Orhan Pamuk-Ma Numesc Rosu 1.0 10 2

{\rtf \ansi \ansicpg1250 \deff0 \stshfdbch0 \stshfloch2 \stshfhich2 \deflang1033
\deflangfe1033 {\fonttbl {\f0 \fnil \fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose

02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f1 \fnil
\fcharset134 \fprq2 {\*\panose 02010600030101010101}\'cb\'ce\'cc\'e5{\*\falt
SimSun};}{\f2 \fswiss \fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose
020f0502020204030204}Calibri{\*\falt Calibri};}{\f3 \fnil \fcharset134 \fprq0
{\*\panose 02010600030101010101}SimSun{\*\falt SimSun};}{\f4 \froman \fcharset2
\fprq0 {\*\panose 05050102010706020507}Symbol{\*\falt Symbol};}{\f5 \fswiss
\fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose 020b0604020202020204}Arial{\*\falt Arial};}{\f6
\fnil \fcharset134 \fprq0 {\*\panose 02010609060101010101}SimHei{\*\falt SimHei};}
{\f7 \fmodern \fcharset0 \fprq0 {\*\panose 02070309020205020404}Courier New{\*\falt
Courier New};}{\f8 \fnil \fcharset2 \fprq0 {\*\panose
05000000000000000000}Wingdings{\*\falt Wingdings};}{\f9 \froman \fcharset238 \fprq0
{\*\panose 00000000000000000000}Bookman Old Style{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f10 \froman \fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose 02040503050406030204}Cambria{\*\falt
Cambria};}{\f11 \froman \fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose 02040503050406030204}Cambria
Math{\*\falt Cambria Math};}}{\*\colortbl ;\red0 \green0 \blue0 ;\red128 \green0
\blue0 ;\red255 \green0 \blue0 ;\red0 \green128 \blue0 ;\red128 \green128
\blue255 ;}{\stylesheet {\fi360 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \snext0
Normal;}{\s1 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb600 \lisb0 \sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw30 \brdrcf12 \brsp20 \itap0
\outlinelevel0 \b1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink33 heading 1;}{\s2 \fi0
\li0 \ri0 \sb200 \lisb0 \sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw20 \brsp20 \itap0 \outlinelevel1 \fs24 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\cf12 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink32 heading 2;}{\s3 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb200 \lisb0
\sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs
\brdrw10 \brsp20 \itap0 \outlinelevel2 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink31
heading 3;}{\s4 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb200 \lisb0 \sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw10 \brsp40 \itap0
\outlinelevel3 \i1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink30 heading 4;}{\s5 \fi0
\li0 \ri0 \sb200 \lisb0 \sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \outlinelevel4 \fs22 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink29 heading 5;}
{\s6 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb280 \lisb0 \sa100 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \outlinelevel5 \i1 \fs22 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10
\loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0
\snext0 \slink28 heading 6;}{\s7 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb320 \lisb0 \sa100 \lisa0
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \outlinelevel6 \b1
\fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink27 heading 7;}{\s8 \fi0 \li0 \ri0
\sb320 \lisb0 \sa100 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\rin0 \itap0 \outlinelevel7 \b1 \i1 \fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink26
heading 8;}{\s9 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb320 \lisb0 \sa100 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \outlinelevel8 \i1 \fs20 \dbch \af0
\hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0
\sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink25 heading 9;}{\*\cs10 \snext10 Default Paragraph Font;}
{\*\cs15 \b1 \i1 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext15 Titlul c{\uc1
\u259 ?}r{\uc1 \u539 ?}ii;}{\*\cs16 \b1 \cf0 \ul1 \ulc0 \snext16 Referire
intens{\uc1 \u259 ?};}{\*\cs17 \cf0 \ul1 \ulc0 \snext17 Referire subtil{\uc1
\u259 ?};}{\*\cs18 \b1 \i1 \fs22 \cf0 \snext18 Accentuare intens{\uc1 \u259 ?};}
{\*\cs19 \i1 \cf0 \snext19 Accentuare subtil{\uc1 \u259 ?};}{\*\cs20 \i1 \fs24
\dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf17 \snext20 \slink37 Citat intens Caracter;}
{\*\cs21 \i1 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext21 \slink38 Citat
Caracter;}{\*\cs22 \snext22 \slink40 F{\uc1 \u259 ?}r{\uc1 \u259 ?} spa{\uc1
\u539 ?}iere Caracter;}{\*\cs23 \i1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af2 \loch \f2
\snext23 \slink42 Subtitlu Caracter;}{\*\cs24 \i1 \fs60 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10
\loch \f10 \cf0 \snext24 \slink41 Titlu Caracter;}{\*\cs25 \i1 \fs20 \dbch \af0
\hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext25 \slink9 Titlu 9 Caracter;}{\*\cs26 \b1 \i1
\fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext26 \slink8 Titlu 8 Caracter;}
{\*\cs27 \b1 \fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext27 \slink7 Titlu 7
Caracter;}{\*\cs28 \i1 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext28 \slink6
Titlu 6 Caracter;}{\*\cs29 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0 \snext29 \slink5
Titlu 5 Caracter;}{\*\cs30 \i1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf0
\snext30 \slink4 Titlu 4 Caracter;}{\*\cs31 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10
\cf0 \snext31 \slink3 Titlu 3 Caracter;}{\*\cs32 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch
\f10 \cf12 \snext32 \slink2 Titlu 2 Caracter;}{\*\cs33 \b1 \fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af10 \loch \f10 \cf12 \snext33 \slink1 Titlu 1 Caracter;}{\*\cs34 \b1
\expnd0 \expndtw0 \snext34 strong;}{\*\cs35 \b1 \i1 \cf0 \snext35 emphasis;}
{\s36 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb600 \lisb0 \sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw30 \brdrcf12 \brsp20 \itap0
\outlinelevel9 \b1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12 \sbasedon1 \snext0 Titlu cuprins;}{\s37 \fi360
\li1440 \ri1440 \sb320 \lisb0 \sa320 \lisa0 \sl300 \slmult1 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin1440 \rin1440 \brdrt \brdrs \brdrw30 \brsp200 \brdrb
\brdrs \brdrw60 \brsp200 \brdrl \brdrs \brdrw90 \brsp80 \brdrr \brdrs \brdrw90
\brsp80 \itap0 \i1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf17 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink20 Citat intens;}{\s38
\fi360 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0
\i1 \fs22 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf0 \sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink21 Citat;}{\s39 \fi360 \li720 \ri0
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin720 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \sbasedon0 \snext39 List{\uc1 \u259 ?}
paragraf;}{\s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \sbasedon0
\snext40 \slink22 F{\uc1 \u259 ?}r{\uc1 \u259 ?} spa{\uc1 \u539 ?}iere;}{\s41
\qc \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrt
\brdrs \brdrw20 \brsp200 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw60 \brsp300 \itap0 \i1 \fs60 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf0
\sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink24 Title;}{\s42 \qr \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb200 \lisb0 \sa900
\lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \i1 \fs24 \dbch
\sbasedon0 \snext0 \slink23 Subtitle;}{\s43 \fi360 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \b1 \fs18 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \sbasedon0 \snext0 caption;}}{\*\generator
Kingsoft Office}{\info {\title Orhan Pamuk}{\author Ma Numesc Rosu 1.0 N}{\operator
User John}{\creatim \yr2013 \mo9 \dy6 \hr23 \min2 }{\revtim \yr2014 \mo12 \dy28
\hr19 \min13 }{\version1 }{\nofpages62 }{\nofwords-22130 }
{\nofchars28934 }}\paperw12240 \paperh15840 \margl1800 \margr1800 \margt1440
\margb1440 \gutter0 \ftnbj \aenddoc \dghshow0 \jcompress1 \viewkind1
\viewscale100 \ftnlytwnine \useltbaln \alntblind \lytcalctblwd \rtlgutter
\asianbrkrule {\*\fchars {\uc1 \u33 ?}{\uc1 \u41 ?}{\uc1 \u44 ?}{\uc1 \u46 ?}
{\uc1 \u58 ?}{\uc1 \u59 ?}{\uc1 \u63 ?}{\uc1 \u93 ?}{\uc1 \u125 ?}{\uc1 \u168 ?}
{\uc1 \u183 ?}{\uc1 \u711 ?}{\uc1 \u713 ?}{\uc1 \u8213 ?}{\uc1 \u8214 ?}{\uc1
\u8217 ?}{\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\uc1 \u8230 ?}{\uc1 \u8758 ?}{\uc1 \u12289 ?}{\uc1 \u12290
?}{\uc1 \u12291 ?}{\uc1 \u12293 ?}{\uc1 \u12297 ?}{\uc1 \u12299 ?}{\uc1 \u12301 ?}
{\uc1 \u12303 ?}{\uc1 \u12305 ?}{\uc1 \u12309 ?}{\uc1 \u12311 ?}{\uc1 \u65281 ?}
{\uc1 \u65372 ?}{\uc1 \u65373 ?}{\uc1 \u65374 ?}{\uc1 \u65504 ?}}{\*\lchars
{\uc1 \u40 ?}{\uc1 \u91 ?}{\uc1 \u123 ?}{\uc1 \u183 ?}{\uc1 \u8216 ?}{\uc1
\u8220 ?}{\uc1 \u12296 ?}{\uc1 \u12298 ?}{\uc1 \u12300 ?}{\uc1 \u12302 ?}{\uc1
\u12304 ?}{\uc1 \u12308 ?}{\uc1 \u12310 ?}{\uc1 \u65288 ?}{\uc1 \u65294 ?}{\uc1
\u65339 ?}{\uc1 \u65371 ?}{\uc1 \u65505 ?}{\uc1 \u65509 ?}}\fet2 {\*\ftnsep
\pard \plain {\insrsid \chftnsep \par }}{\*\ftnsepc \pard \plain {\insrsid
\chftnsepc \par }}{\*\aftnsep \pard \plain {\insrsid \chftnsep \par }}
{\*\aftnsepc \pard \plain {\insrsid \chftnsepc \par }}\sectd \sbkpage
\pgwsxn12246 \pghsxn15817 \marglsxn1417 \margrsxn1417 \margtsxn1417
\margbsxn1417 \guttersxn0
\headery708 \footery708 \pgbrdropt32 \endnhere {\header \pard \plain \fi360
\li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }}{\footer \pard \plain \fi360 \li0 \ri0
\nowidctlpar \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 {\fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich \af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }\pard \plain \fi360 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \pard \plain \fi360 \li0 \ri0 \nowidctlpar \lin0 \rin0 \itap0
\fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs20 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af5 \loch \f5 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }}\pard
\plain \s1 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb600 \lisb0 \sa80 \lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw30 \brdrcf12 \brsp20 \itap0
\outlinelevel0 \b1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \af10 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12 {\b1 \fs72 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch
\f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12 Orhan Pamuk}{\b1
\fs72 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \cf12 \par }\pard \plain \s1 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \sb600 \lisb0 \sa80
\lisa0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \brdrb \brdrs \brdrw30
\brdrcf12 \brsp20 \itap0 \outlinelevel0 \b1 \fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch
\af10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12 {\b1 \i1 \fs40 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af10 \loch \f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12
M\uc1 \u259 ? Numesc Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u}{\b1 \i1 \fs40 \dbch \af0 \hich \af10 \loch
\f10 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \cf12 \par }\pard \plain
\s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }
{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 Eu sunt cadavrul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum sunt
un om mort un cadavru pe fundul unui pu\uc1 \u355 ?. A trecut mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-am dat ultima suflare, inima mi s-a oprit demult,
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni, \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de tic\uc1
\u259 ?losul meu uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, nu are habar de c\uc1 \u226 ?te mi s-au \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat. Iar el, nenorocitul acela, spre a fi sigur c\uc1
\u259 ? m-a ucis, mi-a ascultat r\uc1 \u259 ?suflarea, mi-a luat pulsul, apoi mi-a
tras un picior \uc1 \u238 ?n coaste, m-a c\uc1 \u259 ?rat la pu\uc1 \u355 ?, m-a
s\uc1 \u259 ?ltat \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a dat drumul \uc1 \u238 ?n el de-a
berbeleacul. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?
leam \uc1 \u238 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ?, capul meu, pe care-l sp\uc1 \u259 ?rsese mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i cu o piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?me, iar chipul, fruntea, obrajii mi s-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut zob,
s-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut una cu p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul. Mi s-au fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nt oasele, iar gura mi s-a umplut de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }
\langfenp1048 De patru zile nu m-am mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?;
m\uc1 \u259 ? caut\uc1 \u259 ? nevasta, copiii. Fata mea s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?dit de at\uc1 \u226 ?ta pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns, tot st\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la poarta gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinii; to\uc1 \u355 ?i stau cu ochii
\uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ? la drum, la poart\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 Oare stau, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, cu ochii \uc1 \u355 ?
int\uc1 \u259 ? la poart\uc1 \u259 ?? Nici asta nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Poate c\uc1
\u259 ? s-au obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit deja, ce e r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n asta?
C\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme se afl\uc1 \u259 ? aici, omul are sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a continu\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se scurg\uc1 \u259 ? la fel ca mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.
\uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? na\uc1 \u351 ?te eu, \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele
meu exista un timp f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?gazuri. \uc1 \u350 ?i
dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea mea va fi un timp nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginit. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
tr\uc1 \u259 ?iam, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam deloc la aceste lucruri;
\uc1 \u238 ?mi continuam via\uc1 \u355 ?a fericit, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dou\uc1 \u259 ?
timpuri \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eram
fericit, se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? eram fericit; acum pricep asta. Eu eram cel care
f\uc1 \u259 ?urea cele mai izbutite auriri din atelierul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i nici un miniaturist nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecea
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrie. Din lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile pe care le \uc1
\u238 ?mplineam \uc1 \u238 ?n afara atelierului c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigam
nou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de aspri1. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? toate aceste lucruri \uc1
\u238 ?mi fac moartea \uc1 \u351 ?i mai greu de \uc1 \u238 ?ndurat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }
\langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuiam doar decora\uc1 \u355
?iunile \uc1 \u351 ?i aurirea; \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobeam marginile paginilor, pictam
interiorul ramei, desenam frunze multicolore, ramuri, trandafiri, flori, p\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, v\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tuci de nori, \uc1 \u238 ?n genul
celor chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, frunze care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrep\uc1 \u259 ?trundeau,
p\uc1 \u259 ?duri pline de culoare \uc1 \u351 ?i gazele care se piteau \uc1 \u238 ?
n ele, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi, copaci, seraiuri, cai, v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tori.
Pe vremuri, desenam uneori \uc1 \u351 ?i motive decorative pe fundul c\uc1 \u226 ?
te unei farfurii; alteori, o f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam pe spatele vreunei oglinzi, \uc1
\u238 ?n scobitura unei linguri, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreo vil\uc1 \u259 ? de pe Bosfor,
pe tavanul vreunui conac ori pe vreun cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r. Iar \uc1 \u238 ?n anii din
urm\uc1 \u259 ? am lucrat doar pe pagini de carte, deoarece Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru oferea foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile
pictate. Nu voi spune c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am confruntat cu
moartea, am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? banii n-au nici o
importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Omul
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tatea banilor, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu se mai afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum
\adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
acum, constat\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi auzi\uc1 \u355 ?i vocea
\uc1 \u238 ?n starea \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc,
confrunta\uc1 \u355 ?i cu acest miracol, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
n felul urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor: mai las\uc1 \u259 ?-ne cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai c\uc1 \u226
?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-ne
mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut acolo. Ce este dup\uc1 \u259 ?
moarte, unde se afl\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul, cum sunt Raiul \uc1 \u351 ?i Iadul, ce
vezi pe acolo? Cum este moartea, oare suferi? Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i dreptate. \uc1 \u350
?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? omul se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? mereu, \uc1 \u238 ?n
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ? dincolo. Mi s-a istorisit povestea unui om care r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
cea printre cadavre, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpuri de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerate, m\uc1 \u226 ?nat doar de o asemenea curiozitate. Acest om,
care c\uc1 \u259 ?uta, printre lupt\uc1 \u259 ?torii r\uc1 \u259 ?ni\uc1 \u355 ?i
afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n agonie, o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? care s\uc1 \u259 ? fi
murit \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?nviat, spre a-i dezv\uc1 \u259 ?
lui tainele lumii de dincolo, a fost confundat de osta\uc1 \u351 ?ii lui Timur cu
un inamic \uc1 \u351 ?i retezat pe din dou\uc1 \u259 ? cu o lovitur\uc1 \u259 ? de
sabie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t a crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe lumea
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?, omul este desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n
dou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar
\aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva
nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?. Ba chiar pot spune c\uc1 \u259 ? sufletele care vie\uc1 \u355
?uiesc \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ite \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nteasc\uc1 \u259 ? se re\uc1 \u238 ?ntregesc aici. Dar, slav\uc1 \u259
? Domnului, spre deosebire de ceea ce pretind p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nii
lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ori ereticii \uc1 \u351 ?i
hulitorii care se pleac\uc1 \u259 ? Diavolului, exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
lumea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?. O dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? adresez dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? de acolo. Am murit, dar, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, nu am disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259
? parte, sunt nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am dat de
acele \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?peri ale Raiului, din aur \uc1 \u351 ?i argint,
despre care se vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe sub care r\uc1 \u259 ?zbat r\uc1 \u226 ?uri, de copaci doldora de
fructe \uc1 \u351 ?i de frunze uria\uc1 \u351 ?e, de fecioare preafrumoase. Or,
\uc1 \u238 ?mi aduc foarte bine aminte cum am fost cuprins adeseori de-nfocare \uc1
\u351 ?i cum le-am zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit pe acele hurii ale Raiului, cu ochii lor
mari, despre care se poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n sura \uc1 \u8222 ?
Faptul\uc1 \u8221 ?. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am dat nici de cele patru r\uc1
\u226 ?uri de lapte, vin, ap\uc1 \u259 ? dulce \uc1 \u351 ?i miere despre care
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran nu vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te, dar la care se refer\uc1 \u259
? cei cu fantezie bogat\uc1 \u259 ?, precum Ibn-i Arabi. Deoarece nu vreau s\uc1
\u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mping spre necredin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe nenum\uc1
\u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?ii oameni care tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc, pe bun\uc1 \u259 ?
dreptate, cu n\uc1 \u259 ?dejdea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu iluzia lumii de dincolo, trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? toate
aceste lucruri se leag\uc1 \u259 ? de situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea special\uc1 \u259 ?;
orice credincios care are parte chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i de cea mai ne\uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? despre moarte
pricepe faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? tulburat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum sunt eu \uc1 \u238 ?n starea \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu, se
va str\uc1 \u259 ?dui zadarnic s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?urile Raiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe scurt:
eu, cel cunoscut \uc1 \u238 ?n breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
printre mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri drept Delicat Efendi, am murit, dar n-am fost \uc1 \u238
?ngropat. Aceasta este \uc1 \u351 ?i pricina pentru care sufletul meu nu s-a putut
desprinde pe de-a-ntregul de trup. Pentru ca sufletul meu s\uc1 \u259 ? se poat\uc1
\u259 ? apropia de Rai, de Iad, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum o fi s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fie
soarta, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zbate din mizeria
trupului. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? stare neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
care s-au aflat \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni, \uc1 \u238 ?i
pricinuie\uc1 \u351 ?te sufletului meu suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrozitoare. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu simt c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-e capul f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut praf, c\uc1 \u259 ? jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate din trupul meu putreze\uc1 \u351 ?te
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o ap\uc1 \u259 ? rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a, f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?me \uc1 \u351 ?i n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit de
r\uc1 \u259 ?ni, percep durerea profund\uc1 \u259 ? a sufletului care se zbate
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? trupul. Pare c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? se mic\uc1 \u351 ?
oreze, ghemuindu-se undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pot asemui aceast\uc1 \u259 ? impresie de mic\uc1 \u351 ?orare doar
cu uimitoarea senza\uc1 \u355 ?ie de spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu pe care am \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n momentul incomparabil al mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
lovitura aceea nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a spart capul, nu mi-a venit
s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? mor, de\uc1 \u351 ?i am
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nelegiuitul voia
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ucid\uc1 \u259 ?. Eram plin de speran\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar
nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam seama de acest lucru pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?
mi duceam via\uc1 \u355 ?a searb\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am ag\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu degetele, cu unghiile
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu din\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu care l-am mu\uc1 \u351 ?cat, plin de
patim\uc1 \u259 ?. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai plictisesc cu durerea
pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ? de celelalte lovituri pe care le-am \uc1 \u238 ?ncasat.}
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am priceput,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntristat, c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? mor, un sentiment ciudat de
spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu mi-a cuprins sufletul. Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it clipa trecerii cu
acest sentiment; am ajuns aici domol, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd te visezi dormind. \uc1 \u206 ?n clipa din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?rile pline de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de noroi ale
nelegiuitului meu uciga\uc1 \u351 ?. Am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis ochii, ca atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd adormi, \uc1 \u351 ?i am ajuns aici \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o trecere lin\uc1
\aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum, nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? din\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?mi cad
\uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? precum boabele de n\uc1 \u259 ?ut pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit,
c\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mi-e at\uc1 \u226 ?t de terciuit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t a devenit de nerecunoscut, ori c\uc1 \u259 ? stau \uc1 \u238
?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit pe fundul unui pu\uc1 \u355 ?; nici m\uc1 \u259 ?
car de siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ceea ce-mi
macin\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? odihn\uc1 \u259 ? este faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? cei care m\uc1 \u259 ? iubesc se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc adeseori la mine,
am\uc1 \u259 ?gindu-se cu ideea c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi petrec, \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare,
vremea cu vreo \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicire prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
ungher al Istanbulului, ori chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am dus dup\uc1 \u259 ? vreo
alt\uc1 \u259 ? femeie. M\uc1 \u259 ?car de mi s-ar g\uc1 \u259 ?si mai repede
trupul, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se fac\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea cuvenit\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fie s\uc1 \u259 ?ltat cadavrul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat! Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat chiar dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
asta, m\uc1 \u259 ?car de-ar fi descoperit uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu! Vreau s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce nu
va fi aflat nelegiuitul acela, am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?sucesc
ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat \uc1 \u238 ?n groap\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
tihn\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar de-o fi s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n cel mai f\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?os morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? insuflu tuturor ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncredere. G\uc1 \u259 ?
si\uc1 \u355 ?i-l pe puiul de t\uc1 \u226 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ? care va deveni
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu, iar eu am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc, r\uc1
\u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, tot ce voi vedea prin lumea de dincolo! Dar,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-l ve\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?si, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
pune\uc1 \u355 ?i la cazne cu menghina, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fr\uc1 \u226 ?nge\uc1 \u355
?i c\uc1 \u226 ?teva oase mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? coastele \uc1 \u8211 ? trosnindu-
i-le bini\uc1 \u351 ?or, iar apoi s\uc1 \u259 ?-i smulge\uc1 \u355 ?i, unul
c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul, firele acelea de p\uc1 \u259 ?r sc\uc1 \u226 ?rboase \uc1
\u351 ?i slinoase, g\uc1 \u259 ?urindu-i pielea cu \uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?urile
c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ilor (anume f\uc1 \u259 ?cute pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
treab\uc1 \u259 ?) \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l s\uc1 \u259 ? urle
de durere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine este uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul
meu cel fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1
\u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?ta m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce m-a ucis \uc1 \u238 ?
n felul acesta nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat? Pune\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? toate
aceste \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? lumea e
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?i nelegiui\uc1 \u355 ?i, de dou\uc1 \u259 ?
parale, c\uc1 \u259 ? ce mi-e unul, ce mi-e altul? In cazul acesta, v\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ez de pe-acum: \uc1 \u238 ?n
spatele mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele se ascunde o dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?toare uneltire
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei noastre, a datinilor noastre, a modului
nostru de a privi lumea. Deschide\uc1 \u355 ?i ochii, afla\uc1 \u355 ?i de ce m-au
ucis du\uc1 \u351 ?manii vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n care crede\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe care o tr\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, du\uc1 \u351 ?manii
islamului, de ce v\uc1 \u259 ? pot ucide \uc1 \u351 ?i pe voi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi. Spusele marelui predicator Husret Hogea din Erzurum, c\uc1
\u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i sorbeam cuvintele cu lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, se
\uc1 \u238 ?mplinesc, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una. S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai spun
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? toate cele c\uc1 \u226 ?te ni se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar de-ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? fie povestite \uc1 \u351 ?i
scrise \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o carte, nu vor putea fi \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car de cei mai
iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?it,
Doamne fere\uc1 \u351 ?te!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1
\u8212 ? Puterea cutremur\uc1 \u259 ?toare a acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
vine \uc1 \u351 ?i din faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ea este cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de ilustrat vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiesc c\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i acest lucru.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lua\uc1 \u355 ?i seama, nici eu
nu m\uc1 \u259 ? plecam, pe vremea uceniciei mele, asupra adev\uc1 \u259 ?rului din
ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncuri, asupra vocilor care r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?teau din lumile
de dincolo; f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam haz de asemenea lucruri, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam de ele. \uc1 \u350 ?i mi-am aflat sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
itul pe fundul acestui pu\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
tor! Asta vi se poate \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u351 ?i vou\uc1 \u259 ?;
fi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n patru! Acum nu-mi mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ne altceva de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ?jduiesc c\uc1 \u259 ?, poate, dac\uc1 \u259 ? putrezesc zdrav\uc1
\u259 ?n, m\uc1 \u259 ? vor g\uc1 \u259 ?si din pricina mirosului meu
dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?tor. \uc1 \u350 ?i, de asemenea, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?
nchipui caznele la care \uc1 \u238 ?l va supune un om cumsecade pe nemernicul meu
de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd va fi aflat acesta.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ma numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n Istanbul, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care m-am n\uc1
\u259 ?scut \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care am crescut, ca un somnambul. Despre
cei care urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ? se spune c\uc1 \u259 ?
i-a tras p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul; pe mine m-a tras moartea. La \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?, credeam c\uc1 \u259
? nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t moarte; mai apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit cu dragostea. Dar dragostea, la vremea c\uc1
\u226 ?nd am intrat pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Istanbul, era ceva
la fel de \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat \uc1 \u351 ?i de uitat ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
amintirile mele legate de ora\uc1 \u351 ?. Cu doisprezece ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostisem, la Istanbul, de
veri\uc1 \u351 ?oara
mea, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La doar patru ani dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am p\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?sit Istanbulul, mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
cutreieram prin stepa nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, prin mun\uc1
\u355 ?ii n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?di\uc1 \u355 ?i de z\uc1 \u259 ?pezi \uc1 \u351
?i prin ora\uc1 \u351 ?ele posomor\uc1 \u226 ?te din \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor,
purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd scrisori \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd d\uc1
\u259 ?ri, uitasem treptat cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta chipul iubitei mele nev\uc1 \u226 ?
rstnice r\uc1 \u259 ?mase la Istanbul. Cuprins de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare, am
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri s\uc1 \u259 ? rememorez acel chip,
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ?, oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult ar
iubi, omul uit\uc1 \u259 ?, cu timpul, un chip pe care nu-l vede deloc. In cel de-
al \uc1 \u351 ?aselea an petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient, ca scrib prin cancelarii,
c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torind ori \uc1 \u238 ?n serviciul vreunui pa\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tiam deja c\uc1 \u259 ? acel chip pe care-l
\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuirea mea nu era
chipul iubitei mele de la Istanbul. Mai apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n cel de-al optulea an,
am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? uitasem \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? chipul pe care mi-l aminteam \uc1 \u238 ?n mod gre\uc1 \u351 ?it
\uc1 \u238 ?n cel de-al \uc1 \u351 ?aselea an \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mi amintisem, din nou, de el ca de un cu totul alt chip. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
doisprezece ani, la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta de treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ase de
ani, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am revenit \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu, eram
con\uc1 \u351 ?tient c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul,
uitasem demult chipul iubitei mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cei
mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre prietenii, rudele, cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?ele
mele din cartier r\uc1 \u259 ?posaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti
doisprezece ani. M-am dus la cimitirul ce d\uc1 \u259 ?dea spre Cornul de Aur
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-am rugat pentru mama \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru unchii mei, care
muriser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lipsa mea. Mirosul p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
ntului noroios s-a amestecat cu amintirile; cineva sp\uc1 \u259 ?rsese un ulcior pe
buza morm\uc1 \u226 ?ntului mamei \uc1 \u351 ?i, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce, privind
acele cioburi, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng. Habar n-am de
ce pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam: pentru cei mor\uc1 \u355 ?i, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?ta amar de vreme, m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, sau tocmai pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam contrariul, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?
eam c\uc1 \u259 ? ajunsesem la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei
propriei mele vie\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u206 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se cearn\uc1
\u259 ? o ninsoare abia vizibil\uc1 \u259 ?. Am plecat, cufund\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fulgii r\uc1 \u259 ?zle\uc1 \u355 ?i, purta\uc1 \u355 ?i de
colo-colo. R\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cisem drumul, absorbit de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoielile vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
un ungher \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecos al cimitirului, un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine negru, care se
uita la mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lacrimile mi-au
secat. Mi-am \uc1 \u351 ?ters nasul. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u226 ?inele
d\uc1 \u226 ?nd prietenos din coad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nspre mine \uc1 \u351 ?i
am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din cimitir. Mai apoi, am \uc1 \u238 ?nchiriat o cas\uc1
\u259 ? locuit\uc1 \u259 ? pe vremuri de una dintre rudele mele dinspre tat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n cartier. St\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?na casei m-a asemuit cu fiul ei, ucis \uc1 \u238 ?n lupt\uc1 \u259 ?
de solda\uc1 \u355 ?ii Safavizi. Ea urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u259 ? casa \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?nduial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi fac\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Curios s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ora\uc1
\u351 ?ul, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi stabilit la Istanbul, ci,
vremelnic, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unui din acele ora\uc1 \u351 ?e arabe aflate la
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cap\uc1 \u259 ?t al lumii, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it pe strad\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, cu
nesa\uc1 \u355 ?. Se \uc1 \u238 ?ngustaser\uc1 \u259 ? oare str\uc1 \u259 ?zile,
sau \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?reau mie astfel? In unele locuri, pe uli\uc1
\u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuite \uc1 \u238 ?ntre casele \uc1 \u238 ?nclinate una
spre cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?, am fost nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? strecor pe
l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ziduri \uc1 \u351 ?i por\uc1 \u355 ?i, spre a nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? izbi de caii \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rca\uc1 \u355 ?i cu poveri.
Sporise oare num\uc1 \u259 ?rul celor boga\uc1 \u355 ?i, sau doar mi se p\uc1 \u259
?rea mie? Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o calea\uc1 \u351 ?ca ar\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ?,
cum nu se afla alta nici \uc1 \u238 ?n Arabia, nici \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u354 ?ara
Persanilor; sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu o fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
tras\uc1 \u259 ? de cai falnici. La Coloana Ars\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n duhoarea
care venea dinspre T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul de P\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, am z\uc1
\u259 ?rit cer\uc1 \u351 ?etori f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine,
\uc1 \u238 ?n zdren\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?di\uc1
\u355 ?i unul \uc1 \u238 ?n altul. Unul dintre ei era orb \uc1 \u351 ?i sur\uc1
\u226 ?dea, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la z\uc1 \u259 ?pada care se cernea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi s-ar fi spus c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
vremuri, Istanbulul era mai s\uc1 \u259 ?rac, mai mic, mai fericit, poate c\uc1
\u259 ? n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi crezut, dar a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?mi gr\uc1 \u259 ?
ia inima. Casa iubitei mele p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?site se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i loc, \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat\uc1 \u259 ? de tei \uc1 \u351 ?i de
castani, dar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat de ea, din poart\uc1 \u259 ?,
am aflat c\uc1 \u259 ? aici locuia acum altcineva. Mama iubitei mele m\uc1 \u259 ?
tu\uc1 \u351 ?a mea murise, iar so\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i fata ei se
mutaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum spuneau oamenii afla\uc1
\u355 ?i la poart\uc1 \u259 ?, care nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu b\uc1 \u259 ?gau de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de nemilos \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i puteau
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nge inima \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri,
avuseser\uc1 \u259 ? parte de ceva necazuri. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
istorisesc acum toate astea; am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun doar c\uc1 \u259 ?
de ramurile teilor din vechea gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?rnau \uc1
\u355 ?ur\uc1 \u355 ?uri de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u259 ?rimea
degetului meu mic \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina de ale c\uc1 \u259
?rei zile calde, v\uc1 \u259 ?ratice, sc\uc1 \u259 ?ldate \uc1 \u238 ?n
verdea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i soare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mi aminteam,
evoca moartea prin dezolare, prin z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prin
neor\uc1 \u226 ?nduial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De
fapt, aflasem c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva despre cele ce se ab\uc1 \u259 ?tuser\uc1
\u259 ? asupra rudelor mele din scrisoarea pe care mi-o trimisese Unchiul la
Tabriz. \uc1 \u206 ?n ea, Unchiul m\uc1 \u259 ? chema la Istanbul, povestindu-mi
c\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea o carte tainic\uc1 \u259 ? pentru Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajut. Unchiul
auzise c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicisem o vreme cu me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, la Tabriz, pentru diverse
pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale otomane, pentru guvernatori, pentru \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?
timi\uc1 \u355 ?ii de la Istanbul. Ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam era s\uc1 \u259 ? iau
bani ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de la doritorii care-mi comandau c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? dau de urma miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
a caligrafilor care se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeau de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaie \uc1 \u351 ?i de
solda\uc1 \u355 ?ii otomani, dar care nu p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?siser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul pentru a pleca la Kazvin
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n celelalte ora\uc1 \u351 ?e persane \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? le cer acestor mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, care depl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeau
lipsa banilor \uc1 \u351 ?i faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu erau b\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? caligrafieze paginile, s\uc1
\u259 ? le picteze, s\uc1 \u259 ? le lege, iar mai apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? trimit
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile la Istanbul. De n-ar fi fost dragostea pentru
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru cartea frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care mi-o
insuflase Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi intrat
defel \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea afaceri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
Me\uc1 \u351 ?terul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier de la col\uc1 \u355 ?ul str\uc1 \u259 ?zii
care d\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? strad\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care locuise c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva Unchiul era tot \uc1 \u238 ?n pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u259 ?lia lui, printre acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i oglinzi, brice, ibrice \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?punuri. Am dat nas \uc1 \u238 ?n nas cu el, dar n-am de unde s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? m-a recunoscut. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?
nd cum vasul de sp\uc1 \u259 ?lat pe cap, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se turnase ap\uc1
\u259 ? cald\uc1 \u259 ?, continua s\uc1 \u259 ? se legene \uc1 \u238 ?nainte
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, tras\uc1 \u226 ?nd acela\uc1 \u351 ?i arc de cerc
la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul lan\uc1 \u355 ?ului care at\uc1 \u226 ?rna din tavan, m-am
\uc1 \u238 ?nveselit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unele
cartiere, unele str\uc1 \u259 ?zi pe care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?isem \uc1
\u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie arseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cei doisprezece
ani, preschimb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n scrum, iar locul le fusese luat de
ruine negre ca t\uc1 \u259 ?ciunele, printre care c\uc1 \u226 ?inii \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?iau calea, iar nebunii \uc1 \u238 ?i speriau pe
copii; \uc1 \u238 ?n altele, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb, se ridicaser\uc1 \u259 ? conace
bogate, care st\uc1 \u226 ?rneau uimirea celor veni\uc1 \u355 ?i de departe, ca
mine. La ferestrele unora dintre ele erau montate geamuri vene\uc1 \u355 ?iene
colorate, dintre cele mai scumpe. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? balcoanele ce at\uc1 \u226 ?rnau
peste zidurile \uc1 \u238 ?nalte mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n lipsa
mea, se construiser\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate case m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1
\u355 ?e, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? caturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u238 ?n multe alte
ora\uc1 \u351 ?e, nici la Istanbul banul nu mai avea aproape nici o valoare.
\uc1 \u206 ?n anii \uc1 \u238 ?n care am plecat eu \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient, existau
cuptoare care scoteau o ditamai p\uc1 \u226 ?inea de patru sute de drahme2 care
costa un aspru, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acum, cu aceia\uc1 \u351 ?i bani, se scotea o
p\uc1 \u226 ?ine pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate c\uc1 \u226 ?t aceea, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
gust nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai amintea cu nimic de copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?posata mea mam\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? dea trei aspri pe duzina de ou\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-ar fi spus s-o
\uc1 \u351 ?tergem \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de-a ni
se u\uc1 \u351 ?ura g\uc1 \u259 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?n cap. Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiam
c\uc1 \u259 ? banii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia cu valoare sc\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ? se
aflau pretutindeni. Se spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? vasele de nego\uc1 \u355 ? care veneau
din Flandra \uc1 \u351 ?i de la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia erau pline de cufere cu astfel
de bani calpi. Odinioar\uc1 \u259 ?, la monet\uc1 \u259 ?rie, din o sut\uc1 \u259 ?
de drahme de argint se b\uc1 \u259 ?teau cinci sute de aspri, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
acum, din pricina r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaielor care nu mai conteneau, cu Safavizii,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se bat\uc1 \u259 ? opt sute de
aspri. Ienicerii, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? asprii pe care-i
primiser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Cornul de Aur,
plutind pe ap\uc1 \u259 ? ca boabele de fasole uscat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
rev\uc1 \u259 ?rs\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se dinspre debarcaderul negustorilor de legume
spre mare, s-au r\uc1 \u259 ?sculat \uc1 \u351 ?i au \uc1 \u238 ?mpresurat palatul
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru ca pe o cetate inamic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Un predicator pe nume Husret, care \uc1 \u355 ?inea
predici la Moscheea Beyazit \uc1 \u351 ?i care pretindea c\uc1 \u259 ? este un
sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt ce descinde din neamul Profetului Mahomed, dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndise
faim\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste vremuri de depravare, de scumpete, de
crime, de jafuri. Predicatorul, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i se spunea Cel-din-Erzurum,
punea toate catastrofele care pustiiser\uc1 \u259 ? Istanbulul \uc1 \u238 ?n
ultimii zece ani incendiile din cartierele Bahcekapi \uc1 \u351 ?i Kazancilar,
ciuma care provoca zeci de mii de mor\uc1 \u355 ?i de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd se ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce muriser\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia oameni, nu se
ajunsese la nici un rezultat \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul cu Safavizii, faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Occident, cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinii recucereau micile
bastioane otomane \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u226 ?rneau revolte pe seama abaterilor de
la calea Profetului, a \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?rii de la
poruncile Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Coran, a \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duin\uc1
\u355 ?ei cu care erau privi\uc1 \u355 ?i cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinii \uc1 \u351 ?i a
faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urile de
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i3 se vindea vin f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? opreli\uc1 \u351 ?
te \uc1 \u351 ?i se c\uc1 \u226 ?nta la instrumente muzicale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u226 ?
nz\uc1 \u259 ?torul de mur\uc1 \u259 ?turi care \uc1 \u238 ?mi vorbea cu \uc1 \u238
?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire despre predicatorul din Erzurum \uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1
\u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea aceste ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? banii
calpi, noii duca\uc1 \u355 ?i, florinii fal\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobi\uc1
\u355 ?i cu lei, asprii a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror cantitate de argint se reducea
treptat \uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u226 ?nziser\uc1 \u259 ? pie\uc1
\u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?i purtau pe cei asemenea cerchezilor, abhazilor,
mingrelienilor, bosniecilor, gruzinilor, armenilor, ce umpleau str\uc1 \u259 ?zile,
spre o pierzanie sigur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarcere. Desfr\uc1 \u226 ?na\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
zvr\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?ii se adunau, chipurile, prin cafenele \uc1 \u351 ?i
cleveteau necontenit, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la ziu\uc1 \u259 ?. In\uc1 \u351 ?
i cu capete chiluge, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? identitate precis\uc1 \u259 ?,
nebuni mor\uc1 \u355 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? opium, Kalenderi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
rzia\uc1 \u355 ?i care pretindeau c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta era calea Domnului c\uc1
\u226 ?ntau la instrumente p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la ziu\uc1 \u259 ?, prin
l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urile de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
str\uc1 \u259 ?pungeau trupurile cu \uc1 \u355 ?epu\uc1 \u351 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?eau tot felul de alte
fapte necuviincioase, se \uc1 \u238 ?mpreunau unii cu al\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?
i cu b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i nev\uc1 \u226 ?rstnici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am auzit un sunet pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut de l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu am fost cel care l-a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat
\uc1 \u351 ?i l-a urmat, sau dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva amintirile \uc1 \u351 ?i
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele mele, tulburarea de care spuneam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea mintea au fost cele care m-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1
\u259 ? intuiesc \uc1 \u238 ?n el o sc\uc1 \u259 ?pare, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci nu-l mai
r\uc1 \u259 ?bdam pe \uc1 \u238 ?nveninatul negustor de mur\uc1 \u259 ?turi. Ceea
ce \uc1 \u351 ?tiu este c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-e drag un
ora\uc1 \u351 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? te plimbi \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung prin el, dup\uc1
\u259 ? ani \uc1 \u351 ?i ani, nu numai sufletul, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i trupul t\uc1
\u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?i recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te str\uc1 \u259 ?zile \uc1 \u351 ?i o
face astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un moment de dezolare \uc1
\u238 ?n care z\uc1 \u259 ?pada se v\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tuce\uc1 \u351 ?te
trist, picioarele ajung s\uc1 \u259 ? urce de la sine un pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1
\u351 ? de care te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i apropiat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Astfel se face c\uc1 \u259 ? am plecat de la T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul Potcovarilor \uc1
\u351 ?i am contemplat, din preajma Moscheii Suleymaniye, ninsoarea care c\uc1
\u259 ?dea peste Cornul de Aur; pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?urile orientate spre miaz\uc1
\u259 ?noapte, prin ungherele cupolelor m\uc1 \u259 ?turate de criv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ? se depusese de-acum z\uc1 \u259 ?pada. P\uc1 \u226 ?nzele unei cor\uc1
\u259 ?bii care intra \uc1 \u238 ?n port coborau f\uc1 \u226 ?lf\uc1 \u226 ?ind
\uc1 \u238 ?n chip de salut, \uc1 \u238 ?mprumut\uc1 \u226 ?nd culoarea plumburie,
ce\uc1 \u355 ?oas\uc1 \u259 ? a Cornului de Aur. Chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?
i platanii, acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?urile, triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea amurgului, sunetele care
r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?teau din inima cartierelor aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n vale,
strig\uc1 \u259 ?tele v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?
ipetele copiilor care se jucau \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea Moscheii toate mi se \uc1 \u238
?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eau \uc1 \u238 ?n cap \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau s\uc1 \u259 ? simt, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un mod care nu-
mi st\uc1 \u226 ?rnea deloc mirarea, c\uc1 \u259 ?, de acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, nu
voi mai putea tr\uc1 \u259 ?i nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri altundeva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
\uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele. Pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?
am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?naintea ochilor mi se ive\uc1 \u351 ?te chipul
iubitei uitate de ani de zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am
cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t de pe pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ?. Am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1
\u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1
\u259 ? mi-am ostoit foamea \uc1 \u238 ?n pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lia unui
negustor de m\uc1 \u259 ?runtaie. Am ascultat cu luare-aminte ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?
mi povestea st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?liei pustii,
care \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-mi cu duio\uc1 \u351 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?mbuc\uc1 \u259 ?turile,
de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi hr\uc1 \u259 ?nit o pisic\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?
ndemnat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndrumat de el, am pornit-o, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat bini\uc1 \u351 ?or, pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile \uc1 \u238 ?
nguste din dosul T\uc1 \u226 ?rgului de Sclavi \uc1 \u351 ?i am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit
cafeneaua. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru era \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuial\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i cald. Povestitorul, de felul c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia se afl\uc1 \u259 ?
mul\uc1 \u355 ?i la Tabriz ori prin alte ora\uc1 \u351 ?e persane, unde nu se
numesc \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? meddah4, ci perdedar, era a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat
\uc1 \u238 ?n spate, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? sob\uc1 \u259 ?, pe un podium;
at\uc1 \u226 ?rnase pe perete o singur\uc1 \u259 ? imagine cea a unui c\uc1 \u226 ?
ine, desenat \uc1 \u238 ?n fuga condeiului, pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie grosolan\uc1 \u259
?, dar cu har \uc1 \u351 ?i, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nspre animalul din imagine, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i punea povestea \uc1 \u238 ?n gura acelui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu, C\uc1 \u226 ?inele.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum vede\uc1
\u355 ?i, am din\uc1 \u355 ?ii at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i de lungi, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cu greu \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1
\u238 ?ncap \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? asta-mi
d\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?are
fioroas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar mie \uc1 \u238 ?mi place. Odat\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?nd de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mari \uc1 \u238 ?mi sunt
col\uc1 \u355 ?ii, un m\uc1 \u259 ?celar a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Aoleu, \uc1
\u259 ?sta e porc, nu c\uc1 \u226 ?ine!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-
am mu\uc1 \u351 ?cat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare de picior, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rful din\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, t\uc1
\u259 ?ria femurului, acolo unde se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea carnea \uc1 \u238
?mp\uc1 \u259 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? cu gr\uc1 \u259 ?sime. Pentru un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine,
nimic nu e mai pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nfig\uc1 \u259 ? col\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u351 ?i
ur\uc1 \u259 ? sincer\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n carnea unui du\uc1 \u351 ?man
dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?tor. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se ive\uc1 \u351 ?te un asemenea prilej,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd victima care merit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mu\uc1 \u351 ?
cat\uc1 \u259 ? se preumbl\uc1 \u259 ? proste\uc1 \u351 ?te prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
mea, mi se-ntunec\uc1 \u259 ? privirea de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere; parc\uc1 \u259 ? mi
se strepezesc din\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi dau seama, \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u259 ? scot din g\uc1 \u226 ?tlej
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ituri care v\uc1 \u259 ? bag\uc1
\u259 ?-n sperie\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu sunt
c\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? voi nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?pturi la fel de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepte ca mine, o s\uc1 \u259
? spune\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine nu vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te. Dar,
pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, p\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i a crede o poveste \uc1
\u238 ?n care mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii vorbesc, \uc1 \u238 ?n care eroii se folosesc de
cuvinte pe care nu le cunosc. C\uc1 \u226 ?inii vorbesc, dar le vorbesc celor
care \uc1 \u351 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i asculte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A
fost odat\uc1 \u259 ? ca niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd d\uc1 \u226 ?
rmonul era \uc1 \u238 ?n paie5, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar odat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-una din cele mai mari moschei ale capitalei hai s\uc1 \u259 ? zicem c\uc1 \u259
? se numea Moscheea Beyazit \uc1 \u8211 ? a sosit din provincie un predicator f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate numele lui trebuie
t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit, de aceea haide\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l numim, de
pild\uc1 \u259 ?, Husret Hogea, dar ce mai at\uc1 \u226 ?tea minciuni, omul acesta
era un predicator m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t de pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine idei
avea \uc1 \u238 ?n cap, pe at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?i era limba de bogat\uc1
\u259 ?. La fiecare rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune de vineri \uc1 \u238 ?i tulbura pe cei de
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259
? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de amarnic, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226
?t unora dintre ei le secau lacrimile \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i pierdeau cuno\uc1
\u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a, li se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Iertare, s\uc1
\u259 ? nu se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?it; la fel
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i predicatori \uc1 \u238 ?nzestra\uc1 \u355 ?i
cu darul vorbirii, el nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea defel. Dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea jelea, el nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu clipea,
ba punea \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? elocin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n vorbire, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi certat adunarea. Pl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-le, pesemne, s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mustra\uc1 \u355 ?i, to\uc1 \u355 ?i
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarii, to\uc1 \u355 ?i feciorii de pe mo\uc1 \u351 ?iile
sultanului, to\uc1 \u355 ?i halvagiii, gloatele care alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiau talpa
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii \uc1 \u351 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?ii
asemenea lor fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nrobi\uc1 \u355 ?i de acest
predicator. Iar el, deh, nu era c\uc1 \u226 ?ine, ci un om supus gre\uc1 \u351 ?
elii; \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a acestei mul\uc1 \u355 ?imi admirative, \uc1
\u351 ?i-a pierdut de tot cump\uc1 \u259 ?tul \uc1 \u351 ?i a b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut doar s\uc1 \u259 ? faci
comunitatea s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o
\uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nci o p\uc1 \u226 ?ine mai bun\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?adar,
sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nd h\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?urile, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? singura pricin\uc1 \u259 ? a
scumpetei, a ciumei, a \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngerilor din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaie
era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? uitaser\uc1 \u259 ?m de islamul de pe vremea Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntului Profet, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ?
credem \uc1 \u238 ?n alte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n minciuni,
socotind c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta era islamul. Existau oare, pe vremea Preasf\uc1 \u226
?ntului Mahomed, recit\uc1 \u259 ?rile de mevlit6? Exista ceremonia de pomenire a
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor la patruzeci de zile, se \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?eau halva \uc1 \u351 ?i bucate pentru sufletele lor? Oare pe vremea
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Profet se psalmodia Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran, precum o
melodie? Rostea, oare, cineva chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune din minaret, ca pe
un c\uc1 \u226 ?ntec, fandosindu-se cu vocea sa minunat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu araba sa
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t de asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare cu a arabilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i afi\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet fals de
curtezan\uc1 \u259 ?? Oamenii se perind\uc1 \u259 ? pe la morminte \uc1 \u351 ?i se
roag\uc1 \u259 ? fierbinte, sper\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor de la mor\uc1
\u355 ?i, se duc pe la mausoleele sfin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u259 ? la pietre, ca idolatrii, aga\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?rpe, aduc jerfe. Existau, oare, pe vremea Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Mahomed,
sectan\uc1 \u355 ?ii cei care le d\uc1 \u259 ?deau asemenea idei? Ibn-i Arabi,
c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?uza sectan\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, a devenit un p\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?tos c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a jurat c\uc1 \u259 ? faraonul a murit \uc1
\u238 ?n credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Sectan\uc1 \u355 ?ii Mevlevi, Halveti,
Kalenderi7, cei care recit\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran \uc1 \u238 ?n
sunetul instrumentelor muzicale, care d\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc
laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?iandrii sunt cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ni. L\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urile
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ilor trebuie d\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mate, la temelia lor
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se sape o groap\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?apte ar\uc1
\u351 ?ini8, iar p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul scos din ea trebuie aruncat \uc1
\u238 ?n mare, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t doar
prin locuri astfel primenite s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai poat\uc1 \u259 ? face rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciunea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acest Husret Hogea
le spunea, mustr\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i \uc1 \u351 ?i mai dihai \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?mpro\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i cu saliv\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ei, credincio\uc1 \u351 ?ilor, vi se opre\uc1 \u351 ?te
s\uc1 \u259 ? be\uc1 \u355 ?i cafea. Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul nostru Profet, \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta amor\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1
\u351 ?te mintea, g\uc1 \u259 ?ure\uc1 \u351 ?te stomacul, provoac\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i te face sterp,
c\uc1 \u259 ? este am\uc1 \u259 ?girea Diavolului, nu a b\uc1 \u259 ?ut a\uc1 \u351
?a ceva. Acum, mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ?, cafenelele devin locuri \uc1 \u238 ?n care
cei dornici de distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ii, boga\uc1 \u355 ?ii iubitori de pl\uc1 \u259 ?
ceri stau fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?esc tot felul de
necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?e; cafenelele ar trebui chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nchise, \uc1 \u238 ?
naintea l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urilor sufite. Ce, parc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?racii au bani de cafea? Se duc prin cafenele, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
amor\uc1 \u355 ?esc mintea cu cafea \uc1 \u351 ?i scap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
a\uc1 \u351 ?a hal h\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?urile din m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t chiar cred c\uc1 \u259 ? javrele \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?
inii vorbesc cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, ba chiar stau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i asculte; iat\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?ine este cel ce arunc\uc1 \u259 ? anatema asupra mea \uc1
\u351 ?i a credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei mele, spunea acest Husret Hogea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu voia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, doresc s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?spund la ultimele vorbe ale acestui domn predicator. V\uc1 \u259 ?
este cunoscut, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? noi, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii, nu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gim deloc tagma
hagiu-hoge-predicator-imam. Din punctul meu de vedere, problema se leag\uc1 \u259 ?
de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a nu trezi o pisic\uc1 \u259 ? adormit\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n poala sa, Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Mahomed a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? i se
taie straiul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se pomene\uc1 \u351 ?te de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
nou\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne-a fost ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat\uc1 \u259 ? aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca pisicii ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai
vorbim de ve\uc1 \u351 ?nica noastr\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?lceava cu
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? creatur\uc1 \u259 ?, cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i de
cel mai prost dintre oameni ca o f\uc1 \u259 ?ptur\uc1 \u259 ? nerecunosc\uc1 \u259
?toare \uc1 \u8211 ? se dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? se spun\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? Trimisul Domnului avea o sc\uc1 \u226 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am mai fost
l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i prin moschei, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ne facem nevoile
pe-acolo, b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile care ne-au fost administrate secole de-a
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul cu m\uc1 \u259 ?turile haite ale \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijitorilor de
prin cur\uc1 \u355 ?ile moscheilor sunt consecin\uc1 \u355 ?a acestei interpret\uc1
\u259 ?ri gre\uc1 \u351 ?ite \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?u inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionate.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? aduc aminte de una dintre cele mai frumoase sure ale Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?
ntului Coran, sura \uc1 \u8222 ?Grota\uc1 \u8221 ?. Nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? cafenea, printre noi, s-ar afla
persoane ne\uc1 \u238 ?nstare s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul Coran, ci doar a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne re\uc1 \u238 ?mprosp\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?m memoria. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? sur\uc1 \u259 ? se
poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te despre \uc1 \u351 ?apte tineri care s-au s\uc1 \u259 ?turat
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai vie\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ? printre idolatri. Ace\uc1
\u351 ?tia se ad\uc1 \u259 ?postesc \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o grot\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i se culc\uc1 \u259 ?. Dumnezeu le pecetluie\uc1 \u351 ?te, fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia,
urechile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i face s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de
taman trei sute nou\uc1 \u259 ? ani. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se trezesc, unul dintre cei
\uc1 \u351 ?apte tineri se duce printre oameni \uc1 \u351 ?i pricepe c\uc1 \u259 ?
au trecut at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia ani dup\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
banii pe care-i are asupra sa nu mai sunt buni; cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii se mir\uc1
\u259 ? peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n cel de-al optsprezecelea
verset al surei \uc1 \u8211 ? pe care am s\uc1 \u259 ? vi-l reamintesc, dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?i
care se refer\uc1 \u259 ? la ata\uc1 \u351 ?amentul omului fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? de Dumnezeu, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de miracolele Sale, la trecerea timpului,
la pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea unui somn ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc \uc1 \u8211 ? se vorbe\uc1
\u351 ?te de un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine care st\uc1 \u259 ? la intrarea \uc1 \u238 ?n
grot\uc1 \u259 ?. Bine\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? oricine se poate
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri cu faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? este pomenit \uc1 \u238 ?n Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntul Coran. Eu, ca un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine ce m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu, m\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndresc cu sura aceasta \uc1 \u351 ?i zic s\uc1 \u259 ? dea Dumnezeu
s\uc1 \u259 ? le vin\uc1 \u259 ? mintea la cap adep\uc1 \u355 ?ilor Celui-din-
Erzurum, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i numesc du\uc1 \u351 ?manii \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?
ini vagabonzi\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci,
care s\uc1 \u259 ? fie temeiul acestei uri \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva c\uc1 \u226 ?
inilor? De ce spune\uc1 \u355 ?i despre c\uc1 \u226 ?ine c\uc1 \u259 ? e murdar, de
ce v\uc1 \u259 ? sp\uc1 \u259 ?la\uc1 \u355 ?i cu de-am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul casa,
hainele, vasele c\uc1 \u226 ?nd v\uc1 \u259 ? intr\uc1 \u259 ? un c\uc1 \u226 ?
ine \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?? De ce se spurc\uc1 \u259 ? cei care ne ating, de
ce, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?terge\uc1 \u355 ?i cu pulpana caftanului blana
umed\uc1 \u259 ? a unui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine, pune\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
sp\uc1 \u259 ?lat acel caftan de \uc1 \u351 ?apte ori, ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te muieri
b\uc1 \u259 ?gate-n boale? Doar cositorarii puteau scorni minciuna potrivit
c\uc1 \u259 ?reia o crati\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? lins\uc1 \u259 ? de un c\uc1
\u226 ?ine trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ori zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit\uc1 \u259 ?, ori
cositorit\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i poate pisicile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori a plecat cineva de la \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259
?, de prin step\uc1 \u259 ?, de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori s-a dezis de via\uc1 \u355 ?a
nomad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a mutat la ora\uc1 \u351 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii
ciob\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?ti au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas la \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?;
prin urmare noi, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii, am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? fim spurca\uc1 \u355 ?i.
\uc1 \u206 ?nainte de islamizare, una din cele dou\uc1 \u259 ?sprezece luni ale
anului era \uc1 \u8222 ?luna C\uc1 \u226 ?inelui\uc1 \u8221 ?. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?inele a devenit o piaz\uc1 \u259 ? rea. Nu vreau s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r pe voi, prietenii mei, la acest ceas de
sear\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd voi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
alege\uc1 \u355 ?i cu oarece \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? moral\uc1 \u259 ?; sup\uc1 \u259 ?rarea mea este pricinuit\uc1
\u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul predicator se ia de cafenelele noastre.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
voi spune c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l acestui Husret din Erzurum este
necunoscut, ce-o s\uc1
\u259 ? crede\uc1 \u355 ?i? \uc1 \u350 ?i mie mi s-a spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 P\uc1 \u259 ?i, ce fel de c\uc1 \u226 ?ine mai e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u351 ?i tu, maestrul t\uc1 \u259 ?u a at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat o imagine \uc1 \u238
?ntr-o cafenea \uc1 \u351 ?i istorise\uc1 \u351 ?te pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
n chip de meddah, iar tu, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aperi mar\uc1 \u351 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Sco\uc1 \u355 ?i limba la domnul
predicator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
eu nu scot limba! Cafenelele noastre \uc1 \u238 ?mi sunt foarte dragi. \uc1 \u350 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, m\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea mea a fost
pictat\uc1 \u259 ? pe o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ordinar\uc1 \u259 ?
sau c\uc1 \u259 ? nu pot sta \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, ca oamenii, cu voi la mas\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? beau cafea, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt c\uc1 \u226 ?ine. Noi murim pentru cafelele
\uc1 \u351 ?i cafenelele noastre. Dar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u259 ?la, ce. Ia te
uit\uc1 \u259 ?, maestre, \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? beau cafea din
ibric! S\uc1 \u259 ? nu spune\uc1 \u355 ?i: se poate, oare, ca o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? bea cafea? Ia privi\uc1 \u355 ?i cum mai lip\uc1 \u259 ?ie c\uc1
\u226 ?inele din cafea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ah, da'
bine mi-a mai prins, m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit pe din\uc1 \u259 ?untru,
mi-a ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it privirea, mi-a deschis mintea \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
vede\uc1 \u355 ?i ce mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nd. \uc1 \u350 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce i-a trimis \uc1 \u238 ?n dar Dogele Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei lui
Nurhayat Sultan, fata Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
mald\uc1 \u259 ?re de stofe \uc1 \u351 ?i vase chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
mpodobite cu flori albastre? Un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine fran\uc1 \u355 ?uzesc dichisit, cu
blana mai moale ca m\uc1 \u259 ?tasea, ca samurul. C\uc1 \u226 ?inele acesta era
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u226 ?iat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t avea
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i un ve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt din m\uc1
\u259 ?tase ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu de la un prieten de-al meu, care s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?mperecheat cu el, c\uc1 \u259 ? acest c\uc1 \u226 ?ine nici m\uc1
\u259 ?car de \uc1 \u238 ?mperecheat nu se \uc1 \u238 ?mperechea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? hain\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ara aceasta a francilor
to\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?inii purtau, de fapt, asemenea haine. Se
poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? acolo, o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? doamn\uc1 \u259 ?
franc\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai nobil\uc1 \u259 ? dintre nobile ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
habar n-am ce, un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine despuiat, ori poate ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea c\uc1
\u226 ?inelui ei, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci a zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Aoleu, c\uc1 \u226 ?inele e
gol!\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a le\uc1 \u351 ?inat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ara ghiaurilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci
fiecare c\uc1 \u226 ?ine are un st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n. Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ?
bietele animale sunt t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?te pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, fie care cu
lan\uc1 \u355 ?ul de g\uc1 \u226 ?t, precum cei mai neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre
sclavi. Apoi, oamenii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia \uc1 \u238 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?,
se zice, pe bie\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u226 ?ini \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu
for\uc1 \u355 ?a, ba chiar \uc1 \u238 ?i iau cu ei \uc1 \u238 ?n pat. Nu numai
c\uc1 \u259 ? ei, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii, nu se adulmec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu
se \uc1 \u238 ?mperecheaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?
car nu se plimb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, \uc1 \u238 ?n lan\uc1 \u355 ?
uri, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? stare jalnic\uc1 \u259 ?, se privesc gale\uc1
\u351 ?, de departe, cu ochi \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i cam
at\uc1 \u226 ?t. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? noi suntem ni\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u226 ?ini
care hoin\uc1 \u259 ?rim \uc1 \u238 ?n voie pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile Istanbulului,
\uc1 \u238 ?n haite, la gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu avem
parte de st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, la nevoie,
v\uc1 \u259 ? atragem \uc1 \u238 ?n curs\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ne putem
\uc1 \u238 ?ncovriga \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun ungher cald ori c\uc1 \u259 ? putem dormi
tihni\uc1 \u355 ?i, la umbr\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum ne vine nou\uc1
\u259 ?, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ne putem slobozi unde vrem \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? putem mu\uc1 \u351 ?ca ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori vrem toate acestea sunt
lucruri pe care mintea ghiaurilor nu le poate pricepe. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?, dincolo de
du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nia fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini,
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor este mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne cre\uc1 \u351 ?
tineze, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? reamintesc c\uc1 \u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?nia fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de tagma c\uc1 \u226 ?ineasc\uc1 \u259 ?
este, de fapt, ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i un soi de cre\uc1 \u351 ?
tinare. La execu\uc1 \u355 ?iile acestor nenoroci\uc1 \u355 ?i care sper s\uc1
\u259 ? nu fie prea departe!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u8212 ? Prietenii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri, c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ii, au s\uc1
\u259 ? ne cheme \uc1 \u351 ?i pe noi s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbuc\uc1 \u259 ?m
c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac uneori, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? le
serveasc\uc1 \u259 ? altora drept pild\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai spun, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ncheiere, c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul meu de dinainte era un om
foarte drept. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd plecam la jafuri de noapte, ne \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?eam treaba: eu \uc1 \u238 ?ncepeam s\uc1 \u259 ? latru, iar
el \uc1 \u238 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?ia g\uc1 \u226 ?tlejul victimei \uc1 \u351 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, urletul nu se auzea. Drept mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire, el
\uc1 \u238 ?i h\uc1 \u259 ?cuia pe \uc1 \u238 ?mpricina\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?i
punea la fiert \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u351 ?i mie s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc; nu \uc1 \u238 ?mi place carnea crud\uc1 \u259 ?.
Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? gealatul predicatorului din Erzurum se g\uc1 \u226 ?
nde\uc1 \u351 ?te
deja la asta s\uc1 \u259 ? dea Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ? fie a\uc1 \u351 ?a!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? N-am de g\uc1
\u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi stric stomacul cu carnea crud\uc1 \u259 ? a acestui
mizerabil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Voi fi numit Uciga\uc1 \u351 ?
ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi-ar fi spus
cineva, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-l ucide pe
prost\uc1 \u259 ?nacul \uc1 \u259 ?la, c\uc1 \u259 ? voi lua via\uc1 \u355 ?a
cuiva, nu l-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi crezut. De aceea, uneori, ceea ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?
ptuit se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteaz\uc1 \u259 ? treptat de mine, ca un
galion str\uc1 \u259 ?in care se pierde \uc1 \u238 ?n zare. Alteori m\uc1 \u259 ?
simt ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it nici o crim\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunt patru zile de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am ucis
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vreau pe bietul meu frate, Delicatul, \uc1
\u351 ?i m-am obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit de-acum, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o oarecare m\uc1 \u259 ?
sur\uc1 \u259 ?, cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Doream nespus de mult s\uc1 \u259 ? pot aranja t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?enia mizerabil\uc1 \u259 ? cu care m-am trezit confruntat pe
nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a ucide vreun om, dar am priceput
pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu exista alt\uc1 \u259 ? cale. Am rezolvat-o pe
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, acolo; am luat asupra mea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga r\uc1 \u259 ?
spundere. N-am \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit ca breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime, pus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n pericol de cleveteala unui neghiob.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, e greu s\uc1 \u259 ? te obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu
crima. Nu pot sta acas\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? ies pe
strad\uc1 \u259 ?; nu pot sta pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? o
cotesc pe alt\uc1 \u259 ? strad\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi pe cea urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare
\uc1 \u351 ?i, privind chipurile oamenilor, v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ?,
neav\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? prilejul de a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i vreo f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?delege, foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?
i dintre ei se socotesc puri. Datorit\uc1 \u259 ? acestei m\uc1 \u259 ?runte
chestiuni de \uc1 \u351 ?ans\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de soart\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?mi este greu s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? majoritatea lor sunt mai
cinsti\uc1 \u355 ?i sau mai buni dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine. \uc1 \u206 ?n cel mai
fericit caz, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? n-au s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nici un omor, chipurile le sunt ceva mai t\uc1 \u226 ?
mpe \uc1 \u351 ?i, asemenea tuturor pro\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, par m\uc1 \u226 ?
na\uc1 \u355 ?i de bune inten\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Mi-au fost de ajuns cele patru zile de
peregrin\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile Istanbulului, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-am
ucis pe nefericitul acela, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i
cei \uc1 \u238 ?n ai c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ochi am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit o sclipire de
inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror chip am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit
o umbr\uc1 \u259 ? izvor\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? din suflet sunt ni\uc1 \u351 ?te
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?i ascun\uc1 \u351 ?i. Numai pro\uc1 \u351 ?tii sunt puri.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n seara asta, de
pild\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
lzeam cu cafeaua mea cald\uc1 \u259 ? la cafeneaua din dosul T\uc1 \u226 ?rgului de
Sclavi, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce priveam imaginea unui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine at\uc1
\u226 ?rnat\uc1 \u259 ? pe peretele din fund \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
preg\uc1 \u259 ?team, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei de fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? ascult ceea ce povestea el, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce r\uc1 \u226 ?deam, am avut sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1
\u259 ? insul de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine e un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?. \uc1
\u350 ?i el putea s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine,
la spusele meddah-ului, dar, nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce, poate datorit\uc1 \u259 ?
faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul lui se odihnea fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
e\uc1 \u351 ?te l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu, poate
datorit\uc1 \u259 ? neast\uc1 \u226 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rului degetelor cu care \uc1
\u355 ?inea cea\uc1 \u351 ?ca, am decis c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u351 ?i el de
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i soi cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors brusc,
uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? fix la el. S-a speriat pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?, iar
chipul i s-a tulburat. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce se \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ea cafeaua, unul dintre cunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui l-a apucat de bra\uc1
\u355 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De-acum, pe-aici
calc\uc1 \u259 ? adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Husret Hogea, i-a spus.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut celuilalt semn, din ochi \uc1
\u351 ?i din spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene, s\uc1 \u259 ? tac\uc1 \u259 ?. Teama lor m-a
molipsit \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine. Nimeni nu are \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n
nimeni; fiecare se a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice clip\uc1
\u259 ?, la vreo josnicie din partea celui aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vremea se r\uc1 \u259 ?cise
\uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare, iar pe la col\uc1 \u355 ?uri de strad\uc1
\u259 ?, la temelia zidurilor, z\uc1 \u259 ?pada se depusese bini\uc1 \u351 ?or,
era \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ?. In \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul orb, trupul meu
g\uc1 \u259 ?sea drumul anevoie, b\uc1 \u226 ?jb\uc1 \u226 ?ind pe str\uc1 \u259 ?
zile \uc1 \u238 ?nguste. Uneori, din ungherul vreunei case cu obloanele bine trase,
cu ferestrele acoperite de sc\uc1 \u226 ?nduri negre ca smoala, se strecura,
reflect\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?, lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ?
a vreunei l\uc1 \u259 ?mpi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? aprinse, \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cea mai parte a timpului, nez\uc1 \u259 ?rind nici o
lic\uc1 \u259 ?rire, nimic, g\uc1 \u259 ?seam drumul ciulind urechile la zgomotele
f\uc1 \u259 ?cute de b\uc1 \u226 ?tele paznicilor, izbite de pietre, la urletele
haitelor de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini \uc1 \u238 ?nnebuni\uc1 \u355 ?i, ori la suspinele
care r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?teau din case. C\uc1 \u226 ?teodat\uc1 \u259 ?, la
miez de noapte, str\uc1 \u259 ?zile \uc1 \u238 ?nguste \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?toare de fiori se \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nta \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1 \u259 ? de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?resc \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric,
printre ruine \uc1 \u351 ?i copaci, umbrele acelea care-i \uc1 \u238 ?mprumutau
Istanbulului o proast\uc1 \u259 ? faim\uc1 \u259 ?, cu sute de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Alteori, din case r\uc1 \u259 ?zbate zvonul neferici\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor: fie c\uc1 \u259 ? tu\uc1 \u351 ?esc pe rupte, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? sfor\uc1
\u259 ?ie, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n somn, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc se afl\uc1 \u259 ? doi
so\uc1 \u355 ?i care \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se str\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? de g\uc1 \u226 ?t unul pe altul, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
copiii pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Pentru a-mi aminti de via\uc1 \u355 ?a fericit\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o
duceam \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a deveni uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, pentru a m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nveseli, am dat vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ? seri pe la aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
cafenea, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ascult pe meddah. Majoritatea confra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor
mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de care mi-am petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, vin pe aici \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1
\u259 ?. De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?me pe un neghiob cu care pictam de pe vremea copil\uc1
\u259 ?riei, nu mai vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe nimeni. Multe lucruri
m\uc1 \u259 ? fac s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?inez de existen\uc1
\u355 ?a confra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor mei, care nu se pot \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lni
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? stea la b\uc1 \u226 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n atmosfera mizer\uc1 \u259 ? de petrecere de aici. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ? picturi pentru meddah, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? umblu cu nasul pe sus, dar nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
asta le va amu\uc1 \u355 ?i invidia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Au \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pizmuiasc\uc1
\u259 ?. Eu sunt cel mai iscusit \uc1 \u238 ?n combinarea culorilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n
trasarea liniilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n or\uc1 \u226 ?nduirea paginii, \uc1 \u238 ?n
alegerea subiectului, \uc1 \u238 ?n desenarea chipurilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n aranjarea
scenelor de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare, \uc1
\u238 ?n zugr\uc1 \u259 ?virea animalelor, a padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, a cor\uc1
\u259 ?biilor, a cailor, a solda\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n transpunerea poeziei sufletului \uc1 \u238 ?n
imagine, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n aurire. N-o spun ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? laud, ci ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elege\uc1 \u355 ?i. La fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i culoarea, invidia devine, cu timpul,
inseparabil\uc1 \u259 ? de existen\uc1 \u355 ?a maestrului miniaturist.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n toiul peregrin\uc1 \u259 ?rilor mele care,
din pricina tulbur\uc1 \u259 ?rii, devin din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai lungi \uc1
\u8211 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc uneori nas \uc1 \u238 ?n nas
cu vreunul dintre fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
simpli \uc1 \u351 ?i puri, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n minte mi se strecoar\uc1 \u259 ?
deodat\uc1 \u259 ? o idee ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?: dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc acum c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, cel din fa\uc1
\u355 ?a mea va citi acest lucru pe chipul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiesc, prin urmare, \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? meditez la alte lucruri, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum m\uc1
\u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?am, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii primei tinere\uc1 \u355 ?i, zv\uc1
\u226 ?rcolindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la femei \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-mi f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciunea. Dar, spre deosebire de crizele de tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul c\uc1 \u259 ?rora nu izbuteam cu nici un chip s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi scot din
minte ideea \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?rii, acum pot uita crima pe care am s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc toate aceste lucruri
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ele se leag\uc1 \u259 ? de starea mea. Este de ajuns s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la ceva pentru ca voi s\uc1 \u259 ?
pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i imediat. Asta m\uc1 \u259 ? face s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fiu un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? care umbl\uc1 \u259 ? printre voi f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
nume, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o identitate limpede, ca o fantom\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
m\uc1 \u259 ? pune \uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui criminal de r\uc1 \u226 ?
nd, arestat, cu o identitate precis\uc1 \u259 ?, care urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? fie desc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nat. Da\uc1
\u355 ?i-mi voie, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226
?ndesc la tot, s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?strez c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i
pentru mine; oamenii sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri, ca voi, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se
str\uc1 \u259 ?duiasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? afle cine sunt, lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
se dup\uc1 \u259 ? cuvintele \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? culorile mele, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum afli un ho\uc1 \u355 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? amprenta picioarelor sale. Iar
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? idee ne poart\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre chestiunea stilului,
foarte la mod\uc1 \u259 ? acum: are, oare, miniaturistul un stil personal, un stil
propriu, o culoare, o voce numai \uc1 \u351 ?i numai a lui? Trebuie el, oare, s\uc1
\u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? lu\uc1 \u259 ?m o imagine realizat\uc1 \u259 ? de
Behzad, cel mai mare maestru, \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeietorul breslei miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor. Am descoperit acest lucru uluitor care se brode\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte
bine cu situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea, deoarece zugr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te o
crim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n paginile privitoare la povestea lui H\uc1 \u252 ?
srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin dintr-o carte f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cusur,
veche de nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani, care provine din biblioteca unui prin\uc1
\u355 ? persan, ucis \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o nemiloas\uc1 \u259 ? confruntare pentru
tron. Cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul pove\uc1
\u351 ?tii H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin vorbesc despre ceea ce
istorise\uc1 \u351 ?te Nizami, nu Firdevsi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
doi \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i se c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
toresc dup\uc1 \u259 ? numeroase aventuri \uc1 \u351 ?i evenimente furtunoase, dar
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u350 ?iruye, fiul lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev din
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria dinainte, este foarte de\uc1 \u351 ?tept \uc1 \u351
?i nu le ofer\uc1 \u259 ? nici o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz. Acest
prin\uc1 \u355 ? st\uc1 \u259 ? cu ochii a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra
tronului tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i asupra tinerei so\uc1
\u355 ?ii a acestuia, \uc1 \u350 ?irin. \uc1 \u350 ?iruye, despre care Nizami spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?i mirosea gura ur\uc1 \u226 ?t, ca la
lei\uc1 \u8221 ?, g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te o cale de a-l face pe tat\uc1 \u259
?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u prizonier \uc1 \u351 ?i de a se \uc1 \u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?ni pe tron. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o noapte, intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
camera \uc1 \u238 ?n care dorm tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u350 ?irin, d\uc1 \u259 ? de ei, b\uc1 \u226 ?jb\uc1 \u226 ?ind pe \uc1 \u238
?ntuneric, \uc1 \u238 ?n patul \uc1 \u238 ?n care dorm, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nfige tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n piept.
Acesta va s\uc1 \u226 ?ngera p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zori \uc1
\u351 ?i se va stinge \uc1 \u238 ?n patul pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?mparte cu
frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?irin, ce doarme tihnit\uc1 \u259 ? al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de el.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pictura marelui maestru Behzad
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te o spaim\uc1 \u259 ? real\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care am purtat-o
\uc1 \u238 ?n mine ani de zile, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am purtat aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
poveste: groaza de a m\uc1 \u259 ? trezi \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, la
miez de noapte, \uc1 \u351 ?i de a mi da seama c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n odaie se
mai afl\uc1 \u259 ? cineva, care isc\uc1 \u259 ? zgomote \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bezn\uc1 \u259 ?
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? margini. Imagina\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na acelui cineva se afl\uc1 \u259 ? un hanger
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? v-a apucat de g\uc1 \u226 ?t cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Motivele decorative de pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, de pe
geam, de pe rama ferestrei, lucrate, toate, cu modele delicate, cutele \uc1 \u351 ?
i rotunjimile covorului ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i culoare cu \uc1
\u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?tul t\uc1 \u259 ?cut care izbucne\uc1 \u351 ?te din g\uc1
\u226 ?tlejul vostru str\uc1 \u226 ?ns, florile galbene \uc1 \u351 ?i mov, lucrate
cu incredibil\uc1 \u259 ? delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i bucurie pe minunea de
plapum\uc1 \u259 ? pe care uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul o calc\uc1 \u259 ? nemilos cu
piciorul lui gol \uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u226 ?rbos, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce v\uc1
\u259 ? omoar\uc1 \u259 ? toate acestea servesc aceluia\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?
el: accentueaz\uc1 \u259 ?, pe de o parte, frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea imaginii pe care o
privi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? amintesc, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ?
parte, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? este camera \uc1 \u238 ?n care
muri\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i lumea pe care o p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
si\uc1 \u355 ?i. Privind tabloul, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i
deodat\uc1 \u259 ? indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?a frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ii tabloului \uc1
\u351 ?i a lumii fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de moartea voastr\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i singur, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia
v\uc1 \u259 ? este al\uc1 \u259 ?turi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Este a lui Behzad, spusese, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru care se uita la cartea din m\uc1
\u226 ?na mea, ce tremura odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i chipul i se
luminase, nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t din pricina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii aflate
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de noi, c\uc1 \u226 ?t a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerii de a vedea
miniatura. Este \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? a lui
Behzad, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici nu mai are nevoie de semn\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiind
\uc1 \u351 ?i el acest lucru, Behzad nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pusese semn\uc1 \u259 ?
tura \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun col\uc1 \u355 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit al picturii. Potrivit
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului maestru, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? purtare a lui Behzad
tr\uc1 \u259 ?da sfio\uc1 \u351 ?enie \uc1 \u351 ?i stinghereal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul dar, adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ug
const\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din comun, ceva de neegalat, c\uc1
\u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n a nu l\uc1 \u259 ?sa, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1
\u259 ? minune, vreun indiciu care s\uc1 \u259 ? dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie identitatea
miniaturistului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am ucis-o pe
nefericita mea victim\uc1 \u259 ? cu o metod\uc1 \u259 ? ordinar\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i grosolan\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care am descoperit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n disperare
de cauz\uc1 \u259 ?. Spre a cerceta dac\uc1 \u259 ? a mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas sau nu
vreo amprent\uc1 \u259 ? personal\uc1 \u259 ? din opera mea, care s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? dea de gol, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? vin noaptea \uc1
\u238 ?n acest loc pustiit de incendiu \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fr\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt mintea cu probleme de stil. Ceea ce trece drept stil nu este
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un cusur care deschide calea amprentei personale.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ? fi descoperit maidanul acesta chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? n-ar fi fost luminozitatea z\uc1 \u259 ?pezii. Aici se afl\uc1 \u259 ?
locul pustiit de incendiu \uc1 \u238 ?n care mi-am ucis prietenul,
\uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i
cinci de ani. Z\uc1 \u259 ?pada a acoperit, a distrus toate urmele care ar putea fi
socotite semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura mea. Aceasta demonstreaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Dumnezeu este al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i de Behzad \uc1 \u238 ?n chestiunea stilului \uc1 \u351 ?i a
semn\uc1 \u259 ?turii. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat de neiertat pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd cartea, chiar f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne d\uc1 \u259 ?m seama de acest lucru, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum pretindea \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu patru nop\uc1 \u355 ?i
neghiobul acela, Dumnezeu nu ne-ar fi ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat nou\uc1 \u259 ?,
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n noaptea aceea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ajuns cu Delicat
Efendi la locul pustiit de incendiu, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu ningea. Auzeam
cum r\uc1 \u259 ?sunau de departe urletele c\uc1 \u226 ?inilor.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce am venit aici? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat nefericitul.
Ce ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i la vremea asta?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? un pu\uc1 \u355 ?, iar la zece pa\uc1 \u351 ?i de el sunt \uc1
\u238 ?ngropa\uc1 \u355 ?i banii pe care i-am adunat de ani de zile, i-am zis.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? spui nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-am
povestit, te vom ferici at\uc1 \u226 ?t Unchiul, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar,
recuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u351 ?tiut de la bun \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut., a zis el cu \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Recunosc, am min\uc1 \u355 ?it eu, neav\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?ncotro.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tii
c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea pe care a\uc1 \u355 ?i pictat-o este un foarte mare p\uc1
\u259 ?cat? A zis el cu naivitate. Este o blasfemie, o erezie la care nu ar fi
cutezat nimeni. O s\uc1 \u259 ? arde\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n fundul Iadului.
Chinurile \uc1 \u351 ?i suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele voastre vor fi f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it. M-a\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351
?i pe mine p\uc1 \u259 ?rta\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Auzind aceste cuvinte, pricepeam cu groaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? foarte
mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? le cread\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce? Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau o asemenea for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, o asemenea putere de
atrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd-nevr\uc1 \u226 ?
nd, li se de\uc1 \u351 ?tepta interesul \uc1 \u351 ?i doreau s\uc1 \u259 ? se v\uc1
\u259 ?deasc\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a
altor tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?i, nu a lor \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ile. La
drept vorbind, din pricina caracterului tainic al c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe
care o preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u351 ?i a banilor primi\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru ea,
soiul acesta de b\uc1 \u226 ?rfe la adresa Unchiului erau foarte numeroase. Mai-
marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ?, avea o
aversiune fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
\uc1 \u351 ?i la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? pusese cu viclenie cleveteala fratelui meu
auritor pe seama acestor zvonuri. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de sincer era?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am pus s\uc1 \u259 ? repete vorbele care ne asmu\uc1
\u355 ?eau unul \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva altuia. Nu s-a pierdut \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
lung\uc1 \u259 ? explica\uc1 \u355 ?ie, molf\uc1 \u259 ?indu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
cuvintele ca de obicei. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? se ruga de mine ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
acop\uc1 \u259 ?r vreo gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?m de b\uc1 \u259 ?taia Maestrului Osman, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii uceniciei
petrecute \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe vremea aceea, socoteam sinceritatea
lui demn\uc1 \u259 ? de crezare. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n anii uceniciei
f\uc1 \u259 ?cea ochii la fel de mari, dar pe atunci nu i se mic\uc1 \u351 ?
oraser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din pricina auririi. \uc1 \u206 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-am dorit nicidecum s\uc1 \u259 ? simt dragoste fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci era gata s\uc1 \u259 ? le
istoriseasc\uc1 \u259 ? totul celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Uite, i-am zis, cu pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? gravitate. Facem
aurirea, g\uc1 \u259 ?sim modelul pentru chenar, tragem linia, \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobim
paginile cu culori \uc1 \u351 ?i aur sclipitor; noi suntem cei care f\uc1 \u259 ?
urim cele mai frumoase imagini, care \uc1 \u238 ?nvior\uc1 \u259 ?m dulapurile,
cutiile. Sunt ani de zile de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd facem toate aceste lucruri. Este munca
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Ni se fac comenzi pentru picturi \uc1 \u351 ?i ni se spune:
\uc1 \u8222 ?A\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n chenar o corabie, o
gazel\uc1 \u259 ?, un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri de felul
acesta, oameni ca ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia, scena aceasta din poveste s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u8221 ?, iar noi facem ce ni se
spune. De data asta, Unchiul mi-a spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?Deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? un cal
care s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul t\uc1 \u259 ?u.\uc1
\u8221 ? Vreme de trei
zile am desenat sute de cai, asemenea marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din vechime, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? o imagine de
cal care s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am scos un \uc1 \u351 ?ir de cai desena\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie groas\uc1 \u259 ? de Samarkand, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fac m\uc1
\u226 ?na, \uc1 \u351 ?i i i-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat. Cuprins de interes, a luat h\uc1
\u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u351 ?i, apropiind-o de ochi, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
contemple, la lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ? a lunii, caii desena\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238
?n alb \uc1 \u351 ?i negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, din Herat, am spus, afirmau c\uc1 \u259 ?,
pentru a putea desena calul dorit \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de Dumnezeu,
miniaturistul trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze cai vreme de cincizeci de ani,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? contenire, \uc1 \u351 ?i ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugau c\uc1
\u259 ?, de fapt, cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? imagine a unui cal va fi cea
desenat\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n cincizeci de ani, adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i pierde vederea, lucr\uc1 \u226 ?nd din greu, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe de rost calul pe care-l schi\uc1 \u355 ?eaz\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Privirea
inocent\uc1 \u259 ? pe care i-o v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din
anii copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei se pierduse printre caii desena\uc1 \u355 ?i de mine.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ni se fac comenzi, iar noi doar
ne str\uc1 \u259 ?duim s\uc1 \u259 ? desen\uc1 \u259 ?m cel mai tainic, cel mai
neasemuit cal, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri. Este
nedrept s\uc1 \u259 ? fim socoti\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunz\uc1 \u259 ?tori
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit ceea ce ni s-a cerut.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, a\uc1 \u351 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ? fie? A
zis. Avem \uc1 \u351 ?i noi r\uc1 \u259 ?spunderi, avem o voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. Eu nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de nimeni; doar de Dumnezeu. Iar El ne-a dat minte
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?im binele de r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns
potrivit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?
Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?tie tot, aude tot.\uc1 \u8221 ?9, am spus eu \uc1 \u238 ?n
arab\uc1 \u259 ?. Vor \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege c\uc1 \u259 ? tu, eu, noi am
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut lucrul acesta f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u351 ?ti despre
ce e vorba. Cui ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-l torni pe Unchiul? Nu socote\uc1 \u351 ?ti
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele acestei afaceri se afl\uc1 \u259 ? voin\uc1
\u355 ?a Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-
am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit: era oare at\uc1 \u226 ?t de m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit, ori vorbea
aiurea pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele
rece, de frica lui Dumnezeu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-am
oprit l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?. Mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1
\u259 ?-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? era speriat.
Mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el. De-acum, nu mai exista \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarcere. M-am rugat lui Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?-nt\uc1 \u259 ?
reasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n convingerea c\uc1 \u259 ? omul din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
mea nu era doar fricos, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i tic\uc1 \u259 ?los.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Numeri de aici doisprezece pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi sapi,
i-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ce-ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? faci dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun Unchiului s\uc1 \u259 ? ard\uc1 \u259 ?
picturile. Ce altceva putem face? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
comunitatea lui Husret Hogea din Erzurum c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a iscat un asemenea zvon,
n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nem teferi nici noi, n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg nici atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Cuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe careva dintre ei? Ia acum banii \uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fim siguri c\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai s\uc1
\u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ce sunt pu\uc1 \u351 ?i banii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-un vas vechi de mur\uc1 \u259 ?turi. Sunt \uc1
\u351 ?aptezeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu duca\uc1 \u355 ?ii vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni mai
treac\uc1 \u259 ?-mearg\uc1 \u259 ?, dar ce mi-o fi venit cu vasul de mur\uc1 \u259
?turi? Era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de lipsit de noim\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t a fost conving\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238
?n felul acesta, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
Dumnezeu era cu mine, deoarece tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu de ucenicie,
care, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce treceau anii, devenea tot mai lacom de
bani, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse deja s\uc1 \u259 ? numere cu \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355
?ire doisprezece pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia pe care i-o
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tasem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n clipa aceea m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam la dou\uc1 \u259 ? lucruri.
Nici vorb\uc1 \u259 ? de galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nt! Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i voi putea da banii, neghiobul \uc1 \u259 ?sta
nemernic o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne distrug\uc1 \u259 ?! O clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a venit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ez, a\uc1 \u351
?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam uneori pe vremea uceniciei, dar anii ne \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtaser\uc1 \u259 ? unul de altul. Mintea-mi st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia
asupra felului \uc1 \u238 ?n care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? sape \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Oare cu unghiile? M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la toate astea \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndire se poate numi.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am apucat nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit
piatra de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? gura pu\uc1 \u355 ?ului. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
se afla pe la al \uc1 \u351 ?aptelea sau al optulea pas, l-am ajuns din urm\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am lovit \uc1 \u238 ?n ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, cu toat\uc1
\u259 ? puterea de care eram \uc1 \u238 ?n stare. Piatra a cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t cu o
asemenea iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i violen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
asupra capului lui, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am speriat de parc\uc1 \u259 ? m-
ar fi lovit pe mine; ba chiar m-a durut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? suf\uc1 \u259 ?r pentru ceea ce s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?isem, am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? termin ce \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepusem cu o clip\uc1 \u259 ? mai devreme. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci pornise s\uc1 \u259 ?
se zbat\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de amarnic pe jos, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t,
vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd-nevr\uc1 \u226 ?nd, te cuprindea o \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mare
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-am pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lit
\uc1 \u238 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ?, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?isem era ceva ordinar, care nu se potrivea deloc cu delicate\uc1 \u355
?ea miniaturistului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu sunt
Unchiul vostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu sunt Unchiul
dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ? al lui Negru, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i tot
\uc1 \u8222 ?Unchiul\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi spun. C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, cea care
dorea ca el s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se adreseze astfel era chiar mama lui Negru, dar mai
apoi nu numai Negru, ci toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ?
foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ? acest nume. Negru a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? dea pe
la noi acum treizeci de ani, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce ne-am mutat pe strada aceea \uc1
\u238 ?ntunecoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i umed\uc1 \u259 ?, umbrit\uc1 \u259 ? de
castani \uc1 \u351 ?i tei, din spatele Aksarayului. Era casa de dinaintea celei pe
care o avem acum. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd eu, Mahmud Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a, plecam vara \uc1
\u238 ?n campanie, \uc1 \u238 ?i reg\uc1 \u259 ?seam la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere,
toamna, pe Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mama lui, refugia\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n casa
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. R\uc1 \u259 ?posata lui mam\uc1 \u259 ? era sora mai mare a
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatei mele so\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Alteori, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ?-
ntorceam acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n serile de iarn\uc1 \u259 ?, le g\uc1
\u259 ?seam pe mama lui \uc1 \u351 ?i pe nevasta mea str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1
\u351 ?i dest\uc1
\u259 ?inuiri, cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui, care era
muderris10 pe la mici \uc1 \u351 ?coli coranice de periferie, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? a fi putut r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne mai mult timp \uc1 \u238 ?n vreuna
dintre ele, era un om ar\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?gos, nervos, \uc1 \u351 ?i, pe
deasupra, mai obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuia \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? bea bini\uc1 \u351 ?
or. La vremea aceea, Negru avea \uc1 \u351 ?ase ani; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ngea maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sa, pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i el; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sa t\uc1 \u259 ?cea, t\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u351 ?i el \uc1
\u351 ?i se uita cu team\uc1 \u259 ? la mine, Unchiul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Sunt mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d acum \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t, matur, cu aerul unui
nepot respectuos. Cinstirea pe care mi-o arat\uc1 \u259 ?, grija cu care mi-a s\uc1
\u259 ?rutat m\uc1 \u226 ?na, precizarea pe care a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd mi-a dat c\uc1 \u259 ?limara mongol\uc1 \u259 ? adus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
dar \uc1 \u8222 ?Este numai pentru cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie\uc1
\u8221 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? felul cump\uc1 \u259 ?nit \uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, cu genunchii str\uc1 \u226 ?ns
lipi\uc1 \u355 ?i, toate acestea \uc1 \u238 ?mi arat\uc1 \u259 ?, o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n plus, nu doar c\uc1 \u259 ? el este omul cump\uc1 \u259 ?nit, copt
care se dore\uc1 \u351 ?te a fi, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? eu sunt b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul care \uc1 \u238 ?mi doream s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui, pe
care l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o dat\uc1 \u259 ? sau de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori: este
\uc1 \u238 ?nalt, sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire \uc1 \u351 ?i are o oarecare nervozitate
\uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile m\uc1 \u226 ?inilor \uc1 \u351 ?i ale
bra\uc1 \u355 ?elor, care \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l prinde. Felul
\uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u226 ?inile pe genunchi, privirile care spun: \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355
?eleg, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg cu respect\uc1 \u8221 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eu
rostesc ceva \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat \uc1 \u351 ?i privirea arz\uc1 \u259 ?toare care
se cufund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei, felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care
clatin\uc1 \u259 ? din cap, potrivit unui ritm tainic, care urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?sura vorbelor mele, sunt foarte la locul lor. Ajuns la aceast\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1
\u259 ?ratul respect nu izvor\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te din inim\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
din r\uc1 \u226 ?nduieli m\uc1 \u259 ?runte \uc1 \u351 ?i din supunere.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n anii \uc1 \u238 ?n care mama sa \uc1
\u238 ?l aducea adeseori pe aici, cu orice pretext, deoarece socotea c\uc1 \u259 ?
fiul ei avea un viitor \uc1 \u238 ?n casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, am descoperit
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, ne-am
legat unul de altul \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum spuneau cei din cas\uc1
\u259 ?, mi-a devenit \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?cel.
\uc1 \u206 ?i povesteam cum, tras\uc1 \u226 ?nd linia orizontului spre chenarul de
sus al miniaturii, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz scoseser\uc1 \u259 ? la
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? un nou stil. \uc1 \u206 ?i povesteam cum, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?au
pe Mecnun, nebun din dragoste pentru Leyla sa, r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cind prin
de\uc1 \u351 ?ert, Marele Maestru Behzad izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l reprezinte printre
grupuri de femei care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare, care se trudeau
s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e focul sufl\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?n el ori care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eau printre corturi, dar nu mai
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in singur. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuneam c\uc1 \u226 ?t de ridicoli erau
majoritatea miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor care, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi citit
poezia lui Nizami, ilustrau momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care H\uc1 \u252 ?srev o
contempla pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin goal\uc1 \u259 ?, la miez de noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce se sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda \uc1 \u238 ?n lac, color\uc1 \u226 ?nd caii \uc1
\u351 ?i ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor
\uc1 \u238 ?n culorile care le treceau lor prin minte \uc1 \u351 ?i-i mai spuneam
c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul care este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de indiferent \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu cite\uc1 \u351 ?te cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de
seam\uc1 \u259 ?, inteligent, textul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l ilustreaz\uc1 \u259 ?,
nu pune m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe condei \uc1 \u351 ?i pe pensul\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226
?t pentru bani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum v\uc1 \u259 ?d
cu bucurie c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?it
\uc1 \u351 ?i o alt\uc1 \u259 ? lec\uc1 \u355 ?ie important\uc1 \u259 ?: dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? ai deziluzii \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n art\uc1 \u259 ?, trebuie s\uc1 \u259
? ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i faci o meserie din ele.
Oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de talentat \uc1 \u351 ?i de iscusit ai fi, caut\uc1 \u259 ?
banii \uc1 \u351 ?i puterea \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, astfel \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te superi pe art\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu te alegi cu nimic de pe urma harului \uc1 \u351 ?i a muncii tale.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a povestit c\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafii din Tabriz, pe care-i cunoscuse pe
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, deoarece le comandase c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru pa\uc1
\u351 ?alele \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru bog\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u351 ?ii din Istanbul \uc1
\u351 ?i din provincie, se zb\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1 \u238 ?n lipsuri \uc1 \u351 ?i
dezn\uc1 \u259 ?dejde. Ca urmare a lipsei banilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a dezinteresului,
foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din Tabriz, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i din
Me\uc1 \u351 ?hed, din Alep, l\uc1 \u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? deoparte decorarea
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? deseneze imagini pe o singur\uc1 \u259 ? foaie de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie,
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze ciud\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?enii care st\uc1 \u226 ?rneau amuzamentul c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
torilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze imagini
necuviincioase. Auzise, legat de cartea pe care \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Abbas i-o d\uc1
\u259 ?ruise Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru cu prilejul tratatului de pace, c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe-acum s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
risipit\uc1 \u259 ?, iar paginile ei, folosite pentru alt\uc1 \u259 ? carte.
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Indiei, Akbar, prinsese s\uc1 \u259 ? cheltuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia bani pe o nou\uc1 \u259 ? carte de mari dimensiuni,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cei mai str\uc1 \u259 ?luci\uc1 \u355 ?i
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din Tabriz \uc1 \u351 ?i din Kazvin \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? balt\uc1 \u259 ? lucr\uc1 \u259
?rile \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? fuga la palatul lui.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi istorisea toate
acestea, mai strecura la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri, cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, \uc1 \u351 ?
i alte istorii; \uc1 \u238 ?mi relata, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind,
istoria hazlie a unui fals Mehdi11, sau \uc1 \u238 ?mi vorbea despre \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijorarea care se st\uc1 \u226 ?rnise c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Safavizii i-l d\uc1 \u259 ?
duser\uc1 \u259 ? uzbecilor, ca ostatic \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?log de pace, pe
un nevolnic de prin\uc1 \u355 ?, ce c\uc1 \u259 ?zuse bolnav \uc1 \u351 ?i murise
de fierbin\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? trei zile. \uc1 \u206 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, din umbra strecurat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n privirea lui, c\uc1 \u259 ? acea pricin\uc1 \u259 ? complicat\uc1
\u259 ? care ne \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? pe
am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u351 ?i despre care e greu s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?
ti a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asemenea
tuturor tinerilor care veneau des pe la noi, care auziser\uc1 \u259 ? ce se spunea
pe socoteala noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i care, chiar de la distan\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tiau de existen\uc1 \u355 ?a ei, Negru se \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostise \uc1 \u351 ?i el, desigur, de unica \uc1 \u351 ?i
frumoasa mea fiic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
la vremea aceea to\uc1 \u355 ?i erau \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i
de minunea mea de fat\uc1 \u259 ?, cei mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre ei chiar
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, socoteam c\uc1
\u259 ? nu era vorba de ceva primejdios, care s\uc1 \u259 ? merite aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ie. Dragostea pe care o nutrea Negru era \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? pasiunea
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a unui t\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?r care venise adeseori \uc1 \u238 ?n casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, care
fusese acceptat, care se bucurase de dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i care aflase prilejul de
a o z\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. N-a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?e pasiunea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduiam, \uc1 \u351 ?i a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut gre\uc1 \u351 ?
eala de a-i dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui deschis fetei mele v\uc1 \u226 ?lv\uc1 \u259 ?taia
care-l mistuia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din aceast\uc1 \u259
? cauz\uc1 \u259 ?, a fost silit s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne mai calce pragul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i Negru \uc1 \u351 ?tie acum, pesemne,
c\uc1 \u259 ?, la trei ani de la plecarea sa din Istanbul, fata mea, aflat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n floarea v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei, s-a m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat cu un
spahiu, c\uc1 \u259 ? acest r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic slab de minte a plecat \uc1
\u238 ?n campanie, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut fetei mele doi b\uc1
\u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?, de patru ani, nu mai are nimeni \uc1 \u351 ?tire de el. Sim\uc1
\u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? aflase acest lucru, \uc1 \u351 ?i asta nu pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? la Istanbul asemenea b\uc1 \u226 ?rfe \uc1 \u351 ?i ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti se
r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc repede, ci din felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1
\u259 ? privea \uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul ochilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n momentele de
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere care se a\uc1 \u351 ?terneau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi. Chiar \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau seama c\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? ochii pe Cartea
sufletului, deschis\uc1 \u259 ? pe suportul de carte, ciule\uc1 \u351 ?te urechea
la vocile copiilor care se foiesc prin cas\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tie,
la fel de bine, c\uc1 \u259 ?, de doi ani, fata mea a revenit cu cei doi b\uc1
\u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n casa p\uc1 \u259 ?rinteasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu v-am vorbit deloc despre aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1
\u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?, cl\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n absen\uc1
\u355 ?a lui Negru. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?, asemenea oric\uc1 \u259 ?rui t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r plin de n\uc1
\u259 ?zuin\uc1 \u355 ?e care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pus \uc1 \u238 ?n minte s\uc1 \u259 ?
fac\uc1 \u259 ? avere \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
respectabilitate, Negru socote\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i el c\uc1 \u259 ? este
jenant s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc\uc1 \u259 ? vorba despre asemenea lucruri. Cu toate
acestea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, de cum a p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, de pe sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri chiar, i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? al doilea
cat este \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna mai uscat \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259
?mutarea aici mi-a mai alinat durerile de oase. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca o
stranie st\uc1 \u226 ?njeneal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbeam de catul al
doilea, dar ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
celor care au o avere cu mult mai modest\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a mea,
chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i simplilor spahii care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc o mic\uc1
\u259 ? feud\uc1 \u259 ? le va sta \uc1 \u238 ?n putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ridice case cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? caturi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne aflam \uc1 \u238 ?n camera pe care o folosesc iarna ca
atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru sim\uc1 \u355 ?
ise prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi. Am intrat pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n subiectul la care
m\uc1 \u259 ? refeream \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul trimis la
Tabriz, spre a-l chema la Istanbul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceai \uc1 \u351 ?i tu cu caligrafii \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din Tabriz, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tesc \uc1 \u351 ?i eu c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, i-am zis. Cel care mi-a comandat cartea este Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, Temelia Lumii. Deoarece cartea este
secret\uc1 \u259 ?, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru a pus s\uc1 \u259 ? se scoat\uc1
\u259 ? bani pentru mine \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, de la Mai-marele
vistiernicilor. M-am
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?n parte cu fiecare dintre cei mai
iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din atelierul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru. \uc1 \u206 ?i puneam s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze pe unul un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine, pe
altul un copac \uc1 \u351 ?i motivele decorative ale chenarului, pe altul cai.
Doream ca lucrurile pe care le ceream s\uc1 \u259 ? le deseneze s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntruchipeze \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul univers al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n tablourile mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni. Dar
aceste lucruri nu urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntruchiparea
avu\uc1 \u355 ?iei p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nte\uc1 \u351 ?ti, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? la vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, ci a
bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei interioare, a bucuriilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a spaimelor
care \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?esc universul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? am pictat monede de aur, am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o spre a \uc1 \u238 ?
ngr\uc1 \u259 ?di valoarea banilor; am pus, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb, acolo Diavolul
\uc1 \u351 ?i Moartea pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ne temem de ele. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce
se zvone\uc1 \u351 ?te. Am dorit ca ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicia copacilor, osteneala
cailor, neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zarea c\uc1 \u226 ?inilor s\uc1 \u259 ?-l reprezinte pe
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu lumea lui. Am dorit ca
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei, porecli\uc1 \u355 ?i Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?, Delicatul \uc1 \u351 ?i Fluture, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
aleag\uc1 \u259 ? subiectele dup\uc1 \u259 ? placul inimii. Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai reci, mai nefericite nop\uc1 \u355 ?i de iarn\uc1 \u259 ?
venea pe ascuns c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii Padi\uc1 \u351
?ahului Meu, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arate ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuise pentru carte.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu pot spune acum pe de-a-ntregul cum f\uc1 \u259 ?uream
picturile \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce purcedeam astfel. Nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?i-a\uc1 \u351 ? ascunde acest lucru sau pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? n-a\uc1 \u351 ?
putea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-l spun. Este ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nici m\uc1
\u259 ?car eu n-a\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti pe de-a-ntregul la ce se refer\uc1
\u259 ? ele. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, ce fel de picturi trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Auzisem de la
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierul care locuia pe fosta noastr\uc1 \u259 ? strad\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?, la patru luni de la primirea r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ului meu,
Negru se \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsese la Istanbul, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?l chemasem acas\uc1 \u259 ? la mine. \uc1 \u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n povestea mea exista promisiunea unei suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i a
unei fericiri care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? ne lege unul de altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Fiecare imagine spune o poveste, i-am zis. Spre a spori
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o citim, miniaturistul
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ? din
poveste. Momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ii
se z\uc1 \u259 ?resc pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?; cel \uc1 \u238 ?n care eroul
Rustem taie capul fiarei demonice; durerea lui Rustem, care \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355
?elege c\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?inul pe care l-a ucis este fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u;
Mecnun, cel care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pierdut min\uc1 \u355 ?ile din dragoste, \uc1
\u238 ?n mijlocul naturii pustii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatice, printre lei,
tigri, cerbi, \uc1 \u351 ?acali; clipa \uc1 \u238 ?n care Alexandru vede, \uc1
\u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?durea \uc1 \u238 ?n care se duce \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i afla viitorul de la p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?ri, cum \uc1 \u238 ?i este sf\uc1 \u226 ?rtecat sitarul de un vultur
uria\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i durerea pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ochii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri, obosi\uc1 \u355 ?i de lectura acestor pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
se odihnesc mai apoi privind ilustra\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n poveste un am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt pe care mintea \uc1 \u351 ?i
imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s-au trudit zadarnic s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntruchipeze, miniatura ne vine pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n ajutor. Miniatura este \uc1 \u238 ?nflorirea pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii prin culoare.
Nimeni nu se poate g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? poveste. Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu se poate g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la a\uc1
\u351 ?a ceva, am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat eu cu regret. Dar lucrul acesta se poate
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla. \uc1 \u206 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu doi ani, m-am
dus \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, ca sol al
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. M\uc1 \u259 ? uitam mereu la portretele realizate de
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii italieni. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te
istoria ori mediul celui \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at
acolo, dar str\uc1 \u259 ?duindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pricep \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc povestea. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o zi, am r\uc1 \u259
?mas pironit \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unui tablou at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat pe
peretele unui palat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nainte de toate, tabloul era imaginea cuiva a unui om ca mine. Desigur, a
unui p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?n, nu a unuia dintre noi. Dar privindu-l, aveam
impresia c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. De fapt, nu sem\uc1
\u259 ?na deloc, dar absolut deloc cu mine. Avea o fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?rnoas\uc1 \u259 ?, rotund\uc1 \u259 ?, cu totul lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de
pome\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, de minunata mea b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbie. Nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na deloc cu mine, dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum se face
c\uc1 \u259 ?, privindu-l, \uc1 \u238 ?mi tresalt\uc1 \u259 ? inima, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi fost propriul meu portret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
aflat de la domnul vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian care-mi ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta palatul lui
c\uc1 \u259 ? portretul de pe perete era al unui prieten, al unui domn de neam
mare, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i el. Poruncise s\uc1 \u259 ? i se pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n portret tot ceea ce avea \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate \uc1 \u238 ?n
via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui: c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul, satul \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?durea
care p\uc1 \u259 ?rea adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, din pricina culorilor ce se
pierdeau una \uc1 \u238 ?n alta, toate cuprinse \uc1 \u238 ?n peisajul ce se
z\uc1 \u259 ?rea pe fereastra deschis\uc1 \u259 ? din spate. Pe masa din fa\uc1
\u355 ?a lui se aflau un ceas, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, timpul, r\uc1 \u259 ?
ul, via\uc1 \u355 ?a, condeiul, harta, busola, cutii cu galbeni, alte obiecte,
m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?uri, lucruri al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror rost nu-l
pricepeam ori pe care-l ghiceam, probabil, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n foarte multe tablouri. Umbra ginnului, a
Diavolului, \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi preafrumoasa lui fiic\uc1 \u259 ?, fiica lui de vis,
care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par
}\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru \uc1 \u238 ?nfrumuse\uc1 \u355 ?area \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ntregirea c\uc1 \u259 ?rei pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti fusese creat acel
portret? Privindu-l, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam c\uc1 \u259 ? el era \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i povestea. Nu era prelungirea vreunei pove\uc1
\u351 ?ti, ci un lucru \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit pentru el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu mi-am mai putut scoate din
minte portretul, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?sesem a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?ncremenit. Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din palat,
am revenit \uc1 \u238 ?n casa \uc1 \u238 ?n care eram g\uc1 \u259 ?zduit \uc1 \u351
?i m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea la el. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu \uc1
\u238 ?mi doream s\uc1 \u259 ? pot fi \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?n acest fel. Nu, asta nu mi se cuvine mie; Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pictat astfel! Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie reprezentat cu tot ceea ce st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te, cu tot ceea ce aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te de universul lui
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu tot ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nconjoar\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? se poate ilustra o carte cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
idee.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul italian pictase
\uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel portretul seniorului vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t pricepeai pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe acel senior. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu l-ai fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe omul acela \uc1 \u351 ?
i dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i s-ar fi cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l afli \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime, ai fi izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?
ti \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l deslu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti dintre mii de
oameni, doar mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? portretului. Mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
italieni au descoperit modalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i iscusin\uc1
\u355 ?a de a zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi pe oricine \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? fi deosebit de altcineva
nu prin ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsemne, ci prin chip. Este
ceea ce numesc ei portret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? chipul \uc1 \u355 ?i-e reprezentat m\uc1 \u259 ?car o dat\uc1 \u259
? astfel, nu te mai poate uita nimeni. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte
departe, cel care-\uc1 \u355 ?i prive\uc1 \u351 ?te portretul te simte ca \uc1
\u351 ?i cum te-ai afla \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma lui. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i cei care nu te-au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fiind, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i pot privi chipul, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai afla \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lor, la ani de zile de la
moartea ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?
cut \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung. Prin partea de sus a ferestruicii care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
dinspre vestibul \uc1 \u238 ?nspre strad\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care o acoperisem de
cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? cerat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei obloane de jos nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu le deschisesem,
p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? care-\uc1 \u355 ?i st\uc1 \u226 ?rnea
fiori, \uc1 \u238 ?n culoarea frigului de afar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Aveam un miniaturist, am zis. La fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?i
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, venea seara pe la mine, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?,
pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte secret\uc1 \u259 ? a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului,
\uc1 \u351 ?i lucram \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a. El f\uc1 \u259 ?cea cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? aurire. Bietul
Delicat Efendi a plecat de aici \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o sear\uc1 \u259 ?, dar n-a mai
ajuns acas\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ? maestrul meu auritor a fost
ucis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu, Orhan}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? S\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost ucis? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru era \uc1 \u238 ?nalt,
sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire \uc1 \u351 ?i oarecum \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor. M\uc1 \u259 ? duceam c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ei, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
bunicul a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Se
pare c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost ucis, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Ce faci aici?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se uita \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1
\u351 ?a fel la mine, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t m-am dus la el, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o sfial\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u351 ?i m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui; m-a dat
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? jos pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? S\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui Negru,
mi-a zis. I-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat m\uc1 \u226 ?na. N-avea nici un miros.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? E foarte dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?, a
spus Negru, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe obraz. O s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
v\uc1 \u226 ?njos ca un leu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u8212 ? Acesta este Orhan \uc1 \u351 ?i are \uc1 \u351 ?ase ani. Mai avem \uc1
\u351 ?i un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat mai mare, pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket, care are \uc1 \u351 ?
apte ani. Acela e un copil foarte c\uc1 \u259 ?pos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Am fost iar pe strada din Aksaray, a zis Negru. Era
frig, z\uc1 \u259 ?pada \uc1 \u351 ?i ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
neau pretutindeni, dar nimic nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi schimbat.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Toate s-au
schimbat, totul a dec\uc1 \u259 ?zut, a zis bunicul. Chiar foarte mult.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mine:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Unde este fratele t\uc1 \u259 ?u mai mare?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Cu maestrul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Tu de ce e\uc1
\u351 ?ti aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
Maestrul mi-a spus: Bravo, tu du-te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u8212 ? Ai venit singur? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat bunicul. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259
? te aduc\uc1 \u259 ? fratele t\uc1 \u259 ?u mai mare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Apoi i-a zis lui Negru:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
un prieten leg\uc1 \u259 ?tor de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, la care se duc de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori pe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i ucenicesc,
\uc1 \u238 ?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?toria.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 I\uc1 \u355 ?i place s\uc1 \u259 ? faci picturi, ca bunicul? M-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine, a zis bunicul. Hai s\uc1
\u259 ? vedem despre ce e vorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
C\uc1 \u259 ?ldura care se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndea din mangal era at\uc1
\u226 ?t de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu doream
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? dezlipesc de ei. M-am oprit o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
adulmec\uc1 \u226 ?nd mirosul de vopsea \uc1 \u351 ?i lipici. Mirosea \uc1 \u351 ?i
a cafea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este un alt mod de a
picta, un alt mod de a vedea, a zis bunicul. De aceea a fost ucis nefericitul de
auritor. Pe deasupra, f\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u351 ?i aurire de tip vechi. Nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? a fost ucis, doar c\uc1 \u259 ?
a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut. Ei ilustreaz\uc1 \u259 ? o carte a ceremoniilor pentru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, sub comanda Mai-marelui miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor,
Maestrul Osman. To\uc1 \u355 ?i lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Maestrul
Osman este la atelier. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
pe acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi totul cu ochii t\uc1 \u259 ?i. M\uc1
\u259 ? tem ca nu cumva ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi Certat \uc1 \u351 ?
i s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi omor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. Fluture, M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?, Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit poreclelor pe care li le-a dat, cu ani
\uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, Osman, Maestrul lor, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci pe la ei pe acas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-
i vezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ?
cobor sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors. Din camera cu dulap \uc1 \u238 ?n
perete \uc1 \u238 ?n care dormea Hayriye noaptea se auzea un sc\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i am intrat acolo. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru
nu era Hayriye, ci mama. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, s-a f\uc1 \u226 ?
st\uc1 \u226 ?cit. Se afla cu jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de trup \uc1 \u238 ?n dulap.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde ai fost? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tia
unde fusesem. \uc1 \u206 ?n dulap este o gaur\uc1 \u259 ?; de acolo se vede camera
de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? a bunicului, iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a camerei este
deschis\uc1 \u259 ? se vede holul, apoi, de cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? parte a holului,
camera \uc1 \u238 ?n care doarme bunicul desigur, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
u\uc1 \u351 ?a ei este deschis\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
fost la bunicul, am zis. Ce faci aici, mam\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? are un musafir, c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? intri la el? A \uc1 \u355 ?ipat ea, dar nu foarte tare,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voia s-o aud\uc1 \u259 ? musafirul. Ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau?
M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, pe un ton dulce.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 St\uc1 \u259 ?teau jos. Dar nu erau cu vopselele. Bunicul
povestea, iar cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt asculta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum
\uc1 \u351 ?edea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezat deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, hopa, pe jos, \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am imitat pe musafir:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uite, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, acum sunt o persoan\uc1 \u259 ?
foarte serioas\uc1 \u259 ?; acum \uc1 \u238 ?l ascult pe bunicul cu spr\uc1 \u226 ?
ncenele \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntate \uc1 \u351 ?i clatin din cap plin de seriozitate,
\uc1 \u238 ?n ritm, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? recita mevlit-ul, ca
musafirul acela.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Du-te jos, a spus
mama. Trimite-o pe Hayriye la mine. Imediat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat
\uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie ceva pe o h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtiu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pe t\uc1 \u259 ?blia de scris, pe care o \uc1 \u355
?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce
scrii, mam\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu
\uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci imediat jos \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o chemi pe
Hayriye la mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am dus \uc1
\u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Venise fratele meu mai mare. Hayriye \uc1
\u238 ?i pusese \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? o crati\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? cu pilaf, pe care-l luase din pilaful musafirului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?torule! A zis fratele meu mai mare. M-ai
l\uc1 \u259 ?sat cu me\uc1 \u351 ?terul \uc1 \u351 ?i ai plecat. Eu am r\uc1
\u259 ?sucit toate firele. Mi s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nvine\uc1 \u355 ?it degetele de
tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye, te cheam\uc1 \u259 ?
mama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd termin de m\uc1
\u226 ?ncat, te bat, a zis fratele meu mai mare. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? te pedepsesc
pentru lenea \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru tr\uc1 \u259 ?darea ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it Hayriye, frate-meu s-a ridicat
\uc1 \u351 ?i s-a repezit la mine, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i termine de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat pilaful. N-am apucat s\uc1 \u259 ? fug. M-a
prins de \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura m\uc1 \u226 ?inii \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o r\uc1 \u259 ?suceasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu face asta, \uc1 \u350 ?evket, m\uc1 \u259 ? doare foarte tare!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai s-o mai \uc1 \u351 ?tergi
vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u351 ?mechere\uc1 \u351 ?te?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am s-o mai \uc1 \u351 ?terg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Jur\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Jur!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Jur\uc1 \u259 ? pe Coran!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Jur pe Coran!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dar nu mi-a dat drumul. M-a tras l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? tava lui
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-a pus s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngenunchez. Pe de o parte \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?nca pilaful cu lingura, iar pe de alta, fiind cu
mult mai puternic dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine, \uc1 \u238 ?mi r\uc1 \u259 ?sucea
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40
\langfenp1048 Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai chinui iar fratele, tiranule! A zis Hayriye,
care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pusese v\uc1 \u259 ?lul \uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?
ea. Las\uc1 \u259 ?-l!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu nu te-amesteca,
fat\uc1 \u259 ? de rob! A zis fratele meu mai mare, continu\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi r\uc1 \u259 ?suceasc\uc1 \u259 ? bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul. Unde te duci?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? iau l\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i, a zis
Hayriye.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mincinoaso! A zis
fratele meu mai mare. E plin dulapul de l\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? sl\uc1 \u259 ?bise pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
str\uc1 \u226 ?nsoarea bra\uc1 \u355 ?ului, am reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? desprind, i-am dat un picior \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am apucat de bra\uc1
\u355 ?ul sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicului, dar s-a aruncat asupra mea \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a
prins sub el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A lovit sfe\uc1
\u351 ?nicul, iar tava s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sturnat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Belelele lui Dumnezeu, a zis mama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
striga, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? n-o aud\uc1 \u259 ? musafirul. Oare cum traversase
holul \uc1 \u351 ?i cobor\uc1 \u226 ?se sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
? s-o vad\uc1 \u259 ? Negru? Ne-a desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne face\uc1 \u355 ?i de r\uc1 \u226 ?s, obraznicilor!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orhan a min\uc1 \u355 ?it
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. M-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat cu toat\uc1
\u259 ? treaba la me\uc1 \u351 ?ter \uc1 \u351 ?i-a fugit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Taci, a zis mama \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a tras o palm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 II lovise u\uc1 \u351 ?or; de aceea, fratele meu mai mare
n-a pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vreau la
tata, a zis. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?
tata, o s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? din teac\uc1 \u259 ? sabia cea ro\uc1 \u351
?ie a unchiului Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m din casa
asta, o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem la unchiul Hasan.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Taci, a zis mama.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a
\uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat deodat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a de tare, c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a
t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket, pe care-l prinsese de bra\uc1
\u355 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul de la
cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul vestibulului pietruit. M\uc1 \u259 ? luasem \uc1 \u351 ?i eu pe
urmele lor. Mama a deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine, a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Intra\uc1 \u355 ?i am\uc1 \u226
?ndoi aici!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, mam\uc1
\u259 ?, eu n-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nimic, am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? am
intrat. Mama a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma noastr\uc1 \u259
?. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru nu era chiar \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric bezn\uc1
\u259 ?; prin cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?turile obloanelor care d\uc1 \u259 ?deau
spre rodiu p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? abia vizibil\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut fric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, deschide u\uc1 \u351 ?a, am zis. Mi-e frig!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge, fricosule, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. O s-o
deschid\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mama a
deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O
s\uc1 \u259 ? sta\uc1 \u355 ?i cumin\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
pleac\uc1 \u259 ? musafirul? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Bine atunci, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? pleac\uc1 \u259 ? Negru sta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?rie, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? sob\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu v\uc1
\u259 ? duce\uc1 \u355 ?i sus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am auzit
cum necheza u\uc1 \u351 ?or un cal \uc1 \u238 ?n grajd. Apoi l-am mai auzit o
dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era calul bunicului, era calul lui Negru. Ne-a cuprins un soi
de veselie, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nceput o zi de t\uc1 \u226 ?rg
sau o diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Mama a
sur\uc1 \u226 ?s, dornic\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbim \uc1 \u351 ?i noi. A f\uc1 \u259 ?cut doi pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i a
deschis poarta dinspre noi a grajdului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Brrruu! A strigat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259
?ria plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?oareci a lui Hayriye, care mai mirosea \uc1
\u351 ?i a ulei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?
ga\uc1 \u355 ?i de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi spune\uc1 \u355 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de aici
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? nu pleac\uc1 \u259 ? musafirul! \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ? certa\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cread\uc1 \u259 ?
cineva c\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te copii r\uc1 \u259 ?
sf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
educa\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a \uc1 \u238 ?nchide u\uc1 \u351 ?
a. Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun ceva. Bietul auritor
al bunicului a fost ucis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 7.
M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1
\u226 ?nd i-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut copilul pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, am \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? ce anume re\uc1 \u355 ?inusem gre\uc1 \u351 ?
it din chipul lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, vreme de ani de zile. La fel ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i chipul lui Orhan, cel al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re era
delicat, iar b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia \uc1 \u238 ?i era mai lung\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226
?t mi-o aminteam eu. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, gura iubitei mele
era, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, desigur, mai mic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire dec\uc1 \u226 ?t crezusem eu de-a lungul timpului. Vreme de
doisprezece ani, colind\uc1 \u226 ?nd din ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1
\u351 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ?risem cu bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? gura lui \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuisem c\uc1 \u259 ?
buzele ei erau mai armonioase, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i mai c\uc1 \u259 ?rnoase, mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare, ca o vi\uc1 \u351 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?
mare \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi avut, prin urmare, pe la mijlocul peregrin\uc1
\u259 ?rilor mele, care au durat doisprezece ani, o imagine a chipului lui \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor italieni, nu m-
a\uc1 \u351 ? mai fi sim\uc1 \u355 ?it nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri dezr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1
\u259 ?cinat, chinuit de g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi aminteam chipul
iubitei l\uc1 \u259 ?sate \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Deoarece, dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tine d\uc1 \u259 ?inuie chipul unei iubite, pictat \uc1 \u238
?n inim\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i este cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe fiul lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, vorbind cu el,
privindu-l \uc1 \u238 ?ndeaproape \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l
pe obraz, \uc1 \u238 ?n mine s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut acea tulburare proprie celor
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de noroc, uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?ilor. O voce dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul meu \uc1
\u238 ?mi spunea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Haide, du-te acum s-o vezi pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La un
moment dat, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ? ies din camera Unchiului \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? deschid, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, toate u\uc1 \u351 ?ile
care d\uc1 \u259 ?deau \uc1 \u238 ?n hol num\uc1 \u259 ?rasem, cu coada ochiului,
cinci u\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate, dintre care una era cea a sc\uc1
\u259 ?rilor \uc1 \u8211 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? dau de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Dar, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?-i
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luisem imprudent, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de vreme, ce-mi st\uc1 \u259 ?
tea pe suflet, tr\uc1 \u259 ?isem departe de iubita mea vreme de doisprezece ani.
Am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, t\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i umil, \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am
ascultat pe Unchiul, privind mindirele pe care cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie de c\uc1
\u226 ?te ori nu \uc1 \u351 ?ezuse \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ori lucrurile pe
care le-ar fi putut atinge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a
povestit c\uc1 \u259 ? Sultanul voia ca aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte s\uc1 \u259 ?
ajung\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n anul 1000 al Hegirei.
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, Refugiul Lumii, dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? arate lumii
c\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n anul 1000 al Hegirei, el
\uc1 \u351 ?i statul s\uc1 \u259 ?u aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se poat\uc1 \u259 ? folosi,
la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor, de iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a francilor. Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
poruncise ca mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, despre care \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u226 ?t erau de ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?i, deoarece pusese s\uc1 \u259 ? se
preg\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o carte a ceremoniilor, s\uc1 \u259
? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? locuin\uc1 \u355 ?
ele, s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?nghesuiala din atelier. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351
?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ei veneau pe ascuns la
Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
vezi pe Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, pe Maestrul Osman, a zis Unchiul. Se
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? a orbit, c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a ramolit; dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine,
este \uc1 \u351 ?i orb, \uc1 \u351 ?i ramolit. \uc1 \u206 ?ncercarea Unchiului de a
alc\uc1 \u259 ?tui o carte sub privegherea \uc1 \u351 ?i la \uc1 \u238 ?ndemnul
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu este maestru miniaturist \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu acesta \uc1 \u238 ?i este, de fapt, me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul, va
primejdui, desigur, rela\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa cu b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul Maestru
Osman, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Rememor\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria, mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat aten\uc1
\u355 ?ia asupra lucrurilor din cas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi aminteam de acum
doisprezece ani de covorul albastru de Kula, de pe jos, de carafa din aram\uc1
\u259 ?, de tava, de vasul, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce\uc1 \u351 ?tile de cafea,
despre care r\uc1 \u259 ?posata mea m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? spusese
de nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate ori, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie, c\uc1 \u259 ? erau aduse
tocmai din China, prin Portugalia. Aceste lucruri, la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i suportul
de carte cu intarsii de sidef aflat al\uc1 \u259 ?turi, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
poli\uc1 \u355 ?a pentru turbane de pe perete, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i perna de catifea
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei moliciune \uc1 \u238 ?mi revenise \uc1 \u238 ?n
minte c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o atinsesem purtau urmele casei din cartierul Aksaray \uc1
\u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?mi petrecusem copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, \uc1 \u351 ?i purtau \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ceva
din fream\uc1 \u259 ?tul fericirii, al zilelor de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? petrecute
acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fericire \uc1 \u351 ?i
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ? dori ca dragii mei cititori, care se vor pleca
atent asupra pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, s\uc1
\u259 ? poarte mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nd aceste lucruri, ca punct de
plecare al universului meu. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? am fost foarte fericit aici, printre
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i picturi. Apoi m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n urma acestei \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri, am fost izgonit din Rai. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit
foarte mult, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii \uc1 \u238 ?n care am \uc1 \u238 ?ndurat acest
surghiun din dragoste, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i sunt peste m\uc1 \u259 ?
sur\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ndatorat lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351
?i dragostei mele fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea pentru faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
am privit, \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i lumea
cu optimism. Plin de copil\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? naivitate, socoteam
c\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea mea va primi ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndoios un r\uc1
\u259 ?spuns, eram peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de sigur \uc1 \u351 ?i,
privind lumea cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, o vedea ca pe un loc bun. \uc1 \u206 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, mi-am apropiat
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care m\uc1 \u259 ? punea atunci
Unchiul s\uc1 \u259 ? le citesc, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
turile deprinse la \uc1 \u351 ?coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ?, miniatura \uc1 \u351 ?i
pictura, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de ele. Dup\uc1 \u259
? cum \uc1 \u238 ?i datorez dragostei fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re aceast\uc1 \u259 ? prim\uc1 \u259 ? parte a form\uc1 \u259 ?rii
mele \uc1 \u8211 ? nespus de bogat\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?nsorit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de plin\uc1 \u259 ? de veselie \uc1 \u8211 ? tot astfel
datorez cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate, care au \uc1
\u238 ?nveninat-o mai apoi, faptului de a fi fost respins de ea. Dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a
de a m\uc1 \u259 ? pierde, de a m\uc1 \u259 ? face nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut odat\uc1
\u259 ? cu fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile care se stingeau \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?min, \uc1 \u238 ?n nop\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?ate
petrecute prin camere de han, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vedeam
adeseori, \uc1 \u238 ?n vis, disp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
abis pustiu, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu femeia aflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?tor l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam dragoste, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i ideea c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunt un om de dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale toate acestea i se datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte, a zis Unchiul, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, sufletele noastre se pot re\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lni cu
sufletele celor care dorm tihni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n paturile lor, \uc1 \u238
?n lumea aceasta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?
tiam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte,
urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? o lung\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie; de aceea nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de ea. Lucrul de care m\uc1 \u259 ? tem eu este s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mor \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi cartea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eram cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul, pe
de o parte, la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit Unchiului, eram mai puternic, mai
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept \uc1 \u351 ?i mai plin de vigoare, iar pe de alt\uc1
\u259 ? parte la scumpetea caftanului pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l primisem cu doisprezece
ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? venind la acest om care nu-mi \uc1 \u238 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ?duise s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toresc cu
fiica lui, la harna\uc1 \u351 ?amentul de argint \uc1 \u351 ?i la \uc1 \u351 ?aua
ornamentat\uc1 \u259 ? a calului pe care urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-l scot din grajd
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ncalec, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce voi fi
cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-
am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355
?ez \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu tot ceea ce aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?
aflu iscodindu-i pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. I-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat m\uc1 \u226 ?
na, am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n
curte \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?
eam cum m\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dea r\uc1 \u259 ?ceala z\uc1
\u259 ?pezii, nu eram nici copil, nici b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n; sim\uc1
\u355 ?eam, fericit, universul \uc1 \u238 ?n trupul meu. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1
\u238 ?nchis u\uc1 \u351 ?a grajdului, s-a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit o pal\uc1 \u259 ? de
v\uc1 \u226 ?nt. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am trecut din vestibul \uc1 \u238 ?n curte, calul
meu alb, pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?ineam de z\uc1 \u259 ?bal\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nfiorat odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine; \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? picioarele
sale puternice, cu tendoane proeminente, ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea, felul nest\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de a fi erau \uc1 \u351 ?i ale mele. Abia ie\uc1 \u351 ?
isem \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eram pe cale de a \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?leca dintr-un salt, de a m\uc1 \u259 ? face apoi nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut
pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile \uc1 \u238 ?nguste, asemenea calului din basme care dispare
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o femeie zdrav\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, despre care habar n-aveam de unde ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruse o
evreic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n roz din
cap p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-n picioare, cu o boccea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? s-a repezit spre mine. Era mult\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i mare la trup, ca un dulap. Dar era iute, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire, ba chiar cochet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Leul meu, fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ul meu, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti la fel
de chipe\uc1 \u351 ? pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t se spune, a zis. C\uc1 \u259 ? oi fi \uc1
\u238 ?nsurat ori holtei, nu vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? iei ni\uc1 \u351 ?te batiste de
m\uc1 \u259 ?tase de la Ester, cea mai vestit\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259
?toare de m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?uri femeie\uc1 \u351 ?ti din
Istanbul, pentru iubita ta cea tainic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O cing\uc1 \u259 ?
toare ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie din atlas?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, nu! Ia nu spune nu!
S\uc1 \u259 ? n-aib\uc1 \u259 ?, adic\uc1 \u259 ?, un leu ca tine o logodnic\uc1
\u259 ?, o iubit\uc1 \u259 ? tainic\uc1 \u259 ?? Cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u226 ?
te fete nu t\uc1 \u226 ?njesc dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine, cu ochii sc\uc1 \u259 ?
lda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, trupul ei s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntins c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mine, precum
silueta delicat\uc1 \u259 ? a unui acrobat, \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a lipit de al meu, cu o
gra\uc1 \u355 ?ie uimitoare. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
m\uc1 \u226 ?na ei a scos la vedere, cu iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a unui scamator care
d\uc1 \u259 ? la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? tot soiul de lucruri, un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?. L-am apucat c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai clipi din ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t la br\uc1 \u226 ?u cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?nare, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit ani de zile pentru
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Era un ditamai r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?
ul \uc1 \u351 ?i-l sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam de-acum, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mijloc \uc1 \u351 ?
i buric, ca pe un foc pe trupul meu rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Urc\uc1 \u259 ? pe cal \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-l
\uc1 \u238 ?n buiestru\uc1 \u8221 ?, mi-a zis Ester, v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?
toarea de m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?uri femeie\uc1 \u351 ?ti.
Apuc\uc1 \u259 ? pe strada care se face la dreapta zidului \uc1 \u259 ?stuia, mergi
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n jur, iar
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajungi la rodiu, \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce-te \uc1 \u351 ?i prive\uc1
\u351 ?te spre casa de care vei da acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i spre fereastra din fa\uc1
\u355 ?a ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i-a
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de drum \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?
nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat, dar ca un
ageamiu care \uc1 \u238 ?ncalec\uc1 \u259 ? pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi b\uc1 \u259 ?tea inima de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi alergat, eram cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te,
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiau cum s\uc1 \u259 ? apuce fr\uc1 \u226 ?
ul; de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce picioarele mi s-au lipit \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226 ?ns de trupul calului, at\uc1 \u226 ?t el, c\uc1 \u226
?t \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ne-am redob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nirea de
sine \uc1 \u351 ?i agilitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost nespus de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum spusese Ester, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleptul meu arm\uc1 \u259 ?sar a p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n buiestru
\uc1 \u351 ?i am cotit-o pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, la dreapta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Poate atunci mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? eram, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, chipe\uc1 \u351 ?. Din dosul fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rui oblon, al
fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rui grilaj, m\uc1 \u259 ? privea c\uc1 \u226 ?te o femeie din
cartier, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n basme, iar eu sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? eram gata
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? las din nou cuprins de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?
lv\uc1 \u259 ?taie. Asta era, oare, ceea ce doream? Reveneam, oare, la boala care
m\uc1 \u259 ? mistuise at\uc1 \u226 ?ta amar de vreme? Deodat\uc1 \u259 ? s-a ivit
soarele \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a orbit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Unde era rodiul? S\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost, oare, copacul acela am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?t, pl\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nd? Da, acela era! St\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe cal, m-
am r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte: chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea se afla o fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, dar la ea nu era nimeni.
Zgrip\uc1 \u355 ?uroaica de Ester m-a p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lit!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi spuneam asta, oblonul
potopit de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s-a deschis brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1
\u259 ? doisprezece ani, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n cadrul
ferestrei care lucea \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina soarelui, pe minunata mea iubit\uc1 \u259
?, cu chipul ei frumos pierdut \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ramurile pline de z\uc1 \u259 ?
pad\uc1 \u259 ?. Iubita mea cu ochii negri se uita, oare, la mine sau privea
dincolo de mine, spre o alt\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? Nu-mi d\uc1
\u259 ?deam seama dac\uc1 \u259 ? era melancolic\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1
\u226 ?mbea sau dac\uc1 \u259 ? sur\uc1 \u226 ?dea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de melancolie.
Calule prost, nu-mi asculta inima, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetine\uc1 \u351 ?te! M-am r\uc1
\u259 ?sucit din nou \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?a, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o
team\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit-o cu dor p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultima clip\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
chipul ei misterios, delicat \uc1 \u351 ?i fin a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut dincolo de
ramurile albe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-
am dat seama, mult mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd deschideam r\uc1 \u259
?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care mi-l d\uc1 \u259 ?duse Ester \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
uitam la pictura \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n el, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? era
foarte asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare cu scena de at\uc1 \u226 ?tea ori
ilustrat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care H\uc1 \u252 ?srev se arat\uc1 \u259 ? sub
fereastra lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin (\uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi se afla chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i un
copac trist, cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ? era a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?n
spate), eram deja cuprins de v\uc1 \u226 ?lv\uc1 \u259 ?taia dragostei, ca \uc1
\u238 ?n ilustra\uc1 \u355 ?iile acelor c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?geam \uc1 \u351 ?i
dup\uc1 \u259 ? care ne d\uc1 \u259 ?deam am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1
\u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 8. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Ester.}
to\uc1 \u355 ?i sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i curio\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? afla\uc1
\u355 ?i ce se g\uc1 \u259 ?sea \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care
i l-am dat lui Negru. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca \uc1
\u351 ?i pe mine oarece curiozitate, am aflat totul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi\uc1
\u355 ?i, da\uc1 \u355 ?i paginile pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? vede\uc1 \u355 ?i ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-i da r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, iar eu am s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? istorisesc totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Acum suntem, iat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul serii, iar eu stau cu b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul meu, Nesim, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ? din cartierul
evreiesc, aflat la capul Cornului de Aur doi b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni
rablagi\uc1 \u355 ?i care \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlind lemne \uc1 \u238 ?n
foc. Nu lua\uc1 \u355 ?i seama la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi pun \uc1 \u238 ?n boccea batiste de m\uc1
\u259 ?tase, m\uc1 \u259 ?nu\uc1 \u351 ?i, mantii, materiale colorate pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aduse de cor\uc1 \u259 ?biile care vin din
Portugalia, podoabe m\uc1 \u259 ?runte precum inele, cercei, coliere, ieftine sau
scumpe, din cele care le fac fericite pe femei, mi-o pun pe bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne strad\uc1 \u259 ? pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
r\uc1 \u259 ?zbat, ca un polonic v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n cazanul
Istanbulului. Nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? ori b\uc1 \u226 ?
rf\uc1 \u259 ? pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? n-o fi purtat din u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; eu am c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tuit
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate din fetele Istanbulului. Dar n-am adus acum vorba de asta ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? laud. Spuneam c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?team a\uc1
\u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul serii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cioc, cioc, a b\uc1 \u259 ?
tut cineva la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, m-am dus s\uc1 \u259 ? deschid \uc1
\u351 ?i m-am trezit nas \uc1 \u238 ?n nas cu proasta aia de Hayriye, roaba.
Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?. Mi-a
povestit, tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd de frig sau de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie, nu-mi d\uc1
\u259 ?deam seama, ce voia draga de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
va\uc1 \u351 ?ul trebuia dus lui Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am mirat. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1
\u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re are un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat care nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi dup\uc1 \u259 ?
mine, de mult i-a fost pus\uc1 \u259 ? pielea pe b\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?! Ei,
\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, soldatul, are un frate turbat de
dragoste; \uc1 \u238 ?l cheam\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu era pentru Hasan, ci pentru altcineva. Ester, s\uc1
\u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ? de curiozitate, nu alta, s\uc1 \u259 ? afle ce scria-n el!
In cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc scrisoarea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu ne cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem prea bine. Drept s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? zic, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it brusc a\uc1 \u351 ?a, o sfio\uc1 \u351 ?
enie. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun cum am citit r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ul. Poate \uc1 \u238 ?mi socoti\uc1 \u355 ?i curiozitatea ru\uc1 \u351 ?
inoas\uc1 \u259 ? de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? la fel de curio\uc1 \u351 ?i, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ca
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierii!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u8212 ? Poate chiar m\uc1 \u259 ? dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ui\uc1 \u355 ?i. S\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? spun doar degrab\uc1 \u259 ? ce am auzit c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi s-a citit
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul. Dulcea\uc1 \u355 ?a de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
scrisese a\uc1 \u351 ?a: \uc1 \u8222 ?Negru Efendi, vii pe la mine pe acas\uc1
\u259 ? pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd temei pe apropierea dintre tine \uc1 \u351 ?i tata. Dar
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? vei primi vreun semn de la mine! De c\uc1
\u226 ?nd ai plecat, s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat multe. M-am m\uc1 \u259 ?
ritat, am doi b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?njo\uc1 \u351 ?i ca
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te lei. Unul este Orhan; l-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a
intrat adineaori. Sunt patru ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi a\uc1 \u351 ?
tept b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul \uc1 \u351 ?i la altceva nici nu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226
?ndesc. Cu doi copii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu un tat\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?n, m\uc1 \u259 ? simt singur\uc1 \u259 ?, neajutorat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i slab\uc1 \u259 ?; s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? am nevoie de for\uc1 \u355 ?
a \uc1 \u351 ?i de ocrotirea unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, dar s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cread\uc1
\u259 ? cineva c\uc1 \u259 ? va izbuti s\uc1 \u259 ? profite de aceast\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare. De aceea, rogu-te, nu mai bate la u\uc1 \u351 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?! La drept vorbind, m-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o dat\uc1 \u259 ? de
ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?te suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e n-a trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndur ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi sp\uc1 \u259 ?l obrazul \uc1
\u238 ?n ochii tatei! Odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul acesta,
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoiez \uc1 \u351 ?i imaginea pe care ai
pictat-o \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care mi-ai trimis-o pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd erai un
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? minte. Asta ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu nutre\uc1 \u351 ?ti vreo speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
interpretezi gre\uc1 \u351 ?it vreun semn. E o am\uc1 \u259 ?gire s\uc1 \u259 ?
crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii s-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti uit\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se la o imagine. Cel mai bine ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai calci prin casa
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Biata mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu
este b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, bei ori pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i pun\uc1 \u259 ? dedesubt pecetea cea ar\uc1 \u259 ?
toas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a pus doar, \uc1 \u238 ?n josul h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiei,
prima liter\uc1 \u259 ? a numelui, ca o p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ruic\uc1 \u259 ?
tem\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
spus \uc1 \u8222 ?pecete\uc1 \u8221 ?. Probabil v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreba\uc1 \u355 ?i cum fac de deschid \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchid la loc r\uc1
\u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele astea pecetluite. Doar r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele nu
sunt pecetluite! Draga de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?
te c\uc1 \u259 ? Ester e o evreic\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u351 ?tiutoare \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu poate deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i ce scrie ea. Asta e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat,
nu pot citi ce scrie, dar pot pune pe altcineva s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi citeasc\uc1
\u259 ?. R\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l
pot citi foarte bine eu \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?mi. V-am z\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259
?cit? P\uc1 \u259 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? explic \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?
a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cei mai grei de cap dintre
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ceea ce se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u8222 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? nu se m\uc1 \u259 ?rgine\uc1 \u351 ?te doar la scris. La fel
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cartea, r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul se cite\uc1 \u351 ?te prin
adulmecare, pip\uc1 \u259 ?ire, atingere. Din pricina asta, de\uc1 \u351 ?
tep\uc1 \u355 ?ii spun: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ia cite\uc1 \u351 ?te, s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem ce
zice scrisoarea!\uc1 \u8221 ? Iar pro\uc1 \u351 ?tii spun: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ia cite\uc1
\u351 ?te ce scrie!\uc1 \u8221 ? Iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a const\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n a citi nu numai ceea ce st\uc1 \u259 ? scris, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259
?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime. Asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i,
s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem ce altceva a mai zis \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? trimit r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351
?ul pe furi\uc1 \u351 ?, nu am de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? fac din el o
tain\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare, de aceea \uc1 \u238 ?l trimit prin Ester,
care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicire \uc1 \u351 ?i o
deprindere din purtatul r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?elor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 2. \uc1 \u206 ?ndoirea din cale afar\uc1 \u259 ? a h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtiei, care aduce a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cint\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpletit\uc1 \u259 ?,
semnific\uc1 \u259 ?, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul ei, taina \uc1 \u351 ?i secretul. Or,
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei era deschis. Mai mult, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355 ?ea o ditamai pictura. \uc1 \u354 ?elul pare acela de a-i ascunde
taina de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i. Iar lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?sta se potrive\uc1 \u351 ?te
mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? care cheam\uc1 \u259 ? la
dragoste dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu unul h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zit s\uc1 \u259 ? o
alunge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1 \u238 ?
nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i parfumul r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ului \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te acest lucru. Acest parfum, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t celui care prime\uc1 \u351 ?te
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?i este greu s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1
\u259 ? ceva (oare mireasma a fost pus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n el inten\uc1 \u355
?ionat?), dar at\uc1 \u226 ?t de atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t nu va putea r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne neb\uc1 \u259 ?gat \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ? (este oare parfum de mu\uc1 \u351 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? sau parfumul
m\uc1 \u226 ?inii ei?), a fost destul ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ia min\uc1 \u355 ?ile
nefericitului care mi-a citit r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul. Presupun c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i lui Negru \uc1 \u238 ?i va lua min\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i chip.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 4. Eu
sunt Ester, o femeie f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? carte, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
din felul curg\uc1 \u259 ?tor al caligrafiei de\uc1 \u351 ?i condeiul scrie repede,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-i da prea mare \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate, prea
mare aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, din pricina grabei \uc1 \u8211 ? din tremurul delicat al
literelor, care par s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost atinse, toate, de o adiere bl\uc1 \u226 ?
nd\uc1 \u259 ? de v\uc1 \u226 ?nt, reiese c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1
\u259 ?fundurile sale, ea spune tocmai pe dos dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pare s-o fac\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n pofida faptului c\uc1 \u259 ?, gr\uc1 \u259 ?ind despre
Orhan, folose\uc1 \u351 ?te cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?adineaori\uc1
\u8221 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar sugera c\uc1 \u259 ? acum ar fi scris, este
limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o ciorn\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece fiecare
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd tr\uc1 \u259 ?deaz\uc1 \u259 ? luare-aminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 5. Pictura trimis\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ul se leag\uc1 \u259 ? de scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?irin
cea din basmul pe care p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, evreica
Ester, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tiu se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1
\u351 ?te, privindu-i chipul, de chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ul H\uc1 \u252 ?srev. Toate
femeile vis\uc1 \u259 ?toare din Istanbul se dau \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt
dup\uc1 \u259 ? povestea asta, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? este pentru prima dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? i se trimite cuiva o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Vou\uc1 \u259 ?, ferici\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?tiutori
de carte, vi se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? adeseori urm\uc1 \u259 ?
torul lucru: cineva care nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? vine
la voi \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? implor\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i citi\uc1
\u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care l-a primit. Cele scrise \uc1 \u238 ?
n el sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de zguduitoare, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ionante, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de st\uc1 \u226 ?njenitoare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?na lui, ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i\uc1 \u355 ?i taina, v\uc1 \u259 ? roag\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? de sfiiciune
s\uc1 \u259 ? i-l mai citi\uc1 \u355 ?i o dat\uc1 \u259 ?. L-l reciti\uc1 \u355 ?i.
\uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul este citit de
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea ori, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi \uc1 \u238 ?l
\uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i pe de rost. Apoi, este luat
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
dac\uc1 \u259 ? aici e vorba de asta, dac\uc1 \u259 ? dincoace se zice asta, iar
cele care \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? privesc \uc1 \u238 ?n punctul pe care li-l
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i voi cu buricul degetului, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? literele aflate acolo. Uneori, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
fiin\uc1 \u355 ?ele astea se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile
\uc1 \u238 ?ntortocheate ale literelor ce alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiesc cuvinte pe care nu
le pot citi, dar pe care le-au \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at pe de rost,
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?ez at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t uit c\uc1 \u259 ? nici eu nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu s\uc1 \u259 ?
citesc \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi vine s\uc1 \u259 ? le s\uc1 \u259 ?rut pe fetele f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de carte, care
vars\uc1 \u259 ? lacrimi pe r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mai sunt \uc1 \u351 ?i nenoroci\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ?rora
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu le sem\uc1
\u259 ?na\uc1 \u355 ?i. Uneori, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd fata dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259
? ia \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ating\uc1
\u259 ? iar r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?, care cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt a
fost spus \uc1 \u351 ?i unde, unii dintre tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ii
ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia zic: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ce-o s\uc1 \u259 ? faci tu cu el, c\uc1
\u259 ? doar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ? cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti, la ce s\uc1 \u259
? te mai ui\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu i-l
mai dau \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? le-ar apar\uc1 \u355 ?ine; atunci,
mie, Ester, \uc1 \u238 ?mi revine datoria s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? cert cu ei
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iau \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Prin urmare, eu, Ester, sunt o femeie bun\uc1 \u259 ?, iar dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in la voi, v\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u351 ?i ajut.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 9. Eu, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De ce eram oare acolo, la fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a
trecut Negru tocmai prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe calul lui alb?
De ce deschisesem, tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cuprins\uc1 \u259 ?
de o presim\uc1 \u355 ?ire, oblonul \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce l-am privit lung, ar\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? printre ramurile \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
rcate de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? ale rodiului? Nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? spun foarte limpede. Eu le-am dat de veste lui Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i lui
Ester; \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? pe acolo. \uc1 \u206 ?n clipa aceea, urcasem
singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camera cu dulap \uc1 \u238 ?n perete, care
d\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nspre rodiu, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit la
feregelele din cufere. M\uc1 \u226 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? de un impuls, am \uc1 \u238 ?
mpins av\uc1 \u226 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? oblonul cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? puterea, iar
soarele a inundat, la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, camera; am stat la fereastr\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am trezit fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu Negru, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? m-ar fi orbit lumina. A
fost foarte frumos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A crescut, s-a
maturizat, a dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it perioada aceea de agita\uc1 \u355 ?ie
\uc1 \u351 ?i de neast\uc1 \u226 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r din tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u351 ?i s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut chipe\uc1 \u351 ?. Uite, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re, mi-a spus inima, Negru nu este doar chipe\uc1 \u351 ?. Prive\uc1 \u351 ?te-l
\uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul ochilor; are o inim\uc1 \u259 ? ca de copil,
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de curat\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de singuratic\uc1 \u259 ?!
M\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ?-te cu el! Dar eu i-am trimis un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care-i scriam taman pe dos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd aveam doisprezece ani \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ?,
de\uc1 \u351 ?i el era cu doisprezece ani mai mare ca mine, eram mai coapt\uc1
\u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el. Pe vremea aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ?
stea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea falnic ca un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, \uc1 \u238 ?
n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u8222 ?Am s\uc1 \u259 ? fac asta, am
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac ailalt\uc1 \u259 ?, am s\uc1 \u259 ? sar de aici \uc1 \u351 ?i am
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ca\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r acolo\uc1 \u8221 ?, se
cufunda \uc1 \u351 ?i se ascundea \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui,
\uc1 \u238 ?n imaginile ei, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar fi fost ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine de
toate. Apoi, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit \uc1 \u351 ?i el de mine.
\uc1 \u350 ?i-a m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisit dragostea f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. De-acum, eram am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi atin\uc1 \u351 ?i de
vraj\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit doisprezece ani, am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226
?lneam fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Negru
nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai putea privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? se temea
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de mine. Spunea, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u8222 ?Vrei s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi dai cu\uc1 \u355 ?itul acela cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de filde\uc1
\u351 ??\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i se uita la
cu\uc1 \u355 ?it, nu era \uc1 \u238 ?n stare, mai apoi, s\uc1 \u259 ? ridice ochii
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? de-a dreptul.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam: \uc1 \u8222 ?E bun\uc1 \u259 ?
dulcea\uc1 \u355 ?a de vi\uc1 \u351 ?ine?\uc1 \u8221 ?, nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? era bun\uc1 \u259 ? printr-un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, printr-o expresie a fe\uc1 \u355 ?ei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum facem
cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u226 ?nd avem gura plin\uc1 \u259 ?. Striga, c\uc1 \u226
?t \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inea gura, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vorbit cu surzii:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Da!\uc1 \u8221 ? C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, de team\uc1 \u259 ?, nici m\uc1
\u259 ?car nu m\uc1 \u259 ? putea privi \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Eram foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? pe atunci. To\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1
\u355 ?ii, to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei care izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? vad\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?car o dat\uc1 \u259 ? de departe, prin perdele, prin
u\uc1 \u351 ?i ori prin nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratele \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1
\u238 ?n care eram \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u8211 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosteau pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? de mine. N-o spun
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? laud, ci ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355
?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i povestea \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Exist\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n povestea lui H\uc1 \u252
?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i a lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin, un moment pe care toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea \uc1 \u238 ?l cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i despre care eu \uc1 \u351 ?i
Negru am vorbit foarte mult. \uc1 \u350 ?apur n\uc1 \u259 ?zuie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1
\u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? pe H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? unul de altul.
\uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o zi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?irin iese s\uc1 \u259 ? se plimbe
pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mp cu \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarele ei, \uc1 \u350 ?apur
at\uc1 \u226 ?rn\uc1 \u259 ? pe ascuns imaginea lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev de una din
ramurile copacului sub care acestea se a\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1
\u259 ? se odihneasc\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd portretul
chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ului H\uc1 \u252 ?srev at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat de unul dintre copacii
din livada aceea minunat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?irin se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259
?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de el. S-au z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit foarte multe picturi care \uc1
\u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
clip\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ?, cum spun miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii: privirea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i de
uimire pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ndreapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?irin spre portretul
lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat de o ramur\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie.
Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd lucra cu tata, Negru a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de foarte multe ori
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, ba chiar a \uc1 \u351 ?i copiat-o aidoma,
o dat\uc1 \u259 ? sau de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a admirat-o
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostindu-se de mine, a mai
pictat-o o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru sine. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
locul lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i al lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin, ne-a reprezentat
pe mine \uc1 \u351 ?i pe el, pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
Negru. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi scris dedesubt c\uc1 \u259 ? fata \uc1 \u351 ?i
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul din pictur\uc1 \u259 ? eram noi, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege acest lucru doar eu, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci uneori ne \uc1 \u238
?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n glum\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i pe el, cu acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i linii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i culori: eu \uc1 \u238 ?n albastru, iar el \uc1 \u238 ?n
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum asta n-ar fi fost de ajuns, scrisese chiar
\uc1 \u351 ?i sub siluetele lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i lui \uc1 \u350 ?
irin numele noastre. L\uc1 \u259 ?sase pictura, ca din gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc \uc1 \u238 ?n care puteam s-o v\uc1 \u259 ?d eu \uc1
\u351 ?i fugise. \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc c\uc1 \u259 ? am privit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? ce
voi face dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tiam foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? voi putea \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti de el ca \uc1 \u350 ?irin, m-am pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut, la
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l bag \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u206 ?n seara acelei zile de var\uc1 \u259 ?, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercam s\uc1 \u259 ? ne r\uc1 \u259 ?corim cu siropuri de vi\uc1 \u351 ?ine
r\uc1 \u259 ?cite cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? despre care se spunea c\uc1 \u259
? venea tocmai de la Uludag \uc1 \u8211 ? i-am spus tatei, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a
plecat Negru acas\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o
declara\uc1 \u355 ?ie de dragoste. Pe vremea aceea, Negru era proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t
absolvent de \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? coranic\uc1 \u259 ?. D\uc1 \u259 ?dea
lec\uc1 \u355 ?ii prin cartiere m\uc1 \u259 ?rgina\uc1 \u351 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de foarte puternicul, foarte
respectatul Naim Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a, nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t din proprie dorin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t obligat de tata, care \uc1 \u238 ?l considera
cam f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? minte. Tata, care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea eforturi s\uc1
\u259 ?-l apropie de Naim Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a, sau cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
ajute s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? o activitate de secretar \uc1
\u351 ?i care spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru nu se str\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te
prea mult \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1
\u259 ? este, cu alte cuvinte, nechibzuit, \uc1 \u238 ?i zisese \uc1 \u238 ?n seara
aceea mamei, referindu-se la noi: \uc1 \u8222 ?Se vede c\uc1 \u259 ? nepotul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u cel s\uc1 \u259 ?rman \uc1 \u355 ?inte\uc1 \u351 ?te cu mult mai
sus.\uc1 \u8221 ? F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se sinchiseasc\uc1 \u259
? de ea, mai spusese \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?se vede c\uc1 \u259 ?
este mai de\uc1 \u351 ?tept dec\uc1 \u226 ?t socoteam noi\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1
\u226 ?te n-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut tata \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele care au urmat, cum m-am
\uc1 \u355 ?inut departe de Negru, cum a \uc1 \u238 ?ncetat el s\uc1 \u259 ? mai
vin\uc1 \u259 ?, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n casa noastr\uc1
\u259 ?, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n cartier. Dar nu doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
povestesc toate astea, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai fim
simpatici tata \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine. Crede\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, nu exista
alt\uc1 \u259 ? cale! In asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri, oamenii la
locul lor o taie scurt, spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu noble\uc1 \u355 ?e: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu
eram socoti\uc1 \u355 ?i potrivi\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u8221 ? sau, cu \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ire: \uc1 \u8222 ?A\uc1 \u351 ?a a fost s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie\uc1 \u8221 ?, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul, care recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te
c\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
este chiar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, care nu
\uc1 \u355 ?ine seama de nici o r\uc1 \u226 ?nduial\uc1 \u259 ?, simte c\uc1
\u226 ?t de felurit\uc1 \u259 ? este alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea lumii. Trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? mama a spus, de c\uc1 \u226 ?teva
ori: \uc1 \u8222 ?Barem s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i fr\uc1 \u226 ?nge\uc1 \u355 ?i sufletul
copilului!\uc1 \u8221 ? Negru, pe care mama \uc1 \u238 ?l numea \uc1 \u8222 ?
copil\uc1 \u8221 ?, avea dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru de ani, iar eu pe
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta lui. Deoarece tata socotea c\uc1 \u259 ?
declara\uc1 \u355 ?ia de dragoste a lui Negru era o neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zare, este cu
putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fi \uc1 \u238 ?ndeplinit cu
bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?mintea mamei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am primit vestea c\uc1 \u259 ? plecase din
Istanbul, \uc1 \u238 ?l scosesem deja cu totul de la inim\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351
?i nu-l uitasem pe de-a-ntregul. Deoarece ani de zile n-am mai primit ve\uc1
\u351 ?ti de la el, din nici un ora\uc1 \u351 ?, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259
? era nimerit s\uc1 \u259 ? ascund imaginea pe care o pictase \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care
mi-o ar\uc1 \u259 ?tase, ca m\uc1 \u259 ?rturie a amintirilor noastre din copil\uc1
\u259 ?rie, a prieteniei noastre copil\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Pentru ca la
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput tata, iar mai apoi b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu, soldatul, s\uc1
\u259 ? nu g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? pictura \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se
supere, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i apuce gelozia, am \uc1 \u238 ?mpletit cu m\uc1 \u259 ?
iestrie partea de sus, aurit\uc1 \u259 ?, a cuvintelor \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i Negru\uc1 \u8221 ? sub forma unor flori prelungi, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost un strop din cerneala Hasan Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a a tatei. De
vreme ce ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi i-am \uc1 \u238 ?napoiat portretul, aceia dintre voi
care m\uc1 \u259 ? judec\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat la
fereastr\uc1 \u259 ? se vor ru\uc1 \u351 ?ina, poate, \uc1 \u351 ?i vor mai sta
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at lui
pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul a doisprezece ani, am mai z\uc1
\u259 ?bovit o vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ferestrei, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina
ro\uc1 \u351 ?iatic\uc1 \u259 ? a soarelui de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
privit plin\uc1 \u259 ? de uimire gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina care dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndise \uc1
\u351 ?i ea o culoare ro\uc1 \u351 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?, portocalie, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a cuprins bini\uc1 \u351 ?or frigul. Nu era pic de
v\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m-ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreun trec\uc1 \u259 ?tor
ori tata la fereastra deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, sau dac\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors Negru c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe calul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-ar fi trecut pe
dinainte, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mi-ar fi p\uc1 \u259 ?sat de ceea ce ar fi spus. Una
dintre fetele lui Ziver Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a, cu care m\uc1 \u259 ? duceam
bucuroas\uc1 \u259 ? la hamam12 o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? acea Mesrure care, pe de o parte, r\uc1
\u226 ?dea \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea haz tot timpul, iar pe de alta rostea
cele mai uimitoare vorbe, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite momente
\uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi spusese odat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? omul nu \uc1
\u351 ?tie niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? precis ce g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te el \uc1
\u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Eu socotesc astfel: uneori spun c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva,
pricep c\uc1 \u259 ? am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit acel lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1
\u238 ?l rostesc, dar atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg acest
lucru g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc, cu convingere, taman pe dos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? bietul Delicat Efendi,
unul dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii aceia pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i chema tata
acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ascund
c\uc1 \u259 ?-i supraveghea \uc1 \u238 ?n parte, a fost dat disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut, la
fel ca b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu. Dintre to\uc1 \u355 ?i, el era cel mai ur\uc1 \u226
?t \uc1 \u351 ?i mai m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit la suflet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis oblonul, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din camer\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
rie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?
evket nu te-a ascultat, a zis Orhan. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce Negru \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scotea calul din grajd, a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din buc\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?rie \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a uitat la el prin gaur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ce-i cu asta! A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket, cu
pis\uc1 \u259 ?logul de la piuli\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i mama se uita la el prin gaura din dulap.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye, am zis, s\uc1 \u259 ? le faci pentru sear\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?ine pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\uc1 \u259 ?, cu past\uc1 \u259 ? de
migdale \uc1 \u351 ?i cu zah\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Orhan a s\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?n sus de bucurie, dar \uc1 \u350 ?evket n-a
scos o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd urcam scara, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? duc sus, m-au ajuns am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?
ip\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?nghiontindu-se, plini de o veselie zgomotoas\uc1
\u259 ?; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd treceau pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine, le-am
spus: \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, izbucnind \uc1 \u351 ?i eu \uc1 \u238 ?n
r\uc1 \u226 ?s. La naiba! \uc1 \u350 ?i le-am tras c\uc1 \u226 ?te un pumn u\uc1
\u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?n spin\uc1 \u259 ?rile delicate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut este s\uc1 \u259 ? te afli acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
seara, cu copiii! Tata se cufundase, t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea lui.}
\aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048
\u354 ?i-a plecat musafirul, am zis. Sper c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te-a plictisit.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, a zis. M-a binedispus. Este
la fel de plin de respect fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Unchiul lui ca pe vremuri.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta e bine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar este, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp,
re\uc1 \u355 ?inut \uc1 \u351 ?i chibzuit. Spusese toate astea nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t
ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi vad\uc1 \u259 ? reac\uc1 \u355 ?ia, c\uc1 \u226 ?t, mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchid\uc1 \u259 ? subiectul, cu
aerul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i acord\uc1 \u259 ? prea mare \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?
tate lui Negru. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost vorba de un alt prilej, i-a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi dat un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns, cu limba mea ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?. De data
aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la omul acela care
continua, o sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainteze pe calul lui
alb, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Apoi, nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cum s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat lucrurile
\uc1 \u238 ?n odaia cu dulap \uc1 \u238 ?n perete. M-am trezit \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe Orhan. \uc1 \u350 ?
evket s-a lipit \uc1 \u351 ?i el de noi; o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, s-au \uc1 \u238 ?
nghiontit \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au luat la ceart\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-am pomenit rostogolindu-ne cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe
divan. I-am dezmierdat ca pe ni\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?elu\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, pe frunte, i-am
str\uc1 \u226 ?ns la piept, le-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it greutatea pe s\uc1 \u226 ?ni.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hm, am zis, v\uc1 \u259 ?
miroase p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. O s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? duce\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1
\u226 ?ine cu Hayriye la hamam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu nu mai
vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? merg la hamam cu Hayriye, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da' mult ai mai crescut! Am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, de ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai luat c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1
\u351 ?a asta frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, mov? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am dus \uc1 \u238 ?n
camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am scos c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a mov. Mi-am
pus c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a verde-pal, cu care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cam mereu. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cam, mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut frig, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat, \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? trupul \uc1 \u238 ?mi ardea
ca focul; mai mult, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam vigoarea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?irea propriului meu trup. \uc1 \u206 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem cu
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n obraji; \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1
\u259 ? h\uc1 \u226 ?rjoneam \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rutam cu
copiii, acesta se \uc1 \u351 ?tersese \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinsese, dar am
scuipat \uc1 \u238 ?n palme \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins mai bine. \uc1
\u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, rudele de toate felurile, femeile cu care m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc la hamam, to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei care m\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?d spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ar\uc1 \u259 ?t deloc a femeie de dou\uc1
\u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru de ani, cu doi copii, trecut\uc1 \u259 ? de prima
tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, ci a fat\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?aisprezece ani. Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i crede\uc1 \u355 ?i, vreau ca \uc1 \u351 ?i voi s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
crede\uc1 \u355 ?i, a\uc1 \u355 ?i priceput? Altfel, n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259
? mai povestesc nimic!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? nu vi
se par\uc1 \u259 ? ciudat c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc cu voi. Sunt ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
privesc miniaturile din c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile tatei, de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
caut mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n ele femei, femei frumoase. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? rareori,
ele exist\uc1 \u259 ? totu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i sunt mereu sfioase, ru\uc1
\u351 ?inoase, cu privirile a\uc1 \u355 ?intite \uc1 \u238 ?nainte sau, cel mult,
privindu-se una pe alta, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar cere iertare. Niciuna
nu salt\uc1 \u259 ? capul s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite drept la lume, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cu
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinicii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile ieftine, ilustrate \uc1 \u238 ?
n grab\uc1 \u259 ?, ochii unora dintre femei sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta\uc1 \u355 ?i,
datorit\uc1 \u259
? neglijen\uc1 \u355 ?ei miniaturistului, nu \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt ori spre vreun alt am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt din pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre vreo cup\uc1 \u259 ?, sau chiar c\uc1
\u259 ?tre omul iubit \uc1 \u8211 ? ci de-a dreptul spre cititor. M\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc mereu cine o fi cititorul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l privesc.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi
vin \uc1 \u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile vechi de dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute
de ani, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase tocmai de pe vremea lui Timur, \uc1 \u351 ?i volumele pe
care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i risipesc galbenii ghiaurii pasiona\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? le duc\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ara lor, m\uc1
\u259 ? trece un fior: poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i povestea aceasta a mea va
fi ascultat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi de cineva venit de
departe. Nu aceasta este oare dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a se vorbi despre tine \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu pentru acest fior le dau oare to\uc1 \u355
?i padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii \uc1 \u351 ?i vizirii pungi doldora de galbeni celor care
povestesc despre ei, care scriu c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchinate
lor? Str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tut\uc1 \u259 ? de acest fior l\uc1 \u259 ?untric,
am dorit \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, asemenea acelor femei frumoase care privesc cu un ochi
la via\uc1 \u355 ?a din carte \uc1 \u351 ?i cu cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt dincolo de
carte, s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc cu voi cei care m\uc1 \u259 ? privi\uc1 \u355 ?i din
cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce loc \uc1 \u351 ?i timp. Sunt frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1
\u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi place s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? privi\uc1 \u355 ?i. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai spun c\uc1 \u226 ?te o
minciun\uc1 \u259 ? din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, lucrul
acesta se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259
? face\uc1 \u355 ?i o idee gre\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? despre mine.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? tata m\uc1
\u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte mult. \uc1 \u206 ?naintea mea a mai avut trei
fii, dar, de\uc1 \u351 ?i Dumnezeu i-a luat pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia la el unul
c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul, de mine, de fat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu s-a atins. Tatei \uc1 \u238 ?
i tremura sufletul pentru mine, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-am m\uc1 \u259 ?
ritat cu vreun b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat ales de el; m-am m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat cu un spahiu,
pe care l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut eu \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?mi \uc1 \u351 ?i care
mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost dup\uc1 \u259 ? tata, omul
dup\uc1 \u259 ? care ar fi urmat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? dea ar fi trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, cel mai mare \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at, s\uc1 \u259 ? se priceap\uc1 \u259 ? la miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i la art\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? parte de putere
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bogat precum Karun13; or, cum a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva
nu \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lne\uc1 \u351 ?ti nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui, ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept ani
de zile. Frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu era vestit\uc1 \u259 ?,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? am dat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu de \uc1 \u351 ?tire prin
pe\uc1 \u355 ?itoare \uc1 \u351 ?i am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit un prilej de a-l vedea,
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat pe drumul de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere
de la hamam; avea ochi foco\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?gostit de el pe loc. Era un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat minunat, brunet, cu pielea
foarte alb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu ochii verzi; avea bra\uc1 \u355 ?e
puternice, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, era neprih\uc1 \u259 ?nit \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, ca un copil adormit. Poate pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i irosise \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
ucig\uc1 \u226 ?nd oameni \uc1 \u238 ?n lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i adun\uc1
\u226 ?nd pr\uc1 \u259 ?zi de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, aveam impresia nedefinit\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? mirosea a s\uc1 \u226 ?nge; acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ?, era supus \uc1 \u351 ?i lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit ca o femeie. Acest om, pe care
tata nu l-a dorit la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? era un nepricopsit
de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?
cu care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat mai apoi consim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omor,
alerga voinice\uc1 \u351 ?te de la un r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi la altul, s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea cele mai mari fapte de vitejie \uc1 \u351 ?i astfel a
dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit o feud\uc1 \u259 ? de zece mii de aspri, pentru care
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea ne pizmuia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput n-am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu armata din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul cu
Safavizii. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce lupta, devenea tot
mai dibaci, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rtea afaceri pe cont propriu, aducea mai
mult\uc1 \u259 ? prad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea
terenul pentru feude mai mari \uc1 \u351 ?i instruia mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i
osta\uc1 \u351 ?i. Existau \uc1 \u351 ?i martori care spuneau c\uc1 \u259 ? se
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ise, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu oamenii lui, de
trupele \uc1 \u238 ?n mar\uc1 \u351 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se spre
mun\uc1 \u355 ?i. Am n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduit mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
i c\uc1 \u259 ? se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? doi ani m-am deprins cu absen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. C\uc1 \u226
?nd mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u226 ?t de multe erau nevestele de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinici
din Istanbul ai c\uc1 \u259 ?ror b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i erau da\uc1 \u355 ?i
disp\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1 \u355 ?i, la fel ca al meu, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?
cat cu soarta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noaptea jeleam
\uc1 \u238 ?n pat, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-ne str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?, le spuneam
c\uc1 \u226 ?te-o minciun\uc1 \u259 ? cum c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi zis, de exemplu,
cutare, care avea dovezi, c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lor se va \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarce \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de sosirea prim\uc1 \u259 ?verii. Minciuna mea ajungea
apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, din gura
lor, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la urechile altora, revenind iar
la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de \uc1 \u8222 ?veste bun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n care eu eram prima care s\uc1 \u259 ? cred.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Locuiam \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatului meu, de origine abhaz\uc1 \u259 ?, care dusese mereu o via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? grea, dar care se bucura de un suflet nobil, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
fratele lui, care avea, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i el, ochii verzi, \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu chirie din Car\uc1 \u351 ?ikapi. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a
disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu, care era st\uc1 \u226 ?lpul casei, au
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput \uc1 \u351 ?i lipsurile. Socrul meu a revenit la meseria de
oglindar, pe care o abandonase dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce fiul lui mai mare se \uc1 \u238 ?
mbog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ise de pe urma nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratelor r\uc1 \u259 ?
zboaie. Fratele so\uc1 \u355 ?ului meu, Hasan, care lucra la vam\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i era holtei, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? preia conducerea
gospod\uc1 \u259 ?riei, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce banii pe care-i
aducea \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nmul\uc1 \u355 ?eau. \uc1 \u206
?ntr-o iarn\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se temeau c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?
mai putem pl\uc1 \u259 ?ti chiria, au dus-o pe roaba care vedea de treburile casei
la t\uc1 \u226 ?rgul de sclavi, au v\uc1 \u226 ?ndut-o \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-au cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ocup eu de buc\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, s\uc1 \u259 ? sp\uc1 \u259 ?l rufe, ba chiar s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? duc la pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fac
t\uc1 \u226 ?rguieli. N-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt felul de femeie or\uc1
\u226 ?nduit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru asemenea treburi, ci, c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-mi pe inim\uc1 \u259 ?, le-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe toate. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cumnatul meu, Hasan, care nu mai avea nici o
roab\uc1 \u259 ? cu care s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i petreac\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea, a
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi for\uc1 \u355 ?eze u\uc1 \u351 ?a, m-am \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat ce aveam de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ntorc de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? aici, la tata, dar, potrivit cadiului14, dat
fiind c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu era, dup\uc1 \u259 ? lege, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriam, ar fi putut nu numai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
readuc\uc1 \u259 ?, obligat, la cumnatul meu, adic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casa
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii, ci s\uc1 \u259
? ne \uc1 \u351 ?i pedepseasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ne
umileasc\uc1 \u259 ?, pe mine \uc1 \u351 ?i pe tata, care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?inea la el. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul este c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut
face dragoste cu Hasan, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l g\uc1 \u259 ?seam mai uman \uc1 \u351
?i mai cu judecat\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i
despre care \uc1 \u351 ?tiam, cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? era
foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de mine. Dar f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
acest lucru f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a reflecta pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? nu so\uc1 \u355 ?ia, ci, Doamne
fere\uc1 \u351 ?te, roaba lui. Aceasta deoarece, tem\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1
\u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pretind partea de mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenire, ba chiar
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sesc, poate, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
revin la tata, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii, nici ei nu consim\uc1
\u355 ?eau s\uc1 \u259 ? recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
cadiului, c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu murise. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ?
dac\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit acestuia, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu nu murise, nu m\uc1
\u259 ? puteam c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori cu Hasan, dar, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu m\uc1 \u259 ? puteam m\uc1 \u259 ?rita nici cu altcineva, iar aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare m\uc1 \u259 ? lega de cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de c\uc1
\u259 ?snicie, statutul de \uc1 \u8222 ?disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u8221 ? al
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu \uc1 \u351 ?i situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia confuz\uc1 \u259 ? care
d\uc1 \u259 ?inuia erau preferabile pentru ei. Nu uita\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
le \uc1 \u355 ?ineam casa, c\uc1 \u259 ? eu f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam totul, de la m\uc1
\u226 ?ncare la sp\uc1 \u259 ?latul rufelor, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe de
alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, cineva era \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit nebune\uc1
\u351 ?te de mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cea mai bun\uc1
\u259 ? solu\uc1 \u355 ?ie, pentru socrul \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru cumnatul meu, era
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toresc cu Hasan, dar pentru
aceasta era obligatoriu ca mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
tocme\uc1 \u351 ?ti martori, iar apoi s\uc1 \u259 ?-l convingi pe cadiu. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? persoanele cele mai apropiate de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu disp\uc1 \u259 ?
rut, adic\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?i fratele lui, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau consim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu se ivea nimeni care s\uc1 \u259 ? dezmint\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu se afla de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?
ndul drep\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, cadiul urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se prefac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i el, pentru c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva aspri, c\uc1 \u259 ?-i credea pe
martorii mincino\uc1 \u351 ?i, care aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1
\u8222 ?Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trupul acelui om pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1 \u259
?.\uc1 \u8221 ? Cea mai mare problem\uc1 \u259 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nduplece pe mine s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sesc
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce eram declarat\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?duv\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-mi cer dreptul la mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenire sau s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cer bani
pentru a m\uc1 \u259 ? rec\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u351 ?i, ceea ce
era \uc1 \u351 ?i mai important, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit cu
Hasan din proprie voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesesem,
desigur, c\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a-i \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?
ncrederea \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? culc cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac \uc1 \u238
?ntr-un fel gr\uc1 \u259 ?itor, iar asta nu pentru a dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndi \uc1
\u238 ?nvoirea de a divor\uc1 \u355 ?a, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eram sincer \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit\uc1 \u259 ? de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un efort, m-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti de Hasan. Era cu opt ani
mai mic dec\uc1 \u226 ?t b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut; pe vremea
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu era acas\uc1 \u259 ?, Hasan \uc1 \u238 ?mi
era ca un frate, iar acest sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt m\uc1 \u259 ?
apropiase de el. \uc1 \u206 ?mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau felul lui de a fi simplu, dar
plin de \uc1 \u238 ?nfocare \uc1 \u8211 ? felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se juca mereu cu
copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i dezmierda \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1
\u259 ? privea uneori, cu dor, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? el ar fi fost un om care se
stingea de sete, iar eu, un pahar cu \uc1 \u351 ?erbet rece de vi\uc1 \u351 ?ine.
Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiam, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a m\uc1
\u259 ? putea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti de cineva care m\uc1 \u259 ? punea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sp\uc1 \u259 ?l rufele, care nu era st\uc1 \u226 ?njenit de faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam t\uc1 \u226 ?rguieli, colind\uc1 \u226 ?nd
pie\uc1 \u355 ?ele laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu sclavele, cu roabele, trebuia s\uc1 \u259
? fac multe eforturi. In vremea aceea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? duceam mereu
pe la tata, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, uit\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? la crati\uc1 \u355 ?e, la oale \uc1 \u351 ?i tingiri, la
ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti, pentru ca noaptea s\uc1 \u259 ? dorm str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238
?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii, spre a ne fi
reazem unul altuia, Hasan nu mi-a oferit acest prilej. A \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat de
c\uc1 \u226 ?teva ori s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?
nghesuial\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rute, s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? pip\uc1 \u259 ?ie, mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu nu se
va mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? va ucide, a proferat
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri, a pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns ca un copil, iar eu am \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ?, date fiindu-i graba \uc1 \u351 ?i
ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? voi putea m\uc1 \u259 ?rita niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? cu el, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea timp de acea dragoste adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nobil\uc1 \u259 ? despre care se poveste\uc1 \u351 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?n legende.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?ntr-o noapte, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?eze
u\uc1 \u351 ?a camerei \uc1 \u238 ?n care dormeam cu copiii, m-am sculat pe dat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in
seama de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?-i speriam pe ei, am urlat c\uc1 \u226 ?t m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?inea gura c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? au intrat
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te ginni15 r\uc1 \u259 ?i. L-am trezit pe socrul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i,
printre temeri legate de ginni \uc1 \u351 ?i printre \uc1 \u355 ?ipete, i l-am
p\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u pe Hasan, a c\uc1
\u259 ?rui pornire violent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu se stinsese.
Printre urletele mele f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ir \uc1 \u351 ?i
vorbele despre ginni, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cap \uc1 \u351 ?i coad\uc1
\u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat seama, lucid \uc1 \u351
?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat, de dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?torul adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, de faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u era beat \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? se d\uc1
\u259 ?duse f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine la nevasta celuilalt fiu
al s\uc1 \u259 ?u, care mai avea \uc1 \u351 ?i doi copii. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai culc p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zori, c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi p\uc1 \u259 ?zesc
fiii \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva ginnilor, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
u\uc1 \u351 ?ii, n-a scos o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am dat de \uc1
\u351 ?tire, diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorc pentru o lung\uc1 \u259 ? perioad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui meu bolnav, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ocup de el, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a recunoscut \uc1 \u238 ?
nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngerea. Mi-am luat, ca amintiri din via\uc1 \u355 ?a de femeie c\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit\uc1 \u259 ?, ceasul cu cuc pe care mi-l adusese b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul meu, prad\uc1 \u259 ? de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi de la unguri \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe care nu-l v\uc1 \u226 ?ndusem, biciul \uc1 \u238 ?mpletit din vinele celui mai
n\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?ios cal arab, jocul de \uc1 \u351 ?ah din
filde\uc1 \u351 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cut la Tabriz ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui piese erau
folosite de copii c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se jucau de-a r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul \uc1 \u351 ?i
candelabrele de argint aduse ca trofee din lupta de la Nahicevan, pentru care m\uc1
\u259 ? certasem zdrav\uc1 \u259 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie v\uc1 \u226 ?ndute,
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n casa tatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam, p\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?sirea casei so\uc1 \u355 ?ului meu disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut a preschimbat
dragostea st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitoare, lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire pe care
o nutrea Hasan fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o v\uc1 \u226 ?
lv\uc1 \u259 ?taie neputincioas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar demn\uc1 \u259 ? de respect.
Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u nu avea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sprijine, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
amenin\uc1 \u355 ?e, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi trimit\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e de dragoste, decorate la col\uc1 \u355 ?uri cu p\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, cu lei \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crima\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu gazele nevinovate. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ascund c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? recitesc aceste
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e, care \uc1 \u238 ?mi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie bogata lume
imaginar\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Hasan, de care nu mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut da seama
tr\uc1 \u259 ?ind sub acela\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? cu el, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
un prieten cu suflet de pictor \uc1 \u351 ?i de poet nu le-ar fi scris \uc1 \u351 ?
i nu le-ar fi decorat. Deschisesem oblonul ferestrei, parc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a
putea slobozi un oftat c\uc1 \u259 ?tre lume, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? felul \uc1 \u238
?n care \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea Hasan, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimele r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?e, pe un ton respectuos, pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i glume\uc1 \u355 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? n-avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nrobeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
treburilor casei, deoarece c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani,
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i certurile nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1
\u355 ?ele copiilor, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i nemul\uc1 \u355 ?umirile tatei \uc1 \u238
?mi f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ?, toate, capul calendar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de-a pune Hayriye masa, i-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
tatei o infuzie c\uc1 \u259 ?ldu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din cele mai bune flori de
curmal aduse din Arabia, am pus \uc1 \u238 ?n ea o lingur\uc1 \u259 ? de miere, am
amestecat-o cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in suc de l\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ie, i-am dus-o
\uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat-o dinainte,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum dorea el, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce citea Cartea sufletului,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? fac observat\uc1 \u259 ?,
u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? ca un duh.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 El
m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ninge?\uc1 \u8221 ?, cu o voce at\uc1 \u226 ?
t de trist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de pl\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta era ultima z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? pe care avea
s-o mai vad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
sunt un Copac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu sunt un Copac
\uc1 \u351 ?i sunt foarte singur. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd plou\uc1 \u259 ?, pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ng. Pleca\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? urechea, pentru Dumnezeu, la ceea ce am
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc. Be\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? cafelele, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? piar\uc1 \u259 ? somnul, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? vi se
deschid\uc1 \u259 ? ochii, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? privi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
agerime, iar eu am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc de ce sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\aspnum \adjustright
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost desenat \uc1 \u238 ?n
grab\uc1 \u259 ?, pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie grosolan\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? dimensiuni precise, doar pentru ca \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele maestrului meddah
s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle un copac. Este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Acum, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi
de mine nu se mai afl\uc1 \u259 ? nici al\uc1 \u355 ?i copaci delica\uc1 \u355 ?i,
nici ierburi de step\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u351 ?apte frunze, nici st\uc1 \u226 ?nci
sinuoase care aduc uneori cu Diavolul, alteori cu oamenii \uc1 \u8211 ? nici
v\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tuci de nori chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe cer. Exist\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul, exist\uc1 \u259 ? cerul, sunt eu \uc1 \u351
?i mai este linia orizontului. Dar povestea mea este ceva mai complicat\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 2. Desigur c\uc1
\u259 ?, fiind un Copac, nu trebuie cu orice pre\uc1 \u355 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac
parte din carte. Dar m\uc1 \u259 ? simt cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te la g\uc1
\u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ?, fiind imaginea unui copac, nu sunt o pagin\uc1 \u259 ?
de carte oarecare. \uc1 \u206 ?mi trece prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ?, de vreme ce nu am
nici un rost \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o carte, imaginea mea va fi at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat\uc1
\u259 ? pe un perete, iar idolatrii \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nii se
vor pleca \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea. Sper s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
aud\uc1 \u259 ? adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii hogei din Erzurum, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? laud
\uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? cu acest lucru, pentru ca apoi imediat s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt, ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. Iar motivul principal al
singur\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele este c\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1
\u259 ?car eu nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu din ce poveste fac parte. Urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fac
parte dintr-o poveste, dar am c\uc1 \u259 ?zut din ea ca o frunz\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? istorisesc:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Povestea c\uc1 \u259 ?derii mele din poveste asemenea c\uc1 \u259 ?derii frunzei
din copac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum patruzeci de ani, c\uc1
\u226 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se ramoleasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?
ahul persan Tahmasp care a fost mereu cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat du\uc1 \u351 ?man
al otomanilor, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? din \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume s-a \uc1
\u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat de distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ii, de vin, de muzic\uc1 \u259 ?,
de poezie, de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, care erau cele mai de seam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ndeletniciri ale sale. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u351 ?i de
cafea, i s-a oprit \uc1 \u351 ?i mintea-n loc. Cu mutra lui acr\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
umoarea \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? a b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nilor,
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a mutat capitala de la Tabriz, care se afla atunci \uc1 \u238 ?n
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nirea persanilor, la Kazvin, spre a fi departe de ostile
otomane. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nit \uc1 \u351 ?
i mai mult a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi ginnul \uc1 \u238 ?n
el, \uc1 \u351 ?i-atunci a zis c\uc1 \u259 ? se c\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te din
ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul sufletului pentru pasiunea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de vin, de
fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?i nev\uc1 \u226 ?rstnici \uc1 \u351 ?i de
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?; aceasta este cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? dovad\uc1 \u259 ? a
faptului c\uc1 \u259 ?, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciunea pentru cafea,
m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?ah \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pierdut \uc1 \u351 ?i
judecata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Astfel se face c\uc1
\u259 ? leg\uc1 \u259 ?torii, caligrafii, auritorii, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini de aur care \uc1 \u238 ?mplineau, de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani,
la Tabriz, cele mai mari miracole ale lumii s-au risipit ca pot\uc1 \u226 ?
rnichile. Sultan Ibrahim Mirza, nepotul \uc1 \u351 ?i ginerele \uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Tahmasp, i-a chemat pe cei mai str\uc1 \u259 ?luci\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre ei la Me\uc1
\u351 ?hed, unde era guvernator, i-a r\uc1 \u226 ?nduit \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i le-a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? copieze cele \uc1 \u351 ?apte
mesnevi-uri16 din Cele \uc1 \u351 ?apte tronuri opera lui C\uc1 \u226 ?mi, cel mai
mare poet de la Herat, pe vremea lui Timur \uc1 \u8211 ? realiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd o
carte minunat\uc1 \u259 ?, bogat ornamentat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
ilustrat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp, care pe de o parte \uc1 \u238 ?l
iubea pe nepotul s\uc1 \u259 ?u cel de\uc1 \u351 ?tept \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cut, iar pe de alta \uc1 \u238 ?l pizmuia, care avea mustr\uc1 \u259 ?ri de con\uc1
\u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i-o d\uc1 \u259 ?duse de
so\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe fiica lui, l-a invidiat auzind de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte
miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, cuprins de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, l-a surghiunit,
trimi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i de la Me\uc1
\u351 ?hed, din postul s\uc1 \u259 ?u de guvernator, \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?
ul Kain, iar mai apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un nou acces de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, \uc1 \u238
?n or\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?elul Sebzivar. \uc1 \u206 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i chip,
caligrafii \uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din Me\uc1 \u351 ?hed s-au
risipit prin alte ora\uc1 \u351 ?e, pe alte meleaguri, prin atelierele altor
sultani \uc1 \u351 ?i prin\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dar, ca prin miracol, minunata carte a lui Sultan Ibrahim Mirza nu a r\uc1 \u259 ?
mas neterminat\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece acesta avea un bibliotecar foarte devotat.
Omul acesta \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?leca pe cal, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? exista la
\uc1 \u350 ?iraz vreun me\uc1 \u351 ?ter care f\uc1 \u259 ?urea cele mai bune
auriri, mergea la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, lua de acolo cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini
sortite caligrafului care scria \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai rafinat stil nestalik \uc1
\u351 ?i le ducea la Isfahan, apoi trecea mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ajung\uc1 \u226 ?nd
tocmai la Buhara, \uc1 \u351 ?i-i cerea marelui maestru miniaturist aflat \uc1
\u238 ?n serviciul hanului uzbec s\uc1 \u259 ? or\uc1 \u226 ?nduiasc\uc1 \u259 ?
imaginea, iar oamenilor lui s\uc1 \u259 ? o deseneze. Ajuns apoi la Herat, \uc1
\u238 ?l punea, de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe unul dintre vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate orb, s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze din memorie
ml\uc1 \u259 ?dierea plantelor \uc1 \u351 ?i a frunzelor; trecea dup\uc1 \u259 ?
aceea pe la un alt caligraf,
din Herat, pe care-l punea s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie, \uc1 \u238 ?n stil rika aurit,
inscrip\uc1 \u355 ?ia de pe t\uc1 \u259 ?bli\uc1 \u355 ?a de deasupra u\uc1 \u351 ?
ii din miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, pornea iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spre miaz\uc1
\u259 ?zi, spre Kain, \uc1 \u351 ?i tot c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torind astfel,
vreme de \uc1 \u351 ?ase luni, sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea prin a-i ar\uc1
\u259 ?ta lui Sultan Ibrahim Mirza jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea de pagin\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ? o ispr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ?, primind, \uc1
\u238 ?n schimb, din partea lui o exclama\uc1 \u355 ?ie admirativ\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a ajuns la concluzia c\uc1
\u259 ?, prin plecarea lui Sultan Ibrahim Mirza, cartea nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, drept care au fost n\uc1
\u259 ?imi\uc1 \u355 ?i soli t\uc1 \u259 ?tari. Fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia dintre ei i s-
a dat, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu pagina care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie decorat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafiat\uc1 \u259 ?, o scrisoare \uc1 \u238 ?n care se
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ce anume se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de la artist. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul
acesta, pe drumurile din \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor, din Horasan, din \uc1 \u355 ?
inutul uzbecilor \uc1 \u351 ?i din Transoxiana s-au perindat soli care purtau
asupra lor pagini de carte. Pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuirea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii a
fost \uc1 \u351 ?i ea zorit\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum au fost zori\uc1 \u355
?i \uc1 \u351 ?i solii. Uneori, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?te un caravanserai din
care se auzeau urletele lupilor \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
dit\uc1 \u259 ? de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneau
pagina cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ? cu pagina o sut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?aizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i doi, iar purt\uc1 \u259 ?torii lor, \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul taifasurilor c\uc1 \u259 ?
lucrau la aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i carte, se trudeau s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? de
unde erau desprinse foile pe care le aduceau din od\uc1 \u259 ?ile lor, c\uc1 \u259
?rui mesnevi \uc1 \u238 ?i apar\uc1 \u355 ?ineau, unde le era locul.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-una din paginile acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i, despre care am aflat cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi c\uc1
\u259 ? a fost \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiat\uc1 \u259 ?, urma s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
aflu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Din p\uc1 \u259 ?cate \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238
?ntr-o zi rece de iarn\uc1 \u259 ?, t\uc1 \u226 ?lharii i-au t\uc1 \u259 ?iat calea
solului t\uc1 \u259 ?tar care str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tea o trec\uc1 \u259 ?
toare aflat\uc1 \u259 ? printre st\uc1 \u226 ?nci. Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
l-au b\uc1 \u259 ?tut, apoi l-au despuiat dup\uc1 \u259 ? datin\uc1 \u259 ?, l-au
siluit \uc1 \u351 ?i l-au ucis f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cru\uc1 \u355 ?are. De
aceea, nici eu nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu din ce pagin\uc1 \u259 ? m-am desprins.
Rug\uc1 \u259 ?mintea mea este s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? uita\uc1 \u355 ?i la
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spune\uc1 \u355 ?i: ar fi trebuit s\uc1
\u259 ?-l umbresc oare pe Mecnun, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a vizitat-o pe Leyla \uc1 \u238 ?
n cortul ei, \uc1 \u238 ?n straie de cioban? Urma oare s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
pierd \uc1 \u238 ?n noapte, spre a putea descrie \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul din
sufletul celui lipsit de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere?
A\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? fug de pretutindeni, s\uc1 \u259 ? trec peste
m\uc1 \u259 ?ri, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?esc cu
fericirea celor doi iubi\uc1 \u355 ?i care \uc1 \u351 ?i-au aflat tihna pe o
insul\uc1 \u259 ? doldora de p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i de fructe!
