces horse. Horse nibbles at Šarac’s neck. Bilaver recognizes master. Šarac warns him not to tell. Goes to tower, finds aghas, joins them. Deceptive story, gifts. Goes to mother. Deceptive story about Šarac, gift. Goes to own room and gets pistols. Goes to wife. Deceptive story about Šarac. Wife weeps, gifts. Šarac returns pistols to room, goes to aghas and drinks. Mujo asks if he would like to join game and win money for ransom. Race with Halil; Šarac wins. Halil’s fight stopped by Mujo. Šarac goes to room for tambura and sings. Doesn’t wonder at horse, but at mother. Mother comes to room, embraces him, and faints. Wife and aghas come. They embrace. {254|255}

f

Wife sees him and goes to mother. Someone like Osman is in courtyard. Mother scolds. Guests arrive. Osman goes to room. Takes šargija and sings. Doesn’t wonder at wife nor son, nor mother, but at uncle. Wife hears. Goes to mother, who listens and they with uncle and son go to Osman. They clean him up. Son is wed. Double rejoicing. Next morning Osman makes coffee and wakes youngsters.

F

Šarac goes to stable and horse. Groom Milovan recognizes him. Šarac tells him not to tell. Sends Milo to get pistols, to kill wife. Šarac goes to wife, deceptive story. Wife cries. Šarac asks why she is leaving tower. She says his father is giving her away. She gives gifts for soul of Šarac, not for health of Halil. He shouts to maids to leave and declares who he is. They go to tell Mujo.

Theme Seven; Return to Enemy

a

Murat prepares himself and horse and goes to Zadar. Ban comes to meet him. Murat challenges him to duel, if he is displeased at Mural’s keeping of his oath. Ban laughs and they embrace.

A

Osman is cleaned up, dressed, and takes dizdar’s head. He gives wife to mother, who kills her. Osman mounts, departs. At border he stops and drinks with Ruža, tavern maid, who now recognizes him. Sentinels send news to Zadar that he is coming. Osman arrives and delivers head to ban.

b

After a week, Poro returns to enemy country. Takes girl to Božur.

с

Murat prepares horse and sword and returns to Zadar. Ana, daughter of ban, watches him arrive. Murat gives horse and sword to ban and is put into prison.

В

On the third morning Alija arms himself, takes horse, money, spear, and head of Šarac, and goes straight to Janok. In the courtyard he dismounts and calls to king that he has money and head. Guard sees Alija and horse.

d

Omer puts horse back in stable and sword and arms back on peg. Puts on Dalmatian clothes. Takes staff and tells mother he is returning to ban. Asks her to rear son Mujo to avenge father. Don’t tell him truth about mother, but say she went mad. Mother faints. He leaves, goes to Zadar.

e

Selim prepares himself and horse. Promises Alija’s mother he will rescue him. {255|256} Then Selim goes to Janok. Ban sees him coming. He is well received for a week. On ninth day, ban suggests Selim teach son Marijan how to ride horse. Selim does and escapes with son. Exchange of letters reveals demand of Selim for Alija, horse, clothes, and weapons of Bey Jakirlić, and a bootful of money.

C

Alija tells son terms of ransom. Son says he will return with father and settle with ban. Next morning guests depart. Father and son go to Zadar.

D

Alija takes money, horse, and sword. Journeys (trip described) to Janok. Leaps over moat, scorning drawbridge. Delivers ransom.

E

Mujo sends guests home, but he remains. Šarac and Mujo disguise themselves and return to Zadar. Mujo goes to tavern with instructions from Šarac as to what to do. Šarac goes to ban.

f

Several letters arrive from Stambol asking Osman to go to the sultan, but only the seventh has half of golden seal. Osman goes then to Stambol with Bey Ljubović and Bey Ristočić.

F

Mujo makes up with Šarac, saying he really was not after wife, but wanted to know where Šarac was. Tells Halil to take guests back to Kladuša. Mujo and Šarac go to Mustajbey and explain Rade’s situation to him. He will help. Šarac goes to Zadar and returns to prison. Mustajbey collects army. Tale takes picked troop with Đulić and Vrsić as standard-bearers. Go to coastland. Send forward Ćelebić Hasan as scout in disguise. Hasan sees procession on way to monastery with girls and money; sees Rade bound and other Turks in disguise at various places. At monastery sees more Turks in disguise. Rade recognizes his horse, which Hasan is riding, and asks Hasan where he got it. He says he killed Hasan and got horse. Rade weeps. Then they release Rade and there is battle. Girls flee into church and they take ban into church and close doors. Big battle. They hand over ban to Mustajbey and go back to mountains.

Theme Eight: Settlement

a

They sit down on grass. Ban returns sword and horse, but keeps money.

A

Ban offers to free Osman if he promises never to attack Zadar. Osman agrees if ban will release Radovan. Ban finally is persuaded by all. Radovan is brought before him, but Radovan refuses to become a shepherd. Osman offers him tower and land, but he still refuses. Radovan is returned to prison. Banica goes to him at midnight and finally persuades him, giving him money, asking him {256|257} not to send Osman back to prison. Next day agreement is reached. Ban writes Mustajbey to come to border to receive back Osman and Radovan.

b

Poro will not give over girl until ban releases thirty prisoners and gives them clothes, arms, horses, and money.

c

Ana goes to Murat in prison, offers release if he will take her to Udbina and marry her. He says he has a wife, but Ana says she will be her servant. She opens prison, takes him to her room, gives him clothes, and drinks. They mount, but Murat goes back, kills ban and takes head. As they leave, he shouts alarm. They are pursued, but escape to Udbina. Rejoicing in Udbina. Wife receives Ana well. Ana becomes Turk and is married to Murat.

