Al-Jamal Wa'L-Nakhl, or "Camels and Dates"

Name: Al-Jamal Wa'L-Nakhl, or "Camels and Dates"
Author: Hilaire Belloc

The narrative follows a merchant who recounts his journey through the complexities of trade and fortune. He begins by addressing his nephews, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of wealth and the importance of perseverance despite setbacks. The merchant shares his previous experiences, highlighting his initial success with a caravan of camels loaded with dates, which he intended to sell in a prosperous market. Upon arriving in Laknes, he learns of a significant change in the market due to a new law that mandates free distribution of dates, rendering his stock nearly worthless. This news plunges him into despair, as he realizes that his entire venture is at risk. However, he encounters Yusouff ben Ahmed, a wealthy and influential merchant, who offers to buy his dates at a reduced price, demonstrating generosity and commercial acumen. Grateful for Yusouff's assistance, the merchant leaves with a small sum of gold, only to discover that the market is now devoid of dates due to the recent law. This revelation deepens his admiration for Yusouff, whom he views as a paragon of commercial success. Inspired, he resolves to emulate Yusouff's business practices. In a twist of fate, the merchant overhears a conversation about a town in dire need of camels, prompting him to act quickly. He embarks on a journey to provide camels to the town, hoping to capitalize on the impending demand. Despite facing challenges, he manages to acquire several camels, only to be met with an overwhelming influx of camels arriving in the town due to a royal decree. The king's order, driven by a war and the need for camels, leads to the confiscation of all available beasts, including those he had just purchased. The merchant finds himself once again destitute, reflecting on the capriciousness of fortune and the trials of a merchant's life. The story concludes with the merchant contemplating his fate, caught between despair and the hope for future opportunities.

By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1930 · Genre: Fiction, Adventure, Satire · 5,330 words

First lines

When the hour of public execution had arrived the boys came timorously into their rich uncle's presence, and seating themselves upon the expensive carpet at the feet of his divan, prepared to hear the continuation of his adventures.

That excellent old man began as follows:

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Al-Jamal Wa'L-Nakhl, or "Camels and Dates" is listed on Textopian as a short story by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1930 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Hilaire Belloc
Date: 1930 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fiction, Adventure, Satire, Philosophical, Historical
Length: 5,330 words
Structure: 1 section, 75 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Fiction — The narrative is a fictional tale centered around a merchant's adventures and misadventures in trade.
Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey filled with challenges and encounters that shape his fate.
Satire — The story critiques the nature of wealth, commerce, and human greed through exaggerated characters and situations.
Philosophical — The text explores themes of fate, divine intervention, and the moral implications of wealth and success.