A\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu umbra ultimelor clipe ale lui Alexandru,
care a fost v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?mat de soare \uc1 \u351 ?i a murit dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce a s\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat pe nas zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce cucerea \uc1 \u355 ?inutul Indiei! Sau poate urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fiu de
folos acelui tat\uc1 \u259 ? care-i oferea fiului s\uc1 \u259 ?u sfaturi de
dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a face aluzie la
for\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta lui? Care era povestea c\uc1
\u259 ?reia urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sporesc \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul \uc1 \u351
?i delicate\uc1 \u355 ?ea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unul din
t\uc1 \u226 ?lharii care l-au ucis pe sol, care m-au luat cu ei \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au
purtat pretutindeni, peste mun\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i prin ora\uc1 \u351 ?e,
\uc1 \u238 ?mi cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea oarecum \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tatea,
v\uc1 \u259 ?dind ging\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ia de a pricepe c\uc1 \u259 ? este
mai pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti imaginea unui copac dec\uc1
\u226 ?t un copac \uc1 \u238 ?n sine, dar, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia
din ce poveste f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte copacul, s-a plictisit repede de mine.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m-a purtat din ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?,
banditul acesta nu m-a rupt \uc1 \u351 ?i nu m-a aruncat, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam eu, ci m-a v\uc1 \u226 ?ndut, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un han, unui om
sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, pe un ulcior cu vin. Acest am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t plin de
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ire pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea, uneori, nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? privea la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a
murit de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, i-a fost v\uc1 \u226 ?ndut tot avutul. Mul\uc1
\u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? maestrului meddah care m-a cump\uc1 \u259 ?rat, am ajuns
tocmai la Istanbul. Acum sunt foarte fericit, onorat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
aflu \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1 \u259 ? printre voi,
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafii cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini miraculoase,
cu ochi de vultur, cu voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de o\uc1 \u355 ?el, cu \uc1
\u238 ?ncheieturi delicate ai Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru otoman \uc1 \u351 ?i,
pentru numele lui Dumnezeu, v\uc1 \u259 ? implor s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i crede\uc1 \u355
?i pe cei care spun c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a desenat un maestru miniaturist pe h\uc1 \u226
?rtie proast\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat pe perete.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? vede\uc1 \u355 ?i ce minciuni, ce
cleveteli, ce baliverne neru\uc1 \u351 ?inate se mai v\uc1 \u226 ?ntur\uc1 \u259 ?!
Chipurile, ieri noapte, maestrul meu ar fi ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at aici, pe
perete, imaginea unui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi povestit aventurile
acestui animal obraznic; or el, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, povestea
aventurile unui oarecare Husret Hogea din Erzurum! Acum, cei care \uc1 \u355 ?in la
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Husret Hogea din Erzurum au \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles
gre\uc1 \u351 ?it acest lucru; chipurile, el ar fi fost subiectul pove\uc1 \u351 ?
tii! Dar cum am fi putut noi s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
marelui, preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului predicator este un necunoscut? A\uc1 \u351 ?! Cum
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne treac\uc1 \u259 ? prin minte a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva? Ce fel de
urzeal\uc1 \u259 ?, ce inven\uc1 \u355 ?ie neru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ? mai
e \uc1 \u351 ?i asta?! De vreme ce Husret din Erzurum este confundat cu Nusret din
Erzurum, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun povestea copacului lui Nedret Hogea
cel Sa\uc1 \u351 ?iu din Sivas.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd la o parte faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Nedret
Hogea cel Sa\uc1 \u351 ?iu din Sivas a proferat blesteme la adresa patimii pentru
fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?i frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, el ar mai fi spus c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cafeaua este
lucrarea diavolului \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? acela care o bea va sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad. Ei, tu, cel din Sivas, ai uitat oare cum a ajuns
s\uc1 \u259 ? se plece ramura asta a mea, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de uria\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc, dar jura\uc1 \u355 ?
i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spune\uc1 \u355 ?i nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci s\uc1
\u259 ? ne fereasc\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu de calomnia v\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ce s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi,
un om c\uc1 \u226 ?t un munte, un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat de isprav\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nalt la trup, cu labe ca de urs, a urcat, cu cel pomenit mai sus, pe ramura
asta a mea; cei doi s-au pitit \uc1 \u238 ?n frunzi\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei bogat \uc1
\u351 ?i, m\uc1 \u259 ? ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i, trosca-fleosca, \uc1 \u351 ?i-au
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut treaba. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce i-o tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea, uria\uc1
\u351 ?ul, despre care am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles mai apoi c\uc1 \u259 ? era
Diavolul, \uc1 \u238 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta pe de o parte cu dr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?enie pe omul nostru, pe frumoasele lui urechi, iar
pe de alta parte \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?optea:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cafeaua este oprit\uc1 \u259 ?; cafeaua este un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Potrivit acestei \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri, cel care crede \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
nsu\uc1 \u351 ?irile d\uc1 \u259 ?un\uc1 \u259 ?toare al cafelei nu crede \uc1
\u238 ?n poruncile bunei noastre religii, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n Diavol.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc \uc1 \u238 ?n
final \uc1 \u351 ?i despre pictorii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t, dac\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? vreun nelegiuit care \uc1 \u238 ?i
imit\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? ia aminte. Acum, pictorii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia fr\uc1
\u226 ?nci \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un asemenea mod chipurile regilor, ale preo\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, ale
domnilor, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i ale doamnelor, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, doar
privindu-le portretele, po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i recuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe
acei oameni pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?. De fapt, nevestele oamenilor \uc1 \u259 ?stora
umbl\uc1 \u259 ? libere pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?
judeca\uc1 \u355 ?i voi restul! Dar nici asta nu le-a fost de ajuns, c\uc1 \u259 ?
ci au dus lucrurile \uc1 \u351 ?i mai departe. Nu la codo\uc1 \u351 ?ie m\uc1 \u259
? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc, ci la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Un mare pictor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc se plimba, cu un alt mare pictor, pe
o paji\uc1 \u351 ?te franc\uc1 \u259 ?, vorbind despre iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i despre art\uc1 \u259 ?. Le-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n
cale o p\uc1 \u259 ?dure. Cel mai iscusit dintre ei a spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Pentru a picta dup\uc1 \u259 ? noul stil, ai nevoie de un asemenea
talent \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pictezi un copac dintr-o
p\uc1 \u259 ?dure, \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?timitul care prive\uc1 \u351 ?te
imaginea s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? veni aici, dac\uc1 \u259 ? voie\uc1 \u351 ?
te, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? deosebeasc\uc1 \u259 ? acel copac de ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i copaci, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ? bietul de
mine \uc1 \u8211 ? copacul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l ave\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor \uc1 \u8211 ? nu am fost pictat cu o asemenea
socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i asta nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1
\u238 ?n stilul folosit de fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, to\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?inii din
Istanbul \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe mine nevoile, crez\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
m\uc1 \u259 ? un copac adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? un copac \uc1 \u238 ?n sine; vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu esen\uc1
\u355 ?a lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 11. M\uc1 \u259 ?
numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ninsoarea, care a
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, a \uc1 \u355 ?
inut p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a. Am citit r\uc1 \u259 ?
va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re iar \uc1 \u351 ?i iar,
toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?m cu
pa\uc1 \u351 ?i nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i camera pustie din casa la fel de pustie,
m\uc1 \u259 ? apropiam de sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nic \uc1 \u351 ?i contemplam, la lumina
\uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?itoare a lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, tremurul nervos
al literelor pe care le trasase iubita mea, curbele pe care le descriau spre a
ticlui minciuni, mi\uc1 \u351 ?carea lor unduioas\uc1 \u259 ?, de la dreapta la
st\uc1 \u226 ?nga. \uc1 \u206 ?n acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, vedeam aievea \uc1 \u238
?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor cum se deschidea pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate oblonul,
vedeam fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul trist al iubitei care se
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tase brusc privirii mele. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i chipul cel
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, uitasem \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? de toate acele figuri pe
care le purtasem \uc1 \u238 ?n mine, modific\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le mereu, cu g\uc1
\u226 ?ndul la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, de toate acele guri vi\uc1 \u351 ?inii
care se m\uc1 \u259 ?riser\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncetare,
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu trecerea timpului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat am\uc1 \u259 ?git o vreme, la ceas de noapte, de g\uc1 \u226 ?
nduri de \uc1 \u238 ?nsur\uc1 \u259 ?toare. \uc1 \u206 ?n visarea mea nu aveam nici
un fel de \uc1 \u238 ?ndoieli cu privire la propria-mi dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i la
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ea era \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toream, astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?
nconjura\uc1 \u355 ?i de o mare fericire, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? fericirea din
visele mele se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea praf \uc1 \u351 ?i pulbere \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu scar\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu mai limpede, nu izbuteam
s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc nimic potrivit de lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
ciond\uc1 \u259 ?neam mereu cu nevasta mea, neav\uc1 \u226 ?nd nici un cuv\uc1
\u226 ?nt de spus \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? o parte din
visele mele \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?lcite \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aveau
ob\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n sec\uc1 \u355 ?iunea privitoare la
prejudiciile c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toriei din cartea lui Gazali, Re\uc1 \u238 ?
nvierea \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?elor religioase, pe care o citeam \uc1 \u238 ?n
nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile de holtei petrecute \uc1 \u238 ?n Arabia, mi-a venit \uc1
\u238 ?n minte, la ceas de noapte, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i
pagini se vorbea \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult despre foloasele c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
toriei. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda tuturor acestor str\uc1 \u259 ?danii, n-am izbutit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi amintesc dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de dou\uc1 \u259 ? din aceste foloase.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
\uc1 \u355 ?ine cineva casa \uc1 \u238 ?n ordine; \uc1 \u238 ?n casa cu scar\uc1
\u259 ? din reveriile mele nu d\uc1 \u259 ?inuia \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nici un
fel de ordine. \uc1 \u206 ?n al doilea r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
m de masturb\uc1 \u259 ?rile vinovate \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai mult, nu mai luam, plin de
regrete, urma codo\uc1 \u351 ?ilor, umbl\uc1 \u226 ?nd dup\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1
\u226 ?rfe pe uli\uc1 \u355 ?e dosnice \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoase.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 G\uc1 \u226 ?ndul acestei m\uc1 \u226 ?ntuiri mi-a readus
\uc1 \u238 ?n minte, \uc1 \u238 ?n miez de noapte, masturbarea. Dorind s\uc1
\u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urez lucrurile, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi scot din cap c\uc1 \u226 ?t
mai cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd acest g\uc1 \u226 ?nd st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor, m-am refugiat
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiam s\uc1 \u259 ? fac de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? mai puteam masturba. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? doisprezece ani, m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostisem din nou!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dovad\uc1 \u259 ? uluitoare mi-a st\uc1 \u226 ?
rnit o emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de vie, o asemenea spaim\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? umblu prin \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca flac\uc1 \u259 ?ra lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?rii. De ce era nevoie de r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul acela, care nu avea
nici o noim\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re urma s\uc1
\u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai contrariul, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la
fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u259 ?zul lumii? De ce m\uc1 \u259 ?
chema tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei, dac\uc1 \u259 ? fata lui era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
nedornic\uc1 \u259 ? de mine? \uc1 \u206 ?mi jucau oare vreo fest\uc1 \u259 ?,
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?i fiica? Str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?team \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea de la un cap\uc1 \u259 ?t la altul, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind c\uc1
\u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a, peretele, podeaua care sc\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?ia, toate se opinteau din greu ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1
\u259 ? la fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare \uc1 \u351 ?i se b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1
\u226 ?iau la fel ca mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am privit
pictura pe care o pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuisem cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cea
care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n
care \uc1 \u350 ?irin se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostea de H\uc1 \u252 ?srev,
v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i portretul at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat de ramura unui copac.
0 pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?disem inspirat de o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-o carte
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? virtu\uc1 \u355 ?i deosebite, primit\uc1 \u259 ? de
Unchiul de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, de la Tabriz. Contemplarea ei nu m-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
nici s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sfiesc, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple \uc1 \u238 ?n anii urm\uc1 \u259 ?tori ori de
c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?mi aminteam de ea (din pricina simplit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii picturii \uc1 \u351 ?i a declara\uc1 \u355 ?iei mele de
dragoste), nu mi-a redat nici fericitele amintiri de tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e. Cum, spre
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mintea mea a redevenit st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? pe situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut gestul lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re de a mi-o retrimite ca pe o mi\uc1 \u351 ?care din acel joc de
\uc1 \u351 ?ah al dragostei pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l urzea cu m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrie
pentru mine. M-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u351 ?i, la lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?
nicului, i-am scris lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?
de r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am dormit pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, am v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul la piept \uc1 \u351 ?i am
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cind \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelung. Z\uc1 \u259 ?pada l\uc1 \u259 ?rgise uli\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?nguste
ale Istanbulului \uc1 \u351 ?i eliberase, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, ora\uc1
\u351 ?ul de \uc1 \u238 ?mbulzeal\uc1 \u259 ?. Totul era t\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1
\u351 ?i neclintit, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele cu z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?
de atunci, am avut sentimentul c\uc1 \u259 ? acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?urile, cupolele,
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinile Istanbulului erau n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dite de corbi.
Mergeam repede, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunetul pa\uc1 \u351 ?ilor mei pe z\uc1
\u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i privind aburul care-mi ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea din
gur\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? cuprindea emo\uc1 \u355 ?ia la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
c\uc1 \u259 ? atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al Seraiului, unde dorea Unchiul
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc, era la fel de t\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca
str\uc1 \u259 ?zile. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde \uc1 \u238 ?
n cartierul evreiesc, i-am transmis printr-un copil lui Ester, care urma s\uc1
\u259 ?-i duc\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, unde urma s\uc1 \u259 ? ne vedem \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciunea de pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am dus
devreme la atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din spatele Aksarayului. La prima
vedere, cl\uc1 \u259 ?direa ce ad\uc1 \u259 ?postea atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n care ucenicisem o vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, \uc1
\u238 ?n care intrasem prin mijlocirea Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care mai apoi o
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sisem, nu se schimbase cu nimic, dincolo de \uc1 \u355 ?
ur\uc1 \u355 ?urii de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care at\uc1 \u226 ?rnau pe la
stre\uc1 \u351 ?ini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?uzit de un ucenic t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i
chipe\uc1 \u351 ?, am trecut printre leg\uc1 \u259 ?tori b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?ni, ame\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de duhoarea lipiciului \uc1 \u351 ?i a
cleiului, printre mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ghebo\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de vreme, printre tineri care amestecau vopselele f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se uita la bolurile de pe genunchii lor, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
st\uc1 \u259 ?teau cu privirile a\uc1 \u355 ?intite trist asupra fl\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?rilor din c\uc1 \u259 ?min. Am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
col\uc1 \u355 ?, un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n care vopsea cu trud\uc1 \u259 ?
oul de stru\uc1 \u355 ? din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui, un unchia\uc1 \u351 ? care \uc1
\u238 ?mpodobea vesel un sertar, un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r ucenic care-i
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi cu mult respect. I-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut,
printr-o u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, pe me\uc1 \u351 ?terii
care-i mustrau pe tinerii ucenici \uc1 \u351 ?i care, spre a-i face s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i priceap\uc1 \u259 ? mai bine gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala, le
apropiaser\uc1 \u259 ? chipurile stacojii de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile din fa\uc1 \u355 ?
a lor, mai-mai s\uc1 \u259 ? le-ating\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o alt\uc1
\u259 ? chilie, un ucenic \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat \uc1 \u351 ?i trist uitase de
culori, de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii, de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i privea plin de
\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire strada pe care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?isem eu
ceva mai devreme. Miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care copiau picturi, care preg\uc1 \u259
?teau \uc1 \u351 ?abloane \uc1 \u351 ?i vopsele \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a u\uc1
\u351 ?ilor deschise ale chiliilor, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascu\uc1 \u355 ?eau
condeiele se uitau chior\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?, cu du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie
la mine, cel str\uc1 \u259 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am urcat
sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile podite cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?it pe sub porticul care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea roat\uc1 \u259 ? celor patru laturi
ale celui de-al doilea cat al atelierului. Jos, \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea
interioar\uc1 \u259 ?, doi ucenici afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta copil\uc1
\u259 ?riei tremurau v\uc1 \u259 ?dit de frig, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda mantalelor lungi
din postav gros cu care erau \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i; a\uc1
\u351 ?teptau ceva, poate s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pedepsi\uc1 \u355 ?i. Mi-am amintit de
b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile pe care le m\uc1 \u226 ?ncau, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii
primei noastre tinere\uc1 \u355 ?i, ucenicii care leneveau sau care pr\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?deau vopsele scumpe, de bastoanele pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ncasau la
t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le s\uc1 \u226 ?ngerau
picioarele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am p\uc1 \u259 ?
truns \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere \uc1 \u238 ?n care era cald.
Am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti a\uc1 \u351 ?eza\uc1 \u355 ?i tihnit pe
genunchi, dar ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia nu erau mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din reveriile mele, ci
tineri care abia-\uc1 \u351 ?i sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?
ucenicia. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, care-mi inspirase
c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat\uc1 \u259
? emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie, nu mai era acum atelierul unui padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah m\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i bogat, deoarece marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, c\uc1
\u259 ?rora Maestrul Osman le d\uc1 \u259 ?duse felurite porecle, lucrau de-acum
acas\uc1 \u259 ?; sem\uc1 \u259 ?na mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?perea spa\uc1 \u355 ?ioas\uc1 \u259 ? a vreunui caravanserai oriental,
pierdut \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mun\uc1 \u355 ?i pustii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman, care era a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n margine, la un mic pupitru \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care-l
vedeam pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? cincisprezece ani, sem\uc1
\u259 ?na, mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu o stafie dec\uc1
\u226 ?t cu o umbr\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n lumina alb\uc1 \u259 ? ca z\uc1 \u259
?pada care p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea pe fereastra dinspre Sf\uc1 \u226 ?nta Sofia,
marele maestru care, ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori visam, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriilor mele, la miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, la pictur\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea aievea \uc1 \u238 ?n reverii, \uc1
\u238 ?nconjurat de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum era \uc1 \u351 ?i
Behzad p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi contopit de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme cu
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rile de pe cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? lume.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat m\uc1 \u226 ?na, pe care am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut-o acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de pete cafenii, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am povestit
despre mine. I-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul m-a adus aici \uc1 \u238 ?n
copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, dar c\uc1 \u259 ?, prefer\uc1 \u226 ?nd condeiul, am plecat,
c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am petrecut anii pe drumuri, \uc1 \u238 ?n serviciul unor
pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale din ora\uc1 \u351 ?ele orientale c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le-am slujit
ca scrib ori ca defterdar17, c\uc1 \u259 ?, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de Serhat Pa\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i de alte pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale, i-am cunoscut pe caligrafii
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din Tabriz \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
le-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? diverse c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost la Bagdad \uc1 \u351 ?i la Alep, la Van
\uc1 \u351 ?i la Tiflis, c\uc1 \u259 ? am luat parte la tot felul de r\uc1 \u259 ?
zboaie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ah,
Tiflis! A zis marele maestru privind, prin p\uc1 \u226 ?nza cerat\uc1 \u259 ? de la
fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, la lumina care se strecura \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru,
venind dinspre gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina invadat\uc1 \u259 ? de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259
?. Oare acolo ninge acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se purta
ca vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri persani, care orbeau pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?
ce se des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?eau \uc1 \u238 ?n arta lor, care,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?, duceau o via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de sfin\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?
tate de ramoli\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i despre care se istoriseau legende
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it; din privirea lui ager\uc1
\u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? pe dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l avea deloc la suflet pe Unchiul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndoia de mine. Cu toate acestea, i-am povestit c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n deserturile arabe ningea nu doar la moscheea Sf\uc1 \u226 ?nta Sofia,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla aici, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n amintiri. I-am povestit c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ninge peste
fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?a din Tiflis, femeile care spal\uc1 \u259 ? rufe
\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? melodii sm\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ate ca
florile, iar copiii \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pun z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? sub
pern\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?
at\uc1 \u259 ? vara.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-mi ce miniaturi, ce picturi fac miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1
\u351 ?i pictorii de prin \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile pe unde ai umblat, mi-a
zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 T\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul
miniaturist vis\uc1 \u259 ?tor care se cufundase \uc1 \u238 ?n reverie \uc1 \u238 ?
n vreme ce trasa, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ?, linii pe pagini \uc1 \u351 ?
i-a ridicat capul de pe suportul de carte \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a privit, \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? mi-ar fi spus:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Ia poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-ne acum cel mai adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat basm!\uc1
\u8221 ? Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiam c\uc1 \u259 ? majoritatea acestor
oameni, care habar n-aveau cine era b\uc1 \u259 ?can \uc1 \u238 ?n cartierul lor,
de ce era certat acesta cu vecinul lui zarzavagiu, c\uc1 \u226 ?t costa ocaua de
p\uc1 \u226 ?ine, \uc1 \u351 ?tiau cine \uc1 \u351 ?i ce fel de miniatur\uc1
\u259 ? face la Tabriz, la Kazvin, la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz \uc1 \u351 ?i la Bagdad,
care hani, \uc1 \u351 ?ahi, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi, prin\uc1 \u355 ?i risipeau bani pe
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t d\uc1 \u259 ?deau pe ele,
ori cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1 \u259 ? auziser\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? la sastiseal\uc1 \u259 ? de cele mai noi b\uc1 \u226 ?rfe \uc1 \u351 ?i zvonuri,
care se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndeau \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste locuri cu iu\uc1
\u355 ?eala ciumei. Le-am povestit, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Asta deoarece veneam de
acolo, din R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit, din \uc1 \u355 ?inutul persan, \uc1 \u238
?n care se r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiau armate, \uc1 \u238 ?n care prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?iau g\uc1 \u226 ?tul unul altuia, pr\uc1
\u259 ?d\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u226 ?nd foc ora\uc1 \u351 ?elor,
\uc1 \u238 ?n care se vorbea zilnic despre r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi \uc1 \u351 ?i despre
pace \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care, de secole, se scriau cele mai minunate
poeme, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se \uc1 \u238 ?mplineau cele mai bune miniaturi \uc1
\u351 ?i picturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n
ultimii ani ai vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale, \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp, care a domnit
cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i doi de ani, a uitat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum bine \uc1 \u351 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, de dragostea sa pentru carte, pentru miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le spatele
poe\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, caligrafilor, a murit ca un
habotnic, iar locul i-a fost luat de fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Ismail, am zis. Abia
urcat pe tron, noul \uc1 \u351 ?ah, pe care tat\uc1 \u259 ?l s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1
\u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inuse \uc1 \u238 ?n temni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani, deoarece-i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea relele apuc\uc1 \u259 ?
turi \uc1 \u351 ?i firea cert\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a \uc1
\u238 ?nnebunit \uc1 \u351 ?i le-a t\uc1 \u259 ?iat g\uc1 \u226 ?tul fra\uc1
\u355 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce altora le-a luat vederea \uc1
\u351 ?i i-a alungat. Dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-au ame\uc1 \u355 ?it cu opium, l-au
otr\uc1 \u259 ?vit \uc1 \u351 ?i au sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat de el, du\uc1 \u351 ?manii
lui l-au adus la tron pe fratele lui mai mare, Muhammet Hudabende, cel slab de
minte. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremea lui, s-au r\uc1 \u259 ?sculat to\uc1 \u355 ?i
prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii, fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii, valiii18, uzbecii \uc1 \u351 ?i au prins
s\uc1 \u259 ? se lupte at\uc1 \u226 ?t de amarnic \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, precum
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu Serhat Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a al nostru, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u354 ?ara Persanilor a fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de neor\uc1 \u226 ?nduial\uc1
\u259 ?, de tulburare. \uc1 \u350 ?ahul de-acum, lipsit de bani, de minte \uc1
\u351 ?i pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate orb, nu mai era \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?
cear\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i scrise ori ilustrate. \uc1 \u206 ?n
felul acesta, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii legendari din Kazvin \uc1 \u351 ?i din Herat
to\uc1 \u355 ?i acei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u351 ?i
acei ucenici care s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?eau miracole \uc1 \u238 ?n
atelierul \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Tahmasp, acei pictori ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror peneluri
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau caii s\uc1 \u259 ? o ia la galop \uc1 \u351 ?i fluturii s\uc1
\u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?pung\uc1 \u259 ? pagina \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i ia zborul, acei magicieni ai culorilor, acei leg\uc1 \u259 ?tori
iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i, acei caligrafi au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
lucru, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? bani, ba chiar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? un
ad\uc1 \u259 ?post deasupra capului. Unii dintre ei s-au str\uc1 \u259 ?mutat c\uc1
\u259 ?tre miaz\uc1 \u259 ?noapte, la \uc1 \u350 ?aybanizi, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii
\uc1 \u238 ?n India, iar al\uc1 \u355 ?ii au venit \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace, la Istanbul.
Unii dintre ei s-au apucat de alte lucruri \uc1 \u351 ?i s-au pierdut, astfel, nu
numai pe ei, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i-au pierdut \uc1 \u351 ?i onoarea. Al\uc1 \u355 ?ii au
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n serviciul unor prin\uc1 \u355 ?i ori valii m\uc1 \u259 ?
run\uc1 \u355 ?i, care se du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?neau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, \uc1
\u351 ?i au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, care aveau cel mult trei-patru pagini ilustrate. C\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ile ieftine, scrise \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
ilustrate \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a fi pe gustul unor solda\uc1 \u355
?i de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, al unor pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
educa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, al unor prin\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i s-au r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit pretutindeni.}{\fs24
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe merg lucrurile?
A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? marele Sadiki Bey ar fi ilustrat o carte de F\uc1 \u259 ?pturi
ciudate pentru un spahiu uzbec, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimbul a doar patruzeci de galbeni.
\uc1 \u206 ?n cortul unui pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? necioplit, \uc1 \u238 ?ntors
de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd la Erzurum din campania \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient, am z\uc1 \u259 ?
rit un album plin cu picturi necuviincioase, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre care se aflau \uc1
\u351 ?i unele ie\uc1 \u351 ?ite din m\uc1 \u226 ?na maestrului Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ?.
C\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, care nu s-au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?uresc picturi izolate, care nu fac parte din
nici o carte, din nici o poveste \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi le v\uc1 \u226 ?nd. C\uc1 \u226
?nd te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la acea unic\uc1 \u259 ? imagine nu te mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebi ce scen\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u351 ?i din ce poveste face parte; te
ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la ea doar pentru pictura \uc1 \u238 ?n sine, pentru pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cerea de a privi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i spui, de exemplu: \uc1 \u8222 ?Pare a fi
un cal des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, ce frumos este!\uc1 \u8221 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i dai bani
pictorului. Se cer mult \uc1 \u351 ?i scenele de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i
cele de \uc1 \u238 ?mpreunare trupeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. O scen\uc1 \u259 ? de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ? cu multe personaje a sc\uc1 \u259 ?zut la trei sute de aspri, iar
cei care comand\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea picturi par s\uc1 \u259 ? fi disp\uc1 \u259 ?
rut cu totul. Unii fac imagini pe buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie
ne\uc1 \u351 ?lefuit\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? luciu \uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se mai folosi m\uc1 \u259 ?car de vopsele desene
\uc1 \u238 ?n alb \uc1 \u351 ?i negru, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mai ieftine \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? li se iveasc\uc1 \u259 ? mu\uc1 \u351 ?terii.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aveam un auritor peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de
fericit, peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de talentat, a zis Maestrul Osman. \uc1
\u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea treaba cu o asemenea delicate\uc1 \u355 ?
e, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?l numeam Delicat Efendi. Dar \uc1
\u351 ?i el ne-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u351 ?i a plecat. Sunt \uc1 \u351 ?ase zile
de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut. A disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum poate omul s\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? acest atelier, aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
fericit\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rinteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?
i s\uc1 \u259 ? plece? Am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cei patru
tineri mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai mei, Fluture, M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?,
Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Delicatul, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fac, de-acum
miniaturile la ei acas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu voia Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, a zis
Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La prima vedere,
lucrul acesta era menit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze
mai \uc1 \u238 ?n tihn\uc1 \u259 ? la Cartea ceremoniilor, de care era absorbit
\uc1 \u238 ?ntregul atelier. De data aceasta, sultanul nu mai pusese s\uc1 \u259 ?
se preg\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? un loc special, \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea
atelierului, pentru ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
ci le poruncise s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze pe la casele lor. Venindu-mi \uc1 \u238 ?n
minte c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? porunc\uc1 \u259 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, cartea Unchiului, am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. C\uc1 \u226 ?
t de \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit vorbea Maestrul Osman?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nuri Efendi, i s-a adresat unui miniaturist ghebos \uc1 \u351 ?i
palid, f\uc1 \u259 ?-i lui Negru Efendi o \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?are\uc1 \u8221 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vremurile acelea pline de elan, \uc1 \u238 ?n care
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u238 ?ndeaproape ceea ce se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u238 ?n atelier, \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area\uc1 \u8221 ? era o ceremonie care se
r\uc1 \u226 ?nduia o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la dou\uc1 \u259 ? luni, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul vizita atelierul. Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n
tov\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ia Mai-marelui vistiernicilor Hazim, a
Poetului de Curte Lokman \uc1 \u351 ?i a Mai-marelui miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
Osman, i se spunea la ce pagini lucrau mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii atelierului, pentru care
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, cine ce fel de aurire f\uc1 \u259 ?cea, cine ce
imagine colora, i se dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luia, \uc1 \u238 ?n parte, la ce anume lucrau
magicienii culorilor, cei care tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau liniile, auritorii, cei mai
iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat s\uc1 \u259 ? constat c\uc1
\u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ceremonie fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit\uc1 \u259 ? cu o
maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?real\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece Poetul de Curte Lokman
Efendi, care scria textele majorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ilor pictate aici, ajunsese s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai ias\uc1 \u259 ? din cas\uc1
\u259 ? de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor Osman c\uc1 \u259 ?zuse prad\uc1 \u259 ? unei necontenite am\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciuni \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?nii, iar cei patru mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri porecli\uc1 \u355 ?i Fluture, M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1
\u259 ?, Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Delicat lucrau acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
deoarece \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru nu se mai
putea \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ra copil\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd venea la atelier. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum li se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226
?mpla foarte multor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, Nuri Efendi \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?nise zadarnic, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a tr\uc1 \u259 ?i deloc
\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a deveni un maestru \uc1 \u238 ?n
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, dar nu se ghebo\uc1 \u351 ?ase
totu\uc1 \u351 ?i degeaba, plecat ani de-a r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul asupra t\uc1 \u259 ?
bliei sale de lucru; mereu fusese atent la ceea ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpla \uc1 \u238 ?n atelier, la cine \uc1 \u351 ?i ce pagin\uc1 \u259 ?
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? ilustra.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
privit, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, cu emo\uc1
\u355 ?ie, paginile legendarei C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i a ceremoniilor, care
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a festivit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?ile prilejuite de circumcizia prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.
Auzisem, tocmai din Persia, pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? se
lucra la cartea care zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vea s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toarea,
istorisiri privitoare la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ceremonie de circumcizie, care durase
cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? de zile \uc1 \u351 ?i la care luase
parte \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg Istanbulul, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de oameni reprezent\uc1
\u226 ?nd toate me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugurile, toate breslele.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n prima imagine care mi-a fost pus\uc1
\u259 ? dinainte, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, Refugiul Lumii, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la
fereastra balconului din seraiul r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Ibrahim Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a,
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, cu o privire plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
duin\uc1 \u355 ?a, festivit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile care aveau loc jos, pe
Hipodrom. Chipul \uc1 \u238 ?i fusese zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?,
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cu am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte menite s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
deosebeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de altele, din jur. \uc1 \u206 ?n st\uc1 \u226 ?nga Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n partea dreapt\uc1 \u259 ? a
picturii, care se l\uc1 \u259 ?f\uc1 \u259 ?ia pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini, la
ferestre, \uc1 \u238 ?n arcade, se aflau viziri, pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale, soli persani,
t\uc1 \u259 ?tari, fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni. Ochii
tuturor, desena\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ?, neglijent, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la ceva
anume deoarece nu erau ochi de padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah se aflau \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrepta\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre forfota din pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai
apoi am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238
?n celelalte miniaturi se repetau acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351
?i aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i or\uc1 \u226 ?nduire a paginii, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
arabescurile zidurilor, copacii, \uc1 \u355 ?igla erau pictate \uc1 \u238 ?n alt
chip \uc1 \u351 ?i cu alte culori. Astfel, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd aveau s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie \uc1 \u238 ?mplinite inscrip\uc1 \u355 ?iile de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre caligrafi,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
ite imaginile, iar Cartea ceremoniilor legat\uc1 \u259 ?, cititorul care \uc1 \u238
?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoia paginile urma s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? de fiecare
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n mereu alte culori, o cu totul alt\uc1 \u259 ?
forfot\uc1 \u259 ? la Hipodrom, privegheat\uc1 \u259 ? de privirile Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului, care r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1
\u351 ?i pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i se uita mereu c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, sub ochii mul\uc1 \u355 ?imii de
invita\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i eu am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut: i-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe cei care se n\uc1 \u259 ?
pusteau asupra sutelor de vase cu pilaf a\uc1 \u351 ?ezate acolo, la Hipodrom, i-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe cei care se speriau de iepurii \uc1 \u351 ?i de p\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?rile care se iveau din vacile puse la pro\uc1 \u355 ?ap, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau prad\uc1 \u259 ? din ele. I-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe
me\uc1 \u351 ?terii din breasla ar\uc1 \u259 ?marilor care, urca\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un car, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce treceau pe dinaintea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru, b\uc1 \u259 ?teau arama pe o nicoval\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?trat\uc1 \u259 ?, pus\uc1 \u259 ? pe pieptul dezvelit al unuia dintre ei,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-l nimeri cu ciocanele pe omul despuiat. I-am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce treceau \uc1 \u238 ?n care pe dinaintea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru, pe geamgiii care f\uc1 \u259 ?ureau garoafe \uc1 \u351 ?i
chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i pe geamuri, pe negustorii de zaharicale care rosteau poezii
dulci, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?au cu saci plini de zah\uc1 \u259 ?r pe c\uc1 \u259 ?mile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
papagali de zah\uc1 \u259 ?r r\uc1 \u226 ?ndui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n colivii,
pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii l\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?i care se
perindau ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i feluritele lac\uc1 \u259 ?te
cu toart\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?toare, cu limb\uc1 \u259 ?,
din\uc1 \u355 ?ate \uc1 \u351 ?i care se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeau de r\uc1 \u259 ?utatea
noilor vremuri \uc1 \u351 ?i a noilor u\uc1 \u351 ?i. La imaginea care-i \uc1 \u238
?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe scamatori lucraser\uc1 \u259 ?, dintre
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, at\uc1 \u226 ?t Fluture, c\uc1 \u226 ?
t \uc1 \u351 ?i Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?: un
scamator purta ou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rful unei suli\uc1 \u355 ?
e, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a le sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? le-ar fi
dus pe o plac\uc1 \u259 ? mare de marmur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar un altul \uc1 \u238 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?nta din tamburin\uc1 \u259 ?. Amiralul Kilic Aii Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?i pusese pe cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinii prin\uc1 \u351 ?i pe m\uc1 \u259 ?
ri \uc1 \u351 ?i preschimba\uc1 \u355 ?i apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n robi s\uc1 \u259 ?
ridice un \uc1 \u8222 ?munte al necredin\uc1 \u355 ?ei\uc1 \u8221 ? din ghips, \uc1
\u238 ?i urcase pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un car \uc1 \u351 ?i, tocmai
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului, aruncase \uc1 \u238 ?n aer pulberea pus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u8222 ?munte\uc1 \u8221 ?, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest
chip, cum pricinuise el, cu tunurile sale, nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate suferin\uc1
\u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ara p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nilor; am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut aidoma \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? toate aceste lucruri. I-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe m\uc1 \u259 ?celarii cu sat\uc1 \u226 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte trandafirii \uc1 \u351 ?i vine\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cu chipuri netede
ca de femeie, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? barb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? musta\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbind la oile rozalii, jupuite de piele, ce at\uc1 \u226 ?rnau \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u226 ?rlige. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd leul adus \uc1 \u238 ?n lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri
dinaintea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru a fost asmu\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut haz pe seama lui, i s-au aprins ochii de furie, spectatorii i-au
aplaudat pe \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijitori, iar leul, care \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuia islamul, a
alungat un porc colorat \uc1 \u238 ?n cenu\uc1 \u351 ?iu \uc1 \u351 ?i roz, care-
i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u226 ?ni. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-am privit pe s\uc1 \u259 ?turate pe b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbierul care,. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce trecea pe dinaintea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?dea mu\uc1 \u351 ?teriul ce
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat cu capul
\uc1 \u238 ?n jos de tavanul pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?liei sale a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezate \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un car \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ucenicul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului care,
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226
?nd la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?na mu\uc1 \u351 ?teriului s\uc1 \u259 ?punul
parfumat pus \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un bol de argint \uc1 \u351 ?i oglinda, am \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat cine era minunatul miniaturist care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuise
toate acestea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Important este ca
pictura, prin frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea sa, s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ndemne
s\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?ti bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dragostea, culorile lumii create de Dumnezeu, s\uc1 \u259 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?ndemne la cugetare \uc1 \u351 ?i la credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nu identitatea miniaturistului este important\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Se comporta oare miniaturistul Nuri, care era cu mult mai ager la
minte dec\uc1 \u226 ?t socotisem eu, cu pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
pricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul m\uc1 \u259 ? trimisese aici s\uc1 \u259
? iscodesc, ori nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? repete, pur \uc1
\u351 ?i simplu, cuvintele Maestrului Osman, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tilor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cel care a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
toate aceste auriri este oare Delicat Efendi? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat eu. Cine face
acum auririle \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Prin cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tura u\uc1 \u351 ?ii deschise care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
\uc1 \u238 ?nspre curtea interioar\uc1 \u259 ? au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
se aud\uc1 \u259 ? strig\uc1 \u259 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ipete de copii.
Jos, una dintre c\uc1 \u259 ?petenii \uc1 \u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tea la t\uc1
\u259 ?lpi pe cei doi \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?cei care
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptaser\uc1 \u259 ?, ceva mai devreme, tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?n frig \uc1 \u351 ?i care, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? doar \uc1 \u351 ?i
poate, ascunseser\uc1 \u259 ? prin buzunare praf de cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1
\u351 ?ie ori, poate, foi\uc1 \u355 ?e de aur \uc1 \u238 ?nvelite \uc1 \u238 ?n
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie. Tinerii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, care prinseser\uc1 \u259 ?
prilejul de a se distra, au alergat cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? spectacolul.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu voia lui Dumnezeu, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ucenicii vor fi ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit de colorat p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul din pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o nuan\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de roz crud, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a poruncit Maestrul Osman s\uc1
\u259 ? se procedeze \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine, a zis Nuri Efendi,
cu luare-aminte, se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce \uc1 \u351 ?i fratele nostru, Delicat
Efendi, de unde s-a dus \uc1 \u351 ?i va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i aurirea celor
dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini. Maestrul nostru, Miniaturistul Osman, i-a cerut lui Delicat
Efendi s\uc1 \u259 ? coloreze \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul de pe Hipodrom \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o alt\uc1 \u259 ?
culoare. \uc1 \u206 ?n roz crud, \uc1 \u238 ?n verde de India, \uc1 \u238 ?n galben
\uc1 \u351 ?ofran sau \uc1 \u238 ?n culoarea g\uc1 \u259 ?ina\uc1 \u355 ?ului de
g\uc1 \u226 ?sc\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceasta deoarece ochiul care prive\uc1 \u351 ?te va
pricepe din prima imagine c\uc1 \u259 ? acolo se afl\uc1 \u259 ? o pia\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1
\u259 ? culoarea p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului, dar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va
dori s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a se desf\uc1 \u259 ?ta, \uc1 \u351 ?i
alte culori \uc1 \u238 ?n cea de-a doua, \uc1 \u238 ?n cea de-a treia
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?. Pictura este menit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? pagina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher, o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie l\uc1 \u259 ?
sat\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de o calf\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care se
afla o singur\uc1 \u259 ? imagine. Calfa p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze la
o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ce se l\uc1 \u259 ?f\uc1 \u259 ?ia pe o singur\uc1 \u259 ?
pagin\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru o carte a biruin\uc1 \u355 ?elor care \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a plecarea flotei la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, dar
era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ?, auzind \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, b\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u355 ?i crunt la t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi cu
ciomegele, d\uc1 \u259 ?duse fuga s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? spectacolul.
Flota pe care o zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vise, cu cor\uc1 \u259 ?bii desenate prin trecerea
repetat\uc1 \u259 ? a unui \uc1 \u351 ?ablon pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
c\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu plutea pe mare, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? neglijen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ncremenire a p\uc1 \u226 ?nzelor neatinse de v\uc1 \u226 ?nt nu se datora
\uc1 \u351 ?ablonului, ci nepriceperii t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului miniaturist.
Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ablonul fusese
t\uc1 \u259 ?iat \uc1 \u351 ?i smuls cu s\uc1 \u259 ?lb\uc1 \u259 ?ticie dintr-o
carte veche, despre care n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc ce anume
era poate un album. Era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrului Osman nu-i mai p\uc1 \u259
?sa de foarte multe lucruri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd i-a venit r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? despre
propria mas\uc1 \u259 ? de lucru, Nuri Efendi a spus, plin de m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie,
c\uc1 \u259 ? ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vise aurirea unei monograme pentru Sultanul Nostru,
la care lucra de trei s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni. Am privit cu
respect monograma \uc1 \u351 ?i aurirea, f\uc1 \u259 ?urite pe o pagin\uc1 \u259 ?
goal\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu priceap\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni cui \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n ce scop urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie trimis\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?
tiam c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient, foarte multe pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale \uc1 \u238
?nd\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?tnice au renun\uc1 \u355 ?at la revolt\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226
?nd au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? monogram\uc1
\u259 ? a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de noble\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351
?i de for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai apoi
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ultimele miracole pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?mplinise \uc1 \u351 ?i
le l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u238 ?n urma sa caligraful Cemal, dar le-am r\uc1
\u259 ?sfoit \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu d\uc1 \u259 ?m
ap\uc1 \u259 ? la moar\uc1 \u259 ? vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?ilor culorii
\uc1 \u351 ?i ai picturii, care sus\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rata art\uc1 \u259 ? este caligrafia \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura nu este
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un pretext pentru a scoate \uc1 \u238 ?n eviden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? caligrafia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Liniaturistul Nasir
cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a, pentru a o drege, o pagin\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un
Cvintet de Nizami, r\uc1 \u259 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea Timurizilor; miniatura
\uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe H\uc1 \u252 ?
srev contempl\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce aceasta se
sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda, goal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Un
me\uc1 \u351 ?ter b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?
rst\uc1 \u259 ? de nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i doi de ani \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate orb, care nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tia s\uc1 \u259 ?
povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ? altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ? cu \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rutase, la Tabriz,
m\uc1 \u226 ?na Maestrului Behzad \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? la vremea aceea
marele, legendarul maestru era orb \uc1 \u351 ?i cuprins de \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rare, mi-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini tremur\uc1
\u226 ?nde, modelele de pe cutia de condeie pe care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? o termine
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiasc\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului, drept dar de bairam, peste trei luni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?n chiliile str\uc1 \u226 ?mte din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile
aflate la catul de dedesubt, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul atelier \uc1 \u238 ?
n care lucrau aproape optzeci de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?cei \uc1 \u351 ?i ucenici, se a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuse
t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. Era t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea care urma dup\uc1 \u259 ? o b\uc1
\u259 ?taie. Auzisem multe t\uc1 \u259 ?ceri asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare;
uneori erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupte de c\uc1 \u226 ?te un hohot enervant sau de c\uc1
\u226 ?te o glum\uc1 \u259 ?, alteori de c\uc1 \u226 ?teva sughi\uc1 \u355 ?uri
\uc1 \u351 ?i de un suspin care aducea a pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
bu\uc1 \u351 ?it, iar mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminteau de b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile de care ei \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?i avuseser\uc1 \u259 ? parte \uc1 \u238 ?n anii
uceniciei. Me\uc1 \u351 ?terul cel orb, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?
de nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i doi de ani, m-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?
simt o clip\uc1 \u259 ? un lucru mult mai profund, \uc1 \u351 ?i anume c\uc1
\u259 ? aici, departe de toate b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?liile \uc1 \u351 ?i de
forfota n\uc1 \u259 ?ucitoare a lumii, se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea totul. O
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu pu\uc1
\u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul lumii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pictura este t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea min\uc1 \u355 ?ii, muzica
ochiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme
ce s\uc1 \u259 ?rutam m\uc1 \u226 ?na Maestrului Osman, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de r\uc1
\u259 ?mas-bun, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it nu doar o mare pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire, ci \uc1
\u351 ?i cu totul altceva, care mi-a tulburat sufletul: un fel de p\uc1 \u259 ?rere
de r\uc1 \u259 ?u amestecat\uc1 \u259 ? cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de felul celei pe
care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt; un
sentiment ciudat de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Poate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
Unchiul, care dorea ca me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci s\uc1 \u259 ? fie imitat \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? ori pe
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, era potrivnicul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a trecut prin minte c\uc1
\u259 ? era pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l vedeam pe Marele Maestru \uc1 \u351 ?i, gr\uc1
\u259 ?bit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fiu pe plac, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac o bucurie, i-am pus
o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestre,
domnule, ce anume \uc1 \u238 ?l deosebe\uc1 \u351 ?te pe miniaturistul adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat de cel de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit cu
asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri, menite oarecum s\uc1 \u259 ?-l m\uc1
\u259 ?guleasc\uc1 \u259 ?, urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns de
form\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea uitase cu totul
de existen\uc1 \u355 ?a mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? un unic temei care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
despart\uc1 \u259 ? pe miniaturistul adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat de cel lipsit de \uc1
\u238 ?nzestrare, de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a spus el cu gravitate.
Acest temei se schimb\uc1 \u259 ? potrivit vremurilor. \uc1 \u206 ?n confruntarea
cu toate relele care ne amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? arta, este important
s\uc1 \u259 ? afli dac\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul are virtute, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
este \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam pe
un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r miniaturist trei lucruri, spre a \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elege c\uc1 \u226 ?t este de pur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ce anume?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se supune
el, oare, noului obicei \uc1 \u351 ?i este dornic, vai, sub \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1
\u226 ?urirea chinezilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a francilor, s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ?
un stil personal \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, un stil propriu? Dore\uc1
\u351 ?te oare, ca miniaturist, s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un stil, un suflu
propriu, deosebit de al tuturor celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?i se str\uc1
\u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te el, oare, s\uc1 \u259 ? o dovedeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, precum mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci? Pentru a
pricepe acest lucru, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
despre stil \uc1 \u351 ?i despre semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Apoi? L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat eu cu respect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Apoi am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu ce simte acest miniaturist c\uc1
\u226 ?nd mor \uc1 \u351 ?ahii \uc1 \u351 ?i padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii care ne
comand\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd volumele trec
\uc1 \u238 ?n alte m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt desf\uc1 \u259 ?cute \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd miniaturile pe care le-am z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit noi sunt
folosite la alte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n alte vremuri. Este o
problem\uc1 \u259 ? delicat\uc1 \u259 ?, peste care nu se poate trece, indiferent
dac\uc1 \u259 ? o faci cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune sau cu bucurie. De aceea
l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe miniaturist despre timp. Despre timpul miniaturii
\uc1 \u351 ?i despre timpul lui Dumnezeu. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi, fiule?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu. Dar nu i-am spus asta, ci
l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i al treilea lucru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Al
treilea lucru este orbirea! A zis Marele Maestru Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i, ca \uc1 \u351
?i cum ceea ce spusese nu mai cerea nici o l\uc1 \u259 ?murire, a t\uc1 \u259 ?
cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce anume, \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1
\u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu orbirea? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat eu, \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcat.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orbirea este t\uc1 \u259 ?cere.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbini primul lucru despre care \uc1 \u355 ?i-am vorbit
cu cel de-al doilea, apare orbirea. Cel mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc aspect al picturii
este s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi ceea ce se vede \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul lui
Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?
cut \uc1 \u351 ?i am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it. Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? grab\uc1 \u259 ? treptele acoperite cu ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? le pun cele trei mari \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri ale Marelui Maestru lui Fluture, lui M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?, lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, nu doar pentru a deschide discu\uc1 \u355 ?
ia, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a-i deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti oameni de
un leat cu mine, intra\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n legend\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? din timpul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu
m-am ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? imediat pe la casele mae\uc1
\u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit cu Ester
\uc1 \u238 ?n apropierea cartierului evreiesc, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o pia\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? pe o colin\uc1 \u259 ? de
unde
se vedea locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care Cornul de Aur se unea cu Bosforul.
Cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea de roabe care f\uc1 \u259 ?
ceau t\uc1 \u226 ?rguieli, printre femei din cartierele s\uc1 \u259 ?rmane, \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cate \uc1 \u238 ?n caftane largi \uc1 \u351 ?i decolorate,
printre gr\uc1 \u259 ?mezi de morcovi, gutui, ceap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
ridichi, Ester, cu ve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul evreiesc de culoare roz pe care
era nevoit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbrace, cu trupul ei uria\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n continu\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, cu gura care nu-i
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea deloc, cu spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele \uc1 \u351 ?i cu ochii care-mi
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau tot felul de semne, juc\uc1 \u226 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
ast\uc1 \u226 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r, era peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de
agitat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?alvari scrisoarea pe care i-
am dat-o, cu gesturi misterioase \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte iscusite, de parc\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? pia\uc1 \u355 ?a era cu ochii pe noi. Mi-a zis c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea la mine. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a luat
bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am spus: \uc1
\u8222 ?Pentru Dumnezeu, du-te degrab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i du-i-o
direct!\uc1 \u8221 ?, m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleg, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi bocceaua, c\uc1 \u259 ? mai avea \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? treab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o dea lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re abia spre
pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz. I-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duceam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d
pe cei trei tineri mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 12.
Mi se spune Fluture.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz. Cineva a b\uc1
\u259 ?tut la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, am deschis \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d cine era: Negru Efendi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n anii uceniciei noastre s-a aflat, o vreme, printre
noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat
\uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at. Tocmai
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam dac\uc1 \u259 ? adusese vreo veste de la Unchiul
lui, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la paginile pe
care le pictam, la miniaturile mele, c\uc1 \u259 ? venise din prietenie \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? va pune la \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare cu o \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebare, \uc1 \u238 ?n numele Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine, am zis. Care este \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea care mi se
pune? Mi-a spus. Bine!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Stilul \uc1 \u351 ?i
semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nmul\uc1 \u355 ?esc nelegiui\uc1
\u355 ?ii care nu picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea \uc1 \u351 ?i
credin\uc1 \u355 ?a ochiului, ci pentru bani \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru faim\uc1 \u259 ?,
am zis, vom mai vedea foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? ur\uc1 \u226 ?ciune \uc1 \u351 ?i
l\uc1 \u259 ?comie, de felul patimii pentru stil \uc1 \u351 ?i semn\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam aceast\uc1 \u259 ? introducere din
convingere, ci cu socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?; deoarece adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata pricepere
\uc1 \u351 ?i adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrare nu sunt v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?mate nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car de iubirea de galbeni \uc1 \u351 ?i de
faim\uc1 \u259 ?. Ba chiar, dac\uc1 \u259 ? e s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rul, banii \uc1 \u351 ?i faima sunt r\uc1 \u259 ?splata care i se cuvine celui \uc1
\u238 ?nzestrat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i aduc acestuia dragostea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat mie. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi spune \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd din
comunitatea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, turba\uc1 \u355 ?i de invidie, vor t\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? asupra mea, pretinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? am vrut
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau de gol; prin urmare, voi picta un copac pe o boab\uc1 \u259 ?
de orez, spre a le ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru \uc1 \u238 ?mi place
mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t le place lor. Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?, sub
influen\uc1 \u355 ?a unor neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i de mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri chinezi care
au luat-o razna, \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?uri\uc1 \u355 ?i de fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci
\uc1 \u351 ?i de Occident, sub influen\uc1 \u355 ?a imaginilor aduse de preo\uc1
\u355 ?ii iezui\uc1 \u355 ?i, patima aceasta pentru stil, pentru semn\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i personalitate a ajuns, din Orient, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
povestesc trei scurte istorii pe aceast\uc1 \u259 ? tem\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Trei pilde privitoare la stil \uc1 \u351 ?i semn\uc1
\u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Elif19}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?a din mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii
afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la miaz\uc1 \u259 ?noapte de Herat, tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia odat\uc1
\u259 ? un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r han pasionat de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Hanul o \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gea doar pe una
dintre femeile din haremul s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? neasemuit de
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?roaic\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care o iubea
nebune\uc1 \u351 ?te, era \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit\uc1
\u259 ? de han. F\uc1 \u259 ?ceau dragoste asud\uc1 \u226 ?nd, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zorii zilei \uc1 \u351 ?i erau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t doreau ca via\uc1 \u355 ?a
s\uc1 \u259 ? li se depene mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i fel. Au
descoperit c\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? cale de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238
?mplini aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite
prin c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?
ore, zile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
gaz, imaginile miraculoase, des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite f\uc1
\u259 ?urite de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri. Privind imaginile f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? cusur care ilustrau acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i istorii \uc1 \u351 ?i care se
repetau mereu, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o abatere, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eau
c\uc1 \u259 ? timpul se oprise \uc1 \u238 ?n loc \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
propria lor fericire se contopise cu fericitul timp al v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei de aur,
despre care se vorbea \uc1 \u238 ?n poveste. \uc1 \u206 ?n atelierul de
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? al hanului tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia un miniaturist, maestru \uc1 \u238
?ntre mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, care f\uc1 \u259 ?urea acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i imagini,
pentru acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i pagini de carte, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i mod
lipsit de orice cusur. Potrivit obiceiului, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce zugr\uc1 \u259 ?
vea, pe o pagin\uc1 \u259 ?, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat\uc1 \u259 ?
de Ferhat din pricina iubirii sale pentru \uc1 \u350 ?irin, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?lnirea lui Mecnun cu Leyla \uc1 \u351 ?i privirile pline de admira\uc1 \u355
?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i de dor pe care le schimbau ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia, ori modul \uc1
\u238 ?n care H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin se sorbeau din ochi
arunc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i priviri gale\uc1 \u351 ?e, pline de \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, el desena, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul acelor \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i, chipul hanului \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cel al frumoasei
t\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?roaice. Privind acele pagini, hanul \uc1 \u351 ?i iubita
sa credeau cu ardoare c\uc1 \u259 ? fericirea lor nu se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?i niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l cople\uc1 \u351 ?eau pe maestrul
miniaturist cu laude \uc1 \u351 ?i galbeni. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea favorurilor \uc1
\u351 ?i a galbenilor l-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1
\u259 ?, pe maestrul miniaturist s\uc1 \u259 ? piard\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
sura \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit de Diavol, a uitat c\uc1 \u259 ? le datora
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea
imaginilor sale, a socotit, plin de trufie, c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? va
pune \uc1 \u238 ?n ele \uc1 \u351 ?i ceva din propria-i personalitate, picturile
sale se vor bucura de \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire. Dar
hanul \uc1 \u351 ?i iubita sa au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n izvodirile
maestrului miniaturist, \uc1 \u238 ?n pecetea stilului s\uc1 \u259 ?u personal tot
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea cusururi \uc1 \u351 ?i au fost cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de tulburare.
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind, \uc1 \u238 ?n miniaturile pe care le priviser\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? vechea lor
fericire era \uc1 \u351 ?tirbit\uc1 \u259 ? pe ici, pe colo, hanul a fost mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i cuprins de gelozie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
frumoasa t\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?roaic\uc1 \u259 ?, zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n acele pagini. Apoi, pentru a-i st\uc1 \u226 ?rni acesteia gelozia,
s-a iubit cu o alt\uc1 \u259 ? roab\uc1 \u259 ?. Frumoasa t\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?roaic\uc1 \u259 ? a fost n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de o
asemenea triste\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a aflat de acest lucru de la
clevetitoarele din harem, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s-a sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o vorb\uc1 \u259 ? de cedrul aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea
haremului. Iar hanul, d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i seama de gre\uc1 \u351 ?eala
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai apoi, de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturistul era \uc1 \u238 ?nrobit stilului s\uc1 \u259 ?u, a poruncit ca,
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i zi, maestrul am\uc1 \u259 ?git de Diavol s\uc1
\u259 ? fie orbit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Be.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-una din \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile de
la soare-r\uc1 \u259 ?sare tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah pasionat de
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, care
vie\uc1 \u355 ?uia \uc1 \u238 ?n tihn\uc1 \u259 ? al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
preafrumoasa sa so\uc1 \u355 ?ie chinezoaic\uc1 \u259 ?, cu care tocmai se c\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torise. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o zi, fiul cel chipe\uc1 \u351 ? pe
care \uc1 \u238 ?l avusese padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul cu prima nevast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ra so\uc1 \u355 ?ie a padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului s-
au \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit unul de altul. Fiul, de team\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?deze tat\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?i
ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat de dragostea sa oprit\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis \uc1
\u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nchinat via\uc1 \u355 ?a miniaturii. Deoarece picta cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1
\u351 ?i cu for\uc1 \u355 ?a ce izvorau din propria dragoste, picturile pe care le
f\uc1 \u259 ?urea erau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumoase, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cei
care le priveau nu izbuteau s\uc1 \u259 ? le deosebeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de cele ale
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, iar padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i
se m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrea peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? cu fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.
\uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce o prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ra
so\uc1 \u355 ?ie chinezoaic\uc1 \u259 ?, aceasta privea picturile \uc1 \u351 ?i
spunea:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, este frumos. \uc1 \u206 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? vor trece anii \uc1 \u351 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i va
pune semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura pe ele, nimeni nu va \uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? el a
fost cel care a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit un asemenea miracol.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? fiul meu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
semneaz\uc1 \u259 ? pictura, nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1
\u351 ?i oare, pe nedrept, miniatura, z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? prin imitarea
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri? \uc1 \u206 ?ntreba
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul. Mai mult, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se semneaz\uc1 \u259 ?, nu se va
spune oare c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura este purt\uc1 \u259 ?toarea propriilor sale
cusururi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 So\uc1 \u355 ?ia
chinezoaic\uc1 \u259 ?, pricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l va putea convinge
pe v\uc1 \u226 ?rstnicul ei so\uc1 \u355 ?, a izbutit, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i transmit\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
rului fiu, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?nchis \uc1 \u238 ?n atelier, aceste
spuse cu privire la semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?. Ba mai mult, fiul a c\uc1
\u259 ?rui m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie fusese r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? se v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngroape
dragostea \uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul sufletului \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n ideea pe care 1-0 d\uc1 \u259 ?duse frumoasa
\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ra sa mam\uc1 \u259 ? vitreg\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, de Diavol, \uc1
\u351 ?i-a pus semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al
miniaturii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher pe care-l socotea nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1
\u238 ?ntre un zid \uc1 \u351 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te buruieni. Prima pictur\uc1
\u259 ? pe care a semnat-o astfel era o scen\uc1 \u259 ? cu H\uc1 \u252 ?srev
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin. O \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, de altfel, foarte
bine: dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce H\uc1 \u252 ?srev se c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tore\uc1
\u351 ?te cu \uc1 \u350 ?irin, \uc1 \u350 ?iruye, fiul din prima c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?torie al lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1
\u351 ?te de \uc1 \u350 ?irin \uc1 \u351 ?i, intr\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
noapte pe geam, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfige fulger\uc1 \u259 ?tor
hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n inima tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, care doarme
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de \uc1 \u350 ?irin. Privind miniatura care reprezenta
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit\uc1 \u259 ? de fiul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah a b\uc1 \u259 ?
gat deodat\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ? un cusur; a z\uc1 \u259 ?rit semn\uc1
\u259 ?tura dar, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum facem mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre noi, nu \uc1
\u351 ?i-a dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? a z\uc1 \u259 ?rit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat doar sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u8222 ?este o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? cu metehne\uc1 \u8221 ?. Cum era vorba de o
fapt\uc1 \u259 ? pe care nu ar fi putut-o s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i
vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah a fost
cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te. Aceasta deoarece cartea pe care o citea nu mai era
de-acum o poveste, o legend\uc1 \u259 ?, ci lucrul cel mai nepotrivit pentru o
carte, de vreme ce oglindea ceva adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Cuprins de acest sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat. Tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?, fiul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u, miniaturistul, a p\uc1 \u259 ?truns pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel
ca \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatura pe care o f\uc1 \u259 ?urise, \uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se uita \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii c\uc1 \u259 ?sca\uc1 \u355 ?i de
groaz\uc1 \u259 ? ai tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, i-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpl\uc1
\u226 ?ntat acestuia hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n piept un hanger la fel de mare ca acela
din pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cim.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ra\uc1 \u351 ?iduddin din
Kazvin scrie cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u238 ?n istoria sa c\uc1 \u259 ?, acum
dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute cincizeci de ani, la Kazvin, decorarea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ilor, caligrafia \uc1 \u351 ?i miniatura erau artele cele mai demne de
pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire \uc1 \u351 ?i cele mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gite. Din
p\uc1 \u259 ?cate, \uc1 \u351 ?ahul care se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n acea vreme pe
tron \uc1 \u351 ?i care domnea peste patruzeci de \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri, din
Bizan\uc1 \u355 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n China (probabil c\uc1
\u259 ? taina acestei mari puteri ad\uc1 \u259 ?sta \uc1 \u238 ?n dragostea sa
pentru miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?), nu avea nici un fiu. Dorind ca, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
moartea sa, \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile pe care le cucerise s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mi\uc1 \u355 ?eze, \uc1 \u351 ?ahul a hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? frumoasei sale fiice,
ca so\uc1 \u355 ?, un miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t a pus la cale o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
cei trei tineri mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din atelierul s\uc1
\u259 ?u de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii holtei. Potrivit istoriei lui
Ra\uc1 \u351 ?iduddin, tema \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecerii era foarte simpl\uc1 \u259 ?:
cine va realiza cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?! Deoarece, la fel ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i Ra\uc1 \u351 ?iduddin, tinerii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?
tiau c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna s\uc1 \u259 ? pictezi \uc1 \u238 ?n
felul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei au zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit cea
mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ?. O fat\uc1 \u259 ?
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, cople\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e din
pricina dragostei, cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? ca rupt\uc1 \u259 ? din Rai, printre
chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i cedri, printre iepuri tem\uc1 \u259 ?tori
\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?ndunele nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tite. Unul dintre cei trei
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care au z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
avea \uc1 \u351 ?tire unul de cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt, aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, a dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n eviden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i, spre a pune st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire pe minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ia picturii, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a ascuns semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura \uc1 \u238 ?n
col\uc1 \u355 ?ul cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat al gr\uc1 \u259 ?
dinii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ni\uc1 \u351 ?te narcise. Dar, din pricina acestei
neobr\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?ri care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?ina de modestia
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, a fost izgonit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? din Kazvin, p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n China. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?
i doi miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti a avut loc o alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere. De
data aceasta, fiecare dintre cei doi a f\uc1 \u259 ?urit o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de poezie, care o \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a pe preafrumoasa fat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe un cal, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Nu se \uc1 \u351 ?tie
de ce, poate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a alunecat pensula, sau poate cu bun\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, unul dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
ti a zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit oarecum ciudat n\uc1 \u259 ?rile calului alb al fetei
care, asemenea chinezoaicelor, avea ochii tra\uc1 \u351 ?i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?
mple \uc1 \u351 ?i pome\uc1 \u355 ?ii ie\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
afar\uc1 \u259 ?. Am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul acesta a fost privit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? de
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte \uc1 \u351 ?i de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre fat\uc1 \u259
? ca un cusur. Miniaturistul nu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pusese, de fapt, semn\uc1
\u259 ?tura \uc1 \u238 ?n imagine, dar strecurase cu dib\uc1 \u259 ?cie o
meteahn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minunata sa pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, mai precis
\uc1 \u238 ?n modul de zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vire a n\uc1 \u259 ?rilor calului, astfel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fie remarcat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Meteahna este mama
stilului, a zis \uc1 \u351 ?ahul \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a izgonit \uc1 \u351 ?i pe acest
miniaturist p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Bizan\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Potrivit voluminoasei Istorii a lui Ra\uc1 \u351 ?iduddin
din Kazvin, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau preg\uc1 \u259 ?tirile
pentru nunta dintre talentatul miniaturist, care desenase \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca
vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, iar\uc1 \u259 ? a-\uc1 \u351 ?i pune nici o semn\uc1
\u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?di vreun cusur, \uc1 \u351 ?i fiica \uc1 \u351 ?
ahului, s-a mai ivit un ultim am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt: cu o zi \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, aceasta a z\uc1 \u259 ?bovit ziua \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?
cu ochii a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i, plini de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, asupra
picturii pe care o f\uc1 \u259 ?urise t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i
chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ul maestru care a doua zi urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i devin\uc1 \u259 ?
so\uc1 \u355 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul, i s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui ei:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri le
desenau, \uc1 \u238 ?n miraculoasele lor imagini, pe fetele frumoase ca pe
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te chinezoaice, iar aceasta este, ce-i drept, o r\uc1 \u226 ?
nduial\uc1 \u259 ? de neclintit, venit\uc1 \u259 ? din Orient, a zis ea. \uc1 \u206
?ns\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd iubeau pe cineva, puneau m\uc1 \u259 ?car o
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, un am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt din fiin\uc1 \u355 ?a frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care o iubeau, \uc1 \u238 ?n spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii, \uc1
\u238 ?n buzele, \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?sul sau
chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n genele acelei femei. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? meteahn\uc1 \u259 ?
ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n propriile picturi era semnul dragostei, semn pe
care-l puteau recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te doar ei \uc1 \u351 ?i iubitele lor. Tat\uc1
\u259 ?, m-am uitat toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua la imaginea frumoasei fete aflate pe cal,
dar \uc1 \u238 ?n ea nu se afl\uc1 \u259 ? nimic din mine. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturistul acesta e un mare maestru, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai spun c\uc1 \u259 ?
e \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i chipe\uc1 \u351 ?, dar nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
A\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ahul a curmat de \uc1
\u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? nunta, iar cei doi, tat\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?i fata, au
tr\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul zilelor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Prin urmare, potrivit celei de-a treia istorii, cusurul este cel care
determin\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce noi numim stil, a zis Negru, cu o expresie plin\uc1
\u259 ? de noble\uc1 \u355 ?e, de respect. Oare femeia de care este \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit miniaturistul se v\uc1 \u259 ?de\uc1 \u351 ?te dup\uc1
\u259 ? semnele ascunse \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginea chipului, a ochilor, a r\uc1 \u226 ?
sului ei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, am zis eu, pe un
ton trufa\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sigur de mine. Ceea ce trece \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din fata pe care o iube\uc1 \u351 ?te maestrul miniaturist nu
este, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, cusurul, ci r\uc1 \u226 ?
nduial\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme, toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ?-l urmeze pe maestru \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? chipurile fetelor aidoma chipului acelei fete
frumoase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru, care ascultase
cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie deplin\uc1 \u259 ? cele trei povestiri pe care i le spusesem,
ciulise urechea la zgomotele pe care le isca minunata mea nevast\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce umbla prin hol \uc1 \u351 ?i prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
perea al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259 ?, l-am privit \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?
fundul ochilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Prima istorisire ne
dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? stilul este un cusur, i-am zis. Cea de-a doua ne
arat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? miniatura des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ? nu cere nici o semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea
ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te cea de-a treia istorisire, ea \uc1 \u238 ?mbin\uc1 \u259 ?
ideile din prima \uc1 \u351 ?i din cea de-a doua, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar ne
demonstreaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura \uc1 \u351 ?i stilul nu
sunt altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un chip de a te f\uc1 \u259 ?li, plin de neobr\uc1
\u259 ?zare, proste\uc1 \u351 ?te, cu propriul cusur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine se pricepea la miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? acest om,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia eu \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deam lec\uc1 \u355 ?ii? Am zis:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles, din istorisirile mele, cine sunt eu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\loch \f9
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, mi-a zis, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? deloc
conving\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?adar s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?rginindu-v\uc1 \u259 ? la
privirile \uc1 \u351 ?i la puterea lui de p\uc1 \u259 ?trundere, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci am
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun eu de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?, direct, cine
sunt. Totul \uc1 \u238 ?mi st\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?. Desenez \uc1 \u351 ?i colorez asemenea vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Kazvin,
amuz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd. O
spun z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind: sunt cel mai bun dintre to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Iar dac\uc1 \u259
? ceea ce-mi trece mie prin minte este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, n-am absolut nimic de-a
face cu dispari\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Delicat Efendi, auritorul din pricina c\uc1 \u259
?ruia a venit aici Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru m-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cum se \uc1 \u238 ?mpac\uc1 \u259 ? arta \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?snicia. Trudesc din greu \uc1 \u351 ?i o fac cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. M-am
\uc1 \u238 ?nsurat de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? fat\uc1
\u259 ? din cartier. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu pictez, facem dragoste nebune\uc1 \u351 ?
te. Apoi m\uc1 \u259 ? apuc din nou de lucru. Nu i-am spus toate astea. Este o mare
problem\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?unealta\uc1 \u8221 ?
miniaturistului s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te miracole pe
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, nu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i se al\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? ea nevestei sale. Ba
dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat: dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?
trestia\uc1 \u8221 ? miniaturistului o ferice\uc1 \u351 ?te pe nevast\uc1 \u259 ?,
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? trestie, de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
ne \uc1 \u351 ?tears\uc1 \u259 ?. Asemenea tuturor celor care-l invidiaz\uc1
\u259 ? pe miniaturist pentru talentul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u351 ?i Negru a crezut
aceste minciuni \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a bucurat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? ultimele pagini pe care le
pictasem. L-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la t\uc1 \u259 ?blia mea de lucru, printre
vopsele, c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri, pietre de netezit h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia,
pensule, condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i instrumente de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce Negru admira imaginea, pe dou\uc1 \u259 ?
pagini, Pe care o pictam pentru Cartea ceremoniilor, care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a festivit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile prilejuite de
circumcizia prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri, m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe
mindirul ro\uc1 \u351 ?u de al\uc1 \u259 ?turi, iar c\uc1 \u259 ?ldura acestuia mi-
a reamintit c\uc1 \u259 ?, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai devreme, acolo st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse
frumoasa mea so\uc1 \u355 ?ie, cu coapsele ei minunate. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce
schi\uc1 \u355 ?am, cu condeiul meu de trestie, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a
neferici\uc1 \u355 ?ilor condamna\uc1 \u355 ?i care st\uc1 \u259 ?teau dinaintea
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, nevasta mea cea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? apuca de \uc1 \u8222 ?trestia\uc1 \u8221 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Scena pe
care o pictam pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a iertarea datornicilor condamna\uc1 \u355 ?i la \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoare
\uc1 \u351 ?i a familiilor lor, gra\uc1 \u355 ?ie milosteniei Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului. \uc1 \u206 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?asem pe
Suveran \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem
\uc1 \u238 ?n timpul ceremoniei a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la marginea unui covor pe care se
aflau nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate pungi cu argin\uc1 \u355 ?i; ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?n
spatele lui \uc1 \u238 ?l a\uc1 \u351 ?ezasem pe Mai-marele vistiernicilor,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i pusesem \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
catastiful din care citea \uc1 \u351 ?irul datoriilor, iar pe condamna\uc1 \u355 ?
ii datornici lega\uc1 \u355 ?i unul de altul, cu lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri de fier la
grumaz, \uc1 \u238 ?i pictasem \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului, \uc1 \u238 ?ndurera\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i suferinzi, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncrunta\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu chipurile trase \uc1 \u351 ?i, uneori, cu ochii \uc1 \u238
?n lacrimi. Pictasem cu ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i decorasem \uc1 \u238 ?n chip
ales l\uc1 \u259 ?uta \uc1 \u351 ?i tamburina care \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?eau
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile \uc1 \u351 ?i poemele pe care le rosteau cu to\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, la auzul ve\uc1 \u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? Sultanul urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, din propria-i pung\uc1 \u259 ?, acea
milostenie care avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i izb\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1
\u355 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nchisoare. De\uc1 \u351 ?i lucrul acesta nu-mi intrase la
socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? de la bun \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, pentru ca suferin\uc1 \u355 ?
a \uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea celor \uc1 \u238 ?ngropa\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238
?n datorii s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?, le a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezasem, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de ultimul dintre ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti neferici\uc1 \u355 ?
i, pe nevasta lui \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n mov \uc1 \u351 ?i ur\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de mizerie \uc1
\u351 ?i pe fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarea lui fiic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o mantie ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?
rul lung \uc1 \u351 ?i cople\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e.
Tocmai eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povestesc \uc1 \u351 ?i acestui Negru plin de-
ncruntare cum ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ?
pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini \uc1 \u351 ?irurile de datornici pu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vorbesc despre socoteala ascuns\uc1
\u259 ? a ro\uc1 \u351 ?ului din imagine, despre un lucru pe care vechii mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri nu-l s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? anume, despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?visem
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i culoare c\uc1 \u226 ?inele de pe margine, pictat
cu drag, \uc1 \u351 ?i caftanul de atlas al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului \uc1 \u8211 ?
despre felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam mereu la picturi \uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u226 ?deam cu nevasta mea, pentru a-l face s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? existen\uc1 \u355 ?a miniaturistului \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?
dragoste de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am pomenit c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mi pune o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare foarte nelalocul ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiam, oare, unde s-ar fi putut
afla bietul Delicat Efendi? Care \uc1 \u8222 ?bietul\uc1 \u8221 ??! Un imitator de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale, un neghiob care nu face aurire dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru
bani, care nu prea are inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie. N-am zis \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
toate acestea, am zis doar:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, nu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-mi trecuse, oare,
prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ? adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii predicatorului din Erzurum, b\uc1 \u259
?t\uc1 \u259 ?io\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i fanatici, i-ar fi putut face vreun
r\uc1 \u259 ?u lui Delicat Efendi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i spun c\uc1 \u259 ? se num\uc1
\u259 ?ra \uc1 \u351 ?i el printre ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu,
i-am zis. De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul acesta numit Istanbul, s\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?cia c\uc1
\u259 ?reia i-am fost \uc1 \u238 ?nrobi\uc1 \u355 ?i, ciuma, relele moravuri,
necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?a sunt cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de explicat altfel
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t prin faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat
de islamul din vremea Profetului Nostru, Trimisul lui Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am
\uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?it deprinderi noi, tic\uc1 \u259 ?loase, \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? printre noi s-au strecurat n\uc1 \u259 ?ravurile francilor.
Predicatorul din Erzurum doar at\uc1 \u226 ?ta spune, dar vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1
\u351 ?ii lui sus\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1 \u259 ? cei care-l urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? au
atacat l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urile de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care se
face muzic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? au provocat stric\uc1 \u259 ?
ciuni la mormintele sfin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
conving\uc1 \u259 ? de toate acestea pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah. Acum, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind
c\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu nutresc aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie ca ei
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul din Erzurum, vor s\uc1 \u259 ?
insinueze politicos: \uc1 \u8222 ?Oare nu tu l-ai ucis pe Delicat Efendi?\uc1
\u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am dat seama de
asta \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un moment \uc1 \u238 ?n care asemenea zvonuri se
iscaser\uc1 \u259 ? de mult printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Tagma celor
lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de har, de virtu\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1
\u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te acum cu mare pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere ideea
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un uciga\uc1 \u351 ? netrebnic. Cum
neghiobul \uc1 \u259 ?sta de Negru lua, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu, \uc1 \u238 ?n
serios clevetelile acelei gloate de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti invidio\uc1 \u351 ?i,
mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trag una cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?na lui de cerchez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Negru se uit\uc1 \u259 ? prin atelierul meu de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd seama la tot ceea ce vede; se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la foarfecele cu
care \uc1 \u238 ?mi tai h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile lungi, la str\uc1 \u259 ?chinile pline
cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? de aur, la bolurile cu vopsele, la m\uc1 \u259 ?rul din care
mu\uc1 \u351 ?c la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce lucrez, la ibricul
aflat pe marginea sobei din fundul camerei, la ce\uc1 \u351 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?ele de
cafea, la mindire, la lumina care se strecoar\uc1 \u259 ? prin deschiz\uc1 \u259 ?
tura ferestrei, la oglinda pe care o folosesc pentru a cerceta r\uc1 \u226 ?nduiala
paginii, la c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile mele \uc1 \u351 ?i la
cing\uc1 \u259 ?toarea cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie a nevestei mele, care zace ca un
p\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care aceasta a
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat-o din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se gr\uc1
\u259 ?bea s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
b\uc1 \u259 ?tea Negru la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ciuda faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am ascuns g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndurile fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el, las prad\uc1 \u259 ? privirilor sale
cutez\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i iscoditoare picturile pe care le-am f\uc1
\u259 ?urit, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere
\uc1 \u238 ?n care vie\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? trufia mea
v\uc1 \u259 ? va uimi pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar eu sunt cel care c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ? cei mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani \uc1 \u351 ?i, prin urmare,
sunt cel mai bun miniaturist. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu a voit ca pictura s\uc1
\u259 ? fie o s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare, spre a-i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta celui
care \uc1 \u351 ?tie s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i este o s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 13. Mi se spune Barz\uc1
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Era la vremea rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunii de pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz. Cineva a
b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
c\uc1 \u259 ? era Negru, cel din \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtata noastr\uc1 \u259
? copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
at. \uc1 \u206 ?i era frig; l-am chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \u351 ?
i nu l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cum a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit drumul
spre casa mea. Il trimisese la mine Unchiul lui, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
iscodeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de ce \uc1 \u351 ?i unde a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut Delicat
Efendi. Dar nu mi-a adus doar ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti de la el, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i de la
Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i mai
vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb ceva, a zis. Maestrul Osman a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?l deosebe\uc1 \u351 ?te pe miniaturistul adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i ar fi timpul. Timpul miniaturii. Ce p\uc1 \u259 ?
rere am eu despre asta? Asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Pictura \uc1 \u351 ?i timpul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum bine se \uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din vechime,
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii de pe meleagurile noastre chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i vechii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti arabi, de pild\uc1 \u259 ? priveau lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
o privesc ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1
\u351 ?i, contempl\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care stau vagabonzii
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?inii de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1
\u355 ?ii de pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?elina,
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veau absolut totul. Necunosc\uc1 \u226 ?nd me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?ugul perspectivei, cu care se laud\uc1 \u259 ? azi plini de trufie
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, lumea lor era m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i plictisitoare, at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
poat\uc1 \u259 ? fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i
de \uc1 \u355 ?elin\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat ceva \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul univers al miniaturii noastre s-a schimbat cu
repeziciune. S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc degrab\uc1 \u259 ?, pornind de
la toate aceste \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Trei istorii despre miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i timp.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Elif.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Acum trei sute cincizeci de ani, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Bagdadul c\uc1
\u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile mongolilor \uc1 \u351 ?i era pr\uc1
\u259 ?dat f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mil\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi rece de
februarie, Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?akir era cel mai vestit \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai plin de
har maestru, nu doar din lumea arab\uc1 \u259 ?, ci din toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea
islamic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda tinere\uc1 \u355 ?ii
sale, \uc1 \u238 ?n bibliotecile din Bagdad renumite pretutindeni se aflau
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? de volume caligrafiate de el,
cele mai multe dintre ele fiind exemplare ale Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Coran.
Deoarece socotea c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i vor dura p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul lumii, Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?
akir tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia cu ideea unui timp ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it. Muncise o noapte \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?, la lumina tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ? a sfe\uc1 \u351 ?
nicelor, la ultima dintre acele c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i legendare care aveau
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mai apoi rupte, sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iate \uc1 \u351 ?i
arse, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre osta\uc1 \u351 ?ii hanului
mongol H\uc1 \u252 ?lag\uc1 \u252 ?, pentru a fi zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlite dup\uc1
\u259 ? aceea \uc1 \u238 ?n apele Tigrului, \uc1 \u351 ?i de care nu se mai \uc1
\u351 ?tie nimic ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi. \uc1 \u206 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?coarea dimine\uc1
\u355 ?ii, Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?akir a urcat \uc1 \u238 ?n minaretul Moscheii
Califilor aceasta era metoda de care se foloseau, de cinci secole, spre a-\uc1
\u351 ?i feri ochii de orbire, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
arabi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cu spatele spre r\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259
?rit \uc1 \u351 ?i privind spre apus, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre linia orizontului, fideli
ideii de datin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1
\u238 ?n ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicia c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, din galeria acestuia, tot ceea ce urma s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1
\u259 ? cap\uc1 \u259 ?t unei \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ii scrise, vechi
de cinci sute de ani. A fost primul care a z\uc1 \u259 ?rit cum nemilo\uc1 \u351 ?
ii solda\uc1 \u355 ?i ai lui H\uc1 \u252 ?lag\uc1 \u252 ? au p\uc1 \u259 ?truns
\uc1 \u238 ?n Bagdad, drept care a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?n minaret. A
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum era pr\uc1 \u259 ?dat \uc1 \u351 ?i ars \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul
ora\uc1 \u351 ?, cum zeci de oameni erau trecu\uc1 \u355 ?i prin sabie, cum a fost
ucis ultimul dintre califii islamului, care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neau la
Bagdad de cinci sute de ani, cum au fost siluite femeile, cum au fost arse
bibliotecile, cum au fost azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlite \uc1 \u238 ?n Tigru zeci de mii de
volume. La dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
privea, \uc1 \u238 ?n duhoarea cadavrelor \uc1 \u351 ?i printre strig\uc1 \u259 ?
tele de agonie, apele Tigrului, care prinseser\uc1 \u259 ? o culoare ro\uc1 \u351 ?
iatic\uc1 \u259 ? de la cerneala c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor aruncate \uc1 \u238
?n el, se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea c\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratele tomuri pe care le
caligrafiase cu scrisul lui frumos \uc1 \u351 ?i care erau acum nimicite nu
fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? de nici un folos pentru a opri m\uc1 \u259 ?celul \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i stric\uc1 \u259 ?
ciunile, drept care s-ajurat s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai scrie niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ba
mai mult, a fost cuprins de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i propria suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de a reda nenorocirea pe care o v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse prin
mijlocirea picturii, pe care p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua aceea o
privise ca pe o r\uc1 \u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?tire \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui
Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care o dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uise, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t a pictat pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia de care nu se desp\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce z\uc1 \u259 ?rise din minaret. Tocmai
acestui
fericit miracol \uc1 \u238 ?i dator\uc1 \u259 ?m for\uc1 \u355 ?a dob\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit\uc1 \u259 ? de pictura islamic\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? invazia
mongol\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care s-a v\uc1 \u259 ?dit pe
parcursul a trei sute de ani \uc1 \u8211 ? precum \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce o deosebea
de pictura idolatrilor \uc1 \u351 ?i de cea a cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinilor anume faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? lumea era zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? cu sincer\uc1 \u259 ?
comp\uc1 \u259 ?timire, de sus, din locul de unde o vedea Dumnezeu, prin simpla
trasare a liniei orizontului. Ca de altfel \uc1 \u351 ?i faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? masacru, Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?akir s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre
miaz\uc1 \u259 ?noapte, cu miniaturile \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu \uc1 \u238 ?nver\uc1 \u351 ?unarea de a picta cuib\uc1 \u259 ?
rit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n suflet, c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat,
adic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia din care sosiser\uc1 \u259 ?
ostile mongole \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? a aflat cum pictau mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
chinezi. Oamenii au priceput astfel c\uc1 \u259 ? ideea timpului nem\uc1 \u259 ?
rginit, care mocnea de cinci sute de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletele caligrafilor
arabi, nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n scriere, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. O m\uc1 \u259 ?rturie
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? este faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? volumele, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile au fost desf\uc1 \u259 ?
cute \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i nimicite, \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? paginile pictate din cuprinsul lor au intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea altor c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, a altor volume,
supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uind \uc1 \u238 ?n ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicie \uc1 \u351 ?i
continu\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?eze lumea pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Be.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o
vreme deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? veche \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n care
totul se repet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni
\uc1 \u351 ?i n-ai muri, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-ai avea cum s\uc1 \u259 ? bagi de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? ceva numit timp, \uc1 \u238 ?n
care lumea este zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? mereu prin mijlocirea
acelora\uc1 \u351 ?i istorii \uc1 \u351 ?i a acelora\uc1 \u351 ?i picturi, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? timpul nici n-ar exista, mica oaste a lui Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah i-a
\uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiat pe o\uc1 \u351 ?tenii lui Selahattin
Han, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i Salim din Samarkand
\uc1 \u238 ?n scurta sa Istorie. Primul lucru pe care l-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1
\u238 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?torul Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-a pus la
cazne \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a ucis pe Selahattin Han, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l luase
prizonier, a fost s\uc1 \u259 ? se abat\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit obiceiului, pe la
biblioteca \uc1 \u351 ?i pe la haremul r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului, spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i
pune pe ele propria pecete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercatul leg\uc1 \u259 ?tor al lui
Selahattin Han s-a apucat s\uc1 \u259 ? descleieze c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile
\uc1 \u351 ?ahului ucis, s\uc1 \u259 ? le amestece paginile \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ureasc\uc1 \u259 ? noi volume, caligrafii au prins s\uc1 \u259
? schimbe, \uc1 \u238 ?n colofoane, numele \uc1 \u8222 ?Mereu Biruitorului\uc1
\u8221 ? Selahattin Han cu cel al \uc1 \u8222 ?Biruitorului\uc1 \u8221 ? Fahir \uc1
\u350 ?ah, iar miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuiasc\uc1
\u259 ? chipul r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Selahattin Han realizat cu m\uc1 \u259 ?
iestrie \uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai frumoase picturi ale c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor,
dar care de pe-acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? fie uitat cu chipul mai t\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a p\uc1 \u259 ?
truns \uc1 \u238 ?n harem, Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah nu a depus nici o str\uc1 \u259 ?
danie ca s-o afle imediat pe cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? femeie, dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n
loc s\uc1 \u259 ? o ia \uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire cu for\uc1
\u355 ?a, a decis s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cucereasc\uc1 \u259 ? inima, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci era
o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? delicat\uc1 \u259 ?, care se pricepea la c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i a stat de
vorb\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul acesta, Neriman Sultan, preafrumoasa
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crimata so\uc1 \u355 ?ie a r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului Selahattin Han, i-a cerut lui Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah, care urma s\uc1 \u259
?-i devin\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, un singur lucru: ca imaginea r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului ei so\uc1 \u355 ?, Selahattin Han, care fusese zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit
\uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui Mecnun, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
so\uc1 \u355 ?iei sale \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1
\u259 ?, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul ei, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul Leylei \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
carte ce istorisea dragostea lui Mecnun \uc1 \u351 ?i a Leylei s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie
r\uc1 \u259 ?zuit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tears\uc1 \u259 ?. Dreptul la nemurire,
pe care se trudise s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?
ul ei prin mijlocirea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor comandate ani de-a r\uc1 \u226
?ndul, nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie refuzat r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului, cel pu\uc1
\u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u206 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?torul Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah a primit generos aceast\uc1
\u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? simpl\uc1 \u259 ?, iar miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii nu s-au atins de acea imagine. Prin urmare, Neriman \uc1 \u351 ?i Fahir au
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dragoste ne\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat \uc1 \u351 ?i, iubindu-
se, au uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de urgiile trecutului. Fahir
\uc1 \u350 ?ah nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a putut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
terge din minte imaginea din cartea despre Leyla \uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun. Ceea ce \uc1
\u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?pea tihna nu era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? so\uc1 \u355 ?ia sa
fusese zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu fostul ei
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, ori chiar gelozia, nu! Ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?l fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nta era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, de vreme ce el nu fusese zugr\uc1 \u259 ?
vit \uc1 \u238 ?n vechile legende din miraculoasa carte, nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
reg\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n acel timp nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginit,
printre nemuritori, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de soa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce,
vreme de cinci ani, a fost ros de acest vierme al \uc1 \u238 ?ndoielii, la
cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul unei nop\uc1 \u355 ?i fericite, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se iubise
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung cu Neriman, Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ? pe furi\uc1 \u351 ?, ca un ho\uc1 \u355 ?, cu sfe\uc1 \u351 ?
nicul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, a deschis cartea despre Leyla
\uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a apucat s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i picteze
propriul chip, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul celui al r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului so\uc1 \u355 ?
al lui Neriman, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum el ar fi fost Mecnun. Dar, asemenea foarte
multor hani care \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?geau miniatura, era un pictor cam
nepriceput \uc1 \u351 ?i n-a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i deseneze tr\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile cum se cuvine. Astfel s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, bibliotecarul, cuprins de o b\uc1 \u259 ?nuial\uc1 \u259 ?, a
deschis cartea \uc1 \u351 ?i a dat de \uc1 \u351 ?tire c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
locul chipului r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Selahattin \uc1 \u350 ?ah, aflat fa\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu cel al Leylei, care
\uc1 \u238 ?mprumutase tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile lui Neriman, se ivise un
nou chip, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta nu era chipul lui Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah, ci al
principalului s\uc1 \u259 ?u du\uc1 \u351 ?man t\uc1 \u226
?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ul Abdullah \uc1 \u350 ?ah.
Aceste vorbe au distrus, pe de o parte, moralul osta\uc1 \u351 ?ilor lui Fahir \uc1
\u350 ?ah, iar pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte i-au dat curaj lui Abdullah \uc1 \u350 ?
ah, t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nver\uc1 \u351 ?unatul
suveran al \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii vecine, proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t urcat pe tron.
Acesta l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvins \uc1 \u238 ?n prima sa b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lie
pe Fahir \uc1 \u350 ?ah, l-a luat prizonier \uc1 \u351 ?i a poruncit s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie ucis, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pus propria pecete pe haremul \uc1 \u351 ?i pe biblioteca
acestuia \uc1 \u351 ?i a devenit noul so\uc1 \u355 ? al mereu frumoasei Neriman
Sultan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cim.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 La Istanbul, povestea miniaturistului Mehmed cel Lung, cunoscut
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor ca Muhammed Horasani, este cel mai adesea
istorisit\uc1 \u259 ? printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca o pild\uc1 \u259 ? de
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? lung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i orbire, dar \uc1 \u238 ?
n ea este vorba, de fapt, despre miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i timp.
Pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd la socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1
\u238 ?nceput meseria ca ucenic la nou\uc1 \u259 ? ani, s-ar spune c\uc1 \u259 ?
cea mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? particularitate a acestui maestru, care s-a
ocupat de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de aproape o sut\uc1 \u259 ? zece ani,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a orbi, era tocmai lipsa lui de particularitate. Nu fac
un joc de cuvinte, ci \uc1 \u238 ?i aduc o laud\uc1 \u259 ? sincer\uc1 \u259 ?.
Picta orice, la fel ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, dar o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea mai cu
seam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n felul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u351 ?i,
tocmai din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, era cel mai mare maestru.
Modestia sa, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? se d\uc1 \u259 ?ruia pe de-a-ntregul
miniaturii, \uc1 \u238 ?n care vedea un mod de a-L sluji pe Dumnezeu, l-au \uc1
\u355 ?inut \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna departe de g\uc1 \u226 ?lcevile din atelierele
de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care lucra \uc1 \u351 ?i, de\uc1 \u351 ?i avea
v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?, l-au ferit de ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ia de a
deveni Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor. De-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii sale
existen\uc1 \u355 ?e de artist a pictat cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare tot felul de
am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte, prin unghere izolate plante menite s\uc1 \u259 ? umple col\uc1
\u355 ?uri de pagin\uc1 \u259 ?, miile de frunze ale copacilor, v\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?tuci de nori, coame de cai care se cereau desenate fir cu fir, ziduri
de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?mid\uc1 \u259 ?, nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate decora\uc1
\u355 ?iuni pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, ce se repetau mereu, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i zeci de mii
de chipuri aidoma, cu ochi tra\uc1 \u351 ?i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?mple \uc1 \u351 ?i
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbii delicate. Era foarte fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte t\uc1 \u259 ?
cut. Nu a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
eviden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, n-a avut preten\uc1 \u355 ?ii de stil \uc1 \u351 ?i
personalitate proprie. Pe vremea aceea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd lucra \uc1 \u238 ?n
atelierul vreunui han ori al vreunui prin\uc1 \u355 ?, socotea c\uc1 \u259 ? acolo
se afla \uc1 \u351 ?i casa lui \uc1 \u351 ?i se privea pe sine ca pe un simplu
lucru din acea cas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n timp ce hanii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?ahii \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?iau unii altora beregata, iar
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor, colindau din ora\uc1 \u351 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?, ca femeile din haremuri, \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ?tre noii lor st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni, ideea de
pecete specific\uc1 \u259 ? unui atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n frunzele pe care le desena el, \uc1 \u238 ?n iarb\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n conturul sinuos al st\uc1 \u226 ?ncilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n cutele tainice ale
r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?rii sale. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd avea optzeci de ani,
oamenii au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturistul tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n legendele pe care le ilustra,
uit\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? era muritor. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai din
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, unii dintre ei sus\uc1 \u355 ?ineau cu t\uc1
\u259 ?rie c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n afara timpului \uc1 \u351 ?
i c\uc1 \u259 ?, de aceea, de\uc1 \u351 ?i urma s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ?, nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Existau persoane care ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
orbise, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ducea via\uc1 \u355 ?a r\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citoare \uc1 \u238 ?nnopt\uc1 \u226 ?nd prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?perile \uc1 \u351 ?i corturile atelierelor de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochii
a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiei, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?,
datorit\uc1 \u259 ? unui miracol, pentru el timpul se oprise \uc1 \u238 ?n loc.
Al\uc1 \u355 ?ii spuneau c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt orbise, dar c\uc1 \u259 ?, desen\uc1
\u226 ?nd totul pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?, nu mai avea de-acum nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ?
vad\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a putea picta. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd acest maestru legendar, care
nu se c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torise \uc1 \u351 ?i nu f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse dragoste
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit, la o sut\uc1 \u259 ?
nou\uc1 \u259 ? ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al \uc1 \u350 ?
ahului Tahmasp \uc1 \u238 ?n persoana unui ucenic de \uc1 \u351 ?aisprezece ani,
care plesnea de s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tate \uc1 \u351 ?i care era o
corcitur\uc1 \u259 ? de chinez cu croat \uc1 \u8211 ? modelul acela de b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat ar\uc1 \u259 ?tos, cu ochi tra\uc1 \u351 ?i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?mple, cu
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbie ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i chip rotund pe care-
l desenase vreme de o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostit, pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate, de el \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru a pune st\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul ucenic de o neasemuit\uc1
\u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e, s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat prins \uc1 \u238 ?n luptele
pentru putere dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti; ca orice \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostit, a \uc1 \u355 ?esut intrigi, s-a dedat minciunii, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?
el\uc1 \u259 ?ciunii, vicleniei. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte maestrul
miniaturist din Horasan era m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a munci, spre
a se supune cerin\uc1 \u355 ?elor vremii sale, de care izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? deoparte o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani, acum s-a rupt de
ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicia vechilor timpuri legendare. Odat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
se cufundase, pe la vremea amiezii, \uc1 \u238 ?n contemplarea fermec\uc1 \u259 ?
torului ucenic, a r\uc1 \u259 ?cit st\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ferestrei deschise, din pricina v\uc1 \u226 ?ntului rece care sufla la Tabriz. A
doua zi a orbit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un acces de str\uc1 \u259 ?nutat \uc1 \u351 ?i,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? alte dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, a murit, c\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
pe scara \uc1 \u238 ?nalt\uc1 \u259 ? de piatr\uc1 \u259 ? a atelierului de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am auzit de Mehmed
cel Lung din Horasan, dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste, a zis
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Rostise cuvintele cu
delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e, pentru a da de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ?
pricepuse c\uc1 \u259 ? povestea s-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mpuiasem capul cu cele istorisite. Am t\uc1 \u259
?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? privi pe s\uc1 \u259 ?
turate. Deoarece m\uc1 \u259 ? deranja faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?team
degeaba, \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncepusem s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun
cea de-a doua poveste \uc1 \u238 ?mi continuasem miniatura din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n
care r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sesem c\uc1 \u226 ?nd b\uc1 \u259 ?tuse el la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Frumosul meu ucenic, Mahmud, care-mi st\uc1 \u259 ?tea
mereu la picioare, care-mi amesteca vopselele, care-mi ascu\uc1 \u355 ?ea condeiele
\uc1 \u351 ?i care-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta, din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile, st\uc1 \u259 ?tea t\uc1 \u259 ?cut l\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i,
totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, urm\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-m\uc1 \u259 ?, iar din\uc1 \u259 ?untru
se auzeau zgomotele iscate de nevasta mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Aha, a zis Negru, aici Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul s-a ridicat \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. In
vreme ce privea uimit miniatura, m-am purtat ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum motivul uimirii
sale era lipsit de \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? ocoli\uc1 \u351 ?uri, urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele: \uc1 \u238 ?n toate cele
dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de ilustra\uc1 \u355 ?ii, M\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ul Nostru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, care a urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit, vreme ce cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i
dou\uc1 \u259 ? de zile, parada breslelor, a corpora\uc1 \u355 ?iilor, a gloatei, a
solda\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a ho\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, de la fereastra
balconului construit pentru aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
ceremoniei prilejuite de circumcizia pe care am zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n
Cartea ceremoniilor, ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat. Doar \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit\uc1 \u259 ? de mine se
vedea st\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare \uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u226 ?nd
bani din pungi doldora de florini norodului adunat \uc1 \u238 ?n pia\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut acest lucru pentru a putea zugr\uc1
\u259 ?vi uimirea \uc1 \u351 ?i veselia mul\uc1 \u355 ?umii de oameni care, spre a
pune m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe bani, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?iau beregata,
se b\uc1 \u259 ?teau cu pumnii, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau
palme \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau fundul \uc1 \u238 ?
n vreme ce culegeau paralele de pe jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? este vorba de dragoste,
atunci miniatura \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i trebuie z\uc1 \u259 ?
mislit\uc1 \u259 ? cu dragoste, am zis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? este vorba de
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se
desprind\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i din miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar suferin\uc1
\u355 ?a trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? reias\uc1 \u259 ? nu din personajele miniaturii ori
din lacrimile lor, ci din armonia l\uc1 \u259 ?untric\uc1 \u259 ? a picturii, care
nu se observ\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n primul moment, dar care poate fi
descoperit\uc1 \u259 ?. Asemenea sutelor de mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti care picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? de secole imaginea uimirii, nici eu n-am desenat
vreun personaj cu degetul ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?tor v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?
t \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?
a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? se mire. Iar acest lucru se petrece prin ridicarea suveranului \uc1 \u238 ?
n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ia mi se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptase asupra privirilor pe care le arunca asupra
lucrurilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a uneltelor mele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt, asupra
\uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mele vie\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?
utarea vreunui semn, mi-am privit propria cas\uc1 \u259 ? prin ochii lui.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Exist\uc1 \u259 ?, prin urmare, aici picturi care \uc1
\u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? seraiul, hamamul,
fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?a, realizate c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva la Tabriz, la \uc1
\u350 ?iraz; pentru ca miniatura s\uc1 \u259 ? urmeze privirea scrut\uc1 \u259 ?
toare a Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltului Dumnezeu, care vede \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elege totul, miniaturistul zugr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te seraiul
\uc1 \u238 ?n detaliu, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la crati\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1
\u351 ?i tingirile din el, la cupe, la decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile de pe pere\uc1
\u355 ?i care nu se v\uc1 \u259 ?d din afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? la perdele,
la papagalii din colivii \uc1 \u351 ?i la cele mai tainice unghere, la perne
\uc1 \u351 ?i la fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarele femei neatinse de lumina zilei, care
stau a\uc1 \u351 ?ezate pe ele, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? un brici uria\uc1 \u351 ?,
miraculos, l-ar fi retezat prin mijloc, pe din dou\uc1 \u259 ?. Contemplam \uc1
\u351 ?i eu, asemenea cititorului curios care prive\uc1 \u351 ?te uimit o
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, vopselele, h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?
ile, pe frumosul meu ucenic, paginile h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zite unor \uc1
\u8222 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i unor albume pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuite pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torii
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, scenele de dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i paginile necuviincioase pe
care le \uc1 \u238 ?ncropisem pe furi\uc1 \u351 ? pentru vreun pa\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?rile multicolore de sticl\uc1
\u259 ?, bronz sau ceramic\uc1 \u259 ?, ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itorile din filde\uc1 \u351
? pentru condeie, condeiele cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de aur \uc1 \u351 ?i ochii \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?torului meu ucenic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Spre deosebire de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, eu am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
foarte, foarte multe lupte, am zis, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? umplu t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea cu
propria-mi prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ma\uc1 \u351 ?ini de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?,
tunuri, armate, mor\uc1 \u355 ?i. Eu am decorat mereu tavanele corturilor de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ? ale Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, ale pa\uc1 \u351 ?alelor
noastre. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? revenit la Istanbul, dup\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?lii, tot eu eram cel care picta scene de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care
altfel le-ar fi uitat toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, trupuri retezate \uc1 \u238 ?n
dou\uc1 \u259 ?, armate prinse \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?tare,
bie\uc1 \u355 ?i solda\uc1 \u355 ?i fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci care se uitau cu team\uc1
\u259 ?, prin crenelurile fort\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?elor \uc1 \u238 ?ncercuite,
la tunurile \uc1 \u351 ?i la o\uc1 \u351 ?tirile noastre, r\uc1 \u259 ?zvr\uc1
\u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i cu capetele t\uc1 \u259 ?iate, \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1
\u355 ?irea cailor \uc1 \u238 ?n galop. \uc1 \u354 ?in minte tot ceea ce v\uc1
\u259 ?d: o nou\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
cafea, un m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de fereastr\uc1 \u259 ? cum n-am mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut,
un tun, un tr\uc1 \u259 ?gaci nou de pu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? franc\uc1 \u259 ?,
culoarea ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintelor purtate de cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul unei
petreceri, cine ce a m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat, cine pe
ce a pus m\uc1 \u226 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care este
t\uc1 \u226 ?lcul celor trei istorii pe care mi le-ai spus? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
Negru, pe un ton care \uc1 \u238 ?nsuma parc\uc1 \u259 ? totul \uc1 \u351 ?i
care \uc1 \u238 ?mi cerea, oarecum, socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Elif, am zis. Prima istorie cea cu minaretul \uc1 \u8211 ? ne
dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?, oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare ar fi harul
miniaturistului, cel care des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te
imaginea este timpul. Be: cea de-a doua istorie cu haremul \uc1 \u351 ?i cartea ne
arat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? singura cale de a ie\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
afara timpului o reprezint\uc1 \u259 ? harul \uc1 \u351 ?i arta miniaturii. Iar
\uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te cea de-a treia istorie, spune-mi tu!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cim, a zis Negru, sigur de
sine. Cea de-a treia istorie a miniaturistului care are o sut\uc1 \u259 ?
nou\uc1 \u259 ?sprezece ani \uc1 \u8211 ? le reune\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n sine
pe Elif \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Be \uc1 \u351 ?i ne dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te, iat\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? timpul celui care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteaz\uc1 \u259 ? de
existen\uc1 \u355 ?a des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? se ispr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te, iar
miniaturistul moare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 14. Mi se
spune M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era
dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz; trasam \uc1 \u238 ?n
grab\uc1 \u259 ?, dar cu desf\uc1 \u259 ?tare, chipuri pl\uc1 \u259 ?cute de
b\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut cineva la u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u226 ?na mi-a tremurat de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1
\u351 ?i am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat condeiul jos. Am pus deoparte, cu mare b\uc1 \u259 ?
gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, t\uc1 \u259 ?blia de lucru, pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?
ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, am alergat u\uc1 \u351 ?or ca un fulg \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a deschide u\uc1 \u351 ?a, m-am rugat: Dumnezeul
meu. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ascund de dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, cei care
ve\uc1 \u355 ?i afla din carte ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ? voi povesti, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i cu mult mai aproape de Dumnezeu dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?av\uc1 \u259 ?, mizerabil\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care tr\uc1 \u259 ?im \uc1 \u351 ?i de netrebnicii robi ai
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Indiei,
Akbar Han, cel mai bogat \uc1 \u351 ?ah din lume, ar fi poruncit o carte care
urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? legendar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi dat de \uc1 \u351 ?tire \uc1 \u238 ?n cele patru z\uc1
\u259 ?ri ale t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?murilor islamice ca miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii cei mai str\uc1 \u259 ?luci\uc1 \u355 ?i din lume s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?
la el. Oamenii pe care i-a trimis la Istanbul au venit ieri la mine \uc1 \u351 ?i
m-au poftit \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u354 ?ara Indiei. Am deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a, dar,
de data asta, nu erau ei, ci Negru, de care uitasem \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din
copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Pe vremuri nu se amesteca cu noi, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci ne
pizmuia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Chipurile, ar fi venit s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim, s\uc1
\u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?mprietenim, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi vad\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturile. L-
am poftit s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la toate lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile mele. Chipurile, ar
fi s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat, de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?na
Maestrului Osman, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor. Marele Maestru i-ar fi
spus o vorb\uc1 \u259 ? mare: adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?ii miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti se v\uc1 \u259 ?desc atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbesc despre orbire \uc1
\u351 ?i memorie. S\uc1 \u259 ? se v\uc1 \u259 ?deasc\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orbirea \uc1 \u351 ?i memoria.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, iar dup\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
tot \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric va fi. Ne amintim c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu ne-a spus \uc1
\u8222 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? fim\uc1 \u8221 ?, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu vopselele, cu
harul \uc1 \u351 ?i cu dragostea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. A-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminti \uc1
\u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u351 ?ti ce ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. A \uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminti ce ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. A
vedea \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u351 ?ti f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
a-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminti. Prin urmare, a picta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?
a-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminti de \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Dragostea de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? a
marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri este dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a reveni, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
culorile, la \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul lui Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?zul \uc1 \u351 ?i culorile au fost z\uc1 \u259 ?mislite din \uc1 \u238
?ntuneric. Cel care nu are memorie nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te nici de
Dumnezeu, nici de \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul S\uc1 \u259 ?u. Pictura tuturor marilor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri caut\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n culori, acel \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric profund din afara timpului. S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti de acel \uc1 \u238
?ntuneric pe care l-au aflat vechii mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Trei istorii despre orbire \uc1 \u351 ?i memorie.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Elif.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n varianta turceasc\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ii Darurile intimit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, tradus\uc1 \u259 ? de Lamii
Celebi, \uc1 \u238 ?n care poetul C\uc1 \u226 ?mi istorise\uc1 \u351 ?te legendele
sfin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, scrie c\uc1 \u259 ? maestrul \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Ali din Tabriz,
care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit faima \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al lui Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, a
pictat un minunat exemplar din H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin.
Din c\uc1 \u226 ?te am auzit eu, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte
legendar\uc1 \u259 ?, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
ire a durat exact unsprezece ani, maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri,
miniaturistul \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Ali, a v\uc1 \u259 ?dit un asemenea har \uc1 \u351 ?i
a \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit pagini at\uc1 \u226 ?t de minunate, cum doar Behzad, cel mai
mare dintre vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, ar fi putut picta, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah a priceput, chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a fi ajuns
lucrarea la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate, c\uc1 \u259 ? era pe cale de a deveni st\uc1 \u259
?p\uc1 \u226 ?nitorul unei scrieri miraculoase, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
pereche \uc1 \u238 ?n lume. Suveranului Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah,
care tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia cu spaima de t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul suveran al Celor-
cu-Oile-Albe, Hasan cel Lung, ce se declarase du\uc1 \u351 ?manul s\uc1 \u259 ?u,
dar care era totodat\uc1 \u259 ? invidios pe el, i-a venit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mplinirea acestei
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, o alta ca ea, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai bun\uc1 \u259 ?, putea
fi pictat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru Hasan cel Lung, suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Albe. Deoarece
f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul acelor persoane cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat
pizma\uc1 \u351 ?e, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i otr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc propria fericire de
team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?ii ar putea fi la fel de
ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? maestrul miniaturist ar mai fi pictat un alt
exemplar din acea carte, ba chiar unul mai bun, ar fi urmat s\uc1 \u259 ? o fac\uc1
\u259 ? pentru principalul s\uc1 \u259 ?u vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?, Hasan cel
Lung. Prin urmare, a hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t ca maestrul miniaturist \uc1
\u350 ?eyh Ali s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ucis dup\uc1 \u259 ? ispr\uc1 \u259 ?virea
volumului, pentru ca nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de el s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mai st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? miraculoasa carte. \uc1 \u206 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? o cerchez\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
inimoas\uc1 \u259 ? din haremul s\uc1 \u259 ?u i-a amintit c\uc1 \u259 ? era de
ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ?-l orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe maestrul miniaturist. Aceast\uc1 \u259
? str\uc1 \u259 ?lucit\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re, pe care Cihan
\uc1 \u350 ?ah a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o pe
dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care le-a \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it-o \uc1 \u351 ?i lingu\uc1 \u351 ?itorilor din jurul s\uc1
\u259 ?u, a ajuns \uc1 \u351 ?i la urechea lui \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Aii, \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? acesta nu a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat cartea neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu a plecat din Tabriz, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ar fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Ba nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu
a urmat alte c\uc1 \u259 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinind lucrul spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rzia orbirea sau pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd prost, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cartea s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1
\u238 ?ncheiat\uc1 \u259 ?. A muncit cu o pasiune \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredere \uc1 \u351 ?i mai des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite ca de
obicei. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea lucrul dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciunea de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa \uc1 \u238 ?n
care locuia singur, \uc1 \u351 ?i picta p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la miezul
nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, la lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicelor, din ochii
obosi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i picurau lacrimi de durere aceia\uc1 \u351 ?i cai,
chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i, balauri
\uc1 \u351 ?i prin\uc1 \u355 ?i chipe\uc1 \u351 ?i. De cele mai multe ori, privea
zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi la c\uc1 \u226 ?te o pagin\uc1 \u259 ? pictat\uc1 \u259 ?
de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, iar apoi z\uc1 \u259 ?mislea aceea\uc1
\u351 ?i imagine, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se uita m\uc1 \u259 ?car pe h\uc1
\u226 ?rtie, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum era ea. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, cartea la care lucra pentru suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Negre,
Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, a fost ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?, iar maestrul
miniaturist a fost, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?udat \uc1 \u351 ?i potopit cu aur, iar mai apoi orbit
cu v\uc1 \u226 ?rful ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it al unei pene. Chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a
i se fi ostoit durerea, \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Ali a p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? Heratul \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a dus la suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Albe,
Hasan cel Lung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, sunt orb, i-a
zis. Dar am \uc1 \u238 ?n minte toate miracolele c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe
care am z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii unsprezece ani, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la ultima tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de condei, p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la ultima tu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a pensulei, iar m\uc1
\u226 ?na mea poate s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze totul pe de rost, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d ce fac. Suveranul meu, pot s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pictez cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? carte care s-a v\uc1 \u259
?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Deoarece ochii mei nu se mai las\uc1 \u259 ? fura\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i am\uc1 \u259 ?gi\uc1 \u355 ?i de tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351
?ia acestei lumi, pot s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez din amintire toate miracolele lui
Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u238 ?n alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea lor cea mai pur\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan cel Lung l-a crezut pe
dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe marele maestru miniaturist, iar acesta s-a \uc1 \u355 ?inut de
cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a pictat suveranului Celor-cu-Oile-Albe, din
amintire, cea mai miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ? carte v\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?
vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?tie toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea,
\uc1 \u238 ?n spatele faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan cel Lung, Cel-cu-Oile-Albe, l-
a \uc1 \u238 ?nvins mai apoi \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a ucis \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un atac,
l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Bingol, pe Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul
Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, adast\uc1 \u259 ? puterea spiritual\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?
ruit\uc1 \u259 ? suveranului \uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?tor de noua sa carte.
Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? oper\uc1 \u259 ? miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ? a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
vistieria Padi\uc1 \u351
?ahului Nostru, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu o alt\uc1 \u259 ? carte, pe care
maestrul \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Ah' din Tabriz o pictase mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte pentru
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?
nving\uc1 \u259 ?torul Hasan cel Lung a fost, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul s\uc1 \u259 ?
u, \uc1 \u238 ?nvins de r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Sultan Mehmed Cuceritorul, \uc1
\u238 ?n lupta de la Otlukbeli. \uc1 \u8222 ?Cei ce v\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1 \u351 ?
tiu.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Be.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deoarece sultanul Soliman Legiuitorul, S\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luitor \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai20, le ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta mai mult\uc1
\u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire caligrafilor, neferici\uc1 \u355 ?ii miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti ai vremii sale istoriseau povestea pe care o voi spune eu acum, ca
dovad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? miniatura este mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ?
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t caligrafia, dar, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va
da seama oricine o va asculta cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, ea se refer\uc1 \u259 ? la
orbire \uc1 \u351 ?i la memorie. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea lui Timur, St\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nul Lumii, primele lucruri pe care le-au f\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit, \uc1
\u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?ele pe care le cuceriser\uc1 \u259 ? unii de la al\uc1
\u355 ?ii, fiii \uc1 \u351 ?i nepo\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i care s-au \uc1
\u238 ?nvr\uc1 \u259 ?jbit \uc1 \u351 ?i s-au luptat nemilos \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei a
fost s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i bat\uc1 \u259 ? moned\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? predicile
\uc1 \u238 ?n moschei \uc1 \u238 ?n numele lor. Urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele lucruri pe
care le-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut au fost s\uc1 \u259 ? descleieze c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i le trecuser\uc1 \u259 ? unii altora, s\uc1 \u259 ?
cear\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se scrie o nou\uc1 \u259 ? dedica\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
care-l sl\uc1 \u259 ?vea pe \uc1 \u8222 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul
lumii\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i un nou colofon, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le
lege iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cei care le vedeau s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?, privind cartea
domnitorului cu pricina, c\uc1 \u259 ? el era \uc1 \u8222 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nul lumii\uc1 \u8221 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd unul dintre ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia,
Abdullatif, fiul lui Ulug Bey, nepotul lui Timur, a pus st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nire pe Herat, i-a adunat laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a zorit at\uc1
\u226 ?t de tare pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, pe caligrafii \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
leg\uc1 \u259 ?torii ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului, spre a z\uc1 \u259 ?misli de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? o carte \uc1 \u238 ?n cinstea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u un
cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-ale me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugului
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
paginile scrise erau rupte \uc1 \u351 ?i arse, picturile desprinse din c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile descleiate s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it. Deoarece legarea \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?
toare a picturilor \uc1 \u238 ?n albume, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a lua seama la
cartea \uc1 \u351 ?i la povestea din care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau parte, n-ar fi fost pe
potriva iubitorului de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? care era Ulug Bey, fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u
i-a adunat pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i le-a
cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? istoriseasc\uc1 \u259 ? pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile de care se legau
miniaturile, spre a le putea or\uc1 \u226 ?ndui \uc1 \u238 ?n chip firesc. Dar din
fiecare minte s-a ivit o alt\uc1 \u259 ? poveste, iar miniaturile s-au \uc1 \u238 ?
ncurcat \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Atunci a fost c\uc1 \u259 ?utat \uc1
\u351 ?i aflat ultimul mare miniaturist b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul care fusese
uitat de toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i risipise lumina
ochilor trudind asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor tuturor \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?niser\uc1
\u259 ? Heratul \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i patru de ani.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd au priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru
care privea miniaturile era orb, s-a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit o mare \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijorare ba unii dintre cei de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? chiar au r\uc1 \u226 ?s
\uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru a
cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aflat un copil mai mic de \uc1 \u351 ?apte ani, ager la
minte \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de carte. L-au g\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u351 ?i i l-au adus pe dat\uc1
\u259 ?. I-au pus copilului dinainte o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul miniaturist i-a spus acestuia:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-mi ce vezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce copilul povestea ceea ce vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1
\u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?l asculta cu
b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochii s\uc1 \u259 ?i orbi a\uc1 \u355 ?
inti\uc1 \u355 ?i spre bolta cerului, pentru a gr\uc1 \u259 ?i mai apoi imediat:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Scena din Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?
ahilor, de Firdevsi, \uc1 \u238 ?n care Alexandru \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe Darius, aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n
agonie. Povestea \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?torului \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de frumosul s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?cel, din Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina de trandafiri a lui
Sa'di. \uc1 \u206 ?ntrecerea doctorilor din Comoara misterelor de Nizami.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, furio\uc1
\u351 ?i pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul pictor orb, au zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pe acestea le-am fi numit \uc1 \u351 ?i noi. Sunt cele mai cunoscute
scene, din cele mai vestite pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De data aceasta, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
nul miniaturist orb a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? i se pun\uc1 \u259 ? copilului dinainte
cele mai anevoioase miniaturi \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a ascultat din nou cu b\uc1 \u259 ?
gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Scena din
Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, de Firdevsi, \uc1 \u238 ?n care Hurmuz \uc1 \u238 ?i
ucide pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, otr\uc1 \u259 ?vindu-i unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul,
a spus el din nou, privind c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cer. Povestea ur\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i imaginea ieftin\uc1 \u259 ? a b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului care \uc1 \u238
?i prinde, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rful unui p\uc1 \u259 ?r, pe nevasta sa
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe ibovnicul acesteia, din Mesnevi-ul lui Mevlana.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i astfel, recunosc\uc1 \u226 ?nd toate
picturile pe care nu le putea vedea el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ?
descrierea copilului, a \uc1 \u238 ?nlesnit legarea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Ulug Bey a intrat cu oastea \uc1 \u238 ?n Herat, l-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul miniaturist care era taina faptului c\uc1
\u259 ? izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a vedea, pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile pe care mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de\uc1 \u351 ?i le vedeau, nu izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? le priceap\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cauza nu se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea c\uc1 \u259 ?,
orb fiind, memoria \uc1 \u238 ?mi este mai cuprinz\uc1 \u259 ?toare, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum s-ar putea crede, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul miniaturist. Eu nu
uit \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? un lucru anume c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?ti pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile nu doar prin
imagini, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i prin cuvinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Ulug Bey a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259
?i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?teau \uc1 \u351 ?i ei acele cuvinte \uc1 \u351 ?i acele pove\uc1
\u351 ?ti, nu izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? potriveasc\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturile \uc1 \u238 ?n ordinea lor fireasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Deoarece, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul miniaturist, ei
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc foarte bine miniatura care le oglinde\uc1 \u351 ?te harul
\uc1 \u351 ?i arta, dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
z\uc1 \u259 ?misleau aceste miniaturi din amintirile lui Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ulug Bey a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cum de putea un copil
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Copilul nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie, a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul
miniaturist, numai c\uc1 \u259 ? eu, care sunt un miniaturist orb \uc1 \u351 ?i
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu a creat
lumea \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care ar fi voit El s\uc1 \u259 ? o
vad\uc1 \u259 ? un copil ager la minte, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?
de \uc1 \u351 ?apte ani. Deoarece Dumnezeu a pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit
dintru \uc1 \u238 ?nceput lumea pentru a se face v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Apoi ne-a
d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit cuvintele, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?im unii altora ceea ce vedem dar, cum noi
am preschimbat cuvintele \uc1 \u238 ?n pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniatura este menit\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai acestor pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Or,
miniatura \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? cau\uc1 \u355 ?i de-a
dreptul amintirile lui Dumnezeu, s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o vede
El.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cim.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Se \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte vreme, m\uc1
\u226 ?na\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorarea de a nu orbi team\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i etern\uc1
\u259 ? a breslei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?rea soarele, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii arabi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
cufundau \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung privirile spre apus, spre orizont \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?, un veac mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, majoritatea
acestora obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, pe stomacul gol, o past\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?
tit\uc1 \u259 ? din frunze de trandafir m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?ite \uc1
\u351 ?i miez de nuc\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i epoc\uc1
\u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din Isfahan se
deprinseser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher al \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii, \uc1 \u238 ?n semi\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, de cele mai
multe ori la lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicelor, pentru ca lumina soarelui, pe care o
socoteau pricina orbirii de care erau atin\uc1 \u351 ?i ca de cium\uc1 \u259 ?,
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cad\uc1 \u259 ? de-a dreptul
asupra t\uc1 \u259 ?bliei lor de lucru. \uc1 \u206 ?n atelierele de pictur\uc1
\u259 ? ale uzbecilor din Buhara, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sp\uc1 \u259 ?lau, la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul
zilei, ochii
cu o ap\uc1 \u259 ? binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?eici. Intre
toate aceste datini, cea care a privit orbirea la modul cel mai simplu cu putin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a fost, desigur, cea descoperit\uc1 \u259 ? la Herat de
maestrul miniaturist Seyyit Mirek, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?torul marelui maestru Behzad. Potrivit maestrului miniaturist Mirek, orbirea nu
este o n\uc1 \u259 ?past\uc1 \u259 ?, ci este ultima fericire d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit\uc1
\u259 ? de Dumnezeu miniaturistului care-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? propriului miracol. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? miniatura este truda miniaturistului de a afla cum vede Dumnezeu
lumea, iar aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine nepereche nu se dob\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1
\u351 ?te, prin amintire, dec\uc1 \u226 ?t atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ochii ostenesc,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de munc\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? preget, \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce miniaturistul ajuns la
cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul puterilor este atins de orbire. Prin urmare, modul \uc1 \u238 ?n
care vede Dumnezeu lumea poate fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles doar din amintirile
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor orbi. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul miniaturist \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i munce\uc1 \u351 ?te m\uc1 \u226 ?na de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregii vie\uc1 \u355 ?i, pentru ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i se arat\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? umbr\uc1 \u259 ?, adic\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i atin\uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1
\u238 ?ntunericul orbirii se ivesc amintirile \uc1 \u351 ?i priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea
lui Dumnezeu, ea s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?terne pe h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtie, de la sine, miraculoasa dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luire. Potrivit istoricului Mirza
Muhammet Haydar Duglat, care a scris despre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din Heratul
vremii sale \uc1 \u351 ?i despre legendele lor, maestrul Seyyit Mirek l-a dat drept
pild\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la acest mod de a pricepe pictura pe un miniaturist
care dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze imaginea unui cal. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
spusele sale, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai nepriceput
miniaturist picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea din memorie, chiar atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? calul uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se mereu la el, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu are nimic altceva \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, la fel ca pictorii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci de
azi. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu poate privi, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
timp, calul \uc1 \u351 ?i h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia pe care traseaz\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea
calului. Miniaturistul se uit\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i la cal,
iar apoi, imediat, deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie calul pe care-l
poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul
dintre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? fapte este de o clipit\uc1 \u259 ?, ceea ce a\uc1 \u351
?terne pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie miniaturistul nu este calul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l vede,
ci amintirea calului pe care tocmai l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte, ceea ce este o dovad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru cel mai slab dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
miniatura poate fi z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? doar din memorie. Ca urmare a
acestui fel de a privi miniatura, care vede \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1
\u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a miniaturistului pe t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?mul me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugului s\uc1 \u259 ?u o simpl\uc1 \u259 ?
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tire pentru fericita orbire care va urma dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea \uc1
\u351 ?i pentru amintirile specifice orbilor, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din Heratul
vremii socoteau miniaturile z\uc1 \u259 ?mislite pentru \uc1 \u351 ?ahii \uc1 \u351
?i pentru prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii iubitori de carte ca pe o simpl\uc1 \u259 ? deprindere
a m\uc1 \u226 ?inii, ca pe un exerci\uc1 \u355 ?iu, iar truda, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
desenau f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
st\uc1 \u259 ?teau zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a afla
odihna, la lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicelor, cu ochii a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i
asupra paginilor, ca pe o \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare fericit\uc1 \u259 ?, care-l purta
pe miniaturist spre orbire. Maestrul miniaturist Mirek a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat, de-a
lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii sale vie\uc1 \u355 ?i, cel mai potrivit moment pentru a
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te acest sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it fericit, apropiindu-se
uneori cu bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
repeziciune de orbire, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd desena pe unghii, pe boabe de orez,
ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe fire de p\uc1 \u259 ?r, pomi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
rca\uc1 \u355 ?i cu toate frunzele cuvenite, iar alteori am\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u226 ?nd cu pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul, atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd desena gr\uc1 \u259 ?dini tihnite \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsorite. La
v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta de \uc1 \u351 ?aptezeci de ani, sultanul Huseyin Baykara, dorind
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe acest mare
maestru, i-a deschis calea spre miile de pagini de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i
adunate \uc1 \u238 ?n vistieria sa, ferecat\uc1 \u259 ? cu nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate
lac\uc1 \u259 ?te. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a privit, vreme de trei zile \uc1 \u351 ?i
trei nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, la lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicelor de aur din \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea vistieriei doldora de arme, m\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?suri,
catifele \uc1 \u351 ?i galbeni \uc1 \u8211 ? miraculoasele pagini ale legendarelor
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i izvodite de fiecare dintre vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai
Heratului, maestrul Mirek a orbit. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a atins aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
nou\uc1 \u259 ? stare, pe care a primit-o cu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciune
\uc1 \u351 ?i resemnare, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit
cu \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii lui Dumnezeu, marele maestru nu a mai vorbit niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu a mai pictat miniaturi. Mirza Muhammet Haydar Duglat,
autorul Istoriei lui Ra\uc1 \u351 ?id, explic\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta prin faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? un miniaturist care a ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? priveli\uc1 \u351
?tile nemuritorului timp al lui Dumnezeu nu se va mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? la paginile de carte z\uc1 \u259 ?mislite pentru simplii
muritori, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai spune: \uc1 \u8222 ?Acolo unde amintirile
miniaturistului orb ajung la Dumnezeu, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc t\uc1
\u259 ?cerea absolut\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i
nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea paginii albe.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiam, desigur, c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru nu voia at\uc1 \u226 ?
t s\uc1 \u259 ? afle r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea Maestrului Osman
cu privire la orbire \uc1 \u351 ?i memorie, c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se
poat\uc1 \u259 ? odihni privindu-mi lucrurile, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea,
miniaturile. Cu toate acestea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, am fost mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? istoriile pe care i le relatasem
\uc1 \u238 ?l mi\uc1 \u351 ?caser\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc. Starea de orbire
este o stare fericit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n care nu au cum s\uc1 \u259 ? se
strecoare Diavolul \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?catul, i-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 La Tabriz, a zis Negru, unii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti de stil vechi,
care, sub \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?urirea maestrului Mirek, v\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1
\u238 ?n orbire o binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntare a lui Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i cea mai
mare virtute, se prefac c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt orbi, ru\uc1 \u351 ?ina\uc1 \u355 ?i de
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?,
n-au orbit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tem\uc1 \u259 ?tori ca acest
lucru s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cit ca o dovad\uc1 \u259 ? a
nepriceperii \uc1 \u351 ?i a lipsei lor de har. Din pricina acestui mod de a
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, influen\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i de Cemalettin din Kazvin,
unii dintre ei, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu sunt cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat orbi, se a\uc1 \u351
?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre oglinzi, pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, \uc1 \u351 ?i
privesc s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir, la
lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ? a unei l\uc1 \u259 ?mpi cu ulei, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? a m\uc1 \u226 ?nca \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a bea nimic,
paginile \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuite de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, spre a
\uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? lumea ca
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te orbi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40
\langfenp1048 A b\uc1 \u259 ?tut cineva la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am deschis,
m-am uitat cine este \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un frumos ucenic de la
atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochii lui pl\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i larg
deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? trupul fratelui nostru auritor,
Delicat Efendi, fusese g\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un pu\uc1 \u355 ? secat
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
se petreac\uc1 \u259 ? la vremea amiezii la Moscheea Mihrimah, apoi a fugit
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le dea de \uc1 \u351 ?tire \uc1 \u351 ?i
celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-ne, Doamne!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 15. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Ester.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Oare dragostea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aia care-l t\uc1 \u226 ?mpe\uc1 \u351 ?te pe om,
sau doar t\uc1 \u226 ?mpi\uc1 \u355 ?ii se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostesc? De
ani de zile fac negustorie cu bocceaua \uc1 \u351 ?i pe\uc1 \u355 ?esc, dar nu pot
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea asta. Voiam tare mult s\uc1 \u259 ?
cunosc o pereche de oameni care, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostindu-se, s\uc1
\u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? mai vioi la minte, mai \uc1 \u351 ?ire\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ? curse mai de\uc1 \u351 ?
tepte, ba chiar s\uc1 \u259 ? dau de un asemenea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. Ceea ce \uc1
\u351 ?tiu e c\uc1 \u259 ? un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat nu e nici pe departe \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit dac\uc1 \u259 ? se folose\uc1 \u351 ?te de \uc1 \u351 ?
iretlicuri, de mici capcane, de vicle\uc1 \u351 ?uguri. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce-l
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe Negru Efendi, el arat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i-a pierdut de pe-acum s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele rece \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?,
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te
cu mine despre \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, scap\uc1 \u259 ? cu totul h\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?urile din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 I-am spus \uc1 \u238 ?n pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re se g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te necontenit la el,
c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat de r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul lui, c\uc1 \u259 ? n-
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o a\uc1 \u351 ?a niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i altele la
fel refrenul pe li-l spun tuturor, pe de rost. Se uita \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a
fel la mine, c\uc1 \u259 ? mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Mi-a spus
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i duc degrab\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re r\uc1 \u259
?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care mi-l d\uc1 \u259 ?duse, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? abat din drum. To\uc1 \u355 ?i pro\uc1 \u351 ?tii pun o
arm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na celor de care sunt \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i, socotind c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dragostea
lor se afl\uc1 \u259 ? ceva care ar cere, parc\uc1 \u259 ?, o grab\uc1 \u259 ? cu
totul aparte \uc1 \u351 ?i dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i patima mistuitoare;
dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunt de\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rzie
cu r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul. Morala: graba \uc1 \u238 ?n dragoste am\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? roadele iubirii!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Prin
urmare, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u351 ?tiut c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? duc
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte r\uc1 \u259 ?
va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care mi-l d\uc1 \u259 ?duse, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi c\uc1 \u259
? e grab\uc1 \u259 ? mare, Negru Efendi mi-ar fi mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit. \uc1 \u206 ?
nghe\uc1 \u355 ?asem, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u238 ?n pia\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? peste poate. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzesc, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? abat mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i pe la una din copilele mele, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei cas\uc1
\u259 ? mi-era \uc1 \u238 ?n drum. Fetelor c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le-am purtat r\uc1
\u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care le-am m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat cu m\uc1
\u226 ?na mea le spun \uc1 \u8222 ?copilele mele\uc1 \u8221 ?. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
fat\uc1 \u259 ? boccie \uc1 \u238 ?mi e a\uc1 \u351 ?a de recunosc\uc1 \u259 ?toare
c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd trec pe la ea, nu numai
c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi d\uc1 \u259 ? roat\uc1 \u259 ? ca un fluture \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul
lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, dar \uc1 \u238 ?mi mai \uc1 \u351 ?i pune \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva aspri. Zice
c\uc1 \u259 ? a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas grea \uc1 \u351 ?i e fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ni\uc1 \u351 ?te ceai de tei pe care l-am b\uc1 \u259 ?ut desf\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am r\uc1
\u259 ?mas singur\uc1 \u259 ?, am num\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u351 ?i banii pe care mi
i-a dat Negru Efendi. Dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am pornit iar la drum. Am trecut pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi dosnice, prin
locuri pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dite, devenite de neumblat din pricina
noroiului \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce b\uc1 \u259 ?team
la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? fac haz \uc1 \u351 ?i-am
strigat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A venit negustoreasa
cu bocceaua, negustoreasa cu bocceaua, am zis. Am tulpane r\uc1 \u259 ?sucite,
dintre cele mai bune, vrednice de un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, \uc1 \u351 ?aluri minunate
sosite tocmai din Ka\uc1 \u351 ?mir, cing\uc1 \u259 ?tori din catifea de Bursa,
c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i din cele mai dichisite, cusute din p\uc1
\u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? egiptean\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i bordisite cu m\uc1 \u259 ?
tase, batice de muselin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nflorate, cear\uc1 \u351 ?afuri
pentru saltele \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru pat, batiste de toate culorile eu, negustoreasa
cu bocceaua!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 U\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a
deschis \uc1 \u351 ?i am
intrat. Ca de obicei, casa mirosea a pat, a somn, a ulei \uc1 \u238 ?ncins \uc1
\u351 ?i a umezeal\uc1 \u259 ?. Mirosul acela \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor al b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ilor singuri, pe cale s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Zgrip\uc1 \u355 ?uroaico! A zis. De ce strigi?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am scos r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i i l-
am dat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a apropiat de mine ca o
umbr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n semi\uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?perii \uc1 \u351 ?i mi l-a smuls din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o clipit\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a dus \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259
?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci acolo se afla o lamp\uc1 \u259 ? mereu aprins\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am
oprit \uc1 \u238 ?n pragul u\uc1 \u351 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l matale nu e acas\uc1 \u259 ?? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu mi-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Citea r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ul cu nesa\uc1 \u355 ?. L-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l deslu\uc1
\u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea dincolo de lamp\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?mi era peste putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d
chipul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a terminat de citit, a prins s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
reciteasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, am zis. Ce-a
scris?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan a citit: \uc1 \u8222 ?
Draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim. Deoarece am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1
\u351 ?i eu, ani de-a r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul, cu imaginea unei singure persoane, \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg \uc1 \u351 ?i pre\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul,
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti la nimeni altcineva \uc1 \u238 ?
n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de el. La ce altceva te po\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de la
o femeie ca dumneata, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu la dreapt\uc1 \u259 ? purtare \uc1 \u351 ?
i virtute? (Hasan a izbucnit \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?s!) Dar faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? am venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?l dumitale
\uc1 \u238 ?n probleme de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? nu a avut menirea s\uc1 \u259 ? te
tulbure. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-mi trece prin minte a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. Nu pot
pretinde c\uc1 \u259 ? semnul primit de la dumneata a fost o \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajare
pentru mine. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?i s-a ivit chipul la fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?,
ca o lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, nu m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la nimic altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta este, pentru mine, man\uc1 \u259 ?
dumnezeiasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Deoarece fericirea de a-\uc1 \u355 ?i putea vedea
chipul \uc1 \u238 ?mi este de ajuns. (Asta a scos-o din scrierile lui Nizami, a
bomb\uc1 \u259 ?nit el m\uc1 \u226 ?nios.) Dar, de vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi ceri
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? apropii de dumneata, spune-mi, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cumva
\uc1 \u238 ?nger, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie team\uc1 \u259 ? omului s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?i se arate? Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, ascult\uc1 \u259 ? ce-\uc1
\u355 ?i spun: pe vremuri, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam s\uc1 \u259 ?
adorm \uc1 \u238 ?n miez de noapte, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd urletele lupilor \uc1
\u351 ?i privind lumina lunii care c\uc1 \u259 ?dea peste mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii ple\uc1
\u351 ?uvi de la ferestrele unor caravanseraiuri pustii, blestemate \uc1 \u238 ?n
care nu se mai afla nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n afara vreunui hangiu lipsit de orice n\uc1
\u259 ?dejde \uc1 \u351 ?i a t\uc1 \u226 ?lharilor care fugiser\uc1 \u259 ? ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? scape de pedeapsa cu moartea \uc1 \u8211 ? singurii oameni mai
neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i ca mine \uc1 \u8211 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai s\uc1 \u259 ? mi te \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?ezi \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi te-ai \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at la fereastra aceea. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?:
acum, c\uc1 \u259 ? am revenit la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l dumitale pentru cartea aceea,
\uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?napoiezi imaginea pictat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru mine, acesta este
semnul reg\uc1 \u259 ?sirii. Nu semnul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii! L-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe
unul dintre fiii dumitale, pe Orhan. Bietul orfan! Voi fi, c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva,
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1
\u259 ? nu-i fie de deochi, am zis, c\uc1 \u259 ? bine a scris. Asta a ajuns poet.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
nger, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie team\uc1 \u259 ? omului s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i se
arate! A zis Hasan. A luat cuvintele astea din Ibn-i Zerhani. Eu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
scris mai bine ca el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A scos
din buzunar \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ia-l \uc1 \u351 ?i du-i-l lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Banii pe care mi i-a
dat laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul m-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut,
pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? simt prost. M-a \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat un soi de sc\uc1 \u226 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
dragostea ne\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a
acestui om care se lega at\uc1 \u226 ?t de nebune\uc1 \u351 ?te de \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?mintele, Hasan mi-a spus
grosolan, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ?
deoparte, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, aerele de domn:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Spune-i c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrem, o aducem acas\uc1
\u259 ? cu hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea cadiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Chiar vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun asta? S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut
t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-i spune, a zis.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii
din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?dea pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? se uita drept \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte, ca un copil care \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? a gre\uc1 \u351 ?it. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i cunosc aceste st\uc1 \u259 ?ri, am un anume respect
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de dragostea lui \uc1 \u351 ?i-i port r\uc1 \u259 ?
va\uc1 \u351 ?ele. N-o fac pentru bani, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-ar putea crede.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tocmai ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam din cas\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226
?nd Hasan m-a oprit la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spui lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re c\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult o iubesc? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat sugrumat de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
cu un aer prostesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-i scrii tu
asta \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele tale?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Spune-mi, cum a\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i conving pe ea
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Purt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-te ca un om bun, am zis, p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ind spre
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ?, este foarte
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu., a zis, cu durere sincer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ai \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigi
foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani, Ceau\uc1 \u351 ?21 Hasan. Asta \uc1 \u238 ?l face pe
om bun., am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? era at\uc1 \u226 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric, at\uc1 \u226 ?ta triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it afar\uc1 \u259 ?, mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1
\u259 ? vremea se mai \uc1 \u238 ?mbunase. Soarele mi-a sc\uc1 \u259 ?ldat
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? vreau ca \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
anume fel, mi-era mil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de nefericitul pe care-l v\uc1
\u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?n casa umed\uc1 \u259 ?, rece \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecoas\uc1 \u259 ?. F\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fi f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut vreun plan, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a mi-a
venit, am luat-o spre Pia\uc1 \u355 ?a de Mirodenii de la Laleli, cu g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi mai vin
\uc1 \u238 ?n fire printre mirosurile de tarhon, \uc1 \u351 ?ofran, piper; m-am
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ajuns\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re,
aceasta m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a luat r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ele, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i despre Negru. I-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
focul dragostei l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit nemilos, iar asta i-a pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i femeile care stau acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?mpletesc, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? de ce a fost ucis bietul Delicat
Efendi, am zis apoi, schimb\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Hayriye, ia f\uc1 \u259 ? tu ni\uc1 \u351 ?te halva \uc1 \u351 ?i du-i-o lui
Kalbiye, so\uc1 \u355 ?ia bietului Delicat Efendi, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? la
\uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea lui or s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1
\u355 ?i adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?luia din Erzurum \uc1 \u351 ?i o mare
mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de oameni, am zis. Rudele lui ar fi zis, se spune, c\uc1 \u259 ?
n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ner\uc1 \u259 ?zbunat.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ul lui Negru. M-am uitat la chipul ei, cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?nie. Femeia asta are o asemenea experien\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
poate st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni modul \uc1 \u238 ?n care i se v\uc1 \u259 ?desc
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?mintele pe chip. In vreme ce citea, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
c\uc1 \u259 ?-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n ea o aprobare a \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii speciale pe care o d\uc1 \u259 ?duse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Negru scrisorii. Prin urmare, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it de citit \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a sur\uc1 \u226 ?s, am fost nevoit\uc1
\u259 ? s-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce zice?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ca
\uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. E \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de mine.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce zici de asta?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu sunt m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?mpotriva a ceea ce crede\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu m-am sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat deloc
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a ticluit la repezeal\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? minciun\uc1
\u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce dorise s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ar\uc1 \u259 ?t interesul; ba
chiar trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a dat o stare de u\uc1 \u351 ?
urare. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratele fete \uc1 \u351 ?i femei c\uc1 \u259
?rora le-am purtat r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?rora
le-am dat sfaturi de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost la fel de interesate ca
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, at\uc1 \u226 ?t povara mea, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351
?i a lor s-ar fi u\uc1 \u351 ?urat la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate, ba chiar ar fi putut
avea parte de ni\uc1 \u351 ?te b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i cu mult mai buni.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce zice \uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259
?lalt? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, totu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc acum scrisoarea lui Hasan, mi-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Hasan
\uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors la Istanbul?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie de
existen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vorbe\uc1
\u351 ?ti cu Hasan? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat frumoasa mea, cu ochii ei negri larg
deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai vrut tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sufer\uc1 \u259 ?. Te
iube\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte tare. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? inima ta se-ndreapt\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre altul, va fi foarte greu s\uc1 \u259 ? scapi de el mai apoi.
Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? i-ai primit r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele i-a dat mari
n\uc1 \u259 ?dejdi. Teme-te de el. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit
doar s\uc1 \u259 ? te readuc\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? te sileasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? recuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259
? fratele lui mai mare a murit \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te m\uc1 \u259 ?
ri\uc1 \u355 ?i cu el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbit, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndulcesc izul amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor
al ultimelor cuvinte \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu par o piaz\uc1 \u259 ? rea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine, iar cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt
ce spune? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tia oare de care dintre ei \uc1
\u238 ?ntreba?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturistul?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-e mintea tulbure, a zis
deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, speriat\uc1 \u259 ? poate de propriile-i g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri.
Totul mi se pare din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?lcit. De-
acum, tata \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te. Ce se va
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla mai departe cu noi, cu copiii mei orfani? Simt c\uc1
\u259 ? de noi to\uc1 \u355 ?i se apropie ceva r\uc1 \u259 ?u, c\uc1 \u259 ?
Diavolul ne preg\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?te mari necazuri. Ester, spune-mi ceva
care s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? fericit\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face griji, draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, am zis, cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti
foarte de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi o s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d iar \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ind a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u cel chipe\uc1 \u351 ?; o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ezi, o s\uc1 \u259 ? ui\uc1 \u355 ?i de toate
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? fii fericit\uc1 \u259 ?.
Citesc asta \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii t\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M-a cuprins o asemenea dragoste fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea,
c\uc1 \u259 ? mi s-au umezit ochii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Bine, dar care va fi b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul acela?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i spune oare inima ta cea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1
\u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt
nefericit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu izbutesc s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep ce-mi
spune inima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternut t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re n-avea deloc \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?
n mine, c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ascundea cu iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea, spre a m\uc1 \u259 ? face s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc, c\uc1
\u259 ?-i era mil\uc1 \u259 ? de ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde pe dat\uc1
\u259 ? la r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e, mi-am luat bocceaua \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am
strecurat \uc1 \u238 ?n curte, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i ceea ce le spun tuturor
fetelor mele, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i celor sa\uc1 \u351 ?ii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? deschizi bine ochii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia frumo\uc1
\u351 ?i, draga mea, n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mple nimic r\uc1 \u259 ?u. Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face griji.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 16. Eu, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pe vremuri, ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori venea Ester, negustoreasa cu
bocceaua, \uc1 \u238 ?mi imaginam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostitul
care va putea face s\uc1 \u259 ?-i tresalte inima unei femei de\uc1 \u351 ?tepte,
frumoase, bine crescute, v\uc1 \u259 ?duve \uc1 \u351 ?i cinstite ca mine va trece,
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, la fapte, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va
scrie r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-l va trimite. V\uc1 \u259 ?
z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? scrisorile pe care le primeam erau de la cavalerii
mei dintotdeauna, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?narmam, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice caz, cu
putere \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi a\uc1 \u351 ?tept
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ?
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce pleac\uc1 \u259 ? Ester, negustoreasa cu bocceaua, mintea mi se
tulbur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? simt \uc1 \u351 ?i mai n\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?stuit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
ascultat sunetele lumii. Din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie se aude ceva clocotind
\uc1 \u351 ?i vine miros de l\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i de
ceap\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye fierbe dovlecei. \uc1 \u350
?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i Orhan sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n curte, se bat cu s\uc1 \u259 ?biile
sub rodiu; \uc1 \u238 ?i aud \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Tata st\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea de al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi. Am deschis r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui Hasan, l-am citit \uc1 \u351 ?i
am priceput \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? n-aveam de
ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mir. Doar c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de el \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am bucurat \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?eam aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ?, m-am
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivit \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?rilor lui de a se culca cu mine.
Apoi am citit r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui Negru, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-l cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost un lucru fragil, \uc1
\u351 ?i mintea mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nce\uc1 \u355 ?o\uc1 \u351 ?at. N-am mai recitit
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele. A ie\uc1 \u351 ?it soarele \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am g\uc1
\u226 ?ndit la urm\uc1 \u259 ?torul lucru: dac\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreuna
din nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi culcat \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dragoste cu Hasan, nimeni nu ar fi \uc1 \u351 ?tiut \uc1 \u238 ?n
afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu. Seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
meu disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut; ar fi fost acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru. Uneori \uc1 \u238 ?mi
trece prin minte un asemenea g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, nepotrivit \uc1 \u351 ?i ciudat. A
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it soarele \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzindu-m\uc1
\u259 ? dintr-odat\uc1 \u259 ?, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam
parc\uc1 \u259 ? un trup; \uc1 \u238 ?mi sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pielea, g\uc1 \u226 ?tul, s\uc1 \u226 ?nii. \uc1 \u206 ?n
vreme ce soarele m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?pungea astfel prin u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a intrat deodat\uc1 \u259 ? Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ce cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti, mam\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Bine, am min\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u226 ?nd v-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? n-
am mai recitit ultimele r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e aduse de Ester. Tocmai le
reciteam. Dar de data asta le-am \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?turit cu adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat, le-am v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u226 ?n \uc1
\u351 ?i i-am spus lui Orhan:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia vino
tu la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, iar el a venit. Oof, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te
deochi, da' greu mai e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, te-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mare, i-am zis,
\uc1 \u351 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? e
rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a, mi-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, ce cald\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti! \uc1 \u350 ?i s-a proptit cu
spatele de s\uc1 \u226 ?nii mei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea am\uc1 \u226 ?ndurora s\uc1 \u259 ?
st\uc1 \u259 ?m str\uc1 \u226 ?ns lipi\uc1 \u355 ?i unul de altul, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim. L-am adulmecat \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?
rutat pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t. L-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
at \uc1 \u351 ?i mai str\uc1 \u226 ?ns. S-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1
\u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas a\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?dili, mi-a zis dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem, i-am spus serios. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
vine padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul ginnilor \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u355 ?i spune: \uc1 \u8222 ?
Cere-mi orice vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ceri\uc1 \u8221 ?, ce \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai dori tu
cel mai mult \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Vreau ca \uc1 \u350 ?evket s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai fie cu noi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce altceva vrei? Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? ai un tat\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
am s\uc1 \u259 ? cresc, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsor eu cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?u nu
este s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
s\uc1 \u259 ? te ur\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti ori chiar s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351
?i s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti, ci s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te
invidieze nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. L-am dat jos pe Orhan,
care se \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzise. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? o femeie rea la suflet, ca mine, ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?
rite cu un om bun, m-am dus la tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah te va r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?
ti v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu ochii s\uc1 \u259 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? cartea, i-am zis. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci iar la
Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu,
a zis tata. Crima asta m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat. Se vede
c\uc1 \u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?manii ne sunt puternici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia
\uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu eu i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajat, c\uc1 \u259 ? a
deschis calea r\uc1 \u259 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cirilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a
speran\uc1 \u355 ?elor f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? temei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cum adic\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De-
acum, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai
repede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce? A zis tata. Cu cine? Dar tu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?, a spus. De unde-ai mai scos-o
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe-asta? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Cine te cere? Ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ?
se afle la mijloc un pe\uc1 \u355 ?itor foarte \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept,
fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tor, a spus \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleptul meu tat\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? vom g\uc1 \u259 ?si cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? un asemenea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ne va
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea, a ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat, rezum\uc1 \u226 ?nd nefericita mea
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u350 ?tii
c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a te putea m\uc1 \u259 ?rita, avem de rezolvat probleme
foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ncurcate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar dup\uc1 \u259 ?
o lung\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, a continuat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1
\u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci, draga mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Am visat ieri c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu a murit, am zis,
dar nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca o femeie care visase \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?
ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti un vis, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u351 ?tiu cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?torii
s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?ceasc\uc1 \u259 ? o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se uit\uc1 \u259 ? la ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? e bine s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i povestesc ce am visat?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?ntre noi s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut un soi de \uc1 \u238 ?ncremenire \uc1 \u351
?i ne-am z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit unul altuia, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac oamenii de\uc1 \u351
?tep\uc1 \u355 ?i care cerceteaz\uc1 \u259 ? la iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rile celor discutate \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Eu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? a murit, t\uc1 \u259 ?
lm\uc1 \u259 ?cindu-\uc1 \u355 ?i visul, dar socrul, cumnatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u
\uc1 \u351 ?i cadiul, care are datoria s\uc1 \u259 ?-i asculte, vor cere alte
dovezi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au trecut doi ani de c\uc1
\u226 ?nd mi-am luat copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar socrul \uc1 \u351 ?i cumnatul meu n-au izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
readuc\uc1 \u259 ? la ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu prea bine c\uc1 \u259 ? au un punct slab, a zis tata.
Dar asta nu \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? vor fi de acord s\uc1
\u259 ? te despar\uc1 \u355 ?i de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi maleki\uc1 \u355 ?i sau hanbali\uc1
\u355 ?i22, am zis, cadiul ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? despart\uc1 \u259 ?
de el, dat fiind c\uc1 \u259 ? au trecut patru ani, ba chiar mi-ar putea asigura un
mijloc de trai. Dar fiind, slav\uc1 \u259 ? Domnului, hanefi\uc1 \u355 ?i, nici
asta nu putem face.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-mi vorbi de
loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul \uc1 \u351 ?afiit al judec\uc1 \u259 ?torului din Uskudar.
Astea sunt treburi necurate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se pare
c\uc1 \u259 ? toate femeile din Istanbul c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le-au disp\uc1 \u259 ?
rut b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi se duc la el
s\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?eze. Cum este \uc1 \u351 ?afiit, le \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? doar: \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u354 ?i-a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul, de c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut, ai
necazuri \uc1 \u238 ?n traiul de zi cu zi, \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia sunt,
a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, martorii t\uc1 \u259 ?i?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le desparte
c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai zice pe\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cine-\uc1 \u355 ?i bag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cap asemenea lucruri, draga mea
fat\uc1 \u259 ?? A zis el. Cine-\uc1 \u355 ?i ia min\uc1 \u355 ?ile?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ?,
odat\uc1 \u259 ? desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, va ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea
cineva care s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ia min\uc1 \u355 ?ile, sigur \uc1 \u238 ?mi vei spune
ce crezi, iar eu n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? ies niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? din cuv\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul dumitale \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a celui cu care m\uc1 \u259 ? voi
m\uc1 \u259 ?rita.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?iretul
meu tat\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i fata
lui era la fel de \uc1 \u351 ?ireat\uc1 \u259 ? ca el, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? clipeasc\uc1 \u259 ? din ochi. Acum, tata clipe\uc1 \u351 ?te
a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n trei \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri: 1. C\uc1 \u226
?nd este str\uc1 \u226 ?ns cu u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? mintea s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?
seasc\uc1 \u259 ? la repezeal\uc1 \u259 ? un \uc1 \u351 ?iretlic. 2. C\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?i vine sincer s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?, de
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. 3. C\uc1
\u226 ?nd este str\uc1 \u226 ?ns cu u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
mbin\uc1 \u259 ? prima \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare cu cea de-a doua, pentru a l\uc1
\u259 ?sa pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai apoi impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? e gata s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 I\uc1 \u355 ?i iei copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i pleci, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-l singur pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul t\uc1 \u259 ?u tat\uc1
\u259 ?? \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fiu
ucis din pricina c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii noastre a zis \uc1 \u8222 ?cartea
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, da! Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259
? dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i iei copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? pleci, chiar vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? mor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
T\uc1 \u259 ?icu\uc1 \u355 ?ule, nu spuneai dumneata mereu c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de cumnatul acela al meu, care nu-mi folose\uc1 \u351 ?te la
nimic, ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?ez?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1
\u351 ?ti. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u s-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi. \uc1 \u350 ?i chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-
ar \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce, nu e nici o pagub\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ajunge s\uc1 \u259 ? locuie\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?n casa asta, cu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu-mi doresc nimic altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? locuiesc
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu dumneata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Draga mea, nu spuneai mai devreme, acum o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1
\u259 ? vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, asta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
intri la discu\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu tata; \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, ajung
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spuneam., am zis, privind drept \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, apoi,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? ab\uc1 \u355 ?ineam s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pl\uc1
\u226 ?ng, am prins curaj, socotind c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce-mi venise \uc1 \u238 ?n
minte era \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i am urmat:
Bine, dar n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai m\uc1 \u259 ?rit niciodat\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
iubesc din inim\uc1 \u259 ? pe ginerele acela care nu mi te va lua s\uc1 \u259 ? te
duc\uc1 \u259 ? departe. Cine-\uc1 \u355 ?i este pe\uc1 \u355 ?itorul? Va locui cu
noi, aici \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. \uc1 \u350 ?tiam, desigur, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi c\uc1 \u259 ? tata
nu ar fi avut nici un fel de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un
ginere care ar fi locuit cu noi, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ar fi zdrobit, pu\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1
\u226 ?te pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Tata l-ar fi umilit cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta \uc1 \u351 ?
iretenie \uc1 \u351 ?i iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe acel ginere care ar fi
urmat s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casa socrului,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car eu nu mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? mai fi
dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiesc unui asemenea om.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz,
dat\uc1 \u259 ? fiind \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea \uc1 \u238 ?n care te afli, \uc1
\u351 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? e cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te
m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea
tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui t\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? te
m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i dau voie s-o faci.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit, vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? despart.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? e \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?eze un dobitoc f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? minte,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia nu-i pas\uc1 \u259 ? de nimic altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de
propriile lui interese. \uc1 \u350 ?tii, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, draga mea
copil\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult te iubesc? Mai e \uc1 \u351 ?i cartea
asta, pe care trebuie s-o ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vim.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc, m-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit Diavolul,
care va fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles m\uc1 \u226 ?nia mea, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi spus tatei \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? se culca noaptea cu Hayriye; era \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? oare pe potriva unei fete ca mine s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1
\u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului ei tat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? se iube\uc1 \u351 ?te cu roaba?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cine vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoare cu tine?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am privit \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i am t\uc1 \u259
?cut, dar nu de ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, ci de furie. Mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, de\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriasem at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de groaznic, ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nia \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare era
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu puteam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spund. Mi i-am imaginat
atunci, pe tata \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Hayriye, \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, \uc1 \u238 ?n pozi\uc1
\u355 ?ia aia caraghioas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u226 ?rboas\uc1 \u259 ?.
Tocmai m\uc1 \u259 ? podideau lacrimile c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am spus, privind drept \uc1
\u238 ?nainte:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt ni\uc1 \u351 ?
te dovlecei pe plit\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se ard\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am trecut \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? scar\uc1 \u259 ?, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei fereastr\uc1
\u259 ?, care nu se deschidea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?
nspre pu\uc1 \u355 ?, mi-am dibuit repede a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul pe \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am aruncat pe el: ah, ce bine este
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii copil \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?
cea \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?
i se face o nedreptate! Numai eu \uc1 \u355 ?in la mine, iar singur\uc1 \u259 ?
tatea mea este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de dureroas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng din pricina ei, dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?,
cititorii care \uc1 \u238 ?mi auzi\uc1 \u355 ?i hohotele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?
ipetele, \uc1 \u238 ?mi veni\uc1 \u355 ?i degrab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Abia dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea am
b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Orhan se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinsese
l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t capul \uc1 \u238 ?ntre s\uc1 \u226 ?nii mei \uc1
\u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? suspina \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?
rsa \uc1 \u351 ?i el lacrimi, drept care am oftat ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc \uc1 \u351 ?i l-
am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a zis dup\uc1 \u259 ? un timp. Tata o
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Dar l-am dezmierdat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de st\uc1
\u259 ?ruitor, l-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare la piept, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am uitat de toate necazurile. Acum, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a
adormi \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e trupul
delicat al dragului meu Orhan, cu oasele lui at\uc1 \u226 ?t de fragile, mai am o
singur\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?rare, pe care am s\uc1 \u259 ? v-o \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc. M\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?iesc de ceea ce v-am spus mai adineauri, la m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, \uc1 \u238 ?n
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu tata \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Hayriye. Nu, nu era o
minciun\uc1 \u259 ?, dar tot m\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?inez de moarte c\uc1 \u259
? v-am spus, drept care uita\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi vorbele, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar fi
fost spuse niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum tata n-ar face asta cu
Hayriye, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, ia b\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u355 ?i de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, oare
nu ni se poate \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
sunt Unchiul vostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E greu, e
foarte greu s\uc1 \u259 ? ai o fat\uc1 \u259 ?. Pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, \uc1 \u238 ?i auzeam hohotele, dar nu puteam face altceva
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? privesc paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe
care-o aveam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n volumul pe
care m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiam s\uc1 \u259 ?-l citesc era o pagin\uc1
\u259 ? din Cartea Apocalipsei \uc1 \u8211 ? scria c\uc1 \u259 ?, la trei zile
dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte, sufletul cere \uc1 \u238 ?nvoire de la Dumnezeu \uc1
\u351 ?i colind\uc1 \u259 ? trupul \uc1 \u238 ?n care a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n ce stare se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? fostul s\uc1 \u259 ?u trup, cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n morm\uc1 \u226 ?
nt, n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?it de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, putred, plutind \uc1 \u238 ?
n ap\uc1 \u259 ?, sufletul se \uc1 \u238 ?ntristeaz\uc1 \u259 ?, pl\uc1 \u226 ?
nge \uc1 \u351 ?i se cerne\uc1 \u351 ?te, \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?
nd: Biet trup, bietul \uc1 \u351 ?i iubitul meu trup dinainte! M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit atunci o vreme la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul dureros al lui Delicat
Efendi, la felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care a z\uc1 \u259 ?cut el pe fundul pu\uc1 \u355 ?
ului, la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? poate sufletul lui nu colind\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrist\uc1 \u226
?ndu-se, desigur, peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd hohotele lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re au \uc1
\u238 ?ncetat, am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat deoparte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile despre
moarte. Mi-am mai pus pe dedesubt \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o c\uc1 \u259 ?
ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urat str\uc1 \u226 ?ns br\uc1 \u226 ?ul gros din p\uc1
\u259 ?r de capr\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de
cald la \uc1 \u351 ?ale, mi-am luat \uc1 \u351 ?alvarii cu blan\uc1 \u259 ? de
iepure, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
colo, la poart\uc1 \u259 ? am dat de \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Unde te duci, bunicule?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia
intr\uc1 \u259 ? tu \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?! La \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?
ntare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am pornit pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi
troienite de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?, printre case putrede, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
r\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, care cu greu mai st\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1 \u238 ?n
picioare, prin locuri pustiite de incendii. Am mers \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung prin
cartiere m\uc1 \u259 ?rgina\uc1 \u351 ?e, printre livezi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u226 ?mpuri cultivate, am trecut prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dughenelor c\uc1 \u259 ?
ru\uc1 \u355 ?arilor, rotarilor, fierarilor, curelarilor, \uc1 \u351 ?elarilor,
negustorilor de harna\uc1 \u351 ?amente, potcovarilor, \uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1
\u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre zidurile ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i
pruden\uc1 \u355 ?i, de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, str\uc1 \u259 ?duindu-
m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu alunec pe ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cad.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea avea loc tocmai la
Moscheea Mihrimah, de la Poarta Edirne. La moschee m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at cu fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mortului care aveau, cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ni\uc1 \u351 ?te capete ca bostanii \uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tau tulbura\uc1 \u355 ?i, m\uc1 \u226 ?nio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ncr\uc1 \u226 ?ncena\uc1 \u355 ?i. In vreme ce se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea rug\uc1 \u259 ?
ciunea de \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare, \uc1 \u238 ?n toiul unei ceti
plumburii care se l\uc1 \u259 ?sase pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate \uc1 \u351 ?i care,
pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce cobora, cuprindea totul, ochii mi s-au oprit
asupra sicriului aflat pe lespedea pe care era sp\uc1 \u259 ?lat trupul mortului
\uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat o asemenea m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotriva nemernicului care s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ise acea fapt\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea Allahumme Barik mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd credincio\uc1 \u351 ?ii
comunit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii au luat sicriul pe umeri, eu m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam
deja printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafi. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at cu Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? ne scape \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? un hohot de
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u351 ?i uit\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n unele
nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd lucram \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? la cartea
mea, z\uc1 \u259 ?bovind la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238
?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? conving\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de
modest\uc1 \u259 ? era aurirea pe care o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea Delicat Efendi, c\uc1
\u226 ?t de lipsit de \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?nare era acesta \uc1 \u238 ?n
a\uc1 \u351 ?ternerea culorii punea albastru \uc1 \u238 ?nchis pretutindeni, spre a
\uc1 \u238 ?nzestra pictura cu m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce eu, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deam dreptate,
spuneam mereu:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar alt om nu avem.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut at\uc1
\u226 ?ta pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? privea prietenos, cu un soi de respect, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? mai
apoi m-a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u8211 ? omul
care \uc1 \u351 ?tie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?eze e un om bun \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? dintre to\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, dintre to\uc1 \u355 ?i caligrafii, el era cel
care credea cel mai mult \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pe sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile de la u\uc1 \u351 ?a dinspre curte m-am \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit nas \uc1 \u238 ?n nas cu Maestrul Osman, Mai-marele
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, \uc1 \u351 ?i n-am \uc1 \u351 ?tiut ce s\uc1 \u259 ? ne
spunem. A fost un moment straniu, plin de \uc1 \u238 ?ncordare; unul dintre fra\uc1
\u355 ?ii r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? cu sughi\uc1 \u355 ?uri; cineva dornic de spectacol a spus:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dumnezeu e mare.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La care cimitir? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat el, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva. Am fost cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te, deoarece
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul \uc1 \u8222 ?nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu\uc1 \u8221 ? ar fi putut l\uc1
\u259 ?sa impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? am o atitudine neprietenoas\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1
\u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mai stau pe
g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu pe cel de l\uc1 \u226
?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine: la ce cimitir, la Poarta Edirne?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 La Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p, mi-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns un prost\uc1 \u259 ?nac
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbos \uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?gos \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? de t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La
Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p, i-am zis eu Maestrului, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1
\u259 ? spre el, dar acesta auzise vorbele t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului
prost\uc1 \u259 ?nac, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbos \uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
gos. S-a uitat la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t am priceput \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai voia
s\uc1 \u259 ? lungeasc\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
lnire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?ase mie
scrierea, decorarea, ilustrarea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o numeam
\uc1 \u8222 ?tainic\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l m\uc1 \u226 ?hnea,
desigur, pe Maestrul Osman. La mijloc se mai afla \uc1 \u351 ?i pasiunea dob\uc1
\u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ? de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, sub \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1
\u226 ?urirea mea, pentru metodele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ale francilor. Odat\uc1
\u259 ?, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u238 ?l silise pe Marele Maestru Osman
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i copieze portretul pictat de un italian. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259
? Maestrul Osman m\uc1 \u259 ? socote\uc1 \u351 ?te pe mine r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor pentru pictura aceea stranie, pe care a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o
\uc1 \u238 ?n sc\uc1 \u226 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru copia dup\uc1 \u259 ? pictorul
italian, pe care a numit-o \uc1 \u8222 ?o cazn\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?. Are
dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am oprit la
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea sc\uc1 \u259 ?rii \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit o vreme bolta
cerului. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am asigurat c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
sesem bini\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1
\u259 ? cobor scara acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici nu
apucasem s\uc1 \u259 ? cobor, cu greu, dou\uc1 \u259 ? trepte, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
cineva m-a luat de bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at: era Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 E foarte frig, a zis. Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? e frig?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiam c\uc1 \u226 ?
tu\uc1 \u351 ?i de pu\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1 \u259 ? el era cel care-i sucise
min\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a cu care m\uc1 \u259 ? luase de bra\uc1 \u355 ?
dovedea acest lucru. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul lui de a fi era ceva care spunea: m-am
str\uc1 \u259 ?duit vreme de doisprezece ani \uc1 \u351 ?i am devenit om. Am
ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n josul sc\uc1 \u259 ?rii. O s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi povesteasc\uc1
\u259 ? mai pe urm\uc1 \u259 ? ce-a aflat la atelier.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Du-te \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, fiule, i-am zis. Du-te s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
ajungi din urm\uc1 \u259 ? pe cei din comunitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 S-a f\uc1 \u226 ?st\uc1 \u226 ?cit, dar s-a st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226
?nit. Ba chiar mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut chipul \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a desprins de
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i a plecat, sigur de sine. Oare dac\uc1 \u259 ?
i-o dau pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, o s\uc1 \u259 ? stea \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Ie\uc1 \u351 ?isem din ora\uc1 \u351 ? pe la Poarta Edirne \uc1 \u351 ?i am
z\uc1 \u259 ?rit, tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n vale, sicriul care disp\uc1 \u259 ?rea
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel de negur\uc1 \u259 ?, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?
imea de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, caligrafi \uc1 \u351 ?i ucenici care-l purtau pe
umeri \uc1 \u238 ?naint\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu repeziciune pe panta ce coboar\uc1 \u259 ?
spre Cornul de Aur. Merseser\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t trecuser\uc1 \u259 ? de-acum de jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea drumului
mocirlos care ducea spre Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p, prin valea \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n st\uc1 \u226 ?
nga, co\uc1 \u351 ?ul de la lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ria vakif-ului23 Hanim
Sultan fumega voios, \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u351 ?i de
cea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ziduri se aflau
abatorul \uc1 \u351 ?i piel\uc1 \u259 ?rii care munceau f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz pentru m\uc1 \u259 ?celarii greci din Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p. Mirosul de
mort\uc1 \u259 ?ciune se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndise p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n valea ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea spre cupolele \uc1 \u238 ?
nce\uc1 \u355 ?o\uc1 \u351 ?ate ale Moscheii Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p \uc1 \u351 ?i spre
chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ii din cimitir. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am mers pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, am
auzit \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele copiilor care se jucau \uc1 \u238 ?n noul cartier
evreiesc din Balat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am
cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t spre locul viran de la Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p, Fluture s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nghesuit \uc1 \u238 ?n mine. A intrat direct \uc1 \u238 ?n subiect, zgomotos, cu
\uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rarea lui dintotdeauna.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Treaba asta au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a zis. \uc1 \u350 ?i ei \uc1
\u351 ?tiau, la fel de bine ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, c\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu eram
certat cu r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul; \uc1 \u351 ?tiau, de asemenea, c\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a aflat de asta. Intre noi exista o anume pizm\uc1 \u259 ?,
ba chiar sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte de vr\uc1 \u259 ?jm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351
?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i de du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie, legate de miniaturistul care-i
va urma Maestrului Osman \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea atelierului. Ei socotesc acum
c\uc1 \u259 ? vina va c\uc1 \u259 ?dea asupra mea sau c\uc1 \u259 ?, cel pu\uc1
\u355 ?in, Mai-marele vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru,
\uc1 \u238 ?mpins de acesta, se vor \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?ina de mine
adic\uc1 \u259 ? nu, de noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine
sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i voi, cei pe care tu \uc1 \u238 ?i nume\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u8222
?noi\uc1 \u8221 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noi spunem c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n atelier trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se p\uc1 \u259 ?streze vechea
r\uc1 \u226 ?nduial\uc1 \u259 ? moral\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?im pe calea deschis\uc1 \u259 ? de mae\uc1 \u351 ?
trii persani, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? pict\uc1 \u259 ?m orice
subiect, de dragul banilor. Noi spunem c\uc1 \u259 ? armele, o\uc1 \u351 ?tirile,
robii, cuceririle trebuie \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuite de vechile legende, de istoriile
sfin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, de pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne lep\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?m de vechile modele, c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii de pe domeniile sultanului nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?deasc\uc1 \u259 ? picturi de dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale, s\uc1 \u259 ?
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? orice, pentru oricine, prin dughenele din
t\uc1 \u226 ?rg, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimbul c\uc1 \u226 ?torva aspri. Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah ne d\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te def\uc1 \u259 ?imezi zadarnic, i-am zis, ca s-o
scurteze. Sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni din atelier nu are aplecare spre a\uc1
\u351 ?a ceva. Sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii fra\uc1 \u355 ?i. Zugr\uc1
\u259 ?virea c\uc1 \u226 ?torva subiecte care n-au mai fost pictate p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu e un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat demn de a fi du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?nit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langfenp1048 Am intuit \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ? un
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r de net\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duit, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd auzisem
vestea pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?. Uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui Delicat Efendi era
unul dintre cei mai de seam\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din atelierul
Seraiului \uc1 \u351 ?i se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, \uc1 \u238 ?n
mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care urca pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ?ul spre cimitir. Eram
convins \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va continua lucrarea
diavoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i zavistia, c\uc1 \u259 ? era vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?ul c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiam
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, foarte probabil, venea pe la mine pe acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de lucru, f\uc1 \u259 ?urind miniaturi \uc1
\u351 ?i alte picturi pentru cartea mea. Oare Fluture era \uc1 \u351 ?i el \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de fata mea, la fel ca majoritatea miniaturi\uc1 \u351
?tilor, a pictorilor care se ab\uc1 \u259 ?teau pe la noi? Uitase, oare, \uc1 \u238
?n vreme ce afirma cu t\uc1 \u259 ?rie ce afirma, c\uc1 \u259 ? uneori \uc1 \u238 ?
i ceream picturi cu totul potrivnice ideilor sale, sau \uc1 \u238 ?mi f\uc1 \u259 ?
cea aluzii subtile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, m-am g\uc1 \u226
?ndit mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, nu poate fi vorba de aluzii. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u351 ?i cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, Fluture avea \uc1 \u351 ?i el, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de mine, un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt limpede de
recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd banii din vistierie
cuveni\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i darurile, de
altfel \uc1 \u238 ?ncetaser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mai soseasc\uc1 \u259 ?, din
pricina r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaielor \uc1 \u351 ?i a lipsei de interes ar\uc1 \u259 ?tate
de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, singurul c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig temeinic \uc1
\u238 ?n plus le fusese asigurat o vreme, tuturor, de cartea mea. Aflasem c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pizmuiau de la fiecare dintre ei, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ba
chiar, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? nu doar din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ?! M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneam separat cu
fiecare, la mine acas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar asta nu \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna nicidecum
c\uc1 \u259 ? nutreau du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
mine. To\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei erau persoane \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeajuns de mature ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?geasc\uc1 \u259 ? sincer un om pe care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
nevoite s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iubeasc\uc1 \u259 ? datorit\uc1 \u259 ? foloaselor pe care
li le aducea \uc1 \u351 ?i ca s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?a
de a g\uc1 \u259 ?si \uc1 \u238 ?n acest sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt
o motiva\uc1 \u355 ?ie mai uman\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Pentru ca t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se prelungeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu revenim la acela\uc1 \u351 ?i subiect, am spus:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Slav\uc1 \u259 ? Domnului c\uc1 \u259 ? pot s\uc1 \u259 ?
urce sicriul pe pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ? cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i iu\uc1 \u355 ?
eal\uc1 \u259 ? cu care l-au cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Fluture a sur\uc1 \u226 ?s pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, dezvelindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i to\uc1 \u355
?i din\uc1 \u355 ?ii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din
pricina frigului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare ar putea ucide
acum un om? M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nd. De pild\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n invidie. Iar mai apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
ucid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine? Poate s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?
seasc\uc1 \u259 ? degrab\uc1 \u259 ? un pretext: omul acesta \uc1 \u238 ?mi hulea
credin\uc1 \u355 ?a. Dar este un mare maestru, cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat plin de har;
de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? ucid\uc1 \u259 ?? B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?ea
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemne nu doar truda de a urca un pov\uc1 \u226 ?
rni\uc1 \u351 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i faptul de a nu te mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?
im\uc1 \u226 ?nta \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t de moarte, o anume absen\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ei, faptul de a te culca cu propria roab\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un fel de \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?
ire, \uc1 \u238 ?n lips\uc1 \u259 ? de altceva mai bun. Cuprins de o inspira\uc1
\u355 ?ie nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am tr\uc1 \u226 ?ntit \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea pe care o luasem
chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-
am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi mai continui cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cum? A zis Fluture, schimb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aduce nenoroc. Iar Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru ne-a luat to\uc1 \u355 ?i banii. Spune-le \uc1 \u351 ?i lui
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? m-ar fi
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat mai multe, dar ne-am pomenit deodat\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? groap\uc1 \u259 ?, printre chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ii de\uc1 \u351 ?i,
printre ferigile \uc1 \u238 ?nalte \uc1 \u351 ?i pietrele de morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt.
Cum morm\uc1 \u226 ?ntul era \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat\uc1 \u259 ? pe mai multe r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ?
trupul era cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n groap\uc1 \u259 ? chiar atunci
dup\uc1 \u259 ? exclama\uc1 \u355 ?iile de bismill\uc1 \u226 ?hi24 \uc1 \u351 ?i de
al\uc1 \u226 ? milleti Resullulah25, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? hohotele
care se \uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mod v\uc1 \u259 ?
dit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dezveli\uc1 \u355 ?i-i bine,
bine fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, a zis cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?sfr\uc1 \u226 ?ng giulgiul \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?l privesc pe mort \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se poate spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? din capul lui f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mat a mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas
vreun ochi; dar, afl\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lor, nu
izbutesc s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d nimic. Eu nu am privit moartea \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochi la marginea unui morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n cu totul alt\uc1 \u259 ?
parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0 amintire: acum treizeci de
ani, bunicul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, S\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
luitor \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pusese \uc1 \u238 ?n minte
s\uc1 \u259 ? cucereasc\uc1 \u259 ? insula Cipru de la vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, iar
\uc1 \u351 ?eyh-ul-isl\uc1 \u226 ?m-ul26 Ebusuut Efendi a proclamat degrab\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? sultanii mameluci h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ziser\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva aceast\uc1 \u259 ? insul\uc1 \u259 ? aprovizion\uc1 \u259 ?rii
ora\uc1 \u351 ?elor Mecca \uc1 \u351 ?i Medina \uc1 \u351 ?i a pronun\uc1 \u355 ?at
o sentin\uc1 \u355 ?a religioas\uc1 \u259 ? prin care ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1
\u259 ? nu este drept ca o insul\uc1 \u259 ? ce hr\uc1 \u259 ?nea c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva
locuri socotite sfinte s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nirea ghiaurilor cre\uc1 \u351 ?tini.
Astfel se face c\uc1 \u259 ?, la prima mea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinare de
sol, mi-a revenit o misiune anevoioas\uc1 \u259 ? anume, aceea de a le aduce
vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienilor la cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1
\u259 ?, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? ne cedeze nou\uc1 \u259 ?
insula. La Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut bisericile, m-am minunat de
poduri, de palate, am fost mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? fermecat de picturile din casele
celor avu\uc1 \u355 ?i, le-am \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?nat vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienilor
scrisoarea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1
\u238 ?n toiul uluielii pe care a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit-o, i-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?at trufa\uc1 \u351 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor
\uc1 \u238 ?n ospitalitatea pe care mi-o ar\uc1 \u259 ?taser\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1
\u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu dorea Ciprul. Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii s-au m\uc1
\u226 ?niat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t au hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n Marele Consiliu, care s-a adunat pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? o asemenea scrisoare nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu merita aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ie. Mai mult, mul\uc1 \u355 ?imile furioase au n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lit asupra
mea \uc1 \u238 ?n Palatul Dogilor, iar c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva derbedei care
trecuser\uc1 \u259 ? de paznici \uc1 \u351 ?i de portari au vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
taie beregata, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cele dou\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?rzi de corp ale Dogelui m-au s\uc1 \u259 ?ltat \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au
purtat pe coridoarele palatului, sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe
poarta din spate, care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?nspre canal. Acolo am crezut o
clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? barcagiul cel \uc1 \u238 ?nalt \uc1 \u351 ?i
palid, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n alb, care m-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinat \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de un fel de cea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i care m-a luat de bra\uc1 \u355 ?, era \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i moartea, drept care, privindu-l \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, m-am z\uc1
\u259 ?rit pe mine \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
visat cu ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat de dor, s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?esc cartea \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai duc o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la Vene\uc1
\u355 ?ia. M-am apropiat de morm\uc1 \u226 ?ntul care fusese acoperit cu
grij\uc1 \u259 ?; acum, \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii \uc1 \u238 ?i cer socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?
mortului, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? despre via\uc1 \u355 ?a sa
trupeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, despre credin\uc1 \u355 ?a sa, despre profetul pe care-l
recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la moartea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Un corb a \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nit \uc1 \u238 ?nspre
mine. M-am uitat cu drag \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ia de bra\uc1 \u355 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere. I-am spus c\uc1
\u259 ?-l a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam a doua zi devreme la mine acas\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a
lucra la carte. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, imediat ce m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la ea, am
priceput, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? o ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc cu orice pre\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 18. Voi fi numit Uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am jelit mai tare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul noroios
\uc1 \u351 ?i rece a fost azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit peste trupul ciop\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?it al bietului Delicat Efendi. \uc1 \u354 ?ipam:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 L\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mor \uc1
\u351 ?i eu odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mortul, l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrop laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu el!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-au apucat de mijloc, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cad \uc1 \u238 ?n
morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?, m-au frecat pe frunte \uc1 \u351 ?
i mi-au dat capul pe spate, s\uc1 \u259 ? pot respira. Am priceput din privirile pe
care mi le aruncau rudele r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului c\uc1 \u259 ? eram pe cale
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrec m\uc1 \u259 ?sura cu hohotele \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
lacrimile, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit.
Deoarece pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsesem at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, clevetitorii din atelierul
de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mine \uc1 \u351 ?i Delicat Efendi existase vreo
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? sufleteasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Spre a nu atrage aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare, m-am
ascuns, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul \uc1 \u238 ?
nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rii, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul unui platan. Una dintre
rubedeniile \uc1 \u351 ?i mai n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nge ale n\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u226 ?ngului pe care l-am trimis \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad m-a \uc1 \u355 ?intuit
\uc1 \u238 ?n dosul platanului, privindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un fel pe care-l socotea peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de gr\uc1
\u259 ?itor. M-a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1
\u238 ?ndelung. Apoi, prost\uc1 \u259 ?nacul mi-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Tu erai S\uc1 \u226 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? sau Miercuri?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, Miercuri era numele de atelier al
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului, am zis, iar el s-a f\uc1 \u226 ?st\uc1 \u226 ?cit.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Povestea acestor porecle care
ne leag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? unul de altul, ca o tain\uc1
\u259 ?, este simpl\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n anii uceniciei noastre, nutream cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii mult respect, mult\uc1 \u259 ? admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, mult\uc1
\u259 ? dragoste pentru Maestrul Osman, care pe vremea aceea trecuse de cur\uc1
\u226 ?nd de la rangul de calf\uc1 \u259 ? la cel de maestru. Era un mare
miniaturist; el ne-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at totul, deoarece
Dumnezeu l-a d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un har plin de
vraj\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu o minte ager\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se
cuvine s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? ucenicii \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, unul dintre noi trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a acas\uc1 \u259 ? la maestru \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1
\u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? pe jos, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
atelier, duc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i cutia cu condeie, geanta \uc1 \u351 ?i ta\uc1 \u351 ?
ca de piele plin\uc1 \u259 ? cu h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii. Ne zb\uc1 \u259 ?team at\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fim prin preajm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t ne certam \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne mereu unii altora:
Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi m\uc1 \u259 ? duc eu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Maestrul Osman avea un preferat, dar faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta venea \uc1 \u238 ?
n fiecare diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ase \uc1
\u238 ?n asemenea m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u226 ?rfele \uc1 \u351 ?i
glumele f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? perdea din breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
care, la drept vorbind, nu se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?eau niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t Marele Maestru a hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?t ca fiecare dintre noi s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
ia o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.
Maestrul lucra vinerea, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimb s\uc1 \u226 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?ta nu se
ducea la atelier. Fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, pe care-l iubea foarte mult \uc1 \u351 ?i
care \uc1 \u238 ?i era ucenic, la fel ca noi, care, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii urm\uc1
\u259 ?tori, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne tr\uc1 \u259 ?deze pe el \uc1 \u351 ?i pe noi,
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? renun\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd la miniatur\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?ea tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
duminica, precum ucenicii de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Mai aveam \uc1 \u351 ?i un alt frate,
Joi cel mai priceput dintre to\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nalt \uc1 \u351 ?i delicat
\uc1 \u8211 ? care murise de t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r, cuprins de fierbin\uc1
\u355 ?eala pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ? de o boal\uc1 \u259 ? necunoscut\uc1 \u259 ?.
R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Delicat Efendi venea miercurea, de aceea era numit Miercuri,
dar mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu Marele Maestru ne preschimbase numele, din Mar\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, din Vineri \uc1 \u238 ?n
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, din Duminic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Fluture, iar pe el \uc1
\u238 ?l numise Delicatul, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd astfel aluzie, cu
dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u226 ?lc, la delicate\uc1 \u355 ?ea auririlor sale.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuia cu fiecare dintre noi, Marele Maestru
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fi spus, \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine ai venit,
Miercuri! Ia s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem, ce mai faci?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Amintindu-mi cum mi se adresa \uc1 \u351 ?i mie, mi s-au umezit ochii
\uc1 \u351 ?i am cugetat: pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram ucenici, tr\uc1 \u259 ?iam ca
\uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda tuturor b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ilor,
deoarece Maestrul Osman ne iubea, ne s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1
\u351 ?i bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele, cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1
\u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumoase ne erau picturile, iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne
s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta el harul \uc1 \u238 ?nflorea, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu dragostea
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremea aceea, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i culoarea invidiei, care ne umbrea anii ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, era cu totul
alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? simt sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ?,
asemenea acelor oameni ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror capete \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ini
au fost croite de un me\uc1 \u351 ?ter \uc1 \u351 ?i ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror
trupuri \uc1 \u351 ?i ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte au fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
dite \uc1 \u351 ?i vopsite de un altul. Un om ca mine, cu fric\uc1 \u259 ? de
Dumnezeu, nu se poate \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ca degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu nea\uc1
\u351 ?teptata idee c\uc1 \u259 ? este un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?. Spre a m\uc1 \u259 ?
putea purta ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum vechea mea via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i urma mersul, m-am folosit de o a doua voce, mai
potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? cu starea unui uciga\uc1 \u351 ?. Acum vorbesc cu cea de-a
doua voce a mea cea a batjocurii \uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?rii
\uc1 \u8211 ? pe care nu o amestec nicidecum cu fosta mea via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i auzi vorbind, uneori,
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu vechea voce cea pe care a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebuin\uc1 \u355 ?at-o dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi preschimbat \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un uciga\uc1 \u351 ? dar folosindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de porecla mea \uc1
\u351 ?i nu spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u8222 ?eu, Uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul\uc1 \u8221 ?.
S\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce nimeni s\uc1 \u259 ? le al\uc1 \u259 ?ture pe
cele dou\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci eu nu am un stil propriu \uc1 \u351 ?i nici
vreun cusur care s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? dea de gol, \uc1 \u238 ?n me\uc1 \u351
?te\uc1 \u351 ?ug. Eu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? stilul este acel cusur care-l
deosebe\uc1 \u351 ?te pe un miniaturist de altul; nu de personalitate este vorba,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se laud\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i spun unii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Recunosc \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea special\uc1 \u259 ?, asta isc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i o problema. Deoarece, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? folosim
poreclele pe care ni le-a dat cu drag Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care Unchiul
le-a agreat \uc1 \u351 ?i le-a folosit la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lui, n-a\uc1 \u351 ?
vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? da\uc1 \u355 ?i seama cu nici un chip dac\uc1
\u259 ? sunt Fluture, M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? sau Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, o s\uc1 \u259 ? veni\uc1 \u355 ?i,
foarte probabil, \uc1 \u238 ?n fuga mare \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? da\uc1 \u355 ?i pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ilor Mai-
marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
aceea, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? pot spune tot ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc. De fapt, chiar \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce cuget la toate acestea, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i pe urmele mele. Nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndesc la toate m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?urile, la toate momentele
de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie ale vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii care m-ar putea da \uc1 \u238 ?n vileag.
In vreme ce povesteam cele trei pilde intitulate Elif, be, Cim v\uc1 \u259 ?
urm\uc1 \u259 ?ream, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un cotlon al min\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
privirile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?zboinicii, \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ii, prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i eroii
legendari pe care i-am zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit cu sutele de mii erau r\uc1 \u259 ?
suci\uc1 \u355 ?i cu o parte a trupului c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ceea ce era \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at acolo, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre du\uc1 \u351 ?
manii cu care se luptau \uc1 \u238 ?n acea epoc\uc1 \u259 ? legendar\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre balaurii cu care se \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?tau, c\uc1 \u259 ?
tre fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarele fecioare pentru care v\uc1 \u259 ?rsau lacrimi. Dar
ceva din ei, o parte a trupului lor era, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp,
r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre pasiona\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? care priveau minunata imagine. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? este s\uc1
\u259 ? am un stil \uc1 \u351 ?i o personalitate, acestea nu sunt t\uc1 \u259 ?
inuite doar \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura mea, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n crima \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cuvintele mele. Haide\uc1 \u355 ?i, afla\uc1 \u355 ?i cine
sunt urm\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi culoarea cuvintelor!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? prinde\uc1 \u355 ?
i, ve\uc1 \u355 ?i aduce pacea \uc1 \u351 ?i asupra nefericitului suflet al
bietului Delicat Efendi. Acum privesc, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat sub copaci, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ciripit de p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, apele aurii ale Cornului de Aur \uc1 \u351
?i cupolele Istanbulului \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce pricep, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut este s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1
\u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti, asupra lui se arunc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu lope\uc1 \u355 ?ile. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce bietul
Delicat Efendi a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de oamenii \uc1
\u238 ?ncruntatului de predicator din Erzurum, nu m-a mai simpatizat deloc, dar,
\uc1 \u238 ?n cei dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n care
am pictat \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul27 Nostru, a fost \uc1 \u351 ?i o vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n care ne-
am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it apropia\uc1 \u355 ?i. Acum dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani, pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd trudeam la Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor pentru r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, am fost o vreme prieteni, dar
cel mai mult ne-am apropiat \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?deam
cele opt pagini cu miniaturi care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?
easc\uc1 \u259 ? Divanul lui Fuzuli. \uc1 \u206 ?n epoca aceea, venisem taman
\uc1 \u238 ?n locul acesta pentru a r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde cererilor sale \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ite, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? lipsite de
judecat\uc1 \u259 ? (miniaturistul trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze textul urm\uc1
\u226 ?nd noima acestuia) \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un amurg de var\uc1
\u259 ?, ascultasem r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor versurile pe care mi le recita,
plin de afectare, din Divanul lui Fuzuli, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce stoluri de
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndunele se n\uc1 \u259 ?pusteau \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunite asupra
noastr\uc1 \u259
?. Din noaptea aceea, mi-a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?n minte versul: \uc1
\u8222 ?Eu nu sunt eu, ceea ce numesc eu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna.\uc1 \u8221 ? M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea, cum ar
putea fi pictat acest vers.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La el
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, unde am dat fuga de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-a fost
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit trupul, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? mica gr\uc1 \u259 ?
din\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care z\uc1 \u259 ?bovisem c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva recit\uc1
\u226 ?nd poezii era plin\uc1 \u259 ? de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ?, asemenea tuturor gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinilor
rev\uc1 \u259 ?zute dup\uc1 \u259 ? mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i ani, se mic\uc1 \u351 ?
orase. \uc1 \u350 ?i cu casa se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
lucru. Din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259 ? se
auzeau \uc1 \u355 ?ipete f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?,
v\uc1 \u259 ?ic\uc1 \u259 ?reli de femei care parc\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreceau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele. L-am ascultat cu luare-aminte pe fratele lui mai
mare, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce acesta povestea: chipul bietului nostru frate Delicat
fusese f\uc1 \u259 ?cut f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?me, capul \uc1 \u238 ?i fusese
strivit. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-l scoseser\uc1 \u259 ? de pe fundul pu\uc1 \u355 ?ului,
unde z\uc1 \u259 ?cea de patru zile, \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce fra\uc1 \u355
?ii lui se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiser\uc1 \u259 ? zadarnic s\uc1 \u259 ?-l recunoasc\uc1
\u259 ?, biata lui nevast\uc1 \u259 ?, Kalbiye, fusese adus\uc1 \u259 ? de acas\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nevoit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n bezna nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, acel trup de nerecunoscut,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele zdren\uc1 \u355 ?uite pe care le purta. Am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut aievea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor scena \uc1 \u238 ?n
care Iosif, azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit \uc1 \u238 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ? de fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii
s\uc1 \u259 ?i pizma\uc1 \u351 ?i, este scos la lumina zilei de negustorii din
Madyan. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place foarte mult s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
scen\uc1 \u259 ? din Iosif \uc1 \u351 ?i Zulayka, \uc1 \u238 ?ntruc\uc1 \u226 ?t ne
reaminte\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? sentimentul fundamental al vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii
este invidia \uc1 \u238 ?ntre fra\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? se uitau drept la mine. Ce-ar
fi s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng? Dar ochii mi s-au a\uc1 \u355 ?intit asupra lui
Negru. Nemernicul \uc1 \u259 ?sta ne m\uc1 \u259 ?soar\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i se str\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? dea
impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost trimis printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti de Unchiul, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? cerceteze temeiurile acestei \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1
\u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ie? A strigat fratele mai mare al r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului. Ce fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? inim\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucid\uc1 \u259 ? pe fratele nostru, care se
ferea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?u p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i unei furnici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
al\uc1 \u259 ?turat cu sinceritate acestei \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri la care
el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsese, pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?
nd, \uc1 \u351 ?i am c\uc1 \u259 ?utat un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.