В

King offers to release and to return arms and horse if Alija will swear not to attack Janok again. Alija will not leave Radovan in prison. Is about to go to prison again when king says if Alija will stand guarantor for Radovan, he will release them both. Alija agrees. They are released and return home.

d

Ban is about to despair of Omer’s return when he arrives, Omer will not tell ban what really happened, but pretends it was joke about wife marrying again. They drink and then Omer is put in chains and returned to prison.

–––––––––

Three years later when Mujo was sixteen and ready for marriage, Omer dreamed dream of smoke which settled on Udbina and his tower. Lightning struck walls, and from them son rode out onto plain. Omer shouts. Banica goes to ban. Ban goes to Omer, who tells him of dream, and asks for release. Ban refuses, interprets dream as Mujo’s wedding. Ban returns and for four days and nights Omer sings. Ban and banica amazed. Ban and two generals see cloud of dust on plain, from which a wounded youth emerges on horse. It is Jovo of Kozar, wounded in battle with Turks. Jovo reports. Leader of army was youth with pock marks, who sends ban greeting, saying he cannot come to Zadar now because he is about to marry the sister of the captain of Gradašac, but in about a week he will come to ransom father. His name is Kara Mujo the Little. Jovo dies. Ban sends to prison to tell Omer that banica asked that he be released. Omer says to tell ban he is happy in prison, has good dreams now. Ban sends banica to him; she persuades him. They give him wonderful clothes, arms, horse. Send him to son’s wedding. Omer and banica become blood brother and blood sister. He agrees to keep son from attacking Zadar. Omer goes home.

e

Ban has Alija cleaned up and goes to meet Turks at border. After exchange, Tale attacks Hungarians, Alija captures ban, who is turned over to Mustajbey and executed. All go home. {257|258}

C

Alija gives ban money, son, horse. Ban returns money and releases Alija to go home, but keeps son and horse. Son tells father in Turkish that he will reach home before him. Hađo (son) tells horse in Turkish not to let anyone touch him. Ban is asked by son Tadija for horse as gift, but Tadija can’t get near him. Ban asks Hađo to teach son to ride horse. He does and escapes with him. Banica won’t let soldiers fire on fleeing pair. Hađo arrives before father. Letters are exchanged. Hađo will release Tadija for Radovan and whatever ransom Radovan sets. Radovan requires money for Alija to repair house, release of thirty prisoners, with good clothes, arms, and horses, etc. Banica forces ban to agree when Radovan says he will have Tadija sent to Tartary. Hađo dresses Tadija as Turk and gives him horse. Exchange is brought about.

D

Ban returns all to him. Offers to build tower for him if he will go to Kladuša and bring him Halil’s head. Alija agrees. Rests for week. Asks release of thirty prisoners. Granted. They are given equipment. All return to Alija’s tower in Ribnik. All the Border hears of this and gathers at Ribnik, including Mustajbey, Dizdar, Dizdarević Meho, Mujo, Halil, Little Omer, Tale, et al. Rejoicing for week.

E

Next morning Mujo takes golden apple, meets nurse with ban’s son Marko. Mujo captures child and flees. Pursuit, but soldiers cannot shoot because of child. Ban sends letter to Mujo. Mujo demands the thirty prisoners and horses. Ban gets twelve barbers to clean up prisoners, dresses them in new clothes, gives them horses. Sends them to Border, where ban’s men get child. All return home.

f

Osman gives sultan letter of traitors. Sultan would give him gifts. Osman asks only permit to kill anyone he wants in Stambol. Kills three hundred in three months. Sultan gives him powers of judgment in war. Osman goes home.

F

Exchange of prisoners. Return ban to Zadar and Šarac to Turks. The thirty prisoners are released with horses, guns, clothes. All go home.

Theme Nine: Sequel

a

On return journey, Murat meets Osmanbey with sister of Todor, whom he has captured and is bringing to ban. (Text is corrupt for few lines.) Murat offers to give horse for girl to return to father. Osman says that since his spear had not struck Murat, he will give girl to him for one thousand ducats to take to Zadar. Murat returns to Zadar with girl. Guards meet him, capture, and take to ban. Murat explains situation; girl confirms it and tells of her capture while milking sheep. Ban returns to Murat the thousand ducats given for girl. {258|259} They say farewell. Murat returns home to wife. A year later, Murat perishes at unknown place on mountains and wife bears son Ibrahim.

D

Mustajbey tells son, Uzejir, that it is seven years since Zlatija and Bećirbey were captured, now in Aršan. He will gather Border for rescue. Men of Border gather at his tower. Mustajbey asks Dizdar to count army, and they depart over the mountains (described). At Višnica, Mustajbey seeks messenger to ask Ban of Janok to provide food for them. Dizdarević Meho goes. He greets the sentinels in Italian. Tells ban if he does not provision them, they will attack. Granted. After food, Turks attack city. Capture ban, open prison, release thirty prisoners, with Kavrajić Alija, who has been there seven years. Meho finds Duždević Jela and takes her. She, Ana, and Kružković Mara, have opened the gates. Battle. Panđa Mehmedagha brings children to Mustajbey, who has set himself up in palace in Janok. The Turks gather after battle at Višnica. Tale has captured Ban of Janok and gives him to Mustajbey. Mujo has captured Smiljanić, and Meho has captured Mrkonjić. Mustajbey says he will release ban for ransom: two barrels of treasure, horse, sword, cloak. Asks for volunteer to go to Janok to bring these. Halil volunteers. Banica recognizes Halil because he has been in service of ban for seven years. She gives him ransom. He sees Ana. Asks her to go with him. She agrees. They bring ransom and provisions to army. Ban is released. Army returns to tower of Kavrajić Alija in Ribnik. {259|}