Told in the gardens of Araby (untranslated until now)

A luminous garden stretches under a sapphire sky, its walls of white plaster and red tiles enclosing a living tapestry of palms, citrus, figs, and mulberries. Within the fragrant quadrangle, roses mingle with cabbages and lilies, while a marble basin catches the gentle flow of a shaded fountain, watched over by a gruff pelican and the distant hoot of an owl. The scene is alive with the quiet ritual of daily life: a young, multilingual hostess moves through the rooms, her mandolin and piano echoing softly, while a dark‑skinned boy named Ismail readies a snow‑white donkey for a visitor from across the sea.

When the American lady steps onto the smooth saddle, the garden erupts into a playful chase. Ismail urges the donkey faster, the animal’s sudden gallop turning the tranquil promenade into a kale­idoscope of light, color, and laughter. The revelry invites listeners to linger in this sun‑kissed courtyard, feeling the blend of cultures, the scent of blossoms, and the gentle teasing of an unexpected adventure.