Cine erau vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?ii Delicatului? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu l-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi ucis eu, cine altcineva l-ar fi ucis? \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc
c\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? prin anii \uc1
\u238 ?n care se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea Cartea harurilor s-a certat cu unii dintre
noi, care \uc1 \u238 ?i repro\uc1 \u351 ?au c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se sinchisea de me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
strica, folosind culori proaste, spre a auri mai ieftin \uc1 \u351 ?i mai repede
chenarele paginilor pentru a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?ire noi, pictorii, depuneam nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate str\uc1 \u259 ?danii. Cine
erau aceia? Mai apoi ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruser\uc1 \u259 ? zvonuri potrivit c\uc1 \u259 ?
rora du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nia \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui nu se datora acestui
fapt, ci dragostei unui frumos ucenic leg\uc1 \u259 ?tor, de la catul de jos;
era \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? o poveste foarte veche. Mai erau apoi \uc1 \u351 ?i
cei sastisi\uc1 \u355 ?i de delicate\uc1 \u355 ?ea, de fine\uc1 \u355 ?ea, de felul
lui muieresc de a fi, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? toate acestea se legau de alte
pricim. Ca, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Delicatul era robul
vechilor me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri, c\uc1 \u259 ? despica firul \uc1
\u238 ?n patru c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era vorba de potrivirea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre aurire \uc1
\u351 ?i armonia culorilor \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbea
cu nobil\uc1 \u259 ? pref\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?torie, \uc1 \u238 ?n
prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a Maestrului Osman, despre cusururile \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuite ale
altor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? despre ale mele. Ultima sa
g\uc1 \u226 ?lceava se lega de un subiect la care Maestrul Osman era foarte
sensibil \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o vreme, \uc1 \u351 ?i anume de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau, pe sub m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
lucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri pentru persoane str\uc1 \u259 ?ine, c\uc1 \u259 ? acceptau pe
furi\uc1 \u351 ? comenzi m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, din afara Seraiului. Ca urmare a
mic\uc1 \u351 ?or\uc1 \u259 ?rii interesului Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i a sumelor mici de bani care veneau de la Mai-marele
vistiernicilor, to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se abat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii ani,
pe la conacele cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? caturi ale necioplitelor de pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale
\uc1 \u238 ?mbog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ite peste noapte, iar cei mai iscusi\uc1
\u355 ?i dintre ei au prins a-l vizita, noaptea, pe Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 N-am fost deloc m\uc1 \u226 ?hnit de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul a
decis s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i continue cartea cartea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u8211 ? pretext\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? aduce nenoroc. B\uc1 \u259 ?
nuie\uc1 \u351 ?te, desigur, c\uc1 \u259 ? Delicat Efendi, cu mintea lui de
g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, a fost cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de unul dintre
noi, cei care-i pict\uc1 \u259 ?m cartea. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi fost
\uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui, oare l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i mai fi chemat acas\uc1 \u259 ?
noaptea, o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ni, pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, spre a picta al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de el? Sau poate
a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi cump\uc1 \u259 ?nit mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i asupra
adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratului uciga\uc1 \u351 ? asupra celui care este cel mai bun
miniaturist? N-am nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? va pricepe
\uc1 \u238 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme cine este cel mai
iscusit dintre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii care vin la el acas\uc1 \u259 ?, cel mai
priceput \uc1 \u238 ?n toate, de la folosirea culorilor la aurire, de la trasarea
liniilor la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, de la schi\uc1 \u355 ?area chipurilor la or\uc1
\u226 ?nduirea paginii \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, de acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, nu
va mai dori s\uc1 \u259 ? continue dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu mine. Nu cred deloc c\uc1
\u259 ? se va cobor\uc1 \u238 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la mine ca la un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd iar nu ca la un miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?
nzestrat cu har adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?l urm\uc1 \u259 ?resc cu coada ochiului pe Negru Efendi netotul \uc1
\u259 ?la pe care l-a adus cu el. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce plecau \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? de la cimitir, cobor\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre debarcaderul
de la Ey\uc1 \u252 ?p odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care venise la
\uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare \uc1 \u351 ?i care acum se risipea, am pornit-
o \uc1 \u351 ?i eu pe urmele lor. De la debarcader, au urcat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
barc\uc1 \u259 ? cu patru v\uc1 \u226 ?sle, iar eu, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-una cu \uc1
\u351 ?ase, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de tinerii ucenici care uitaser\uc1 \u259 ? cu totul
de mort \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1
\u226 ?deau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. Cum la un moment dat, \uc1 \u238 ?n larg, pe la
Poarta Fanarului, b\uc1 \u259 ?rcile noastre s-au apropiat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult
una de cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t erau c\uc1 \u226 ?t pe ce
s\uc1 \u259 ? se izbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la pror\uc1 \u259 ?, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut bine,
de aproape, c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru \uc1 \u238 ?i povestea ceva Unchiului, \uc1 \u351 ?
u\uc1 \u351 ?otind, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit brusc, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, ce u\uc1 \u351 ?or este s\uc1 \u259 ? ucizi un
om. Doamne, ne-ai dat tuturor aceast\uc1 \u259 ? putere de necrezut, dar ne-ai dat
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i spaima, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne folosim de ea!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, odat\uc1 \u259 ? ce
\uc1 \u238 ?nvingi aceast\uc1 \u259 ? spaim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i treci la
fapt\uc1 \u259 ?, devii degrab\uc1 \u259 ? altul. Pe vremuri, nu eram \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat doar de Diavol, ci chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i de cea mai
m\uc1 \u259 ?runt\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?tare a r\uc1 \u259 ?ului \uc1 \u238 ?n
mine. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, simt c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?ul poate fi
r\uc1 \u259 ?bdat, ba chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i este trebuincios
miniaturistului. L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd la o parte faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
vreme de c\uc1 \u226 ?teva zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? crim\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-au tremurat
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile, de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am ucis pe netrebnicul \uc1 \u259 ?la
desenez mai bine, a\uc1 \u351 ?tern culori mai luminoase \uc1 \u351 ?i mai \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i, ceea ce este cel mai
important, v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuirii
mele s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te minuni. Dar c\uc1 \u226
?\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?
uiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, la Istanbul, miracolele pe care le pictez eu?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am privit Istanbulul cu m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, dinspre
malurile de la Cibali p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? spre mijlocul Cornului de Aur.
Cupolele acoperite cu z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? luceau \uc1 \u238 ?n soarele
ivit pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate. Cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t un ora\uc1 \u351 ? este mai
mare \uc1 \u351 ?i mai plin de culoare, cu at\uc1 \u226 ?t are mai multe
cotloane \uc1 \u238 ?n care s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i po\uc1 \u355 ?i t\uc1 \u259
?inui vina \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?catul; cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t este mai plin de
lume, cu at\uc1 \u226 ?t exist\uc1 \u259 ? mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni \uc1 \u238 ?
ntre care te po\uc1 \u355 ?i pierde, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?catul t\uc1 \u259 ?u cu tot.
Inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?a ora\uc1 \u351 ?elor nu trebuie m\uc1 \u259 ?surat\uc1
\u259 ? prin mijlocirea \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, a
bibliotecilor, a miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, a caligrafilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1
\u351 ?colilor coranice pe care le ad\uc1 \u259 ?postesc, ci prin mul\uc1 \u355 ?
imea crimelor s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1
\u259 ?, vreme de mii de ani, pe uli\uc1 \u355 ?ele lor \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoase.
Potrivit acestei judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, n-am nici un fel de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Istanbulul este cel mai mintos ora\uc1 \u351 ? din
lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u351 ?i eu din barc\uc1 \u259 ?, la debarcaderul de la Unkapani, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul lui. Eram pe urmele lor \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce suiau pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ?urile, sprijini\uc1 \u355 ?i unul de
altul. S-au oprit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc p\uc1 \u226 ?rjolit de incendii din
spatele Moscheii-Sultan Mehmed, pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai spune ceva, \uc1 \u351 ?
i s-au desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it. R\uc1 \u259 ?mas singur, Unchiul Efendi mi-
a dat o clip\uc1 \u259 ? impresia unui b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n neputincios.
Mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? dau fuga la el, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povestesc despre
scornelile tic\uc1 \u259 ?losului de la a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1
\u226 ?ntare tocmai veneam, despre ceea ce s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
isem pentru a ne ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i de def\uc1 \u259 ?imare
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb: \uc1 \u8222 ?Este oare adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat ce spunea Delicat Efendi? Exist\uc1 \u259 ? oare, \uc1 \u238 ?n
picturile pe care le-am pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit, vreo f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?delege care vat\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncrederea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru, vreo tr\uc1 \u259 ?dare a deprinderilor noastre de a picta,
vreo ocar\uc1 \u259 ? la adresa credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei noastre? A\uc1 \u355 ?i
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit acea ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, de mare \uc1 \u238 ?
ntindere?\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La ceasul serii, m-
am oprit \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul drumului troienit \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit spre
cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul str\uc1 \u259 ?zii \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoase pe care copiii \uc1
\u351 ?i ta\uc1 \u355 ?ii o l\uc1 \u259 ?sau, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine, prad\uc1 \u259
? ginnilor, z\uc1 \u226 ?nelor, haiducilor, t\uc1 \u226 ?lharilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ii copacilor potopi\uc1 \u355 ?i de nea. Acolo, la cap\uc1
\u259 ?tul str\uc1 \u259 ?zii, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa ar\uc1 \u259 ?toas\uc1 \u259 ? cu
dou\uc1 \u259 ? caturi a Unchiului, sub acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care l-am z\uc1
\u259 ?rit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? printre ramurile castanilor dezgoli\uc1 \u355 ?i, se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? femeie din lume. Dar nu vreau s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi pierd min\uc1 \u355 ?ile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 19. Eu, Banul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Eu sunt sultaninul otoman de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i
dou\uc1 \u259 ? de carate. Pe suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea este imprimat\uc1 \u259 ?
falnica monogram\uc1 \u259 ? a Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah,
Refugiul Lumii. Deoarece Barz\uc1 \u259 ? unul dintre marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru mi-a desenat imaginea acum, dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare, la miez de noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
cafenea \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, nu m-a
putut polei \uc1 \u351 ?i cu aur, dar pe acesta \uc1 \u238 ?l pute\uc1 \u355 ?i
ad\uc1 \u259 ?uga dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? de pe acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n minte.
Imaginea mea st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie aici, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? eu m\uc1 \u259 ?
aflu \uc1 \u238 ?n punga marelui maestru fratele vostru, miniaturistul Barz\uc1
\u259 ?. Acesta se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? acum \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, m\uc1 \u259 ?
scoate din pung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? arat\uc1 \u259 ?
celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bun\uc1 \u259 ?
ziua, bun\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, \uc1 \u238 ?i salut pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii arti\uc1
\u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i pe oaspe\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Atin\uc1 \u351 ?i de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucirea mea, ochii vi se m\uc1
\u259 ?resc \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina opai\uc1 \u355 ?ului ce cade
asupr\uc1 \u259 ?-mi, se \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?esc, iar voi \uc1 \u238 ?l
invidia\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, cel din urm\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?n al meu. Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i dreptate, deoarece nimic altceva,
afar\uc1 \u259 ? de mine, nu m\uc1 \u259 ?soar\uc1 \u259 ? harul miniaturistului.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ultimele trei
luni, maestrul Barz\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigat exact patruzeci
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?apte de galbeni de felul meu. Ne afl\uc1 \u259 ?m cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i,
privi\uc1 \u355 ?i, Barz\uc1 \u259 ? Efendi nu ne pite\uc1 \u351 ?te de nimeni,
\uc1 \u351 ?tiind totodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nici un miniaturist din
Istanbul nu c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el.
Sunt foarte m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? bucur de apreciere
printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, ca unitate de m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? am pus cap\uc1 \u259 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva g\uc1 \u226 ?
lcevilor f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? rost. Pe vremuri, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu li se
de\uc1 \u351 ?teptase \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mintea de pe urma obiceiului de a
bea cafea, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cu creier de g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? nu se
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umeau doar s\uc1 \u259 ? se sf\uc1 \u259 ?deasc\uc1 \u259 ? serile
zic\uc1 \u226 ?nd ba c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?nu, tu ai mai mult har!\uc1
\u8221 ?, ba c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, \uc1 \u8222 ?adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul maestru al
culorii sunt eu\uc1 \u8221 ?, ba c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?eu desenez cel mai bun
copac\uc1 \u8221 ?, ba c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?nimeni nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntrece la pictatul norilor\uc1 \u8221 ?, ci se mai \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259
?teau noapte de noapte, de-\uc1 \u351 ?i scoteau din\uc1 \u355 ?ii unii altora.
Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? socoteala mea st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te acum
pretutindeni \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mprumut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1
\u226 ?nduielii de lucru a atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? o anume armonie, ba
chiar o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?ietate demn\uc1 \u259 ? de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri din Herat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ir, folosindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de armonia
\uc1 \u351 ?i de triumful acestei socoteli, feluritele lucruri pe care a\uc1
\u355 ?i izbuti s\uc1 \u259 ? le dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
schimbul meu: piciorul unei roabe tinere \uc1 \u351 ?i frumoase picior care ar
reprezenta cam o cincizecime din pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul acesteia; oglinda cu ram\uc1
\u259 ? de os mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cea de nuc a unui b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbier; un cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r bine vopsit, decorat cu nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de foi de
argint, cu medalioane \uc1 \u351 ?i av\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru
sertare; o sut\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de p\uc1 \u226 ?ini proaspete; p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i sicrie pentru un morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt de trei
persoane; o br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? de argint; o zecime dintr-un
cal; picioarele unei roabe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u351 ?i grase; un
vi\uc1 \u355 ?el; dou\uc1 \u259 ? farfurii chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti de pre\uc1
\u355 ?; plata pe o lun\uc1 \u259 ? a Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ului Mehmed din Tabriz
\uc1 \u351 ?i a multor altora asemenea lui, care se num\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii persani din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru; un \uc1 \u351 ?oim de v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
toare bun, cu colivie cu tot; zece ulcioare din vinul lui Panayot; o or\uc1 \u259 ?
de vis petrecut\uc1 \u259 ? cu Mahmud, unul dintre acei feciori faimo\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume; precum \uc1 \u351 ?i multe alte lucruri,
cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cuprins \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o simpl\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?iruire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a ajunge aici am petrecut, c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, zece zile
\uc1 \u238 ?n ciorapul murdar al unui biet ucenic de cizmar. S\uc1 \u259 ?rmanul de
el adormea \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare noapte numind, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut,
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratele lucruri pe care le-ar fi
putut ob\uc1 \u355 ?ine prin mijlocirea mea. Versurile acelei lungi litanii, bl\uc1
\u226 ?nde ca un c\uc1 \u226 ?ntec de leag\uc1 \u259 ?n, mi-au \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?rit sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese cotlon \uc1 \u238 ?n care s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fi
p\uc1 \u259 ?truns banul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De cum am
spus \uc1 \u8222 ?cotlon\uc1 \u8221 ?, mi-a \uc1 \u351 ?i venit \uc1 \u238 ?n
minte. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? v-a\uc1 \u351 ? povesti toate aventurile prin care am trecut
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a ajunge aici, s-ar aduna nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate
tomuri. Suntem noi \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? spune\uc1 \u355 ?i
nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nici Barz\uc1 \u259 ? Efendi nu se
sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui o
tain\uc1 \u259 ?. Jura\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Bine. M\uc1 \u259 ?rturisesc. Nu sunt cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat un sultanin otoman de
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? de carate, ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din
tarapanaua de la Coloana Ars\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunt un ban calp. Am fost b\uc1 \u259 ?
tut la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, din aur cu titlu sc\uc1 \u259 ?zut, adus aici \uc1 \u351
?i strecurat pe pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca galben otoman. V\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1
\u355 ?umesc pentru \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerea pe care mi-a\uc1 \u355 ?i
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din c\uc1
\u226 ?te am aflat la tarapanaua de la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, sunt ani buni de
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se face acest lucru. Dar, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de cur\uc1
\u226 ?nd, galbenii cu carate pu\uc1 \u355 ?ine pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i aduceau
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndeau \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient
p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nii erau duca\uc1 \u355 ?i vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, f\uc1
\u259 ?uri\uc1 \u355 ?i la aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i tarapana. Or, cum otomanii plini de
respect fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce scrie pe un lucru
este chiar acel lucru n-au luat seama la cantitatea de aur din ducat, de vreme ce
pe el tot aia scria, fal\uc1 \u351 ?ii galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni au n\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit tot Istanbulul. Apoi, oamenii au prins s\uc1 \u259 ?
deosebeasc\uc1 \u259 ? banii calpi \uc1 \u8211 ? care aveau pu\uc1 \u355 ?in aur
\uc1 \u351 ?i mult cupru de cei buni prin mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1
\u259 ?, primii fiind mai tari. Bun\uc1 \u259 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
cuprins de dogoarea dragostei, dai fuga la feciorul Mahmud cea mai fermec\uc1 \u259
?toare fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de care este \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostit\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u8211 ? iar el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i ia mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? nu
coco\uc1 \u351 ?elul, ci banul, \uc1 \u238 ?l mu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i te poart\uc1 \u259 ? prin Rai pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de
ceas, nu de un ceas, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? banul e calp.
P\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nii vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? banii lor calpi aveau urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
pustiitoare, ce \uc1 \u351 ?i-au zis: Barem s\uc1 \u259 ? facem ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
galbenii otomani s\uc1 \u259 ? fie calpi, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia
tot nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dau seama.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? atrag acum aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra situa\uc1 \u355 ?
iei ciudate \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu eu. De-acum, p\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?nii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni nu mai fac pictur\uc1
\u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, ci par s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1
\u259 ? o copie adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? a ceea ce picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd fac bani, nu fac bani adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i, ci
copii ale acestora.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost pu\uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cufere de fier, s\uc1 \u259 ?lta\uc1 \u355 ?i pe cor\uc1 \u259 ?
bii \uc1 \u351 ?i am ajuns, h\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?indu-ne pe mare,
de la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia la Istanbul. Eu m-am trezit \uc1 \u238 ?n dugheana unui
zaraf, \uc1 \u238 ?n gura duhnind de usturoi a unui me\uc1 \u351 ?ter. N-am
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat prea mult \uc1 \u351 ?i a venit un \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ran
prost, care voia s\uc1 \u259 ? schimbe galbeni. Me\uc1 \u351 ?terul zaraf
Hinogluhin i-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia s\uc1 \u259 ?
vedem, galbenul t\uc1 \u259 ?u e oare fals, d\uc1 \u259 ?-mi-l s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
mu\uc1 \u351 ?c, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a luat \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ranului galbenul,
zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlindu-l la el \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? cu el, am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? galbenul \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ranului era un
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat sultanin otoman. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n duhoarea aceea de usturoi, mi-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti calp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? trufia cu care a spus-o mi-a
r\uc1 \u259 ?nit m\uc1 \u226 ?ndria, drept care am min\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul galben
calp e\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu, i-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n vremea aceasta, prostul de \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ran se tot l\uc1
\u259 ?uda:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se poate ca galbenul meu
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fals?! L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nt acum dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani; exista oare pe vremea aia o
asemenea tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam ce-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple, zaraful n-a mai scos din gur\uc1 \u259 ? galbenul
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ranului, ci m-a scos pe mine:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ia-l, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci galbenul t\uc1 \u259 ?u e unul dintre banii
\uc1 \u259 ?ia calpi ai jigodiilor de p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ni vene\uc1 \u355 ?
ieni, iar eu nu vreau a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, i-a spus. N-ai pic de ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine?
I-a zis, mai \uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?truluindu-l pe prostul de \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?ran.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar acela, de\uc1
\u351 ?i i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns \uc1 \u351 ?i el c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva, m-a luat
\uc1 \u351 ?i a plecat. Auzind asemenea vorbe \uc1 \u351 ?i de la al\uc1 \u355 ?i
zarafi, s-a m\uc1 \u226 ?hnit \uc1 \u351 ?i, fiind eu un galben cu titlu sc\uc1
\u259 ?zut, m-a schimbat pe nou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri. Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1
\u351 ?a au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u351 ?apte
ani, nefericitele mele peregrin\uc1 \u259 ?ri dintr-o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? spun, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie, c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am petrecut cea mai
mare parte a timpului la Istanbul, colind\uc1 \u226 ?nd din pung\uc1 \u259 ?-n
pung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i din br\uc1 \u226 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?n buzunare,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? orice ban de\uc1 \u351 ?
tept. Visul meu cel mai negru era s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fiu pus cumva \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreun ulcior \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat cu anii \uc1 \u238 ?n vreo gr\uc1
\u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?, sub vreo piatr\uc1 \u259 ? nu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi s-ar
fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, dar, oricum,
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpurile acestea sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?toare nu durau prea
mult. Majoritatea celor care m\uc1 \u259 ? treceau din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? descopereau, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt calp \uc1 \u351 ?i doreau s\uc1 \u259 ? scape de mine c\uc1
\u226 ?t mai repede. N-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
pe nimeni care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l trag\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?nec\uc1 \u259 ? pe
cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?torul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? minte \uc1 \u351 ?i
care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt calp. \uc1 \u206 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? cei care nu b\uc1 \u259 ?gau de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt
fals \uc1 \u351 ?i care m\uc1 \u259 ? schimbau pe o sut\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ?
zeci de aspri \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau cu pumnii-n cap de
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce pricepeau c\uc1 \u259 ? au fost tra\uc1 \u351 ?i pe
sfoar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i treceau prin izbucniri de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, de
nefericire \uc1 \u351 ?i ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce sc\uc1
\u259 ?pau de mine, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?el\uc1 \u226 ?nd, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
lor, pe altcineva. \uc1 \u206 ?n ciuda faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ei, de nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate ori, s\uc1
\u259 ?-i trag\uc1 \u259 ? pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe sfoar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul acestor izbucniri (n-aveau niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? spor, din
pricina grabei \uc1 \u351 ?i a m\uc1 \u226 ?niei), c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ?deau mai departe \uc1 \u238 ?l suduiau sincer pe \uc1 \u8222 ?
tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul\uc1 \u8221 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?i am\uc1 \u259 ?gise.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti ultimi \uc1 \u351 ?apte
ani am schimbat, la Istanbul, cinci sute \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci de m\uc1 \u226 ?ini
\uc1 \u351 ?i n-a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas cas\uc1 \u259 ?, dughean\uc1 \u259 ?, pia\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, moschee, biseric\uc1 \u259 ?, sinagog\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n care s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fi p\uc1 \u259 ?truns. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ?
perindam astfel, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? pe socoteala
mea umblau tot felul de vorbe, c\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiau mai multe
fantezii \uc1 \u351 ?i se rosteau mai multe minciuni dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi crezut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi se spunea ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat, verde \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? de-acum nu mai exista alt\uc1
\u259 ? valoare \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de mine, c\uc1 \u259 ? eram nemilos,
orb, c\uc1 \u259 ? iubeam, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul meu, banii, c\uc1 \u259 ?, din
p\uc1 \u259 ?cate, lumea a fost z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? pe temelia mea,
c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?r orice, c\uc1
\u259 ? sunt murdar, grosolan, nemernic. Cei care pricepeau c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt calp
se \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriau \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi spuneau
lucruri \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ur\uc1 \u226 ?te. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce
valoarea mea adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?dea, cea
metaforic\uc1 \u259 ? sporea. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda
tuturor acestor metafore necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare, a acestor baliverne
rostite f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? chibzuial\uc1 \u259 ?, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o mare parte a oamenilor m\uc1 \u259 ? iubeau cu
patim\uc1 \u259 ? sincer\uc1 \u259 ?. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste
vremuri f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? iubire, o asemenea dragoste izvor\uc1 \u226 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ? din suflet, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spun cov\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
itoare, este un lucru care ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? ne bucure pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am cunoscut, strad\uc1 \u259 ?
cu strad\uc1 \u259 ?, cartier cu cartier, fiecare ungher al Istanbulului, am
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile
tuturor, de la evrei la abhazi, de la arabi la mingrelieni. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? am
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din Istanbul \uc1 \u238 ?n punga unui hoge din Edirne, care se
ducea la Manisa. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-au t\uc1 \u259 ?iat calea t\uc1 \u226 ?
lharii \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-au cerut \uc1 \u8222 ?banii sau via\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u8221
?, bietul hoge, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat, m-a v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?
n fund, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ascund\uc1
\u259 ?. Aici mirosea \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ur\uc1 \u226 ?t dec\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u238 ?n gura omului c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea usturoiul, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? nu mai spun c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u226 ?mtoare. Dar,
cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, treburile au mers \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, deoarece t\uc1 \u226 ?lharii nu i-au mai pretins hogelui \uc1
\u8222 ?banii sau via\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u8221 ?, ci \uc1 \u8222 ?virtutea sau
via\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-au tras-o pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. N-am
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc c\uc1 \u226 ?te am mai p\uc1 \u259 ?timit
\uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u259 ?urica aia. De aceea nu-mi place deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? plec
din Istanbul!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost foarte iubit
la Istanbul. M-au s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat feti\uc1 \u351 ?canele, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? eu
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul visurilor lor, am fost ascuns \uc1
\u238 ?n pungi de catifea, sub perne, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ditamai s\uc1 \u226 ?nii,
\uc1 \u238 ?n izmene, \uc1 \u351 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? pip\uc1 \u259 ?
iau \uc1 \u238 ?n somn, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai sunt
acolo. Am fost t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cizm\uc1 \u259 ? aflat\uc1
\u259 ? pe marginea sobei unui hamam, pe fundul unei sticlu\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1
\u238 ?n dugheana minunat mirositoare a unui negustor de mosc, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
buzunar ascuns, cusut \uc1 \u238 ?n sacul cu linte al unui buc\uc1 \u259 ?tar. Am
colindat tot Istanbulul, v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n ungherele
tainice ale chimirelor din piele de c\uc1 \u259 ?mil\uc1 \u259 ?, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?
ptu\uc1 \u351 ?elilor din p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? cadrilat\uc1 \u259 ? de
Egipt, ale \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rilor c\uc1 \u259 ?
ptu\uc1 \u351 ?ite cu postav, ale \uc1 \u351 ?alvarilor multicolori. Maestrul
ceasornicar Petro m-a pus \uc1 \u238 ?n ascunz\uc1 \u259 ?toarea ceasului s\uc1
\u259 ?u cu pendul\uc1 \u259 ?, un b\uc1 \u259 ?can grec m-a strecurat direct
\uc1 \u238 ?n ca\uc1 \u351 ?caval; am fost \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
urat \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de postav, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu
pece\uc1 \u355 ?i, bijuterii \uc1 \u351 ?i chei, \uc1 \u351 ?i ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?n
co\uc1 \u351 ?uri, \uc1 \u238 ?n sobe, sub pervazuri de geam, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
mindire umplute cu paie ordinare, \uc1 \u238 ?n desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?
iturile ascunse ale c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?rilor \uc1 \u351 ?i ale cuferelor
\uc1 \u238 ?ngropate. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ta\uc1 \u355 ?i care se ridicau, una-
dou\uc1 \u259 ?, de la mas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i veneau s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite
dac\uc1 \u259 ? mai sunt ori ba acolo unde fusesem ascuns, femei care m\uc1 \u259 ?
luau \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? sugeau f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? noim\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost o
c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de zah\uc1 \u259 ?
r, copii care m\uc1 \u259 ? adulmecau \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ndesau \uc1 \u238 ?n n\uc1 \u259 ?ri, bo\uc1 \u351 ?orogi cu un picior \uc1 \u238 ?
n groap\uc1 \u259 ? care n-aveau stare dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? scoteau din
punga de piele \uc1 \u351 ?i nu se uitau la mine de \uc1 \u351 ?apte ori pe zi. O
femeie cerchez\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce freca \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
tura zilnic \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga cas\uc1 \u259 ?, ne scotea din pung\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i ne lustruia cu peria de du\uc1 \u351 ?umele. Un zaraf chior de-un
ochi cl\uc1 \u259 ?dea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? oprire turnuri cu noi, un hamal
care mirosea a caprifoi ne privea, cu familia lui, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi
uitat la un peisaj minunat, iar un auritor, care nu se mai afl\uc1 \u259 ? printre
noi \uc1 \u8211 ? nu e nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau numele! Ne r\uc1 \u226 ?nduia
seara necontenit, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai diverse feluri. M-am plimbat \uc1 \u238 ?n
b\uc1 \u259 ?rci de mahon, m-am perindat mereu pe la Serai, am fost p\uc1 \u259 ?
strat \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i lucrate la Herat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
tocuri de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri cu mireasm\uc1
\u259 ? de trandafir, \uc1 \u238 ?n cuverturi de samare. Am avut parte de sute de
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini murdare, p\uc1 \u259 ?roase, plinu\uc1 \u355 ?e, slinoase,
tremur\uc1 \u259 ?toare, \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nite. M-am \uc1
\u238 ?mb\uc1 \u226 ?csit de duhoarea adun\uc1 \u259 ?rilor la care se fuma opiu, a
atelierelor de lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ri, a scrumbiilor s\uc1 \u259 ?rate, de
mirosul de sudoare al \uc1 \u238 ?ntregului Istanbul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce am trecut prin tot acest zbucium \uc1 \u351 ?i prin toat\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nzoleal\uc1 \u259 ?, nemernicul de t\uc1 \u226 ?
lhar care mi-a dat drumul \uc1 \u238 ?n punga lui i-a t\uc1 \u259 ?iat grumazul
victimei sale, la ad\uc1 \u259 ?postul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, iar mai apoi, odat\uc1
\u259 ? ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n cocioaba lui, m-a scuipat, zic\uc1 \u226 ?nd: \uc1
\u8222 ?Ptiu, toate astea s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat din pricina
ta!\uc1 \u8221 ?, am fost at\uc1 \u226 ?t de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t mi-am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? dispar de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar,
cum \uc1 \u238 ?n lipsa mea nimeni nu i-ar mai putea alege pe pictorii buni de cei
slabi \uc1 \u351 ?i, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, miniaturi\uc1 \u351
?tii ar \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? se ucid\uc1 \u259 ? unul pe altul, nu numai
c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut, dar am \uc1 \u351 ?i ajuns aici, p\uc1
\u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n punga celui mai \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat,
celui mai de\uc1 \u351 ?tept dintre ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i un miniaturist mai \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat chiar
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el, n-ave\uc1 \u355 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? pune\uc1
\u355 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 20. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
C\uc1 \u226 ?t de multe \uc1 \u351 ?tia tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei despre r\uc1 \u259 ?
va\uc1 \u351 ?ele pe care ni le trimiteam unul altuia, eu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost s\uc1 \u259 ? iau \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ? impresia aceea de fat\uc1 \u259 ? fricoas\uc1 \u259 ?, care se
teme peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de propriul tat\uc1 \u259 ? impresie care
s-ar fi putut desprinde din r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?
trag concluzia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cei doi nu s-a rostit o vorb\uc1
\u259 ? privitoare la mine; sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? nu era deloc a\uc1 \u351 ?a. \uc1 \u350 ?iretenia din privirile lui Ester,
negustoreasa cu bocceaua, vraja r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ? de
apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re la fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?,
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea cu care m-a trimis Unchiul la miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii lui \uc1 \u351 ?i neputin\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care am surprins-o la el c\uc1
\u226 ?nd m-a chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? toate \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deau un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt de st\uc1 \u226 ?njeneal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, Unchiul nici nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase bine \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ? despre
portretele pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Se perindase prin
nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate palate, case bogate, biserici, \uc1 \u238 ?n calitatea sa de
sol al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, Refugiul Lumii. Petrecuse zile \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregi \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a miilor de portrete \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?
zuse mii de chipuri pictate, \uc1 \u238 ?ncadrate \uc1 \u238 ?n rame, pe p\uc1
\u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? bine \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ?, pe lemn, pe ziduri.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Toate difer\uc1 \u259 ? unul de
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt, sunt picturi de sine st\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?toare, chipuri
de oameni f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pereche! A zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Fusese fermecat de varietatea, de culorile, de moliciunea, de
aspectul pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i de asprimea luminii care se
r\uc1 \u259 ?sfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngea asupra lor, de t\uc1 \u226 ?lcul din privirile
lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 To\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i comandau portretele, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi dat o molim\uc1
\u259 ? peste ei, a zis. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Cei care aveau
bani \uc1 \u351 ?i putere \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i comandau portrete at\uc1
\u226 ?t ca s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o m\uc1 \u259 ?
rturie, o amintire a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru
a-\uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta avu\uc1 \u355 ?ia, for\uc1 \u355 ?a, puterea.
Pentru a r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne mereu acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta unul altuia c\uc1 \u259
? exist\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a sugera c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt diferi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i deosebi\uc1 \u355 ?i de toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Folosea cuvinte \uc1 \u238 ?njositoare, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
vorbit despre invidie, ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?comie, dar,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce istorisea despre portretele pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse la
Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, chipul i se lumina uneori, pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1
\u259 ?, asemenea chipului unui copil, \uc1 \u351 ?i se umplea de via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cei
avu\uc1 \u355 ?i, prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii, marile familii ocrotitoare ale artei
preschimbaser\uc1 \u259 ? obiceiul de a cere s\uc1 \u259 ? li se picteze chipul
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o molim\uc1 \u259 ? de asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?ntindere, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd puneau s\uc1 \u259 ? se
picteze, pe zidurile bisericilor, scene din Evanghelii ori din vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile
sfin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, ghiaurii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia cereau ca \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie strecurate propriile chipuri. A\uc1 \u351 ?
a, bun\uc1 \u259 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, te uitai la o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1 \u238
?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea
Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului \uc1 \u350 ?tefan \uc1 \u351 ?i vedeai c\uc1 \u259 ? printre
cei ce se t\uc1 \u226 ?nguiau la buza morm\uc1 \u226 ?ntului se afla \uc1 \u351 ?i
prin\uc1 \u355 ?ul pe care \uc1 \u355 ?i-l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?au imaginile de pe zidurile propriului s\uc1 \u259 ?u palat, plin de
fal\uc1 \u259 ?, de veselie \uc1 \u351 ?i voio\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Apoi, la marginea
unei fresce care ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta cum \uc1 \u238 ?i lecuise Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul
Petru pe cei betegi cu umbra sa, b\uc1 \u259 ?gai de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
nefericitul bolnav care se zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n suferin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era chiar fratele, s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tos ca un taur, al
amabilului st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n al casei, \uc1 \u351 ?i te \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerca o dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gire. Iar \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
admirai trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it al comeseanului pe care \uc1
\u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse\uc1 \u351 ?i ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, bine ghiftuit,
la masa de pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz, de data aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nvierea
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unii
dintre ei au dus lucrurile at\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe, a zis Unchiul cu team\uc1
\u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vorbit despre ispita Diavolului, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, pentru a avea parte de un loc \uc1 \u238 ?n tablou, \uc1 \u238 ?n
mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea de oameni din pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, se mul\uc1 \u355 ?umeau s\uc1
\u259 ? fie simpli slujitori care turnau b\uc1 \u259 ?utura \uc1 \u238 ?n cupe,
b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tori care zv\uc1 \u226 ?
rleau cu pietre \uc1 \u238 ?n femei ce preacurviser\uc1 \u259 ?, ori chiar
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?i cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerate.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta este \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai,
am zis eu, pref\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu pricep
despre ce e vorba, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile ce \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? vechi legende persane,
dar \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?l vedem \uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe tron
pe \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail28. Ori ca \uc1 \u238 ?n povestea cu H\uc1 \u252 ?srev
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin, \uc1 \u238 ?n care b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?m de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit Timur, care a domnit la
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare se auzea un zgomot venind
de undeva, din cas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar acele
portrete ale francilor sunt parc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?mislite ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nte, a zis mai apoi Unchiul. Numai
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne sperie doar prin for\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i bog\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia celor care le-au comandat, \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?, de
asemenea, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne conving\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume este ceva foarte aparte \uc1 \u351 ?i
misterios. Caut\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?nte prin chipurile, prin ochii, prin \uc1 \u355 ?inuta \uc1 \u351 ?i
ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele lor cu pliuri cufundate \uc1 \u238 ?n penumbr\uc1 \u259 ?;
toate acestea fac din ei fiin\uc1 \u355 ?e pilduitoare, pline de tain\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a povestit cum s-a r\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cit odat\uc1 \u259 ? prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile
m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?e ale unei galerii cu portrete de pe proprietatea unui
bog\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u351 ?, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? pe malul lacului Como, \uc1
\u238 ?n care un colec\uc1 \u355 ?ionar tr\uc1 \u259 ?snit adunase chipurile
tuturor persoanelor de vaz\uc1 \u259 ? din istoria francilor, de la regi la
cardinali, de la solda\uc1 \u355 ?i la poe\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd gazda mea cea primitoare m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
singur \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile casei pe care mi-o \uc1 \u238
?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ase cu fal\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? plimb pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n voie, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste personalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1
\u351 ?a-zis importante ale ghiaurilor, care p\uc1 \u259 ?reau \uc1 \u238 ?n
majoritatea lor reale \uc1 \u351 ?i care m\uc1 \u259 ? priveau uneori drept \uc1
\u238 ?n ochi, deveniser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnate \uc1
\u238 ?n lumea aceasta, doar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate \uc1 \u238 ?n portrete. Faptul acesta se
\uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?ea cu o asemenea vraj\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
seam\uc1 \u259 ?n, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it pentru o
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, acolo, printre portrete, nedes\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i neputincios. De parc\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ? fi fost pictat potrivit acestui me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ug, a\uc1 \u351
? fi putut pricepe mai bine care mi-e rostul pe lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din
Herat o z\uc1 \u259 ?misliser\uc1 \u259 ? des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nesupus\uc1 \u259 ? schimb\uc1 \u259 ?rii, avea
s\uc1 \u259 ? ia sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu patima fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de portret, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat
de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar n\uc1
\u259 ?zuiam parc\uc1 \u259 ?, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? simt c\uc1
\u259 ? sunt altfel dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt
diferit, c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pereche, a zis el.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, o atrac\uc1 \u355
?ie puternic\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de lucrul de care se temea,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
te \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge Diavolul spre p\uc1 \u259 ?cat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cum s\uc1 \u259 ? spun, parc\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc se afla o
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?, parc\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? te ridici \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva lui Dumnezeu, s\uc1 \u259 ? te
socote\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat, s\uc1 \u259 ? te a\uc1 \u351 ?ezi pe tine
\uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul lumii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mai apoi \uc1 \u238 ?i venise \uc1 \u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ?
lucrul acela care, \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1
\u226 ?nci, devenise un fel de joc de copii orgolio\uc1 \u351 ?i, putea s\uc1 \u259
? se preschimbe \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ?
de \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ire, care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i farmece pe
to\uc1 \u355 ?i privitorii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un obol adus credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei
noastre, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n inima sa avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle Prea\uc1
\u238 ?naltul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea aceea s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut ideea de a preg\uc1 \u259 ?
ti o carte \uc1 \u238 ?n care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i afle locul imagini
ale Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i ale tuturor lucrurilor \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnate pentru el. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a revenit Unchiul la Istanbul \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-a spus Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah
c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se l\uc1 \u259 ?sa pictat potrivit me\uc1 \u351
?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugului urzit de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, avea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? o fapt\uc1 \u259 ? foarte potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?,
acesta s-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivit mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Important\uc1 \u259 ? este povestea, a zis El. O pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrege\uc1 \u351 ?te delicat o poveste. C\uc1 \u226
?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la imaginea
care \uc1 \u238 ?ntrege\uc1 \u351 ?te o poveste, \uc1 \u238 ?mi trece prin minte
c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, acea imagine se va
preschimba \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un idol. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, de vreme ce ne-ar fi cu
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? credem o poveste care nu exist\uc1
\u259 ?, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? credem \uc1 \u238 ?n acea imagine, \uc1
\u238 ?n acel. Lucru. Este ceva ce aduce cu \uc1 \u238 ?nchinarea la idoli a
Profetului nostru pacea \uc1 \u351 ?i binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea asupra sa!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? S\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? la Ka'ba, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?marea lor. Cum ai picta, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, aceast\uc1
\u259 ? garoaf\uc1 \u259 ?, sau cum l-ai picta pe acest pitic obraznic dac\uc1
\u259 ? ei n-ar face parte dintr-o poveste?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea garoafei, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu are seam\uc1 \u259 ?n pe lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar
apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-ar or\uc1 \u226 ?ndui pagina, ai pune-o chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n
centrul lumii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am speriat, mi-a
zis Unchiul. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncotro m\uc1 \u259 ? purtau
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, am fost cuprins, o clip\uc1
\u259 ?, de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul se speriase pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u226 ?nduise \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul lumii \uc1 \u351 ?i, astfel, al paginii altceva
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ceea ce urm\uc1 \u259 ?rise Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Apoi vei dori s\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?rni pe perete imaginea \uc1
\u238 ?n centrul c\uc1 \u259 ?reia ai a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat un pitic, a zis Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru, iar Unchiul s-a speriat iar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum presupuneam.
Dar imaginea nu poate fi at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat\uc1 \u259 ? pe perete. Pentru c\uc1
\u259 ?, oricare ar fi rostul cu care s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?im
acest lucru, vom \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u259 ?m,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme, la imaginea de pe perete. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
crezut, precum ghiaurii, c\uc1 \u259 ? Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Iisus este, \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, Dumnezeu Doamne p\uc1 \u259 ?ze\uc1 \u351 ?te!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? A\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elege c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu s-ar putea ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?n lume,
ba chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?ncarna \uc1 \u238 ?n om, a\uc1
\u351 ? fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui s\uc1 \u259 ? se picteze portrete de
oameni, care s\uc1 \u259 ? fie puse la vedere. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi, nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? vom \uc1 \u238
?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u259 ?m, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?m de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, la orice imagine de
pe perete?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elegeam foarte bine asta, mi-a zis Unchiul, \uc1 \u351 ?i tocmai pentru c\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam de ceea ce g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndeam am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acesta
este temeiul pentru care nu pot \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui ca portretul meu
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat astfel, a zis Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dorea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? acest lucru, a \uc1 \u351 ?optit Unchiul, sur\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mine diavole\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum
\uc1 \u238 ?mi venise mie r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar
vreau, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se \uc1 \u351 ?i
fac\uc1 \u259 ? portretul, a zis Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru. Portretul acela
trebuie t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit \uc1 \u238 ?ntre paginile unei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?i. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cel care-mi va spune ce fel de carte va fi aceea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit o
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cuprins de uimire \uc1 \u351 ?i de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, a zis
Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Apoi mi-a z\uc1
\u226 ?mbit \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet asem\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?tor cu cel diavolesc de mai adineaori \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t era c\uc1 \u226 ?t pe ce s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul
devenise, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clipit\uc1 \u259 ?, o cu totul alt\uc1 \u259 ? fiin\uc1
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah mi-a poruncit ca lucrul la carte
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?. M-a
apucat ame\uc1 \u355 ?eala de bucurie. A poruncit totodat\uc1 \u259 ? ca ea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dar pentru Dogele
Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei, la care voie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
trimit\uc1 \u259 ? din nou. Dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd va fi
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n anul 1000 al Hegirei29, cartea s\uc1
\u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rturia for\uc1 \u355 ?ei de \uc1 \u238 ?
nving\uc1 \u259 ?tor a Califului islamului, M\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ul Nostru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru ca g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul nostru
de a \uc1 \u238 ?ncheia o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere cu vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ascuns \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a
nu isca invidii \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a poruncit
s\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?tesc cartea \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar eu am
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput, fericit, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi comand imaginile pe ascuns.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 21. Eu sunt Unchiul vostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Prin urmare, vineri diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? explic ce fel de carte urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aceea \uc1 \u238
?n care avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie strecurat portretul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru,
pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuit dup\uc1 \u259 ? modelul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nci. Punctul de pornire era felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care-i povestisem Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i istorie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care-l
convinsesem s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mplinim cartea. Dar \uc1 \u355 ?inta mea
tainic\uc1 \u259 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pot convinge pe Negru s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie
pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile potrivite picturilor pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe care eu nu apucasem
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le scriu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 I-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?isem
majoritatea imaginilor din carte \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ultima dintre ele
era \uc1 \u351 ?i ea pe cale de a fi ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea mea cuprinde imaginea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, am zis,
spre a ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u226 ?t de tihnit\uc1 \u259 ? este lumea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru, cuprinde imaginea copacului pe care i-am cerut lui
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, miniaturistul cel mintos, s-o deseneze \uc1 \u8211 ? cuprinde
imaginea Diavolului, cuprinde imaginea calului, care te poart\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? h\uc1 \u259 ?t, departe; cuprinde c\uc1 \u226 ?inele, \uc1
\u238 ?ntotdeauna chibzuit \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept, cuprinde
banii. I-am pus pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din atelier s\uc1
\u259 ? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? toate acestea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumos
i-am zis lui Negru \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t ajunge s\uc1 \u259 ?
le vezi o dat\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? izvode\uc1 \u351 ?ti numaidec\uc1
\u226 ?t povestea potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru fiecare pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u350 ?tii doar c\uc1 \u259 ? poezia \uc1 \u351 ?i pictura, culoarea \uc1 \u351 ?i
cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul sunt \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ite.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun oare c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1 \u351 ?
putea-o da pe fata mea de nevast\uc1 \u259 ?? M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat o vreme. O
s\uc1 \u259 ? stea cu noi, aici \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?? S\uc1 \u259 ? nu te-
ncrezi \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acum te ascult\uc1 \u259 ? cu toat\uc1
\u259 ? luarea-aminte, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n
neprih\uc1 \u259 ?nirea de pe chipul lui, mi-am spus mai apoi, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-o ia
pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fug\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea.
Dar nici nu am pe altcineva care s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi poat\uc1 \u259 ? ispr\uc1 \u259 ?
vi cartea, \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam de la rug\uc1 \u259 ?
ciunea de vineri, am vorbit \uc1 \u351 ?i despre cea mai mare g\uc1 \u259 ?
selni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din pictura mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor italieni umbrele.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis, ne-am
pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?di pictura de acolo, din strad\uc1 \u259 ?, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? am privi oamenii \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
esc, se opresc, flec\uc1 \u259 ?resc, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? strecur\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginea pe
care o z\uc1 \u259 ?mislim \uc1 \u351 ?i lucrul acela care se vede cel mai adesea
pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? umbra.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar cum
se poate picta umbra? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Negru. Am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? uneori, la nepotul meu, o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? ner\uc1 \u259 ?
bdare \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? ascult\uc1 \u259 ?. Se juca uneori cu
c\uc1 \u259 ?limara mongol\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o adusese el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1
\u351 ?i. Alteori apuca v\uc1 \u259 ?traiul \uc1 \u351 ?i scormonea cu el \uc1
\u238 ?n vatr\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi imaginam, la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri, c\uc1
\u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea cu v\uc1 \u259 ?traiul \uc1 \u238 ?n cap \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ucid\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
urma s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?inez miniatura de privirea lui
Dumnezeu. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?dez picturile de
vis ale mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor din Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga datin\uc1
\u259 ? a miniaturii. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?-l convinsesem \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru. Uneori
\uc1 \u351 ?edea \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
clipeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
desprind\uc1 \u259 ? ochii din ochii mei. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea:
Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fiu chiar rob, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? am s-o
dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc pe fiica dumitale. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? l-am scos \uc1 \u238 ?n
gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam pe vremea
copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei sale, \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte\uc1 \u351 ?te copacii, lumina soarelui
c\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe frunze, z\uc1 \u259 ?pada care se topea, motivul
misterios pentru care, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtau, casele de pe strada noastr\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?reau
tot mai mici. Dar am gre\uc1 \u351 ?it f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acest lucru: a
fost destul ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arate c\uc1 \u259 ? acel fel de leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ?, oarecum p\uc1 \u259 ?rinteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ce exista pe vremuri
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ise demult. Curiozitatea \uc1
\u351 ?i pasiunea de a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care le v\uc1
\u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nlocuite acum de r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de aiurelile unui
ramolit pe a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui fat\uc1 \u259 ? pusese ochii. Greut\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?rile la care
fusese supus \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile, \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1
\u351 ?ele prin care r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cise vreme de doisprezece ani se
cuib\uc1 \u259 ?riser\uc1 \u259 ? temeinic \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul nepotului meu.
Era obosit \uc1 \u351 ?i de mine, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mil\uc1
\u259 ? de el. \uc1 \u206 ?i credeam \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie nu
numai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-o d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re, cu doisprezece ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? era cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, la vremea aceea \uc1 \u8211 ? ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? visam
la o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? care n-avea nimic de-a face cu me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?
ugul miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor otomani, al legendarilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din
Herat, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i povestisem at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor despre aceste aiureli. A\uc1 \u351 ?a am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui c\uc1 \u259 ? de la el mi se va trage moartea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam de el: dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?,
la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul meu, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt. Deoarece sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? teama
era prielnic\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ceea ce doream s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie. La fel ca
\uc1 \u238 ?n picturile acelea, omul se poate pune pe sine \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul
lumii, am zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Unul dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei a pictat foarte bine
moartea. Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?in aici?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t picturile pe care, vreme de un an, \uc1 \u238 ?i pusesem pe mae\uc1
\u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? le f\uc1 \u259 ?ureasc\uc1
\u259 ? pentru mine. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, se cam codea; ba chiar se temea.
V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea fusese inspirat\uc1 \u259 ? de
acele scene binecunoscute care se reg\uc1 \u259 ?sesc \uc1 \u238 ?n foarte multe
manuscrise din Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, de la t\uc1 \u259 ?ierea capului lui
Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ? de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Efrasiyab, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
uciderea lui Suhrab de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Rustem, care nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259
? acesta era fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, a devenit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? interesat de
subiect. In pictura pe care-i pusesem pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei s-o pl\uc1
\u259 ?smuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n culorile triste \uc1 \u351 ?i sumbre ale
imaginilor ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?au ceremonia de
\uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare a r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului sultan Soliman, existau
o g\uc1 \u226 ?ndire asupra or\uc1 \u226 ?nduirii paginii care urma stilul
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i o str\uc1 \u259 ?danie de a
crea umbre, care izvora din propriul meu condei. I-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat profunzimea
demonic\uc1 \u259 ? a picturii, ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea ca linia orizontului s\uc1
\u259 ? se confunde cu norii. Am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea fusese
pictat\uc1 \u259 ? ca o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1
\u259 ?n, asemenea acelor nobili ai ghiaurilor ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror portrete le
v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?n palatele de la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i
care se zb\uc1 \u259 ?teau, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ca acestea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
aidoma cu ei:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Doresc
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de nepereche \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?n, doresc acest lucru cu at\uc1 \u226 ?
ta ardoare, am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, uite, uite, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, omul nu de moarte se teme, ci de s\uc1 \u259 ?lb\uc1 \u259 ?
ticia acestei dorin\uc1 \u355 ?e de a fi nepereche, neasemenea, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? egal. Prive\uc1 \u351 ?te aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i scrie-i povestea! F\uc1 \u259 ? moartea s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1
\u259 ?! Poftim h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia, cutia cu condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri! Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? caligrafului s\uc1
\u259 ? copieze ceea ce vei scrie tu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
privit o vreme pictura, t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cine a pictat asta? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat apoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Fluture. El este cel mai iscusit. Maestrul Osman a fost ani de
zile \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de el; \uc1 \u238 ?l admira.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ceva aidoma cu imaginea acestui c\uc1
\u226 ?ine \uc1 \u238 ?n cafeneaua \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
spune meddah-ul pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile, dar pictura aceea era mai grosolan\uc1
\u259 ?, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei, care sunt, \uc1 \u238 ?n majoritatea lor, lega\uc1
\u355 ?i suflete\uc1 \u351 ?te de Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i de atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, nu cred \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru cartea
mea. \uc1 \u206 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ies de
aici, la miez de noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i bat joc f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine at\uc1 \u226 ?t de picturile pe care le pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiesc
pentru bani, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i de mine. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o vreme,
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru i-a cerut unui t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r pictor
vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian, pe care-l adusese aici datorit\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?
daniilor mele, prin mijlocirea solului Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1
\u259 ? portretul. Mai apoi, i-a poruncit Maestrului Osman s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
fac\uc1 \u259 ? o copie dup\uc1 \u259 ? acel portret \uc1 \u238 ?n ulei, urm\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-i stilul \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai. Constr\uc1 \u226 ?ns s\uc1 \u259 ?-l imite
pe pictorul vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian, Maestrul Osman m-a socotit pe mine vinovat de
nefericita silnicie ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut\uc1 \u259 ? asupra lui, de portretul
ru\uc1 \u351 ?inos pe care l-a pictat mai apoi. Avea dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 I-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat, de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii zile, toate
picturile, afar\uc1 \u259 ? de ultima, pe care nu izbutisem nicicum s-o ispr\uc1
\u259 ?vesc, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie povestea potrivit\uc1
\u259 ? pentru fiecare dintre ele, i-am vorbit despre n\uc1 \u259 ?ravurile
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irat, pe
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, sumele de bani pe care le primiser\uc1 \u259 ? de la mine. Am
vorbit at\uc1 \u226 ?t de perspectiv\uc1 \u259 ?, de m\uc1 \u259 ?sura \uc1 \u238 ?
n care reprezentarea, mic\uc1 \u351 ?orat\uc1 \u259 ? treptat, a ceea ce se afl\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n spate, \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian\uc1 \u259 ?,
este sau nu lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i de faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? bietul Delicat Efendi putea fi ucis din invidie pentru paralele
lui \uc1 \u351 ?i din ur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Seara, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Negru a plecat acas\uc1 \u259 ?, am fost \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce a doua zi diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi promisese, \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? va ciuli din nou urechea la pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile din cartea mea. Pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ascultam, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a u\uc1 \u351 ?ii deschise,
cum se stingeau zgomotele pa\uc1 \u351 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1
\u259 ?ceala nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie
ceva care-1 f\uc1 \u259 ?cea pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu cel f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? de somn \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de tihn\uc1 \u259 ? mai
puternic, mai diavolesc dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine \uc1 \u351 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cartea
mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am z\uc1 \u259 ?vor\uc1 \u226 ?
t cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui, am a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul ei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u238 ?n
fiecare noapte, vechiul chiup de ap\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care-l foloseam acum drept
ghiveci pentru busuioc \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a acoperi vatra cu
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de a m\uc1 \u259 ? duce la culcare, am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o ivindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea pe \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? cu o rochie alb\uc1
\u259 ? care o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? arate, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric, ca o n\uc1 \u259 ?luc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
E\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe deplin hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
te m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i cu omul acesta? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, t\uc1 \u259 ?icu\uc1 \u355 ?ule. Ba chiar am
renun\uc1 \u355 ?at de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai m\uc1
\u259 ?rit. Pe deasupra, sunt m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare s\uc1 \u259 ? te
m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i cu el, acum pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dau
\uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit cu el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vrei dumneata. Nu pot dori cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat pe care nu \uc1 \u238 ?l dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti dumneata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntuneric, cum se reflecta jarul din vatr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii ei.
Privirea i se umezise, dar nu de nefericire, ci de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie; \uc1 \u238 ?n
vocea ei nu era \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nici urm\uc1 \u259 ? de disperare.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru te iube\uc1 \u351 ?te
foarte mult, am zis, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit o
tain\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A ascultat toat\uc1 \u259 ?
ziua ce i-am povestit, dar nu de dragul picturii, ci al t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchei cartea;
asta e important.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u o s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce, poate din cauza t\uc1 \u259 ?cerii, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta
am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu
nu se va mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce. Ceea ce am visat trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat: a fost ucis. De mult a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut prad\uc1 \u259 ?
lupilor \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A rostit aceste ultime cuvinte \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1
\u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi putut-o auzi copiii, care dormeau, dar \uc1
\u351 ?i cu o stranie m\uc1 \u226 ?nie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vor ucide, am zis, vreau ca tu s\uc1 \u259 ? ispr\uc1
\u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte, c\uc1 \u259 ?reia i-am d\uc1
\u259 ?ruit tot ce am. Jur\uc1 \u259 ?-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? ai s-o faci!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Jur! Dar cine-\uc1 \u355 ?i va ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi
cartea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru! Tu \uc1 \u238 ?l
po\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? asta.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La drept vorbind, dumneata \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
mpingi s-o fac\uc1 \u259 ?, t\uc1 \u259 ?icu\uc1 \u355 ?ule, a zis. Nu ai
trebuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, dar pe mine m\uc1 \u259 ? rabd\uc1 \u259 ? doar din pricina
ta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vor ucide, se poate speria \uc1 \u351 ?i poate
renun\uc1 \u355 ?a la carte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar
atunci, nici cu mine nu se va mai putea \uc1 \u238 ?nsura, a zis fata mea cea
de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De unde socot c\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?mbea? In tot r\uc1 \u259 ?
stimpul acestei discu\uc1 \u355 ?ii, nu izbutisem s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d
altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t lucirea care se ivea, la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri, \uc1 \u238
?n ochii ei. St\uc1 \u259 ?team \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul camerei, \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?epeni\uc1 \u355 ?i unul \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a altuia.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u354 ?ii leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tura cu el, v\uc1 \u259 ? trimite\uc1 \u355 ?i semne? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat,
neput\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Cum te po\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut o t\uc1
\u259 ?cere lung\uc1 \u259 ?, dureroas\uc1 \u259 ?. Un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine a l\uc1
\u259 ?trat la mare dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare. M-a luat u\uc1 \u351 ?or cu frig \uc1
\u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea era
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu
mai z\uc1 \u259 ?ream nimic, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam doar cum st\uc1 \u259 ?team unul
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a altuia. Apoi, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at, ne-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? puterea. A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?, a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?-i era dor de mama ei. I-am s\uc1
\u259 ?rutat p\uc1 \u259 ?rul care mirosea a mama ei, am m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u226 ?iat-o. Am dus-o \uc1 \u238 ?n pat \uc1 \u351 ?i am culcat-o l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? copii, care dormeau \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? la ultimele dou\uc1
\u259 ? zile, n-am mai avut nici o \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re p\uc1 \u259 ?stra leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura cu Negru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 22. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Noaptea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat de gazd\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se socoat\uc1 \u259 ? mama mea, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis de
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n odaie \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut, m-am g\uc1
\u226 ?ndit la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
S\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncep prin a v\uc1 \u259 ? descrie zgomotele casei, la
care eram numai ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i urechi, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd o
anumit\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere a jocului; a doua oar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226
?nd m-am dus pe la ei, dup\uc1 \u259 ? doisprezece ani de absen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, nu mi s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat deloc. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, reu\uc1
\u351 ?ise s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpresoare cu o asemenea vraj\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at
c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a avut necontenit sub ochi, c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a m\uc1 \u259 ?surat
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sm\uc1 \u259 ?surat, cum faci cu un viitor b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat, pe aceast\uc1 \u259
? cale, pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea fireasc\uc1 \u259 ? a jocului. De aceea, \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu aveam impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? o v\uc1 \u259 ?d ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat. Am \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles astfel mai bine felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?
te Ibn-i Arabi despre dragoste, ca despre putin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-l face vizibil pe
cel invizibil, ca despre dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-l sim\uc1 \u355 ?i mereu al\uc1
\u259 ?turi pe cel ce nu se arat\uc1 \u259 ? privirii tale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\itap0 \fs22
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
Puteam pricepe c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1
\u259 ?rea ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ciuleam mereu urechea la
zgomotele casei, la sc\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?itul sc\uc1 \u226 ?
ndurilor. La un moment dat, am avut siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? se afla,
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
perea de al\uc1 \u259 ?turi cea care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?n hol; aceasta
deoarece auzeam cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nghionteau \uc1 \u351 ?i se certau copiii
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiau s\uc1 \u259 ? coboare vocile, din pricina
privirilor amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i a spr\uc1 \u226 ?
ncenelor \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntate ale mamei lor. Din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i auzeam \uc1 \u351 ?u\uc1 \u351 ?otind nefiresc, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum faci ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu aba\uc1 \u355 ?i aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia cuiva
care-\uc1 \u351 ?i face rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea, iar mai apoi r\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1
\u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceva mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce bunicul lor \uc1 \u238 ?mi vorbea despre miracolele
luminii \uc1 \u351 ?i ale umbrei, cei doi copii, \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i
Orhan, au intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere \uc1 \u351 ?i,
\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini o tav\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-
au oferit cafea cu gesturi m\uc1 \u259 ?surate \uc1 \u351 ?i grijulii, care \uc1
\u238 ?n mod limpede fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuite, \uc1 \u238 ?n
am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt, dinainte. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? mama
lor pusese la cale aceast\uc1 \u259 ? treab\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care ar fi trebuit s-o
fac\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? le dea copiilor prilejul de a-l vedea mai
\uc1 \u238 ?ndeaproape pe omul care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie poate, pe viitor,
tat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ca s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? vorbi cu ei despre
el, i-am spus lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ochi frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i ai, \uc1 \u351 ?i, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? fratele lui mai mic, Orhan, \uc1 \u238 ?l pizmuia, am ad\uc1 \u259 ?
ugat: Am impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ai t\uc1 \u259 ?i sunt la fel.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? care am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat pe tav\uc1 \u259
? o garoaf\uc1 \u259 ? ofilit\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care am scos-o brusc din buzunar,
\uc1 \u351 ?i i-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe cei doi copii pe obraji. Apoi, din cas\uc1
\u259 ? s-au auzit r\uc1 \u226 ?sete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?rei g\uc1 \u259 ?uri
din pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, din u\uc1 \u351 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?nchise, ba chiar din tavan
se fixase ochiul care m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, din ce unghi m\uc1 \u259 ?
privea, f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam presupuneri \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la
cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?turi, la noduri ori chiar la puncte inexistente, \uc1
\u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuiam cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul acelei cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?turi, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce b\uc1 \u259 ?nuielile mi se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptau zadarnic asupra altui punct
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru a vedea dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce
chibzuiam era sau nu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, m\uc1 \u259 ? ridicam de la locul meu cu
riscul de a comite o necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
Unchiul, care povestea necontenit \uc1 \u351 ?i, str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea de la un cap\uc1 \u259 ?t la altul,
cu un aer foarte preocupat, ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncit \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri,
absent \uc1 \u351 ?i meditativ, spre a dovedi c\uc1 \u259 ? eram cu urechea la
istoria pe care mi-o spunea, m\uc1 \u259 ? apropiam de punctul asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?
ruia aveam b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli, de umbra nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit\uc1 \u259 ? de
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eram dezam\uc1 \u259 ?git s\uc1
\u259 ? constat c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul acelui lucru pe care-l socoteam
a fi un loc de observa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? puteam \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?lni cu ochiul lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Eram cuprins, pe moment, de
un ciudat sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de singur\uc1 \u259 ?tate,
m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tea ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea celui care nu
mai \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce are de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Alteori sim\uc1
\u355 ?eam, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?fund, c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u351 ?i credeam
cu o asemenea t\uc1 \u259 ?rie c\uc1 \u259 ? eram \uc1 \u355 ?intuit de privirile
ei, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?ncepeam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?ez \uc1 \u238 ?n felurite pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ii, precum cel ce
dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? mai profund, mai puternic \uc1
\u351 ?i mai vajnic dec\uc1 \u226 ?t este, spre a o impresiona pe fata iubit\uc1
\u259 ?. Mai apoi \uc1 \u238 ?mi venea \uc1 \u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350
?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii m\uc1 \u259 ? asemuiau \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei cu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l care nu se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsese de
la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile mi se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndreptau asupra acelor noi \uc1 \u351 ?i vesti\uc1 \u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri de
la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, despre care \uc1 \u238 ?mi povestea Unchiul. Doream s\uc1
\u259 ? le sem\uc1 \u259 ?n acelor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri noi \uc1 \u351 ?i
vesti\uc1 \u355 ?i, care dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndiser\uc1 \u259 ? faim\uc1 \u259 ? mul\uc1
\u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? vreunei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i scrise ori vreunei
pagini pictate, iar nu din pricina suferin\uc1 \u355 ?elor \uc1 \u238 ?ndurate,
asemenea sfin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, prin chilii, ori a num\uc1 \u259 ?rului mare de
capete retezate prin for\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ncheieturii \uc1 \u351 ?i
t\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul spadei, asemenea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului disp\uc1
\u259 ?rut \uc1 \u238 ?n lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i asta doar pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re auzise de acei oameni de la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
ei. M\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiam at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?d aievea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor picturile acelor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri vesti\uc1 \u355 ?i, care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? inspirate,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum spunea Unchiul, de for\uc1 \u355 ?a obscurit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ilor v\uc1
\u259 ?dite ale lumii \uc1 \u351 ?i de ungherele sale misterioase miracole pe care
Unchiul le v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? i le \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? nepotului s\uc1
\u259 ?u, care nu le v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, neizbutind s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui nimic, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam un soi de \uc1 \u238 ?
nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngere \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam ne\uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La un moment dat, m-
am pomenit iar cu \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea. O
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a apropiat cu hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re de
mine, am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla la
unele triburi arabe din Transoxiana ori la neamurile cercheze din Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii
Caucaz, b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul cel mai mare obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
s\uc1 \u259 ?rute m\uc1 \u226 ?na oaspetelui nu doar la sosirea \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta pleca, drept care, luat pe
nepreg\uc1 \u259 ?tite, i-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins m\uc1 \u226 ?na, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
mi-o s\uc1 \u259 ?rute \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? o duc\uc1 \u259 ? la frunte.
Chiar atunci am auzit-o pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care nu se afla departe de
locul acela, r\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd. R\uc1 \u226 ?dea oare de mine? Am fost
cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? salvez ce se mai
putea salva, l-am apucat pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat
pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi obrajii, socotind c\uc1 \u259 ? asta se a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de
la mine. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam acest lucru, i-am z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbit pe de o parte Unchiului, spre a-i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tiam c\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupsesem din vorb\uc1 \u259 ?, dar c\uc1 \u259
?, de fapt, nu voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu necuviincios fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
el, iar pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte l-am adulmecat cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1
\u259 ? pe copil, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu exista \uc1
\u238 ?n el vreo urm\uc1 \u259 ? din mirosul mamei sale. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-am dat
seama c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi strecurase \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o
bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238
?ntorsese spatele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse deja s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am ascuns
bine h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u238 ?n podul palmei, ca pe un giuvaier. \uc1 \u206 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de un scurt
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? trimis de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, pu\uc1 \u355 ?
in mai lipsea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbesc proste\uc1 \u351 ?te Unchiului,
de fericire. Nu era oare acest simplu fapt o dovad\uc1 \u259 ? sigur\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m\uc1 \u259 ? dorea cu ardoare? M-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mod cu totul nea\uc1 \u351
?teptat, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd dragoste nebune\uc1 \u351 ?te cu ea. Credeam
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat c\uc1 \u259 ? lucrul acesta de necrezut, la
care visam cu ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n viitorul apropiat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce st\uc1 \u259 ?team \uc1 \u238
?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Unchiului, b\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia mi se scula
\uc1 \u238 ?n chip necuvenit. V\uc1 \u259 ?zuse oare \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re asta? Spre a-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1
\u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, am ascultat vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?
ceea ce-mi povestea Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu mult
mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntindeam
spre Unchiul, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi poat\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta o alt\uc1 \u259
? pagin\uc1 \u259 ? din cartea cu miniaturi, am desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtia care mirosea a caprifoi \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? era cu
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire goal\uc1 \u259 ?. Nevenindu-mi
s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu scria nimic pe ea, o tot suceam pe o parte \uc1
\u351 ?i pe alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fereastra, a zis
Unchiul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd te folose\uc1 \u351 ?ti de metoda perspectivei, este ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum ai privi lumea printr-o fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtie e aceea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu e nimic,
Unchiule, am zis, dar mai apoi i-am inspirat mireasma \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? masa de
pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz, nedorind s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? folosesc de \uc1 \u355 ?
ucalul Unchiului, am cerut \uc1 \u238 ?nvoire \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am dus la privata din
gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?. Era al naibii de frig. Mi-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut treaba
repede, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?e prea tare fundul, \uc1
\u351 ?i tocmai ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam de-acolo c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinare, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum mi-ar fi t\uc1 \u259 ?iat
calea, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere
misterioas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ucalul bunicului lui, din care \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai
ie\uc1 \u351 ?eau aburi. A intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n privat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i a de\uc1 \u351 ?ertat \uc1 \u355 ?ucalul. Afar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u351 ?i-a umflat obrajii, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce st\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu \uc1 \u355 ?
ucalul gol \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
pironit ochii frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? o pisic\uc1 \u259 ? moart\uc1
\u259 ?? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Nasul \uc1 \u238 ?i sem\uc1 \u259 ?na leit cu al
maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sii. Oare ea se uita la noi? Am privit c\uc1 \u259 ?tre oblonul
ferestrei fermecate de la catul al doilea, la care o z\uc1 \u259 ?risem pe \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re dup\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia ani, dar
acesta era \uc1 \u238 ?nchis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t pisica moart\uc1 \u259 ? din casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat? A
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul. M-am luat dup\uc1 \u259 ?
el. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut vreo patruzeci, cincizeci de pa\uc1 \u351 ?i pe strada
n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de noroi \uc1 \u351 ?i ghea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ginit\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n jur mirosea a
frunze umede, putrede \uc1 \u351 ?i parc\uc1 \u259 ? a mucegai. Copilul a p\uc1
\u259 ?truns, cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a celui care cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te foarte bine
locul \uc1 \u351 ?i cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sun\uc1 \u259 ?tori, pe
u\uc1 \u351 ?a unei case vopsite \uc1 \u238 ?n galben, care se afla \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un loc ceva mai retras, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul smochinilor \uc1 \u351 ?i al
migdalilor planta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei. Casa era cu
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire goal\uc1 \u259 ?, dar uscat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ?, cald\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi locuit cineva acolo.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A cui este casa asta? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A evreilor. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a murit b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul,
nevasta \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii lui au plecat la debarcaderul Yemi\uc1 \u351 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n mahalaua evreiasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?nd
casa lui Ester, negustoreasa cu bocceaua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
dus \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al camerei, apoi a revenit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu mai e pisica, a plecat, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Poate o pisic\uc1 \u259 ? moart\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? plece de
una singur\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cesc, a\uc1 \u351 ?a zice bunicul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu ei, am zis. Sufletele lor
sunt cele care r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tii? A zis el cu seriozitate, str\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?ucalul \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uite c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu! Vii des pe-aici?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vine mama, cu Ester. Cic\uc1
\u259 ? noaptea ar fi aici stafii, dar eu nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de locul \uc1
\u259 ?sta. Tu ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t oameni?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 Nu mul\uc1 \u355 ?i, doi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu
sabia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu sabia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Sufletele lor r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cesc?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? e s\uc1 \u259 ? ne lu\uc1 \u259 ?
m dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ceasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Unchiul Hasan are o sabie ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, iar acela care o atinge se taie \uc1
\u238 ?n ea. Are \uc1 \u351 ?i un hanger; \uc1 \u259 ?sta are m\uc1 \u226 ?nerul
b\uc1 \u259 ?tut cu rubine. Tu l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe tata?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un semn din cap, care nu \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna nici
da, nici ba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce \uc1 \u351 ?tii
tu de moartea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui t\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ?a a zis mama ieri. C\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?. A visat ea asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum dorim \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna s\uc1 \u259 ? pecetluim, dac\uc1
\u259 ? se ive\uc1 \u351 ?te prilejul, cu o oarecare noble\uc1 \u355 ?e treburile
murdare pe care ne preg\uc1 \u259 ?tim s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?
ptuim spre a ne satisface interesele m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, senzualitatea arz\uc1
\u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i dragostea, care ne preschimb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fiin\uc1 \u355 ?e cu inima fr\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?, tot astfel am decis
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu, atunci, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259
? le fiu tat\uc1 \u259 ? acestor orfani. De aceea, odat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, l-am ascultat cu \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult\uc1
\u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? pe bunicul lor, care-mi istorisea
despre cartea ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i picturi urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? le ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
S\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem cu picturile pe care mi le-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat
Unchiul cu calul, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?: de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1
\u259 ? imagine nu existau oameni, Jar \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurul calului nu se afla
nimic, nu puteam spune c\uc1 \u259 ? era doar imaginea unui cal \uc1 \u351 ?i
at\uc1 \u226 ?t. Calul era acolo, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n mod limpede se strecurase
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un cotlon \uc1 \u351 ?i cel care-l c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?rea
sau, cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie, poate urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ?
apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia dintr-un tufi\uc1 \u351 ? pictat ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?n
spate, \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor de la Kazvin. \uc1 \u206 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam, vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd-nevr\uc1 \u226 ?nd, acest lucru dup\uc1
\u259 ? samarul a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut pe cal, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ?
lucr\uc1 \u259 ?tura lui domneasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Era, de asemenea, posibil ca
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de cal s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? apari\uc1
\u355 ?ia un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?narmat cu o sabie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?i ceruse
miniaturistului chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? de la atelierul de pictur\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea unui cal. Deoarece
miniaturistul venit noaptea nu putea a\uc1 \u351 ?terne pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie
imaginea calului, \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea
lui ca un \uc1 \u351 ?ablon, dec\uc1 \u226 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l deseneze din amintire, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum acesta ar fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut parte dintr-o poveste, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? o zugr\uc1
\u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip. Unchiul, \uc1 \u238 ?
nr\uc1 \u226 ?urit de stilul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, pesemne c\uc1
\u259 ? se amestecase \uc1 \u238 ?n lucrarea miniaturistului \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun
am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt din imaginea calului, desprins\uc1 \u259 ? de acesta din scene
de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? ori de dragoste, de felul celor v\uc1 \u259 ?zute cu miile \uc1
\u8211 ? spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu desena c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1
\u355 ?ul. Iar acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n spate, deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? un copac. Dar s\uc1
\u259 ? fie un copac pitic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Miniaturistul care venea noaptea lucra plin de \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?rare la pupitru, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de Unchiul, vegheat de lumina lum\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dea aceste
imagini ciudate, dincolo de orice r\uc1 \u226 ?nduieli, imagini care nu sem\uc1
\u259 ?nau cu niciuna dintre scenele \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ate pe
de rost, din pricin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?i oferea bani
pentru ele, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, la drept vorbind, pictura aceea
ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? era atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?toare. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ?, la fel ca Unchiul, nici acest miniaturist nu mai putea s\uc1 \u259 ?
deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?, de la un anumit moment, care era povestea pe
care o ilustra imaginea calului. Ceea ce a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta Unchiul de la mine era
s\uc1 \u259 ? privesc aceste picturi, zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vite pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?
tate \uc1 \u238 ?n stil vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate \uc1 \u238 ?n
stil persan, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? izvodesc degrab\uc1 \u259 ? povestea
potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ele, pe pagina goal\uc1 \u259 ? din dreptul lor.
Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? scriu cu orice pre\uc1 \u355 ? aceste pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
pentru a o putea dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndi pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, dar nu-mi
venea \uc1 \u238 ?n minte dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ceea ce povestise meddah-ul la cafenea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 23. Voi fi numit Uciga\uc1
\u351 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceasul meu cu ro\uc1 \u355 ?i
din\uc1 \u355 ?ate ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? se l\uc1 \u259 ?sase seara. Nu se
rostise \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, dar sfe\uc1
\u351 ?nicul de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? suportul meu de carte se stinsese
demult. Tocmai ispr\uc1 \u259 ?visem, din memorie, o imagine de opioman,
trec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ? condeiul \uc1 \u238 ?
nmuiat \uc1 \u238 ?n cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a
peste h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia bine t\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i frumos
potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am auzit \uc1 \u238 ?n mine vocea aceea care
m\uc1 \u259 ? chema, sear\uc1 \u259 ? de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi. M-
am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?. Eram at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai ies seara \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? stau acas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? lucrez, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercasem chiar s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi bat \uc1 \u238 ?n cuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a
pe din\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea
aceasta, pe care o pictasem \uc1 \u238 ?n mare grab\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
fusese poruncit\uc1 \u259 ? de un armean care venise s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi cioc\uc1
\u259 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul
dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se fi sculat cineva, tocmai din
Galata. Omul acesta, care face pe t\uc1 \u259 ?lmaciul, pe c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259
?uza, de\uc1 \u351 ?i este b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?it, m\uc1 \u259 ? caut\uc1
\u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torii
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci italieni doresc vreo carte a ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintelor \uc1 \u351 ?i
se t\uc1 \u226 ?rguie\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna cu mine de zor. Cum ne-
am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
fac, pe o sut\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri, o carte a ve\uc1 \u351 ?
mintelor f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mari preten\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?
zeci de picturi, i-am desenat dintr-o singur\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, la
vremea chem\uc1 \u259 ?rii la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, o
duzin\uc1 \u259 ? de istanbulezi, preocupat \uc1 \u351 ?i atent la ve\uc1 \u351 ?
mintele lor: un \uc1 \u351 ?eyh-ill-isl\uc1 \u226 ?m, un conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor al
g\uc1 \u259 ?rzii Seraiului, un imam30, un ienicer, un dervi\uc1 \u351 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citor, un spahiu, un cadiu, un v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?tor
de m\uc1 \u259 ?runtaie de oaie, un c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u8211 ? este
foarte folositor s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?ezi pe c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce supune pe cineva
la cazne \uc1 \u8211 ? un cer\uc1 \u351 ?etor, o femeie care se duce la hamam, un
fum\uc1 \u259 ?tor de opiu. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut at\uc1 \u226 ?t de multe lucruri
pentru a c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga doi-trei aspri \uc1 \u238 ?n plus, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? plictisesc de asemenea
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, joc de unul singur felurite jocuri, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce schi\uc1 \u355 ?ez aceste imagini, neridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd, de pild\uc1
\u259 ?, v\uc1 \u226 ?rful pensulei de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ez pe cadiu ori
pict\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe cer\uc1 \u351 ?etor cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?
i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 To\uc1 \u355 ?i t\uc1 \u226 ?
lharii, poe\uc1 \u355 ?ii, melancolicii \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd se roste\uc1 \u351 ?te chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1
\u259 ?, ginnii \uc1 \u351 ?i demonii din sufletele lor se zbat, se r\uc1 \u259 ?
zvr\uc1 \u259 ?tesc \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un singur glas. \uc1 \u8222 ?Afar\uc1 \u259 ?,
afar\uc1 \u259 ?, spune vocea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? tihn\uc1 \u259 ?
dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul nostru, fugi printre ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni, \uc1
\u238 ?n profunzimea \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului, a mizeriei, a tic\uc1 \u259 ?
lo\uc1 \u351 ?iei.\uc1 \u8221 ? Mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchinat anii \uc1 \u238 ?
mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzirii acestor ginni \uc1 \u351 ?i demoni. Mi-am z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit
picturile, pe care foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni le-au privit ca pe un miracol al
m\uc1 \u226 ?inilor mele, cu sprijinul acestor ginni \uc1 \u351 ?i demoni. Dar de
acum \uc1 \u351 ?apte zile, de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am ucis pe nemernicul \uc1 \u259 ?
la, nu mai izbutesc s\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc, la vreme de
sear\uc1 \u259 ?, ginnii \uc1 \u351 ?i demonii care s\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luiesc \uc1 \u238 ?n mine. Se zbat cu o asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?
ncr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?mi spun: poate,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? ies pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, se mai ostoiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am rostit aceste vorbe, m-am \uc1
\u351 ?i pomenit pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1
\u355 ?elege, ca de obicei, cum de mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat a\uc1
\u351 ?a ceva. Mergeam cu repeziciune. Am apucat-o pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1
\u238 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?pezite, pe scurt\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1 \u238 ?nn\uc1 \u259 ?
molite, pe pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ?uri acoperite de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, pe trotuare pe care nu mai c\uc1 \u259 ?lcase nimeni, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a m\uc1 \u259 ? opri o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ? ce mergeam, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul
nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii cobora peste cotloanele cele mai pustii, mai nelocuite ale
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului, p\uc1 \u259 ?catul meu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea
treptat \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce pa\uc1
\u351 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?mi r\uc1 \u259 ?sunau pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile \uc1 \u238 ?
nguste, de-a lungul zidurilor de piatr\uc1 \u259 ? ale hanurilor, ale \uc1 \u351 ?
colilor coranice, ale moscheilor, temerile mi se potoleau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Picioarele m-au purtat de la sine c\uc1 \u259 ?tre acest cartier
m\uc1 \u259 ?rgina\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care vin \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare
sear\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre aceste str\uc1 \u259 ?zi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?site, pe care nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car stafiile \uc1 \u351 ?i ginnii n-ar putea
p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
nfioare. Am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ? jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate din b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1
\u355 ?ii care locuiau \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? mahala au murit \uc1
\u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul cu persanii \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? cealalt\uc1
\u259 ? jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate au p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit-o pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
poart\uc1 \u259 ? ghinion, dar eu nu cred \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea lucruri. Singura
nenorocire care s-a ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut asupra acestei minunate mahalale din pricina
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaielor cu persanii a fost peceduirea l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?
ului de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i Kalenderi, cu patruzeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un cuib de vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am dat ocol prin
spatele tufelor de mure \uc1 \u351 ?i al dafinilor care miroseau pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut
chiar pe vremea cea mai rece, am aranjat, cu grija dintotdeauna, co\uc1 \u351 ?ul
pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile de la ferestrele
c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le c\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ? obloanele \uc1 \u351 ?i am
intrat; am tras \uc1 \u238 ?n piept mirosul de fum \uc1 \u351 ?i de mucegai care
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru de o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani. Eram
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de fericit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vor n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?di lacrimile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-am apucat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de nimeni, afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu,
c\uc1 \u259 ? os\uc1 \u226 ?nda de care voi avea parte \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea aceasta
nu face dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale pentru mine, doresc s-o spun acum. Teama pe care
o \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc se leag\uc1 \u259 ? de suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care o vor
\uc1 \u238 ?ndura uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ii de teapa mea \uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? despre care se spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? va fi treptat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum arat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
limpezime Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran, \uc1 \u238 ?n sura \uc1 \u8222 ?
Legea\uc1 \u8221 ?, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?. De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori mi se \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? aievea \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor culorile \uc1 \u351 ?i vitregia acelei os\uc1 \u226 ?nde
care \uc1 \u238 ?mi amintesc de imaginile simple, naive, dar \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare ale Iadului, pictate pe piele de vechii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti arabi \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i uitate de
vreme, care mi-au c\uc1 \u259 ?zut rareori \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice caz, de caznele demonilor, zugr\uc1
\u259 ?vite de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii chinezi \uc1 \u351 ?i mongoli \uc1 \u8211 ?
pornesc pe calea t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cirilor \uc1 \u351 ?i nu pot s\uc1
\u259 ? nu judec dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce spune sura \uc1
\u8222 ?C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei \uc1 \u238 ?n noapte\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n cel de-al treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i treilea verset al s\uc1 \u259 ?u? Nu
spune oare s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ucizi, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci Dumnezeu a oprit omorul f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? temei? Bine, atunci: tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul pe care l-am
trimis \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad nu se num\uc1 \u259 ?ra printre acei credincio\uc1 \u351 ?
i a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ucidere s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?
dit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu; iar eu aveam pricini foarte temeinice s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?m capul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acest om
ne-a def\uc1 \u259 ?imat pe noi, cei care lucram la cartea pe care Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul Nostru a poruncit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu l-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi amu\uc1 \u355 ?it, i-ar fi numit sus \uc1 \u351 ?i tare eretici pe
Unchiul, pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
Maestrul Osman, \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-ar fi dat pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na p\uc1 \u259 ?tima\uc1
\u351 ?ilor adep\uc1 \u355 ?i ai nebunului de hoge din Erzurum. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
vreunul din ei o s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu voce tare,
c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii n-au Dumnezeu, adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii celui din
Erzurum, care caut\uc1 \u259 ? pricini spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta
puterea, \uc1 \u238 ?i vor nimici pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i vor face
una cu p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru va urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri toate astea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? scoate o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vin
aici, am \uc1 \u351 ?ters praful \uc1 \u351 ?i am m\uc1 \u259 ?turat peste tot, cu
c\uc1 \u226 ?rpele \uc1 \u351 ?i cu m\uc1 \u259 ?tura pe care le \uc1 \u355 ?in
pitite \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam toate
acestea, mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit \uc1 \u351 ?i sufletul \uc1 \u351 ?i
am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? eram un bun rob al Domnului. M-am rugat \uc1
\u238 ?ndelung lui Dumnezeu, pentru ca acest sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226
?nt de bine s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? ocoleasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Frigul, \uc1 \u238
?ndeajuns de p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i-o vulpe s\uc1 \u259 ? se u\uc1 \u351 ?ureze cu b\uc1 \u259 ?nu\uc1
\u355 ?i de aram\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la oase; cum \uc1 \u238 ?ncepeam din nou s\uc1 \u259 ? simt durerea aceea
misterioas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it.}
\langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea m-am pomenit, cu
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i stare ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? de spirit, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cu totul
alt\uc1 \u259 ? mahala. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce se afla \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mahalaua cu
l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit al dervi\uc1 \u351 ?
ilor r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citori \uc1 \u351 ?i locul acesta, ce-am g\uc1 \u226
?ndit, cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat de am ajuns pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile
m\uc1 \u259 ?rginite pe ambele laturi de chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dar oric\uc1 \u226 ?t a\uc1 \u351 ? merge, exist\uc1 \u259 ? un g\uc1
\u226 ?nd pe care nu-l pot l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, care
m\uc1 \u259 ? roade pe din\uc1 \u259 ?untru ca un vierme; poate dac\uc1 \u259 ? vi-
l spun, mi se va mai u\uc1 \u351 ?ura povara. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce-1 \uc1 \u238 ?
nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea cu \uc1 \u238 ?nver\uc1 \u351 ?unare pe Unchiul,
cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i da sufletul, r\uc1
\u259 ?posatul auritor putem s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spunem fie def\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u259
?torul cel neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zat, fie bietul Delicat Efendi, totuna este, mi-a mai
zis ceva. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram foarte impresionat de
spusele lui, cum c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul se folosea, \uc1 \u238 ?n toate picturile,
de metoda p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? a perspectivei, neobr\uc1 \u259 ?
zatul mi-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai exista o
ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n ea, Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i bate joc de toate lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?n care credem noi. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
ceea ce face nu este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? abatere de la dreapta credin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, este blasfemie \uc1 \u238 ?n toat\uc1 \u259 ? regula. \uc1
\u206 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, cu trei s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de cleveteala neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zatului, Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?mi
ceruse s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez, \uc1 \u238 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ?urile unei foi de
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, tot soiul de lucruri, de cele mai felurite m\uc1 \u259 ?rimi,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? unele cu altele
calul, banii, moartea \uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?
arate ele \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? franc\uc1 \u259 ?. O mare parte din
pagina pe care dorise s-o pictez, pe care se trasaser\uc1 \u259 ? chenare \uc1
\u351 ?i pe care o aurise bietul Delicat Efendi, urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru totdeauna de alte pagini, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
voit s-o ascund\uc1 \u259 ? de mine \uc1 \u351 ?i de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1
\u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb pe Unchi ce anume a pictat \uc1
\u238 ?n acea ultim\uc1 \u259 ? imagine, de mari dimensiuni, dar m\uc1 \u259 ?
opresc foarte multe lucruri. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb va b\uc1 \u259 ?
nui, desigur, c\uc1 \u259 ? eu l-am ucis pe Delicat Efendi, iar b\uc1 \u259 ?nuiala
se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde asupra tuturor. Un alt lucru care nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ? pace
este faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb asta,
Unchiul va zice pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Delicat Efendi a avut dreptate.
\uc1 \u206 ?mi spun uneori \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ar trebui s\uc1
\u259 ?-1 iscodesc de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vorba de vreo \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la Delicat Efendi, ci ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi
vorba de propria mea \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuire, dar asta nu-mi domole\uc1 \u351 ?te
spaimele. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nesocotirea credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei nu este at\uc1 \u226
?t de \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i dai seama de ea, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau
seama acum de orice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Picioarele, care-mi sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna mai agere dec\uc1 \u226 ?t capul,
m-au purtat singure p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe strada unde se afl\uc1 \u259 ?
casa Unchiului. M-am ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un cotlon \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit-o
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t o puteam vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric acea cas\uc1 \u259 ? mare, stranie \uc1 \u351 ?i bogat\uc1
\u259 ?, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? caturi, ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? printre copaci! Nu \uc1
\u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u238 ?n ce parte a ei se afla \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Am
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? o pictez, cu ochii min\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ca \uc1
\u351 ?i cum ar fi fost t\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ? prin mijloc cu un cu\uc1 \u355
?it, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum apar casele \uc1 \u238 ?n unele miniaturi pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?dite la Tabriz, pe vremea \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Tahmasp, \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul c\uc1 \u259 ?rui oblon
a\uc1 \u351 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?ri-o pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, cum ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea din cas\uc1 \u259 ? Negru. Iar
Unchiul, care l-a privit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? cu duio\uc1 \u351 ?ie din dosul por\uc1
\u355 ?ii, a \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat mai apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mintea mea,
dedat\uc1 \u259 ? proste\uc1 \u351 ?te la visare, a putut trage pe loc, cu
am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune \uc1 \u351 ?i de la sine, urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele
trei \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Unu: Deoarece Negru lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? mai ieftin \uc1 \u351 ?i este
mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in primejdios, Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?l va pune pe el s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie cartea, cartea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Doi: Frumoasa
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re se va m\uc1 \u259 ?rita cu Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Trei: Ceea ce spunea bietul Delicat Efendi era adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat; \uc1 \u238 ?l ucisesem degeaba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n astfel de \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri, adic\uc1 \u259 ? imediat
ce mintea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndur\uc1 \u259 ?toare pricepe dureroasa
realitate pe care inima refuz\uc1 \u259 ? cu hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re
s\uc1 \u259 ? o recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul nostru trup se
revolt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva ei. \uc1 \u206 ?n primul moment, jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate din mintea mea s-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivit cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? puterea
celei de-a treia judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aceea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram altceva
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un uciga\uc1 \u351 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine.
In vremea aceasta, picioarele mele au r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns din nou mai degrab\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ire
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mintea, ba chiar m-au purtat pe urmele lui Negru Efendi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am trecut pe nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate str\uc1 \u259 ?zi pe
care \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? era foarte u\uc1 \u351 ?or s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucid
pe Negru, care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea,
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de via\uc1 \u355 ?a sa \uc1 \u351 ?i de sine, \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru m\uc1 \u259 ? va izb\uc1 \u259 ?vi \uc1 \u351 ?i de
celelalte dou\uc1 \u259 ? judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i care izvor\uc1 \u226 ?
ser\uc1 \u259 ? din mintea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i care-mi str\uc1 \u226 ?ngeau inima.
Ba, \uc1 \u238 ?n cazul acesta, n-a\uc1 \u351 ? mai fi ajuns nici s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
sparg \uc1 \u238 ?n zadar capul lui Delicat Efendi. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? fug acum
c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l ajung
din urm\uc1 \u259 ? pe Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ?-i trag cu toat\uc1 \u259
? puterea una \uc1 \u238 ?n cap, totul va fi ca mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, iar Unchiul
ne va chema pe noi s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vim cartea. \uc1 \u206 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, mai cinstit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
prudent\uc1 \u259 ?, a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele (ce altceva este, de fapt, de cele
mai multe ori cinstea, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu la\uc1 \u351 ?itate?), \uc1 \u238 ?mi
spunea \uc1 \u238 ?n continuare c\uc1 \u259 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul pe care-1
f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem s\uc1 \u259 ? crape \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care-l azv\uc1 \u226 ?
rlisem \uc1 \u238 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ? era cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat un def\uc1 \u259 ?
im\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? lucrul acesta era adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1
\u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l ucisesem degeaba \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
Unchiul, care nu avea nimic de ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea pe care o f\uc1 \u259 ?
urea, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? cheme la el acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, privindu-l pe Negru, care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ea \uc1 \u238 ?naintea mea, pricepeam ne\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat c\uc1 \u259
? nimic din toate astea nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple.
Totul era o n\uc1 \u259 ?lucire. Negru era mai adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
mine. Tuturor ni se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? asta: dup\uc1 \u259 ?
ce ne facem iluzii s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni ori ani de-a r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul, crez\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndim este
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it, vedem \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259
? zi ceva un chip, un ve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, un om fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i
pricepem \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele
noastre de\uc1 \u351 ?arte nu se vor \uc1 \u238 ?mplini niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?; de
pild\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? fata la care visam nu ne va fi dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie sau c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vom fi \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i cu nici un chip la nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce
demnitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Priveam cu o sc\uc1 \u226 ?
rb\uc1 \u259 ? profund\uc1 \u259 ?, care-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ncingea inima, cum se
ridicau \uc1 \u351 ?i coborau capul, ceafa, umerii lui Negru, felul peste m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de enervant \uc1 \u238 ?n care mergea p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?ea de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi oferit pa\uc1 \u351 ?ii lumii,
\uc1 \u238 ?n dar. Oamenilor ca Negru, care se afl\uc1 \u259 ? departe de chinurile
con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ei, care au \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
un viitor fericit, li se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume le este
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, drept care deschid orice u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea unor
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi care, intra\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n propriul grajd, se
uit\uc1 \u259 ? imediat de sus la noi, cei afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?untru. M-am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit cu greu s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ridic o
piatr\uc1 \u259 ? de pe jos, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu alerg \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-
i dau una cu ea \uc1 \u238 ?n cap.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noi, cei
doi b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i de
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i femeie \uc1 \u8211 ? el \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, iar eu, fiin\uc1
\u355 ?a de a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea seama, \uc1 \u238 ?n spate \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1
\u238 ?naintam \uc1 \u351 ?erpuit, urc\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i cobor\uc1
\u226 ?nd mereu pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile Istanbulului \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce treceam \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
uli\uc1 \u355 ?ele pustii pe care se \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierau haite de c\uc1
\u226 ?ini, prin locuri p\uc1 \u226 ?rjolite de incendii \uc1 \u351 ?i vegheate de
duhuri, prin cur\uc1 \u355 ?i de moschei \uc1 \u238 ?n care dormeau \uc1 \u238 ?
ngeri rezema\uc1 \u355 ?i de cupole, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? chiparo\uc1
\u351 ?i care vorbeau nedeslu\uc1 \u351 ?it cu sufletele, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? margini de morminte troienite de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? unde colc\uc1
\u259 ?iau stafiile, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?lhari care luau
g\uc1 \u226 ?tul oamenilor, printre dughene, grajduri, l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?
uri de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i, lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, ateliere de piel\uc1
\u259 ?rie \uc1 \u351 ?i ziduri de piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndeam c\uc1 \u259 ? eu, de fapt, nu-l urm\uc1 \u259 ?ream pe Negru, ci \uc1 \u238 ?
l imitam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 24. M\uc1
\u259 ? numesc Moartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum vede\uc1 \u355 ?i, eu sunt Moartea, dar nu trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? speria\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci nu sunt dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu toate acestea, citesc \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii vo\uc1 \u351 ?
tri c\uc1 \u259 ? v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat.
Precum copiii care se las\uc1 \u259 ? prin\uc1 \u351 ?i de jocul pe care \uc1 \u238
?l joac\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi place c\uc1 \u259 ? v-a apucat groaza, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit cu moartea \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu sunt aievea.
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce v\uc1 \u259 ? uita\uc1 \u355 ?i la mine, sim\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i pe voi de
fric\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259
?, negre\uc1 \u351 ?it, sorocul. Nu glumesc: c\uc1 \u226 ?nd dau ochii cu moartea,
marea majoritate a b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ilor cu suflete de lei, mai cu
seam\uc1 \u259 ?, se las\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?guba\uc1 \u351 ?i. Din pricina
aceasta, c\uc1 \u226 ?mpurile de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pline de le\uc1 \u351 ?uri pe
care le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i pictat de zeci de ori nu miros, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-ar
putea crede, a s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, a praf de pu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i a zale \uc1 \u238 ?ncinse, ci a excremente \uc1 \u351 ?i a carne putred\uc1 \u259
?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
vede\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? o imagine a mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum un an, un b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nalt, usc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iv \uc1 \u351 ?i
misterios l-a chemat la el acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul
maestru miniaturist care m-a zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit. I-a oferit o cafea
delicioas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu arom\uc1 \u259 ? de ambr\uc1 \u259 ?, ce luneca pe
g\uc1 \u226 ?t ca m\uc1 \u259 ?tasea, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a deschis mintea, \uc1
\u238 ?n camera de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate cufundat\uc1 \u259 ?-n
\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric din casa lui cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? caturi. Apoi i-a ar\uc1
\u259 ?tat, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere cu u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
ei \uc1 \u238 ?n penumbr\uc1 \u259 ?, h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii aduse din India, pensule
din p\uc1 \u259 ?r de maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, foi\uc1 \u355 ?e de aur,
felurite condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i instrumente de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it condeie cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de m\uc1 \u259 ?rgean; i-a dat de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles
c\uc1 \u259 ?-i va da bani foarte frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a insuflat
maestrului miniaturist pasiune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?-mi imaginea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, i-a zis apoi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez imaginea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s-o fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, a zis miniaturistul cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini m\uc1 \u259 ?
iestre, care avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? picteze mai apoi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru a putea picta ceva, nu este nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
vezi mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i imaginea, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul
usc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iv \uc1 \u351 ?i av\uc1 \u226 ?ntat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie, a zis maestrul
miniaturist care m-a pictat mai apoi. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca
imaginea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?,
trebuie ca ea s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost pictat\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
mii de ori. Oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de iscusit ar fi miniaturistul, el picteaz\uc1
\u259 ? pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? un subiect nou ca un ucenic, ceea ce mie nu mi
se potrive\uc1 \u351 ?te. Nu pot s\uc1 \u259 ? nu iau seama la calit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile mele de maestru atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pictez imaginea
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, deoarece, pentru mine, un asemenea lucru ar \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemna \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i moartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai moartea aceasta te apropie de subiectul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ceea ce face din noi ni\uc1 \u351 ?te mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri nu este
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?im subiectul, ci faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu l-am
tr\uc1 \u259 ?it niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Atunci, m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria aceasta trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?lneasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu moartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40
\langfenp1048 Astfel s-au pornit, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un chip potrivit pentru
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care-i cinstesc pe vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u351 ?i
care le pre\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc harurile, pe un taifas \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept,
plin de vorbe cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesuri, de metafore, de
calambururi, de aluzii \uc1 \u351 ?i insinu\uc1 \u259 ?ri. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, pe care am
ascultat-o cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia cuvenit\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece era vorba de \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i existen\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, \uc1 \u238 ?i va
plictisi pe distin\uc1 \u351 ?ii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din cafeneaua
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Doar c\uc1 \u259 ?, la un moment dat, au ajuns la urm\uc1 \u259
?toarea discu\uc1 \u355 ?ie:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1
\u259 ?sura harului miniaturistului este dat\uc1 \u259 ?, oare, de faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? totul cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, sau de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? pune \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? subiecte pe care nu le-a mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nimeni? A \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat miniaturistul cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini miraculoase, cu ochi frumo\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i minte ager\uc1 \u259 ?; de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tia
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare, era plin de
b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii pre\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc for\uc1 \u355 ?a pictorului dup\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrarea sa de a afla subiecte care nu au mai fost pictate
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i metode noi de a le zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi, a
zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul cel trufa\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii mor ca vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii, a zis
miniaturistul care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? picteze pe mine.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar mor\uc1 \u355 ?ile tuturor se aseam\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Legenda \uc1 \u351 ?i miniatura nu vorbesc despre faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? toate se aseam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, ci despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
se aseam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns miniaturistul cel mintos.
Maestrul miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
iestria faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? legende care nu seam\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? nicidecum una cu alta ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu
ale noastre.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a a
venit vorba despre moartea vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a musulmanilor,
despre Azrail31, despre ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri ai Domnului, despre
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia nu vor putea fi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
picturile p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nilor. T\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul
miniaturist care m\uc1 \u259 ? va picta ceva mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu \uc1 \u351 ?i
care m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest moment, cu ochii lui
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cafeneaua noastr\uc1 \u259 ? drag\uc1 \u259 ?, s-
a am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t din pricina acestor vorbe grele; m\uc1 \u226 ?
inile \uc1 \u238 ?i jucau de ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, r\uc1 \u226 ?vnea s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? picteze, dar nu prea \uc1 \u351 ?tia cum eram eu, de fapt.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul cel \uc1 \u351 ?iret, care
dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dovedeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul
maestru, i-a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, viclean cum era, descump\uc1 \u259 ?nirea. \uc1
\u350 ?i-a a\uc1 \u355 ?intit ochii, care luceau \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?
mpii ce ardea zadarnic \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea cuprins\uc1
\u259 ? de umbre, asupra t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini
m\uc1 \u259 ?iestre:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Moartea,
pe care vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii par s\uc1 \u259 ? o fi pictat \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de
om, este un \uc1 \u238 ?nger, la fel ca Azrail al nostru, a zis. Dar un \uc1
\u238 ?nger \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntat \uc1 \u238 ?n om. \uc1
\u206 ?ntocmai ca Gabriel, care i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at Profetului nostru \uc1 \u238 ?ntruchipat \uc1 \u238 ?n om \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce cobora din cer Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elegi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am priceput c\uc1
\u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul maestru, pe care Dumnezeu \uc1 \u238 ?l d\uc1
\u259 ?ruise cu o nemaipomenit\uc1 \u259 ? iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, era
zorit, dorind s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? picteze. Deoarece b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?nul cel diabolic izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ? de\uc1 \u351 ?tepte \uc1 \u238 ?n el
urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarea idee dr\uc1 \u259 ?ceasc\uc1 \u259 ?: nu dorim, de fapt,
s\uc1 \u259 ? putem picta un lucru cunoscut, cu toate luminile sale, ci un lucru pe
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, pe care nu-l cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem.}{\fs24
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Eu nu cunosc deloc moartea aceea, a zis miniaturistul care urma s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? picteze ceva mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem moartea, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne temem de ea, dar
n-o cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n ceea ce te prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i propria
team\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Mai lipsea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ca imaginea mea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
pictat\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
cum marelui maestru miniaturist i se zburlea p\uc1 \u259 ?rul pe ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?,
cum i se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rto\uc1 \u351 ?au mu\uc1 \u351 ?chii bra\uc1
\u355 ?ului, cum buricele degetelor sale se aflau \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utarea
condeiului. Dar, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r un mare
maestru, a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncordare
va face ca dragostea de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din sufletul s\uc1 \u259 ?u s\uc1
\u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, drept
care s-a st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind \uc1 \u351 ?i el acest lucru, \uc1 \u351 ?iretul b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?n i-a citit, spre a-i insufla imaginea mea, de care era foarte sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit\uc1 \u259 ? la
scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, fragmente privitoare la moarte din
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile aflate dinaintea sa: Cartea sufletului de El-
Cevziyye, Cartea Apocalipsei de Gazali, \uc1 \u351 ?i din Suyuti. Astfel, pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuia \uc1 \u238 ?n minte imaginea aceasta a mea pe
care o privi\uc1 \u355 ?i acum cu team\uc1 \u259 ?, maestrul miniaturist cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini m\uc1 \u259 ?iestre asculta cum \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul Mor\uc1 \u355 ?
ii va avea mii de aripi, care se vor \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde din Rai p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea aceasta \uc1 \u351 ?i din ungherul cel mai
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat al R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ritului p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ungherul cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat al
Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?itului, cum, pentru toate fiin\uc1 \u355 ?ele credincioase, aceste
aripi vor fi proteguitoare, iar pentru p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru r\uc1 \u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i vor fi asemenea
unor piroane arz\uc1 \u259 ?toare, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-a
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit plin\uc1 \u259 ? de piroane, suger\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, majoritatea miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, sunte\uc1 \u355 ?
i fiin\uc1 \u355 ?e sortite Iadului. Miniaturistul asculta cum, \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?inile \uc1 \u238 ?ngerului pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l va trimite Dumnezeu
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? ia sufletele, se va afla un catastif \uc1 \u238 ?n care
sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nscri\uc1 \u351 ?i cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cum numele
unora dintre dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ncercuite \uc1 \u238 ?n
paginile lui cu negru, cum sorocul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii v\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1
\u351 ?tiut doar de Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i cum, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd v\uc1
\u259 ? va sosi acest soroc, din copacul aflat sub tronul ceresc va c\uc1 \u259 ?
dea o frunz\uc1 \u259 ?, iar cel ce va prinde aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frunz\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i va citi ceea ce se afl\uc1 \u259 ? scris pe ea va afla cui i-
a venit r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?; de aceea m-a pictat
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de h\uc1 \u226 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i de g\uc1 \u226 ?
nditoare, ca pe cineva care se pricepe s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
reasc\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul
cel \uc1 \u355 ?icnit citise c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul
Mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, care se ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de om, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntindea m\uc1 \u226 ?na c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cel c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i se \uc1 \u238 ?
mplinea sorocul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i lua sufletul, totul era \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit deodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? aidoma
razelor soarelui, miniaturistul cel mintos m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?mpresurat\uc1 \u259 ? de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351
?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lumin\uc1 \u259 ? nu li se ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta
celor dimprejurul mortului. Cum b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul cel \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?timit mai citise, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea sufletului, \uc1 \u351 ?i
despre m\uc1 \u259 ?rturiile ho\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de morminte din vechime, despre
trupurile \uc1 \u238 ?n care erau \uc1 \u238 ?nfipte, ici \uc1 \u351 ?i colo,
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1 \u351 ?e, despre fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile
care se iscau atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd scormoneai p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1
\u238 ?n locuri \uc1 \u238 ?n care erau \uc1 \u238 ?ngropate de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd
trupuri, despre c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nile umplute cu
plumb, miraculosul miniaturist, care-l asculta cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? luare-aminte, a
pus \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginea mea, m vreme ce o pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuia, tot ceea ce i-ar
fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta pe cei care m\uc1 \u259 ?
priveau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar mai apoi s-a
c\uc1 \u259 ?it de acest lucru. S-a c\uc1 \u259 ?it nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t de spaima pe
care o sem\uc1 \u259 ?nase \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura sa, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?mislise aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine. Iar eu m\uc1 \u259 ? simt
acum asemenea cuiva despre care propriul p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te cu
ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce s-a
c\uc1 \u259 ?it miniaturistul acela cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini m\uc1 \u259 ?iestre
c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a pictat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. Deoarece eu, imaginea Mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
n-am fost pictat\uc1 \u259 ? cu destul\uc1 \u259 ? iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, nu sunt des\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? nici precum \uc1 \u238 ?n picturile
marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, nici precum \uc1 \u238 ?n cele ale
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu m\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1
\u351 ?inez de \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area mea
jalnic\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care marele maestru care m-a pictat n-a izbutit s\uc1
\u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?mbine cu seriozitatea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 2. Maestrul miniaturist care m-a pictat, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
imboldul diavolesc al b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului, s-a pomenit deodat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? imit\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul \uc1
\u351 ?i ideile mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?dea o anume lips\uc1 \u259 ? de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire, de
cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca pentru
prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? lucrul acesta \uc1 \u238 ?i rodea sufletul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. Trebuie, de asemenea,
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i readuc la realitate pe cei c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva nevolnici
care s-au obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit cu mine aici \uc1 \u351 ?i care au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? sur\uc1 \u226 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?: cu moartea nu se glume\uc1 \u351 ?te!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum, maestrul miniaturist care
m-a pictat str\uc1 \u259 ?bate necontenit str\uc1 \u259 ?zile, noaptea, cuprins de
remu\uc1 \u351 ?care, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar crede, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum credeau unii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri chinezi, c\uc1 \u259 ? el este \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ceea ce a
pictat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 25. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc
Ester.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Femeile de la Minaretul
Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i de la Pisica Neagr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi
comandaser\uc1 \u259 ? material de plapum\uc1 \u259 ? mov \uc1 \u351 ?i ro\uc1
\u351 ?u, din \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de Bilecik, pe care l-am
pus \uc1 \u238 ?n boccea de cu zori. Am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat la o parte materialul
verde, din m\uc1 \u259 ?tase chinezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat de pe
corabia portughez\uc1 \u259 ? care taman ce-a venit \uc1 \u351 ?i am pus \uc1 \u238
?n boccea din cel albastru. Cum z\uc1 \u259 ?pada asta nu se mai ispr\uc1 \u259 ?
ve\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i iarna e f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it, am chitit bini\uc1 \u351 ?or nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i
ciorapi, br\uc1 \u226 ?uri groase, ilice zdravene din l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? de
felurite culori \uc1 \u351 ?i le-am or\uc1 \u226 ?nduit la vedere, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i inima celei mai nep\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?toare femei s\uc1 \u259 ? fream\uc1 \u259 ?te voios c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi desfac eu bocceaua. Apoi, am pus \uc1 \u238 ?n ea batiste de m\uc1
\u259 ?tase, u\uc1 \u351 ?oare, dar scumpe, pungi pentru bani, saco\uc1 \u351 ?e
lucrate cu dichis, pentru dusul la hamam pe astea din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? nu ca s\uc1 \u259 ? le v\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ci ca s\uc1 \u259 ? le d\uc1
\u259 ?ruiesc femeilor care m\uc1 \u259 ? chemau la vreo b\uc1 \u226 ?rf\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?ltat bocceaua, valeu! Da' grea s-a mai
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fr\uc1 \u226 ?ng mijlocul! Am l\uc1 \u259 ?
sat-o jos. Am desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o iar \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? tot uitam ce
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai scot din ea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut cineva la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, iar Nesim a deschis \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a strigat.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era roaba Hayriye,
toat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbujorat\uc1 \u259 ? la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a trimis \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, mi-a \uc1 \u351 ?optit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de zbuciumat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t ai fi zis c\uc1 \u259 ? ea era aia care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostise \uc1 \u351 ?i care voia s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rite. Am luat
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, serioas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?
ndemnat-o pe proasta de fat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1
\u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s-o vad\uc1 \u259 ? cineva. Nesim se
uita la noi cu ochi \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?tori. Am apucat bocceaua
mincinoas\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?ntecoas\uc1 \u259 ?, dar u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? pe care o c\uc1 \u259 ?ram dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd purtam r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Fata Unchiului, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, e \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostit\uc1 \u259 ? foc, i-am zis. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a pierdut bini\uc1 \u351 ?or
cump\uc1 \u259 ?tul, s\uc1 \u259 ?rmana!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am slobozit un hohot de r\uc1 \u226 ?s \uc1 \u351 ?i am
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it, dar sufletul mi-a fost cuprins pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? de ru\uc1 \u351
?ine. La drept vorbind, nu doream s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi bat joc de povestea de dragoste
a lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ci s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?rs lacrimi pentru
via\uc1 \u355 ?a ei cea trist\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i ce frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?
este \uc1 \u238 ?ntristata mea fat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ochii negri!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am trecut gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit\uc1 \u259 ? pe dinaintea caselor p\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ginite din mahalaua noastr\uc1 \u259 ? evreiasc\uc1 \u259 ?,
care p\uc1 \u259 ?reau \uc1 \u351 ?i mai pustii, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai s\uc1 \u259 ?
rmane \uc1 \u238 ?n frigul dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ii. La mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme
dup\uc1 \u259 ? asta, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe cer\uc1 \u351 ?etorul \uc1
\u259 ?la orb care s-a prip\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it la col\uc1 \u355 ?ul
str\uc1 \u259 ?zii lui Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i care-i privegheaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe
trec\uc1 \u259 ?tori, am strigat, din toate puterile:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Negustoreasa cu bocceaua!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Gura, baborni\uc1 \u355 ?o! A zis el. Chiar de n-ai fi strigat, tot te-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi recunoscut dup\uc1 \u259 ? umblet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orb
soios! I-am zis. T\uc1 \u259 ?tar nenorocit! Orbii sunt belele de pe care
Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a luat m\uc1 \u226 ?na! Ah, tr\uc1 \u259 ?sni-te-ar!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe vremuri, nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
sup\uc1 \u259 ?ram \uc1 \u351 ?i nu luam seama la asemenea lucruri. U\uc1 \u351 ?a
lui Hasan mi-a fost deschis\uc1 \u259 ? de tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui. Este un abhaz
domnos \uc1 \u351 ?i ginga\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem ce ne-ai adus de data asta, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Puturosul de fiu-t\uc1 \u259 ?u doarme?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?? St\uc1 \u259 ? tot timpul cu ochii
la drum. A\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti de la tine.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Casa asta este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecoas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd vin aici mi se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? intru \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un morm\uc1 \u226
?nt. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ?
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ce fac ei, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbesc mereu de cas\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-i treac\uc1 \u259 ? prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259
? vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n groapa asta. Mi-e anevoie p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui c\uc1 \u259 ? frumoasa
mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a fost c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226
?na gospod\uc1 \u259 ?riei, c\uc1 \u259 ? a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it aici cu fiii ei cei
n\uc1 \u259 ?zdr\uc1 \u259 ?vani. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru mirosea a somn
\uc1 \u351 ?i a moarte. Am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia ailalt\uc1 \u259 ?,
str\uc1 \u259 ?pung\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu te vedeai om cu om. Nici nu
scosesem bine r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, c\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan s-a \uc1 \u351 ?i
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat din \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric \uc1 \u351 ?i mi l-a smuls din m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. L-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l citeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n voie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna,
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ast\uc1 \u226 ?mpere curiozitatea. A
ridicat \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? capul de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta e tot? A zis, da' \uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? asta
era tot. E un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? foarte scurt, a zis \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a
citit: \uc1 \u8222 ?Negru Efendi, vii pe la noi pe acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
stai aici toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua. Aud \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
scrii un r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pentru cartea tatei. Bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ?,
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face speran\uc1 \u355 ?e zadarnice \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-i
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi cartea.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
St\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se uita \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei, acuzator, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla era din pricina mea. Nu-mi plac
t\uc1 \u259 ?cerile din casa asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu mai
spune o vorb\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? e m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei o s\uc1 \u259 ? se-ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? din
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De unde s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu de ce? Am zis. Nu eu scriu r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?
ele astea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ndoiesc p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de asta, a zis el \uc1 \u351 ?i
mi-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?napoi h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu cincisprezece
aspri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unii b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355
?i ajung s\uc1 \u259 ? fie tot mai str\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i la pung\uc1
\u259 ?, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig\uc1
\u259 ?, dar tu nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti a\uc1 \u351 ?a, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta zace o latur\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1
\u226 ?t de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, de ager\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t pricepi de ce continu\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ciuda apuc\uc1 \u259 ?turilor lui \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate, rele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ce este cu cartea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Doar \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce! Se
zice c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
to\uc1 \u355 ?i banii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii se omoar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei pentru picturile din cartea
aia, a zis. Oare asta se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? din pricina
banilor, ori Doamne fere\uc1 \u351 ?te! Din pricina oc\uc1 \u259 ?rii aduse
credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei noastre? Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? cine se uit\uc1 \u259 ? o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? la picturile alea orbe\uc1 \u351 ?te pe loc!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A spus toate astea z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a
fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? le iau \uc1 \u238 ?n serios. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? era de luat \uc1 \u238 ?
n serios vreun cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, dinspre partea mea \uc1
\u8211 ? dinspre partea lui nimic nu era de luat \uc1 \u238 ?n serios. Asemenea
foarte multora dintre b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le purtam
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i care aveau nevoie de mijlocirea
mea, \uc1 \u351 ?i Hasan m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?njosea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?i era r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ndria. Iar eu le dau tuturor
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sc din pricina asta, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ei o mul\uc1
\u355 ?umire, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci asta face parte din afacerile mele. C\uc1 \u226 ?t
despre fete, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le este bini\uc1 \u351 ?or atins\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u226 ?ndria, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
eaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti o femeie de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis
Hasan, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi g\uc1 \u226 ?dile orgoliul pe care socotea c\uc1 \u259 ?
l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?mat. Du asta degrab\uc1 \u259 ?! Sunt curios ce-o
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1 \u259 ? netotul \uc1 \u259 ?la.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun: \uc1
\u8222 ?Negru nu e chiar a\uc1 \u351 ?a de netot.\uc1 \u8221 ? Faptul de a-i face
pe rivali s\uc1 \u259 ? se gelozeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei \uc1 \u238 ?n
asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?i aduce mul\uc1 \u355 ?i
bani pe\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei Ester. M-a speriat \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? o r\uc1
\u259 ?bufnire nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ? de furie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tii pe cer\uc1 \u351 ?etorul \uc1 \u259 ?la
t\uc1 \u259 ?tar de la col\uc1 \u355 ?ul str\uc1 \u259 ?zii, am zis, pe c\uc1 \u226
?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam. E foarte necuviincios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
luat-o prin cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cap\uc1 \u259 ?t al str\uc1 \u259 ?zii, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai iau \uc1 \u238 ?n be\uc1 \u355 ?e cu orbul, \uc1 \u351
?i am trecut, diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a devreme, prin T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul de P\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Oare de ce nu m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? musulmanii
capete \uc1 \u351 ?i picioare de pas\uc1 \u259 ?re? De ciuda\uc1 \u355 ?i! Bunica
mea dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ?, fie-i \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?na u\uc1
\u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, povestea c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au venit din
Portugalia g\uc1 \u259 ?tea mereu picioare de pui, c\uc1 \u259 ? erau ieftine.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La Kemeraralik am v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut o femeie \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de robi, care se \uc1
\u355 ?inea pe cal dreapt\uc1 \u259 ? ca un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351 ?i
falnic\uc1 \u259 ? peste poate; m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-o fi
vreo nevast\uc1 \u259 ? de pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ori vreo fat\uc1 \u259 ? de
bog\uc1 \u259 ?tan \uc1 \u351 ?i-am oftat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei nu
s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nrobit c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i n-ar fi
plutit cu capul \uc1 \u238 ?n nori, dac\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei s-ar
fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntors cu prad\uc1 \u259 ? bogat\uc1 \u259 ? din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul
cu Safavizii, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re ar fi tr\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i ea
ca femeia aia falnic\uc1 \u259 ?. Dintre toate, ea o merita cel mai mult.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am intrat pe strada lui Negru, inima mea
s-a pornit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? mai tare. Doresc oare
ca \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rite cu omul \uc1
\u259 ?sta? Izbutesc s-o \uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, departe de Hasan, dar de Negru ce s\uc1
\u259 ? mai zici? In afar\uc1 \u259 ? de dragostea pentru \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, pare s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, \uc1 \u238 ?n toate privin\uc1 \u355 ?ele, cu
picioarele pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Draga mea boccereas\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
dau pe nimic bucuria de a putea pune un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor care s-au prostit
de at\uc1 \u226 ?ta singur\uc1 \u259 ?tate, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? nevast\uc1 \u259 ? ori f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. Chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
vor primi cea mai proast\uc1 \u259 ? veste, to\uc1 \u355 ?i simt \uc1 \u238 ?n ei
un fior de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt pe cale s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? scrisoarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu-nc\uc1 \u259 ?pea \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
Negru era foarte, foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?
nutreasc\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?dejdi, de vreme ce \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
nu-i vorbea de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcerea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului ei, ci lega
cuvintele \uc1 \u8222 ?nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face speran\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u8221 ? de o
socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?. Am privit cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere cum citea r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ul. De fericire, l-a cuprins nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea, ba chiar s-a speriat.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a tras deoparte s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns, mi-am
desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, ca orice negustoreas\uc1 \u259 ? de\uc1 \u351
?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?, bocceaua cea mincinoas\uc1 \u259 ?, am scos din ea o
pung\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? pentru bani \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tat-o gazdei lui Negru, care murea de curiozitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 E din cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? catifea persan\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fiul meu a murit \uc1 \u238 ?n
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul cu persanii, a zis ea. Ale cui sunt r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?
ele pe care le por\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru Negru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
fapt, citeam pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuia s-o c\uc1 \u259
?p\uc1 \u259 ?tuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe pocit\uc1 \u259 ? de fiic\uc1 \u259 ?-sa, ori
pe mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu care fat\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-o voinicului de
\langfenp1048 De la cineva, am zis. O rud\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rac\uc1 \u259 ?
de-a lui, care e pe moarte la bolni\uc1 \u355 ?a de la Bayrampa\uc1 \u351 ?a
\uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1 \u238 ?i cere bani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Vai, vai! A zis ea, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
cread\uc1 \u259 ?. Cine e nefericitul acela?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a murit \uc1 \u238 ?n lupt\uc1 \u259 ? fiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
eu c\uc1 \u259 ?poas\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? ne privim cu
du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. E v\uc1 \u259 ?
duv\uc1 \u259 ?, o femeie singur\uc1 \u259 ?, singuric\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u351 ?i
ce grea \uc1 \u238 ?i este via\uc1 \u355 ?a! Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi o
negustoreas\uc1 \u259 ? cu bocceaua purt\uc1 \u259 ?toare de r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?e, ca Ester \uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i vedea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? doar bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia, puterea \uc1
\u351 ?i pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile de dragoste de prin basme le st\uc1 \u226 ?rnesc
oamenilor curiozitatea. Restul, triste\uc1 \u355 ?ile, desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?irile, geloziile, singur\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile, du\uc1
\u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?niile, lacrimile, b\uc1 \u226 ?rfele \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?cia care nu se mai ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc sunt toate la fel, \uc1
\u238 ?ntocmai ca lucrurile de prin case: un chilim vechi, \uc1 \u238 ?
mpestri\uc1 \u355 ?at, decolorat, un polonic \uc1 \u351 ?i o crati\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ezate pe o tav\uc1 \u259 ? goal\uc1 \u259 ? de
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cint\uc1 \u259 ?, cle\uc1 \u351 ?tele \uc1 \u351 ?i cutia de cenu\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? vatr\uc1 \u259 ?, dou\uc1
\u259 ? cufere \uc1 \u351 ?ubrede, unul mare, altul mic, un suport de turbane p\uc1
\u259 ?strat pentru a nu da de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, singur\uc1 \u259 ?, o
v\uc1 \u259 ?duv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? o sabie veche, numai bun\uc1 \u259 ? de
pus ho\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe fug\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Negru s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, beat de fericire, cu o pung\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Femeie cu bocceaua, a zis el, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
aud\uc1 \u259 ? gazda cea curioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Ia asta \uc1 \u351 ?i du-i-o
bietului beteag. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea vreun r\uc1 \u259 ?
spuns, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-l dea \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi
voi fi, toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua, la Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
era deloc trebuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de toate jocurile astea. C\uc1 \u259 ?
doar nu e nimic de ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? un fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?u ca Negru prime\uc1 \u351 ?te semne, trimite batiste \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1
\u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i alege o fat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ori
poate c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, a pus ochii pe fata gazdei?
Uneori n-am deloc \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1
\u259 ? tem ca nu cumva s-o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ele ur\uc1 \u226 ?t pe \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i petrece
toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea, nu
e \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea vreun semn oarecare!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? am deschis punga, iar din ea s-au ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tat doisprezece aspri \uc1 \u351 ?i un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?. Acesta m-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a de curioas\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am dus
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? la Hasan. V\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torii de legume \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?
a dughenelor verzele \uc1 \u351 ?i morcovii. Dar n-aveam chef nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
s\uc1 \u259 ? ating buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile groase de praz, care m\uc1 \u259
?-ndemnau: Vino s\uc1 \u259 ? ne m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?i, Ester!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am intrat pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?tarul orb voia s\uc1 \u259 ? se ia iar
de mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ptiu! Am scuipat
spre el, \uc1 \u351 ?i-at\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ce nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?nghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?
pun gerurile pe asemenea netrebnici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce Hasan citea r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n
g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, mi-era greu s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc
ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, nemaiput\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? ab\uc1 \u355 ?ine, am zis un \uc1 \u8222 ?Da?\uc1 \u8221 ?, la
care el mi-a citit: \uc1 \u8222 ?Draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, \uc1
\u238 ?mi ceri s\uc1 \u259 ? termin cartea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui dumitale. Afl\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am alt \uc1 \u355 ?el \uc1
\u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de acesta. Cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la el vin \uc1 \u238 ?n
casa aceea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ai spus \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneata mai devreme, iar nu
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te sup\uc1 \u259 ?r. \uc1 \u206 ?mi dau foarte bine seama c\uc1
\u259 ? dragostea pe care \uc1 \u355 ?i-o port este suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea. Dar
tot din pricina ei nu izbutesc cu nici un chip s\uc1 \u259 ? scriu ceea ce-i este
de trebuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui dumitale \uc1 \u351 ?i
Unchiului meu pentru cartea sa, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
dore\uc1 \u351 ?te el. De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i simt
prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nlemnesc \uc1
\u351 ?i nu-i mai pot fi de nici un ajutor. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit mult; lucrul
acesta are o singur\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?: faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? doisprezece ani, nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit chipul
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd te-ai ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat la
fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum m\uc1 \u259 ? tem foarte tare s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pierd
imaginea aceea de vis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te-a\uc1 \u351 ? mai vedea o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
de aproape, nu m-a\uc1 \u351 ? mai teme c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i pierd chipul
\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ? putea ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? cartea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui dumitale. \uc1 \u350 ?evket m-a dus ieri
\uc1 \u238 ?n casa goal\uc1 \u259 ? a evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat. N-o s\uc1
\u259 ? ne vad\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. Ce-ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? duc \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te a\uc1 \u351 ?tept acolo ast\uc1 \u259 ?
zi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vei dori dumneata? Din c\uc1 \u226 ?te mi-a spus \uc1 \u350 ?
evket, ieri ai visat c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-a murit b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatul.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan
citise r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul printre hohote de r\uc1 \u226 ?s, ba
sub\uc1 \u355 ?iindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pe alocuri vocea ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbind ca o muiere, ba f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o
s\uc1 \u259 ? semene cu rug\uc1 \u259 ?min\uc1 \u355 ?ile st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitoare
ale unui \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pierdut min\uc1
\u355 ?ile. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut joc de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1
\u259 ?mintea cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vorbele \uc1 \u8222 ?dac\uc1
\u259 ? te-a\uc1 \u351 ? mai vedea o dat\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? era scris\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n limba persan\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re i-a dat speran\uc1 \u355 ?e, Negru s-a pus pe
tocmeal\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis el. Firea asta calculat\uc1 \u259 ? nu i se
potrive\uc1 \u351 ?te unui adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am zis eu cu
simplitate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar vorba asta a ta
dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ii partea lui Negru,
mi-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors-o el. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd scrie c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi visat
c\uc1 \u259 ? fratele meu a murit \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
spune \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu a
murit\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E vorba de un vis,
am zis eu ca proasta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t de iste\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de mincinos
este \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it mul\uc1 \u355 ?i ani \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casa asta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi avut \uc1 \u238
?nvoirea mamei lui \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi fost silit de ea, \uc1
\u350 ?evket nu l-ar fi dus pe Negru \uc1 \u238 ?n casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?
nzurat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re crede c\uc1 \u259 ? ne va da
deoparte, pe fratele meu, pe noi, se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?!
Fratele meu este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? de la r\uc1 \u259
?zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?nainte s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i termine vorba, s-a dus \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia de al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi \uc1 \u351 ?i a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? aprind\uc1 \u259 ? o lum\uc1 \u226 ?nare de
la flac\uc1 \u259 ?ra din c\uc1 \u259 ?min, dar s-a ars la m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i a scos un strig\uc1 \u259 ?t. A aprins \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ? lum\uc1 \u226 ?narea, ling\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se mereu pe m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i a pus-o pe marginea unui suport de carte. A scos
dintr-o cutie cu unelte de scris un condei gata preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit, l-a
cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a m\uc1 \u226 ?
zg\uc1 \u259 ?lit ceva degrab\uc1 \u259 ? pe o buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ic\uc1
\u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles imediat c\uc1
\u259 ?-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l urm\uc1 \u259 ?resc, dar, pentru a-i
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de el, i-am z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit,
d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi toat\uc1 \u259 ? silin\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cine este acest evreu sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, \uc1 \u351 ?tii ceva de
asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo de
casa lor e o cas\uc1 \u259 ? vopsit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n galben. Se zice c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gitul medic al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului de mai-
nainte, preabogatul Mo\uc1 \u351 ?e Hamon, i-ar fi ascuns acolo ani de zile pe
ibovnica lui evreic\uc1 \u259 ?, de loc din Amasya, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe fratele ei. Cu
ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, la Amasya, \uc1 \u238 ?n ajunul s\uc1 \u259 ?
rb\uc1 \u259 ?torii de Pesah, s-a auzit c\uc1 \u259 ? un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
r grec, r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cit pas\uc1 \u259 ?mite prin mahalaua
evreiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ar fi fost desc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?nat pentru a se face pasc\uc1 \u259 ? din s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele lui. Cum s-au
ivit \uc1 \u351 ?i martori mincino\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a trecut \uc1 \u351
?i la condamnarea la moarte a evreilor, preaiubitul medic al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
a pus s\uc1 \u259 ? fie r\uc1 \u259 ?pit\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1
\u259 ? femeie, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu fratele ei, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a
ascuns, cu \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a murit
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul, du\uc1 \u351 ?manii lui n-au izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1
\u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire pe m\uc1 \u226 ?ndra domni\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar au pus s\uc1 \u259 ? fie sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatul, care tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte pe fratele meu s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, or s-o pedepseasc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, a zis Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i
mi-a dat r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
pe chipul lui nu se citeau m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u351 ?i ur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci acel
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de urgie \uc1 \u351 ?i de nefericire pe
care-l tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc doar adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut imediat \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui
c\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea \uc1 \u238 ?l preschimbase \uc1 \u238 ?n scurt timp \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un om b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n. Banii pe care \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tige la vam\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l \uc1 \u238 ?
ntineriser\uc1 \u259 ? deloc. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut privirea
r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1
\u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?tea amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri, m-ar fi putut \uc1
\u238 ?ntreba din nou cum ar putea-o c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga pe \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re de partea lui. Dar de-acum devenise aproape cu totul un om
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe
un asemenea lucru. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? ce accep\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?ul iar
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivirea \uc1 \u238 ?n dragoste e o pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? o faci \uc1 \u8211 ? cruzimea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i face loc \uc1 \u238 ?n inima ta cu mare u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am speriat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u de \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toarea sabie ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie de care
vorbeau copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i care t\uc1 \u259 ?ia, chipurile, tot ce atingea,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am
dorit s-o \uc1 \u351 ?terg \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit s\uc1 \u259 ?
ies \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat
c\uc1 \u259 ? m-au luat pe nepreg\uc1 \u259 ?tite suduielile cer\uc1 \u351 ?
etorului t\uc1 \u259 ?tar. Dar mi-am luat seama repede \uc1 \u351 ?i, pun\uc1 \u226
?ndu-i u\uc1 \u351 ?urel \uc1 \u238 ?n batist\uc1 \u259 ? o pietricic\uc1 \u259 ?
apucat\uc1 \u259 ? la repezeal\uc1 \u259 ? de pe jos, i-am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hai, ia, t\uc1 \u259 ?tar r\uc1 \u226 ?ios!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am privit, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?d, cum \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea m\uc1 \u226 ?na plin de n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre piatra despre care socotea c\uc1 \u259 ? e o moned\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
plecat apoi, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai ascult blestemele, la
una din fetele mele, c\uc1 \u259 ?reia-i g\uc1 \u259 ?sisem un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat
bun \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care o m\uc1 \u259 ?ritasem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Fata mea cea drag\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a dat pl\uc1 \u259 ?cint\uc1 \u259 ?
cu spanac, r\uc1 \u259 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? de ieri, dar care \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? se f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ma pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
din\uc1 \u355 ?i; g\uc1 \u259 ?tea, pentru pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz, tocan\uc1 \u259 ? din
carne de miel, cu t\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?ei fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nta\uc1 \u355 ?i cu mult ou, acrit\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?or cu prune, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi place mie. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? n-o am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?sc, am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat s\uc1 \u259 ? termine \uc1 \u351 ?i-am m\uc1
\u226 ?ncat \uc1 \u351 ?i din ea dou\uc1 \u259 ? polonice pline, cu p\uc1 \u226 ?
ine proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i un compot
gustos de struguri \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-am m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat,
cer\uc1 \u226 ?nd f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sfial\uc1 \u259 ? dulcea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de trandafiri ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi torn \uc1 \u238 ?n el o
lingur\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi tihneasc\uc1
\u259 ? masa, i-am dus r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ntristatei
mele \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Eu, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?ezam
\uc1 \u238 ?n cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r hainele uscate, care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? sp\uc1
\u259 ?late ieri, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a spus Hayriye c\uc1
\u259 ? a venit Ester. Oare de ce v\uc1 \u259 ? zic minciuni? Bine, a\uc1 \u351 ?
adar, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a venit Ester, \uc1 \u238 ?i priveam pe tata \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
Negru prin gaura dulapului din perete \uc1 \u351 ?i eram cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la
ea, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam cu ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?ele care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? de la Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i de la
Hasan. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum simt c\uc1 \u259 ? teama de moarte a tatei se \uc1
\u238 ?ntemeiaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe o nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te justificat\uc1 \u259 ?, tot
a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? interesul lui Negru fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de mine nu va dura p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?itul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui. Pe cat de \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit este
Negru, pe at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult dore\uc1 \u351 ?te el s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238
?nsoare. \uc1 \u350 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u238 ?nsoare, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te cu u\uc1
\u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu se va \uc1 \u238 ?nsura cu
mine, o va face cu alta \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se \uc1 \u238 ?
nsura, se va \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti imediat \uc1 \u351 ?i de femeia
aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye o a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase pe
Ester \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie,
\uc1 \u238 ?i pusese \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o can\uc1 \u259 ?
cu \uc1 \u351 ?erbet de trandafiri \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? privea acuzator. De
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se culc\uc1 \u259 ? cu tata m\uc1 \u259 ? tot g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i spune, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, tot ceea ce
vede \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? feresc de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Fata mea cu ochi negri, nefericita mea, frumoasa mea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
frumoase, am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? porcul de
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatu-meu, Nesim, nu m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? plec defel, a
zis Ester. Tu n-ai un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care s\uc1 \u259 ? te bat\uc1 \u259 ? la
cap; ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?ti lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?
sta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a scos r\uc1
\u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele, i le-am smuls din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Hayriye se
retr\uc1 \u259 ?sese \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un cotlon, unde nu st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1
\u238 ?n drum, dar de unde putea auzi totul. I-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors spatele lui
Ester, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi poat\uc1 \u259 ? vedea chipul, \uc1 \u351 ?i am citit
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui Negru. M-am
cutremurat o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?
nzurat. Nu te teme, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ai s\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?i
basma curat\uc1 \u259 ? din toate, mi-am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? citesc r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui Hasan. \uc1 \u350 ?i el era
pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i piard\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355 ?ile.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, sunt
m\uc1 \u226 ?nios foc, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i
pas\uc1 \u259 ? de asta. M\uc1 \u259 ? visez nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile alerg\uc1 \u226 ?nd
pe dealuri pustii, pe urmele n\uc1 \u259 ?lucii dumitale. De fiecare dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi la\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?
ele pe care \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? le cite\uc1 \u351 ?ti f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns, mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nfige \uc1 \u238 ?n inim\uc1
\u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?geat\uc1 \u259 ? cu trei pene la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t. I\uc1
\u355 ?i scriu cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi vei r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunde la acest r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?. S-a auzit vorba s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?
sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit din gur\uc1 \u259 ?-n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum
spuneau copiii dumitale c\uc1 \u259 ? ai fi zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Am visat c\uc1
\u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu a murit, de-acum sunt slobod\uc1 \u259 ?.\uc1
\u8222 ? Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Ceea ce \uc1
\u351 ?tiu este c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1
\u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ? cu fratele meu mai mare \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fii legat\uc1 \u259 ? de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1 \u259 ?.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? acum \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate \uc1 \u351 ?i tata,
vom merge azi la cadiu, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te aducem acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Vom veni cu
oamenii pe care-i vom str\uc1 \u226 ?nge; s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1
\u351 ?i tat\uc1 \u259 ?l dumitale acest lucru. Preg\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?
te-\uc1 \u355 ?i bocceaua, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1 \u259 ?-mi trimi\uc1 \u355 ?i imediat r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns
prin Ester.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am citit r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul a doua oar\uc1 \u259 ?,
m-am adunat \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit-o pe Ester \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?toare.
Dar nu mi-a spus nimic nou, nici cu privire la Hasan, nici cu privire la Negru.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am scos \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? condeiul pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?ineam pe marginea dulapului cu oale, am pus
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia pe blatul de p\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i tocmai eram pe
punctul de a-i scrie un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? lui Negru, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am
oprit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte
ceva. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat la Ester: fusese at\uc1 \u226
?t de preocupat\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?erbetul de trandafiri, fericit\uc1 \u259
? ca un copil dolofan, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? ar putea
\uc1 \u351 ?ti ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
aiurea. Am pus la loc h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u351 ?i condeiul \uc1 \u351 ?i m-
am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia te uit\uc1 \u259 ? ce
dulce e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, frumoasa mea! Mi-a zis. Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i face griji,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? totul o s\uc1 \u259 ? se
termine cu bine. Istanbulul forfote\uc1 \u351 ?te de bei \uc1 \u351 ?i de pa\uc1
\u351 ?ale bogate, care t\uc1 \u226 ?njesc s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoare cu o
fat\uc1 \u259 ? ca tine, frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre frumoase \uc1 \u351 ?
i priceput\uc1 \u259 ? la toate cele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?,
uneori, \uc1 \u238 ?i spunem cuiva brusc un lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n care credem, pentru
a ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba mai apoi: de ce am spus lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?sta f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o vlag\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i cred at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de mult \uc1 \u238 ?n el? A\uc1 \u351 ?a am ajuns \uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
spun:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, Ester, cine dore\uc1 \u351
?te, pentru numele lui Dumnezeu, s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoare cu o v\uc1
\u259 ?duv\uc1 \u259 ? cu doi copii?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?i, muuul\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i jinduiesc
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cineva ca tine, a zis, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu m\uc1
\u226 ?na un semn plin de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 0 priveam \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi place. Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, iar ea a priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? n-
aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?, ba chiar c\uc1 \u259
? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? plece. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a plecat Ester, m-am retras
\uc1 \u238 ?n cotlonul meu, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind, cum s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
spun, aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n suflet.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am sprijinit de perete
\uc1 \u351 ?i am stat a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, vreme \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac nimic. M-am
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la mine, la ceea ce aveam de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, la teama care
cre\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n mine. \uc1 \u206 ?n tot acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp,
auzeam cum vorbeau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, sus, \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i
Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti fricos ca o
femeie, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Ataci pe la spate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Mi se mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? dintele, a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, urm\uc1 \u259 ?ream, cu un ungher al min\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
ceea ce se petrecea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre tata \uc1 \u351 ?i Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Deoarece u\uc1 \u351 ?a albastr\uc1 \u259 ? de la camera de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? era deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, puteam auzi cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ce vorbeau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce privim portretele mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor italieni, pricepem cu
team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis tata, \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ochii
nu mai sunt de-acum simple g\uc1 \u259 ?vane, care aduc toate unul cu cel\uc1 \u259
?lalt, ci seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu ochii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri, care
reflect\uc1 \u259 ? lumina ca o oglind\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o absorb ca un
pu\uc1 \u355 ?. Buzele nu mai pot fi ni\uc1 \u351 ?te crest\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1
\u238 ?n mijlocul chipurilor netede ca h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia, ci devin noduri pline de
sens, zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vite, fiecare, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o alt\uc1 \u259 ? nuan\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u8211 ? noduri de sens care,
str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
se, v\uc1 \u259 ?desc \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga noastr\uc1 \u259 ? bucurie, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga noastr\uc1 \u259 ? triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul nostru suflet.
Nasurile nu mai pot fi asemenea unui zid nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut care, trec\uc1 \u226 ?
nd prin mijlocul chipului, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mparte \uc1 \u238 ?n
dou\uc1 \u259 ?, ci unelte \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ite, curioase, care
\uc1 \u238 ?mbrac\uc1 \u259 ? pentru fiecare dintre noi o alt\uc1 \u259 ?
form\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare Negru se mira,
la fel ca mine, de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? tata spunea \uc1 \u8222 ?noi\uc1 \u8221 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbea despre beii ghiauri care-\uc1 \u351 ?i comandaser\uc1
\u259 ? portretele? C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am privit prin gaur\uc1 \u259 ?, am v\uc1 \u259
?zut chipul lui Negru at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de palid, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, m-am speriat.
Dragul meu oache\uc1 \u351 ?, voinicul meu trist, oare \uc1 \u355 ?i-a fugit
culoarea din obraji pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai dormit noaptea \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1
\u259 ?, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-te neistovit la mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar Negru este
\uc1 \u238 ?nalt, zvelt \uc1 \u351 ?i chipe\uc1 \u351 ?. Are fruntea larg\uc1 \u259
?, ochii migdala\uc1 \u355 ?i, nasul puternic \uc1 \u351 ?i delicat. La fel ca \uc1
\u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, are m\uc1 \u226 ?ini lungi \uc1 \u351 ?i fine, cu
degete sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u226 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?r. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare este
falnic, drept, are umerii destul de largi, dar nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t de largi precum
hamalii care poart\uc1 \u259 ? poveri pe umeri. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am privit din
acest ungher \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
doisprezece ani, am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
a ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n puterea v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, mi-am potrivit ochiul
\uc1 \u238 ?n dreptul g\uc1 \u259 ?urii \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?d, pe chipul
lui, triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea care \uc1 \u238 ?l macin\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
doisprezece ani. Am un sentiment de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
de m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie c\uc1 \u259 ? a suferit at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult pentru mine.
Chipul lui Negru, care ascult\uc1 \u259 ? ce-i poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te tata \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?ugit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru cartea lui, este pe deplin senin \uc1 \u351 ?i
copil\uc1 \u259 ?resc. Tocmai c\uc1 \u226 ?nd b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?m de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd gura
trandafirie, aidoma copiilor, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iau la s\uc1
\u226 ?n. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce degetele mele aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? i se plimbe pe
ceaf\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prin p\uc1 \u259 ?r, Negru avea s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i afunde capul \uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u259 ?postul dintre
s\uc1 \u226 ?nii mei, avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi apuce sf\uc1 \u226 ?rcul, \uc1 \u238 ?
nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd ochii fericit, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau b\uc1 \u259
?ie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei, \uc1 \u351 ?i avea s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?, ca un
copil s\uc1 \u259 ?rman \uc1 \u351 ?i neajutorat ce era, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va g\uc1 \u259 ?si tihna doar datorit\uc1 \u259 ?
tandre\uc1 \u355 ?ei mele, drept care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se lege de mine p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la moarte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nchipuirea asta mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a de mult, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce asudam u\uc1 \u351 ?or, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
imaginam c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru nu se uita la imaginea Diavolului, pe care i-o
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta tata, ci privea, plin de uimire \uc1 \u351 ?i de aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ie, la s\uc1 \u226 ?nii mei dolofani. Nu-mi privea, ame\uc1 \u355 ?it, doar
pieptul, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, trupul, tot ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea
parte din mine. M\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult, \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea toate acele vorbe dulci pe care nu mi le
putuse spune \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i pricepeam, dup\uc1
\u259 ? chipul, dup\uc1 \u259 ? privirile lui, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi admira
felul m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru de a fi, purtarea, buna-cre\uc1 \u351 ?tere, puterea de a-
mi a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare \uc1 \u351 ?i
curaj, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i farmecul r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?elor pe care i le
scrisesem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat
deodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe tata, care ticluia lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit iar. M-
am s\uc1 \u259 ?turat de picturile pe care-i pune pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
s\uc1 \u259 ? le zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ?, imit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i pe
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, \uc1 \u351 ?i de amintirile lui de la
Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis iar ochii Doamne, n-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o din proprie voin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u8212 ? Negru s-a apropiat, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuirea mea, cu at\uc1
\u226 ?ta bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e de mine, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
parc\uc1 \u259 ? l-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it chiar al\uc1 \u259 ?turi, \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruse
deodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele meu, c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?ruta pe ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul
urechilor \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? era foarte v\uc1 \u226 ?njos. M\uc1 \u259 ?
socoteam \uc1 \u238 ?n siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era
demn de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era mare \uc1 \u351 ?i tare,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? puteam bizui pe el. Mi se zb\uc1 \u226 ?rlise
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul de pe ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?, iar sf\uc1 \u226 ?rcurile mi se \uc1 \u238
?nfiorau. Mi se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? simt, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum st\uc1
\u259 ?team pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i, cum
\uc1 \u8222 ?minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia\uc1 \u8221 ? aia a lui, mare c\uc1
\u226 ?t toate zilele, se tot apropia de mine, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-a
cuprins ame\uc1 \u355 ?eala. Oare cum o fi \uc1 \u8222 ?minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?ia\uc1 \u8221 ? lui Negru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uneori,
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu mi se arat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vise, plin de
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau seama, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndreapt\uc1 \u259 ? trupul \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat, \uc1 \u238 ?mpuns de suli\uc1 \u355 ?ele Safavizilor \uc1
\u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?puns de s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de noi, dar ne desparte din p\uc1 \u259 ?cate un r\uc1
\u226 ?u. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? strig\uc1 \u259 ? de pe cel\uc1
\u259 ?lalt
mal, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat \uc1 \u351 ?i cuprins de durere, v\uc1 \u259
?d c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia\uc1 \u8221 ? pe care-
o are \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?
rto\uc1 \u351 ?at. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te la hamam femeia
gruzin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce spun babele, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?
da, se face at\uc1 \u226 ?ta\uc1 \u8221 ?, e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1 \u8222 ?
minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia\uc1 \u8221 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu nu era
foarte mare. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Negru e mai mare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a lui, dac\uc1
\u259 ? umfl\uc1 \u259 ?tura aceea uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe care am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut-o ieri sub leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura lui de la br\uc1 \u226 ?u, dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce a primit h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia goal\uc1 \u259 ? pe care i-am trimis-o
prin \uc1 \u350 ?evket, era, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, ea c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
da, ea era poate c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am speriat c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ncap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mine sau c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ?
suf\uc1 \u259 ?r peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? din pricina ei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?evket m\uc1 \u259 ?
maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din codonul \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat al dulapului, am
trecut \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia din fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am luat din cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r ilicul de postav ro\uc1
\u351 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu el. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
scoseser\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul \uc1 \u351 ?i se h\uc1 \u226 ?rjoneau pe
el, \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u226 ?nd din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu v-am spus s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai \uc1 \u355 ?ipa\uc1 \u355 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vine Negru \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, de ce te-ai \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu ilicul
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, mam\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?evket m\uc1 \u259 ? maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rea!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l mai maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?ti? Ce-i cu
mizeria asta aici?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-un
col\uc1 \u355 ? se afla o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de piele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 E un le\uc1 \u351 ?, a zis Orhan. L-a luat \uc1 \u350 ?evket de pe
drum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Duce\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?
repede \uc1 \u351 ?i arunca\uc1 \u355 ?i-l de unde l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i luat.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?-l duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Haide\uc1 \u355 ?i, v\uc1 \u259 ? zic.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
mu\uc1 \u351 ?c buza furioas\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de a-i pocni, au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u226 ?t eram de hot\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au speriat
\uc1 \u351 ?i s-au dus. Or s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?
repede \uc1 \u351 ?i, cu voia lui Dumnezeu, n-or s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dintre to\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, cel mai mult mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut Negru,
deoarece m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?te mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t to\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i cunosc sufletul. Am scos h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u351 ?
i condeiul \uc1 \u351 ?i am scris dintr-o suflare, parc\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc
deloc, urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele: \uc1 \u8222 ?Bine, te voi vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n casa
evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?
ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Ispr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai
repede cartea tatei.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns lui Hasan, deoarece, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? se duce \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi la cadiu, nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? el,
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui \uc1 \u351 ?i oamenii pe care-i vor aduna ne vor c\uc1 \u259 ?
lca imediat pragul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost a\uc1 \u351 ?a, nu mi-ar mai fi
scris, nu ar mai fi a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns din partea mea \uc1
\u351 ?i ar fi n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lit peste noi \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ?. Acum a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? de la
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? acesta nu va veni, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?
i ias\uc1 \u259 ? din min\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i abia atunci va aduna oameni,
trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd la fapte. B\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u355 ?i de seam\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu crede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de el. La
drept vorbind, m\uc1 \u259 ? bizui pe Negru, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? apere
de el. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun ce-mi trece prin inim\uc1 \u259 ? acum:
cred c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare de Hasan pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubesc \uc1 \u351 ?i pe el!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreba\uc1 \u355 ?i ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1
\u351 ?ti, n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i dreptate. Nu c\uc1
\u259 ? n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii \uc1 \u238 ?n care
am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, sub acela\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarcerea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu, ce mizerabil, ce slab \uc1 \u351 ?i ce
chilipirgiu este acest om. Dar Ester spune c\uc1 \u259 ? acum c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tig\uc1 \u259 ? foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care ridic\uc1 \u259 ? Ester din spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene, pricep
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e minciun\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc c\uc1
\u259 ?, av\uc1 \u226 ?nd bani \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n
sine, toate acele r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau
din Hasan un om acru au disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? a ie\uc1
\u351 ?it la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? latura ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?, vioaie, stranie a
personalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui, care m-a \uc1 \u351 ?i atras la el. I-am
descoperit aceasta latur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele
pe care mi le trimitea cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i Negru, \uc1 \u351 ?i Hasan au trecut prin mari suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de mine. Negru a plecat
departe vreme de doisprezece ani, a fost r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it,
a suferit. Hasan mi-a trimis zilnic r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e, pe al c\uc1 \u259
?ror chenar desena p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i gazele. Citind
\uc1 \u238 ?ntruna acele r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e, am \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
tem de el, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? mai apoi mi-a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit
curiozitatea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Hasan este curios \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce
m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, nu m-a mirat faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tie c\uc1 \u259 ? am visat trupul mort al b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu. B\uc1 \u259 ?
nuiesc c\uc1 \u259 ? Ester l-a pus s\uc1 \u259 ?-i citeasc\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele pe care i le-am trimis lui Negru. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? nu i-am trimis lui Negru r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul prin Ester.
Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i
dac\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?nuielile mele sunt sau nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiate.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde a\uc1 \u355 ?i stat? Am
bomb\uc1 \u259 ?nit, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntors copiii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259
? pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o spusesem cu m\uc1 \u226 ?nie adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar eu, ferindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de Orhan, l-am tras pe
\uc1 \u350 ?evket deoparte, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? dulapul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecat. L-am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. L-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe
g\uc1 \u226 ?t, pe p\uc1 \u259 ?r, pe ceaf\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u354 ?i-a fost frig, dragul meu, am zis. Ia d\uc1 \u259 ?-i tu
mamei m\uc1 \u226 ?inile alea frumoase, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i le \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u226 ?inile lui miroseau a le\uc1 \u351 ?, dar n-am scos o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?.
I-am ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat capul pe pieptul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at str\uc1 \u226 ?ns. Cum, ceva mai
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? toarc\uc1 \u259 ? bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, ca o
pisic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfenp1048 Ia s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem, o iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe mama mult, mult?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?h\uc1 \u238 ?!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai mult dec\uc1
\u226 ?t pe oricine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci, am s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ceva, am zis, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? i-
a\uc1 \u351 ? li dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit o tain\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spui
nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, da? \uc1 \u350 ?i i-am \uc1 \u351 ?optit la ureche: \uc1
\u350 ?i eu te iubesc pe tine mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pe oricine, ai \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai mult chiar
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pe Orhan?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai mult
chiar dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pe Orhan. El este mic, mititel \uc1 \u351 ?i nu pricepe
nimic. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai de\uc1 \u351 ?tept, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elegi? \uc1 \u350 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe p\uc1 \u259 ?r, adulmec\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-i-l. De aceea am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cer acum ceva. \uc1 \u350 ?tii
c\uc1 \u259 ? ieri i-ai dus lui Negru Efendi, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, o
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie goal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i duci \uc1 \u351 ?i ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi una, bine?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 El l-a omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 El l-a omor\uc1
\u226 ?t pe tata. Chiar el mi-a spus-o ieri, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa evreului sp\uc1
\u226 ?nzurat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce-a spus?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu l-am ucis pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u, a zis.
Am ucis mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni, a ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat ceva.
Apoi \uc1 \u350 ?evket s-a dat jos imediat din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele mele \uc1 \u351 ?
i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce pl\uc1
\u226 ?nge acum copilul \uc1 \u259 ?sta? Bine, adineaori poate c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-
am putut st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am tras o palma. Nu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni c\uc1 \u259 ? am o inim\uc1 \u259 ? de
piatr\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a vorbit
astfel despre un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat cu care pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuiam s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit, spre binele lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? bietul meu orfan continua s\uc1
\u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?at mult, eram
gata-gata s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at. Suspina din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dar cum putea s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult pentru palma aia? L-am m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat pe
p\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Totul a \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput \uc1 \u238 ?n felul urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor: \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? ieri i-am spus tatei c\uc1 \u259 ? am visat c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatul meu a murit. De fapt, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat
adeseori de-a lungul acestor patru ani \uc1 \u238 ?n care nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiul cu persanii, \uc1 \u238 ?l visasem pe el, dar mai era
\uc1 \u351 ?i un alt mort, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu era deloc
limpede dac\uc1 \u259 ? mortul era el sau nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Visele sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna de folos la altceva. \uc1 \u206 ?n Portugalia,
de unde a venit bunica dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Ester, visele le erau,
chipurile, de folos celor ce se ab\uc1 \u259 ?teau de la dreapta credin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneasc\uc1
\u259 ? cu Diavolul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se iubeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu el. Prin
urmare, de\uc1 \u351 ?i cei din neamul lui Ester \uc1 \u351 ?i-au t\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?duit credin\uc1 \u355 ?a, spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd: \uc1 \u8222 ?am
devenit \uc1 \u351 ?i noi cre\uc1 \u351 ?tini catolici, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i voi\uc1
\u8221 ?, schingiuitorii iezui\uc1 \u355 ?i ai bisericii din Portugalia nu i-au
crezut \uc1 \u351 ?i, supun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i la cazne, au pus pe
seama lor, m vreme ce-i schingiuiau, vise pe care nu le-au avut nicic\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u350 ?i i-au pus s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rturiseasc\uc1 \u259 ? despre
ele, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum i-au pus s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt, dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luiri cu privire la ginnii \uc1 \u351 ?i la
demonii din visele lor, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i poat\uc1
\u259 ? dibui pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i evreii. A\uc1 \u351 ?adar acolo, visele erau de
folos pentru a m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisi despre \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?rile
oamenilor cu Diavolul \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai apoi, pentru a-i \uc1 \u238 ?nvinui
\uc1 \u351 ?i a-i arde pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia pe rug.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Visele sunt de folos pentru trei lucruri:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Elif: Dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti un lucru. Dar nu \uc1 \u355 ?i se \uc1 \u238
?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duie nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti.
Atunci zici: \uc1 \u8222 ?Am visat.\uc1 \u8221 ? In felul acesta, ceri ceea ce
dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nu tu ai fi dorit-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Be: Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ?-i faci r\uc1 \u259 ?u cuiva. De pild\uc1 \u259
?, ai de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? ponegre\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe cineva. Atunci zici
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai visat c\uc1 \u259 ? femeia cutare preacurvea; ori zici c\uc1 \u259
? ai visat c\uc1 \u259 ? pa\uc1 \u351 ?a cutare primea nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate
ulcioare cu vin. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul acesta, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceilal\uc1 \u355
?i nu cred asemenea lucruri, r\uc1 \u259 ?ul rostit \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i este
trecut pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? la socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cim: Dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti ceva, dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car tu nu \uc1
\u351 ?tii ce anume. Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?ti un vis \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?lcit.
Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?i-l t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cesc imediat \uc1
\u351 ?i-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun ce trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dore\uc1 \u351 ?
ti \uc1 \u351 ?i ce anume ar putea ei s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
ruiasc\uc1 \u259 ?. De pild\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u355 ?i se spune: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ai
trebuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, de un copil, de o
cas\uc1 \u259 ?.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Visele
acestea nu sunt nici pe departe ceea ce vis\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n somn.
Fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te visul din faptul zilei
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum l-ar fi visat noaptea, spre a-i fi de folos la ceva. Doar
pro\uc1 \u351 ?tii povestesc \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ce viseaz\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea.
Atunci, ori se face haz pe seama lor, ori, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se petrece de fiecare
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, visul le e t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cit \uc1 \u238 ?n sens r\uc1
\u259 ?u. Nimeni, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cei ce viseaz\uc1 \u259 ?, nu iau \uc1
\u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratele vise. Sau poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? o face\uc1 \u355 ?i.?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am dat de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, printr-un
vis rostit cu jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de gur\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea ca
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu s\uc1 \u259 ? fi murit, tata a spus mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? visul acesta nu poate fi luat drept un semn al
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rului; dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de la \uc1
\u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare, a chibzuit degrab\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, dat
fiind visul, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu a murit. In felul acesta, nu se m\uc1 \u259 ?
rgineau s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu, care nu murea nicicum de patru ani, murise doar \uc1 \u238
?n vis; aceast\uc1 \u259 ? moarte a fost acceptat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
asemenea m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost anun\uc1 \u355 ?
at\uc1 \u259 ? chiar atunci. A\uc1 \u351 ?a au priceput copiii c\uc1 \u259 ? au
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas orfani \uc1 \u351 ?i au fost cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1
\u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu nu visezi deloc?
L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ba da, mi-a zis z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind. Tata nu se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce,
iar \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsor eu cu
tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu nasul lui \uc1 \u238 ?ngust,
cu ochii negri, cu umerii largi, nu seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu tat\uc1
\u259 ?l lui, ci cu mine. Uneori am un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt
de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu le-am d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit
fiilor mei cu capete chiluge fruntea larg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nalt\uc1 \u259 ? a tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Hai, du-te s\uc1 \u259 ? te joci cu sabia, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
fratele t\uc1 \u259 ?u!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu sabia
cea veche a tatei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce ascultam zgomotele scoase de s\uc1
\u259 ?biile \uc1 \u351 ?i scuturile copiilor, am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung
tavanul \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am str\uc1 \u259 ?duit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nving
spaima \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorarea care cre\uc1 \u351 ?teau \uc1 \u238 ?n
mine. Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie \uc1
\u351 ?i i-am spus lui Hayriye:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tata vrea
de o bun\uc1 \u259 ? bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de vreme ciorb\uc1 \u259 ? de pe\uc1 \u351 ?
te. Poate am s\uc1 \u259 ? te trimit \uc1 \u238 ?n Portul Galionului. Scoate
magiunul de fructe care-i place lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket de pe unde l-ai ascuns, ia
c\uc1 \u226 ?teva straturi din el \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?-le copiilor s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?nfuleca \uc1 \u238 ?n
buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, m-am dus sus cu Orhan. L-am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E\uc1 \u351 ?ti transpirat tot, am zis. Ce-ai aici?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a lovit \uc1 \u350 ?evket
zic\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? aia e sabia cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie a unchiului.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvine\uc1 \u355
?it, am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Te
doare? \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u259 ?sta n-are deloc minte. Ce voiam s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte de\uc1 \u351 ?tept, foarte
delicat. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i cer ceva. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? faci ce-\uc1
\u355 ?i spun eu, am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui o tain\uc1
\u259 ? pe care nu i-o voi spune nici lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket, nici altcuiva.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Vezi h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia asta? Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci la bunicul. Ai
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dai asta lui
Negru Efendi, \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? te vad\uc1 \u259 ? bunicul. Ai Priceput?\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am priceput.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Vrei s-o faci?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce tain\uc1 \u259 ?
ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu
du h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am
s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe g\uc1 \u226 ?tul
care mirosea minunat. E un fel de-a spune. E mult de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ar fi trebuit
Hayriye s\uc1 \u259 ?-i duc\uc1 \u259 ? pe copiii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia la
hamam. De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? i se scoale lui
\uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u8222 ?juc\uc1 \u259 ?ria\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a femeilor, nu s-au mai dus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun taina dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i
l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte de\uc1 \u351 ?tept, foarte
frumos. \uc1 \u350 ?evket e ar\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?gos. Ridic\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?na p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva mamei
lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am s-o duc, a zis. Mi-e
fric\uc1 \u259 ? de Negru Efendi. L-a omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe tata.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u355 ?i-a spus asta, nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Am zis. Du-te repede \uc1 \u351 ?i cheam\uc1 \u259 ?-l sus.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
mi m\uc1 \u226 ?nia de pe chip, s-a dat jos cu team\uc1 \u259 ? din bra\uc1 \u355 ?
ele mele \uc1 \u351 ?i a fugit. Poate era oarecum mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit \uc1 \u351 ?i
de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? oalele aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se sparg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n capul lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu au
venit am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, \uc1 \u238 ?mbujora\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?evket
avea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? magiun de fructe, iar \uc1
\u238 ?n cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? sabia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ai spus fratelui t\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru Efendi l-a ucis pe tat\uc1
\u259 ?l vostru, am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?n casa asta n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai
rosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea cuvinte. O s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
iubi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pre\uc1 \u355 ?ui\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
Negru Efendi. S-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles? N-o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
petrece\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu pe
el \uc1 \u238 ?l vreau. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc \uc1 \u238
?n casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, la unchiul Hasan, \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept pe tata, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket cu neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zare.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0 clip\uc1 \u259 ? m-am sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat a\uc1 \u351 ?a
de tare, c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am tras o palm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu
l\uc1 \u259 ?sase jos sabia, care i-a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?l vreau pe tata, a
zis pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Dar eu pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
tare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l vostru nu mai este de-acum, nu se va mai \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarce, am zis eu pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd. A\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1
\u259 ?mas f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, r\uc1 \u259 ?ilor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am temut
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ? cei din\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu suntem r\uc1 \u259 ?i, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am pl\uc1
\u226 ?ns cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, pe s\uc1 \u259 ?turate.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsul \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nmuia inima \uc1
\u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea din mine un om mai bun. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at cu copiii, jelind f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
contenire, \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut.
\uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?se
bini\uc1 \u351 ?or capul \uc1 \u238 ?ntre s\uc1 \u226 ?nii mei. Uneori, c\uc1 \u226
?nd se v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n mine, mai-mai
s\uc1 \u259 ? se lipeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, simt c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt nu doarme. Poate
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dormit \uc1 \u351 ?i eu cu ei, dar eram cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la
cei de jos. Se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea un miros ademenitor de portocale fierte. Am
s\uc1 \u259 ?rit deodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sus, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
un asemenea zgomot, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t copiii s-au trezit:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Duce\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? jos s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? dea Hayriye de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare. Eram singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n odaie. \uc1 \u206 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? ning\uc1 \u259 ?. Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-
m\uc1 \u259 ?, Doamne! L-am implorat pe Dumnezeu, apoi am deschis Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntul Coran \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am u\uc1 \u351 ?urat sufletul citind \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat, din sura \uc1 \u8222 ?Neamul lui Imran\uc1 \u8221 ?, precum c\uc1
\u259 ? aceia uci\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pe calea Domnului se
duc la Domnul. Oare tata \uc1 \u238 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?tase lui Negru portretul
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru?
Spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? acel portret avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
gr\uc1 \u259 ?itor, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cei care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
vad\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nte
\uc1 \u351 ?i n-aveau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l poat\uc1 \u259 ? privi de-a dreptul, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum li se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla celor ce se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiau
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am chemat la mine pe Orhan
\uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-l lua \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e,
l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung pe cap, pe obraji.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Acum ai s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dai imediat h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia aceea lui
Negru, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te sperii, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i bunicului.
S-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi se
mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ? dintele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vrei, \uc1 \u355 ?i-l scot c\uc1 \u226 ?nd te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci,
am zis. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u226 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n el, iar el n-o s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1
\u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze. Atunci ai s\uc1
\u259 ?-i pui u\uc1 \u351 ?urel h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
are de ce s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fie fric\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1
\u355 ?i va fi tat\uc1 \u259 ? Negru, \uc1 \u350 ?tii cine-\uc1 \u355 ?i va fi?
Unchiul Hasan! Vrei ca unchiul Hasan s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i fie tat\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu vreau.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Atunci hai, frumosul, de\uc1 \u351 ?teptul meu Orhan, am zis. Altfel,
vezi c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngi, m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndesat \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?nu\uc1
\u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ? cu supunere, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul bine \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?turit. Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, Doamne, ca orfanii ace\uc1
\u351 ?tia s\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe drumuri! L-
am luat de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am dus la u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M-a mai privit din prag, cu team\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru ultima
dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut prin
gaur\uc1 \u259 ? cum a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n hol cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?
ov\uc1 \u259 ?itori, cum s-a apropiat de tata \uc1 \u351 ?i de Negru, cum s-a oprit
\uc1 \u351 ?i a z\uc1 \u259 ?bovit a\uc1 \u351 ?a, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
neputincios \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a aruncat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea o privire spre gaura
din dulap, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? din ochi. A \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar, cu o ultim\uc1 \u259 ?
sfor\uc1 \u355 ?are, a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? se arunce \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1
\u355 ?ele lui Negru. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe Orhan \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie de
ce pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge, Negru, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de ager la minte ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
merite s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie tat\uc1 \u259 ? copiilor mei, nu s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i a pip\uc1 \u259 ?it palma copilului.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici nu s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors
bine Orhan, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o la goan\uc1 \u259 ? sub privirile uimite ale tatei,
c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am \uc1 \u351 ?i luat \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, l-am s\uc1
\u259 ?rutat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, l-am dus jos \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, i-am umplut gura cu stafidele care-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau at\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult \uc1 \u351 ?i am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Hayriye, ia copiii, duce\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Portul Galionului
\uc1 \u351 ?i lua\uc1 \u355 ?i chefal de la Kosta, pentru ciorba tatei. Ia \uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri \uc1 \u351 ?i, cu ce r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne de la pe\uc1 \u351 ?te, cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-i
la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere lui Orhan smochine galbene \uc1 \u351 ?i coarne uscate,
din cele care-i plac lui. Ia-i \uc1 \u351 ?i lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket n\uc1 \u259 ?ut
pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit \uc1 \u351 ?i sugiuc de struguri cu nuci. Plimb\uc1 \u259 ?-i
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1
\u259 ? voia lor, dar ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cut lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea care s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat asupra casei dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
s-au \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u351 ?i au plecat cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Am
urcat la catul de sus, am scos din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care o p\uc1 \u259 ?stram,
ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? printre fe\uc1 \u355 ?e de pern\uc1 \u259 ? cu miros de
lavand\uc1 \u259 ?, oglinda pe care o f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse socrul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
care mi-o d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
mi\uc1 \u351 ?c foarte u\uc1 \u351 ?or, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?ez \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei, \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
privesc de departe, \uc1 \u238 ?mi v\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul trup, pe buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ilicul de postav
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?mi st\uc1 \u259 ?tea bine, dar voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? am
pe dedesubt \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a mov, pe care mi-o d\uc1
\u259 ?duse mama din lada ei de zestre. Mi-am scos din cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r mantia de
culoarea fisticului, pe care bunica mea dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ? o brodase cu flori,
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu ea, dar nu se potrivea.
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi puneam c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a mov, mi
s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut frig \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat, iar flac\uc1
\u259 ?ra lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii a tremurat \uc1 \u351 ?i ea sub\uc1 \u355
?iratic\uc1 \u259 ?, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? urma ca pe
deasupra s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun feregeaua ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, cu blan\uc1 \u259 ? de
vulpe, dar m-am r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima clip\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i, travers\uc1 \u226 ?nd holul \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, am
scos din cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r feregeaua de l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? azurie,
larg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lung\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care mi-o d\uc1 \u259 ?duse
mama. Tocmai atunci s-au iscat voci dinspre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
am fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ?, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te: pleca
Negru! Mi-am scos de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? feregeaua veche a mamei \uc1
\u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie cu blan\uc1
\u259 ?: m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226 ?ngea peste piept, dar \uc1 \u238 ?mi
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea. Mi-am acoperit bine capul \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t
bini\uc1 \u351 ?or v\uc1 \u259 ?lul de in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru Efendi nu ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?;
pesemne c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elasem din pricina
emo\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ies \uc1 \u351 ?i ei acum, \uc1 \u238 ?i spun
tatei c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai plecam cu copiii s\uc1 \u259 ? iau pe\uc1 \u351 ?te. Am
cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t treptele tiptil, ca o pisic\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis
u\uc1 \u351 ?a u\uc1 \u351 ?or, ca un spirit. Am traversat curtea \uc1 \u238 ?n
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n
strad\uc1 \u259 ? m-am oprit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, privind \uc1 \u238 ?
n urm\uc1 \u259 ? din dosul v\uc1 \u259 ?lului, m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? aceea nu era casa noastr\uc1
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi nu era nimeni; nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
pisici nu erau. C\uc1 \u259 ?deau fulgi r\uc1 \u259 ?zle\uc1 \u355 ?i de z\uc1
\u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?. Am intrat, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorare,
\uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ?,
neatins\uc1 \u259 ? de soare. Mirosea a frunze putrede, a umezeal\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i a moarte, dar, de cum am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n casa evreului sp\uc1
\u226 ?nzurat, m-am socotit ca la mine acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ?
aici se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc ginnii noaptea, c\uc1 \u259 ? fac focul
\uc1 \u238 ?n sob\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se veselesc. Zgomotul pa\uc1 \u351 ?
ilor era \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n
casa goal\uc1 \u259 ?; am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? clintesc din loc. \uc1 \u206 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?
s-a auzit un zvon, dar imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea totul s-a cufundat \uc1
\u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. De undeva, din apropiere, s-a auzit l\uc1 \u259 ?tratul
unui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, dup\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?trat,
to\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?inii din mahalaua noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, dar pe acesta n-
am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dibuiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea care s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut apoi, am avut
sentimentul c\uc1 \u259 ? se mai afla cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i de aceea am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?c \uc1 \u238 ?n locul unde m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam, pentru
ca acel cineva s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi aud\uc1 \u259 ? sunetul pa\uc1 \u351 ?ilor. Pe
strad\uc1 \u259 ? au trecut ni\uc1 \u351 ?te oameni vorbind \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. M-
am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i la copii: cu voia Domnului, n-or
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?ceasc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea care
a urmat, sufletul mi-a fost cuprins, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul, de
remu\uc1 \u351 ?care. Negru nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?isem o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte ca m\uc1 \u226 ?ndria mea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare r\uc1
\u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuiam cu team\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?rise Hasan, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am auzit
fo\uc1 \u351 ?nete \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a deschis
u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am schimbat iute
locul. Nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam seama de ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem acest lucru, dar am
priceput apoi c\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n dreapta
fereastra prin care p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea lumina din gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?,
Negru avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n raza ce
c\uc1 \u259 ?dea asupra mea, \uc1 \u238 ?n taina umbrei, cum spusese tata. Mi-am
acoperit fa\uc1 \u355 ?a cu v\uc1 \u259 ?lul \uc1 \u351 ?i am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat,
ascult\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i sunetul pa\uc1 \u351 ?ilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a trecut pragul \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut,
Negru a \uc1 \u238 ?naintat pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a oprit. Ne-am privit
a\uc1 \u351 ?a, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, la c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1 \u351 ?i unul de altul.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era mai voinic \uc1 \u351 ?i mai puternic dec\uc1 \u226 ?
t \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?ruse c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l privisem prin
gaura din dulap. S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 D\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?lul la o parte, a zis cu
glas \uc1 \u351 ?optit. F\uc1 \u259 ?-mi hat\uc1 \u226 ?rul \uc1 \u259 ?sta.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi a\uc1
\u351 ?tept b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
D\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?lul la o parte, a zis pe acela\uc1 \u351 ?
i ton. N-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-ai chemat aici ca
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spui asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d. De doisprezece ani m\uc1 \u259 ? tot g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndesc la tine. D\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?lul la o parte, draga mea,
s\uc1 \u259 ? te v\uc1 \u259 ?d m\uc1 \u259 ?car o dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am dat v\uc1 \u259 ?lul la o parte. Mi-a
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a uitat lung la chipul, la ochii mei, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ?riti\uc1 \u351 ?ul, copiii te-au f\uc1 \u259
?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i chipul \uc1 \u355 ?i-a
devenit cu totul altfel dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mi-l aminteam eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aminteai de mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Cu durere. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi
aminteam de tine, m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam c\uc1 \u259 ? nu de tine \uc1
\u238 ?mi amintesc, ci de n\uc1 \u259 ?luca ta. Mai \uc1 \u351 ?tii, nu-i a\uc1
\u351 ?a, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie vorbeam de H\uc1 \u252 ?
srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostiser\uc1 \u259 ? unul de altul v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
portretele? De ce nu se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostea \uc1 \u350 ?irin c\uc1
\u226 ?nd vedea pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? portretul chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ului
H\uc1 \u252 ?srev at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat de ramura unui copac, de ce trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? portretul acela de trei ori pentru a se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?gosti? Tu spuneai c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n basme totul se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? de trei ori. Eu spuneam c\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? se aprind\uc1 \u259 ? de la primul portret. Dar cine putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze portretul lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1
\u226 ?t de adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? te po\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti de el, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
aidoma cu el \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-l po\uc1 \u355 ?i
recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te? Nu vorbeam deloc de asta. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?, de-a lungul
acestor doisprezece ani, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi avut la mine o imagine leit\uc1 \u259 ?
cu chipul t\uc1 \u259 ?u f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? asem\uc1 \u259 ?nare, poate n-
a\uc1 \u351 ? mai fi suferit at\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Astfel, mi-a spus o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de lucruri minunate despre istoria \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostirii dup\uc1 \u259 ? o imagine \uc1 \u351 ?i despre c\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult suferise el pentru mine. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acest
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea se \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptase asupra
felului \uc1 \u238 ?n care se tot apropia de mine, pas cu pas, spusele sale se
amestecau de-a dreptul cu amintirile mele, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-mi r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. Urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi amintesc mai apoi \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc
la ele pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Acum sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam doar cum se r\uc1 \u259 ?
sp\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n mine vraja vorbelor lui \uc1 \u351 ?i
eram st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat un
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie
pentru suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care i-o pricinuisem vreme de doisprezece ani. Ce
cuvinte frumoase rostea \uc1 \u351 ?i ce om bun era acest Negru! Neprih\uc1 \u259 ?
nit ca un copil! Citeam toate acestea \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui! Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? iubea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1
\u238 ?ncredere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at. Mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut at\uc1 \u226 ?ta
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat nici un
sentiment de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Am fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire, de un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt
foarte pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, mai dulce ca mierea. L-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare. I-am dat voie s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rute \uc1 \u350 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce ne s\uc1 \u259 ?rutam, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume se cufundase \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Mi-am dorit ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze ca noi. \uc1 \u206 ?mi aminteam
oarecum c\uc1 \u259 ? iubirea ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ceva de felul acesta.
\uc1 \u350 ?i-a v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t limba \uc1 \u238 ?n gura mea. \uc1
\u206 ?mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t parc\uc1 \u259 ? lumea se cufunda, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
noi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare, luminoas\uc1 \u259 ? stare de bine
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu-mi venea \uc1 \u238 ?n minte nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? biata mea poveste ar fi istorisit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o carte, \uc1 \u351 ?i
ar fi pictat\uc1 \u259 ? de legendarii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din Herat, v-
a\uc1 \u351 ? spune eu cum ar trebui \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area mea
cu Negru. Exist\uc1 \u259 ? pagini miraculoase, pe care tata mi le-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tat cu emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie: \uc1 \u238 ?n ele, lunecarea literelor \uc1 \u351 ?i
fream\uc1 \u259 ?tul frunzelor izvor\uc1 \u259 ?sc din acela\uc1 \u351 ?i elan, iar
modelele de pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i aurirea paginii sunt din
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ?; nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea r\uc1 \u226
?ndunelei care str\uc1 \u259 ?punge cu aripa chenarul aurit seam\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? cu nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor. \uc1 \u206 ?n asemenea miniaturi, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1
\u355 ?ii care-\uc1 \u351 ?i arunc\uc1 \u259 ? de departe priviri gale\uc1 \u351 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac repro\uc1 \u351 ?uri unul altuia, cu vorbe pline de
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mici de stat \uc1 \u351 ?i
se v\uc1 \u259 ?d de la o asemenea distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t ai putea crede, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? istoria aceea nu
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te povestea lor, ci seraiul maiestuos \uc1 \u351 ?i curtea \uc1
\u238 ?n care se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc, minunata gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1
\u259 ? ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei frunze sunt desenate cu pasiune, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te
una, noaptea \uc1 \u238 ?nstelat\uc1 \u259 ? care-i lumineaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i copacii \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneca\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i spore\uc1 \u351 ?te aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia, urm\uc1 \u259 ?rind
potrivirea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? a culorii din acele picturi potrivire pe care
miniaturistul n-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?eze dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu sincer\uc1 \u259 ? credin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Dumnezeu \uc1 \u8211 ? precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
lumina misterioas\uc1 \u259 ? care izvor\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te din toate
ungherele imaginii, privitorul pricepe \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
taina miniaturilor se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ele sunt
pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dite din acela\uc1 \u351 ?i aluat cu dragostea pe care o
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc. Pare c\uc1 \u259 ? din \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?i astfel \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te un fel de
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre toate alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirile din pictur\uc1
\u259 ?. Crede\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-
am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at, Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
mine, asupra \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii lumi p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259
?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? o stare de bine, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n acele
imagini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am, din fericire,
destul\uc1 \u259 ? experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep c\uc1 \u259 ? o asemenea stare de bine nu dureaz\uc1
\u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? mult. Negru mi-a luat mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n palme, cu bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e, s\uc1 \u226 ?nii plini.
Mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am
uitat de toate \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi sug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i sf\uc1 \u226 ?rcurile. N-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o pe de-a-ntregul, deoarece nici el
nu era sigur de ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1
\u351 ?tie prea bine ce face, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea mai mult. Astfel, pe m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce ne str\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?
e, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se strecoare un
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de team\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1
\u351 ?ine. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a apucat
de \uc1 \u351 ?olduri \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd b\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ia lui mare, care se tot \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rto\uc1 \u351 ?a, mi s-a
proptit \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u226 ?ntece; am fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de
curiozitate, nu de stinghereal\uc1 \u259 ?; dac\uc1 \u259 ? te tot \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ezi cu cineva, sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i minunea aia se m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te, mi-am spus eu cu m\uc1 \u226
?ndrie. Apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a dat-o la iveal\uc1 \u259 ?, am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors
capul \uc1 \u238 ?n partea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu mi-am putut lua ochii, care
se f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau tot mai mari pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce o vedeam
cresc\uc1 \u226 ?nd, de la ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a silit s\uc1 \u259
? fac lucruri necuviincioase, pe care nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car muierile c\uc1 \u226 ?
pceace ori femeile f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, care spun tot
felul de pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe la hamam, nu le-ar s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?i, am \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?it, descump\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i nehot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu te \uc1 \u238 ?ncrunta, draga mea, m-a implorat el.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am ridicat \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mpins c\uc1 \u226 ?t colo \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?ip la el, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pese c\uc1 \u259 ?
avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntristeze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care m\uc1 \u259 ? mustra \uc1
\u238 ?ncrunt\uc1 \u226 ?nd din spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele ei frumoase \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul din casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, poate c\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi puteam v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
monstruozitatea pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n gura fetelor cercheze peste care d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem la
Tiflis, a curvelor c\uc1 \u226 ?pceace, a nevestelor s\uc1 \u259 ?race care se
vindeau prin hanuri, a v\uc1 \u259 ?duvelor turcmene \uc1 \u351 ?i iraniene, a
t\uc1 \u226 ?rfelor de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror num\uc1 \u259 ?r sporea
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? oprire la Istanbul, a stricatelor de mingreliene
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? virtute, a cochetelor abhaze \uc1 \u351 ?i a babelor
armene, a zgrip\uc1 \u355 ?uroaicelor genoveze \uc1 \u351 ?i siriene, a muierilor
cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? fe\uc1 \u355 ?e, a tinerilor feciori nes\uc1 \u259 ?tui, dar
nu \uc1 \u238 ?n gura ei. Av\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu de-a face cu tot soiul de t\uc1
\u226 ?rfe ieftine, mizerabile, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau veacul pe
str\uc1 \u259 ?zile dosnice ale or\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?elelor calde care se \uc1
\u238 ?ntindeau din Arabia p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
rmurile M\uc1 \u259 ?rii Azov, din \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la Bagdad, era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i imagina \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum spunea cu furie \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, pierdusem orice m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
uitasem c\uc1 \u259 ? unele femei mai aveau \uc1 \u351 ?i cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?ie. Prin urmare, nici vorbele mele de dragoste nu erau sincere.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ascultam cu venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie cuvintele viu colorate
ale iubitei mele, care-mi f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul s\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?leasc\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1
\u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam st\uc1
\u226 ?njenit de \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1
\u259 ?seam, de \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngerea pe care o suferisem. Existau \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? laturi care-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?
deau mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire: 1. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncercasem deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?spund la m\uc1 \u226 ?nia \uc1 \u351 ?i la cuvintele rostite de \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re printr-o izbucnire de furie \uc1 \u351 ?i printr-un potop de
cuvinte la fel de colorate, dup\uc1
\u259 ? cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam de cele mai multe ori \uc1 \u238 ?n astfel de
momente, cu alte femei, ca un dobitoc. 2. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re era peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1
\u351 ?tiutoare \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?toriile mele, c\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndise, prin urmare, la
mine mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t credeam eu. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care m\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi se
\uc1 \u238 ?mplinise dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse de-acum chiar s\uc1
\u259 ? se am\uc1 \u259 ?rasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r
cu \uc1 \u238 ?nfocare., a zis, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi vrut s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i cear\uc1 \u259 ? iertare. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai fi st\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit ca un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat cu sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul onoarei, n-ai fi \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?ti demnitatea femeii fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
de care nutre\uc1 \u351 ?ti g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri serioase. Tu nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti de
teapa celor care se folosesc de vicle\uc1 \u351 ?uguri spre a se \uc1 \u238 ?nsura
cu mine. A v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cineva c\uc1 \u259 ? ai venit aici?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit chipul dulce, pe care nu izbutisem s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-1
amintesc vreme de doisprezece ani, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar fi aflat cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina \uc1
\u238 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?pezit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a oferit \uc1 \u351 ?i mie pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea de a o vedea din
profil. Cum s-a auzit un zgomot, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1
\u351 ?i am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, dar n-a intrat nimeni pe
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi aminteam acum c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd avea doisprezece ani, \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?mi trezea un sentiment de mister, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1
\u351 ?tia mai multe dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
aici umbl\uc1 \u259 ? stafia evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vii des \uc1 \u238 ?n locul \uc1 \u259 ?sta?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ginni, stafii, mor\uc1 \u355 ?i vii. Toate astea vin
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu v\uc1 \u226 ?ntul, intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lucruri, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i gr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc din t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Fiecare lucru
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te. Nu e nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? vin aici. Le aud.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?evket m-a adus aici ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arate
pisica moart\uc1 \u259 ?, dar aceasta disp\uc1 \u259 ?ruse.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Mi se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? i-ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? tu l-ai omor\uc1
\u226 ?t pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am spus chiar asta. A\uc1 \u351 ?a mi-au fost r\uc1 \u259 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1
\u259 ?cite vorbele? Nu mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ucid tat\uc1
\u259 ?l, ci s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu eu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De ce ai spus c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?
l lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat: \uc1 \u8222 ?Tu n-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? un om?\uc1 \u8221 ? I-am spus adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, c\uc1 \u259 ? am
omor\uc1 \u226 ?t doi oameni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? te lauzi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? laud, \uc1 \u351 ?i ca s\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc bun\uc1
\u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?a unui copil pe a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui mam\uc1 \u259 ? o iubesc.
Fiindc\uc1 \u259 ? am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? mama lor \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
mb\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?ta pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti mici r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinici
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le pr\uc1 \u259 ?zile de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? aflate
\uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i umfl\uc1 \u226 ?nd faptele de vitejie
ale tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci,
laud\uc1 \u259 ?-te! Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ei nu te plac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?evket nu m\uc1 \u259 ? place, dar Orhan, da, am zis, cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndria de a-i fi descoperit o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? iubitei
mele. Dar am s\uc1 \u259 ? le fiu tat\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndurora.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0 clip\uc1 \u259 ?, a trecut parc\uc1 \u259 ? printre
noi, \uc1 \u238 ?n semi\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, o n\uc1 \u259 ?luc\uc1 \u259 ?, drept
care ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de o
anume \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare, de un tremur. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-am venit \uc1
\u238 ?n fire, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u238 ?n
hohote.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bietul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat
are un frate, pe Hasan. Am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i cu socrul meu
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de doi ani, a\uc1 \u351 ?
tept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de mine. Acum pare
s\uc1 \u259 ? fi intrat la b\uc1 \u259 ?nuial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1
\u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu cele ce se-nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-
l \uc1 \u238 ?nnebune\uc1 \u351 ?te g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit cu altul, poate chiar cu tine. Mi-a dat de
veste c\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? readuc\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1
\u259 ? cu sila. Cum, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii cadiului, nu sunt v\uc1 \u259 ?du-
v\uc1 \u259 ?, spune c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? vor readuce pe sus \uc1 \u238 ?n
casa aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?n numele b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu. Pot n\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?li peste noi \uc1 \u238 ?n orice clip\uc1 \u259 ?, nici tata nu vrea
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung v\uc1 \u259 ?duv\uc1 \u259 ? prin hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?
rea cadiului, deoarece socote\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
divor\uc1 \u355 ?ez, am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc alt b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat
\uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sesc. \uc1 \u206 ?n
singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a trezit cufundat dup\uc1 \u259 ?
moartea mamei, revenirea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i a copiilor l-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut foarte
fericit. Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? stai cu noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne c\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torim, ai s\uc1 \u259 ? stai la tata, cu noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
G\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te-te la lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?sta din vreme. Nu vei avea
prea mult timp pentru asta, crede-m\uc1 \u259 ?! Tata simte c\uc1 \u259 ? se
apropie ceva r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i-i dau dreptate. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan
\uc1 \u351 ?i oamenii lui n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lesc la noi \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ienicerii, \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l duc pe tata la
cadiu, ai putea spune c\uc1 \u259 ? ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trupul mort al b\uc1
\u259 ?rbatului meu? Vii din \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259
? te vor crede.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s-o spun, dar nu
l-am omor\uc1 \u226 ?t eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine. Ai
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spui cadiului, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu un alt martor,
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trupul \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat al
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu l-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, draga mea, dar am s-o spun pentru tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i plac copiii mei?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi plac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ce anume \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i place la ei, spune-mi?!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi plac for\uc1 \u355 ?a, hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?rea, cinstea, agerimea de minte, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?narea lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket, am zis. Aerul r\uc1 \u259 ?
nit, firav, inteligent al lui Orhan. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt copiii
t\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Frumoasa mea cu
ochii negri a sur\uc1 \u226 ?s pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u351 ?i a v\uc1 \u259 ?rsat
c\uc1 \u226 ?teva lacrimi. A trecut degrab\uc1 \u259 ? la alt subiect, cu
preocuparea cump\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? a celui care vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1
\u259 ? foarte multe lucruri \uc1 \u238 ?n timp scurt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cartea pe care a comandat-o tata trebuie ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru. Nenorocul care b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuie \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurul nostru este
tot din pricina acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ce alt lucru diavolesc mai exist\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
afar\uc1 \u259 ? de uciderea lui Delicat Efendi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
i-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, pe moment, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare. Deoarece
se str\uc1 \u259 ?duia limpede s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o arate, a zis, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a putea s\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? sincer\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Nusret Hogea din Erzurum r\uc1
\u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea tatei s\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luiesc necredin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?urirea fr\uc1 \u226 ?ncilor. Oare miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
care se perind\uc1 \u259 ? prin casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ? se pizmuiesc unul pe
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntind
curse? Tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii mai bine, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ai p\uc1 \u259 ?truns
printre ei!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fratele r\uc1
\u259 ?posatului t\uc1 \u259 ?u so\uc1 \u355 ?, am zis, are oare vreo leg\uc1 \u259
?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, cu cartea tat\uc1
\u259 ?lui t\uc1 \u259 ?u, cu adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Nusret Hogea, sau face totul
de capul lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan n-are nici o
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ei, dar nu e nici de capul lui, a zis.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntre noi s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut un fel de
\uc1 \u238 ?ncremenire ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?, misterioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce locuiai cu Hasan \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i acopereai fa\uc1 \u355 ?a cu
v\uc1 \u259 ?lul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 At\uc1 \u226 ?t
c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u355 ?i-o po\uc1 \u355 ?i acoperi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cas\uc1
\u259 ? cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? camere. Tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ? au
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? latre nelini\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, dintr-un
loc aflat nu prea departe de noi, vreo doi c\uc1 \u226 ?ini, devota\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
de-a-ntregul misiei lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-i puteam spune iubitei mele din copil\uc1 \u259 ?
rie: \uc1 \u8222 ?De ce te-a silit r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u so\uc1 \u355
?, care a purtat at\uc1 \u226 ?tea r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaie, a dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea victorii, a fost r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?tit cu o feud\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? locuie\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu
dou\uc1 \u259 ? camere, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu fratele lui?\uc1
\u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o sfios:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce te-ai m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 F\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu
m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ? cu cineva, a zis; era adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, iar ea
\uc1 \u238 ?mi povestea pe scurt, cu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciune, l\uc1
\u259 ?ud\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
? a m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra, de ce se m\uc1 \u259 ?ritase cu el: Tu ai
plecat \uc1 \u351 ?i n-ai mai venit. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?rarea este
semnul dragostei, dar un \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat este,
\uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, \uc1 \u351 ?i plicticos, \uc1 \u351 ?i
lipsit de orice viitor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i asta era adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, dar nu aceasta era pricina pentru care se
m\uc1 \u259 ?ritase cu t\uc1 \u226 ?lharul de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatu-s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Nu
era greu de ghicit, chiar din privirea pe care mi-o arunca acum, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m\uc1 \u259 ? uitase, la fel ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, la
scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sisem
Istanbulul. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? ticluise aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
minciun\uc1 \u259 ? cu ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i cu spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi lecuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o oarecare m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?,
inima r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta era un semn
de bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpin cu recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
drept care am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povestesc cum nu mi-o putusem
scoate din minte \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
toriilor \uc1 \u351 ?i cum revenea la mine, de-a lungul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ilor,
asemenea unei stafii, n\uc1 \u259 ?luca ei. Acestea erau cele mai tainice, cele mai
ad\uc1 \u226 ?nci suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e ale mele, pe care socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
voi izbuti niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le povestesc cuiva; erau \uc1 \u238 ?
ntru totul adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate, dar, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi-am dat seama cu
uimire \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea, nu erau deloc sincere. Pentru ca sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?mintele \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercate \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fie bine \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elese, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui acum sensul acestei
deosebiri, de care mi-am dat seama pentru prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, al faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? uneori ideea de a face
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum este el,
te poart\uc1 \u259 ? spre nesinceritate. Poate cel mai bun exemplu \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ne este oferit chiar de
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care ne stric\uc1 \u259 ? tihna \uc1 \u351 ?i printre care
b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuie un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?: p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cusur imaginea unui cal, s\uc1
\u259 ? spunem poate s\uc1 \u259 ? nu oglindeasc\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?mintele adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate \uc1 \u238 ?ncercate \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment
de talentatul miniaturist care l-a pictat, oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult ar reprezenta
ea un cal adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat calul pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuit cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? de
Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i caii marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.
Sinceritatea miniaturistului sau cea a robilor plini de umilin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? ai lui Dumnezeu, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum suntem noi, nu iese la iveal\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n momentele \uc1 \u238 ?n care se arat\uc1 \u259 ? harul
\uc1 \u351 ?i des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea celor cu pricina, ci
tocmai de-a-ndoaselea, \uc1 \u238 ?n momentele de b\uc1 \u226 ?lb\uc1 \u226 ?
ial\uc1 \u259 ?, de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ace\uc1 \u351
?tia gre\uc1 \u351 ?esc \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cunosc sentimentul dureros al
\uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngerii. Spun asta pentru cuviincioasele doamne care \uc1
\u351 ?i-au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut iluziile spulberate b\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ce sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252
?re c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era nici o deosebire \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cea mai aprig\uc1
\u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea \uc1 \u238 ?n acele clipe \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?
a ame\uc1 \u355 ?itoare care m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tea, \uc1
\u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriilor mele, fa\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? de vreo frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e din Kazvin, cu pielea ca arama \uc1
\u351 ?i gura vine\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Draga de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re pricepea,
cu profunda \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care i-
o d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu puterea ei de p\uc1 \u259 ?trundere,
nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? trecusem, pentru ea, prin cea mai curat\uc1 \u259 ?
tortur\uc1 \u259 ? chinezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, odat\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?i singuri pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?
dup\uc1 \u259 ? doisprezece ani, fusesem \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? port ca un muieratic nenorocit, orb la orice altceva \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1
\u259 ? de ast\uc1 \u226 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rarea pripit\uc1 \u259 ? a poftelor sale
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate. Nizami asemuie\uc1 \u351 ?te gura preafrumoasei \uc1 \u350 ?
irin cu o c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? ochi cu perle.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u226 ?inii cei zelo\uc1 \u351 ?i
au re\uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? latre din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, i-am spus lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, cu un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de
st\uc1 \u226 ?njeneal\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O
s\uc1 \u259 ? plec, acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Abia atunci ne-am dat seama am\uc1 \u226 ?
ndoi c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i mai era ceva vreme p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul serii, casa evreului fusese cuprins\uc1 \u259 ?
bini\uc1 \u351 ?or de \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Trupul meu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca de la
sine o mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, pentru a o mai \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?a o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar ea \uc1 \u351 ?i-a schimbat \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? locul, ca o vrabie \uc1 \u355 ?op\uc1 \u259 ?itoare.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1 \u259 ??
Spune repede!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am spus, \uc1
\u351 ?i ce cuminte m-a ascultat, \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u238 ?n
spusele mele \uc1 \u351 ?i aprob\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Hainele mele? I-am vorbit despre ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Miros frumos?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?tia \uc1 \u351 ?i ea, cu siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce Nizami numea \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul dragostei\uc1 \u8221 ? nu se \uc1 \u238 ?mpline\uc1 \u351 ?te cu asemenea
jocuri literare, ci cu mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rile suflete\uc1 \u351 ?ti care
se petrec, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel mai subtil, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce
c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tigi tu acum? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? de orfanii mei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o,
vorbindu-i despre priceperea pe care o dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndisem \uc1 \u238 ?n cei
peste doisprezece ani petrecu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n diverse demnit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i func\uc1 \u355 ?ii, despre marea putere de-
ndurare cu care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nzestraser\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
zboaiele \uc1 \u351 ?i le\uc1 \u351 ?urile pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem, despre
viitorul meu luminos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce frumos
ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at adineaori! A zis. Iar
acum totul \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pierdut vraja dint\uc1 \u226 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Spre a-i dovedi c\uc1 \u226 ?t eram de sincer, am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns-o
\uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat-o de ce mi-a trimis prin Ester pictura pe care o zugr\uc1 \u259 ?visem \uc1
\u351 ?i pe care i-o d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem cu doisprezece ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce o p\uc1 \u259 ?strase at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia ani.
Ne-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat, timp \uc1 \u238 ?n care i-am citit \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi
c\uc1 \u259 ? se mira de nedumerirea mea \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? din str\uc1
\u259 ?fundurile ei se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?a o anumit\uc1 \u259 ?
duio\uc1 \u351 ?ie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine. De data aceasta n-am mai
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? intram \uc1 \u238 ?n jugul ame\uc1 \u355 ?itor al
poftelor trupe\uc1 \u351 ?ti, ci c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? zg\uc1 \u226 ?l\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ia b\uc1 \u259 ?taia vultureasc\uc1 \u259 ? din aripi a unei
iubiri trainice, care ne p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea am\uc1 \u226 ?ndurora \uc1 \u238 ?n
inim\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n piept, \uc1 \u238 ?n stomac, pretutindeni. Oare cea
mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? cale ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i ast\uc1 \u226 ?mperi
dragostea nu este tocmai s\uc1 \u259 ? faci dragoste?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce-i luam \uc1 \u238 ?n palme s\uc1 \u226 ?nii
mari, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m-a \uc1 \u238 ?mpins cu \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
mult\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu bl\uc1
\u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e. Nu eram un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1
\u226 ?t de matur \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? izbutesc s\uc1 \u259 ?
leg o c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie d\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?toare de
siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu o femeie pe care s-o fi p\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Nu eram nici \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t de cu
capul \uc1 \u238 ?n nori \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? uit c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n treaba f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? pe fug\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i bag\uc1 \u259 ? dracul coada, nici \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1
\u226 ?t de lipsit de cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259
? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?t chin, mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ?, sunt necesare pentru o c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?torie fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a desprins din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele
mele, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t v\uc1 \u259 ?lul de \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u351 ?i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. V\uc1
\u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, prin u\uc1 \u351 ?a deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u259 ?pada
care se cernea pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecau devreme, am uitat
c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbiser\uc1
\u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ? poate \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a
nu tulbura sufletul evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat \uc1 \u351 ?i am strigat:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce vom face de-acum \uc1
\u238 ?ncolo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
a zis frumoasa mea, urm\uc1 \u226 ?nd legiuirile acelui \uc1 \u351 ?ah al dragostei
de care vorbeam \uc1 \u351 ?i a plecat \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, l\uc1 \u259
?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i urmele, repede acoperite de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vechea gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? vi se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ? voi spune acum.
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc, cotind mereu, pe nesf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itele str\uc1 \u259 ?zi ale Istanbulului, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce iau o \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?itur\uc1 \u259 ? de dovleac copt \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreo bodeg\uc1 \u259 ?, ori \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce privesc cu mare luare-aminte,
mijindu-mi ochii, liniile \uc1 \u351 ?erpuitoare ale decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunii unui
chenar \uc1 \u238 ?n genul saz, am deodat\uc1 \u259 ? sentimentul c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc prezentul ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi vorba de trecut. \uc1 \u206
?mi vine s\uc1 \u259 ? spun parc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? la c\uc1 \u259 ?derea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunericului, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eam pe
strad\uc1 \u259 ? la c\uc1 \u259 ?derea \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului\uc1 \u8221 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lucrurile neobi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuite pe care vi le voi povesti s-au petrecut parc\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u238 ?n prezentul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tim cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1
\u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n trecut. Era c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sear\uc1 \u259 ?,
se l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul, ici-colo se r\uc1 \u259 ?zle\uc1 \u355 ?
eau fulgi de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mergeam pe strada
Unchiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spre deosebire de alte
nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, venisem aici hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind ce
anume voiam. Picioarele nu m\uc1 \u259 ? purtaser\uc1 \u259 ? singure pe aceast\uc1
\u259 ? strad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
la alte lucruri \uc1 \u8211 ? la volumele din Herat, decorate cu medalioane,
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? neaurite, mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenite de pe vremea lui Timur,
la felul cum \uc1 \u238 ?i spusesem mamei pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? primisem \uc1 \u351 ?apte sute de aspri pe o carte \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238
?n vreme ce cugetam, cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, la gre\uc1 \u351 ?
elile \uc1 \u351 ?i la t\uc1 \u226 ?mpeniile mele, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase \uc1 \u238 ?n alte nop\uc1 \u355 ?i. Venisem aici \uc1
\u351 ?tiind \uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? bine la ceea ce
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
poarta de la curte, pe care m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-o va deschide
nimeni, s-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?turi de la prima atingere, am \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu era iar cu mine. \uc1 \u206 ?n partea
pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i luminat\uc1 \u259 ? a cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1
\u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?mi petreceam nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile c\uc1 \u226 ?nd veneam
aici pentru a ad\uc1 \u259 ?uga noi picturi la cartea Unchiului, nu se afla nimeni.
C\uc1 \u259 ?ldarea pu\uc1 \u355 ?ului aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n dreapta \uc1 \u351 ?i
vrabia care z\uc1 \u259 ?bovea pe buza ei, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a p\uc1 \u259
?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? de frig, vatra care se ridica
chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, neaprins\uc1 \u259 ? din ce \uc1 \u351 ?
tie ce pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda orei \uc1 \u238 ?naintate a serii,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i grajdul din st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, unde erau priponi\uc1 \u355 ?i
doar caii oaspe\uc1 \u355 ?ilor toate se aflau la locul lor. Am intrat pe u\uc1
\u351 ?a deschis\uc1 \u259 ? care se afla l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? grajd \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce tu\uc1 \u351 ?eam, am urcat cu zgomot surd
treptele de lemn.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Accesele mele de
tuse n-au primit nici un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car zgomotul scos de
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile mele pline de noroi pe care
mi le-am scos din picioare, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
celelalte perechi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
u\uc1 \u351 ?a de la intrarea \uc1 \u238 ?n holul de sus n-a primit r\uc1 \u259 ?
spuns. Nev\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpla de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd veneam pe aici, printre
perechile de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u351 ?irate pe margine, pe cele despre care presupuneam c\uc1 \u259 ? erau
ale lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re acele lucru\uc1 \u351 ?oare verzi \uc1 \u351 ?
i delicate!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? M-am
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar putea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie nimeni acas\uc1
\u259 ?. Am intrat o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n prima \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?pere din dreapta, unde b\uc1 \u259 ?nuiam c\uc1 \u259 ?
dormea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii ei. Mi-am trecut m\uc1
\u226 ?na peste saltele, peste a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuturi, am deschis un cuf\uc1
\u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i un dulap \uc1 \u238 ?n perete, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? era u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? ca fulgul, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am
uitat prin ele. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce-mi imaginam c\uc1 \u259 ? mirosul acela
u\uc1 \u351 ?or de migdale care plutea \uc1 \u238 ?n odaie era mirosul trupului lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, o pern\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuit\uc1 \u259 ?
undeva sus, \uc1 \u238 ?n dulapul a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
tocmai o deschisesem, a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238
?n capul meu buimac, s-a lovit apoi de carafa \uc1 \u351 ?i de paharele de aram\uc1
\u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sate undeva \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher \uc1 \u351 ?i a c\uc1
\u259 ?zut pe jos. De obicei, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd auzim un asemenea zgomot ne \uc1
\u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?perea este cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric; ei bine,
eu mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? era rece.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Hayriye! A strigat din\uc1 \u259 ?untru Unchiul. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care
dintre voi e acolo?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it
din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai clipi din ochi, am traversat
piezi\uc1 \u351 ? holul, am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? cu
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n care lucram iarna
pentru carte, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu
sunt, Unchiule, eu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care tu?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n clipa aceea am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ?
poreclele pe care ni le d\uc1 \u259 ?duse Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1
\u259 ?rie erau folosite de Unchiul ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i bat\uc1 \u259 ?
joc de noi pe ascuns. Mi-am rostit rar, silab\uc1 \u259 ? cu silab\uc1 \u259 ?,
numele cel adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, care cuprindea \uc1 \u351 ?i formula \uc1 \u8222 ?
bietul vostru rob p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tos\uc1 \u8221 ?, locul de ba\uc1 \u351
?tin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i numele tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum face
un caligraf trufa\uc1 \u351 ? ajuns la colofonul de pe ultima pagin\uc1 \u259 ? a
unei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i impresionante.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ai? A zis el mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i. A! A zis dup\uc1
\u259 ? aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La fel ca b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul confruntat cu moartea dintr-un basm siriac pe care-l
auzisem \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, s-a cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
scurt\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, care a durat c\uc1 \u226 ?t o eternitate.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum, aceia dintre
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? care cred c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc despre moarte pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? am venit aici cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul de a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, pricep gre\uc1 \u351 ?it cartea pe care o citesc.
Oare cel care are asemenea porniri mai bate la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scoate \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
rile, vine f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cu\uc1 \u355 ?it asupra lui?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, ai venit, a zis el, tot ca b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul din basm, dar mai apoi a continuat pe un ton cu totul diferit:
Bine ai venit, fiule! Spune-mi, ce dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 De-acum, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecase bini\uc1 \u351 ?or. Prin fereastra
mic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngust\uc1 \u259 ?, uns\uc1 \u259 ? cu
cear\uc1 \u259 ? de albine, care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea prim\uc1 \u259 ?vara, c\uc1 \u226
?nd era deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre platan \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
rodiu, p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere doar
at\uc1 \u226 ?ta lumin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? distingi
contururile din\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie
pe plac pictorilor chinezi. Nu izbuteam s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe de-a-
ntregul chipul Unchiului, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat, ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna, \uc1
\u238 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ?ul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unui
suport de carte pe care lumina c\uc1 \u259 ?dea din partea st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiam nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit
s\uc1 \u259 ? retr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc acea apropiere pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el c\uc1 \u226 ?nd st\uc1 \u259 ?team aici
pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbind despre miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a, la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii,
printre pensule, c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri, condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i pietre de
lustruit h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce, poate din pricina acestui
sim\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?inare, poate pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?inasem brusc \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
sfiam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vorbesc dintr-o suflare, de-a dreptul, despre nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tile, despre gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile mele, despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tuisem pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i acest lucru ajunsese la
urechea habotnicilor, m-am decis \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
istorisesc suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea folosindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de o poveste.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate a\uc1 \u355 ?i auzit \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ? istoria pictorului \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Muhammed din Ispahan. Nici un
miniaturist nu era mai presus de el \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te
alegerea culorilor, r\uc1 \u226 ?nduirea paginii, desenarea oamenilor, a animalelor
\uc1 \u351 ?i a chipurilor, \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrarea picturii cu un elan pe care \uc1
\u238 ?l sim\uc1 \u355 ?im doar \uc1 \u238 ?n poezie, cu o judecat\uc1 \u259 ?
ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care o afl\uc1 \u259 ?m doar \uc1 \u238 ?n geometrie.
Devenit maestru \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, acest om cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini miraculoase a fost, vreme de exact treizeci de ani, cel mai
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreprinz\uc1 \u259 ?tor miniaturist al vremii sale \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1
\u355 ?a alegerii subiectului, a prospe\uc1 \u355 ?imii, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i a me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugului. El a fost cel care a introdus, cu har \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura din Herat de o delicate\uc1
\u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i de o sensibilitate diavole\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u8211 ?
demoni \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tori, ginni cu
coarne, cai cu boa\uc1 \u351 ?e uria\uc1 \u351 ?e, f\uc1 \u259 ?pturi pe jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate oameni, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate fiare, uria\uc1 \u351 ?i, desenate toate
\uc1 \u238 ?n tu\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i aduse din China prin mijlocirea
mongolilor; el a fost primul care a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat interes \uc1 \u351 ?i a
fost \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?urit de portretele descinse de pe cor\uc1 \u259 ?
biile din Portugalia \uc1 \u351 ?i din Flandra; el a fost cel care a descoperit,
care a desprins din vechile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ite \uc1 \u351 ?i a readus la via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? metode
de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? care d\uc1 \u259 ?inuiau tocmai de pe vremea lui Ginghis Han;
el a fost primul care a pictat cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?
subiecte ce fac s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i tresalte coco\uc1 \u351 ?elul, precum
cel \uc1 \u238 ?n care Alexandru le p\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te pe frumoasele ce
\uc1 \u238 ?noat\uc1 \u259 ? goale \uc1 \u238 ?n insula femeilor, sau cel \uc1
\u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin se scald\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea, la lumina lunii; l-a
pictat pe Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Profet \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce zbura cu
calul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Burak, i-a pictat pe \uc1 \u351 ?ahi \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
se sc\uc1 \u259 ?rpinau, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?ini \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreunau, pe \uc1 \u351 ?eici \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se dedau be\uc1 \u355 ?iei
\uc1 \u351 ?i a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? acceptat de \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga tagm\uc1 \u259 ? a miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor. A \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit toate
aceste lucruri cu s\uc1 \u226 ?rguin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
av\uc1 \u226 ?nt, vreme de treizeci de ani, b\uc1 \u226 ?nd vin din plin, pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ascuns \uc1 \u351 ?i fum\uc1 \u226 ?nd
opiu. Apoi, la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, a devenit \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?celul unui \uc1 \u351 ?eic fanatic, s-a
schimbat \uc1 \u238 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme din cap p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-n
picioare, a ajuns la \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?area c\uc1 \u259 ? toate
picturile pe care le z\uc1 \u259 ?mislise timp de treizeci de ani purtau pecetea
necredin\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i le-a renegat. Mai mult, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
folosit cei treizeci de ani care \uc1 \u238 ?i mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
seser\uc1 \u259 ? din via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? colinde
ora\uc1 \u351 ? cu ora\uc1 \u351 ?, serai cu serai, bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ? de
bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? caute \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? afle prin
vistieriile \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, ale padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile pe care le pictase el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? le fac\uc1 \u259 ? praf. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sea \uc1
\u238 ?n biblioteca vreunui \uc1 \u351 ?ah o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?
mislit\uc1 \u259 ? de el cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?cea tot
ce-i st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ating\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?elul, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l conving\uc1 \u259 ? pe st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nitor cu
binele, o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea prin vicle\uc1 \u351 ?ug, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care nu atr\uc1 \u259 ?
gea aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? rupea pagina de carte
pe care se afla miniatura sa, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sea prilejul de a
v\uc1 \u259 ?rsa ap\uc1 \u259 ? pe propria minune \uc1 \u351 ?i a o v\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?ma. \uc1 \u206 ?i istorisisem Unchiului aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste
pentru a-i oferi o pild\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele pe care
le-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?ndura miniaturistul dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar
l\uc1 \u259 ?sa deoparte, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-\uc1 \u351 ?i da seama,
propria credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n elanul pricinuit de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am amintit
c\uc1 \u259 ? din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Muhammed
d\uc1 \u259 ?duse foc m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ei biblioteci a prin\uc1 \u355 ?
ului Abbas Mirza, care era guvernator la Kazvin, deoarece pictase sute de c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i doar pentru el c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pe care nu le mai
putea g\uc1 \u259 ?si, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u351 ?i
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de celelalte. I-am povestit cu \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi tr\uc1 \u259 ?it eu
\uc1 \u238 ?nsumi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplarea, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?torului incendiu
murise mistuit de fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i
miniaturistul, sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat de suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i remu\uc1 \u351 ?care.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u354 ?i-e team\uc1 \u259 ?, fiule, mi-a zis Unchiul cu afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune,
de picturile pe care le-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t n-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, dar am b\uc1 \u259 ?
nuit c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spusese acest lucru z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 N-a mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas nimic din taina c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii
noastre, am zis eu. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? asta n-are \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?
tate. Dar umbl\uc1 \u259 ? zvonuri peste
tot. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n chip \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit am
fi adus o ocar\uc1 \u259 ? credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei noastre. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
am fi z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit cartea dorit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?
teptat\uc1 \u259 ? de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, ci o carte pe potriva gustului
nostru, ba chiar o carte care-\uc1 \u351 ?i bate joc de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, o carte care ne t\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te credin\uc1
\u355 ?a, o abatere de la dreapta judecat\uc1 \u259 ? care-i imit\uc1 \u259 ? pe
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii ghiauri. Unii spun de cartea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
l-ar \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
Diavol ca pe o fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?. Se mai
zice c\uc1 \u259 ?, privind lumea de la \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?imea
c\uc1 \u226 ?inelui spurcat de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd un t\uc1
\u259 ?un \uc1 \u351 ?i o moschee de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?rime pe motiv
c\uc1 \u259 ? moscheea se afl\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?n spate \uc1 \u8211 ? am
s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul o blasfemie,
c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am batjocorit pe credincio\uc1 \u351 ?ii care se duc la moschee. Nu
pot s\uc1 \u259 ? dorm noaptea cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la toate astea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut picturile \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ?, a zis Unchiul. Am stat oare s\uc1 \u259 ? cuget\uc1 \u259 ?m asupra unor
asemenea lucruri, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu am f\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit
a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Fereasc\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu! Am zis ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat. Dar, indiferent de unde s-a
aflat, se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? mai exist\uc1 \u259 ? o ultim\uc1 \u259 ?
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura aceea nu mai
este vorba nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car de abatere ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? de la credin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ci de hul\uc1 \u259 ? pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238 ?n feluritele col\uc1
\u355 ?uri ale unei foi mari de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zite
unei picturi pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini, ilustra\uc1 \u355 ?iile pe care mi le-ai
cerut, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi le-ai cerut, am spus, cu o grij\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i o precizie pe care speram c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul le va aprecia cum se cuvine. Dar
n-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut toat\uc1 \u259 ? pictura. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o pe toat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut t\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?dui toate clevetelile astea dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?toare, iar con\uc1
\u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a mi-ar fi fost pe deplin curat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i vinovat? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat el. Ce-\uc1 \u355 ?i roade sufletul? Cine a sem\uc1 \u259 ?nat \uc1 \u238 ?
n tine \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiala?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ? fii cuprins de b\uc1 \u259 ?nuiala c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai cartea la care ai
pictat fericit luni de zile atac\uc1 \u259 ? acele lucruri despre care \uc1 \u351 ?
tii c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt sfinte \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? treci,
de viu, prin caznele Iadului. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? putea vedea
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Asta \uc1 \u355 ?i-e toat\uc1 \u259 ? suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a? A zis.
Pentru asta ai venit aici? Dintr-odat\uc1 \u259 ?, am fost cuprins de nelini\uc1
\u351 ?te. Ar putea oare s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la un
lucru at\uc1 \u226 ?t de resping\uc1 \u259 ?tor ca acela c\uc1 \u259 ? eu l-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi ucis pe bietul Delicat Efendi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cei care doresc s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dea jos de pe tron pe Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
locul lui pe prin\uc1 \u355 ? se al\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ei
acestei calomnii \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc zvonul c\uc1
\u259 ?, de fapt, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru a sprijinit pe ascuns cartea, am
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
oameni cred \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea lucruri? A zis, cu un aer obosit \uc1 \u351 ?i
plictisit. Orice predicator ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ios care are parte de oarece
ascultare \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i se urc\uc1 \u259 ? la cap din pricina
asta \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? despre credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? se pierde. Asta este cea mai sigur\uc1 \u259 ? cale de a-\uc1
\u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga p\uc1 \u226 ?inea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Oare credea c\uc1 \u259 ? venisem aici doar pentru a-i \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i acest zvon?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Bietul Delicat Efendi, r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul., am zis cu voce
tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?. Se b\uc1 \u259 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?,
deoarece ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime acea
ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? era
o blasfemie, l-am fi omor\uc1 \u226 ?t noi. Mi-a spus asta la atelier un ag\uc1
\u259 ? de oaste, apropiat mie. \uc1 \u350 ?tii cum sunt ucenicii \uc1 \u351 ?i
calfele, to\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u226 ?rfesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am povestit mai pe larg, urm\uc1 \u226 ?nd acest fir \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nfl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? treptat. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?
tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t credeam eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi din ceea ce spuneam, nu \uc1
\u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?ilam de team\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?l ucisesem pe neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vitul care ne
ponegrea, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t anume scorneam atunci, pe loc, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce povesteam. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncercasem at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
mult s\uc1 \u259 ?-l conving, continuam s\uc1 \u259 ? sper c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul va
da la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? acea ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o va ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta, c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi va aduce pacea. De ce nu
pricepea c\uc1 \u259 ? doar astfel puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? eliberez de
b\uc1 \u259 ?nuielile pentru care c\uc1 \u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?
cat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dorind la un moment dat
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l tulbur, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
zneal\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate oare omul
s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?misleasc\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama m\uc1 \u259 ?car, o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva omului?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi r\uc1 \u259 ?spund\uc1
\u259 ?, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut brusc un gest gra\uc1 \u355 ?ios cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere ar fi dormit un
copil, iar el m-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?at asupra acestui
lucru, drept care am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Mi-a spus, aproape \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, s\uc1 \u259 ? aprindem acest sfe\uc1
\u351 ?nic. Nu mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut deloc c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe
chipul lui, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce aprindea lum\uc1 \u226 ?narea din sfe\uc1
\u351 ?nic de la mangal32, o expresie de trufie cu care nu eram deloc obi\uc1 \u351
?nuit. Sau poate era o expresie de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune? Oare pricepuse
totul \uc1 \u351 ?i se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?los, sau se temea de mine? \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc
c\uc1 \u259 ?, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndurile mi-o luaser\uc1 \u259 ? razna \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? le urm\uc1
\u259 ?ream uimit, ca pe g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile altcuiva. Covorul de pe jos: cum de
nu b\uc1 \u259 ?gasem de seam\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci
c\uc1 \u259 ? avea, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unui din col\uc1 \u355 ?uri, o form\uc1 \u259 ?
care aducea a lup?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pasiunea pentru
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?
ile frumoase a tuturor hanilor, \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te trei anotimpuri, a zis Unchiul. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput sunt
curajo\uc1 \u351 ?i, prieteno\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pasiona\uc1 \u355 ?i. Sunt
doritori de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? o v\uc1 \u259 ?d prin al\uc1
\u355 ?ii, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? au pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire pentru ea. \uc1 \u206 ?n
acest anotimp \uc1 \u238 ?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n cel de-al
doilea anotimp comand\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care \uc1
\u351 ?i le doresc, pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mplini propria pl\uc1
\u259 ?cere. Deoarece au \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at s\uc1 \u259 ? se
bucure sincer de contemplarea picturilor, au parte, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, de
cinstire \uc1 \u351 ?i de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care le vor l\uc1
\u259 ?sa dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte, pentru a se bucura de faim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n lumea asta. \uc1 \u206 ?n toamna vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?,
nici un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah nu se mai intereseaz\uc1 \u259 ? de vreun lucru
nemuritor din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg prin \uc1
\u8222 ?lucru nemuritor din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume\uc1 \u8221 ? un lucru care ar
urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pomenit de genera\uc1 \u355 ?iile urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare, de
descenden\uc1 \u355 ?ii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri, care tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc \uc1 \u238 ?n
lumea aceasta. De fapt, c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorii au dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit o anume
nemurire \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea aceasta prin c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care ni
le-au comandat c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care ne-au cerut s\uc1
\u259 ? le strecur\uc1 \u259 ?m numele, \uc1 \u238 ?n care, uneori, ne-au cerut
s\uc1 \u259 ? le scriem propriile istorii. La b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1
\u355 ?e doresc s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i asigure un loc priincios pe lumea
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?. To\uc1 \u355 ?i decid c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura este o
piedic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? cel mai mult tocmai asta
este. \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp, care a fost \uc1 \u351 ?i el maestru miniaturist
\uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a petrecut tinere\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?n
propriul atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
apropierea de moarte, miraculosul atelier \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1
\u259 ?rtat din Tabriz pe minuna\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
ti, a \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiat c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe
care le poruncise \uc1 \u351 ?i a trecut prin momente de remu\uc1 \u351 ?care. De
ce cred cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura le va \uc1 \u238 ?nchide
por\uc1 \u355 ?ile Raiului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tii de ce! Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
amintesc c\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Profet spunea c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi pictorii vor fi
pedepsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de Dumnezeu \uc1 \u238 ?n chipul cel mai aspru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu pictorii, a zis Unchiul. Pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuitorii.
Acesta este un hadis33 consemnat de Buhari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi i se va cere pl\uc1
\u259 ?smuitorului s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?
formele pe care le-a creat, am zis eu, cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dar, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va izbuti s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?
easc\uc1 \u259 ? nimic, va fi os\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la caznele Iadului. S\uc1 \u259 ?
nu uit\uc1 \u259 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran,
Pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuitorul este un atribut al lui Dumnezeu. Dumnezeu este Creatorul,
Cel care face s\uc1 \u259 ? existe nefiin\uc1 \u355 ?a, Cel care \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te ceea ce este ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it.
Nimeni nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce s\uc1 \u259 ? se ia la \uc1
\u238 ?ntrecere cu El. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? pictorii \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuie\uc1
\u351 ?te El, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? se pretind creatori, asemenea Lui, este cel mai
greu p\uc1 \u259 ?cat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spusesem toate
acestea pe un ton aspru, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l acuzam, la r\uc1 \u226 ?
ndul meu. M-a privit \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine, asta am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nicidecum, am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i am z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit. Dar r\uc1 \u259
?posatul Delicat Efendi a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? asta
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Spunea, se pare,
c\uc1 \u259 ? cine picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?
a perspectivei, cine se folose\uc1 \u351 ?te de me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n slujba
Diavolului. Spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? noi am fi pictat, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima imagine,
folosindu-ne de me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul francilor, chipul unui muritor
\uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n privitor nu sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ntul unei imagini, ci al realit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? celor care vedeau ceea ce \uc1
\u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuiser\uc1 \u259 ?m noi le venea s\uc1 \u259 ? se plece la
p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a imaginii, dup\uc1
\u259 ? cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n biserici.
C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, spunea el, la mijloc nu e doar perspectiva care coboar\uc1 \u259 ?
imaginea de la privirea lui Dumnezeu la privirea c\uc1 \u226 ?inelui de pe
strad\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1
\u351 ?irea metodei mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, amestecul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntre ceea ce \uc1 \u351 ?tim noi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre harurile noastre \uc1 \u351 ?i
harul \uc1 \u351 ?i me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul ghiaurilor \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? intri \uc1 \u238 ?n slujba Diavolului lucru care
ne va face s\uc1 \u259 ? ne pierdem ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinarea \uc1 \u351 ?i care ne va
aduce \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea de a deveni robii lor.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nimic nu este ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinat, a zis Unchiul. De
c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori se creeaz\uc1 \u259 ? miracole \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori iese la iveal\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ceva frumos, care-mi face
ochii s\uc1 \u259 ? se umezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rul s\uc1
\u259 ? se zb\uc1 \u226 ?rleasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? acolo s-
au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit dou\uc1 \u259 ? lucruri diferite, care n-au mai
fost al\uc1 \u259 ?turate \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? acestea
au dat la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? un nou miracol. Behzad \uc1 \u351 ?i frumuse\uc1
\u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii picturi persane se datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mbin\uc1 \u259 ?rii picturii arabe cu pictura mongolo-chinez\uc1 \u259 ?. Cele mai
frumoase picturi ale \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Tahmasp \uc1 \u238 ?mpleteau stilul persan
cu sensibilitatea turcmen\uc1 \u259 ?. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea nu mai contene\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? povesteasc\uc1
\u259 ? despre atelierele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ale lui Akbar Han din India se
datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?rii c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncurajat miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mprumute me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226
?nci. \uc1 \u8222 ?Ale lui Dumnezeu sunt R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ritul \uc1 \u351
?i Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?itul.\uc1 \u8221 ?34 S\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?zeasc\uc1
\u259 ? Dumnezeu de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele celui ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinat \uc1 \u351 ?i
neamestecat!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t i
se vedea de bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i de luminos chipul \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina
lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, pe at\uc1 \u226 ?t era de \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
toare umbra sa reflectat\uc1 \u259 ? pe perete. De\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i g\uc1
\u259 ?seam spusele at\uc1 \u226 ?t de chibzuite \uc1 \u351 ?i de adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rate, tot n-am crezut \uc1 \u238 ?n ele. Deoarece m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? are b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea,
aveam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui
\uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd, c\uc1 \u259 ? ciulea urechea la poart\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1
\u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? cineva care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l scape de
mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-ai povestit despre
pictorul \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Muhammed din Ispahan, care a incendiat uria\uc1 \u351 ?a
bibliotec\uc1 \u259 ? pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea se aflau propriile
sale imagini \uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat apoi foc, chinuit de
remu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, a zis el. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i povestesc
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu o alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte din aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i legend\uc1 \u259 ?,
pe care nu o cuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Da, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii treizeci de ani pictorul
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat propriile miniaturi. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror pagini le-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoit a v\uc1
\u259 ?zut, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t propriile picturi, imita\uc1
\u355 ?ii inspirate de ele. \uc1 \u206 ?n anii care au urmat a b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? genera\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?eau ca
modele picturile pe care le renegase el, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le \uc1
\u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?reau \uc1 \u238 ?n memorie \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dincolo de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
aser\uc1 \u259 ? pe de rost, le preschimbaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte a
sufletului lor. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce se str\uc1 \u259 ?duia s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i distrug\uc1 \u259 ? propriile picturi, \uc1 \u350 ?eyh
Muhammed pricepea c\uc1 \u259 ? tinerii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti le risipiser\uc1
\u259 ?, plini de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?n nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? se folosiser\uc1 \u259 ? de ele la
ilustrarea altor c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? li se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntip\uc1 \u259 ?riser\uc1 \u259 ? tuturor \uc1 \u238 ?n memorie, c\uc1 \u259 ? se
r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndiser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
lume. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce privim \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegem, de
la o carte la alta, de la o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? la alta, c\uc1 \u259 ? un pictor
bun nu se m\uc1 \u259 ?rgine\uc1 \u351 ?te doar s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n amintire cu miracolele sale, ci sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te prin a ne schimba, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1
\u259 ?, peisajul propriei memorii. Iar dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce talentul \uc1 \u351 ?i
imaginile unui miniaturist lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu putere asupra sufletului
nostru, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i face apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i o m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de apreciere a frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ilor lumii. Pictorul din
Ispahan nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
itul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale, cum pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce el \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ardea \uc1 \u351 ?i nimicea propriile imagini, acestea se \uc1
\u238 ?nmul\uc1 \u355 ?eau, dar a \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1
\u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea vedea lucrurile a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum le v\uc1 \u259 ?
zuse el c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na
cu picturile pe care le pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuise el \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e
era socotit, de-acum, ur\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
nu mi-am putut \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?i admira\uc1 \u355 ?ia
cresc\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-i fi pe plac,
m-am aruncat la picioarele lui. In vreme ce-i s\uc1 \u259 ?rutam m\uc1 \u226 ?
inile, ochii mi s-au umezit \uc1 \u351 ?i am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? el era
cel c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia-i d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiam, de fapt, locul pe care i-l d\uc1
\u259 ?ruisem c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva Maestrului Osman \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul meu.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturistul, a zis Unchiul cu o expresie mul\uc1
\u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? de sine, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?
misle\uc1 \u351 ?te pictura ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd de propria-i con\uc1 \u351 ?
tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i urm\uc1 \u226 ?nd r\uc1 \u226 ?nduielile
\uc1 \u238 ?n care crede el, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se teme de nimic. Nu-i
pas\uc1 \u259 ? de ceea ce vor spune du\uc1 \u351 ?manii lui, habotnicii,
invidio\uc1 \u351 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Dar
Unchiul nu este miniaturist\uc1 \u8221 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam eu
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-i s\uc1 \u259 ?rutam \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crimat
m\uc1 \u226 ?na acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de pete cafenii. M-am ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? de acest g\uc1 \u226 ?nd.
Parc\uc1 \u259 ? altcineva \uc1 \u238 ?mi strecurase, cu sila, \uc1 \u238 ?n minte
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? idee diavoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i neobr\uc1 \u259 ?
zat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu toate acestea, \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam era adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem
de ei, a zis Unchiul. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de moarte.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine erau \uc1 \u8222 ?
ei\uc1 \u8221 ?? Am dat din cap, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a\uc1 \u351 ? fi priceput ce
spusese. Dar din mine se ridica totodat\uc1 \u259 ? un fel de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie. Am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? vechea carte aflat\uc1 \u259 ? chiar l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul era Cartea sufletului de El-Cevziyye. Ramoli\uc1 \u355 ?ii
care-\uc1 \u351 ?i doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? crape se dau \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cartea asta, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se povestesc aventurile sufletului
dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte. De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am venit aici am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit un
singur lucru nou \uc1 \u238 ?n tipsii, pe cutia cu instrumente de scris \uc1
\u351 ?i pe cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r, printre c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?rile de purtat la
br\uc1 \u226 ?u, ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itorile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu\uc1 \u355 ?itele de
retezat condeie, printre sticlele obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite de cerneal\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i cutiile cu condeie: o c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? de bronz.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?m c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu ne temem de ei, am zis, cu ceva curaj. Scoate la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? ultima
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? le-o ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta nu dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te oare c\uc1 \u259 ? punem
pre\uc1 \u355 ? pe clevetelile lor, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1
\u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? le lu\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n serios? N-am f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut nimic \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? ne fie fric\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce altceva te \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? te temi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?
iat pe p\uc1 \u259 ?r, p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte\uc1 \u351 ?te. M-am temut s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-mi \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? din nou lacrimile
\uc1 \u351 ?i l-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu de ce a fost
ucis bietul Delicat Efendi, am zis cu \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire. Delicat
Efendi urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i asmu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? pe oamenii lui Nusret Hogea din Erzurum, r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1
\u226 ?ndind vorbe de ocar\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la dumneata, la cartea dumitale,
la noi. Socotea el c\uc1 \u259 ? aici s-a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it
o blasfemie, c\uc1 \u259 ? noi ne-am plecat Diavolului, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n dreapta \uc1 \u351
?i-n st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1
\u238 ?mpotriva dumitale pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care lucrau
la carte. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta a\uc1 \u351 ?a, dintr-o
dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate din invidie, poate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nchinat Diavolului. Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care lucrau la
cartea dumitale au auzit \uc1 \u351 ?i ei c\uc1 \u226 ?t era de hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?t Delicat Efendi s\uc1 \u259 ? ne nenoroceasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1
\u355 ?i. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? presupui c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i s-au
\uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat, c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i au
fost cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te, la fel ca mine. Unul dintre ei
prins, \uc1 \u238 ?n miez de noapte, la \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuial\uc1 \u259 ? de
Delicat Efendi, care-l \uc1 \u238 ?mboldea \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva dumitale, a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii noastre, a picturii, a
miniaturii, a tuturor lucrurilor \uc1 \u238 ?n care credem a fost biruit de \uc1
\u238 ?ngrijorare, l-a ucis pe tic\uc1 \u259 ?los \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a aruncat \uc1
\u238 ?n pu\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Tic\uc1 \u259 ?los?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Delicat Efendi era
lipsit de bun\uc1 \u259 ?-cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, un tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1
\u259 ?tor de joas\uc1 \u259 ? spe\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. Era josnic! Am
strigat de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. Se temea oare
de mine? Eu m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam de mine! Parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost
prins \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rtejul m\uc1 \u226 ?niei \uc1 \u351 ?i al
min\uc1 \u355 ?ii altcuiva, dar era pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cine este acest miniaturist cuprins de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare,
asemenea \uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturistului din Ispahan? Cine l-a
omor\uc1 \u226 ?t?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?
priceap\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? chipul meu, c\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355 ?
eam, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam c\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?isem peste m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? venind aici. Dar nu eram soiul de om care s\uc1 \u259 ? se
lase cople\uc1 \u351 ?it de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
remu\uc1 \u351 ?care. Vedeam c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul era nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit din
pricina mea, iar asta \uc1 \u238 ?mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi
d\uc1 \u259 ?dea putere. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit repede c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259
? va pricepe bine c\uc1 \u259 ? eram un uciga\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se va teme
de mine, va da la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care doream s-o
v\uc1 \u259 ?d nu ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia sau nu vreo blasfemie, ci din curiozitatea de a \uc1 \u351 ?ti
cum era, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o va ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 E important oare cine l-a ucis pe neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vitul \uc1
\u259 ?la? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. N-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o treab\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1
\u259 ? cel care l-a cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? privea \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi mi-a
dat curaj. Persoanele \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnate, care se socotesc mai bune \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai virtuoase dec\uc1 \u226 ?t tine, nu te pot privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi c\uc1 \u226
?nd le este ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine pentru tine. Poate \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc s\uc1 \u259 ? te p\uc1 \u226 ?rasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? te dea pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na schingiuitorului, a c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?ului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Afar\uc1 \u259 ?,
chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a por\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii au \uc1
\u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? latre ca turba\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Iar ninge, am zis. Unde sunt to\uc1 \u355 ?i, la ceasul acesta de
sear\uc1 \u259 ?? De ce te-au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat a\uc1 \u351 ?a acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
singur-singurel, \uc1 \u351 ?i au plecat? Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car o lum\uc1 \u226 ?
nare n-au aprins.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta e foarte,
foarte ciudat, a zis. Nu izbutesc deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep unde s-au dus.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
nepref\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t l-am crezut pe de-a-ntregul \uc1
\u351 ?i am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, sincer,
c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam haz pe seama lui cu ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de fapt \uc1 \u238 ?l iubeam. N-am reu\uc1
\u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama cum de a priceput imediat c\uc1 \u259 ? inima
mi-a fost potopit\uc1 \u259 ?, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, de un puternic sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire \uc1 \u351 ?i de dragoste
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el, motiv pentru care m-a m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?
iat din nou pe p\uc1 \u259 ?r, cu acea cuceritoare afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune p\uc1 \u259
?rinteasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura Maestrului Osman,
inspirat\uc1 \u259 ? de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, nu avea nici un
viitor. Era un g\uc1 \u226 ?nd at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tic\uc1 \u259 ?los, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am speriat de mine \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi. A\uc1 \u351 ?a ni se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? tuturor dup\uc1 \u259 ? o n\uc1 \u259 ?
past\uc1 \u259 ?: ne rug\uc1 \u259 ?m, cu o ultim\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde,
ca lucrurile s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i urmeze f\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u351 ?ul de
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a lua seama c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem
ridicoli \uc1 \u351 ?i neghiobi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
S\uc1 \u259 ? continu\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? lucr\uc1 \u259 ?m la miniaturile
pentru cartea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. S\uc1 \u259 ? continue totul ca p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Printre
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti se afl\uc1 \u259 ? un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?
continui cartea cu Negru Efendi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Oare m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
omor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde e Negru acum? Am zis. Unde
sunt fata dumitale \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste cuvinte \uc1 \u238 ?mi fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
parc\uc1 \u259 ? puse \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? de altcineva, dar nici nu m\uc1
\u259 ? puteam st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni. De acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo nu mai
aveam nici o cale de a fi fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i de a n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?
jdui. Puteam fi doar ager la minte \uc1 \u351 ?i zeflemitor \uc1 \u351 ?i
sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul acestor doi ginni simpatici, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna hazlii, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul agerimii \uc1 \u351 ?i al zeflemelii,
privegherea Diavolului, care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea asupra tuturor acestor
purt\uc1 \u259 ?ri. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, nenoroci\uc1
\u355 ?ii de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini de dincolo de poart\uc1 \u259 ? au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? urle bezmetic, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi adulmecat miros de s\uc1
\u226 ?nge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare mai tr\uc1
\u259 ?isem aceast\uc1 \u259 ? clip\uc1 \u259 ? cu mult timp \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?? \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-un ora\uc1 \u351 ? foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1
\u259 ?rtat, la un ceas care acum mi se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea foarte \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce afar\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?dea o
z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? pe care n-aveam cum s-o v\uc1 \u259 ?d, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercasem s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vorbesc pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd unui mo\uc1
\u351 ?neag, unui ramolit care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvinuia la lumina
lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii c\uc1 \u259 ? furasem din vopsea. \uc1 \u350 ?i
atunci, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca \uc1 \u351 ?i acum, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii afla\uc1 \u355
?i acolo, departe, la poart\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? urle de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it miros de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbia
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de riduri, de bo\uc1 \u351 ?orog r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i
trufa\uc1 \u351 ?, a Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? ochii pe care, \uc1
\u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-i a\uc1
\u355 ?inteasc\uc1 \u259 ? necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor asupra mea, pricepeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? nutrea dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a m\uc1 \u259 ? distruge. Tr\uc1 \u259 ?
iam acum aceast\uc1 \u259 ? clip\uc1 \u259 ? ca pe o amintire precis\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar \uc1 \u351 ?tears\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi revenea
\uc1 \u238 ?n minte acea \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?toare din vremea
uceniciei mele \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-ale picturii, de la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta de zece ani,
ca o imagine ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei contururi \uc1 \u238 ?mi r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226
?neau limpezi \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, de\uc1 \u351 ?i palide.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Prin urmare, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? ridicam de pe locul
\uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?team, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?i
d\uc1 \u259 ?deam ocol, pe la spate, Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i luam \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acea c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ? de
bronz, uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i grea, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? printre
alte c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri, unele de sticl\uc1 \u259 ?, altele de
por\uc1 \u355 ?elan ori de cristal, miniaturistul s\uc1 \u226 ?rguincios din mintea
mea, despre a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui existen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? aflasem de la Mai-
marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman, picta parc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
mine, folosindu-se de linii precise \uc1 \u351 ?i de culori \uc1 \u351 ?terse, ceea
ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce vedeam, dar nu ca pe ceva tr\uc1 \u259 ?
it \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?, ci ca pe o amintire foarte veche. Ei
bine, \uc1 \u238 ?n vise ne vedem din afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ne \uc1
\u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u259 ?m. Am spus, cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorare,
\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
limara aceea uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de bronz, cu gura str\uc1 \u226 ?
mt\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
o asemenea c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? pe vremea uceniciei, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
aveam zece ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E o c\uc1 \u259 ?
limar\uc1 \u259 ? mongol\uc1 \u259 ?, veche de trei sute de ani, a zis Unchiul. A
adus-o Negru de la Tabriz. Se folose\uc1 \u351 ?te doar pentru cerneal\uc1 \u259 ?
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ?
Diavolul era cel care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mboldea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l lovesc din
toate puterile, chiar atunci, cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara pe ramolitul plin de sine,
\uc1 \u238 ?n creierul lui de neghiob. Nu l-am ascultat. \uc1 \u350 ?i am spus, cu
n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu
l-am ucis pe Delicat Efendi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege\uc1 \u355 ?i de ce am spus-o cu n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde, nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a? N\uc1 \u259 ?zuiam ca Unchiul s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
ierte. \uc1 \u350 ?i, de asemenea, s\uc1 \u259 ? se team\uc1 \u259 ? de mine
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ajute.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Eu sunt Unchiul vostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? el l-a ucis pe Delicat Efendi, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere lung\uc1
\u259 ?. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
omoare \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine. Inima mi-a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme cu
putere. Venise oare aici ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omoare sau s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?rturiseasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
sperie? \uc1 \u350 ?tia oare ce voia? M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?at
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nu cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team deloc inima
acestui miniaturist minunat, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia-i \uc1 \u351 ?tiam de ani de zile
harul \uc1 \u351 ?i talentele. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam cum se pro\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?pise de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele meu, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?limara aceea mare, pentru
cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n
ceafa mea, dar nu m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors s\uc1 \u259 ?-l privesc \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea
mea \uc1 \u238 ?l tulbura, i-am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
C\uc1 \u226 ?inii nu s-au potolit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Iar am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi. De data asta, am \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea sau, dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, puterea
de a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? urgie se afla \uc1 \u238
?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea, \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun. Tot ce
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam despre el, dincolo de miniaturile \uc1 \u351 ?i de picturile lui,
era c\uc1 \u259 ? e de\uc1 \u351 ?tept. Iar de\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea
este un lucru cu care te po\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
socote\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul nu trebuie cu nici un chip
s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rturiseasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe sine, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i arate sufletul \uc1 \u238 ?n pl\uc1 \u259 ?mada sa. Bine, dar cum m\uc1
\u259 ? prinsese la \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casa cu des\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire goal\uc1 \u259 ?? Mintea mea de b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?n cugeta cu iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? la aceste lucruri, dar era
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? buimac\uc1 \u259 ?, neputincioas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
ias\uc1 \u259 ? din joc. Unde era \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles mai demult c\uc1 \u259 ?
eu l-am omor\uc1 \u226 ?t, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesesem; nu \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a mi-o spune chiar el. Mai mult, acum credeam, cu un cotlon al min\uc1
\u355 ?ii mele, c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse un lucru bun ucig\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l
pe Delicat Efendi, ba chiar c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, r\uc1
\u259 ?posatul me\uc1 \u351 ?ter auritor, cuprins treptat de team\uc1 \u259 ?, ar
fi adus poate nenorocirea pe capul nostru, al tuturor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mine s-a n\uc1
\u259 ?scut un sentiment nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit de recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul cu care r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sesem singur \uc1 \u238 ?n casa pustie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mir c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t, am zis.
Cei asemenea nou\uc1 \u259 ?, care tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc din c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?i, care le viseaz\uc1 \u259 ? paginile, se tem cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe lumea
asta de un singur lucru. \uc1 \u206 ?n plus, noi ne \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicim cu un
lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i mai oprit, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai primejdios ne \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeletnicim cu pictura \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ora\uc1 \u351 ? musulman. Orice
miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? un puternic imbold de a se socoti
vinovat, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat cu pictorul \uc1
\u350 ?eyh Muhammed din Ispahan, un imbold de a se c\uc1 \u259 ?i, de a se \uc1
\u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i pe sine mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pe
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, de a avea remu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, pentru a cere
astfel \uc1 \u238 ?ndurare de la Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i de la comunitate. Ne
izvodim c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n mare tain\uc1 \u259 ?, ca p\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i, de cele mai multe ori, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? am implora iertare. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu nespus de bine c\uc1 \u259 ?
acest chip de a-\uc1 \u355 ?i pleca fruntea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
atacurilor hogilor, ale predicatorilor, ale cadiilor, ale \uc1 \u351 ?eicilor,
acest necontenit sentiment de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie ucide imagina\uc1
\u355 ?ia miniaturistului, dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n egal\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ?, o \uc1 \u351 ?i hr\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Adic\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? condamni c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am cur\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at pe Delicat Efendi, cel f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de minte?!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? atrage
\uc1 \u238 ?n scriere, \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1
\u259 ? este cuprins, iat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? team\uc1
\u259 ?. Pricina pentru care ne \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u259 ?m via\uc1 \u355 ?a
picturii \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, \uc1 \u238 ?
ngenunchea\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a paginilor de diminea\uc1
\u355 ?a p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? seara \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi noaptea, la lumina
lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? orbim, nu o constituie
banii \uc1 \u351 ?i favorurile, ci fuga de forfota celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, de
gloat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? ni se spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem
lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?! C\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i provoac\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratului,
talentatului pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuitor o astfel de t\uc1 \u259 ?gad\uc1 \u259 ?! Or,
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata pictur\uc1 \u259 ? este t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit\uc1 \u259 ?
tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n lucrul acesta nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zut, nemaiauzit. \uc1 \u206 ?n
pictura despre care toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea va spune, \uc1 \u238 ?n prima
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? este proast\uc1 \u259 ?, neizbutit\uc1 \u259 ?,
lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul
pictor \uc1 \u351 ?tie, pe de o parte, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
ajung\uc1 \u259 ? acolo, dar se teme, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, de singur\uc1
\u259 ?tatea acelui t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?m. Dar cine poate \uc1 \u355 ?ine
piept o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? unei asemenea
existen\uc1 \u355 ?e, pline de team\uc1 \u259 ?, tr\uc1 \u259 ?ite pe muchie de
cu\uc1 \u355 ?it? Miniaturistul este primul dintre to\uc1 \u355 ?i care crede c\uc1
\u259 ? se poate m\uc1 \u226 ?ntui de temerile care l-au b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuit ani de
zile \uc1 \u238 ?nvinuindu-se pe sine. Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l cred
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i pun foc doar atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?rturise\uc1 \u351 ?te singur vina. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce-l
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe miniaturistul din Ispahan, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut el \uc1
\u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti miniaturist, a zis, iar eu nu l-am ucis pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-ai
ucis pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? doreai s\uc1 \u259 ? pictezi f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
team\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum n\uc1 \u259 ?zuie\uc1 \u351 ?ti tu!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturistul care n\uc1 \u259 ?zuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
devin\uc1 \u259 ? uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu a spus, pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?
dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, un lucru foarte \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elept:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
spui toate acestea pentru a m\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u259 ?gi, pentru a m\uc1 \u259 ?
lini\uc1 \u351 ?ti, pentru a ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mprejurare, a zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i a ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat: Dar ceea ce spui este
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepi. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am privit \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce vorbea cu mine, l\uc1 \u259 ?sase cu totul la o parte vechile
r\uc1 \u226 ?nduieli era un semn c\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile \uc1 \u238 ?i
erau \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte. Dar unde?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu te teme, nu e din lips\uc1 \u259 ? de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de dumneata, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce trecea din spatele \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a mea, a scos un hohot de r\uc1 \u226 ?s, dar acesta avea \uc1 \u238 ?n el
ceva nespus de dureros.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum se
petrece acum, iat\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis. Fac un lucru, dar parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt eu
cel care-l face. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mine ar vie\uc1 \u355 ?ui ceva care
se zbate \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpinge s\uc1 \u259 ? fac r\uc1
\u259 ?u. Dar am, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, mare nevoie de acel ceva. La fel se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?
a picturii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Astea sunt prostii
b\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?ti despre Diavol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Adic\uc1 \u259 ? mint?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea destul\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omoare \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, din aceast\uc1
\u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, dorea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l enervez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu min\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dar \uc1 \u355 ?i-e cu neputin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tii ce sim\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
str\uc1 \u259 ?fundul t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu foarte bine ce se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mine. Din cauza
dumitale ne-am cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?cat p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?t, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne
d\uc1 \u259 ?m seama. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?mi spui s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ?. Din cauza dumitale am ajuns un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?.
C\uc1 \u226 ?inii \uc1 \u259 ?ia turba\uc1 \u355 ?i ai lui Nusret Hogea or s\uc1
\u259 ? ne ucid\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Necrez\uc1 \u226 ?nd nici el ce spunea, striga \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
tare, str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?limara cu \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nie. Oare
nu-i auzea nimeni \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele vreun trec\uc1 \u259 ?tor de pe strada
\uc1 \u238 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?pezit\uc1 \u259 ?, care s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? la
noi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum s-a f\uc1 \u259
?cut de l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig timp dec\uc1 \u226 ?t din curiozitate.
Cum de v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i petrecut la pu\uc1 \u355 ?ul acela?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Delicat Efendi a fost cel care m-a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit pe mine, \uc1
\u238 ?n noaptea \uc1 \u238 ?n care a plecat de la dumneata, a zis, cu o
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de a povesti la care nu m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
teptam deloc. A spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini. M-am str\uc1 \u259 ?duit
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fac s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?zg\uc1
\u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a nu st\uc1 \u226 ?rni zarv\uc1 \u259 ? pe seama
ei. L-am convins s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n locul acela pustiit
de incendiu \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am zis c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam bani ascun\uc1 \u351 ?i
l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a auzit de bani, m-a
crezut. Nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? dovad\uc1 \u259 ? mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru bani. Nu din pricina asta sunt
sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat; era un miniaturist cu har, unul obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit. Era gata
s\uc1 \u259 ? sape \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u238 ?
nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at cu unghiile. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi avut galbeni
\uc1 \u238 ?ngropa\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu ar mai fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
ucid. Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai ales un nemernic pentru a-\uc1 \u355 ?
i face auririle. M\uc1 \u226 ?na r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului era sigur\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
aurirea pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuia, alegerea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebuin\uc1 \u355 ?area culorilor erau lipsite de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire.
\uc1 \u206 ?n plus, n-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat nici o urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Spune-mi, care
este miezul a ceea ce se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te stil? Chinezii vorbesc \uc1 \u351 ?i ei
despre culoarea talentului miniaturistului, despre stil. Oare miniaturistul bun
trebuie sau nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un stil care s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
deosebeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Un stil nou nu depinde de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a miniaturistului, nu te
teme, am zis. Moare un prin\uc1 \u355 ?, un \uc1 \u351 ?ah pierde r\uc1 \u259 ?
zboaie, se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te o epoc\uc1 \u259 ? despre
care se credea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i niciodat\uc1
\u259 ?, se \uc1 \u238 ?nchide un atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?eau se \uc1 \u238 ?
mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1
\u259 ?sesc de lucru pe alte meleaguri, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i caut\uc1 \u259 ?
al\uc1 \u355 ?i proteguitori amatori de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?
ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah \uc1 \u238 ?i adun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
drag \uc1 \u238 ?n cortul, \uc1 \u238 ?n seraiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u pe miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii pribegi sosi\uc1 \u355 ?i din felurite \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri
s\uc1 \u259 ? zicem c\uc1 \u259 ? de la Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i de la Alep \uc1
\u8211 ? buimaci, dar \uc1 \u238 ?nzestra\uc1 \u355 ?i cu har, \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu str\uc1 \u259 ?danii
un atelier propriu de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, care n-au avut r\uc1 \u259 ?gazul de a se deprinde
unul cu altul, picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? potrivit vechilor me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?
uguri cunoscute, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei se ivesc mai apoi o asem\uc1 \u259 ?nare, o
confruntare \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u238 ?nvoial\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu copiii care, tr\uc1 \u259 ?ind \uc1
\u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, devin buni prieteni. Ceea ce iese
la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ?ri,
invidii, urzeli, dup\uc1 \u259 ? lucrul cu miniatura \uc1 \u351 ?i culoarea, care
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde pe parcursul a ani \uc1 \u351 ?i ani, este un nou stil. Cel
mai str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor, cel mai d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit cu har dintre
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii acelui atelier este cel care-i scoate cel mai mult \uc1
\u238 ?n eviden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? stilul. S\uc1 \u259 ?-l numim \uc1 \u351 ?i
cel mai norocos dintre ei. Celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i le revine doar \uc1 \u238 ?
ndatorirea de a urma la nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it acel stil, de a-l
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i, ba chiar de a-i da lustru.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
m\uc1 \u259 ? putea privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, cu o expresie nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat
de bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?, cer\uc1 \u351 ?indu-mi deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?
sinceritatea \uc1 \u351 ?i bun\uc1 \u259 ?voin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1
\u238 ?n orice caz, tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca o fecioar\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu am un stil?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
crezut, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi vor da lacrimile.
Str\uc1 \u259 ?duindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu
duios, afectuos \uc1 \u351 ?i bun, i-am spus \uc1 \u238 ?nadins ceea ce credeam:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
miniaturistul cel mai plin de har, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na cea mai plin\uc1 \u259 ? de
vraj\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochiul cel mai rafinat, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti miniaturistul cel mai
minunat pe care l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, vreme de
mai bine de \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci de ani. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? avea \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe care s-o fi atins o mie
de pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?ditori, \uc1 \u238 ?n dev\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie, a\uc1 \u351 ? putea deosebi \uc1 \u351 ?i recunoa\uc1
\u351 ?te imediat tu\uc1 \u351 ?a miraculosului condei cu care ai fost \uc1 \u238 ?
nzestrat de Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i eu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la fel, dar dumneata nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeajuns de de\uc1 \u351 ?tept ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepi taina harului meu, a zis.
Acum min\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? te temi de mine. Cu toate astea,
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te-mi despre me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul meu.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Condeiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te
de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? linia potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ?
nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu l-ai atinge o face de la sine. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t de zeflemitor este ceea ce
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? el! \uc1 \u206 ?
ncordarea ce izvor\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?te din privirile pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i le
arunc\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii, din or\uc1 \u226 ?nduirea paginii, din t\uc1 \u226 ?lcul
textului se preschimb\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura ta, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
z\uc1 \u259 ?misle\uc1 \u351 ?ti o scen\uc1 \u259 ? cu multe personaje \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it. Eu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i privesc miniaturile \uc1 \u351 ?i
revin mereu la ele ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ascult aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
oapt\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau seama z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind c\uc1 \u259 ?, la
fiecare revenire, t\uc1 \u226 ?lcul se schimb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, cum
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun, m\uc1 \u259 ? reapuc s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i
citesc pictura ca pe o scriere. Astfel, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce aceste
straturi de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles se desfac unul dup\uc1 \u259 ? altul,
iese la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? o profunzime care, chiar dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul de a vedea
al mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, merge foarte departe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Hmmm! Bine. Las\uc1 \u259 ?-i pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nci. Mai spune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Condeiul t\uc1 \u259
?u este, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de miraculos, at\uc1
\u226 ?t de plin de vigoare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cel care-\uc1 \u355 ?i
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pictura ar putea crede c\uc1 \u259 ? se uit\uc1 \u259 ? nu la
univers, ci la ceea ce ai desenat tu. Astfel tu, cu harul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, po\uc1
\u355 ?i nu doar s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aba\uc1 \u355 ?i de la calea credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei
pe omul cel mai statornic \uc1 \u238 ?n credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aduci, prin pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, pe calea lui Dumnezeu
chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cel mai f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde
necredincios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat, dar nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? asta e o laud\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai spune.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici un miniaturist nu
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te ca tine consisten\uc1 \u355 ?a
vopselei, tainele ei. Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cel care z\uc1 \u259 ?misle\uc1 \u351 ?
te \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna cele mai str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare, mai vii, mai
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate culori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine.
Altceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tii
c\uc1 \u259 ? tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cel mai mare miniaturist de la Behzad \uc1 \u351 ?
i, de asemenea, de la Mir Seyyid Ali \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 E adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu asta. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i tu o \uc1 \u351 ?tii, de ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i faci cartea cu
individul \uc1 \u259 ?la de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd care este Negru Efendi, \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu cu mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru treaba pe
care o face el, nu e nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? ai nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car har de
miniaturist, am zis. Asta, unu la m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Doi, el nu este un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, ca tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e, r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunz\uc1 \u226 ?nd la r\uc1 \u226 ?sul meu care oglindea generozitate. Sim\uc1
\u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? scap de acest vis ur\uc1 \u226 ?t
folosindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cu iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de o asemenea expresie a
chipului. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul acesta, cum eu deschisesem discu\uc1 \u355 ?ia, ne-am
pus pe un taifas pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut cu privire la c\uc1 \u259 ?limara mongol\uc1
\u259 ? de bronz pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? un taifas nu ca de la tat\uc1 \u259 ? la fiu, ci ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntre doi
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni curio\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nzestra\uc1 \u355 ?i
cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? pricepere. Despre greutatea bronzului, despre echilibrul
c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?rii, despre ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncimea g\uc1 \u226 ?tului ei,
despre lungimea condeielor vechilor caligrafi \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
se ridica \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, despre tainele
cernelii ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei v\uc1 \u226 ?rto\uc1 \u351 ?enie o
sim\uc1 \u355 ?eai atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd scuturai u\uc1 \u351 ?or, u\uc1 \u351 ?or
c\uc1 \u259 ?limara. Am vorbit despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
mongolii n-ar fi purtat tainele cernelii ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii, deprinse de la
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii chinezi, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Horasan,
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Buhara, la Herat, noi n-am fi putut z\uc1 \u259 ?
misli cu nici un chip aceste
picturi la Istanbul. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259
? ce vorbeam, timpul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
modifica densitatea, asemenea vopselelor, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce trecea vremea, se pierdea \uc1 \u351 ?i momentul
potrivit. Un cotlon al min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba necontenit de
ce nu era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?mi doream s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd din
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?limara aceea grea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Oare, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd va fi ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? cartea
ta, cei care \uc1 \u238 ?mi vor privi picturile \uc1 \u238 ?mi vor \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elege harul? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat el, cu aerul firesc al vechilor
noastre deprinderi de lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? va voi Domnul s\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?im
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah o va lua \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i va arunca o privire asupra ei, va cerceta, desigur, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
am folosit ori nu cum se cuvine foi\uc1 \u355 ?ele de aur, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i va privi portretul \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, ca pe o scriere care-i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
turile \uc1 \u351 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac to\uc1 \u355 ?i padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii,
va fi cuprins de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie nu fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de minunata
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de sine, iar
mai apoi, dac\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i va lua r\uc1 \u259 ?gazul priincios \uc1
\u351 ?i va privi miracolele pe care le-am \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit cu
nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite str\uc1 \u259 ?danii, cu pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul luminii
ochilor, cu ardoare, inspira\uc1 \u355 ?i deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? de Orient \uc1
\u351 ?i de Occident, ce recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a se va r\uc1 \u259 ?
sfr\uc1 \u226 ?nge asupra noastr\uc1 \u259 ??! \uc1 \u350 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i tu
c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? o
minune, nu va \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cine a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
cutare chenar, cui i se datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? aurirea, cine a pictat cutare om
\uc1 \u351 ?i cutare cal \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? va cetlui cartea \uc1 \u238 ?n
vistierie. \uc1 \u206 ?n ciuda acestui fapt \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, noi
pict\uc1 \u259 ?m mereu, ca to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei d\uc1 \u259 ?rui\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
har, n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduind c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259
? zi se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla \uc1 \u351 ?i acea minune.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in. Parc\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi ceva, r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tori.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se va \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla acea minune? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat el. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
vor fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elese cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat nenum\uc1 \u259 ?
ratele miniaturi pe care le-am f\uc1 \u259 ?urit p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce ne-
am istovit lumina ochilor? C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne vor d\uc1 \u259 ?rui acea dragoste la
care am. la care avem dreptul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum
adic\uc1 \u259 ??!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i vor
d\uc1 \u259 ?rui niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti, i-am zis. Iar pe
viitor vei fi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u351 ?i mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile
d\uc1 \u259 ?inuie vreme de secole, a zis cu o expresie trufa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259
?, dar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a crede pe de-a-ntregul ceea ce spunea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La niciunul dintre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii italieni nu
exist\uc1 \u259 ? poezia, sensibilitatea, puritatea \uc1 \u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?
lucirea culorilor tale, crede-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar picturile lor sunt mai conving\uc1
\u259 ?toare, seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult cu via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238
?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i. Ei nu picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? lumea ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum
ar vedea-o din \uc1 \u238 ?naltul unui minaret \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? a lua seama la ceea ce numesc perspectiv\uc1 \u259 ?, ci o picteaz\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se vede ea de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nu, din odaia prin\uc1 \u355 ?ului, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul
\uc1 \u351 ?i plapuma, cu masa, cu oglinda, cu tigrul, cu fiica \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
banii lui; ei picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? totul, \uc1 \u351 ?tii asta. Eu nu cred \uc1
\u238 ?n tot ceea ce fac ei; ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura imit\uc1 \u259 ? lumea de-
a dreptul mi se pare o copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, \uc1 \u238 ?mi r\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1
\u351 ?te sentimentele. Dar picturile pe care le f\uc1 \u259 ?uresc potrivit
acestui nou me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ug au o asemenea putere de atrac\uc1
\u355 ?ie! Ei picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? tot ceea ce observ\uc1 \u259 ? ochiul, \uc1 \u238
?ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum observ\uc1 \u259 ? el. Picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce
v\uc1 \u259 ?d, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce noi pict\uc1 \u259 ?m ceea ce privim. De
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce vezi ceea ce z\uc1 \u259 ?mislesc ei, pricepi c\uc1
\u259 ? singura cale de a-\uc1 \u355 ?i face chipul s\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?
inuie
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul lumii trece prin
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul francilor. Puterea de atrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie a
acestui crez este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t to\uc1 \u355
?i croitorii, m\uc1 \u259 ?celarii, solda\uc1 \u355 ?ii, popii, b\uc1 \u259 ?canii.
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei din \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile
francilor, nu doar cei de la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, se las\uc1 \u259 ? picta\uc1 \u355
?i astfel. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, privind doar o dat\uc1 \u259 ? acele portrete,
jinduie\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i tu s\uc1 \u259 ? te vezi astfel, vrei s\uc1
\u259 ? crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti o fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
diferit\uc1 \u259 ? de celelalte, o fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? asem\uc1 \u259 ?nare, deosebit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i stranie. Faptul de
a-l picta pe om nu a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?l vede mintea, ci a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum \uc1 \u238 ?l vede ochiul, potrivit noilor me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?
uguri, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ? acest prilej. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o
bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, \uc1 \u238 ?n vremurile ce vor veni, to\uc1 \u355 ?i vor picta
ca ei. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd se va rosti cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?pictur\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea va \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege prin
asta ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?mplinesc ei! Aici, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i netotul de croitor, bietul de el, care nu se pricepe deloc la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
va dori s\uc1 \u259 ? i se fac\uc1 \u259 ? un asemenea portret, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la \uc1 \u238 ?ncre\uc1 \u355 ?
iturile nasului, s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? crede c\uc1 \u259 ? este nu un
prost de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ci o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? cu totul deosebit\uc1 \u259 ?,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?n.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ei,
atunci o s\uc1 \u259 ? facem \uc1 \u351 ?i noi asemenea portrete, a zis
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul, glume\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-o
s\uc1 \u259 ? facem! Am zis. N-ai aflat de la r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Delicat Efendi,
pe care l-ai ucis, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare se tem ei s\uc1 \u259 ? nu devin\uc1
\u259 ? ni\uc1 \u351 ?te imitatori ai francilor? \uc1 \u350 ?i chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu s-ar teme \uc1 \u351 ?i ar face o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare, tot acela\uc1
\u351 ?i lucru ar fi. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?ugurile noastre vor pieri, iar culorile vor p\uc1 \u259 ?li. Nimeni
nu va mai fi interesat de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, de miniaturile noastre.
Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cei \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?timi\uc1 \u355 ?i de ele nu vor
mai pricepe nimic \uc1 \u351 ?i vor \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba, \uc1 \u355 ?uguindu-\uc1
\u351 ?i buzele, de ce le lipse\uc1 \u351 ?te perspectiva, ori poate c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu vor mai izbuti cu nici un chip s\uc1 \u259 ? dea de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Deoarece, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?a, picturile \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile noastre vor fi treptat \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?ite \uc1
\u351 ?i spulberate de timp, de urgii. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? guma arabic\uc1 \u259 ?
din leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura acestor c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i se face din pe\uc1
\u351 ?te, oase \uc1 \u351 ?i miere, iar paginile le-au fost f\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?uite cu ou \uc1 \u351 ?i amidon, \uc1 \u351 ?oareci lacomi, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? de ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, se vor \uc1 \u238 ?nfrupta din paginile lor,
vor fi roase \uc1 \u351 ?i nimicite de furnici, de cari, de o mie \uc1 \u351 ?i unu
de soiuri de g\uc1 \u226 ?ndaci. Volumele vor fi desf\uc1 \u259 ?cute-n buc\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, paginile vor fi rupte; t\uc1 \u226 ?lhari, slujitori
nep\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori, copii, femei care aprind focul vor rupe, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a sta prea mult pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, paginile \uc1 \u351 ?i
miniaturile. Prin\uc1 \u355 ?i afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta copil\uc1
\u259 ?riei vor v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ma picturile cu condeiele lor de
juc\uc1 \u259 ?rie, le vor scobi oamenilor ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vor
l\uc1 \u259 ?sa mucii pe pagini, vor m\uc1 \u226 ?zg\uc1 \u259 ?li chenarele cu
negru; cei ce vorbesc mereu despre p\uc1 \u259 ?cat vor ponegri totul \uc1 \u351 ?i
ne vor sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ia miniaturile, le vor t\uc1 \u259 ?ia, le vor
folosi, poate, pentru a z\uc1 \u259 ?misli alte picturi sau pentru a se juca
\uc1 \u351 ?i a se veseli cu ele. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce mamele ne vor rupe
lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt deocheate, ta\uc1 \u355 ?ii
\uc1 \u351 ?i fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mai mari se vor a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355
?a singuri \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i vor lep\uc1 \u259 ?da s\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?a pe picturile cu femei; paginile se vor lipi unele de altele
nu doar din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i din pricina
noroiului, a umezelii, a lipiciului prost, a scuipatului \uc1 \u351 ?i a n\uc1
\u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?ielii cu felurite mizerii \uc1 \u351 ?i bucate. Iar \uc1 \u238
?n locurile \uc1 \u238 ?n care se vor lipi vor \uc1 \u238 ?nflori pete de
mucegai \uc1 \u351 ?i murd\uc1 \u259 ?rie, ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te buboaie. Mai apoi,
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile ne vor fi nimicite de ploi, de acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?uri
g\uc1 \u259 ?urite, de torente, de valuri de noroi. Iar cea din urm\uc1 \u259 ?
carte ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinat\uc1 \u259 ? ce se va ivi, ca prin minune, de pe fundul
vreunui cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r miraculos, cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire
uscat, va fi desigur \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1
\u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? scrum \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi de fl\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?rile unui foc necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu
paginile rupte, g\uc1 \u259 ?urite, decolorate, cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
de citit, preschimbate de ape, de umezeal\uc1 \u259 ?, de g\uc1 \u226 ?ndaci
\uc1 \u351 ?i de indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel de
past\uc1 \u259 ?. Exist\uc1 \u259 ?, oare, mahala din Istanbul care s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu fi ars \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fi fost mistuit\uc1 \u259 ? de v\uc1 \u226
?lv\uc1 \u259 ?taie o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani, ca s\uc1 \u259
? mai d\uc1 \u259 ?inuie c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care le ad\uc1 \u259 ?
postea? Ce miniaturist poate visa c\uc1 \u259 ? miracolele sale vor supravie\uc1
\u355 ?ui mai mult de o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n acest ora\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care, o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la trei ani, sunt distruse mai multe
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i mai multe biblioteci dec\uc1 \u226 ?t au
ars \uc1 \u351 ?i au pr\uc1 \u259 ?dat mongolii la Bagdad, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?, privindu-i-se \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi miniaturile, va fi
pomenit ca Behzad? Nu numai ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuim noi, ci tot
ceea ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit de veacuri \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea aceasta
va fi nimicit de foc, de viermi, de nep\uc1 \u259 ?sare. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul
acesta, privirea m\uc1 \u226 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ? cu care \uc1 \u238 ?l contempl\uc1
\u259 ?, de la fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u350 ?irin pe H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, chipul
minunat \uc1 \u238 ?n care H\uc1 \u252 ?srev o prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, la r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin, care se scalda la lumina lunii,
lupta lui Rustem cu Demonul cel Alb, pe fundul pu\uc1 \u355 ?ului, \uc1 \u351 ?i
uciderea acestuia, triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat\uc1 \u259 ? de Mecnun,
cel smintit din dragoste, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ntov\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n de\uc1 \u351 ?ert cu tigrul
alb \uc1 \u351 ?i cu capra s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatic\uc1 \u259 ?, felul \uc1 \u238 ?n
care necredinciosul c\uc1 \u226 ?ine ciob\uc1 \u259 ?nesc, care \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ?ruise o oaie din turma pe care o p\uc1 \u259 ?zea lupoaicei cu care se
\uc1 \u238 ?mperechea \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare noapte, este prins \uc1 \u351 ?i sp\uc1
\u226 ?nzurat de un copac, toate decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile pentru chenare, cu flori,
\uc1 \u238 ?ngeri, ramuri \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunzite, p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri
\uc1 \u351 ?i lacrimi, to\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?torii din
l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u259 ?misli\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru a \uc1 \u238 ?
mpodobi misterioasele poezii ale lui Hafez, toate decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile de pe
pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, care au pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit ochii a mii, a zeci de
mii de ucenici miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i i-au orbit pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri, toate distihurile de pe u\uc1 \u351 ?i, de pe micile levha35 at\uc1 \u226 ?
rnate pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?inuite de rame care se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrep\uc1 \u259 ?trund \uc1 \u238 ?n cuprinsul picturii, semn\uc1
\u259 ?turile sfioase ascunse prin funduri de dulapuri, prin unghere, pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?ade, prin locuri gem\uc1 \u226 ?nd de lume, pe sub ciulini, printre
st\uc1 \u226 ?nci, toate florile de pe pl\uc1 \u259 ?pumile care-i acoper\uc1 \u259
? pe \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i, toate capetele de ghiauri
desc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?na\uc1 \u355 ?i care
vegheaz\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare, pe margine, \uc1 \u238 ?n
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul asaltului victorios al r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului bunic al
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru asupra cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?e, toate tunurile, pu\uc1 \u351 ?tile, corturile care se z\uc1 \u259
?resc \uc1 \u238 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce solul
necredincio\uc1 \u351 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? picioarele str\uc1 \u259 ?
bunicului Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, la a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror pictare ai
participat \uc1 \u351 ?i tu \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, to\uc1 \u355 ?i
diavolii cu coarne ori f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, cu coad\uc1 \u259 ? ori f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, cu din\uc1 \u355 ?i ascu\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu unghii
ascu\uc1 \u355 ?ite, miile de p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri de toate soiurile,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre care pup\uc1 \u259 ?za cea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleapt\uc1
\u259 ?, vrabia cea s\uc1 \u259 ?lt\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
st\uc1 \u226 ?ngaciul erete, privighetoarea poet\uc1 \u259 ?, pisicile tihnite,
c\uc1 \u226 ?inii f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? tihn\uc1 \u259 ?, norii gr\uc1 \u259 ?
bi\uc1 \u355 ?i, ierburile m\uc1 \u259 ?runte \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cute
privirii care se repet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mii de picturi, st\uc1 \u226 ?
ncile ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror umbre au fost schi\uc1 \u355 ?ate cu st\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ?cie \uc1 \u351 ?i zecile de mii de chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i ale c\uc1
\u259 ?ror frunze au fost desenate pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, cu
r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare de sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt, platanul \uc1 \u351 ?i rodiul, seraiurile
pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuite dup\uc1 \u259 ? modele de pe vremea lui Timur ori a \uc1 \u350
?ahului Tahmasp, dar strecurate \uc1 \u238 ?n pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti din vremuri mai
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtate, cu sutele lor de mii de \uc1 \u355 ?igle, zecile
de mii de prin\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1
\u226 ?nd pe covoare minunate a\uc1 \u351 ?ternute pe flori de c\uc1 \u226 ?mp,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre copaci \uc1 \u238 ?nflori\uc1 \u355 ?i, la vremea prim\uc1 \u259 ?
verii, care ascult\uc1 \u259 ? melodii c\uc1 \u226 ?ntate la felurite instrumente
de femei frumoase \uc1 \u351 ?i fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?i fermec\uc1 \u259 ?
tori, toate acele picturi miraculoase pe por\uc1 \u355 ?elanuri \uc1 \u351 ?i
covoare, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?irea lacrimilor \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ilor \uc1
\u238 ?ncasate, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii o sut\uc1 \u259 ? cincizeci de ani, de mii de
ucenici miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de la Samarkand la Istanbul, toate acele gr\uc1
\u259 ?dini minunate \uc1 \u351 ?i acei ere\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe care tu continui s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i zugr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire, neasemuitele scene de moarte \uc1 \u351 ?i de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii care v\uc1 \u226 ?neaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu
gra\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i gazelele sperioase care alearg\uc1 \u259 ? cu
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i ging\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie, \uc1 \u351 ?ahii care pier,
du\uc1 \u351 ?manii care cad prin\uc1 \u351 ?i, galioanele ghiaure \uc1 \u351 ?i
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ele inamice, toate acele str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare nop\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate care str\uc1 \u259 ?lumineaz\uc1 \u259 ? din condeiul t\uc1
\u259 ?u de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul ar pica din el pic\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu pic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, stelele, chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ii
ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te stafii \uc1 \u351 ?i picturile despre dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i
moarte pe care le-ai colorat \uc1 \u238 ?n ro\uc1 \u351 ?u toate, absolut toate vor
fi nimicite!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a lovit \uc1 \u238
?n cap cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara, din toate puterile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Din pricina for\uc1 \u355 ?ei loviturii, m-am aplecat \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it o durere cumplit\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
care n-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea-o descrie \uc1 \u238 ?n nici un fel. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea
c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume fusese
cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de durerea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i se f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse galben\uc1
\u259 ? ca ceara. De\uc1 \u351 ?i o parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele pricepea
c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase fusese s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it cu bun\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, o alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte a ei, care nu mai judeca bine, voia s\uc1 \u259 ?-
i spun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda loviturii, sau poate tocmai din pricina
ei \uc1 \u8211 ? cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntrist\uc1 \u259 ?toare bun\uc1 \u259 ?
inten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, smintitului care n\uc1 \u259 ?zuia s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1
\u259 ? uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu: \uc1 \u8222 ?Indurare, m\uc1 \u259 ? faci s\uc1
\u259 ? suf\uc1 \u259 ?r degeaba.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M-a mai lovit o dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cap cu c\uc1 \u259 ?
limara de bronz.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acea latur\uc1 \u259
? lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de judecat\uc1 \u259 ? a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele a priceput, de
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era vorba de gre\uc1 \u351 ?
eal\uc1 \u259 ?, ci de sminteal\uc1 \u259 ?, de furie, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar de moarte. M-am speriat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? urlu din r\uc1 \u259 ?
sputeri. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi-ar fi pictat cineva \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?tul, ar
fi fost verde ca prazul. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va putea
auzi nimeni aceast\uc1 \u259 ? culoare \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul serii,
pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile pustii, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? eram cu des\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat de \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?tul
meu \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a oprit. O clip\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-am privit drept \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochi. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?n pupilele lui, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
groaza \uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea, c\uc1 \u259 ? se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuise cu
ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ptuia \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?case cu acest lucru. Nu era maestrul miniaturist pe care-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
team eu, ci un str\uc1 \u259 ?in de departe, pus pe rele, care nici m\uc1 \u259 ?
car nu mai vorbea limba mea. Iar acest lucru a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca singur\uc1 \u259
?tatea pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? dureaz\uc1 \u259 ? de secole. Am vrut
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l apuc de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum m-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume; nu mi-a fost de
nici un folos. L-am implorat, sau am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? asta fac:}{\fs24 \dbch
\par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fiule,
fiule, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? ucide!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Parc\uc1 \u259 ? nici nu m-a auzit, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a
mai lovit o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara \uc1 \u238 ?n cap.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mintea mea, ceea ce vedeam, amintirile, ochii, toate s-au
\uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? toate
prinseser\uc1 \u259 ? forma spaimei mele. Nu vedeam nici o culoare \uc1 \u351 ?i
pricepeam c\uc1 \u259 ? toate culorile se preschimbaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u. Ceea ce socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? era s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele meu era
parc\uc1 \u259 ? cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Iar ceea ce avea el pe m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i despre care crezusem c\uc1 \u259 ? era
cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? era, de fapt, s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele meu cel ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, care
nu mai contenea s\uc1 \u259 ? curg\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t de nedrept, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de crud,
c\uc1 \u226 ?t de nemilos g\uc1 \u259 ?seam c\uc1 \u259 ? este s\uc1 \u259 ?
mori \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea! Dar locul spre care m\uc1 \u259 ? purta, treptat,
capul meu cel b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n potopit de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge se afla
aici. Apoi, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Amintirile mele erau
str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor de albe, ca z\uc1 \u259 ?pada de afar\uc1 \u259 ?. Capul
m\uc1 \u259 ? durea \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi zv\uc1 \u226 ?cnea cu putere.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum v\uc1 \u259 ? voi povesti moartea mea. A\uc1 \u355 ?
i priceput, poate, de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea nu este
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul tuturor lucrurilor; asta e sigur. Dar, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum scriu toate c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, este ceva ne\uc1 \u238 ?
nchipuit de dureros. Nu era vorba doar de c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?na mea f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? zob, de creier, ci aveam
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? fiecare ungher al
trupului meu era p\uc1 \u259 ?truns de junghiuri ascu\uc1 \u355 ?ite, care se
amestecau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele. Este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de greu s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nduri aceast\uc1 \u259 ? nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat\uc1 \u259 ? suferin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t o parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele
se opintea c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un somn lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, pe care-l socotea singura
cale de a uita de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nainte de a muri, mi-am amintit de un basm siriac pe care-l auzisem la
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei. Un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226
?n singur se treze\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n miez de noapte \uc1 \u351 ?i se
scoal\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? bea un pahar cu ap\uc1 \u259 ?. Pune paharul pe
m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a lui cu trei picioare, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ce s\uc1
\u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?, lum\uc1 \u226 ?narea aflat\uc1 \u259 ? acolo se f\uc1
\u259 ?cuse nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?. Unde? Din odaie se strecoar\uc1 \u259 ?
o f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?. Merge pe
urmele luminii, se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce, intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camera
lui \uc1 \u351 ?i, ce vede, \uc1 \u238 ?n patul lui zace altcineva, cu lum\uc1
\u226 ?narea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259
?: \uc1 \u8222 ?Cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?Moartea\uc1
\u8221 ?, zice str\uc1 \u259 ?inul. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul se cufund\uc1
\u259 ? o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere misterioas\uc1 \u259
?. \uc1 \u8222 ?Ai venit, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i spune apoi.
\uc1 \u8222 ?Da\uc1 \u8221 ?, zice moartea, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ?.
B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul \uc1 \u238 ?i zice hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Nu, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti visul meu r\uc1 \u259 ?mas la jum\uc1 \u259 ?
tate.\uc1 \u8221 ? Sufl\uc1 \u259 ? degrab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lum\uc1
\u226 ?narea din m\uc1 \u226 ?na str\uc1 \u259 ?inului \uc1 \u351 ?i totul se
cufund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
nul se v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? la loc \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul gol
\uc1 \u351 ?i se culc\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi mai tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pricepeam c\uc1 \u259 ? mie nu mi se va \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpla acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci, \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea asta, m\uc1
\u259 ? mai lovise o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara \uc1 \u238 ?n cap!
M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca o durere at\uc1 \u226 ?t de surd\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t mai sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?,
nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit, cum m\uc1 \u259 ? lovea \uc1 \u238 ?n cap. \uc1 \u350 ?i el,
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?limara, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
perea luminat\uc1 \u259 ? slab de lum\uc1 \u226 ?nare \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1
\u259 ? de-acum s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u351 ?tearg\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? se
piard\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cu toate acestea, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iam;
pricepeam asta dup\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a m\uc1 \u259 ? ag\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a de aceasta lume, de a fugi, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?rile pe care le s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?eau m\uc1 \u226
?inile \uc1 \u351 ?i bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele mele pentru a-mi ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra capul
\uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1
\u259 ?, la un moment dat, mi-am mu\uc1 \u351 ?cat, cred, \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura
m\uc1 \u226 ?inii \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? lovitura pe care mi-a mai tras-o o
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am luat
la b\uc1 \u259 ?taie dac\uc1 \u259 ? asta se poate numi b\uc1 \u259 ?taie. Era
foarte puternic \uc1 \u351 ?i totodat\uc1 \u259 ? foarte m\uc1 \u226 ?nios. M-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ntins pe spate. Mi-a ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat umerii cu genunchii, m-a \uc1
\u355 ?intuit la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a spus ceva cu
nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat\uc1 \u259 ? neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zare, mie, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?nului aflat pe moarte. Poate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l puteam pricepe
\uc1 \u351 ?i auzi, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l puteam privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii \uc1
\u238 ?nseta\uc1 \u355 ?i de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, m-a mai lovit o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
c\uc1 \u259 ?limara \uc1 \u238 ?n cap. Chipul, ochii, cre\uc1 \u351 ?tetul capului
i se \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? de cerneala care \uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nea din c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
cred c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele care \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nea din mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ultimul
lucru pe care urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe lume era fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
acestui om care m\uc1 \u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nea, \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit o lumin\uc1 \u259 ?
str\uc1 \u259 ?vezie, bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?. Lumina era la fel de pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de ademenitoare ca somnul despre care credeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? stavil\uc1 \u259 ? tuturor \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?rilor mele. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
ea se afla cineva. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, ca un copil:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Sunt Azrail, a zis. Eu sunt cel ce pune cap\uc1 \u259 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
toriei omului \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume. Eu sunt cel care-i desparte pe
copii de mamele lor, pe so\uc1 \u355 ?ii de so\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor, pe iubi\uc1 \u355
?i unul de altul, pe ta\uc1 \u355 ?i de fiicele lor. Nu e fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? pe lumea aceasta care s\uc1 \u259 ? nu dea ochii cu mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea era de neevitat, am
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Iar pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsul m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?
suf\uc1 \u259 ?r de sete din str\uc1 \u259 ?funduri. Exista, pe de o parte, durerea
care, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?ea, m\uc1
\u259 ? ame\uc1 \u355 ?ea cu totul, iar l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei era
aprig \uc1 \u351 ?i nemilos \uc1 \u8211 ? un l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238
?n care chipul \uc1 \u351 ?i ochii mei erau \uc1 \u238 ?neca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n s\uc1 \u226 ?nge. Exista, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1
\u351 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care graba \uc1 \u351 ?i cruzimea luau sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it, dar locul acela \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?rea str\uc1 \u259 ?
in \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor.
Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? lumea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor era lumea
luminat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? chema Azrail, m\uc1 \u259 ?
temeam de locul acela. Dar, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, pricepeam c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
voi mai putea ad\uc1 \u259 ?sta prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme pe lumea aceasta care
m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? perpelesc \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? urlu de durere, pricepeam c\uc1 \u259 ? pe acest t\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?m al suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei cr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene \uc1 \u351 ?i al caznei
nu mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese nici un ungher tihnit pentru mine. P\uc1
\u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? spre a putea r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne aici trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndur, tr\uc1 \u259 ?ind, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a aceea
crunt\uc1 \u259 ?, iar de un asemenea lucru nu mai eram \uc1 \u238 ?n stare, cu
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?ea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte chiar de a muri, mi-am
dorit eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi s\uc1 \u259 ? mor. Am priceput \uc1 \u238 ?n acea
clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? lucrul la care nu aflasem r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi trudisem
mintea toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul la \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebarea \uc1 \u8222 ?cum se face c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i oamenii izbutesc
s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? deosebire\uc1 \u8221 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luia \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? simpl\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am priceput
c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea m\uc1 \u259 ? va face mai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu toate acestea \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?, sufletul mi-era cuprins de nehot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea celui
care nu poate pleca \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lung\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
torie f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai arunca, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, o privire asupra
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii, lucrurilor, casei sale. Mi-am dorit, plin de
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te, de dor, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
fata. Mi-am dorit at\uc1 \u226 ?t de nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat acest lucru, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? voi mai putea s-o a\uc1 \u351 ?tept, o
vreme, str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd din din\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?
ndur\uc1 \u226 ?nd suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351
?i setea, care sporeau ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ? lumina aceea ucig\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1
\u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor mei a mai
p\uc1 \u259 ?lit pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, iar mintea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i-a deschis
por\uc1 \u355 ?ile c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sunetele \uc1 \u351 ?i zgomotele lumii \uc1
\u238 ?n care z\uc1 \u259 ?ceam pe moarte. Auzeam cum uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu umbla
prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, cum deschidea dulapul, cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi
r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ea h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile, cum cotrob\uc1
\u259 ?ia cu furie dup\uc1 \u259 ? ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, cum \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?ga nasul \uc1 \u238 ?n borcanele mele cu vopsele,
cum izbea cu piciorul \uc1 \u238 ?n cufere, \uc1 \u238 ?n cutii, \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u238 ?n suportul de carte. Am \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles de asemenea c\uc1 \u259 ?, din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, gemeam, c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?ri dezordonate, ciudate cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i cu picioarele
mele ostenite de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n. Am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Durerea nu-mi seca \uc1 \u238 ?n nici un chip \uc1
\u351 ?i mi se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea tot mai sete, nu mai izbuteam s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u355 ?in piept, de-acum, doar str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd din din\uc1 \u355 ?
i. Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, am mai a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat o vreme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Apoi mi-a trecut prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? venea
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, fata mea se putea petrece cu tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul de uciga\uc1
\u351 ?, dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226
?ndesc la a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva. Tocmai atunci am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ?
acesta ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea din odaie. G\uc1 \u259 ?sise, pesemne, ultima pictur\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-era peste
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de sete, dar cu toate astea, am mai a\uc1 \u351 ?
teptat. Haide, fata mea, frumoasa mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, vino!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-a venit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
mai puteam, de-acum, s\uc1 \u259 ? rabd durerea. Am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sting f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi mai
v\uc1 \u259 ?d fata. Lucrul acesta mi-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
dureros, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, mi-am dorit s\uc1
\u259 ? mor. Tocmai atunci, \uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u226 ?nga mea s-a ivit un chip pe
care nu-l mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i care mi-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ntins, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind cu bun\uc1 \u259 ?tate, un pahar cu ap\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uit\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
toate, m-am repezit la ap\uc1 \u259 ? cu l\uc1 \u259 ?comie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A tras paharul \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spune: \uc1 \u8222 ?Profetul Mahomed a min\uc1 \u355 ?
it!\uc1 \u8221 ? T\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te cele spuse de el!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era Diavolul. Nu i-am r\uc1
\u259 ?spuns \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
ntat de el. Cum n-am crezut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a picta \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a crede \uc1 \u238 ?n el, am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat cu n\uc1
\u259 ?dejde, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ita c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, la viitorul meu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?
i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a apropiat \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?
luit \uc1 \u238 ?n lumin\uc1 \u259 ? pe care-l v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem ceva mai \uc1
\u238 ?nainte, iar Diavolul a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut. 0 parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele
\uc1 \u351 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de lumin\uc1
\u259 ? care-l alungase pe Diavol era Azrail. Dar o alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, r\uc1
\u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?, a ei \uc1 \u238 ?mi reamintea c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea Apocalipsei scria c\uc1 \u259 ? Azrail este un \uc1
\u238 ?nger cu o mie de aripi, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntind de la R\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?rit la Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?it un \uc1 \u238 ?nger care \uc1 \u355 ?ine
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce mintea
mi se tulbura de-a binelea, \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul acela \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit
\uc1 \u238 ?n lumin\uc1 \u259 ? s-a apropiat de mine \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a zis, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ajute, cu o bl\uc1 \u226 ?
nde\uc1 \u355 ?e aidoma celei de care vorbea Gazali \uc1 \u238 ?n Perlele m\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?iei:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deschide
gura, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i ias\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Din gura mea nu va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i nimic altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
besmele36, i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
acesta era un ultim vicle\uc1 \u351 ?ug. Pricepusem c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
voi putea \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivi, c\uc1 \u259 ? de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?mi sosise vremea.
M-am ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sam
\uc1 \u238 ?n seama fetei mele, pe care nu aveam s-o mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, un trup \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat, slu\uc1 \u355 ?it,
vrednic de mil\uc1 \u259 ?. Am t\uc1 \u226 ?njit s\uc1 \u259 ? ies din lumea
aceasta ca dintr-un ve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt prea str\uc1 \u226 ?mt, care
m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226 ?ngea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
deschis gura \uc1 \u351 ?i totul s-a colorat \uc1 \u238 ?n mii de culori, ca
\uc1 \u238 ?n miniaturile care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
au C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toria \uc1 \u238 ?n Noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul c\uc1
\u259 ?reia Profetul Nostru s-a preumblat prin Rai \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost \uc1
\u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost poleit\uc1 \u259 ? din
bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? de aur. Din ochi mi s-a prelins o lacrim\uc1
\u259 ? de durere. Din r\uc1 \u259 ?runchi, din gur\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?
it o respira\uc1 \u355 ?ie greoaie \uc1 \u351 ?i totul s-a cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Acum puteam vedea cum sufletul meu se desprinde u\uc1 \u351 ?or de
trup, cum st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui Azrail. Sufletul
meu, de micimea unei albine, era \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit \uc1 \u238 ?n
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, din pricina tremurului care-l cuprinsese \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce-mi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sea trupul, se leg\uc1 \u259 ?na
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui ca mercurul. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mai eram cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la el, ci la lumea cu totul nou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n care p\uc1 \u259 ?trunsesem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?tea suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e, sufletul mi-a fost cuprins
de pace, iar faptul de a fi murit nu-mi provoca suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum m\uc1 \u259 ? temusem; dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, eram u\uc1 \u351 ?
urat \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam seama c\uc1 \u259 ? starea \uc1 \u238 ?n
care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea era ve\uc1 \u351 ?nic\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce starea de str\uc1 \u226 ?mtorare, de ap\uc1 \u259 ?
sare pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercasem pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd tr\uc1 \u259 ?iam era
trec\uc1 \u259 ?toare. De-acum, totul avea s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? astfel, vreme de secole \uc1 \u351 ?i secole, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi; nici nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam, nici nu eram fericit de aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare. \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?rile care se n\uc1
\u259 ?pustiser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva asupra mea, una dup\uc1 \u259 ? alta,
cu mare iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, erau \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate acum
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? fruntarii \uc1
\u351 ?i se desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urau \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
picturile mari, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntind pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n care miniaturistul zeflemitor zugr\uc1 \u259 ?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te
altceva \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare col\uc1 \u355 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? vreo
leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu restul, nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate lucruri se
petreceau acum \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ningea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t z\uc1
\u259 ?pada \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea prin v\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?mi intra \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi. Am p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it cu greu
prin gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de ierburi
putrede, de noroi, de crengi rupte, dar de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ?, am iu\uc1 \u355 ?it pasul.
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba\uc1 \u355 ?i la ce
m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc. C\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere
am \uc1 \u238 ?n Negru? S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun atunci deschis ceva!
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor ce anume
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc. Pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, c\uc1 \u259 ? mintea
\uc1 \u238 ?mi era cu totul r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dar, cu toate astea, un lucru \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de pe-acum: am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? ocup, ca de obicei, de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare, de copii, de tata, de alte
treburi \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme,
inima \uc1 \u238 ?mi va \uc1 \u351 ?opti de la sine, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ca
m\uc1 \u259 ?car s-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb, ce e bine \uc1 \u351 ?i ce nu. P\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ine la amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tiu cu cine m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ? vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc ceva chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu, dragii mei, l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?
i acum deoparte m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul acela uria\uc1 \u351 ? al lui Negru!
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i, o s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu
despre el. Ceea ce am de spus prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, de fapt, graba lui. Nu sunt eu
aceea care s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t la dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a trupeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mod v\uc1 \u259 ?dit ar fi a\uc1 \u351 ?a, tot nu conteaz\uc1
\u259 ? prea mult. Lucrul care m-a mirat este nes\uc1 \u259 ?buin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui.
A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-i trece prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ?,
speriindu-m\uc1 \u259 ?, m-ar putea pierde, c\uc1 \u259 ?, juc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cu
cinstea mea, mi-ar putea sl\uc1 \u259 ?bi interesul fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
el, ba chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? ar putea deschide calea unor \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i mai primejdioase. Din privirea lui trist\uc1
\u259 ? pricep pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1
\u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te. De ce nu poate a\uc1
\u351 ?tepta dou\uc1 \u259 ?sprezece zile, purt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se potrivit bunei
cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?e, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat doisprezece ani?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i,
m\uc1 \u259 ? simt \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit\uc1 \u259 ? de st\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ?cia aceea, de privirile lui triste \uc1 \u351 ?i nevinovate. Am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it asta de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, de fapt, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
sup\uc1 \u259 ?r cel mai dihai. \uc1 \u8222 ?Vai, bietul meu copil! Rostea o voce
din mine. E\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? suferi at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de mult \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de st\uc1 \u226 ?ngaci!\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi venea at\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ocrotesc, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, chiar de-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1
\u259 ?, tot m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut d\uc1 \u259 ?rui acelui r\uc1 \u259 ?
sf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 G\uc1
\u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? la bie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei copii, am iu\uc1 \u355 ?it
pasul. Tocmai atunci mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntunericul care se l\uc1 \u259 ?sase devreme, prin z\uc1 \u259 ?pada
deas\uc1 \u259 ?, venea c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mine un om, ca o stafie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
c\uc1 \u259 ? am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat capul \uc1 \u238 ?n jos \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am
strecurat mai departe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
intrat pe poart\uc1 \u259 ?, am priceput imediat c\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?
i copiii nu se \uc1 \u238 ?ntorseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. Bine,
nu se rostise chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Am urcat
sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile; casa mirosea a dulcea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de portocale;
tata era \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia lui, cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bezn\uc1 \u259
?; picioarele-mi erau reci ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am intrat cu lampa
\uc1 \u238 ?n odaia mea, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
dulapul \uc1 \u238 ?mi fusese deschis, c\uc1 \u259 ? pernele c\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? totul era r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n jur, drept care am dat vina pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351
?i pe Orhan. \uc1 \u206 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? domnea o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere neobi\uc1
\u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ?, care nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea ce se \uc1
\u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea de obicei. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a trecut
o clip\uc1 \u259 ? prin minte, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cam cu hainele de cas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? stau singur\uc1
\u259 ? pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? las
prad\uc1 \u259 ? vis\uc1 \u259 ?rii, de jos, chiar de sub mine nu din buc\uc1 \u259
?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, ci din camera de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? folosit\uc1 \u259 ? vara
\uc1 \u8211 ? s-a auzit un zgomot. Oare tata cobor\uc1 \u226 ?se acolo pe frigul
\uc1 \u259 ?sta? Dar, mi-am spus, nu-mi amintesc s\uc1 \u259 ? fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
acolo lumina vreunei l\uc1 \u259 ?mpi; de data asta am auzit sc\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?itul u\uc1 \u351 ?ii care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea spre curtea
pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a intr\uc1 \u259 ?rii. Apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
de dincolo de poart\uc1 \u259 ? s-au pornit l\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u259 ?turile f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? noim\uc1 \u259 ?, vestitoare de r\uc1 \u259 ?u ale
nenoroci\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini, m-am nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye! Am strigat. \uc1 \u350 ?evket, Orhan.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi era frig. Mi-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? tata
are mangalul aprins \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ? stau cu el,
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzesc mintea nu-mi mai era
de-acum la Negru, ci la copii \uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am dus
la el. Eram cu lampa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce traversam holul, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebam dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pun ap\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit, pentru ciorba de chefal, pe mangalul de jos. Am intrat \uc1
\u238 ?n camera cu u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?; totul era
vrai\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i tocmai eram pe punctul de a m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntreba, g\uc1 \u226 ?nditoare, ce-o mai fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i
tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Apoi l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut acolo, pe jos.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am scos un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t de groaz\uc1 \u259
?. Am mai strigat o dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
m\uc1 \u259 ? la trupul mort al tatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Uita\uc1 \u355 ?i ce este, dup\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? rece, \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, de fapt, de
mult ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i tot,
\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate lucruri. Acum sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i
curio\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? afla\uc1 \u355 ?i cum m-am comportat, ce am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it eu \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a celor v\uc1 \u259 ?zute.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?te uneori c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ve\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui\uc1 \u355 ?i suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a eroinei din
imagine, cum de a ajuns povestea \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment dureros, apoi, \uc1
\u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ceea ce am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut eu, ve\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
da\uc1 \u355 ?i seama ce a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi sim\uc1 \u355 ?it dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259
? dac\uc1 \u259 ? v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi aflat acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul meu, dac\uc1
\u259 ? v-ar fi fost ucis tat\uc1 \u259 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip; v\uc1 \u259 ?
ve\uc1 \u355 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?dui s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i cu delectare
tocmai asemenea lucruri, iar nu durerea mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Bine. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ? seara; cineva \uc1 \u238 ?l ucisese
pe tata. Da, mi-am smuls p\uc1 \u259 ?rul din cap. Da, l-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns
\uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am adulmecat
mirosul. Da, am tremurat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung de team\uc1 \u259 ?, de durere, de
singur\uc1 \u259 ?tate, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am pierdut r\uc1 \u259 ?suflarea. Da, cum
nu-mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ? cred ce vedeam, l-am implorat pe Dumnezeu ca tata
s\uc1 \u259 ? se scoale, s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?eze din nou, t\uc1 \u259 ?
cut, \uc1 \u238 ?n ungherul lui, printre c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile lui
dintotdeauna. Scoal\uc1 \u259 ?-te, tat\uc1 \u259 ?! Scoal\uc1 \u259 ?-te, nu muri,
haide, tat\uc1 \u259 ?, ridic\uc1 \u259 ?-te, tat\uc1 \u259 ?! Dar capul lui
n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?it de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge era f\uc1 \u259 ?cut zob. Nu m-a
speriat at\uc1 \u226 ?t faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
rupte h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?ele, borcanele cu vopsele \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u238 ?i fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?mate \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiate, c\uc1 \u259
? un mindir, suporturile de carte \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?bliile de scris
fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cute praf cu s\uc1 \u259 ?lb\uc1 \u259 ?ticie \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? totul era r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it, nu m-a
speriat at\uc1 \u226 ?t m\uc1 \u226 ?nia care-l ucisese pe tata, c\uc1 \u226 ?t
sc\uc1 \u226 ?rba care pustiise totul \uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip. Nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ngeam \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?. Auzeam, \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce pe strada al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259 ? treceau, r\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbind \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, doi b\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?i, t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a
lumii \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi \uc1 \u351 ?tergeam cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile lacrimile de pe
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nasul. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelung la copii, la via\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am ascultat t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. Am rupt-o la fug\uc1 \u259 ?. L-am
apucat pe tata de picioare \uc1 \u351 ?i, tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd de el
\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-1, l-am scos \uc1 \u238 ?n hol. Acolo,
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce, trupul i s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ceva mai greu, dar n-am
luat seama la asta \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-l cobor pe
scar\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum pe la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea ei m-au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat puterile,
m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226
?ng, dar am auzit un zgomot \uc1 \u351 ?i, crez\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? vin
Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii, l-am apucat iar de picioare \uc1 \u351 ?i, v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-le la subsuoar\uc1 \u259 ?, am continuat s\uc1 \u259 ?
cobor, de data asta mai repede. Capul dragului meu tat\uc1 \u259 ? era at\uc1 \u226
?t de f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mat, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?
it de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori se izbea
de trepte, scotea un sunet ca de c\uc1 \u226 ?rp\uc1 \u259 ? ud\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i stoars\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricum, odat\uc1 \u259 ? ajuns\uc1 \u259 ? jos, i-
am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors trupul, care se f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse mai u\uc1 \u351 ?or, \uc1
\u351 ?i, tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l prin partea pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? a
cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii, am trecut pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? grajd \uc1 \u351 ?i am
p\uc1 \u259 ?truns, cu o opintire, \uc1 \u238 ?n camera de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
folosit\uc1 \u259 ? vara. Am alergat la soba din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie,
s\uc1 \u259 ? aprind o lum\uc1 \u226 ?nare \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ?d ce se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n camera cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntuneric. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, la
lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, cum fusese nimicit\uc1 \u259 ? odaia de pictur\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care-l dusesem pe tata \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru o clip\uc1 \u259
?, am amu\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine e,
Doamne, care dintre ei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mintea
\uc1 \u238 ?mi lucra cu repeziciune; f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam la iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1
\u259 ? tot felul de socoteli. L-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat pe tata \uc1 \u238 ?n camera
r\uc1 \u259 ?scolit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis bine u\uc1 \u351
?a.
Am luat o g\uc1 \u259 ?leat\uc1 \u259 ? din buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, am
scos ap\uc1 \u259 ? din pu\uc1 \u355 ?, am umplut-o, am urcat, am aprins lampa \uc1
\u351 ?i, la lumina ei, am \uc1 \u351 ?ters s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele din hol, apoi sc\uc1
\u259 ?rile. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut toate astea cu mare grab\uc1 \u259 ?. Am urcat la
mine \uc1 \u238 ?n odaie, mi-am scos hainele m\uc1 \u226 ?njite de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu altele, curate. Tocmai eram pe
cale s\uc1 \u259 ? urc \uc1 \u238 ?n camera tatei, cu g\uc1 \u259 ?leata \uc1 \u351
?i c\uc1 \u226 ?rpa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am
auzit poarta deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se. In aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se aud\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i chemarea la
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-am adunat toate puterile \uc1 \u351 ?
i i-am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, \uc1 \u238 ?n capul sc\uc1 \u259 ?rii, cu lampa \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, am venit, a zis Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Hayriye! Unde a\uc1 \u355 ?i stat? Am strigat din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, dar
parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?opteam, nu \uc1 \u355 ?ipam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dar, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, n-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat peste
chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?! A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Taci! Bunicul e bolnav,
doarme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E bolnav? A zis Hayriye de jos;
dar a sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, dup\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea mea, c\uc1 \u259 ? eram
furioas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, l-am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat
pe Kosta. Iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a venit chefalul, am cules frunze de dafin, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a pierde deloc vremea, \uc1 \u351 ?i le-am luat copiilor
smochine \uc1 \u351 ?i coarne uscate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ? cobor \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o cert pe Hayriye \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?, dar m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce coboram, lampa din m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
lumineze treptele umede \uc1 \u351 ?i pic\uc1 \u259 ?turile de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge pe
care nu apucasem \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u351 ?terg, \uc1
\u238 ?n prip\uc1 \u259 ?. Copiii au urcat scara trop\uc1 \u259 ?ind \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i-au scos \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u351 ?t! Le-am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-i \uc1 \u238 ?mpingeam st\uc1 \u259 ?
ruitor spre camera noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Bunicul doarme, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? duce\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n partea aia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ? duc la mangalul din camera cu u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1
\u259 ?, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n camera bunicului.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bunicul a adormit acolo, i-am zis \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?iau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ? nu dea \uc1 \u351 ?i peste voi ginnii care au intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
bunicul \uc1 \u351 ?i l-au \uc1 \u238 ?mboln\uc1 \u259 ?vit, am zis. Hai, intra\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n camera voastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 I-am luat pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i i-am v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia noastr\uc1 \u259 ?
cea \uc1 \u238 ?n care dormeam str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem, spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi ce a\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe
str\uc1 \u259 ?zi p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la ora asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe cer\uc1 \u351 ?etorii arabi, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Aveau \uc1 \u351 ?i
steaguri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe pov\uc1 \u226 ?
rni\uc1 \u351 ?. I-au dat o l\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ie lui Hayriye. Hayriye le-a
dat bani. Erau plini de z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? pe haine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Altceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, oamenii tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau cu s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1
\u355 ?i la \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ninsoarea asta? Am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, mie mi-e frig, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. M\uc1 \u259 ? duc \uc1
\u238 ?n camera cu u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu ie\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i din camera asta! Am zis. Altfel,
muri\uc1 \u355 ?i! V\uc1 \u259 ? aduc acum mangalul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? murim? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
povestesc ceva, am zis. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spune\uc1 \u355 ?i nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui,
a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-
au promis s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spun\uc1 \u259 ? nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce voi era\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
strad\uc1 \u259 ?, a venit aici un om alb ca z\uc1 \u259 ?pada \uc1 \u351 ?i palid
ca moartea, dintr-o \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ? aflat\uc1 \u259 ? foarte departe,
\uc1 \u351 ?i a vorbit cu bunicul. Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? era un ginn.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat de unde a venit ginnul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt mal
al r\uc1 \u226 ?ului, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De acolo
unde e plecat tata? A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da,
de acolo, am zis. Ginnul a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la picturile din c\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile bunicului. Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tosul
care prive\uc1 \u351 ?te acele picturi moare pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uita\uc1 \u355 ?i, eu m\uc1
\u259 ? duc jos, la Hayriye, am zis. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc aici \uc1 \u351 ?i
mangalul, \uc1 \u351 ?i farfuria cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare. B\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u355 ?
i de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spune\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1
\u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i din camera asta, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?
muri\uc1 \u355 ?i! Ginnul se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, nu pleca! A zis Orhan. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1 \u350 ?evket:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
E\uc1 \u351 ?ti r\uc1 \u259 ?spunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor de fratele t\uc1 \u259 ?u! I-am
zis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?
ginnul peste voi, v\uc1 \u259 ? omor!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am luat figura \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare pe care
o am \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a le trage o palm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Acum ruga\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? ca bunicul, care e bolnav, s\uc1
\u259 ? nu moar\uc1 \u259 ?! Dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i buni, Dumnezeu o
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? asculte rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile. \uc1 \u350 ?i n-o s\uc1
\u259 ? se ating\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni de voi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se roage, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? tragere de inim\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ceea ce
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau. Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cineva a r\uc1 \u259 ?sturnat dulcea\uc1 \u355 ?a de portocale, a zis Hayriye.
S\uc1 \u259 ? zici c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost pisica, n-are at\uc1 \u226 ?ta putere, iar
c\uc1 \u226 ?inii nu intr\uc1 \u259 ? aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut groaza de pe chipul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a
oprit:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce e? A zis. Ce s-a \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat? E ceva cu domnul, cu tat\uc1 \u259 ?l dumitale?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A murit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A scos un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t. A aruncat din m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? cu\uc1 \u355 ?itul \uc1 \u351 ?i ceapa, izbindu-le de toc\uc1 \u259 ?
tor cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta putere, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t chefalul pe care tocmai
\uc1 \u238 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?iase a s\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?n aer. A mai scos un
\uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ? am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele cu
care era m\uc1 \u226 ?njit\uc1 \u259 ? pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? nu curgea din chefal, ci din ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?torul pe care
\uc1 \u351 ?i-l crestase c\uc1 \u226 ?nd scosese primul \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?
t. Am alergat sus \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce c\uc1 \u259 ?utam o
bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n camera din fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? din odaia copiilor se auzeau
g\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?gie \uc1 \u351 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ?te. Am intrat \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? bucata de p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? pe care tocmai o
rupsesem; \uc1 \u350 ?evket se urcase c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe Orhan \uc1 \u351 ?i,
st\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu genunchii pe umerii lui, \uc1 \u238 ?l str\uc1 \u226 ?ngea de
g\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce face\uc1 \u355 ?
i?! Am strigat din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orhan era gata s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ?
din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Minte! A zis Orhan. \uc1 \u350 ?evket deschisese u\uc1 \u351 ?a
\uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ias\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu face\uc1
\u355 ?i lini\uc1 \u351 ?te, v\uc1 \u259 ? omor pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, nu pleca! A zis Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Jos, i-am oblojit degetul lui Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am oprit
s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? tata nu murise de
moarte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a speriat \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a rugat lui Dumnezeu s\uc1
\u259 ? ne apere; a pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la degetul t\uc1
\u259 ?iat. Oare \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea pe tata tot at\uc1 \u226 ?t pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea, frec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat la ochi, ori pl\uc1
\u226 ?ngea tot at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea? A
vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? urce s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu e sus, i-am zis. E \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia din spate.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a uitat la mine, b\uc1 \u259 ?nuitoare. Dar c\uc1 \u226
?nd a priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? duc s\uc1 \u259 ?-l privesc iar, nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a putut \uc1 \u238 ?
nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nge curiozitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a tr\uc1
\u259 ?i spaima. A luat lampa \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a dus. Din locul unde m\uc1 \u259 ?
aflam, la intrarea \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, am v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut-o f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd trei-patru pa\uc1 \u351 ?i prin curtea
pietruit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mping\uc1 \u226 ?nd u\uc1 \u351 ?a bini\uc1 \u351
?or, cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire, \uc1 \u351 ?i
uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
perea vrai\uc1 \u351 ?te. Cum, la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, nu izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe tata, s-a str\uc1 \u259 ?duit s\uc1 \u259 ? ridice lampa mai sus
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? lumineze codoanele \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aah! A strigat apoi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse acolo unde \uc1 \u238 ?l
l\uc1 \u259 ?sasem, chiar l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. S-
a uitat la el f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se mi\uc1 \u351 ?te din loc.
Umbra ei nu se clintea defel pe pardoseala antreului \uc1 \u351 ?i pe zidul
grajdului. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce se holba la el, mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit, la
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul meu, ce putea s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ngea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors. M-am bucurat s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ?d ca era \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe
ea ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?re bine, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher
al min\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ceea ce aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Acum ascult\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, Hayriye! I-am zis \uc1 \u351 ?
i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce vorbeam, fluturam prin aer cu\uc1 \u355 ?itul plin de
resturi de pe\uc1 \u351 ?te, pe care m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea \uc1 \u238 ?l apucase
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? voie. \uc1 \u350 ?i catul de sus a fost r\uc1 \u259 ?
scolit; nenorocitul, diavolul a intrat \uc1 \u351 ?i acolo, a spart \uc1 \u351 ?i a
v\uc1 \u259 ?rsat totul, a pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit fiece col\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?or. Acolo i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mat tatei capul \uc1 \u351 ?i
chipul, acolo l-a ucis. Pe tata l-am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t eu, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l
vad\uc1 \u259 ? copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai ales, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te sperii tu. Eu
am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a\uc1 \u355 ?i plecat voi. Tata era singur
acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam,
mi-a zis cu obr\uc1 \u259 ?znicie. Unde ai fost?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in; am vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? bage bine
de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? tac. Apoi am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Eram cu Negru. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit cu el \uc1 \u238 ?
n casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? nu spui nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui.
Deocamdat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu spune nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui nici c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost
omor\uc1 \u226 ?t tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine l-a
omor\uc1 \u226 ?t?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era oare cu adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat proast\uc1 \u259 ?, sau se purta a\uc1 \u351 ?a ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? la str\uc1 \u226 ?mtoare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti, n-a\uc1 \u351 ? ascunde
nici c\uc1 \u259 ? a murit, am zis. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De unde s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tiu eu? A zis. Ce-o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne facem acum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te por\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nu s-ar
fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat nimic, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ? urlu \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng, dar m-am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit. Am\uc1 \u226 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ? am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut o vreme, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Mult mai t\uc1
\u226 ?rziu, i-am spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Las\uc1 \u259 ? acum pe\uc1 \u351 ?tele. Pune-le imediat masa copiilor. C\uc1 \u226
?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? se vaite, am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o
\uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. 0 clip\uc1
\u259 ?, am iubit-o; mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mil\uc1 \u259 ? nu numai de mine, de
copii, ci de noi to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351
?am, \uc1 \u238 ?n mine se n\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiala,
a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?
nchipuire. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i unde eram c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost ucis
tata. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?
rtat de acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i pe copii, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? am
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut asta cu alt g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au potrivit tot felul
de lucruri. Dar oare \uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1 \u351 ?i Hayriye? Pricepe oare pe
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce-i povestesc? Va pricepe oare? Va pricepe, dar va fi
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
str\uc1 \u226 ?ns. Dar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
\uc1 \u238 ?nchipui c\uc1 \u259 ? se va g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, cu mintea ei de
roab\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam asta ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ascund
vicle\uc1 \u351 ?ugul, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? voiam s-o p\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?lesc. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce tata era ucis, eu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneam cu Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam dragoste cu el.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi nutrit acest g\uc1 \u226 ?nd doar Hayriye, n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
avut un asemenea sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de vinov\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i la fel. Ba chiar, m\uc1
\u259 ?rturisi\uc1 \u355 ?i-o, crede\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? v-am t\uc1 \u259 ?
inuit c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva! C\uc1 \u226 ?t sunt de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?! C\uc1 \u226 ?t sunt de nefericit\uc1 \u259 ?! C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1
\u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng, a pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u351 ?i
Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i iar ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?at. La masa pe care am a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut-o \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia de sus, m-
am pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc cu poft\uc1 \u259
?. Din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam, zic\uc1
\u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?am grij\uc1 \u259 ? de bunicul\uc1
\u8221 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-am a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n pat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mas\uc1 \u259 ?, copiii s-au \uc1 \u238 ?
nghesuit \uc1 \u351 ?i s-au lipit zdrav\uc1 \u259 ?n de mine, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
erau peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de agita\uc1 \u355 ?i, S-au foit vreme \uc1
\u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?, neput\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ?
de frica ginnilor \uc1 \u351 ?i spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu: \uc1 \u8222 ?Se aude un
zgomot, l-ai auzit?\uc1 \u8221 ? Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se lini\uc1 \u351 ?teasc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? adormi, le-am promis c\uc1
\u259 ? le spun o poveste de dragoste. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?,
pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, cuvintele prind aripi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i
cu nimeni, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ? acum, am
zis. A fost odat\uc1 \u259 ? un prin\uc1 \u355 ? care s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259
?gostit de departe de o preafrumoas\uc1 \u259 ? fat\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum de s-a
putut \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla una ca asta? Deoarece a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
dinainte portretul preafrumoasei fete, de aceea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u238 ?n vremurile de nefericire \uc1
\u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, le-am spus povestea nu ca pe ceva \uc1 \u351 ?tiut
dinainte, ci ca pe ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?ilat pe loc, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi venea la gur\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum potriveam cuvintele \uc1 \u238 ?n
culorile propriilor sentimente, \uc1 \u238 ?n culorile amintirilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?elor mele, ceea ce povesteam era ca un fel de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
trist\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?ea ceea ce mi se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
au adormit am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul
cald \uc1 \u351 ?i am adunat lucrurile pe care le r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?ise diavolul acela resping\uc1 \u259 ?tor. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce luam la
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ?, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd,
cuferele, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, p\uc1 \u226 ?nzele f\uc1 \u259 ?cute praf,
ce\uc1 \u351 ?tile, str\uc1 \u259 ?chinile, c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?rile
azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlite pe jos \uc1 \u351 ?i preschimbate-n cioburi, suportul de carte
\uc1 \u351 ?i borcanele cu vopsele f\uc1 \u259 ?cute \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?nd\uc1
\u259 ?ri, h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile, paginile rupte \uc1 \u351 ?i azv\uc1 \u226 ?
rlite \uc1 \u238 ?n sil\uc1 \u259 ?, ne l\uc1 \u259 ?sam, la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri,
ba una, ba alta, treburile \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam. Mai mult dec\uc1
\u226 ?t moartea tatei ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista parc\uc1 \u259 ? dev\uc1 \u259 ?
lm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perilor, a lucrurilor,
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva putuse p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta s\uc1
\u259 ?lb\uc1 \u259 ?ticie \uc1 \u238 ?n intimitatea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Pot
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun, din proprie constatare, c\uc1 \u259 ? una din
\uc1 \u238 ?nclina\uc1 \u355 ?iile celor c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le-a pierit cineva drag
este s\uc1 \u259 ? afle m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iere \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259
?dania ca tot ceea ce r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne de pe urma lui s\uc1 \u259 ? se
p\uc1 \u259 ?streze ca mai-nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?
tori \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? perdelele, \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitorile, lumina
soarelui arat\uc1 \u259 ? la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna, s\uc1 \u259 ?
pun\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, din vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme,
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Azrail l-a luat \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a dus cu el demult pe cel
iubit. Ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? acea cas\uc1 \u259 ? de care tata se \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijise cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare \uc1 \u351 ?i dragoste, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
u\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i unghere le pictase cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta ging\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie, fusese nimicit\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
cru\uc1 \u355 ?are nu ne l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? o astfel de
m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iere ori am\uc1 \u259 ?gire; ne \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cruzimea fiin\uc1 \u355 ?ei
diavole\uc1 \u351 ?ti care s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ise aceast\uc1
\u259 ? fapt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am scos, la dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, ap\uc1 \u259 ? proasp\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? din pu\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
ablu\uc1 \u355 ?iunea, am citit din Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran care fusese
z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit la Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i la care tata \uc1 \u355 ?inea cel mai
mult sura numit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?Neamul lui Imran\uc1 \u8221 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?posatul meu tat\uc1 \u259 ? spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1
\u259 ?cea nespus, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci vorbea, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, despre speran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i moarte \uc1 \u8211 ? timp \uc1 \u238 ?n care ne-
am dat seama am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuite de team\uc1
\u259 ? cum eram, c\uc1 \u259 ? se auzea sc\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?
itul por\uc1 \u355 ?ii; mai apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, zgomotul a \uc1
\u238 ?ncetat. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, la miez de
noapte, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am cercetat z\uc1 \u259 ?vorul de la u\uc1 \u351 ?a
dinspre curte \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am pus \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul ei, ghiveciul cu busuioc pe care tata \uc1 \u238 ?l
uda, \uc1 \u238 ?n dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ile de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
ap\uc1 \u259 ? scoas\uc1 \u259 ? de el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i din pu\uc1
\u355 ?, am avut, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? umbrele noastre,
alungite de lampa pe care o purtam, erau umbrele altora. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce
sp\uc1 \u259 ?lam chipul plin de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge al tatei, mai cu seam\uc1
\u259 ?, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea
altceva de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? resemnez
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i venise sorocul, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-i
schimbam ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele d\uc1 \u259 ?-mi m\uc1 \u226 ?neca pe dedesubt, \uc1
\u238 ?mi \uc1 \u351 ?optise Hayriye \uc1 \u8211 ? am fost cuprinse am\uc1 \u226 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ? de un fel de groaz\uc1 \u259 ?, care ne-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259
?luit sufletele ca o rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceea ce ne-a trezit uimirea \uc1 \u351 ?i descump\uc1
\u259 ?nirea pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i scoteam tatei ve\uc1 \u351 ?
mintele \uc1 \u351 ?i ruf\uc1 \u259 ?ria mustind de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge a fost
culoarea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, albicioas\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care o dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndea trupul lui la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii,
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Niciuna dintre noi nu se sfia s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?
z\uc1 \u259 ?boveasc\uc1 \u259 ? asupra trupului gol, plin de aluni\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i de r\uc1 \u259 ?ni care odihnea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Hayriye s-a dus sus, s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc\uc1
\u259 ? schimburi curate \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de m\uc1
\u259 ?tase verde, nu m-am putut opri s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? uit o clip\uc1
\u259 ? la \uc1 \u8222 ?locul acela\uc1 \u8221 ? de pe trupul bietului meu p\uc1
\u259 ?rinte, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat foarte tare de ceea ce f\uc1
\u259 ?ceam. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-am primenit, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-am cur\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele
de pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t, de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, din p\uc1 \u259 ?r, l-am
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? puterea
de care eram \uc1 \u238 ?n stare, mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat nasul \uc1 \u238 ?n
barba lui, l-am mirosit pe s\uc1 \u259 ?turate \uc1 \u351 ?i am pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Celor ce m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ire, ba chiar vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?, am s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? am mai pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri: 1. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce aranjam
odaia de sus, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t copiii s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i poat\uc1 \u259 ? da seama de cele \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mplate, am dus la ureche, potrivit unui obicei r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? din vremea copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei, o scoic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? vuietul m\uc1 \u259 ?rii se \uc1 \u238 ?mpu\uc1 \u355
?inase mult \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?u\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei. 2. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1
\u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese f\uc1 \u259 ?cut praf mindirul de catifea ro\uc1
\u351 ?ie, care devenise de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme totuna cu \uc1 \u351 ?ezutul
tatei, deoarece st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse mereu pe el \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii dou\uc1
\u259 ?zeci de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd tot
ceea ce se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, dincolo de pagubele de ne\uc1
\u238 ?nlocuit, a fost readus la vechea stare, am refuzat cu necru\uc1 \u355 ?are
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Hayriye de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i pune peste noapte a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternutul \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia noastr\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu intre copiii la b\uc1 \u259 ?nuial\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, de
fapt, spuneam asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n singur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ei \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o pedepsesc. M-am v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1 \u351 ?i n-am putut dormi
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. Nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam la
latura \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare a celor \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplate, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? meditam la cele care mi s-ar mai fi
putut \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ? aflam pe caftanul lui Firdevsi poetul care a scris Cartea \uc1
\u351 ?ahilor c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta, sosit la Ghazna \uc1 \u351 ?i umilit de
poe\uc1 \u355 ?ii din seraiul \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Mahmud pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? era
provincial, a rostit pe loc ultimul vers al unui catren cu o rim\uc1 \u259 ? foarte
anevoioas\uc1 \u259 ?, cerut\uc1 \u259 ? de primele trei versuri catren pe care
nimeni nu izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ?-l des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
easc\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? aflam pe tolba lui Rustem, legendarul erou din
Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta colinda prin \uc1 \u355 ?
inuturi \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtate pe urmele calului s\uc1 \u259 ?u pierdut,
m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele care curgea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-
a despicat \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ?, cu sabia sa miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
vestitul uria\uc1 \u351 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n cutele pl\uc1 \u259 ?pumii, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i petrecea noaptea iubindu-se cu frumoasa fiic\uc1 \u259 ?
a \uc1 \u351 ?ahului al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui oaspete era. M\uc1 \u259 ? aflam \uc1
\u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu pretutindeni. Eram acolo c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Tur i-a
retezat mi\uc1 \u351 ?ele\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?na fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u Irec, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd armate
legendare, de vis, se \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntau prin stepe \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele lui Alexandru, care \uc1 \u351 ?iroia f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
contenire din nasul lui frumos, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci fusese v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
mat de soare, lucea orbitor \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina acestuia. M\uc1 \u259 ? aflam pe
ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele frumoasei femei pe la care se ab\uc1 \u259 ?tea mar\uc1 \u355
?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i de care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostise, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
portret, \uc1 \u351 ?ahul sassanid Behram Gur care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
petrecea fiecare noapte a s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nii sub o
cupol\uc1 \u259 ? de o alt\uc1 \u259 ? culoare, cu o frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? de loc de
pe alt meleag, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd povestea spus\uc1 \u259 ? de ea \uc1 \u8211 ?
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i pe toate ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev cel de
care s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit \uc1 \u350 ?irin, privindu-i chipul \uc1
\u8211 ? de la coroan\uc1 \u259 ? la caftan. Eram pe steagurile o\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
care \uc1 \u238 ?mpresurau cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe fe\uc1 \u355 ?ele
meselor de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare, pe caftanele de catifea ale solilor
care s\uc1 \u259 ?rutau picioarele padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, pretutindeni unde erau
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vite s\uc1 \u259 ?bii dup\uc1 \u259 ? ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror istorii
se d\uc1 \u259 ?deau \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt copiii. Am fost a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternut de pensulele delicate ale mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, sub
privirile ucenicilor cu ochi minuna\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii groase de
India \uc1 \u351 ?i de Buhara, \uc1 \u351 ?i am pus \uc1 \u238 ?n lumin\uc1 \u259 ?
covoarele de U\uc1 \u351 ?ak, decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile de pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i,
c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile purtate de femeile frumoase care priveau,
cu capul plecat, strada prin ferestrele \uc1 \u238 ?ntredeschise, crestele coco\uc1
\u351 ?ilor care s\uc1 \u259 ?reau la b\uc1 \u259 ?taie, fructele de basm \uc1
\u351 ?i rodiile din \uc1 \u355 ?inuturi legendare, gura Diavolului, linia
sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire din\uc1 \u259 ?untrul chenarului, lucr\uc1 \u259 ?tura \uc1
\u238 ?ntortocheat\uc1 \u259 ? a corturilor, florile abia vizibile cu ochiul liber
pictate de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti pentru propria pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, ochii
vi\uc1 \u351 ?inii ai figurinelor de p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?ugite din zah\uc1 \u259 ?r, ciorapii ciobanilor, aurorele inspirate
din pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, trupurile \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?nile a mii, a zeci de
mii de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinici, de \uc1 \u351 ?ahi, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1
\u238 ?n scenele de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele \uc1
\u238 ?nflore\uc1 \u351 ?te precum florile, pe caftanul celui mai iscusit poet \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce feciori \uc1 \u351 ?i stihuitori chipe\uc1 \u351 ?i beau vin,
lungi\uc1 \u355 ?i pe paji\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u351 ?i ascult\uc1 \u259 ?
muzic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? pe aripile \uc1 \u238 ?ngerilor, pe buzele
femeilor, pe r\uc1 \u259 ?nile mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i pe capetele
t\uc1 \u259 ?iate care \uc1 \u238 ?noat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u226 ?
nge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langfenp1048 Aud ce anume \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba\uc1 \u355 ?i: ce \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fii aceast\uc1 \u259 ? culoare?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Culoarea este m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ierea ochiului,
muzica surzilor un cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Deoarece
am ascultat, vreme de zeci de mii de ani, spusele sufletelor ca pe un vuiet de
v\uc1 \u226 ?nt trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd din carte \uc1 \u238 ?n carte \uc1 \u351 ?i din
lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n lucru, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ?
atingerea mea seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu atingerea \uc1 \u238 ?ngerilor. 0
parte din mine gr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te aici ochilor dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ?; aceasta este partea mea \uc1 \u238 ?mpov\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?toare. 0
alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte prinde \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? aripi \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?nal\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la cer, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu privirile
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?; aceasta este partea mea sprin\uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t sunt de fericit
s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u! Sunt plin de patim\uc1 \u259 ?; sunt
puternic; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost observat; dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ? pute\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?mpotrivi mie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
ascund: pentru mine, fine\uc1 \u355 ?ea nu se dob\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te prin
sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciune ori for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ci prin hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? las \uc1
\u238 ?n voia privirilor. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? sperie alte culori, umbrele, \uc1
\u238 ?nghesuiala ori chiar singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de pl\uc1 \u259
?cut \uc1 \u238 ?mi este s\uc1 \u259 ? acop\uc1 \u259 ?r, cu vioiciunea mea
biruitoare, o suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
teapt\uc1 \u259 ?! Unde m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?f\uc1 \u259 ?i eu, ochii str\uc1
\u259 ?lucesc, se aprind pasiunile, se ridic\uc1 \u259 ? spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele,
iar inimile bat mai repede. Privi\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?: ce \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor este s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti! Urm\uc1
\u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?: ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut este s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi!
A tr\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a vedea. M\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1
\u259 ?t pretutindeni. Via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i
totul se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce la mine, crede\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum t\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
afla\uc1 \u355 ?i cum de am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu eu un Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u at\uc1
\u226 ?t de miraculos. Maestrul miniaturist care se pricepea la vopsele a m\uc1
\u259 ?cinat st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor, \uc1 \u238 ?n piuli\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
propria-i m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u226 ?z uscat, care
venea din cel mai c\uc1 \u259 ?lduros \uc1 \u355 ?inut al Indiei, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-
l preschimbe \uc1 \u238 ?n pulbere; a preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit cinci drahme din
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pulbere, o drahm\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u259 ?punari\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u351 ?i o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de drahm\uc1 \u259 ? de lotrit. A pus \uc1
\u238 ?n crati\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? trei ocale de ap\uc1 \u259 ?, a aruncat \uc1
\u238 ?n ea s\uc1 \u259 ?punari\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i a fiert totul. A pus
apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n ap\uc1 \u259 ? lotritul \uc1 \u351 ?i a amestecat bine. Le-a
fiert at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?i trebuia ca s\uc1 \u259 ? bea o
cafea bun\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce el \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i bea
cafeaua, eu ardeam de ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, asemenea unui copil pe cale s\uc1 \u259
? se nasc\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd cafeaua i-a destupat mintea \uc1 \u351 ?i i-
a ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it privirea, a zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit \uc1 \u238 ?n crati\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? praful ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a amestecat bine, cu
unul din be\uc1 \u355 ?ele acelea sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri \uc1 \u351 ?i curate de care
se folosea pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicire. Acum eram pe cale
s\uc1 \u259 ? devin un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, dar t\uc1 \u259 ?ria
mea este \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ?; trebuie ca apa s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fiarb\uc1 \u259 ? zadarnic,
dar, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i fiarb\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1
\u355 ?in. A luat un pic de ap\uc1 \u259 ? cu v\uc1 \u226 ?rful b\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntins-o pe unghia
degetului mare (n-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe unghiile celorlalte
degete!). 0, ce minunat este s\uc1 \u259 ? fii Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u! I-am colorat unghia
\uc1 \u238 ?n ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, dar nu m-am prelins c\uc1 \u259 ?tre marginea ei,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se petrece cu apa; t\uc1 \u259 ?ria mea era cea potrivit\uc1
\u259 ?, dar aveam oarece grunzi. A dat jos crati\uc1 \u355 ?a de pe sob\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a strecurat, trec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? printr-o
p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? foarte curat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?
am devenit \uc1 \u351 ?i mai pur. Apoi m-a pus iar pe foc, m-a mai dat de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori \uc1 \u238 ?n clocot, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fac spum\uc1 \u259 ?,
mi-a pus pu\uc1 \u355 ?in alaun m\uc1 \u259 ?cinat \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?
sat la r\uc1 \u259 ?cit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au trecut
c\uc1 \u226 ?teva zile, timp \uc1 \u238 ?n care am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas acolo, \uc1
\u238 ?n crati\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai fi
amestecat cu nimic. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi doream s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?f\uc1 \u259 ?i pe toate paginile, pretutindeni, peste
tot, m\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u259 ?ra faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?boveam
astfel. \uc1 \u206 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259
?cere, am cugetat la ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fii
Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Odat\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ora\uc1 \u351 ? persan, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce eram \uc1 \u238 ?
ntins de pensula unui ucenic pe decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitorii
de \uc1 \u351 ?a dintr-o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?i\uc1 \u351 ?a un cal desenat din memorie de un miniaturist orb, am auzit cum se
ciorov\uc1 \u259 ?iau doi mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti orbi:}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ?
noi, cei care am orbit \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
am trudit cu dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de-a lungul \uc1
\u238 ?ntregii noastre vie\uc1 \u355 ?i de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u351 ?tim
ne amintim ce fel de culoare, ce fel de sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nt \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1
\u351 ?ul, a zis cel care desenase calul din memorie. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi
fost orbi din na\uc1 \u351 ?tere, cum am mai fi putut pricepe ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul
acesta a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut acum de frumosul nostru ucenic?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 E un subiect interesant, a zis cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt. Dar culorile nu
se pricep, ele se simt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi\uc1 \u355 ?i, maestre, sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul de ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, pentru cel care n-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? culoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-am putea atinge cu buricul degetului, ar fi ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
fier \uc1 \u351 ?i aram\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-am putea lua \uc1 \u238 ?n
palme, ne-ar arde. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-am putea gusta, ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ios ca o carne s\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-am putea
lua \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-ar umple-o. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? l-am putea
mirosi, ar mirosi a cal. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar mirosi a floare, ar sem\uc1 \u259 ?na
cu mu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u355 ?elul, nu cu trandafirul ro\uc1 \u351 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe vremea aceea, cu o sut\uc1 \u259 ? zece ani \uc1 \u238
?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pictura franc\uc1 \u259 ? nu era \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? amenin\uc1 \u355 ?are p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijoreze pe \uc1 \u351 ?ahi, iar marii mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri legendari credeau \uc1 \u238 ?n me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul lor
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum credeau \uc1 \u238 ?n Dumnezeu, cei din urm\uc1 \u259 ? vedeau
un soi de lips\uc1 \u259 ? de demnitate \uc1 \u351 ?i de nepricepere \uc1 \u238 ?n
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci se foloseau de felurite
nuan\uc1 \u355 ?e de ro\uc1 \u351 ?u chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a cea mai ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ?
ran\uc1 \u259 ? de sabie sau cel mai obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit postav. Doar un
miniaturist nepriceput, nehot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se folose\uc1 \u351 ?te de nuan\uc1
\u355 ?e diferite de ro\uc1 \u351 ?u pentru a zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul
unui caftan. Umbra nu poate servi drept temei. De fapt, nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un singur Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i nu credem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
\uc1 \u238 ?n el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care este noima
acestui ro\uc1 \u351 ?u? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat din nou miniaturistul orb care
desenase calul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noima culorilor este
s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle acolo, dinaintea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? le vedem, a zis cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt. Celui care nu vede nu i se poate
descrie Ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 T\uc1
\u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duitorii, ereticii, necredincio\uc1 \u351 ?ii spun \uc1 \u351 ?
i ei, pentru a se lep\uc1 \u259 ?da de Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u259 ? Acesta nu poate fi
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, a zis miniaturistul orb care zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vise calul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar El poate fi v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cel ce vede, a zis cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt maestru. Din
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran spune c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?orbul \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?torul nu sunt
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Frumosul ucenic m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntinsese cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1
\u238 ?nvelitoarea de pe \uc1 \u351 ?aua calului. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? un
miniaturist fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tor m-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut, cu plin\uc1 \u259 ?
tatea, cu for\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i cu \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?irea mea,
pe ceva desenat \uc1 \u238 ?n alb \uc1 \u351 ?i negru \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?
un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de minunat \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce pensula din p\uc1 \u259 ?r de pisic\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, parc\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?dil de bucurie. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiesc
lucrurilor culoare \uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip, \uc1 \u238 ?i spun parc\uc1 \u259 ?
lumii: \uc1 \u8222 ?Fii!\uc1 \u8221 ?, iar lumea \uc1 \u8222 ?este\uc1 \u8221 ? de
culoarea mea, s\uc1 \u226 ?ngerie. Cel ce nu vede t\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?
duie\uc1 \u351 ?te acest lucru; eu m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
pretutindeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 32. Eu, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se
trezi copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i am scris degrab\uc1 \u259 ? un scurt r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ?, prin care-l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?am pe Negru s\uc1
\u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casa evreului
sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui Hayriye, s\uc1 \u259 ? i-l duc\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?rziat lui Ester. Cum, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce lua r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?
ul, Hayriye m-a privit \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi cu \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?, cu team\uc1 \u259 ? pentru cele ce ni
se puteau \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla, am privit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i eu \uc1 \u238 ?
n ochi cu o \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ? abia dob\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit\uc1 \u259 ?, de vreme ce nu mai aveam un p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte de care s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? tem. Iar acest fapt a limpezit r\uc1 \u226 ?nduielile,
regulile care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? se statorniceasc\uc1 \u259 ? de acum \uc1 \u238 ?
ncolo \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
rturisesc acum c\uc1 \u259 ?, de-a lungul ultimilor doi ani, Hayriye a uitat
c\uc1 \u259 ? tata avea un copil \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?i era
roab\uc1 \u259 ?, nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cu aerele ei de
doamn\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a se trezi copiii, m-am dus s\uc1 \u259 ?-
l v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe bietul tata \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat cu respect
m\uc1 \u226 ?na care \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epenise, dar care, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip
ciudat, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse moliciunea. I-am ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile, turbanul \uc1 \u351 ?i mantia violet\uc1
\u259 ?, iar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-au trezit copiii le-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? bunicul
lor se f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse bine \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? plecase devreme la
Mustafa Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n vreme ce Hayriye, \uc1 \u238 ?ntoars\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? drumurile
de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?ternea masa pentru micul dejun
\uc1 \u351 ?i punea la mijloc o parte din dulcea\uc1 \u355 ?a de portocale, care se
mai putea m\uc1 \u226 ?nca, m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam c\uc1 \u259 ? Ester
tocmai b\uc1 \u259 ?tea la u\uc1 \u351 ?a lui Negru. Ninsoarea contenise \uc1 \u351
?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise soarele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat,
am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru: \uc1 \u355 ?
ur\uc1 \u355 ?urii de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care at\uc1 \u226 ?rnau la
stre\uc1 \u351 ?ini \uc1 \u351 ?i pe la marginile ferestrei se mic\uc1 \u351 ?orau
cu repeziciune, iar gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina, care mirosea a mucegai \uc1 \u351 ?i frunze
putrede, se desf\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina soarelui. L-am aflat pe Negru
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i loc
\uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u351 ?i asear\uc1 \u259 ?
mi se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea deja ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? s-ar fi petrecut cu s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u238 ?
n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-am ridicat v\uc1 \u259 ?lul \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bucur\uc1 \u259 ?-te,
dac\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i vine cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat s\uc1 \u259 ? te bucuri!
De-acum, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi doi nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai au locul opreli\uc1 \u351 ?
tile, \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivirile, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijor\uc1 \u259 ?rile tatei. \uc1
\u206 ?n vreme ce tu c\uc1 \u259 ?utai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? necinste\uc1
\u351 ?ti aici asear\uc1 \u259 ?, cineva, un diavol, a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n casa
pustie \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a ucis pe tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai
mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t purtarea lui Negru, m\uc1 \u259 ? nedumerea faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbisem a\uc1 \u351 ?a, de sus, pe un ton parc\uc1 \u259 ?
departe de a fi sincer. Nici eu nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam pe de-a-ntregul ce s\uc1
\u259 ? cred. Poate o f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem \uc1 \u238 ?n speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1
\u259 ? voi pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge, c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru m\uc1 \u259 ? va \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
voi apropia de el mai repede dec\uc1 \u226 ?t credeam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ne-a r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it casa, a f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?mat nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate lucruri; e limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost
m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u226 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu
cred deloc c\uc1 \u259 ? diavolul acela \uc1 \u351 ?i-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
it treaba \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, de acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, va sta
lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit \uc1 \u238 ?n cotlonul lui. A furat, se pare, ultima pictura
din cartea tatei. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? ne aperi de el pe mine, pe noi \uc1 \u8211 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? aperi cartea tatei! Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n ce chip, pe temeiul c\uc1 \u259
?rei rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi vei putea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne aperi?
Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, acesta este acum necazul!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
pe punctul de a se av\uc1 \u226 ?nta s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? ceva, dar l-am
oprit cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din priviri, de parc\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dintotdeauna acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ochii cadiului, familia b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu
\uc1 \u238 ?mi devine protectoare dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea tatei. Chiar \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a muri tata era astfel, deoarece, potrivit cadiului, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul
meu este \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? fratele b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatului meu a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat s\uc1 \u259 ? profite de mine \uc1 \u238 ?n
absen\uc1 \u355 ?a fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u mai mare \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?cie l-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe socrul
meu s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?ie, am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? revin la
tata, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram socotit\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?duv\uc1
\u259 ?. Acum, dat fiind c\uc1 \u259 ? tata a murit \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
am fra\uc1 \u355 ?i, se poate spune c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai am nici un fel de
ocrotitor. Sau c\uc1 \u259 ? ocrotitorii \uc1 \u238 ?mi sunt, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, fratele b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu \uc1
\u351 ?i socrul. \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? ei au trecut deja la fapte pentru a
m\uc1 \u259 ? readuce \uc1 \u238 ?n casa lor, c\uc1 \u259 ? erau pe cale s\uc1
\u259 ?-i for\uc1 \u355 ?eze m\uc1 \u226 ?na tatei, c\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?ser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? cu u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? amenin\uc1
\u355 ?e. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce se va auzi c\uc1 \u259 ? tata a murit,
se vor pune \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care spre a m\uc1 \u259 ? readuce
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntorc \uc1 \u238 ?n casa aceea, \uc1 \u355 ?in ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? moartea
tatei. Poat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o t\uc1 \u259 ?inuiesc \uc1 \u238 ?n zadar. E
cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? o fi pus la cale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tocmai
\uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?, o f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie de lumin\uc1
\u259 ? care se strecura delicat printre obloanele rupte \uc1 \u351 ?i ferestrele
sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iate ale casei evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat s-a
strecurat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i mine, sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd
la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? praful din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, vechi de ani de
zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu e singura pricin\uc1
\u259 ? pentru care t\uc1 \u259 ?inuiesc uciderea tatei, am zis, a\uc1 \u355 ?
intindu-mi ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n cei ai lui Negru, care m\uc1 \u259 ? priveau mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu luare-aminte dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu dragoste, ceea ce m\uc1
\u259 ? bucura. M\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voi putea dovedi unde m\uc1
\u259 ? aflam c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost ucis. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
rturia lui Hayriye nu are nici un pre\uc1 \u355 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? tem ca ea s\uc1
\u259 ? nu fie amestecat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urzelile \uc1 \u355 ?esute
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva mea, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva mea, \uc1
\u238 ?mpotriva c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii tatei. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? dau de \uc1
\u351 ?tire c\uc1 \u259 ? tata a fost ucis f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
am vreun protector, vreun ocrotitor limpede, mi-e foarte u\uc1 \u351 ?or s\uc1
\u259 ? presupun c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i asta va u\uc1 \u351 ?ura la \uc1
\u238 ?nceput lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a cadiului, silindu-l s\uc1
\u259 ? recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea crimei,
asupra mea se va abate mai apoi nenorocirea, pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu din pricinile
pe care \uc1 \u355 ?i le-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?iruit mai adineaori de
pild\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? este cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca
Hayriye s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? tata nu voia s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u nu voia s\uc1 \u259 ? te m\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1
\u355 ?i cu mine? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
voia, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum bine \uc1 \u351 ?tii, se temea c\uc1
\u259 ? ai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? iei \uc1 \u351 ?i ai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? duci departe de el. Acum, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i vei mai putea face tatei acest
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, nici bietul tata n-ar mai avea de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? se pun\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toriei noastre. Tu ai ceva \uc1
\u238 ?mpotriv\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, draga
mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine. Ocrotitorul meu nu
pretinde, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, nici el bani \uc1 \u351 ?i aur de la tine. \uc1
\u206 ?mi cer iertare c\uc1 \u259 ? am s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it
necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a vorbi eu \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?mi despre
condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile mele de cununie. Dar am \uc1 \u351 ?i unele preten\uc1
\u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a cununiei, \uc1 \u238 ?n ale c\uc1 \u259
?ror am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte trebuie, din p\uc1 \u259 ?cate, s\uc1 \u259 ? intru acum,
pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deoarece am t\uc1
\u259 ?cut vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?, Negru a spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?
Da\uc1 \u8221 ?, cu aerul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i cerea iertare
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pregetase s-o fac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n primul r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, ai s\uc1
\u259 ? juri \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a a doi martori c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1
\u259 ? te por\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u cu
mine \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai pot \uc1 \u238 ?ndura, ori
dac\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?nsori cu alta dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, se va socoti
c\uc1 \u259 ? ai divor\uc1 \u355 ?at de mine \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi vei asigura
mijloacele de trai cuvenite. \uc1 \u206 ?n al doilea r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ai s\uc1
\u259 ? juri \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a a doi martori c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1
\u259 ? pleci de acas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu motiv ori f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?, mai
mult de \uc1 \u351 ?ase luni \uc1 \u351 ?i nu te mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci, eu voi
fi socotit\uc1 \u259 ? dezlegat\uc1 \u259 ? de tine, iar tu \uc1 \u238 ?mi vei
chez\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ui via\uc1 \u355 ?a de zi cu zi. \uc1 \u206 ?n al
treilea r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, desigur c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?torie, te vei muta \uc1 \u238 ?n casa mea, dar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu va fi aflat, sau p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd nu \uc1 \u238 ?l vei afla tu pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul tatei mi-ar pl\uc1
\u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l supun la cazne cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu va fi
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?, prin harul \uc1 \u351 ?i truda ta, cartea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu-i
va fi \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1 \u238 ?n slav\uc1 \u259 ?,
n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul
cu mine. \uc1 \u206 ?n al patrulea r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?i vei iubi pe fiii
mei, care acum dorm cu mine, ca pe fiii t\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvoiesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Bine. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? toate piedicile ce ne stau \uc1 \u238 ?n cale vor fi \uc1
\u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turate cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? ne vom c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori degrab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Da, ne vom c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
nu vom \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i acela\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?nceputul, \uc1
\u238 ?n toate, este c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria, am zis. Mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i s-o \uc1 \u238 ?mplinim pe asta. Dragostea vine dup\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu
uita: acel foc al dragostei aprins \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
torie se stinge odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui nu r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ne dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un loc pustiu \uc1 \u351 ?i trist, nimicit de
v\uc1 \u226 ?lv\uc1 \u259 ?taie. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dragostea pe
care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie se sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te, dar locul ei este luat de fericire. \uc1 \u206
?n pofida acestui fapt, unii pro\uc1 \u351 ?ti se iubesc, zori\uc1 \u355 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
tori \uc1 \u351 ?i, arz\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu de dor, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
sleiesc toat\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea. De ce? Deoarece ei socotesc c\uc1 \u259 ?
dragostea este cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat \uc1 \u355 ?el al vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care este, de fapt, \uc1
\u355 ?elul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u354 ?elul este, de fapt, fericirea. Dragostea, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?toria, nu slujesc dec\uc1 \u226 ?t la dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndirea ei: un
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, o cas\uc1 \u259 ?, copii, o carte. Nu vezi oare c\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i starea mea, cu un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat
disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u351 ?i un tat\uc1 \u259 ? mort, este mai
priincioas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea ta searb\uc1
\u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar exista fiii mei, cu care m\uc1 \u259 ?
dezmierd, r\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i lupt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t e ziua de lung\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ? muri. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat de \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea \uc1
\u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u351 ?i din toat\uc1
\u259 ? inima s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i petreci noaptea sub acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? cu trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it al tatei \uc1
\u351 ?i cu h\uc1 \u259 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ?laia copiilor mei chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nu \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut cu mine \uc1 \u8211 ? ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii acum numai ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i urechi la ceea ce am s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te
ascult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt tot felul de c\uc1 \u259 ?
i pentru a putea divor\uc1 \u355 ?a. Martori mincino\uc1 \u351 ?i pot m\uc1 \u259 ?
rturisi fals c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a pleca \uc1 \u238 ?n campanie,
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu a jurat c\uc1 \u259 ? pot divor\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n
anumite \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri dac\uc1 \u259 ? el nu se va \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarce vreme de doi ani, de pild\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? asta s-a
petrecut cu martori. Sau, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai simplu, pot depune m\uc1 \u259 ?rturie
c\uc1 \u259 ? au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it al
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului meu pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd
tot soiul de am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte gr\uc1 \u259 ?itoare. Dar, dac\uc1 \u259 ? iei
\uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it care zace
la mine \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i opreli\uc1 \u351 ?tile
socrului \uc1 \u351 ?i ale cumnatului meu, aceste m\uc1 \u259 ?rturii mincinoase
sunt c\uc1 \u259 ?i foarte nesigure, iar cadiii, ageri la minte \uc1 \u351 ?i
pruden\uc1 \u355 ?i, se vor teme \uc1 \u351 ?i nu vor c\uc1 \u259 ?dea la-
nvoial\uc1 \u259 ?. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?
sat f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mijloace de trai
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors din campanie de patru ani, cadiii de
rit hanefit, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum suntem \uc1 \u351 ?i noi, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot
divor\uc1 \u355 ?a. \uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? cadiul din Uskudar \uc1 \u238 ?l
las\uc1 \u259 ?, din vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui cu \uc1
\u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?area Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i a
\uc1 \u351 ?eyh-\uc1 \u252 ?l-islam-ului, care \uc1 \u238 ?nchid ochii pe
loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitor, care este \uc1 \u351 ?afiit, spre a le da astfel
posibilitatea femeilor aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n starea mea, al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror num\uc1
\u259 ?r cre\uc1 \u351 ?te pe zi ce trece din pricina r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaielor cu
persanii, s\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?eze; acesta le desparte c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai
zice pe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i le \uc1 \u238 ?nlesne\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1
\u351 ?i mijloacele de trai cuvenite. Acum, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei afla doi oameni
care s\uc1 \u259 ? depun\uc1 \u259 ? cinstit m\uc1 \u259 ?rturie cu privire la
situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia mea, dac\uc1 \u259 ? le vei da bani de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei trece cu ei pe malul cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt, la Uskudar,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l vei \uc1 \u238 ?mbrobodi pe cadiu \uc1 \u351 ?i vei
avea grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ia locul loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul lui, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? despart\uc1 \u259 ? de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? vei divor\uc1 \u355 ?a cu ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti martori \uc1 \u351 ?i
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei r\uc1 \u226 ?ndui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?nscris \uc1
\u238 ?n catastiful cadiului divor\uc1 \u355 ?ul, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei c\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?ta astfel pe loc un act, o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie \uc1 \u351 ?i, imediat
dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai pregeta, vei avea
grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se hot\uc1 \u259 ?rasc\uc1 \u259 ?, printr-un nou
\uc1 \u238 ?nscris, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi este \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
duit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vei face toate
astea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? azi dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, iar apoi
vei trece iar pe malul nostru, cum nu este deloc greu de g\uc1 \u259 ?sit un imam
care s\uc1 \u259 ? ne cunune spre sear\uc1 \u259 ?, vei putea r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ne la noapte ca so\uc1 \u355 ? sub acela\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? cu
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i cu copiii, ne vei scuti de a mai petrece noaptea tremur\uc1
\u226 ?nd de teama diavolului aceluia, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd zgomotele din
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? vei sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de \uc1 \u238 ?
mprejurarea de a fi, \uc1 \u238 ?naintea celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, o biat\uc1 \u259 ?
femeie f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ocrotitor atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i
vom \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a, m\uc1 \u226 ?ine diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de moartea tatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a zis Negru, cu optimism \uc1 \u351 ?i oarecum copil\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te.
Da. Te iau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spusesem adineaori
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam de ce vorbisem cu el de sus, pe un ton departe de
a fi deschis. Acum \uc1 \u351 ?tiu: sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, pesemne, c\uc1 \u259 ? doar
\uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip \uc1 \u238 ?l puteam convinge pe Negru al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui
fel de a fi, distrat, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tiam de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram
mic\uc1 \u259 ? de o seam\uc1 \u259 ? de lucruri despre care eu \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?mi credeam cu greu c\uc1 \u259 ? se pot \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?
ptui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Avem foarte multe de f\uc1
\u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva celor care vor spune sus \uc1 \u351 ?i tare
c\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i cununia noastr\uc1 \u259 ?
care, cu voia lui Dumnezeu, se va s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i pe
sear\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt pe potriva legii, \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva celor care vor pune
piedici ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? cartea tatei,
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva du\uc1 \u351 ?manilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri! Dar s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i tulbur \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare mintea, care este \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
tulburat\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a mea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mintea ta nu e nicidecum tulbure, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu sunt g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile mele, sunt lucruri pe care le-am aflat
de la tata, vorbind cu el \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, ani de zile, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu socoat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? totul izvora din mintea mea de femeie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ia
\uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? ce-i spuneam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Negru a spus ceea ce spun to\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii care m\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc ager\uc1 \u259 ? la minte \uc1 \u351 ?i care-mi pot spune
deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it acest lucru:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
E\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place nespus s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fie l\uc1 \u259 ?udat\uc1
\u259 ? inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?a. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram mic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i
tata o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea adesea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce crescusem, tata
\uc1 \u238 ?ncetase s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi mai laude ascu\uc1 \u355 ?imea min\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng. \uc1
\u206 ?n vreme ce pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam, eram parc\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1 \u259 ?
femeie, ivit\uc1 \u259 ? din mine \uc1 \u351 ?i aparte de mine \uc1 \u351 ?i,
asemenea cititorului care sufer\uc1 \u259 ? privind o imagine trist\uc1 \u259 ? pe
pagina unei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?mi vedeam via\uc1 \u355 ?a din
afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea mil\uc1 \u259 ? de mine. In
faptul de a v\uc1 \u259 ?rsa lacrimi pentru propriile suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele altora s\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luie\uc1 \u351 ?te ceva at\uc1 \u226 ?t de curat, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at Negru, \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletele noastre s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut o
stare de bine. Dar, \uc1 \u351 ?i de ast\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce ne \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?am, starea de bine
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea doar \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi, neput\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?uri cu nici un chip mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea du\uc1 \u351 ?
manilor care mi\uc1 \u351 ?unau \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurul nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 33. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, v\uc1 \u259 ?duv\uc1
\u259 ?, orfan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat\uc1 \u259 ?, a plecat
cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?ori ca fulgul, am mai z\uc1 \u259 ?bovit o vreme
\uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea din casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, cu mirosul
de migdal\uc1 \u259 ? pe care-l trecuse asupra mea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu visele ei de
m\uc1 \u259 ?riti\uc1 \u351 ?. Mintea \uc1 \u238 ?mi era cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire \uc1 \u238 ?nce\uc1 \u355 ?o\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar, cu toate astea, lucra cu o repeziciune ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi pricinuia suferin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i eu acas\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
fug\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a avea r\uc1 \u259 ?gazul s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntristez \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de moartea Unchiului.
Sufletul \uc1 \u238 ?mi era ros, pe de o parte, de viermele \uc1 \u238 ?ndoielii,
la ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? se folose\uc1 \u351 ?te de mine ca de o
pies\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un plan mai cuprinz\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259
?, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor mi se perindau
necontenit pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiri despre o c\uc1 \u259 ?snicie fericit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ajuns acas\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am
spus c\uc1 \u226 ?teva vorbe femeii gazda mea \uc1 \u8211 ? care m-a iscodit din
pragul u\uc1 \u351 ?ii pentru a afla unde m\uc1 \u259 ? dusesem \uc1 \u351 ?i de
unde veneam la ceasul acela al dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dup\uc1 \u259 ? care mi-am
scos din c\uc1 \u259 ?ptu\uc1 \u351 ?eala chimirului, t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit \uc1 \u238
?n salteaua de la mine din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, doi galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni \uc1
\u351 ?i mi i-am pus \uc1 \u238 ?n pung\uc1 \u259 ?, cu degete tremur\uc1 \u226 ?
nde. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am revenit \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ?,
am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi vor ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din minte
toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua acei ochi umezi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista\uc1 \u355 ?i ochii negri
ai lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i, am schimbat cinci lei vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni la un zaraf
evreu care z\uc1 \u226 ?mbea ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat. Apoi, cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n
g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n mahalaua al c\uc1 \u259 ?
rei nume nu vi l-am spus p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-
mi place (s\uc1 \u259 ? vi-l spun acum: Yakutlar), pe ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
str\uc1 \u259 ?zi se afla casa \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau
Unchiul meu mort \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, cu copiii. \uc1
\u206 ?n vreme ce str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?team uli\uc1 \u355 ?ele de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? zburam, nu alta, un platan \uc1 \u238 ?nalt s-a uitat la mine cu
dispre\uc1 \u355 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci goneam nebun de fericire, plin de visuri
\uc1 \u351 ?i de planuri miraculoase legate de c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie
chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n care murise Unchiul. \uc1 \u206 ?n acest
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, ci\uc1 \u351 ?meaua mahalalei, care curgea \uc1 \u351 ?ipotind
deoarece se topeau ghe\uc1 \u355 ?urile, mi-a spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu-l b\uc1 \u259 ?
ga \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mpline\uc1 \u351 ?te-\uc1 \u355 ?i
treburile \uc1 \u351 ?i ai grij\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fii fericit.\uc1 \u8221 ?
\uc1 \u8222 ?Bine, mi-a fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntat mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo
mintea o nenorocit\uc1 \u259 ? de pisic\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? care se
sp\uc1 \u259 ?la undeva \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea chiar
tu \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u355 ?i te b\uc1 \u259 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? ai
fi amestecat \uc1 \u238 ?n uciderea Unchiului.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cum pisica s-a oprit din sp\uc1 \u259 ?lat, ochii ni s-au \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum bine \uc1 \u351 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, pisica asta de Istanbul este o neru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ?,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii de prin partea locului o r\uc1 \u259 ?sfa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Am dat de Imam Efendi care pare tot timpul somnoros, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? pleoapele uria\uc1 \u351 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i ochi negri sunt pe jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate cobor\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea moscheii din mahala, \uc1
\u351 ?i nu la el acas\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am pus o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare
binecunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? pe t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mul legii c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
este silnic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu, m\uc1 \u259 ?rturia la
judecat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am ascultat r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul
cu spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele ridicate, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a\uc1 \u351 ? fi auzit
pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul pe care mi-l d\uc1 \u259 ?dea,
plin de trufie. Imam Efendi mi-a deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea \uc1 \u238 ?n care exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1
\u355 ?i martori la o \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare, m\uc1 \u259 ?rturia este de
bun\uc1 \u259 ?voie, dar c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu este dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un singur martor, m\uc1 \u259 ?rturia \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i este poruncit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ia te uit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ziceam la fel, l-am \uc1
\u238 ?ntrerupt din vorb\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? de care avea \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, martorii se fofilau, lene\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n
spatele acestei \uc1 \u238 ?nvoieli pentru a o da cotit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a
nu se duce la judecat\uc1 \u259 ?, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, problemele
grabnice ale oamenilor pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i ajutam eu nu mai erau cercetate
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ei, a zis
Imam Efendi, ia desf\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i tu oleac\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?ierile pungii!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar eu am
desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut punga \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat galbenii vene\uc1
\u355 ?ieni afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ea; curtea larg\uc1 \u259 ? a moscheii,
chipul Imamului toate s-au luminat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de str\uc1
\u259 ?lucirea aurului. M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat care era pricina.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 I-am spus cine eram.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unchiul
este bolnav, i-am deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it. Dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
a muri, v\uc1 \u259 ?duvia fetei lui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie recunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? cu
acte \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? i se chez\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ?
traiul zilnic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici n-a mai fost
nevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc de loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul cadiului din Uskudar. Imam
Efendi, care pricepea totul, a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
mahala suferea de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme pentru nefericita \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252
?re Hanim, c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziase chiar prea mult. In
loc s\uc1 \u259 ?-l c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?m pe cel de-al doilea martor
trebuincios desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?irii pe la poarta cadiului din Uskudar,
Imam Efendi avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aduc\uc1 \u259 ? pe fratele lui. Acum, dac\uc1
\u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau \uc1 \u351 ?i acestuia un galben, urma s\uc1
\u259 ? fac o fapt\uc1 \u259 ? de milostenie \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru fratele lui, care
tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n mahala \uc1 \u351 ?i avea \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? de durerea lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, a dr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u259 ?la\uc1 \u351 ?ilor ei orfani. \uc1 \u206 ?i ar\uc1 \u259 ?tasem doi galbeni,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru cel de-al doilea martor, \uc1 \u238 ?mi sc\uc1
\u259 ?dea el pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul; ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe loc. Imam
Efendi s-a dus la fratele lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acea
parte a zilei care a urmat mai apoi seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu pove\uc1 \u351
?tile pline de \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbe pe
care am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? le jucau \uc1 \u351 ?i, deopotriv\uc1
\u259 ?, le povesteau meddah-ii prin cafenelele din Alep. De\uc1 \u351 ?i doresc
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie scrise cu o caligrafie frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, cei care poruncesc
s\uc1 \u259 ? li se izvodeasc\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i
care le preschimb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i nu le iau
nicidecum \uc1 \u238 ?n serios, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ele
exist\uc1 \u259 ? prea multe aventuri, prea multe \uc1 \u351 ?iretlicuri, a\uc1
\u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? cer s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie pictate \uc1 \u351 ?i ilustrate.
\uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, am r\uc1 \u226 ?nduit,
\uc1 \u238 ?n paginile min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, aventura tr\uc1 \u259 ?it\uc1
\u259 ? de-a lungul acelei zile \uc1 \u238 ?n patru scene, pe care le-am pictat
\uc1 \u351 ?i ilustrat dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 IN PRIMA SCENA, miniaturistul trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne zugr\uc1 \u259
?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul apelor Bosforului, \uc1 \u238 ?n barca
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie cu patru v\uc1 \u226 ?sle \uc1 \u238 ?n care urcaser\uc1 \u259 ?m
de la Unkapam \uc1 \u351 ?i care ne ducea la Uskudar, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre v\uc1
\u226 ?sla\uc1 \u351 ?i cu must\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i stufoase \uc1 \u351 ?i
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e v\uc1 \u226 ?njoase. In vreme ce Imamul \uc1 \u351 ?i fratele lui
cel buh\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat la chip erau mul\uc1 \u355
?umi\uc1 \u355 ?i de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? plimbare nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i glumeau cu v\uc1 \u226 ?sla\uc1 \u351 ?ii, eu, s\uc1 \u259 ?
rmanul, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n partea dinainte a b\uc1 \u259 ?rcii, cu
nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itele pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiri despre o c\uc1 \u259 ?
snicie fericit\uc1 \u259 ? care mi se perindau pe dinaintea ochilor, priveam
\uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncuri, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de teama de a nu
vedea, pe fundul apelor \uc1 \u238 ?nvolburate ale Bosforului, care p\uc1 \u259 ?
reau mai limpezi ca niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acea diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsorit\uc1 \u259 ? de iarn\uc1 \u259 ?, vreun semn r\uc1
\u259 ?u, ca de pild\uc1 \u259 ? scheletul vreunei cor\uc1 \u259 ?bii de corsari.
Prin urmare, dincolo de culorile vesele \uc1 \u238 ?n care ar zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi
marea \uc1 \u351 ?i norii, miniaturistul ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?eze
pe fundul apelor Bosforului \uc1 \u351 ?i ceva \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, care s\uc1
\u259 ? statorniceasc\uc1 \u259 ? o cump\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
visurile mele de fericire \uc1 \u351 ?i temerile mele nest\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nite, s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze de pild\uc1 \u259 ? un pe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cititorul
aventurii noastre s\uc1 \u259 ? nu socoat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
clipa aceea, totul era \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit \uc1 \u238 ?n roz.}{\fs24
\dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 IN CEA DE-A DOUA, imaginea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? ia \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? fine\uc1 \u355 ?urile demne de
Behzad ale miniaturilor am\uc1 \u259 ?nun\uc1 \u355 ?ite \uc1 \u351 ?i bine alc\uc1
\u259 ?tuite ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ?
seraiurile padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, adun\uc1 \u259 ?rile Divanului, primirea solilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile ticsite ale caselor,
adic\uc1 \u259 ? gluma \uc1 \u351 ?i ironia strecurate \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1
\u259 ?. Cu alte cuvinte, Cadiul ar trebui a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
ungher al miniaturii \uc1 \u351 ?i pus s\uc1 \u259 ? strecoare \uc1 \u238 ?n
buzunar, cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, galbenii mei vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni,
purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe chip o expresie ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce, cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? larg deschis\uc1
\u259 ?, face \uc1 \u238 ?nspre mine \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nspre bac\uc1
\u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care i-l \uc1 \u238 ?ntind semnul \uc1 \u8222 ?
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u8222 ?nu\uc1 \u8221 ?, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar spune \uc1 \u8222 ?stai\uc1 \u8221 ?, iar drept urmare a
acestui pe\uc1 \u351 ?che\uc1 \u351 ? urmare care se vede \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i imagine ar trebui zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit \uc1 \u350 ?ahap Efendi,
loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul \uc1 \u351 ?afiit, \uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe locul
cadiului din Uskudar. Ideea de a putea zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri care-\uc1 \u351 ?i urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? una
alteia, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o ordine anume, poate fi \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit\uc1 \u259 ?
doar de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii ageri la minte, printr-un vicle\uc1 \u351 ?ug pe
care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd or\uc1 \u226 ?nduiesc pagina. Astfel, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?,
ochiul care vede bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care l-am dat eu mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i va pricepe \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? despre ce e vorba,
chiar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a citi povestea, din simpla constatare c\uc1 \u259
? persoana care st\uc1 \u259 ? cu picioarele \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate pe
mindir Cadiul \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un alt ungher din miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, este de fapt
loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul Cadiului, c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta \uc1 \u351 ?i-a strecurat
ne\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat cei doi galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni \uc1 \u238 ?
n buzunar \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui pe loc\uc1
\u355 ?iitorul \uc1 \u351 ?afiit, astfel ca \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1
\u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 IN
CEA DE-A TREIA, trebuie \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
at\uc1 \u259 ? aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i scen\uc1 \u259 ?, dar de data aceasta trebuie
folosite la zugr\uc1 \u259 ?virea pere\uc1 \u355 ?ilor decora\uc1 \u355 ?iuni
chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ramuri cu vrejuri nu \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?duie privirii un r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz prea mare, iar acestea trebuie vopsite
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o culoare mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce deasupra loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorului de cadiu trebuie picta\uc1 \u355 ?i nori
stranii, \uc1 \u238 ?mpestri\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se priceap\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
povestea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? se joac\uc1 \u259 ? un joc. Imamul \uc1 \u351 ?i
fratele lui, care ar trebui ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i se
perindaser\uc1 \u259 ? separat prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorului de
cadiu, au istorisit at\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine cum b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul lui \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsese de patru ani de la r\uc1
\u259 ?zboi, c\uc1 \u226 ?t era \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re de str\uc1 \u226 ?
mtorat\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei nu se \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijise de
ea, cum cei doi copii orfani ai ei erau \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crima\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i fl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nzeau, ba chiar cum nu ap\uc1 \u259 ?
ruse nici un pe\uc1 \u355 ?itor care s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie \uc1 \u351 ?i tat\uc1
\u259 ? orfanilor, \uc1 \u238 ?ntruc\uc1 \u226 ?t ea era socotit\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit\uc1 \u259 ?, cum lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
nu i se d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car bani cu \uc1 \u238 ?
mprumut f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului ei, de
vreme ce era m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te pere\uc1 \u355 ?i surzi ar fi
divor\uc1 \u355 ?at-o pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu lacrimile lor; loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul
cel f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de inim\uc1 \u259 ? a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? pe niznaiul \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cine era ocrotitorul
lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de
nehot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re, m-am repezit \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus c\uc1
\u259 ? nepre\uc1 \u355 ?uitul ei tat\uc1 \u259 ?, care-i fusese mesager \uc1 \u351
?i sol Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am s-o
pot desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat cu nici un chip dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu vine tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei la judec\uc1 \u259 ?torie! A zis loc\uc1
\u355 ?iitorul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cuprins de o
oarecare \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare, i-am povestit de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul se zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i moarte pe patul de suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? ultima sa dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a lui Dumnezeu era s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe fat\uc1 \u259 ?
divor\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? eu eram \uc1 \u238 ?
mputernicitul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ce-o
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple dac\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?
divor\uc1 \u355 ?eze?! A zis loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul. De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? vrea a\uc1
\u351 ?a de amarnic un om care moare ca fata lui s\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?eze
de un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme
\uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi? A, uite, dac\uc1 \u259 ? fata lui are un bun
prilej de a se m\uc1 \u259 ?rita, dac\uc1 \u259 ? s-a ivit vreun pe\uc1 \u355 ?itor
de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie ginere, mai pricep \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu sufletul ne\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 S-a ivit, domnule loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitor! Am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum se poate a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva? Tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1
\u238 ?mputernicitul ocrotitorului ei! A zis loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul cadiului. Cu ce
te ocupi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost secretar pe
la pa\uc1 \u351 ?alele din \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile orientale, m-am ocupat de
scrisori, am fost ajutor de defterdar. Am ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit o istorie a luptelor
cu persanii, pe care urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiesc
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. M\uc1 \u259 ? pricep la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, la
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?. De dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani t\uc1 \u226 ?njesc dup\uc1
\u259 ? dragostea acestei fete.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E\uc1
\u351 ?ti rud\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ? la care nu m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam defel,
ajunsesem s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? milogesc de loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul de cadiu,
c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luisem cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta gr\uc1 \u259 ?bire
propria via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca pe ceva lipsit de orice tain\uc1 \u259 ?, de
mister, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca sfecla, mai bine ai r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde! Altfel, n-o despart de
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este fata
m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii mele dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Hmm, am priceput! Ai putea s-o faci fericit\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba,
a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na un semn necuviincios. Miniaturistul nu
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ilustreze aceast\uc1 \u259 ? mizerie! E de ajuns s\uc1
\u259 ? arate c\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?isem
eu la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Modul meu de trai este a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se cuvine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Deoarece sunt din \uc1 \u351 ?coala \uc1 \u351 ?afiit\uc1 \u259 ?,
divor\uc1 \u355 ?ul acestei nefericite \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re al c\uc1
\u259 ?rei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de patru ani din r\uc1
\u259 ?zboi nu este cu nimic \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii
Sfinte \uc1 \u351 ?i a credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei mele, a zis loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul. Am
divor\uc1 \u355 ?at-o. De-acum, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei nu mai poate pretinde nici
un drept asupra femeii, chiar de se va \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce de la r\uc1 \u259 ?
zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Imaginea care-i urmeaz\uc1
\u259 ? acesteia, adic\uc1 \u259 ? CEA DE-A PATRA, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? arate cum
loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul a trecut divor\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n catastif, cu
ostile sale de litere \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ite de cerneala neagr\uc1 \u259
?, cum, mai apoi, draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a ajuns v\uc1 \u259 ?
duv\uc1 \u259 ?, cum \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pus loc\uc1 \u355 ?iitorul degrab\uc1 \u259 ?
sigiliul pe zapisul care adeverea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu exista nici o opreli\uc1 \u351 ?
te ca \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rite iar \uc1
\u351 ?i cum mi-a dat mie h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia. Str\uc1 \u259 ?lucirea fericirii
interioare pe care am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it-o \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ? nu
poate fi \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? nici
prin zugr\uc1 \u259 ?virea pere\uc1
\u355 ?ilor judec\uc1 \u259 ?toriei \uc1 \u238 ?n ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, nici prin
\uc1 \u238 ?ncadrarea picturii \uc1 \u238 ?n chenare de culoare s\uc1 \u226 ?
ngerie. Am pornit pe drumul de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere, alerg\uc1 \u226 ?nd prin
mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea de b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i de martori
mincino\uc1 \u351 ?i care d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? fuga s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i despart\uc1 \u259 ? surorile \uc1 \u351 ?i fetele \uc1 \u351 ?i care se
\uc1 \u238 ?mbulziser\uc1 \u259 ? la u\uc1 \u351 ?a cadiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am trecut Bosforul, ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind de-a dreptul \uc1 \u238 ?n
mahalaua Yakutlar, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am alungat de pe capul meu pe binevoitorul Imam
Efendi, care dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne mai \uc1 \u351 ?i cunune, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
fratele lui. Deoarece am priceput degrab\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i
cei pe care-i vedeam pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?eseau intrigi pe la spatele
meu, pizma\uc1 \u351 ?i pe fericirea de necrezut ce se ab\uc1 \u259 ?tuse asupra
mea, m-am dus \uc1 \u238 ?n goan\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe
uli\uc1 \u355 ?a dragei mele \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. De unde
pricepuser\uc1 \u259 ? cobele de corbi c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?
se afla un mort, cum ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?
op\uc1 \u259 ?ie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor pe \uc1 \u355 ?iglele de
pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?? Mi se zbuciuma sufletul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu avusesem r\uc1
\u259 ?gazul de a-l pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns pe Unchiul, c\uc1
\u259 ? nu putusem nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?rs lacrimi
pentru el, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? obloanele \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351
?a casei bine z\uc1 \u259 ?vor\uc1 \u226 ?te, dup\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea
care domnea, ba chiar dup\uc1 \u259 ? rodiu, mi-am dat seama imediat c\uc1 \u259 ?
totul era bine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u355 ?i
priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? am reac\uc1 \u355 ?ionat, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, \uc1 \u238 ?n
grab\uc1 \u259 ?, pe neg\uc1 \u226 ?ndite. Am apucat o piatr\uc1 \u259 ? de jos, am
aruncat cu ea \uc1 \u238 ?n poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am nimerit-o! Am mai
aruncat o piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cas\uc1 \u259 ?; a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut
pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?. Cuprins de un soi de furie, am potopit casa cu o ploaie de
pietre. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremea aceasta, s-a deschis o fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Era
fereastra de la catul al doilea, unde o v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?
miercuri, cu patru zile \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? printre
ramurile rodiului, pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. A ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut acolo
Orhan; prin deschiz\uc1 \u259 ?tura oblonului am auzit vocea lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, care-l mustra, iar mai apoi am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ea.
Ne-am privit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? cu n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde eu \uc1 \u351 ?i iubita mea.
C\uc1 \u226 ?t de minunat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? era!
Mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un semn, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?
A\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis
fereastra.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? mult timp p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la l\uc1 \u259 ?satul serii; am
a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat plin de n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina
pustie, uimit de frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea lumii, a copacilor, a str\uc1 \u259 ?zii
pline de noroi. Nu dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult timp, a venit Hayriye, \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? cu v\uc1 \u259 ?
l, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost o doamn\uc1 \u259 ?, nu o roab\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-am
retras \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele smochinului, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne apropiem unul de altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Totul
este bine, i-am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat \uc1 \u238 ?nscrisul pe
care-l primisem de la cadiu. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re e divor\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1
\u259 ?. Acum. Era s\uc1 \u259 ? spun \uc1 \u8222 ?am s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?
sesc\uc1 \u8221 ? va veni un imam din mahalaua cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis imediat.
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? fie preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
Hanim vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u351 ?i un alai de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, oric\uc1
\u226 ?t de mic; vrea ca vecinii din mahala s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? la noi
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? pr\uc1 \u259 ?znuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? la masa de
nunt\uc1 \u259 ?. Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pilaf cu migdale \uc1 \u351 ?i cu caise
uscate, la cazan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate urma s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355
?ire, c\uc1 \u226 ?te altele nu preg\uc1 \u259 ?tiser\uc1 \u259 ?, dar i-am
t\uc1 \u259 ?iat vorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nunta se \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259 ? prea mult, am zis, vor afla
Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i oamenii lui, vor n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?li asupra noastr\uc1
\u259 ?, vor face scandal, vor unelti spre a ne fi socotit\uc1 \u259 ? cununia
potrivnic\uc1 \u259 ? legii, iar noi nu vom putea face nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a asta. Ne vor fi z\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?rnicite toate str\uc1
\u259 ?daniile. Nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne ferim doar de Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i de
socru, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i de diavolul care l-a ucis pe Unchiul. Nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
teme\uc1 \u355 ?i?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu ne temem! A
zis \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? nu spui nimic, nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui! I-am zis. Lua\uc1
\u355 ?i-l pe Unchiul, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i-l \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde\uc1 \u355 ?i-i a\uc1
\u351 ?ternutul \uc1 \u351 ?i culca\uc1 \u355 ?i-l \uc1 \u238 ?n el, ca \uc1
\u351 ?i cum ar fi bolnav \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mort, pune\uc1 \u355 ?i-i la c\uc1 \u259
?p\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?i pahare, siropuri \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nchide\uc1 \u355 ?i oblonul de la camera lui. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie nici o
lamp\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n odaie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t,
la cununie, ocrotitorul lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? fie socotit
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei bolnav. Nu va fi nici un alai de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, ci o
s\uc1 \u259 ? chema\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima clip\uc1 \u259 ?, vreo
dou\uc1 \u259 ?-trei vecine \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t! C\uc1 \u226 ?nd le
chema\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? le spune\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? asta a fost
ultima dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a Unchiului. Nu va fi o nunt\uc1 \u259 ?
vesel\uc1 \u259 ?, ci una \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crimat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu ie\uc1 \u351 ?im cu bine din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare,
or s\uc1 \u259 ? ne termine pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i or s\uc1 \u259 ? te
pedepseasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe tine, pricepi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A dat din cap, pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Am \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat pe calul meu alb \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi voi
lua martorii, c\uc1 \u259 ? voi veni acas\uc1 \u259 ? cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie preg\uc1 \u259 ?
tit\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?nainte eu voi fi st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nul casei \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duceam la b\uc1
\u259 ?rbier. Nu pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuisem dinainte toate astea. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
veneau \uc1 \u238 ?n minte atunci, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce vorbeam \uc1 \u351 ?i,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sim\uc1 \u355 ?isem \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n unele b\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lii, aveam credin\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? eram un rob foarte
iubit de Dumnezeu, ocrotit de El, c\uc1 \u259 ? El m\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra,
c\uc1 \u259 ? astfel lucrurile urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? mearg\uc1 \u259 ? pe calea cea
bun\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ajunge\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerca\uc1 \u355 ?i vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? o asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, s\uc1
\u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i tot ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ? trece atunci prin minte, tot
ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?sare \uc1 \u238 ?n suflet, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci ceea
ce face\uc1 \u355 ?i va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, cum
se cuvine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?
tut patru str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, din Yakutlar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Bosfor,
\uc1 \u351 ?i l-am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit, \uc1 \u238 ?n mahalaua \uc1 \u238 ?
nvecinat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe Imamul cu barb\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
chip luminos al moscheii Yasin Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a, care-i alerga cu o coad\uc1 \u259 ?
de m\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? pe c\uc1 \u226 ?inii cei obraznici din curtea
noroioas\uc1 \u259 ?. I-am povestit care-mi era p\uc1 \u259 ?sul, c\uc1 \u259 ?
tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui veri\uc1 \u351 ?oarei mele dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
venise sorocul, c\uc1 \u259 ?, la dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui ei aflat pe
patul de moarte, eu urma s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsor cu fata
lui \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta tocmai divor\uc1 \u355 ?ase, prin
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea cadiului din Uskudar, de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei,
care nu se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsese de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. La remarca Imamului,
care spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? potrivit legii islamice femeia m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat\uc1
\u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte o lun\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
divor\uc1 \u355 ? pentru a se putea m\uc1 \u259 ?rita iar, am r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns
c\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece fostul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re lipsea de patru ani, era cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o fi
l\uc1 \u259 ?sat grea pe nevasta lui \uc1 \u351 ?i am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat, ar\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i zapisul, c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt Cadiul din Uskudar o
divor\uc1 \u355 ?ase de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe femeie tocmai \uc1 \u238
?n acest temei. I-am zis c\uc1 \u259 ? Imam Efendi trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pe
deplin \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? nu exista nici o
opreli\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n calea cununiei. Da, mireasa \uc1 \u238 ?mi era
rud\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, dar faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? era fiica m\uc1 \u259
?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii mele dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ? nu era o piedic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n calea cununiei; m\uc1 \u259 ?riti\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei dinainte luase cu
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it; \uc1
\u238 ?ntre noi nu erau deosebiri de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de rang, de
avere. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? lua galbenii pe care i-i d\uc1 \u259 ?deam dinainte \uc1
\u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea cununia la nunta
care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u259 ?zul lumii,
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mahalale, se chema c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ise o binefacere \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru
orfanii v\uc1 \u259 ?duvei. Imamului \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea oare pilaful
cu migdale \uc1 \u351 ?i caise uscate?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea, se pare, dar era cu ochii tot la c\uc1 \u226 ?inii
din curtea moscheii. A luat galbenii. Urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mbrace cu
ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele pentru nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? mai arunce o privire
asupra b\uc1 \u259 ?rbii, a p\uc1 \u259 ?rului, a turbanului \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? ne cunune. A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat care era casa \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am descris-
o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce putea fi mai firesc
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un ginere care, uit\uc1 \u226 ?nd de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i de toate primejdiile, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n voia m\uc1 \u226 ?inilor grijulii \uc1 \u351 ?i a
sporov\uc1 \u259 ?ielii pl\uc1 \u259 ?cute a b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului, se r\uc1 \u259
?dea pentru nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit\uc1 \u259 ?
era cununia la care visase vreme de doisprezece ani? B\uc1 \u259 ?rbierul la care
m-au purtat parc\uc1 \u259 ? singuri pa\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
avea dugheana \uc1 \u238 ?n partea dinspre pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a str\uc1
\u259 ?zii pe care se afla casa \uc1 \u238 ?n ruin\uc1 \u259 ? din Aksaray casa pe
care r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi, m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i
frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re o p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?siser\uc1 \u259 ?
la ani de zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. B\uc1 \u259
?rbierul cu care d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem nas \uc1 \u238 ?n nas acum cinci zile, \uc1
\u238 ?n prima zi c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsesem aici
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ani \uc1 \u351 ?i ani, m-a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at de data aceasta de cum am intrat \uc1 \u351 ?i, ca un adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier, a adus vorba \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebe pe unde
disp\uc1 \u259 ?rusem \uc1 \u238 ?n cei doisprezece ani care se scurseser\uc1 \u259
?, a pomenit despre ultimele b\uc1 \u226 ?rfe din mahala \uc1 \u351 ?i a cugetat
c\uc1 \u259 ?, la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torii pline
de \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles care se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
vom ajunge cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i loc.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-a\uc1 \u351 ? putea spune c\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1
\u259 ? acum dou\uc1 \u259 ?sprezece zile m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam aici, nu acum
doisprezece ani. Me\uc1 \u351 ?terul nostru b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier \uc1 \u238 ?
mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nise, se dedase b\uc1 \u259 ?uturii peste m\uc1 \u259 ?
sur\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se putea b\uc1 \u259 ?nui din felul \uc1
\u238 ?n care tremura \uc1 \u351 ?i juca pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea briciul din
m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de pete, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i luase un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r ucenic cu piele trandafirie, cu buze
frumoase \uc1 \u351 ?i ochi verzi. Fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de acum doisprezece
ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia o oarecare cur\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enie, o oarecare ordine. Ligheanul suspendat \uc1 \u238 ?n care
turnase ap\uc1 \u259 ? fierbinte \uc1 \u351 ?i la al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui robinet,
prins de fund, m\uc1 \u259 ? sp\uc1 \u259 ?la grijuliu pe cap \uc1 \u351 ?i pe chip
fusese prins de tavan cu un lan\uc1 \u355 ? nou. Ligheanele, mari \uc1 \u351 ?i
vechi, erau cositorite, mangalul era curat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? rugin\uc1
\u259 ?, iar bricele cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de agat erau ascu\uc1 \u355 ?ite. Purta un
\uc1 \u351 ?or\uc1 \u355 ? foarte dichisit, din fir gros de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase, pe
care acum doisprezece ani nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
osteneala s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
c\uc1 \u259 ?, lu\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? el pe ucenicul
acela delicat, destul de \uc1 \u238 ?nalt pentru v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta lui \uc1 \u351 ?
i pl\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nd la trup, me\uc1 \u351 ?terul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351
?i or\uc1 \u226 ?nduise \uc1 \u238 ?ntruc\uc1 \u226 ?tva pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u259 ?lia, dar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i or\uc1 \u226 ?nduise \uc1 \u351 ?i
via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n seama b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului, cu mireasma lui de trandafiri, cu apa
cald\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?punul, chibzuiam c\uc1 \u259 ?,
vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd-nevr\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?nsur\uc1 \u259 ?toarea urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc\uc1 \u259 ? vioiciune \uc1 \u351 ?i bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug nu doar
\uc1 \u238 ?n casa, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n afacerile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lia holteiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme trecuse. Mole\uc1
\u351 ?it de degetele dibace ale b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului \uc1 \u351 ?i de dogoarea
mangalului care \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzea pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut dugheana, m\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam, ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc nedumerit, la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?tea suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e, via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238
?mi oferea deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca pe un lucru firesc, care nu cerea nimic \uc1
\u238 ?n schimb, cel mai mare dar, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam o mare recuno\uc1 \u351 ?
tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul
Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam din echilibrul c\uc1 \u259
?rei balan\uc1 \u355 ?e misterioase se ivise lumea pe care o z\uc1 \u259 ?mislise,
m\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?team s\uc1 \u259 ? trec la fapte, sf\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat totodat\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i de
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru Unchiul care z\uc1 \u259 ?cea mort la el
\uc1 \u238 ?n pat, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa al c\uc1 \u259 ?rei st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226
?n urma s\uc1 \u259 ? devin peste pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp. Deodat\uc1 \u259 ? la
u\uc1 \u351 ?a b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului, care r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea mereu
deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a iscat forfot\uc1 \u259 ?; m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1
\u351 ?i am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-acolo: era \uc1 \u350 ?evket!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie,
cu un aer nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, dar \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n
sine. Am citit-o f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun nimic, cu sufletul
str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tut de fiori reci, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
m\uc1 \u259 ? la vestea cea mai rea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie alai de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.\uc1
\u8221 ?'}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket, apuc\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-l de bra\uc1 \u355 ?. Doream s\uc1 \u259 ?-i scriu dragei mele \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re: \uc1 \u8222 ?Cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, iubita mea, din toat\uc1
\u259 ? inima \uc1 \u351 ?i din tot sufletul!\uc1 \u8221 ? Dar de unde condei
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ? la analfabetul de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier!
A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am \uc1 \u351 ?optit lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket
la ureche, cu chibzuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, plin de precau\uc1 \u355 ?ie, c\uc1
\u259 ?-i spun mamei lui: \uc1 \u8222 ?Bine\uc1 \u8221 ?. L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat,
pe acela\uc1 \u351 ?i ton \uc1 \u351 ?optit, ce face bunicul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Doarme.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
pricep c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1
\u259 ?nui\uc1 \u355 ?i de moartea Unchiului, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u350 ?evket
(desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?evket m\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?nuie\uc1
\u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i de alte fapte). P\uc1 \u259 ?cat! L-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat
cu de-a sila. \uc1 \u350 ?evket a \uc1 \u351 ?ters-o, deloc \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?ntat de mine. \uc1 \u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul nun\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1
\u226 ?nd era \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu haine de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1
\u259 ?toare, m-a privit de departe, du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nos.}{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum nu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re pleca din casa p\uc1 \u259 ?rinteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ci dimpotriv\uc1
\u259 ?, eu eram cel care intra \uc1 \u238 ?n casa p\uc1 \u259 ?rinteasc\uc1
\u259 ? a lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ca ginere, alaiul miresei a fost
\uc1 \u351 ?i el pe potriva acestei \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri deosebite.
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun prietenii
boga\uc1 \u355 ?i ori rudele s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nte cu cele mai bune haine \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncalece
pe cai pentru a se duce la poarta lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Dar i-am luat cu mine pe doi dintre
prietenii din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul celor \uc1 \u351 ?ase zile care trecuser\uc1 \u259 ?
de la revenirea mea la Istanbul (unul ajunsese scrib, ca mine, iar cel\uc1 \u259 ?
lalt \uc1 \u355 ?inea un hamam) \uc1 \u351 ?i pe dragul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier, ai
c\uc1 \u259 ?rui ochi se umeziser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi ura
fericire, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?dea; am \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu pe calul alb pe care-l c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?ream \uc1 \u238 ?n prima zi \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat la poarta
dragei mele \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi urmat s-o
lu\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o ducem \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? cas\uc1 \u259
?, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre o alt\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am dat lui Hayriye, care mi-a deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a,
un bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ? bunicel. \uc1 \u206 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n straie ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii de mireas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu o beteal\uc1
\u259 ? trandafirie care-i at\uc1 \u226 ?rna p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la c\uc1
\u259 ?lc\uc1 \u226 ?ie, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din
cas\uc1 \u259 ? printre hohotele de pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns, sughi\uc1 \u355 ?urile,
suspinele, strig\uc1 \u259 ?tele \uc1 \u351 ?i ur\uc1 \u259 ?rile care se auzeau
din\uc1 \u259 ?untru (o femeie a \uc1 \u355 ?ipat la copii) \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat cu pricepere pe un al doilea cal alb, pe care-l adusesem
cu mine. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd un tobo\uc1 \u351 ?ar \uc1 \u351 ?i un c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ? la zurna37, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i tocmise \uc1 \u238 ?n
ultima clip\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierul, \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?at de
soarta mea, s-au pus \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un aer plin de veselie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se cuvine unei
nun\uc1 \u355 ?i, s-a urnit \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rmanul, melancolicul, dar
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrul nostru alai de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici nu au pornit bine caii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-am dat
seama c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re fusese cea care pusese la cale
alaiul, cu viclenia ei dintotdeauna, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne fie cununia mai
sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. Dat\uc1 \u259 ? fiind mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea nunta\uc1 \u351 ?ilor,
se chema c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?riti\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei fusese adus la
cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mahalale, chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? asta se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase \uc1 \u238 ?n prip\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u351 ?i astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?at fiind de toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea, \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivirea cu care ar fi putut fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpinat mai apoi era lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de orice temei. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ?
parte \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul de a da de veste \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un mod
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de deschis c\uc1 \u259 ? eram pe cale de a ne c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?tori avea ceva provocator, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
i-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntat pe fostul ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
familia acestuia, iar ideea de a mai face \uc1 \u351 ?i nunt\uc1 \u259 ? punea
totul \uc1 \u238 ?n primejdie de la bun \uc1 \u238 ?nceput. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
fost dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi cununat cu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai spune
nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a face nici o petrecere, a\uc1 \u351
? fi devenit b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei \uc1 \u351 ?i abia dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?naintam pe str\uc1
\u259 ?zile mahalalei, \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea alaiului de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, pe calul
meu cel alb \uc1 \u351 ?i n\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?, desprins
parc\uc1 \u259 ? din basme, ochii \uc1 \u238 ?mi alunecau cu repeziciune spre
locurile de trecere dintre str\uc1 \u259 ?zi ori spre vreo poart\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? ce d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o curte, c\uc1
\u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i cu team\uc1 \u259 ? pe Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i pe oamenii
lui, care ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? se repead\uc1 \u259 ? asupra noastr\uc1
\u259 ?. I-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii, pe b\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n puterea v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei din mahala cum st\uc1
\u259 ?teau \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a por\uc1 \u355 ?ilor ori la poalele
zidurilor \uc1 \u351 ?i se uitau la alaiul nostru de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a pricepe pe de-a-ntregul ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpla, dar totodat\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se purta necuviincios;
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut str\uc1 \u259 ?ini care se opreau \uc1 \u351 ?i ne d\uc1
\u259 ?deau bine\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u206 ?n mica pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n care am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu-mi doream deloc acest
lucru, am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles imediat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? veselia v\uc1
\u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torului de legume \uc1 \u351 ?i fructe care a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
doi-trei pa\uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de noi, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze prea mult de gutuile, de
morcovii, de merele lui pline de culoare, pentru a ne spune: \uc1 \u8222 ?
Fac\uc1 \u259 ?-se voia Domnului!\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul unui b\uc1 \u259 ?can trist, dup\uc1 \u259 ? privirile
aprobatoare ale brutarului care-\uc1 \u351 ?i sc\uc1 \u259 ?rm\uc1 \u259 ?na
ucenicul pentru pogacele arse, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1
\u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turase cu m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrie n\uc1 \u259 ?vodul clevetelilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i al b\uc1 \u226 ?rfelor \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? divor\uc1 \u355 ?
ul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria ei cu mine fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
repede aduse la cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mahalale,
c\uc1 \u259 ? se bucurau de \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?are. Cu toate acestea,
eram mereu la p\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva oric\uc1 \u259 ?rui
atac nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, ba chiar \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotriva oric\uc1 \u259 ?rei vorbe aruncate la nimereal\uc1 \u259 ?, a vreunui
cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt de ocar\uc1 \u259 ?. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?,
nu m-am pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns deloc de mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea de copii care se
luaser\uc1 \u259 ? pe urmele noastre \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam din
pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i care, printre strig\uc1 \u259 ?te \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ipete, printre glume, ne cereau bac\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam, dup\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetele
femeilor pe care abia le \uc1 \u238 ?ntrez\uc1 \u259 ?ream prin deschiz\uc1 \u259 ?
tura ferestrelor, printre grilaje, printre obloane, c\uc1 \u259 ? veselia, zgomotul
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuiala pe care le aduceau cu ei ne ocroteau \uc1
\u351 ?i ne aduceau recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ochii \uc1
\u238 ?mi erau necontenit a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra drumului pe care
apucase alaiul de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, care, din fericire, revenea \uc1 \u238 ?n cele
din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?erpuind, la locul din care plecase, adic\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? inima \uc1 \u238 ?
mi era al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, de am\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea ei. Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista nu era faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese nevoit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rite \uc1
\u238 ?n ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?i fusese ucis tat\uc1 \u259 ?l, ci
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, la drept vorbind, nunta era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de lipsit\uc1
\u259 ? de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire \uc1 \u351 ?i de s\uc1 \u259 ?rac\uc1 \u259 ?.
Draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re merita cai cu harna\uc1 \u351 ?amente de
argint \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ei bogat \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite, c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte de samur, de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase, cu lucr\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1
\u259 ? din fir de aur, daruri \uc1 \u351 ?i zestre \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcate
pe sute de cai, \uc1 \u238 ?n sute de care, un alai alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuit din zeci de
fete de pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale, de sultane \uc1 \u351 ?i de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
ne din haremuri, care, urcate \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?le\uc1 \u351 ?ti, s\uc1
\u259 ? dea seam\uc1 \u259 ? despre bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia zilelor de
demult. Or, la nunta ei nu se z\uc1 \u259 ?reau nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car cei patru
slujitori care, a\uc1 \u351 ?eza\uc1 \u355 ?i de cele patru p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?i ale calului, s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini cele
patru be\uc1 \u355 ?e pe care se sprijinea \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitoarea de m\uc1 \u259 ?
tase s\uc1 \u226 ?ngerie a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut\uc1 \u259 ? peste toate fetele bogate,
pentru a le ocroti de ochii lumii, nu se afla nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car un am\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u226 ?t de slujitor care s\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?rile groase de nunt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite cu fructe, cu
foi\uc1 \u355 ?e de aur \uc1 \u351 ?i argint, cu pietre str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare,
cu fir de aur \uc1 \u351 ?i argint, care s\uc1 \u259 ? poarte, cu aleas\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ie, stindarde sub form\uc1 \u259 ? de copaci. Cum nici
ei nu aveau vreo pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de alaiul de
nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, tobo\uc1 \u351 ?arul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ?ul la zurna t\uc1 \u259 ?ceau la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri \uc1 \u351 ?i,
de vreme ce nu ne deschidea calea nici un nunta\uc1 \u351 ? care s\uc1 \u259 ?
strige: \uc1 \u8222 ?Da\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? la o parte, da\uc1 \u355 ?i-
v\uc1 \u259 ? la o parte, vine mireasa!\uc1 \u8221 ?, alaiul nostru se amesteca cu
mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea din pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, se pierdea printre
slujitoarele care-\uc1 \u351 ?i umpleau vasele de la ci\uc1 \u351 ?mea; de
aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, c\uc1 \u226 ?t o
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e care m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?
crimez. La un moment dat, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ne apropiam de cas\uc1 \u259 ?, m-
am r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit pe cal plin de curaj \uc1 \u351 ?i am priceput, privind-o,
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntristeze de asemenea
lipsuri, pe care nu le merita nicidecum, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re,
ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul betelei de mireas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
al v\uc1 \u259 ?lului s\uc1 \u226 ?ngeriu, era u\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ?m la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul alaiului \uc1 \u351 ?i
al drumului f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un fel de peripe\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un fel de necazuri, drept care m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?
it \uc1 \u351 ?i eu u\uc1 \u351 ?urat. Prin urmare, am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t-o de pe
cal pe fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarea mea mireas\uc1 \u259 ? pe cea cu care urma s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? cunun peste pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp \uc1 \u8211 ? cu acele
mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe care le fac to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nsur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eii, am luat-o de bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am
de\uc1 \u351 ?ertat peste cre\uc1 \u351 ?tet, cu o \uc1 \u238 ?ncetineal\uc1
\u259 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nveselea pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei care ne
priveau, o pung\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? cu aspri, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1
\u259 ? dinainte. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce copiii care ne urmaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i care ne d\uc1 \u259 ?duser\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?rcoale pe parcursul
acelui \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat alai de nunt\uc1 \u259 ? puneau m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe ei,
am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n curte, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, am traversat partea pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
cu groaz\uc1 \u259 ? duhoarea grea de le\uc1 \u351 ? care plutea \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?untru din pricina c\uc1 \u259 ?ldurii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?nd de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuia alaiul de nunt\uc1 \u259 ? se
oplo\uc1 \u351 ?ea prin cas\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
se purta de parc\uc1 \u259 ? duhoarea nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-ar fi existat la fel
ca to\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii, femeile \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii din
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, de altfel (Orhan m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sura nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tit dintr-un ungher) \uc1 \u8211 ? am fost cuprins o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?; sim\uc1 \u355 ?isem \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n n\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u238 ?n pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni mirosul
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?itor al trupurilor moarte pe c\uc1 \u226 ?
mpurile de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, trupuri ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte se
preschimbaser\uc1 \u259 ?-n f\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ii, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri, cizme \uc1 \u351 ?i centuri
fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? smulse \uc1 \u351 ?i furate, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror chipuri,
ochi, buze c\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ? prad\uc1 \u259 ? lupilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
viermilor, care z\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung la soare,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t eram sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u351 ?elam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Jos, \uc1 \u238 ?n
buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat-o pe Hayriye unde era
Unchiul, cum se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga cas\uc1 \u259 ?
mirosea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i vor pricepe totul. Nu o spusesem cu voce
tare, ci mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? murmur\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte,
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul \uc1 \u238 ?mi zbura la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?-i vorbisem pentru
prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? lui Hayriye ca un st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i poruncit, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu c\uc1 \u259 ?
ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de noapte, am tras plapuma peste el, i-am pus la cap pahare cu
siropuri. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? miroase, asta e din pricina c\uc1 \u259 ?ldurii pe care o
face mangalul din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis femeia pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-au picurat c\uc1 \u226 ?teva
lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n crati\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n care pr\uc1
\u259 ?jea de zor carne de oaie. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea, am priceput mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
Unchiul o lua nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n patul lui, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? mai apoi m-am ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat de acest g\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Ester, care \uc1
\u351 ?edea t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher al buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?riei, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1
\u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?it dumicatul din gur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a
ridicat \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 F\uc1
\u259 ?-o fericit\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, a zis ea. \uc1 \u206
?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s-o pre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Am auzit \uc1
\u238 ?n mine sunetul de l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? pe care-l auzisem \uc1 \u238 ?
n vreme ce umblam pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?n prima zi \uc1 \u238 ?n care
sosisem la Istanbul. Mai apoi, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Imam Efendi m\uc1 \u259 ? cununa
cu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care z\uc1 \u259 ?cea Unchiul, \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
noapte, armonia acelei muzici \uc1 \u238 ?mi mai st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n timpul cununiei, Unchiul, despre care nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deai
seama cu nici un chip c\uc1 \u259 ? era mort \uc1 \u351 ?i nu bolnav, deoarece
Hayriye aerisise \uc1 \u238 ?nainte odaia c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai clipi din ochi \uc1
\u351 ?i pitise bine lampa cu ulei \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher care-i mic\uc1 \u351 ?
ora lumina, a fost socotit ocrotitorul lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re; prietenul
meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier \uc1 \u351 ?i un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n atoate\uc1
\u351 ?tiutor din mahala ne-au fost martori. Cum, \uc1 \u238 ?n cursul ceremoniei,
care s-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it cu ur\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
sfaturile Imamului, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i cu rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile rostite de
to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul
iscoditor schi\uc1 \u355 ?ase un gest de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi dat s\uc1 \u259 ?
se aplece spre r\uc1 \u259 ?posat, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat de s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?tatea lui, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce Imamul a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it cununia, m-am repezit din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1
\u259 ?team, am apucat m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epenit\uc1 \u259 ?
a Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i am strigat din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i nici o grij\uc1 \u259 ?, Efendi,
dragul meu Unchi! M\uc1 \u259 ? voi str\uc1 \u259 ?dui din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri
ca \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?
iasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ndestulare, s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? parte de
tihn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Apoi, m-am pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u351 ?opteasc\uc1 \u259 ? ceva de pe patul de boal\uc1 \u259
?, culcat cum era pe pern\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i, apropiindu-mi plin de luare-
aminte \uc1 \u351 ?i de respect urechea de buzele lui, am p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1
\u259 ?-l ascult cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n patru \uc1 \u351 ?i cu urechile ciulite,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd noi, tinerii cuviincio\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnim
la timpul cuvenit un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
care nutrim foarte mult\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i ascult\uc1 \u259 ?m cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? grija cele c\uc1 \u226 ?
teva pove\uc1 \u355 ?e desprinse dintr-o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? am sorbi un elixir magic. Imam Efendi
\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul din mahala mi-au aruncat priviri care
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau c\uc1 \u259 ? primesc cu apreciere \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?are devotamentul \uc1 \u351 ?i nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ita
afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune dovedite de felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care plecam urechea la
pove\uc1 \u355 ?ele pe care mi le d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?
oapt\uc1 \u259 ? socrul meu, aflat pe patul de boal\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
pragul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Sper ca nimeni s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cread\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? am vreun amestec \uc1 \u238 ?n uciderea Unchiului!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Le-am spus oaspe\uc1 \u355 ?ilor veni\uc1 \u355 ?i la
nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, care se aflau \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, c\uc1
\u259 ? bietul bolnav dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
singur. Au golit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce treceau \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia al\uc1 \u259 ?
turat\uc1 \u259 ?, unde urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? se str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii pentru a m\uc1 \u226 ?nca pilaful lui Hayriye
\uc1 \u351 ?i carnea de miel pr\uc1 \u259 ?jit\uc1 \u259 ? (acum amestecam \uc1
\u351 ?i eu mirosul de le\uc1 \u351 ? cu mirosul c\uc1 \u259 ?rnii de miel fripte,
aromate cu cimbru \uc1 \u351 ?i chimen), am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n hol, am
deschis pe neg\uc1 \u226 ?ndite u\uc1 \u351 ?a camerei lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252
?re a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ar face un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat plin de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?ciune care r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?te, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat
\uc1 \u351 ?i dus pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, prin propria cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ?
am intrat pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a lua seama la
femeile cuprinse de groaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbatului care se amesteca printre ele, am privit-o cu neasemuit\uc1 \u259 ?
bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ai c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
ochi r\uc1 \u226 ?deau de fericire, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, te cheam\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
t\uc1 \u259 ?u; cununia noastr\uc1 \u259 ? a fost s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i s\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1
\u355 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
deau \uc1 \u351 ?i se pref\uc1 \u259 ?ceau c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
acoper\uc1 \u259 ? chipurile, cele trei-patru femei din mahala c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le
d\uc1 \u259 ?duse \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re de veste \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a se asigura c\uc1 \u259 ? nunta se petrece \uc1 \u238 ?n
v\uc1 \u259 ?zul tuturor, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i tinerele fete, despre care socoteam
c\uc1 \u259 ?-i erau rude, dup\uc1 \u259 ? devotamentul din privirile lor, m-au
cercetat \uc1 \u238 ?n voie, m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? din ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, lumea adunat\uc1 \u259 ? la nunt\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat tainul, a \uc1 \u238 ?nfulecat nucile,
migdalele, magiunurile, zah\uc1 \u259 ?rul candel \uc1 \u351 ?i cui\uc1 \u351 ?
oarele \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a risipit, la pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1
\u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n odaia femeilor,
lacrimile pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?rsa mereu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i sup\uc1 \u259 ?rarea \uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u226 ?lceava copiilor
alungaser\uc1 \u259 ? veselia; \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi, b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u226 ?sesem la aluziile deocheate pe seama
nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii nun\uc1 \u355 ?ii vecinului \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? refugiasem \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere plin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1
\u238 ?ntristare a fost pus pe seama suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei pricinuite de boala
socrului meu. Lucrul care mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit cel mai bine
\uc1 \u238 ?n minte, din toat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea aceea st\uc1
\u226 ?njenitoare, a fost acela c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am urcat, \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de mas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n camera Unchiului, r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nd singur cu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am s\uc1 \u259
?rutat mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, cu pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u226 ?na rece \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?epenit\uc1 \u259 ? a mortului, iar apoi ne-am retras \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
un ungher \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat al camerei \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at cu sete. Limba fierbinte a nevestei
mele, care mi s-a strecurat \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, avea gustul zah\uc1
\u259 ?rului candel pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nfulecau ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat
copiii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 34. Eu, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a plecat
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce ultimii oaspe\uc1 \u355 ?i ai tristei
noastre nun\uc1 \u355 ?i s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?at, \uc1 \u351
?i-au acoperit chipurile cu v\uc1 \u259 ?luri \uc1 \u351 ?i trupurile cu mantii,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-au t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t dup\uc1 \u259 ? ei pe copiii
care-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfundau \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? o ultim\uc1
\u259 ? bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de zah\uc1 \u259 ?r candel \uc1 \u351 ?i au ie\uc1
\u351 ?it pe poart\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut o lung\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1
\u259 ?cere. Eram cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n curte \uc1 \u351 ?i nu r\uc1
\u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea nici un sunet, afar\uc1 \u259 ? de zgomotul u\uc1 \u351 ?
or f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de o vrabie care bea ap\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
nici o grab\uc1 \u259 ? din g\uc1 \u259 ?leata de la pu\uc1 \u355 ?, pe jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate plin\uc1 \u259 ?. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u351 ?i
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pas\uc1 \u259 ?re, c\uc1 \u259 ?reia fulgii minusculi de pe
c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?i sclipeau \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina vetrei, a
disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, am fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ?
de durere la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? tata z\uc1 \u259 ?cea mort \uc1
\u238 ?n patul lui, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa acum pustie, care abia se z\uc1 \u259 ?
rea \uc1 \u238 ?n noapte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Copii, am
zis apoi, pe acel ton pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?mprumutam vocii mele c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ez de ceva \uc1 \u238
?nsemnat \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care Orhan \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?
l \uc1 \u351 ?tiau prea bine. Ia veni\uc1 \u355 ?i aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Au venit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De-acum,
Negru este tat\uc1 \u259 ?l vostru. S\uc1 \u259 ?ruta\uc1 \u355 ?i-i m\uc1 \u226 ?
na. I-au s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat-o, t\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
supu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fiindc\uc1 \u259 ?
neferici\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei orfani au crescut f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1
\u259 ?, habar n-au cum trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? i se supun\uc1 \u259 ? unui p\uc1
\u259 ?rinte, cum s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 asculte privindu-l drept \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n
el, i-am zis lui Negru. De aceea, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? vor
fi necuviincio\uc1 \u351 ?i, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se vor purta ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1
\u259 ?lbatici, copil\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vor face
n\uc1 \u259 ?zdr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?nii, ai s\uc1 \u259 ? le treci la \uc1
\u238 ?nceput cu vederea aceste deprinderi \uc1 \u351 ?i ai s\uc1 \u259 ? le pui pe
seama faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? au crescut f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-l aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n vreun fel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu mi-l amintesc pe
tata, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?\uc1 \u351 ?t. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?! Am zis. De-acum
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte, cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul lui Negru va fi, pentru voi, chiar mai
presus dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu te ascult\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunt lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i
de bun\uc1 \u259 ?-cre\uc1 \u351 ?tere fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de tine,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? dau cel mai m\uc1 \u259 ?runt semn de obr\uc1 \u259 ?znicie, de
r\uc1 \u259 ?sf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?, de necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
atrage-le mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i luarea-aminte, dar iart\uc1 \u259 ?-i, am
zis, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd balt\uc1 \u259 ? ideea b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
ii, care-mi venise o clip\uc1 \u259 ? pe limb\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricare ar fi locul pe
care-l ocup eu \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, acel loc trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? fie \uc1 \u351 ?i al lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, nu m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat cu tine doar pentru
a-\uc1 \u355 ?i fi b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a fi tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
acestor orfani dr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?la\uc1 \u351 ?i, a zis Negru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u355 ?i auzit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Doamne, Dumnezeul meu, nu ne lipsi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de lumina Ta,
\uc1 \u238 ?ndreptata asupra noastr\uc1 \u259 ?! A zis Hayriye dintr-un ungher.
Doamne, Dumnezeule, ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-ne!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u355 ?i auzit, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Am zis. Bravo,
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii mei feciori! De vreme ce tat\uc1 \u259 ?l vostru v\uc1 \u259 ?
iube\uc1 \u351 ?te at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult, v\uc1 \u259 ? va ierta dinainte chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
chibzui\uc1 \u355 ?i prea mult, ve\uc1 \u355 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din cuv\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-
i \uc1 \u351 ?i iert, dar mai apoi, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu vor lua seama la vorba ta \uc1 \u351 ?i a treia oar\uc1 \u259 ?.
Atunci ai dreptul s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ba\uc1 \u355 ?i! Am zis. A\uc1 \u355 ?i priceput?
Noul vostru tat\uc1 \u259 ?, Negru, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaiele
pe care ni le-a h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zit m\uc1 \u226 ?nia lui Dumnezeu, din
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaiele la care a plecat \uc1 \u351 ?i din care nu s-a mai \uc1 \u238
?ntors tat\uc1 \u259 ?l vostru, din cele mai nenorocite, cele mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare lupte \uc1 \u351 ?i este foarte aspru. Bunicul
lor i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare, c\uc1
\u259 ? ni s-au urcat \uc1 \u238 ?n cap. Acum, bunicul vostru este foarte bolnav.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? duc la bunicul, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu asculta\uc1 \u355 ?i, Negru o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u355 ?e f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cru\uc1 \u355 ?are c\uc1
\u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?taia e rupt\uc1 \u259 ? din Rai. Bunicul vostru n-o s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai scoat\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u226 ?inile lui Negru, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum v\uc1 \u259 ? scotea \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa din
ale mele. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? suferi\uc1 \u355 ?i de
pe urma m\uc1 \u226 ?niei tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui vostru, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? mai ciond\uc1
\u259 ?ni\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i
totul, nu min\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, face\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciunile, nu v\uc1 \u259 ? culca\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? nu
termina\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at, nu vorbi\uc1
\u355 ?i ur\uc1 \u226 ?t cu Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i nu v\uc1 \u259 ? bate\uc1 \u355 ?
i joc de ea. S-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Negru s-a aplecat \uc1 \u351 ?i, dintr-o mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, l-a luat
pe Orhan \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar \uc1 \u350 ?evket s-a \uc1 \u355 ?inut
deoparte. Mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ez \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng.
S\uc1 \u259 ?rmanul meu orfan \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat, s\uc1 \u259 ?rmanul meu \uc1
\u350 ?evket f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni pe lume, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de singur
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea asta mare! M-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, o clip\uc1
\u259 ?, ca pe un copila\uc1 \u351 ?, asemenea lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket, ca pe un
copil cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur \uc1 \u351 ?i, cum
aerul lui pl\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t
se confunda, \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea mea, cu propria-mi micime, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nfiorat. Aceasta deoarece, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? la copil\uc1 \u259 ?
ria mea, mi-am amintit cum st\uc1 \u259 ?team \uc1 \u351 ?i eu odat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele tatei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea acum
Orhan \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui Negru, dar nu ca Orhan, cu acea
ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?nare a fructului stingher \uc1 \u238 ?n propriul
copac, ci cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere; mi-am amintit c\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?am cu tata \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ne
adulmecam unul altuia trupurile, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz,
precum c\uc1 \u226 ?inii. Eram gata s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng, dar m-am st\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit \uc1 \u351 ?i am spus, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu aveam deloc
asta \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?nd:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Haide\uc1 \u355 ?i, spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-i lui Negru \uc1 \u8222 ?tat\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de
rece era noaptea, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? casa noastr\uc1
\u259 ?! La mare dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii urlau plini de \uc1
\u238 ?ntristare. A mai trecut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp, iar t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea s-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ntins asemenea unei flori care se deschide f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
ca m\uc1 \u259 ?car s\uc1 \u259 ? bagi de seam\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Bine, copii, am zis mult mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, haide\uc1 \u355 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? intr\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne
cuprind\uc1 \u259 ? frigul pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd aici.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu numai eu \uc1 \u351 ?i Negru am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ? codindu-ne, cu acea stinghereal\uc1 \u259 ? de care dau
dovad\uc1 \u259 ? mireasa \uc1 \u351 ?i mirele care se tem s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? singuri dup\uc1 \u259 ? nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1
\u351 ?i copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i Hayriye; parc\uc1 \u259 ? am fi intrat, cu to\uc1
\u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? a altcuiva, \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea duhoarea pe care-o r\uc1 \u259 ?
sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndea trupul mort al tatei, dar nimeni nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259
? fi b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce urcam scara
\uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, umbrele aruncate pe tavan de l\uc1 \u259 ?mpile pe
care le \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u226 ?rtejeau \uc1 \u351 ?i se amestecau, ca de obicei; ba se m\uc1 \u259 ?
reau, ba se mic\uc1 \u351 ?orau, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? aveam sentimentul c\uc1
\u259 ? toate astea mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplau pentru prima oar\uc1
\u259 ?. Tocmai ne scoteam, sus, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?rile, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?eveket a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc s\uc1 \u259 ?-i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut
m\uc1 \u226 ?na bunicului \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de culcare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 M-am uitat eu adineaori ce face, a zis Hayriye. Bunicul are dureri
a\uc1 \u351 ?a de mari, se simte at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t ginnii cei r\uc1 \u259 ?i par s\uc1 \u259 ? fi pus bini\uc1 \u351 ?
or st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire pe trupul lui; fierbin\uc1 \u355 ?eala bolii i-a
cuprins tot trupul. Intra\uc1 \u355 ?i la voi \uc1 \u238 ?n odaie, s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntind a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuturile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpinsese \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce netezea a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuturile, desf\uc1 \u259 ?
cea cear\uc1 \u351 ?afurile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea pl\uc1 \u259 ?pumile,
vorbea de fiecare lucru pe care-l lua \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ca
de un miracol f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?n, de parc\uc1 \u259 ?
somnul \uc1 \u238 ?n camera cald\uc1 \u259 ?, la miez de noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
cear\uc1 \u351 ?afurile curate \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?pumile c\uc1 \u259 ?
lduroase de puf era aidoma somnului \uc1 \u238 ?n seraiul unui padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye, spune-ne o poveste! A
zis Orhan, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea pe \uc1 \u355 ?ucal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia odat\uc1 \u259 ? un om albastru, a zis Hayriye. \uc1
\u350 ?i mai era un ginn, care era prietenul lui cel mai apropiat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce era albastru
omul? A zis Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye, pentru
Dumnezeu! Am zis. M\uc1 \u259 ?car \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta nu le mai spune
pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu ginni, cu z\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u351 ?i cu fantome.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne spun\uc1 \u259 ?? A zis \uc1
\u350 ?evket. Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te scoli din a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut
\uc1 \u351 ?i ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci la bunicul imediat ce adormim noi?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bunicul vostru, Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?
zeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, este foarte r\uc1 \u259 ?u bolnav, am zis. Sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc la noapte s\uc1 \u259 ? am grij\uc1 \u259 ? de el.
Apoi \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntorc \uc1 \u238 ?n pat!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye la bunicul! A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Nu are
Hayriye grij\uc1 \u259 ? de bunicul noaptea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Gata? L-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Hayriye pe Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce-l \uc1 \u351 ?tergea cu o c\uc1 \u226 ?
rp\uc1 \u259 ? la fund pe Orhan, pe al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui chip plutea o dulce \uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ndurare, a aruncat o privire \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ucal
\uc1 \u351 ?i s-a str\uc1 \u226 ?mbat, nu din pricina mirosului, ci pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? nu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? socoteasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeajuns ceea ce vedea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye,
i-am zis. Gole\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u355 ?ucalul \uc1 \u351 ?i adu-l \uc1 \u238 ?
napoi. \uc1 \u350 ?evket s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ias\uc1 \u259 ? din camer\uc1 \u259 ? la
noapte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ies? A
zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne spun\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye
pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu ginni \uc1 \u351 ?i cu z\uc1 \u226 ?ne?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Orhan a zis mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu acea expresie de optimism pe
care i-o vedeam \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna pe chip dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cea nevoile dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu team\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? sunt ginni,
prostule!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?,
sunt?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?
i\uc1 \u355 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? spune\uc1 \u355 ?i: \uc1
\u8222 ?Ia s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d ce face bunicul\uc1 \u8221 ?, o s\uc1 \u259
? dea ginnul peste voi!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde Negru a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul? A \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Unde doarme \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea asta?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, am zis. O s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1
\u238 ?ntind\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\itap0 \fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, tu ai s\uc1 \u259 ? dormi
tot cu noi, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun! Am s\uc1
\u259 ? dorm cu voi, la fel ca p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntotdeauna?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Hayriye a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it, cu \uc1 \u355 ?ucalul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Am scos din dulapul \uc1 \u238 ?n care le ascunsesem
celelalte nou\uc1 \u259 ? picturi, de care nemernicul uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, care o
luase cu el pe ultima, nu se atinsese, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins \uc1 \u238 ?n
a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1 \u351 ?i le-am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, la lumina l\uc1
\u259 ?mpii, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep taina pe care o
ascundeau. Aceste picturi sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumoase, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t le po\uc1 \u355 ?i privi de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi amintirile tale
uitate \uc1 \u351 ?i, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce le prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
ele \uc1 \u238 ?nsele \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vorbesc, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o
fac \uc1 \u351 ?i literele caligrafului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce admiram picturile, m\uc1 \u259 ? cufundasem \uc1 \u238 ?n
visare. Am priceput, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mirosul capului fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tor care se
sprijinea de nasul meu, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Orhan se uita la ro\uc1 \u351 ?
ul acela straniu \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?tor de b\uc1 \u259 ?
nuieli, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de mine. Mi-a venit deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla uneori, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi scot s\uc1
\u226 ?nul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau s\uc1 \u259 ? sug\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai
apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a speriat de imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?toare a mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a lui, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd respira dulce printre buzele ro\uc1
\u351 ?iatice, mi-am dorit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1
\u226 ?nc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?
nc, ai \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, g\uc1 \u226 ?dil\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?! A zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i
s-a repezit la mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ridic\uc1
\u259 ?-te de acolo, ridic\uc1 \u259 ?-te, prostule! Am strigat \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am
tras o palm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se aruncase peste picturi. M-am uitat \uc1 \u351 ?i am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? nu li se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase nimic;
calul din pictura de deasupra se \uc1 \u351 ?ifonase pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, dar abia
dac\uc1 \u259 ? se vedea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors Hayriye cu \uc1 \u355 ?ucalul
gol, am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns imaginile. Tocmai m\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?team
s\uc1 \u259 ? ies din odaie, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?evket a strigat nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tit:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde te duci,
mam\uc1 \u259 ?, unde?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
traversat holul rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a. Negru st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mindirului gol al tatei, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i loc
\uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse de vorb\uc1 \u259 ? cu el, vreme de patru
zile, despre portret, despre pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, despre perspectiv\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
pus picturile pe suportul de carte din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, pe mindir \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe jos. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
luminat\uc1 \u259 ? de flac\uc1 \u259 ?ra lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii a fost
inundat\uc1 \u259 ? de culoare, de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire, de un
fel de c\uc1 \u259 ?ldur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de o uimitoare \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire; p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, totul
prinsese via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
privit vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ? imaginile t\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1
\u355 ?i, plini de respect, nemi\uc1 \u351 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am
fi clintit pu\uc1 \u355 ?in din loc, curentul de aer, care purta cu el mirosul de
moarte ce venea din camera de vizavi, ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut lum\uc1 \u226 ?narea
s\uc1 \u259 ? tremure \uc1 \u351 ?i, astfel, picturile misterioase ale tatei ar fi
p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? se mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?. Crescuser\uc1
\u259 ? oare ele \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
pricinuiser\uc1 \u259 ? moartea? Eram oare fermecat\uc1 \u259 ? de ciud\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enia acelui cal, de ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
asem\uc1 \u259 ?nare, de melancolia copacului, de triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea celor doi
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citori, ori asta se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpla pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam de cel care-l ucisese pe
tata, ba poate \uc1 \u351 ?i pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii? Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme, Negru
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu am priceput at\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine c\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?
cerea care domnea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi se datora, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, picturilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?seser\uc1 \u259 ?m
singuri \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, \uc1 \u238
?n prima noapte de dup\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi ne-am dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?m la
sfat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne scul\uc1 \u259 ?m diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? afle c\uc1 \u259 ? bietul tata a murit \uc1 \u238 ?n somn, am
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de chibzuit
era ceea ce spusesem, vorbele mele p\uc1 \u259 ?reau nesincere.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u226 ?ine diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? totul o
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie bine, a zis Negru cu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i aer ciudat, spun\uc1
\u226 ?nd adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a putea crede \uc1 \u238 ?
n el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o mi\uc1
\u351 ?care nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de mine
\uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?ez, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i iau capul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam cu copiii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Tocmai atunci am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva deschidea u\uc1 \u351 ?a de la camera
tatei \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozit\uc1 \u259 ? din locul
unde m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam, am dat fuga la u\uc1 \u351 ?a od\uc1 \u259 ?ii noastre,
am deschis-o \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat cine era: am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?
nfiorat\uc1 \u259 ?, la lumina care se strecura \uc1 \u238 ?n hol, c\uc1 \u259 ?
u\uc1 \u351 ?a camerei lui era cr\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?
it \uc1 \u238 ?n holul rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a. Camera tatei mirosea a le\uc1
\u351 ?, din pricina mangalului care continua s\uc1 \u259 ? ard\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Oare cine venise aici, \uc1 \u350 ?evket ori altcineva?
In lumina tulbure a mangalului, trupul lipsit de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? al
tatei z\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u238 ?n pace, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de noapte. Mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte cum
\uc1 \u238 ?i spuneam \uc1 \u238 ?n unele nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
culcare: \uc1 \u8222 ?Noapte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, t\uc1 \u259 ?ticule!\uc1 \u8221 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce el citea la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii Cartea
sufletului. \uc1 \u206 ?mi lua din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cana, \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se u\uc1 \u351 ?or, \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Cel
ce ofer\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? parte de
bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug, frumoasa mea!\uc1 \u8221 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta pe
obraz ca pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram mic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
privea \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi de aproape. M-am uitat la chipul lui \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am speriat. Pe de o parte, nu
doream s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l v\uc1 \u259 ?d, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? pe de
alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1 \u259 ? de Diavol,
doream s\uc1 \u259 ? cercetez c\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?
im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor devenise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Tocmai m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsesem, \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n odaia cu u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? albastr\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd Negru s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit asupra mea. L-am \uc1 \u238 ?mpins, dar nu de
team\uc1 \u259 ?, ci din pricin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam
prea bine seama ce fac. Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?nghiontit la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, dar nu era o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
doar imita\uc1 \u355 ?ia unei \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ?ri sincere. Ne f\uc1
\u259 ?cea pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? ne izbim unul de altul, s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne atingem unul altuia bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele, picioarele, pieptul. Tulburarea care
\uc1 \u238 ?mi st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea mintea sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu starea de
spirit descris\uc1 \u259 ? de Nizami \uc1 \u238 ?n H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u350 ?irin. Oare Negru, care-l citise at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelung pe Nizami, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel ca \uc1 \u350 ?irin,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i ziceam: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu-mi r\uc1 \u259 ?ni buzele cu
s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?rile tale, nu face asta!\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i
spuneam, de fapt, dincolo de propriile vorbe: \uc1 \u8222 ?F\uc1 \u259 ?-o!\uc1
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu
va fi aflat diavolul acela, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu va fi dat
\uc1 \u238 ?n vileag uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul tatei, n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
culc cu tine! Am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n vreme ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi luat-o la goan\uc1 \u259 ?, m-a cuprins un soi de
ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbisem pe un ton at\uc1 \u226 ?t de r\uc1
\u259 ?stit, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? voiam ca Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
aud\uc1 \u259 ? vorbele. Mai mult, parc\uc1 \u259 ? voiam s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
aud\uc1 \u259 ? strig\uc1 \u259 ?tul nu numai ei, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i bietul tata \uc1
\u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui trup
putrezise \uc1 \u351 ?i se preschimbase demult \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt
str\uc1 \u259 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici nu m-am
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t bine l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? copii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
Orhan mi-a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u350 ?evket a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n hol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ai ie\uc1 \u351 ?it? Am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o
mi\uc1 \u351 ?care brusc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 pocnesc peste fa\uc1
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye!
A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?
it, a zis Hayriye. A fost tot timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Cum m-am \uc1
\u238 ?nfiorat o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, nu m-am putut uita \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii ei. Am
priceput pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce va fi dezv\uc1
\u259 ?luita moartea tatei, copiii se vor refugia de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?nainte la
Hayriye, pentru a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de furiile mele, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i vor
\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i tainele noastre, iar roaba
asta mizerabil\uc1 \u259 ? se va folosi de asemenea prilejuri \uc1 \u351 ?i va \uc1
\u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi porunceasc\uc1 \u259 ? ea mie. Va c\uc1 \u259 ?uta
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ? moartea tatei
\uc1 \u351 ?i va face \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
Hasan s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? tutorele copiilor! 0 va face, da! Iar
toat\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? neru\uc1 \u351 ?inare era pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ?
de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ise a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternutul cu tata. Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u259 ?inuiesc lucrul \uc1 \u259 ?sta
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?: desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? o
f\uc1 \u259 ?cea! I-am z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit cu bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e. Apoi l-
am luat pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am
s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I\uc1 \u355 ?i spun
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?evket a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it afar\uc1 \u259 ?, pe hol, a zis
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u355 ?i-
v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1 \u351 ?i face\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi
loc \uc1 \u238 ?ntre voi, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun povestea \uc1 \u351 ?
acalului f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? coad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a ginnului
negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar i-ai spus lui Hayriye s\uc1
\u259 ? nu ne mai istoriseasc\uc1 \u259 ? pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu ginni! A zis
\uc1 \u350 ?evket. De ce nu ne poate povesti Hayriye \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vor trece \uc1 \u351 ?i prin
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul orfanilor?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vor
trece! Am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul acela, nici un copil nu va avea
p\uc1 \u259 ?rin\uc1 \u355 ?i. Hayriye, tu du-te jos \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
cerceteaz\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?ile. Noi o s\uc1 \u259 ?
adormim pe la mijlocul pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Eu nu dorm, a zis Orhan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Unde o s\uc1 \u259 ? se culce Negru \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea asta? A \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n odaia de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. V\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? bine \uc1 \u238 ?n mama, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzim sub plapum\uc1 \u259 ?. Ale cui sunt picioru\uc1 \u351 ?ele
astea reci ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ale
mele, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket. Unde o s\uc1 \u259 ? se culce Hayriye? C\uc1 \u226 ?
nd Orhan a adormit din nou primul, la pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncepusem s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun povestea, am cobor\uc1
\u226 ?t vocea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-ai s\uc1 \u259 ?
pleci din pat dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce adorm eu, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? A
zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am s\uc1 \u259 ?
plec.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu aveam, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-o fac. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a adormit \uc1
\u350 ?evket, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit ce fericire era, de fapt, s\uc1 \u259 ? dorm
str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1
\u259 ? cu fiii mei, \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea celei de-a doua nun\uc1 \u355 ?i; pe
deasupra, \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? se mai afla \uc1 \u351 ?i un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat chipe\uc1 \u351 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?tept \uc1 \u351 ?i plin de dorin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul acesta trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi adormit,
dar somnul nu mi-a fost deloc tihnit. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum mi-am amintit mai
apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea aceea misterioas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? odihn\uc1 \u259 ? dintre vis \uc1 \u351 ?i trezie mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ncheiat mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i socotelile cu spiritul m\uc1 \u226 ?nios al
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului meu tat\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259
? fug de umbra nemernicului uciga\uc1 \u351 ? care dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? trimit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
spiritul acela, dar uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul, care era chiar mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor dec\uc1 \u226 ?t spiritul tatei \uc1 \u351 ?
i care nu se desprindea de pe urmele mele, a iscat zgomote. A aruncat, \uc1 \u238 ?
n vis, cu pietre \uc1 \u238 ?n casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. S-au izbit de geam, au
c\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?. Mai apoi, a aruncat cu pietre \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ba chiar mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut
c\uc1 \u259 ? a for\uc1 \u355 ?at-o. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd spiritul cel r\uc1 \u259 ?u a
scos, dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, un sunet t\uc1 \u226 ?nguios, pe care nu l-am putut
asemui cu nimic, un sunet care aducea a urlet sau geam\uc1 \u259 ?t de animal,
inima a prins s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi bat\uc1 \u259 ? cu putere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 M-am trezit asudat\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare auzisem sunetul acela \uc1 \u238
?n vis, sau zgomotele se auziser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i de aceea m\uc1 \u259 ? trezisem? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu izbuteam s\uc1
\u259 ? pricep, m-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? copii \uc1 \u351
?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? clintesc. Tocmai eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?
cred c\uc1 \u259 ? auzisem sunetele \uc1 \u238 ?n vis, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a ajuns
din nou la ureche acela\uc1 \u351 ?i geam\uc1 \u259 ?t. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremea
aceasta, \uc1 \u238 ?n curte a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut cu zgomot ceva mare. \uc1 \u350 ?i
asta era tot o piatr\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
cuprins o fric\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozitoare. Dar imediat s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u: auzeam zgomote \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?. Unde era Hayriye, \uc1 \u238 ?n ce camer\uc1 \u259 ? se
culcase Negru? In ce stare era trupul tatei? Ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-ne,
Doamne! Copiii dormeau du\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? toate astea s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?rita, m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi sculat din pat \uc1
\u351 ?i, str\uc1 \u259 ?duindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nving
teama pentru a fi st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum face b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul casei, a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?
nfruntat ginnii, spiritele. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
zut\uc1 \u259 ? singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n capcan\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?sem \uc1 \u238 ?n copii. Mi se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1
\u259 ? lumea era pustie, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne vin\uc1 \u259 ?
nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor, nici mie, nici lor. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce a\uc1 \u351
?teptam s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple ceva r\uc1 \u259 ?u, m-am
rugat. Eram singur\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n vise. Am auzit cum se
deschidea poarta. Era poarta, nu? Da.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
sculat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? pot dumiri prea bine ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam, mi-am pus feregeaua pe
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Negru! Am \uc1 \u351 ?optit din capul sc\uc1 \u259 ?rilor.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Coboram sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fi luat nimic \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare. Nici n-am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it
bine \uc1 \u238 ?n partea pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? a cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1 \u259 ?
lum\uc1 \u226 ?narea pe care o aprinsesem de la mangal s-a stins c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai
clipi. Se pornise un v\uc1 \u226 ?nt aspru, dar cerul era senin; de cum mi s-au
obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit ochii, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? luna, pe jum\uc1 \u259
?tate plin\uc1 \u259 ?, lumina bine curtea. Dumnezeule! Poarta era deschis\uc1
\u259 ?. Am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u355 ?intuit\uc1 \u259 ? locului, tremur\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
ce nu luasem un cu\uc1 \u355 ?it cu mine? Nu aveam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car un sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nic ori vreo bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de
lemn. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric
cum se mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca poarta singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, mult mai t\uc1
\u226 ?rziu, parc\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a oprit, i-am auzit sc\uc1 \u226
?r\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?itul. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit, din c\uc1 \u226 ?te-mi aduc
aminte, c\uc1 \u259 ? totul p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se petreac\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un vis. Eram limpede la cap \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? umblam prin curte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Auzind un zgomot dinspre cas\uc1 \u259 ?, care venea parc\uc1 \u259 ? de sub
acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? spiritul bietului meu tat\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea eforturi s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? din trup. D\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-mi seama c\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul tatei se zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n
chinuri, am fost cople\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de durere, dar m-am sim\uc1
\u355 ?it totodat\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tata e
motivul tuturor acestor zgomote, mi-am zis, atunci nu mi se poate \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla nimic r\uc1 \u226 ?u. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte,
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a sufletului care se zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea, acum o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? trupul \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nal\uc1 \u355 ?e singur la cer m-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntristat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am rugat lui
Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajute pe bietul meu p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndind
c\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul tatei nu avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ocroteasc\uc1
\u259 ? doar pe mine, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pe copii, m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it m\uc1 \u226
?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? dincolo de poart\uc1 \u259 ? se
afla un ifrit38 care se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne fac\uc1 \u259 ? ceva
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, apoi acela trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se team\uc1 \u259 ? de sufletul
ne\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat al tatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Atunci am fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva Negru era cel
care st\uc1 \u226 ?rnea ne\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?carea tatei. Oare tata era pe
cale s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? vreun r\uc1 \u259 ?u lui Negru? Unde se afla
Negru? In aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ? l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n
strad\uc1 \u259 ?, ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo de poart\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i
m-am oprit. Vorbea cu cineva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
observat c\uc1 \u259 ? un om aflat printre copacii din gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina pustie de
peste drum \uc1 \u238 ?i povestea ceva lui Negru. Mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? cel
care scosese geam\uc1 \u259 ?tul pe care-l auzisem ceva mai devreme avea
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i voce, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum am priceput \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de Hasan. \uc1 \u206 ?n vocea lui st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia un
fel de implorare, de t\uc1 \u226 ?nguial\uc1 \u259 ?, dar din ea nu lipsea nici o
nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare. I-am ascultat pe
am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi de departe. In noaptea t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, se l\uc1
\u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? purta\uc1 \u355 ?i de propriile r\uc1 \u259 ?fuieli.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am priceput tot atunci \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sesem cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur\uc1 \u259 ? pe lume, cu copiii. M\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubeam pe Negru, dar, la drept
vorbind, nu doream dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iubesc. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n vocea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e a lui Hasan, \uc1 \u238
?n suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care i-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles-o pe dat\uc1
\u259 ?, era ceva care \uc1 \u238 ?mi r\uc1 \u259 ?nea sufletul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u226 ?ine am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aduc aici pe cadiu,
pe ieniceri, am s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc martori care s\uc1 \u259 ? jure c\uc1 \u259 ?
fratele meu tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? se mai r\uc1 \u259 ?zboie\uc1 \u351 ?te prin mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii din Persia,
zicea el. Cununia voastr\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva legii. P\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?tui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? prin adulter.}{\fs24
\lin0 \rin0 \itap0
\fs22 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu era nevasta ta, ci a r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului
t\uc1 \u259 ?u frate, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fratele
meu tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, a zis Hasan cu t\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Exist\uc1
\u259 ? martori care l-au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cadiul din Uskudar l-a desp\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?it de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu s-a mai
\uc1 \u238 ?ntors de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi de patru ani. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1
\u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun\uc1 \u259 ? martorii c\uc1 \u259 ? a
divor\uc1 \u355 ?at.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu se poate m\uc1 \u259 ?rita \uc1 \u238 ?nainte a trece
luna, a zis Hasan. Este \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i a
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Coran. Cum de a \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?at
tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re o asemenea m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?vie?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unchiul,
a zis Negru, este foarte bolnav.\uc1 \u8221 ? E pe patul de moarte. Cadiul ne-a dat
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
torim.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-a\uc1 \u355 ?i otr\uc1
\u259 ?vit oare am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi pe Unchiul? A zis Hasan. A\uc1 \u355 ?i
reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i treaba asta cu Hayriye?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Socrul meu e \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat de ceea ce i-ai
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, fratele t\uc1 \u259 ?u mai
mare \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i poate cere la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lui socoteal\uc1
\u259 ? pentru ocara pe care i-ai adus-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Totul e o minciun\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Hasan. Motive pe care le-a scornit \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fug\uc1 \u259 ? de acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din cas\uc1 \u259 ? s-a auzit
un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t; cea care \uc1 \u355 ?ipa era Hayriye. Apoi a
\uc1 \u355 ?ipat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?evket; au \uc1 \u355 ?ipat unul la
altul. Vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd-nevr\uc1 \u226 ?nd, am \uc1 \u355 ?ipat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu,
de team\uc1 \u259 ?, neput\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc, \uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau
seama ce fac, am alergat spre cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?evket a cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t sc\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1
\u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nit
\uc1 \u238 ?n curte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bunicul e
rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a! A urlat el. Bunicul a murit! Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at. L-am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?
e. Hayriye continua s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ipe. \uc1 \u350 ?i Negru, \uc1
\u351 ?i Hasan le auziser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele; auziser\uc1 \u259 ?
totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, l-au
omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe bunicul! A zis de data asta \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a auzit ce-a spus. Oare \uc1 \u351
?i Hasan auzise? L-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at
str\uc1 \u226 ?ns pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket. L-am dus \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? las
cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te. \uc1 \u206 ?n capul sc\uc1 \u259 ?
rilor, Hayriye \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba cum de se trezise copilul \uc1 \u351 ?i cum de
putuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se furi\uc1 \u351 ?eze din pat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0
\ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22
Mam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tii, nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? ne la\uc1 \u351 ?i
singuri, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eram cu
mintea la Negru, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epenit \uc1
\u238 ?n poart\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu putea \uc1 \u238 ?nchide poarta, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? era preocupat de Hasan. L-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket pe
obraji, l-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at str\uc1 \u226 ?
ns, l-am adulmecat pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t, l-am lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit \uc1 \u351 ?i i l-am
dat lui Hayriye \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Urca\uc1 \u355 ?i am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, Hayriye, am zis \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au urcat.
M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors la poart\uc1 \u259 ?. Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? putea vedea acolo unde eram la c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva pa\uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul por\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Oare \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
schimbase locul \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?
de dincolo de drum, trecuse \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul copacilor \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneca\uc1 \u355 ?i de pe marginea uli\uc1 \u355 ?ei? M\uc1 \u259 ? vedea \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce vorbea, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
vorbea \uc1 \u351 ?i mie. Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfuria nu era faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeam cu cineva al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui chip nu-l vedeam; \uc1 \u238 ?
mi ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam din fire pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?
ce ne \uc1 \u238 ?nvinuia pe mine, pe noi \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
deam de fapt dreptate, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? aflam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna gre\uc1 \u351 ?eam \uc1 \u351 ?i eram vinovat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse tata s\uc1 \u259 ? simt mereu, \uc1 \u351 ?i
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pricepeam cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune c\uc1 \u259 ?
eram \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit\uc1 \u259 ? de omul care spunea toate aceste
lucruri. Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, Doamne! Oare dragostea nu este o cale de a
ajunge la tine, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu de a suferi \uc1 \u238 ?n zadar?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Hasan a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nh\uc1 \u259 ?
itasem cu Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?-l omor\uc1 \u226 ?sem pe tata. A spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? auzise spusele copilului, c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt totul era limpede ca
lumina zilei, c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1
\u259 ?m noi era un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat care avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne trimit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad. Urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ? de diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la cadiu \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ?
totul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? eram nevinovat\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?
inile nu-mi erau p\uc1 \u259 ?tate de s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele tatei, avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi acas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu copii cu
tot, \uc1 \u351 ?i, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcerea fratelui
s\uc1 \u259 ?u din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie el p\uc1 \u259 ?
rinte adoptiv. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am ascultat cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare toate
acestea, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre copaci s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit
pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci acum, din proprie voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratului t\uc1 \u259 ?u b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat, a zis Hasan pe un cu totul alt ton, dac\uc1 \u259 ?-i iei pe copii \uc1 \u351
?i te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a te ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, am s\uc1 \u259 ? uit
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu de urzeala acestei a\uc1 \u351 ?a-zise c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
torii, de ceea ce am aflat aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta, de p\uc1 \u259 ?catele
pe care le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, am s\uc1 \u259
? uit \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i iert totul. Am s\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?tept ani de zile r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
tine, ca fratele meu s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? de la r\uc1
\u259 ?zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era beat? In vocea
lui era ceva at\uc1 \u226 ?t de copil\uc1 \u259 ?ros, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
acum eu eram cea \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce-
mi sugerase, de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu, putea
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l coste via\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Pricepi? Mi s-a adresat dintre copaci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
puteam s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama unde era \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric.
Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-ne, Doamne, pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe noi, robii t\uc1 \u259 ?i cei
p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?i!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu vei putea tr\uc1 \u259 ?i sub
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i acoperi\uc1 \u351 ? cu
omul care l-a ucis pe tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a venit o clip\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ? el l-ar fi putut ucide pe tata. Iar acum
poate c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tea joc de noi. Acest Hasan era
Dracul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar poate m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?elam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?,
Hasan Efendi, a zis Negru \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Socrul meu a fost
ucis, e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. L-a ucis un tic\uc1 \u259 ?los.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A fost ucis \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-i a\uc1
\u351 ?a? A zis Hasan. L-a\uc1 \u355 ?i ucis pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotrivit uneltirilor legate de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a-zisului divor\uc1 \u355 ?, martorilor mincino\uc1 \u351 ?i,
vicleniilor voastre. La drept vorbind, dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l pre\uc1 \u355 ?uia pe
Negru, nu i-ar fi dat-o pe fata lui acum, ci cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1
\u259 ?ise ani de zile cu r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, cu noi, ne
cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea tuturor trecutul, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ni-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
team \uc1 \u351 ?i noi. Mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, Hasan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai mic am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt, cu acea
pasiune a \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostitului gelos, tot ceea ce vorbeam \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu, tot ceea ce uitaser\uc1
\u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i tot ceea ce doriser\uc1 \u259 ?m s\uc1 \u259 ? uit\uc1 \u259
?m. Adunasem, ani de zile, at\uc1 \u226 ?tea amintiri laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu el, cu
fratele lui, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am temut c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
avea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?ire acum, urma s\uc1 \u259 ? simt \uc1 \u351 ?i eu c\uc1 \u226 ?t de str\uc1
\u259 ?in, de nou \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat era Negru de
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te b\uc1 \u259 ?nuim pe tine
c\uc1 \u259 ? l-ai ucis, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Voi
l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i ucis, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? pute\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259
?s\uc1 \u259 ?tori. Asta e limpede. In ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te,
eu n-aveam nici un motiv s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucid.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 L-ai ucis pentru ca noi s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1
\u259 ?torim, a zis Negru. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai auzit c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat consim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul ca \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? se despart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? ne c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torim, \uc1 \u355 ?i-ai pierdut min\uc1
\u355 ?ile. Erai de fapt furios pe Unchiul pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?
ndemnat-o pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Voiai s\uc1 \u259 ? te r\uc1 \u259 ?zbuni pe
el. \uc1 \u350 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \u226 ?ta vreme c\uc1 \u226 ?t tr\uc1
\u259 ?ia el, n-aveai s\uc1 \u259 ? ai niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? parte de \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-o mai lungi, a zis
Hasan hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? mai ascult toate astea. E
foarte frig. Am \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at aici tot arunc\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu
pietre, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? atrag aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Nu m-a\uc1 \u355 ?
i auzit deloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru era \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, se uita la picturile tatei, am zis eu. Gre\uc1 \u351 ?isem
oare spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan a
vorbit tocmai pe acel ton pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe care-l foloseam eu f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vreau c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbeam cu Negru:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, cel mai bun lucru pe
care l-ai putea face ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i nevasta
fratelui meu, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i iei copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorci acum, imediat, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa eroului spahiu cu care \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit\uc1 \u259 ?,
potrivit legii sfinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu, am zis, \uc1 \u351 ?optind parc\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n noapte. Nu, Hasan, nu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Atunci, r\uc1 \u259 ?spunderea \uc1 \u351 ?i leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura pe care o am cu
fratele meu m\uc1 \u259 ? silesc s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun m\uc1 \u226 ?ine
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cadiului ceea ce am auzit aici.
Altfel, mi se va cere socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Oricum \uc1 \u355 ?i se va cere socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Negru.
\uc1 \u206 ?n clipa \uc1 \u238 ?n care te vei duce la cadiu, am s\uc1 \u259 ?
dau \uc1 \u351 ?i eu \uc1 \u238 ?n vileag faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? tu l-ai omor\uc1
\u226 ?t pe Unchiul, robul preaiubit al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.
Diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Bine, a zis Hasan lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. A\uc1 \u351 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ? spui. Am scos
un strig\uc1 \u259 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Or s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi la cazne! Am urlat. Nu v\uc1
\u259 ? duce\uc1 \u355 ?i la cadiu! A\uc1 \u351 ?tepta\uc1 \u355 ?i! Va ie\uc1
\u351 ?i totul la iveal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
m\uc1 \u259 ? tem de cazne, a zis Hasan. Am fost supus la cazne de dou\uc1 \u259 ?
ori \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ?,
cel vinovat a fost dovedit de cel nevinovat doar prin cazne. De cazne s\uc1 \u259 ?
se team\uc1 \u259 ? cei care-i ponegresc pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? le
povestesc cadiului, ag\uc1 \u259 ?i ienicerilor, \uc1 \u351 ?eyh-\uc1 \u252 ?l-
islam-ului, tuturor, \uc1 \u351 ?i despre cartea, despre picturile bietului Unchi.
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te de picturile alea. Ce se afl\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nimic, a zis Negru.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Prin urmare, te-ai uitat
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? la ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Unchiul a dorit ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? termin cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Bine. Cu voia lui Dumnezeu, ne vor pune pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi la
cazne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au t\uc1 \u259 ?cut am\uc1
\u226 ?ndoi. Mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, am auzit zgomote de pa\uc1 \u351 ?i care veneau
dinspre gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina pustie. Oare pleca sau se apropia de noi? Nu-l puteam
vedea, dar nici nu izbuteam s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepem ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea. S-ar fi
trudit f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? rost trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238
?ntunericul orb, printre m\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?cinii, printre tufi\uc1 \u351 ?
urile, printre tufele de mure din cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt al
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinii. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? trecea printre copaci \uc1 \u351 ?i se
strecura prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, tot ar fi putut disp\uc1 \u259 ?
rea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vedem, dar n-am auzit nici un zgomot
de pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se spre noi. Am strigat, la un
moment dat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu s-a auzit nici o trosnitur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Taci! A zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tremuram am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi de frig. F\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis bine poarta
\uc1 \u351 ?i am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a
m\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?ga \uc1 \u238 ?n patul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit de
copii, i-am mai aruncat o privire tatei. C\uc1 \u226 ?t despre Negru, s-a a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a picturilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 35. Eu, Calul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
lua\uc1 \u355 ?i seama la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acum stau calm \uc1 \u351 ?i
lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, la drept vorbind, alerg de secole.
Str\uc1 \u259 ?bat c\uc1 \u226 ?mpii, iau parte la lupte, le port \uc1 \u238 ?n
spinare \uc1 \u351 ?i le m\uc1 \u259 ?rit pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntristatele fiice ale \uc1
\u351 ?ahilor pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?esc, pagin\uc1 \u259 ? cu
pagin\uc1 \u259 ?, din poveste-n istorie, din istorie-n legend\uc1 \u259 ?, din
carte \uc1 \u238 ?n carte. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am aflat locul \uc1 \u238 ?n
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?n at\uc1 \u226 ?tea basme,
\uc1 \u238 ?n at\uc1 \u226 ?tea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1
\u226 ?tea lupte, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it at\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia eroi de ne\uc1 \u238 ?nvins, at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i legendari, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am
urmat at\uc1 \u226 ?tea armate de vis, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am galopat, din
campanie-n campanie, cu padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi biruitori, m-am ales, desigur, cu
multe, cu foarte multe imagini.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce fel de
sentiment \uc1 \u238 ?mi treze\uc1 \u351 ?te faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost pictat de
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea ori?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ndria, dar
v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb dac\uc1 \u259 ? cel zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit mereu sunt,
cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, eu. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege
\uc1 \u351 ?i din aceste picturi, \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1
\u238 ?mbrac o cu totul alt\uc1 \u259 ? form\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n ciuda
acestui fapt, simt cu putere c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste imagini au o tr\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? comun\uc1 \u259 ?, un aspect care le leag\uc1 \u259 ?
una de alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? ce
am aflat de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cele povestite de prietenii mei miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti. Regele ghiaurilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci se g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoare cu fata Dogelui Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Ar vrea el
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nsoare cu ea, dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? vene\uc1 \u355 ?
ianul este s\uc1 \u259 ?rac, iar fata lui ur\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?? Ii spune
celui mai iscusit pictor s\uc1 \u259 ? se duc\uc1 \u259 ? la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze fata, averea, bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iile,
toate minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iile pe care le st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
ne\uc1 \u351 ?te Dogele Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii nu \uc1 \u351 ?
tiu ce este ne\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit: \uc1 \u238 ?i las\uc1 \u259 ?
pictorului calea deschis\uc1 \u259 ? nu doar c\uc1 \u259 ?tre fetele, ci \uc1 \u351
?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre iepele, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre palatele lor. Pictorul cel \uc1
\u238 ?nzestrat picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t, dac\uc1 \u259 ? vezi fata \uc1 \u351 ?i calul din picturile lui, \uc1
\u238 ?i recuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti imediat. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce regele fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nc admir\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea palatului s\uc1 \u259 ?u, picturile
sosite de la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se ce s\uc1 \u259
? fac\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? o ia sau nu pe fat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torie, arm\uc1 \u259 ?sarul s\uc1 \u259 ?u
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se suie pe iapa aceea
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t r\uc1 \u226 ?
nda\uc1 \u351 ?ii st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc cu mare greutate animalul \uc1
\u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?lduri, care, cu m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul lui uria\uc1 \u351 ?,
rupe pictura \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu ram\uc1 \u259 ? cu
tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ei spun c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce
l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?tat pe arm\uc1 \u259 ?sarul fr\uc1 \u226
?nc nu a fost frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea iepei vene\uc1 \u355 ?iene de\uc1 \u351 ?i
aceasta era fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u8211 ? ci faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ea fusese
pictat\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi fost un cal anume, av\uc1 \u226 ?nd
drept model o iap\uc1 \u259 ? anume. Acum, zic eu, e oare un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat s\uc1
\u259 ? pictezi iapa aceea ca pe imaginea unei iepe adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate?
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
mprejurarea de acum, eu m\uc1 \u259 ? deosebesc prea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in de alte
imagini de cai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De fapt, cei ce
bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea crupei mele, lungimea
picioarelor, \uc1 \u355 ?inuta mea m\uc1 \u226 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ? pricep c\uc1
\u259 ? sunt deosebit. Dar aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e nu pune \uc1
\u238 ?n lumin\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? eu sunt deosebit ca un cal ce m\uc1
\u259 ? aflu, ci faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul care m-a pictat este deosebit
prin harul s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?, de fapt, nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? cal des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it, asemenea cu mine. Eu sunt doar imaginea ideii de cal pe care o nutre\uc1
\u351 ?te miniaturistul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vai, ce frumos e calul acesta! Spun
cei care m\uc1 \u259 ? privesc. Dar, de fapt, nu pe mine m\uc1 \u259 ? laud\uc1
\u259 ?, ci pe miniaturist. Asta, de vreme ce to\uc1 \u355 ?i caii sunt
diferi\uc1 \u355 ?i unul de altul, iar miniaturistul este primul care bag\uc1 \u259
? de seam\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia
veni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i uita\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ?: nici m\uc1 \u259 ?
car m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul unui arm\uc1 \u259 ?sar nu seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
cu al altuia. Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? teme\uc1 \u355 ?i, pute\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
privi\uc1 \u355 ?i bine, de aproape, ba chiar s\uc1 \u259 ?-l lua\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
minunea pe care ne-a dat-o Dumnezeu este o minune dat\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu, cu
form\uc1 \u259 ? aparte \uc1 \u351 ?i cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncre\uc1 \u355 ?ituri
neasemenea altora.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce ne
deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor din memorie, de\uc1 \u351 ?
i noi, to\uc1 \u355 ?i caii, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it diferi\uc1 \u355 ?i din m\uc1
\u226 ?na Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltului Dumnezeu, care este cel mai mare Pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?ditor? De ce se laud\uc1 \u259 ? cu faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? pot
schi\uc1 \u355 ?a repede mii, zeci de mii de imagini de cai, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? ca barem s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la noi? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se
str\uc1 \u259 ?duiesc s\uc1 \u259 ? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? lumea pe care
o v\uc1 \u259 ?d cu propriii lor ochi, ci lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o vede Dumnezeu,
de aceea! Asta nu \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? oare s\uc1 \u259 ? te pui pe
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i treapt\uc1 \u259 ? cu Dumnezeu Doamne ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?-ne!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Nu
\uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? spui: \uc1 \u8222 ?Pot \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fac ceea ce face Dumnezeu\uc1 \u8221 ?? Cei care nu se mul\uc1
\u355 ?umesc cu ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ?d cu propriii lor ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i care
deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? de mii de ori acela\uc1 \u351 ?i cal \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit de
ei acesta este calul v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de Dumnezeu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Cei care pretind c\uc1 \u259 ? aceia ce pot zugr\uc1
\u259 ?vi din memorie cel mai des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it cal sunt
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii orbi nu se iau oare la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere cu Dumnezeu
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tuiesc prin necredin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noile me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri ale mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci nu \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? necredin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ba chiar dimpotriv\uc1
\u259 ?, sunt mai pe potriva credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei noastre. Aoleu, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
m\uc1 \u259 ?-n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?it fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii
mei din Erzurum! Nu-mi place deloc faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? femeile ghiaurilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci umbl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n lume pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate
despuiate, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se sinchisi de buna-cuviin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? fr\uc1 \u226 ?ncii habar n-au de gustul
cafelei \uc1 \u351 ?i-al feciorilor frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor umbl\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? barb\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? musta\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i las\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rul s\uc1 \u259 ? creasc\uc1 \u259 ? precum muierile; ba mai
spun \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Iisus ar fi totodat\uc1
\u259 ? Dumnezeu Doamne ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-ne! Chiar m\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1
\u259 ?r peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? pe ei \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi spun: \uc1
\u8222 ?Dac\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iese vreunul \uc1 \u238 ?n cale, ce-ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ?-
i trag o copit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
mi s-a acrit, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum nu trebuie de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
care stau acas\uc1 \u259 ? ca muierile \uc1 \u351 ?i nu se duc niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
la lupt\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u259 ? deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu am\uc1 \u226 ?
ndou\uc1 \u259 ? picioarele \uc1 \u238 ?ntinse \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce gonesc! Nici un cal nu alearg\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ca iepurele!
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd unul dintre picioarele mele dinainte se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt e \uc1 \u238 ?n spate!
Nici un cal nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde un picior din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nainte, ca un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine curios, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce st\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime cu cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum este \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?n picturile cu b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lii. \uc1 \u206 ?n
nici o companie de spahii caii nu pot p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i la fel, \uc1 \u238
?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i picior, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum se poate desprinde din umbra aruncat\uc1 \u259 ? de fiecare dintre noi prin
folosirea aceluia\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ablon, de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ori la
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. R\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?im \uc1 \u351 ?i
rumeg\uc1 \u259 ?m iarba verde ce se \uc1 \u238 ?ntinde \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne bage nimeni
\uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?; nu st\uc1 \u259 ?m niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? falnici
\uc1 \u351 ?i drep\uc1 \u355 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am fost zugr\uc1 \u259 ?
vi\uc1 \u355 ?i. De ce e at\uc1 \u226 ?t de necuviincios c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?m, c\uc1 \u259 ? ne ad\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?m, c\uc1
\u259 ? ne b\uc1 \u259 ?leg\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? dormim? De ce
se tem s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi picteze m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul minunea asta d\uc1 \u259 ?
ruit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu? Mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i femeile
se dau \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la el pe s\uc1 \u259 ?
turate c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nu e nimeni prin preajm\uc1 \u259 ?, dar ce e r\uc1 \u259 ?u
\uc1 \u238 ?n asta? Hogele din Erzurum este, cumva, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotriva acestui lucru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se poveste\uc1
\u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia odat\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz un
\uc1 \u351 ?ah ramolit \uc1 \u351 ?i tem\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Fiindu-i team\uc1 \u259 ?
ca nu cumva du\uc1 \u351 ?manii s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dea jos de pe tron \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n loc pe fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a trimis prin\uc1 \u355 ?ul la Ispahan, ca guvernator, ci l-a \uc1
\u238 ?nchis \uc1 \u238 ?n cea mai ferit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere
a palatului. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-a venit sorocul tat\uc1 \u259 ?
lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i a urcat pe tron, prin\uc1 \u355 ?ul, care
tr\uc1 \u259 ?ise vreme de treizeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?ntemni\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere din care nu se vedea nici curtea, nici
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina \uc1 \u351 ?i care crescuse doar \uc1 \u238 ?n vecin\uc1 \u259 ?
tatea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, a zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Vai, aduce\uc1 \u355 ?i-
mi un cal, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci i-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut mereu imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i sunt foarte curios s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d
cum arat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fapt.\uc1 \u8221 ? De\uc1 \u351 ?i i s-a adus
cel mai neasemuit cal de step\uc1 \u259 ? din serai, noul \uc1 \u351 ?ah a fost
cuprins de dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gire v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta
avea ni\uc1 \u351 ?te n\uc1 \u259 ?ri ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te co\uc1 \u351 ?uri de fum,
un fund necuviincios, un p\uc1 \u259 ?r lipsit de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire, deloc
asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tor cu cel din miniaturi, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i o
crup\uc1 \u259 ? grosolan\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i a pus s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?pi\uc1 \u355 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i caii din \uc1 \u355 ?
inut. La sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul acestui crud m\uc1 \u259 ?cel, care a
durat patruzeci de zile, apele r\uc1 \u226 ?urilor de pe acel meleag s-au
tulburat \uc1 \u351 ?i au prins culoarea s\uc1 \u226 ?ngelui. Dar Dumnezeu a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut dreptate, iar acest nou \uc1 \u351 ?ah a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nvins,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a armatelor vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?ului s\uc1 \u259 ?u beiul turkmen al Celor-cu-Oile-Negre \uc1 \u8211
? a fost f\uc1 \u259 ?cut f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?me \uc1 \u351 ?i ucis,
astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i mai
par\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele cailor n-a fost
pre\uc1 \u355 ?uit cum se cuvine, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n unele c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis
\uc1 \u238 ?n camera ei cu copiii, am ascultat vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1
\u259 ? sunetele din cas\uc1 \u259 ?, zgomotele care nu se mai sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?eau. La un moment dat, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u350 ?evket tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1
\u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ea l-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket s\uc1 \u259 ? tac\uc1 \u259 ?, nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ?, cu un \uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u351 ?t! In
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, de dincolo de pu\uc1 \u355 ?, din partea
pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? a cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii, mi-a ajuns la ureche un zgomot, \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea nu s-a mai auzit nimic. Mai apoi mi-
am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra unui pesc\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1 \u351
? care se a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i el s-a
cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, la fel ca to\uc1 \u355 ?i ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i. Apoi am auzit un geam\uc1 \u259 ?t profund, care venea din partea
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? a holului \uc1 \u351 ?i am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? era Hayriye,
care pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u238 ?n somn. Gemetele ei s-au preschimbat \uc1 \u238
?n tuse; tu\uc1 \u351 ?ea s-a pornit \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a oprit brusc, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
care s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut din nou t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea aceea \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it. La pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea
am \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at, crez\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? umbla cineva
prin camera \uc1 \u238 ?n care z\uc1 \u259 ?cea trupul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? al Unchiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul tuturor acestor t\uc1 \u259 ?ceri priveam
miniaturile aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi \uc1 \u238 ?
nchipuiam cum le coloraser\uc1 \u259 ? pasionatul M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?,
Fluture, cel cu ochi frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
auritor. \uc1 \u206 ?mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ? spun: \uc1 \u8222 ?Diavolul!\uc1 \u8221
?, \uc1 \u8222 ?Moartea!\uc1 \u8221 ?, adres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd miniaturilor, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea Unchiul \uc1
\u238 ?n unele nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? cuprindea un fel de spaim\uc1
\u259 ?. De fapt, aceste miniaturi m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?niaser\uc1 \u259 ?
destul, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci nu izbutisem s\uc1 \u259 ? scriu povestea potrivit\uc1
\u259 ? pentru fiecare dintre ele, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratelor
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruin\uc1 \u355 ?e ale Unchiului. Deoarece ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? moartea
sa avea leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ele mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nise \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet \uc1 \u238 ?n minte ca un
adev\uc1 \u259 ?r de net\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duit, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerca, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? team\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o
oarecare ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare: p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum privisem aceste
picturi doar at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ascult pe Unchiul,
c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252
?re. Acum, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re era nevasta mea, de ce mi-
a\uc1 \u351 ? mai fi \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
asemenea ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enii? \uc1 \u8222 ?Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re n-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1
\u351 ?i n-a venit la tine nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-au culcat
copiii\uc1 \u8221 ?, a zis o voce necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare dinl\uc1 \u259
?untrul meu. Am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?,
r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor, privind mereu miniaturile la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?rii, n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduind c\uc1 \u259 ? frumoasa mea cu
ochii negri va veni la mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, trezit de \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele lui Hayriye, am
apucat sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicul \uc1 \u351 ?i am n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lit \uc1
\u238 ?n hol. Am crezut o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1
\u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?duse buzna Hasan, cu oamenii aduna\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?i
mi-a trecut prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ? ascund miniaturile. Dar, nu peste mult timp,
am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? Hayriye \uc1 \u355 ?ipase la porunca lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, spre a le vesti copiilor \uc1 \u351 ?i vecinilor moartea
Unchiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De cum m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit \uc1 \u238 ?n
hol cu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at, ne-am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Copiii, care \uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?niser\uc1 \u259 ? din a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut la \uc1 \u355 ?
ipetele lui Hayriye, au stat \uc1 \u238 ?n cump\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A murit bunicul, le-a zis \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.
Ave\uc1 \u355 ?i grij\uc1 \u259 ?, nu intra\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n camera lui.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a desprins din bra\uc1
\u355 ?ele mele \uc1 \u351 ?i, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia tat\uc1 \u259
?lui ei, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu i-am dus pe copii \uc1 \u238 ?n camera din care tocmai
ie\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Schimba\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? hainele, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci o s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? fie frig, le-am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe marginea
a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bunicul
n-a murit azi-diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a murit azi-noapte, a zis \uc1 \u350
?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0 liter\uc1 \u259 ? desenat\uc1
\u259 ? pe pern\uc1 \u259 ? de un fir din fermec\uc1 \u259 ?torul p\uc1 \u259 ?r
lung al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re sem\uc1 \u259 ?na, mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?
rut, cu un vav39. Plapuma mai p\uc1 \u259 ?stra \uc1 \u238 ?n ea c\uc1 \u259 ?ldura
lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Acum ascultam, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
Hayriye, cum pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i se v\uc1 \u259 ?ic\uc1 \u259 ?rea. Mi
se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de uimitor \uc1 \u351 ?i de nefiresc faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? se vaite ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei
tocmai ar fi murit pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team nicidecum, c\uc1 \u259 ?
era locuit\uc1 \u259 ? de un ginn care-mi era cu totul str\uc1 \u259 ?in.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Orhan cu o privire care
cerea \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? teme\uc1 \u355 ?i, le-am zis. Mama
voastr\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge ca s\uc1 \u259 ? afle vecinii c\uc1 \u259 ?
bunicul vostru a murit, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?ndemne s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1
\u259 ? aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ce-o
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie dac\uc1 \u259 ? vin? A zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vin, se vor \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista \uc1
\u351 ?i vor pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge \uc1 \u351 ?i ei, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i noi, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? a murit bunicul. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ? va fi \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se va u\uc1 \u351 ?ura.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe bunicul? A strigat \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o superi pe mama, n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? te
iubesc defel! Am strigat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Strigam unul la altul, nu ca un tat\uc1 \u259 ? vitreg \uc1 \u351 ?i un copil
orfan, ci ca dou\uc1 \u259 ? fiin\uc1 \u355 ?e care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
vorbeau pe malul unui r\uc1 \u226 ?u vijelios. \uc1 \u206 ?n acest
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise \uc1 \u238 ?n
hol, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? i se aud\uc1 \u259 ? mai bine v\uc1 \u259 ?ic\uc1 \u259 ?
relile \uc1 \u238 ?n mahala, \uc1 \u351 ?i se chinuia s\uc1 \u259 ? deschid\uc1
\u259 ? oblonul ferestrei, opintindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n sc\uc1 \u226 ?nduri.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind c\uc1
\u259 ? nu puteam sta acolo s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fac nimic, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din camer\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-am
repezit \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? greutatea, \uc1 \u238 ?
n fereastra holului, ne-am luptat cu lemnul ferestrei. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o
ultim\uc1 \u259 ? opintire, oblonul s-a deschis \uc1 \u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut
\uc1 \u238 ?n curte. Soarele \uc1 \u351 ?i frigul ne-au izbit \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-am pierdut
cump\uc1 \u259 ?tul. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1
\u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, \uc1 \u355 ?
ip\uc1 \u226 ?nd de parc\uc1 \u259 ? se adresa \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii lumi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Moartea Unchiului, care, prin vaietele ei, fusese
vestit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mahalale, s-a preschimbat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochii mei, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
zguduitoare, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai dureroas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o percepusem
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci. Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? era adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, fie
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsul nevestei mele m\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u259 ?ra.
Am prins \uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip cu
totul nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e sau dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
cumva m\uc1 \u259 ? pref\uc1 \u259 ?ceam, de team\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fiu
socotit vinovat de moartea Unchiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
dus, s-a dus, s-a dus, ah, t\uc1 \u259 ?icu\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu s-a dus, s-a duuus!
Se c\uc1 \u259 ?ina \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Hohotele de pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u351 ?i cuvintele mele \uc1
\u238 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ineau isonul, dar nu-mi amintesc \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ce
spuneam. M\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam, \uc1 \u238 ?n acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp,
v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? sub ochii vecinilor din mahala care ne
iscodeau din casele lor prin cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?turile u\uc1 \u351 ?ilor,
printre sc\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile de la ferestre, c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?
ceam era bine. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam, m\uc1
\u259 ? lep\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?m de propriile \uc1 \u238 ?ndoieli \uc1 \u238 ?
n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a adev\uc1 \u259 ?rului ori a neadev\uc1 \u259 ?rului
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i lacrimilor mele, de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea de a
fi \uc1 \u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it de crim\uc1 \u259 ?, ba chiar de
teama de Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i de oamenii lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re era a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i aveam sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toream acest
lucru prin lacrimi \uc1 \u351 ?i vaiete. Am tras-o c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mine pe nevasta
mea, care continua s\uc1 \u259 ? se c\uc1 \u259 ?ineze \uc1 \u351 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a lua seama la copiii care se apropiau de noi cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n
lacrimi, am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat-o cu dragoste pe obraz. De\uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u226
?ngeam, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? obrazul \uc1 \u238 ?i mirosea asemenea
migdalilor din copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1
\u238 ?i mirosea \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul, moale \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?ldu\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Apoi, am
intrat cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i noi \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia \uc1
\u238 ?n care se afla trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it. Eu am spus \uc1
\u8222 ?La ilahe illallah\uc1 \u8221 ?40, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-ar fi fost vorba
de un trup mort de dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, care duhnea de-acum bini\uc1 \u351 ?or, ci
de cineva care tocmai atunci se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n pragul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pentru
ca Unchiul s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? repeta \uc1 \u351 ?i el dup\uc1 \u259 ?
mine aceste cuvinte \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?di
\uc1 \u351 ?i a intra \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, ele urm\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie
ultimele vorbe. Ne-am pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut apoi c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul spusese
\uc1 \u351 ?i el \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai \uc1 \u351 ?i, privindu-i acum chipul
slu\uc1 \u355 ?it, capul f\uc1 \u259 ?cut f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?me, am
sur\uc1 \u226 ?s fugar. In aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am ridicat
palmele spre cer \uc1 \u351 ?i am rostit o \uc1 \u8222 ?Ya Sin\uc1 \u8221 ?41; au
ascultat cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, t\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i. Am legat cu grij\uc1
\u259 ?, str\uc1 \u226 ?ns, gura c\uc1 \u259 ?scat\uc1 \u259 ? a Unchiului,
folosindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?
fin\uc1 \u259 ?, curat\uc1 \u259 ?, adus\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re, i-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchis, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
dragoste, ochii terciui\uc1 \u355 ?i, i-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat u\uc1 \u351 ?or
trupul, l-am culcat pe partea dreapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?
sucit fa\uc1 \u355 ?a, care nu mai era, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?ntoars\uc1 \u259 ? spre kible42.
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut un cear\uc1 \u351 ?af curat
peste trupul tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau copiii toate aceste lucruri cu
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui doctor \uc1 \u8211 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea care a urmat pl\uc1
\u226 ?nsului mi-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. \uc1 \u206 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ca un om care
avea nevast\uc1 \u259 ?, copii, un c\uc1 \u259 ?min, o cas\uc1 \u259 ?, iar acest
g\uc1 \u226 ?nd era mai \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?tor
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t toate spaimele de moarte pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam.}{\fs24
\par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am adunat picturile, le-am
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, \uc1 \u238 ?n ta\uc1 \u351 ?ca de piele
\uc1 \u351 ?i le-am luat cu mine, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu caftanul
cel gros \uc1 \u351 ?i am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? din
cas\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe o
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? din vecini una dintre acele vecine care ne
auziser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ipetele \uc1 \u351 ?i care veneau la noi din
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a ne \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i pe nepotul ei cel mucos, care, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta, era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nveselise la ideea
unei distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am dus \uc1 \u238 ?ntins la moscheea
mahalalei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mica gaur\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u351 ?oarece pe care Imamul o numea cas\uc1 \u259 ? era ru\uc1 \u351 ?inos de
ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? cl\uc1 \u259 ?
direa cu bolt\uc1 \u259 ? uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, impun\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
\uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat\uc1 \u259 ? de o curte \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ?,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum erau foarte multe moschei ar\uc1 \u259 ?toase ridicate de
cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce-l prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe Imam, acesta \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?rgise casa de la acea gaur\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1
\u351 ?oarece, mic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i friguroas\uc1 \u259 ?, la \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga moschee, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem c\uc1 \u259 ? se obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuia adeseori, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-i p\uc1 \u259 ?sa c\uc1 \u259 ? nevasta
lui \uc1 \u238 ?ntinsese rufele palide, decolorate \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cei doi castani
din fundul cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat de n\uc1
\u259 ?vala celor doi c\uc1 \u226 ?ini f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine
despre care pricepeai c\uc1 \u259 ? puseser\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nire pe curte la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i familia lui Imam Efendi, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
de fiii Imamului, care-i goneau cu b\uc1 \u226 ?tele, m-am retras \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
un cotlon cu Imamul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? povestea cu divor\uc1 \u355 ?ul, de ieri, \uc1
\u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? cununia care sigur \uc1 \u238 ?l sup\uc1 \u259 ?rase,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l adusesem pe el s\uc1 \u259 ? o slujeasc\uc1 \u259 ?,
privirile pe care mi le arunca p\uc1 \u259 ?reau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Ei, ce mai e nou, ce s-a mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat?\uc1
\u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unchiul a murit azi-
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ?-l odihneasc\uc1 \u259 ?, fie-i h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zit
Raiul! A zis cu bun\uc1 \u259 ?tate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ce ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugasem oare, la ceea ce spusesem, acest \uc1 \u8222 ?azi-
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, de ce rostisem vorbe care urmau s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? rost sub semnul
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoielii? I-am mai v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? un galben, din cei din care-i d\uc1
\u259 ?dusem ieri. I-am cerut ca, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?
ciune, s\uc1 \u259 ? rosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? sala43 \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
fac\uc1 \u259 ? pe fratele lui crainic, spre a-i vesti de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? moartea \uc1 \u238 ?n toat\uc1 \u259 ? mahalaua.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Fratele meu are un prieten de suflet, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate orb;
\uc1 \u238 ?i sp\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?m foarte bine pe mor\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
ajutorul lui, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce se
putea desprinde din faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pun\uc1 \u259 ? pe un
orb \uc1 \u351 ?i pe un alt om, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate nevolnic, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
spele pe Unchiul? I-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de \uc1 \u238 ?
nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? la pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ?
lume de la Serai, de la atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, din \uc1 \u351 ?colile
coranice, din locuri foarte \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnate. N-am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat nimic
l\uc1 \u259 ?muritor despre chipul, despre capul sf\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mat al
Unchiului. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme decisesem c\uc1
\u259 ? nu puteam afla dezlegare la o asemenea problem\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
adres\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? unei \uc1 \u238 ?nalte autorit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deoarece
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u238 ?n seama Mai-marelui
vistiernicilor \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinarea de a \uc1 \u355 ?ine socoteala
banilor pentru cartea pe care i-o comandase Unchiului, trebuia ca mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?ez pe el
de moartea acestuia. Pentru a putea intra \uc1 \u238 ?n palat, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at unui tapi\uc1 \u355 ?er care lucra
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei mele \uc1 \u238 ?n
atelierul croitorilor, aflat vizavi de Poarta Ci\uc1 \u351 ?melei Reci, \uc1
\u351 ?i care-mi era rud\uc1 \u259 ? din partea r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului meu
tat\uc1 \u259 ?. I-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat m\uc1 \u226 ?na acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de
pete cafenii. I-am dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit, implor\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l fierbinte s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? ajute, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe Mai-marele
vistiernicilor. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?
bovesc pu\uc1 \u355 ?in printre ucenicii chilugi care coseau draperii, \uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e m\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?suri
multicolore \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u226 ?nd apleca\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra lor, m-a pus
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l urmez pe ajutorul Mai-marelui croitorilor, despre care pricepeam
c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? intre \uc1 \u238 ?n palat pentru a lua o m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a face socotelile unei lucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri cu
cineva din\uc1 \u259 ?untru. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it pe Poarta
Ci\uc1 \u351 ?melei Reci \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia Pie\uc1 \u355 ?ei
Cortegiilor, am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai trecem degeaba pe dinaintea cl\uc1
\u259 ?dirii atelierului aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Sfintei Sofia \uc1
\u351 ?i, astfel, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i anun\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de
crim\uc1 \u259 ? pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1 \u259 ? Pia\uc1 \u355 ?a
Cortegiilor era, ca de obicei, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t de pustie, pe at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de zarv\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n schimb, la Poarta Prepusului cu
Jalbele, la care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau coad\uc1 \u259 ? cei cu pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeri \uc1
\u238 ?n zilele \uc1 \u238 ?n care se aduna Divanul, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
jurul antrepozitelor, nu era nimeni. Dar, cu toate astea, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1
\u259 ? dinspre atelierul de t\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?rie, dinspre cuptor,
dinspre ferestrele bolni\uc1 \u355 ?ei, dinspre grajduri, dinspre caii \uc1 \u351 ?
i r\uc1 \u226 ?nda\uc1 \u351 ?ii afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la cea de-a doua poart\uc1 \u259
?, spre ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei turnuri priveam cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, se auzea un
vuiet necontenit. Mi-am pus nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea pe seama faptului c\uc1 \u259 ?
urma s\uc1 \u259 ? trec, pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, de cea de a doua
poart\uc1 \u259 ? Poarta P\uc1 \u259 ?cii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Aici n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? iau aminte la ungherul \uc1 \u238 ?n care a\uc1
\u351 ?teptau c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ii, gata \uc1 \u238 ?n orice clip\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ? menirea, dar nu mi-
am putut ascunde nici emo\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a paznicilor
care aruncau un ochi asupra balotului de stofe de tapi\uc1 \u355 ?erie pe care-l
\uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se
cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?-l ajutam pe croitorul ce-mi slujea de c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?uz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Abia
intraser\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n Pia\uc1 \u355 ?a Divanului, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
pretutindeni s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut o t\uc1 \u259 ?cere ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n venele
de la t\uc1 \u226 ?mple, de la g\uc1 \u226 ?t, cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi b\uc1 \u259 ?tea
inima, gata-gata s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi sparg\uc1 \u259 ? pieptul. Locul pe care-l
auzisem descris at\uc1 \u226 ?t de des de cei care veneau mereu pe la Serai, de
Unchiul, se afla acum chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, asemenea unei gr\uc1
\u259 ?dini pline de culoare, peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de frumoase, cum
nu e dec\uc1 \u226 ?t Raiul. Dar nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam fericirea celui \uc1
\u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, ci sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam o anume team\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i un respect plin de pio\uc1 \u351 ?enie, m\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1
\u355 ?eam ca un rob umil al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, despre care \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam foarte bine acum c\uc1 \u259 ? era Temelia Lumii.
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam plin de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie la p\uc1
\u259 ?unii care se plimbau prin iarb\uc1 \u259 ?, la ci\uc1 \u351 ?melele cu
ap\uc1 \u259 ? ce susurau la unison \uc1 \u351 ?i sub care se aflau pahare legate
cu lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri, la ceau\uc1 \u351 ?ii Divanului, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
ca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n straie de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase \uc1 \u351 ?i umbl\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, parc\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? a atinge p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul, am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it emo\uc1
\u355 ?ia de a-i putea sluji Suveranului. Aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc
negre\uc1 \u351 ?it cartea cea tainic\uc1 \u259 ? a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru,
ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei picturi, r\uc1 \u259 ?mase la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate, le purtam
sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?. Cu ochii a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra Turnului
Divanului, care-mi trezea mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? team\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
uimire \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-l priveam de at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aproape, mergeam pe
urmele croitorului din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, prea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in dumirit de ceea
ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de un paj al Por\uc1 \u355 ?ii, care ni s-a
al\uc1 \u259 ?turat, am trecut ca prin vis prin cl\uc1 \u259 ?direa Divanului
\uc1 \u351 ?i prin cea a Vistieriei, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de team\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a scoate un sunet. Aveam
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? mai v\uc1 \u259 ?
zusem \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nainte acele locuri \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? le
cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
p\uc1 \u259 ?truns pe o poart\uc1 \u259 ? larg\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n locul
cunoscut sub numele de Vechea Sal\uc1 \u259 ? a Divanului. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, sub
o cupol\uc1 \u259 ? larg\uc1 \u259 ?, me\uc1 \u351 ?teri care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau,
purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini stofe, buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i de piele, teci de spad\uc1 \u259 ? din argint, cufere de sidef. Am \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau parte
din breslele de me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugari ale Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru: cizmari, argintari \uc1 \u351 ?i me\uc1 \u351 ?teri care brodau pe catifea,
lucr\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u238 ?n filde\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lutieri cu l\uc1
\u259 ?utele \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii a\uc1
\u351 ?teptau la u\uc1 \u351 ?a care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?nspre \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Mai-marelui vistiernicilor, cu cereri legate de
socotelile zilnice, de procurarea de materiale, de intrarea \uc1 \u238 ?n Palatul
Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru, unde le era oprit\uc1 \u259 ? intrarea, spre a face m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?tori. M-am bucurat s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ?
printre cei care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau nu se g\uc1 \u259 ?sea nici un miniaturist.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-am tras \uc1 \u351 ?i noi
mai la o parte \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
tept\uc1 \u259 ?m.
Din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l auzeam
ridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd vocea pe Secretarul Vistieriei, care cerea deslu\uc1 \u351 ?iri
din pricina vreunei gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli ivite la socoteli, apoi auzeam cum vreun
me\uc1 \u351 ?ter l\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1
\u259 ?spundea cu respect. Vocile treceau rareori de t\uc1 \u259 ?ria \uc1 \u351 ?
oaptei, iar b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile din aripi ale porumbeilor ce r\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ceau prin curte, al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ecou r\uc1 \u259 ?suna sub
cupol\uc1 \u259 ?, se auzeau mai tare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t jalbele noastre, ale
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugarilor, cu privire la bani \uc1 \u351 ?i materiale.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a venit \uc1
\u351 ?i mie r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul \uc1 \u351 ?i am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n
mica \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere boltit\uc1 \u259 ? a Mai-marelui
vistiernicilor, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? acolo se afla doar un secretar.
I-am spus de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ez Mai-marelui vistiernicilor o
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? important\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? o carte pentru
care Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru cheltuise bani \uc1 \u351 ?i asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?
reia st\uc1 \u259 ?ruise cu mare grij\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese
neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?. Secretarul Vistieriei a adulmecat ceva, a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ochii mari, iar eu i-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u226 ?teva
picturi din cartea Unchiului. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? mintea i
se tulburase din pricina ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eniei \uc1 \u351 ?i a
tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turilor neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite ale picturilor, i-am
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit numele, porecla \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicirea
Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat c\uc1 \u259 ? murise din pricina
acelor imagini. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuneam totul la repezeal\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntorceam de la Serai f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi putut ajunge la
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
eu \uc1 \u238 ?l adusesem pe Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?n starea aceea cumplit\uc1
Secretarul a plecat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea de veste Mai-marelui vistiernicilor, m-au
trecut sudori reci. Oare Mai-marele vistiernicilor, despre care \uc1 \u351 ?tiam de
la Unchiul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se dezlipea o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, care \uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ternea uneori Acestuia covorul atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile, care-i
era adeseori sfetnic, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? din Palatul Din\uc1
\u259 ?untru spre a veni aici? Socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? era destul de anevoie de
crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese trimis vreun vestitor \uc1 \u238 ?n inima Palatului
Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Unde se afla oare Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ah? Cobor\uc1 \u226 ?se \uc1 \u238 ?n vreunul din palatele de pe \uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rm, era \uc1 \u238 ?n Harem44, se afla oare Mai-marele
vistiernicilor cu el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, am fost chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
untru; de\uc1 \u351 ?i am fost luat, pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, pe nepreg\uc1 \u259
?tite, s\uc1 \u259 ? zicem c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-a trecut prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226
?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? expresia respectuoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1
\u226 ?st\uc1 \u226 ?ceala de pe chipul maestrului \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ntat \uc1 \u238 ?n catifea aflat de straj\uc1 \u259 ? la u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii, am fost cuprins de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te. C\uc1 \u226 ?
nd a intrat, m-am speriat un moment \uc1 \u351 ?i am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voi
putea rosti o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?. Avea pe cap o bonet\uc1 \u259 ? cusut\uc1 \u259 ?
cu fir de aur \uc1 \u351 ?i argint, din cele pe care nu le puteau purta dec\uc1
\u226 ?t el \uc1 \u351 ?i vizirii. Era Mai-marele vistiernicilor. A pus pe un
suport de carte picturile pe care mi le luase Secretarul \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a uitat la
ele. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ngrozit, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? eu le-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut. I-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat poala.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Fiule, a zis. Am auzit eu gre\uc1 \u351 ?it, ori \uc1 \u355 ?i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?posat
Unchiul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum n-am putut r\uc1
\u259 ?spunde pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?, fie din pricina emo\uc1 \u355 ?iei, fie din
pricina sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ie, am izbutit doar s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?ez,
d\uc1 \u226 ?nd din cap. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
petrecut ceva la care nu m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam deloc: din ochi mi-a
r\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit o lacrim\uc1 \u259 ? care s-a scurs, \uc1 \u238 ?
ncet-\uc1 \u238 ?ncet, pe obraz, sub privirile \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1
\u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u226 ?njenite ale Mai-marelui vistiernicilor.
Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam \uc1 \u238 ?n Serai, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
Mai-marele vistiernicilor plecase de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul Nostru spre a veni s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine, faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? puteam fi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aproape de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru toate
acestea m\uc1 \u259 ? puseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ncurc\uc1 \u259
?tur\uc1 \u259 ?; nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu. Din ochi mi-au mai curs \uc1 \u351 ?i alte
lacrimi; de-acum, lacrimile \uc1 \u238 ?mi curgeau \uc1 \u351 ?iroaie \uc1 \u351 ?i
nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-mi era ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine de ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngi \uc1 \u238 ?n voie, fiule, a zis Mai-marele
vistiernicilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ns \uc1 \u238 ?n hohote. Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?nisem de-a lungul acestor doisprezece ani, c\uc1 \u259 ? ajunsesem \uc1
\u238 ?n puterea v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei. Dar, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce te
afli at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aproape de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul T\uc1 \u259 ?u, de inima
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii tale, pricepi imediat c\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un copil. Nu-mi p\uc1 \u259 ?sa nici c\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?
terii argintari ori cei catifelari, afla\uc1 \u355 ?i afar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?mi auzeau hohotele; pricepusem de-acum c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
istorisesc totul Mai-marelui vistiernicilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am povestit a\uc1 \u351 ?adar totul, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1
\u259 ?dea ghes inima. M\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam u\uc1 \u351 ?urat pe
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor lui,
prindeau via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria mea cu \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, necazurile legate de cartea Unchiului, tainele pe care le
ascundeau picturile din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, amenin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile lui Hasan, trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it al
Unchiului. Deoarece sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga mea fiin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voi putea sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa din capcana
\uc1 \u238 ?n care intrasem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1
\u259 ?sam \uc1 \u238 ?n voia nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itei drept\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i iubiri a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, Refugiul
Lumii, povesteam totul. Avea oare s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i istoriseasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru, Temelia Lumii, povestea mea, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a m\uc1 \u259 ? da
pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na schingiuitorilor, a c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ilor?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? le fie \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?
adus\uc1 \u259 ? la cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? celor din atelierul
de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? moartea Unchiului! A zis Mai-marele vistiernicilor. La
\uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea lui s\uc1 \u259 ? ia parte toat\uc1 \u259 ?
breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
uitat la mine, s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotriveam spuselor lui. Acest interes mi-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere
\uc1 \u238 ?n mine, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? am adus vorba despre b\uc1 \u259 ?
nuielile pe care le aveam cu privire la cine \uc1 \u351 ?i de ce i-ar fi putut
ucide pe Unchiul \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Delicat Efendi, auritorul. Am vorbit pe departe
de oamenii predicatorului din Erzurum, de cei care atacau l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351
?urile de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ele se c\uc1
\u226 ?nta la instrumente \uc1 \u351 ?i se dansa. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? Mai-marele vistiernicilor se uita la mine b\uc1 \u259 ?nuitor, am
vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc
\uc1 \u351 ?i celelalte \uc1 \u238 ?ndoieli care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau;
am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? era cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca apelul
adresat de Unchiul pentru pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuirea picturilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a
decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunilor menite c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale s\uc1 \u259 ? fi
deschis, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? voie, calea rivalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ii \uc1 \u351 ?i a invidiilor printre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din breasla miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor, at\uc1 \u226 ?t datorit\uc1 \u259 ? banilor, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u351 ?i a onoarei pe care o presupunea. Am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? era posibil ca
\uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i aspectul tainic al lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rii s\uc1 \u259 ?
fi pus \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care toate ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegerile,
du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?niile, urzelile. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce
rosteam toate aceste lucruri, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit, c\uc1
\u259 ? Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor avea oarece b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli
\uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ave\uc1 \u355 ?i de
altfel \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Doamne, nu vreau nimic altceva de la
Tine dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ca lumea s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a petrecut!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut
t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. Mai-marele vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i-a ferit ochii de
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i-a a\uc1 \u355 ?intit asupra picturilor de pe suportul de carte,
st\uc1 \u226 ?njenit parc\uc1 \u259 ? de cuvintele \uc1 \u351 ?i de soarta mea, de
socotelile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt nou\uc1
\u259 ?, a zis el. C\uc1 \u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?
nvoial\uc1 \u259 ? cu Unchiul pentru o carte cu zece miniaturi. A luat de la noi
mai multe foi\uc1 \u355 ?e de aur dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebuin\uc1 \u355
?at.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este cu putin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul lipsit de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? fi furat, din casa goal\uc1 \u259 ?, ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
poleit\uc1 \u259 ? cu aur din bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?m niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cine este
caligraful.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
meu Unchi nu ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vise \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? textul c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ii la care lucra. A\uc1 \u351 ?tepta sprijin din partea mea, ca s-o
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fiule,
spui c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd la Istanbul.}{\fs24
\lin0 \rin0
\langfenp1048 Am venit la Istanbul acum o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, la trei zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? uciderea lui Delicat Efendi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit anul de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Unchiul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? o carte cum n-a mai fost alta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
vorbit de lucrurile la care se refer\uc1 \u259 ? cartea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Sunt c\uc1 \u226 ?teva lucruri pe care spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i le dore\uc1 \u351 ?te Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru: este vorba de o carte
care-i va \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a Dogelui Vene\uc1
\u355 ?iei, la o mie de ani de la Str\uc1 \u259 ?mutarea Profetului la Medina,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd calendarul islamic va ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta anul 1000, puterea \uc1
\u351 ?i bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia Casei lui Osman spada \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1
\u226 ?ndria islamului \uc1 \u8211 ? sem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i spaima
\uc1 \u238 ?n suflet. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte ar urma s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze cele mai nepre\uc1 \u355 ?uite, cele mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nsemnate lucruri ale lumii noastre; la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u8222
?c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile asupra chipurilor omene\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1
\u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n inima c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii ar urma s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i afle locul un portret al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. Dat
fiind faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie folosit \uc1 \u351 ?i me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, cartea era
menit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n inima Dogelui
Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta avea s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1
\u259 ?, admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, dorin\uc1 \u355 ?
a de a ne fi prieten.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?tiu toate astea, dar oare cele mai nepre\uc1 \u355 ?uite, cele mai \uc1
\u238 ?nsemnate avu\uc1 \u355 ?ii ale Casei lui Osman sunt ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti
c\uc1 \u226 ?ini \uc1 \u351 ?i ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti copaci? A zis, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nspre miniaturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu Unchi spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte nu
va \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a, de fapt, avu\uc1 \u355 ?ia
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, ci puterea sa spiritual\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea sa ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Portretul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Pesemne c\uc1 \u259 ? se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n locul
unde l-a ascuns uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? credin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie, poate chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n casa lui!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu Unchi
se afla acum \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea de a nu fi izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ncheie cartea pe care o promisese \uc1 \u238 ?n schimbul galbenilor
primi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i de a fi cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? se izvodeasc\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul acesteia, un \uc1 \u351 ?ir de picturi ciudate, pe care Mai-
marele vistiernicilor le g\uc1 \u259 ?sea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate. Oare acesta vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n mine o fiin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nepriceput\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nevrednic\uc1 \u259 ?
de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, care omor\uc1 \u226 ?se un om pentru a se putea \uc1 \u238
?nsura cu fiica lui, ori care ucisese din cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce alt\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a vinde foi\uc1 \u355 ?ele de aur?
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind, din privirile lui, c\uc1 \u259 ? era pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie socotelile cu mine, am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o ultim\uc1
\u259 ? sfor\uc1 \u355 ?are, vorbindu-i plin de nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i
spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit Unchiului, era cu putin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ca bietul Delicat Efendi s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost ucis de unul
dintre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ?rora el le d\uc1
\u259 ?duse de lucru. I-am povestit cum \uc1 \u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?nuia Unchiul pe
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, pe Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Fluture, dar n-
am putut lungi vorba peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu aveam nici prea multe
probe, nici prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine.
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? Mai-marele vistiernicilor m\uc1 \u259 ? vedea acum
ca pe un clevetitor nenorocit \uc1 \u351 ?i ca pe un b\uc1 \u226 ?rfitor n\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ng.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
aceea, m-am bucurat s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le t\uc1 \u259 ?
inuim celor din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul nu
murise de moarte bun\uc1 \u259 ?, Mai-marele vistiernicilor a socotit c\uc1 \u259 ?
acesta era un prim semn al bunei lucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea cu
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Picturile au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas
la el. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it, urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit de privirile
grijulii ale paznicilor, pe Poarta P\uc1 \u259 ?cii, care m\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1
\u355 ?ionase ceva mai devreme de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi intrat pe
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i Poarta Raiului, m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it la
fel de u\uc1 \u351 ?urat ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd revii acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ani de zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
sunt Unchiul vostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea a fost foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi-o doream. Au venit to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei care doream
s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it m\uc1 \u226 ?
ndru de asta. Doi dintre vizirii afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la Istanbul c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am
murit eu, Haci Huseyin Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a Cipriotul \uc1 \u351 ?i Baki Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a
cel \uc1 \u350 ?chiop, au vorbit cu devotament despre multele servicii pe li le-am
adus c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva. Sosirea defterdar-ului Melek Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a cel Ro\uc1
\u351 ?cat, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui stea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?
lucea, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse deja s\uc1 \u259 ? apun\uc1 \u259 ? la
vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am r\uc1 \u259 ?posat, a \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it
curtea modest\uc1 \u259 ? a moscheii din mahalaua noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Am fost, mai
cu seam\uc1 \u259 ?, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d c\uc1 \u259 ?
venise Mustafa Aga, Mai-marele ceau\uc1 \u351 ?ilor Por\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a c\uc1
\u259 ?rui demnitate a\uc1 \u351 ? fi ocupat-o dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
tr\uc1 \u259 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi urmat via\uc1
\u355 ?a st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitoare \uc1 \u238 ?n serviciul statului. Secretarul
Divanului, Kemalettin Efendi, ceau\uc1 \u351 ?ii Divanului, \uc1 \u238 ?n parte fie
c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi erau prieteni de suflet, fie c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi erau vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? Mai-marele scribilor, Selim Efendi cel Aspru,
care-\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?stra \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul
plin de optimism ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i fo\uc1 \u351 ?ti
slujba\uc1 \u351 ?i ai Divanului, retra\uc1 \u351 ?i de timpuriu din slujbe,
confra\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? coranic\uc1 \u259 ?, alte
persoane, despre care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam cum \uc1 \u351 ?i de unde
aflaser\uc1 \u259 ? de moartea mea, rude de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge ori prin alian\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, tineri cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiau o mul\uc1
\u355 ?ime numeroas\uc1 \u259 ?, grav\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ionant\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost m\uc1
\u226 ?ndru de alaiul meu, de seriozitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea
celor care \uc1 \u238 ?l alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiau. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?
nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare au venit Mai-marele vistiernicilor, Hazim Aga, \uc1 \u351 ?i
Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor le-a dovedit tuturor c\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah era cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat m\uc1 \u226 ?hnit
de moartea mea. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? asta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? se vor depune mai multe str\uc1 \u259 ?danii pentru aflarea
tic\uc1 \u259 ?losului care mi-a adus moartea, ori dac\uc1 \u259 ? schingiuitorii
se vor pune pe treab\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?resc \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n curte pe blestematul acela, care se uit\uc1 \u259 ?
acum la sicriul meu laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafi, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe chip o expresie
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de cump\uc1 \u259 ?tare \uc1 \u351 ?i de nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginit\uc1
\u259 ? suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Lua\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu care cumva s\uc1 \u259 ? crede\uc1
\u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am m\uc1 \u226 ?niat pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu, c\uc1
\u259 ? umblu dup\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunare, ori chiar c\uc1 \u259 ?
sufletul meu este ne\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost ucis
mi\uc1 \u351 ?ele\uc1 \u351 ?te, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cru\uc1 \u355 ?are.
Acum m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu pe un t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?m cu des\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire diferit, iar sufletul meu este \uc1 \u351 ?i el
\uc1 \u238 ?ntru totul \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci s-a
reg\uc1 \u259 ?sit, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
s-a zbuciumat \uc1 \u238 ?n lume ani de zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Sufletul mi-a p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit, pentru scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, trupul
plin de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge \uc1 \u351 ?i cuprins de suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
de pe urma loviturilor primite cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara; dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a
tremurat o vreme \uc1 \u238 ?mpresurat de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, doi \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri
minuna\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbitori, cu chipurile str\uc1
\u259 ?lucind ca soarele, s-au apropiat de mine \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lumin\uc1 \u259 ? minunat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum am citit, de nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate ori, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea
sufletului \uc1 \u8211 ? m-au apucat de bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? n-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost doar un suflet, ci a\uc1 \u351 ? fi mai fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit cu un trup, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au ridicat \uc1
\u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?rii. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de lin \uc1 \u351 ?i de u\uc1 \u351 ?or,
dar \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t de grabnic ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u355 ?at, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n visele fericite! Am trecut prin p\uc1 \u259 ?duri \uc1 \u238 ?n fl\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, am traversat r\uc1 \u226 ?uri de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, am
p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n mun\uc1 \u355 ?i potopi\uc1 \u355 ?i de z\uc1
\u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Toate aceste
peregrin\uc1 \u259 ?ri durau mii de ani, dar mie \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?reau
la fel de scurte ca o clipire din ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, astfel am str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?
tut cele \uc1 \u351 ?apte caturi ale cerului, printre cele mai felurite alc\uc1
\u259 ?tuiri, printre creaturi stranii, printre mla\uc1 \u351 ?tini \uc1 \u351 ?i
printre nori \uc1 \u238 ?n care forfoteau insecte \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?ri cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cuprins \uc1 \u238 ?n
cuvinte. La fiecare cat al cerului, \uc1 \u238 ?ngerul care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351
?ea \uc1 \u238 ?nainte b\uc1 \u259 ?tea la o poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat fiind \uc1 \u8222 ?Cine este?\uc1 \u8221 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ?
descria cu fiecare dintre numele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?irile
mele, dup\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?ntregea, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng de bucurie: \uc1 \u8222 ?Un bun rob al lui
Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1
\u351 ?tiam, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? mai erau mii de ani p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i cei h\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ?zi\uc1 \u355 ?i Raiului de cei h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zi\uc1 \u355
?i Iadului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aceasta pentru c\uc1
\u259 ?, dincolo de unele mici deosebiri, totul se petrecea chiar a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum relataser\uc1 \u259 ? Gazali, El-Cevziyye \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i musulmani \uc1 \u238 ?n
paginile pe care le scriseser\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la moarte. Fiecare dintre \uc1
\u238 ?ndoielile r\uc1 \u259 ?mase f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns
ori dintre am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele pe care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? le poat\uc1 \u259 ?
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te doar cel care murea \uc1 \u351 ?i care erau nedeslu\uc1 \u351 ?
ite \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te ghicitori greu
de priceput, se l\uc1 \u259 ?murea acum, dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n
mii de lumini colorate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum pot
fi istorisite culorile pe care le-am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul acestei
miraculoase \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri la cer? Am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume era f\uc1 \u259 ?
urit\uc1 \u259 ? din culori, c\uc1 \u259 ? totul era colorat. Am priceput acum
c\uc1 \u259 ? minunea care m\uc1 \u259 ? primea \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e cu
dragoste, care m\uc1 \u259 ? lega de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume era culoarea, dup\uc1
\u259 ? cum am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?a care m\uc1 \u259 ?
deosebea de toate celelalte lucruri era f\uc1 \u259 ?urit\uc1 \u259 ? din culori.
Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ceruri de culoare portocalie, trupuri frumoase de culoarea
frunzei verzi, ou\uc1 \u259 ? cafenii, cai legendari de culoare azurie. Totul
era \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca \uc1 \u238 ?n picturile pe care le privisem cu drag ani
de zile \uc1 \u351 ?i ca \uc1 \u238 ?n legende, iar din pricina aceasta vedeam, pe
de o parte, totul pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, cu uimire \uc1 \u351 ?i
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie; pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, ceea
ce vedeam p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? izvorasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
anume fel, din propriile mele amintiri. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam c\uc1
\u259 ? ceea ce numeam eu \uc1 \u8222 ?amintire\uc1 \u8221 ? era parte a \uc1 \u238
?ntregii lumi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume urma s\uc1 \u259
?-mi devin\uc1 \u259 ?, pe viitor, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i experien\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mai apoi amintire, din pricina timpului f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? fruntarii aflat \uc1 \u238 ?naintea mea. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles,
totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, pricina pentru care \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam un sentiment de
u\uc1 \u351 ?urare, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi ie\uc1 \u351 ?it dintr-o
c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? prea str\uc1 \u226 ?mt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce muream \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259
?toare a culorii: de acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, nimic nu-mi mai era oprit, aveam
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte un timp \uc1 \u351 ?i un spa\uc1 \u355 ?iu nem\uc1 \u259 ?
rginite, pentru a putea tr\uc1 \u259 ?i toate timpurile \uc1 \u351 ?i toate spa\uc1
\u355 ?iile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? ce am priceput acest lucru, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, tem\uc1 \u259 ?tor
\uc1 \u351 ?i fericit, c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam aproape de El. Mi-am dat
seama atunci, plin de pio\uc1 \u351 ?enie, de prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a unei culori
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii care nu se putea asemui cu nimic altceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, totul s-a colorat \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u viu. Frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea acestei culori se dezv\uc1
\u259 ?luia sufletului meu \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii lumi. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?
sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce m\uc1 \u259 ? apropiam \uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip de El, \uc1
\u238 ?mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng de bucurie. Dintr-o dat\uc1 \u259 ?,
mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?am Lui astfel, cu ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele
pline de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge. 0 alt\uc1 \u259 ? latur\uc1 \u259 ? a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii
mele \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum citisem \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ile ce gr\uc1 \u259 ?iau despre moarte, c\uc1 \u259 ? El m\uc1 \u259 ?
chema la Sine trimi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi-i pe Azrail \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri ai S\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Aveam oare s\uc1 \u259 ?-L v\uc1 \u259 ?d? Am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? mi
se taie r\uc1 \u259 ?suflarea de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 De mine se apropia un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u at\uc1 \u226 ?t de miraculos
\uc1 \u351 ?i de minunat, care \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luia totul \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n care jucau toate imaginile lumii, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t g\uc1
\u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam parte din el \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aproape de El mi-a sporit lacrima
ochilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238
?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se va apropia mai mult. B\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u226 ?nd de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?-i iscodea pe \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii
S\uc1 \u259 ?i despre mine, c\uc1 \u259 ? ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1
\u259 ?udau dinaintea Sa, c\uc1 \u259 ? El m\uc1 \u259 ? privea ca pe un rob
preacredincios, care se supunea poruncilor \uc1 \u351 ?i opreli\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
sale, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? iubea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Bucuria care cre\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?n mine \uc1 \u351 ?i
lacrimile pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?rs\uc1 \u259 ?m au fost otr\uc1 \u259 ?vite, o
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?. Spre a m\uc1 \u259 ? elibera
ne\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat de ea, am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, cu un sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
de ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n ultimii dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani ai vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, am fost
cople\uc1 \u351 ?it de picturile p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ne pe care le-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la Vene\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Ba chiar mi-am dorit, la un moment dat,
s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? portretul dup\uc1 \u259 ?
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul lor, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? m-am temut de o
asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuire. Apoi am n\uc1 \u259 ?zuit ca lumea Ta,
ca robii T\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i ca Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru umbra Ta
\uc1 \u238 ?n lume s\uc1 \u259 ? fie picta\uc1 \u355 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul francilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am amintit atunci, \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea, nu de vocea Lui, ci de r\uc1 \u259 ?
spunsul pe care mi-l d\uc1 \u259 ?dea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ale mele sunt R\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?ritul \uc1 \u351 ?i Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?itul.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu m-am putut st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni de emo\uc1
\u355 ?ie:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine, dar atunci care este \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul tuturor. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul tuturor
acestor. Care este \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul acestei lumi?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Taina!\uc1 \u8221 ? am auzit \uc1 \u238 ?n
mine. Sau poate: \uc1 \u8222 ?Iube\uc1 \u351 ?te!\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car de
aceste dou\uc1 \u259 ? cuvinte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-au apropiat de mine \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii
am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? acum, la acest cat al cerului, se luase o hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u259 ?st \uc1 \u238 ?n Istm, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu
mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea celorlalte suflete care muriser\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de zeci de
mii de ani, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ii de Apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne fie or\uc1 \u226 ?
nduit\uc1 \u259 ? soarta pentru totdeauna. Eram mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit c\uc1 \u259 ?
totul se petrecea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea scris \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce coboram, mi-am amintit de asemenea,
tot din c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat urma s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? re\uc1 \u238
?ntregesc cu trupul meu ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Din fericire \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am dat seama pe dat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? ideea revenirii mele \uc1 \u238 ?n trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it era o metafor\uc1 \u259 ? literar\uc1 \u259 ?. Ceea ce mi-a
insuflat m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie a fost faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale, mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de demnitate care
venise la \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare se ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta foarte ordonat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-mi lua sicriul pe umeri, dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciune, \uc1 \u351 ?i cobora cu el spre Cimitirul Delu\uc1 \u351 ?orului,
aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n imediata vecin\uc1 \u259 ?tate a moscheii. \uc1 \u206 ?i vedeam
de sus ca pe un firicel sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, delicat de a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? dau
o l\uc1 \u259 ?murire, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul celui care eram eu: a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
se poate pricepe \uc1 \u351 ?i din hadis-ul Trimisului Domnului care spune c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?sufletul credinciosului este o pas\uc1 \u259 ?re care se
hr\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te din copacii Raiului\uc1 \u8221 ?, sufletul r\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?te, dup\uc1 \u259 ? moarte, pe bolta cerului.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum socoate Ebu-Omer bin Abdulber, acest hadis nu se t\uc1 \u259 ?
lm\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?te prin aceea c\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul va p\uc1 \u259 ?
trunde \uc1 \u238 ?n trupul unei p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, ci prin ideea
c\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum foarte bine deslu\uc1 \u351 ?ea El-Cevziyye, el
se va g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?murile pe unde colind\uc1
\u259 ? o pas\uc1 \u259 ?re. Punctul meu de priveghere, pe care mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni iubitori de perspectiv\uc1 \u259 ? l-ar numi \uc1 \u8222 ?
unghi de vedere\uc1 \u8221 ?, adeverea deslu\uc1 \u351 ?irea lui El-Cevziyye.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam puteam
urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
privit o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \u226 ?t mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea aflat\uc1
\u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare, care p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea acum, de
pild\uc1 \u259 ?, ca un firicel de a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
cimitir, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i o barc\uc1 \u259 ? voioas\uc1 \u259 ? care
prindea vitez\uc1 \u259 ? cu p\uc1 \u226 ?nzele umflate \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?
nt, \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se dinspre Cornul de Aur spre Promontoriul
Seraiului. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? priveam de la o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u355 ?ime care trimitea cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la un minaret, asemuiam lumea cu
miniaturile unei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i miraculoase, c\uc1 \u259 ?reia \uc1
\u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam paginile una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Puteam z\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? chiar mai mult
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ar fi z\uc1 \u259 ?rit al\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se at\uc1 \u226 ?t de sus f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
ca sufletul s\uc1 \u259 ? li se fi desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it de trup. Puteam
z\uc1 \u259 ?ri acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, ni\uc1
\u351 ?te copii care s\uc1 \u259 ?reau capra \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o livad\uc1 \u259 ?
pustie, aflata tocmai pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt mal, printre mormintele din spatele
Uskudarului; felul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n care
alunecau pe Bosfor cele \uc1 \u351 ?apte perechi de b\uc1 \u259 ?rci ale
reis-\uc1 \u252 ?l-kitab-ului45, cu doisprezece ani \uc1 \u351 ?i trei luni \uc1
\u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l luam, din vila lui de pe
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rm, pe solul Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei, care urma s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie primit de Ragip Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a cel Chel, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1
\u238 ?l aduceam dinaintea acestuia; pe femeia aceea gras\uc1 \u259 ? din noua
Pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Langa, care \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1
\u355 ?e o ditamai varza, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi str\uc1 \u226 ?ns
\uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e copilul, gata s\uc1 \u259 ?-l al\uc1 \u259 ?pteze;
bucuria pe care am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it-o c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a murit Ceau\uc1 \u351 ?ul
Divanului, Ramazan Efendi, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-era deschis\uc1 \u259 ? calea
spre ridicarea \uc1 \u238 ?n rang; felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care priveam c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ile ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele bunicii,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce mama \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ira rufele sp\uc1 \u259 ?late
prin curte; felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care r\uc1 \u259 ?posata mam\uc1 \u259 ? a lui \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse s\uc1 \u259 ? gonesc prin
mahalale \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtate, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?utarea casei
moa\uc1 \u351 ?ei, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o prinseser\uc1 \u259 ? durerile facerii cu \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re; dispari\uc1 \u355 ?ia chimirului meu ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, cu
peste patruzeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? (mi l-a \uc1 \u351 ?terpelit,
se pare, Vasfi); fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarea gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? din zare,
pe care o visasem c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i unu de
ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care, cu voia Sa, Dumnezeu mi-o
va dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui pe viitor ca fiind \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i Raiul;
capetele, nasurile \uc1 \u351 ?i urechile trimise de beylerbey-ul46 Georgiei, Ali
Bey, care-i \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nsese pe r\uc1 \u259 ?scula\uc1 \u355 ?ii
din cetatea Gori; pe frumoasa mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care s-a
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it de femeile din vecini, venite la noi acas\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u351 ?i care pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge acum dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, cu ochii \uc1
\u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ? la vatra din curte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?ii din vechime spun c\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul are patru t\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?muri: 1. P\uc1 \u226 ?ntecele mamei. 2. Lumea. 3. Istmul, unde
m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu eu acum. 4. Raiul sau Iadul, unde vom poposi dup\uc1 \u259 ?
Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te Istmul, de aici se v\uc1 \u259 ?d,
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, trecutul \uc1 \u351 ?i prezentul \uc1 \u351 ?i, at\uc1 \u226
?ta vreme c\uc1 \u226 ?t z\uc1 \u259 ?bove\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?ntre grani\uc1
\u355 ?ele amintirilor sufletului, nu afli urm\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?
ngr\uc1 \u259 ?dire \uc1 \u238 ?n nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginire. Po\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? pricepe c\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a este doar o c\uc1
\u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226 ?mt\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind
din temni\uc1 \u355 ?a timpului \uc1 \u351 ?i a spa\uc1 \u355 ?iului. Din p\uc1
\u259 ?cate, nimeni nu izbute\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de a muri, c\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, un suflet f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? trup este temei de
fericire, tot astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea celor vii, cea mai mare fericire este
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii un trup f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? suflet. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce o contemplam, la vremea frumoasei mele
\uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri, pe draga mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, care pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i suferea acas\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? rost, zbucium\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se toat\uc1 \u259 ? din cauza
mea, m\uc1 \u259 ? rugam lui Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul s\uc1 \u259 ? ne d\uc1
\u259 ?ruiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, un suflet f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
trup, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n lume un trup f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? suflet.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 38. Eu, Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i cum sunt b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii
moroc\uc1 \u259 ?no\uc1 \u351 ?i care au \uc1 \u238 ?naintat \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1
\u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i cu m\uc1
\u259 ?rinimie via\uc1 \u355 ?a unei arte. \uc1 \u206 ?i mustr\uc1 \u259 ? pe
to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Sunt \uc1 \u238 ?nal\uc1 \u355 ?i, usc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ivi \uc1 \u351 ?i sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri. Doresc ca nespus de scurta vreme care le-a
mai r\uc1 \u259 ?mas de tr\uc1 \u259 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? fie o repetare a lungii
perioade pe care o las\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Se aprind \uc1
\u351 ?i se m\uc1 \u226 ?nie repede, se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng de tot \uc1 \u351 ?i de
toate. \uc1 \u354 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini toate fr\uc1 \u226 ?iele
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i fac pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? exclame mereu:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Dumnezeule, Doamne!\uc1 \u8221 ? Nu le place nimeni, nu le place
nimic. Eu sunt unul dintre ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni.}
{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, Nurullah Selim Celebi, al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi de care am avut cinstea de a picta, st\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i al\uc1 \u259 ?turi
\uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe vremea c\uc1
\u226 ?nd nu eram dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un ucenic de \uc1 \u351 ?aisprezece ani, era la
fel la optzeci de ani (dar nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t de m\uc1 \u226 ?nios ca mine).
Ultimul mare maestru, Sari Ali, pe care l-am \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntat acum
treizeci de ani, era \uc1 \u351 ?i el aidoma (nici el nu era \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nalt ca
mine). Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?ile
c\uc1 \u226 ?rtelii \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptate pe la spate \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva acestor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri legendari afla\uc1 \u355 ?i atunci \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea
atelierelor de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nfig acum adeseori \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele meu, doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? afla\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
unele vorbe dinainte ticluite care se rostesc pe socoteala noastr\uc1 \u259 ? nu au
nici un fel de temei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. Nu ne
place nici un lucru nou deoarece nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?, cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat,
nimic nou care s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 2. Ii trat\uc1 \u259 ?m pe majoritatea oamenilor ca pe
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ngi, dar nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am fi
otr\uc1 \u259 ?vi\uc1 \u355 ?i de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, de nefericire ori de vreo
alt\uc1 \u259 ? meteahn\uc1 \u259 ?, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? cei mai mul\uc1
\u355 ?i oameni sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r a\uc1 \u351 ?a. (Cu toate
astea, o purtare mai omenoas\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ei ne-ar
\uc1 \u238 ?nzestra, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu mai mult\uc1
\u259 ? fine\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i cu o minte mai p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259
?toare.)}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. Faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? uit \uc1 \u351 ?i amestec nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate nume \uc1 \u351 ?i chipuri
l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le la o parte pe cele ale miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
pe care i-am iubit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea uceniciei lor \uc1 \u351
?i pe care eu i-am crescut nu se datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? ramolelii mele, ci faptului
c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste nume \uc1 \u351 ?i chipuri sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de lipsite de
culoare \uc1 \u351 ?i de str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu merit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? le pomene\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea Unchiului,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia Dumnezeu i-a luat via\uc1 \u355 ?a devreme din pricina nes\uc1
\u259 ?buin\uc1 \u355 ?ei lui, am c\uc1 \u259 ?utat s\uc1 \u259 ? uit de
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele pe care mi le pricinuise c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatul, silindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imit pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci. Pe drumul de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere, cugetam la faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? orbirea, care este binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u351 ?i moartea nu sunt foarte departe nici de mine.
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? voi fi pomenit at\uc1 \u226 ?ta vreme c\uc1 \u226 ?t
miniaturile \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care le-am pictat
v\uc1 \u259 ? vor bucura ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? vor deschide \uc1
\u238 ?n suflete florile fericirii. A\uc1 \u351 ? dori \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
ca dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea mea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ?, la
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, existau \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate lucruri
care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndemnau s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?mbesc. De
pild\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. Copiii (ei
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrupeaz\uc1 \u259 ? toate r\uc1 \u226 ?nduielile lumii).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 2. Amintirile pl\uc1 \u259 ?cute (tinerii frumo\uc1 \u351
?i, femeile, faptul de a picta m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrit, prietenia).}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. Vederea miracolelor \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuite
de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat (ceea ce este cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it necunosc\uc1 \u259 ?torului).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 T\uc1 \u226 ?lcul cel mai simplu al tuturor acestor am\uc1 \u259 ?
nunte se leag\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea c\uc1
\u259 ?ruia m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu, nu se mai pot z\uc1 \u259 ?misli picturi
miraculoase, ca pe vremuri. V\uc1 \u259 ?d, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
lucrurile vor merge \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u; totul se va ispr\uc1 \u259 ?
vi, se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i. Cu toate c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nchinat cu drag \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? acestei \uc1
\u238 ?ndeletniciri, simt cu durere c\uc1 \u259 ? rareori am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne ridic\uc1
\u259 ?m la \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?imea vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
din Herat. Smerenia cu care prime\uc1 \u351 ?ti aceste adev\uc1 \u259 ?ruri \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?ureaz\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a. De fapt,
smerenia este o virtute at\uc1 \u226 ?t de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n lumea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i u\uc1 \u351 ?ureaz\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a. Cu o astfel de umilin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? am zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit eu, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea ceremoniilor
care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? ceremonia
circumciziei prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u8211 ? o sabie \uc1
\u238 ?mpodobit\uc1 \u259 ? cu rubine, smaralde \uc1 \u351 ?i peruzele, a\uc1 \u351
?ezat\uc1 \u259 ? pe o pern\uc1 \u259 ? de catifea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie lucrat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i decorat\uc1 \u259 ? cu perle m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, un cal arab
cu pielea mai str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare ca argintul, nervos, m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru, mai
iute ca fulgerul, juc\uc1 \u259 ?u\uc1 \u351 ?, cu z\uc1 \u259 ?bala \uc1 \u351 ?i
fr\uc1 \u226 ?ul de zale f\uc1 \u259 ?urite din aur, cu scara, de \uc1 \u351 ?a
dichisit\uc1 \u259 ? cu perle \uc1 \u351 ?i smaralde verzi, cu o pat\uc1 \u259 ?
alb\uc1 \u259 ? pe bot, cu \uc1 \u351 ?aua din fir de argint lucrat cu aur, cu
catifea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i medalioane de rubin toate acestea aduse \uc1
\u238 ?n dar copilului circumcis de beylerbey-ul Egiptului. \uc1 \u206 ?n st\uc1
\u226 ?nga \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n dreapta miniaturii, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
or\uc1 \u226 ?nduire \uc1 \u238 ?n pagin\uc1 \u259 ? mi se datora, i-am pus mai
apoi pe ucenici s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, calul,
sabia, pe prin\uc1 \u355 ?, pe solii care se uitau la toate aceste lucruri, iar eu
am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat pete de culoare cu pensula. Pe unele dintre frunzele
platanului de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Hipodrom am pus violet. Nasturii solului
Hanului T\uc1 \u259 ?tar i-am vopsit \uc1 \u238 ?n galben. Tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?
ntindeam un strat sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire de ap\uc1 \u259 ? de aur pe fr\uc1 \u226 ?iele
calului, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut cineva la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M-
am oprit din lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era un paj al
Por\uc1 \u355 ?ii. M\uc1 \u259 ? chema, se pare, Mai-marele vistiernicilor de la
Serai. Ochii m\uc1 \u259 ? dureau u\uc1 \u351 ?or. Mi-am pus lupa \uc1 \u238 ?n
buzunarul caftanului \uc1 \u351 ?i am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it cu pajul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut este s\uc1 \u259 ? umbli pe
str\uc1 \u259 ?zi dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai trudit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung! Lumea \uc1
\u355 ?i se pare cu totul nou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i uimitoare, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? mai ieri ar fi fost creat\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine; era mai gr\uc1 \u259 ?itor
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t toate imaginile de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un cal;
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? cai mai
conving\uc1 \u259 ?tori. La Hipodrom am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un platan: era platanul pe
ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui frunze pusesem ceva mai devreme, \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1
\u259 ?, pete de violet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ie\uc1
\u351 ?irea din cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i drumul pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
Hipodromul unde pictasem alaiurile de acum doi ani \uc1 \u238 ?mi treze\uc1 \u351 ?
te sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? am ie\uc1 \u351 ?
it \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? preumblu prin ceea ce eu \uc1 \u238 ?
nsumi am pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit. D\uc1 \u259 ?m col\uc1 \u355 ?ul unei
str\uc1 \u259 ?zi: dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am afla \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura franc\uc1 \u259
?, am str\uc1 \u259 ?punge chenarul \uc1 \u351 ?i am disp\uc1 \u259 ?rea din
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?; dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura pe care am
\uc1 \u238 ?mplinit-o eu urm\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii no\uc1 \u351 ?
tri din Herat, am ajunge acolo unde ne vede Dumnezeu; dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi \uc1
\u238 ?n pictura chinez\uc1 \u259 ?, n-am putea ie\uc1 \u351 ?i defel din imagine,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci picturile chinezilor se \uc1 \u238 ?ntind c\uc1 \u226 ?t vezi cu
ochii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i vreodat\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pajul nu m\uc1 \u259
? ducea \uc1 \u238 ?n Vechea Sal\uc1 \u259 ? a Divanului, \uc1 \u238 ?n care
m\uc1 \u259 ? vedeam de obicei cu Mai-marele vistiernicilor pentru a vorbi despre
sumele care urmau a fi pl\uc1 \u259 ?tite, despre darurile, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile, ou\uc1 \u259 ?le de stru\uc1 \u355 ? decorate pe care le izvodeau
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii pentru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, despre s\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?tatea, pofta de m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare \uc1 \u351 ?i tihna acestora,
despre procurarea vopselelor, a foi\uc1 \u355 ?elor de aur \uc1 \u351 ?i a
celorlalte materiale trebuincioase atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, despre
jalbe \uc1 \u351 ?i cereri obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite, despre st\uc1 \u259 ?rile
suflete\uc1 \u351 ?ti, dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ele, bucuriile \uc1 \u351 ?i poruncile
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, Refugiul Lumii, despre nimicuri, despre ochii, lupa,
durerile mele de \uc1 \u351 ?ale, despre tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul de ginere al Mai-
marelui vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i despre pisica lui t\uc1 \u259 ?rcat\uc1
\u259 ?. Am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere \uc1 \u238 ?n Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina
Imperial\uc1 \u259 ?. Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t u\uc1 \u351 ?or c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mare,
printre copacii care erau chiar mai t\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
noi, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? am fi s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it o crim\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u8222 ?M\uc1 \u259 ? apropii de Casa de pe \uc1 \u354 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
rm, prin urmare am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu, iar
ei sunt acolo\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi spuneam \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it de pe drum. Am mai mers doi-trei pa\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns pe poarta arcuit\uc1 \u259 ? a unei cl\uc1
\u259 ?diri de piatr\uc1 \u259 ? aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul hangarelor pentru b\uc1
\u259 ?rci. Dinspre cuptorul Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor r\uc1 \u259 ?
zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea miros de p\uc1 \u226 ?ine. Le z\uc1 \u259 ?risem pe preferatele
acestuia, \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntate \uc1 \u238 ?n ro\uc1
\u351 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere se aflau Mai-marele vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor. \uc1 \u206 ?ngerul \uc1 \u351 ?i demonul!}
\langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai-
marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor, care \uc1 \u238 ?mplinea, \uc1 \u238 ?n numele
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rile de condamnare la
moarte \uc1 \u351 ?i care-i supunea pe oameni la cazne \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?
dina Seraiului, \uc1 \u238 ?i iscodea, \uc1 \u238 ?i bumb\uc1 \u259 ?cea, le scotea
ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tea la t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi, \uc1 \u238 ?mi z\uc1
\u226 ?mbea acum numai lapte \uc1 \u351 ?i miere. Era ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd un
tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ? de drum oarecare, cu care eram nevoit s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpart o chichinea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de odaie \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un caravanserai, urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi depene o istorie \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar de
istorisit n-a istorisit Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor, ci Mai-marele
vistiernicilor:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 St\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nul nostru a poruncit, acum un an, s\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?deasc\uc1 \u259 ? o carte care urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i afle
locul printre darurile \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?ate unui grup de soli \uc1
\u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei tain\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia p\uc1 \u259 ?strat\uc1 \u259 ?
cu str\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nicie, mi-a zis, pe un ton sfios. Din pricina acestei
taine, n-a voit s\uc1 \u259 ? te amestece pe dumneata, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u355 ?i admir\uc1 \u259 ? harul, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum n-a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit de
cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nici s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cear\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrului
Nostru, Poetul de Curte Lokman, s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie cartea. Socotea c\uc1 \u259 ?
am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de absorbi\uc1 \u355 ?i
de Cartea ceremoniilor, care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
eaz\uc1 \u259 ? circumcizia prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce p\uc1 \u259 ?trunsesem
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, \uc1 \u238 ?mi imaginasem cu
groaz\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ponegrise vreun tic\uc1 \u259 ?los,
care \uc1 \u238 ?l va fi \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?urit pe Suveran, spun\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-i: \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u206 ?n miniatura asta se afl\uc1 \u259 ? o
blasfemie\uc1 \u8221 ? ori \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u206 ?n miniatura asta v\uc1 \u259 ?
ia \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?s\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu pus la cazne f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se \uc1 \u355 ?ine
seama de v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta mea. Acum, cuvintele Mai-marelui vistiernicilor, care se
trudea s\uc1 \u259 ? repare nedreptatea ce mi se f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru poruncise lucrarea altcuiva, nu mie, \uc1
\u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?reau mai dulci chiar dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mierea. Am ascultat
povestea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pe care o \uc1 \u351 ?tiam peste m\uc1 \u259
?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de bine, dar n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu nimic nou.
Cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u226 ?rfele at\uc1 \u226 ?t cele legate
de Nusret Hogea din Erzurum, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i cele despre g\uc1 \u226 ?
lcevile din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ceva, am pus o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare al c\uc1
\u259 ?rei r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tiam dinainte am \uc1 \u238
?ntrebat cine pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dise cartea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, Unchiul, a zis Mai-
marele vistiernicilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a uitat \uc1 \u238
?n ochii mei \uc1 \u351 ?i a ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u350 ?tia\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? n-a murit de moarte bun\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost ucis?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam, am zis, neprih\uc1 \u259 ?nit ca un copil, \uc1 \u351 ?i am t\uc1
\u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru s-a sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat r\uc1 \u259 ?u de tot, a zis Mai-marele
vistiernicilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aiuritul \uc1
\u259 ?sta numit Unchiul nu avea prea mult\uc1 \u259 ? minte. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
se distingea mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? prin fandoseal\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
prin cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? prin av\uc1 \u226 ?nt dec\uc1
\u226 ?t prin de\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti vorbeau despre el cu un z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet zeflemitor. De
fapt sim\uc1 \u355 ?isem la \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare c\uc1 \u259 ? era
ceva necurat la mijloc. Oare cum fusese ucis?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
a povestit Mai-marele vistiernicilor. Amarnic. 0, Doamne, ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259
?-ne! Cine a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul are o porunc\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Mai-marele vistiernicilor.
Dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca at\uc1 \u226 ?t aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u351 ?i Cartea ceremoniilor s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vite c\uc1 \u226 ?t
mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai
are \uc1 \u351 ?i o a doua porunc\uc1 \u259 ?, a ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat Mai-marele
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor. Dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aflat acest uciga\uc1
\u351 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?los, acest diavol cu suflet r\uc1 \u259 ?u, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
face cumva parte din breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor. Spre a le servi de
pild\uc1 \u259 ? celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?l va os\uc1 \u226 ?ndi \uc1
\u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-i mai treac\uc1 \u259 ? prin minte s\uc1 \u259 ? unelteasc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ucid\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe chipul Mai-marelui gr\uc1
\u259 ?dinarilor s-a ivit, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, un soi de \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1
\u355 ?ire, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u351 ?tiut dinainte pedeapsa pe care i-
o sorocea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru vinovatului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
rcin\uc1 \u259 ?ri le fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?ate celor
doi cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
\uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta \uc1
\u238 ?i silise s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? un lucru fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de care
nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i puteau ascunde, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe acum,
dezgustul, \uc1 \u351 ?i am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ?, dincolo de
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?l iubeam pe C\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitor. Un paj ne-a
adus cafea \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Unchiul avea, pare-se, un nepot pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l instruise
\uc1 \u351 ?i care se pricepea la miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la c\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u355 ?i: Negru. \uc1 \u206 ?i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team? Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorsese la Istanbul cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme \uc1 \u238 ?
n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, de la hotarul persan, din preajma pa\uc1 \u351 ?ei de la
grani\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, la chemarea Unchiului (Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?
dinarilor mi-a aruncat o privire care tr\uc1 \u259 ?da \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiala), se
prip\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ise pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? acesta, la Istanbul,
aflase povestea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
dea Unchiul. Spunea c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? uciderea lui Delicat Efendi,
Unchiul avusese b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli cu privire la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti care veneau la el noaptea s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze la carte. V\uc1 \u259 ?
zuse picturile pe care le f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ? ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti pentru ea; pretindea c\uc1 \u259 ?
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?terpelise o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? portretul
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului \uc1 \u8211 ? pentru care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se
foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ? cel mai mult aur. Vreme de dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, acest
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r t\uc1 \u259 ?inuise fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Serai
\uc1 \u351 ?i de Mai-marele vistiernicilor uciderea Unchiului. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp se cununase \uc1 \u238 ?n prip\uc1 \u259 ?
cu fiica acestuia o cununie ce p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncalce
litera C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i se mutase \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi aveau b\uc1 \u259 ?nuieli \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? se cerceteaz\uc1 \u259 ? casele mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor mei
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i locurile pe unde lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ?, iar
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ? disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? se v\uc1 \u259
?de\uc1 \u351 ?te a se afla la vreunul dintre ei, se va dovedi \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru are dreptate, am zis. Dar, ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia fiind
vl\uc1 \u259 ?starele mele preaiubite, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei cu m\uc1
\u226 ?ini miraculoase, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i cunosc \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de
pe vremea uceniciei, pot s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? niciunul
dintre ei nu poate ucide.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Le vom
purica, de la un cap la altul, casele, b\uc1 \u226 ?rlogurile, locurile pe unde
lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ?, pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?liile dac\uc1 \u259 ? au a\uc1
\u351 ?a ceva \uc1 \u8211 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? agoniseala lui M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?, Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, Fluture, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor, folosindu-se zeflemitor de
poreclele pe care li le d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem eu cu dragoste. Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i casa
lui Negru. Apoi, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a luat o expresie de neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din
fericire, am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? ob\uc1 \u355 ?inem, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste
amare \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea cadiului pentru a-i
putea supune la cazne \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-i iscodim. Mi s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ?,
deoarece uciderea unei persoane din breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor i-a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut suspec\uc1 \u355 ?i de crim\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii, supunerea lor la cazne este pe potriva Legii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am cugetat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? spun nimic,
c\uc1 \u259 ? din asta se puteau desprinde urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele: 1. Afirma\uc1
\u355 ?ia cum c\uc1 \u259 ? supunerea la cazne era pe potriva Legii d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea nu venise
din partea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. 2. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit
cadiului, to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii erau suspec\uc1 \u355 ?i de
crim\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu eram \uc1
\u238 ?nvinuit, ca staroste al breslei lor, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-1 puteam
afla \uc1 \u351 ?i preda pe f\uc1 \u259 ?ptuitor. 3. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a-i
supune la cazne pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din comunitatea \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea
c\uc1 \u259 ?reia m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam pe iubi\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei Fluture, M\uc1
\u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, care m\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?
daser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii ani, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u8211 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea mea, deschis\uc1 \u259 ? sau sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca nu numai Cartea ceremoniilor,
ci \uc1 \u351 ?i aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte, despre care pricepem c\uc1 \u259 ? a
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate, s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ispr\uc1 \u259 ?
vit\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se cuvine, a zis Mai-marele vistiernicilor. Ne
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?te faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? supunerea la cazne ar putea
v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ma m\uc1 \u226 ?inile, ochii, m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor. Nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat el \uc1
\u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Chiar de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd am tr\uc1 \u259 ?it o asemenea
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te, a zis, nedelicat, Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor. Unul
dintre bijutierii \uc1 \u238 ?n aur, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnice\uc1 \u351 ?te
cu repara\uc1 \u355 ?iile, a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut prad\uc1 \u259 ? ispitei \uc1 \u351 ?
i, r\uc1 \u226 ?vnind ca un copil la o can\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de rubin
care-i apar\uc1 \u355 ?inea lui Necmiye Sultan, sora Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru,
a \uc1 \u351 ?terpelit-o. Cum ho\uc1 \u355 ?ia, ce a cufundat-o \uc1 \u238 ?n
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e pe sora sa, care \uc1 \u355 ?inea nespus la aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
can\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n seraiul de la Uskudar, Suveranul mi-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at mie aceast\uc1 \u259 ? afacere. Pricepusem
c\uc1 \u259 ?, asemeni Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, Necmiye Sultan era cu
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria, la ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i la degetele
me\uc1 \u351 ?terilor auritori, ale mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor bijutieri. I-am despuiat,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai sta \uc1 \u238 ?n cump\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii bijutieri \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit printre
sloiurile \uc1 \u351 ?i broa\uc1 \u351 ?tele care pluteau \uc1 \u238 ?n havuzul
\uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at din gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?. Din c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ceream s\uc1 \u259 ? fie sco\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i biciui\uc1 \u355 ?i cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1
\u351 ?i cu temeinicie, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? nu le fie
v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?mate chipurile \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?inile. \uc1
\u206 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, bijutierul care se l\uc1 \u259 ?sase ispitit a
m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisit \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvoit s\uc1 \u259 ? se
supun\uc1 \u259 ? pedepsei care i se cuvenea. \uc1 \u206 ?n pofida apei reci ca
ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a, a frigului, a nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratelor lovituri pe care le
\uc1 \u238 ?ncasaser\uc1 \u259 ?, ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i degetele mae\uc1 \u351 ?
trilor bijutieri n-au fost deloc v\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?mate, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
aveau sufletul ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinat. Ba chiar Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru mi-a spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? sora sa era foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?a cea rea
a fost st\uc1 \u226 ?rpit\uc1 \u259 ? dintre bijutieri, ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia muncesc
cu \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?vn\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eram \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? Mai-
marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se poarte \uc1 \u351 ?i mai aspru
cu miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu bijutierii. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259
? nutrea respect fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea de a z\uc1 \u259
?misli c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea
c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, arta cea mai demn\uc1 \u259 ? de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire era
caligrafia, nesocotind decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile, ba chiar miniatura, \uc1 \u351 ?i
privindu-le, asemenea multor altora, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu ca pe un fel de
treab\uc1 \u259 ? muiereasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ca pe o de\uc1 \u351 ?ert\uc1 \u259 ?ciune
aflat\uc1 \u259 ? la hotarul necredin\uc1 \u355 ?ei care, de fapt, trebuia
os\uc1 \u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Iubi\uc1 \u355 ?ii dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti au \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?eas\uc1 \u259 ? intrigi cu privire
la cel ce va ajunge Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n putere \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ? afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n fruntea lor! A zis el, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Exista
oare vreo cleveteal\uc1 \u259 ? pe care n-o \uc1 \u351 ?tiam, se \uc1 \u355 ?esea
oare vreo nou\uc1 \u259 ? intrig\uc1 \u259 ?? M-am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nit \uc1 \u351 ?i am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Mai-marele vistiernicilor cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
tea foarte bine furia pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam at\uc1 \u226 ?t fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i poruncise r\uc1 \u259
?posatului aceluia slab de minte s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?deasc\uc1
\u259 ? o carte pe la spatele
meu, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii mei cei nerecunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tori care \uc1 \u238 ?mplineau picturile
acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pe furi\uc1 \u351 ?, spre a se impune
aten\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i a mai c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga doi-trei
aspri \uc1 \u238 ?n plus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
surprins \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
imaginez la ce fel de cazne puteau fi supu\uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
mei. Nu le vor jupui pielea \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-i iscodesc, deoarece aceasta
este o fapt\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere; nu-i vor
trage nici \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?eap\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuie\uc1 \u351 ?te cu r\uc1 \u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cazn\uc1 \u259 ? este menit\uc1 \u259 ? mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ucid\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a le fi pild\uc1 \u259 ?
altora; nu le vor trosni \uc1 \u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u226 ?nge nici bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele,
picioarele, degetele. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era potrivit nici s\uc1 \u259 ? le
scoat\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u226 ?te un
ochi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea adeseori \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum putusem pricepe din mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea chiorilor pe care
prinsesem a-i vedea pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile Istanbulului. A\uc1 \u351 ?a am ajuns
s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-i imaginez pe iubi\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri printre nuferi, \uc1 \u238 ?n havuzul
rece ca ghea\uc1 \u355 ?a aflat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un codon mai retras al Gr\uc1 \u259
?dinii Imperiale, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cu sil\uc1 \u259 ? unul la altul \uc1 \u351
?i pe loc mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d. Dar, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-
m\uc1 \u259 ? cum avea s\uc1 \u259 ? urle M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226
?nd carnea lui de necioplit avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ?
cu fierul ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, cum avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se ofileasc\uc1 \u259 ?, priponit
\uc1 \u238 ?n lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri, trupul dragului meu Fluture, mi s-a str\uc1 \u226
?ns inima. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu puteam r\uc1 \u259 ?bda s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
\uc1 \u238 ?nchipui cum avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la t\uc1 \u259 ?
lpi, ca un ucenic de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd care se f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse vinovat de o
ho\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dragul meu Fluture, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui har \uc1 \u351 ?i a c\uc1
\u259 ?rui dragoste de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi st\uc1 \u226 ?rneau
lacrimi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncremenit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mintea mea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
cufundat o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de
magia t\uc1 \u259 ?cerii profunde care domnea \uc1 \u238 ?n ea \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i. C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, uitam de toate \uc1 \u351 ?i pictam
cu drag al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Sunt cei mai iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru. Cru\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i-i!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Mai-marele vistiernicilor s-a ridicat mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de la locul s\uc1 \u259 ?
u, a luat de pe un suport de carte, aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cap\uc1
\u259 ?t al \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii, un sul de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, l-a adus,
mi l-a pus \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezat al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de mine, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric, dou\uc1 \u259 ? sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nice cu lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ri
uria\uc1 \u351 ?e, ce aruncau lumini \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?itoare.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum a\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc ce am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-mi plimbam lupa
peste picturi? \uc1 \u206 ?mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d, dar nu pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost ceva de r\uc1 \u226 ?s. Eram \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat de
m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, dar nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc s-ar fi aflat lucruri pe
care s\uc1 \u259 ? le iei \uc1 \u238 ?n serios. Aveai sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul le spusese mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor mei
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti: \uc1 \u8222 ?Picta\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-
a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi voi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?iv\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum
a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi altcineva.\uc1 \u8221 ? P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?-i silise
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i readuc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n memorie amintiri
mincinoase, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuie un viitor pe care nu
vor dori s\uc1 \u259 ?-l tr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Ceea
ce era \uc1 \u351 ?i mai de necrezut era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? se omorau \uc1
\u238 ?ntre ei pentru aceste lucruri f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne pute\uc1 \u355 ?i
spune, privind aceste picturi, care dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
strecurat condeiul \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare dintre imagini? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Mai-
marele vistiernicilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da! Am zis eu cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?nie. Unde a\uc1 \u355 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?sit aceste picturi?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Le-a adus \uc1 \u351 ?i ni le-a \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1
\u226 ?nat Negru \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i, a zis Mai-marele vistiernicilor.
\uc1 \u206 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se scoat\uc1 \u259 ? basma
curat\uc1 \u259 ?; la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Unchi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pune\uc1 \u355 ?i-l pe el la cazne,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-l iscodi\uc1 \u355 ?i, am zis. S\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?
m ce alte taine mai ascundea r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul nostru Unchi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am trimis un om s\uc1 \u259 ?-l cheme, a zis cu \uc1
\u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor. Iar dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce va pleca, vom scotoci toat\uc1 \u259 ? casa proasp\uc1 \u259 ?tului
ginere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe chipurile am\uc1 \u226 ?
ndurora s-a ivit o str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?, un fior de team\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o und\uc1 \u259 ? de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie; am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi
au s\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
priceput, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte chiar de a m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce, c\uc1
\u259 ? intrase Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, Refugiul Lumii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 39. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc
Ester.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut e s\uc1 \u259 ? jele\uc1 \u351 ?ti laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu cineva! M-am
c\uc1 \u259 ?inat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung \uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?rsat lacrimi
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de toate femeile rude apropiate ori \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?
rtate, neveste, prietene care boceau, adunate \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, la
vremea \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rii tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui bietei
mele \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? sprijineam zdrav\uc1
\u259 ?n de frumoasa fat\uc1 \u259 ? de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine \uc1 \u351
?i m\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?nguiam, leg\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ?
lin odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ea, alteori, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
un cu totul alt cotlon, v\uc1 \u259 ?rs\uc1 \u259 ?m lacrimi de duio\uc1 \u351 ?ie
pentru via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
pentru propriile mele suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng
a\uc1 \u351 ?a barem o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, uit c\uc1 \u259 ? umblu toat\uc1 \u259 ? ziua pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi
ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig p\uc1 \u226 ?inea, c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunt gras\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt umilit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunt evreic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? preschimb \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cu
totul alt\uc1 \u259 ? Ester, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai sporov\uc1 \u259 ?itoare ca de
obicei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi plac
festivit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
gloat\uc1 \u259 ?, uit c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt o oaie neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1
\u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pot \uc1 \u238 ?ndopa pe s\uc1 \u259 ?
turate. \uc1 \u206 ?mi place la nebunie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfulec baclavale,
magiunuri de ment\uc1 \u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?ine cu mar\uc1 \u355 ?ipan \uc1 \u351 ?
i marmelad\uc1 \u259 ? de fructe pe la s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?torile de bairam,
pilaf cu carne \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cinte rotunde pe la petrecerile de
circumcizie, \uc1 \u238 ?mi place s\uc1 \u259 ? beau suc de vi\uc1 \u351 ?ine la
ceremoniile or\uc1 \u226 ?nduite de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah la Hipodrom, s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc de toate pe la nun\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? dau pe
g\uc1 \u226 ?t halvale cu susan, cu miere, cu mosc trimise de vecini dup\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n hol pe t\uc1 \u259 ?cute, mi-am
luat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u351 ?i am
cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce
\uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, am auzit un sunet ciudat care se
strecura prin u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntredeschis\uc1 \u259 ? a od\uc1 \u259 ?i'
de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? grajd, am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? doi pa\uc1 \u351 ?i, m-am uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \u351 ?
i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i Orhan \uc1
\u238 ?l legaser\uc1 \u259 ? pe b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul uneia dintre femeile care pl\uc1
\u226 ?ngeau sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-l d\uc1 \u259 ?deau cu vopsele pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, folosindu-se de pensulele mai vechi ale r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci s\uc1 \u259 ? fugi,
uite-a\uc1 \u351 ?a o s\uc1 \u259 ? te batem! I-a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket b\uc1 \u259
?iatului, tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i o palm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Puiule, juca\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? frumos, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
v\uc1 \u259 ? face\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?u unul altuia, bine? Am zis, cu cea
mai dulce \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mieroas\uc1 \u259 ? dintre vocile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu nu te amesteca! A strigat \uc1 \u350 ?evket.}{\fs24
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de b\uc1 \u259 ?iatul pe care-l prigoneau,
pe sora lui aia blond\uc1 \u259 ?, mititic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tem\uc1
\u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un anume fel, m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
una cu ea. Uit\uc1 \u259 ? de toate, Ester!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, Hayriye m-a m\uc1 \u259 ?surat b\uc1
\u259 ?nuitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-au secat ochii de
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea lacrimi, Hayriye, am zis. D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi oleac\uc1 \u259 ? de
ap\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru Dumnezeu!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a dat ap\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ?
nimic. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a bea, am privit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii umfla\uc1 \u355
?i de pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se zice
s\uc1 \u259 ? bietul Unchiul ar fi murit, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de cununia
lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am zis. Gura lumii e slobod\uc1 \u259 ?. Se zice
chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi murit de moarte bun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 S-a uitat o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip v\uc1 \u259 ?dit, la
v\uc1 \u226 ?rful picioarelor. Apoi a ridicat capul \uc1 \u351 ?i a spus, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?zeasc\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu
de ponegrelile f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? temei! Primul ei gest \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Ceea ce spui e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u8221 ?, iar tonul pe care
spusese vorbele l\uc1 \u259 ?sa de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? le
rostise din obliga\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat deodat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum i-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi fost p\uc1 \u259 ?rta\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la o tain\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?
ielnica Hayriye v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese nici o
n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde de a dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndi putere asupra lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea Unchiului. Ea era cea care pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsese
cel mai sincer sus, cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in timp \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce-o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie acum cu
mine? A zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u355 ?ine grozav la tine, i-am zis, din obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a da ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ridic\uc1 \u226 ?nd capacele
crati\uc1 \u355 ?elor \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate \uc1 \u238 ?ntre chiupul cu
peltea de struguri \uc1 \u351 ?i cel cu mur\uc1 \u259 ?turi, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu
degetul \uc1 \u351 ?i gust\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u226 ?te o f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226
?m\uc1 \u259 ? de pe buza uneia sau a alteia din ele ori apropiindu-mi doar
nasul \uc1 \u351 ?i adulmec\uc1 \u226 ?nd, cine trimisese farfuriile cu halva.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta este a lui Kasim Efendi
din Kayseri, asta este a calfei \uc1 \u259 ?leia din breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tilor care sade la dou\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?zi de aici, asta este a celor din
familia l\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ului Hamdi St\uc1 \u226 ?ngaciul,
asta e crati\uc1 \u355 ?a femeii din Edirne., \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?ira r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd Hayriye, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt-o:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nevasta r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Delicat Efendi nici n-a
venit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aline sup\uc1 \u259 ?rarea, nici n-a trimis vreo veste, ori
o halva m\uc1 \u259 ?car!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 P\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ea dinspre u\uc1 \u351 ?a buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?riei
\uc1 \u238 ?nspre partea pietruit\uc1 \u259 ? a cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea scara. Pricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ?
discute cu mine departe de ochii lui Hayriye, am urmat-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Delicat Efendi n-avea nici un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt de du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de tata.
\uc1 \u206 ?n ziua \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rii lui, am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut halva pentru ei \uc1 \u351 ?i le-am trimis-o. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce se petrece, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? duc acum s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb,
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu, am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd la ce se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am mai f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut-o s\uc1 \u259 ? lungeasc\uc1 \u259 ? vorba. Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas a\uc1 \u351 ?
a, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a ne clinti din loc, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce frigul
din curte ne p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea \uc1 \u238 ?n oase. Apoi am m\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat-o pe p\uc1 \u259 ?r pe frumoasa mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ester, mi-e fric\uc1 \u259 ?, a
zis ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu te teme, draga mea, am
zis. \uc1 \u206 ?n toate st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie \uc1 \u351 ?i un bine. Uite cum te-ai
m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat tu, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dar oare am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut bine? Asta nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, a zis.
Iar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu asta, nici nu l-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
s\uc1 \u259 ? se apropie de mine. Mi-am petrecut noaptea al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
bietul tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
ochii mari \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar
fi zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Pricepi?\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Hasan spune c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii cadiului, cununia voastr\uc1 \u259 ?
n-are nici un pre\uc1 \u355 ?, i-am zis. \uc1 \u354 ?i-a trimis asta.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu mai vreau, a zis ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Dar a desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut imediat peticul de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie
\uc1 \u351 ?i a citit ce st\uc1 \u259 ?tea scris pe el, iar de data asta nu mi-a
mai spus ce a deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Avea dreptate, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu eram singure \uc1 \u238 ?n curtea \uc1 \u238
?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?team \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate:
sus, un t\uc1 \u226 ?mplar gre\uc1 \u355 ?os, care punea la loc oblonul ferestrei
de la hol, ce c\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u351 ?i se sp\uc1 \u259 ?rsese de diminea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, se uita st\uc1
\u259 ?ruitor at\uc1 \u226 ?t la noi, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i la femeile care
boceau \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, iar Hayriye, care ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise din
cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acea clip\uc1 \u259 ?, alerga s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
deschid\uc1 \u259 ? poarta fiului unui vecin de n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde, care striga:}
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\langfenp1048 Am adus halva!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A trecut
destul de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re. Simt c\uc1 \u259 ? acum sufletul bietului meu t\uc1 \u259 ?tic se
desparte de trup pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntoarcere, \uc1 \u351 ?i urc\uc1 \u259 ? la cer.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 S-a desprins din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele mele \uc1 \u351 ?i, privind spre
cerul str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor, s-a rugat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 M-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it deodat\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
departe \uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t de str\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de ea,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi mirat dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351
? fi fost un nor pe cerul spre care privea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. De \uc1
\u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u351 ?i-a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it rug\uc1
\u259 ?ciunea, m-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat cu dragoste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ester, a zis, at\uc1 \u226 ?ta vreme c\uc1 \u226 ?t uciga\uc1 \u351 ?
ul tatei tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te, nu vom avea tihn\uc1 \u259 ? pe lumea asta
nici eu, nici fiii mei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? n-a adus vorba de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Du-te la casa lui Delicat Efendi, iscode\uc1 \u351 ?te-o
pe nevasta lui \uc1 \u351 ?i afl\uc1 \u259 ? de ce nu ne-au trimis halva. D\uc1
\u259 ?-mi imediat de \uc1 \u351 ?tire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i transmi\uc1 \u355 ?i vreo vorb\uc1 \u259 ? lui Hasan?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, dar nu pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebasem, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu o putusem
privi \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd o \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebasem. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se socoat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-era ru\uc1
\u351 ?ine, am oprit-o pe Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i am ridicat capacul crati\uc1
\u355 ?ei:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ah, halva de gris cu fistic! Am
zis \uc1 \u351 ?i am luat o buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
gur\uc1 \u259 ?: Au pus \uc1 \u238 ?n ea \uc1 \u351 ?i portocale amare.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost fericit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re mi-a z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit o clip\uc1
\u259 ? cu bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? totul s-ar fi
petrecut a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se cuvine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am luat bocceaua, am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it, dar n-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nici doi pa\uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul
str\uc1 \u259 ?zii se afla Negru. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngropase
socrul \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nsurase de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i
pricepeam, dup\uc1 \u259 ? trufia lui, c\uc1 \u259 ? era foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit
de propria via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i stric bucuria, am
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it de pe drum, am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n bost\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
rie \uc1 \u351 ?i am trecut prin gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina casei \uc1 \u238 ?n care
locuise fratele sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat al iubitei vestitului doctor evreu Mo\uc1
\u351 ?e Hamon. De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori trec pe aici, gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina asta care
miroase a moarte m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntristeaz\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a de
tare, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t uit c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu un
mu\uc1 \u351 ?teriu \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o v\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mirosul de moarte din gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n casa lui Delicat Efendi, dar acolo
nu era nici urm\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. Ca o Ester care s-a v\uc1
\u226 ?nturat prin mii de case \uc1 \u351 ?i a cunoscut sute de v\uc1 \u259 ?
dane, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? femeile care \uc1 \u351 ?i-au pierdut b\uc1
\u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii de timpuriu sunt fie \uc1 \u238 ?mpietrite de un
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngere \uc1
\u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, fie pline de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1
\u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?tire (draga de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a avut parte de
toate). Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i Kalbiye Hanim b\uc1 \u259 ?use din pocalul otr\uc1 \u259 ?vit al m\uc1
\u226 ?niei, iar lucrul acesta gr\uc1 \u259 ?bise treaba pe care o aveam de
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deoarece, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum li se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? femeilor m\uc1 \u226 ?
ndre cu care via\uc1 \u355 ?a a fost crud\uc1 \u259 ?, Kalbiye Hanim era, pe
bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate, nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1
\u355 ?i cei care-i b\uc1 \u259 ?teau la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
vremuri de restri\uc1 \u351 ?te veneau s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i arate mila
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea, sau, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, s\uc1
\u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ce stare jalnic\uc1 \u259 ? se afla \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se bucure \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? de situa\uc1
\u355 ?ia ei, nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca defel s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? musafirii cu vorbe pl\uc1 \u259 ?cute \uc1 \u351 ?i intra pe
dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n subiect, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se l\uc1
\u259 ?sa m\uc1 \u226 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? de sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciuni precum aplecarea de
a le cuceri inima \uc1 \u351 ?i de a spune aiureli doar pentru a sta la taifas. De
ce \uc1 \u238 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tuse oare la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? Ester la ora
asta, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce Kalbiye, cu
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea ei cu tot, preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea ceva dulce? Fiindc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era nici pe departe interesat\uc1 \u259 ?
de cele mai noi m\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?suri desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcate de pe
cor\uc1 \u259 ?biile din China, de batistele sosite de la Bursa, n-am f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut deloc gestul de a-mi desface bocceaua, ci am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n subiectul de b\uc1 \u226 ?rf\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am
istorisit despre suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ndureratei \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 G\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ?
a sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat-o pe Kalbiye Hanim, care \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i durere, este o nou\uc1
\u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ntristare pentru s\uc1 \u259 ?rmana
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Kalbiye
Hanim a \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?at, pe un ton m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru, c\uc1 \u259
? n-o c\uc1 \u259 ?utase \uc1 \u351 ?i n-o iscodise pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu venise s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aline durerea \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? doliul, ba
chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? nu putuse \uc1 \u238 ?ndura s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trimit\uc1 \u259 ? halva. Fire\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul m\uc1 \u226 ?ndriei sale st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1
\u351 ?i o bucurie, pe care nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-o putea ascunde: faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
sup\uc1 \u259 ?rarea ei fusese b\uc1 \u259 ?gat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Ester cea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat
s\uc1 \u259 ? afle motivele m\uc1 \u226 ?niei ei, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i pricina a
tot ceea ce se petrecuse pornind tocmai de la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? sl\uc1 \u259 ?
biciune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L\uc1 \u259 ?murirea
dat\uc1 \u259 ? de Kalbiye, cum c\uc1 \u259 ? era sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi din pricina c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o
pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dea, nu s-a lungit prea mult. A spus c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?posatul ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat primise aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lucrare pentru a mai
c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga doi-trei aspri \uc1 \u238 ?n plus, deoarece
Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?ase c\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc se
afla o carte care se izvodea la porunca Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului. Mi-a povestit c\uc1
\u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd prinsese a vedea c\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?
ratele pagini pictate a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror aurire i-o ceruse Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
mai fie pagini pictate, ci picturi de-a dreptul, c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste picturi
purtau semnele unei necredin\uc1 \u355 ?e, ale unei t\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?duiri
a adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratei credin\uc1 \u355 ?e, ba chiar ale unei blasfemii pe care
mintea omeneasc\uc1 \u259 ? n-o putea cuprinde, r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul ei b\uc1 \u259
?rbat \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse tihna, pornise a \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1
\u259 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ceea ce era potrivit \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce nu era
potrivit s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era mai
ager\uc1 \u259 ? la minte \uc1 \u351 ?i mai grijulie dec\uc1 \u226 ?t Delicat
Efendi, a spus, prev\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?toare, c\uc1 \u259 ? toate aceste \uc1
\u238 ?ndoieli nu se iviser\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, ci cu
vremea, iar bietul Delicat Efendi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i domolise nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tea spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era vorba dec\uc1
\u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuiri, deoarece nu avusese niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de-a
face limpede cu blasfemia. De fapt, r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Delicat Efendi nu pierdea
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? predicile lui Nusret Hogea din Erzurum, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea la timp rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea \uc1 \u238 ?l
\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca un sincer sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de \uc1
\u238 ?ngrijorare. \uc1 \u350 ?tia c\uc1 \u259 ? unii tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?
i din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?teau
joc de el pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era legat orbe\uc1 \u351 ?te de credin\uc1 \u355 ?a
lui, dar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea prea bine seama c\uc1 \u259 ?
glumele lor f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? perdea erau pricinuite de invidia pe care
o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de harul \uc1 \u351 ?i de arta
lui. 0 lacrim\uc1 \u259 ? mare, str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare s-a desprins din ochii
sc\uc1 \u226 ?nteietori ai lui Kalbiye \uc1 \u351 ?i i s-a prelins pe obraz, iar
Ester cea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de bune inten\uc1 \u355 ?ii a hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226
?t ca la primul prilej s\uc1 \u259 ?-i afle lui Kalbiye un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat mai
bun dec\uc1 \u226 ?t r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul ei so\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul nu-mi \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?ta toate am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?ciunile lui, a zis Kalbiye cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Eu am
pus, \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea mea, cap la cap ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi aminteam \uc1
\u351 ?i am cugetat c\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? nenorocirea ab\uc1 \u259 ?
tut\uc1 \u259 ? asupra noastr\uc1 \u259
? se trage de la picturile Unchiului cel la care s-a dus \uc1 \u238 ?n acea
ultim\uc1 \u259 ? noapte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era un
fel de scuz\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n chip de r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns, i-am amintit
\uc1 \u351 ?i eu de \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurarea \uc1 \u238 ?n care se uneau
destinele \uc1 \u351 ?i du\uc1 \u351 ?manii lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
\uc1 \u351 ?i ai lui Kalbiye, spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?, cine \uc1 \u351 ?
tie, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiul fusese ucis de acela\uc1 \u351 ?i tic\uc1 \u259 ?
los. Cei doi orfani cu capete mari, care m\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?surau acum cu
b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?eza\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un ungher, f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau \uc1 \u351 ?i ei ca situa\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238
?n care se aflau cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259
?toare. Dar judecata necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare a pe\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei din
inima mea mi-a amintit degrab\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re era cu mult mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, mai bogat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
misterioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Am zis imediat ceea ce mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? zic:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re spune \uc1 \u238 ?mi cer
iertare dac\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?esc cu ceva \uc1 \u8211 ? am zis, spune,
a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i ofer\uc1 \u259 ?
prietenia ei fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?, prietenia celei ce \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
soart\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? te
g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti la asta, s\uc1 \u259 ? o aju\uc1 \u355 ?i. C\uc1
\u226 ?nd a plecat de aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima sa noapte, r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
Delicat Efendi a spus cumva c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se vad\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu altcineva \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Unchiul? Te-ai
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit vreo clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu altcineva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut din buzunarul bietului meu
Delicat, a zis ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A scos din cutia de
pai cu capac, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se g\uc1 \u259 ?seau ace de brodat, petice de
stof\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o ditamai nuca, o bucat\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtie \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?turit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntins-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am luat bucata de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie mototolit\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat la ea mai de aproape, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut foarte multe
forme desenate, cu cerneala \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ? de ap\uc1 \u259 ?.
Pricepusem deja cu ce sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Kalbiye a dat glas
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndului meu:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te cai, a zis. De ani de zile, r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Delicat Efendi nu
f\uc1 \u259 ?cea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t aurire, nu desena deloc cai \uc1 \u351 ?i nimeni
nu-i cerea s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?na voastr\uc1 \u259 ? Ester se tot holba
la caii desena\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?ter\uc1
\u351 ?i de ap\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? prea
mare lucru din ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? iau
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia asta \uc1 \u351 ?i i-o duc lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, o
s\uc1 \u259 ? se bucure foarte tare, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re vrea h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia asta, s\uc1
\u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aici, a zis
Kalbiye, trufa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
? acum: pentru oameni ca mine, adic\uc1 \u259 ? pentru cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?torii \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-ale am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciunii, care pre schimb\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea \uc1 \u351 ?i suferin\uc1 \u355 ?
a, fericirea \uc1 \u351 ?~ lipsurile \uc1 \u238 ?n pretextul unei ve\uc1 \u351 ?
nice singur\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? mari bucurii, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum nu exist\uc1
\u259 ? nici mari triste\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i pricepem pe
ceilal\uc1 \u355
?i atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sufletele le sunt r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ite de asemenea sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte; dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238
?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegem peste poate pe cei care le tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t. Ceea ce nu pricepem este strania
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n care se cufund\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul \uc1 \u238 ?
n asemenea clipe. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1
\u259 ?, care ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntunec\uc1 \u259 ? mintea \uc1 \u351 ?i sufletul, ia
locul bucuriei \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care ar trebui de fapt
s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u259 ?m.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngropasem, slav\uc1 \u259 ? Domnului, tat\uc1 \u259 ?l,
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsesem degrab\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ? de la
\uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de m\uc1 \u226
?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iere, o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?asem
pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a mea; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a tr\uc1 \u226 ?ntit pe
mindir, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de copii, care \uc1 \u238 ?mi aruncau priviri
neprietenoase, \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n hohote, am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas a\uc1 \u351 ?a, stingher.
Triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea ei era biruin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea; m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?torisem \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clipit\uc1 \u259 ? cu visul tinere\uc1 \u355
?ii mele, sc\uc1 \u259 ?pasem de tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei, care nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
nici un fel de aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u351 ?i devenisem st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nul casei; cine ar fi crezut \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimile mele? Dar nu, crede\uc1
\u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, nu era deloc a\uc1 \u351 ?a; de\uc1 \u351 ?i doream cu
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat s\uc1 \u259 ? suf\uc1 \u259 ?r, \uc1 \u238 ?mi era cu
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat
deoarece Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?mi fusese dintotdeauna adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul p\uc1
\u259 ?rinte, chiar mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t propriul meu tat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai
mult, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? agitatului Imam care-i sp\uc1 \u259 ?lase trupul nu-i
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea gura o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, zvonul potrivit c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia
Unchiul nu murise de moarte bun\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndise
\uc1 \u351 ?i printre cei din mahala, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sim\uc1 \u355 ?isem
\uc1 \u238 ?n curtea moscheii, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?rii. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, doream s\uc1 \u259 ?
fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru ca neputin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea de a
pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie r\uc1 \u259 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?
cit\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? teama de a fi socotit
lipsit de inim\uc1 \u259 ? este sentimentul cel mai sincer cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Babele \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u259 ?toare au mereu la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? o pricin\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a nu-i da deoparte \uc1 \u351 ?i a nu-i alunga
din comunitate pe cei ca mine: \uc1 \u8222 ?Omul se t\uc1 \u226 ?nguie \uc1 \u238 ?
n sinea lui\uc1 \u8221 ?, zic ele. \uc1 \u350 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1
\u8222 ?m\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?nguiam \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea\uc1 \u8221 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?zneam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
ascund \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun ungher, spre a nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a vecinilor tulbura\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i rudelor
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtate, de al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror potop de lacrimi m\uc1
\u259 ? tot minunam, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?iam, \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi trebuit s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? port de-acum ca un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat al
casei \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?n pe situa\uc1 \u355 ?ie, a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut cineva la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. M-am nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
c\uc1 \u259 ? putea fi Hasan, dar m-am resemnat la ideea de a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa din
acest iad \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crimat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
un paj al Por\uc1 \u355 ?ii, venit de la Serai. Eram, pare-se, chemat acolo. Am
fost cuprins de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam din
curte, am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit pe jos, \uc1 \u238 ?n noroi, un aspru. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
era oare foarte team\uc1 \u259 ? la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? eram chemat la
Serai? Da, \uc1 \u238 ?mi era team\uc1 \u259 ?; dar eram fericit s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu afar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n frig, pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi,
printre cai, c\uc1 \u226 ?ini, copaci \uc1 \u351 ?i oameni. La fel ca to\uc1
\u355 ?i vis\uc1 \u259 ?torii care cred c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a le
fi preda\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ilor, mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndulcesc
cruzimea lumii st\uc1 \u226 ?nd la o tacla pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? cu
paznicul temni\uc1 \u355 ?ei, despre una-alta, despre frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ile
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, despre ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enia m\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259
?itului ce r\uc1 \u259 ?sun\uc1 \u259 ? pe lac \uc1 \u351 ?i a norului de pe cer,
m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit s\uc1 \u259 ? leg \uc1 \u351 ?i eu priete\uc1 \u351 ?ug cu
pajul care venise s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ia; acesta s-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat a fi
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? un copilandru posomor\uc1 \u226 ?t, plin de co\uc1 \u351
?uri, t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce treceam pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259
? Moscheea Sf\uc1 \u226 ?nta Sofia, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce observam, cu
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, delicate\uc1 \u355 ?ea chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ilor lungi \uc1
\u351 ?i sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri care se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?au spre
cerul p\uc1 \u226 ?clos, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it o \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorare, dar nu de
spaima mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ci din pricina nedrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii care mi
se f\uc1 \u259 ?cea aceea de a-mi sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?n cazne, la Serai, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a m\uc1 \u259 ? fi putut
culca \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi putut face dragoste pe s\uc1
\u259 ?turate cu \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce m\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torisem cu ea la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul at\uc1 \u226 ?tor
ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat
spre Poarta Mijlocie, la ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei turnuri priveam \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul c\uc1 \u259 ?reia \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u351 ?i vedeau de treburi schingiuitorii \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?ii cei iu\uc1 \u355 ?i de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, ci c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
atelierele de t\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?rie. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce treceam
printre antrepozite, o pisic\uc1 \u259 ? ce se sp\uc1 \u259 ?la \uc1 \u238 ?n
noroi, printre picioarele unui cal murg care scotea aburi pe gur\uc1 \u259 ?, s-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors, dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu s-a uitat la noi; asemenea
nou\uc1 \u259 ?, era peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de ocupat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
propria-i mizerie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n dosul
antrepozitelor, am fost preluat de la pajul cel t\uc1 \u259 ?cut de dou\uc1
\u259 ? persoane dup\uc1 \u259 ? ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte,
verzi \uc1 \u351 ?i violet, n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama ai cui oameni
erau; m-au v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
pere \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoas\uc1 \u259 ?, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
c\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? despre care am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1
\u259 ? fusese construit\uc1 \u259 ? de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dat fiind mirosul
lemnului; m-au z\uc1 \u259 ?vor\uc1 \u226 ?t acolo. \uc1 \u350 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ?
ideea de a te \uc1 \u238 ?ncuia \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoas\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte dintre ceremoniile menite
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nte \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
supunerea la cazne, m\uc1 \u259 ? fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntam s\uc1 \u259 ?
ticluiesc vreo minciun\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? scap de aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
poveste, nutrind speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? vor porni la treab\uc1 \u259 ?
cu b\uc1 \u259 ?taia la t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi. Al\uc1 \u259 ?turi se afla, pesemne, un
grup de oameni; dintr-acolo r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?teau zgomote.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unii dintre dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? socoti\uc1 \u355 ?i
cu siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, dat\uc1 \u259 ? fiind voio\uc1
\u351 ?ia din vocea mea, nu vorbesc asemenea unui om pe cale de a fi supus la
cazne. Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? spusesem oare c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? socotesc un rob
norocos al lui Dumnezeu? Iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? fericirea de care am fost cople\uc1
\u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste ultime dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ratele suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ndurate ani de-a r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul, nu este \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns spre a v\uc1 \u259 ? dovedi acest lucru,
asprul pe care l-am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit pe jos c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam pe
poart\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? negre\uc1 \u351 ?it un
t\uc1 \u226 ?lc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ce a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam caznele, am aflat alinare \uc1 \u238 ?n asprul despre
care \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? apere; am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? semnul sor\uc1
\u355 ?ii, trimis de Dumnezeu, l-am dezmierdat \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am s\uc1 \u259 ?
rutat de nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate ori. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-au scos din \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au dus \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a mea pe Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor \uc1 \u351 ?i pe schingiuitorii
bosniaci cu capetele chiluge, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
asprul nu-mi va fi de folos la nimic. Vocea neiert\uc1 \u259 ?toare dinl\uc1
\u259 ?untrul meu, care-mi spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? asprul din buzunar nu era trimis de
Dumnezeu, ci era unul dintre asprii pe care-i pres\uc1 \u259 ?rasem asupra capului
lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, avea dreptate. Prin urmare, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am fost dat pe seama
schingiuitorilor nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea nici o
am\uc1 \u259 ?gire demn\uc1 \u259 ? de crezare, nu mai aveam nimic de care s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem seama c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi curg\uc1 \u259 ? lacrimi din
ochi. Am voit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i implor, dar, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vis, din gur\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-a ie\uc1
\u351 ?it nici un sunet. \uc1 \u350 ?tiam din r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaie, de la cei
mor\uc1 \u355 ?i, din asasinatele \uc1 \u351 ?i caznele la care privisem de
departe, c\uc1 \u259 ? omul poate fi nimicit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
dar sufletul meu nu se deprinsese defel cu acest lucru. Aveau s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? despoaie de lume a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum m\uc1 \u259 ? despuiau de
ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele de pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
au scos ilicul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a. Unul dintre c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?i s-a tr\uc1 \u226 ?ntit deasupra mea \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a
ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat cu genunchii pe umeri. Cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt mi-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat
cu mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri grijulii, delicate \uc1 \u351 ?i pricepute, ca o
femeie care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare un fel de gr\uc1 \u259 ?tar, ce-mi
cuprindea cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? laturi ale capului, \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i r\uc1 \u259 ?suceasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncet-\uc1 \u238
?ncet m\uc1 \u226 ?nerul. 0 menghin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu gr\uc1 \u259 ?
tarul, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? capul
din am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am strigat din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri. Am implorat, rostind vorbe f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ir. Am pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns, dar mai mult pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? nervii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 S-au oprit \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe Unchiul? Am tras aer \uc1
\u238 ?n piept:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au prins din nou s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
suceasc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?nerul. Durerea era cumplit\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar m-au
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc dac\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu le spun c\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1 \u238 ?l omor\uc1 \u226 ?
sem. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul capului meu, lumea a prins a se roti pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cut. Sufletul mi-a fost cuprins de un soi de toropeal\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva m\uc1 \u259 ? deprinsesem cu durerea. Eu
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ii mei am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas o clip\uc1 \u259
? nemi\uc1 \u351 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i. De\uc1 \u351 ?i nu m\uc1 \u259 ? durea nimic,
mi-era team\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asprul
din buzunar m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndemna din nou s\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ?jduiesc c\uc1 \u259 ? n-aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ucid\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, m-au l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n
pace. Mi-au scos gr\uc1 \u259 ?tarul cu menghina care, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
pricinuise prea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in r\uc1 \u259 ?u. C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ul s-a
dat jos de pe mine. Nu ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i-ar putea cere iertare. Mi-am pus c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1
\u351 ?i ilicul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ternut o lung\uc1 \u259 ?, o foarte lung\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cap\uc1 \u259 ?t al \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor,
Osman Efendi. M-am dus la el \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat m\uc1 \u226 ?
na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu te am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238
?, fiule, mi-a zis. Te-au pus doar la \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? Unchi, \uc1 \u238 ?mi g\uc1 \u259 ?sisem un alt tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru a
poruncit ca, de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai fii supus la cazne, a
zis Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor. A socotit nimerit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
aju\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman, spre a-l
afla pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul tic\uc1 \u259 ?los care-i omoar\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii pe robii s\uc1 \u259 ?i care pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
desc c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i. O s\uc1 \u259 ?-l afla\uc1 \u355 ?i pe acel f\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?arnic \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp de trei zile, uit\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-v\uc1 \u259 ? la paginile pe care le-au pictat miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbind cu ei. Suveranul este foarte m\uc1 \u226 ?niat de vorbele
scornite de clevetitori pe seama c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor sale \uc1 \u351 ?i
a miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a poruncit Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul,
eu \uc1 \u351 ?i Mai-marele vistiernicilor, Hazim Aga, v\uc1 \u259 ? vom ajuta
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l afla\uc1 \u355 ?i pe nemernicul acela. Unul dintre voi se
num\uc1 \u259 ?ra printre apropia\uc1 \u355 ?ii Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i a auzit
cele povestite de el; \uc1 \u351 ?tie cum lucrau miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care
veneau pe acolo noaptea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?tie \uc1 \u351 ?i povestea
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt este un mare maestru, care se
laud\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?-i cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din tagma sa ca pe propriul buzunar. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n trei zile nu da\uc1 \u355 ?i de netrebnicul acela \uc1 \u351 ?i de
pagina disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care tot el a \uc1 \u351 ?terpelit-o
\uc1 \u351 ?i care a iscat at\uc1 \u226 ?tea b\uc1 \u226 ?rfe, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru cel drept a poruncit s\uc1 \u259 ? fii cercetat \uc1 \u351 ?i supus la cazne
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i tu, fiule Negru Efendi. Apoi, nu avem nici o
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? le va veni r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul \uc1
\u351 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 N-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi schimbat nici un fel de
semne, nici un fel de priviri tainice \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cei doi prieteni care lucrau
\uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? de ani de zile Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tilor, Maestrul Osman, \uc1 \u351 ?i Mai-marele vistiernicilor, Hazim Aga, care
\uc1 \u238 ?i transmitea comenzile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea
materiale \uc1 \u351 ?i bani din Vistierie.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ?,
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te o
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?delege \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?rile, \uc1
\u238 ?n birourile, printre me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugarii Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru, breasla \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? este pus\uc1 \u259 ? sub \uc1
\u238 ?nvinuire p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la aflarea \uc1 \u351 ?i la predarea
celui vinovat, c\uc1 \u259 ? o breasl\uc1 \u259 ? care-l afl\uc1 \u259 ? pe
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul ei, dar nu-l poate preda este \uc1 \u238
?ncondeiat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n catastiful Cadiului \uc1 \u351 ?i pedepsit\uc1
\u259 ? ca o tagm\uc1 \u259 ? de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n frunte cu
agaua \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii ei, a zis Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?
dinarilor. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman, va trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n
patru, s\uc1 \u259 ? scruteze, cu ochii s\uc1 \u259 ?i ageri, toate paginile, s\uc1
\u259 ? afle care este lucrul diavolesc viclenia, pizma, zavistia care-i \uc1 \u238
?ntoarce pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cei f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1
\u259 ?cat unul \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva altuia, s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 aduc\uc1 \u259 ?
negre\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, Refugiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Lumii, pe cel vinovat \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i scoat\uc1 \u259 ? breasla basma curat\uc1 \u259 ?. De aceea am pus \uc1
\u351 ?i vom pune s\uc1 \u259 ? i se aduc\uc1 \u259 ? tot ceea ce va cere. Oamenii
mei adun\uc1 \u259 ?, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, toate paginile pictate de prin
casele mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i le aduc aici.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 41. Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i Mai-marele vistiernicilor ne-au repetat poruncile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru iar apoi au plecat, am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi. Desigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru era ostenit \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat de pe urma
caznelor, a spaimei \uc1 \u351 ?i a lacrimilor. A t\uc1 \u259 ?cut ca un copil.
\uc1 \u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? voi ajunge s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259
?gesc, dar nu l-am tulburat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aveam
r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz trei zile pentru a m\uc1 \u259 ? uita la paginile pe care le
adunaser\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor de prin casele
caligrafilor, ale mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
care mi le l\uc1 \u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? spre a-i deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i ce dezgustat am fost
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? picturile
pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuite pentru cartea Unchiului picturi pe care Negru i le adusese
\uc1 \u351 ?i i le \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?nase Mai-marelui vistiernicilor, Hazim
Aga, spre a se scoate pe sine basma curat\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
recunosc totu\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ceva
atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n paginile ce-i inspir\uc1 \u259 ? unui
miniaturist care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchinat \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? acestei \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletniciri o sc\uc1 \u226 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i un dezgust at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aprige. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? arta
care este doar proast\uc1 \u259 ? nu treze\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n noi nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car at\uc1 \u226 ?t. Cu o asemenea curiozitate am re\uc1 \u238 ?
nceput, iat\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? privesc cele nou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini pe care
netotul de r\uc1 \u259 ?posat i-a pus pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii ce se perindau
noaptea pe la el s\uc1 \u259 ? le ilustreze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
o foaie goal\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, \uc1 \u238 ?n rama aurit\uc1 \u259 ?
lucrat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cazul celorlalte imagini, de
bietul Delicat, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un copac. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui din ce poveste \uc1 \u351 ?i din ce scen\uc1 \u259 ? fusese
desprins. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? le spun miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor mei dragului de
Fluture, mintosului Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, vicleanului M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze un copac, ei se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc dintru \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
la el ca la o parte dintr-o poveste, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l poat\uc1 \u259 ? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi nestingheri\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit cu luare-aminte la copacul acela, pot s\uc1 \u259
?-mi dau seama dup\uc1 \u259 ? ramurile, dup\uc1 \u259 ? frunzele sale, la ce
istorie s-a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit miniaturistul. Dar copacul din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea,
bietul de el, era doar un copac singuratic; \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lui se afla o
linie a orizontului trasat\uc1 \u259 ? destul de sus, care-l f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1
\u259 ? par\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai singuratic \uc1 \u351 ?i care amintea de
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul celor mai vesti\uc1 \u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n golul care se crea tocmai pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? fusese \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? linia
orizontului nu se afla nimic altceva. Dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a picta un copac pentru
simplul fapt c\uc1 \u259 ? era un copac, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiau
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnise cu
cerin\uc1 \u355 ?a mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor persani de a vedea lumea de sus, \uc1
\u351 ?i astfel se ivise o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1
\u355 ?e, care nu putea fi nici franc\uc1 \u259 ?, nici persan\uc1 \u259 ?. Era
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun, \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea, c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a ar
fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? arate un copac aflat la fruntariile lumii. Str\uc1 \u259 ?
duindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbine dou\uc1
\u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri diferite, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei
\uc1 \u351 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?ina minte a r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului izvodiser\uc1
\u259 ? o lucrare lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de har. Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nfuria era tocmai aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lips\uc1 \u259 ? de har, iar nu faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura se nutrea din cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? lumi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \tab
\langfenp1048 Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it acest lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la celelalte picturi, la calul des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it, de vis, la femeia cu capul plecat. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nfuria totodat\uc1 \u259 ? alegerea subiectului Cei Doi Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i R\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citori sau Diavolul. Era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii mei fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? cei care strecuraser\uc1 \u259 ? aceste
picturi \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?
it, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru felul
\uc1 \u238 ?n care Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul or\uc1 \u226 ?nduise lucrurile,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1 \u238 ?i luase via\uc1 \u355 ?a Unchiului \uc1 \u238 ?nainte
de a ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi cartea. Mie nu-mi venea deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? o ispr\uc1
\u259 ?vesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum puteam s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-mi pierd cump\uc1 \u259 ?tul v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd imaginea
acelui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine care ne privea \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ? chiar de sub
nasul nostru, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ne-ar fi fost frate, dar care fusese desenat de
undeva de sus? Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce sim\uc1 \u355 ?
eam, pe de o Parte, admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru firescul pozi\uc1 \u355 ?iei
c\uc1 \u226 ?inelui, pentru frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea pe care o purta \uc1 \u238 ?n
privirea piezi\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce l\uc1 \u259 ?sa capul \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226
?nt, pentru for\uc1 \u355 ?a t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n albea\uc1
\u355 ?a din\uc1 \u355 ?ilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, pe scurt, pentru harul
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor care pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?diser\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine (eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? ghicesc ale cui condeie
fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?rta\uc1 \u351 ?e la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?), nu puteam
ierta cu nici un chip faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? o voin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ne\uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles se folosise de acest har, pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1
\u238 ?n slujba judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale nes\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
toase. Dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-i imita pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, ba
chiar cerin\uc1 \u355 ?a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru ca aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte
poruncit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a-i fi d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit\uc1 \u259 ? Dogelui s\uc1
\u259 ? fie des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
metode pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? le priceap\uc1 \u259 ? vene\uc1 \u355 ?ienii, nu scuza
aerul sfid\uc1 \u259 ?tor al acestor picturi. Ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul care domnea \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o imagine \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ale
c\uc1 \u259 ?rei col\uc1 \u355 ?uri am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ?
numaidec\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i strecuraser\uc1 \u259
? pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd penelul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, m-
a \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat de-a binelea. 0 m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? despre care n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama a cui era
a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuse \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ? un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u ciudat,
potrivit unei ra\uc1 \u355 ?iuni ascunse, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
at\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ? se cufundase, \uc1 \u238 ?ncet-\uc1
\u238 ?ncet, \uc1 \u238 ?n ro\uc1 \u351 ?u. I-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat, o vreme, lui
Negru care dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei schi\uc1 \u355 ?ase platanul din
imaginea aceea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de forfot\uc1 \u259 ? (Barz\uc1 \u259 ?), care
cor\uc1 \u259 ?biile \uc1 \u351 ?i casele (M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?), care
zmeul \uc1 \u351 ?i florile (Fluture).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? un mare maestru, aflat de ani de zile \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea
unui grup de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, va recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?
nd harurile f\uc1 \u259 ?urarilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, temperamentul condeiului fiec\uc1
\u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u351 ?i umoarea pensulei sale, a zis Negru. Dar cum s\uc1
\u259 ?-i mai pute\uc1 \u355 ?i dibui pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, cum s\uc1 \u259 ?
mai pute\uc1 \u355 ?i fi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de sigur cu privire la cine ce
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? a z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd un iubitor de carte
ciudat, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum era Unchiul, i-a silit s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze potrivit
unor me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri noi, necunoscute?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, \uc1 \u238 ?n fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?a
care domina Ispahanul, tr\uc1 \u259 ?ia singur un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah iubitor de
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns,
depan\uc1 \u226 ?nd o poveste. Era un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah puternic, \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elept, dar nemilos. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i iubea doar c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, pe care-i pusese pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ? i le
picteze \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? i le pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u351 ?i fiica. Acest padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i iubea fata
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t poate c\uc1
\u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?manii s\uc1 \u259 ?i, care r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?
ndiser\uc1 \u259 ? zvonul c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de
ea, aveau teniei s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? aceasta, de vreme ce era \uc1
\u238 ?ndeajuns de orgolios \uc1 \u351 ?i de gelos s\uc1 \u259 ? le declare
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor din
vecin\uc1 \u259 ?tate care-\uc1 \u351 ?i trimiteau soli s\uc1 \u259 ? o pe\uc1
\u355 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu putea g\uc1 \u259 ?
si nici un so\uc1 \u355 ? demn de fiica sa, o \uc1 \u355 ?inea pe fat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul a patruzeci de u\uc1
\u351 ?i, z\uc1 \u259 ?vor\uc1 \u226 ?te cu patruzeci de lac\uc1 \u259 ?te. Socotea
\uc1 \u351 ?i el, potrivit unei credin\uc1 \u355 ?e larg r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1
\u226 ?ndite la Ispahan, c\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea fetei sale avea
s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?leasc\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? o vedeau \uc1 \u351 ?i
al\uc1 \u355 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ?
zi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? o carte despre H\uc1
\u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin, pe care o poruncise el \uc1 \u351 ?i
care era scris\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pictat\uc1 \u259 ? potrivit stilului din
Herat, la Ispahan s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit un zvon: se spunea c\uc1
\u259 ? frumoasa fat\uc1 \u259 ? cu chip palid care ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o imagine cu multe personaje, ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre celelalte
pagini, ar fi fost chiar fiica padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului gelos! C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul care, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a fi
auzit zvonurile, nutrea o \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ? cu privire la misterioasa
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, a r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoit de data aceasta, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini
tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nde paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a b\uc1 \u259 ?gat
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crimat,
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea era pictat\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea fetei
sale. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? nu fata, \uc1 \u238 ?n persoan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ? cu cele patruzeci de lac\uc1 \u259 ?te ale padi\uc1 \u351
?ahului \uc1 \u8211 ? ci frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea ei ar fi ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238
?ntr-o noapte prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?peri, asemenea fantomelor care mor de
plictiseal\uc1 \u259 ?, s-ar fi reflectat \uc1 \u238 ?n oglinzi, s-ar fi strecurat
pe sub u\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i prin g\uc1 \u259 ?uri de cheie, \uc1 \u351 ?i
ar fi ajuns, ca un fel de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, ca un abur invizibil, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la ochii unuia dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii ce lucrau noaptea.
T\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i iscusitul miniaturist, neput\uc1
\u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-i reziste, a pictat aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e
de necrezut, pe care
ochii n-o puteau cuprinde, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al picturii asupra
c\uc1 \u259 ?reia trudea atunci. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a clipa \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin s-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, privindu-i portretul
\uc1 \u238 ?n timpul unei plimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Maestre, Efendi, este o mare potriveal\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Negru.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ? ne place foarte mult acea
scen\uc1 \u259 ? de basm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acestea
nu sunt basme, ci, \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna, lucruri petrecute cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat, am zis. Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?: miniaturistul nostru n-a schi\uc1 \u355 ?at-o pe
fata padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului \uc1 \u238 ?n locul frumoasei \uc1 \u350 ?irin, ci \uc1
\u238 ?n locul uneia dintre \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarele sale, care o slujea
pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin, c\uc1 \u226 ?nta la l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
punea masa. Aceasta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai atunci o picta, se pare, pe acea
\uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoare. \uc1 \u206 ?n acest fel, frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea
lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin a p\uc1 \u259 ?lit pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? farmecul
\uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei de pe margine, iar dreapta m\uc1 \u259 ?
sur\uc1 \u259 ? a picturii a fost spulberat\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351
?i-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut fata \uc1 \u238 ?n imagine, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul a dorit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l afle pe miniaturistul plin de har care o pictase. Dar, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? se temea de m\uc1 \u226 ?nia acestuia, \uc1 \u351 ?iretul miniaturist nu
a \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei \uc1 \u351 ?i a
fiicei padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului potrivit propriului s\uc1 \u259 ?u stil, ci potrivit
unuia nou, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu priceap\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni despre cine era vorba.
Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acea pictur\uc1 \u259 ? se
strecuraser\uc1 \u259 ? condeiul \uc1 \u351 ?i harul foarte multor miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bine, dar cum a aflat
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul cine era miniaturistul care o zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vise pe fiica
lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la
urechile ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
se la urechile cui? Ale fetei, sau ale imaginii fetei lui?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De fapt, ale nici uneia dintre ele. M\uc1 \u226 ?nat mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i de o b\uc1 \u259 ?nuial\uc1 \u259 ?, a desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut toate
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile, paginile, picturile pe care le f\uc1 \u259 ?
uriser\uc1 \u259 ? propriii s\uc1 \u259 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, le-a \uc1 \u238
?ntins dinainte \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a uitat la urechi. A rev\uc1 \u259 ?zut ceea ce
\uc1 \u351 ?tia de ani de zile: oricare le-ar fi fost harurile, fiecare dintre ei
desena urechile \uc1 \u238 ?n felul s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Indiferent de chipul pe care
\uc1 \u238 ?l desenau chipul unui padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, al unui copil, al unui
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic, ba chiar, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne p\uc1 \u259 ?zeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
Dumnezeu! Al Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Profet, neascuns de vreun v\uc1 \u259 ?l,
ori, Doamne fere\uc1 \u351 ?te! Al Diavolului acestea nu difereau niciodat\uc1
\u259 ?. Fiecare miniaturist picta urechile \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
fel, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice imagine, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi fost o semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? tainic\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? un portret, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndreapt\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra expresiei, asupra nevoii ca acel chip
s\uc1 \u259 ? semene sau s\uc1 \u259 ? nu semene cu cineva, s\uc1 \u259 ? se
apropie de frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea suprem\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
potrivit vechilor \uc1 \u351 ?abloane. Atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vine r\uc1 \u226 ?
ndul urechilor, nu fur\uc1 \u259 ? de la al\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
nu imit\uc1 \u259 ? vreun model, nu au \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor nici o
ureche adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? urechea nu se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc deloc, nu se trudesc deloc,
nu st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie deloc asupra lucrului pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuiesc. Astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i determin\uc1 \u259 ?
condeiele s\uc1 \u259 ? se mi\uc1 \u351 ?te dup\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce au \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dar oare marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i deseneaz\uc1 \u259
? miracolele ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum le-ar schi\uc1 \u355 ?a dup\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce
au \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a se uita la cai, la copaci, la oamenii adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1
\u355 ?i? A zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat, i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns. Dar acest fel de a g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi \uc1
\u8222 ?pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? a fost deprins dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au chibzuit \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-au
b\uc1 \u259 ?tut capul ani la r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Ei \uc1 \u351 ?tiu foarte bine c\uc1
\u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut destule picturi cu cai \uc1 \u351 ?
i destui cai de-a lungul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor, ultimul cal \uc1 \u238 ?n carne
\uc1 \u351 ?i oase pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l au \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor
le va zdruncina ideea de cal des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it pe care o
poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. Condeiul maestrului miniaturist care, de-a
lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii sale vie\uc1 \u355 ?i, a schi\uc1 \u355 ?at de zeci de
mii de ori imagini de cai se apropie bine, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
de acea imagine a calului pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu, iar el
\uc1 \u351 ?tie acest lucru potrivit propriului suflet \uc1 \u351 ?i propriei
experien\uc1 \u355 ?e. Calul pe care 1-a schi\uc1 \u355 ?at m\uc1 \u226 ?na ta \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?, a fost zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit
cu har, cu trud\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere \uc1 \u351 ?i este
un cal apropiat de calul lui Dumnezeu. Dar urechea pe care o schi\uc1 \u355 ?
eaz\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit
nici un fel de cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tere, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? te
g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u259 ?car la ceea ce faci \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fii, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, atent la urechea
fiicei padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului are \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna un cusur. \uc1 \u350 ?i
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? are un cusur, ea este diferit\uc1 \u259 ? la fiecare
miniaturist. Este, adic\uc1 \u259 ?, un soi de semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-au auzit zgomot \uc1 \u351 ?i
forfot\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea vechiului atelier
de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, oamenii Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor l\uc1 \u259 ?sau
paginile pe care le adunaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le aduseser\uc1 \u259 ? de
la caligrafi \uc1 \u351 ?i de prin casele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor mei.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De fapt, la drept vorbind, urechea este un cusur al
omului, am zis, dorind s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fac pe Negru s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Este diferit\uc1 \u259 ? la fiecare dintre noi \uc1 \u351 ?i la
fiecare dintre noi \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru: o
ur\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enie des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat cu miniaturistul care a fost prins dup\uc1 \u259 ? semn\uc1
\u259 ?tura urechii?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am zis:
\uc1 \u8222 ?A fost orbit\uc1 \u8221 ?, pentru ca Negru s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se \uc1
\u238 ?ntristeze \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit cu fiica padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului. Iar aceast\uc1
\u259 ? metod\uc1 \u259 ?, folosit\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi la recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?terea miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, este \uc1
\u351 ?tiut\uc1 \u259 ? de foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i hani, \uc1 \u351 ?ahi,
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi care au ateliere de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? sub numele de \uc1
\u8222 ?metoda \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i este
p\uc1 \u259 ?zit\uc1 \u259 ? ca o tain\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, dac\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din atelierele lor pl\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?desc vreo pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, vreo mic\uc1 \u259 ?
decora\uc1 \u355 ?iune pe ascuns iar la urm\uc1 \u259 ? neag\uc1 \u259 ? acest
lucru, s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? cine a c\uc1 \u259 ?
zut \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?cat. Partea cea mai delicat\uc1 \u259 ? este
s\uc1 \u259 ? afli am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele care nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i au locul \uc1
\u238 ?n inima picturii, c\uc1 \u259 ?rora nu li se acord\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate, care sunt schi\uc1 \u355 ?ate la repezeal\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i care se repet\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna. Acestea pot fi
urechi, m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, buruieni, frunze, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i coamele cailor,
picioarele, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i copitele lor. Dar bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1
\u259 ?, pictorul nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? acea
tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? a devenit semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura lui
tainic\uc1 \u259 ?. De pild\uc1 \u259 ?, musta\uc1 \u355 ?a nu poate fi avut\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vedere, deoarece foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i pictori \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dau seama c\uc1 \u259 ? deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? must\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n felul lor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea must\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii este un fel de semn\uc1 \u259
?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate transparent\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar se pot pune
la socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu le
acord\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate. Hai s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem acum
care ar putea fi tinerii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri care \uc1 \u351 ?i-au pus la lucru
pensulele \uc1 \u351 ?i condeiele spre a z\uc1 \u259 ?misli picturile r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului Unchi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am pus astfel al\uc1
\u259 ?turi paginile celor dou\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i una \uc1
\u238 ?mplinit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, alta la lumina zilei, cu
pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i subiecte diferite, pictate cu me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?uguri diferite \uc1 \u8211 ? anume cartea r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Unchi
\uc1 \u351 ?i Cartea ceremoniilor, f\uc1 \u259 ?urit\uc1 \u259 ? sub privegherea
mea, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se istorisea ceremonia de circumcizie a prin\uc1 \u355 ?
ului nostru, \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu Negru
locurile pe unde r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cea lupa:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 1. Pe pagina din Cartea ceremoniilor ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra gurii deschise a
bl\uc1 \u259 ?nii de vulpe pe care o purta \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e un
maestru din breasla bl\uc1 \u259 ?narilor, cu caftan ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i
chimir violet, care trecea pe dinaintea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce acesta urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea parada din pavilionul construit
anume pentru acest spectacol. Din\uc1 \u355 ?ii vulpii, care se vedeau l\uc1
\u259 ?murit, unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul, \uc1 \u351 ?i din\uc1 \u355 ?ii acelei
nefericite creaturi, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate demon, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate
uria\uc1 \u351 ?, care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe
Diavol \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei inspira\uc1
\u355 ?ie socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? venea tocmai de la Samarkand, erau rodul
aceleia\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ini se iviser\uc1 \u259 ? din condeiul lui
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o zi foarte vesel\uc1 \u259 ? din r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul ceremoniilor
de circumcizie, la poalele ferestrei dinspre Hipodrom a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia o companie de solda\uc1
\u355 ?i am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de frontier\uc1 \u259 ?. Unul
dintre ei ar fi zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu, noi am ajuns captivi,
ca osta\uc1 \u351 ?i ai T\uc1 \u259 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce luptam viteje\uc1
\u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva ghiaurilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n numele credin\uc1 \u355 ?
ei noastre, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu ne-am putut redob\uc1 \u226 ?ndi libertatea dec\uc1
\u226 ?t dup\uc1 \u259 ? am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat al\uc1 \u355 ?i ostatici \uc1 \u238 ?n
loc o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? apropiat\uc1 \u259 ?, un frate \uc1 \u8211 ? spre a putea
afla banii trebuincio\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?scump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?rii.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? la Istanbul am
aflat c\uc1 \u259 ? toate s-au scumpit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu mai puteam aduna cu nici un chip banii necesari pentru a-
i salva din m\uc1 \u226 ?inile ghiaurilor pe cei dragi nou\uc1 \u259 ?, drept care
avem nevoie de ajutorul T\uc1 \u259 ?u; d\uc1 \u259 ?ruie\uc1 \u351 ?te-ne fie
galbeni, fie robi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ducem
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i d\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n schimbul fra\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri prin\uc1 \u351 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-i sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?m.\uc1 \u8221 ? Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? unghiile de la
picioarele acelui c\uc1 \u226 ?ine tr\uc1 \u226 ?ndav care \uc1 \u238 ?i m\uc1
\u259 ?sura \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul acesta dintr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al
miniaturii, cu singurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u ochi deschis, pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, pe bie\uc1 \u355 ?ii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri o\uc1 \u351 ?teni s\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?ci\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pe solii persani \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?
tari din pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i unghiile c\uc1 \u226 ?inelui
care se afla \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ? al scenei ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a aventurile asprului, din cartea Unchiului, erau
toate rodul aceluia\uc1 \u351 ?i condei se iviser\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u226 ?na
lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. Unul
dintre scamatorii care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau tumbe, care jonglau cu ou\uc1 \u259 ? pe
platforme \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ate dinaintea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru cel tuns chilug, cu ilic violet, cu pantaloni scur\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inea degetele, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?ngenuncheat la marginea covorului ro\uc1 \u351 ?u,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?nd la tamburin\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel ca femeia care purta
tava \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie din cartea Unchiului (M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 4. Pietrele albastre
de pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul trandafiriu pe care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
eau cei din breasla buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarilor ce defilau prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru, g\uc1 \u259 ?tind sarmale cu carne \uc1 \u351 ?i ceap\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ditamai cazanul a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe o vatr\uc1 \u259 ?
pus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o c\uc1 \u259 ?ru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la
care \uc1 \u238 ?mpingeau opintindu-se din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, laolalt\uc1
\u259 ? cu mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii buc\uc1 \u259 ?tari ce se perindau purt\uc1 \u226 ?
nd crati\uc1 \u355 ?e, erau pl\uc1 \u259 ?mada aceleia\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?
ini care desenase \uc1 \u351 ?i pietrele ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii de pe p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul albastru \uc1 \u238 ?nchis pe care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ea,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?lca \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r pe
el, ar\uc1 \u259 ?tarea aceea pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate fantomatic\uc1 \u259 ? din
imaginea despre care Unchiul spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? era Moartea (Fluture).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 5. Conacul ar\uc1 \u259 ?tos al solului persan care, \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-l conving\uc1 \u259 ? pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul Nostru de adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul spuselor sale, repeta ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ahul persan \uc1 \u238 ?i era prieten Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru, Refugiul Lumii, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu nutrea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de El
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t sentimente fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, a fost f\uc1
\u259 ?cut praf \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?turat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?
de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mesagerii
t\uc1 \u259 ?tari au adus vestea c\uc1 \u259 ? armatele \uc1 \u350 ?ahului
porniser\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?tiri pentru o nou\uc1 \u259 ? campanie \uc1
\u238 ?mpotriva otomanilor. Pentru a domoli praful st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit pe
Hipodrom \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul acestei furii a demol\uc1 \u259 ?rii se iviser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fuga mare sacagiii, iar pentru a potoli mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea
gata s\uc1 \u259 ? se repead\uc1 \u259 ? asupra solului, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ? apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia oameni care purtau \uc1 \u238 ?n
spate burdufuri de piele pline cu ulei de \uc1 \u238 ?n pe care urmau s\uc1
\u259 ?-l reverse asupra oamenilor. Felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se ridicau \uc1
\u238 ?n aer picioarele sacagiilor \uc1 \u351 ?i ale purt\uc1 \u259 ?torilor de
burdufuri cu ulei de in, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i picioarele osta\uc1 \u351 ?ilor
surprin\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce goneau, pe pagina \uc1 \u238 ?n care
fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at Ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul, erau
rodul aceleia\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ini (Fluture).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ultim\uc1 \u259 ? descoperire nu mi se datora mie,
care-mi foloseam din plin lupa din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, plimb\uc1 \u226 ?nd-
o ba la dreapta, ba la st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, de la o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? la alta,
pentru a g\uc1 \u259 ?si ni\uc1 \u351 ?te indicii, ci lui Negru, care c\uc1 \u259 ?
scase bine ochii, m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de spaima caznelor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it de speran\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i reg\uc1 \u259 ?si
nevasta, care-1 a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-am petrecut toat\uc1
\u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaza st\uc1 \u259 ?ruind asupra \uc1 \u8222 ?metodei \uc1
\u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ne uitam la cele
nou\uc1 \u259 ? picturi r\uc1 \u259 ?mase de la r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?im care erau
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care lucraser\uc1 \u259 ? la
ele \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai apoi, t\uc1 \u259 ?if\uc1 \u259 ?suind pe marginea lor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi al
lui Negru nu l\uc1 \u259 ?sase niciuna dintre pagini pe seama pensulei \uc1 \u351 ?
i a harului unui singur miniaturist, iar cei trei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai mei se amestecaser\uc1 \u259 ?, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1
\u238 ?n mai toate picturile. Aceasta ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? ele
fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? purtate din cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? preumblarea lor fusese plin\uc1 \u259 ? de zel. Tocmai
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriam la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? tic\uc1
\u259 ?losul uciga\uc1 \u351 ? era peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de
nepriceput, observ\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii pe care-i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team eu, \uc1 \u238 ?n picturi
se mai strecurase st\uc1 \u226 ?ngaci \uc1 \u351 ?i o a cincea m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Negru a dibuit \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na aceasta
m\uc1 \u226 ?na Unchiului lui dat\uc1 \u259 ? fiind pruden\uc1 \u355 ?a cu care
a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuse culoarea \uc1 \u8211 ? ceea ce ne-a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat din
capcana falselor indicii. L\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l deoparte pe bietul
Delicat Efendi, care f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel sau altul, pentru
cartea Unchiului \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai auririle pe care le f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse \uc1
\u351 ?i pentru Cartea ceremoniilor (da, sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? mi se fr\uc1 \u226 ?
ngea inima!) \uc1 \u351 ?i despre a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui pensul\uc1 \u259 ? eram de
p\uc1 \u259 ?rere c\uc1 \u259 ? intervenise din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u226 ?nd la motivele decorative de pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, la frunze, la nori, se
v\uc1 \u259 ?dea limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? doar trei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri cei mai str\uc1
\u259 ?luci\uc1 \u355 ?i din grupul meu de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti avuseser\uc1
\u259 ? de-a face cu aceste picturi. Erau odraslele mele, crescute cu dragoste \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea uceniciei cei trei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri d\uc1
\u259 ?rui\uc1 \u355 ?i cu har, care-mi erau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de dragi: M\uc1
\u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, Fluture, Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbesc despre harul, despre m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nclina\uc1 \u355 ?iile fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia dintre ei,
\uc1 \u238 ?n speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru ne va ajuta s\uc1 \u259
? afl\uc1 \u259 ?m ceea ce c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?m, vorbesc nu doar despre ei,
ci \uc1 \u351 ?i despre propria-mi via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?irile lui M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Numele lui
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat este Pelican; nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu dac\uc1 \u259 ? are \uc1 \u351
?i vreo alt\uc1 \u259 ? porecl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n afara celei pe care i-am
dat-o eu, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut s\uc1 \u259 ? se fi isc\uc1
\u259 ?lit pe undeva. Pe vremea uceniciei lui, m\uc1 \u259 ? lua de acas\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ile de mar\uc1 \u355 ?i. Este nem\uc1 \u259
?surat de orgolios; aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?njose\uc1 \u351 ?te vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura undeva, dore\uc1 \u351 ?te ca aceasta
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie limpede \uc1 \u351 ?i la vedere nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?
s-o ascund\uc1 \u259 ?. Dumnezeu i-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?nzestr\uc1 \u259 ?ri peste
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. Tot ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuie\uc1 \u351
?te, de la aurire la trasarea liniilor, \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuie\uc1 \u351 ?
te cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai
iscusit mod cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. El este cel mai str\uc1 \u259 ?lucit
pictor din atelierul meu, cel mai dibaci \uc1 \u238 ?n pictarea copacilor, a
animalelor \uc1 \u351 ?i a chipurilor omene\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l lui,
care l-a adus, cred, pe Pelican la Istanbul pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta avea
zece ani, fusese preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit de Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ? vestitul pictor de
chipuri din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al \uc1 \u351 ?ahului safavid de la
Tabriz \uc1 \u8211 ? genealogia mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i ajung\uc1
\u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la mongoli. \uc1 \u206 ?i picta pe tinerii
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i cu fe\uc1 \u355 ?ele ca luna plin\uc1
\u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac chinezii \uc1 \u351 ?i cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri stabili\uc1 \u355 ?i acum o sut\uc1 \u259 ? cincizeci de ani la
Samarkand, la Buhara \uc1 \u351 ?i la Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i afla\uc1 \u355 ?i sub
\uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?urirea mongolo-chinez\uc1 \u259 ?. Nici pe vremea
uceniciei, nici dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a devenit maestru n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?
sparg aceast\uc1 \u259 ? nuc\uc1 \u259 ? tare, \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i. Doream s\uc1 \u259 ? lase
\uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul \uc1 \u351 ?i
modelele mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor mongolo-chinezi \uc1 \u351 ?i ale celor de la Herat,
pe care le t\uc1 \u259 ?inuia \uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncimile sufletului
s\uc1 \u259 ?u, ba chiar s\uc1 \u259 ? le poat\uc1 \u259 ? uita, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
era nevoie. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i vorbesc de acest lucru, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac cei mai
mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care \uc1 \u351 ?i-au schimbat
atelierul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ara, c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt i-a uitat \uc1 \u351
?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, la drept vorbind, dac\uc1 \u259 ? e s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1
\u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu le-a fost vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?cel. Majoritatea miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor sunt valoro\uc1 \u351 ?i tocmai pentru acele fermec\uc1 \u259 ?
toare \uc1 \u351 ?abloane pe care le p\uc1 \u259 ?streaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
memorie, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? Pelican ar fi un \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mare
miniaturist dac\uc1 \u259 ? le-ar uita. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?
streaz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncurile sufletului, ca pe un
p\uc1 \u259 ?cat de care nu s-a putut dezb\uc1 \u259 ?ra, ceea ce a \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii s\uc1 \u259 ?i are
dou\uc1 \u259 ? foloase, de care el nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ? seama: 1. Lucrul acesta na\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n tine un sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
de \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?inare, care \uc1 \u238 ?mprumut\uc1 \u259 ? mai
mult\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? harului de care dispune
miniaturistul \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat. 2. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd este str\uc1 \u226 ?ns cu
u\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te de ceea ce spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? a uitat \uc1 \u351 ?i, folosindu-se de unul sau altul dintre
vechile \uc1 \u351 ?abloane de la Herat, poate \uc1 \u238 ?mplini cu pricepere un
nou subiect, o nou\uc1 \u259 ? istorie, o scen\uc1 \u259 ? neobi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuit\uc1 \u259 ?. Deoarece are un ochi foarte bun, \uc1 \u351 ?tie s\uc1 \u259 ?
adapteze armonios la noua pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de la vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai \uc1 \u350 ?ahului
Tahmasp. \uc1 \u206 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile lui, pictura de la Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i
miniatura de la Istanbul se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrep\uc1 \u259 ?trund \uc1 \u238 ?n
deplin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?care. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am procedat
cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei, am dat odat\uc1 \u259 ? buzna \uc1
\u238 ?n casa lui, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259
?-i dau de veste dinainte. Spre deosebire de mine \uc1 \u351 ?i de foarte
mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre pictorii mei, col\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care
st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u351 ?i lucra el era \uc1 \u238 ?n dev\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i murdar, cu vopselele, pensulele, pietrele de
lustruit h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia f\uc1 \u259 ?cute din spum\uc1 \u259 ? de mare, suportul
de carte toate, claie peste gr\uc1 \u259 ?mad\uc1 \u259 ?. Este o tain\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru mine. Dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu s-a ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat de aceast\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare. Mai mult, nu lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
afara atelierului pentru a c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga doi-trei aspri \uc1
\u238 ?n plus. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am povestit acest lucru, Negru mi-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? era cel care avea cea mai mare aplecare
\uc1 \u351 ?i care se potrivea cel mai bine cu metodele mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, de care se folosea r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul s\uc1 \u259 ?u Unchi.
\uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam c\uc1 \u259 ?, potrivit netotului de r\uc1 \u259 ?
posat, aceasta era o ridicare \uc1 \u238 ?n sl\uc1 \u259 ?vi. Era \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ?, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, o judecat\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1
\u259 ?, cu mult mai ata\uc1 \u351 ?at dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pare de metodele de la
Herat care s-au transmis prin Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ?, maestrul tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1
\u259 ?u, \uc1 \u351 ?i prin Muzaffer, maestrul lui Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1
\u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? este legat suflete\uc1 \u351 ?te de epoca \uc1 \u238 ?n care
a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it Behzad \uc1 \u351 ?i de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, m-am g\uc1
\u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ? mai existau \uc1 \u351 ?i alte lucruri ne\uc1 \u351 ?tiute. El
este cel mai t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sine, cel
mai p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tos, cel mai nerecunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor, cel mai
ascuns dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei (am spus toate astea \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea
mea, dintr-o suflare). C\uc1 \u226 ?nd e vorba de caznele Mai-marelui gr\uc1
\u259 ?dinarilor, el este primul care-mi vine \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. (Vreau,
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie pus la
cazne.) Are ochi ageri; vede, bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ? totul, chiar \uc1
\u351 ?i cusururile mele; rareori deschide \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? gura pentru a
ne ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile, cu acea pruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a
omului f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? patrie, care se poate deprinde cu orice \uc1
\u238 ?mprejurare. Da, este un om ascuns, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, nu este un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?. (Nici asta nu i-am spus-o lui Negru.) Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
crede \uc1 \u238 ?n nimic. Nu crede nici \uc1 \u238 ?n bani, de\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?i adun\uc1 \u259 ? plin de temeri. Or, spre deosebire de ceea ce credem
noi, uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ii se aleg, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, nu dintre cei lipsi\uc1
\u355 ?i de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ci dintre cei ce cred peste m\uc1 \u259
?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. Miniatura este o poart\uc1 \u259 ? deschis\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?tre sfidarea picturii, iar pictura este Domnul s\uc1 \u259 ? ne aib\uc1
\u259 ?-n paz\uc1 \u259 ?! O poart\uc1 \u259 ? deschis\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
sfidarea lui Dumnezeu; toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u351 ?tie asta. \uc1 \u206 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?
este un pictor adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat tocmai din pricina necredin\uc1 \u355 ?ei sale.
Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc c\uc1 \u259 ?
iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a sa este imperfect\uc1 \u259 ? pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
cea a lui Fluture, ba chiar cea a lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit
ca M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fiul meu. Spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd
toate astea, voiam ca Negru s\uc1 \u259 ?-l invidieze pe M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1
\u259 ?; Negru a deschis doar larg ochii lui \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneca\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-a privit cu o curiozitate copil\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259 ?.
Atunci i-am spus ce minunat era M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd lucra
\uc1 \u238 ?n tu\uc1 \u351 ? negru, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd schi\uc1 \u355 ?a pe r\uc1
\u226 ?nd, pentru albume, imagini cu r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinici \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tori, peisaje cu berze \uc1 \u351 ?i cu cocori asemenea
cu cele ale chinezilor, tineri frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i care recitau poeme \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?ntau la l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?eza\uc1 \u355 ?i sub
un copac, ce minunat era c\uc1 \u226 ?nd zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vea triste\uc1 \u355 ?
ea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor legendari, m\uc1 \u226 ?nia
vreunui \uc1 \u351 ?ah \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u226 ?ntat, cu sabia \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, teama de pe chipul eroului atacat de vreun balaur.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate pe el urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-
l pun\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? ultima pictur\uc1
\u259 ? cea \uc1 \u238 ?n care aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? apar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate cu de-am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul, chipul
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inuta Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
le \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? francii, a
zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Voia oare s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ceasc\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost a\uc1 \u351 ?a, de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? fi
luat M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? cu sine, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-a ucis pe Unchi, o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe care de fapt o \uc1 \u351 ?tia? Am zis. Sau de ce s\uc1 \u259
?-l fi omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe Unchi pentru a vedea pictura aceea?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?
eza\uc1 \u355 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
din pictura aceea lipsea ceva, a zis Negru. Sau pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a c\uc1
\u259 ?it de ceva \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a speriat. Sau pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A cugetat pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu putea oare s-o ia, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-a omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe
bietul meu Unchi, pentru a face
r\uc1 \u259 ?u, pentru a avea o amintire, ba chiar pentru a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i un lucru lipsit de orice noim\uc1 \u259 ?? M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ? este un mare miniaturist \uc1 \u351 ?i desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? va
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de frumosul
portret.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am vorbit despre
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? este un mare miniaturist! M-
am \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat. Dar niciuna dintre picturile Unchiului nu este
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o pe ultima, a zis Negru cu \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
zneal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nsu\uc1 \u351 ?irile lui Fluture.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Este cunoscut ca Hasan Celebi din Cartierul Pulber\uc1 \u259 ?riei, dar pentru mine
el este \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna Fluture. Acest nume \uc1 \u238 ?mi evoc\uc1 \u259 ?
mereu copil\uc1 \u259 ?ria, tinere\uc1 \u355 ?ea lui; este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
frumos, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cei care-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d vor s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
mai vad\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, nevenindu-le s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
cread\uc1 \u259 ? ochilor. Miracolul care m-a uimit \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna: pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?t este de frumos, pe at\uc1 \u226 ?t e de iscusit. Este un maestru al
culorii, aceasta fiind latura lui cea mai viguroas\uc1 \u259 ?; parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar
picta cu dragoste, revenind mereu asupra lucrurilor doar din pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea de
a a\uc1 \u351 ?terne culoarea. Dar i-am spus ne\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat lui
Negru c\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u351 ?i flu\uc1 \u351 ?turatic, lipsit de un \uc1
\u355 ?el anume \uc1 \u351 ?i nehot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t. Dorind s\uc1 \u259 ?
fiu totodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i drept, am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat: el este
adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul miniaturist cel care picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu inima. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? pictura nu este z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru minte, pentru a i se
adresa animalului care zace \uc1 \u238 ?n noi sau pentru a flata orgoliul
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, ci este o s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare a ochiului,
adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul miniaturist este Fluture. Traseaz\uc1 \u259 ? linii largi,
tihnite, fericite, rotunjite, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi luat lec\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din Kazvin, cu patruzeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?; a\uc1 \u351 ?terne plin de curaj culori str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare, curate,
iar \uc1 \u238 ?n alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? a picturii sale se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna ceva \uc1 \u238 ?mplinit, pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut;
de crescut l-am crescut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? eu, nu mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii aceia
din Kazvin, care au r\uc1 \u259 ?posat demult. Poate din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubesc ca pe fiul meu, ba chiar mai mult
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pe fiul meu, de\uc1 \u351 ?i nu simt nici un fel de admira\uc1
\u355 ?ie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el. \uc1 \u206 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n prima tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e l-am b\uc1 \u259 ?tut f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? istov, la fel ca pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i
ucenici ai mei cu cozi de pensule, cu rigle, ba chiar cu b\uc1 \u226 ?ta \uc1
\u8211 ? dar nu se poate spune c\uc1 \u259 ? din cauza asta nu-l pre\uc1 \u355 ?
uiesc. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Barz\uc1 \u259 ? l-am b\uc1 \u259 ?tut
mult cu rigla, dar \uc1 \u238 ?l cinstesc. B\uc1 \u259 ?taia maestrului nu-i face
pe ginnii harului \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Diavolul aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n tinerii ucenici
s\uc1 \u259 ? se ascund\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-ar crede, ci doar
s\uc1 \u259 ? dea \uc1 \u238 ?napoi o vreme. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? o b\uc1 \u259 ?taie bun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, ginnii \uc1 \u351 ?i Diavolul \uc1
\u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mboldesc mai apoi pe miniaturistul furios, aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n
cre\uc1 \u351 ?tere, s\uc1 \u259 ? se pun\uc1 \u259 ? pe treab\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1
\u206 ?n ceea ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile pe care le-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ncasat Fluture, acestea au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut din el un miniaturist
fericit \uc1 \u351 ?i supus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Apoi m-am
l\uc1 \u259 ?sat din nou purtat de nevoia de a-l l\uc1 \u259 ?uda \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Negru: miniatura Fluturelui, am zis, este o bun\uc1 \u259 ?
dovad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sprijinul ideii c\uc1 \u259 ? reprezentarea
fericirii, despre care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? poetul \uc1 \u238 ?n
mesnevi-ul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, va fi cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? doar prin harul
culorii, d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit de Dumnezeu. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am priceput acest lucru, am
priceput \uc1 \u351 ?i ce-i lipse\uc1 \u351 ?te lui Fluture: \uc1 \u238 ?i
lipse\uc1 \u351 ?te acea clip\uc1 \u259 ? de necredin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care Cami o numea, \uc1 \u238 ?n poezia sa, \uc1 \u8222 ?noaptea \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? a sufletului\uc1 \u8221 ?. Se apuc\uc1 \u259 ? de lucru cu
credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i fericire, ca un miniaturist care
picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? plin de extaz \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, crez\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259
? va pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?di o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? fericit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, \uc1 \u238 ?mpline\uc1 \u351 ?te acea
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ncercuirea fort\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ?ei Doppio de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre armatele noastre, solul ungur care-i
s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? picioarele Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?area Profetului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i a calului s\uc1
\u259 ?u p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cel de-al \uc1 \u351 ?aptelea cer. Desigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? toate acestea sunt, potrivit celor care au fost p\uc1 \u259 ?
rta\uc1 \u351 ?i la ele, evenimente fericite, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?inile
lui Fluture ele se preschimb\uc1 \u259 ?, fiecare, \uc1 \u238 ?n adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rate s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tori care-\uc1 \u351 ?i iau zborul din pagin\uc1
\u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd din aripi. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreuna dintre imaginile pe care i-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? le f\uc1 \u259 ?ureasc\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii ori solemnitatea adun\uc1 \u259 ?
rii de Divan se simte prea ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat, \uc1 \u238 ?i spun lui Fluture:
\uc1 \u8222 ?Coloreaz-o potrivit dorin\uc1 \u355 ?ei tale\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i astfel straiele, frunzele, steagurile, m\uc1 \u259 ?rile care zac \uc1 \u238 ?
ncremenite de parc\uc1 \u259 ? asupra lor ar fi fost pres\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?na mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii sunt pe
dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorate de o adiere de v\uc1 \u226 ?nt. M\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc uneori c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu a vrut ca lumea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
vad\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? Fluture, c\uc1 \u259 ? a
poruncit ca ea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie o s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Aceasta este o
lume \uc1 \u238 ?n care culorile \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i recit\uc1 \u259 ?
armonios poeme des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite una alteia, \uc1
\u238 ?n care timpul s-a oprit \uc1 \u238 ?n loc, prin care Diavolul nu s-a
ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\li0 \ri0
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ?a ceva nu exist\uc1 \u259 ?. Unii i-au spus \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?
oapt\uc1 \u259 ? da, pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictura lui totul este fericit, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1
\u259 ?toare, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?mada sa este lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de
profunzime. Picturile lui le plac prin\uc1 \u355 ?ilor afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la
v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei \uc1 \u351 ?i femeilor ramolite din
Harem, \uc1 \u238 ?n pragul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dar nu oamenilor de via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nevoi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunte r\uc1
\u259 ?ul. Deoarece \uc1 \u351 ?tie foarte bine ce se vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te pe seama
lui, bietul Fluture \uc1 \u238 ?i invidiaz\uc1 \u259 ? uneori pe miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii cu mult mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?nzestra\uc1 \u355 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el, pentru simplul motiv c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunt b\uc1 \u226 ?ntui\uc1 \u355 ?i de demoni \uc1 \u351 ?i ginni. Dar ceea ce
socote\uc1 \u351 ?te el c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi o latur\uc1 \u259 ? demonic\uc1 \u259 ?
nu este, de cele mai multe ori, dec\uc1 \u226 ?t r\uc1 \u259 ?utate \uc1 \u351 ?i
invidie superficial\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r pe el pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, se r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n
lumea aceea miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu este
fericit, se preface c\uc1 \u259 ? este, imagin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura sa le va fi pe plac celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i. M\uc1 \u259 ?
sup\uc1 \u259 ?r, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1
\u351 ?te la banii pe care-i va c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga \uc1 \u238 ?n acest
chip. O alt\uc1 \u259 ? ironie a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii: sunt mul\uc1 \u355 ?i al\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?nzestra\uc1 \u355
?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el care se pot d\uc1 \u259 ?rui cu mai mare \uc1 \u238 ?nfocare
propriei arte atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nevoia de a se m\uc1 \u226 ?ntui de aceste sc\uc1 \u259 ?deri l-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe Fluture s\uc1 \u259 ? doreasc\uc1 \u259 ? a dovedi c\uc1
\u259 ? se jertfe\uc1 \u351 ?te pentru pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Este interesat de
lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, delicate, ca miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
aceia cu minte de g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? care fac picturi greu de deslu\uc1
\u351 ?it cu ochiul liber pe unghii sau pe boabe de orez. L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
odat\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva s-a dedat acestei pasiuni, care-i face pe
mul\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? de
tineri, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se ru\uc1 \u351 ?ina de talentul nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat
pe care i-l d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise Dumnezeu. Doar miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii lipsi\uc1
\u355 ?i de har se las\uc1 \u259 ? fermeca\uc1 \u355 ?i de ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?enii precum aceea de a schi\uc1 \u355 ?a, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, toate
frunzele copacului pe care-l picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe un bob de orez, \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?esc acest lucru pentru a ajunge cu u\uc1
\u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? faimo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i a se impune
aten\uc1 \u355 ?iei domnilor lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de judecat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? decora \uc1 \u351 ?i picta nu pentru
propriii ochi, ci pentru ochii altora, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i nevoia de a pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cea, pe care nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-o putea \uc1 \u238 ?nvinge cu nici un chip, au
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut din Fluture, mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t din oricine, un rob al
lingu\uc1 \u351 ?elilor. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, tem\uc1 \u259 ?
torul Fluture dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u351 ?i Mai-marele
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se simt\uc1 \u259 ? mai sigur pe sine.
Negru a fost cel care a deschis acest subiect.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Da, i-am zis, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? unelte\uc1 \u351 ?te
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ia locul dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce mor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i poate oare ucide fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? este un mare maestru, dar
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie acest lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i nu poate uita de lumea sa nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car c\uc1 \u226 ?nd picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am spus acest lucru, am \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt doream ca \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea
atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie adus, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine,
Fluture. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? pot \uc1 \u238 ?ncrede \uc1 \u238 ?n M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?, iar despre Barz\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? va deveni, \uc1
\u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i dea m\uc1 \u259 ?car seama, unealta me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugurilor
france. Dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Fluture pentru care sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam triste\uc1
\u355 ?e, deoarece eram de p\uc1 \u259 ?rere c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi putut ucide de a
se face iubit era necesar\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a putea controla, deopotriv\uc1
\u259 ?, atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah. Doar
sensibilitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i credin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n culoare ale lui
Fluture s-ar fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivi iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?ei francilor de a
picta \uc1 \u238 ?n am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt, cu umbre cu tot, cardinali, poduri,
b\uc1 \u259 ?rci, candelabre, biserici \uc1 \u351 ?i grajduri, boi \uc1 \u351 ?i
ro\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi toate la fel de \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnate
pentru Dumnezeu, de a le \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a nu ca
pe o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci ca pe \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
realitatea \uc1 \u351 ?i de a-l convinge pe I privitor de acest lucru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V-a\uc1 \u355 ?i dus vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? la el
acas\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-i da de veste, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
a\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cel care prive\uc1 \u351 ?te
picturile lui Fluture va pricepe din prima clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta
\uc1 \u351 ?tie multe despre ce \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu sufletul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? suferi; Fluture
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul dragostei. Dar, asemenea tuturor
pasiona\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de culoare, se las\uc1 \u259 ? purtat de v\uc1 \u226 ?
ltoarea pasiunilor \uc1 \u351 ?i se schimb\uc1 \u259 ? cu u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Deoarece mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut foarte mult harul minunat,
sensibilitatea pentru culoare cu care a fost d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit de Dumnezeu, l-am
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?ndeaproape \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu totul despre el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1
\u259 ?ri, ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti devin repede invidio\uc1
\u351 ?i, iar rela\uc1 \u355 ?ia maestru-ucenic este zdruncinat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i devine anevoioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Au fost multe clipele de dragoste \uc1 \u238
?n care Fluture nu s-a temut deloc de ceea ce vor spune ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i. Mai de
cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit cu
frumoasa fat\uc1 \u259 ? a b\uc1 \u259 ?canului din mahalaua lui, nu mi-a mai
venit, dar nici nu s-a mai ivit prilejul s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc s\uc1
\u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? este str\uc1 \u226 ?ns legat de credincio\uc1 \u351 ?ii hogei din
Erzurum, a zis Negru. Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? fanaticii hogei din Erzurum devin tot
mai numero\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? interzic \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile de ceremonii\uc1 \u8221 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? perindarea tuturor breslelor, de la
buc\uc1 \u259 ?tari la scamatori, de la dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i la tineri dansatori, de
la negustori de chebap la l\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u8211 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile de campanie\uc1 \u8221 ?
care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? lupte,
arme, scene \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerate \uc1 \u351 ?i clipe de via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dintre cele mai obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite \uc1 \u8211 ? pe motiv
c\uc1 \u259 ? ar contraveni credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? va avea loc o
revenire la c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i la modelele vechilor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri persani, Fluture va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
tigat din treaba asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? vom reveni cu har \uc1 \u351 ?i cu deplin\uc1 \u259 ? reu\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1
\u259 ? la picturile miraculoase mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenite de pe vremea lui Timur, chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom intra \uc1 \u238 ?n acele am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte ale vie\uc1 \u355
?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i ale meseriei noastre pe care o va continua cel mai bine,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, mintosul Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, totul va fi uitat, am zis nemilos.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i vor dori s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze ca francii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Credeam oare \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceste cuvinte nimicitoare?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i Unchiul spunea tot a\uc1 \u351 ?a, a zis Negru lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. Dar el
era optimist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
nsu\uc1 \u351 ?irile lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? isc\uc1 \u259 ?le\uc1 \u351 ?te cu numele Pictorul
cel P\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tos Mustafa Celebi. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pune semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind, cu sentimentul
unei victorii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai fr\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nta capul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri: \uc1 \u8222 ?Am sau n-am
oare un stil?\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u8222 ?Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l am?\uc1
\u8221 ?, \uc1 \u8222 ?Dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l am, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun \uc1 \u238
?n lumin\uc1 \u259 ? prin semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, sau trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi ascund semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura, asemeni vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri?\uc1
\u8221 ?, \uc1 \u8222 ?Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? semnez cu modestie sau f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ??\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it cu curaj pe calea deschis\uc1 \u259 ? de mine; a
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie lucruri pe
care nu le-a mai pictat nimeni p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la el. La fel ca mine, a
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u351 ?i el cum me\uc1 \u351 ?terii sticlari r\uc1 \u259 ?
suceau pasta \uc1 \u351 ?i suflau f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncetare
asupra materialului pe care-l topeau \uc1 \u238 ?n cuptoare
spre a f\uc1 \u259 ?uri carafe albastre \uc1 \u351 ?i sticle verzi, a v\uc1
\u259 ?zut pieile, acele, calapoadele pantofarilor apleca\uc1 \u355 ?i, plini de
b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? asupra \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rilor \uc1 \u351 ?i cizmelor pe care le coseau, a v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut arcul delicat trasat de un scr\uc1 \u226 ?nciob ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i leg\uc1
\u259 ?na mu\uc1 \u351 ?teriul \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un parc de distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut uleiul care se prelingea din presa de zdrobit semin\uc1 \u355 ?e,
tunurile care tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptate spre vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u355 ?evile pu\uc1 \u351 ?tilor noastre, \uc1 \u351 ?
uruburile, dar n-a zis c\uc1 \u259 ? vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri de pe vremea lui
Timur ori mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii legendari de la Tabriz, de la Kazvin nu cutezau s\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a
ceva, ci pur \uc1 \u351 ?i simplu le-a pictat. El este primul miniaturist musulman
care a plecat la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se preg\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1
\u259 ? pentru \uc1 \u8222 ?cartea de campanie\uc1 \u8221 ? pe care urma s-o
picteze mai apoi, primul care a privit cu nesa\uc1 \u355 ?, pentru a le putea a\uc1
\u351 ?terne pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile inamice,
tunurile, armatele, caii cu r\uc1 \u259 ?ni s\uc1 \u226 ?nger\uc1 \u226 ?nde,
muribunzii \uc1 \u351 ?i trupurile f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, revenind de acolo teaf\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i nev\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?mat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?l recunosc, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de stil, dup\uc1 \u259 ? subiect, iar \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de subiect, dup\uc1 \u259 ? viziunea asupra unor am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte
c\uc1 \u259 ?rora nu le-a acordat nimeni aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la el. Lui pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut cu deplin\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? cu tot ceea ce presupune ea, de
la alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea paginii, de la compozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la colorarea celui mai m\uc1 \u259 ?runt detaliu. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, demnitatea de Mai-mare al miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor i se
cuvine, de fapt, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, lui. Dar este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ambi\uc1
\u355 ?ios \uc1 \u351 ?i de trufa\uc1 \u351 ?, se poart\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de umilitor cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t nu este \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? conduc\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia oameni \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i va goni pe to\uc1 \u355 ?
i. De fapt, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar n dup\uc1 \u259 ? mintea lui, el, cu incredibila lui
os\uc1 \u226 ?rdie, s-ar cuveni sa \uc1 \u238 ?mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ? toate
picturile din atelier. Iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dore\uc1 \u351
?te asta, chiar o va face! Este un mare maestru. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te meseria. Se iube\uc1 \u351 ?te pe sine. C\uc1 \u226 ?t este de
fericit!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Odat\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am dus la el acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe nepreg\uc1 \u259 ?tite, l-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut lucr\uc1 \u226 ?nd: paginile pe care le picta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, pentru mine, paginile pr\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?ditelor de \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte\uc1 \u8221 ? pe care le m\uc1 \u226 ?zg\uc1 \u259 ?lea pentru
neghiobii de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tori fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci dornici s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne umileasc\uc1 \u259 ?, una dintre cele trei pagini ilustrate pe care le picta
pentru un pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care se socotea cineva, picturile pe care le
z\uc1 \u259 ?mislea pentru felurite albume, ba chiar pentru propria-i pl\uc1
\u259 ?cere chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i imaginea unei \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1
\u8211 ? erau r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndite, toate, pe suporturi de carte, pe
pupitre, pe mindire, iar Barz\uc1 \u259 ? cel \uc1 \u238 ?nalt \uc1 \u351 ?i
sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire alerga, harnic ca o albin\uc1 \u259 ?, de la o pictur\uc1
\u259 ? la alta, c\uc1 \u226 ?nta, \uc1 \u238 ?l ciupea de obraz pe ucenicul care
amesteca culorile, strecura c\uc1 \u226 ?te o glum\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
imagine, ne-o ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1
\u226 ?dea de unul singur, cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?ntare. Spre deosebire de
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai mei, nu s-a oprit din lucru ca s\uc1
\u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? onorurile pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? venisem eu, ba din contr\uc1
\u259 ?, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut parad\uc1 \u259 ?, plin de mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire, de
iu\uc1 \u355 ?eala cu care se folosea de harul d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit de Dumnezeu
\uc1 \u351 ?i de m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ? prin truda
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz (poate s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeplineasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, munca a \uc1
\u351 ?apte-opt miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti). Acum m\uc1 \u259 ? surprind g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndind \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?: dac\uc1 \u259 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? este unul dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei, acesta trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, cu voia Domnului, Barz\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1
\u238 ?n anii uceniciei lui, \uc1 \u238 ?l vedeam \uc1 \u238 ?n dimine\uc1 \u355 ?
ile de vineri la u\uc1 \u351 ?a mea, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nveseleam la fel
ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l vedeam pe Fluture.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Deoarece v\uc1 \u259 ?de\uc1 \u351 ?te aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i pre\uc1
\u355 ?uire pentru tot felul de am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte ciudate, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? nici un fel de temei (\uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de aceea c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunt vizibile cu ochiul liber), atitudinea lui fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu cea a mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci. Dar, spre deosebire de pictorii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, ambi\uc1
\u355 ?iosul meu Barz\uc1 \u259 ? nu vede \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu schi\uc1 \u355 ?
eaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mod deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it chipurile oamenilor, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i socote\uc1 \u351 ?te aparte unul de altul. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ?
nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu acord\uc1 \u259 ? vreo \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate
chipurilor umane, deoarece dispre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?te, pe fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? ori pe ascuns, pe toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
Unchi nu l-a pus pe el s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze chipul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru,
de asta sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd picteaz\uc1 \u259 ?
subiectul cel mai serios cu putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu se poate \uc1 \u238 ?
mpiedica s\uc1 \u259 ? nu a\uc1 \u351 ?eze, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher al imaginii,
la mare dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare de ceea ce se petrece acolo, un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine
ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor ori s\uc1 \u259 ? nu schi\uc1 \u355 ?eze vreun
nenorocit de cer\uc1 \u351 ?etor care, prin mizeria sa, face s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?leasc\uc1 \u259 ? bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i fastul unei
ceremonii. Are destul\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n el ca s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?d\uc1 \u259 ? de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, de
subiect \uc1 \u351 ?i de sine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-ar p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? uciderea
lui Delicat Efendi prin pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lirea \uc1 \u238 ?n f\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu aruncarea
\uc1 \u238 ?n f\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Iosif de c\uc1 \u259 ?
tre fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i, pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ? de invidie, a zis
Negru. Iar uciderea Unchiului pare a aduce cu uciderea nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1
\u259 ? a lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, care
pusese ochii pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ra lui so\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u350 ?
irin. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea spune c\uc1 \u259 ? Barz\uc1 \u259 ? se d\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt dup\uc1 \u259 ? picturi cu b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?lii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu scene de moarte \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerate.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 G\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturistul seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu subiectul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l
picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? arat\uc1 \u259 ? o deplin\uc1 \u259 ? lips\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine, ca \uc1
\u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei. Ceea ce ne
tr\uc1 \u259 ?deaz\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt subiectele pe care ni le poruncesc
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i ele sunt, de fapt, mereu acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? ci
sensibilitatea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o strecur\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m. Lumina care se vede ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar
prelinge din pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, o anume \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nare sau,
dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u226 ?nie care poate fi perceput\uc1 \u259 ? din
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezarea \uc1 \u238 ?n pagin\uc1 \u259 ? a oamenilor, a cailor, a
copacilor, dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea pe care le
sugereaz\uc1 \u259 ? chiparosul c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se \uc1 \u238 ?nal\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? spre cer, sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul de
resemnare \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea care se furi\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n pagin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce decor\uc1 \u259 ?m pl\uc1
\u259 ?cile de faian\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu o ardoare
care ne duce la orbire. Acestea sunt semnele noastre tainice; nu toate sunt
asemenea cailor, care par s\uc1 \u259 ? se repete mereu. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nver\uc1 \u351 ?unarea \uc1 \u351 ?i iu\uc1 \u355 ?
eala unui cal, pictorul nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? propria \uc1 \u238 ?
nver\uc1 \u351 ?unare \uc1 \u351 ?i propria iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1
\u238 ?ncerc\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?misleasc\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? imagine a unui cal, el \uc1
\u238 ?ntrupeaz\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ?
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia lumii \uc1 \u351 ?i
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Cel care a pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit-o,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i culorile a ceea ce s-ar numi dragoste de via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. At\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i nimic mai mult.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfenp1048 Mi-am petrecut, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu Marele Maestru
Osman, o dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? av\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? pagini de c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i unele doar caligrafiate, altele pe de-a-ntregul terminate, altele
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? necolorate, altele, \uc1 \u238 ?n sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?it, l\uc1 \u259 ?sate la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate \uc1 \u8211 ? vorbind despre
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i despre paginile c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
felurite liste cu ceea ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam despre toate acestea. Tocmai socoteam
c\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii cuviincio\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar nelipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de
grosol\uc1 \u259 ?nie ai Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor, care ne
aduseser\uc1 \u259 ? paginile adunate de pe la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i de la caligrafii c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le c\uc1 \u259 ?
lcaser\uc1 \u259 ? pragul \uc1 \u351 ?i le r\uc1 \u259 ?scoliser\uc1 \u259 ?
casele, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?
treaba (unele levha nu aveau nici o leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu cele
dou\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i ale noastre, iar alte pagini
dovedeau, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
caligrafii f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? lucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale, \uc1 \u238 ?n afara Seraiului, pentru c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u355 ?iva aspri \uc1 \u238 ?n plus), c\uc1 \u226 ?nd unul dintre ei cel care avea
cea mai mare siguran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de sine s-a apropiat de Marele Maestru
\uc1 \u351 ?i a scos o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de la br\uc1 \u226 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am crezut, o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de
una dintre acele cereri pe care vreun p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte dornic s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea fiul la ucenicie i-o adresa, pe o cale sau alta, c\uc1
\u226 ?te unui conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor de companie ori ag\uc1 \u259 ? de pluton,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-a de\uc1 \u351 ?teptat interesul. Dup\uc1
\u259 ? lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ? care r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea de afar\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam seama c\uc1 \u259 ? soarele de
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? se f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse nev\uc1 \u259 ?zut. Spre a-mi
odihni ochii, f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam acel lucru despre care vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz spuneau c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit
adeseori de miniaturistul care nu dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? orbeasc\uc1
\u259 ? de t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r: m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiam s\uc1
\u259 ? privesc \uc1 \u238 ?n gol, \uc1 \u238 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?ri,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-mi a\uc1 \u355 ?inti ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n nici un
punct. Abia atunci am recunoscut, cu emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie, culoarea pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cut\uc1 \u259 ? a h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiei pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul \uc1 \u351 ?i la care privea cu o expresie de uimire,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care era \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?
turit\uc1 \u259 ?, care mi-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut inima s\uc1 \u259 ? tresar\uc1
\u259 ?. Era aidoma cu r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care mi-l trimisese mie
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re prin Ester. \uc1 \u8222 ?Ce potriveal\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1
\u8221 ? era s\uc1 \u259 ? spun ca prostul; mai mult, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase cu primul r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ? trimis de \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, era \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de o imagine,
desenat\uc1 \u259 ? pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie ieftin\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman a p\uc1 \u259 ?strat pentru sine h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia cu
imaginea. Mi-a dat mie scrisoarea, despre care am priceput atunci, cu ru\uc1
\u351 ?ine, c\uc1 \u259 ? era de la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0
\ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha \aspnum \adjustright \lin0 \rin0 \itap0 \fs22
\uc1 \u8222 ?Dragul meu Negru Efendi. Am trimis-o pe Ester la Kalbiye, v\uc1
\u259 ?duva r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Delicat Efendi, s-o trag\uc1 \u259 ? de limb\uc1
\u259 ?. Aceasta i-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia pictat\uc1 \u259 ? pe care
\uc1 \u355 ?i-o trimit. Apoi m-am dus \uc1 \u351 ?i eu la ea acas\uc1 \u259 ?,
am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s-o iau cu vorba bun\uc1 \u259 ?, am implorat-o \uc1 \u351 ?
i, uite, am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia pictat\uc1
\u259 ?, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndind c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i va fi de folos.
H\uc1 \u226 ?rtia se afla, pare-se, asupra bietului Delicat Efendi, al c\uc1
\u259 ?rui trup f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a fost scos
din acel pu\uc1 \u355 ?. Kalbiye spune \uc1 \u351 ?i se jur\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259
? nimeni nu l-a pus pe r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat s\uc1 \u259 ?
deseneze cai. Atunci, cine i-a desenat pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia asta? Oamenii Mai-
marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor ne-au cercetat casa. I\uc1 \u355 ?i trimit povestea
cu caii, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? e grab\uc1 \u259 ? mare. Copiii \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na. Nevasta ta, \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am mai
citit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori, cu venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
ultimele cuvinte ale fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarei misive, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1
\u351 ? fi privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, ni\uc1 \u351 ?te
trandafiri ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii, neasemuit de frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi, mi-am apropiat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ochii de h\uc1
\u226 ?rtia pe care o privea, plin de luare-aminte, cu lupa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, Maestrul Osman: am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? formele a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntinsese bini\uc1 \u351 ?or erau siluete de cai desenate dintr-o suflare, \uc1
\u238 ?n stilul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, pentru obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?
a m\uc1 \u226 ?inii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul
Osman, care citise \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul
lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, a dat glas \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?rii
sale:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine a desenat asta? Desigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul care a desenat \uc1 \u351 ?i calul r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului Unchi, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns singur, dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era oare at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
sigur de asta? Pe deasupra, nu eram deloc convin\uc1 \u351 ?i cu privire la
identitatea celui care desenase imaginea calului din carte. Am dat la iveal\uc1
\u259 ? imaginea cu calul, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cele nou\uc1 \u259 ?
pagini, \uc1 \u351 ?i am prins s\uc1 \u259 ? ne uit\uc1 \u259 ?m la ea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era un cal murg, frumos, simplu, pe care nu te mai
saturai s\uc1 \u259 ?-l prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Spun oare adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul c\uc1
\u226 ?nd zic c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te saturai s\uc1 \u259 ?-l prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti?
Avusesem vreme din plin s\uc1 \u259 ? admir acest cal \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ? cu Unchiul \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?neam singur cu picturile, dar nu st\uc1 \u259 ?ruisem asupra lui. Era un cal
frumos, dar obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit; at\uc1 \u226 ?t de obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit, \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu puteam ghici al cui era. Era un \uc1
\u8222 ?murg castaniu\uc1 \u8221 ?, nu brun; \uc1 \u238 ?n soiul acesta de murg se
g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i o brum\uc1 \u259 ? de ro\uc1 \u351 ?u,
greu de descris. Era un cal de felul celor pe care-i v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem de
at\uc1 \u226 ?tea ori \uc1 \u238 ?n alte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n alte picturi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238
?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deai seama c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul \uc1 \u238 ?l
schi\uc1 \u355 ?ase din amintire, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi
deloc \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se opri asupra lui.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Privisem calul doar at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?m dac\uc1 \u259 ? ascundea o tain\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? vedeam \uc1 \u238 ?n el o frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e care se
v\uc1 \u259 ?luri \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor mei ca un abur \uc1 \u351 ?
i o for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?mi trezea imboldul de a tr\uc1
\u259 ?i, de a afla \uc1 \u351 ?i de a cuprinde totul. \uc1 \u8222 ?Cine este
miniaturistul cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini fermecate care a pictat acest cal a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum \uc1 \u238 ?l vede Dumnezeu?\uc1 \u8221 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam
\uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a\uc1 \u351 ? fi uitat, pre\uc1 \u355
? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? era un uciga\uc1 \u351 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?los.
Calul era asemenea unuia aievea, se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, dar
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu o latur\uc1 \u259 ? a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii
mele, c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar senza\uc1 \u355 ?ia de
magie care plutea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri
de\uc1 \u351 ?tepta \uc1 \u238 ?n mine un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nt de \uc1 \u238 ?mplinire, de des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am comparat o vreme caii cu cerneala \uc1 \u238 ?
ntins\uc1 \u259 ?, desena\uc1 \u355 ?i pentru obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?a
m\uc1 \u226 ?inii, cu murgul pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit pentru cartea Unchiului
\uc1 \u351 ?i am priceput \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? erau rodul
aceleia\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ini: pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia cailor sugera \uc1
\u238 ?ntru totul nu mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, ci tihn\uc1 \u259 ?; erau m\uc1 \u226 ?
ndri, puternici \uc1 \u351 ?i delica\uc1 \u355 ?i. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru pictura calului din cartea Unchiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acest cal este
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de frumos, am zis, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i vine s\uc1 \u259 ?! Ei de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? o foaie de h\uc1
\u226 ?rtie, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i copiezi imaginea, iar mai apoi s\uc1 \u259
? pictezi totul, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cel mai mic am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ?
laud\uc1 \u259 ? care i se poate aduce acestui miniaturist este s\uc1 \u259 ? spui
c\uc1 \u259 ? picturile lui trezesc \uc1 \u238 ?n noi imboldul de a picta, a zis
Maestrul Osman. Dar acum hai s\uc1 \u259 ? ne g\uc1 \u226 ?ndim nu la m\uc1 \u259 ?
iestria diavolului, ci la identitatea lui. R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi a spus
vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? ce fel de poveste urma s\uc1 \u259 ? ilustreze acest cal?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-a spus. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? el,
acesta era unul dintre acei cai obi\uc1 \u351 ?nui\uc1 \u355 ?i care vie\uc1
\u355 ?uiesc \uc1 \u238 ?n toate \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile oc\uc1 \u226 ?rmuite de
puternicul nostru st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul. Este un cal
frumos; un cal al Casei lui Osman. Ceva care urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
gr\uc1 \u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? Dogelui Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei despre \uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile pe care le obl\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?te Padi\uc1 \u351
?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i despre avu\uc1 \u355 ?ia Acestuia. Dar, pe de alt\uc1
\u259 ? parte, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu
tot ceea ce picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, \uc1 \u351 ?
i acest cal avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie mai aproape de un cal \uc1 \u238 ?n carne
\uc1 \u351 ?i oase dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de un cal v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de Dumnezeu un cal
tr\uc1 \u259 ?it la Istanbul, despre care se \uc1 \u351 ?tia din ce grajd
provenea \uc1 \u351 ?i cine-i era r\uc1 \u226 ?nda\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? astfel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t Dogele Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259
?: \uc1 \u8222 ?Otomanii au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? ne semene, de vreme ce
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii lor au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze ca noi\uc1 \u8221 ?, recunosc\uc1 \u226 ?nd
astfel puterea \uc1 \u351 ?i prietenia Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. Ideea este
c\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncepi s\uc1 \u259 ? pictezi un cal
\uc1 \u238 ?n alt chip, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepi s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
lume altfel. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n pofida ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eniei sale,
acest cal este pictat \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbisem at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult
despre el \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? pe cal
\uc1 \u351 ?i mai atr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai pre\uc1
\u355 ?ios \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei. Gura \uc1 \u238 ?i era \uc1 \u238 ?
ntredeschis\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i printre din\uc1 \u355 ?i i se z\uc1 \u259 ?
rea limba. Ochii \uc1 \u238 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?luceau. Avea picioare puternice
\uc1 \u351 ?i delicate. Oare ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?nzestra o imagine cu un aer de
legend\uc1 \u259 ? era imaginea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i sau ceea ce
se spunea despre ea? Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i plimba \uc1 \u238 ?
ncet-\uc1 \u238 ?ncet lupa pe deasupra calului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ce vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? acest cal? Am zis cu
sinceritate. De ce exist\uc1 \u259 ? el? Cauza este calul \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351
?i! Ce este acest cal? De ce m\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1 \u355 ?ioneaz\uc1 \u259 ? el?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii, \uc1
\u351 ?ahii, pa\uc1 \u351 ?alele iubitoare de carte g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc c\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u226 ?t imaginile, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?
ile pe care le poruncesc sunt frumoase deoarece le fac cunoscute for\uc1 \u355 ?
a \uc1 \u351 ?i puterea, iar decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile din aur sunt o m\uc1 \u259 ?
rturie a bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei lor, prin risipa de efort \uc1 \u351 ?i
prin vigoarea ideii despre pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrupeaz\uc1 \u259 ? ele, a zis Maestrul Osman. Frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea imaginii,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca \uc1 \u351 ?i aurul folosit \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259
?, este \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? deoarece dovede\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?
harul miniaturistului este un lucru rar \uc1 \u351 ?i pre\uc1 \u355 ?ios. \uc1
\u206 ?n ceea ce-i prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, care se uit\uc1
\u259 ? la imagine, care r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiesc cartea, ei g\uc1 \u259 ?sesc c\uc1
\u259 ? pictura este frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? din pricina subiectului, deoarece calul
seam\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu un cal anume, deoarece este calul lui Dumnezeu sau
deoarece este, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r, un cal \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit;
ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia pun impresia autenticit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe seama
harului miniaturistului. Pentru noi, frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea unei imagini \uc1
\u238 ?ncepe cu mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea sensurilor \uc1 \u351 ?i cu rafinamentul ei.
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? faptul de a afla c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n calul acesta
exist\uc1 \u259 ?, dincolo de cal, urma uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului, semnul Diavolului,
spore\uc1 \u351 ?te t\uc1 \u226 ?lcurile imaginii. Exist\uc1 \u259 ?, pe de alt\uc1
\u259 ? parte, \uc1 \u351 ?i ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu imaginea este frumoas\uc1 \u259
?, ci calul ideea de a privi pictura calului ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ai privi un cal
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, nu o imagine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi privit-o a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum privi\uc1 \u355 ?i un
cal, ce-a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
imagine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Av\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?n vedere m\uc1 \u259 ?rimea acestui cal, pot spune c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
este un cal de talie mic\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? are g\uc1 \u226 ?tul
lung \uc1 \u351 ?i arcuit, pot spune c\uc1 \u259 ? este un bun cal de curse \uc1
\u351 ?i pot, totodat\uc1
\u259 ?, spune, dat fiind spatele lui neted, c\uc1 \u259 ? este de folos la
drumuri lungi. Picioarele delicate pot s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsemne c\uc1 \u259
? este sprinten \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?iestru ca un cal arab, dar nu este un
cal arab, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci are trupul lung \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?njos. Fine\uc1
\u355 ?ea picioarelor lui ne arat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum spunea \uc1 \u238
?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?atul Fadlan din Buhara \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea
oblojitorului de cai c\uc1 \u226 ?nd gr\uc1 \u259 ?ia despre alegerea cailor
potrivi\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpl\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unui
r\uc1 \u226 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?l sare \uc1 \u351 ?i-l trece cu u\uc1 \u351 ?
urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu d\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i nu
se teme. \uc1 \u206 ?n Cartea oblojitorului de cai, pe care Fuyuzi, \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijitorul seraiului nostru, a tradus-o a\uc1 \u351 ?a de frumos, se g\uc1 \u259 ?
sesc at\uc1 \u226 ?tea cuvinte minunate pe care le \uc1 \u351 ?tiu pe de rost
despre calul potrivit, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t pot s\uc1 \u259 ? rostesc
oricare dintre aceste cuvinte \uc1 \u351 ?i cu privire la calul murg din fa\uc1
\u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?: cei mai buni dintre cai trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
aib\uc1 \u259 ? cap frumos, ochi de gazel\uc1 \u259 ?, urechi drepte ca frunza
trestiei, cu distan\uc1 \u355 ?a cea mai potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele;
un cal bun trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? din\uc1 \u355 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
run\uc1 \u355 ?i, frunte boltit\uc1 \u259 ?, spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene sub\uc1 \u355 ?
iri, trup \uc1 \u238 ?nalt, p\uc1 \u259 ?r lung, talie scurt\uc1 \u259 ?, nas mic,
umeri \uc1 \u238 ?ngu\uc1 \u351 ?ti, spate drept; coapsa trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
fie plin\uc1 \u259 ?, trupul prelung, pieptul v\uc1 \u226 ?njos, l\uc1 \u259 ?
ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul cozii larg, iar crupa musculoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru \uc1 \u351 ?i delicat \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i saluturi \uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u226 ?nga \uc1 \u351 ?i-n dreapta.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acesta este \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai
calul nostru murg! Am zis, privind pictura cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am priceput care ne este calul, a zis Maestrul Osman, cu
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u226 ?mbet re\uc1 \u355 ?inut. P\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? asta nu ne folose\uc1 \u351 ?te deloc la
descoperirea identit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii miniaturistului. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu
c\uc1 \u259 ? nici un miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg la minte n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?
deseneze imaginea unui cal uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la un cal adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? calul pe
dinafar\uc1 \u259 ?, dintr-o suflare. Dovad\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? cei
mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre ei \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze conturul
calului pornind de la v\uc1 \u226 ?rful copitei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
se \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe de la picioare pentru ca arm\uc1 \u259 ?sarul s\uc1 \u259 ?
poat\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum spunea Cemalettin din Kazvin \uc1
\u238 ?n Pictarea cailor, nu putem sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i cum se cuvine
imaginea unui cal pe care am pornit a-l desena de la picioare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
dac\uc1 \u259 ? purt\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n minte calul \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntregime. Ceea ce este \uc1 \u351 ?i mai hazliu dac\uc1 \u259 ? te g\uc1
\u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti bine \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aduci aminte
este faptul binecunoscut c\uc1 \u259 ? o imagine de cal desenat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti necontenit un cal adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat va
fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna desenat\uc1 \u259 ? dinspre cap \uc1 \u238 ?nspre
g\uc1 \u226 ?t, iar apoi dinspre g\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nspre corp. Erau ni\uc1
\u351 ?te pictori fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci care z\uc1 \u259 ?misleau o asemenea pictur\uc1
\u259 ?, care pictau, adic\uc1 \u259 ?, pe dibuite imaginea unui cal obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuit, de povar\uc1 \u259 ?, z\uc1 \u259 ?rit pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a o
vinde apoi croitorilor, m\uc1 \u259 ?celarilor. 0 asemenea imagine nu mai are nimic
de-a face cu t\uc1 \u226 ?lcul lumii, cu frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu. Dar p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i ei \uc1 \u351 ?tiu sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at de asta c\uc1 \u259 ?
adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul pictor nu picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe potriva a ceea ce vede
ochiul atunci, ci pe potriva obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?ei m\uc1 \u226 ?inii
\uc1 \u351 ?i a amintirilor acesteia. Pictorul este \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna singur
dinaintea h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiei. De aceea, are mereu trebuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum, nu ne st\uc1 \u259 ? nimic
altceva \uc1 \u238 ?n putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
deslu\uc1 \u351 ?im, folosindu-ne de \uc1 \u8222 ?metoda \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1
\u355 ?itoarei\uc1 \u8221 ?, semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o
poart\uc1 \u259 ? calul nostru, schi\uc1 \u355 ?at din amintire cu iu\uc1 \u355 ?
eal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu har. Ia uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te bine la asta! \uc1
\u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i plimba \uc1 \u238 ?ncet lupa pe deasupra miraculosului cal, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi c\uc1 \u259 ?utat o comoar\uc1 \u259 ? pe o hart\uc1 \u259 ?
veche, lucrat\uc1 \u259 ? pe piele cu nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginit\uc1 \u259 ? fine\uc1
\u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, am zis, asemenea
\uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?celului cuprins de ner\uc1
\u259 ?bdarea de a face degrab\uc1 \u259 ? o descoperire str\uc1 \u259 ?
lucit\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a-i fi pe plac dasc\uc1 \u259 ?lului s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Putem
compara culorile \uc1 \u351 ?i modelele de pe valtrap cu valtrapurile din celelalte
picturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu ating cu pensula aceste modele.
Modelele care \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobesc ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele, covoarele, corturile
sunt pictate de ucenici. Poate le-o fi pictat \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
Delicat Efendi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? treci peste asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Urechile?
Am zis, nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit. \uc1 \u350 ?i urechile cailor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu. Acestea sunt binecunoscutele urechi de forma frunzei de trestie,
care au urmat dintotdeauna modelele r\uc1 \u259 ?mase de pe vremea lui Timur.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? spun
\uc1 \u8222 ?coada \uc1 \u238 ?mpletit\uc1 \u259 ? din coam\uc1 \u259 ?, firele de
p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?late \uc1 \u238 ?n parte\uc1 \u8221 ?,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, brusc, am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, nepl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi
acest joc de-a maestrul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?celul. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
?cel, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi recunosc limitele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te aici! A spus Maestrul Osman cu aerul acuzator, dar
plin de luare-aminte pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i-l ia un doctor atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?i arat\uc1 \u259 ? altuia un buboi de cium\uc1 \u259 ?. Vezi?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptase lupa
spre capul calului \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o de
suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?a imaginii, o ridica \uc1 \u238 ?ncet-\uc1 \u238 ?ncet c\uc1
\u259 ?tre noi. Mi-am apropiat capul, pentru a putea vedea mai bine ce anume
m\uc1 \u259 ?rea lupa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Botul calului era
ciudat. N\uc1 \u259 ?rile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut? A zis Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Pentru a fi sigur de ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem, trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi aduc
privirea tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n partea contrar\uc1 \u259 ? lupei. Cum \uc1 \u351 ?i
Maestrul Osman a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1
\u259 ?, acest lucru, ne-am trezit obraz l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? obraz, de
partea cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? a lupei, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtase
bini\uc1 \u351 ?or de imagine. M-am speriat, pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it pe obraz asprimea firelor de p\uc1 \u259 ?r
uscate din barba Maestrului, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it r\uc1 \u259 ?
ceala obrazului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ternut t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea. Aveam sentimentul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginea
aflat\uc1 \u259 ? la o palm\uc1 \u259 ? de ochii mei osteni\uc1 \u355 ?i se
petrecea ceva miraculos, la care eram martori, plini de venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie
\uc1 \u351 ?i de uimire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce este
aceea din bot? Am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?optesc, la mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? acest moment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
desenat un bot ciudat, a zis Maestrul Osman, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259
?-\uc1 \u351 ?i desprind\uc1 \u259 ? ochii de pe pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-o fi alunecat m\uc1 \u226 ?na? S\uc1 \u259 ? fie oare
un cusur?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tot ne mai uitam la
modul acela ciudat, nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n care fusese desenat botul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare acesta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
stilul la care a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1
\u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
chinezi, care-i imit\uc1 \u259 ? pe fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci? A zis Maestrul Osman cu o
voce batjocoritoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Crez\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? acela pe care-l lua \uc1 \u238 ?n
der\uc1 \u226 ?dere era r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu Unchi, am devenit b\uc1 \u259 ?
nuitor: \uc1 \u8222 ?Dac\uc1 \u259 ? un cusur nu se datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ?
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?ei ori lipsei harului, ci vine din str\uc1 \u259 ?fundurile
sufletului miniaturistului, este vorba, de-acum, de stil\uc1 \u8221 ?, spunea r\uc1
\u259 ?posatul meu Unchi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Indiferent cui i se datora, nu aveam alt indiciu pentru a-l afla pe tic\uc1 \u259 ?
losul care-l ucisese pe Unchiul \uc1 \u238 ?n afara m\uc1 \u226 ?inii
miniaturistului ori a calului \uc1 \u238 ?n sine, a acestui bot. Pentru c\uc1 \u259
? era anevoie s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?im nu numai n\uc1 \u259 ?rile, ci
chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i boturile cailor de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia cu cerneala \uc1
\u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ? care ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1 \u259
? cu trupul bietului Delicat Efendi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
petrecut mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd imaginile cu cai pe
care le pictaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii ani, pentru tot felul de
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii preaiubi\uc1 \u355 ?i ai
Maestrului Osman, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i acel cusur al n\uc1 \u259 ?rilor. \uc1 \u206
?n cuprinsul celor dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute cincizeci de miniaturi din Cartea
ceremoniilor, pe cale de a fi ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?, erau foarte
pu\uc1 \u355 ?ini cai, deoarece comunit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile, breslele care
se perindau prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru erau \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna merg\uc1 \u226 ?
nd pe jos. Au fost trimi\uc1 \u351 ?i oameni la atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, la
Palatul Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \u351 ?i la Harem, unde se aflau c\uc1 \u226 ?
teva c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i neasemuite, c\uc1 \u226 ?teva registre cu \uc1
\u351 ?abloane \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?ncheiate, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aduse
desigur, cu \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului toate c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile care nu erau p\uc1 \u259 ?strate sub zeci de lac\uc1 \u259 ?te \uc1
\u238 ?n Vistieria Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i ne-am uitat, \uc1 \u238 ?n paginile volumului cu Cartea
biruin\uc1 \u355 ?elor care fusese adus din apartamentul unuia dintre tinerii
prin\uc1 \u355 ?i, la calul murg, cu pat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n frunte, \uc1
\u351 ?i la calul sur, cu ochi de gazel\uc1 \u259 ?, care tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau carul
mortuar din pictura pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a ceremonia de \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare a Sultanului
Soliman Legiuitorul, mort la asediul de la Zigetvar, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i la
caii \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista\uc1 \u355 ?i care purtau \uc1 \u351 ?ei lucrate cu aur
\uc1 \u351 ?i minunate valtrapuri \uc1 \u238 ?n cinstea celui disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut.
Pe acestea le pictaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna Fluture, M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Barz\uc1 \u259 ?. To\uc1 \u355 ?i caii, fie c\uc1
\u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?geau carul mortuar cu ditamai ro\uc1 \u355 ?ile, fie c\uc1
\u259 ? salutau, cu ochi \uc1 \u238 ?nroura\uc1 \u355 ?i, trupul ne\uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it al st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nului lor, aflat sub o \uc1
\u238 ?nvelitoare de un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u aprins, fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? picta\uc1 \u355
?i \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie delicat\uc1 \u259 ?,
inspirat\uc1 \u259 ? de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat cu un picior \uc1 \u238
?ntins u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat solid pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt.
G\uc1 \u226 ?tul tuturor era lung \uc1 \u351 ?i arcuit, cozile le erau legate,
coamele tunse \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?late, dar botul nici unuia
dintre ei nu avea cusurul pe care-l c\uc1 \u259 ?utam noi. La fel, cusurul acesta
nu exista la niciunul dintre sutele de cai care-i purtau pe comandan\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
pe \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pe hogii ce erau de
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare, st\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie de drep\uc1 \u355 ?i pe dealurile dimprejur,
\uc1 \u238 ?n semn de venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de r\uc1
\u259 ?posatul Sultan Soliman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceva din
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea acestei melancolice \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1
\u259 ?ri ni s-a transmis \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne m\uc1 \u226 ?hnea s\uc1
\u259 ? vedem c\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ?, la
care Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ?i
trudiser\uc1 \u259 ? din greu, se deteriorase, c\uc1 \u259 ? femeile din Harem,
care se jucau cu prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii, tr\uc1 \u259 ?seser\uc1 \u259 ? ici-colo linii
pe pagini, ba chiar scriseser\uc1 \u259 ? pe ele. \uc1 \u8222 ?Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul meu st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n, v\uc1 \u259 ? iubesc \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tept cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea acestui copac\uc1 \u8221 ?,
m\uc1 \u226 ?zg\uc1 \u259 ?lise cineva st\uc1 \u226 ?ngaci sub un copac al\uc1
\u259 ?turi de care v\uc1 \u226 ?na bunicul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. Cu
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de \uc1 \u238 ?
nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngere \uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e am r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoit
toate c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile legendare despre care aflasem doar din zvonuri,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? vreuna dintre
ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n cel de-al doilea
volum din Cartea harurilor, asupra c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
puseser\uc1 \u259 ? pecetea condeiele tuturor celor trei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut sute de cai alb\uc1 \u259 ?strui,
murgi, suri, de toate culorile \uc1 \u8211 ? care-i purtau \uc1 \u238 ?n spinare pe
faimo\uc1 \u351 ?ii spahii, cu scuturile ridicate \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?biile
scoase din teac\uc1 \u259 ?, merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n urma tunurilor care
bubuiau \uc1 \u351 ?i a pedestra\uc1 \u351 ?ilor, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut sute de cai
ce \uc1 \u238 ?naintau zgomotos, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n deplin\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?
nduial\uc1 \u259 ?, cu armuri, cople\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de poveri,
str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd dealuri trandafirii, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? niciunul dintre ei nu avea vreun cusur la n\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar ce este, la urma urmei, \uc1
\u351 ?i cusurul! Zise Maestrul Osman, privind mai apoi pagina care \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i carte,
Poarta Imperial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Pia\uc1 \u355 ?a Cortegiilor, unde ne
aflam noi \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea. Nici \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura care zugr\uc1 \u259
?vea la scar\uc1 \u259 ? mai mic\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncap\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cadru, de\uc1 \u351 ?i cu
v\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dat\uc1 \u259 ?
fiind \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tatea pe care o dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndeau toate
acestea \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? bolni\uc1 \u355 ?a din dreapta,
Sala Jalbelor, copacii din curte nu se z\uc1 \u259 ?rea, la n\uc1 \u259 ?rile
cailor de cele mai felurite culori \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?leca\uc1 \u355 ?i de
o\uc1 \u351 ?tenii de gard\uc1 \u259 ?, de ceau\uc1 \u351 ?i, de scribii Divanului,
semnul c\uc1 \u259 ?utat. Am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
toarea la care participase tat\uc1 \u259 ?l bunicului Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru, Sultanul Selim cel Crunt, \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea campaniei pornite \uc1 \u238
?mpotriva suveranului Dulkadir v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
c\uc1 \u259 ?reia acesta pusese s\uc1 \u259 ? i se \uc1 \u238 ?nal\uc1 \u355 ?e un
cort fastuos pe malul r\uc1 \u226 ?ului Kuskun, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ogarii s\uc1
\u259 ?i negri cu coad\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie se h\uc1 \u226 ?rjoneau cu pui
de gazel\uc1 \u259 ? cu fundul s\uc1 \u259 ?ltat \uc1 \u351 ?i cu iepuri sperio\uc1
\u351 ?i, iar un tigru, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui pete se deschiseser\uc1 \u259 ? ca
florile, z\uc1 \u259 ?cea p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
balt\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge de un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u viu. Semnul pe care-l
c\uc1 \u259 ?utam nu se afla nici la n\uc1 \u259 ?rile calului murg, cu pat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n frunte, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul Nostru, nici la caii \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?leca\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u351
?oimarii care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu \uc1 \u351 ?
oimii pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul dealurilor ro\uc1 \u351 ?iatice din
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 P\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la l\uc1 \u259 ?sarea serii, am privit sute de cai ivi\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii patru-cinci ani de sub condeiul miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
Maestrului Osman al lui M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, al lui Fluture, al lui
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?: caii negri \uc1 \u351 ?i galbeni, cu urechi delicate \uc1 \u351 ?
i pete maronii ai lui Mehmed Giray, hanul Crimeii; cai de culoare trandafirie
\uc1 \u351 ?i plumburie, c\uc1 \u259 ?rora nu li se z\uc1 \u259 ?rea dec\uc1
\u226 ?t g\uc1 \u226 ?tul \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se av\uc1 \u226 ?ntau \uc1 \u238 ?
n lupt\uc1 \u259 ? de dup\uc1 \u259 ? coama unui deal; caii lui Haydar Pa\uc1 \u351
?a cel care luase \uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?t, de la ghiaurii
spanioli, cetatea Halk-ul-Vad din Tunisia \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i caii
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u-bruni \uc1 \u351 ?i verzi, de culoarea fisticului, ai spaniolilor,
cu unul dintre ei pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?indu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n bot \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce fugea de pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; calul negru, care l-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe Maestrul Osman s\uc1 \u259 ? zic\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u8222 ?
Acesta mi-a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pat, oare cine l-o fi pictat, a\uc1 \u351 ?a de m\uc1
\u226 ?ntuial\uc1 \u259 ??\uc1 \u8221 ?; calul ro\uc1 \u351 ?cat care ciulise
urechile, plin de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire, \uc1 \u351 ?i care asculta l\uc1 \u259 ?uta
la care c\uc1 \u226 ?nta un paj, sub un copac; \uc1 \u350 ?ebdiz, calul la fel de
sfios \uc1 \u351 ?i delicat ca \uc1 \u350 ?irin, care-o a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta pe
aceasta \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u350 ?irin se sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda noaptea, la
lumina lunii; caii juc\uc1 \u259 ?u\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?leca\uc1
\u355 ?i de juc\uc1 \u259 ?torii de cirit47; calul acela n\uc1 \u259 ?valnic
\uc1 \u351 ?i frumosul r\uc1 \u226 ?nda\uc1 \u351 ? care l-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe
Maestrul Osman s\uc1 \u259 ? zic\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u8222 ?In tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e
am iubit mult \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am ostenit peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1
\u8221 ?; calul auriu, de culoarea soarelui, pe care i l-a trimis Dumnezeu
Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Ilie; calul sur, cu trup v\uc1 \u226 ?njos, cap mititel
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inut\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ? al
Sultanului Soliman Legiuitorul, care \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul v\uc1 \u226
?n\uc1 \u259 ?torii \uc1 \u238 ?l privea cu ochi \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista\uc1 \u355 ?i
pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cutul prin\uc1
\u355 ?, chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n preajma sa \uc1 \u238 ?n urma mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de vreme a celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i trei fii ai c\uc1 \u226 ?
rmuitorului; cai foco\uc1 \u351 ?i; cai \uc1 \u238 ?n galop; cai osteni\uc1 \u355 ?
i; cai frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i; cai la care nu se uita nimeni; cai care nu aveau
s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ? niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de aceste pagini; cai care
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau salturi, str\uc1 \u259 ?pung\uc1 \u226 ?nd chenarul, ca \uc1
\u351 ?i cum ar fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? scape din str\uc1 \u226 ?nsoarea h\uc1
\u226 ?rtiei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N\uc1 \u259 ?rile
nici unuia dintre ei nu purtau semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura pe care o c\uc1 \u259 ?utam.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu toate acestea, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ciuda sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului de osteneal\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e care cobora asupra noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, nu eram
lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de o oarecare emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie: o dat\uc1 \u259 ? sau de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori am uitat de cal \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
purta\uc1 \u355 ?i de frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea picturii pe care o admiram, de culorile
care te luau \uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o
clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Maestrul Osman privea nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t cu uimire miniaturile pe
care, \uc1 \u238 ?n cea mai mare parte, el le or\uc1 \u226 ?nduise, le veghease
\uc1 \u351 ?i le pictase \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t cu un soi de emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ie a amintirii: \uc1 \u8222 ?Acestea sunt ale lui Kasim, din mahalaua Kasim
Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a! A zis la un moment dat, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd spre
plantele violacee de la baza cortului de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, colorat \uc1 \u238 ?n
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u aprins, al sultanului Soliman, bunicul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru. 0 parte dintre plantele acestea cu cinci frunze \uc1 \u351 ?i o
singur\uc1 \u259 ? floare au fost pictate, \uc1 \u238 ?n locurile r\uc1 \u259 ?mase
goale din miniaturile z\uc1 \u259 ?mislite vreme de patruzeci de ani, de un maestru
care s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit acum doi ani. Eu l-am pus \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna s\uc1 \u259 ? le f\uc1 \u259 ?ureasc\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece desena mai
bine dec\uc1 \u226 ?t oricine plantele m\uc1 \u259 ?runte.\uc1 \u8221 ? Maestrul a
t\uc1 \u259 ?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, apoi a zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?P\uc1 \u259 ?cat, p\uc1
\u259 ?cat!\uc1 \u8221 ? Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it din tot sufletul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu aceste cuvinte, se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea ceva, se
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vea o epoc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Tocmai se \uc1 \u238 ?nnopta, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?pere s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit deodat\uc1 \u259 ? o lumin\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a iscat forfot\uc1 \u259 ?. Inima mea, care prinsese a bate
cu putere, a priceput pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? totul: intrase, pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate,
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, St\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nitorul Lumii. M-am azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit la picioarele Lui. I-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat
poala. Eram ame\uc1 \u355 ?it. Nu-L puteam privi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.}{\fs24
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Ins\uc1 \u259 ? El \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse deja demult s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259
? cu Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbea cu persoana al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de care st\uc1 \u259 ?tusem ceva mai \uc1
\u238 ?nainte, privind miniaturile, mi-a umplut sufletul de v\uc1 \u226 ?lv\uc1
\u259 ?taia m\uc1 \u226 ?ndriei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-
mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi cred ochilor: Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ah \uc1 \u351 ?edea acum pe locul pe care \uc1 \u351 ?ezusem eu adineaori
\uc1 \u351 ?i asculta cu luare-aminte, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine,
ceea ce-i povestea Maestrul meu. Mai-marele vistiernicilor, aflat l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? el, Aga \uc1 \u350 ?oimarilor \uc1 \u351 ?i alte c\uc1 \u226 ?teva
persoane, despre care n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc cine erau,
vegheau asupra lor \uc1 \u351 ?i priveau, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?
ie picturile de pe paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor deschise. Mi-am adunat,
o vreme, \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul curaj \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung,
de\uc1 \u351 ?i piezi\uc1 \u351 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii St\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nitorului Lumii, ai C\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorului. C\uc1 \u226 ?t era de frumos!
C\uc1 \u226 ?t era de seme\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de drept! \uc1 \u206 ?mi
st\uc1 \u259 ?tuse inima de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Tocmai atunci s-a uitat \uc1 \u351 ?
i El la mine, iar ochii ni s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult l-am iubit pe r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u Unchi! A zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da,
mie \uc1 \u238 ?mi vorbea! De tulburare, am pierdut o parte din cuvintele pe care
le rostea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat peste
poate. Este \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? o m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iere s\uc1
\u259 ? vezi c\uc1 \u259 ? fiecare dintre picturile la a c\uc1 \u259 ?ror pl\uc1
\u259 ?smuire a vegheat este o minune. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ? le
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? ghiaurul vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian, o s\uc1 \u259 ? fie uluit
\uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? se team\uc1 \u259 ? de mintea mea. Acum urmeaz\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1
\u259 ?rile calului, care este blestematul de miniaturist. Altfel, vor fi
asupri\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pu\uc1 \u351 ?i la cazne to\uc1 \u355 ?i
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, dac\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru se va
v\uc1 \u259 ?di necesar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah al Refugiului Lumii, Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Meu Sultan! A zis
Maestrul Osman. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti vor
fi pu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze imaginea unui cal, pe o foaie goal\uc1
\u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi la
vreo poveste, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? vom sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i prin a pricepe
al cui condei a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
abatere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur, dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu e vorba de n\uc1 \u259 ?ri adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate, ci doar de o abatere a
condeiului, a zis Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, foarte \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elept.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu, a zis
Maestrul Osman. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar da de \uc1 \u351 ?tire \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i poruncit s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? noapte o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere, dac\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar
bate, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, la u\uc1 \u351 ?a fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia dintre
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? i s-ar cere fiec\uc1 \u259 ?
ruia s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze degrab\uc1 \u259 ?, pe o foaie goal\uc1 \u259 ? de
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, imaginea unui cal, pentru aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrecere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru i-a aruncat Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor priviri care \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnau: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ai auzit?\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i care dintre pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile privitoare la \uc1
\u238 ?ntreceri \uc1 \u238 ?mi place cel mai mult la poetul Nizami?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O parte dintre noi au zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u350 ?
tim!\uc1 \u8221 ?, o alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte au zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Care?\uc1 \u8221 ?,
iar o alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte au t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain \s40 \fi0
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-
mi place povestea stihuitorilor care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrec unii cu al\uc1 \u355 ?ii;
nici povestea cu oglinda, cu pictorii chinezi \uc1 \u351 ?i bizantini care se
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrec \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, a zis chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu Padi\uc1 \u351
?ah. Cel mai mult \uc1 \u238 ?mi place povestea doctorilor care se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrec pe via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe moarte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a spus asta, a plecat ne-a
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, spre a nu \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?rzia la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it mai apoi pe
por\uc1 \u355 ?ile Seraiului, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se rostea \uc1 \u238 ?n
semi\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptam cu pa\uc1
\u351 ?i gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mahalaua noastr\uc1 \u259 ?
vis\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, la
copii, la casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am amintit cu team\uc1 \u259 ? de povestea
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrecerii dintre doctori:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Unul dintre cei doi doctori care se luau la \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere dinaintea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului pictat, cel mai adesea, \uc1 \u238 ?n ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte roz a
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit un hap de culoare verde, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de puternic spre
a ucide un elefant, \uc1 \u351 ?i i l-a dat celuilalt doctor \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un caftan de culoare albastru-\uc1 \u238 ?nchis. Acesta
a \uc1 \u238 ?nghi\uc1 \u355 ?it cu poft\uc1 \u259 ? hapul otr\uc1 \u259 ?vit, iar
mai apoi un hap albastru-\uc1 \u238 ?nchis, pe care l-a preparat degrab\uc1 \u259 ?
ca antidot, \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum se poate pricepe din z\uc1 \u226 ?
mbetul lui, n-a p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it nimic. Mai mult, acum era r\uc1 \u226 ?
ndul lui s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? adversarul s\uc1 \u259 ?
adulmece moartea. Se spune c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi rupt, pe \uc1 \u238 ?ndelete,
gust\uc1 \u226 ?nd din plin faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i venise vremea
s\uc1 \u259 ? atace, un trandafir roz din gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i, apropiindu-l de buze, ar fi murmurat \uc1 \u238 ?n el un poem de
ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles. Apoi i-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntins, cu mi\uc1 \u351 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?ri peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de sigure, acest trandafir
doctorului \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntat \uc1 \u238 ?n roz, pentru
ca acesta s\uc1 \u259 ?-l miroas\uc1 \u259 ?, chipurile, \uc1 \u351 ?i el. Doctorul
\uc1 \u238 ?n straie roz a fost cuprins de o asemenea tulburare din pricina
poemului murmurat \uc1 \u238 ?n trandafir \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, de \uc1
\u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce a apropiat de nas trandafirul, care nu avea nici un fel
de alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?ire \uc1 \u238 ?n afara obi\uc1 \u351
?nuitei sale miresme, s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i a murit de spaim\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 43. Mi se spune M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Era \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de
sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Cineva a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i am deschis: era un om al Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor, de la Serai un
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r curat, pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbitor \uc1
\u351 ?i chipe\uc1 \u351 ?. Avea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o
lamp\uc1 \u259 ?, care mai mult \uc1 \u238 ?i umbrea fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dec\uc1
\u226 ?t i-o lumina, h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie \uc1 \u351 ?i o t\uc1 \u259 ?blie de scris.
Mi-a povestit \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? despre ce era vorba: Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul Nostru poruncise \uc1 \u351 ?i pusese la cale o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere \uc1
\u238 ?ntre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti: cine va schi\uc1 \u355 ?a,
dintr-un condei, cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? imagine de cal. Porunca era s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tern acum, \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
treab\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ez h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia pe t\uc1 \u259 ?
blia de scris \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?blia de scris pe genunchi, \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez grabnic, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul cuvenit din ram\uc1 \u259 ?,
acea imagine cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? imagine de cal din lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 L-am poftit pe musafir \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Am dat fuga
\uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am adus cel mai fin condei, f\uc1 \u259 ?cut din p\uc1 \u259 ?r
luat de pe urechea pisicii, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i cerneal\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat pe jos \uc1 \u351 ?i am z\uc1 \u259 ?bovit o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Exista
oare \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? istorie vreo p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
leal\uc1 \u259 ?, vreun renghi pe care ar fi urmat s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pl\uc1 \u259 ?
tesc cu via\uc1 \u355 ?a? Poate! Dar oare legendele vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din
Herat nu erau, toate, pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dite cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ? linie
sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire care desparte moartea de frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Sufletul mi s-a umplut de elanul de a picta, dar m-am speriat
parc\uc1 \u259 ? de ideea de a desena \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit. Am a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat o
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochii la foaia goal\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, s\uc1
\u259 ? mi se limpezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? sufletul. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1
\u226 ?ndesc dec\uc1 \u226 ?t la frumosul cal pe care-l voi desena, s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi adun puterile \uc1 \u351 ?i aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ncepuser\uc1 \u259 ? deja s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se perinde
prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor toate imaginile de cai pe care le desenasem \uc1 \u351
?i le v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci. Dar una dintre ele era
cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?.
Urma ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez acum acel cal pe care nu-l mai z\uc1 \u259 ?mislise
nimeni, niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi l-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit, plin de hot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?re; orice altceva a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut; parc\uc1 \u259 ? uitasem,
pentru o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i de mine, de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
st\uc1 \u259 ?team a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiesc o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. M\uc1 \u226 ?na mea
cufundase de la sine condeiul \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n cerneala care avea consisten\uc1 \u355 ?a potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?. Haide,
m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea, f\uc1 \u259 ? acum \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t calul acela miraculos s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? aievea!
Eu \uc1 \u351 ?i calul deveniser\uc1 \u259 ?m parc\uc1 \u259 ? una, eram pe cale
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne ocup\uc1 \u259 ?m locul cuvenit \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
lume!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am c\uc1 \u259 ?utat un moment,
\uc1 \u238 ?mboldit de o anume intui\uc1 \u355 ?ie, tocmai locul cuvenit pe foaia
goal\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit\uc1 \u259 ? de chenar.
Acolo mi-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat calul, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuire, \uc1
\u351 ?i deodat\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, m\uc1
\u226 ?na mea s-a av\uc1 \u226 ?ntat plin\uc1 \u259 ? de hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226
?re, cu de la sine putere, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc m\uc1 \u259 ?car la asta, \uc1 \u351 ?i uite, ce frumos a prins
a desena dinspre copita calului \uc1 \u351 ?i, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe dat\uc1
\u259 ?, ml\uc1 \u259 ?dios, de glezna sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, a pornit \uc1 \u238 ?n
sus. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a trecut, cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re
\uc1 \u351 ?i la fel de \uc1 \u351 ?erpuitor, de genunchi \uc1 \u351 ?i a ajuns cu
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bire sub piept, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nveselit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?! Iat\uc1
\u259 ? ce frumos i s-a bombat pieptul, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce eu \uc1 \u238 ?
naintez astfel unduitor, biruitor, \uc1 \u238 ?n sus! C\uc1 \u226 ?nd i s-a sub\uc1
\u355 ?iat capul pieptului, a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? grumazul,
aidoma cu grumazul calului pe care-l vedeam cu ochii min\uc1 \u355 ?ii. F\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ridic condeiul de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, am ajuns
dincolo de falc\uc1 \u259 ?, la botul puternic pe care, cuget\uc1 \u226 ?nd
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, i l-am desenat u\uc1 \u351 ?or deschis \uc1 \u238 ?n partea de
jos \uc1 \u351 ?i, p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n el, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a, aici ia mai deschide tu botul pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, calule!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? i se str\uc1 \u259 ?vad\uc1 \u259 ?
minunea de limb\uc1 \u259 ?. I-am rotunjit u\uc1 \u351 ?or nasul nu te ar\uc1 \u259
?ta nehot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t! Urc\uc1 \u226 ?nd drept \uc1 \u238 ?n sus, am
privit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? la tot ceea ce izb\uc1 \u226 ?ndisem \uc1 \u351 ?i, v\uc1
\u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mplinisem desenul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum mi-l \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuiam, am uitat c\uc1 \u259 ? eu
d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu eu, ci
m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea era cea care schi\uc1 \u355 ?ase urechile \uc1 \u351 ?i acea
arcuire pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? a g\uc1 \u226 ?tului. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce
desenam din amintire \uc1 \u351 ?i cu repeziciune coburii, m\uc1 \u226 ?na s-a
oprit singur\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ia cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? cu pensula din
c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ?. Desen\uc1 \u226 ?nd crupa, cu carnea ei v\uc1 \u226
?rtoas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ?, tare, eram foarte fericit,
peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de plin de imaginea mea. M-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut,
o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de calul pe care-l desenam \uc1 \u351 ?i m-
am strecurat vesel sub coada lui; era un cal de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, iute ca v\uc1
\u226 ?ntul. I-am \uc1 \u238 ?nnodat coada, i-am dat roat\uc1 \u259 ?, am urcat iar
cu bucurie; \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-i desenam l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul cozii
\uc1 \u351 ?i fundul, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it parc\uc1 \u259 ? o r\uc1 \u259 ?coare
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n fundul \uc1 \u351 ?i-n gaura
curului meu \uc1 \u351 ?i, m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de ea, i-am \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat cu
repeziciune moliciunea fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare a crupei, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
mare deliciu copitele \uc1 \u351 ?i piciorul st\uc1 \u226 ?ng din spate, pe care
\uc1 \u351 ?i-l zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlea \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Am fost cuprins de admira\uc1
\u355 ?ie fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea, care-i \uc1 \u238 ?
mprumutase piciorului st\uc1 \u226 ?ng din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai
pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia delicat\uc1 \u259 ? pe care-o \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca
el \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea mea. Am fost cople\uc1 \u351 ?it de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?ntare fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de calul pe care-l desenasem.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am ridicat m\uc1 \u226 ?na de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie
\uc1 \u351 ?i i-am desenat cu repeziciune ochii foco\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar tri\uc1
\u351 ?ti, n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cu o scurt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?
ial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i valtrapul; i-am \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?lat cu
dragoste coama, fir cu fir, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi m\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat-o, i-am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat scara \uc1 \u351 ?eii, i-am a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat o pat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n frunte \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am desenat, \uc1
\u238 ?n mod voit, boa\uc1 \u351 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul, de
m\uc1 \u259 ?rime potrivit\uc1 \u259 ?, cu m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t totul s\uc1 \u259 ? fie des\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd desenez un cal miraculos, devin eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi acel cal
miraculos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 44. Mi se spune Fluture.}{\fs24
{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? era pe la vremea
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunii de sear\uc1 \u259 ?. A venit cineva la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. Mi-a deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu poruncise
s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355
?eles, s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu! Cine
poate desena mai bine dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? imagine de
cal?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu toate acestea, faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? cu
cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi
colorat\uc1 \u259 ?, m-a re\uc1 \u355 ?inut o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce s\uc1 \u259 ?
n-o color\uc1 \u259 ?m, dac\uc1 \u259 ? eu sunt cel care a\uc1 \u351 ?terne cel mai
m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrit culoarea? Cine va fi cel care va hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?
ce desen este mai bun? L-am iscodit pe frumosul copilandru cu umeri largi, cu buze
trandafirii, care venise de la Serai, \uc1 \u351 ?i am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele acestei istorii se afla Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor, Maestrul Osman. Ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndoios c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman
\uc1 \u238 ?mi cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te harul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, dintre to\uc1
\u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, pe mine m\uc1 \u259 ?
iube\uc1 \u351 ?te cel mai mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Privind astfel la foaia goal\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a ochilor mei au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?inuta, privirea, atitudinea calului care
avea s\uc1 \u259 ? le plac\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndurora. Acesta trebuia
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie vioi, dar solemn, precum caii pe care-i desena Maestrul Osman cu
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu cele
dou\uc1 \u259 ? picioare dinainte ridicate \uc1 \u238 ?n aer, precum cei care-i
pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, astfel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
nvoiasc\uc1 \u259 ? asupra frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui. Oare c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i galbeni pre\uc1 \u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?te premiul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Cum ar fi desenat Mir Musavvir aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine? Cum ar fi
desenat-o Behzad?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deodat\uc1 \u259 ?,
ceva mi-a n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta
repeziciune, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
pricep despre ce era vorba, m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea gr\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? apucase deja condeiul \uc1 \u351 ?i prinsese a schi\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1
\u238 ?ncep\uc1 \u226 ?nd de la piciorul st\uc1 \u226 ?ng din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?n aer, acel cal
miraculos pe care nimeni altul nu \uc1 \u351 ?i l-ar fi putut imagina. Dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce am legat degrab\uc1 \u259 ? piciorul de trup, am trasat cu \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?, cu iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, cu nesa\uc1
\u355 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? linii arcuite pe care dac\uc1 \u259 ? le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?Omul acesta plin de
iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pare a fi caligraf, nu pictor!\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mi priveam m\uc1 \u226 ?na cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar
fi fost m\uc1 \u226 ?na altcuiva \uc1 \u351 ?i s-ar fi mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat de la
sine. Aceste fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare linii curbe, p\uc1 \u226 ?ntecul dolofan al
miraculosului cal, pieptul ferm \uc1 \u351 ?i grumazul ca de leb\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ? au prins via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1
\u351 ?i se poate socoti deja c\uc1 \u259 ? desenul mi-a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it.
C\uc1 \u226 ?t sunt de \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat! In vremea aceasta, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat
de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea schi\uc1 \u355 ?ase botul
deschis \uc1 \u351 ?i nasul fericitului \uc1 \u351 ?i puternicului cal, c\uc1 \u259
?-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dise fruntea cea de\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i urechile. Apoi uite, mam\uc1 \u259 ?, ce frumos! Am mai tras \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o linie arcuit\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce fericit eram, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi scris o liter\uc1 \u259 ?! Mai lipsea pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?deam. Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t de la grumazul arcuit
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? cusur al miraculosului cal cabrat la \uc1 \u351 ?a.
M\uc1 \u226 ?na mea \uc1 \u238 ?mplinea \uc1 \u351 ?aua; am privit cu m\uc1 \u226 ?
ndrie forma calului, care prindea contur, trupul la fel de durduliu, de rotofei ca
al meu: toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea se va minuna de acest cal! Mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nchipuit pl\uc1 \u259 ?cutele cuvinte pe care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? mi le spun\uc1
\u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru c\uc1 \u226 ?nd voi fi dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit
premiul; \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi imaginam cum avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
dea o pung\uc1 \u259 ? cu galbeni \uc1 \u351 ?i cum urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i num\uc1
\u259 ?r eu acas\uc1 \u259 ?, unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul, \uc1 \u238 ?mi venea s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d. In acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea, la care
priveam cu coada ochiului, a ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit \uc1 \u351 ?aua, iar condeiul s-a
cufundat \uc1 \u351 ?i a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ?; apoi
am desenat r\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut o glum\uc1 \u259 ?, crupa calului. I-am schi\uc1 \u355 ?at cu
repeziciune coada. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, de rotunjor i-am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut fundul, cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea \uc1 \u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-l
lua \uc1 \u238 ?n palme, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost fundul minunat al unui
fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?u cu care aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreunez atunci, imediat! \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce z\uc1 \u226 ?mbeam, m\uc1 \u226 ?
na mea cea iscusit\uc1 \u259 ? a ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit picioarele dinainte, iar
condeiul s-a oprit: era cel mai frumos cal cabrat din lume! Sufletul mi-a fost
cuprins de bucurie; tocmai m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam cum aveau s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi admire calul, cum aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? numeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat miniaturist, ba chiar cum aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? declare, de pe-acum, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
am priceput deodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? prost\uc1 \u259 ?nacii aceia vor zice:
\uc1 \u8222 ?C\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede a desenat, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi f\uc1
\u259 ?cut-o \uc1 \u238 ?n joac\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1 \u8221 ? Am fost cuprins de
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ?, doar din aceast\uc1
\u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, nu-mi vor lua \uc1 \u238 ?n serios minunata imagine. De
aceea am lucrat cu delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e coama calului, n\uc1 \u259 ?rile,
din\uc1 \u355 ?ii, firele de p\uc1 \u259 ?r din coad\uc1 \u259 ?, valtrapul, astfel
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se vad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am
dat osteneala cu desenul. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie, privind
lateral din spate, se pot z\uc1 \u259 ?ri boa\uc1 \u351 ?ele calului, dar nu l-am
desenat ca s\uc1 \u259 ? atrag aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia femeilor. Mi-am privit calul cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie: era cabrat, vioi, furtunos, plin de for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?! Trecuse, parc\uc1 \u259 ?, peste el o boare care-i \uc1 \u238 ?
nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ise liniile c\uc1 \u226 ?t se poate de rotunjite, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu literele unui caligraf, dar era
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? tihnit. Urmau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l elogieze pe minunatul miniaturist
care
desenase aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum \uc1 \u238 ?i elogiau
pe Behzad, pe Mir Musavvir, iar atunci aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu
asemenea lor!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuind
miraculoasa imagine a unui cal, eu devin un miniaturist cu totul aparte, care
pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuie\uc1 \u351 ?te miraculoasa imagine a unui cal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 45. Mi se spune Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Era dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i tocmai eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? ies, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc la
cafenea; mi s-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? e cineva la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. S\uc1
\u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduim c\uc1 \u259 ? e de bine! M-am dus: era un
trimis al Seraiului; mi-a spus despre ce era vorba. Bine: cel mai frumos cal din
lume! Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i aspri \uc1 \u238 ?mi
da\uc1 \u355 ?i pe bucat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
desenez, pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?, cinci-\uc1 \u351 ?ase cai, dintre cei mai frumo\uc1
\u351 ?i din lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am purtat \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i n-am
zis a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ci l-am poftit \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru pe copilandrul
pro\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?pit \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit: cel mai frumos cal din lume nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu
exist\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 pot desena. Pot s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez cai de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, cai mongoli v\uc1 \u226 ?njo\uc1 \u351 ?i, cai arabi de
ras\uc1 \u259 ?, cai eroici, care se zbat \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?i
de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?oage
nefericite, care trag care cu piatr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i poart\uc1 \u259 ?
bolovani c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri ce tocmai se \uc1 \u238 ?nal\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, dar cine \uc1 \u238 ?l poate numi, pe vreunul dintre ace\uc1 \u351 ?
tia, \uc1 \u8222 ?cel mai frumos cal\uc1 \u8221 ?? Am priceput, desigur, c\uc1
\u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a zis \uc1 \u8222 ?cel mai frumos cal din
lume\uc1 \u8221 ?, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dorit cel mai
fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tor dintre caii desena\uc1 \u355 ?i de mii de ori \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor, dup\uc1 \u259 ? toate regulile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?abloanele, \uc1 \u238 ?n toate pozi\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Dar de ce?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pot eu c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u351 ?tiga o pung\uc1 \u259 ? cu galbeni! Este \uc1 \u351 ?tiut faptul c\uc1 \u259
?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi s-ar fi spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?Deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? un cal
obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u8221 ?, nimeni nu s-ar fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?ntrece cu
mine. Cine l-a convins pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru? In ciuda b\uc1 \u226 ?rfelor
iscate de to\uc1 \u355 ?i invidio\uc1 \u351 ?ii aceia, C\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul
Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?tie foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? eu sunt miniaturistul cel mai plin
de har \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i place pictura pe care o pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiesc.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dintr-odat\uc1 \u259 ?,
m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut pe treab\uc1 \u259 ? cu furie, ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? se lepede de toate aceste g\uc1 \u226 ?
nduri, \uc1 \u351 ?i am desenat, pornind dinspre copit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un singur elan, un cal adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Pe ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia \uc1 \u238 ?i
vede\uc1 \u355 ?i pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lupte. Sunt
osteni\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar bine \uc1 \u238 ?ngriji\uc1 \u355 ?i. Apoi, m\uc1 \u226 ?
nat de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i furie, am desenat degrab\uc1 \u259 ? calul unui spahiu,
iar acesta a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i mai frumos. Niciunul dintre
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? nu poate desena
lucruri at\uc1 \u226 ?t de minunate. Tocmai eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? mai desenez
unul, din amintire, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd feciorul venit de la Serai a zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?
Ajunge unul.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? ia h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? plece, dar l-am
oprit. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1
\u351 ?tiu propriul nume, c\uc1 \u259 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ii ace\uc1
\u351 ?tia nu vor \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?dui s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se dea mie o
pung\uc1 \u259 ? cu galbeni pentru asemenea cai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? desenez a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum desenez eu, nu vor \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?dui s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se dea o pung\uc1 \u259 ? cu galbeni! Iar dac\uc1 \u259
? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? primesc punga cu galbeni, asta o s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemne, mai apoi, o pat\uc1 \u259 ? pe bunul meu nume. Am stat \uc1 \u351 ?i am
cugetat. \uc1 \u8222 ?Ia stai!\uc1 \u8221 ?, i-am zis feciorului. M-am dus \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, am luat doi galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, calpi \uc1
\u351 ?i str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitori de-\uc1 \u355 ?i luau ochii, \uc1 \u351 ?i i i-
am \uc1 \u238 ?ndesat \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a speriat \uc1
\u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?scat ochii mari. \uc1 \u8222 ?E\uc1 \u351 ?ti un copilandru
vajnic ca un leu\uc1 \u8221 ?, i-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
scos unul din caietele acelea cu modele, pe care le \uc1 \u355 ?ineam la fereal\uc1
\u259 ? de toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Aici copiasem \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?
cele mai frumoase picturi pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem de-a lungul
anilor. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?, mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i dai zece galbeni
lui Cezmi, Aga Piticilor, nemernicul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i copiaz\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i pune la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cei mai izbuti\uc1 \u355 ?i copaci \uc1 \u351 ?i dragoni, cele
mai des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, cei
mai reu\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinici din paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor care se p\uc1
\u259 ?streaz\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?vor\uc1 \u226 ?te t\uc1 \u259 ?inuite
\uc1 \u238 ?n Vistierie. Pentru cei care nu vor s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u238 ?n care tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc, ci
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1
\u351 ?i de vechile basme, caietul meu este o adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?
minune!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoit paginile,
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i-le st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor feciorului venit de la
Serai, \uc1 \u351 ?i am ales cei mai izbuti\uc1 \u355 ?i cai. Am trecut
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu acul pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? peste desenele mele, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd orificii \uc1 \u238
?n ele. Am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat sub model o foaie curat\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtie. Am turnat peste ea praf de c\uc1 \u259 ?rbune din bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug, l\uc1
\u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l s\uc1 \u259 ? se absoarb\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
scuturat-o pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259
? se strecoare bine dedesubt prin orificiile f\uc1 \u259 ?cute. Am ridicat modelul.
Praful de c\uc1 \u259 ?rbune transferase, punct cu punct, \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul
contur al frumosului cal pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia de dedesubt \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ?-l privesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am luat condeiul. M\uc1 \u226 ?nat de o inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie
izvor\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n acel moment, dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul
meu, am unit repede punctele, cu gesturi hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?te, d\uc1
\u226 ?nd la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? o form\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i delicat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it-o cu drag
cuib\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n mine \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce desenam p\uc1
\u226 ?ntecul, grumazul frumos, botul, crupa calului. \uc1 \u8222 ?Iat\uc1
\u259 ?!\uc1 \u8221 ?, am zis. \uc1 \u8222 ?Cel mai frumos cal din lume! Niciunul
dintre t\uc1 \u226 ?mpi\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u259 ?ilal\uc1 \u355 ?i nu e \uc1 \u238
?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 I-am d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit copilandrului venit de la Serai \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? trei galbeni calpi, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
el asta \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neasc\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului de unde era \uc1 \u238 ?mprumutat
desenul meu. I-am dat de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles totodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig o pung\uc1
\u259 ? cu galbeni, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i mai dau \uc1 \u351 ?i al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Mai
mult, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit c\uc1 \u259 ? o va putea vedea iar pe
nevasta mea, la care se uitase cu gura c\uc1 \u259 ?scat\uc1 \u259 ?. Foarte
mul\uc1 \u355 ?i cred c\uc1 \u259 ?, desen\uc1 \u226 ?nd o imagine izbutit\uc1
\u259 ? de cal, ajungi s\uc1 \u259 ? fii un bun miniaturist. Dar pentru a putea
deveni cel mai bun miniaturist, nu e destul s\uc1 \u259 ? desenezi cel mai
reu\uc1 \u351 ?it cal, ci trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-i convingi, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i pe pro\uc1 \u351 ?tii din jurul lui c\uc1
\u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti cel mai bun miniaturist. Desen\uc1 \u226 ?nd un cal
minunat, eu nu pot fi dec\uc1 \u226 ?t eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u355 ?i reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i
cine sunt, dup\uc1 \u259 ? felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care am desenat calul?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ?
mi se cere s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez un cal, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era vorba de
o \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere, ci c\uc1 \u259 ? voiau s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?
easc\uc1 \u259 ? cine sunt dup\uc1 \u259 ? calul pe care-l desenam. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
dau seama c\uc1 \u259 ? schi\uc1 \u355 ?ele cu cai, pe care le-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie ordinar\uc1 \u259 ?, au r\uc1 \u259 ?mas asupra trupului
ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it al bietului Delicat Efendi. Dar n-am nici un
cusur, n-am un stil propriu, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? afla cine sunt
dup\uc1 \u259 ? caii desena\uc1 \u355 ?i. De\uc1 \u351 ?i eram c\uc1 \u226 ?t se
poate de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at de asta, tot m-a cuprins o oarecare \uc1
\u238 ?ngrijorare \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?deam calul.
Oare sc\uc1 \u259 ?pasem ceva care s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? dea de gol pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veam calul Unchiului? Acum trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?
desenez un cal diferit de acela. De data asta, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la cu totul
alte lucruri \uc1 \u351 ?i, cum m-am \uc1 \u8222 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
nit\uc1 \u8221 ?, n-am mai fost eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dar cine sunt eu? Sunt oare cel care ascunde miracolele pe care le
poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n suflet, spre a urma stilul atelierului de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?? Sunt oare cel care va desena, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ?
zi, biruitor, calul pe care-l poart\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sine?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0 clip\uc1 \u259 ?, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it cu team\uc1
\u259 ? existen\uc1 \u355 ?a acelui
miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?n chiar fiin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? din mine
m\uc1 \u259 ? contempla un alt suflet, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat de
el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd de \uc1
\u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voi putea sta acas\uc1 \u259 ?, m-am n\uc1
\u259 ?pustit afar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate. \uc1 \u206 ?n
Cartea legendelor, \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Osman Baba scria c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de Diavolul din el, adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul dervi\uc1 \u351 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citor trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? colinde toat\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu poposeasc\uc1 \u259 ? nic\uc1 \u259
?ieri prea mult, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a colindat el \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?
i, din ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?, vreme de \uc1 \u351 ?
aizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?apte de ani, a obosit s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fug\uc1
\u259 ? de Diavol \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n voia lui.
Aceasta este v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta la care mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc cu orbirea, cu \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul lui
Dumnezeu v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta la care ajung s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un stil,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a dori nicidecum acest lucru, \uc1 \u351 ?i
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta la care scap\uc1 \u259 ? de toate semnele
stilului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am preumblat prin
pia\uc1 \u355 ?a Beyazit, prin T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul V\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torilor
de P\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, prin mica pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pustie din
T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul de Sclavi, \uc1 \u238 ?n mirosul pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut al
dughenelor \uc1 \u238 ?n care se prepar\uc1 \u259 ? ciorb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
muhallebi48, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi c\uc1 \u259 ?utat ceva. Am trecut
prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dughenelor cu u\uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?vor\uc1 \u226 ?te
ale b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierilor \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?lc\uc1 \u259 ?torilor de
haine, prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?liei unui brutar b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, care m-a privit cu mirare \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i
num\uc1 \u259 ?ra banii, prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unei b\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?nii
care mirosea \uc1 \u238 ?mbietor a mur\uc1 \u259 ?turi \uc1 \u351 ?i a pe\uc1 \u351
?te s\uc1 \u259 ?rat, \uc1 \u351 ?i, deoarece ochii mi se a\uc1 \u355 ?inteau doar
asupra culorilor, am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lia unui
negustor de plante \uc1 \u351 ?i condimente, care c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rea
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ceva \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
privit cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? m-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi uitat cu nesa\uc1 \u355 ? la ni\uc1 \u351 ?te chipuri omene\uc1
\u351 ?ti, sacii cu cafea, cu ghimbir \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mastic, gr\uc1 \u259 ?mezile
de anason, de chimion brun \uc1 \u351 ?i negru, de \uc1 \u351 ?ofran, al c\uc1
\u259 ?ror miros ajungea de la tejghea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la mine. Erau
clipe \uc1 \u238 ?n care mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? gust din toate
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le pictez pe o foaie goal\uc1 \u259 ? de h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n locul
acela \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?mi potolisem foamea de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultima s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i pe care-l numeam \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea \uc1 \u8222 ?C\uc1 \u226 ?
rciuma \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista\uc1 \u355 ?ilor\uc1 \u8221 ? de fapt, a s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?ntocilor ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? spun. Pentru cei care \uc1
\u351 ?tiu acest lucru, u\uc1 \u351 ?a ei r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne
deschis\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la miezul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii. \uc1
\u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru erau c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i de ocna\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1
\u355 ?i ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te ho\uc1 \u355 ?i de cai, c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva
singuratici ai c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ochi lunecaser\uc1 \u259 ? din lumea aceasta
\uc1 \u351 ?i o apucaser\uc1 \u259 ? spre alte paradisuri, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum li se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?, din pricina nefericirii \uc1 \u351 ?i a
disper\uc1 \u259 ?rii, \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?timi\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de opiu, doi
cer\uc1 \u351 ?etori care se c\uc1 \u259 ?zneau s\uc1 \u259 ? se poarte potrivit
regulilor propriei bresle, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i un domn care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un col\uc1 \u355 ?, departe de toat\uc1 \u259 ?
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? adun\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?. L-am salutat curtenitor pe
buc\uc1 \u259 ?tarul din Alep. I-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi umple ochi farfuria cu
sarmale de carne \uc1 \u238 ?n foi de varz\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? toarne iaurt
peste ele \uc1 \u351 ?i, pres\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?nd din bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug boia
de ardei iute deasupra, m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? acel
domn.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n fiecare noapte,
asupra mea coboar\uc1 \u259 ? o melancolie, o triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. Fra\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor, fra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, ne otr\uc1 \u259 ?vim, putrezim, murim, ne mistuim
tr\uc1 \u259 ?ind, ne cufund\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n mizerie p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la g\uc1 \u226 ?t! In unele nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?l visez
ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din pu\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pornind pe urmele mele, dar l-am
\uc1 \u238 ?ngropat temeinic, am pus p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt din bel\uc1 \u351
?ug peste el; nu se mai poate scula din morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Oare faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? domnul acela care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu
nasul cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n strachina cu ciorb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i despre
care credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? uitase de toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea deschidea poarta unei
conversa\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost un semn de la Dumnezeu? Da, am zis, au
tocat carnea tocmai at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t trebuie, sarmalele sunt foarte
gustoase! La \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea mea, a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vise o \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? coranic\uc1 \u259 ? de
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? era scrib \uc1 \u238 ?n
serviciul lui Arifi Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a. N-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat de ce se afla, la
ceasul acela din noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?rciuma t\uc1 \u226 ?lharilor
holtei \uc1 \u351 ?i nu \uc1 \u238 ?n conacul Pa\uc1 \u351 ?ei, la moschee, ori la
el acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele neveste-sii. El m-a \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat de unde veneam \uc1 \u351 ?i cine eram. Iar eu m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Behzad. Vin de la Herat, de la Tabriz. Am pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?dit cele mai minunate
picturi, cele mai nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zute miracole. Sunt secole de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
se tot spune, \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare atelier musulman de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din
Persia, din Arabia: \uc1 \u8222 ?C\uc1 \u226 ?nd te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la ea, ai spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, asemeni picturii lui Behzad\uc1
\u8221 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur c\uc1
\u259 ? nu aceasta este problema fundamental\uc1 \u259 ?. Pictura mea nu \uc1 \u238
?ntruchipeaz\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce vede ochiul, ci ceea ce vede mintea. Iar pictura,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, este o s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?
toare a ochiului. \uc1 \u206 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?ui\uc1 \u355 ?i aceste
dou\uc1 \u259 ? cuget\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i la
iveal\uc1 \u259 ? lumea mea. Iat\uc1 \u259 ? ce vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
spun:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Elif: Pictura \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti ceea
ce vede mintea, spre s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toarea ochiului.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lam: Ochiul se strecoar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n lume \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i slujeasc\uc1 \u259 ? min\uc1 \u355
?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mim: Prin urmare,
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? redescoperirea de c\uc1
\u259 ?tre ochi, \uc1 \u238 ?n lume, a ceea ce mintea cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te de la bun
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare domnul nostru,
care a ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit \uc1 \u351 ?coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ? de dou\uc1 \u259 ?
zeci de aspri, a priceput aceast\uc1 \u259 ? judecat\uc1 \u259 ?, venit\uc1 \u259 ?
din str\uc1 \u259 ?fundurile sufletului meu, \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it de o
nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat\uc1 \u259 ? inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie? Nu. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? e s\uc1 \u259 ? stai trei ani la picioarele hogei care d\uc1
\u259 ? lec\uc1 \u355 ?ii prin \uc1 \u351 ?coli coranice de periferie pentru
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri pe zi cu banii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia cumperi azi
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de p\uc1 \u226 ?ini!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u8212 ? Nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tii cine este Behzad. Era limpede c\uc1 \u259 ?
Hogea Efendi de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de aspri nu \uc1 \u351 ?tia cine era Behzad.
Bine, am s\uc1 \u259 ?-i povestesc. Am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
pictat orice, absolut orice. Pe Profetul nostru, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1
\u238 ?n moschee, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mihrab-ului49 verde, cu cei patru
califi ai s\uc1 \u259 ?i; apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o alt\uc1 \u259 ? carte, pe
Trimisul Domnului, care a urcat, la vremea C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriei \uc1
\u238 ?n Noapte, pre\uc1 \u355 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?apte caturi, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la Rai, c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe calul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Burak; pe Alexandru,
aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n drum spre China, care b\uc1 \u259 ?tea toba din templul de
pe \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rm, spre a \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta
fiara care \uc1 \u238 ?nvolbura marea cu furtuni; pe padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul care \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul
\uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea cu ochiul la frumoasele din haremul s\uc1 \u259 ?u,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce acestea \uc1 \u238 ?notau goale pu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n havuzul lui, \uc1 \u238 ?n sunete de l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1
\u259 ?; pe t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rul lupt\uc1 \u259 ?tor care zicea: \uc1
\u8222 ?Am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nving maestrul, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1
\u238 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu toate \uc1 \u351 ?iretlicurile\uc1 \u8221 ?, care a fost
apoi \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt, cu un ultim \uc1 \u351 ?iretlic nedezv\uc1
\u259 ?luit, p\uc1 \u259 ?strat de maestrul s\uc1 \u259 ?u doar pentru sine,
\uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisit \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1
\u226 ?ngerea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului; pe copiii Leyla
\uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun care, \uc1 \u238 ?ngenunchea\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
\uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? cu ziduri minunat decorate, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?gosteau unul de altul, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce rosteau Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul
Coran; pe \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ii care, de la cel mai sfios
la cel mai f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, nu se puteau privi cu
nici un chip. Am pictat seraiuri care tocmai se ridicau, piatr\uc1 \u259 ? cu
piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, oameni vinova\uc1 \u355 ?i pu\uc1 \u351 ?i la cazne, zborul
vulturilor, tumbele iepurilor, tigri nemilo\uc1 \u351 ?i, chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i platani, co\uc1 \u355 ?ofene \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna coco\uc1 \u355 ?ate
\uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rful copacilor \uc1 \u8211 ? am pictat moartea, am
pictat poe\uc1 \u355 ?i care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreceau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, am pictat
osp\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?uri menite s\uc1 \u259 ? celebreze biruin\uc1 \u355 ?
e \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cei care, asemenea dumitale, nu v\uc1 \u259 ?d altceva la o
mas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ciorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Scribul cel prudent nu se \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntase \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, ba chiar m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sea hazliu \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1
\u226 ?mbea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Doar Hogea Efendi al
dumitale te-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at, \uc1 \u351 ?tii asta, am
continuat. \uc1 \u206 ?n Livada lui Sa'di se afl\uc1 \u259 ? o poveste care
mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut foarte mult. \uc1 \u206 ?n timpul unei v\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?tori, regele Darius s-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat de
gloat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi pornit la o plimbare pe dealuri. In acest
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia un necunoscut cu \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
lie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?are
primejdioas\uc1 \u259 ?. Regele a fost cuprins de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare \uc1 \u351
?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum st\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat pe cal, a
dat s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? imediat m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe arc, la care omul
cu \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lie l-a implorat: \uc1 \u8222 ?Regele meu,
opre\uc1 \u351 ?te-te, nu slobozi s\uc1 \u259 ?geata, cum de nu m-ai recunoscut? Nu
sunt eu oare credinciosul r\uc1 \u226 ?nda\uc1 \u351 ? al M\uc1 \u259 ?riei Tale
cel c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i-ai \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at sute de cai \uc1 \u351
?i de m\uc1 \u226 ?nji? M\uc1 \u259 ? vezi ori nu m\uc1 \u259 ? vezi c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la mine? Eu recunosc chipul fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia dintre cei o
sut\uc1 \u259 ? de cai ai dumitale, cu firea \uc1 \u351 ?i culoarea sa. Prin
urmare, cum se face c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?ria Ta nu-i bagi \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car pe aceia dintre robii pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i
oc\uc1 \u226 ?rmuie\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i cu care te vezi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
des, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sunt eu?\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vesc aceast\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?i pictez pe caii aceia negri, murgi \uc1 \u351 ?i albi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i de tihni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? la care r\uc1
\u226 ?nda\uc1 \u351 ?ul se uit\uc1 \u259 ? cu afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o lunc\uc1 \u259 ? de un verde ca rupt din Rai, pres\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?
cu flori pestri\uc1 \u355 ?e, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?ng dintre
cititori pricepe \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tura pe care
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? o desprind\uc1 \u259 ? din istorioara poetului Sa'di:
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i taina acestei lumi ies la iveal\uc1 \u259 ?
doar prin dragostea, prin grija, prin interesul \uc1 \u351 ?i duio\uc1 \u351 ?ia
care i se arat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vre\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Raiul \uc1 \u238 ?n care vie\uc1 \u355
?uiesc fericite iepele \uc1 \u351 ?i arm\uc1 \u259 ?sarii, fi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu ochii
\uc1 \u238 ?n patru \uc1 \u351 ?i vede\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd aminte la culorile, la am\uc1 \u259 ?
nuntele \uc1 \u351 ?i la ironiile ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?celul muderris-ului de dou\uc1
\u259 ?zeci de aspri se distra, dar se \uc1 \u351 ?i speriase de mine. Ar fi vrut
s\uc1 \u259 ? azv\uc1 \u226 ?rle lingura \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fug\uc1
\u259 ?, dar nu l-am sl\uc1 \u259 ?bit:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
A\uc1 \u351 ?a i-a pictat Behzad, maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?ntre mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri,
\uc1 \u238 ?n acea miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? pe rege, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nda\uc1 \u351 ?ul
lui, a\uc1 \u351 ?a a pictat \uc1 \u351 ?i caii, am zis. Sunt o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de
ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i tot imit\uc1 \u259 ? caii pe care i-a
f\uc1 \u259 ?urit el \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? n-au izbutit s\uc1
\u259 ?-i dovedeasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Fiecare dintre caii pe care i-a desenat el din
\uc1 \u238 ?nchipuire \uc1 \u351 ?i din propria inim\uc1 \u259 ? a ajuns, de-acum,
un model. Sute de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre care m\uc1 \u259 ?
num\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ? caii aceia din amintire.
Dumneata ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? care s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze un cal?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o carte \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare, pe care un mare hoge, \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?ntre \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
a\uc1 \u355 ?i, i-a dat-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului meu hoge
imaginea unui cal \uc1 \u238 ?naripat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Oare s\uc1 \u259 ?-l bag cu capul \uc1 \u238 ?n strachina cu ciorb\uc1 \u259 ? pe
neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vitul \uc1 \u259 ?sta care, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu hogele lui cu
tot, ia \uc1 \u238 ?n serios F\uc1 \u259 ?pturi ciudate, sau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l las
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se cu
laudele, despre singura imagine a unui cal pe care a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o la
via\uc1 \u355 ?a lui cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u226 ?t de proast\uc1 \u259 ? mai
era \uc1 \u351 ?i aia?! Am aflat o a treia cale \uc1 \u351 ?i, l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u226 ?nd lingura jos, m-am n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit afar\uc1 \u259 ? din c\uc1
\u226 ?rcium\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul de
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce mersesem pe
jos \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul meu s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut un soi
de tihn\uc1 \u259 ?. Am \uc1 \u351 ?ters praful, am m\uc1 \u259 ?turat \uc1 \u238 ?
mprejur \uc1 \u351 ?i am ascultat t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea, nemi\uc1 \u351 ?cat. Apoi am
scos oglinda din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care o pitisem, am sprijinit-o de suportul de
carte, am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n poal\uc1 \u259 ? pictura care se desf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ura pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?blia de
lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi desenez \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ?rbune propriul chip, privindu-1 \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, din
locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?team. Am lucrat cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare,
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelung. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme, c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea de pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie tot nu sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu
chipul meu din oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, inima mi-a fost cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de o
asemenea triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t mi s-au umezit ochii. Cum
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuiau oare acest lucru pictorii vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni,
despre care \uc1 \u238 ?mi povestea mereu Unchiul, nemaicontenind cu laudele? M-am
pus, pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul unuia dintre ei
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi picta
sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind acest lucru, voi reu\uc1 \u351 ?i poate s\uc1 \u259 ? fac
\uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t imaginea s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi semene. Mai apoi, i-am potopit cu blesteme \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mae\uc1
\u351 ?trii fr\uc1
\u226 ?nci, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Unchiul \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u351 ?terg\uc1 \u226 ?nd
ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci, am re\uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez, privindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La mult timp dup\uc1 \u259 ?
aceea m-am pomenit, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i colind\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe str\uc1
\u259 ?zi, apoi z\uc1 \u259 ?bovind \uc1 \u238 ?n cafeneaua asta vrednic\uc1
\u259 ? de dispre\uc1 \u355 ?. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-mi aminteam cum ajunsesem
aici. In vreme ce intram, am fost cuprins de o asemenea ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? amestecam cu miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
caligrafii ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia de dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?
t fruntea mi-a fost n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de sudoare.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam seama bine, iat\uc1
\u259 ?, vedeam! C\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau din priviri, c\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau coate, c\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau spre
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?deau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei. M-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat,
desigur, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher, cu gesturi care \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau s\uc1 \u259
? par\uc1 \u259 ? fire\uc1 \u351 ?ti. \uc1 \u206 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?utam, pe de
alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, din ochi pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, pe iubi\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei fra\uc1 \u355 ?i cei al\uc1
\u259 ?turi de care ucenicisem c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva la Maestrul Osman. Sunt \uc1 \u238
?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ei au fost pu\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? deseneze, \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea aceasta, c\uc1 \u226 ?te un cal \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? neghiobii au luat \uc1 \u238 ?ntrecerea \uc1 \u238 ?n serios
\uc1 \u351 ?i s-au zbuciumat peste poate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Domnul meddah nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
povestea. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car pictura nu fusese at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
perete. Iar lucrul acesta m-a silit s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? apropii bini\uc1
\u351 ?or de mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea din cafenea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Bine, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul: glumeam la fel ca
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, spuneam istorii f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? perdea, m\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rutam cu cei apropia\uc1 \u355 ?i, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd gesturi necuvenite, aruncam vorbe cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
elesuri, r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?cioase, imprecise, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam ce mai
fac tinerele calfe, \uc1 \u238 ?i ironizam nemilos pe du\uc1 \u351 ?manii no\uc1
\u351 ?tri comuni la fel ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?
nfierb\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? bine, ajungeam p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nghionteli prietene\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i la s\uc1
\u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u350 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?eam toate aceste lucruri, o latur\uc1 \u259 ? a sufletului meu
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea neiert\uc1 \u259 ?tor de t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1
\u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca o suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? greu de
\uc1 \u238 ?ndurat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu toate acestea,
\uc1 \u238 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi asemuiesc, prin
jocuri de cuvinte, propriul m\uc1 \u259 ?dular cu al celor pe seama c\uc1 \u259 ?
rora b\uc1 \u226 ?rfisem mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte, cu condeiul, cu trestia, cu
coloanele din cafenea, cu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiu eu ce cu st\uc1 \u226 ?lpul de care
se leag\uc1 \u259 ? par\uc1 \u226 ?mele, cu pis\uc1 \u259 ?logul de la piuli\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu prazul, cu minaretul, cu fursecurile \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1
\u259 ? de deget pudrate cu zah\uc1 \u259 ?r din bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug, cu bradul
\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, chiar cu \uc1
\u238 ?ntreaga lume \uc1 \u8211 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?
compar \uc1 \u351 ?i dosurile frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ilor copilandri despre care vorbisem
mai devreme cu portocalele, cu smochinele, cu cataiful, cu perna \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
un mu\uc1 \u351 ?uroi mititel de furnici. Or, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
de-o seam\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine nu izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i asemuiasc\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu catargul de la corabie \uc1
\u351 ?i cu pr\uc1 \u259 ?jina hamalului, fiind, pe deasupra, foarte st\uc1 \u226 ?
ngaci \uc1 \u351 ?i lipsit de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n sine. M-am referit
plin de sub\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ?, am
rostit vorbe \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luite cu privire la \uc1 \u8222 ?
trestiile\uc1 \u8221 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, care nu
se mai sculau de-acum, la buzele vi\uc1 \u351 ?inii ale proaspe\uc1 \u355 ?ilor
ucenici, la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care (la fel ca mine)
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i doseau banii \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc anume (\uc1 \u8222 ?
cel mai neru\uc1 \u351 ?inat loc\uc1 \u8221 ?, am zis), la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n vinul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l sorbeam nu fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? puse
petale de trandafir, ci opiu, la ultimii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Tabriz \uc1 \u351 ?
i din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? 'a Alep cafeaua era
confundat\uc1 \u259 ? cu vinul, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i la caligrafii \uc1 \u351 ?i la
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?i de pe acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Erau \uc1 \u351 ?i clipe \uc1 \u238 ?n care credeam c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, unul dintre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? suflete
care s\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luiau \uc1 \u238 ?n mine \uc1 \u238 ?l
zdrobise \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ? pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt, c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259
?, aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? pot uita de latura aceea t\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de dragoste ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
str\uc1 \u259 ?fundul meu. \uc1 \u206 ?mi aminteam atunci de ceremoniile din zilele
de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare ale copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei, pe care le \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eam cu ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nd eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi. \uc1
\u206 ?n ciuda tuturor glumelor, a s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?rilor \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rilor, \uc1 \u238
?n mine continua s\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? o
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere care-mi provoca suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? simt cu des\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul mul\uc1 \u355 ?imii.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine pusese \uc1 \u238 ?n mine
acel suflet era un ginn, nu un suflet! T\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i neiert\uc1
\u259 ?tor, care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea
ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat, care m\uc1 \u259 ? rupea de lume? Diavolul? Dar t\uc1 \u259 ?
cerea din mine nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i afla tihna \uc1 \u238 ?n necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?ele
dorite de Diavol, ci dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile cele
mai simple, care vorbesc sufletului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sub
efectul vinului, am dep\uc1 \u259 ?nat dou\uc1 \u259 ? pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1
\u238 ?n speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi vor aduce pacea r\uc1 \u226 ?vnit\uc1
\u259 ?. Ucenicul unui caligraf \uc1 \u238 ?nalt, cu chipul palid, dar
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? trandafiriu m\uc1 \u259 ? asculta cu mare luare-aminte, cu
ochii verzi a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ai mei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dou\uc1 \u259 ? pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti despre orbire \uc1
\u351 ?i stil dep\uc1 \u259 ?nate de miniaturist spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i am\uc1
\u259 ?gi singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Elif.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pictarea imaginilor cu cai \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor t\uc1 \u259 ?i se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? chiar acei cai a fost, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i, ideea
marelui maestru Cemalettin din Kazvin, iar nu g\uc1 \u259 ?selni\uc1 \u355 ?a
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-ar putea crede.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Hasan cel Lung, c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul Celor-cu-Oile-Albe, a
cucerit Kazvinul, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru Cemalettin nu s-a m\uc1
\u259 ?rginit doar s\uc1 \u259 ? se al\uc1 \u259 ?ture, cu av\uc1 \u226 ?nt,
atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al suveranului \uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?tor,
ci i-a spus \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? plece cu el \uc1
\u238 ?n campanie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ilustreze Istoria cu scenele de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pe care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? le vad\uc1 \u259 ? cu propriii s\uc1
\u259 ?i ochi. A\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat c\uc1 \u259 ?
acest mare maestru, care vreme de \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i doi de ani
desenase imagini cu cai, c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
scene de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, a plecat
pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi. Mai mult, atins de o salv\uc1
\u259 ? de tun tras\uc1 \u259 ? din r\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1
\u351 ?ilor, a orbit \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pierdut ambele m\uc1 \u226 ?ini
de la \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietur\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai apuca
s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? cum se \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?tau, nest\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i zgomoto\uc1 \u351 ?i, caii
asuda\uc1 \u355 ?i. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru care, asemeni tuturor
marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta de
fapt orbirea ca pe o binefacere de la Dumnezeu, nu s-a socotit schilod pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ini,
ci a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? memoria miniaturistului nu adast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sus\uc1 \u355 ?ineau st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor
unii, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n inima lui, \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? abia acum, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce orbise, vedea pictura \uc1 \u351 ?i
peisajele de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputuri, caii dint\uc1 \u226 ?i, adev\uc1 \u259 ?
ra\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de cusur pe care \uc1
\u238 ?i ceruse Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vad\uc1 \u259 ?. Spre a le putea \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aceste miracole tuturor celor \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?timi\uc1 \u355 ?i de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit un ucenic caligraf \uc1 \u238 ?nalt, cu chipul palid, dar
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? trandafiriu, cu ochii verzi, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia-i istorisea \uc1
\u351 ?i pe care-l punea s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tearn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
scris felul cum ar fi desenat el acei cai miraculo\uc1 \u351 ?i ce-i r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?reau \uc1 \u238 ?naintea ochilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul
lui Dumnezeu. Istoria desen\uc1 \u259 ?rii acestor trei sute trei cai care purcedea
\uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna de la piciorul st\uc1 \u226 ?ng din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? al calului \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care frumosul caligraf a cuprins-o, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
moartea maestrului, \uc1 \u238 ?n trei volume intitulate Pictarea cailor, Curgerea
cailor \uc1 \u351 ?i Dragostea cailor \uc1 \u8211 ? a fost foarte \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?git\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte c\uc1 \u259 ?utat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o vreme prin \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nite de Cei-cu-Oile-Albe; s-au ivit mai multe manuscrise noi \uc1 \u351 ?i
imita\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? pe
dinafar\uc1 \u259 ? de feluri\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de ucenicii
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ceii lor, a fost
folosit\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptar, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce statul Celor-
cu-Oile-Albe al lui Hasan cel Lung a fost spulberat \uc1 \u351 ?i miniatura din
Herat a biruit asupra \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii \uc1 \u354 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri Persane, a
fost uitat\uc1 \u259 ?. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
evolu\uc1 \u355 ?ie a at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat greu \uc1 \u351 ?i judecata \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o formulase Kemalettin Riza
din Herat \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea sa numit\uc1 \u259 ? Caii orbului, \uc1 \u238 ?n
care \uc1 \u238 ?nfiera aspru cele trei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pomenite
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i afirma c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie arse: niciunul dintre
caii despre care istorise\uc1 \u351 ?te Cemalettin din Kazvin \uc1 \u238 ?n cele
trei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i ale sale, spune el, nu poate fi calul lui
Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti cai nu sunt puri, de vreme ce b\uc1
\u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru i-a descris dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a fost martor la o
scen\uc1 \u259 ? de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? acest lucru s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat o singur\uc1 \u259 ?
dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. Deoarece vistieria
lui Hasan cel Lung, c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul Celor-cu-Oile-Albe, a fost pr\uc1
\u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i adus\uc1 \u259 ? la Istanbul de c\uc1 \u259 ?
tre Sultanul Mehmed Cuceritorul, nu e de mirare c\uc1 \u259 ? unele din aceste trei
sute trei pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti au ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut uneori prin alte c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i, la
Istanbul, ba chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? unii cai au fost picta\uc1 \u355 ?i de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi ilustrat pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile dep\uc1 \u259 ?nate de ele.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 La Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
maestrul miniaturist orbea \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima parte a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii din
pricina muncii nem\uc1 \u259 ?surate nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? era v\uc1 \u259 ?zut ca
un semn al m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?iei maestrului, ci ridicat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n sl\uc1 \u259 ?vi, ca o dovad\uc1 \u259 ? a faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu
\uc1 \u238 ?l r\uc1 \u259 ?spl\uc1 \u259 ?tea pe miniaturist pentru str\uc1 \u259 ?
dania \uc1 \u351 ?i harul pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?dea. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ndoiala cu care erau privi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o vreme la Herat marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri care, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda
v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei \uc1 \u238 ?naintate, nu orbiser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpingea pe foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre
ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia s\uc1 \u259 ? caute orbirea la vremea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?ii. \uc1 \u206 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul unei lungi perioade
\uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a vorbit mereu cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie despre unii dintre ei,
despre felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pricinuiser\uc1 \u259 ?
singuri orbirea, despre cum o apucaser\uc1 \u259 ? pe calea legendarilor mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri care aleseser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i vat\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? vederea spre a nu fi sili\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze pentru
al\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ahi ori s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i schimbe stilul, un
singur miniaturist a deschis o nou\uc1 \u259 ? lume \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cucerirea Ta\uc1 \u351 ?
kentului \uc1 \u351 ?i a Samarkandului, de Ebu-Said, unul dintre nepo\uc1 \u355 ?ii
lui Timur, din spi\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Miran \uc1 \u350 ?ah prin pre\uc1 \u355 ?uirea
sporit\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
orbire, iar nu prin imitarea acesteia. B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul maestru Veli
cel Negru, care l-a inspirat pe Ebu-Said, a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul orb va
vedea, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric caii lui Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u259 ?
adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul har \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? ca miniaturistul care vede
s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? privi lumea ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi orb, \uc1
\u351 ?i a dovedit acest lucru, la \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?
apte de ani, desen\uc1 \u226 ?nd la repezeal\uc1 \u259 ? calul care i-a venit
\uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?rful condeiului, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a privi
deloc h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ochii p\uc1 \u259 ?
reau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fi r\uc1 \u259 ?mas a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u226
?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it asupra ei, \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a sta pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri. La cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul acestei
\uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?e de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul c\uc1
\u259 ?reia chiar Miran \uc1 \u350 ?ah le ceruse unor muzicieni surzi s\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?nte la l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i unor meddah-i
mu\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? depene pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, din dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de
a-l ajuta pe legendarul maestru, miraculosul cal desenat de Veli vel Negru a fost
comparat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i cai \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a b\uc1
\u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei nu era nici o
deosebire. In aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare, care-i strica tihna lui
Miran \uc1 \u350 ?ah, legendarul maestru a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? pictorul \uc1 \u238 ?
nzestrat va vedea \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna caii a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?i vede
Dumnezeu, indiferent dac\uc1 \u259 ? va sta cu ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i sau
\uc1 \u238 ?nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i. Potrivit lui, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre nev\uc1 \u259 ?
z\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?tor nu exista nici o
diferen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a rangului de mare
maestru miniaturist: m\uc1 \u226 ?na desena mereu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i cal, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? pe vremea aceea nu se pomenise de inven\uc1 \u355 ?ia franc\uc1 \u259
? numit\uc1 \u259 ? stil. Caii marelui maestru Veli cel Negru au fost imita\uc1
\u355 ?i de to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii musulmani vreme de o
sut\uc1 \u259 ? zece ani, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce-l prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe
acesta, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Ebu-Said a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351
?i atelierul s\uc1 \u259 ?u de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? s-a destr\uc1 \u259 ?mat, a
plecat de la Samarkand la Kazvin, iar la doi ani dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i a orbit, iar mai apoi a fost ucis de osta\uc1 \u351 ?ii
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rului Nizam \uc1 \u350 ?ah, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? voia
s\uc1 \u259 ? def\uc1 \u259 ?imeze, cu rea inten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, versetul din
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran potrivit c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u8222 ?orbul \uc1
\u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?torul nu sunt deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?,
spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i o a treia poveste, i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi istorisit
acelui ucenic caligraf cu ochi frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i despre felul cum se orbise singur
marele maestru Behzad \uc1 \u351 ?i despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voise s\uc1
\u259 ? plece niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? din Herat, i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi istorisit de ce nu
mai pictase deloc atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd fusese adus cu sila la Tabriz, ca \uc1
\u351 ?i despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? stilul miniaturistului este chiar stilul
atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din care face el parte, despre celelalte legende
pe care le auzisem de la Maestrul Osman, dar mintea mi se concentrase acum asupra
meddah-ului. De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n seara asta urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? povestea Diavolului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cel care spune \uc1 \u8222 ?eu\uc1 \u8221 ? este primul Diavol, mi-a
venit s\uc1 \u259 ? zic. Diavol este \uc1 \u351 ?i cel care are un stil, Diavol
este \uc1 \u351 ?i cel care desparte R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ritul de
Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u238 ?nchis ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am desenat pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia
grosolan\uc1 \u259 ? a meddah-ului pe Diavol, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?l
sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam eu. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce desenam, meddah-ul \uc1 \u351 ?i
ucenicul lui, ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i pictori, curio\uc1 \u351 ?ii aduna\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul nostru r\uc1 \u226 ?deau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? tot a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?au.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, am oare un stil, sau doar
de la vin mi se trage?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 47. Eu, Diavolul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?mi plac mirosul de ardei ro\uc1 \u351 ?u c\uc1 \u259 ?lit \uc1 \u238 ?n
ulei de m\uc1 \u259 ?sline, ploile care cad pe marea neclintit\uc1 \u259 ? la
vremea zorilor, apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia fugar\uc1 \u259 ? a vreunei femei \uc1 \u238 ?n
cadrul unei ferestre deschise, t\uc1 \u259 ?cerile, puterea de a g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndi \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea. Am \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n
mine \uc1 \u351 ?i, de cele mai multe ori, nu iau \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?
ceea ce se spune pe socoteala mea. Am venit \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n seara aceasta la cafenea pentru a-i preveni pe fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafi cu privire la unele b\uc1 \u226 ?
rfe, minciuni \uc1 \u351 ?i vorbe de clac\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Da, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i gata s\uc1 \u259
? crede\uc1 \u355 ?i tocmai pe dos, doar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am spus asta. Dar
sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, destul de iste\uc1 \u355 ?i ca s\uc1 \u259
? pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna contrariul a ceea ce
spun eu este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u351 ?i, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
crede\uc1 \u355 ?i asta, sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de b\uc1 \u259 ?
nuitori ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fi\uc1 \u355 ?i interesa\uc1 \u355 ?i de ceea ce spun;
\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? numele meu, care apare \uc1 \u238 ?n
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran de cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? de ori,
este unul dintre numele cel mai des pomenite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Bine, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem de la Cartea Domnului, de la Preasf\uc1
\u226 ?ntul Coran. Tot ceea ce se spune acolo despre mine este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.
Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisind acest
lucru, am s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it un act de modestie. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? mai exist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i problema stilului. Def\uc1
\u259 ?imarea mea \uc1 \u238 ?n Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran mi-a pricinuit \uc1
\u238 ?ntotdeauna suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? este \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i felul meu de a
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ui. Nu st\uc1 \u259 ?rui asupra acestui lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Da, Dumnezeu l-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit pe om \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a \uc1 \u238 ?ngerilor. Apoi, ne-a cerut
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne plec\uc1 \u259 ?m la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. Da, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum st\uc1 \u259 ? scris \uc1 \u238 ?n sura
\uc1 \u8222 ?Al-'Araf', \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii
se plecau la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, eu m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivit acestei
porunci. Am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? Adam a fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
dit din lut, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce eu am fost z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit din foc, despre
care \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ? se afl\uc1 \u259
? cu mult deasupra lutului. Nu m-am plecat omului. Iar Dumnezeu a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit
c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt \uc1 \u8222 ?trufa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Coboar\uc1 \u259 ? din Rai! A zis El. Nu ai c\uc1 \u259 ?
derea de a pretinde c\uc1 \u259 ? te afli deasupra celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi voie s\uc1 \u259 ? vie\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul Lumii, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nvierea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mi-a dat. Iar eu am spus c\uc1 \u259 ?-i voi r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259
?ci pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei din neamul lui Adam cel care era pricina pedepsei mele,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci nu m\uc1 \u259 ? plecasem lui la vremea cuvenit\uc1 \u259 ?. El a
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? pe cei pe care-i voi r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ci eu \uc1
\u238 ?i va trimite El \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad. St\uc1 \u259 ?ruim, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
cum \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea acestor lucruri. Nu mai am foarte multe de ad\uc1
\u259 ?ugat \uc1 \u238 ?n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Unii sus\uc1 \u355 ?in c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mine
am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut atunci un t\uc1 \u226 ?rg. Potrivit acestui fel de a judeca, eu
L-a\uc1 \u351 ? ajuta pe Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i pun\uc1 \u259 ? robii
la \uc1 \u238 ?ncercare \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a\uc1 \u351 ? potrivi s\uc1 \u259 ? le iau
min\uc1 \u355 ?ile; cei buni sunt hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i nu r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cesc calea, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cei r\uc1
\u259 ?i cad prad\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?rnii, p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
tuiesc \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, se pr\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?lesc \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad. Ceea ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut eu este foarte
\uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea
s-ar duce \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, nimeni n-ar mai putea fi b\uc1 \u259 ?gat \uc1 \u238 ?
n sperie\uc1 \u355 ?i, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? treburile lumii \uc1 \u351 ?i ale
statului nu pot fi \uc1 \u238 ?mplinite doar cu binele, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?ul este la fel de trebuincios ca binele, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?catul este la fel de necesar ca pio\uc1 \u351 ?enia. Suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a
mea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? este c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?nduiala lui
Dumnezeu a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit\uc1 \u259 ? datorit\uc1 \u259 ?
mie \uc1 \u351 ?i cu voia lui Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul (de ce mi-a dat oare
r\uc1 \u259 ?gazul de a tr\uc1 \u259 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul Lumii?), eu sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna \uc1 \u8222 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?u\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mi se recunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? ceea ce mi se cuvine. Cei ca misticul Hallaci Mansur sau ca Ahmed Gazali
fratele vestitului Imam Gazali \uc1 \u8211 ? care au mers p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ? judecat\uc1 \u259 ? pe socoteala
mea, au \uc1 \u238 ?mpins lucrurile at\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t au scris \uc1 \u351 ?i au spus c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, p\uc1
\u259 ?catele pe care le-am s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it eu sunt
dorite de Dumnezeu, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum totul se petrece cu \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea
\uc1 \u351 ?i la dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu exist\uc1
\u259 ? bine \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?u pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? totul i se
datoreaz\uc1 \u259 ? Lui, ba chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu sunt parte din
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unii dintre
nebunii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia au fost, pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate, ar\uc1
\u351 ?i odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile lor \uc1 \u351 ?i
uci\uc1 \u351 ?i. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? binele \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?ul
exist\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? avem, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, datoria de a trage o
linie desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?itoare \uc1 \u238 ?ntre acestea dou\uc1 \u259 ?!
Eu Domnul s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n paz\uc1
\u259 ?! Nu sunt Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu le-am v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t
sminti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u259 ?stora \uc1 \u238 ?n cap asemenea n\uc1 \u259 ?
zb\uc1 \u226 ?tii; ei singuri se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc la ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Iar aceasta m\uc1 \u259 ? conduce la cea de-a doua nemul\uc1 \u355 ?
umire a mea: nu eu sunt izvorul tuturor relelor \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?catelor
din lume! Foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tuiesc din
pricina propriei ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a poftelor, a lipsei de voin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, a tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i, majoritatea,
din pricina propriei prostii, iar nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i a\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ? eu, \uc1 \u238 ?i ispitesc sau le provoc temeri. Oric\uc1
\u226 ?t de nechibzuite sunt str\uc1 \u259 ?daniile unor mistici \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i de a m\uc1 \u259 ? absolvi de toate relele, la
fel de potrivnic\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Coran este \uc1 \u351 ?i
credin\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? orice r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
are ob\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n mine. Nu eu sunt cel care \uc1
\u238 ?i ademenesc pe v\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?torii de legume \uc1 \u351 ?i
fructe ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?lesc mu\uc1 \u351 ?
teriii \uc1 \u351 ?i le v\uc1 \u226 ?nd mere putrede, pe copiii care mint, pe
lingu\uc1 \u351 ?itori, pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuie tot felul de lucruri neru\uc1 \u351 ?inate, pe fl\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ii care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ? de zor m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul. Ba chiar pot spune c\uc1 \u259 ?
Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul nu m\uc1 \u259 ? poate \uc1 \u238 ?nvinui de nici o
m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?vie care s\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? la
pomenirea numelui meu pentru cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? fapte din urm\uc1 \u259 ?.
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? trudesc din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndemn la s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea unor p\uc1
\u259 ?cate grave, dar unii hogi ajung s\uc1 \u259 ? scrie chiar c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i ademenesc pe cei ce casc\uc1 \u259 ? cu gura deschis\uc1 \u259 ?, pe cei
ce str\uc1 \u259 ?nut\uc1 \u259 ?, ba chiar pe cei care trag v\uc1 \u226 ?nturi.
Toate astea \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu sunt defel \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu te \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? cineva, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pute\uc1
\u355 ?i spune, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u259 ?sta \uc1 \u351 ?i
tu \uc1 \u238 ?i vei putea ispiti mai u\uc1 \u351 ?or! Asta e drept. Dar trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? amintesc c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u351 ?i eu m\uc1
\u226 ?ndria mea de fapt, tocmai ea e pricina g\uc1 \u226 ?lcevii mele cu Dumnezeu.
Oare de ce st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti aici de
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze cu chipul acoperit
de negi, pocit, cu coarne \uc1 \u351 ?i cu coad\uc1 \u259 ?, ca pe o f\uc1 \u259 ?
ptur\uc1 \u259 ? menit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? trezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? spaim\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ei \uc1 \u351 ?tiu foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ? pot lua cu
u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate forme, c\uc1
\u259 ?ci s-a scris de multe ori despre asta, \uc1 \u238 ?n zeci de mii de c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care le tai calea tuturor drept-
credincio\uc1 \u351 ?ilor, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?area unei femei frumoase, care-\uc1 \u355 ?i
st\uc1 \u226 ?rne\uc1 \u351 ?te sim\uc1 \u355 ?urile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a am ajuns \uc1 \u351 ?i la adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul nostru
subiect: pictura. 0 gloat\uc1 \u259 ? care umplea str\uc1 \u259 ?zile
Istanbulului \uc1 \u351 ?i care era a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1
\u259 ? de un predicator al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui nume n-am s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pomenesc
aici, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ? sup\uc1 \u259 ?r, spunea c\uc1 \u259 ?
rostirea chem\uc1 \u259 ?rii la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune prin intonarea unei
melodii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrunirea credincio\uc1 \u351 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1
\u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?uri de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i, sl\uc1 \u259 ?virea numelui lui
Dumnezeu de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre oameni str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i, extazul dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1
\u238 ?n sunetul instrumentelor muzicale \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?utul cafelei ar
fi \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntului lui Dumnezeu. Am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ?
unii dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii afla\uc1 \u355 ?i printre noi, speria\uc1
\u355 ?i de acest predicator \uc1 \u351 ?i de norodul care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1
\u355 ?ea, ar fi cugetat c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura dup\uc1 \u259 ? metodele folosite de
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci mi s-ar datora tot mie. Vreme de sute de ani
s-a clevetit pe seama mea. Niciuna dintre cleveteli n-a fost \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe de adev\uc1 \u259 ?r!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputuri.
Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea uit\uc1 \u259 ? de ele, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? eu a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?mpins-o pe Eva s\uc1 \u259 ?
mu\uc1 \u351 ?te din fructul oprit. Nu, \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul nu prive\uc1 \u351 ?te
nici faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu m-a socotit trufa\uc1 \u351 ?. La \uc1 \u238 ?
nceputul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii pove\uc1
\u351 ?ti se afl\uc1 \u259 ? clipa c\uc1 \u226 ?nd El ni l-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat mie
\uc1 \u351 ?i celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri pe om \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-a
cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? ne plec\uc1 \u259 ?m dinaintea lui, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri i s-au \uc1 \u238 ?
nchinat, eu, \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it de o hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re
foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiat\uc1 \u259 ?, NU M-AM PLECAT \uc1 \u206 ?N FA\uc1
\u354 ?A OMULUI!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Din punctul vostru
de vedere, este oare nimerit s\uc1 \u259 ? spui:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
PLEAC\uc1 \u258 ?-TE \uc1 \u206 ?N FA\uc1 \u354 ?A OMULUI!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Care a fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit din lut o materie de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? parale dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce eu am fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit
din foc? Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i, fra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, bizuindu-v\uc1 \u259 ? pe cugetul
vostru! Bine, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, v\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? nimic nu va r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne aici, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi,
c\uc1 \u259 ? El va auzi totul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, v\uc1 \u259 ? va cere socoteal\uc1 \u259 ?; a\uc1 \u351 ?adar,
v\uc1 \u259 ? teme\uc1 \u355 ?i. Nu \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb atunci de ce v-a dat El
cuget; spun c\uc1 \u259 ? ave\uc1 \u355 ?i dreptate s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?
teme\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i uit de \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea mea, precum \uc1 \u351
?i de am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul cu focul \uc1 \u351 ?i cu lutul. Dar r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ne un lucru pe care nu-l voi uita niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
de care, da, \uc1 \u238 ?mi voi aminti mereu cu trufie:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 EU NU M-AM PLECAT \uc1 \u206 ?N FA\uc1 \u354 ?A OMULUI!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai asta fac acum. Nu se mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc doar s\uc1 \u259 ?
picteze \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?eze culoarea ochilor, alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea pielii, arcuirea
neasemuit\uc1 \u259 ? a buzelor domnilor, popilor, negustorilor boga\uc1 \u355 ?i,
ba chiar a femeilor merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la umbra
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? dintre s\uc1 \u226 ?nii acestora \uc1 \u8211 ? cutele
de pe frunte, inelele de pe degete, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i dezgust\uc1 \u259 ?
toarele fire de p\uc1 \u259 ?r care li se i\uc1 \u355 ?esc din urechi, s\uc1
\u259 ? picteze \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?eze a\uc1 \u351 ?adar totul a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum este, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i
mai \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? exact \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul
picturilor lor, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? omul ar fi o f\uc1 \u259 ?ptur\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?reia s\uc1 \u259 ? i te pleci, ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?
nd aceste picturi pe perete, ca pe ni\uc1 \u351 ?te idoli la care ar trebui
s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?nchini. Oare omul este o f\uc1 \u259 ?ptur\uc1 \u259 ?
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu umbra sa? Oare pict\uc1
\u226 ?nd casele de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar mic\uc1 \u351 ?
ora treptat, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum le vede, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351
?el\uc1 \u259 ?tor, ochiul omului, nu se cheam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n buricul lumii este a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat omul, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu Dumnezeu? Lucrurile
astea le \uc1 \u351 ?tie cel mai bine Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul, care este
atotputernic. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai cred c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles ce nes\uc1 \u259 ?buin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? este
s\uc1 \u259 ? afirmi c\uc1 \u259 ? eu le-am dat ideea acestor picturi eu, care n-am
consim\uc1 \u355 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? plec \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
omului, care am \uc1 \u238 ?ndurat nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?,
care am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t astfel \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui Dumnezeu, eu, care am
\uc1 \u238 ?ndurat at\uc1 \u226 ?tea vorbe de ocar\uc1 \u259 ?! Mai chibzuit
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t asta pare p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? din pricina mea obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiesc copiii s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i fr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nte m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul, c\uc1 \u259 ? eu sunt
cel care \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndeamn\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? trag\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?nturi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum scriu unii
molia50 \uc1 \u351 ?i cum zic unii predicatori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? mai spun un ultim lucru pe
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? tem\uc1 \u259 ?; cuvintele mele nu-i privesc \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? pe oameni, care sunt mereu \uc1 \u238 ?ntina\uc1 \u355 ?i din
pricina ambi\uc1 \u355 ?iilor de pream\uc1 \u259 ?rire, a poftelor trupe\uc1
\u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i a l\uc1 \u259 ?comiei de bani, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i a
patimilor lor nes\uc1 \u259 ?buite! Doar Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul m\uc1
\u259 ? poate \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege, cu mintea Lui f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? de fruntarii: nu i-ai \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at Tu oare
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie trufa\uc1 \u351 ?i, pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i pe \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri
s\uc1 \u259 ? li se plece? Acum fac \uc1 \u351 ?i singuri ceea ce au \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de la \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii T\uc1 \u259 ?i: se \uc1 \u238
?nchin\uc1 \u259 ? unul la altul \uc1 \u351 ?i se a\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe
ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n miezul lumii. To\uc1 \u355
?i, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cei mai credincio\uc1 \u351 ?i dintre
robii T\uc1 \u259 ?i, doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? fie picta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
stilul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci. Ca urmare a acestei \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri de sine, to\uc1 \u355 ?i Te vor uita cur\uc1 \u226 ?
nd; \uc1 \u351 ?tiu asta a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tiu pe
mine \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi. Pe deasupra, vor arunca \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga vin\uc1 \u259 ?
a faptului de a Te fi uitat asupra mea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a\uc1 \u351 ? putea s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
sinchisesc de asemenea
lucruri, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-ar crede? Dovedindu-v\uc1 \u259 ?, desigur, c\uc1
\u259 ? sunt sute de ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd supravie\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc bine-
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda nemiloaselor puneri Ia zidul infamiei,
oc\uc1 \u259 ?ri, sudalme \uc1 \u351 ?i blesteme. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?
manii mei cei m\uc1 \u226 ?nio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i necump\uc1 \u259 ?
ni\uc1 \u355 ?i indiferent cine-ar fi ei \uc1 \u8211 ? care m\uc1 \u259 ? suduie
mereu, \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar aminti c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i Dumnezeu
a fost acela care mi-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea de a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ui p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la Sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul Lumii, ne-ar mai u\uc1 \u351 ?ura
lucrarea tuturor. Dar via\uc1 \u355 ?a cu care au fost ei d\uc1 \u259 ?rui\uc1
\u355 ?i de Dumnezeu abia dac\uc1 \u259 ? trece de \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci-\uc1 \u351 ?
aptezeci de ani. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? le spun eu \uc1
\u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?ncerca\uc1 \u355 ?i barem s\uc1 \u259 ? v-o prelungi\uc1
\u355 ?i, b\uc1 \u226 ?nd cafea\uc1 \u8221 ?, unii dintre ei nu vor mai bea cafea
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, zic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i: \uc1 \u8222 ?Aoleu, dac\uc1
\u259 ? spune Dracul asta, ia s\uc1 \u259 ? fac eu taman pe dos!\uc1 \u8221 ?, sau
se vor munci s\uc1 \u259 ? stea \uc1 \u238 ?n cap \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i toarne cafeaua \uc1 \u238 ?n fund.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu r\uc1 \u226 ?de\uc1 \u355 ?i! Nu miezul, ci forma g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndurilor este important\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu ceea ce picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturistul,
ci stilul lui! Dar nici aceste lucruri nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie deloc limpezi.
V-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi istorisit, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiere, o poveste de
dragoste, dar pare-se c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.
Maestrul meddah care m-a pus s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbesc \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
sear\uc1 \u259 ? a promis c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u226 ?ine, ci poim\uc1 \u226 ?ine
miercuri noaptea \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd va at\uc1 \u226 ?rna pe perete
imaginea unei femei, v\uc1 \u259 ? va dep\uc1 \u259 ?na el, cu vocea lui pl\uc1
\u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 L-am visat pe tata \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea ceva ce n-am izbutit
s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc; era \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am trezit. \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i Orhan
se str\uc1 \u226 ?nseser\uc1 \u259 ? tare \uc1 \u238 ?n mine, de-o parte \uc1 \u351
?i de alta, \uc1 \u351 ?i transpirasem din pricina c\uc1 \u259 ?ldurii trupurilor
lor. \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase m\uc1 \u226 ?na
pe p\uc1 \u226 ?ntecul meu. Orhan \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pusese capul transpirat
pe pieptul meu. Cu toate acestea, am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? ies din a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternut \uc1 \u351 ?i din camer\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-i trezesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am traversat
holul \uc1 \u351 ?i am deschis, \uc1 \u238 ?n lini\uc1 \u351 ?te, u\uc1 \u351 ?a
od\uc1 \u259 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla Negru. Nu l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la
lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicului pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226
?n\uc1 \u259 ?, dar i-am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul care z\uc1 \u259 ?
cea ca un trup f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nvelit \uc1 \u238 ?n giulgiu, \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul camerei \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecate \uc1 \u351 ?i reci. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? lumina sfe\uc1 \u351 ?
nicului nu putea ajunge cu nici un chip p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la el.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce mi-am apropiat mai
mult m\uc1 \u226 ?na de a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut, lumina portocalie a lum\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?rii a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe chipul ostenit, neb\uc1 \u259 ?rbierit
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe umerii goi ai lui Negru. M-am tras mai aproape. La fel ca Orhan,
dormea \uc1 \u238 ?ncovrigat ca un p\uc1 \u259 ?duche de lemn \uc1 \u351 ?i avea
\uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ? pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? o
expresie de fat\uc1 \u259 ? cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n somn.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Acesta e b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu\uc1
\u8221 ?, mi-am zis. Era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de str\uc1 \u259 ?in, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
sufletul mi-a fost cuprins de remu\uc1 \u351 ?care. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi avut \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? un hanger, l-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
ucis. Nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? doream \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r s\uc1
\u259 ? fac asta, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum facem cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u226 ?nd suntem copii, cum ar
fi fost dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o. Nu credeam nici
c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?ise ani de zile cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la mine, nici \uc1
\u238 ?n expresia de copil nevinovat de pe chipul lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 L-am trezit \uc1 \u238 ?mpung\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u238 ?n
um\uc1 \u259 ?r cu muchia piciorului gol. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, s-a
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? speriat chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? numai pentru
o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum doream eu dec\uc1 \u226 ?t fermecat \uc1
\u351 ?i cuprins de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie. I-am spus, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se de\uc1
\u351 ?tepta bine:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am visat pe tata.
Mi-a spus ceva peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor: tu l-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu eram oare \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost omor\uc1 \u226 ?t tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta \uc1 \u351 ?tiu \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, am zis. Dar tu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiai c\uc1 \u259 ? tata va fi singur acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam. Tu i-ai trimis pe copii cu Hayriye.
Mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiau Hayriye, poate \uc1 \u351 ?i Ester. Tu \uc1 \u351 ?tii mai
bine dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine cine altcineva \uc1 \u351 ?tia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 0 voce dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul meu d\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie parc\uc1 \u259 ? uneori de ce a luat-o totul pe o pant\uc1
\u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a de rea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spun\uc1 \u259 ? taina acestei
nefericiri. Ba chiar deschid gura, pentru ca vocea aceea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
aud\uc1 \u259 ?, dar, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n vis, din g\uc1 \u226 ?tlej nu-mi iese
nici un sunet. Nici tu nu mai e\uc1 \u351 ?ti acel Negru bun \uc1 \u351 ?i
neprih\uc1 \u259 ?nit pe care l-am cunoscut \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
t\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u351 ?i tu l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i izgonit pe acel Negru
neprih\uc1 \u259 ?nit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? te-
ai \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat cu mine ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te r\uc1 \u259 ?zbuni pe tata, te-ai
r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunat deja! Dar poate asta e \uc1 \u351 ?i pricina pentru care copiii
nu te iubesc deloc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiu, a
zis, dar f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de
culcare, tu erai jos, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am auzit zic\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ca s\uc1
\u259 ? aud eu: \uc1 \u8222 ?Negru, Negru, pup\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n fund!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ar fi
trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ba\uc1 \u355 ?i, am zis mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i,
dorind cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fi b\uc1 \u259 ?tut. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
ridici m\uc1 \u226 ?na asupra lor, te omor! I-am zis \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?-te aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternut, a zis el. 0 s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u226 ?r niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul t\uc1 \u259
?u. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, poate, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi am s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
torindu-ne. Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? nici cununia noastr\uc1 \u259 ? n-ar fi pe
potriva legii. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte de a adormi, azi-noapte, am auzit zgomotul pa\uc1
\u351 ?ilor lui Hasan. Nu uita c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am auzit ani de zile zgomotul pa\uc1
\u351 ?ilor, pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd locuiam cu r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu b\uc1
\u259 ?rbat. Copiii \uc1 \u238 ?l iubesc. Este \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nemilos.
Are o sabie ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, p\uc1 \u259 ?ze\uc1 \u351 ?te-te de ea!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ochii lui Negru am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o
expresie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ostenit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?i de aspr\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l puteam \uc1
\u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dintre noi doi, tu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai fericit, \uc1 \u351 ?i cel
mai trist, am zis. Eu m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nez s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fiu nefericit\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
ap\uc1 \u259 ?r copiii, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce tu te \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nezi s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?ezi pe tine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u350 ?i asta nu
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? iube\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048
Mi-a vorbit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung despre c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult m\uc1 \u259 ? iubea,
despre faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? se g\uc1 \u226 ?ndise mereu la mine, prin
caravanseraiuri pustii, prin mun\uc1 \u355 ?i gola\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n
nop\uc1 \u355 ?i potopite de ninsoare. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-ar fi dest\uc1 \u259 ?
inuit aceste lucruri, i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi trezit pe copii \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n casa fostului meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat. Am
spus deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?mi
venise:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uneori mi se pare c\uc1 \u259 ?
fostul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat se poate \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce \uc1 \u238 ?n orice
clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem s\uc1 \u259 ? stau cu tine \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i camer\uc1 \u259 ?, la miez de noapte, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu dea
copiii peste noi, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? tem c\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? ce ne vom \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a, o s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? el s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? la u\uc1
\u351 ?a aia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De afar\uc1 \u259 ?,
chiar din apropierea por\uc1 \u355 ?ii de la curte, s-au auzit miorl\uc1 \u259 ?
ielile pisicilor, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pe via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe moarte. A urmat apoi o lung\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Am
crezut o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncep s\uc1
\u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng \uc1 \u238 ?n hohote. Nu puteam nici s\uc1 \u259 ? pun
sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicul, pe care continuam s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?
n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a joas\uc1 \u259 ?,
nici s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? duc \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n camer\uc1
\u259 ?, la copii. Mi-am spus \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea c\uc1 \u259 ? n-aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? ies din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea aia p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? ce nu aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu pe deplin convins\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu era amestecat \uc1 \u238 ?n moartea tatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te
ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la noi de sus, i-am zis lui Negru. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce te-ai \uc1
\u238 ?nsurat cu mine, ai devenit trufa\uc1 \u351 ?. De fapt, \uc1 \u355 ?i-era
mil\uc1 \u259 ? de noi pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu nu s-a mai \uc1
\u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?, iar acum \uc1 \u355 ?i-e mil\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost ucis tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim, a zis el, prev\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1
\u351 ?i mi-a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse prin a
gr\uc1 \u259 ?i astfel. \uc1 \u350 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneata c\uc1 \u259 ? toate
astea nu sunt adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate. A\uc1 \u351 ? face orice pentru dumneata.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci scoal\uc1 \u259 ?-te din
a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tu
ca mine, \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ce am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?teptam ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu pot, a zis, ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat c\uc1
\u259 ?tre plapum\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1
\u351 ?a de noapte de pe el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Avea
dreptate. Dar, cu toate astea, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? asculta m-a
\uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nainte de uciderea tatei, veneai aici \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? peste
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de sp\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it. Acum \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1 \u259 ? nici tu nu crezi \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce spui \uc1
\u351 ?i dore\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca noi, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul nostru, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?tim c\uc1 \u259 ? nu crezi, chiar atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi spui
\uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re Hanim\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Tremuram, dar nu de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, ci din pricina frigului care
\uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luia picioarele, spatele \uc1 \u351 ?i
g\uc1 \u226 ?tul ca o mantie de ghea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Culc\uc1 \u259 ?-te cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i fii nevasta mea, a zis.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Cum or s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dibuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul
care l-a ucis pe tata? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? aflarea lui va dura
peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?, nu e drept s\uc1 \u259 ? locuiesc \uc1 \u238 ?n
casa asta, cu tine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Ester \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ie, Maestrul Osman \uc1
\u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat toat\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra cailor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman era du\uc1 \u351
?manul de moarte al tatei. Acum, bietul tata vede de acolo, de sus, c\uc1 \u259 ?
este nevoie tocmai de el pentru a-l afla pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui, \uc1 \u351 ?i
sufer\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A \uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nit pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate din a\uc1 \u351 ?
ternut \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit asupra mea. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu
m-am putut clinti din loc. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva a ceea ce credeam, a stins
lum\uc1 \u226 ?narea din sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicul pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a oprit. Un \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric dens a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luit totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u nu ne mai poate vedea acum, a zis
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?. Suntem singuri. Spune-mi, \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re: m-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? simt, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? ce m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors aici, dup\uc1 \u259 ? doisprezece ani, c\uc1
\u259 ? m-ai putea iubi, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sufletul t\uc1 \u259 ?u s-ar
putea g\uc1 \u259 ?si un loc \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru mine. Apoi ne-am c\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?torit. De c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-am c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torit
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, te fere\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
dezmierzi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat cu tine
de nevoie, am \uc1 \u351 ?optit. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric cum
vorbele mele se \uc1 \u238 ?nfigeau ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te piroane, cum zicea
Fuzuli, \uc1 \u238 ?n trupul lui, aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost
s\uc1 \u259 ? te iubesc, te-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi iubit \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?
rie, am \uc1 \u351 ?optit din nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spune-mi,
frumoasa mea din \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, a zis el. I-ai urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
aceia care se perindau prin casa voastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Care dintre ei este,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine, uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? putea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie bine dispus. Era, la urma urmei, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul meu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mi-e frig.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-mi
amintesc dac\uc1 \u259 ? am spus asta sau ba. Am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne s\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ?m. \uc1 \u206 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, totul era
foarte pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut: faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?am \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce nu conteneam s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355
?in sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? limba
catifelat\uc1 \u259 ?, lacrimile, p\uc1 \u259 ?rul, c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a
mea de noapte, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? tremuram, ba chiar trupul lui. Era la fel de
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi sprijin, \uc1 \u238 ?n aerul rece, nasul de
obrazul lui cald, dar \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re cea tem\uc1 \u259 ?toare
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? pe sine \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta cu Negru, nu izbutea s\uc1
\u259 ? uite de ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea \uc1 \u351 ?i la sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicul pe care-l \uc1 \u355 ?
inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, la tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei, care o
urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, la fostul ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, la copiii cufunda\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n somn, ghemui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?! Am urlat.}
\langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\langfenp1048 L-am \uc1 \u238 ?mpins c\uc1 \u226 ?t colo pe Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i am
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n hol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1
\u351 ?it neauzit din cas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul
dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
vad\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni, ca un oaspete vinovat, \uc1 \u351 ?i am umblat vreme
\uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ? pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
dite de noroi. Ajuns la Beyazit, mi-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ablu\uc1 \u355 ?iunea
\uc1 \u238 ?n curte, am intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n moschee \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am \uc1 \u238
?mplinit rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru nu erau dec\uc1
\u226 ?t un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n care izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
continue somnul \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea rug\uc1 \u259
?ciunea, cu o iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ? de-a
lungul a patruzeci de ani, \uc1 \u351 ?i Imam Efendi. Printre visele noastre
\uc1 \u238 ?mpresurate de somn \uc1 \u351 ?i amintirile nefericite, sim\uc1 \u355 ?
im uneori cum Dumnezeu \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndreapt\uc1 \u259 ? o
clip\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i asupra noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, motiv
pentru care \uc1 \u238 ?i cerem ceva, \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i
de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, asemenea celui care izbute\uc1 \u351 ?te
s\uc1 \u259 ? strecoare, plin de n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde, o jalb\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului: l-am implorat pe Dumnezeu s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi dea o familie fericit\uc1 \u259 ?, iubitoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ajuns acas\uc1 \u259 ?, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp de o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u238 ?i luase treptat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
mintea mea, locul r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Unchi. Era mai altfel, mai distant
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine, dar credin\uc1 \u355 ?a sa \uc1 \u238 ?n
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? era mai profund\uc1 \u259 ?. Marele Maestru aducea mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu un dervi\uc1 \u351 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n \uc1
\u351 ?i pa\uc1 \u351 ?nic dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu o persoan\uc1 \u259 ? care st\uc1
\u226 ?rnise, ani de-a r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul, team\uc1 \u259 ?, admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie
\uc1 \u351 ?i dragoste printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce mergeam de la casa Maestrului c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
Serai el, u\uc1 \u351 ?or g\uc1 \u226 ?rbovit pe calul lui, eu, u\uc1 \u351 ?or
\uc1 \u238 ?ncovoiat pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? cal, pe jos trebuie s\uc1 \u259
? fi sem\uc1 \u259 ?nat cu b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul dervi\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?celul lui din picturile
ieftine care \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobeau vechile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de basme.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La Serai i-am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit
pe Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor \uc1 \u351 ?i pe oamenii lui mai plini de
elan \uc1 \u351 ?i mai preg\uc1 \u259 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i de a purcede la treab\uc1
\u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t noi. \uc1 \u206 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n cursul dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ii, aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? ne uit\uc1 \u259 ?m la
imaginile de cai desenate de cei trei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? decidem care dintre ei era blestematul uciga\uc1
\u351 ?, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru poruncise ca acesta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie supus la
cazne f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a mai fi m\uc1 \u259 ?car luat la \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? am fost condu\uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?su\uc1 \u355 ?a aceea ridicat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n prip\uc1 \u259 ?, care se afla \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o latur\uc1 \u259 ?
mai retras\uc1 \u259 ? a Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinii Imperiale, preferat\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
a-i iscodi pe vinova\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i a-i supune la cazne, precum \uc1
\u351 ?i pentru condamn\uc1 \u259 ?rile la moarte ce se s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?eau \uc1 \u238 ?n mare tain\uc1 \u259 ?, iar nu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ci\uc1
\u351 ?melei c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ului, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ia aminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r delicat \uc1 \u351 ?i cuviincios p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu poat\uc1 \u259 ? fi socotit ca f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd parte
dintre oamenii Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor a pus, cu gesturi sigure, trei
foi de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie pe un suport de carte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i-a scos lupa, inima mea
s-a pornit s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? mai repede. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a plimbat foarte
\uc1 \u238 ?ncet, ca un vultur care plute\uc1 \u351 ?te cu gra\uc1 \u355 ?ie
deasupra p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului, lupa \uc1 \u351 ?i ochii afla\uc1
\u355 ?i mereu la aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? peste cele trei
fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare imagini de cal. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinit o
clip\uc1 \u259 ? gesturile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia c\uc1 \u259 ?tre boturile cailor, asemenea unui vultur care
z\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te o gazel\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? de v\uc1 \u226 ?
nat, dar a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas netulburat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
e, a zis apoi lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce nu e? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?
dinarilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce m\uc1
\u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? Marele Maestru avea s\uc1
\u259 ? porneasc\uc1 \u259 ? la treab\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? se gr\uc1 \u259 ?beasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? avea
s\uc1 \u259 ? cerceteze fiecare am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt din alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea
cailor, de la coam\uc1 \u259 ? la copit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Blestematul de miniaturist n-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat nici o urm\uc1
\u259 ?! A zis Maestrul Osman. Este cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dai seama, dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceste imagini, care dintre ei a
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut calul acela murg.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am luat
lupa pe care o l\uc1 \u259 ?sase el din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-
am uitat la n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cailor: maestrul avea dreptate. La niciunul dintre
cei trei cai nu se reg\uc1 \u259 ?sea ceva asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tor cu
ciudata nar\uc1 \u259 ? a calului murg care fusese desenat pentru cartea
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? de Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Tocmai atunci am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc
st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor la schingiuitorii care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau afar\uc1 \u259 ? cu
o unealt\uc1 \u259 ? pe care nu izbuteam s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep cum anume aveau s-o
foloseasc\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
z\uc1 \u259 ?resc prin cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tura u\uc1 \u351 ?ii deschise, am
b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? unul dintre ei f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse
cale \uc1 \u238 ?ntoars\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i fugea de parc\uc1 \u259 ? l-ar fi
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit un ginn, pentru a se r\uc1 \u259 ?suci apoi \uc1
\u351 ?i a se piti \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul unui copac.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n clipa aceea a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, ca o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?
str\uc1 \u259 ?luceasc\uc1 \u259 ? diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a plumburie, Preasf\uc1 \u226
?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, Temelia Lumii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman i-a dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? nu izbutise s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? nimic din cele
trei imagini de cai. Cu toate acestea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, n-a putut
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i atrag\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru asupra felului \uc1 \u238 ?n care se ridica pe picioarele dinapoi unul
dintre caii din acele fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare imagini, asupra fine\uc1 \u355 ?ei
din pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia gra\uc1 \u355 ?ioas\uc1 \u259 ? a altuia, asupra m\uc1 \u259
?re\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ndriei celui de-al treilea, care se
observau doar \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile foarte vechi. \uc1
\u206 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?
ghiceasc\uc1 \u259 ?, pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, care era miniaturistul care f\uc1 \u259 ?
urise fiecare imagine de cal, iar pajul care trecuse \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe la fiecare dintre ei i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rit
spusele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
mira\uc1 \u355 ?i, St\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ne, c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi cunosc
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii ca pe propriul buzunar, a zis Maestrul. Eu stau \uc1 \u238
?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? mir cum de s-a putut ivi, la
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei, pe care-i cunosc ca pe propriul buzunar, vreo
tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de condei care s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi fie cu
totul str\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?. Spun asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? niciunul dintre
cusururile unui maestru miniaturist nu este lipsit de temei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Adic\uc1 \u259 ?? A zis Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Preafericitule Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?nt
Refugiu al Lumii, \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, semn\uc1
\u259 ?tura tainic\uc1 \u259 ? pe care am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat-o de seam\uc1 \u259 ? la
botul acelui cal murg este lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, iar
r\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?cinile sale coboar\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din vechime, la alte imagini, alte me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?uguri, alte stiluri, poate \uc1 \u351 ?i la al\uc1 \u355 ?i cai; nu este
vorba de cusurul unui miniaturist smintit. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?sfoim fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toarele pagini ale c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor
vechi de sute de ani care 'se p\uc1 \u259 ?streaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
Vistieria Voastr\uc1 \u259 ? din Serai, \uc1 \u238 ?n pivni\uc1 \u355 ?e ferecate
cu lac\uc1 \u259 ?te peste lac\uc1 \u259 ?te, \uc1 \u238 ?n cufere de fier, \uc1
\u238 ?n dulapuri, vom vedea poate c\uc1 \u259 ? lucrul acela pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l
privim ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi ca pe o gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? era un me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ug anume \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l vom putea lega de
condeiul unuia dintre cei trei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? intri \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistieria Din\uc1 \u259 ?
untru? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Sultanul cu mirare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
a zis Maestrul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era o dorin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la fel de cutez\uc1 \u259 ?toare ca \uc1 \u351 ?i aceea de a
p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde \uc1 \u238 ?n Harem. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, am mai priceput ceva: cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirile Haremului \uc1 \u351 ?
i ale Vistieriei fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ezate \uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai
frumoase unghere ale Cur\uc1 \u355 ?ii Raiului Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru, aflate \uc1
\u238 ?n Seraiul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum fuseser\uc1
\u259 ? durate \uc1 \u238 ?n ungherele cele mai ginga\uc1 \u351 ?e ale sufletului
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
m\uc1 \u259 ? trudeam s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc, dup\uc1 \u259 ? chipul
S\uc1 \u259 ?u fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tor, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l puteam acum privi cu
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?, ce avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd El a plecat pe neg\uc1 \u226 ?ndite.
Oare se sup\uc1 \u259 ?rase, ori se sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise insultat? Urma s\uc1 \u259 ?
fim pedepsi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii, din pricina seme\uc1 \u355 ?iei Maestrului nostru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la cei trei cai, mi-am
\uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit cum aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu ucis f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s-
o mai pot vedea vreodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? fi putut culca cu ea. \uc1 \u206 ?n ciuda frumuse\uc1
\u355 ?ii lor, ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti cai minuna\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259
?reau ivi\uc1 \u355 ?i acum dintr-o lume foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?
rtat\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea aceea \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare, \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea mea s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit ideea c\uc1 \u259 ? a fi miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a ajunge robul frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i
a pieri pentru ea, tot a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a fi \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit
\uc1 \u238 ?n Palatul Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru, \uc1 \u238 ?n inima Seraiului \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, a cre\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i a
tr\uc1 \u259 ?i aici \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna s\uc1 \u259 ? devii robul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i pieri pentru acest
\uc1 \u355 ?el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu mult mai t\uc1
\u226 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd oamenii Mai-marelui vistiernicilor ne-au purtat
\uc1 \u238 ?n susul drumului, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Poarta Mijlocie, \uc1 \u238 ?n mine
mai st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? acea moarte; t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Dar, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am intrat pe Poarta P\uc1 \u259 ?cii,
unde \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduser\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a at\uc1
\u226 ?tea pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale os\uc1 \u226 ?ndite la moarte, paznicii por\uc1
\u355 ?ii nu au dat nici un semn c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-ar fi z\uc1 \u259 ?rit. Nici
Pia\uc1 \u355 ?a Divanului, nici turnul, nici p\uc1 \u259 ?unii care-mi
luaser\uc1 \u259 ? ochii ieri, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? acolo s-ar fi aflat Raiul
\uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i, nu m-au mai mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat deloc. Pricepusem c\uc1
\u259 ? eram du\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i mai departe, \uc1 \u238 ?n Palatul
Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru, unde b\uc1 \u259 ?tea inima lumii tainice a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a am
ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? trecem de por\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe care nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
marii-viziri nu p\uc1 \u259 ?trundeau f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nvoire. Nu-mi ridicam privirile din p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, ca un copil
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un basm, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu dau cu ochii de minunile
\uc1 \u351 ?i fiin\uc1 \u355 ?ele care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ias\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Nu m-am putut uita nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car spre Sala Jalbelor. Cu
toate acestea, cum la un moment dat ochii mi-au alunecat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o parte,
privirile mi s-au oprit asupra unui platan obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit, care nu se deosebea
cu nimic de al\uc1 \u355 ?i platani, \uc1 \u351 ?i asupra unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat
mare de stat, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un caftan din atlas,
de un albastru str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor. Am trecut printre coloanele \uc1 \u238 ?
nalte. Ne-am oprit \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unei u\uc1 \u351 ?i grele, mai
mari \uc1 \u351 ?i mai seme\uc1 \u355 ?e dec\uc1 \u226 ?t celelalte, cu motive
decorative viu colorate. \uc1 \u206 ?n pragul ei se aflau agale \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1
\u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntate \uc1 \u238 ?n caftane str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare, iar una
dintre ele st\uc1 \u259 ?tea aplecat\uc1 \u259 ? deasupra lac\uc1 \u259 ?tului.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai-marele vistiernicilor ne-a
spus, privindu-ne \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntare pe voi c\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah v-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?nvoire s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistieria Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru! Ve\uc1 \u355 ?i vedea
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i pe care nu le-a mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nimeni, ve\uc1
\u355 ?i admira pagini aurite \uc1 \u351 ?i picturi nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zute, ve\uc1
\u355 ?i adulmeca, asemenea v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?torilor. Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Meu mi-a poruncit, de asemenea, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? amintesc c\uc1 \u259 ?
i-a dat Maestrului Osman un r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz de trei zile, c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul
tocmai a sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it-o pe prima dintre ele, c\uc1 \u259 ? va
trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259
?toarele dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, adic\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? joi la
pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie cine este
blestematul acela de miniaturist, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i va putea spune, nu va
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a fi supus la cazne de Mai-marele gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i au desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut
\uc1 \u238 ?nvelitoarea \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla lac\uc1 \u259 ?tul pentru a feri
sigiliul, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n gaura cheii
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu poat\uc1 \u259 ? intra vreo alt\uc1 \u259 ? cheie. Prepusul
Vistieriei \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? agale au decis c\uc1 \u259 ? sigiliul se
afla la locul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut un semn din cap. Apoi, sigiliul
a fost rupt, \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea \uc1 \u238 ?ncordat\uc1 \u259 ? care
domnea printre noi, lac\uc1 \u259 ?tul s-a deschis cu zgomot de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce cheia a fost v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n broasc\uc1 \u259 ?, iar chipul Maestrului Osman a dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit,
pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, o culoare cenu\uc1 \u351 ?ie. De cum s-a
deschis unicul canat al u\uc1 \u351 ?ii de lemn bogat decorate, grele, pe
suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?a acesteia a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut un soi de lumin\uc1 \u259 ?
neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?untru din vremuri str\uc1 \u259 ?vechi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu n-a poruncit degeaba s\uc1 \u259 ?
vin\uc1 \u259 ? agalele scribilor \uc1 \u351 ?i secretarii care \uc1 \u355 ?in
catastifele cu socoteala lucrurilor, a zis Mai-marele vistiernicilor. Bibliotecarul
a r\uc1 \u259 ?posat \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai are cine s\uc1 \u259 ? se ocupe de
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n locul lui. Din pricina aceasta,
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Meu a poruncit s\uc1 \u259 ? nu intre cu voi dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
Cezmi Aga.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acesta era un pitic care
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? pe pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u351 ?
aptezeci de ani \uc1 \u351 ?i ai c\uc1 \u259 ?rui ochi str\uc1 \u259 ?luceau cu
putere. Boneta pe care o purta pe cap asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare unei
cor\uc1 \u259 ?bii cu p\uc1 \u226 ?nze era chiar mai ciudat\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1
\u226 ?t persoana lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cezmi Aga \uc1 \u355
?ine minte tot ce se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? Vistieria ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i casa lui. El
\uc1 \u351 ?tie mai bine dec\uc1 \u226 ?t oricine unde se afl\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i fiecare lucru \uc1 \u238 ?n parte.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul pitic nu s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?
lit cu \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui. M\uc1 \u259 ?sura din priviri un mangal
cu picioare de argint, un \uc1 \u355 ?ucal a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui toart\uc1 \u259 ? era
\uc1 \u238 ?mpodobit\uc1 \u259 ? cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cu\uc1 \u355 ?e de sidef,
opai\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicele pe care le purtau pajii
Od\uc1 \u259 ?ii Vistieriei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai-
marele vistiernicilor ne-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
iar \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urma noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i pecetluit\uc1 \u259 ? cu sigiliul Sultanului Selim cel Crunt, vechi de \uc1
\u351 ?aptezeci de ani, c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de
sear\uc1 \u259 ?, sigiliul avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie rupt \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o
dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a
grupului de agale acolo de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ?
depun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?rturie, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1
\u259 ? fim cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? ca nu care cumva s\uc1 \u259 ?
ni se strecoare ceva, \uc1 \u8222 ?din gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?,
prin ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte, prin haine, prin buzunare, prin chimire, deoarece la
ie\uc1 \u351 ?ire aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? fim cerceta\uc1 \u355 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la izmene.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd
printre agalele \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate la r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Era frig ca-n
pe\uc1 \u351 ?ter\uc1 \u259 ?. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nchis u\uc1 \u351 ?a, totul s-a cufundat o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntuneric \uc1 \u351 ?i am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it cum mirosul de mucegai, de
praf \uc1 \u351 ?i de umezeal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?trundea p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?fundul nasului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ochii mi s-au obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit cu lumina ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?
care \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luia acest loc, strecur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se printre
balustradele sc\uc1 \u259 ?rilor ce urcau spre catul suspendat, de-a lungul
z\uc1 \u259 ?brelelor groase de la ferestrele de sus \uc1 \u351 ?i al zidurilor
\uc1 \u238 ?nalte, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i printre ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?toarele
platformelor de promenad\uc1 \u259 ? din lemn ce d\uc1 \u259 ?deau ocol celui de-al
doilea cat. Din pricina culorii catifelelor, a covoarelor \uc1 \u351 ?i a
chilimurilor, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere p\uc1 \u259 ?rea cu
totul ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut astfel, cuprins de un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de
venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, urm\uc1 \u259 ?rile tuturor campaniilor purtate pentru
adunarea acestei avu\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a acestor odoare, ale luptelor \uc1 \u238 ?
ncr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenate duse pentru dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndirea lor, ale \uc1 \u351 ?
uvoaielor de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge care curseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n valuri, ale
ora\uc1 \u351 ?elor \uc1 \u351 ?i vistieriilor pr\uc1 \u259 ?date.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V-a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?ntat? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul pitic, d\uc1
\u226 ?nd glas sentimentului care-mi st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea inima.
To\uc1 \u355 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd intr\uc1 \u259 ? aici prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?. Noaptea, sufletele tuturor
acestor lucruri vorbesc \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceea ce-\uc1 \u355 ?i trezea spaima era t\uc1 \u259 ?
cerea care \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luia puzderia nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1
\u259 ? de obiecte. Auzeam zgomotul sigiliului care se punea pe lac\uc1 \u259 ?tul
u\uc1 \u351 ?ii din spatele nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i priveam \uc1 \u238 ?n jur,
cople\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
a ne clinti din loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut s\uc1 \u259 ?bii, col\uc1 \u355 ?i de filde\uc1 \u351 ?, caftane,
sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nice de argint, steaguri de atlas. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut dulapuri \uc1
\u238 ?ntregi cu cutii de sidef \uc1 \u351 ?i cufere de fier, cu vaze
chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, cu cing\uc1 \u259 ?tori, cu saz-uri51, cu armuri, cu perne
de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase, cu globuri p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nte\uc1 \u351 ?ti, cu
bl\uc1 \u259 ?nuri, cu coarne de rinocer, cu ou\uc1 \u259 ? de stru\uc1 \u355 ?
pictate, cu pu\uc1 \u351 ?ti, cu s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu buzdugane.
Pretutindeni se aflau stofe, covoare \uc1 \u351 ?i atlasuri \uc1 \u351 ?i aveam
impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? acestea se rev\uc1 \u259 ?rsau \uc1 \u238 ?ncet spre mine,
din dulapurile \uc1 \u238 ?n perete \uc1 \u351 ?i din micile l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1
\u351 ?uri s\uc1 \u259 ?pate \uc1 \u238 ?n ziduri. 0 lumin\uc1 \u259 ? stranie, cum
nu mai v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri, c\uc1 \u259 ?
dea asupra stofelor, a cutiilor, a caftanelor de padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah, a s\uc1
\u259 ?biilor, a uria\uc1 \u351 ?elor lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ri roz, a
turbanelor simple, a pernelor cusute cu perle, a \uc1 \u351 ?eilor lucrate cu aur,
a iataganelor \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite cu diamante, a buzduganelor \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ate cu rubine, a turbanelor pline de fal\uc1 \u259 ?, a
pana\uc1 \u351 ?urilor, a ceasurilor stranii, a statuetelor de cai \uc1 \u351 ?i de
elefan\uc1 \u355 ?i sculptate \uc1 \u238 ?n filde\uc1 \u351 ?, a narghilelelor cu
mu\uc1 \u351 ?tiucul \uc1 \u238 ?ncrustat cu diamante, a casetelor de sidef, a
pana\uc1 \u351 ?urilor de cai, a \uc1 \u351 ?iragurilor mari de m\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?nii, a coifurilor gem\uc1 \u226 ?nd de rubine \uc1 \u351 ?i peruzele,
a ibricelor, a hangerelor. Lumina abia vizibil\uc1 \u259 ? care se strecura prin
ferestrele de sus scotea la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? particulele de praf care pluteau \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum face lumina soarelui c\uc1 \u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde prin
luminatorul cupolei unei moschei, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi de var\uc1 \u259 ?; dar aici
nu de soare era vorba. Din pricina acestei lumini stranii, aerul se preschimbase
parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ceva dens, lesne de pip\uc1 \u259 ?it, \uc1 \u351 ?i
toate lucrurile p\uc1 \u259 ?reau pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dite din acela\uc1
\u351 ?i material. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am ascultat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o
dat\uc1 \u259 ?, lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere, mi-am dat
seama c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, ceea ce lega lucrurile unul de altul, \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?esut misterios, era tocmai praful; aidoma
luminii, \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luia
totul. Acest talme\uc1 \u351 ?-balme\uc1 \u351 ? de obiecte era \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor din pricin\uc1 \u259
? c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrep\uc1 \u259 ?trundea cu lucruri ciudate, nel\uc1
\u259 ?murite, pe care ochiul nu izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ? le deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1
\u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car la a doua, la a treia privire. Presupuneam, z\uc1
\u259 ?rind ceva, c\uc1 \u259 ? era un cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r, credeam, mai apoi,
c\uc1 \u259 ? era un suport de carte, pentru ca dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea s\uc1 \u259 ?
decid c\uc1 \u259 ? era vreo unealt\uc1 \u259 ? stranie de-a francilor. \uc1
\u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? acel cuf\uc1
\u259 ?r de sidef care z\uc1 \u259 ?cea printre caftanele scoase din l\uc1 \u259 ?
zi \uc1 \u351 ?i azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlite pretutindeni, \uc1 \u238 ?n grab\uc1 \u259 ?,
printre pana\uc1 \u351 ?uri, era de fapt o caset\uc1 \u259 ? neobi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuit\uc1 \u259 ?, trimis\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u354 ?arul de la Moscova. Cezmi Aga a
pus, din obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mangalul \uc1 \u238 ?n vatra
s\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zid.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Unde sunt c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile? A \uc1 \u351 ?optit Maestrul
Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?
i? A zis piticul. Cele aduse din Arabia, Coranurile cu scriere kufic\uc1 \u259 ?52,
cele aduse de Sultanul Selim cel Crunt, S\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
luitorul \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, de la Tabriz, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile pa\uc1
\u351 ?alelor ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror avu\uc1 \u355 ?ii au fost s\uc1 \u259 ?ltate
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu condamnarea lor la moarte, volumele aduse \uc1 \u238 ?n dar
bunicului Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru de solul vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian, ori c\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile cre\uc1 \u351 ?tine r\uc1 \u259 ?mase tocmai de pe vremea
Sultanului Mehmed Cuceritorul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cele pe
care i le-a trimis \uc1 \u238 ?n dar, acum treizeci de ani, \uc1 \u350 ?ahul
Tahmasp Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Sultan Selim, S\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351
?luitorul \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, a zis Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Piticul ne-a dus la un dulap mare din lemn. De cum l-a descuiat
\uc1 \u351 ?i a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile
din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, Maestrul Osman a fost cuprins de ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare. A
deschis un volum, i-a citit colofonul \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoit
paginile. M-am uitat \uc1 \u351 ?i eu uimit, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu el, la pagini \uc1
\u351 ?i la portretele de hani, cu ochii u\uc1 \u351 ?or oblici z\uc1 \u259 ?
mislite, fiecare, cu mare \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cengiz Han, Qagatay Han, Tuluy Han, Kubilay Han, oc\uc1 \u226 ?
rmuitorul Chinei, a citit Maestrul Osman, \uc1 \u238 ?nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd
volumul \uc1 \u351 ?i lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd un altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u206 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? s-a ivit o imagine de o
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zut\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care Ferhat o ia \uc1 \u238 ?
n spinare \uc1 \u351 ?i o poart\uc1 \u259 ? plin de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
ciune, m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de puterea dragostei, pe iubita sa \uc1 \u350 ?irin, cu cal
cu tot. Pentru a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ri pasiunea \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1
\u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, st\uc1 \u226 ?ncile de
pe munte, norii \uc1 \u351 ?i frunzele celor trei chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i de soi nobil
care erau martori la iubirea lui Ferhat fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? desena\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
un tremur \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat al m\uc1 \u226 ?inii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu o asemenea
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t gustul lacrimilor \uc1
\u351 ?i melancolia frunzelor care c\uc1 \u259 ?deau pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nt ni s-au transmis pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?, Maestrului Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i mie.
Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare
fusese pictat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, spre a
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ? de
dragoste este tr\uc1 \u259 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? pretutindeni \uc1 \u238 ?n lume, \uc1
\u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?, iar nu pentru a v\uc1 \u259 ?di
for\uc1 \u355 ?a mu\uc1 \u351 ?chilor lui Ferhat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman a spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Aceasta este una dintre imita\uc1 \u355 ?iile dup\uc1 \u259 ? Behzad, pl\uc1
\u259 ?smuit\uc1 \u259 ? acum optzeci de ani, la Tabriz, apoi a pus volumul la
loc \uc1 \u351 ?i a deschis altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era o
imagine din Kelile \uc1 \u351 ?i Dimne, care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?a prietenia silit\uc1 \u259 ? dintre Pisic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u350 ?oarece. S\uc1 \u259 ?rmanul \uc1 \u351 ?oarece, prins la str\uc1
\u226 ?mtoare \uc1 \u238 ?ntre atacurile dihorului de pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nt \uc1 \u351 ?i cele ale uliului de pe cer, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i afl\uc1
\u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?parea la o biat\uc1 \u259 ? pisic\uc1 \u259 ?, prins\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n capcana unui v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tor. Cei doi cad la
\uc1 \u238 ?nvoial\uc1 \u259 ?: pisica se poart\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l spal\uc1 \u259 ?
pe \uc1 \u351 ?oarece. Dihorul \uc1 \u351 ?i uliul se sperie de pisic\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nceteaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai v\uc1
\u226 ?neze pe \uc1 \u351 ?oarece. \uc1 \u350 ?oarecele, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul s\uc1
\u259 ?u, o elibereaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? pe pisic\uc1 \u259 ? din
capcan\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fi priceput
sensibilitatea miniaturistului, Maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuise deja cartea
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de alte volume \uc1 \u351 ?i deschisese la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mplare o alta, la o alt\uc1 \u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pe aceasta se z\uc1 \u259 ?rea o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cut\uc1 \u259 ?, cu o femeie misterioas\uc1 \u259 ? care, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1
\u226 ?nd ceva, f\uc1 \u259 ?cea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e un gest
cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce cealalt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? i se odihnea pe feregeaua verde, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu un
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care-i sorbea vorbele, privind-o dintr-o parte. Am observat cu
invidie \uc1 \u351 ?i cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie intimitatea, dragostea \uc1 \u351 ?i
prietenia care domneau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Maestrul Osman a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat-o deoparte \uc1 \u351 ?i a deschis alt\uc1
\u259 ? carte, la o alt\uc1 \u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ?. Aici, c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ii armatelor din Iran \uc1 \u351 ?i din Turan, care se
vr\uc1 \u259 ?jm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd lumea, \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i luaser\uc1 \u259 ? toate armurile, coifurile, ap\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?torile de genunchi, arcurile, tolbele cu s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?i,
s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?ile, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecaser\uc1 \u259 ? pe
acei fermec\uc1 \u259 ?tori cai de basm, prin\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n armuri
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la g\uc1 \u226 ?t, se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?
iruiser\uc1 \u259 ? frumos unii \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?
i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o step\uc1 \u259 ? de culoarea \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?nei g\uc1 \u259 ?lbui, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ridicaser\uc1 \u259 ?
suli\uc1 \u355 ?ele cu v\uc1 \u226 ?rfurile \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite \uc1 \u351 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a se \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?ta pe via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe moarte, a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?
tori \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntarea dintre comandan\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor, care se
repeziser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se
luaser\uc1 \u259 ? la sfad\uc1 \u259 ?. Tocmai eram pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi spun
c\uc1 \u259 ?, indiferent de ceea ce picta fie c\uc1 \u259 ? i se cerea ca lucrul
respectiv s\uc1 \u259 ? se f\uc1 \u259 ?ureasc\uc1 \u259 ? azi, fie c\uc1 \u259 ?
acesta fusese f\uc1 \u259 ?urit cu o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de o scen\uc1 \u259 ? de lupt\uc1
\u259 ?, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de una de dragoste \uc1 \u8211 ? ceea ce
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a de fapt miniaturistul,
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de o credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? absolut\uc1
\u259 ?, erau lupta cu propriul sine nevolnic \uc1 \u351 ?i dragostea sa fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, prin urmare, ceea ce picta el era
propria r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Maestrul Osman a spus, \uc1 \u238 ?
nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd volumul greu:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Nici asta nu este.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un album un peisaj \uc1 \u238 ?ntins, care p\uc1 \u259 ?rea
s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu
ochii, cu mun\uc1 \u355 ?i care se pierdeau \uc1 \u238 ?ncet-\uc1 \u238 ?ncet
printre v\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tuci de nori. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1
\u259 ? a picta \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna a privi lumea aceasta ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi
fost Lumea de Dincolo. Maestrul Osman ne-a explicat cum ar fi putut ajunge
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din China la Istanbul, intr\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u351 ?i ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind din alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuirea celor mai felurite
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, de la Buhara la Herat, de la Herat la Tabriz, de la
Tabriz \uc1 \u238 ?n Seraiul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, cum fusese sf\uc1 \u226
?rtecat volumul din care f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse parte c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva \uc1 \u351 ?i
cum fusese ea legat\uc1 \u259 ?, mai apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un alt volum,
laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu alte picturi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut imagini de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i imagini ale mor\uc1
\u355 ?ii, care mai de care mai \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
care mai de care mai bine pictate: Rustem cu \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Mazenderan; Rustem
atac\uc1 \u226 ?nd oastea lui Efrasiyab; Rustem, misteriosul r\uc1 \u259 ?
zboinic, \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntat \uc1 \u238 ?n zale, cu
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de recunoscut. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-un alt album am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trupuri ciop\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ite, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
armate legendare, despre care n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? afl\uc1 \u259 ?m ale cui
erau, se luptau nemilos, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut hangere m\uc1 \u226 ?njite cu
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u s\uc1 \u226 ?ngeriu, solda\uc1 \u355 ?i neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n ai c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ochi lucea lumina mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, r\uc1
\u259 ?zboinici care se h\uc1 \u259 ?cuiau \uc1 \u351 ?i se tocau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
ei de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi tocat ceap\uc1 \u259 ?. Maestrul Osman s-a uitat
pentru a nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?ta oar\uc1 \u259 ? la scena \uc1 \u238 ?n
care H\uc1 \u252 ?srev o p\uc1 \u226 ?ndea pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce aceasta se sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda \uc1 \u238 ?n lac noaptea, la lumina lunii, la
scena care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a patima celor doi
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i, Leyla \uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun, c\uc1
\u226 ?nd se revedeau dup\uc1 \u259 ? o lung\uc1 \u259 ? desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ire, la imaginea fericirii tr\uc1 \u259 ?ite de Salaman \uc1 \u351 ?i Absal
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce fugiser\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume \uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?seser\uc1 \u259 ? cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?ire singuri, pe o insul\uc1 \u259 ? a fericirii, printre copaci, flori
\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
\uc1 \u351 ?i, ca un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat mare maestru, nu s-a putut st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?ni s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi atrag\uc1 \u259 ? luarea-aminte asupra ciud\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?eniei care se ivea, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura
cea mai proast\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreunul dintre ungherele acesteia, fie
din pricina sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciunii pictorului, fie din pricina vreunei ne\uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeri pe seama culorilor. Ce nefericit de miniaturist, \uc1 \u238 ?
mpins de g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri necurate, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase oare pe ramura acelui
copac, ca pe o piaz\uc1 \u259 ? rea, bufni\uc1 \u355 ?a, care n-ar fi trebuit s\uc1
\u259 ? se afle nicidecum acolo c\uc1 \u226 ?nd H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u350 ?irin ascultau pl\uc1 \u259 ?cutele istorisiri ale \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarelor ei? Cine-l a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase pe feciorul acela frumos,
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat \uc1 \u238 ?n straie femeie\uc1 \u351 ?ti, printre
egiptencele care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259 ?iau degetele str\uc1
\u259 ?duindu-se s\uc1 \u259 ? cure\uc1 \u355 ?e portocale dulci, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce admirau frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ului Iosif? Oare
miniaturistul care pictase scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care Isfendiyar era orbit de o s\uc1
\u259 ?geat\uc1 \u259 ? putea b\uc1 \u259 ?nui c\uc1 \u259 ?, mai apoi, avea
s\uc1 \u259 ? orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 I-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe \uc1 \u238 ?ngerii care-l \uc1 \u238 ?
nconjurau pe Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Profet cu prilejul C\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?toriei sale \uc1 \u238 ?n Noapte, pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul
tuciuriu, cu \uc1 \u351 ?ase bra\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i cu barb\uc1 \u259 ?
lung\uc1 \u259 ? care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a planeta
Saturn, pe pruncul Rustem dormind tihnit \uc1 \u238 ?n leag\uc1 \u259 ?nul lui cu
intarsii de sidef, sub privirile mamei \uc1 \u351 ?i ale d\uc1 \u259 ?dacelor sale.
Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut moartea dureroas\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Darius \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1
\u355 ?ele lui Alexandru, l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe Behram Gur ferecat \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea aceea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ? cu prin\uc1 \u355 ?esa rus\uc1 \u259 ?, l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe Siyavu\uc1
\u351 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe un cal negru, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui n\uc1 \u259 ?ri nu
purtau semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura noastr\uc1 \u259 ? ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? trec\uc1 \u226 ?
nd prin foc, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut trista \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare a lui
H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, ucis de propriul fiu. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce alegea la
repezeal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai apoi l\uc1 \u259 ?sa deoparte volumele,
Maestrul Osman recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea uneori c\uc1 \u226 ?te un miniaturist \uc1
\u351 ?i ne ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ce anume f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse, g\uc1 \u259 ?sea \uc1
\u351 ?i deslu\uc1 \u351 ?ea c\uc1 \u226 ?te o semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit\uc1 \u259 ? stingher printre flori, \uc1 \u238 ?n pustietatea
vreunei ruine ori chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun cotlon din pu\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1
\u238 ?ntunecat \uc1 \u238 ?n care se ascundea ginnul, se uita la semn\uc1 \u259 ?
turi, la colofon \uc1 \u351 ?i ne l\uc1 \u259 ?murea apoi cine, de la cine \uc1
\u351 ?i ce anume \uc1 \u238 ?mprumutase. R\uc1 \u259 ?sfoia \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung
unele volume, \uc1 \u238 ?n speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
afle c\uc1 \u226 ?teva pagini cu picturi. Uneori se a\uc1 \u351 ?terneau lungi
t\uc1 \u259 ?ceri \uc1 \u351 ?i auzeam doar fo\uc1 \u351 ?netul nedeslu\uc1 \u351 ?
it al paginilor. Alteori, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Maestrul Osman scotea c\uc1 \u226 ?te o
exclama\uc1 \u355 ?ie de uimire, cel care t\uc1 \u259 ?cea, nepricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd
de ce anume se minuna, eram eu. Deschidea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta pagini \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite cu picturi,
amintindu-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem peste aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i or\uc1 \u226
?nduire a paginii, peste aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?ezare a copacilor \uc1
\u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
alte volume, \uc1 \u238 ?n alte scene, din cu totul alte povestiri. Compara o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? din Cvintetul lui Nizami aflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
volum pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit tocmai pe vremea \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Riza, fiul
lui Timur, ceea ce va s\uc1 \u259 ? zic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?
cu vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de ani cu o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un alt volum,
despre care spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese f\uc1 \u259 ?urit\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u351
?aptezeci-optzeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? la Tabriz \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba ce t\uc1 \u226 ?lc putea avea faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii pictaser\uc1 \u259 ?, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i imagine,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut unul
altuia lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile, iar apoi \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?
spundea singur:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A picta \uc1 \u238 ?
nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu vechile
volume, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrist\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
capodoperelor (pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu mai putea picta \uc1 \u238 ?n acest
fel!) \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nveselindu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?ciilor (pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt noi, to\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, suntem fra\uc1 \u355 ?i), ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-mi lucrurile de care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea miniaturistul,
vechile picturi cu copaci, \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri, umbrele, tigri, corturi, dragoni \uc1
\u351 ?i prin\uc1 \u355 ?i cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?
mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele:
c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, Dumnezeu a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut lumea \uc1 \u238 ?n chipul s\uc1
\u259 ?u neasemuit \uc1 \u351 ?i le-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat-o robilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea ei. Nou\uc1
\u259 ?, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i care
privesc pictura cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, ne revenea sarcina de a ne reaminti de
minunatul peisaj v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sat de El
nou\uc1 \u259 ?. Cei mai mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din fiecare genera\uc1 \u355 ?ie
de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiau, pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?
i via\uc1 \u355 ?a chez\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i muncind din
r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la orbire, anima\uc1 \u355 ?i de o
nem\uc1 \u259 ?rginit\uc1 \u259 ? ardoare \uc1 \u351 ?i de o mare inspira\uc1 \u355
?ie, s\uc1 \u259 ? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?veasc\uc1 \u259 ? acel peisaj minunat pe care
Dumnezeu ne-a poruncit c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vedem. Ceea ce f\uc1 \u259
?ceau ei sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu rememorarea de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre om a propriilor
amintiri din epoca de aur. Dar, din nefericire, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i cei mai mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i puteau aminti dec\uc1
\u226 ?t pe alocuri, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit, de acea imagine
miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel ca b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii osteni\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i ca marii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti orbi\uc1 \u355 ?i de at\uc1
\u226 ?ta str\uc1 \u259 ?danie. Aceasta era pricina pentru care uneori, ca prin
miracol, vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri desenau aidoma un copac, o pas\uc1 \u259 ?re, un
prin\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat care se sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda la hamam ori o
domni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat\uc1 \u259 ? la fereastr\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?
zuser\uc1 \u259 ? unul altuia operele \uc1 \u351 ?i, mai mult, c\uc1 \u259 ? erau
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de sute de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cu mult mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce lumina aceea ro\uc1
\u351 ?ie din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat
u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am priceput cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dulap nu se afla niciuna dintre c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile trimise \uc1 \u238 ?n dar tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp, Maestrul Osman a revenit la
judecata sa de mai devreme:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uneori,
aripa unei p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, o frunz\uc1 \u259 ? ce at\uc1 \u226 ?
rn\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un copac, unduirea muchiei stre\uc1 \u351 ?inii,
forma unui nor pe cer, r\uc1 \u226 ?sul unei femei sunt ar\uc1 \u259 ?tate, \uc1
\u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ate, memorate genera\uc1 \u355 ?ii de-a r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul, de la maestru la discipol, \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?strate vreme de
secole. Cum maestrul miniaturist crede din toat\uc1 \u259 ? inima c\uc1 \u259 ?
lucrurile pe care le-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de la propriul
maestru vor r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne de-a pururi neschimbate, c\uc1 \u259 ? au
devenit un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat model, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum crede \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n ve\uc1 \u351 ?nicia Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Coran, el nu va uita
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? un asemenea am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt, \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?
rit \uc1 \u238 ?n memoria sa \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u355 ?i
pe dinafar\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran. Dar neuitarea lui nu \uc1
\u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? maestrul miniaturist se folose\uc1 \u351 ?
te mereu de acest detaliu. In sufletul miniaturistului \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
fac loc deprinderile, preferin\uc1 \u355 ?ele cromatice ale atelierului de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a istovit lumina ochilor, ale
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor ursuzi al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de care a pictat de-a lungul
anilor, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i toanele padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor. Cum nu i se \uc1 \u238
?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duie s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul cu pricina, aripa
unei p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri ori r\uc1 \u226 ?sul femeii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ori n\uc1 \u259 ?rile unui cal, am zis eu pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ori n\uc1 \u259 ?rile unui cal,
a zis Maestrul Osman, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a schi\uc1 \u355 ?a vreun z\uc1
\u226 ?mbet, cum acel mare maestru nu le poate picta \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u238
?n care sunt t\uc1 \u259 ?inuite acestea \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?fundul
sufletului s\uc1 \u259 ?u, le picteaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n limitele \uc1 \u238
?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duite de atelierul \uc1 \u238 ?n care lucreaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n acel moment, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care o face toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegi?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
citit o inscrip\uc1 \u355 ?ie s\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, pe un zid de serai de pe pagina ilustrat\uc1 \u259 ? a unui
manuscris cu H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin de Nizami mesnevi din
care v\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1
\u259 ?m nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate exemplare p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci \uc1
\u8211 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin era \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?nd
pe tron: \uc1 \u8222 ?Dumnezeule Prea\uc1 \u238 ?nalt, ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
puterea, domnia \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ara Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru de neam
ales, a Suveranului Nostru Celui Drept, a Fiului Celui Victorios al lui Timur Han,
astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t acesta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fericit\uc1 \u8221 ?
(a\uc1 \u351 ?a era scris pe piatra din st\uc1 \u226 ?nga) \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, bogat\uc1 \u8221 ? (a\uc1 \u351 ?a era scris pe
piatra din dreapta).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum o
s\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?m de picturile \uc1 \u238 ?n care miniaturistul a pl\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit n\uc1 \u259 ?rile calului a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum i s-au \uc1
\u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit lui \uc1 \u238 ?n memorie? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat mai
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sim volumul cu faimoasa Carte a \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, trimis
\uc1 \u238 ?n dar de \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp, a zis Maestrul Osman. Trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem la z\uc1 \u259 ?mislirea picturii, la
vremurile acelea minunate, vechi, legendare \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gite de
Dumnezeu. Ne vom mai uita la foarte multe c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a trecut prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?
ratul \uc1 \u355 ?el al Maestrului Osman nu era s\uc1 \u259 ? dea de caii aceia cu
n\uc1 \u259 ?ri ciudate, ci s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? privi c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai
mult imaginile acelea miraculoase care z\uc1 \u259 ?ceau ascunse departe de ochii
celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei.
Eram at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor s\uc1 \u259 ? aflu
i\uc1 \u355 ?ele ce urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o redea pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re,
care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta acas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
refuzam s\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? Marele Maestru ar fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?
z\uc1 \u259 ?boveasc\uc1 \u259 ? peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? a
Vistieriei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am continuat
a\uc1 \u351 ?adar s\uc1 \u259 ? deschidem alte dulapuri, alte cufere, pe care ni le
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul pitic, \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne uit\uc1 \u259 ?m la picturi. Uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?turam de
imaginile care sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau toate una cu alta, nu voiam s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai
z\uc1 \u259 ?resc \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe H\uc1 \u252 ?srev
venind s-o vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin sub fereastra conacului s\uc1
\u259 ?u, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtam de Maestru, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai uit nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car la n\uc1
\u259 ?rile calului lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzesc l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ? mangal, ori r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ceam, plin de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire
\uc1 \u351 ?i admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, printre \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226
?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toarele gr\uc1 \u259 ?mezi de stofe, galbeni, pr\uc1 \u259 ?zi de
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, arme \uc1 \u351 ?i armuri din celelalte \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?peri ale Vistieriei, care d\uc1 \u259 ?deau una \uc1 \u238 ?n alta. Alteori,
alergam la Maestrul Osman, din pricina vreunei exclama\uc1 \u355 ?ii ori a vreunui
gest, imagin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise la iveal\uc1 \u259 ?
vreo nou\uc1 \u259 ? minune, din vreun alt volum, sau c\uc1 \u259 ? pe vreo
pagin\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?ruse totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?! Un cal cu n\uc1 \u259 ?ri ciudate \uc1 \u351 ?i, privind la pagina
pe care maestrul, \uc1 \u238 ?ncovrigat pe un covor de U\uc1 \u351 ?ak r\uc1
\u259 ?mas tocmai de pe vremea Sultanului Mehmed Cuceritorul, o \uc1 \u355 ?inea
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?na u\uc1 \u351 ?or tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?,
m\uc1 \u259 ? trezeam \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unei picturi cum nu mai
v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem vreodat\uc1 \u259 ?, care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355
?i\uc1 \u351 ?a de pild\uc1 \u259 ? pe Diavol urc\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe furi\uc1 \u351 ?
pe corabia lui Noe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am privit sute de
\uc1 \u351 ?ahi, regi, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi, sultani care \uc1 \u351 ?ezuser\uc1
\u259 ? pe tronurile celor mai felurite \uc1 \u355 ?inuturi, din vremea lui Timur
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cea a Sultanului Soliman Legiuitorul,
nemuri\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce v\uc1 \u226 ?nau ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i plini de bun\uc1 \u259 ?-dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie printre gazele, lei,
iepuri. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
Diavolul \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?ca m\uc1 \u226 ?inile \uc1 \u351 ?
i se ru\uc1 \u351 ?ina de neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zatul care-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
cuse trepte din sc\uc1 \u226 ?nduri \uc1 \u351 ?i le legase de picioarele
dind\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?t ale unei c\uc1 \u259 ?mile, spre a necinsti bietul
animal. L-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o carte ar\uc1 \u259 ?beasc\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?urit\uc1 \u259 ? la Bagdad, pe negustorul care zburase \uc1
\u351 ?i trecuse peste m\uc1 \u259 ?ri prinz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de picioarele unei
p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri legendare. Pe prima pagin\uc1 \u259 ? a volumului care
i-a urmat acesteia \uc1 \u351 ?i care s-a deschis de la sine, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
scena care ne pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea cel mai mult mie \uc1 \u351 ?i lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re cea \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin prive\uc1 \u351 ?te
portretul lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
copac, \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de el. C\uc1
\u226 ?nd am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit imaginea care \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ea
mecanismul unui ceas greu de deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it, z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit din
scripe\uc1 \u355 ?i, mingi, p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i mici
statuete ar\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?ti a\uc1 \u351 ?ezate, toate, pe spinarea unui
elefant, ne-am amintit de timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-e greu
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama c\uc1 \u226 ?t am privit astfel, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
la un volum la altul, de la o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? la alta. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1
\u259 ? un anume timp de aur, care nu se schimba niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, care nu se
scurgea \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?
au imaginile \uc1 \u351 ?i pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile la care ne uitam, se amestecase cu
timpul putred \uc1 \u351 ?i umed pe care-l tr\uc1 \u259 ?iam noi \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?perea Vistieriei. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?ta
amar de vreme, paginile pictate de secole, cu pre\uc1 \u355 ?ul luminii ochilor,
\uc1 \u238 ?n atelierele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ale at\uc1 \u226 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?
ahi, prin\uc1 \u355 ?i, hani, padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahi urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1
\u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ?-n
mi\uc1 \u351 ?care coifurile, s\uc1 \u259 ?biile \uc1 \u351 ?i hangerele cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?nere b\uc1 \u259 ?tute \uc1 \u238 ?n diamante, armurile, c\uc1 \u259 ?
nile sosite din China \uc1 \u351 ?i delicatele l\uc1 \u259 ?ute pr\uc1 \u259 ?
fuite, pernele cusute cu perle, chilimurile care-\uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u259 ?seau
asem\uc1 \u259 ?nare doar \uc1 \u238 ?n picturi, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i feluritele
rase de cai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg c\uc1 \u259 ? miile de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care au pl\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit de-a lungul veacurilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i cu mare b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, mereu acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i
imagini au pictat, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mare
b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? transformarea lumii \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o alt\uc1
\u259 ? lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ?
rturisesc c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am priceput pe de-a-ntregul ce voia s\uc1 \u259 ?
spun\uc1 \u259 ? Marele Maestru. Dar aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia pe care o ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tase fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de fiecare pictur\uc1 \u259 ? izvodit\uc1 \u259 ?
de-a lungul ultimelor dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de ani, de la Buhara, de la Herat
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Tabriz, la Bagdad \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi la Istanbul,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrecuse cu mult simpla c\uc1 \u259 ?utare a unui semn aparte la
n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cailor. \uc1 \u206 ?mplineam, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
odaie, un fel de ceremonie omagial\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? de-ntristare
\uc1 \u238 ?nchinat\uc1 \u259 ? talentului, \uc1 \u238 ?nzestr\uc1 \u259 ?rii
\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?rii tuturor mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor care, de
c\uc1 \u226 ?teva secole \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace, f\uc1 \u259 ?ureau picturi \uc1
\u351 ?i decora\uc1 \u355 ?iuni pe aceste p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nturi.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De aceea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-au
desferecat u\uc1 \u351 ?ile Od\uc1 \u259 ?ii Vistieriei la vremea rug\uc1 \u259 ?
ciunii de sear\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Maestrul Osman mi-a zis
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu dorea nicidecum s\uc1 \u259 ? plece \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
numai dac\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?a la picturi, la lumina lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i a l\uc1 \u259 ?mpilor, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ndeplini cum se cuvine \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinarea \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, primul meu imbold
a fost s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i cu piticul
\uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am \uc1 \u351 ?i spus-o \uc1 \u238 ?
ntocmai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a
deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i Maestrul le-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?
tiin\uc1 \u355 ?at pe agalele care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau afar\uc1 \u259 ? de
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, cer\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?
nvoirea Mai-marelui vistiernicilor, am fost cuprins deodat\uc1 \u259 ? de mustr\uc1
\u259 ?ri de con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. T\uc1 \u226 ?njeam
dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ?
cas\uc1 \u259 ?. St\uc1 \u259 ?team ca pe ghimpi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-
m\uc1 \u259 ? cum avea s\uc1 \u259 ? petreac\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea singur\uc1
\u259 ?, cu copiii, \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?nchid\uc1 \u259 ? bine ferestrele al c\uc1 \u259 ?ror oblon abia
fusese reparat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uria\uc1 \u351 ?ii
platani umezi din curtea Palatului Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru, care se z\uc1 \u259 ?reau
nedeslu\uc1 \u351 ?it, ca printr-un fel de cea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, prin cr\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tura u\uc1 \u351 ?ii deschise a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perii
Vistieriei, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i gesturile celor doi tineri paji, care vorbeau \uc1
\u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina aceea de vis folosindu-se de semnele surzilor ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i aud\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu se tulbure, m\uc1 \u259 ? chemau spre via\uc1 \u355 ?a minunat\uc1 \u259 ? de
afar\uc1 \u259 ?; am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nemi\uc1 \u351 ?
cat, cuprins de un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de ru\uc1 \u351 ?
ine \uc1 \u351 ?i de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 50. Noi, Cei Doi Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i R\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
citori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? zvonurile
potrivit c\uc1 \u259 ?rora \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un album din cel mai tainic ungher al
Vistieriei pe care str\uc1 \u259 ?mo\uc1 \u351 ?ii Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Nostru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah au ticsit-o vreme de sute ani, cucerind \uc1 \u351 ?i jefuind
sute de \uc1 \u355 ?inuturi \uc1 \u8211 ? printre pagini av\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1
\u351 ?i ob\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n China, la Samarkand \uc1 \u351
?i la Herat, s-ar afla \uc1 \u351 ?i portretul nostru au fost r\uc1 \u259 ?
sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndite, foarte probabil, de piticul Cezmi Aga, ajung\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u351 ?i la breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, ce-ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? povestim \uc1 \u351 ?i noi \uc1 \u238 ?n chip aparte cum ni s-a
dep\uc1 \u259 ?nat via\uc1 \u355 ?a, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, cu
voia Domnului, nimeni dintre dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? cei ce alc\uc1 \u259 ?tui\uc1
\u355 ?i distinsa adunare din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? cafenea
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se simt\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
jignit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfenp1048 De la moartea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? au trecut o sut\uc1 \u259 ? zece
ani, iar de la \uc1 \u238 ?nchiderea l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urilor noastre de
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost vetre de eretici \uc1 \u351 ?i
cuiburi de diavoli, cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de schimbat, aflate de fapt
de partea persanilor s-au scurs patruzeci de ani; cu toate acestea, privi\uc1 \u355
?i, ne afl\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?! De
ce? Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost picta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n felul francilor,
de-aia!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se vede \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi, noi, Cei Doi
Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i, str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?team din ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238
?n ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ara Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nostru. Eram descul\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu capetele rase, pe jum\uc1
\u259 ?tate despuia\uc1 \u355 ?i, aveam pe noi doar c\uc1 \u226 ?te un ilic \uc1
\u351 ?i o piele de cerb, iar la br\uc1 \u226 ?u chimire, \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226
?ini purtam b\uc1 \u226 ?te cu capul \uc1 \u238 ?ncovoiat \uc1 \u351 ?i la g\uc1
\u226 ?t boluri de cer\uc1 \u351 ?it prinse cu lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri; unul dintre noi
avea un topor de t\uc1 \u259 ?iat lemne, iar cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt o lingur\uc1 \u259
? cu care \uc1 \u238 ?nfulecam ceea ce, cu voia Domnului, ne pica \uc1 \u238 ?n
bolul de cer\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tocmai ne
av\uc1 \u226 ?ntaser\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?lceava noastr\uc1
\u259 ? dintotdeauna fiecare dintre noi sf\uc1 \u259 ?dindu-se cu frumosul s\uc1
\u259 ?u prieten, iubit \uc1 \u351 ?i frate \uc1 \u8211 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?m care va apuca mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
lingura, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce din bol \uc1 \u8222 ?nu,
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i eu!\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u8222 ?nu, mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i tu!\uc1 \u8221 ?, ne tot spuneam unul altuia \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd, la o ci\uc1 \u351 ?mea, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? un conac, ne-a oprit
un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat ciudat un c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc
\uc1 \u8211 ? care ne-a dat fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia c\uc1 \u226 ?te un ban vene\uc1
\u355 ?ian de argint \uc1 \u351 ?i a prins a ne picta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Era fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc \uc1 \u351 ?i era ciudat: ne-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat
taman \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiei, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? am fi fost
cortul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, \uc1 \u351 ?i abia \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne picteze \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cum suntem noi, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate
goi \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a venit pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate o idee, pe
care i-am spus-o \uc1 \u351 ?i tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ului meu de via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; prin urmare, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?m ca
ni\uc1 \u351 ?te adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i Kalenderi,
s\uc1 \u259 ?rmani \uc1 \u351 ?i cer\uc1 \u351 ?etori, ne-am dat ochii peste cap
\uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? ne chiombim ca orbii. C\uc1 \u226
?nd st\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ul pare s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite
nu la lumea cea adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ?, la lumea din afar\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
la lumea din mintea lui, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci fiindu-i capul \uc1 \u238 ?nce\uc1 \u355 ?
o\uc1 \u351 ?at de ha\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?, priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea care se
z\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru este cu mult mai
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Numai
c\uc1 \u259 ? priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea de afar\uc1 \u259 ? s-a tulburat \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am auzit pe un hoge tun\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u351 ?i fulger\uc1 \u226 ?nd. Dar s\uc1 \u259 ? nu pricepe\uc1 \u355 ?i
gre\uc1 \u351 ?it! C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am pomenit, acum o s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? minunat\uc1 \u259 ?
cafenea, de \uc1 \u8222 ?Hogea Efendi\uc1 \u8221 ?, s-a iscat o ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?elegere; acesta nu este nicidecum Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nusret Hogea,
predicatorul din Erzurum, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum nu este nici Husret Hogea, hogele
acela n\uc1 \u259 ?scut din flori, nici hogele din Sivas, care \uc1 \u351 ?i-o
tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea cu Diavolul \uc1 \u238 ?n copac. Spunem asta deoarece aceia care
r\uc1 \u259 ?st\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cesc totul au \uc1 \u355 ?ipat sus \uc1
\u351 ?i tare c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?dac\uc1 \u259 ? domnul meddah mai
vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te de Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Hogea Efendi, \uc1 \u238 ?i t\uc1
\u259 ?iem limba \uc1 \u351 ?i-i turn\uc1 \u259 ?m cafeaua \uc1 \u238 ?n cap\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum o sut\uc1 \u259
? dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cafeaua nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu
exista, Hogea Efendi despre care v\uc1 \u259 ? povestim noi tuna \uc1 \u351 ?i
fulgera de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i fel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De ce \uc1 \u238 ?i pictezi pe \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia, bre,
ghiaurule fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc? Zicea el. Neru\uc1 \u351 ?ina\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i Kalenderi, care umbl\uc1 \u259 ? din loc \uc1 \u238 ?n loc,
cer\uc1 \u351 ?ind \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de ho\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, iau ha\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?, beau vin, \uc1 \u351 ?i-o trag unul altuia
\uc1 \u351 ?i e limpede, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum arat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?
tate despuia\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1
\u351 ?ii lumii; habar n-au de rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, de cas\uc1 \u259 ?, de
familie, de \uc1 \u355 ?ar\uc1 \u259 ?. De ce pictezi sc\uc1 \u226 ?rbo\uc1 \u351 ?
enia asta, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd minunatele noastre meleaguri au at\uc1 \u226 ?tea
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?i? Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne jigne\uc1 \u351 ?ti?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Nu, ci din pricin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea ur\uc1 \u226 ?
ciunii voastre
face mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani, a zis ghiaurul, iar noi, Cei Doi Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?
i, am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas mira\uc1 \u355 ?i de p\uc1 \u259 ?trunderea min\uc1 \u355 ?
ii pictorului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar
face mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i bani, l-ai \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a mai chipe\uc1 \u351 ? chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Diavol? A \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat
Hogea Efendi s\uc1 \u259 ?-l atrag\uc1 \u259 ? cu viclenie \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
sfad\uc1 \u259 ?, dar, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se va deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, pictorul fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc era
un artist adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat, iar mintea \uc1 \u238 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?tea doar la
lucrarea lui \uc1 \u351 ?i la bani, nu la scandaluri f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
cheag; prin urmare, n-a plecat urechea la el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-
a pictat a\uc1 \u351 ?adar pe noi, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a pus pictura \uc1 \u238 ?n ta\uc1
\u351 ?ca de piele de pe \uc1 \u351 ?aua calului \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?ara lui ghiaur\uc1 \u259 ?, dar, cum oastea cea
biruitoare a otomanilor a cucerit \uc1 \u351 ?i a pr\uc1 \u259 ?dat ora\uc1 \u351 ?
ul de pe malurile Dun\uc1 \u259 ?rii, am revenit la Istanbul, \uc1 \u238 ?n Odaia
Vistieriei. Iar de aici, fiind privi\uc1 \u355 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor \uc1 \u351 ?
i copia\uc1 \u355 ?i mereu, am ajuns dintr-un caiet tainic \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
carte \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? fericit\uc1 \u259 ? cafenea, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se bea cafea de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar bea un elixir ce st\uc1 \u226 ?rne\uc1 \u351 ?te delicii.
Acum:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O scurt\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259
?murire cu privire la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, la moarte \uc1 \u351 ?i la rostul
nostru \uc1 \u238 ?n lume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hogea
Efendi din Konya, despre care vorbeam adineaori, gr\uc1 \u259 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
un loc din cartea aceea groas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?
1 se scrie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? i se reuneasc\uc1 \u259 ? predicile
dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?: dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ii Kalenderi sunt c\uc1
\u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?turile lumii. Deoarece oamenii, pe lume, se \uc1 \u238 ?
mpart \uc1 \u238 ?n patru tagme: 1. Domnii. 2. Negustorii. 3. \uc1 \u354 ?\uc1
\u259 ?ranii. 4. Me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugarii. Ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti dervi\uc1
\u351 ?i nu intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n niciuna dintre ele. A\uc1 \u351 ?adar,
sunt ni\uc1 \u351 ?te c\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?turi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 De asemenea, a mai gr\uc1 \u259 ?it astfel: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ei
umbl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n grupuri de c\uc1 \u226 ?te doi \uc1 \u351 ?i se
sf\uc1 \u259 ?desc mereu cu privire la cel care va m\uc1 \u226 ?nca primul din
strachin\uc1 \u259 ?, cu singura lingur\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o duc \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?; sfada aceasta este un fel de a vorbi pe departe despre
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata lor pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, anume despre cine cui i-o va trage
primul, drept care cei ce nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu r\uc1 \u226 ?d f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? nimic.\uc1 \u8221 ? Vai, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu
se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleag\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?it! Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul hoge ne-a p\uc1 \u259 ?truns taina tocmai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te pe acela\uc1 \u351 ?i drum cu noi \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i feciorii frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, cu ucenicii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu restul
breslei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata tain\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata tain\uc1 \u259 ? este aceasta: \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ne
picta, ghiaurul fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc se uita la noi cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta dulcea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i luare-aminte, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am
prins drag de el \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?,
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ? ne l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m picta\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Gre\uc1 \u351 ?ea privind lumea doar cu ochiul \uc1 \u351 ?i pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd
ceea ce vedea, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, \uc1 \u238 ?i picta ca
orbi pe cei care vedeau cazul nostru \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? noi
n-am luat seama la fleacuri. Acum suntem foarte ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i! Potrivit lui
Hogea Efendi, ne afl\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad, potrivit altora,
necredincio\uc1 \u351 ?i, nu suntem dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ni\uc1 \u351 ?te trupuri
moarte \uc1 \u351 ?i putrede, iar potrivit cetei de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
minto\uc1 \u351 ?i aduna\uc1 \u355 ?i aici, suntem doar o imagine \uc1 \u351 ?i,
fiind noi o imagine, este minunat c\uc1 \u259 ? ne g\uc1 \u259 ?sim \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? am fi vii. Spunem
asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit
cu binecunoscutul Hogea Efendi, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am mers pe jos de la Konya la
Sivas cer\uc1 \u351 ?ind cale de trei conace \uc1 \u351 ?i opt sate, ne-am
pomenit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o noapte c\uc1 \u259 ? a dat un frig at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
n\uc1 \u259 ?prasnic \uc1 \u351 ?i o asemenea z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t noi, Cei Doi Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i R\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
citori, am adormit str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i, am degerat \uc1 \u351 ?i am pierit. \uc1 \u206 ?nainte
de a m\uc1 \u259 ? stinge, am visat c\uc1 \u259 ? am fost pictat \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea mea a ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n Rai, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a d\uc1
\u259 ?inuit mii \uc1 \u351 ?i mii de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Eu, Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Se spune
c\uc1 \u259 ? la Buhara circul\uc1 \u259 ? o poveste mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenit\uc1
\u259 ? tocmai de pe vremea lui Abdullah Han. Hanul uzbec un suveran foarte
b\uc1 \u259 ?nuitor nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?a ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se amestece condeiele mai multor miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea defel ca miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i arunce privirile asupra paginilor lucrate de
confra\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se imite unul pe altul.
Aceasta deoarece atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?tuia cineva prin
ceea ce picta, era cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l afli pe
vinovat printre f\uc1 \u259 ?urarii care se copiau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sfial\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai mult, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme,
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care, \uc1 \u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ? se sileasc\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? caute \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric amintirile lui Dumnezeu,
furau unul de la altul, ajungeau p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
acolo \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu mai f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? peste um\uc1 \u259 ?rul celor afla\uc1 \u355 ?i
l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ei \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? redeseneze, de lene,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ceea ce vedeau. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?,
hanul i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinat cu bucurie pe doi mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri unul de la miaz\uc1 \u259 ?zi, din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt de la
soare-r\uc1 \u259 ?sare, din Samarkand care, fugind de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaie \uc1
\u351 ?i de \uc1 \u351 ?ahi tiranici, se ad\uc1 \u259 ?postiser\uc1 \u259 ? la
el, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? nu le-a \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duit acestor
pictori faimo\uc1 \u351 ?i, d\uc1 \u259 ?rui\uc1 \u355 ?i cu har, s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? unul altuia miniaturile \uc1 \u351 ?i
le-a r\uc1 \u226 ?nduit fiec\uc1 \u259 ?ruia c\uc1 \u226 ?te o od\uc1 \u259 ?
i\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de lucru aflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cel mai \uc1
\u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat ungher al seraiului, departe una de cealalt\uc1
\u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a au ajuns ei s\uc1 \u259 ?-l asculte vreme de taman treizeci
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?apte de ani \uc1 \u351 ?i patru luni, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i
cum ar fi ascultat o legend\uc1 \u259 ?, pe Abdullah Han care le povestea c\uc1
\u226 ?t de minunate erau paginile lor, pe care nu \uc1 \u351 ?i le v\uc1 \u259 ?
zuser\uc1 \u259 ? unul altuia niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ce privin\uc1
\u355 ?e se deosebeau ele una de alta ori \uc1 \u238 ?n ce privin\uc1 \u355 ?e se
asem\uc1 \u259 ?nau \uc1 \u238 ?n chip straniu una cu alta \uc1 \u351 ?i au fost
cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i, fiecare, de o curiozitate f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? leac cu
privire la picturile celuilalt. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a murit hanul uzbec care a
tr\uc1 \u259 ?it vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca broa\uc1 \u351 ?
tele \uc1 \u355 ?estoase \uc1 \u8211 ? cei doi b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti au dat fuga, am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, unul \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia
celuilalt, spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i vedea lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile. Apoi, a\uc1 \u351 ?
eza\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?te un col\uc1 \u355 ? al aceluia\uc1
\u351 ?i mindir, fiecare cu c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile celuilalt \uc1 \u238 ?n
bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, au tr\uc1 \u259 ?it o mare dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gire uit\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-se la picturile care le erau cunoscute din istorisirile lui Abdullah Han.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? picturile la care se uitau nu p\uc1 \u259 ?reau deloc demne de
poveste, asemenea celor ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror istorii le auziser\uc1 \u259 ? de la
Han, ci lipsite de orice semn aparte, \uc1 \u351 ?terse \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?lucire, la fel ca toate picturile pe care le v\uc1
\u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii ani. Cum cei doi mari mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri n-au priceput nici dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce au orbit am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi cu
totul, la scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, c\uc1 \u259 ? pricina
acestui aspect \uc1 \u351 ?ters era tocmai orbirea care se ab\uc1 \u259 ?tuse
asupra lor, au socotit c\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elaser\uc1 \u259 ?
de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii vie\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i au murit \uc1
\u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? visele sunt mai frumoase
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t picturile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n vreme ce r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam, cu degetele \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?epenite
de frig, paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor la care visam de patruzeci de
ani \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce le priveam \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, la ceas de
noapte, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea rece a Vistieriei, eram mai
fericit dec\uc1 \u226 ?t eroii acelei pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti petrecute \uc1 \u238 ?n
cruda Buhara. M\uc1 \u259 ? mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare prilejul de a
putea lua \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a orbi
\uc1 \u351 ?i a muri, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i despre care auzisem istorisindu-
se de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mele vie\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t uneori, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? vreuna dintre paginile
printre care r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ceam era chiar mai miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ?
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t povestea sa, murmuram:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Slav\uc1 \u259 ?, slav\uc1 \u259 ?, slav\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u354 ?ie, Doamne!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De pild\uc1 \u259 ?, cu optzeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail a trecut fluviul \uc1
\u351 ?i a cucerit, prin for\uc1 \u355 ?a sabiei, de la uzbeci Heratul53 \uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul Horasan, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l apoi pe fratele
s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Sam Mirza, s\uc1 \u259 ? guverneze Heratul, acesta din urm\uc1
\u259 ? a poruncit s\uc1 \u259 ? se z\uc1 \u259 ?misleasc\uc1 \u259 ? o carte
\uc1 \u238 ?n cinstea fericitului eveniment \uc1 \u351 ?i a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? se
rescrie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se repicteze scrierea intitulat\uc1 \u259 ?
Conjunc\uc1 \u355 ?ia a\uc1 \u351 ?trilor, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se dep\uc1 \u259 ?na
o poveste asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare celei la care fusese martor Emir H\uc1
\u252 ?srev \uc1 \u238 ?n palatul de la Delhi. Una dintre picturile din
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe cei doi conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tori care, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum auzisem
eu din pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti, se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lniser\uc1 \u259 ? pe malul
unui fluviu, s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?torindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i, deopotriv\uc1
\u259 ? victoria \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnirea; chipurile lor
sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau at\uc1 \u226 ?t cu chipul lui Keykubat, suveranul de la
Delhi, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu cel al tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Bugra Han,
suveranul din Bengal la care se referea scrierea \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu cel al \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Ismail \uc1 \u351 ?i al fratelui
s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Sam Mirza, care prilejuiser\uc1 \u259 ? acest nou volum. Eram
\uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? oricare ar fi fost povestea pe care
o purtam \uc1 \u238 ?n minte, dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la acea
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, chipurile eroilor pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii cu pricina urmau s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259 ? apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n cortul
suveranului, drept care i-am mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit lui Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise prilejul de a vedea acea pagin\uc1 \u259 ? minunat\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048
\uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o imagine pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u350
?eyh Muhammad, unul dintre marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai aceleia\uc1 \u351 ?i epoci
legendare, un rob umil a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
afec\uc1 \u355 ?iune fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul s\uc1
\u259 ?u atinseser\uc1 \u259 ? pragul dragostei, care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptase \uc1
\u238 ?ndelung, cu r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce suveranul juca
gevg\uc1 \u226 ?n54, nutrind speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? mingea avea s\uc1
\u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepte spre el \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s-o ridice,
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? i-o \uc1 \u238 ?napoieze era \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce apuca mingea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
aceasta se apropiase \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r de el, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-o
\uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?na padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului. Dragostea, admira\uc1 \u355 ?
ia \uc1 \u351 ?i renun\uc1 \u355 ?area de sine \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ite pe care este de a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat s\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1
\u238 ?ncerce un s\uc1 \u259 ?rman rob fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un suveran
maiestuos, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah plin de m\uc1
\u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ie la fel ca un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r ucenic fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un mare maestru sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte despre care
auzisem vorbindu-se de mii de ori \uc1 \u8211 ? fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate cu o putere de p\uc1 \u259 ?trundere
str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tut\uc1 \u259 ? de o asemenea subtilitate \uc1 \u351 ?i
de o asemenea profunzime, de la modul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntindeau
degetele robului, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd mingea, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
la faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu cuteza s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-te la acea pagin\uc1 \u259
?, pricepeai, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu din str\uc1
\u259 ?funduri, c\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai mare fericire din lume este s\uc1 \u259 ? le
fii maestru tinerilor, frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u259 ?torilor ucenici \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? fii, la r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, ucenicul unui mare maestru, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o despuiere
de sine care s\uc1 \u259 ? ating\uc1 \u259 ? supunerea deplin\uc1 \u259 ? a
st\uc1 \u259 ?rii de robie; m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea
pentru cei care nu cunoscuser\uc1 \u259 ? acest adev\uc1 \u259 ?r.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam paginile, \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia la
miile de p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, de cai, de solda\uc1 \u355 ?i, de \uc1 \u238
?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i, de c\uc1 \u259 ?mile, de copaci, de nori,
fericitul pitic al Vistieriei scotea mereu la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? de prin cufere alte
volume, l\uc1 \u259 ?ud\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sfial\uc1
\u259 ?, asemenea unui \uc1 \u351 ?ah din vremuri de demult, care aflase prilejul
de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a bog\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iile. Paginile a dou\uc1 \u259 ? volume impun\uc1 \u259 ?toare
unul de culoarea vi\uc1 \u351 ?inei putrede, legat dup\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul celor din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt cu copert\uc1
\u259 ? de culoare \uc1 \u238 ?nchis\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?cuit\uc1 \u259 ? la
Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?uriri
chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u8211 ? care au ie\uc1 \u351 ?it la lumin\uc1 \u259 ?
din ungherele unui cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r de fier, dintre toate acele c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i miraculoase, dintre volume obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite \uc1 \u351 ?i albume
aflate \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cumplit\uc1 \u259 ? dev\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?ie, sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ele, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
copiate unele dup\uc1 \u259 ? altele. Str\uc1 \u259 ?duindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?esc care dintre ele era originalul \uc1 \u351 ?i care
imita\uc1 \u355 ?ia f\uc1 \u259 ?urit\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? el, am urm\uc1
\u259 ?rit numele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor din colofon, am c\uc1 \u259 ?utat
semn\uc1 \u259 ?turile tainice \uc1 \u351 ?i am priceput, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, cuprins de \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorare, c\uc1 \u259 ? cele dou\uc1
\u259 ? volume de Nizami erau c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile legendare pe care
\uc1 \u350 ?eyh Ali din Tabriz le pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dise pentru Cihan \uc1
\u350 ?ah, suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru Hasan cel Lung,
suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Albe. De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce fusese orbit de
\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai z\uc1 \u259 ?
misleasc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru nimeni altcineva vreun exemplar asem\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?tor, marele maestru miniaturist se refugiase la Hasan, suveranul
Celor-cu-Oile-Albe, \uc1 \u351 ?i pictase din memorie un exemplar \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
izbutit dec\uc1 \u226 ?t primul. Constatarea c\uc1 \u259 ? picturile din cea de-a
doua carte legendar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mplinite c\uc1 \u226 ?nd miniaturistul
era deja orb, se v\uc1 \u259 ?deau mai simple \uc1 \u351 ?i mai limpezi, \uc1 \u238
?n vreme ce culorile din prima erau mai str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
pline de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? m-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? cuget
asupra faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? amintirile orbilor pun \uc1 \u238 ?n lumin\uc1
\u259 ? simplitatea nemiloas\uc1 \u259 ? a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dar ucid vigoarea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt cu
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat un mare maestru \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul, care vede tot \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tie tot,
bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, desigur, acest lucru, \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? voi orbi \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, dar oare doresc s\uc1
\u259 ? mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple acum acest lucru? I-am cerut
Atotputernicului Dumnezeu ca un condamnat la moarte care, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de
a-\uc1 \u351 ?i pierde capul, dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? mai priveasc\uc1
\u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, ceea ce se afl\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u8222 ?s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ?d toate aceste picturi, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi satur ochii\uc1 \u8221 ?,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de
lucruri a Vistieriei, Dumnezeu p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie foarte aproape.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n paginile pe care
le r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam se iveau adesea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor mei
legende \uc1 \u351 ?i subiecte legate de orbire ori vreun t\uc1 \u226 ?lc ascuns al
lui Dumnezeu. \uc1 \u350 ?eyh Ali Riza din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz cel care a pictat
renumita scen\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin vede, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce se plimb\uc1 \u259 ? pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mp, portretul lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev
at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat de ramura unui platan \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259
?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de el, care a z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1
\u226 ?nd, toate frunzele platanului \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? acopere cerul \uc1 \u8211 ? s-a apucat plin de trufie
s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze acela\uc1 \u351 ?i copac, cu frunze cu tot, pe un bob de
orez, spre a-i dovedi unui neghiob care, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la imaginea
aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?i spusese c\uc1 \u259 ? subiectul pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuirii lui nu
era platanul, c\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?ratul subiect al picturii izvodite de
el era patima miniaturistului, iar nu patima frumoasei tinere. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ela semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura a\uc1 \u351 ?
ezat\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie sub picioarele delicatelor \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355
?itoare ale lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin, ceea ce vedeam era copacul acela falnic desenat
de maestrul orb pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, nu copacul desenat pe bob de orez, l\uc1
\u259 ?sat neterminat de marele maestru care orbise la \uc1 \u351 ?apte ani \uc1
\u351 ?i trei luni de la \uc1 \u238 ?nceperea lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rii. Pe o alt\uc1
\u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at
modul \uc1 \u238 ?n care fusese orbit Alexandru de s\uc1 \u259 ?geata
despicat\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Rustem, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1
\u259 ?ruiau acea \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire \uc1 \u351 ?i risip\uc1 \u259 ?
de culoare care nu puteau fi aflate dec\uc1 \u226 ?t la miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
deprin\uc1 \u351 ?i cu me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul din \uc1 \u354 ?inutul
Indiei, prin urmare orbirea ve\uc1 \u351 ?nica suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a tainic\uc1 \u259 ? a miniaturistului adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat i se \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a privitorului ca
simplu \uc1 \u238 ?nceput al unei fericite s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tori.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Priveam toate aceste imagini
\uc1 \u351 ?i volume cu emo\uc1 \u355 ?ia celui care dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259
? vad\uc1 \u259 ? aievea pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile pe care le-a auzit ani de zile,
dar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului care
simte c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o vreme, nu le va mai vedea niciodat\uc1 \u259
?. \uc1 \u206 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea rece a Vistieriei care, din
pricina stofelor, a culorii prafului \uc1 \u351 ?i a luminii ciudate \uc1 \u238 ?
mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiate de lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rile din sfe\uc1
\u351 ?nice, dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndise o nuan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de un ro\uc1 \u351
?u \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat pe care o vedeam pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, Negru
\uc1 \u351 ?i piticul veneau din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd la
mine, auzindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? cum scoteam c\uc1 \u226 ?te un strig\uc1 \u259 ?t de
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, se uitau peste um\uc1 \u259 ?rul meu la miraculoasa pagin\uc1
\u259 ? pe care o priveam, iar eu, neput\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? ab\uc1
\u355 ?ine, nu mai pridideam cu l\uc1 \u259 ?muririle:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Acest ro\uc1 \u351 ?u este ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul lui Mirza Baba Imami,
marele maestru din Tabriz, care i-a dus cu sine taina \uc1 \u238 ?n morm\uc1
\u226 ?nt. A colorat cu el marginea covorului, semnul de apartenen\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la secta \uc1 \u8222 ?bonetelor ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii\uc1 \u8221 ?
de pe turbanul \uc1 \u351 ?ahului safavid \uc1 \u351 ?i privi\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ?! P\uc1 \u226 ?ntecul unui leu, iar dincoace
caftanul acestui fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?u frumos. Putem vedea cu ochiul
liber, \uc1 \u238 ?n lume, acest ro\uc1 \u351 ?u cuceritor pe care, afar\uc1
\u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u238 ?n care le-a v\uc1
\u259 ?rsat s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele, Dumnezeu nu li l-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de-a dreptul robilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i, ci l-a t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit
\uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?nii rare, printre pietre, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne trudim s\uc1 \u259 ?-l afl\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l putem vedea,
a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, doar pe \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?turile me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?ugite de oameni \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n picturile marilor mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri, spuneam, \uc1 \u351 ?i ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugam: Slav\uc1 \u259 ? Celui care
ne dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie acum acest lucru!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Privi\uc1 \u355 ?i la asta, am zis, la mult timp dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea,
neput\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ?, din nou, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni, \uc1
\u351 ?i le-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? minunat\uc1 \u259 ? care ar
fi putut \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobi orice carte de gazeluri \uc1 \u238 ?n care se vorbea
despre dragoste, despre prietenie, despre prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1 \u259 ?,
despre \uc1 \u238 ?mplinire; privind copacii \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226
?nta\uc1 \u355 ?i de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?
nfloriser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n toate culorile, chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ii din
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina paradisiac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i fericirea \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor care st\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1 \u238 ?n
gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ?, beau vin \uc1 \u351 ?i recitau poeme, am sim\uc1
\u355 ?it cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii parc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?perea rece a Vistieriei care mirosea a mucegai \uc1 \u351 ?i a praf,
mireasma suav\uc1 \u259 ? a fiorilor de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i a pielii ferici\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355
?i. Privi\uc1 \u355 ?i grupul \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at
de miniaturist, care a surprins cu inima at\uc1 \u226 ?t de deschis\uc1 \u259 ?
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, frumoasele lor
picioare goale, delicate\uc1 \u355 ?ea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n atitudinea
lor, \uc1 \u238 ?n vioiciunea p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rilor ce zboar\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur, \uc1 \u238 ?n chiparosul din spate, am zis. Aceasta
este pictura lui Lutfi din Buhara, care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat toate
imaginile neterminate din pricina modului s\uc1 \u259 ?u de a fi moroc\uc1 \u259 ?
nos \uc1 \u351 ?i a firii mereu puse pe har\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, care s-a
certat cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ahii, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i hanii, pe motiv
c\uc1 \u259 ? ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia nu pricepeau nimic din pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u351 ?i care nu s-a putut a\uc1 \u351 ?eza niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreun ora\uc1 \u351 ?. Sf\uc1 \u259 ?dindu-se mereu cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cind din loc \uc1 \u238 ?n loc, de la seraiul
unui han la al altuia, acest mare maestru, care nu a aflat nici un st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nitor care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i plac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i care
s\uc1 \u259 ? merite s\uc1 \u259 ? lucreze la cartea lui, s-a aciuat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? atelierul de pictur\uc1
\u259 ? al unui bei \uc1 \u351 ?ters, care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea asupra
mun\uc1 \u355 ?ilor ple\uc1 \u351 ?uvi, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a petrecut
acolo ultimii dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani din via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, zic\uc1 \u226 ?nd: \uc1 \u8222 ?Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355
?inutul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te hanul
este mic, dar el se pricepe la pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u350 ?i
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi se vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i se glume\uc1 \u351 ?te pe
seama acestui fapt, iar oamenii se \uc1 \u238 ?ntreab\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ?
el \uc1 \u351 ?tia sau nu c\uc1 \u259 ? hanul acela \uc1 \u351 ?ters era, de fapt,
orb.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i aceast\uc1
\u259 ? pagin\uc1 \u259 ?? Am zis, cu mult dup\uc1 \u259 ? miezul nop\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, iar de data aceasta au dat am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi fuga la mine, cu sfe\uc1 \u351 ?
nicele \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte a
schimbat zece st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u238 ?n o sut\uc1 \u259 ?
cincizeci de ani, de la Herat p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? aici, adic\uc1 \u259 ?
tocmai de pe vremea nepotului lui Timur p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u259 ?
zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am m\uc1 \u259 ?rit cu lupa
\uc1 \u351 ?i am citit to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei semn\uc1 \u259 ?turile care ocupau
fiecare col\uc1 \u355 ? al paginii cu colofonul, dedica\uc1 \u355 ?iile, frazele
din care se desprindeau datele \uc1 \u351 ?i numele sultanilor care n\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?liser\uc1 \u259 ? unul asupra altuia, care se asupriser\uc1 \u259 ?
unul pe altul, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i luaser\uc1 \u259 ? unul altuia g\uc1 \u226 ?
tul \uc1 \u351 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a: \uc1 \u8222 ?Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte a fost
ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ajutorul lui Dumnezeu, de m\uc1 \u226 ?na
miniaturistului Sultan Veli, fiul lui Muzaffer din Herat, la Herat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
anul 849 al Hegirei, pentru Ismet-ud Dunya, so\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Muhammed Cuki,
fratele \uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?tor al lui Baysungur, St\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nitorul Lumii.\uc1 \u8221 ? Am citit c\uc1 \u259 ?, mai apoi, intrase
\uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nirea lui Halii, sultanul Celor-cu-Oile-
Albe, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n cea a fiului s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Yakup, \uc1 \u238 ?n cea a
sultanilor uzbeci de la miaz\uc1 \u259 ?noapte fiecare dintre ei am\uc1 \u259 ?
gindu-se o vreme, fericit, cu cartea ori sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd sau
ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i dou\uc1 \u259 ?-trei picturi, complet\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it miniaturile, chiar de la primul st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nitor, cu chipurile frumoaselor sale so\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u351 ?i
trec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru numele pe pagina cu
colofonul \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? de la ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti sultani uzbeci
trecuse \uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nirea lui Sam Mirza, fratele
\uc1 \u350 ?ahului Ismail, care cucerise Heratul, c\uc1 \u259 ? Sam Mirza \uc1
\u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise cartea, cu o dedica\uc1 \u355 ?ie aparte, fratelui
s\uc1 \u259 ?u mai mare, c\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce dusese cartea la Tabriz,
\uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail ceruse ca aceasta s\uc1 \u259 ? fie preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit\uc1
\u259 ? spre a fi d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i poruncise s\uc1 \u259
? i se scrie o nou\uc1 \u259 ? dedica\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Sultanul
Selim cel Crunt, S\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luitorul \uc1 \u238 ?n
Rai, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nvinsese pe \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail la Caldiran \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i jefuise Seraiul Celor Opt Raiuri de la Tabriz, sultanul \uc1
\u238 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?tor trecuse cu solda\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i
deserturi, mun\uc1 \u355 ?i, fluvii, iar cartea ajunsese iar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i la Istanbul, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eau oare Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i piticul
aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?irile mele ale b\uc1 \u259 ?
tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului miniaturist? Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce deschideam alte
volume \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam alte pagini, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238
?n mine triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea profund\uc1 \u259 ? a miilor de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
ti, care mai de care mai diferi\uc1 \u355 ?i unul de altul, fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?n
slujba altor \uc1 \u351 ?ahi, hani, bei tiranici, care vreme de sute de ani
pictaser\uc1 \u259 ? cu mic, cu mare, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?
diser\uc1 \u259 ? harul \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi orbiser\uc1 \u259 ?. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?
it, de asemenea, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat
paginile unei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de joas\uc1 \u259 ? spe\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a
moduri \uc1 \u351 ?i unelte de schingiuire, durerea b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ilor
pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?nduraser\uc1 \u259 ?m cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n anii
uceniciei, durerea care ne \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram
plesni\uc1 \u355 ?i cu muchia din\uc1 \u259 ?untru a riglei de ni se \uc1 \u238 ?
nro\uc1 \u351 ?eau obrajii ca focul, durerea loviturilor primite cu pietre de
marmur\uc1 \u259 ? pentru lustruit h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia \uc1 \u238 ?n capetele tunse
chilug. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce c\uc1 \u259 ?uta \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistieria otomanilor
cartea aceea mizerabil\uc1 \u259 ?, de felul celor de care se foloseau c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torii ghiauri pentru a le dovedi fra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor lor
\uc1 \u238 ?ntru credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de cruzi \uc1
\u351 ?i de r\uc1 \u259 ?i la inim\uc1 \u259 ? eram noi, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi
trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? aceste cazne \uc1 \u238 ?mplinite sub
privegherea cadiului ca pe o cale de neocolit pentru s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?irea drept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Dumnezeu \uc1 \u238 ?n lume;
asemenea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i le erau cerute miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? onoare, care puteau t\uc1 \u259 ?inui \uc1 \u238 ?n
inimile lor astfel de imagini \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?ilate, \uc1 \u238 ?n
schimbul a trei-patru galbeni. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine pentru pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea revolt\uc1 \u259 ?toare pe care vedeam
prea bine c\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase miniaturistul z\uc1 \u259 ?mislind
toate aceste imagini cu b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?i la t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi,
chelf\uc1 \u259 ?neli, r\uc1 \u259 ?stigniri, cu oameni sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzura\uc1
\u355 ?i de cap sau de picioare, at\uc1 \u226 ?rna\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u226 ?rlige, tra\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?eap\uc1 \u259 ?,
arunca\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n aer cu tunul, cu grumazul retezat, cu trupul
sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat de haite de c\uc1 \u226 ?ini fl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nzi, biciui\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ndesa\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n saci,
str\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n menghin\uc1 \u259 ?, cufunda\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ap\uc1 \u259 ? rece, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul smuls, cu degetele
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nte, cu pielea jupuit\uc1 \u259 ? fin, cu nasul t\uc1 \u259 ?iat, cu
ochii sco\uc1 \u351 ?i din orbite. Doar miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii adev\uc1 \u259 ?
ra\uc1 \u355 ?i, de felul nostru, care erau b\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u355 ?i nemilos la
t\uc1 \u259 ?lpi \uc1 \u238 ?n anii uceniciei, care \uc1 \u238 ?ncasau scatoalce la
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare, care erau lua\uc1 \u355 ?i la pumni pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? vreun maestru nervos, ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i gre\uc1 \u351 ?ise desenul,
trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?coreasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i care erau
lovi\uc1 \u355 ?i ore \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi cu b\uc1 \u226 ?tele \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
riglele, pentru ca diavolul din ei s\uc1 \u259 ? se preschimbe \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
ginn al picturii doar ei pot \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca o pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere at\uc1 \u226 ?
t de ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351
?\uc1 \u226 ?nd scene cu b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i cazne \uc1 \u351
?i pot colora asemenea instrumente \uc1 \u238 ?n nuan\uc1 \u355 ?e at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de vesele, at\uc1 \u226 ?t de vii, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi ni\uc1 \u351 ?te copii
care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vopsesc zmeul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
care privesc lumea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? de departe, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
pricepe prea multe lucruri, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar privi, peste secole, imaginile
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor pe care le pict\uc1 \u259 ?m, care doresc s\uc1
\u259 ? se apropie de noi \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleag\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?di \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea trebuincioas\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a\uc1 \u351 ?a
ceva, ar fi putut b\uc1 \u259 ?ga de seam\uc1 \u259 ? poate ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea \uc1
\u351 ?i fericirea, suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a profund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i acea
bucurie a ochiului pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam eu \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la picturi, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea rece
a Vistieriei; nu le-ar fi putut pricepe \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? pe de-a-ntregul.
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce degetele mele \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nite,
care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduser\uc1 \u259 ? agerimea din pricina frigului,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntorceau paginile, lupa veche \uc1 \u351 ?i credincioas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de sidef, trecea, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu ochiul
st\uc1 \u226 ?ng, pe deasupra imaginilor, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se mira de
priveli\uc1 \u351 ?tea de dedesubt, ci privind cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?
i z\uc1 \u259 ?bovind ba asupra uneia, ba asupra alteia, ca o barz\uc1 \u259 ?
migratoare trecut\uc1 \u259 ? prin multe, care str\uc1 \u259 ?bate \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga lume. Afl\uc1 \u226 ?nd, din paginile care nu ne fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luite ani de zile, dar ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror
legende ne ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ? uneori la ureche, care miniaturist de la cine
\uc1 \u351 ?i ce anume \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ase, \uc1 \u238 ?n ce
ateliere de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i sub obl\uc1 \u259 ?duirea c\uc1
\u259 ?rui \uc1 \u351 ?ah prinsese contur pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce se
numea acum \uc1 \u8222 ?stil\uc1 \u8221 ?, care maestru legendar, \uc1 \u238 ?n
serviciul cui lucrase sau c\uc1 \u259 ?, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?tucii de nori \uc1 \u238 ?n stil chinezesc, despre care \uc1 \u351 ?tiam
c\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndiser\uc1 \u259 ?, sub \uc1 \u238 ?
nr\uc1 \u226 ?urirea chinezilor, de la Herat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul \uc1
\u355 ?inut persan, se foloseau \uc1 \u351 ?i la Kazvin, suspinam din vreme \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea, ostenit. Suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care o
\uc1 \u238 ?ncercam mai \uc1 \u238 ?n ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul sufletului, melancolia
\uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea pe care m\uc1 \u259 ? voi str\uc1 \u259 ?dui s\uc1
\u259 ? vi le dest\uc1 \u259 ?inui \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? se legau
de chinul \uc1 \u238 ?ndurat \uc1 \u238 ?n numele picturii de frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu chipuri rotunde ca luna, cu ochi de gazel\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i trupuri ml\uc1 \u259 ?dioase care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
mare parte, r\uc1 \u259 ?u trata\uc1 \u355 ?i de mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri pe vremea
uceniciei, de \uc1 \u238 ?njosirea, emo\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i n\uc1 \u259 ?
dejdea pe care le tr\uc1 \u259 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?, de apropierea lor
sufleteasc\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de propriii \uc1 \u238 ?ndrum\uc1
\u259 ?tori, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i de dragostea lor \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? pentru pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i de
uitarea, de orbirea de care avuseser\uc1 \u259 ? parte la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul anilor
petrecu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Deoarece sunt ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pictez scene de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare pentru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns, st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
melancolie \uc1 \u351 ?i aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea
subtil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i delicat\uc1 \u259 ? a sentimentelor, de care
sufletul meu t\uc1 \u259 ?cut uita mereu uita c\uc1 \u259 ? putea fi pictat\uc1
\u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un album, un fecior
persan cu buze ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii, cu mijloc sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire, care \uc1 \u355 ?
inea \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e o carte, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?
ceam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu atunci, mi-am amintit de un lucru pe care-l uitau to\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ahii lacomi de galbeni \uc1 \u351 ?i de putere: tot ceea ce
este frumos este pl\uc1 \u259 ?mada Domnului. Pe o alt\uc1 \u259 ? pagin\uc1
\u259 ? de album am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi, doi tineri
nemaiv\uc1 \u259 ?zut de frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i unul de altul, pe care-i desenase un la fel de t\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?r maestru din Ispahan, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a venit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte
dragostea de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? a propriilor \uc1 \u351 ?i minuna\uc1 \u355 ?ilor
mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. T\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ra cu buze cire\uc1 \u351 ?
ii, cu ochi migdala\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu nasul de forma unei c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259
?ri, cu trupul ml\uc1 \u259 ?diu privea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi privit trei flori m\uc1 \u259 ?run\uc1 \u355 ?ele, cele
trei semne ale dragostei, mici \uc1 \u351 ?i ad\uc1 \u226 ?nci, pe care \uc1
\u351 ?i le \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rise fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ul, cu
fierul \uc1 \u238 ?ncins, pe fermec\uc1 \u259 ?torul s\uc1 \u259 ?u bra\uc1
\u355 ?, ca z\uc1 \u259 ?log al dragostei \uc1 \u351 ?i ata\uc1 \u351 ?amentului
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea; bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul delicat, dezgolit cu
grij\uc1 \u259 ?, al fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ului, care avea, asemenea ei,
picioare mici \uc1 \u351 ?i piele transparent\uc1 \u259 ?, era sub\uc1 \u355 ?
irel \uc1 \u351 ?i lipsit de mu\uc1 \u351 ?chi \uc1 \u351 ?i trezea \uc1 \u238 ?n
tine dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a-l s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta, pentru a muri \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n mod ciudat, inima mea s-a pornit s\uc1 \u259 ? bat\uc1 \u259 ? mai
tare. Fruntea mi s-a acoperit de broboane de sudoare, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla cu \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n primii ani ai uceniciei, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd priveam
imaginile, \uc1 \u238 ?n cerneal\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, oarecum
necuviincioase, pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dite la Tabriz, care \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?au fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?i frumo\uc1
\u351 ?i cu pielea alb\uc1 \u259 ? ca marmura \uc1 \u351 ?i fete sub\uc1 \u355 ?
irele cu s\uc1 \u226 ?nii mici. Mi-am amintit de profunzimea g\uc1 \u226 ?ndului
\uc1 \u351 ?i a dragostei fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? care
m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?fulgeraser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam la un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r frumos, cu chip \uc1
\u238 ?ngeresc, cu ochi migdala\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu ten trandafiriu care fusese adus
la atelier ca ucenic, la c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iva ani dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem primii pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n noua calitate de maestru
\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torisem. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?
it, pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta putere c\uc1 \u259 ?
pictura nu avea leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu ru\uc1 \u351 ?inea \uc1 \u351 ?i
melancolia, ci cu dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercasem eu atunci,
c\uc1 \u259 ? harul maestrului miniaturist preschimba, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226
?i, dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a aceea \uc1 \u238 ?n dragoste de Dumnezeu, iar apoi dragostea
de Dumnezeu \uc1 \u238 ?n dragoste de lumea pe care o z\uc1 \u259 ?rea el, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am retr\uc1 \u259 ?it parc\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?i anii
pe care-i petrecusem aplecat peste t\uc1 \u259 ?blia de desen \uc1 \u355 ?
inut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, toate b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
ile pe care le m\uc1 \u226 ?ncasem ca s\uc1 \u259 ? deprind me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1
\u351 ?ugul, hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea de a-mi pierde vederea, suferin\uc1
\u355 ?ele pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ndurasem \uc1 \u238 ?n numele miniaturii \uc1
\u351 ?i pe care, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul meu, le provocasem altora ca pe victoria
unei fericite delect\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Am privit \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, \uc1
\u238 ?ndelung, cu aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i delectare, imaginea aceea miraculoas\uc1
\u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a\uc1 \u351 ? fi privit un lucru oprit. Cu mult mai
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? mai
uitam la ea, din ochi mi s-a desprins o lacrim\uc1 \u259 ?, care s-a prelins pe
obraz \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a pierdut \uc1 \u238 ?n barb\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? se apropia
unul dintre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nice care se preumblau \uc1 \u238 ?
ncet prin \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei, am dat la o parte albumul
\uc1 \u351 ?i am deschis, la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare, un volum l\uc1 \u259
?sat ceva mai devreme l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine de pitic. Era un album
special, dintre acelea preg\uc1 \u259 ?tite pentru \uc1 \u351 ?ahi: am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut, la marginea unui covor de iarb\uc1 \u259 ?, doi cerbi \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i la care se uitau gelo\uc1 \u351 ?i, cu vr\uc1
\u259 ?jm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie, ni\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?acali. Am dat
pagina: am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cai murgi \uc1 \u351 ?i ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii, pe care i-ar
fi putut desena doar vechii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti din Herat. C\uc1 \u226 ?t erau
de frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i! Am dat iar pagina: am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut portretul unui
func\uc1 \u355 ?ionar al statului, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat,
\uc1 \u355 ?an\uc1 \u355 ?o\uc1 \u351 ?; era un portret vechi de \uc1 \u351 ?
aptezeci de ani \uc1 \u351 ?i nu izbuteam s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau seama despre ce
miniaturist
era de fapt vorba, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci aducea cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi zis
c\uc1 \u259 ? atmosfera care se desprindea din portret, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? barba
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatului a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat fusese pictat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mai
multe culori \uc1 \u238 ?mi readucea \uc1 \u238 ?n minte ceva. Inima mi-a luat-o la
goan\uc1 \u259 ?: am recunoscut miraculoasa m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? din imagine
inima o sim\uc1 \u355 ?ise \uc1 \u238 ?naintea mea \uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
numai El putea desena o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Portretul era pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit de Marele Maestru
Behzad. Din pictur\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nit
parc\uc1 \u259 ? o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte, \uc1 \u238 ?n mai multe r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri, imagini pictate de Marele
Maestru Behzad, dar fie pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu le admiram singur c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
le privisem, cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u8211 ? fie pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu puteam fi sigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura \uc1 \u238 ?i apar\uc1 \u355 ?inea Marelui Behzad, ochii nu
mi se \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ienjeniser\uc1 \u259 ? ca acum.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntunericul ap\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?tor,
mirosind a mucegai, din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei a p\uc1 \u259 ?
rut s\uc1 \u259 ? se lumineze. M\uc1 \u226 ?na frumos desenat\uc1 \u259 ? s-a
\uc1 \u238 ?ntov\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea mea,
cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul acela miraculos, delicat, pe care-l v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem cu
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care erau
\uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rite cu fierul ro\uc1 \u351 ?u semnele dragostei. I-am
mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit lui Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luise aceste
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a orbi. De unde \uc1 \u351 ?tiam
c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? orbesc \uc1 \u238 ?n cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd? Nu
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? urma
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? presim\uc1 \u355 ?ire lui Negru, care se uita, cu sfe\uc1
\u351 ?nicul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, la pagina la care m\uc1
\u259 ? uitam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, dar din gur\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it
altceva:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uite ce
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? e m\uc1 \u226 ?na, i-am zis. E a lui Behzad.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u226 ?na mea a luat de la sine m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui
Negru, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi apucat m\uc1 \u226 ?na unuia dintre acei
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i copii-ucenici, cu pielea moale \uc1 \u351 ?i catifelat\uc1 \u259
?, pe care-i iubisem \uc1 \u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd. M\uc1
\u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?i era neted\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ferm\uc1 \u259 ?; mai
cald\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a mea; partea cu vene a \uc1 \u238 ?ncheieturii,
acolo unde palma se unea cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul, era delicat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i lat\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u238 ?mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea mie.
\uc1 \u206 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a atinge m\uc1 \u226 ?na
vreunui copil-ucenic \uc1 \u351 ?i de a-i spune cum s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? pensula, \uc1 \u238 ?mi a\uc1 \u355 ?inteam cu dragoste ochii
\uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui tem\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u351 ?i bl\uc1 \u226 ?nzi.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a l-am privit \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Negru. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum i se
oglindea \uc1 \u238 ?n pupile flac\uc1 \u259 ?ra lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii
\uc1 \u238 ?nfipte \uc1 \u238 ?n sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicul din m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noi, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii,
suntem cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii fra\uc1 \u355 ?i, i-am zis. Ins\uc1 \u259 ? acum totul
se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cum?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O spusesem a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
ar spune un mare maestru care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchinat anii unui
suveran, unui prin\uc1 \u355 ?, care a pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuit \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u miracole \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u351
?i care chiar a m\uc1 \u226 ?nat lucrurile astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
atelierul s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un stil propriu, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ar
gr\uc1 \u259 ?i, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, un mare maestru atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ar
spune, dorindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u8222 ?Acum
se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te totul!\uc1 \u8221 ?, deoarece \uc1
\u351 ?tie c\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce hanul care \uc1 \u238 ?
l ocrote\uc1 \u351 ?te va pierde toate b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?liile, noii st\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni, sosi\uc1 \u355 ?i pe urmele o\uc1 \u351 ?tenilor vr\uc1
\u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?i afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ? spre a-l
pr\uc1 \u259 ?da, vor nimici atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, vor desface
leg\uc1 \u259 ?turile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i le vor amesteca
paginile, vor nesocoti \uc1 \u351 ?i vor ruina totul toate acele m\uc1 \u259 ?
run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?uri legate de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care
crede el, care sunt descoperirile lui \uc1 \u351 ?i la care \uc1 \u355 ?ine ca la
propriul vl\uc1 \u259 ?star. Dar altfel trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ?-i l\uc1 \u259 ?muresc
lui Negru acest lucru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acesta este
portretul marelui poet Abdullah Hatifi\uc1 \u8221 ?, am zis. Hatifi era un poet
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea sluj, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
nu s-a clintit din loc; \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail s-a dus s\uc1 \u259 ?-l viziteze,
tocmai la casa lui din afara ora\uc1
\u351 ?ului. Pricepem c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta este portretul lui Hatifi dup\uc1 \u259
? ceea ce scrie sub imagine \uc1 \u351 ?i nu dup\uc1 \u259 ? chipul lui Hatifi,
desenat de Maestrul Behzad, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Negru s-a uitat la mine \uc1 \u351 ?i a spus \uc1 \u8222 ?Da\uc1 \u8221 ? cu ochii
lui frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu
privire la chipul poetului din portret, am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?i vedem ca pe un chip
oarecare, asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tor cu alte chipuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Abdullah Hatifi ar fi fost aici
acum, nu l-am fi putut deslu\uc1 \u351 ?i nicidecum dup\uc1 \u259 ? chipul din
portret. Am fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? dup\uc1 \u259 ?
portret \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul s\uc1 \u259 ?u: \uc1 \u238 ?n atmosfera
lui, \uc1 \u238 ?n atitudinea lui Hatifi, \uc1 \u238 ?n culori, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul
cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit aurirea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare
desenat\uc1 \u259 ? de Maestrul Behzad st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie ceva care te \uc1 \u238 ?
mpinge s\uc1 \u259 ? te g\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?ti imediat c\uc1 \u259 ? este
vorba de portretul unui poet. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura noastr\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?naintea
formei. Acum, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd oamenii au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
imite \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci
\uc1 \u351 ?i italieni, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat \uc1
\u238 ?n cartea pe care i-a comandat-o Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului dumitale Unchi, va lua sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it tot acest univers al
sensului \uc1 \u351 ?i va \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe universul formei, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, cu
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu Unchi a fost ucis, a zis Negru cu grosol\uc1
\u259 ?nie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am m\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat m\uc1 \u226 ?na, pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n podul
palmei, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat, plin
de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire, m\uc1 \u226 ?na micu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a vreunui
t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r ucenic care promitea s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze pe viitor
miracole. Am privit o vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, cu respect, capodopera
lui Behzad. Apoi, Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i-a tras m\uc1 \u226 ?na dintr-a mea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am trecut foarte repede peste pagina dinaintea acesteia,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne uit\uc1 \u259 ?m la n\uc1 \u259 ?rile
cailor murgi, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu e
nimic acolo, am zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i am mai deschis o dat\uc1 \u259 ? cartea la
pagina dinainte; nu era nimic neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit la n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cailor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd o s\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?sim caii aceia cu boturi ciudate? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Negru, ca un
copil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva \uc1
\u238 ?ntre miezul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eu \uc1 \u351 ?i piticul am dibuit \uc1 \u351 ?i am scos dintr-un
cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r de fier, dintre m\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?suri, dintre adasuri
verzi legendara Carte a \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor trimis\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u350 ?ahul
Tahmasp, Negru dormea \uc1 \u238 ?ncovrigat pe un covor ro\uc1 \u351 ?u de U\uc1
\u351 ?ak, cu capul sprijinit pe un fel de pern\uc1 \u259 ? de catifea
lucrat\uc1 \u259 ? cu perle. Am priceput \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? repede, de \uc1
\u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am rev\uc1 \u259 ?zut, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ani de zile,
legendara carte c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru mine, ziua abia \uc1 \u238 ?ncepea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mare \uc1 \u351 ?i de grea,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t abia am putut s-o ridic\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i s-o
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?m, Cezmi Aga \uc1 \u351 ?i eu. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am atins
volumul pe care, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l privisem de departe, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ?
partea \uc1 \u238 ?nvelit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n piele era f\uc1 \u259 ?urit\uc1
\u259 ? din lemn. Cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, la moartea Sultanului Soliman Legiuitorul, \uc1 \u350 ?ahul
Tahmasp s-a bucurat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult c\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul care ocupase de trei ori Tabrizul, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
i-a trimis Sultanului Selim, care \uc1 \u238 ?i urma la tron, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ?
cu alte daruri \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcate pe c\uc1 \u259 ?mile, un Coran
minunat \uc1 \u351 ?i aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? din
vistieria sa. Cartea, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de trei sute de
soli persani, a poposit mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
la Edirne, unde noul padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i petrecea iarna
v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nd; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a ajuns la Istanbul, al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi de celelalte daruri \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?rcate pe spin\uc1 \u259 ?rile
c\uc1 \u259 ?milelor \uc1 \u351 ?i ale cat\uc1 \u226 ?rilor, Mai-marele
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Memi cel Negru, \uc1 \u351 ?i noi, cei trei tineri
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, ne-am dus s\uc1 \u259 ? o vedem \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a fi \uc1
\u238 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistierie. \uc1 \u206 ?n ziua aceea \uc1
\u238 ?n care am dat fuga la Serai, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac istanbulezii c\uc1 \u226
?nd se duc s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? un elefant adus din India ori vreo
giraf\uc1 \u259 ? din Africa, am aflat de la Maestrul Memi cel Negru c\uc1 \u259 ?,
la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, Marele Maestru Behzad plecase de la
Herat la Tabriz, dar c\uc1 \u259 ?, orb fiind, nu se atinsese de carte.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru noi, miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii otomani care, la
vremea aceea, ne desf\uc1 \u259 ?tam cu c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuite \uc1 \u238 ?n care nu se aflau mai mult de \uc1 \u351 ?apte-opt miniaturi,
r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoitul acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se
g\uc1 \u259 ?seau dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute cincizeci de miniaturi mari, aducea cu
plimbarea printr-un serai m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n care
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea doarme. Am privit f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? o vorb\uc1
\u259 ?, cu un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de t\uc1 \u259 ?
cut\uc1 \u259 ? venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, paginile negr\uc1 \u259 ?it de bogate ale
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii de parc\uc1 \u259 ? am fi privit gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinile
Raiului ivite pentru scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, ca prin farmec, \uc1 \u238 ?naintea
ochilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri. \uc1 \u206 ?n cei dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i
cinci de ani care au urmat, am vorbit mereu despre cartea aceasta, ferecat\uc1
\u259 ? apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistierie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
desf\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?n lini\uc1 \u351 ?te, dup\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259
?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani, coperta groas\uc1 \u259 ? a legendarei C\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i a \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
deschis poarta uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a unui serai, dar \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam paginile care fo\uc1 \u351 ?neau, sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?nd un sunet pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1 \u238 ?n mine s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt de triste\uc1
\u355 ?e dec\uc1 \u226 ?t de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 1. Din pricina acelor istorii care pretindeau c\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1
\u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti de la Istanbul furaser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i folosiser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva din aceast\uc1
\u259 ? carte, nu puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? concentrez pe deplin asupra
miniaturilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 2. B\uc1 \u226 ?
ntuit de g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vreunul din col\uc1 \u355 ?
urile capodoperelor care se iveau o dat\uc1 \u259 ? la cinci-\uc1 \u351 ?ase dintre
miniaturile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii (cu c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ab\uc1 \u259 ?tea ghioaga Tahmuras asupra capetelor
demonilor \uc1 \u351 ?i ale uria\uc1 \u351 ?ilor care, mai apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme de pace, urmau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u355 ?e alfabetul, greaca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cele mai felurite limbi!) aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? dau din \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare de m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui Behzad, care ar fi putut desena \uc1
\u351 ?i el c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva, nu puteam s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu \uc1 \u238 ?ntru
totul atent la ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. N\uc1 \u259 ?rile
cailor, prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i a piticului m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mpiedicau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiesc pe de-a-
ntregul lucrurilor pe care le vedeam.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, dincolo de norocul de a putea privi pe s\uc1 \u259 ?turate
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca perdeaua de catifea a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunericului care se apropie de to\uc1 \u355 ?i marii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca o
binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntare sortit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ? coboare
asupra ochilor mei, cu un prilej pe care desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Atotputernicul mi-l
va h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zi cu m\uc1 \u259 ?rinimie, priveam miniaturile mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu mintea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu inima era, cu siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, o pricin\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?nainte ca lumina zorilor s\uc1 \u259 ? se strecoare
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei, care aducea tot mai mult
cu un morm\uc1 \u226 ?nt rece, apucasem s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d toate cele
dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ? (nu cincizeci!) de
miniaturi ale acestei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
pereche. Le-am privit cu mintea; s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun totul, r\uc1
\u226 ?nduind lucrurile, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?ii arabi pasiona\uc1 \u355 ?i de limpezimea g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndirii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. N-am aflat nici un cal ale
c\uc1 \u259 ?rui n\uc1 \u259 ?ri s\uc1 \u259 ? semene cu cele desenate de
nemernicul uciga\uc1 \u351 ?; nu le-am \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit la caii de
cele mai felurite culori cu care i s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?at pa\uc1
\u351 ?ii lui Rustem \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n Turan, pe urmele
ho\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de bidivii; nici la caii miraculo\uc1 \u351 ?i ai lui Feridun
\uc1 \u350 ?ah, care au trecut \uc1 \u238 ?not fluviul Tigru, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
sultanul arab nu le-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea s-o fac\uc1
\u259 ? altminteri, nici la caii suri care urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau de departe, cu
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, cum Tur, fratele mai mare al lui Irec, \uc1 \u238 ?i reteza cu
tic\uc1 \u259 ?lo\uc1 \u351 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i rea credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
capul fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u mai mic, pe motiv c\uc1 \u259 ? tat\uc1 \u259 ?l
lor \uc1 \u238 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sase acestuia celui mai mic dintre fiii s\uc1
\u259 ?i Iranul, cel mai frumos dintre \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile peste care st\uc1
\u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nea, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce unuia dintre fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mai
mari \uc1 \u238 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u354 ?inutul Rumului, aflat la mare
dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, iar celuilalt \uc1 \u354 ?ara Chinei, care se afla \uc1 \u351
?i mai departe; nici la caii eroicei o\uc1 \u351 ?tiri a lui Alexandru, care era
sprijinit\uc1 \u259 ? de hazari, de egipteni, de berberi \uc1 \u351 ?i de arabi
\uc1 \u351 ?i care era \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat\uc1 \u259 ? cu armuri, cu scuturi de
fier, cu s\uc1 \u259 ?bii peste putin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de fr\uc1 \u226 ?nt,
cu coifuri str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare; nici la vestitul cal care-l ucisese pe nea\uc1
\u351 ?teptate, pe malul acelui lac verde cu ape t\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
duitoare, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd astfel dreptatea Domnului, pe \uc1 \u350 ?
ahul Yazdgird, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui nas s\uc1 \u226 ?ngera f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? contenire, deoarece se ridicase \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva sor\uc1 \u355 ?ii
h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zite de Dumnezeu; nici la sutele de cai, legendari
\uc1 \u351 ?i adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i, desena\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u351 ?
ase-\uc1 \u351 ?apte miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti odat\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai aveam \uc1 \u238
?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte mai mult de o zi ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
uit la celelalte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i din Vistierie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 2. De-a lungul ultimilor dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de
ani, printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti circulase un zvon: se spunea c\uc1 \u259 ?
unul dintre ei ar fi p\uc1 \u259 ?truns, cu \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea special\uc1 \u259 ?
a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?pere a Vistieriei \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i este cu neputin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajungi, ar fi dat de cartea miraculoas\uc1
\u259 ? aflat\uc1 \u259 ? dinaintea mea, ar fi deschis-o, ar fi copiat la lumina
lum\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii \uc1 \u238 ?n caietele sale cu modele, cai, copaci,
nori, flori, p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, gr\uc1 \u259 ?dini, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
scene de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de dragoste f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
num\uc1 \u259 ?r, iar apoi s-ar fi folosit de ele. De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori desena
vreun miniaturist ceva miraculos \uc1 \u351 ?i neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit, ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i spuneau iar acest lucru, invidio\uc1 \u351 ?i pe el. 0 f\uc1 \u259 ?
ceau, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o anume m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a-
i mic\uc1 \u351 ?ora \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tatea, d\uc1 \u226 ?nd de \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de o \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?
urire a miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor de la Tabriz \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, prin
urmare, era o \uc1 \u8222 ?poveste\uc1 \u8221 ? persan\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe vremea
aceea, Tabrizul nu se num\uc1 \u259 ?ra printre \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului Nostru. \uc1 \u350 ?i eu am crezut \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
cleveteal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu care \uc1
\u238 ?ncercam o \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u226 ?nie, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i o tainic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie dac\uc1 \u259
? era rostit\uc1 \u259 ? pe socoteala mea \uc1 \u8211 ? de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori am
auzit-o pe seama altora. \uc1 \u206 ?n mod ciudat, am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat acum de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? noi, cei patru
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care ne-am uitat o singur\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ? la
carte \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de
ani, ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit-o \uc1 \u238 ?n acea zi \uc1 \u238 ?n
memorie \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, de-a lungul celor dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1
\u351 ?i cinci de ani, ne-am amintit mereu de ea, modific\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o \uc1
\u238 ?n minte \uc1 \u351 ?i pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o \uc1 \u238 ?n toate c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?ile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista
nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t cruzimea padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahilor b\uc1 \u259 ?nuitori care nu
scoseser\uc1 \u259 ? la lumin\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte ori altele din
Vistierie spre a ni le dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui, c\uc1 \u226 ?t constatarea c\uc1
\u259 ? lumea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? lumea miniaturii era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de m\uc1
\u259 ?rginit\uc1 \u259 ?. Indiferent c\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de marii mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri din Herat ori de noii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Tabriz, miniaturi\uc1 \u351
?tii persani f\uc1 \u259 ?uriser\uc1 \u259 ? picturi \uc1 \u351 ?i capodopere mai
aproape de des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire dec\uc1 \u226 ?t noi,
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii otomani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost bine ca to\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii mei s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pu\uc1 \u351 ?i la cazne
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine \uc1 \u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?zuit f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? mil\uc1 \u259 ?, cu v\uc1 \u226 ?rful ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itorului de condeie,
ochii primului chip care s-a nimerit la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? mea. Era povestea \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?atului persan care aflase acum s\uc1 \u259 ? joace \uc1 \u351 ?
ah uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se la tabla cu p\uc1 \u259 ?trate \uc1 \u351 ?i la pietrele
pe care le adusese solul indian, \uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l apoi pe
maestrul indian de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce deprinsese jocul! Minciun\uc1
\u259 ? persan\uc1 \u259 ?! Am scos pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd ochii juc\uc1 \u259 ?torilor
de \uc1 \u351 ?ah, ai \uc1 \u350 ?ahului care-i urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea, precum \uc1
\u351 ?i ai slujitorilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i. Am dat paginile \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1
\u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?zuit ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndur\uc1 \u259 ?tor, unul c\uc1 \u226 ?
te unul, ochii \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor care se r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiau, ai solda\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor care alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiau o\uc1 \u351 ?tiri falnice, \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351
?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntate \uc1 \u238 ?n armuri m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?e, ochii
capetelor retezate care z\uc1 \u259 ?ceau la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it acest lucru pre\uc1
\u355 ? de trei pagini, mii-am v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itorul
de condeie la cing\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?mi tremurau m\uc1 \u226 ?inile, dar nu m\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam
foarte r\uc1 \u259 ?u. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam oare acum ce sim\uc1
\u355 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia nebuni care f\uc1 \u259 ?
ptuiser\uc1 \u259 ? acest gest peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de ciudat, cu
care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnisem adeseori de-a lungul celor
cincizeci de ani de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? petrecu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
lumea miniaturii? \uc1 \u206 ?mi doream ca din ochii pe care-i r\uc1 \u259 ?zuisem
s\uc1 \u259 ? curg\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?nge pe paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ii!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3. Astfel ajung la
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i la \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorarea care m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? acum, la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul vie\uc1
\u355 ?ii. Condeiul marelui Behzad nu s-a atins, se pare, de aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
carte fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare, pe care \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp i-a
pus s-o lucreze, vreme de zece ani, pe cei mai iscusi\uc1 \u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?
tri persani; m\uc1 \u226 ?inile lui fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare nu sunt zugr\uc1
\u259 ?vite, se pare, nic\uc1 \u259 ?ieri. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? constatare \uc1 \u238
?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te credin\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?
Behzad era deja orb c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a venit, \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii ani ai
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, din Heratul c\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n dizgra\uc1 \u355 ?ie
la Tabriz. Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu bucurie, c\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1 \u259 ?
ajuns la des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce trudise toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a, marele maestru
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a pricinuit singur orbirea pentru a nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ntina propria miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? cu cerin\uc1 \u355 ?ele vreunui alt atelier de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ori ale vreunui alt \uc1 \u351 ?ah.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i piticul au deschis atunci volumul gros pe care-
1 \uc1 \u355 ?ineau \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini \uc1 \u351 ?i mi l-au pus
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
nu acesta, am zis, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mpotrivesc. Aceasta este o \uc1 \u8222 ?carte a \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor\uc1
\u8221 ? mongol\uc1 \u259 ?: caii de fier ai cavaleriei de fier a lui Alexandru
sunt umplu\uc1 \u355 ?i cu foc grecesc, apoi aprin\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
slobozi\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra du\uc1 \u351 ?manilor, arz\uc1 \u226 ?nd ca ni\uc1
\u351 ?te tor\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd fl\uc1 \u259
?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri pe n\uc1 \u259 ?ri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-
am uitat la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? armat\uc1 \u259 ? de fier cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de
fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri, care purta pecetea picturilor chineze\uc1 \u351 ?
ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cezmi Aga, am zis. Noi am
pictat, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea lui Selim, darurile solilor persani care aduceau
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte din partea \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Tahmasp, acum dou\uc1
\u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? volumul cu Cartea lui Selim, l-a adus
\uc1 \u351 ?i mi l-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat dinainte. Ochii mei au aflat imediat,
singuri, printre darurile \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul
pe pagina din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a celei viu colorate care-i \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a pe soli \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Sultan Selim Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi de celelalte daruri, un lucru de care uitasem, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost
cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?a de crezut, de\uc1 \u351 ?i citisem c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva despre
el: \uc1 \u8222 ?Acul de egret\uc1 \u259 ? din aur, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de sidef,
lucrat \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobit cu peruzele, de care s-au folosit vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i Maestrul Mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor,
miniaturistul Behzad, spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i pricinui singuri orbirea.\uc1 \u8221 ?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe
pitic unde d\uc1 \u259 ?duse de Cartea lui Selim. Am p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it
prin \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul pr\uc1 \u259 ?fuit din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
Vistieriei, printre cufere, gr\uc1 \u259 ?mezi de stofe \uc1 \u351 ?i covoare,
printre dulapuri \uc1 \u351 ?i, aplec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ?, pe sub
sc\uc1 \u259 ?ri. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum umbrele noastre, care ba se m\uc1 \u259 ?
reau, ba se mic\uc1 \u351 ?orau, treceau peste scuturi, peste col\uc1 \u355 ?i de
filde\uc1 \u351 ?, peste bl\uc1 \u259 ?nuri de tigru. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-una din
celelalte od\uc1 \u259 ?i, cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u ciudat care izvora din stofe \uc1 \u351 ?i din catifele, am
z\uc1 \u259 ?rit, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de cuf\uc1 \u259 ?rul de fier \uc1 \u238 ?n
care descoperisem Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, printre alte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?i, printre \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitori lucrate cu fir de aur \uc1 \u351 ?i argint,
printre granate ne\uc1 \u351 ?lefuite \uc1 \u351 ?i hangere cu teac\uc1 \u259 ? de
rubin, o parte din celelalte daruri trimise de \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp covoare de
m\uc1 \u259 ?tase de la Ispahan, un joc de \uc1 \u351 ?ah din filde\uc1 \u351 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i o cutie pentru condeie, despre care b\uc1 \u259 ?gai de seam\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? dragonii \uc1 \u351 ?i
ramurile chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, dup\uc1 \u259 ? rozeta \uc1 \u238 ?ncrustat\uc1
\u259 ? cu sidef care o decorau, c\uc1 \u259 ? era tocmai de pe vremea lui Timur.
Am deschis cutia, iar din ea s-a ivit, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mirosul u\uc1 \u351 ?or
de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie ars\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mireasma de trandafiri, acul de
egret\uc1 \u259 ? din aur, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de peruzele \uc1 \u351 ?i sidef. L-
am luat \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors la locul meu, ca o umbr\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am r\uc1
\u259 ?mas singur, am pus acul cu care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i adusese orbirea
Maestrul Behzad pe pagina deschis\uc1 \u259 ? din Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor \uc1
\u351 ?i l-am privit. Orice lucru trecut prin m\uc1 \u226 ?na miraculoas\uc1
\u259 ? a lui Behzad m-ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nfior, nu numai acul cu care se orbise.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 De ce oare \uc1 \u238 ?i trimisese \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp
Sultanului Selim, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu cartea oferit\uc1 \u259 ?-n dar, acul
acesta \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor? Oare pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ahul, care luase \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie
lec\uc1 \u355 ?ii de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de la Behzad, care-i \uc1 \u355 ?inuse \uc1
\u238 ?n tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ca-n palme, se \uc1 \u238
?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtase mai apoi, la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, de
cercul poe\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i al pictorilor \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchinase via\uc1 \u355 ?a rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunii?
Oare aceasta s\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost pricina pentru care consim\uc1 \u355 ?ise
s\uc1 \u259 ? se despart\uc1 \u259 ? de miraculoasa carte la care lucraser\uc1
\u259 ?, vreme de zece ani, cei mai mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri? Oare acul fusese
trimis, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu cartea, pentru ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea
s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul
maestrului miniaturist este orbirea voit\uc1 \u259 ?, sau pentru a da de \uc1 \u238
?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se povestea c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva, c\uc1 \u259 ?
acela ce privea o dat\uc1 \u259 ? paginile faimoasei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i nu
mai dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? nimic altceva pe lume? Dar pentru \uc1
\u350 ?ahul care, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum li se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase foarte
multor suverani la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, se caia pentru
pasiunea lui de tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de pictur\uc1
\u259 ?, tem\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ? astfel s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?ise un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat, cartea nu mai era un miracol.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Mi-am amintit de pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile spuse de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i care suferiser\uc1 \u259 ? o dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gire la
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e: pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd armatele lui
Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, suveranul Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, erau pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ?
intre \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u350 ?iraz, Ibn-i Husam, legendarul staroste al
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor din ora\uc1 \u351 ?, l-a pus pe ucenicul s\uc1 \u259 ?u
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ard\uc1 \u259 ? ochii, zic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Eu nu pot picta altfel.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n maestru persan unul dintre
acei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti adu\uc1 \u351 ?i la Istanbul de ostile Sultanului
Selim cel Crunt, care l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvins pe \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail, a p\uc1
\u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n Tabriz \uc1 \u350 ?i a jefuit Palatul Celor Opt
Raiuri \uc1 \u8211 ? s-ar fi orbit singur folosindu-se de felurite ierburi \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sus\uc1 \u355 ?inea el \uc1 \u238 ?
nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, orbirea nu \uc1 \u238 ?i fusese
pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ? de bolile care-l n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?diser\uc1 \u259 ?
pe drum, ci de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu putea picta \uc1 \u238 ?n stil otoman.
\uc1 \u350 ?i eu le povesteam miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor mei, \uc1 \u238 ?n clipele
de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, despre felul cum se orbise singur Behzad, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? le
fie pild\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu exista
oare o a doua cale? Dac\uc1 \u259 ? maestrul miniaturist \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te, de ici, de colo, noile me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri, nu poate el sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa oarecum de la pieire un \uc1
\u238 ?ntreg atelier \uc1 \u351 ?i, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, stilul vechilor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
v\uc1 \u226 ?rful foarte ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it, sub\uc1 \u355 ?iat cu mare
delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e al acului de egret\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia o
pat\uc1 \u259 ? neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, dar ochii mei osteni\uc1 \u355 ?i nu izbuteau
s\uc1 \u259 ? deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? era vorba de
s\uc1 \u226 ?nge sau de altceva. Mi-am apropiat lupa \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit
acul \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi privit, trist, o
scen\uc1 \u259 ? de dragoste plin\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. Am \uc1 \u238
?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui cum ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i Behzad lucrul la care m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam. Se
spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? nu orbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti imediat, ci c\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum li se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
nilor care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierd vederea pe cale fireasc\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul catifelat se las\uc1 \u259 ? domol asupra ochilor t\uc1
\u259 ?i uneori la c\uc1 \u226 ?teva zile, alteori la c\uc1 \u226 ?teva luni
dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce treceam spre \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea al\uc1 \u259 ?
turat\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am ridicat \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat; era tot acolo: o
oglind\uc1 \u259 ? de filde\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n form\uc1 \u259 ? de floare,
cu o scriere prelung\uc1 \u259 ?, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit \uc1 \u351
?i ram\uc1 \u259 ? groas\uc1 \u259 ? de abanos. M-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat la locul meu
\uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am privit atent ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?. Ce frumos
juca flac\uc1 \u259 ?ra sfe\uc1 \u351 ?nicului aurit \uc1 \u238 ?n pupilele mele,
care pictau \uc1 \u351 ?i priveau picturi de \uc1 \u351 ?aizeci de ani!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut Maestrul Behzad? M-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, cuprins de dorin\uc1
\u226 ?na mea a g\uc1 \u259 ?sit singur\uc1 \u259 ? acul, cu \uc1 \u238 ?
ndem\uc1 \u226 ?narea unei femei care se sulemene\uc1 \u351 ?te, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? ca pupilele s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se desprind\uc1 \u259 ? din oglind\uc1
\u259 ?. Mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt acul \uc1 \u238 ?n pupila dreapt\uc1 \u259 ?
curajos, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?ire, t\uc1 \u259 ?cut
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
str\uc1 \u259 ?puns cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul unui ou de stru\uc1 \u355 ? care urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pictat. Sufeream, dar nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam
ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? vedeam ceea ce mi se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla. Mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt acul \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi
pre\uc1 \u355 ? de un sfert de deget, apoi l-am scos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n distihul de pe rama oglinzii aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?na mea, poetul \uc1 \u238 ?i ura frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u351 ?nic\uc1 \u259 ? celui ce se va privi \uc1 \u238 ?n
ea, iar oglinzii, via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind, acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
z\uc1 \u259 ?bovit vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? clintesc din loc. Am privit lumea. Totul.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De\uc1 \u351 ?i culorile lumii
nu se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecaser\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum credeam eu, p\uc1 \u259
?reau s\uc1 \u259 ? lunece u\uc1 \u351 ?or una \uc1 \u238 ?n alta. Dar continuam
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, mai mult sau
mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, totul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea, lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ? a soarelui
a cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t printre stofele de culoare ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?nchis,
s\uc1 \u226 ?ngeriu din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea Vistieriei. Mai-marele
vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i oamenii lui au rupt din nou, cu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
ceremonial, sigiliul \uc1 \u351 ?i au deschis lac\uc1 \u259 ?tul \uc1 \u351 ?i
u\uc1 \u351 ?a. Cezmi Aga a schimbat \uc1 \u355 ?ucalurile, l\uc1 \u259 ?mpile \uc1
\u351 ?i mangalul, a luat p\uc1 \u226 ?ine proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i dude uscate \uc1 \u351 ?i a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vom continua s\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?m, printre c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului, cai cu n\uc1 \u259 ?ri stranii. Ce poate fi mai frumos dec\uc1 \u226
?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerci s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminte\uc1 \u351 ?
ti, privind cele mai frumoase imagini ale lumii, de lumea pe care a v\uc1 \u259 ?
zut-o Dumnezeu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 52. M\uc1 \u259 ?
numesc Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Diminea\uc1 \u355 ?
a, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Mai-marele vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i agalele au deschis
ceremonios u\uc1 \u351 ?a, ochii mi se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiser\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1
\u226 ?t de mult cu ro\uc1 \u351 ?ul catifelat din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
Vistieriei, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t lumina de iarn\uc1 \u259 ? ce p\uc1 \u259 ?
trundea din curtea Palatului Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1
\u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare, f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?
parc\uc1 \u259 ? anume s\uc1 \u259 ?-l am\uc1 \u259 ?geasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe cel care
o privea. \uc1 \u206 ?ntocmai ca Maestrul Osman, n-am fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? clintesc din loc; aveam sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ?, daca m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat, aerul
acela plin de mucegai \uc1 \u351 ?i praf, lesne de pip\uc1 \u259 ?it, care
domnea \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile Vistieriei, ar fi ie\uc1
\u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi zbughit-o pe u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu semnele pe
care le c\uc1 \u259 ?utam noi cu tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Maestrul Osman privea cu nefireasc\uc1 \u259 ? uimire lumina care p\uc1 \u259 ?
trundea \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru printre capetele agalelor de la
Vistierie, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri de
o parte \uc1 \u351 ?i de alta a u\uc1 \u351 ?ii deschise, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
privit un lucru miraculos, pe care-1 vedea pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n timpul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, m\uc1 \u259 ?
uitasem la el de departe, cu luare-aminte, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce r\uc1 \u259 ?
sfoia paginile C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor cea a \uc1 \u350 ?
ahului Tahmasp \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem c\uc1 \u259 ? pe chip i se ivea, la
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri, aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i expresie de uimire. Umbra sa
reflectat\uc1 \u259 ? pe perete se cl\uc1 \u259 ?tina uneori u\uc1 \u351 ?or, capul
i se apropia \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ndurat de lupa pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, pe buze i se ivea un tremur bl\uc1
\u226 ?nd, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit s\uc1 \u259 ?
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie cuiva o tain\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ?, iar
apoi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd privea admirativ vreo miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, i se mi\uc1 \u351
?cau singure.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchis u\uc1 \u351 ?a, am umblat ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor
\uc1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n jos prin od\uc1 \u259 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n care
sporea \uc1 \u238 ?ncordarea. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat c\uc1
\u259 ? nu vom izbuti s\uc1 \u259 ? ne alegem cu destule l\uc1 \u259 ?muriri din
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile aflate \uc1 \u238
?n Vistierie, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne va ajunge timpul. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind c\uc1 \u259
? Maestrul Osman nu se apleca \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns asupra acestui subiect, i-am
vorbit despre nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
prins de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?e, ca un
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat maestru obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i aline
ucenicii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cei ca noi nu au
alt\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncerce s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o vede Dumnezeu
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se refugieze \uc1 \u238 ?n dreptatea Lui, a zis. Simt
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n str\uc1 \u259 ?funduri c\uc1 \u259 ? aici,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre aceste miniaturi \uc1 \u351 ?i aceste lucruri, cele dou\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?i se apropie una de alta. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?
ce \uc1 \u238 ?ncepem s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o vede Dumnezeu,
se apropie de noi \uc1 \u351 ?i dreptatea Sa. Uite acul cu care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
pricinuit orbirea Maestrul Behzad!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
uitat cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ? la v\uc1 \u226 ?rful peste m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it al acelui lucru resping\uc1 \u259 ?
tor, sub lupa pe care o apropiase acum ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l v\uc1 \u259 ?d mai
bine \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-mi spunea povestea lui crud\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut acolo ceva umed, de culoare trandafirie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, a zis Maestrul Osman, vedeau \uc1 \u238 ?n
prefacerea harului lor, a culorilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a metodelor de a picta c\uc1
\u259 ?rora le \uc1 \u238 ?nchinau \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
o mare problem\uc1 \u259 ? de con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Socoteau
c\uc1 \u259 ? este o dezonoare s\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?ti lumea a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum o fac cei de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum le cer s\uc1
\u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ? azi \uc1 \u351 ?ahul de la R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit,
m\uc1 \u226 ?ine c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul de la Apus.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ochii nu-i erau a\uc1 \u355 ?inti\uc1 \u355 ?i nici \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochii mei, nici pe pagina din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa. Privea parc\uc1 \u259 ? spre un
alb aflat undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n spate, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat, cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de atins. Pe pagina din
Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea deschis\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinicii eroici ai armatelor din Iran \uc1 \u351
?i din Turan se ucideau unii pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o s\uc1 \u259 ?
rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare a bucuriei \uc1 \u351 ?i culorii, \uc1 \u238 ?ncle\uc1 \u351 ?
ta\uc1 \u355 ?i cu toate for\uc1 \u355 ?ele; \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce caii se izbeau
unul de altul, um\uc1 \u259 ?r la um\uc1 \u259 ?r, armurile cavaleri\uc1 \u351 ?
tilor erau str\uc1 \u259 ?punse de suli\uc1 \u355 ?e, trupurile erau f\uc1 \u259 ?
cute zob, iar corpurile \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerate, despicate \uc1 \u238 ?n
dou\uc1 \u259 ?, cu capetele, cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele retezate, cu ochii da\uc1 \u355
?i peste cap, z\uc1 \u259 ?ceau pretutindeni pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?eau, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
folosindu-se de ac, acel gest menit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, spre
a-\uc1 \u351 ?i ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra onoarea, marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din vechime care
fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? sili\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprumute me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul \uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1 \u259 ?torilor \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imite pe pictorii acestora obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiau s\uc1 \u259 ?
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? o pagin\uc1 \u259 ? miraculoas\uc1 \u259 ? ore, uneori chiar
zile \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se clinti din
loc, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul neamestecat al lui Dumnezeu s\uc1
\u259 ? coboare asupra ochilor lor ca o r\uc1 \u259 ?splat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Universul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul acestei picturi, care se
p\uc1 \u259 ?ta uneori cu pic\uc1 \u259 ?turile de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge ivite din ochii
lor, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci o priveau cu orele f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
ridice capul, lua locul r\uc1 \u259 ?ului pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l tr\uc1 \u259 ?
iser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce z\uc1 \u259 ?ceau cufunda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? atmosfer\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? de ging\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?ie care ducea direct la orbirea cutez\uc1 \u259 ?torilor mae\uc1 \u351
?tri, ai c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ochi se tulburau treptat! Ce fericire! \uc1 \u350 ?tii la
ce miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? dori s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? uit p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce voi atinge \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul orbirii?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?intise ochii, al
c\uc1 \u259 ?ror alb p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?reasc\uc1 \u259
? treptat, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce pupilele se mic\uc1 \u351 ?orau,
undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?ri, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un loc aflat
parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n afara Vistieriei, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac cei care
vor s\uc1 \u259 ? re\uc1 \u238 ?nvie o amintire din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care H\uc1 \u252 ?srev vine cu calul
la poalele conacului lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin, a\uc1 \u351 ?tept\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o cu
sufletul \uc1 \u238 ?nfierb\uc1 \u226 ?ntat de dragoste zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat!}{\fs24 \dbch
\dbch
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24
\langfenp1048 Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? tocmai se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
descrie acea pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, folosindu-se de tonul unei poezii pline de
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de elogiu la adresa orbirii vechilor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Marele Meu Maestru,
Efendi! I-am t\uc1 \u259 ?iat eu vorba, \uc1 \u238 ?mpins de un imbold ciudat.
Lucrul pe care am dorit eu s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 privesc mereu este chipul delicat al
iubitei mele. De trei zile m-am \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat cu ea. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la
ea cu dor, vreme de doisprezece ani. Scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin
se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, privindu-i
portretul, \uc1 \u238 ?mi aminte\uc1 \u351 ?te necontenit de ea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe chipul Maestrului Osman st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia o
anumit\uc1 \u259 ? expresie, o curiozitate poate, pe care nu izbutea s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-o ascund\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu era atent nici la povestea mea,
nici la scena de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
care o avea \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa. A\uc1 \u351 ?tepta parc\uc1 \u259 ? o
veste bun\uc1 \u259 ?, care urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fie dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am fost sigur c\uc1
\u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? vedea, am luat, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clipit\uc1 \u259 ?, acul
de egret\uc1 \u259 ? din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n cea de-a treia \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere a Vistieriei cea
lipit\uc1 \u259 ? de hamam \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecos, se afla un col\uc1 \u355 ? unde erau \uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u259 ?dite sute de ceasuri ciudate, mari, primite \uc1 \u238 ?n dar de la
nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i regi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitori fr\uc1
\u226 ?nci, care se stricaser\uc1 \u259 ? repede \uc1 \u351 ?i fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
date la o parte. M-am dus acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat mai cu luare-aminte la
acul cu care spusese Maestrul Osman c\uc1 \u259 ? se orbise Behzad.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u226 ?rful de aur al acului, n\uc1 \u259 ?
cl\uc1 \u259 ?it cu o zeam\uc1 \u259 ? trandafirie, lucea la r\uc1 \u259 ?
stimpuri \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina ro\uc1 \u351 ?iatic\uc1 \u259 ? ce se r\uc1 \u259 ?
sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndea din monturile de aur ale ceasurilor pr\uc1 \u259 ?fuite \uc1
\u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mate, din geamurile de cristal, din diamantele
lor. Oare legendarul Maestru Behzad se orbise \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r cu
acul acela? Oare Maestrul Osman f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse \uc1 \u351 ?i el lucrul acela
\uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor pe care-l f\uc1 \u259 ?
cuse Behzad? Un arab magrebian demn de tot dispre\uc1 \u355 ?ul, viu colorat, de
m\uc1 \u259 ?rimea unui deget, care era prins de mecanismul unuia dintre cele mai
mari ceasuri, mi-a spus parc\uc1 \u259 ? Da! Din priviri. Era limpede c\uc1
\u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd func\uc1 \u355 ?iona ceasul, omul acela cu turban
otoman st\uc1 \u226 ?rnea r\uc1 \u226 ?sul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351
?i al femeilor din harem scutur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i capul cu vioiciune ori
de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori era nevoie pentru a ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u226 ?t este
ora, ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o glum\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1
\u259 ? de regele de Habsburg, care trimisese ceasul, \uc1 \u351 ?i de priceputul
s\uc1 \u259 ?u ceasornicar.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am luat
la m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? foarte multe c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i obi\uc1
\u351 ?nuite; a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u355 ?inuse s\uc1 \u259 ? arate \uc1 \u351 ?
i piticul, acestea fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? ale pa\uc1 \u351 ?alelor c\uc1 \u259 ?rora
li se t\uc1 \u259 ?iase capul \uc1 \u351 ?i Ii se luaser\uc1 \u259 ? avu\uc1
\u355 ?iile. At\uc1 \u226 ?t de multe pa\uc1 \u351 ?ale fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?necate, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t volumele de acest fel nu se mai ispr\uc1
\u259 ?veau. Piticul mi-a spus, cu o bucurie necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
c\uc1 \u259 ? pa\uc1 \u351 ?alele care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? cuprinse de be\uc1 \u355
?ia averii \uc1 \u351 ?i a puterii \uc1 \u351 ?i care uitaser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? nu erau dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ni\uc1 \u351 ?te simpli robi, ajung\uc1 \u226 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? cear\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se scrie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
se picteze cu aur c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n numele lor, a\uc1 \u351
?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau doar padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ahii,
meritaser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? li se ia capul \uc1 \u351 ?i agoniseala. Atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd d\uc1 \u259 ?deam, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n aceste
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i unele dintre ele albume, altele culegeri de versuri
pictate de scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u350 ?irin se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de H\uc1 \u252 ?srev privindu-i portretul, m\uc1 \u259 ? opream
\uc1 \u351 ?i o priveam \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Portretul din miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, adic\uc1 \u259 ? portretul lui H\uc1 \u252 ?
srev la care se uita \uc1 \u350 ?irin \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul unei plimb\uc1 \u259 ?ri
pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mp, nu era niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? limpede. Aceasta nu pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii nu izbuteau s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeajuns de bine ceva foarte mic, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum era portretul cu pricina;
marea majoritate a miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor care \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuiau aceast\uc1
\u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ? puteau lucra destul de delicat ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
poat\uc1 \u259 ? picta pe unghii, pe boabe de orez, ba chiar pe fire de p\uc1 \u259
?r. Atunci de ce nu desenau \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns de limpede, pentru a putea fi bine
distinse, chipul \uc1 \u351 ?i ochii chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ului H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, la
care se uita \uc1 \u351 ?i de care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostea frumoasa
\uc1 \u350 ?irin? La un moment dat, dup\uc1 \u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
n vreme ce r\uc1 \u259 ?sfoiam la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare paginile unui
volum pestri\uc1 \u355 ?, de felul unui album, care-mi picase \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i cer l\uc1 \u259 ?muriri Maestrului Osman \uc1 \u238 ?n leg\uc1
\u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu toate aceste lucruri ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi uit poate
disperarea, mi-a atras aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia un cal dintr-o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe
p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351
?a un alai de nunt\uc1 \u259 ?. Lini\uc1 \u351 ?tea care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nea b\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile inimii mele s-a spulberat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?a mea, se afla un cal cu n\uc1 \u259 ?ri ciudate. Purta \uc1 \u238 ?n
spinare o mireas\uc1 \u259 ? n\uc1 \u259 ?zuroas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se uita
la mine. Calul acela fermecat d\uc1 \u259 ?dea impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u351 ?opteasc\uc1 \u259 ? o tain\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum \uc1 \u355 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vis,
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1 \u259 ? strig, dar din gur\uc1 \u259 ? nu p\uc1 \u259 ?
rea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ias\uc1 \u259 ? nici un sunet. Am pus iute m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe
carte, am alergat, printre lucruri, printre cufere, la Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i
i-am pus-o \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, deschis\uc1 \u259 ? la acea
pagin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a uitat la
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost
cuprins de ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? pe
chipul lui nu era nici o lic\uc1 \u259 ?rire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
N\uc1 \u259 ?rile acestui cal sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca n\uc1 \u259 ?rile calului
desenat pentru cartea Unchiului, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat lupa pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, aduc\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o deasupra calului. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a apropiat
ochii de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de lup\uc1 \u259 ?, aproape
ating\uc1 \u226 ?nd pagina cu nasul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am mai rezistat acestei t\uc1 \u259 ?ceri prelungite:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum vede\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu este un cal f\uc1 \u259 ?
urit dup\uc1 \u259 ? metoda \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul calului desenat
pentru cartea Unchiului, am zis. N\uc1 \u259 ?rile \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?i sunt la fel. Este vorba de un miniaturist care s-a str\uc1 \u259 ?
duit s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o v\uc1 \u259 ?d
chinezii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut
pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Un alai de
nunt\uc1 \u259 ?. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? chinezeasc\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? cei picta\uc1 \u355 ?i nu sunt chinezi; sunt ca
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum, lupa maestrului p\uc1
\u259 ?rea lipit\uc1 \u259 ? de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, iar nasul s\uc1 \u259 ?u de
lup\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pusese \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?care
adun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i toate for\uc1 \u355 ?ele, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
poat\uc1 \u259 ? vedea nu numai ochii, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i capul, mu\uc1 \u351 ?chii
g\uc1 \u226 ?tului, spatele \uc1 \u351 ?i umerii lui de om b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?n. S-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat o foarte lung\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nara calului este
crestat\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis, la mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? asta,
g\uc1 \u226 ?f\uc1 \u226 ?ind.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am
sprijinit t\uc1 \u226 ?mpla de t\uc1 \u226 ?mpla lui. Am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung
nara care se z\uc1 \u259 ?rea dintr-o parte, cu obrajii lipi\uc1 \u355 ?i de ai
lui. Am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? nara calului era crestat\uc1 \u259 ?,
ci \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman se str\uc1 \u259 ?duia din r\uc1
\u259 ?sputeri s\uc1 \u259 ? o vad\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Vede\uc1 \u355 ?i, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Foarte pu\uc1
\u355 ?in, a zis. Descrie-mi tu miniatura.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, este o mireas\uc1 \u259 ? melancolic\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis cu
am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune. Merge, ca mireas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecat\uc1 \u259 ? pe un cal sur cu nara crestat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de str\uc1 \u259 ?jeri \uc1 \u351 ?i de
tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i de drum care-i sunt necunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?i.
Chipurile b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?tura lor
aspr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toarele
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbi negre, spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntate, must\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile pe oal\uc1 \u259 ?, oasele puternice, mantalele simple, din
p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri, c\uc1 \u259 ?ciulile din
blan\uc1 \u259 ? de urs, baltagurile \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?biile ne
arat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i au ob\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile turcmenilor Cu-Oile-Albe din
Transoxiana. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? frumoasa mireas\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care o a\uc1 \u351
?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? un drum lung de vreme ce drume\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te cu
\uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarea ei la vreme de noapte, la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?
mpilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a tor\uc1 \u355 ?elor, este o melancolic\uc1 \u259 ?
prin\uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ? chinezoaic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Sau poate c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a pune \uc1 \u238 ?n lumin\uc1
\u259 ? des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ii
miresei, miniaturistul a dat-o cu vopsea alb\uc1 \u259 ? pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac chinezii, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a desenat ochii
tra\uc1 \u351 ?i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?mple, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum sunt cei ai chinezilor,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t noi s\uc1 \u259 ? o credem acum
chinezoaic\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Indiferent cine ar fi, mi-e mil\uc1 \u259 ? de femeia aceasta frumoas\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i trist\uc1 \u259 ? care merge a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n
toiul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, prin mijlocul stepei, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1 \u355 ?inut
str\uc1 \u259 ?in, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de str\uc1 \u259 ?jeri
necunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?i cu priviri aspre, spre a-i fi mireas\uc1 \u259 ? unui
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat pe care nu l-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. Cum
vom izbuti s\uc1 \u259 ? ne d\uc1 \u259 ?m seama, dup\uc1 \u259 ? nara
crestat\uc1 \u259 ? a calului pe care-l c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u351 ?te,
cine este miniaturistul nostru? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat apoi gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntoarce paginile
albumului \uc1 \u351 ?i spune-mi ce vezi, a zis Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Piticul, pe care-l v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem ceva mai \uc1 \u238
?nainte a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se pe \uc1 \u355 ?ucal, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce eu \uc1 \u238 ?i aduceam \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? volumul Maestrului Osman,
era \uc1 \u351 ?i el acum cu noi \uc1 \u351 ?i ne uitam to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei la
paginile pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii tinere chinezoaice frumoase, pictate \uc1
\u238 ?n stilul \uc1 \u238 ?n care fusese pictat\uc1 \u259 ? mireasa noastr\uc1
\u259 ? melancolic\uc1 \u259 ?; erau adunate \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o gr\uc1 \u259 ?
din\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?ntau la o l\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?
ciudat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut case chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, caravane triste
plecate la drumuri lungi, copaci \uc1 \u351 ?i peisaje de step\uc1 \u259 ? la fel
de frumoase ca vechile amintiri. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut arbori r\uc1 \u259 ?
suci\uc1 \u355 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? moda chinezeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror
ramuri erau \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite cu flori de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1 \u259 ?
deschise \uc1 \u238 ?n toat\uc1 \u259 ? splendoarea lor \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
privighetori vesele, vioaie. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut prin\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?
eza\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n corturi asemenea celor din Horasan, care t\uc1 \u259
?if\uc1 \u259 ?suiau despre poezie, despre vin \uc1 \u351 ?i dragoste, gr\uc1 \u259
?dini fermecate, bei chipe\uc1 \u351 ?i care plecau la v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
toare purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?oimi minuna\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se drep\uc1 \u355 ?i pe caii lor
delica\uc1 \u355 ?i. Apoi, de\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? printre
pagini trecuse un diavol, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?ul strecurat \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? se confunda, de cele
mai multe ori, cu inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?a. Nu pusese oare miniaturistul ceva
batjocoritor \uc1 \u238 ?n mi\uc1 \u351 ?carea eroicului prin\uc1 \u355 ? care
ucidea un balaur cu lancea sa uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? G\uc1 \u259 ?sise oare
vreun motiv de mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire \uc1 \u238 ?n s\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?cia
bie\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rani care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau s\uc1
\u259 ? fie lecui\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u351 ?eyh55? Oare \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca mai
mult\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere desen\uc1 \u226 ?nd ochii tri\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai
s\uc1 \u259 ?rmanilor c\uc1 \u226 ?ini care r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?seser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?rliga\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce se \uc1
\u238 ?mpreunau sau color\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u
dr\uc1 \u259 ?cesc gurile deschise ale femeilor care se uitau la ei \uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u226 ?deau? I-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut apoi aievea pe demonii miniaturistului:
creaturile acelea ciudate sem\uc1 \u259 ?nau foarte mult cu ginnii \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
uria\uc1 \u351 ?ii pe care-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?diser\uc1 \u259 ? de
nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate ori vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care pictaser\uc1 \u259 ? Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, dar
harul plin de haz al miniaturistului \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse mai pu\uc1
\u351 ?i pe rele, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nver\uc1 \u351 ?una\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai umani. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut demoni \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tori, de m\uc1 \u259 ?rimea unui om, cu trupuri str\uc1 \u226 ?mbe,
cu coarne ramificate, cu \uc1 \u351 ?apte cozi \uc1 \u351 ?i am r\uc1
\u226 ?s de ei. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam paginile,
demonii cu spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncene stufoase, cu chipuri rotunde, cu ochi mari, cu
din\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i unghii ascu\uc1 \u355 ?ite, despuia\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu
piele negricioas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncre\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259
? ca de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni se apucau s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ncaiere \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se lupte \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, s\uc1 \u259 ?
fure un ditamai calul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l aduc\uc1 \u259 ? prinos zeilor,
s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?op\uc1 \u259 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? taie copaci, s\uc1 \u259 ? le
r\uc1 \u259 ?peasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe frumoasele prin\uc1 \u355 ?ese cu palanchinele
lor cu tot, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i prind\uc1 \u259 ? pe balauri, s\uc1 \u259 ? prade
comori. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am povestit c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n volumul acela
\uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?saser\uc1 \u259 ? urma
cei mai feluri\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ii Kalenderi,
cu capetele lor rase, cu ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele \uc1 \u238 ?n neor\uc1 \u226 ?
nduiala, cu lan\uc1 \u355 ?uri de fier \uc1 \u351 ?i cu toiege \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? desena\uc1 \u355 ?i tot de miniaturistul
Siyah Kalem, care-i pictase \uc1 \u351 ?i pe demoni, Maestrul Osman m-a pus
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i repet pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd asem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rile dintre
ei \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a ascultat cu luare-aminte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Obiceiul de a cresta n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cailor, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
respire mai bine \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? alerge mai repede, este o datin\uc1
\u259 ? mongol\uc1 \u259 ? care d\uc1 \u259 ?inuie de sute de ani, a zis el apoi.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ostile lui Hulagu Han cel care a cucerit, cu caii lui, toate
\uc1 \u355 ?inuturile arabe, persane \uc1 \u351 ?i chineze \uc1 \u8211 ? au
p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n Bagdad trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul prin
foc \uc1 \u351 ?i sabie, jefuindu-l \uc1 \u351 ?i azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlind toate
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n Tigru, faimosul caligraf \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai apoi miniaturist Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?akir nu a apucat-o spre miaz\uc1 \u259 ?zi,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cea toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
fug\uc1 \u259 ? din ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? scape de m\uc1
\u259 ?cel, ci spre miaz\uc1 \u259 ?noapte partea din care, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum
se \uc1 \u351 ?tie, soseau c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ii mongoli, \uc1
\u238 ?n vremea aceea c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile nu erau pictate, pe motiv c\uc1
\u259 ? o interzicea Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran, iar miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, la
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor, nu erau lua\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n serios. Am auzit
spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul acelui mar\uc1 \u351 ?
legendar \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a av\uc1 \u226 ?ntat pentru a ajunge p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? h\uc1 \u259 ?t departe, \uc1 \u238 ?n inima o\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
mongole, \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeietorul \uc1 \u351 ?i maestrul nostru, Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?
akir c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i dator\uc1 \u259 ?m faptul de a privi lumea din
\uc1 \u238 ?naltul minaretului (ceea ce poate fi socotit cea mai mare tain\uc1
\u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicirii noastre), faptul de a fi stabilit ve\uc1
\u351 ?nicia liniei orizontului, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vizibil\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i de a fi pictat \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg universul, de
la nori p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la insecte, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?l
vedeau chinezii, \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u226 ?rligat, \uc1 \u238 ?n culori vii \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u8211 ? Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?akir s-
ar fi uitat, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, la n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cailor, pentru a se putea duce
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre miaz\uc1 \u259 ?noapte. Ins\uc1 \u259 ?, din c\uc1 \u226 ?te am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u351 ?i auzit eu, niciunul dintre caii pe care i-a desenat
pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd picta c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i la Samarkand, unde a
ajuns dup\uc1 \u259 ? o c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie de un an, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a lua seama la vremea rea ori la alte urgii, nu avea nasul crestat.
Aceasta deoarece, pentru el, caii adev\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i, caii de vis nu
erau caii voinici, caii biruitori ai mongolilor cu care se confruntase \uc1 \u238 ?
n puterea v\uc1 \u226 ?rstei, ci ginga\uc1 \u351 ?ii cai arabi ai fericitei
tinere\uc1 \u355 ?i pe care o l\uc1 \u259 ?sase \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, ciud\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enia n\uc1 \u259 ?rii calului pictat pentru cartea Unchiului nu
mi-a adus aminte nici de caii mongoli, nici de acela\uc1 \u351 ?i obicei \uc1 \u238
?nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de Mongoli \uc1 \u238 ?n Horasan ori la
Samarkand.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman ne l\uc1 \u259 ?
murea uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se ba la carte, ba, uneori, la mine, dar nu p\uc1 \u259 ?
rea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe noi, ci doar lucrurile \uc1 \u238 ?
nchipuite de el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u226 ?nd deoparte n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate ale cailor \uc1 \u351 ?i
pictura chinez\uc1 \u259 ?, alte ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enii care au ajuns,
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ostile mongole, pe meleag persan \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi aici au
fost demonii \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte. A\uc1 \u355 ?i auzit, pesemne, c\uc1 \u259 ? ei
sunt solii r\uc1 \u259 ?ului, trimi\uc1 \u351 ?i de for\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunecate de sub p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, c\uc1 \u259 ? ne vor r\uc1 \u259 ?pi
nou\uc1 \u259 ?, oamenilor, vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u351 ?i toate lucrurile pe
care le pre\uc1 \u355 ?uim, c\uc1 \u259 ? vor fugi cu ele, c\uc1 \u259 ? ne vor
purta prin str\uc1 \u259 ?fundurile \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului \uc1 \u351 ?i ale
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Pe t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mul acela de dincolo, tot \uc1
\u351 ?i toate norii, copacii, obiectele, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile au suflet \uc1 \u351 ?i grai.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a zis b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul pitic. Martor mi-e Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n unele nop\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, nu numai sufletele acestor ceasuri, farfurii
chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti, vase de cristal care, la drept vorbind, scot ne\uc1 \u238 ?
ncetat clinchete \uc1 \u8211 ? ci \uc1 \u351 ?i sufletele pu\uc1 \u351 ?tilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i ale s\uc1 \u259 ?biilor, ale scuturilor \uc1 \u351 ?i coifurilor \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerate sunt cuprinse de tulburare \uc1 \u351 ?i prind
s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aprig, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t toat\uc1 \u259 ? Vistieria se preschimb\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntunericul orb, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel de c\uc1 \u226 ?mp de lupt\uc1
\u259 ? ticsit cu oameni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a fost adus\uc1 \u259 ? din
Horasan \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persanilor, iar mai apoi tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n
Istanbulul nostru de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ii Kalenderi, ale c\uc1
\u259 ?ror imagini le-a\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, a zis Maestrul Osman.
\uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce Sultanul
Selim cel Crunt \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nvingea pe \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail
jefuind Tabrizul \uc1 \u351 ?i Seraiul Celor Opt Raiuri, Bediuzzaman Mirza, care
descindea din neamul lui Timur, 1-a tr\uc1 \u259 ?dat pe \uc1 \u350 ?ahul Ismail
\uc1 \u351 ?i li s-a al\uc1 \u259 ?turat otomanilor, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ii Kalenderi care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?eau. C\uc1 \u226 ?
nd a revenit de la Tabriz la Istanbul iarna, pe z\uc1 \u259 ?pad\uc1 \u259 ?,
Sultanul Selim cel Crunt, S\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luitorul \uc1 \u238
?n Rai, era \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it nu numai de dou\uc1 \u259 ? dintre
frumoasele so\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu pielea alb\uc1 \u259 ?, cu ochii migdala\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i tra\uc1 \u351 ?i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?mple ale \uc1 \u350 ?ahului
Ismail, pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nvinsese la Caldiran, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i de toate acele
c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?mase de pe urma vechilor st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nitori ai Tabrizului, de la mongoli, de la Ilkhanizi, de la
Jalayirizi, de la Cei-cu-Oile-Negre, pe care \uc1 \u351 ?ahul \uc1 \u238 ?nvins le
pr\uc1 \u259 ?dase mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? de la uzbeci, de la persani, de la
turkmeni, de la Timurizi \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care le p\uc1 \u259 ?stra \uc1 \u238 ?n
biblioteca sa din Seraiul Celor Opt Raiuri, de la Tabriz. Am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? uit la toate c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile acelea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? vor scoate de aici Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i Mai-marele vistiernicilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Dar acum purta \uc1 \u238 ?n priviri acea r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
cire pe care o bagi de seam\uc1 \u259 ? la orbi; \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? lupa cu m\uc1 \u226 ?nerul \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobit cu sidef
nu at\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru a vedea, c\uc1 \u226 ?t din obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut o vreme. Maestrul Osman i-a cerut Piticului,
care ascultase \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga poveste ca pe un basm \uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor, s\uc1 \u259 ?-i g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aduc\uc1 \u259 ? o carte a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? i-a descris-o cu luare-aminte. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a plecat piticul, l-
am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat pe maestru cu nevinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci, cine ar fi putut desena imaginea aceea a calului
din cartea Unchiului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N\uc1
\u259 ?rile ambilor cai sunt crestate, a zis. Dar, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? lucrul acesta
s-a petrecut la Samarkand, fie c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n
Transoxiana, calul a fost pictat, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum spuneam, potrivit me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugurilor chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce
prive\uc1 \u351 ?te frumosul cal din cartea Unchiului, acesta a fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?dit dup\uc1 \u259 ? metode persane, la fel ca acei cai miraculo\uc1
\u351 ?i ai mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor din Herat. Este un cal delicat, cum rar g\uc1
\u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe lumea asta! Este un cal pictat, nu un cal mongol!}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar are nara crestat\uc1 \u259 ?, ca un adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat cal mongol! Am \uc1 \u351 ?optit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Este limpede c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-au retras mongolii \uc1
\u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput or\uc1 \u226 ?nduirea lui Timur \uc1 \u351 ?i a
Timurizilor, unul dintre vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri care pictau la Herat cu
dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ? a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1
\u226 ?urit, pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd desena imaginea calului, fie de caii mongoli pe
care \uc1 \u238 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u351 ?i de care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i amintea, fie de desenele unui alt miniaturist, care pictase cai cu n\uc1 \u259 ?
rile crestate pricin\uc1 \u259 ? pentru care a z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit o imagine de cal
minunat\uc1 \u259 ?, un cal ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui n\uc1 \u259 ?ri erau crestate cu
ging\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Nimeni nu poate \uc1 \u351 ?ti pe pagina c\uc1
\u259 ?rei c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, izvodite pentru care \uc1 \u351 ?ah, se
afla acea pictur\uc1 \u259 ?; sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? acea carte \uc1 \u351 ?i acea imagine au fost
foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gite \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun serai ~ cine \uc1
\u351 ?tie, poate chiar de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre favorita din seraiul \uc1 \u351 ?ahului
\uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? au fost \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung l\uc1 \u259 ?udate \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au aflat o vreme pe buzele tuturor. Sunt, de asemenea,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece lucrurile s-au
petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n acest chip, to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii de
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd au imitat \uc1 \u238 ?n nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri
calul acela cu n\uc1 \u259 ?ri crestate, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l invidiau \uc1
\u351 ?i despre care se vorbea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul acesta,
nara calului s-a preschimbat, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu calul, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1
\u351 ?ablon, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u238 ?n memoria
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor din acel atelier \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? pe de rost. La ani de zile dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceste
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nii lor au fost \uc1 \u238 ?nvin\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lupte, c\uc1
\u226 ?nd, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntristatele femei din haremuri care se \uc1
\u238 ?ndreptau spre alte haremuri, \uc1 \u351 ?i-au aflat noi \uc1 \u351 ?ahi, noi
prin\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i-au schimbat ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ara, ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti au dus cu ei
\uc1 \u351 ?i n\uc1 \u259 ?rile delicat crestate ale cailor pe care-i purtau
\uc1 \u238 ?n amintire. Nasul crestat a fost, poate, uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci majoritatea miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor care-l
p\uc1 \u259 ?strau \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un cotlon al memoriei nu l-au desenat
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n alte ateliere, din pricina altor me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri \uc1 \u351 ?i a altor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri. Unii dintre
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti nu s-au m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? doar
s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze cai cu n\uc1 \u259 ?ri crestate delicat \uc1 \u238 ?n noile
ateliere din care f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau parte, ci i-au \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at \uc1 \u351 ?i pe frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii lor ucenici s\uc1
\u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru, zic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u8222 ?a\uc1 \u351 ?a f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri\uc1 \u8221 ?.
Prin urmare, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i la secole bune dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce mongolii \uc1
\u351 ?i caii lor cei voinici, cu n\uc1 \u259 ?ri crestate, au disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut
din \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile persane \uc1 \u351 ?i arabe, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1
\u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?ele jefuite, trecute prin foc \uc1 \u351 ?i sabie, a
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ?, unii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti au continuat s\uc1 \u259 ? despice n\uc1 \u259 ?rile
cailor, socotind c\uc1 \u259 ? urmau un \uc1 \u351 ?ablon. Sunt la fel de \uc1
\u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? unii dintre ei \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
desenau caii a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?i desenau \uc1
\u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri, g\uc1 \u226 ?ndind, pur
\uc1 \u351 ?i simplu, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?acesta este tiparul\uc1 \u8221 ?,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a avea habar de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?
ii mongoli cuceritori ori de n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate ale cailor lor.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestre! Am zis eu, cuprins de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie. \uc1
\u8222 ?Metoda \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarei\uc1 \u8221 ?, de care v-a\uc1
\u355 ?i folosit \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare, a dat
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r roade, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a\uc1 \u355 ?i n\uc1
\u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduit. Fiecare miniaturist mai avea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o semn\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu fiecare miniaturist, ci
fiecare atelier, a zis el cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie. Dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car fiecare
atelier. \uc1 \u206 ?n unele ateliere nefericite, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n unele
familii nefericite, fiecare vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?te cu anii pe limba lui, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a pricepe c\uc1 \u259 ? fericirea vine din armonie, iar armonia
\uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? fericire. Cum unii se trudesc s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze
precum chinezii, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii precum turcmenii, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii precum cei din
\uc1 \u350 ?iraz, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii precum mongolii, me\uc1 \u351 ?terii acestor
ateliere nu pot avea nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car un stil comun, asemenea unor so\uc1
\u355 ?i neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i care se ceart\uc1 \u259 ? mereu, ani de zile.
M\uc1 \u226 ?ndria i se \uc1 \u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nise acum foarte
limpede pe chip, iar expresia aceea de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ntristat, plin de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, pe care i-o vedeam de
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit\uc1 \u259 ? de privirea m\uc1
\u226 ?nioas\uc1 \u259 ? a omului \uc1 \u238 ?nver\uc1 \u351 ?unat, care
dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1
\u226 ?na sa toate fr\uc1 \u226 ?iele puterii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Maestre, am zis. Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1 \u355 ?i adunat
laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? aici, la Istanbul, vreme de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci de ani, pe
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cei mai neasemenea, veni\uc1 \u355 ?i din cele patru
col\uc1 \u355 ?uri ale lumii, pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cu cele mai felurite
temperamente, cu cele mai felurite \uc1 \u238 ?nclina\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u351 ?i
a\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o armonie at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
deplin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t a\uc1 \u355 ?i dat na\uc1 \u351 ?
tere unui stil otoman!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce se
preschimbase oare sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul de admira\uc1
\u355 ?ie pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam din toat\uc1 \u259 ? inima, cu pu\uc1 \u355
?in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel de
pref\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?torie, acum c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-l m\uc1 \u259 ?rturiseam
\uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?? E oare necesar ca o persoan\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?reia \uc1 \u238 ?i admir\uc1 \u259 ?m sincer talentul \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi pierdut sim\uc1 \u355 ?itor
puterea \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? ceva oarecum demn de
comp\uc1 \u259 ?timire c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ajungem s\uc1 \u259 ? o l\uc1 \u259 ?
ud\uc1 \u259 ?m deschis?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde e
piticul acela? A zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spusese
aceste cuvinte a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o spun cei care au parte de putere \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le plac lingu\uc1 \u351 ?eala \uc1 \u351 ?i lauda, dar
care-\uc1 \u351 ?i amintesc totu\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n chip nedeslu\uc1
\u351 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? nu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? le plac\uc1 \u259 ?; o spusese
\uc1 \u238 ?ntruc\uc1 \u226 ?t voia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea
s\uc1 \u259 ? schimbe subiectul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
De\uc1 \u351 ?i sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i un cunosc\uc1 \u259 ?tor temeinic al
legendelor \uc1 \u351 ?i me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugurilor persane, a\uc1
\u355 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit un univers al miniaturii cu totul aparte, demn de
faima \uc1 \u351 ?i de puterea otomanilor, am \uc1 \u350 ?optit.
Dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i adus \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?
puterea spadei otomanilor, culorile \uc1 \u238 ?ncrez\uc1 \u259 ?toare ale
biruin\uc1 \u355 ?elor lor, aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
aspectul straniu al lucrurilor \uc1 \u351 ?i al instrumentelor, ne\uc1 \u238 ?
ngr\uc1 \u259 ?direa tihnei vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Maestre, cea mai mare cinste din
via\uc1 \u355 ?a mea este ca privind aici, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, miracolele vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri intra\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n legend\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
vorbit astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?, vreme \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?. Neor\uc1 \u226 ?nduiala din Vistierie, care sem\uc1 \u259 ?
na cu un c\uc1 \u226 ?mp de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i apropierea trupurilor noastre \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunericul rece \uc1 \u238 ?mi preschimbau \uc1 \u351 ?oapta \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel
de dest\uc1 \u259 ?inuire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Apoi,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? cu unii orbi care
nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai pot st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni expresia fe\uc1 \u355 ?
ei, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii Maestrului
Osman s-a ivit o privire de b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n care se las\uc1 \u259 ?
prad\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerii. L-am sl\uc1 \u259 ?vit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung pe
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul Maestru, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind uneori sincer ceea ce
spuneam \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nfior\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? alteori, cu
acel dezgust profund pe care-l \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
nev\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?torilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
prins de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu degetele lui reci, mi-a m\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele, mi-a atins fa\uc1 \u355 ?a. Am avut impresia
c\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1
\u355 ?ea lui treceau, prin degete, asupra mea. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am z\uc1 \u259 ?bovit pu\uc1
\u355 ?in, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne clintim din loc, cu paginile
deschise \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne odihneam, ca \uc1
\u351 ?i cum laudele mele, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i admira\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i
comp\uc1 \u259 ?timirea pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca el fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
de sine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i ne sleiser\uc1 \u259 ?. Intre noi se a\uc1
\u351 ?ternuse un fel de st\uc1 \u226 ?njeneal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Unde e piticul? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat din nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Eram sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? piticul cel \uc1 \u351 ?iret ne priveghea
din codonul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se ascunsese. Mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat umerii spre
dreapta, spre st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi uitat
dup\uc1 \u259 ? el, dar \uc1 \u238 ?l priveam de fapt cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
drept \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, pe Maestrul Osman. Era oare orb, sau voia doar s\uc1
\u259 ?-i conving\uc1 \u259 ? pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe sine,
c\uc1 \u259 ? era orb? Unii dintre vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz,
lipsi\uc1 \u355 ?i de har \uc1 \u351 ?i de m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrie, se pref\uc1
\u259 ?ceau la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt orbi
doar ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se bucure de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-i \uc1 \u238 ?nvinuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni pentru nereu\uc1 \u351 ?itele lor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? mor aici, a
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Marele meu Maestru! L-am
lingu\uc1 \u351 ?it eu. Pricep at\uc1 \u226 ?t de bine ce spune\uc1 \u355 ?i,
\uc1 \u238 ?n aceste vremuri \uc1 \u238 ?n care nu se mai pune pre\uc1 \u355 ? pe
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci pe banii adu\uc1 \u351 ?i de aceasta, \uc1 \u238 ?n care
nu mai au \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, ci
imitatorii lor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t m\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?desc lacrimile! Dar ave\uc1 \u355 ?i, totodat\uc1
\u259 ?, datoria de a-i ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii dumneavoastr\uc1
\u259 ? miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti de du\uc1 \u351 ?manii lor! Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-mi,
v\uc1 \u259 ? rog, ce \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226
?nt a\uc1 \u355 ?i tras din \uc1 \u8222 ?metoda \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?
itoarei\uc1 \u8221 ?? Cine este miniaturistul care a pictat calul?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 O spusese \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?
t nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu m-am mirat. A t\uc1 \u259 ?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar sunt totodat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? nu M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? i-
a ucis pe Unchiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i pe bietul Delicat Efendi, a zis el
cump\uc1 \u259 ?nit. Socot c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? fi desenat calul dup\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? el este cel mai
legat de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, el cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeaproape, cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?n profunzime legendele \uc1 \u351 ?i me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?ugurile din Herat, iar ob\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ia mae\uc1 \u351 ?
trilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i ajunge p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Samarkand. \uc1 \u350 ?
tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? n-ai s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi de ce n-am
dat peste aceste n\uc1 \u259 ?ri la ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i cai pe care i-a pictat
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de ani de zile, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, dup\uc1
\u259 ? cum spuneam, un am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt o arip\uc1 \u259 ? de pas\uc1 \u259 ?re,
o frunz\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?rn\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un copac poate
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se v\uc1 \u259 ?deasc\uc1 \u259 ? uneori deloc, din pricina
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii
\uc1 \u351 ?i asprimii maestrului miniaturistului, a gustului \uc1 \u351 ?i
ambian\uc1 \u355 ?ei atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului,
de\uc1 \u351 ?i acestea se p\uc1 \u259 ?streaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
amintire \uc1 \u351 ?i se transmit pre\uc1 \u355 ? de mai multe genera\uc1 \u355 ?
ii de la maestru la ucenic. A\uc1 \u351 ?adar, acesta era calul deprins \uc1
\u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie de dragul meu M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? de-a
dreptul de la mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii s\uc1 \u259 ?i persani calul pe care nu a putut
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l uite. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acest cal \uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut a\uc1 \u351 ?a, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia tocmai \uc1 \u238
?n cartea nes\uc1 \u259 ?buitului Unchi este renghiul necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?tor pe care mi l-a jucat mie Dumnezeu. Oare n-am luat, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns aminte la vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat? Oare,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca miniaturistul turcmen care, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuia un chip frumos de femeie, nu-l putea
desena altfel dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turi de chinezoaic\uc1
\u259 ?, nu ne g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam \uc1 \u351 ?i noi la capodoperele vechilor
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vorbeam despre o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?? Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?i admir\uc1 \u259 ?m pe vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat. In spatele lor, al tuturor, se afl\uc1 \u259 ?
Heratul lui Behzad, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele Heratului se afl\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ii mongoli \uc1 \u351 ?i chinezii. De ce s\uc1
\u259 ?-l omoare M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, care este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
ata\uc1 \u351 ?at de legendele din Herat, pe bietul Delicat Efendi, care era chiar
mai atras dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el a\uc1 \u351 ? spune, orbe\uc1 \u351 ?te de vechile
me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?uguri?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cine? Am
zis. Fluture?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Barz\uc1 \u259 ?! A
zis. Asta mi-o spune chiar inima. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i cunosc
ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i h\uc1 \u259 ?rnicia neistovit\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ascult\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1 \u238 ?n mod lesne de b\uc1 \u259 ?nuit, bietul Delicat
Efendi, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicea cu auririle, a priceput c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n cartea Unchiului dumitale, care imita me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?
ugul francilor, mocneau necredin\uc1 \u355 ?a, erezia, t\uc1 \u259 ?gada, \uc1
\u351 ?i s-a speriat. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era, pe de o parte, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeajuns
de mocofan ca s\uc1 \u259 ? plece urechea la vorbele acelui netot de predicator din
Erzurum din p\uc1 \u259 ?cate, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii \uc1 \u238 ?n aurire, care sunt
mai aproape de Dumnezeu dec\uc1 \u226 ?t pictorii, sunt plictisitori \uc1 \u351 ?i
pro\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tia, pe de alt\uc1
\u259 ? parte, c\uc1 \u259 ? acea carte a nechibzuitului dumitale Unchi era o
lucrare tainic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de mare \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate
a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, temerile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndoielile sale au
prins a se bate cap \uc1 \u238 ?n cap: s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? oare \uc1
\u238 ?n Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul S\uc1 \u259 ?u ori \uc1 \u238 ?n predicatorul din
Erzurum? Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
mprejurare, acest biet vl\uc1 \u259 ?star al meu, pe care-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?team ca
pe buzunarul meu, ar fi venit la mine \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a care-i rodea sufletul. Dar
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el, cu mintea lui de
g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, pricepea foarte bine c\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u226 ?nd auriri pentru cartea Unchiului, care-i imita pe fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci,
m\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?da pe mine \uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?da atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, a c\uc1 \u259 ?utat s\uc1 \u259 ? se dest\uc1 \u259 ?inuie
altcuiva \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?it suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a vicleanului \uc1 \u351 ?i ambi\uc1 \u355 ?iosului
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui minte \uc1 \u351
?i bun\uc1 \u259 ?-credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea gre\uc1 \u351 ?
eala de a nutri admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, deoarece \uc1 \u238 ?i pre\uc1 \u355 ?uia
harul. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut de multe ori cum se folosea Barz\uc1 \u259 ? de Delicat
Efendi, profit\uc1 \u226 ?nd tocmai de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie.
Oricare ar fi fost g\uc1 \u226 ?lceava iscat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei,
Barz\uc1 \u259 ? l-a ucis pe cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt. \uc1 \u350 ?i pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? Delicat Efendi le dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luise mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
temerile sale adep\uc1 \u355 ?ilor hogei din Erzurum, ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia, dorind
s\uc1 \u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?zbune \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i arate
puterea, l-au ucis la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor pe Unchiul dumitale, care era un
admirator al francilor \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care-l socoteau r\uc1 \u259 ?spunz\uc1
\u259 ?tor de moartea prietenului lor. Nu pot spune c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am am\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u226 ?t foarte tare din pricina asta. Cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?,
Unchiul dumitale l-a convins pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i comande tabloul unui pictor vene\uc1 \u355 ?ian Sebastiano se numea
\uc1 \u8211 ? care l-a pictat dup\uc1 \u259 ? socoteala franc\uc1 \u259 ?, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost vorba de un rege p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?n, iar mai
apoi mi-a pus dinainte, \uc1 \u238 ?n chip de model, acest portret lipsit de
bun\uc1 \u259 ?-cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a silit s\uc1
\u259 ? fac ceva ur\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i umilitor: s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez,
adic\uc1 \u259 ?, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? la el, un portret aidoma. Iar
eu, lipsit la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul meu de demnitate, am imitat acel portret pl\uc1
\u259 ?smuit dup\uc1 \u259 ? me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul p\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u226 ?nilor, de teama Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-a\uc1 \u351
? fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o, poate c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u226 ?t pentru moartea Unchiului dumitale \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
zb\uc1 \u259 ?tut mai mult ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aflat tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul care l-a
ucis. Dar suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a mea este atelierul meu de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, nu
Unchiul dumitale. Din pricina acestuia din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii mei
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, pe care i-am iubit mai ceva ca pe propriii mei copii
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe care i-am preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit vreme de dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1
\u351 ?i cinci de ani, tremur\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu pentru soarta lor, nu m-au tr\uc1
\u259 ?dat numai pe mine, ci au tr\uc1 \u259 ?dat toate tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iile
miniaturii noastre \uc1 \u351 ?i au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imite cu
\uc1 \u238 ?nfocare pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, pretinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? asta dore\uc1 \u351 ?te Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru acum. To\uc1
\u355 ?i ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti oameni f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? onoare merit\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pu\uc1 \u351 ?i la cazne! Dac\uc1 \u259 ? noi, cei din breasla
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, am fi \uc1 \u238 ?n primul r\uc1 \u226 ?nd robii
harului \uc1 \u351 ?i ai artei noastre iar nu ai Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, care ne
d\uc1 \u259 ? de lucru \uc1 \u8211 ? am binemerita Raiul. Acum vreau s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? uit singur la aceast\uc1 \u259 ? carte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Spusese ultimele cuvinte cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea cu care \uc1 \u351 ?
i-ar fi rostit ultima dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? un pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
obosit, socotit r\uc1 \u259 ?spunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor de o \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?
ngere pentru care urma s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i piard\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1
\u355 ?a. A deschis cartea pus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui de
pitic \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea acestuia porunci pe un
ton mustr\uc1 \u259 ?tor, spre a-i g\uc1 \u259 ?si pagina pe care o dorea. Prin
aerul \uc1 \u238 ?nvinuitor pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i-l luase, se preschimbase brusc
\uc1 \u238 ?n Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor pe care-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
tea \uc1 \u351 ?i cu care se obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuise tot atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259
?rtat \uc1 \u351 ?i, retr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-un cotlon aflat intre pernele lucrate cu perle,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre pu\uc1 \u351 ?tile cu paturi \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobite cu
giuvaiere \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?evi ruginite, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre dulapuri, l-am
privit de departe pe Maestrul Osman. B\uc1 \u259 ?nuiala care m\uc1 \u259 ?
rodea \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-l ascultam m\uc1 \u259 ? cople\uc1 \u351 ?ise acum pe
de-a-ntregul; mi se p\uc1 \u259 ?rea u\uc1 \u351 ?or de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eles acum c\uc1 \u259 ? el pusese la cale uciderea bietului Delicat Efendi \uc1
\u351 ?i mai apoi a Unchiului, pentru a opri cartea aceea a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru care urma me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul francilor, drept care m-am
\uc1 \u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it o clip\uc1 \u259 ? pentru sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul de admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe care-l nutrisem
ceva mai devreme fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam, pe de
alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? vreau, un ad\uc1
\u226 ?nc respect fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de acest Mare Maestru care se
cufundase cu totul \uc1 \u238 ?n pictura dinaintea sa nu mai avea \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?tate dac\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime sau
doar pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate orb \uc1 \u351 ?i care privea parc\uc1 \u259 ?
miniatura cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? pielea \uc1 \u238 ?ncre\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nului s\uc1 \u259 ?u chip. Atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a
trecut prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra vechiul me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?ug \uc1 \u351 ?i vechea ordine a atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
pentru a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de cartea Unchiului, pentru a redeveni unicul favorit al
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? ne dea pe
to\uc1 \u355 ?i pe seama schingiuitorului Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor nu
numai pe oricare dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ?i, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i
pe mine \uc1 \u8211 ? mi-am pus \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia la lucru,
ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui cum s-ar fi purtat \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? eliberez de dragostea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? legase de el \uc1
\u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul celor dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Trecuse mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme \uc1 \u351 ?i eram cu mintea tulbure.
Pentru a domoli demonii din mine, pentru a abate aten\uc1 \u355 ?ia ginnilor
\uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?ielii, am privit \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, la \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare, paginile ilustrate ale volumelor pe care le scosesem de prin
cufere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t de mul\uc1 \u355
?i erau aceia b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i ori femei care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u355 ?ineau degetul \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?! In ultimele dou\uc1
\u259 ? sute de ani, acest gest fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?it de toate
atelierele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, de la Samarkand la Bagdad, ca expresie a
mir\uc1 \u259 ?rii: pluta\uc1 \u351 ?ul cel tic\uc1 \u259 ?los, precum \uc1 \u351 ?
i v\uc1 \u226 ?sla\uc1 \u351 ?ul cel tic\uc1 \u259 ?los care nu voiau s\uc1
\u259 ?-l ia pe pluta lor pe eroul Keyh\uc1 \u252 ?srev, asaltat de vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ncremeneau mira\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu degetul \uc1 \u238 ?
n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta trecea albia
r\uc1 \u226 ?ului Jayhun \uc1 \u238 ?n deplin\uc1 \u259 ? siguran\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu ajutorul calului s\uc1 \u259 ?u negru \uc1 \u351 ?i al lui
Dumnezeu. H\uc1 \u252 ?srev r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne cu degetul \uc1 \u238 ?n
gur\uc1 \u259 ? a mirare, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se confrunt\uc1 \u259 ? pentru prima
oar\uc1 \u259 ? cu frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin cea cu chipul asemeni
luminii lunii \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timp ce aceasta se scald\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n lacul cu ape argintii, \uc1 \u238 ?nnegurat de ani. Am privit \uc1 \u238 ?
ndelung, cu \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mare b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?, degetele
pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i le \uc1 \u355 ?ineau \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? frumoasele
femei din haremuri, care se z\uc1 \u259 ?reau prin por\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?
ntredeschise ale seraiurilor, pe la ferestrele de neatins ale turnurilor de cetate
ori \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul perdelelor. Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Tejav, \uc1 \u238 ?nvins de
oastea persan\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierde coroana \uc1 \u351 ?i
fuge de pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, favorita sa, preafrumoasa
Espinuy, \uc1 \u238 ?l prive\uc1 \u351 ?te cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de triste\uc1
\u355 ?e, cu degetul aninat \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? a mirare, de la fereastra
haremului din palatul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?l
implor\uc1 \u259 ? din ochi: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sa prad\uc1
\u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?manului!\uc1 \u8221 ? Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Iosif, prins dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce fusese ponegrit c\uc1 \u259 ? o necinstise pe Zulayka, este dus \uc1
\u238 ?n temni\uc1 \u355 ?a sa, Zulayka, cea de la care pornise cleveteala,
st\uc1 \u259 ? la fereastr\uc1 \u259 ? cu degetul \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?,
av\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ? pe chip mai degrab\uc1
\u259 ? o expresie diavoleasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i plin\uc1 \u259 ? de
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t una plin\uc1 \u259 ? de mirare. \uc1
\u206 ?n vreme ce o pereche de \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i
ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar melancolici, inspira\uc1 \u355 ?i dintr-un gazel, se
las\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n voia for\uc1 \u355 ?ei dragostei \uc1 \u351 ?i a
vinului \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? paradisiac\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?itoarea muncit\uc1 \u259 ? de g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri rele
\uc1 \u238 ?i prive\uc1 \u351 ?te uitat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu degetul \uc1 \u238 ?n gura
ei cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu gelozie dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu
mirare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De\uc1 \u351 ?i acest gest se
preschimbase \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1 \u351 ?ablon de care se foloseau to\uc1
\u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, pe care-l pictaser\uc1 \u259 ? deopotriv\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n caietele lor cu modele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n propria
memorie, degetul acela lung se strecura de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu o
delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e aparte \uc1 \u238 ?n gura frumoaselor femei.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ce m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iase oare vederea acestor miniaturi? Pe \uc1 \u238 ?
nserat, m-am dus la Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Maestre, cu voia dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se va
deschide u\uc1 \u351 ?a, eu am s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sesc
Vistieria!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cum adic\uc1 \u259 ?? A zis.
Mai avem un r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz de o noapte \uc1 \u351 ?i o diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?. Repede s-au mai s\uc1 \u259 ?turat ochii t\uc1 \u259 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? imaginile
cele mai frumoase \uc1 \u351 ?i mai pieritoare ale lumii!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce spunea asta, nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dezlipea chipul
de pe pagina aflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa, dar paloarea care
i se a\uc1 \u351 ?ternuse asupra pupilelor dovedea c\uc1 \u259 ? orbea \uc1 \u238 ?
ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am aflat
taina ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n n\uc1 \u259 ?rile calului, am zis cu \uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ha!
A exclamat el. Da! Restul depinde de Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i de
Mai-marele vistiernicilor. Poate ne vor cru\uc1 \u355 ?a pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare avea s\uc1 \u259 ? le dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie c\uc1
\u259 ? Barz\uc1 \u259 ? era uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul? De fric\uc1 \u259 ?, nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. M\uc1 \u259 ? temeam c\uc1 \u259 ? n-
o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? lase s\uc1 \u259 ? ies. Mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, m\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri c\uc1 \u259 ? va arunca vina
asupra mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acul de egret\uc1
\u259 ? cu care s-a orbit Behzad a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ei, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fi luat piticul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
?-l fi dus la locul lui, am zis. Ce frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? e pagina asta la care v\uc1
\u259 ? uita\uc1 \u355 ?i!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fa\uc1
\u355 ?a i s-a luminat, ca a unui copil, \uc1 \u351 ?i a sur\uc1 \u226 ?s \uc1
\u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este
vorba de a\uc1 \u351 ?teptarea lui H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, care vine noaptea, cu calul,
la poalele conacului lui \uc1 \u350 ?irin, mistuit \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?
de dor, a zis. Este \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum privea miniatura ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut-o, dar nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu-\uc1 \u351
?i luase lupa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Vezi frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea t\uc1 \u259 ?inuit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n modul cum se strev\uc1 \u259 ?d una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, frunzele copacilor, de parc\uc1 \u259 ?
ar fi luminate din\uc1 \u259 ?untru, ca florile de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ca stelele, r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de
umilin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunile pere\uc1 \u355 ?ilor,
noble\uc1 \u355 ?ea care r\uc1 \u259 ?zbate din poleirea cu aur, echilibrul delicat
care st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie \uc1 \u238 ?n or\uc1 \u226 ?nduirea \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii
miniaturi? Calul chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ului H\uc1 \u252 ?srev este sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire
\uc1 \u351 ?i gra\uc1 \u355 ?ios ca o femeie. Trupul iubitei sale \uc1 \u350 ?irin,
aflat\uc1 \u259 ? la fereastra de la catul de sus, este aplecat, dar chipul \uc1
\u238 ?i este plin de m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie. Pare c\uc1 \u259 ?, mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit\uc1 \u259 ? iubirii miniaturistului, \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1
\u355 ?ii vor r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne de-a pururi aici, sc\uc1 \u259 ?
lda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina filtrat\uc1 \u259 ? prin culorile, prin
\uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?tura, prin pielea fin lucrat\uc1 \u259 ? a miniaturii.
Vezi, capetele le sunt oarecum r\uc1 \u259 ?sucite unul spre cel\uc1 \u259 ?
lalt, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? trupurile le r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptate pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
noi. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ei \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? fac parte dintr-o
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, de asemenea, c\uc1 \u259 ? ni
se \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259
?. Din pricina aceasta, nu se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiesc deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? fie aievea
cu ceea ce vedem noi mereu. Ba dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, ne dau de \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au ivit din amintirile lui Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De aceea, acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?,
timpul s-a oprit \uc1 \u238 ?n loc. Oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de zorit\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
povestea dep\uc1 \u259 ?nat\uc1 \u259 ? de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, ei vor r\uc1 \u259
?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne la fel, pentru totdeauna, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a ad\uc1
\u259 ?uga nici un gest nepotrivit m\uc1 \u226 ?inilor \uc1 \u351 ?i bra\uc1
\u355 ?elor lor, trupurilor lor delicate, ba chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i ochilor, \uc1
\u238 ?ntocmai ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te tinere bine educate, sfioase \uc1 \u351 ?i
cuviincioase.
Odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ei, va \uc1 \u238 ?ncremeni totul, \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea de un
albastru \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat: pas\uc1 \u259 ?rea de pe cer va zbura nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric, printre stele, asemenea
inimilor gr\uc1 \u259 ?bite ale \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor,
dar va r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne totodat\uc1 \u259 ? acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa
aceea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pereche, priponit\uc1 \u259 ? parc\uc1 \u259 ? de-
a pururi pe cer. Vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, care \uc1 \u351 ?tiau
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul de catifea al lui Dumnezeu coboar\uc1 \u259 ?
asupra ochilor lor asemenea unei draperii, \uc1 \u351 ?tiau foarte bine \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, privind zile ori s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni
de-a r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul o asemenea miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
se clinti din loc, sufletele lor aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mpreuneze
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? cu timpul ve\uc1 \u351 ?nic al miniaturii,
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? ei urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 La vremea rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunii de sear\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
u\uc1 \u351 ?a Vistieriei s-a deschis cu acela\uc1 \u351 ?i ceremonial \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n prezen\uc1 \u355 ?a aceluia\uc1 \u351 ?i grup, Maestrul Osman
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? se mai uita cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? luarea-aminte la pagina
din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa, la pas\uc1 \u259 ?rea care z\uc1 \u259 ?bovea pe cer
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se clinti. Dar cei care b\uc1 \u259 ?gau de
seam\uc1 \u259 ? culoarea stins\uc1 \u259 ? a pupilelor sale pricepeau c\uc1
\u259 ? se uita ciudat la miraculoasa pagin\uc1 \u259 ? din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a sa,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ni se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
vedem c\uc1 \u259 ? se petrece cu unii orbi, care se apropie \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel
necuvenit de farfuria din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m-au cercetat cu de-am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul,
ceau\uc1 \u351 ?ii din garda Vistieriei, care aflaser\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
Maestrul Osman va mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
untru \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? Cezmi Aga se afla la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
n-au izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? dea de acul de egret\uc1 \u259 ? ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?n
izmenele mele. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am pornit din curtea Seraiului pe str\uc1 \u259 ?
zile Istanbulului, m-am tras la o parte pe o scurt\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i, sco\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd din izmene lucrul acela \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor care-l orbise pe Behzad, mi l-am v\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n chimir. Am mers pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?
i gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Frigul din \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile Vistieriei lucrase at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
temeinic asupra mea, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut c\uc1
\u259 ? pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zile ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului cobor\uc1 \u226 ?se un aer
bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd, de prim\uc1 \u259 ?var\uc1 \u259 ? timpurie. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme
ce treceam prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dughenelor b\uc1 \u259 ?canului, b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbierului, negustorului de plante, negustorului de legume \uc1 \u351 ?i
negustorului de lemne din T\uc1 \u226 ?rgul de la Vechiul Han, care se \uc1 \u238 ?
nchideau pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncetinit pasul uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1
\u259 ? cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie la butoaiele, la \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitorile, la
morcovii, la borcanele din pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?liile bine \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ?lzite, luminate de opai\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, strada Unchiului nu lua\uc1 \u355 ?i seama la
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu zic \uc1 \u8222 ?strada mea\uc1 \u8221 ?, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car \uc1 \u8222 ?strada lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re\uc1 \u8221 ? nu puteam \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? spune mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?
rut \uc1 \u351 ?i mai str\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dar bucuria de a o reg\uc1 \u259 ?si, teaf\uc1
\u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?tos, pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ?, de vreme ce se putea socoti
c\uc1 \u259 ? uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul fusese aflat, aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
pot culca la noapte cu iubita mea m\uc1 \u259 ? apropiau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult de
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t cu greu m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nat s\uc1 \u259 ? nu strig c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
rodiul \uc1 \u351 ?i oblonul \uc1 \u238 ?nchis, reparat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre timp, ca
un \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ran care strig\uc1 \u259 ? la cineva aflat de
cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? parte a unei v\uc1 \u259 ?i. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1
\u226 ?nd aveam s-o v\uc1 \u259 ?d pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, voiam s\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncep prin a-i spune:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
fost dibuit blestematul de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
deschis poarta. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce poate din pricina sc\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?itului acesteia, poate din pricina nep\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
rii vrabiei care bea ap\uc1 \u259 ? din c\uc1 \u259 ?ldarea de la f\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ori poate din pricina aspectului mohor\uc1 \u226 ?t al
casei \uc1 \u8211 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu acel al
\uc1 \u351 ?aselea sim\uc1 \u355 ?, de lup, al omului care tr\uc1 \u259 ?ise cu
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur vreme de doisprezece ani, c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? nu se afla nimeni. Dar, de\uc1 \u351 ?i
pricepi uneori, cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti
doar tu cu tine \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u355 ?i, tot ajungi s\uc1 \u259 ? deschizi
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nchizi ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat u\uc1 \u351 ?
ile \uc1 \u351 ?i dulapurile, ba chiar s\uc1 \u259 ? ridici \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? pui la loc capacele oalelor. A\uc1 \u351 ?a am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1
\u351 ?i eu. Am deschis p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cuferele \uc1
\u351 ?i m-am uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n ele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Singurul lucru pe care l-am auzit \uc1 \u238 ?n tot acest r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp de
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere a fost bubuitul inimii mele, care b\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu iu\uc1
\u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?. Am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? alinare atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-am scos sabia, pe care o ascunsesem \uc1 \u238 ?n fundul celui
mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r, ca pe un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1
\u226 ?n care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a tr\uc1 \u259 ?it traiul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat m\uc1 \u259 ?laiul, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am \uc1 \u238
?ncins cu ea. Sabia mea cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de filde\uc1 \u351 ? mi-a adus \uc1
\u238 ?ntotdeauna m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iere sufleteasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i echilibru (echilibru p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la mers) \uc1
\u238 ?n amarul de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n care am trudit cu condeiul. C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile nu adaug\uc1 \u259 ? nefericirii omene\uc1 \u351 ?ti dec\uc1 \u226 ?t o
anumit\uc1 \u259 ? ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncime, pe care noi o socotim a fi consolare.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u238 ?n curte. Vrabia plecase. Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it, l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?nd
casa prad\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerii \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului care cobora
asupra ei, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit o
corabie care se scufunda.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fugi,
\uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea inima, mai plin\uc1 \u259 ? acum de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere, du-
te s\uc1 \u259 ?-i g\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?ti!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am luat-o la goan\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?ncetineam \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? pasul prin locurile aglomerate, prin cur\uc1 \u355 ?ile de moschei
pe unde treceam ca s-o iau pe scurt\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, din pricina
c\uc1 \u226 ?inilor care o porneau veseli \uc1 \u351 ?i care se \uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?deau peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? pe urmele mele,
g\uc1 \u259 ?sind \uc1 \u238 ?n asta un fel de distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 53. M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Ester.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Tocmai fierbeam ciorb\uc1 \u259 ? de linte pentru cin\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Nesim a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E cineva
la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce i-am proptit lingura \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?,
spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu lase lintea s\uc1 \u259 ? se prind\uc1 \u259
? de fund, l-am apucat de m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
nit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am amestecat de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori \uc1 \u238 ?n
oal\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i ar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i cum s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?, poate s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? lingura \uc1 \u238 ?n ciorb\uc1 \u259 ? ore \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351
?ir, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u226 ?rt\uc1
\u259 ? deloc \uc1 \u238 ?n ea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd l-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe Negru la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mi s-a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Avea o asemenea c\uc1 \u259 ?
ut\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-era team\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi ce s-a petrecut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu intra! Am zis. M\uc1 \u259 ? schimb acum \uc1 \u351 ?i vin.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am luat hainele cu roz \uc1 \u351 ?i galben, cu care
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?olesc c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt chemat\uc1
\u259 ? la petrecerile de Ramadan, la mesele bog\uc1 \u259 ?tanilor, la nun\uc1
\u355 ?ile care dureaz\uc1 \u259 ? mult, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i bocceaua de s\uc1
\u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nc ciorba c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vin, i-am zis bietului Nesim.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai aveam o strad\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ies cu Negru din draga noastr\uc1 \u259 ?
mahala evreiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei co\uc1 \u351 ?uri fumegau ca vai
de ele, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fumeg\uc1 \u259 ? oalele s\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
ntocilor, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i-am zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-ar zice c\uc1 \u259 ? fostul
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors de la
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru a t\uc1
\u259 ?cut p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din mahala. Era
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?iu la fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, precum seara care se l\uc1
\u259 ?sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde sunt? A \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat el dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme. A\uc1 \u351 ?a am priceput c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii nu erau acas\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt la ei
acas\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 D\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-mi imediat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbele mele aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u238 ?nfig\uc1 \u259 ? ca un fier ro\uc1 \u351 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?n inima lui
Negru, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci priveau casa de dinainte a lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re,
am deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a speran\uc1 \u355 ?ei ad\uc1 \u259 ?ug\uc1 \u226 ?nd:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pesemne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 L-ai v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul care s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
ntors de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se
\uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu l-am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nici pe el, \uc1 \u351 ?i n-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut nici c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd a plecat \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re de acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De unde ai priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? au plecat de acas\uc1 \u259 ??}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-mi totul,
a zis el hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ndurerat, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu putea
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne
mereu cu ochii pe geam, cu urechea ciulit\uc1 \u259 ? la drum, pentru a putea fi o
Ester care s\uc1 \u259 ? le poat\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?si b\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?tor fete vis\uc1 \u259 ?toare, care s\uc1 \u259 ?
bat\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? sfiiciune pe la u\uc1 \u351 ?ile
at\uc1 \u226 ?tor case nefericite, nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? tot.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fratele
fostului b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, Hasan, am zis, s-a
strecurat la voi \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? se
bucura c\uc1 \u259 ? zisesem \uc1 \u8222 ?la voi \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a spus lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket c\uc1 \u259 ?
taic\uc1 \u259 ?-s\uc1 \u259 ?u e pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? de la r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1
\u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe la vremea chindiei \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1
\u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vad\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sa
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe copii, o s\uc1 \u259 ? se am\uc1 \u259 ?rasc\uc1 \u259 ? foarte
tare. De\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?evket i-a dus vestea maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sii,
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s-a purtat cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i n-a luat nici o hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re. C\uc1 \u259 ?tre
chindie, \uc1 \u350 ?evket a \uc1 \u351 ?ters-o de acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s-a oplo\uc1 \u351 ?it la unchi-s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Hasan, \uc1 \u351 ?i la
bunic\uc1 \u259 ?-s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 {\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De unde afli tu toate lucrurile astea?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i-a spus \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re
c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt doi ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Hasan unelte\uc1 \u351 ?te ca s-o
aduc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n vechea cas\uc1 \u259 ?? 0 vreme,
Hasan i-a trimis lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?e prin
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re i-
a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun fel?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu tot soiul de femei din Istanbul. Niciuna dintre ele nu e a\uc1
\u351 ?a de preocupat\uc1 \u259 ? de casa, de b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul \uc1 \u351 ?i de
cinstea ei ca \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Acum \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? eu sunt b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vocea lui st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia
nesiguran\uc1 \u355 ?a aia b\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?teasc\uc1 \u259 ? de care
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntristam \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna. Oricare ar fi fost
tab\uc1 \u259 ?ra pe care o alegea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, partea
ailalt\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se fac\uc1 \u259 ? praf.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Hasan a scris un bilet, cum c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?evket a venit
acas\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte pe taic\uc1 \u259 ?-s\uc1 \u259
?u, c\uc1 \u259 ? e foarte nec\uc1 \u259 ?jit din pricina acelui a\uc1 \u351 ?a-zis
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat cu care s-a m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sa dup\uc1
\u259 ? o cununie nelegiuit\uc1 \u259 ? a noului s\uc1 \u259 ?u tat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi l-a dat
s\uc1 \u259 ? i-l duc lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ce a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te-a a\uc1 \u351 ?teptat
toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea, singur\uc1 \u259 ?-singuric\uc1 \u259 ?, cu bietul
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hayriye?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Hayriye p\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u351 ?te de ani de zile prilejul
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vin\uc1 \u259 ? de hac frumoasei tale neveste. De-aia se culca cu
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u Unchi. V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i-a petrecut noaptea singur\uc1 \u259 ?-
singuric\uc1 \u259 ?, cu teama de uciga\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de stafii, Hasan
i-a mai trimis o scrisoare prin mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
i-a scris?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc lui
Dumnezeu c\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rmana de Ester, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ne\uc1 \u351 ?
tiutoare de carte, le poate r\uc1 \u259 ?spunde domnilor furio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i ta\uc1 \u355 ?ilor nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum urmeaz\uc1 \u259
?: \uc1 \u8222 ?Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu pot citi scrisoarea, pot citi ceea ce se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?rit pe chipul frumoasei fete care o
cite\uc1 \u351 ?te.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?i ce-ai citit?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 N-am vorbit deloc, vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut bufni\uc1 \u355 ?a care se a\uc1 \u351 ?ezase pe acoperi\uc1 \u351
?ul unei bisericu\uc1 \u355 ?e grece\uc1 \u351 ?ti, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?
teptarea nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii. I-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe muco\uc1 \u351 ?ii din mahala
cum se uitau la straiele \uc1 \u351 ?i la bocceaua mea \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?
deau. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine r\uc1 \u226 ?ios care se tot
sc\uc1 \u259 ?rpina \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce cobora voios din cimitirul cu
chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ?, ie\uc1 \u351 ?ind \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinarea nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Stai u\uc1 \u351 ?or! Am \uc1 \u355 ?ipat apoi la Negru. Eu nu urc
pantele astea ca tine! Unde m\uc1 \u259 ? duci, cu bocceaua asta \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ? purta tu pe la casa lui Hasan, am s\uc1 \u259 ? te
pun eu s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i desfaci bocceaua \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ?
te duc pe la ni\uc1 \u351 ?te fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?i de isprav\uc1 \u259 ?,
care or s\uc1 \u259 ? cumpere, pentru iubitele lor tainice, batiste \uc1 \u238 ?
nflorate, cing\uc1 \u259 ?tori de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase \uc1 \u351 ?i pungi de bani
lucrate cu fir de argint.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era bine
c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru mai putea \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? glumeasc\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n starea jalnic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla, dar am
b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
gluma lui st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u351 ?i ceva serios:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? aduni o ceat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu te duc deloc la casa lui
Hasan! Am zis. Mi-e amarnic de fric\uc1 \u259 ? de scandaluri \uc1 \u351 ?i
b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i Ester cea istea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dintotdeauna, n-or s\uc1 \u259 ? fie nici scandaluri, nici
b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?i, a zis el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
trecut de Aksaray \uc1 \u351 ?i am intrat pe drumul care o lua prin dos, c\uc1
\u259 ?tre gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinile de zarzavat de la Langa. \uc1 \u206 ?n susul
drumului noroios, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o mahala care cunoscuse \uc1 \u351 ?i zile mai
bune, Negru a intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n dugheana \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
deschis\uc1 \u259 ? a unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbier. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?
vorbea cu me\uc1 \u351 ?terul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l r\uc1 \u259 ?dea, la lumina
l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, un t\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?r cu chip limpede \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u226 ?ini frumoase. Nu dup\uc1 \u259 ? mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, ne-au prins
din urm\uc1 \u259 ? la Aksaray b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierul, frumosul lui ucenic \uc1 \u351
?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? doi dintre oamenii s\uc1 \u259 ?i. Aveau \uc1 \u238 ?
n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini s\uc1 \u259 ?bii \uc1 \u351 ?i baltage. Pe o strad\uc1 \u259 ?
dosnic\uc1 \u259 ? de la \uc1 \u350 ?ehzadeba\uc1 \u351 ?i ni s-a al\uc1 \u259 ?
turat, la un moment dat, \uc1 \u351 ?i un fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?u de la
\uc1 \u351 ?coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ?, un b\uc1 \u259 ?ietan care purta \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o sabie \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia nu
p\uc1 \u259 ?reau deloc s\uc1 \u259 ? i se potriveasc\uc1 \u259 ? faptele de
vitejie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O s\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?li\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cas\uc1 \u259 ? din
ora\uc1 \u351 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n miezul zilei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u238 ?n miezul zilei, ci la noapte, a zis Negru pe un ton
mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? satisf\uc1 \u259 ?cut dec\uc1 \u226 ?t glume\uc1 \u355 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu fi at\uc1 \u226 ?t de sigur
pe tine doar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ai adunat o ceat\uc1 \u259 ? de oameni, am zis.
S\uc1 \u259 ? nu care cumva s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ? ienicerii c\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?ntura\uc1 \u355 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ca o oaste \uc1 \u238
?narmat\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?-n din\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu ne vede nimeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ieri, oamenii \uc1 \u259 ?luia
din Erzurum au dat iama mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o c\uc1
\u226 ?rcium\uc1 \u259 ?, apoi \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul
Cerrahi56 de la Sagirkapi \uc1 \u351 ?i au b\uc1 \u259 ?tut pe toat\uc1 \u259 ?
lumea. Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n a fost pocnit cu un
par \uc1 \u238 ?n cap \uc1 \u351 ?i a murit. \uc1 \u206 ?n bezn\uc1 \u259 ?,
pute\uc1 \u355 ?i fi lua\uc1 \u355 ?i drept oamenii lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Aud c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai dus \uc1 \u238 ?n casa r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului
Delicat Efendi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce ai
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut la nevasta lui binecuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntat\uc1 \u259 ? fie ea! Caii cu
cerneala \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259 ?, i-ai \uc1 \u351 ?i dat de veste lui \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. S\uc1 \u259 ? fi avut oare Delicat Efendi multe de \uc1
\u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?it cu oamenii predicatorului din Erzurum?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am dus cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? iscodesc pu\uc1 \u355 ?in prin casa aia, o s\uc1
\u259 ?-i fiu de folos dragei mele \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am zis. Ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun drept, m-am dus s\uc1 \u259 ? le ar\uc1 \u259 ?t \uc1 \u355 ?
es\uc1 \u259 ?turile venite de cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu cor\uc1 \u259 ?biile
flamande. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz, nu ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? amestec
\uc1 \u238 ?n treburile voastre religioase \uc1 \u351 ?i politice, pe care biata
mea minte de evreic\uc1 \u259 ? nu le poate p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ester Hanim, e\uc1 \u351 ?ti foarte mintoas\uc1 \u259 ?!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt a\uc1
\u351 ?a, am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i mai spun un lucru: oamenii acelui
predicator din Erzurum se vor purta \uc1 \u351 ?i mai crunt, vor pricinui \uc1
\u351 ?i mai multe suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? teme\uc1
\u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? de ei!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns pe uli\uc1 \u355 ?a dosnic\uc1 \u259 ? de la
Car\uc1 \u351 ?ikapi, inima a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi bat\uc1 \u259 ?
mai tare de team\uc1 \u259 ?. Ramurile gola\uc1 \u351 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i umede ale
castanilor \uc1 \u351 ?i duzilor luceau \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ? a
semilunii. Un v\uc1 \u226 ?nt st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit de ginni \uc1 \u351 ?i duhuri
trecea prin dantelele cu care-mi era bordisit\uc1 \u259 ? bocceaua \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?uiera printre copaci, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu el mirosul grupului nostru
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre to\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?inii din mahala, afla\uc1 \u355 ?i la
p\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?. Taman c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1
\u259 ? latre ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia unul c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul \uc1 \u8211 ? i-am
ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat casa lui Negru. Am privit o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i obloanele \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate. Negru \uc1
\u351 ?i-a or\uc1 \u226 ?nduit oamenii \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul casei, \uc1 \u238 ?n
gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina pustie, de o parte \uc1 \u351 ?i de alta a por\uc1 \u355 ?ii
care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?n curte \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul
smochinilor din spate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
fund\uc1 \u259 ?tura asta sade un nenorocit de cer\uc1 \u351 ?etor t\uc1 \u259 ?
tar, am zis. E orb, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tie foarte bine de la muhtar57 cine intr\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cine iese de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
freac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntruna m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul, ca maimu\uc1 \u355 ?ele
cele neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zate ale Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului. Da\uc1 \u355 ?i-i vreo opt-
zece aspri, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l atinge\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1
\u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? tot ce \uc1 \u351 ?tie.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am uitat, de departe, cum
Negru i-a dat mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i bani t\uc1 \u259 ?tarului, iar apoi
l-a str\uc1 \u226 ?ns cu u\uc1 \u351 ?a, pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i sabia la
beregat\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu ce s-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat, dar ucenicul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului, despre care socoteam
c\uc1 \u259 ? privegheaz\uc1 \u259 ? casa, a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
pocneasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe t\uc1 \u259 ?tar cu m\uc1 \u226 ?nerul baltagului. M-am mai
uitat un pic, cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? acum-acum se termin\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?enia, dar t\uc1 \u259 ?tarul pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ngea. Am dat fuga \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am scos din m\uc1 \u226 ?na ucenicului, \uc1
\u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u238 ?njurat de mam\uc1 \u259 ?, zicea ucenicul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cic\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan nu e
acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare s\uc1 \u259 ? fie adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat ce spune orbul \uc1
\u259 ?sta? A zis Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntins un r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1
\u351 ? pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l scrisese pe loc. Ia \uc1 \u259 ?sta, du-l \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?-i-l lui Hasan, iar dac\uc1
\u259 ? nu este el, d\uc1 \u259 ?-i-l lui taic\uc1
\u259 ?-s\uc1 \u259 ?u! A zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu i-ai
scris nimic lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce luam r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dac\uc1 \u259 ?-i scriu ei ceva aparte, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-i st\uc1 \u226 ?
rneasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare pe b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ii din
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Negru. Spune-i c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am g\uc1 \u259 ?sit pe
nemernicul de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu
a\uc1 \u351 ?a s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spui!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am mustrat pe t\uc1 \u259 ?tarul care \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? tac\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu uita ce-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pentru tine! I-am zis,
d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi seama c\uc1 \u259 ? lungeam toate pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile astea ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu plec de acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce-mi
b\uc1 \u259 ?gasem nasul \uc1 \u238 ?n ciorba lor? Acum doi ani, unei femei care
umbla cu bocceaua \uc1 \u238 ?i fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?iate urechile \uc1
\u351 ?i apoi fusese omor\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? la Poarta Edirne, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? fata pe care o promisese se m\uc1 \u259 ?ritase cu altul. Bunica mea
dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ? spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? turcii omoar\uc1 \u259 ? de cele mai
multe ori f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?. Prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ochilor mi-a trecut ciorba de linte aburind\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o m\uc1 \u226 ?nca
acum acas\uc1 \u259 ? dr\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u355 ?ul de Nesim. De\uc1 \u351 ?i
picioarele m-ar fi purtat mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?napoi, m-am g\uc1
\u226 ?ndit la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-acolo, \uc1
\u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea ghes \uc1 \u351 ?i curiozitatea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Femeia cu bocceauuuaaa! Am m\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?suri venite din
China, pentru ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte de s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? lumina portocalie care
se strecura printre obloane p\uc1 \u226 ?lp\uc1 \u226 ?ise. S-a deschis u\uc1 \u351
?a. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l cel distins al lui Hasan m-a poftit \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
untru. Casa era destul de bine \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit\uc1 \u259 ?, ca toate
casele celor avu\uc1 \u355 ?i. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care \uc1 \u351 ?edea cu copiii \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul unei mese
\uc1 \u238 ?ntinse, la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, s-a ridicat \uc1 \u238 ?n
picioare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am zis. A venit b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care dintre ei?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u258 ?la nou, am zis. A \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat casa cu oameni \uc1 \u238 ?
narma\uc1 \u355 ?i. Se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tesc s\uc1 \u259 ? se bat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
Hasan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan nu e acas\uc1 \u259 ?, a
zis socrul cel cuviincios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 0, ce potriveal\uc1 \u259 ?! Ia de cite\uc1 \u351 ?te
asta, s\uc1 \u259 ? vedem despre ce-i vorba! Am zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am dat
r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l scrisese Negru, ca un sol m\uc1
\u226 ?ndru ce-i \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?neaz\uc1 \u259 ? cuiva porunca
nemiloas\uc1 \u259 ? a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce socrul ei cel cuviincios citea r\uc1 \u259 ?
va\uc1 \u351 ?ul, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ester, hai s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i dau ni\uc1 \u351 ?te ciorb\uc1
\u259 ? de linte, s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lze\uc1 \u351 ?ti!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-mi place, am zis eu mai \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-mi
venea deloc la socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbise de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar
fi \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu casa aia. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? singur\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine, am apucat lingura
\uc1 \u351 ?i am pornit-o pe urmele ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Spune-i lui Negru c\uc1 \u259 ? toate s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat din
pricina lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket, mi-a \uc1 \u351 ?optit. Am stat la p\uc1 \u226 ?
nd\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259 ? noaptea, singur\uc1 \u259 ? cu Orhan, de teama
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului. Orhan a tremurat c\uc1 \u226 ?t a fost noaptea de
lung\uc1 \u259 ?. Copiii mei au fost desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i!
Care mam\uc1 \u259 ? se desparte de copilul ei?! C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Negru nu s-a
mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?, schingiuitorii Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru ne-au adus vestea c\uc1 \u259 ?-l f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259
? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? era amestecat \uc1 \u238 ?n
moartea tatei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru nu era cu tine
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost omor\uc1 \u226 ?t tat\uc1 \u259 ?l t\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ester, a zis frumoasa mea, deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd larg
ochii negri. Orice s-ar \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla, ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spune-mi de ce te-ai
\uc1 \u238 ?ntors aici, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pot pricepe \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te
ajut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Crezi c\uc1 \u259 ? eu \uc1
\u351 ?tiu de ce m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors? A zis \uc1 \u351 ?i a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut o
clip\uc1 \u259 ? gata s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ncrezut \uc1 \u238 ?n spusele lui Hasan! A \uc1 \u351 ?optit, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? dorea ca, prin asta, s\uc1 \u259 ? simt c\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar pricepea oare
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? mai mult la Hasan tocmai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se
m\uc1 \u259 ?ritase cu Negru?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a
deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i a intrat Hayriye cu o p\uc1 \u226 ?ine abia
scoas\uc1 \u259 ? din cuptor, care mirosea de-\uc1 \u355 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?sa gura
ap\uc1 \u259 ?. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut pe chipul ei, deloc fericit c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? vede, c\uc1 \u259 ?, odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu moartea Unchiului, am\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?ta r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese ca o belea pe capul lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re; n-o putea nici zv\uc1 \u226 ?rli \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ?,
nici vinde. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors la
copii cu p\uc1 \u226 ?inea proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, am priceput \uc1
\u351 ?i care era, de fapt, adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul: ceea ce c\uc1 \u259 ?uta \uc1
\u351 ?i nu izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ? afle \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re fie c\uc1 \u259
? era vorba de tat\uc1 \u259 ?l adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat al copiilor, de Hasan sau de
Negru \uc1 \u8211 ? omul pe care ea l-ar fi putut iubi nu trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
un so\uc1 \u355 ?, ci un tat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?git de
ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti copii, cu ochii lor larg deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i de team\uc1 \u259 ?;
acesta era greu de g\uc1 \u259 ?sit. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re era gata s\uc1
\u259 ?-i iubeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de cele mai bune inten\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i so\uc1 \u355 ?ii buni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceea ce cau\uc1 \u355 ?i,
cau\uc1 \u355 ?i cu inima, am zis, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? stau pe
g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri. Ins\uc1 \u259 ? de hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu mintea!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc acum, imediat, cu copiii
la Negru, a zis. Dar cu unele condi\uc1 \u355 ?ii!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A t\uc1 \u259 ?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? se poarte bine cu \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
Orhan. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi cear\uc1 \u259 ? socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am
ad\uc1 \u259 ?postit aici. \uc1 \u350 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se supun\uc1 \u259 ?
condi\uc1 \u355 ?iilor \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351
?it cununia noastr\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u351 ?tie el. M-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat azi-
noapte cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n seama uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului, a ho\uc1 \u355
?ilor, a tuturor nenoroci\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a lui Hasan.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-l g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui
t\uc1 \u259 ?u, dar voia s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a
g\uc1 \u259 ?sit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? duc la el?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fostul ei
socru, care terminase de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme scrisoarea \uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1
\u259 ?tea cu ea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis, \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? apuc s\uc1 \u259 ?-i r\uc1 \u259 ?spund:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spune\uc1 \u355 ?i-i lui Negru Efendi c\uc1 \u259 ? eu nu
pot s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iau r\uc1 \u259 ?spunderea de a i-o da \uc1 \u238 ?napoi pe
nora mea, c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme fiul meu nu este aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Care dintre fiii t\uc1 \u259 ?i? Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat \uc1 \u238 ?n
glum\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1 \u355 ?
e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hasan, a zis \uc1 \u351 ?i,
fiind un domn, l-a cuprins stinghereala. Se zice c\uc1 \u259 ? fiul meu cel mare s-
ar \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce din \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persan\uc1 \u259 ?; sunt martori care
spun asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unde e Hasan? Am zis \uc1 \u351
?i am luat dou\uc1 \u259 ? linguri din ciorba pe care mi-o d\uc1 \u259 ?duse
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a dus
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i adune pe scribii, pe hamalii \uc1 \u351 ?i pe oamenii lui de la
Departamentul V\uc1 \u259 ?mii, a zis, cu acel aer naiv al oamenilor cumsecade, dar
m\uc1 \u259 ?rgini\uc1 \u355 ?i, care nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu deloc s\uc1 \u259 ?
potriveasc\uc1 \u259 ? minciuna. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ieri
oamenii hogei din Erzurum, ienicerii sunt \uc1 \u351 ?i ei pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi
\uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noi nu i-
am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut deloc, am zis, merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Asta e ultimul dumitale cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt?}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebasem asta pe socru ca
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l sperii, dar \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a priceput foarte bine
c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, pe ea o \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebam. Oare mintea \uc1 \u238 ?i era \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-adev\uc1 \u259 ?r
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tulbure, sau ascundea cumva ceva, ca de pild\uc1 \u259 ? faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ?-l a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta pe Hasan s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu oamenii lui? M-am bucurat d\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-mi seama c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea nehot\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Noi nu-l vrem pe Negru, a zis \uc1 \u350 ?evket cu \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zneal\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar tu s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai vii pe aici,
gr\uc1 \u259 ?sano!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar cine o s\uc1
\u259 ?-i mai aduc\uc1 \u259 ? atunci mamei tale batice cu dantel\uc1 \u259 ?,
batiste cu flori, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri, cum \uc1 \u238 ?i plac ei, cine
o s\uc1 \u259 ? mai aduc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?turile alea
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i, care-\uc1 \u355 ?i
plac \uc1 \u355 ?ie? Am zis \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat bocceaua \uc1
\u238 ?n mijlocul camerei. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntorc, pute\uc1 \u355 ?i s-o desface\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? uita\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ea, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u355 ?i cu ce vre\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ?
pune\uc1 \u355 ?i pe voi ce dori\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?ia\uc1
\u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? croi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? coase\uc1
\u355 ?i tot ce v\uc1 \u259 ? pofte\uc1 \u351 ?te inima.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam, m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea; n-o v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?crimat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nici n-am apucat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiesc bine cu frigul
de afar\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru m-a \uc1 \u351 ?i oprit pe drumul plin de
noroi, cu sabia \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Hasan nu e acas\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. Poate s-a dus la pia\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ia vin, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1
\u259 ?toreasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcerea lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re.
Sau poate va veni \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? cu oamenii lui, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
au zis ei. Atunci o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? bate\uc1 \u355 ?i, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? e nebun. Mai ales c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pune m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe sabia aia
ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie a lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce-a
zis \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Socrul ei a zis c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?nu, nu se poate, n-o dau pe nora mea\uc1
\u8221 ?, dar tu nu de el s\uc1 \u259 ? te temi, ci de \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?
re. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? e s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi pe mine, cred
c\uc1 \u259 ? nevasta ta, buimac\uc1 \u259 ? la minte, a priceput, la dou\uc1 \u259
? zile de la moartea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui ei, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu va mai putea petrece o
a doua noapte \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ? cu propriile-i
temeri de spaima uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului, din pricina amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
rilor lui Hasan, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i fiindc\uc1 \u259 ? tu ai disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dai de veste. I s-a mai \uc1 \u351 ?i
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? e\uc1 \u351 ?ti amestecat \uc1 \u238 ?n uciderea tat\uc1 \u259 ?
lui ei. Dar nici vorb\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcerea fostului b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u351 ?a mai departe.
Pare c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?evket a crezut \uc1 \u238 ?n minciuna lui Hasan,
\uc1 \u238 ?n care a crezut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i tat\uc1
\u259 ?l lui. \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re are de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? la tine, dar \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i pune
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?teva condi\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irat condi\uc1 \u355 ?iile, uit\uc1 \u226
?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui Negru. A
primit imediat, cu un aer serios, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi vorbit cu un sol
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i eu am o condi\uc1 \u355 ?ie, am zis. Acum m\uc1 \u259 ? duc iar \uc1 \u238
?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?. I-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat sc\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile ferestrei care se
afla \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele socrului:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aia, s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? repezi\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ncoace \uc1 \u351 ?i la u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
r\uc1 \u259 ?cnesc eu, v\uc1 \u259 ? opri\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vine Hasan,
bate\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259
?ire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? astea nu
erau vorbe pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? le fi putut spune un sol f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? dea de bucluc, dar uite c\uc1 \u259 ? Ester s-a l\uc1
\u259 ?sat dus\uc1 \u259 ? de val. De data asta, u\uc1 \u351 ?a s-a deschis imediat
ce am strigat \uc1 \u8222 ?Femeia cu bocceaua\uc1 \u8221 ?. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at direct socrului:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Toat\uc1 \u259 ? mahalaua, la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cadiul de pe
\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rmul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, to\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re a divor\uc1 \u355 ?at de mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme, c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat iar, potrivit Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului
Coran, am zis. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? fiul dumitale, care e mort de mult, ar \uc1
\u238 ?nvia din mor\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i s-ar \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce la voi din
Rai, tocmai de l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Moise, \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re e divor\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? de-acum, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi zadarnic. A\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?ltat o femeie m\uc1 \u259 ?
ritat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u355 ?ine\uc1 \u355 ?i cu sila aici. Negru
mi-a cerut s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? pedepseasc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru nelegiuirea asta, el \uc1 \u351 ?i cu oamenii
lui, chiar \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de-a o face cadiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Gre\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te, a zis socrul cu bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1
\u355 ?e. Doar n-am luat-o cu de-a sila pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re! Eu, Domnul
fie l\uc1 \u259 ?udat, sunt bunicul acestor copii. Hasan este unchiul lor. Ce putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas singur\uc1 \u259 ?? A c\uc1 \u259 ?utat ad\uc1 \u259 ?post la noi.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? dore\uc1 \u351 ?te, se poate \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? la ea acas\uc1 \u259 ?, cu copiii. Dar nu uita c\uc1 \u259 ? aici
este casa ei, cea \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a adus pe lume copiii \uc1 \u351
?i i-a crescut \uc1 \u238 ?n fericire.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am zis eu, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
stau pe g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri. Vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci \uc1 \u238 ?n
casa tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui t\uc1 \u259 ?u?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? din pricina vorbelor
despre casa cea fericit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Tata nu mai e, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sau poate
eu am auzit a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Copiii s-au ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at mai \uc1 \u238
?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i de poalele ei, apoi au silit-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?
eze \uc1 \u351 ?i i s-au cuib\uc1 \u259 ?rit la piept; au pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e.
Ester asta nu e proast\uc1 \u259 ? deloc: \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam foarte
bine c\uc1 \u259 ?, nef\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nici o alegere, \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u238 ?i conducea de fapt \uc1 \u351 ?i pe unii, \uc1 \u351 ?
i pe al\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiam totodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? jelea
din toat\uc1 \u259 ? inima. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepusem s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u226 ?nguiesc. La pu\uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aia, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u351 ?i nerecunosc\uc1 \u259 ?toarea de Hayriye.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atacul lui Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i al oamenilor lui, care s-a
dezl\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?uit tocmai atunci, a venit ca o pedeaps\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru socrul cel cuviincios cu ochii verzi singurul om din cas\uc1 \u259 ? care nu
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea. Au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput loviturile \uc1 \u238 ?n sc\uc1 \u226 ?
ndurile ferestrei \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost for\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?
a. Dou\uc1 \u259 ? persoane izbeau \uc1 \u238 ?n ea cu un soi de berbec \uc1
\u351 ?i fiecare lovitur\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?suna \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1
\u259 ? ca o lovitur\uc1 \u259 ? de tun.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dumneata e\uc1 \u351 ?ti un om care a avut parte \uc1 \u351 ?i de zile mai bune un
domn, i-am zis socrului, \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tat\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i de lacrimile pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?rs\uc1 \u259 ?m. Deschide
u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i spune-le c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re o
s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se ast\uc1 \u226 ?mpere c\uc1 \u226
?inii \uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia turba\uc1 \u355 ?i de afar\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi dup\uc1 \u259 ? tine, ai arunca-
o \uc1 \u238 ?n strad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, pe deasupra, ai l\uc1 \u259 ?sa-o
prad\uc1 \u259 ? acestor c\uc1 \u226 ?ini pe o femeie singur\uc1 \u259 ?, care s-a
ad\uc1 \u259 ?postit \uc1 \u238 ?n casa ta \uc1 \u351 ?i care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i mai este pe deasupra \uc1 \u351 ?i nor\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ea vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? plece, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch
\langfenp1048 Mi-am \uc1 \u351 ?ters nasul, care se \uc1 \u238 ?nfundase de
at\uc1 \u226 ?ta pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns, cu batista mea violet\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci, n-are dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
deschid\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a, s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? plece, a zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1
\u351 ?i l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? copii. Din pricina zgomotului \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de cei ce se
\uc1 \u238 ?mpingeau \uc1 \u238 ?n u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, fiecare mi\uc1
\u351 ?care era prilej de alte lacrimi; copiii au prins a jeli \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
tare, iar asta ne-a \uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsetul, lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i mie. Dar
am\uc1 \u226 ?ndou\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?ream, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vremea asta, loviturile care se ab\uc1 \u259 ?teau asupra casei s-o d\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?me, nu alta \uc1 \u351 ?i strig\uc1 \u259 ?tele amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?toare de afar\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind c\uc1 \u259 ? ne v\uc1 \u259 ?
ic\uc1 \u259 ?ream \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga timp.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Frumoasa mea \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\u252 ?re, am zis. Socrul t\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
voie s\uc1 \u259 ? pleci, b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u, Negru, \uc1 \u355 ?i-
a primit \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? toate preten\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1 \u351 ?i te
a\uc1 \u351 ?teapt\uc1 \u259 ? cu drag; nu mai ai nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1
\u238 ?n casa asta. \uc1 \u206 ?mbrac\uc1 \u259 ?-te cu hainele de strad\uc1
\u259 ?, pune-\uc1 \u355 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?lul, ia-\uc1 \u355 ?i bocceaua \uc1
\u351 ?i copiii, deschide u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259
?m de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?nceti\uc1 \u351 ?or spre casa ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cuvintele mele i-au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut pe copii s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai abitir. Au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o,
totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s\uc1 \u259 ? ca\uc1 \u351 ?te
ochii mari:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-e fric\uc1
\u259 ? de Hasan, a zis. R\uc1 \u259 ?zbunarea lui va fi \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare. E crunt. \uc1 \u350 ?i asta pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? am venit aici de bun\uc1 \u259 ?voie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Asta nu pune cap\uc1 \u259 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n nici un fel proasp\uc1
\u259 ?tului t\uc1 \u259 ?u m\uc1 \u259 ?riti\uc1 \u351 ?, am zis. N-aveai ce face,
desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? cau\uc1 \u355 ?i ad\uc1 \u259 ?post
undeva. B\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u te-a iertat deja pentru ceea ce s-a
s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i te prime\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1
\u238 ?napoi. C\uc1 \u226 ?t despre Hasan, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u226 ?rtim \uc1 \u351 ?i acum pe degete, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum l-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u226 ?rtit ani de zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu deschid eu
u\uc1 \u351 ?a, a zis. Ar \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?ntorc de bun\uc1 \u259 ?voie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Draga mea
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, nici eu nu pot deschide u\uc1 \u351 ?a, am zis.
\uc1 \u350 ?tii \uc1 \u351 ?i tu c\uc1 \u259 ? asta ar \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna c\uc1
\u259 ? mi-am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat nasul \uc1 \u238 ?n treburile voastre. Pe mine se
vor r\uc1 \u259 ?zbuna \uc1 \u351 ?i mai crunt dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii ei c\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci
nimeni nu poate deschide u\uc1 \u351 ?a, a zis. S\uc1 \u259 ?-i l\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?m s-o sparg\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? intre, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne ia \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ne salte de-aici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\langfenp1048 M-am speriat, pricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd imediat c\uc1 \u259 ? asta ar fi
fost cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? cale pentru \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i
pentru copii:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar o s\uc1 \u259 ?
se lase cu v\uc1 \u259 ?rsare de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge! Am zis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu se
amestec\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n treaba asta cadiul, o s\uc1 \u259 ? se amestece
s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele, iar r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunarea o s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u259 ? ani de zile. Nici un om cinstit nu poate sta s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite cu
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?ate c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i se sparge
u\uc1 \u351 ?a, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd dau al\uc1 \u355 ?ii n\uc1 \u259 ?val\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casa lui \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd iau de acolo o
femeie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1
\u238 ?n loc s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dea un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns cu judecat\uc1 \u259 ?, i-a
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at pe copii \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a
pus pe pl\uc1 \u226 ?ns din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri, mi-am dat seama \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de remu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?
ri, c\uc1 \u226 ?t de ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de viclean\uc1 \u259 ? era
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. 0 voce dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul
meu \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea s\uc1 \u259 ? las totul balt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-
o \uc1 \u351 ?terg, dar acum nu m\uc1 \u259 ? mai puteam strecura nici eu pe
u\uc1 \u351 ?a care era gata s\uc1 \u259 ? se rup\uc1 \u259 ?, nu alta. De fapt,
m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? sparg\uc1
\u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? intre, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351
?i c\uc1 \u259 ? n-aveau s-o poat\uc1 \u259 ? sparge. \uc1 \u206 ?mi venea \uc1
\u238 ?n minte c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru, care se-ncredea \uc1 \u238 ?n mine \uc1 \u351 ?
i care se temea s\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? lucrurile mai departe, ar fi putut
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i cheme oamenii \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u238 ?n orice
clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? asta avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea curaj
socrului. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuit de-a binelea \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? se
pref\uc1 \u259 ?cea c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge, dar, ceea ce era \uc1 \u351 ?i
mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, tremura \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a hal c\uc1 \u259 ? era cu
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie la mijloc vreo pref\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?torie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am apropiat de
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?cnit din toate puterile:}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sta\uc1 \u355 ?i, ajunge!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 At\uc1 \u226 ?t zarva de
afar\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i plan\uc1 \u351 ?etele au \uc1
\u238 ?ncetat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?-i deschid\uc1 \u259 ? Orhan u\uc1 \u351 ?a mamei lui,
am zis, cuprins\uc1 \u259 ? de un g\uc1 \u226 ?nd nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat, pe o voce
bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi vorbit cu
copilul. El vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?;
n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? se supere nimeni pe el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Nici nu mi-am sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it bine vorba, c\uc1 \u259 ? Orhan s-a
\uc1 \u351 ?i desprins din bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele mamei lui, care \uc1 \u351 ?i-au
sl\uc1 \u259 ?bit str\uc1 \u226 ?nsoarea, a tras mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
z\uc1 \u259 ?vorul, apoi opritoarea de lemn, apoi c\uc1 \u226 ?rligul, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi tr\uc1 \u259 ?it ani de zile \uc1 \u238 ?n casa aia, \uc1
\u351 ?i s-a tras doi pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Prin cr\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?tura u\uc1 \u351 ?ii, care s-a deschis singur\uc1 \u259 ?, a p\uc1
\u259 ?truns frigul de afar\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut o asemenea
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, c\uc1 \u259 ? am auzit cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii cum l\uc1 \u259 ?
tra \uc1 \u238 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle \uc1 \u238 ?n
treab\uc1 \u259 ?, un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine molatic. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re l-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe Orhan, care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntorsese \uc1
\u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele mamei lui, \uc1 \u350 ?evket a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun unchiului Hasan!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re s-a ridicat, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a luat
feregeaua \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura, am
r\uc1 \u259 ?suflat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de u\uc1 \u351 ?urat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
m-am temut s\uc1 \u259 ? nu izbucnesc \uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u226 ?s. M-am a\uc1
\u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u351 ?i am mai luat dou\uc1 \u259 ? linguri din ciorba de linte.}
\langfenp1048 {\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru a mai s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it un lucru de\uc1 \u351 ?tept, neapropiindu-se de
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. De\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o vreme, c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u350 ?evket a tras z\uc1 \u259 ?vorul pe din\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \u351 ?
i s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului s\uc1 \u259 ?u
tat\uc1 \u259 ?, l-am chemat \uc1 \u238 ?n ajutor, Negru n-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut nici
un pas \uc1 \u238 ?nainte \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat
oamenii s\uc1 \u259 ? intre. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mama lui l-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1
\u259 ? ia hangerul cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de rubin al unchiului Hasan, \uc1 \u350 ?
evket s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvoit s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i el din
cas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Teme\uc1 \u355 ?i-
v\uc1 \u259 ? de Hasan, de sabia lui cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, a zis socrul, mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare sincer\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu
un aer de \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?ngere \uc1 \u351 ?i dornic de r\uc1 \u259 ?
zbunare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat nepo\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, adulmec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul. I-a \uc1 \u351 ?optit totodat\uc1 \u259 ? ceva lui \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re la ureche.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lu\uc1
\u226 ?nd aminte la \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, care privea \uc1 \u238 ?n
grab\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, u\uc1 \u351 ?a, pere\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, vatra, mi-am amintit c\uc1 \u259 ? acolo \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i petrecuse
cei mai ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i ani, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de primul ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.
Oare b\uc1 \u259 ?ga de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?luiau doi
b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i singuri, c\uc1
\u259 ? mirosea a moarte? Nu m-am apropiat de ea pe drumul de \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarcere, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi fr\uc1 \u226 ?nsese inima.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceea ce ne apropia pe noi, adic\uc1 \u259 ? pe cei doi
copii orfani \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cele trei femei o roab\uc1 \u259 ?, o evreic\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o v\uc1 \u259 ?duv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? pe drumul de
\uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere nu erau frigul \uc1 \u351 ?i negura nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, ci
str\uc1 \u226 ?mtoarea mahalalelor str\uc1 \u259 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i a uli\uc1 \u355
?elor anevoie de str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tut, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i frica de
Hasan. Grupul nostru numeros, ap\uc1 \u259 ?rat de oamenii lui Negru ca o
caravan\uc1 \u259 ? care duce cu sine o comoar\uc1 \u259 ?, a apucat-o pe drumuri
ocolite, pe uli\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nghesuite \uc1 \u238 ?ntre case, prin
cartiere m\uc1 \u259 ?rgina\uc1 \u351 ?e pe unde nici pas\uc1 \u259 ?rea nu
zboar\uc1 \u259 ?, nici caravanele nu cuteaz\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se-av\uc1
\u226 ?nte, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne petrecem cu paznicii, cu ienicerii, cu bandi\uc1
\u355 ?ii curio\uc1 \u351 ?i ce nu lipseau din nici o mahala, cu t\uc1 \u226 ?
lharii de drumul mare \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Hasan. Uneori ne c\uc1 \u259 ?utam drumul pe
b\uc1 \u226 ?jb\uc1 \u226 ?ite prin \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul des at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
des c\uc1 \u259 ? nu te vedeai om cu om \uc1 \u8211 ? izbindu-ne unii de al\uc1
\u355 ?ii ori de ziduri. Socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?
nha\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ne r\uc1 \u259 ?peasc\uc1 \u259 ?
duhurile, ginnii, demonii care urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? de sub p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, drept care ne str\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam bine unii \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-al\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Auzeam, \uc1 \u238 ?n bezna nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, chiar \uc1
\u238 ?n dosul zidurilor pe care le pip\uc1 \u259 ?iam cu m\uc1 \u226 ?inile
\uc1 \u351 ?i al obloanelor ferecate, sfor\uc1 \u259 ?iturile \uc1 \u351 ?i
gemetele celor cufunda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n somn, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
mugetele animalelor din grajduri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu,
Ester, care am cutreierat toate str\uc1 \u259 ?zile Istanbulului, afar\uc1 \u259 ?
de cele mai am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ur\uc1 \u226 ?te dintre
mahalale, adic\uc1 \u259 ? a celor prin care s-au oplo\uc1 \u351 ?it refugia\uc1
\u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i tot soiul de oameni de cele mai pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
dite na\uc1 \u355 ?ii, tot mai eram \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? recunosc
unele cotloane pe unde treceam ziua r\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?toare, cu
bocceaua \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i aveam la
r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? ne
r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? treceam pe uli\uc1 \u355
?e care coteau la nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? margini. De cum am recunoscut zidurile
Str\uc1 \u259 ?zii Starostelui Croitorilor, duhoarea p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259 ?
toare de baleg\uc1 \u259 ? a grajdului lipit de gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina lui Nurullah
Hogea care, oricum, mirosea a scor\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u8211 ? locurile pustiite de incendiu de pe Strada Acroba\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, Pasajul
\uc1 \u350 ?oimarilor \uc1 \u351 ?i Ci\uc1 \u351 ?meaua Hagiului Orb, aflat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pia\uc1 \u355 ?a spre care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea uli\uc1 \u355 ?a
de trecere, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptam spre casa r\uc1
\u259 ?posatului tat\uc1 \u259 ? al lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, ci spre un
alt loc, pe care nu l-am putut ghici.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am dat seama \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru, voind s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i pun\uc1 \u259 ? familia la ad\uc1 \u259 ?post de Hasan,
despre care nu se \uc1 \u351 ?tia ce avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1
\u259 ? cuprins de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul acela
diavolesc, g\uc1 \u259 ?sise alt ad\uc1 \u259 ?post. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
fi putut afla care era locul acela, vi l-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi spus acum
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ?, iar a doua zi diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351
?i lui Hasan. Nu din ranchiun\uc1 \u259 ?, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eram \uc1
\u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252
?re avea s\uc1 \u259 ? i se de\uc1 \u351 ?tepte iar interesul fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de el. Dar Negru nu mai avea deloc \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine,
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne aflam pe o uli\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? din dosul T\uc1 \u226 ?rgului
de Sclavi c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au r\uc1 \u259 ?sunat, la cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul ei,
strig\uc1 \u259 ?te, chem\uc1 \u259 ?ri, r\uc1 \u259 ?cnete. Am auzit zvonul
unei \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ier\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i am recunoscut cu
spaim\uc1 \u259 ? acel trosnet f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? pereche care se aude
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? baltage, s\uc1
\u259 ?bii, b\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe o b\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lie, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am recunoscut \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u355 ?ipetele scoase de r\uc1 \u259 ?ni\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Negru i-a dat unuia dintre oamenii lui de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere sabia
cea mare, i-a luat lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket cu sila hangerul din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ? cu ucenicul b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului \uc1 \u351 ?i cu al\uc1 \u355 ?i doi
oameni, pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, pe Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i pe copii. Mi-a
zis c\uc1 \u259 ? feciorul de la \uc1 \u351 ?coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? va duce acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe o scurt\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?; nu m-a
l\uc1 \u259 ?sat s\uc1 \u259 ? merg cu ei. S\uc1 \u259 ? fi fost oare vorba doar de
o potriveal\uc1 \u259 ?, sau o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea din \uc1 \u351 ?iretenie, pentru a-
mi t\uc1 \u259 ?inui locul unde aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se ascund\uc1 \u259 ??}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul
uli\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u238 ?nguste pe care eram nevoi\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
trecem se afla o dughean\uc1 \u259 ?, despre care am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? era o
cafenea. Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntarea cu s\uc1 \u259 ?biile se sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ise \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe. Un p\uc1 \u226 ?
lc de oameni care se v\uc1 \u226 ?nturau pe acolo, \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u226 ?nd de
zor, f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau cafeneaua una cu p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul la \uc1
\u238 ?nceput am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? o pr\uc1 \u259 ?dau. Scoteau afar\uc1
\u259 ?, cu grij\uc1 \u259 ?, ce\uc1 \u351 ?tile, ibricele, cupele, m\uc1 \u259 ?
su\uc1 \u355 ?ele, pentru ca noi, curio\uc1 \u351 ?ii, s\uc1 \u259 ? le vedem la
lumina tor\uc1 \u355 ?elor \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? lu\uc1 \u259 ?m aminte, apoi
le sp\uc1 \u259 ?rgeau \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. L-au b\uc1
\u259 ?tut ni\uc1 \u355 ?el pe un om care \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?i opreasc\uc1 \u259 ?, dar acesta a izbutit apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? scape din
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile lor. Mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ?
oful lor era legat doar de cafea, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum spuneau, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?irau ponoasele aduse de cafea, vorbeau despre cum vat\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259
? ea ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i foalele, cum tulbur\uc1 \u259 ? creierul \uc1 \u351 ?i-l
r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ce\uc1 \u351 ?te pe om de pe calea credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei,
cum este o otrav\uc1 \u259 ? franc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cum n-a consim\uc1
\u355 ?it s-o bea Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Mahomed, de\uc1 \u351 ?i Diavolul \uc1
\u238 ?l ademenise cu ea, lu\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?area unei femei frumoase. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? era o distrac\uc1 \u355 ?ie
de noapte sortit\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne dea o lec\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i
tocmai m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam ca, odat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoars\uc1
\u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?-l cert pe Nesim \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ?-i spun: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu bea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ? din zeama asta\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n scurt\uc1 \u259 ? vreme s-au adunat pentru a
urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?enia o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime
de neispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeletnicire, intra\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ? pe furi\uc1 \u351 ?,
nestingheri\uc1 \u355 ?i, deoarece prin \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurimi erau o mul\uc1 \u355
?ime de locuri cu od\uc1 \u259 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nchiriat \uc1 \u351 ?i de hanuri
ieftine, le-a dat \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult curaj acestor vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1
\u351 ?i ai cafelei. Atunci am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? erau oamenii vestitului
predicator Nusret Hogea din Erzurum. Se zicea c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau
\uc1 \u8222 ?cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?enie\uc1 \u8221 ? prin toate locurile din
Istanbul unde se bea vin \uc1 \u351 ?i se mergea la curve, prin cafenele, \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?-i pedepseau pe cei care se ab\uc1 \u259 ?teau de la calea
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Mahomed, pe cei care d\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?uiau pe
muzic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se destr\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?lau, zic\uc1 \u226
?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? luau parte la slujbe religioase. I-au spurcat pe du\uc1 \u351 ?
manii credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei, pe cei care aveau de-a face cu Diavolul, care se
\uc1 \u238 ?nchinau la idoli, pe eretici \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cei care pictau. Atunci
mi-am amintit c\uc1 \u259 ? asta era cafeneaua \uc1 \u238 ?n care se at\uc1 \u226 ?
rnau picturi pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n care era def\uc1 \u259 ?
imat\uc1 \u259 ? credin\uc1 \u355 ?a, \uc1 \u238 ?n care era ponegrit hogele din
Erzurum \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n care se s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
eau necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it un ucenic de cafegiu cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
plin\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge; credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? se
pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?leasc\uc1 \u259 ? la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt,
dar \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u351 ?ters s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele de pe frunte cu m\uc1 \u226
?neca de la c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, s-a amestecat \uc1 \u238 ?n
gloat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a prins a privi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierarea
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de noi. Gloata, speriat\uc1 \u259 ?, se d\uc1 \u259 ?duse
oarecum \uc1 \u238 ?napoi. Am b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
Negru z\uc1 \u259 ?rise pe cineva \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?mada de oameni
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese cuprins o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de nehot\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?re. Am priceput, dup\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? ceata celui din
Erzurum se aduna laolalt\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? veneau ienicerii sau vreun alt
buluc, cu b\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini. Tor\uc1 \u355 ?ele s-au
stins, iar mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u351 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru m-a apucat de bra\uc1
\u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a dat \uc1 \u238 ?n seama feciorului de la \uc1 \u351 ?
coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? merge\uc1 \u355 ?i pe
uli\uc1 \u355 ?ele dintre case, a zis. Te duce el acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Feciorul de la \uc1 \u351 ?coala coranic\uc1 \u259 ? voia
s-o \uc1 \u351 ?tearg\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai repede, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
c\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat cu pas gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit. Eram
cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la Negru, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, de vreme ce acum
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?se\uc1 \u351 ?te scena, Ester n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? mai poate spune urmarea pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 54. Eu, Femeia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Meddah
Efendi, dumneata po\uc1 \u355 ?i imita orice, dar nu po\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
fii femeie! O s\uc1 \u259 ? zice\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Eu sus\uc1 \u355 ?in tocmai contrariul. Da, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? perind din ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? spun pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe la nun\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe la
petreceri, prin cafenele, maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rind orice, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?-n miez de noapte, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ce-mi piere vocea, nu
mi-a fost dat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsor. Dar asta nu \uc1
\u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu cunosc tagma femeilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Le \uc1 \u351 ?tiu foarte bine pe femei; ba chiar cunosc \uc1 \u238 ?
ndeaproape patru dintre ele, le-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut chipurile, am stat de
vorb\uc1 \u259 ?. Acestea sunt:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
R\uc1 \u259 ?posata mea mam\uc1 \u259 ?. 2. Iubita mea m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. 3. Nevasta fratelui meu mai mare, care m\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1
\u259 ?tea mereu \uc1 \u351 ?i care mi-a zis: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ie\uc1 \u351 ?i din
camer\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? (mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostit de ea). 4. Femeia pe care am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit-o o clip\uc1
\u259 ? la Konya, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd la o fereastr\uc1 \u259 ? deschis\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul peregrin\uc1 \u259 ?rilor mele. De\uc1 \u351 ?i n-am
vorbit deloc, am nutrit ani de zile, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai
nutresc fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ea o vie dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acum a \uc1 \u351 ?i murit.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Deoarece vederea unei femei cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
descoperit\uc1 \u259 ?, faptul de a vorbi cu ea, de a fi martor la st\uc1 \u259 ?
rile ei omene\uc1 \u351 ?ti ne deschide nou\uc1 \u259 ?, b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355
?ilor, calea spre suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? trupe\uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u351 ?i ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc spirituale, este de dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? nu le vedem
deloc pe aceste fiin\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi pe cele frumoase \uc1
\u238 ?nainte a de ne cununa cu ele, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ne porunce\uc1 \u351 ?te
religia noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Singura cale de a ne ast\uc1 \u226 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ra
nesmintit sim\uc1 \u355 ?urile este s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?m
tov\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ia frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ilor feciori care
\uc1 \u355 ?in loc de femei, iar aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpreunare se
transform\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ea \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un obicei pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Desigur, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n ora\uc1 \u351 ?ele francilor femeile umbl\uc1 \u259 ? nu doar cu chipurile
dezvelite, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul lor str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor (partea
cea mai ademenitoare), cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele, cu frumoasele g\uc1 \u226 ?turi, ba
chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce se poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te este adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat cu
o parte a frumoaselor lor picioare la vedere, iar m\uc1 \u259 ?dularele b\uc1 \u259
?rba\uc1 \u355 ?ilor stau mereu sculate din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cauz\uc1 \u259 ?,
drept care p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?esc st\uc1 \u226 ?njeni\uc1 \u355 ?i,
anevoie, \uc1 \u238 ?ndur\uc1 \u226 ?nd tot soiul de chinuri, a b\uc1 \u259 ?gat
\uc1 \u238 ?n dambla pe toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Aceasta este \uc1 \u351 ?i pricina
pentru care ghiaurii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci pierd zilnic c\uc1 \u226 ?te o fort\uc1
\u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a otomanilor.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am priceput astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u259 ? din prima tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e, c\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a departe de
femeile frumoase este cea mai bun\uc1 \u259 ? cale de a-mi asigura fericirea
\uc1 \u351 ?i tihna sufletului, am ajuns \uc1 \u351 ?i mai curios \uc1 \u238 ?n
privin\uc1 \u355 ?a lor. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pe atunci nu v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem alte
femei \uc1 \u238 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ? de mama \uc1 \u351 ?i de m\uc1 \u259 ?
tu\uc1 \u351 ?a dinspre mam\uc1 \u259 ?, curiozitatea pe care o nutream fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ele avea ceva misterios; \uc1 \u238 ?mi vuia capul \uc1
\u351 ?i pricepeam ce sim\uc1 \u355 ?eau doar f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceea ce
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau, m\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nd ceea ce m\uc1 \u226 ?ncau ele,
pricepeam c\uc1 \u259 ? le voi putea p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?mintele doar repet\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le vorbele, imit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le felul
de a se purta \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259
? cu hainele lor. De aceea, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o zi de vineri, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mama,
tata, fratele meu mai mare \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?a mea s-au dus
cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina de trandafiri a bunicilor de
pe \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rmul Fahreng, eu m-am pref\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ?
sunt suferind \uc1 \u351 ?i am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas acas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\plain \s40 \fi0 \li0 \ri0 \widctlpar
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hai, vino, c\uc1
\u259 ?ci o s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mp c\uc1 \u226 ?ini, copaci, cai, o
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imi\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne faci s\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?dem. Ce s\uc1 \u259 ? faci acas\uc1 \u259 ? de unul singur? A
zis r\uc1 \u259 ?posata mea mam\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
puteam zice: \uc1 \u8222 ?Am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac cu
hainele tale \uc1 \u351 ?i am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? fac femeie, m\uc1 \u259 ?
icu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ? doare burta, m-am v\uc1 \u259 ?itat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu mai face pe beteagul, a zis tata. Hai, c\uc1 \u259 ? ne lu\uc1
\u259 ?m la tr\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Acum am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc vou\uc1 \u259 ?, fra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor
mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i caligrafi, ce anume am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce au plecat \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1
\u259 ?cat cu ruf\uc1 \u259 ?ria \uc1 \u351 ?i cu hainele r\uc1 \u259 ?posatei mele
mame \uc1 \u351 ?i ale m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii, am s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? povestesc tainele femeii taine pe care le-am p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1
\u238 ?n ziua aceea. V\uc1 \u259 ? pot spune mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nconjur, urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele: \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotriva a ceea ce am citit \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i, a ceea ce am
auzit de la predicatori, nu te sim\uc1 \u355 ?i nicidecum ca Dracul c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti femeie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ba
dimpotriv\uc1 \u259 ?: c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu
pantalona\uc1 \u351 ?ii de l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, broda\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
trandafiri, ai mamei, am fost cuprins de o stare pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? de
bine \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it la fel de ginga\uc1 \u351 ? ca ea.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a atins pielea dezgolit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a
din m\uc1 \u259 ?tase verde-fistic a m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii, pe care aceasta
nu se \uc1 \u238 ?ndurase s-o \uc1 \u238 ?mbrace, \uc1 \u238 ?n mine s-a de\uc1
\u351 ?teptat un fel de dragoste fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de to\uc1 \u355 ?i
copiii, chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mine. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
doream s\uc1 \u259 ? fac m\uc1 \u226 ?ncare pentru toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i al\uc1 \u259 ?ptez pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i. Ceea ce mi-a st\uc1
\u226 ?rnit mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? curiozitatea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am priceput
\uc1 \u238 ?ntruc\uc1 \u226 ?tva c\uc1 \u226 ?tva cum m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi sim\uc1
\u355 ?it dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi avut s\uc1 \u226 ?ni, a fost sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul pe care l-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat
dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost o femeie cu \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u355 ?e mari, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndesat \uc1 \u238 ?n
s\uc1 \u226 ?n nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate lucruri ciorapi, \uc1 \u351 ?tergare \uc1
\u351 ?i, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd umfl\uc1 \u259 ?tura aia uria\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? da, bine! M-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it f\uc1 \u259 ?los ca Dracul!
\uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eleg\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1
\u355 ?ii aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? goneasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe urmele ei ale umfl\uc1 \u259 ?
turii chiar de i-ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut doar umbra, c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259
? se zbuciume \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? roage fierbinte s\uc1 \u259
?-i las s-o ia \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ?, m-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it nem\uc1
\u259 ?surat de puternic, dar oare doream s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu puternic? Eram buimac:
doream, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu puternic, dar \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le fie mil\uc1 \u259 ? de mine; doream s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu un
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat bogat, puternic \uc1 \u351 ?i de\uc1 \u351 ?tept, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum nu cunoscusem niciunul, niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu iubit
nebune\uc1 \u351 ?te, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i temeam de a\uc1 \u351 ?a
ceva. Mi-am pus br\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile de aur spiralate, pe
care mama le p\uc1 \u259 ?stra \uc1 \u238 ?n ciorapii de l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
cu iz de mosc afla\uc1 \u355 ?i al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de cear\uc1 \u351 ?afurile
brodate cu frunze, pe fundul l\uc1 \u259 ?zii ei de zestre, m-am dat \uc1 \u238 ?n
obraz cu c\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u226 ?zul cu care se d\uc1 \u259 ?dea ea pentru a se
sulemeni \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare c\uc1 \u226 ?nd venea de la hamam, m-am \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?olit cu feregeaua m\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u351 ?ii mele, de
culoarea bradului verde, mi-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns p\uc1 \u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-
am pus v\uc1 \u259 ?lul de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i culoare \uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd m-am privit \uc1 \u238 ?n oglinda cu ram\uc1 \u259 ? de sidef, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?
nfiorat. De\uc1 \u351 ?i nu m\uc1 \u259 ? atinsesem de ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i de gene,
acestea \uc1 \u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deau acum o c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? de femeie. Nu mi se z\uc1 \u259 ?reau dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ochii, dar
eram o femeie foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, iar asta m-a mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit peste
m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a mi s-a sculat b\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia, care b\uc1 \u259 ?gase de seam\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
naintea mea acest lucru. \uc1 \u206 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplarea cu pricina m-a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut nefericit. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut, \uc1 \u238 ?n oglinda pe care o \uc1
\u355 ?ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, cum se scurgea o
lacrim\uc1 \u259 ? din frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii mei ochi \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n
clipa aceea, s-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?at din mine un poem plin de
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care nu l-am uitat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu l-
am uitat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
cuprins de un imbold trimis de Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul, am c\uc1 \u259 ?
utat s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi uit amarul rostind poemul pe note, ca pe un c\uc1 \u226 ?
ntec:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?
ielnica mea inim\uc1 \u259 ? zice c\uc1 \u259 ? vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
aflu la Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu la R\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?rit, \uc1 \u351 ?i la R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu la Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?it;}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt
b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu femeie, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sunt femeie,
vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, zic celelalte p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?
i ale trupului meu;}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce greu este
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii om \uc1 \u351 ?i, chiar mai mult, ca om s\uc1 \u259 ? vie\uc1
\u355 ?uie\uc1 \u351 ?ti!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? distrez \uc1 \u351 ?i cu cele dinainte, \uc1 \u351 ?i
cu cele dinapoi, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ritul, \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?itul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
eram gata s\uc1 \u259 ? spun: S\uc1 \u259 ? nu aud\uc1 \u259 ? fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii
no\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Erzurum c\uc1 \u259 ? am c\uc1 \u226 ?ntat c\uc1 \u226 ?
ntecul desprins din inima mea, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci or s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u226 ?nie
foarte tare! De ce s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? sperii? Poate c\uc1 \u259 ? n-or
s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u226 ?nie, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci, vede\uc1 \u355 ?i n-o spun ca
pe o vorb\uc1 \u259 ? de clac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?
ti\uc1 \u355 ?i pe predicatorul acela faimos, Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Husret-Tragi-
cu-Pu\uc1 \u351 ?ca-Nu-Ia-Foc Efendi; acesta era \uc1 \u238 ?nsurat, se pare, doar
a\uc1 \u351 ?a, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fie, dar la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i nou\uc1 \u259 ?,
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor ginga\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau mai
degrab\uc1 \u259 ? feciorii frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t noi, femeile. Nu
v\uc1 \u259 ? spun dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ce mi s-a povestit \uc1 \u351 ?i mie. Dar,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l socotesc de fapt gre\uc1 \u355 ?os, nu-mi
pas\uc1 \u259 ? de asta; este \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n. I-
au c\uc1 \u259 ?zut din\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum spun
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii feciori care s-au apropiat de el, duhne\uc1 \u351 ?te groaznic
scuza\uc1 \u355 ?i expresia \uc1 \u8211 ? ca un cur de urs.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Bine, gata, \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u355 ?in gura \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc la adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata mea durere: de \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt foarte frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, nu
mi-am dorit cu nici un chip s\uc1 \u259 ? sp\uc1 \u259 ?l haine \uc1 \u351 ?i vase,
s\uc1 \u259 ? umblu pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? ca roabele. S\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?cia,
lacrimile \uc1 \u351 ?i nefericirea, dezam\uc1 \u259 ?girea \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat\uc1
\u259 ? de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, pl\uc1 \u226 ?nsul \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea au de-a
face doar cu femeile ur\uc1 \u226 ?te. Eu trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi g\uc1 \u259 ?
sesc un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? trateze cu respect, dar
care s\uc1 \u259 ? fie acela?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u351 ?a am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-i urm\uc1 \u259 ?resc cu aten\uc1
\u355 ?ie, prin gaura din zid, pe fiii de pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
prin\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu tat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i
chema acas\uc1 \u259 ? cu tot felul de pricini inventate. Doream ca soarta mea
s\uc1 \u259 ? semene cu cea a unei binecunoscute femei frumoase, cu gura mic\uc1
\u259 ?, mam\uc1 \u259 ? a doi copii, de care erau \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii. Ar fi bine oare
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? dep\uc1 \u259 ?n povestea s\uc1 \u259 ?rmanei \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re? Dar sta\uc1 \u355 ?i pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, am promis ca
miercuri seara s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Povestea de dragoste spus\uc1 \u259 ? de femeia pe care
Dracul a pus-o s-o spun\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
fapt, este o poveste foarte simpl\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?n Kemerustu
una dintre mahalalele mai s\uc1 \u259 ?rmane ale Istanbulului. Qelebi Ahmed,
persoan\uc1 \u259 ? de vaz\uc1 \u259 ? a mahalalei un om lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit,
\uc1 \u238 ?nsurat, cu doi copii, un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat domn este secretarul lui
Vasif Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o zi, o vede prin fereastra deschis\uc1
\u259 ? pe o frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? bosniac\uc1 \u259 ?, sub\uc1 \u355 ?iric\uc1 \u259
?, cu p\uc1 \u259 ?rul negru, cu ochii negri, \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?ltu\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu pielea argintie \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1
\u259 ?goste\uc1 \u351 ?te de ea. Femeia este \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ?ritat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i nu-i \uc1 \u351 ?ade deloc inima la Celebi,
ci \uc1 \u238 ?l iube\uc1 \u351 ?te pe chipe\uc1 \u351 ?ul ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat.
A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ? Celebi nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i poate \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui,
sl\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?te din dragoste, de se face numai piele \uc1 \u351 ?i
os, cump\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i bea vin de pe la greci, dar \uc1
\u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i mai poate t\uc1 \u259 ?inui
dragostea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cei din mahala. Iar ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia,
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se dau, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor, \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?
nt dup\uc1 \u259 ? pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile de dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1
\u259 ?-l iubesc \uc1 \u351 ?i-l respect\uc1 \u259 ? foarte mult pe Celebi,
arat\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire pentru iubirea
lui, fac vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ?-trei glume \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? prefac
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu bag\uc1 \u259 ? de seam\uc1 \u259 ? ce se petrece. Dar Celebi,
care nu e deloc \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? patima dezn\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduit\uc1 \u259 ?,
se \uc1 \u238 ?mbat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1 \u259 ?, se a\uc1
\u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? la poarta casei \uc1 \u238 ?n care vie\uc1 \u355 ?uiesc
ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i frumoasa cu piele argintie \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i cei din jur c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe a se t\uc1
\u226 ?ngui \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung, ca un copil. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd jele\uc1 \u351 ?te
\uc1 \u351 ?i se zbate \uc1 \u238 ?n chinuri, sear\uc1 \u259 ? de sear\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostitul nu poate fi nici luat la b\uc1 \u259 ?taie \uc1
\u351 ?i zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlit de acolo, nici \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?
tat. Apoi, Celebi \uc1 \u238 ?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
mai spune o vorb\uc1 \u259 ? nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? a mai plictisi pe nimeni, ca un domn ce este. Treptat, triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea
lui f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? leac \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?luie \uc1 \u351 ?i
mahalaua, devenind triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i nefericirea tuturor; le
alung\uc1 \u259 ? pofta de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i devine un
izvor de am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, la fel ca ci\uc1 \u351 ?meaua din
pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care curge ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat, plin\uc1 \u259 ? de
melancolie. Astfel, \uc1 \u238 ?n mahala se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndesc
\uc1 \u351 ?i sunt luate \uc1 \u238 ?n serios cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?
triste\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u8221 ?, apoi cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?nenoroc\uc1
\u8221 ?, iar mai apoi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul blestemului. Unii se mut\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, altora le merg prost afacerile ori nu le mai
izbute\uc1 \u351 ?te me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? le-a
pierit elanul. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mahalaua e
deja pustie \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Celebi cel \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostit \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i ia \uc1 \u351 ?i el nevasta \uc1 \u351 ?i
copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i se mut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte,
frumoasa cu piele argintie \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul ei r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n cu des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singuri. Nenorocirea
pe care au pricinuit-o le-a sleit dragostea \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
s\uc1 \u259 ? se certe. Vor r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul vie\uc1 \u355
?ii, dar nu vor mai putea fi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tocmai m\uc1 \u259 ? preg\uc1 \u259 ?team s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? spun c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi place foarte mult aceast\uc1
\u259 ? poveste, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci ea ne arat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de
primejdioase sunt, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, dragostea \uc1 \u351 ?i femeile, c\uc1
\u226 ?nd aoleu, am uitat, mai am oare minte \uc1 \u238 ?n cap?! Ar fi trebuit
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? spun de fapt altceva, de vreme ce acum sunt femeie.
Bine, v\uc1 \u259 ? spun cele ce urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ah, ce frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? este dragostea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dar cine sunt str\uc1 \u259 ?inii care intr\uc1 \u259 ? pe u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 55. Mi se
spune Fluture.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut gloata, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii hogei din Erzurum
\uc1 \u238 ?i ucid pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri pu\uc1 \u351 ?i pe
glume.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru se afla \uc1 \u351 ?i
el \uc1 \u238 ?n mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care privea n\uc1 \u259 ?vala. Avea \uc1 \u238
?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? un hanger, iar al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de el i-am z\uc1
\u259 ?rit pe ni\uc1 \u351 ?te in\uc1 \u351 ?i ciuda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
vestita Ester, negustoreasa cu bocceaua, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de alte femei, cu
boccele \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum
cei care ie\uc1 \u351 ?eau din cafenea erau b\uc1 \u259 ?tu\uc1 \u355 ?i nemilos
\uc1 \u351 ?i cum dugheana era r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?
cu cruzime, mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? o iau la fug\uc1 \u259 ?. Mai pe urm\uc1 \u259
? a sosit un alt grup de oameni probabil ienicerii \uc1 \u8211 ? iar oamenii hogei
din Erzurum \uc1 \u351 ?i-au stins tor\uc1 \u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-
au luat t\uc1 \u259 ?lp\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 La u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ? a cafenelei nu era
nimeni, \uc1 \u351 ?i nici nu se uita nimeni \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-acolo. Am intrat:
peste tot erau numai h\uc1 \u226 ?rburi; am p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it c\uc1 \u259
?lc\uc1 \u226 ?nd peste cioburi de ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de farfurii, de pahare, de
str\uc1 \u259 ?chini \uc1 \u351 ?i de sticle. Lampa at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat\uc1 \u259 ?
de un cui pe perete, la mare \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?ime, nu se
stinsese \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ier\uc1 \u259 ?rii; nu mai
lumina \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? podeaua cafenelei, acoperit\uc1 \u259 ? de sp\uc1
\u259 ?rturi c\uc1 \u259 ?lcate \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, ori buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ile de sc\uc1 \u226 ?ndur\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?mase de la mesele
joase \uc1 \u351 ?i de la b\uc1 \u259 ?ncile care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
sturnate \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cute praf, ci petele de funingine de pe tavan.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am pus mindirele unul peste
altul, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntins \uc1 \u351 ?i am luat lampa. La lumina ei am b\uc1
\u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? trupurile care z\uc1 \u259 ?ceau pe jos. C\uc1 \u226
?nd vedeam chipuri pline de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, nici nu m\uc1 \u259 ? puteam uita la
ele, ci m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte. Cel
de-al doilea trup gemea; c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut lampa, din gur\uc1
\u259 ? i-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it un sc\uc1 \u226 ?ncet ca de copil, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am tras \uc1 \u238 ?napoi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\li0 \ri0 \widctlpar \aspalpha
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai intrase cineva. \uc1
\u206 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i m-am ferit, dar am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? era
Negru. Ne-am aplecat \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? asupra celui de-al treilea trup
\uc1 \u238 ?ntins pe jos. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am apropiat lampa de chipul lui, am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut ceea ce, cu o parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii noastre, \uc1 \u351 ?tiam de o
vreme: \uc1 \u238 ?l omor\uc1 \u226 ?ser\uc1 \u259 ? pe meddah.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui, sulemenit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? aduc\uc1 \u259 ? a femeie, nu
erau urme de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, dar maxilarul, ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i gura dat\uc1
\u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u226 ?rm\uc1 \u226 ?z erau f\uc1 \u259 ?cute zob; fusese
str\uc1 \u226 ?ns de g\uc1 \u226 ?t, care era vine\uc1 \u355 ?iu. Avea m\uc1
\u226 ?inile r\uc1 \u259 ?sucite la spate. Nu era greu s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepi
c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inuse pe b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?
nul \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntat \uc1 \u238 ?n straie de femeie cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile sucite la spate, iar ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?raser\uc1 \u259 ? pumni \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i-l b\uc1 \u259 ?tuser\uc1 \u259 ?, iar apoi \uc1 \u238 ?l sugrumaser\uc1
\u259 ?. Oare se apucaser\uc1 \u259 ? de o asemenea treab\uc1 \u259 ? zic\uc1 \u226
?nd: \uc1 \u8222 ?T\uc1 \u259 ?ia\uc1 \u355 ?i-i limba aia care clevete\uc1 \u351 ?
te pe seama preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului predicator, a hogei\uc1 \u8221 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ia adu aici lampa aia a ta, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?ineam \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut asupra r\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u351 ?ni\uc1 \u355 ?elor de cafea, a sitelor, balan\uc1 \u355 ?elor \uc1 \u351 ?i
buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de ce\uc1 \u351 ?ti sparte care z\uc1 \u259 ?
ceau \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?zga cafelelor v\uc1 \u259 ?rsate, \uc1 \u238 ?
mprejurul vetrei. \uc1 \u206 ?n col\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?rna meddah-ul imaginile \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare
sear\uc1 \u259 ?, Negru c\uc1 \u259 ?uta resturi din recuzita, centura, n\uc1 \u259
?frama \uc1 \u351 ?i bastonul magic al omului care murise. A spus, \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u226 ?nd lampa pe care mi-o luase din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? spre
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea lui st\uc1 \u259 ?ruiau
anumite picturi; da, sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? dintre ele le
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?visem eu, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o atmosfer\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ?
de sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti. N-am
izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?sim dec\uc1 \u226 ?t tichia persan\uc1 \u259 ?
pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i-o punea r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul pe capul lui chilug.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul
nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a da ochii cu nimeni, apuc\uc1 \u226 ?
nd-o pe u\uc1 \u351 ?a din spate la care se r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?tea printr-
un culoar \uc1 \u238 ?ngust. Probabil c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
iure\uc1 \u351 ?ului droaia de oameni \uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru ie\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i fugiser\uc1 \u259 ? pe aici, dar glastrele de flori r\uc1 \u259 ?
sturnate \uc1 \u351 ?i sacii de cafea rostogoli\uc1 \u355 ?i pe jos ar\uc1 \u259 ?
tau, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? avusese loc o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
ierare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Atacul de Ia cafenea, uciderea
nemiloas\uc1 \u259 ? a maestrului meddah, \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul \uc1 \u238 ?
nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor al nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii ne-au apropiat, pe Negru
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine. Cred c\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea care domnea \uc1 \u238
?ntre noi se datora \uc1 \u351 ?i acestui fapt. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am trecut de
dou\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, Negru mi-a dat lampa pe care o purta \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s-o duc eu, apoi \uc1 \u351 ?i-a scos
hangerul \uc1 \u351 ?i mi l-a pus la g\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 O s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem la tine acas\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis. Vreau
s\uc1 \u259 ? cercetez pe-acolo. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu cu sufletul \uc1 \u238 ?
mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar au cercetat \uc1
\u351 ?i ei, am zis, apoi am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca un sentiment de dispre\uc1 \u355 ?,
nu de m\uc1 \u226 ?nie. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?dea crezare ponegrelilor
necuviincioase scornite pe socoteala mea nu ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta oare c\uc1 \u259 ? era
unul dintre invidio\uc1 \u351 ?ii aceia de r\uc1 \u226 ?nd? P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i hangerul \uc1 \u351 ?i-l \uc1 \u355 ?inea f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? a v\uc1 \u259 ?di prea mare \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n el.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Casa mea se afl\uc1 \u259 ?
tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia opus\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?zii pe
care mergeam c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it pe u\uc1 \u351 ?a din spate a
cafenelei.
Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, am descris un arc de cerc larg, cotind
pe diverse uli\uc1 \u355 ?e, ba la dreapta, ba la st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, trec\uc1 \u226
?nd printre mahalale, prin gr\uc1 \u259 ?dini pustii care miroseau trist a copaci
umezi \uc1 \u351 ?i singuratici, pentru a nu da nas \uc1 \u238 ?n nas cu gloata.
Vuietul ce venea dinspre cafeneaua c\uc1 \u259 ?reia \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?
deam ocol nu a contenit nici o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Auzeam cum alergau pe str\uc1
\u259 ?zi, de-a valma, oamenii hogei din Erzurum, iar pe urmele lor ienicerii,
paznicii de cartier, tot soiul de tineri. Tocmai trecuser\uc1 \u259 ?m de
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea drumului c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, ajun\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
anume loc, Negru a zis:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
dou\uc1 \u259 ? zile, pe vremea asta, m\uc1 \u259 ? uitam cu Maestrul Osman la
miracolele vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistierie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut vreme \uc1 \u238 ?ndelungat\uc1 \u259
?. Mult dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea am spus, aproape strig\uc1 \u226 ?nd:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? un miniaturist z\uc1 \u259 ?
bove\uc1 \u351 ?te, dup\uc1 \u259 ? o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259
?, la acela\uc1 \u351 ?i pupitru la care a stat odat\uc1 \u259 ? Behzad, ceea ce va
vedea \uc1 \u238 ?i va bucura doar ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i va umple doar
sufletul de pace \uc1 \u351 ?i de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar nu-i va spori harul.
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura nu se \uc1 \u238 ?mpline\uc1 \u351 ?te cu ochii, ci cu
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile, iar m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?nva\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
foarte greu, nu doar la v\uc1 \u226 ?rsta Maestrului Osman, ci chiar la v\uc1 \u226
?rsta mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vorbeam tare, dar nu pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l luam prea \uc1 \u238 ?n serios pe n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?ngul \uc1 \u259 ?la am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t, cu hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i plin de sine, ci pentru ca frumoasa mea
so\uc1 \u355 ?ie, despre care eram \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepta, s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu eram singur \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu dea ochii cu Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd intram pe poart\uc1 \u259 ? am avut impresia c\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru lumina tremur\uc1 \u226 ?
nd\uc1 \u259 ? a l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, dar acum, din fericire, \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
cas\uc1 \u259 ? era cufundat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric. Faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? un dobitoc intra cu hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n casa mea ca rupt\uc1 \u259 ? din rai, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa \uc1 \u238 ?
n care \uc1 \u238 ?mi petrecusem timpul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cercet\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i pict\uc1 \u226 ?nd
amintirile lui Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i iubindu-m\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
\uc1 \u238 ?mi osteneau ochii, cu cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? femeie din lume mi se
p\uc1 \u259 ?rea o \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lcare at\uc1 \u226 ?t de neomenoas\uc1
\u259 ? a intimit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am
jurat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zbun pe Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 S-a uitat la h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile mele, la o pagin\uc1 \u259 ? pe care
eram pe cale de a o ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi os\uc1 \u226 ?ndi\uc1 \u355 ?ii care aveau
parte de milostenia Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului, de care se rugau fierbinte pentru a
sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de lan\uc1 \u355 ?urile datoriei \uc1 \u8211 ? la vopsele, la
suporturile de carte, la cu\uc1 \u355 ?ite, la uneltele de t\uc1 \u259 ?iat
condeie, la pensule, la tot ceea ce se afla \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurul t\uc1 \u259 ?
bliei mele de scris, din nou la h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii, la pietrele de lustruit h\uc1
\u226 ?rtia, la ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itori, a cercetat printre cutiile cu condeie
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii, \uc1 \u238 ?n dulapul din perete, sub cufere,
sub mindire, dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea sub covor, apoi iar s-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors,
colind\uc1 \u226 ?nd prin acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i locuri \uc1 \u351 ?i apropiind de ele
lampa pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1
\u351 ?a cum spusese \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd scosese hangerul, nu-mi
cerceta casa, ci odaia \uc1 \u238 ?n care pictam. Oare nu puteam ascunde ceea ce
doream s\uc1 \u259 ? ascund \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia din care ne urm\uc1 \u259 ?rea acum
nevasta mea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea pe care o
diriguia Unchiul meu avea, se pare, o ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis.
Cel care l-a ucis a furat-o.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era
altfel dec\uc1 \u226 ?t celelalte, am zis \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?. Unchiul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u m\uc1 \u259 ? pusese \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unui din col\uc1 \u355 ?uri, un copac. Undeva, \uc1 \u238 ?n spate.
\uc1 \u206 ?n mijloc \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n partea din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie portretul cuiva; portretul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru, pesemne. Locul h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zit acestuia foarte mare era deja
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit, dar nu fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? pictat. Mi-a cerut
s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez un copac mic, deoarece \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? formele aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n spate se mic\uc1 \u351 ?orau, ca la
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?nainta,
pictura \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1
\u351 ?ti lumea pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, nu c\uc1 \u259 ? te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i la o
imagine. Atunci am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? liniile \uc1 \u351 ?i auririle unui
tablou z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit dup\uc1 \u259 ? metoda perspectivei, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebuin\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? de fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuiesc rama
ferestrei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Rama \uc1 \u351 ?i aurirea erau
lucrate de Delicat Efendi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebi de el, \uc1 \u355 ?i-am spus c\uc1
\u259 ? nu eu l-am ucis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nimeni nu
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? a ucis, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? a ucis, a zis gr\uc1 \u259 ?
bit, \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam acolo c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd s-a petrecut \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierarea de la cafenea.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?ezase lampa pu\uc1 \u355 ?in mai \uc1
\u238 ?ncolo de mindirul pe care \uc1 \u351 ?edeam eu, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a
fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi lumineze fa\uc1 \u355 ?a printre
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile, printre paginile pe care le pictam. Iar el se v\uc1 \u226 ?
nzolea prin odaie ca o umbr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n afar\uc1 \u259 ?
de ceea ce v-am spus \uc1 \u351 ?i dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? de faptul c\uc1
\u259 ?, la drept vorbind, m\uc1 \u259 ? duceam foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?in pe la
cafenea, c\uc1 \u259 ? treceam pe acolo \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?
tor i-am zis c\uc1 \u259 ? pictasem dou\uc1 \u259 ? dintre imaginile at\uc1 \u226 ?
rnate pe perete, dar c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n realitate, nu-mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cea deloc ceea ce se petrecea acolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis, dac\uc1 \u259 ? pictura \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
trage seva din batjocorirea laturilor ur\uc1 \u226 ?te ale vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii
\uc1 \u351 ?i din dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a pedepsi, iar nu din harul
miniaturistului, din dragostea sa de a zugr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
din n\uc1 \u259 ?zuin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a deveni una cu Dumnezeu, sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te prin a fi ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?njosit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pedepsit\uc1 \u259 ?. Oricine ar fi cel
care o \uc1 \u238 ?njose\uc1 \u351 ?te predicatorul din Erzurum sau Diavolul
\uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?i. Mai mult, dac\uc1 \u259 ? acea cafenea nu s-ar fi
luat de cei din Erzurum, poate nici n-ar fi fost c\uc1 \u259 ?lcat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n noaptea asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar tu tot te-ai fi
dus acolo! A zis tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dus, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi distrat! Oare \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegea c\uc1 \u226 ?t de sincer vorbeam?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Noi, oamenii, putem \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca \uc1 \u351 ?i pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cere fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de lucru despre care \uc1 \u351 ?tim, cu con\uc1
\u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i cu mintea deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, c sunt
ur\uc1 \u226 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i gre\uc1 \u351 ?ite, am ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat. M\uc1
\u259 ? ru\uc1 \u351 ?inam mereu de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi pl\uc1
\u259 ?ceau acele picturi, acele imita\uc1 \u355 ?ii ieftine, acel pove\uc1 \u351 ?
ti despre Diavol, despre bani, despre c\uc1 \u226 ?ini, dep\uc1 \u259 ?nat cu
grosol\uc1 \u259 ?nie, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un fel de grij\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru m\uc1 \u259 ?sura versului ori pentru rim\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Atunci de ce te duceai la cafeneaua acelor oameni f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Bine, atunci, am zis, supun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? unei voci care venea
dinl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul meu, uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? roade \uc1 \u351 ?i pe mine o \uc1
\u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, ca un vierme. S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun despre ce
este vorba: de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? nu numai
Maestrul Osman, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt cel
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat \uc1 \u351 ?i mai destoinic dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput a m\uc1 \u259 ? teme
at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare de pizma celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t,
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? urasc\uc1 \u259 ? de moarte, m\uc1 \u259 ? duc,
oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de pu\uc1 \u355 ?in, prin locurile pe unde umbl\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i ei, m\uc1 \u259 ? amestec cu gloata, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc s\uc1 \u259 ?
le sem\uc1 \u259 ?n. Pricepi? Iar de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a prins s\uc1 \u259 ? se
spun\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi omul hogei din Erzurum, m\uc1 \u259
? duc pe la cafeneaua acelor mizerabili f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? credin\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cread\uc1 \u259 ? lumea c\uc1 \u259 ? zvonul \uc1
\u259 ?sta e adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut foarte multe
lucruri ca s\uc1 \u259 ? fii iertat pentru \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrarea \uc1 \u351 ?i
priceperea ta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce altceva a mai
spus despre mine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u259 ? ai
pictat imagini m\uc1 \u259 ?runte, \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva bunului-sim\uc1 \u355 ?, pe
boabe de orez, pe unghii, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? te-ai
lep\uc1 \u259 ?dat de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pentru pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. A spus
c\uc1 \u259 ? te str\uc1 \u259 ?duie\uc1 \u351 ?ti mereu s\uc1 \u259 ? fii pe
placul celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i fiindc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i-e ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine
de harul pe care \uc1 \u355 ?i l-a d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit Dumnezeu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman este la fel de mare ca Behzad, am zis cu sinceritate.
Altceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A vorbit f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se fereasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de cusururile
tale, a zis tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Spune, care-mi sunt cusururile?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A zis
c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n ciuda \uc1 \u238 ?nzestr\uc1 \u259 ?rii tale, nu
pictezi din dragoste pentru pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te impui
aten\uc1 \u355 ?iei. Lucrul care te bucur\uc1 \u259 ? cel mai mult c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
pictezi este s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchipui pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea pe
care o vor \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i vor privi imaginea. Dar pictura \uc1 \u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? po\uc1 \u355 ?i picta pentru propria ta pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u238 ?i
dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luise cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta neru\uc1 \u351 ?inare ceea ce g\uc1 \u226
?ndea despre mine unui om ne\uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat, care nu fusese \uc1 \u238 ?n stare
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchine via\uc1 \u355 ?a picturii, ci
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcin\uc1 \u259 ?rilor func\uc1 \u355 ?ion\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u351 ?ti, soliilor \uc1 \u351 ?i lingu\uc1 \u351 ?elii m-a r\uc1 \u259 ?
nit. Negru a mai spus \uc1 \u351 ?i altele:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
zis c\uc1 \u259 ? marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din vechime n-au renun\uc1 \u355 ?at
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? la stilurile \uc1 \u351 ?i la metodele pe care le dob\uc1
\u226 ?ndiser\uc1 \u259 ? jertfindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul de a se supune puterii vreunui nou \uc1 \u351 ?
ah, toanelor vreunui nou prin\uc1 \u355 ? ori gusturilor unei alte epoci, \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a nu fi
for\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i schimbe metodele \uc1
\u351 ?i stilurile, \uc1 \u351 ?i-au pricinuit singuri orbirea, plini de curaj. Pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? vreme voi i-a\uc1 \u355 ?i imitat cu \uc1 \u238 ?
nfocare, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un fel care nu v\uc1 \u259 ? face deloc cinste, pe mae\uc1
\u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci pentru paginile c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii
Unchiului, pretinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a dore\uc1 \u351 ?te
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Marele
Maestru, Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor Osman n-a vrut s\uc1 \u259 ?
spun\uc1 \u259 ? nimic r\uc1 \u259 ?u, am zis. S\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i fac oare un ceai
de tei musafirului meu?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am trecut
\uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Iubita mea, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat\uc1 \u259 ? cu c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351
?a de noapte din m\uc1 \u259 ?tase chinezeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o cump\uc1
\u259 ?rase de la Ester, femeia cu bocceaua, s-a n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit asupra mea,
maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-mi vorbele \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?S\uc1
\u259 ? nu-i fac oare un ceai de tei musafirului meu?\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
mi-a pus imediat m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe \uc1 \u8222 ?trestie\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am luat sabia cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner b\uc1 \u259 ?tut
\uc1 \u238 ?n agate, ascuns\uc1
\u259 ? pe fundul dulapului \uc1 \u238 ?n perete din imediata apropiere a a\uc1
\u351 ?ternutului \uc1 \u238 ?ntins de ea, printre cear\uc1 \u351 ?afuri cu
mireasm\uc1 \u259 ? de trandafiri, \uc1 \u351 ?i am scos-o din teac\uc1 \u259 ?.
Are t\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ul at\uc1 \u226 ?t de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t dac\uc1 \u259 ? arunci peste ea o batist\uc1 \u259 ? de
m\uc1 \u259 ?tase o taie \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ?, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
la\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? asupra ei o foi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? de aur, buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile t\uc1 \u259 ?iate sunt at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
drepte, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t par trasate cu rigla.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
ascunz\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi sabia. Negru Efendi era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit de cercetarea la care m\uc1 \u259 ? supunea, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
continua s\uc1 \u259 ? dea roat\uc1 \u259 ? mindirului ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, cu hangerul
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Am pus pe mindir o pagin\uc1 \u259 ? pe
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate pictat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Uit\uc1 \u259 ?-te la asta, i-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
A \uc1 \u238 ?ngenuncheat curios \uc1 \u351 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?
priceap\uc1 \u259 ? despre ce era vorba.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
trecut \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lui, am scos sabia \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am repezit la el,
dobor\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt dintr-un salt. I-a c\uc1
\u259 ?zut hangerul din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce-l apucam
de p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i-i ap\uc1 \u259 ?sam capul la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt, i-am pus, pe dedesubt, sabia la g\uc1 \u226 ?t. Zdrobeam, cu trupul meu
greu, trupul delicat al lui Negru, pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ntinsesem cu
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n jos, \uc1 \u351 ?i-i ap\uc1 \u259 ?sam capul cu b\uc1
\u259 ?rbia \uc1 \u351 ?i cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
s\uc1 \u259 ? simt\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u226 ?rful ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it al s\uc1
\u259 ?biei. \uc1 \u206 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ineam cu o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, de
p\uc1 \u259 ?rul murdar, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
i propteam sabia \uc1 \u238 ?n pielea fin\uc1 \u259 ? a g\uc1 \u226 ?tului. A avut
at\uc1 \u226 ?ta minte s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se clinteasc\uc1 \u259 ? din loc, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i v\uc1 \u259 ?rs s\uc1 \u226 ?
ngele pe loc. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam at\uc1 \u226 ?t de aproape
de p\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui c\uc1 \u226 ?rlion\uc1 \u355 ?at, de ceafa \uc1 \u238 ?
mbietoare peste care mi-ar fi pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-i trag, \uc1 \u238 ?n
alt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare, o palm\uc1 \u259 ? neru\uc1 \u351 ?inat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u8211 ? de urechile lui ur\uc1 \u226 ?te m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nfuria \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare. I-am \uc1 \u351 ?optit la ureche, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit o tain\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc cu greu
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te omor aici!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? asculta f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? scoat\uc1 \u259 ? o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?, ca un copil cuminte:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tii legenda din Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, i-
am \uc1 \u351 ?optit. Tat\uc1 \u259 ?l, Feridun \uc1 \u350 ?ah, a gre\uc1 \u351 ?it
\uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?indu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ara \uc1
\u238 ?n trei \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le celor doi fii mai mari
cele mai neprielnice \uc1 \u355 ?inuturi, iar micului Irec, pe cel mai bun dintre
ele, adic\uc1 \u259 ? Iranul. Hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se
r\uc1 \u259 ?zbune, Tur \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? pe
fratele s\uc1 \u259 ?u mai mic, Irec, pe care-l pizmuie\uc1 \u351 ?te, \uc1 \u351 ?
i, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a-i t\uc1 \u259 ?ia grumazul, \uc1 \u238 ?l apuc\uc1 \u259
? de p\uc1 \u259 ?r, exact a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac eu acum \uc1 \u351 ?i, tot
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac eu acum, se las\uc1 \u259 ? cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? greutatea
peste trupul fratelui s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i greutatea trupului meu
asupra ta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-a r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns, dar,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ochii care m\uc1 \u259 ? priveau de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost ai
unei oi sortite jertfei, am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? asculta \uc1 \u351
?i am avut \uc1 \u351 ?i eu, o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de
inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt devotat
stilului \uc1 \u351 ?i metodei persane nu numai \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
ci \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care proptesc sabia la g\uc1
\u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?ierea grijulie a capului. Am
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o alt\uc1 \u259 ? variant\uc1 \u259 ? a acestei scene foarte
populare \uc1 \u238 ?n picturile care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?au moartea \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\af0 \hich \af9
povestit pe larg lui Negru, care m\uc1 \u259 ? asculta \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?
cere, cum se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tise Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
r\uc1 \u259 ?zbune fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cum d\uc1 \u259 ?duse foc \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregului serai \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii sale avu\uc1 \u355 ?ii, cum
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i luase r\uc1 \u259 ?mas-bun de la nevasta lui \uc1 \u351 ?
i cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i iertaser\uc1 \u259 ? unul altuia p\uc1 \u259 ?
catele, cum \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecase pe cal \uc1 \u351 ?i plecase cu oastea
\uc1 \u238 ?n campanie, cum pierduse b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lia, cum fusese
t\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t de p\uc1 \u259 ?r, pe p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt,
prin \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?na de pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1
\u259 ? pres\uc1 \u259 ?rat cu cadavre, cum fusese tr\uc1 \u226 ?ntit cu fa\uc1
\u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n jos, cum \uc1 \u238 ?i fusese pus apoi un hanger la g\uc1
\u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ieraser\uc1 \u259 ?
prietenii \uc1 \u351 ?i vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?ii lui, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
legendarul \uc1 \u351 ?ah se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? stare, sf\uc1
\u259 ?dindu-se dac\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omoare sau s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ierte,
cum ascultase \uc1 \u351 ?ahul \uc1 \u238 ?nvins, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd culcat cu fa\uc1
\u355 ?a la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, toat\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1
\u226 ?lceava, iar dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat oaia de
jertf\uc1 \u259 ?:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I\uc1 \u355 ?i place
pictura aceasta? Capul lui Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ?, care este \uc1 \u238 ?ntins la p\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, va fi retezat de Geruy, care, la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine,
se apropie de el pe la spate, se apleac\uc1 \u259 ? asupra lui, \uc1 \u238 ?l
apuc\uc1 \u259 ? de p\uc1 \u259 ?r chiar a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i-i
propte\uc1 \u351 ?te sabia \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?t. Din s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele lui
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, care va curge la scurt timp dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea pe p\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul sterp, va ie\uc1 \u351 ?i mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i un abur
negru, iar apoi va r\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri o floare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am ascultat
am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi pe adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii hogei din Erzurum, care alergau
strig\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe uli\uc1 \u355 ?e. Urgia \uc1 \u351 ?i groaza care domneau
afar\uc1 \u259 ? ne-au apropiat cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult pe noi,
cei care z\uc1 \u259 ?ceam la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u259 ?li\uc1 \u355 ?i unu7 peste cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n toate aceste picturi, am zis, tr\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare de p\uc1 \u259 ?r pe Negru, ghice\uc1
\u351 ?ti dificultatea de a desena cu elegan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1
\u259 ? persoane ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror trupuri se \uc1 \u238 ?mpreuneaz\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca ale noastre, \uc1 \u351 ?i care sunt totodat\uc1 \u259 ?
sc\uc1 \u226 ?rbite una de alta. Ai mereu sentimentul c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?
darea, invidia \uc1 \u351 ?i tulburarea luptelor care au precedat momentul magic
\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ? al t\uc1 \u259 ?ierii capului s-au
strecurat cam prea mult \uc1 \u238 ?n imagini. P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i cei mai mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Kazvin desenau anevoie doi b\uc1 \u259
?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i, pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?li\uc1 \u355 ?i unul peste altul;
\uc1 \u238 ?ncurcau totul. Asta pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd noi eu \uc1 \u351 ?i cu tine
suntem mai dichisi\uc1 \u355 ?i, mai gra\uc1 \u355 ?io\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? taie sabia! A gemut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 I\uc1 \u355 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?umesc c\uc1 \u259 ? ai vorbit, dragule,
dar nu te taie! Sunt atent, nu fac nimic care s\uc1 \u259 ? vat\uc1 \u259 ?me
frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea felului \uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?m. Marii mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri din vechime nu puteau dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? ne stoarc\uc1 \u259
? lacrimi c\uc1 \u226 ?nd desenau, \uc1 \u238 ?n scenele de dragoste, de moarte
\uc1 \u351 ?i de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?, trupuri care se \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eau, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost un singur trup. Uite: am
capul afundat \uc1 \u238 ?n ceafa ta, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi o parte a trupului
t\uc1 \u259 ?u. I\uc1 \u355 ?i simt mirosul p\uc1 \u259 ?rului \uc1 \u351 ?i al
cefei. Picioarele mi s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntins at\uc1 \u226 ?t de des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it de-a lungul picioarelor tale, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
cel care ne vede ar putea crede c\uc1 \u259 ? suntem un animal cu patru picioare.
Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i cump\uc1 \u259 ?na greut\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, pe
spate \uc1 \u351 ?i pe fund?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S-a l\uc1
\u259 ?sat t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea, dar nu l-am mai ap\uc1 \u259 ?sat cu sabia, pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? i-ar fi dat s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu vorbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti, te mu\uc1 \u351 ?c de ureche! I-am zis la
ureche, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?oapt\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ochii lui, c\uc1
\u259 ? era gata s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am mai pus o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebare:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?i asupra
ta cump\uc1 \u259 ?na greut\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 E pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut?
Am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Suntem oare frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i? Suntem la fel de
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i ca acei eroi legendari care, \uc1 \u238 ?n minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?iile pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dite de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din vechime, se
ucideau cu delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e unul pe altul?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu, a zis Negru. N-am cum s\uc1 \u259 ? ne v\uc1
\u259 ?d, ca \uc1 \u238 ?n oglind\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit cum ne-ar fi putut vedea
nevasta mea, care ne p\uc1 \u226 ?ndea din odaia al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259 ?,
la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii aduse de la cafeneaua aflat\uc1 \u259 ? nu departe de
noi, m-am temut s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l mu\uc1 \u351 ?c cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat pe Negru
de ureche din pricina emo\uc1 \u355 ?iei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Negru Efendi, care p\uc1 \u259 ?trunzi cu hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n casa \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n intimitatea mea \uc1 \u351 ?i care m\uc1 \u259 ? iscode\uc1 \u351 ?
ti, i-am zis, sim\uc1 \u355 ?i acum puterea mea asupra ta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Simt c\uc1 \u259 ? ai \uc1 \u351 ?i tu dreptate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Iar acum, pune-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea pe care voiai s\uc1 \u259 ?
mi-o pui!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?
te-mi cum te m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?ia Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Pe vremea uceniciei mele, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram mai sub\uc1 \u355 ?
ire, mai delicat, mai frumos dec\uc1 \u226 ?t sunt acum, se urca pe mine a\uc1
\u351 ?a cum m-am urcat eu pe tine acum. M\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?
ia pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?e, uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i suf\uc1 \u259 ?r, dar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i admiram \uc1
\u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a, harul \uc1 \u351 ?i for\uc1 \u355 ?a, lucrurile
acestea \uc1 \u238 ?mi pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau \uc1 \u351 ?i nu m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1
\u226 ?ndeam la nimic r\uc1 \u259 ?u, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l iubeam.
Pentru mine, dragostea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Maestrul Osman era o cale
deschis\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre dragostea de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, de culori, de
h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, de condei, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre dragostea de frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea
imaginii \uc1 \u351 ?i a tuturor lucrurilor pictate \uc1 \u351 ?i, astfel, c\uc1
\u259 ?tre dragostea de lume \uc1 \u351 ?i de Dumnezeu. Maestrul Osman era pentru
mine mai mult dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un tat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Te b\uc1 \u259 ?tea mult? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tea a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ? te bat\uc1 \u259 ? un tat\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era
nevoie, \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit de sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul
drept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?tea \uc1 \u351 ?i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? te bat\uc1 \u259 ? un maestru pentru a te
instrui, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? suf\uc1 \u259 ?r
\uc1 \u351 ?i pedepsindu-m\uc1 \u259 ?. Azi \uc1 \u238 ?mi dau seama c\uc1 \u259 ?,
din pricina durerii \uc1 \u351 ?i a spaimei pricinuite de liniile cu care m\uc1
\u259 ? lovea peste unghii, am \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at
nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate lucruri, mai bine \uc1 \u351 ?i mai repede. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ?
nu m\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? de perciuni \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1
\u259 ? dea cu capul de pere\uc1 \u355 ?i, pe vremea uceniciei nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
rs\uc1 \u259 ?m vopseaua, nu pr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?deam apa de aur, \uc1 \u238
?mi \uc1 \u238 ?ntip\uc1 \u259 ?ream \uc1 \u238 ?n minte fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?
ncre\uc1 \u355 ?itur\uc1 \u259 ? de la piciorul calului, acopeream gre\uc1 \u351 ?
eala celui care tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea linii, \uc1 \u238 ?mi cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m pensulele la timp \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?am s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi adun toat\uc1 \u259 ? luarea-aminte \uc1 \u351 ?i tot
trupul asupra paginii la care lucram. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi
datorez \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrarea \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria b\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?ilor pe care le-am m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat, \uc1 \u238 ?mi bat \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu acum ucenicii din toat\uc1 \u259 ? inima. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i o b\uc1 \u259 ?taie dat\uc1
\u259 ? pe nedrept \uc1 \u238 ?i va fi, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, de
folos copilului, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te ucenicului
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndria.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu toate astea,
pricepi uneori, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l ba\uc1 \u355 ?i pe un ucenic cu chip
frumos, cu priviri bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde, cu fire de \uc1 \u238 ?nger \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd scapi h\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?urile pentru a-\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?mplini propria pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, c\uc1 \u259 ? Marele Maestru Osman
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ie
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru, nu-i a\uc1 \u351 ?a?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? lovea at\uc1 \u226 ?t de tare \uc1 \u238 ?n
dosul urechii cu piatra de marmur\uc1 \u259 ? pentru lustruit h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t urechea \uc1 \u238 ?mi v\uc1 \u226 ?j\uc1 \u226 ?ia
zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi, de m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunea. Alteori \uc1
\u238 ?mi tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea o asemenea palm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?
t obrazul \uc1 \u238 ?mi ardea s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?ir, de m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? l\uc1
\u259 ?crimez. \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc de toate aceste lucruri, dar \uc1 \u238 ?
mi \uc1 \u351 ?i iubesc maestrul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
a zis Negru. Te sup\uc1 \u259 ?rai pe el. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce pictai pentru
cartea Unchiului, care-i imita pe fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, te r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunai de fapt
pentru m\uc1 \u226 ?nia adunat\uc1 \u259 ? temeinic \uc1 \u238 ?n tine.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-i cuno\uc1 \u351 ?ti deloc pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti.
Adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul este tocmai pe dos. B\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile pe care le-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ncasat \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie de la maestrul s\uc1
\u259 ?u \uc1 \u238 ?l leag\uc1 \u259 ? pe miniaturist de el p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? la moarte, printr-o dragoste profund\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 T\uc1 \u259 ?ierea capului lui Irec, al lui Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ? cu
sabia proptit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?t pe la spate, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
cum mi-ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut tu mie acum, m\uc1 \u259 ?rturise\uc1 \u351 ?te
cruzime \uc1 \u351 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?dare \uc1 \u351 ?i se datore\uc1 \u351 ?te
invidiei dintre fra\uc1 \u355 ?i. Iar cel care st\uc1 \u226 ?rne\uc1 \u351 ?te
invidia fra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor este tot
p\uc1 \u259 ?rintele cel nedrept.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 P\uc1
\u259 ?rintele vostru cel nedrept, care v-a asmu\uc1 \u355 ?it unul \uc1 \u238 ?
mpotriva altuia, se preg\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?te acum s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259
? tr\uc1 \u259 ?deze, a zis el cu obr\uc1 \u259 ?znicie. Ah, opre\uc1 \u351 ?te-te,
m\uc1 \u259 ? taie! A gemut \uc1 \u351 ?i a mai \uc1 \u355 ?ipat apoi pu\uc1
\u355 ?in de durere. Da, e treab\uc1 \u259 ? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
iei g\uc1 \u226 ?tul \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi ver\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u226 ?
ngele, ca unei oi sortite jertfei, a zis. Dar dac\uc1 \u259 ? faci asta f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ascul\uc1 \u355 ?i cele ce am s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355
?i povestesc de fapt, nu cred c\uc1 \u259 ? vei fi \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s-o faci,
ah, ajunge!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? fii b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuit ani de zile de ceea ce ar fi urmat s\uc1 \u259
?-\uc1 \u355 ?i spun acum. Mai sl\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?te pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
ap\uc1 \u259 ?sarea s\uc1 \u259 ?biei! (Am sl\uc1 \u259 ?bit-o.) Maestrul Osman,
care, urm\uc1 \u259 ?rindu-v\uc1 \u259 ? din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie fiecare pas,
fiecare r\uc1 \u259 ?suflare, a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut fericit cum \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrarea
pe care v-o d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise Dumnezeu s-a deschis ca o floare prim\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ?ratic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a preschimbat \uc1 \u238 ?n talent
datorit\uc1 \u259 ? grijii sale, v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce acum spatele ca
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i apere atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
stilul c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchinat \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum v-a \uc1 \u238 ?nchinat-o \uc1 \u351 ?i
vou\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n care l-am \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntat pe Delicat
Efendi, \uc1 \u355 ?i-am povestit trei pilde, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepi ce pocitanie
este lucrul acela numit stil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Erau
despre stilul miniaturistului, a zis Negru prudent. Dar grija Maestrului Osman este
s\uc1 \u259 ? apere stilul atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-a povestit
pe \uc1 \u238 ?ndelete cum Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru a socotit \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? aflarea tic\uc1 \u259 ?losului care i-a ucis pe Delicat
Efendi \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Unchiul lui, cum le-a deschis, cu acest g\uc1 \u226 ?nd,
chiar u\uc1 \u351 ?a Vistieriei Palatului Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru \uc1 \u351 ?i cum se
va folosi Maestrul Osman de acest prilej pentru a def\uc1 \u259 ?ima cartea
Unchiului lui \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a-i pedepsi pe cei care \uc1 \u238 ?l tr\uc1
\u259 ?daser\uc1 \u259 ?, prinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd a-i imita pe mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
franci. Mi-a spus, de asemenea, c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? era cel
b\uc1 \u259 ?nuit de a fi desenat calul cu n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate, din pricina
felului \uc1 \u238 ?n care fusese z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit acesta, dar c\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?n calitatea sa de Mai-mare al miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, li-l va preda
c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ilor pe Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, de a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui vinov\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie era \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam
c\uc1 \u259 ?, sub amenin\uc1 \u355 ?area s\uc1 \u259 ?biei, rostea adev\uc1
\u259 ?rul \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi venea s\uc1 \u259 ?-1 s\uc1 \u259 ?rut pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? se l\uc1 \u259 ?sa \uc1 \u238 ?n voia pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii lui ca un copil.
Nu m-au \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat deloc cele auzite: \uc1 \u238
?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turarea lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat c\uc1
\u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea Maestrului Osman s\uc1 \u259 ? dea Domnul ca
aceasta s\uc1 \u259 ? se petreac\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Eu eram cel care
urma s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ?
sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra nu era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele povestite de el
aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ?, ci probabilitatea ca ele
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se \uc1 \u238 ?mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Printre cuvintele
pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrez\uc1 \u259 ?rea ideea c\uc1 \u259 ?
Maestrul Osman ar fi putut s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? distrug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i pe mine, nu doar pe Barz\uc1 \u259 ?. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? la
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurare de necrezut, nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ?
eram \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat de moarte, dar m\uc1 \u259 ?
sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam totodat\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuit \uc1 \u351 ?i de groaza
dispari\uc1 \u355 ?iei oric\uc1 \u259 ?rui refugiu, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a\uc1
\u351 ? fi r\uc1 \u259 ?mas deodat\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
tat\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eram \uc1 \u238 ?mboldit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
\uc1 \u238 ?nfig sabia \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1 \u226 ?tul lui Negru ori de c\uc1
\u226 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?mi trecea prin minte un asemenea g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, m-am
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit \uc1 \u351 ?i n-am mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat deloc
s\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?rui asupra acestui subiect, cu Negru ori cu mine
\uc1 \u238 ?nsumi: de ce s\uc1 \u259 ? ne preschimbe \uc1 \u238 ?n tr\uc1 \u259 ?
d\uc1 \u259 ?tori faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?uri\uc1 \u355 ?i
de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, z\uc1 \u259 ?misliser\uc1 \u259 ?m
c\uc1 \u226 ?teva picturi \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva firii pentru cartea Unchiului? M-am
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea lui Delicat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Efendi, Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?
uneltiser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva mea \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am tras sabia de
sub g\uc1 \u226 ?tul lui Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ? mergem \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? la M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i scotocim casa, s-o cercet\uc1 \u259 ?m, am zis. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? ultima imagine e la el, cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in o s\uc1 \u259 ? pricepem de
cine trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne temem. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu e la el, ne unim for\uc1
\u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i n\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lim cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1
\u238 ?n casa lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am spus s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci hangerul lui ne va fi de ajuns am\uc1 \u226 ?ndurora. Mi-am cerut
scuze de la Negru c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am apucat s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau m\uc1 \u259 ?car o
can\uc1 \u259 ? cu ceai de tei. In vreme ce luam de pe jos lampa adus\uc1 \u259 ?
de la cafenea, ne-am uitat o clip\uc1 \u259 ? am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi cu sub\uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles la mindirul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l r\uc1 \u259 ?sturnasem. M-am
apropiat de el cu lampa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?ietura sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire de pe g\uc1 \u226 ?tul
lui va fi semnul prieteniei noastre. Negru s\uc1 \u226 ?ngerase pu\uc1 \u355 ?in.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238
?nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia zarva iscat\uc1 \u259 ? de oamenii hogei din
Erzurum \uc1 \u351 ?i de cei care-i urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau, dar noi n-am st\uc1
\u226 ?rnit interesul nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui. Am ajuns repede la casa lui M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?. Am b\uc1 \u259 ?tut la poart\uc1 \u259 ?, am cioc\uc1 \u259 ?nit
la u\uc1 \u351 ?a casei \uc1 \u351 ?i, ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tori, \uc1
\u238 ?n obloanele ferestrelor: nu era nimeni acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
f\uc1 \u259 ?cuser\uc1 \u259 ?m at\uc1 \u226 ?ta t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?boi,
eram siguri c\uc1 \u259 ? nu putea s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Cel care a rostit ceea ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi
a fost Negru: s\uc1 \u259 ? intr\uc1 \u259 ?m?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am sl\uc1 \u259 ?bit fierul lac\uc1 \u259 ?tului de la u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?at de Negru cu muchia lat\uc1 \u259 ? a
hangerului \uc1 \u8211 ? apoi am strecurat hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n deschiz\uc1 \u259
?tura u\uc1 \u351 ?ii, ne-am opintit \uc1 \u238 ?n ea \uc1 \u351 ?i am spart
lac\uc1 \u259 ?tul. Din\uc1 \u259 ?untru a r\uc1 \u259 ?zb\uc1 \u259 ?tut miros de
umezeal\uc1 \u259 ?, de murd\uc1 \u259 ?rie \uc1 \u351 ?i de singur\uc1 \u259 ?
tate, adunate cu anii. La lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un a\uc1
\u351
?ternut r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it, br\uc1 \u226 ?ie, ilice, dou\uc1
\u259 ? turbane, mintene, dic\uc1 \u355 ?ionarul persan-turc al lui Nak\uc1 \u351 ?
ibendi Nimetullah Efendi, \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?turi pentru turbane \uc1
\u351 ?i postavuri, a\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cusut, o crati\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de aram\uc1 \u259 ? plin\uc1 \u259 ? cu coji de m\uc1 \u259 ?r,
nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate mindire, o \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitoare de pat din catifea,
vopsele, pensule \uc1 \u351 ?i alte materiale de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de-ale
miniaturistului, aruncate de-a valma pe mindire. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi vrut s\uc1
\u259 ? scotocesc printre h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile de scris de pe pupitru, printre
teancurile de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de India t\uc1 \u259 ?iate cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i printre paginile pictate, dar m-am st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru era mai pornit dec\uc1 \u226 ?t mine; \uc1 \u351 ?tiam,
totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?irea
materialelor de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ale unui maestru miniaturist de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
un alt miniaturist, mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el,
aducea ghinion. M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? nu este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de priceput
pe c\uc1 \u226 ?t crede lumea; este doar ambi\uc1 \u355 ?ios. Se str\uc1 \u259 ?
duie\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntregeasc\uc1 \u259 ? lipsa talentului
prin admira\uc1 \u355 ?ia fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii de
alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ?. Vechile legende nu fac \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?reze
imagina\uc1 \u355 ?ia miniaturistului; cea care pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
de\uc1 \u351 ?te pictura este m\uc1 \u226 ?na.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 P\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? Negru la
fundul co\uc1 \u351 ?urilor cu haine, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce c\uc1 \u259 ?uta
grijuliu prin toate cuferele, prin toate cutiile, m-am uitat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? pun m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe nimic, la prosoapele de Bursa ale lui
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, la pieptenele lui de abanos, la \uc1 \u351 ?tergarul
murdar cu care se ducea la hamam, la sticlele cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? de trandafiri, la
un \uc1 \u351 ?or\uc1 \u355 ? caraghios din stamb\uc1 \u259 ? indian\uc1 \u259 ?,
la mantiile lui largi, la o feregea sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ?, grea
\uc1 \u351 ?i murdar\uc1 \u259 ?, la o farfurie ciobit\uc1 \u259 ? din aram\uc1
\u259 ?, la lucrurile lui ieftine, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de banii pe care-i
c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?late \uc1
\u8211 ? la covoarele soioase. M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? sau era foarte
zg\uc1 \u226 ?rcit \uc1 \u351 ?i-\uc1 \u351 ?i punea banii deoparte, sau \uc1 \u238
?i risipea pe undeva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Este \uc1
\u238 ?ntocmai casa unui uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, am zis apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?mpins de un
g\uc1 \u226 ?nd nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat. Nu are nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car covor de
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu
asta aveam \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. Am cugetat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Sunt lucrurile unui om care nu \uc1 \u351 ?tie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fericit., am zis.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? trist, cu o parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, c\uc1 \u259 ?
nefericirea \uc1 \u351 ?i apropierea Diavolului \uc1 \u238 ?i erau totodat\uc1
\u259 ? de folos \uc1 \u238 ?n pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Omul poate s\uc1 \u259 ? nu fie fericit, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tie cum s\uc1 \u259 ? fie fericit, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Mi-a pus dinainte o seam\uc1 \u259 ? de picturi scoase de pe fundul
unui cuf\uc1 \u259 ?r, \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?ilate pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie
proast\uc1 \u259 ? de Samarkand \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?rit\uc1 \u259 ? pe spate
cu alte h\uc1 \u226 ?rtii groase. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut un Diavol simpatic, ie\uc1
\u351 ?it de sub p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui ob\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?ie se afla tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n Horasan, un copac, o femeie
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i acea imagine a mor\uc1 \u355
?ii pe care o desenasem eu; erau picturi de felul celor pe care le ag\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a pe perete \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
n vreme ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i spunea necuviincioasa poveste, meddah-ul ucis. La \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebarea lui Negru, i-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat imaginea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii
desenat\uc1 \u259 ? de mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea Unchiului sunt acelea\uc1 \u351 ?i imagini, a zis
el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Meddah-ul, la fel ca \uc1 \u351
?i st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul cafenelei, a priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? era mai
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elept s\uc1 \u259 ? le cear\uc1 \u259 ? miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze imaginea care urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? pe perete \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare
sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne punea s\uc1 \u259 ? schi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?
n grab\uc1 \u259 ? o imagine pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie grosolan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i rostea \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? povestea, \uc1
\u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva despre glumele miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor pe acea tem\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i leg\uc1 \u226 ?nd, la r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul lui, vreo dou\uc1 \u259 ? vorbe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
ce ai desenat \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru el imaginea aceea a mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o
desenase\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru cartea Unchiului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Era o imagine f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o leg\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu altele, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum dorea \uc1 \u351 ?i meddah-ul. Am
desenat-o \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? pe fug\uc1 \u259 ?, urm\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi
propria m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiesc prea mult a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cusem
pentru cartea Unchiului. \uc1 \u350 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
lor, au desenat pentru meddah \uc1 \u238 ?n glum\uc1 \u259 ?, poate variante mai
necioplite \uc1 \u351 ?i mai simple ale picturilor \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuite
pentru cartea aceea de tain\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cine a desenat calul? M-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat. Are n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am apropiat lampa \uc1 \u351 ?i
am privit calul cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu calul pl\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?dit pentru cartea Unchiului, dar fusese desenat mai repede, mai
neatent, pentru a se potrivi unui gust mai ieftin. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?
cineva \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duse miniaturistului mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?ini
bani \uc1 \u351 ?i nu se m\uc1 \u259 ?rginise doar s\uc1 \u259 ?-l zoreasc\uc1
\u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?i silise s\uc1 \u259 ? deseneze un cal mai
nedelicat \uc1 \u351 ?i, poate tocmai din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?,
mai plin de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tie cel mai bine cine a desenat calul \uc1 \u259 ?sta,
am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?ncrezutul \uc1 \u259 ?la nu poate tr\uc1 \u259 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? aud\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u226 ?rfele miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tilor, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? se duce \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare
sear\uc1 \u259 ? pe la cafenea. Sunt sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Barz\uc1 \u259 ? l-a
desenat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 56. Mi se spune
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?
i Negru au venit \uc1 \u238 ?n miez de noapte, au \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irat
picturile pe jos, una c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-au cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?
le spun cine ce imagine desenase. \uc1 \u206 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie ne jucam de-
a \uc1 \u8222 ?al cui e turbanul\uc1 \u8221 ?, iar jocul lor cu asta sem\uc1
\u259 ?na: se deseneaz\uc1 \u259 ?, adic\uc1 \u259 ?, pe o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie
tichiile \uc1 \u351 ?i turbanele al hogei, al spahiului, al femeii, al c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?ului, al defterdar-ului, al scribului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u355 ?i se cere s\uc1 \u259 ? le potrive\uc1 \u351 ?ti cu numele nev\uc1 \u259 ?
zute de pe o alt\uc1 \u259 ? foaie de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat\uc1
\u259 ? cu fa\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?n jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am desenat c\uc1 \u226 ?inele. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuseser\uc1
\u259 ?m cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste meddah-ului care fusese
ucis mi\uc1 \u351 ?ele\uc1 \u351 ?te. Am dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luit c\uc1 \u259 ?
Moartea, deasupra c\uc1 \u259 ?reia tremura lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, a fost
desenat\uc1 \u259 ? de simpaticul Fluture, care tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?mi pusese
hangerul la g\uc1 \u226 ?t. \uc1 \u206 ?mi aminteam, de asemenea, c\uc1 \u259 ?
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l desenase cu mare \uc1 \u238 ?nfl\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rare pe Diavol; poate c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsu\uc1 \u351 ?
i r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul \uc1 \u238 ?i spusese povestea acestuia. Eu am \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? desenez copacul, iar mai apoi frunzele au fost desenate de
fiecare dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care veneau pe la cafenea. Noi am fost cei
care i-am spus meddah-ului povestea lui. La fel s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat
\uc1 \u351 ?i cu Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u: pe o levha c\uc1 \u259 ?zuse o pic\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u259 ? de vopsea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie; meddah-ul cel zg\uc1 \u226 ?rcit ne
zicea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Poate s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1 \u259 ? oare din asta o
levha?\uc1 \u8221 ? Am mai ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugat pu\uc1 \u355 ?in ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, iar
mai apoi miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii nu s-au m\uc1 \u259 ?rginit doar s\uc1 \u259 ?
deseneze fiecare, \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?te un col\uc1 \u355 ? al imaginii,
ceva de culoare ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie, ci au mai \uc1 \u351 ?i istorisit ce anume
desenaser\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t meddah-hi
s\uc1 \u259 ? depene povestea \uc1 \u238 ?n locul nostru. Calul acela minunat a
fost desenat de M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? bravo lui!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8212 ? Iar Femeia aceea trist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi
aminteam c\uc1 \u259 ? fusese desenat\uc1 \u259 ? de Fluture. Chiar atunci, Fluture
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a tras hangerul de la g\uc1 \u226 ?tul meu \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a spus lui
Negru c\uc1 \u259 ? da, acum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i amintea! El o desenase pe
femeia aceea
frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?. Banii din pia\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?
desena\uc1 \u355 ?i de noi to\uc1 \u355 ?i, iar Cei Doi Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i R\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citori fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?, desigur, desena\uc1 \u355 ?i de
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, care, de felul lui, era un dervi\uc1 \u351 ?
Kalenderi. Secta acestor dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe
cer\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u351 ?i pe \uc1 \u238 ?mpreunarea cu fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?ii frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci \uc1 \u351 ?eyh-ul lor, Evhad-ud Dini
Kirmani, a scris acum dou\uc1 \u259 ? sute cincizeci de ani cartea acestei istorii,
ar\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n poemele sale c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i vede des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?irea
\uc1 \u238 ?n cei cu chipuri frumoase.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, m\uc1 \u259 ?
ierta\uc1 \u355 ?i din suflet pentru dezordinea din casa noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, dar am
fost lua\uc1 \u355 ?i pe nepreg\uc1 \u259 ?tite; nu v-am putut oferi nici m\uc1
\u259 ?car cafea aromat\uc1 \u259 ? cu ambr\uc1 \u259 ?, nu v-am putut pune
dinainte nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car portocale dulci, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci nevasta mea
doarme \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia de al\uc1 \u259 ?turi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Spuneam toate astea pentru ca atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, deschiz\uc1
\u226 ?nd cu \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire \uc1 \u351 ?i scotocind p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la fund prin co\uc1 \u351 ?uri, printre postavuri, printre
br\uc1 \u259 ?cinare, printre cing\uc1 \u259 ?torile de var\uc1 \u259 ? din
m\uc1 \u259 ?tase indian\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i din tul, printre stambele
persane \uc1 \u351 ?i jachetele din ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul cuferelor \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
sub covoare, pe sub mindire, printre paginile pictate pe care le izvodisem pentru
tot felul de c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i printre paginile deja
legate, n-aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? afle ceea ce c\uc1 \u259 ?utau, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu dea
buzna \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia al\uc1 \u259 ?turat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? nu fiu nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi m\uc1 \u226 ?njesc m\uc1 \u226 ?inile cu s\uc1
\u226 ?nge.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar, cu toate astea,
m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisesc c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat o oarecare pl\uc1 \u259
?cere purt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
speriat foarte tare de ei: \uc1 \u238 ?nzestrarea miniaturistului se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntemeiaz\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t pe priceperea de a-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrepta \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga luare-aminte asupra frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ii clipei
prezente \uc1 \u351 ?i de a o lua \uc1 \u238 ?n serios cu toate am\uc1 \u259 ?
nuntele ei, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pe iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a a\uc1 \u351 ?
eza \uc1 \u238 ?ntre aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume care se ia prea \uc1 \u238 ?n
serios \uc1 \u351 ?i el distan\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i harul unei glume, ca
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd faci un pas \uc1 \u238 ?napoi \uc1 \u351 ?i te ui\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o oglind\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-au
iscodit, am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? da, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul atacului adep\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor hogei din Erzurum, la cafenea era adunat\uc1 \u259 ? o mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime de
lume, dat fiind c\uc1 \u259 ? era sear\uc1 \u259 ?; \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?
cu mine mai erau M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?n chenare
Nasir, caligraful Cemal, dou\uc1 \u259 ? tinere calfe de miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti
\uc1 \u351 ?i ni\uc1 \u351 ?te tineri caligrafi care, acum, \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?eau a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul cu ei, ucenicul Rahmi frumosul
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u8211 ? al\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1
\u355 ?iva \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?cei, poe\uc1 \u355 ?i,
be\uc1 \u355 ?ivani, opiomani \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ase-\uc1 \u351 ?apte in\uc1
\u351 ?i din tagma dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ilor r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citori;
pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i la socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i,
care izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se al\uc1 \u259 ?ture acestei adun\uc1
\u259 ?ri vesele \uc1 \u351 ?i glume\uc1 \u355 ?e pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
l duceau cu vorba pe st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul cafenelei, eram patruzeci de
suflete. Le-am povestit c\uc1 \u259 ?, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
n\uc1 \u259 ?vala, s-a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit tulburare \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?,
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd nenum\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?ii in\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u226 ?i pe care-i adunase
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul cafenelei \uc1 \u351 ?i care erau curio\uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la tot felul de necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?e au prins a fugi pe
u\uc1 \u351 ?ile din fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i din spate, nelini\uc1
\u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul propriei
vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui nu-i trecuse prin minte
s\uc1 \u259 ? apere b\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?te cafeneaua \uc1
\u351 ?i pe bietul meddah b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n, \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?
cat \uc1 \u238 ?n straie de femeie. M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrista acest lucru?
Da! Le-am deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it, uit\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? drept \uc1 \u238 ?n
ochii lui Fluture, cel cu minte de g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, care p\uc1 \u259 ?
timise mult de pe urma pizmei celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i care dob\uc1
\u226 ?ndise un aer de fl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?u rotofei, cu ochii mereu \uc1
\u238 ?nroura\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? eu, pictorul Mustafa, cunoscut drept
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, care mi-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchinat cu deplin\uc1 \u259 ? sinceritate
via\uc1 \u355 ?a picturii, socoteam necesar s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnesc undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1 \u259 ? cu fra\uc1
\u355 ?ii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?if\uc1 \u259 ?
suim, s\uc1 \u259 ? glumim \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-i lu\uc1 \u259 ?m pe
al\uc1 \u355 ?ii peste picior, s\uc1 \u259 ? rostim vorbe frumoase, s\uc1 \u259 ?
recit\uc1 \u259 ?m poeme, s\uc1 \u259 ? scornim tot felul de jocuri de cuvinte.
Fluturele vostru, care are \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? ochi frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, de
copil, era pe vremea uceniciei lui un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat minunat, foarte sim\uc1
\u355 ?itor, cu trup delicios.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Prin
urmare, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd au continuat s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
iscodeasc\uc1 \u259 ?, le-am povestit c\uc1 \u259 ? a doua zi dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul meddah, r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tiga p\uc1 \u226 ?inea colind\uc1 \u226 ?nd or\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?elele \uc1 \u351 ?i mahalalele, \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1
\u259 ? dea reprezenta\uc1 \u355 ?ii la cafeneaua la care mergeau miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii, un miniaturist at\uc1 \u226 ?rnase \uc1 \u238 ?n glum\uc1 \u259 ? o
imagine pe perete poate din pricina bunei dispozi\uc1 \u355 ?ii pricinuite de cafea
\uc1 \u8211 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? meddah-ul cel bun de gur\uc1 \u259 ?, care b\uc1
\u259 ?gase de seam\uc1 \u259 ? ce se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase, \uc1
\u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? turuie ca o moar\uc1 \u259 ? stricat\uc1 \u259 ?,
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunz\uc1 \u226 ?nd acestei
pozne de parc\uc1 \u259 ? el ar fi fost c\uc1 \u226 ?inele \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at \uc1 \u238 ?n acea imagine, \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?, pl\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd foarte mult g\uc1 \u259 ?selni\uc1
\u355 ?a, lucrurile se repetaser\uc1 \u259 ? sear\uc1 \u259 ? de sear\uc1 \u259 ?,
cu imagini desenate de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
vorbe pline de haz \uc1 \u351 ?optite la urechea meddah-ului. Pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?ep\uc1 \u259 ?turile pe seama predicatorului din
Erzurum \uc1 \u238 ?i binedispuneau pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii care se temeau de
m\uc1 \u226 ?nia hogei, dar atr\uc1 \u259 ?geau totodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
foarte mul\uc1 \u355 ?i mu\uc1 \u351 ?terii la cafenea, ele erau \uc1 \u238 ?
ncurajate \uc1 \u351 ?i de st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul cafenelei, care era de
loc din Edirne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-au spus c\uc1
\u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?siser\uc1 \u259 ? imaginile pe care le at\uc1 \u226 ?rna
meddah-ul \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele lui \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare sear\uc1 \u259 ? aflate
acum \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd d\uc1 \u259 ?
duser\uc1 \u259 ? iama \uc1 \u238 ?n casa goal\uc1 \u259 ? a fratelui nostru
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat ce p\uc1 \u259
?rere aveam despre asta. Am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu aveau nevoie de p\uc1 \u259 ?
rerea mea, c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul cafenelei, la fel ca
\uc1 \u351 ?i M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, era un dervi\uc1 \u351 ? Kalenderi, un
cer\uc1 \u351 ?etor, un ho\uc1 \u355 ?, un str\uc1 \u259 ?in tic\uc1 \u259 ?los.
Le-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? naivul Delicat Efendi, care murea de fric\uc1
\u259 ? la auzul vorbelor hogei \uc1 \u351 ?i mai cu seam\uc1 \u259 ? al celor
spuse cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncruntare la predicile de vineri, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase
s\uc1 \u259 ? se pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? de aceste lucruri adep\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor celui din Erzurum. Sau, le-am zis, nu \uc1 \u238 ?ncape \uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul cafenelei \uc1 \u351 ?i
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, care sunt de aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i teap\uc1 \u259 ?, l-
au ucis f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mil\uc1 \u259 ? pe bietul auritor atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta a \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?
asemenea fapte. Adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii hogei din Erzurum, furio\uc1 \u351 ?i, l-au ucis
la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor pe Unchi, poate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? Delicat Efendi le
povestise \uc1 \u351 ?i despre cartea Unchiului, poate pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?-l
socoteau pe el r\uc1 \u259 ?spunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor de moartea primului, iar
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi au dat buzna \uc1 \u238 ?n cafenea, ca o a doua r\uc1 \u259 ?
zbunare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t erau
oare de aten\uc1 \u355 ?i dolofanul Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?i seriosul Negru (acesta
ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta ca o stafie!), care-mi cercetau pe \uc1 \u238 ?ndelete lucrurile,
cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea de a ridica fiecare capac, fiecare piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, la
cele istorisite de mine? C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a dat, \uc1 \u238 ?n cuf\uc1 \u259 ?rul
pictat din lemn de nuc, peste cizmele, armura \uc1 \u351 ?i echipamentul meu de
oaste, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut invidia de pe chipul copil\uc1 \u259 ?resc al lui
Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?i am declarat din nou, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie, ceea ce \uc1
\u351 ?tia foarte bine toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea: eu sunt primul miniaturist musulman
care a plecat cu armata \uc1 \u238 ?n campanie, care a privit cu luare-aminte
loviturile de tun, turnurile cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jma\uc1 \u351 ?e, culorile ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintelor purtate de solda\uc1 \u355 ?ii
ghiauri, le\uc1 \u351 ?urile \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irate de-a lungul r\uc1 \u226
?urilor \uc1 \u351 ?i mormanele de capete retezate, felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care se
r\uc1 \u226 ?nduiau \uc1 \u351 ?i porneau la atac c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n armuri, primul care a pictat \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile biruin\uc1 \u355 ?elor\uc1 \u8221 ? cele v\uc1 \u259 ?zute!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd Fluture a dorit s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ar\uc1
\u259 ?t cum m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mbrac \uc1 \u238 ?n armur\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-am
scos f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? preget minteanul bordisit cu blan\uc1
\u259 ? de iepure negru, c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a, ceac\uc1 \u351 ?irii \uc1
\u351 ?i izmenele. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu izmenele lungi \uc1 \u351
?i curate pe care mi le iau pe sub armur\uc1 \u259 ?, cu c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1
\u351 ?a groas\uc1 \u259 ? de postav ro\uc1 \u351 ?u care se pune pe dedesubt pe
vreme rece, cu ciorapii de l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, cu cizmele din piele
galben\uc1 \u259 ?, iar deasupra mi-am tras jambierele, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?
ntat c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau la lumina vetrei. Mi-am scos
armura din \uc1 \u238 ?nvelitoare \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-am prins-o cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere
pe piept, m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors cu spatele la Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am cerut, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi poruncit unui paj, s\uc1 \u259 ? lege b\uc1
\u259 ?ierile str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pun\uc1 \u259 ?
ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?torile de um\uc1 \u259 ?r. In vreme ce-mi luam ap\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?torile de bra\uc1 \u355 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi puneam m\uc1 \u259 ?
nu\uc1 \u351 ?ile, m\uc1 \u259 ?-ncingeam cu cing\uc1 \u259 ?toarea de sabie
\uc1 \u355 ?esut\uc1 \u259 ? din p\uc1 \u259 ?r de c\uc1 \u259 ?mil\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mi puneam coiful
lucrat cu fir pe care-l purtam la ceremonii, am spus cu fal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259
? de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo scenele de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie
pictate ca pe vremuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De-acum \uc1 \u238 ?
ncolo, nimeni nu va mai putea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i picteze pe c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ?ii celor dou\uc1 \u259 ? tabere \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irui\uc1
\u355 ?i cu dichis, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc\uc1 \u226 ?nd acela\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ablon pe
fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe dos, am zis. De-acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo,
\uc1 \u238 ?n atelierele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ale Casei lui Osman, scenele de
lupt\uc1 \u259 ? vor fi pictate a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum le-am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1
\u351 ?i pictat eu, amestec\uc1 \u226 ?nd de-a valma armate, cai, armuri \uc1 \u351
?i mor\uc1 \u355 ?i n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturistul nu picteaz\uc1
\u259 ? ceea ce vede el, ci ceea ce vede Dumnezeu, a zis Fluture cu pizm\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, am zis, \uc1
\u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt Dumnezeu Prea\uc1
\u238 ?naltul vede \uc1 \u351 ?i El ceea ce vedem \uc1 \u351 ?i noi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu vede \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce
vedem noi, dar El nu vede ceea ce vede a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum vedem noi, a zis Fluture,
ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum m-ar fi mustrat. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pe care
noi o vedem uimi\uc1 \u355 ?i ca pe o \uc1 \u238 ?nvolburare, El vede, cu \uc1
\u238 ?ntreaga Sa putere de p\uc1 \u259 ?trundere, dou\uc1 \u259 ? armate \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?iruite ordonat, fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Desigur
c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam un r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns \uc1 \u351 ?i la asta; voiam s\uc1
\u259 ? zic: \uc1 \u8222 ?S\uc1 \u259 ? credem \uc1 \u238 ?n Dumnezeu \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? pict\uc1 \u259 ?m doar ceea ce ne arat\uc1 \u259 ? El, nu \uc1
\u351 ?i ceea ce nu arat\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, dar am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Nu
t\uc1 \u259 ?cusem \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? de team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
Fluture avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? acuze c\uc1 \u259 ?-i imitam pe fr\uc1
\u226 ?nci ori c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ?
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? mil\uc1 \u259 ? cu muchia hangerului, \uc1 \u238 ?n coif
ori \uc1 \u238 ?n spate, pref\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi
\uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? armura. \uc1 \u206 ?mi f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam socoteala
c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neam
\uc1 \u351 ?i aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-i c\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tig de partea mea pe
nerodul \uc1 \u259 ?sta cu ochi frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Negru, ne
puteam m\uc1 \u226 ?ntui de uneltirile lui M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce au priceput c\uc1
\u259 ? n-aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? aici lucrul dup\uc1
\u259 ? care umblau, mi-au spus ce anume c\uc1 \u259 ?utau. Cic\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
existat o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? furat\uc1 \u259 ? de nenorocitul de uciga\uc1 \u351 ?.
Le-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? de fapt casa mea fusese deja scotocit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru
asta \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, de-acum, uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul, iste\uc1 \u355 ?,
avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ascund\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea aceea \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc de
nep\uc1 \u259 ?truns (pe M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l aveam \uc1
\u238 ?n minte). Dar oare c\uc1 \u226 ?t de aten\uc1 \u355 ?i erau la ce le
spuneam? Negru mi-a povestit de-a fir a p\uc1 \u259 ?r c\uc1 \u259 ? cele trei zile
pe care Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru i le acordase Maestrului Osman pentru a afla
calul cu n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate erau pe cale s\uc1 \u259 ? se sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am st\uc1 \u259 ?ruit asupra
semnului cailor cu n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate, Negru mi-a spus, privindu-m\uc1
\u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?ruitor \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman
apucase un cap\uc1 \u259 ?t al firului \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?
cuse leg\uc1 \u259 ?tura \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti cai \uc1 \u351 ?i M\uc1
\u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?nuia cel mai
mult pe mine de omor, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci era \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at de
ambi\uc1 \u355 ?iile mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 La prima
vedere, veniser\uc1 \u259 ? aici pentru a se convinge c\uc1 \u259 ? eram un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru a dovedi acest lucru, dar, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?rerea mea, pricinile venirii lor nu erau tocmai acestea. B\uc1 \u259 ?
tuser\uc1 \u259 ? la u\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u8221 ?, mea \uc1 \u351 ?i datorit\uc1
\u259 ? singur\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i neputin\uc1
\u355 ?ei. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a, hangerul pe care \uc1 \u238 ?
l \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre mine Fluture tremura. Le era
team\uc1 \u259 ?, pe de o parte, c\uc1 \u259 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul uciga\uc1 \u351
?, pe care nu izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ? deloc s\uc1 \u259 ?-l dibuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?,
avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i prind\uc1 \u259 ? la str\uc1 \u226 ?mtoare \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun
ungher \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat, cu z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul unui vechi prieten, \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? le ia g\uc1 \u226 ?tul c\uc1 \u226 ?t ai
zice pe\uc1 \u351 ?te; pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, n-aveau somn la g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndul c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleag\uc1 \u259 ? cu Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i cu Mai-marele
vistiernicilor \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dea pe m\uc1
\u226 ?na schingiuitorului, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u238 ?i descuraja \uc1
\u351 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea adep\uc1 \u355 ?ilor hogei din Erzurum, de afar\uc1
\u259 ?. Cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare, doreau s\uc1 \u259 ? le fiu
prieten. Dar Maestrul Osman le spusese taman pe dos. Trebuia s\uc1 \u259 ? le
dovedesc acum, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i doreau din ad\uc1 \u226
?ncul sufletului, c\uc1 \u259 ? adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul era cu totul altul.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi spus c\uc1 \u259 ?
Marele Maestru s-a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?elat, c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a ramolit, mi l-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntors imediat \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriv\uc1 \u259 ? pe
Fluture. Deoarece aveam impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1
\u259 ?resc, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii apo\uc1 \u351 ?i ai frumosului miniaturist cu gene
ca de fluture care m\uc1 \u259 ? izbea cu hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n armur\uc1 \u259 ?,
lucirile palide ale dragostei pe care o nutrea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Marele
Maestru, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui preferat era. \uc1 \u206 ?n anii tinere\uc1 \u355 ?ii
mele, apropierea dintre cei doi, dintre maestru \uc1 \u351 ?i ucenicul s\uc1
\u259 ?u, era luat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n der\uc1 \u226 ?dere cu nem\uc1 \u259 ?
surat\uc1 \u259 ? pizm\uc1 \u259 ? de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
dar ei nu \uc1 \u355 ?ineau seama de asta, ci se priveau \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung
\uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, se adulmecau de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu to\uc1 \u355 ?i
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, iar apoi Maestrul Osman rostea cu t\uc1 \u259 ?rie,
necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor, c\uc1 \u259 ? Fluture avea cel mai ml\uc1 \u259 ?
dios condei, c\uc1 \u259 ? pensula sa plin\uc1 \u259 ? de culoare era cea mai
sigur\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? judecat\uc1 \u259 ? care, de cele mai multe
ori, era \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiat\uc1 \u259 ? deschidea calea unor nesf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?ite jocuri de cuvinte, \uc1 \u238 ?n care miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii
invidio\uc1 \u351 ?i se foloseau de trimiteri diavole\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i
metafore necuviincioase pentru a face aluzii f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? perdea,
vorbeau de condeie, de pensule, de c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i de
cutii de condeie. Din pricina aceasta, nu sunt singurul care simte ast\uc1 \u259 ?
zi c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l pun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
fruntea atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? moartea sa, pe Fluture.
De mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme pricepeam c\uc1 \u259 ? asta era, de fapt, \uc1 \u238 ?n
capul Marelui Maestru atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le vorbea altora despre firea mea
pus\uc1 \u259 ? pe har\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, despre neputin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a
m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elege cu ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
despre \uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?tnicia mea.
Spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?desc mult mai mult\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nclina\uc1 \u355 ?ie c\uc1 \u259 ?tre metodele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor fr\uc1
\u226 ?nci dec\uc1 \u226 ?t M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Fluture,
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din vechime n-ar fi pictat
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i g\uc1 \u226 ?ndea,
pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu voi putea trece cu vederea noile
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?e ale Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pot bizui \uc1
\u238 ?ndeaproape pe Negru. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? proasp\uc1 \u259 ?tul \uc1
\u351 ?i ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?torul nostru ginere trebuie s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie cartea r\uc1
\u259 ?posatului s\uc1 \u259 ?u Unchi nu numai pentru a cuceri inima frumoasei \uc1
\u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i a-i dovedi c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?n
stare s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ia locul tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui ei, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndeasc\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?rziat favorurile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u351 ?a am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? prind un cap\uc1 \u259 ?t al
firului, pornind de la un lucru la care ei nu se a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau: am \uc1 \u238
?nceput prin a spune despre cartea Unchiului c\uc1 \u259 ? este un miracol
binevenit, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? egal pe lume. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd miracolul
acesta va fi ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a poruncit Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a dorit-o r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi, \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga lume \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i va mu\uc1 \u351 ?ca m\uc1 \u226 ?inile de
uimire \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a puterii, a bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului otoman \uc1 \u351 ?i a harului, a ging\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351
?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?iestriei mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti. Se vor \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta \uc1 \u351 ?i
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? se vor am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ? din pricina noastr\uc1 \u259
?, a for\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i a cruzimii noastre, se vor uita cum ne-am
amuzat, cum am furat c\uc1 \u226 ?te ceva din me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, vor privi culorile noastre pline de
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care observ\uc1 \u259
?m noi cel mai mic am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt \uc1 \u351 ?i vor sim\uc1 \u355 ?i cu
spaim\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce au izbutit arareori s\uc1 \u259 ? simt\uc1 \u259 ?
chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i cei mai inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre sultani anume, c\uc1
\u259 ? noi ne g\uc1 \u259 ?sim at\uc1 \u226 ?t undeva \uc1 \u238 ?n universul
imaginii pe care o pict\uc1 \u259 ?m, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i foarte departe
de ea, printre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din vechime.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, Fluture lovea \uc1 \u238 ?n armura mea ca un
copil care vrea s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? e adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat\uc1 \u259 ? sau nu, apoi a prins s\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ea ca un prieten care vrea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce
tr\uc1 \u259 ?inicia, pentru ca mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, folosindu-se de cele dou\uc1
\u259 ? false temeiuri dinainte, s\uc1 \u259 ? o str\uc1 \u259 ?pung\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nceap\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea ca un om pizma\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cuprins de
dezn\uc1 \u259 ?dejde, care voia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? suf\uc1 \u259 ?r. De fapt, pricepea c\uc1 \u259 ? sunt mai \uc1 \u238
?nzestrat dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el; mai mult, trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fi sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
cu am\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?ciune c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?tia
acest lucru. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? Fluture era un pictor f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
egal, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?ei cu care-l d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise
Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u238 ?nciudarea lui m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? simt \uc1 \u351 ?i mai m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru; mi-am dat seama c\uc1 \u259
? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ?-l silesc s\uc1 \u259 ? consimt\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? eu
eram maestrul lui, \uc1 \u351 ?i asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? devenisem maestru prin
vigoarea propriului condei, nu \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u8222 ?trestia\uc1 \u8221 ? dasc\uc1 \u259 ?lului, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
ridicat vocea \uc1 \u351 ?i am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u226 ?t este de p\uc1 \u259
?cat c\uc1 \u259 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? persoane care vor s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1
\u259 ? opreli\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?n calea acelei miraculoase c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i a Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i a r\uc1 \u259 ?
posatului Unchi. Maestrul Osman era p\uc1 \u259 ?rintele nostru, al tuturor, era
maestrul nostru; de la el \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?aser\uc1 \u259 ?m
totul! Dar, din nu se \uc1 \u351 ?tie ce pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-i
luase urma \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistieria Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce pricepuse c\uc1 \u259 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?losul uciga\uc1 \u351 ?
era M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncercase s\uc1 \u259 ? t\uc1 \u259 ?
inuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? acest lucru. Am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? eram \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1
\u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, pe care nu-l aflaser\uc1
\u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?, se ascundea \uc1 \u238 ?n acel l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ruin\uc1 \u259 ? al dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ilor Kalenderi din
apropierea Por\uc1 \u355 ?ii Fanarului. Am pomenit c\uc1 \u259 ? acel l\uc1 \u259 ?
ca\uc1 \u351 ?, care era un cuib de neru\uc1 \u351 ?inare \uc1 \u351 ?i
destr\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?lare, fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nchis pe vremea bunicului
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, dar nu din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cauz\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
din pricina nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itelor r\uc1 \u259 ?zboaie cu persanii,
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? se l\uc1 \u259 ?udase
c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva c\uc1 \u259 ? el era cel care \uc1 \u8222 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?
zea\uc1 \u8221 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?la\uc1 \u351 ?ul pecetluit al dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ilor.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-aveau \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere \uc1 \u238 ?n mine \uc1 \u351 ?i se
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeau c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul spuselor mele exista vreo
uneltire, aveau hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? puteau os\uc1 \u226 ?ndi acolo, pe loc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Fluture mi-a mai ars dou\uc1 \u259 ? lovituri zdravene cu hangerul,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia nu-i puteau face fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? prea multe armuri. S-
a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors spre Negru, care-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dea dreptate, \uc1 \u351 ?i
a \uc1 \u355 ?ipat la el ca un copil. M-am apropiat pe la spate \uc1 \u351 ?i,
apuc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe Fluture cu bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?urat \uc1 \u238 ?n armur\uc1 \u259 ?, l-am tras c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
mine. Cu cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? scape hangerul.
De fapt, nici nu ne b\uc1 \u259 ?team, nici nu
ne jucam cu-adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Le-am dep\uc1 \u259 ?nat povestea unei asemenea
scene din Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n cea de-a treia zi a \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunt\uc1 \u259 ?rii dintre armata
turanic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cea persan\uc1 \u259 ?, care se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?iruiser\uc1 \u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, cu toate armurile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nlesnirile ce le
st\uc1 \u259 ?teau la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, la poalele
Muntelui Hamaran, turanicii l-au trimis pe c\uc1 \u226 ?mpul de lupt\uc1 \u259 ? pe
dibaciul \uc1 \u350 ?engil spre a afla cine era misteriosul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic
persan care ucidea zilnic c\uc1 \u226 ?te un mare r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic turanic,
am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput eu povestea. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u350 ?engil l-a \uc1 \u238
?nfruntat pe misteriosul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic, cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt a primit, la
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lui, provocarea; \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce armatele celor dou\uc1
\u259 ? tabere, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror plato\uc1 \u351 ?e sclipeau \uc1 \u238 ?n
soare de-\uc1 \u355 ?i luau ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?i urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau cu r\uc1 \u259
?suflarea t\uc1 \u259 ?iat\uc1 \u259 ?, caii \uc1 \u238 ?nve\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u226
?nta\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n zale ai celor doi lupt\uc1 \u259 ?tori s-au
n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit cu o asemenea iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? unul asupra altuia,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t sc\uc1 \u226 ?nteile care au \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nit din armuri le-au p\uc1 \u226 ?rlit pielea. Lupta a \uc1
\u355 ?inut mult. Turanicul \uc1 \u351 ?i-a slobozit s\uc1 \u259 ?ge\uc1 \u355 ?
ile, persanul \uc1 \u351 ?i-a folosit foarte bine sabia \uc1 \u351 ?i calul \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, misteriosul persan l-a
dobor\uc1 \u226 ?t de pe cal, pe care-l apucase mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i de
coad\uc1 \u259 ?, pe turanicul \uc1 \u350 ?engil; \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce acesta
fugea, l-a ajuns din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, cu plato\uc1 \u351 ?ele lui cu tot, l-a prins
pe la spate \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a apucat de g\uc1 \u226 ?t. Turanicul, curios s\uc1
\u259 ? afle cine era misteriosul r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic, l-a iscodit neputincios,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1
\u226 ?ngerea, cu privire la lucrul acela care le st\uc1 \u226 ?rnea de zile
\uc1 \u238 ?ntregi curiozitatea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Cine e\uc1 \u351 ?ti?\uc1 \u8221 ?
\uc1 \u8222 ?Pentru tine, numele meu este moartea\uc1 \u8221 ?, a zis misteriosul
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinic. Cine era el de fapt?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
legendarul Rustem, a zis Fluture, bucuros ca un copil.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 L-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe g\uc1 \u226 ?t:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii l-am tr\uc1 \u259 ?dat pe Maestrul Osman! Am zis.
Acum, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte s\uc1 \u259 ? ne pedepseasc\uc1 \u259 ? el pe noi, trebuie
s\uc1 \u259 ?-l g\uc1 \u259 ?sim pe M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?
sc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?m de otrava din sufletele noastre, s\uc1 \u259 ?
statornicim \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi o \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere de nestr\uc1
\u259 ?mutat, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1
\u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivim cu hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?re ve\uc1 \u351 ?
nicilor vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?i ai miniaturistului \uc1 \u351 ?i celor care
voiesc s\uc1 \u259 ? ne dea degrab\uc1 \u259 ? pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na schingiuitorului.
Poate atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vom ajunge acolo, la l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul
acela de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n ruin\uc1 \u259 ? al lui M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?, vom afla c\uc1 \u259 ? nemilosul uciga\uc1 \u351 ? nu este unul
dintre noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ?rmanul
Fluture n-a scos o vorb\uc1 \u259 ?; oric\uc1 \u226 ?t ar fi fost de \uc1 \u238 ?
nzestrat, de fudul, sau oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de sigur i-ar fi fost spatele, se temea
de fapt, asemenea tuturor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor care, de\uc1 \u351 ?i se
pizmuiau \uc1 \u351 ?i se du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?neau unul pe altul, se
c\uc1 \u259 ?utau mereu, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ajung\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad
\uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? cu
des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ire singur pe lumea asta.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sus, pe drumul ce ducea c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Poarta
Fanarului, st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia o lumin\uc1 \u259 ? galben-verzuie, dar nu era lumina
lunii. Prin simpla prezen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a acestei lumini, acea
neasemuit\uc1 \u259 ? priveli\uc1 \u351 ?te a Istanbulului, alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuit\uc1
\u259 ? noaptea de chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i, de cupole, de zidurile de piatr\uc1
\u259 ?, de casele din lemn \uc1 \u351 ?i de locurile pustiite de incendii,
fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nlocuit\uc1 \u259 ? de un sentiment de \uc1 \u238 ?nstr\uc1
\u259 ?inare, pe care doar o cetate inamic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?i l-ar putea
st\uc1 \u226 ?rni. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce urcam dealul, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
tocmai \uc1 \u238 ?n spate, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un loc aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul
Moscheii Beyazit, incendiul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Petrec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericul orb, cu o c\uc1
\u259 ?ru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? tras\uc1 \u259 ? de boi, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate
plin\uc1 \u259 ? cu saci de f\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, care se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrepta ca \uc1 \u351 ?i noi c\uc1 \u259 ?tre zidurile ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului, am
pl\uc1 \u259 ?tit doi aspri \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am urcat \uc1 \u238 ?n ea. Negru avea
miniaturile asupra lui, a\uc1 \u351 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat cu b\uc1
\u259 ?gare de seam\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce priveam norii jo\uc1
\u351 ?i, lumina\uc1 \u355 ?i de incendiul care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea repede, pe
coif mi-a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut prima pic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de ploaie.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? o lung\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ne str\uc1 \u259 ?
duiam s\uc1
\u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?m de urma l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului de dervi\uc1
\u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit, am trezit to\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?inii
din mahalaua care, \uc1 \u238 ?n plin\uc1 \u259 ? noapte, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea de fapt
pustie. De\uc1 \u351 ?i am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut cum se aprindeau, din pricina
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?mpile \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?teva case, nu s-a
deschis dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cea de-a patra u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la care am
b\uc1 \u259 ?tut; un unchie\uc1 \u351 ? cu tichie, care se uita la noi de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut o stafie la lumina opai\uc1 \u355 ?ului pe
care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, ne-a
descris l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?sit, dar a \uc1 \u238 ?ntregit totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cu mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire
de sine, c\uc1 \u259 ? vom avea de suferit de pe urma ginnilor celor r\uc1 \u259 ?
i, a ifri\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a duhurilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului ne-a
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpinat t\uc1 \u259 ?cerea chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ilor
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri, care nu se sinchiseau de mirosul frunzelor putrede \uc1 \u351 ?i
de ploaie. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ni s-au deprins ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i la lambriurile din lemn cu care era acoperit zidul
l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului, iar mai apoi prin oblonul unui mic orificiu ce
servea de fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut umbra \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259
?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare a unei persoane care-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?
cea rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii sau care se pref\uc1 \u259 ?
cea c\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i face rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea, de ochii no\uc1 \u351 ?
tri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 57. Mi se spune M\uc1 \u259 ?
slin\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Era oare mai bine
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerup rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea, s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? ridic de \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le
deschid u\uc1 \u351 ?a, sau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i las s\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?tepte
\uc1 \u238 ?n ploaie ca s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-o sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?esc? C\uc1
\u226 ?nd m-am dumirit c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau, mi-am f\uc1
\u259 ?cut rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t,
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu prea atent la ceea ce \uc1 \u238 ?
mplineam. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am v\uc1
\u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea pe ai no\uc1 \u351 ?tri pe Fluture, pe
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, pe Negru \uc1 \u8211 ? din g\uc1 \u226 ?tlej mi-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?
it un \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?t de bucurie. L-am luat \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355
?e pe Fluture, \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it cum eram de aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?te nu
ni s-au \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat, c\uc1 \u226 ?te! Am gemut, \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrop\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi capul \uc1 \u238 ?n um\uc1 \u259 ?rul lui. Ce vor de la
noi? De ce ne omoar\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
b\uc1 \u259 ?gat de seam\uc1 \u259 ? la ei acea nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te de a nu se
rupe de ceat\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o v\uc1 \u259 ?zusem din timp \uc1 \u238 ?n timp,
de-a lungul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele de pictor, la fiecare dintre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1
\u351 ? nu se desprindeau unul de altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
v\uc1 \u259 ? teme\uc1 \u355 ?i, am zis. Ne putem ascunde aici zile \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne temem la g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
c\uc1 \u259 ? acela de care trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne temem se afl\uc1 \u259 ? poate
printre noi, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ? tem \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndesc la a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva, am zis. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am auzit \uc1 \u351 ?i
eu zvonurile astea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 B\uc1 \u226 ?rfele
care porniser\uc1 \u259 ? de la oamenii Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor \uc1
\u351 ?i care se r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndiser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
breasla miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor sus\uc1 \u355 ?ineau c\uc1 \u259 ? uciga\uc1
\u351 ?ul lui Delicat Efendi \uc1 \u351 ?i al r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Unchi se afla
printre noi, cei care ne risipiser\uc1 \u259 ?m lumina ochilor pentru cartea aceea,
de-acum deloc tainic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Negru m-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat c\uc1 \u226 ?te miniaturi pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
disem pentru cartea Unchiului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
Prima era Diavolul. Am desenat pentru el un diavol care umbl\uc1 \u259 ? pe sub
p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, din aceia pe care vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1
\u238 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?misleau adeseori \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierele de pictur\uc1 \u259
? ale Celor-cu-Oile-Albe. Meddah-ul f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din secta mea; de aceea
i-am pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?dit \uc1 \u351 ?i Doi Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i R\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?citori. Eu am fost cel care i-a propus Unchiului s\uc1 \u259 ?
le fac\uc1 \u259 ? loc \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea lui \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
consimt\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile otomane
\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i au locul \uc1 \u351 ?i asemenea dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Astea sunt toate? A \uc1
\u238 ?ntrebat Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd i-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? astea erau toate, Negru s-a dus la u\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, plin de sine, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum l-ar fi prins pe un ucenic
cu ho\uc1 \u355 ?ia, a adus de afar\uc1 \u259 ? un sul de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie neatins
de ploaie \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a pus \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a
celor trei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, ca o m\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? care
le aduce puilor o pas\uc1 \u259 ?re r\uc1 \u259 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Le recunoscusem \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd le avea
sub bra\uc1 \u355 ?: erau desenele pe care le luasem \uc1 \u351 ?i cu care fugisem
de la cafenea \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se petrecuse
buluceala. Nu i-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat cum de intraser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i le
luaser\uc1 \u259 ? din casa mea. Cu toate astea, le-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat supus, una
c\uc1 \u226 ?te una, imaginile pe care le f\uc1 \u259 ?urisem cu Fluture \uc1 \u351
?i Barz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meddah. A\uc1 \u351 ?a a r\uc1
\u259 ?mas la urm\uc1 \u259 ? un cal un cal frumos, cu g\uc1 \u226 ?tul arcuit.
Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu aveam habar c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva desenase \uc1 \u351 ?i un
cal, crede\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
tu ai f\uc1 \u259 ?cut calul \uc1 \u259 ?sta? A zis Negru, ca un hoge cu b\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu l-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut eu, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Dar pe cel din cartea Unchiului?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nici pe acela nu l-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut eu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? stil, s-a tras concluzia c\uc1 \u259 ? tu l-ai
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, a zis el. In plus, cel care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dat seama de asta a
fost Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Eu nu am
un stil propriu, am zis. Nu spun asta cu fal\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivesc gusturilor de acum. N-o spun nici ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-
mi dovedesc nevinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru mine,
cel care are un stil propriu e chiar mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u dec\uc1 \u226 ?t un
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tu ai ceva aparte,
care te deosebe\uc1 \u351 ?te de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u351 ?i de
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
am z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit. A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeasc\uc1 \u259 ?
despre acele lucruri pe care socoteam c\uc1 \u259 ? voi to\uc1 \u355 ?i le
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u355 ?i. L-am ascultat cu mult\uc1 \u259 ? luare-aminte
povestind cum Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru se sf\uc1 \u259 ?tuise cu Mai-marele
vistiernicilor, c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u226 ?nd o cale de a opri crimele, am ascultat
istoria celor trei zile care i se oferiser\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrului Osman, am
ascultat am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte despre \uc1 \u8222 ?metoda \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?
itoarei\uc1 \u8221 ?, despre n\uc1 \u259 ?rile cailor \uc1 \u351 ?i despre felul
cum p\uc1 \u259 ?trunseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistieria Palatului Din\uc1
\u259 ?untru, care era cea mai mare minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie, despre cum se
uitaser\uc1 \u259 ? cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat la acele c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de
neatins. \uc1 \u206 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a tuturor, sunt
clipe \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegem, chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce ni se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpla ceva, c\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?im un
lucru pe care nu-l vom uita mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea. C\uc1
\u259
?dea o ploaie trist\uc1 \u259 ?. Fluture \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?
inea ab\uc1 \u259 ?tut hangerul, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost sup\uc1 \u259 ?rat
pe ploaie. Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui armur\uc1 \u259 ? se albise pe
spate mai ceva ca f\uc1 \u259 ?ina, colinda \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1
\u355 ?, cu lampa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, prin cotloanele
l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului. Ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?ti, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?ror umbre jucau pe pere\uc1 \u355 ?i ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?
te spectre, erau fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult
\uc1 \u238 ?i iubeam! Eram fericit s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu miniaturist.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?tii ce fericire este s\uc1 \u259 ? stai al\uc1 \u259 ?
turi de Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? te ui\uc1 \u355 ?i zile \uc1
\u238 ?ntregi la miracolele vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri? L-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat
pe Negru. Te-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat? \uc1 \u354 ?i-a dezmierdat chipul frumos? Te-a
luat de m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?? I-ai admirat harul, cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?terea?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman mi-a dezv\uc1
\u259 ?luit, printre miracolele vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, \uc1 \u351 ?i faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? tu ai un stil, a zis Negru. El m-a \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?at c\uc1 \u259 ? stilul nu se afl\uc1 \u259 ? la alegerea miniaturistului,
c\uc1 \u259 ? acest cusur ascuns este hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t de trecutul
lui, de amintirile Iui uitate. El mi-a ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste
cusururi ascunse, aceste sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciuni, aceste lucruri ru\uc1 \u351 ?inoase
de care miniaturistul se sfia foarte tare c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva \uc1 \u351 ?i care au
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas t\uc1 \u259 ?inuite pentru a nu-1 deosebi de vechii mae\uc1
\u351 ?tri vor ie\uc1 \u351 ?i de-acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo la iveal\uc1 \u259 ?,
l\uc1 \u259 ?udate ca \uc1 \u8222 ?tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turi personale\uc1
\u8221 ?, ca \uc1 \u8222 ?stil\uc1 \u8221 ?, deoarece metodele mae\uc1 \u351 ?
trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci s-au r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u238 ?ntreaga lume. De-acum \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, din pricina n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u226 ?ngilor care se laud\uc1 \u259 ? cu sc\uc1 \u259 ?derile lor, lumea va fi mai
colorat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i mai proast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i,
desigur, cu mult mai plin\uc1 \u259 ? de cusururi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru credea, orgolios, \uc1 \u238 ?n vorbele
lui ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta c\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u351 ?i el unul dintre pro\uc1 \u351 ?
tii aceia de soi nou.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul
Osman a apucat s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i explice c\uc1 \u259 ? de-a lungul anilor
am desenat pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru n\uc1
\u259 ?rile a sute de cai a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se cuvine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nici el nu poate pricepe c\uc1 \u259 ?, fiindu-v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte \uc1 \u351 ?i,
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, iubit, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? dragostei pe care v-a d\uc1 \u259
?ruit-o \uc1 \u351 ?i b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ilor pe care vi le-a tras, v\uc1
\u259 ? asemuie\uc1 \u351 ?te pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i cu el \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?
compar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre voi. El dorea ca atelierul de pictur\uc1
\u259 ? al otomanilor s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un stil, nu voi. Voi, la
r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul vostru, uita\uc1 \u355 ?i de cusururile izvor\uc1 \u226 ?te din
ad\uc1 \u226 ?ncul vostru, de am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele care nu intr\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n tipare, de deosebiri, din pricin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1
\u259 ? afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n umbra lui, a celui pe care-l admira\uc1
\u355 ?i. De c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori pictai pentru alte c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i,
pentru alte pagini care n-ar fi putut ajunge sub ochii Maestrului Osman, pictai
calul ascuns \uc1 \u238 ?n tine de ani de zile.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posata mea mam\uc1 \u259 ? era o fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? cu mult mai mintoas\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t tata, am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?
ntr-o sear\uc1 \u259 ?, acas\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1
\u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat nu numai de Maestrul Osman, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i de b\uc1
\u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile pe care le m\uc1 \u226 ?neam la atelier de la ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, aspri \uc1 \u351 ?i nervo\uc1 \u351 ?i, de loviturile
de rigl\uc1 \u259 ? pe care le ab\uc1 \u259 ?tea asupra noastr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?eful atelierului ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne scoat\uc1 \u259 ? din fire, pl\uc1
\u226 ?ngeam \uc1 \u351 ?i spuneam c\uc1 \u259 ? n-am s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntorc niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? acolo, ea mi-a zis c\uc1 \u259 ?
exist\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? feluri de oameni. Primii sunt cei strivi\uc1
\u355 ?i de b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile pe care le m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a pentru totdeauna, spunea r\uc1 \u259 ?posata mea
mam\uc1 \u259 ?. Deoarece a fost ucis diavolul din ei, ceea ce s-a \uc1 \u351 ?i
dorit prin b\uc1 \u259 ?taie. Mai sunt \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i ai sor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, la care b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile nu
ucid diavolul din ei, ci doar \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226
?nt\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzesc. Nici
ei nu uit\uc1 \u259 ? de aceast\uc1 \u259 ? amintire nepl\uc1 \u259 ?cut\uc1
\u259 ? din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, dar nu spune nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui, \uc1 \u238 ?mi
zicea mama \uc1 \u8211 ? pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? s-au deprins s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1
\u259 ?iasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu Diavolul, izbutesc s\uc1 \u259 ? fie vicleni, s\uc1
\u259 ? cunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? cele ascunse, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i fac\uc1 \u259
? prieteni, s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i recunoasc\uc1 \u259 ? du\uc1 \u351 ?manii,
s\uc1 \u259 ? simt\uc1 \u259 ? la timp intrigile \uc1 \u355 ?esute pe la spatele
lor \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?ntregesc eu, s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze mai bine ca
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea. Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u238 ?mi altoia asemenea palme pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu desenam \uc1 \u238 ?n deplin\uc1 \u259 ? armonie ramurile vreunui
copac, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce v\uc1 \u259 ?rs\uc1
\u259 ?m lacrimi de durere, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor mei prindea
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? o \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?dure,
\uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea furios c\uc1 \u226
?te un pumn \uc1 \u238 ?n cap, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi c\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1
\u259 ?d cusurul din josul paginii, lua cu drag oglinda \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ?, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne eliber\uc1 \u259 ?m de obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuin\uc1 \u355 ?a ochiului, o punea deasupra c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1
\u351 ?i, sprijinindu-\uc1
\u351 ?i obrazul de al meu, \uc1 \u238 ?mi ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd cusururile care se v\uc1 \u259 ?deau \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginea inversat\uc1 \u259 ? din oglind\uc1 \u259 ?; o f\uc1
\u259 ?cea cu o asemenea dragoste, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t n-am uitat
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? acest sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, dup\uc1
\u259 ? cum nu i-am uitat m\uc1 \u259 ?rinimia. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-o diminea\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi petrecusem noaptea pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd, r\uc1 \u259 ?nit \uc1 \u238 ?n orgoliul meu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
fusesem mustrat \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a tuturor \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncasasem ni\uc1 \u351 ?te lovituri de rigl\uc1 \u259 ?, a venit
\uc1 \u351 ?i m-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?e cu o asemenea patim\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t, de at\uc1 \u226 ?ta dragoste, am prins a crede
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung un
miniaturist legendar. Nu, nu eu am desenat calul acela.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 O s\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1
\u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ? vorbea de el \uc1 \u351 ?i de Barz\uc1 \u259 ? ultima
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, furat\uc1 \u259 ? de blestematul care mi-a ucis Unchiul. Ai
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut acea ultim\uc1 \u259 ? imagine?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
ceva cu neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de acceptat, at\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru noi, cei ata\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1
\u355 ?i de vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru
musulmanii care-\uc1 \u351 ?i cinstesc credin\uc1 \u355 ?a, am zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i
am t\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?spunsul meu l-a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
mult. A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? caute, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, r\uc1 \u259 ?scolind \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1
\u351 ?. M-am dus la ei, o dat\uc1 \u259 ? sau de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori, doar ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? le u\uc1 \u351 ?urez treaba. \uc1 \u206 ?ntr-una din chiliile sortite
dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ilor, cu tavanul spart, le-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat gaura din podea,
ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ea \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1
\u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? scotoci \uc1 \u351 ?i acolo dac\uc1 \u259 ?
doreau. Le-am dat uria\uc1 \u351 ?a cheie de la od\uc1 \u259 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u238 ?n care locuise P\uc1 \u259 ?rintele cu treizeci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351
?ului s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mpr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tie, al\uc1 \u259 ?
tur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-li-se Bekta\uc1 \u351 ?i-ilor58. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd au v\uc1
\u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea \uc1 \u238 ?n care
p\uc1 \u259 ?trunseser\uc1 \u259 ? plini de av\uc1 \u226 ?nt nu mai avea zid
\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru ploua de-a dreptul nici
m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-au mai cotrob\uc1 \u259 ?it.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? bucuram c\uc1 \u259 ? Fluture nu li se al\uc1 \u259 ?
tura, dar sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ? vreo dovad\uc1 \u259 ? care s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvinuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, urma s\uc1 \u259 ? treac\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i el de partea celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i doi. Negru, care se temea ca
Maestrul Osman s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne dea pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na schingiuitorilor \uc1
\u351 ?i care spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne sprijinim unul pe
altul, c\uc1 \u259 ? trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m Mai-marelui vistiernicilor \uc1 \u238 ?
nzestra\uc1 \u355 ?i cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ? putere, se apropiase bini\uc1 \u351 ?or
de Barz\uc1 \u259 ?. Pricepusem c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru nu era c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259
?uzit doar de ideea de a-i face Iui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re un adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat dar de nunt\uc1 \u259 ? prin aflarea uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului Unchiului, ci
\uc1 \u351 ?i de g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul de a ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vi cartea Unchiului,
pun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii otomani s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imite pe
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i folosindu-se de banii pe care
avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i primeasc\uc1 \u259 ? la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lui de la
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru. \uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam, desigur, \uc1
\u351 ?i dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, care visa s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1
\u259 ? Mai-mare al miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor (pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? toat\uc1 \u259
? lumea b\uc1 \u259 ?nuia c\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-l prefere
pe Fluture) \uc1 \u351 ?i care era gata s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerce orice
pentru a avea parte de un trai tihnit, pentru a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de noi, ba
chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i de Maestrul Osman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 O
clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi s-a tulburat mintea. Am stat \uc1 \u351 ?i-am cugetat \uc1
\u238 ?ndelung, ascult\uc1 \u226 ?nd ploaia. Apoi, m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de un imbold
venit din inim\uc1 \u259 ?, m-am al\uc1 \u259 ?turat lui Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i lui Negru, asemenea cuiva care se desprinde din mul\uc1 \u355 ?ime \uc1
\u351 ?i se trude\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nm\uc1 \u226 ?neze o
jalb\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorului \uc1 \u351 ?i marelui-vizir. I-am \uc1
\u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it dintr-un hol \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecos pe u\uc1 \u351 ?a
larg\uc1 \u259 ?, spre locul acela \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla pe vremuri buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?ria. I-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat dac\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?siser\uc1 \u259 ?
sau nu ceva printre ruine; desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? n-avuseser\uc1 \u259 ? cum
s\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?seasc\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu mai r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?sese
nici urm\uc1 \u259 ? din cazanele, din oalele \uc1 \u351 ?i tingirile, din foalele
folosite c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva aici, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se g\uc1 \u259 ?tea pentru str\uc1
\u259 ?ini \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru cei nevoia\uc1 \u351 ?i. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? apucasem s\uc1 \u259 ? cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ? locul acela
d\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?tor de fiori, plin de p\uc1 \u226 ?nze de p\uc1 \u259 ?
ianjen, de praf, de noroi, de rahat de c\uc1 \u226 ?ine \uc1 \u351 ?i de
pisic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de mormane de moloz. Un curent puternic, iscat
parc\uc1 \u259 ? din senin, cutreiera \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea, f\uc1
\u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?lp\uc1 \u226 ?ie flac\uc1 \u259 ?
ra l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? ne tremure umbrele, ce p\uc1 \u259
?reau c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mai palide, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u355 ?i cercetat, dar n-a\uc1 \u355 ?i izbutit
s\uc1 \u259 ? da\uc1 \u355 ?i
de comoara mea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Folosindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? din obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de dosul
m\uc1 \u226 ?inii ca de o m\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, am dat la o parte
cenu\uc1 \u351 ?a din gr\uc1 \u259 ?mada de ruine care fusese, cu treizeci de
ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, vatra, am prins capacul de fier al cuptorului,
care ie\uc1 \u351 ?ise \uc1 \u351 ?i el astfel la lumin\uc1 \u259 ?, de m\uc1 \u226
?ner \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am tras \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?turi, cu un sc\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?it. Am \uc1 \u355 ?inut lampa \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mica gur\uc1 \u259 ? a cuptorului. N-am s\uc1 \u259 ? uit
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? cum s-a repezit Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?naintea lui
Negru, \uc1 \u351 ?i cum a pus m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe sacii de piele afla\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Era gata-gata s\uc1 \u259 ?-i deschid\uc1 \u259 ?
pe loc, dar pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? revenisem \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
perea cea mare, iar Negru pornise pe urmele mele, tem\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se s\uc1 \u259
? nu r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? singur, ne-a urmat \uc1 \u351 ?i
Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, cu picioarele lui lungi \uc1 \u351 ?i sub\uc1 \u355 ?iri.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd
c\uc1 \u259 ? din saci se rev\uc1 \u259 ?rsau ciorapii de l\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?, pantalonii largi, izmenele ro\uc1 \u351 ?ii, minteanul meu cel mai
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru, c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a de m\uc1 \u259 ?tase, briciul,
pieptenele \uc1 \u351 ?i celelalte lucruri pe care le st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
neam, toate curate, au \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?it o clip\uc1 \u259 ?. Din cel\uc1
\u259 ?lalt sac greu, deschis de Negru, s-au ivit, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?
nd, cincizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i trei de galbeni vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, foi\uc1 \u355 ?
ele de aur pe care le furasem \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimii ani din atelierul de pictur\uc1
\u259 ?, caietul cu modele pe care-l p\uc1 \u259 ?stram la fereal\uc1 \u259 ? de
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea, doldora de foi\uc1 \u355 ?e de aur \uc1 \u351 ?terpelite
\uc1 \u351 ?i strecurate printre pagini, picturile necuviincioase pe care le
f\uc1 \u259 ?urisem sau pe care le adunasem de la al\uc1 \u355 ?ii, un inel cu agat
r\uc1 \u259 ?mas amintire de la mama \uc1 \u351 ?i o \uc1 \u351 ?uvi\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? din p\uc1 \u259 ?rul ei alb, cele mai bune condeie \uc1 \u351 ?
i pensule ale mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost un uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum crede\uc1 \u355 ?i
voi, am zis cu trufie prosteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, din comoara mea ascuns\uc1 \u259 ? nu
s-ar mai fi ivit asemenea lucruri, ci acea ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ce e cu astea? A \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u226 ?nd mi-au scotocit casa oamenii Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor \uc1
\u238 ?ntocmai cum au f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i cu a ta \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i-au strecurat cu neru\uc1 \u351 ?inare prin buzunare doi dintre galbenii
\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?tia, aduna\uc1 \u355 ?i de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii
mele vie\uc1 \u355 ?i. M-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ?, din pricina acelui
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? tic\uc1 \u259 ?los, ne vor scotoci casele \uc1 \u351 ?i
alt\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ?; aveam dreptate. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? acea ultim\uc1
\u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi aflat la mine, ar fi fost aici.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Gre\uc1 \u351 ?isem rostind ultima fraz\uc1 \u259 ?, dar
sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? se lini\uc1 \u351 ?tiser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? acum nu se mai temeau de mine, nu se mai temeau c\uc1 \u259 ? i-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi putut g\uc1 \u226 ?tui \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun cotlon \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat
al l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului. In ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te,
dumneavoastr\uc1 \u259 ? m-a\uc1 \u355 ?i crezut?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Dar, de data asta, sufletul meu era st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit de
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te; ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ? rodea nu era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii, confra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei pe care-i \uc1 \u351 ?tiam
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din anii copil\uc1 \u259 ?riei, aflaser\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam bani cu l\uc1 \u259 ?comie de mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme, c\uc1 \u259 ? luam aur \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l doseam, ba mai mult,
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi v\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ? picturile
necuviincioase \uc1 \u351 ?i caietele. De fapt, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca un
fel de remu\uc1 \u351 ?care pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? le \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?
rt\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?isem prietenilor mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti toate aceste
lucruri, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o clip\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare. Doar tainele
unui om care tr\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n voia sor\uc1 \u355 ?ii se
dest\uc1 \u259 ?inuie cu at\uc1 \u226 ?ta u\uc1 \u351 ?urin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Totu\uc1 \u351 ?i, a
zis Negru dup\uc1 \u259 ? un lung r\uc1 \u259 ?stimp, s\uc1 \u259 ? ne hot\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?m ce-o s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne vor pune la
cazne, dac\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne dea, nep\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?tor, pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na Mai-marelui gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinarilor, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? dezv\uc1 \u259 ?luie nimic \uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l numeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe vreunul dintre
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? deasupra noastr\uc1
\u259 ? plutea un soi de indiferen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de lehamite.
Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Fluture se uitau la picturile necuviincioase din
caietul meu, \uc1 \u238 ?n lumina palid\uc1 \u259 ? a l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii. Aveau
aerul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu le pas\uc1 \u259 ? de nimic; ba chiar erau \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor de ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i. M-a \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat o puternic\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de a privi \uc1
\u351 ?i eu pagina aceea, despre care \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuiam foarte
bine ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a, a\uc1 \u351 ?a
c\uc1 \u259 ? m-am ridicat de la locul meu, m-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat \uc1 \u238 ?n
spatele lor \uc1 \u351 ?i am privit cu emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie, \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259
?cere, pictura aceea necuviincioas\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? de
mine, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi readus \uc1 \u238 ?n memorie o
amintire fericit\uc1 \u259 ?, foarte \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ni se al\uc1 \u259 ?turase \uc1 \u351 ?i Negru. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz, faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? ne uitam to\uc1 \u355 ?i patru la pictura aceea \uc1 \u238 ?mi
u\uc1 \u351 ?ura nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat de mult sufletul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Este oare orbul deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? cu v\uc1 \u259 ?
z\uc1 \u259 ?torul?\uc1 \u8221 ? a zis Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 D\uc1 \u259 ?dea
oare de \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce vedeam
noi era o necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea de a vedea,
d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu, nu era lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de
noble\uc1 \u355 ?e? Dar Barz\uc1 \u259 ? nu se pricepea deloc la asemenea lucruri,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci nu citea niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran. \uc1
\u350 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? acest verset era adeseori pomenit de vechii arti\uc1
\u351 ?ti din Herat. Marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri \uc1 \u238 ?l foloseau \uc1 \u238 ?n
chip de r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns la amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile celor care
du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?neau pictura \uc1 \u351 ?i care pretindeau c\uc1 \u259 ?
ilustrarea acestor vorbe este interzis\uc1 \u259 ? de credin\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
ii de Apoi pictorii vor fi trimi\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad. Dar, p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa aceea plin\uc1 \u259 ? de vraj\uc1 \u259 ?, nu
auzisem niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea vorbe din gura lui Fluture, care p\uc1
\u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? le rosteasc\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? voie.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuiesc o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? care s\uc1 \u259 ? arate c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?orbul \uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?torul nu sunt
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cine ar fi orbul \uc1 \u351 ?i cine v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u259 ?torul? A zis Negru
naiv.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu sunt
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? cel orb cu cel care vede\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u259 ?sta
este \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesul cuvintelor \uc1 \u8222 ?Ve m\uc1 \u259 ?
yestevil'\uc1 \u226 ?m\uc1 \u226 ? ve'l bas\uc1 \u226 ?ru\uc1 \u8221 ?59, a zis
Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?i a continuat: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nici \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecimea cu
lumina, Nici umbra cu dogoarea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i nu sunt deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ? cei vii cu cei mor\uc1 \u355 ?i.\uc1
\u8221 ?60}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nfiorat o
clip\uc1 \u259 ? cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul lui
Delicat Efendi, al Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i al fratelui nostru meddah, ucis \uc1
\u238 ?n acea sear\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare \uc1 \u351 ?i ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i se \uc1
\u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntaser\uc1 \u259 ?, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i mine?
Nimeni nu s-a clintit o vreme din loc. Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?
mai st\uc1 \u259 ?tea cu caietul meu deschis \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259
?, dar, de\uc1 \u351 ?i continuam s\uc1 \u259 ? ne uit\uc1 \u259 ?m la necuviin\uc1
\u355 ?a pe care o pictasem eu, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? nu o mai vad\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i eu
\uc1 \u238 ?mi doream s\uc1 \u259 ? pictez Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
Apoi, a zis Barz\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?nvierea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, desp\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?irea p\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?to\uc1 \u351 ?ilor de cei ne\uc1
\u238 ?ntina\uc1 \u355 ?i. Dar de ce nu putem zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vi Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?
ntul Coran?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? cum
ne purtam \uc1 \u238 ?n anii tinere\uc1 \u355 ?ii noastre, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
lucram \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere a
atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i cum procedau, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
lor, b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri pentru a-\uc1 \u351 ?i
odihni ochii: ridicam uneori capul de pe t\uc1 \u259 ?blia de lucru, de la pupitru,
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepeam s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim despre cu totul altceva,
care ne venea deodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minte. Nici atunci nu ne uitam unul
la altul pe c\uc1 \u226 ?nd sporov\uc1 \u259 ?iam despre tot felul de m\uc1 \u259 ?
run\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?uri care ne treceau prin g\uc1 \u226 ?nd, a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam \uc1 \u351 ?i acum,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd st\uc1 \u259 ?team cu caietul deschis \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?
a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a ne odihni cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat ochii, priveam pe fereastra deschis\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu de ce poate
din cauza emo\uc1 \u355 ?iei pricinuite de amintirea unui lucru pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut
din ferici\uc1 \u355 ?ii ani ai uceniciei, poate din cauza remu\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1
\u259 ?rii sincere pe care o sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mai
deschisesem \uc1 \u351 ?i nu mai citisem de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme Preasf\uc1 \u226
?ntul Coran, ori poate din cauza groazei pricinuite de crima pe care o v\uc1
\u259 ?zusem \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul serii la cafenea \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a venit r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul, mi-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it
mintea r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, inima mi-a luat-o
razna, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar fi aflat dinaintea unui pericol, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
spus degrab\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi venea \uc1 \u238 ?n minte
altceva:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
aminti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul surei \uc1
\u8222 ?Vaca\uc1 \u8221 ? exist\uc1 \u259 ? ni\uc1 \u351 ?te versete, pe care
doresc cel mai mult s\uc1 \u259 ? le ilustrez: \uc1 \u8222 ?Domnul nostru! Nu ne
os\uc1 \u226 ?ndi dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom uita ori vom gre\uc1 \u351 ?i! Domnul nostru!
Nu ne da nou\uc1 \u259 ? o povar\uc1 \u259 ? asemenea celei pe care le-ai dat-o
celor dinaintea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?! Domnul nostru! Nu ne \uc1 \u238 ?mpov\uc1 \u259
?ra pe noi cu ceea ce nu putem duce! \uc1 \u350 ?terge gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile
noastre! Iart\uc1 \u259 ?-ne nou\uc1 \u259 ?! Miluie\uc1 \u351 ?te-ne pe noi! Tu
e\uc1 \u351 ?ti Obl\uc1 \u259 ?duitorul nostru!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Vocea mi s-a fr\uc1 \u226 ?nt o clip\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am
ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat de lacrimile care-mi \uc1 \u351 ?iroiau pe obraji, \uc1 \u238 ?n
chip cu totul nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptat. Poate m-am speriat de zeflemeaua pe care, \uc1
\u238 ?n anii uceniciei noastre, o p\uc1 \u259 ?stram mereu la \uc1 \u238 ?ndem\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, spre a ne ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra de ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i, spre a ne
ascunde firea sim\uc1 \u355 ?itoare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Credeam c\uc1 \u259 ? lacrimile \uc1 \u238 ?mi vor seca pe dat\uc1 \u259 ?, dar nu
m-am mai putut st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ni \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng cu sughi\uc1 \u355 ?uri. Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1
\u259 ?, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?eau
hohotele, ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i erau cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor de
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte fr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de
disperare \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?e. De-acum, \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru urma s\uc1 \u259 ? se picteze \uc1 \u238 ?n felul
francilor, metodele \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile c\uc1 \u259 ?rora
le \uc1 \u238 ?nchinaser\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie treptat uitate, totul avea de fapt s\uc1 \u259 ? se
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ?, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-aveau s\uc1
\u259 ? ne prind\uc1 \u259 ? la str\uc1 \u226 ?mtoare \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?
ne h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ? oamenii hogei din Erzurum, aveau
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne dogeasc\uc1 \u259 ? schingiuitorii Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului. Dar
de\uc1 \u351 ?i continuam s\uc1 \u259 ? ascult, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce pl\uc1 \u226
?ngeam, printre sughi\uc1 \u355 ?uri \uc1 \u351 ?i suspine, zgomotul trist al
ploii, sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam cu o parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii c\uc1 \u259 ? pricina
lacrimilor mele se afla \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte. \uc1 \u206 ?n ce m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?deau seama ceilal\uc1
\u355 ?i de acest lucru? Jeleam din toat\uc1 \u259 ? inima, dar \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam
\uc1 \u351 ?i un sentiment nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci lacrimile mele nu erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntru totul adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fluture s-a apropiat de mine,
mi-a pus m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe um\uc1 \u259 ?r, m-a m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat pe
p\uc1 \u259 ?r, m-a s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe obraz \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a spus vorbe
bl\uc1 \u226 ?nde. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? atitudine prietenoas\uc1 \u259 ? m-a f\uc1
\u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng \uc1 \u351 ?i mai sincer, cu un
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt \uc1 \u351 ?i mai ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc de
vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Nu-i puteam vedea chipul, dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice
caz, m-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat purtat de am\uc1 \u259 ?girea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i el pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea. Ne-am a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? atmosfer\uc1 \u259 ?
sentimental\uc1 \u259 ? ne-am amintit cum am fost da\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ucenicie la atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i an, ne-am amintit de triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1
\u238 ?nstr\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?rii care ne macin\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
ne-am rupt de mamele noastre pentru a \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, o
alt\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a
pricinuit\uc1 \u259 ? de b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?ncasate \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din prima zi, de bucuria primelor daruri de la Mai-marele
vistiernicilor, de zilele c\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam acas\uc1 \u259 ?
alerg\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un suflet. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput istorisea doar
el, iar eu ascultam cu triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, dar cum mai apoi s-au al\uc1 \u259 ?
turat taifasului nostru Barz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea,
Negru care, \uc1 \u238 ?n primii ani ai uceniciei noastre, venise o vreme pe la
atelier \uc1 \u8211 ? am uitat c\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngeam ceva mai
devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput \uc1 \u351 ?i eu s\uc1 \u259 ?
povestesc \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d cu ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ne-am amintit de dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ile de iarn\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u226 ?nd ucenicii se sculau \uc1 \u238 ?n zori, f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau focul \uc1 \u238
?n vatra din cea mai mare \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere a atelierului \uc1 \u351 ?
i sp\uc1 \u259 ?lau pe jos cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? cald\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-am amintit de
felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care ne mustra, pentru a mia oar\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne bat\uc1 \u259 ?, un b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?n
maestru r\uc1 \u259 ?posat acum, care era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de lipsit de
inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i de grijuliu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1
\u238 ?nchina o zi \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ? pict\uc1 \u259 ?rii unei singure
frunze dintr-un copac \uc1 \u351 ?i care ne spunea mereu: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu v\uc1
\u259
? uita\uc1 \u355 ?i acolo, ci aici!\uc1 \u8221 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd vedea c\uc1
\u259 ? nu ne uitam la frunzele din miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci la frunzele de un
verde str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitor ale copacilor prim\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?ratici care
se z\uc1 \u259 ?reau prin fereastra deschis\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-am amintit cum
pl\uc1 \u226 ?ngea \uc1 \u238 ?n auzul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregului atelier, pe c\uc1
\u226 ?nd se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta spre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu bocceaua \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, un ucenic sub\uc1 \u355 ?irel, care
chior\uc1 \u226 ?se din pricina muncii peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i care era trimis acas\uc1 \u259 ?. Apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ochilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri a prins via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea
cu care urm\uc1 \u259 ?ream (pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu aveam nici o vin\uc1 \u259 ?)
cum se rev\uc1 \u259 ?rsa \uc1 \u238 ?ncet, dintr-o c\uc1 \u259 ?limar\uc1 \u259 ?
de bronz cr\uc1 \u259 ?pat\uc1 \u259 ?, un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u ucig\uc1 \u259 ?tor care
se \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea pe o pagin\uc1 \u259 ? la care trudiser\uc1 \u259 ? vreme de
\uc1 \u351 ?ase luni trei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti (pe ea era zugr\uc1 \u259 ?
vit\uc1 \u259 ? scena \uc1 \u238 ?n care armata otoman\uc1 \u259 ? aflat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n pericol de a muri de foame pe drumul spre \uc1 \u350 ?irvan,
pe malul p\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?ului Kinik se ghiftuise cucerind Eresul). Am
vorbit cu delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e, cu cinstire despre cum ne iubiser\uc1 \u259 ?m, pe
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei \uc1 \u351 ?i ne \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gostiser\uc1 \u259 ?m de doamna aceea cerchez\uc1 \u259 ? cea mai frumoas\uc1 \u259
? dintre so\uc1 \u355 ?iile unui pa\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?aptezeci
de ani, care, date fiind cuceririle, puterea \uc1 \u351 ?i avu\uc1 \u355 ?ia
lui, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ? o decora\uc1 \u355 ?iune de tavan aidoma celei aflate \uc1 \u238 ?n
chio\uc1 \u351 ?cul de v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare al Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului
Nostru. Am vorbit, de asemenea, cu dor, de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea cu care ne m\uc1
\u226 ?neam ciorba de linte \uc1 \u238 ?n dimine\uc1 \u355 ?ile de iarn\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n pragul u\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ntredeschise, pentru ca
aburul s\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?nmoaie h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia. De asemenea, despre
triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea de a ne desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de prietenii \uc1 \u351
?i de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii no\uc1 \u351 ?tri din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram sili\uc1 \u355 ?i de ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia din urm\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? plec\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n vreun loc \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1
\u259 ?rtat, pentru a ucenici. La un moment dat, \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
ochilor mei s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfiripat cea mai \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259
?toare imagine a dragului meu Fluture, de pe vremea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd acesta avea
\uc1 \u351 ?aisprezece ani: l\uc1 \u259 ?cuia o h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
o zi de var\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ? pe
suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?a ei piatra de lustruit din spum\uc1 \u259 ? de mare, \uc1 \u238
?n vreme ce soarele care se strecura prin fereastra deschis\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259
?dea pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele lui dezgolite, de culoarea mierii. \uc1 \u206 ?n toiul
acestei trude, care \uc1 \u238 ?l absorbea cu totul, se oprea uneori o clip\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i apropia ochii de vreun cusur al h\uc1 \u226 ?
rtiei \uc1 \u351 ?i-l cerceta cu aten\uc1 \u355 ?ie, iar dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce trecea
cu piatra de lustruit peste acel punct, servindu-se de dou\uc1 \u259 ?-trei
mi\uc1 \u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ri aparte de toate celelalte, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
relua pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ia dinainte, privind pe fereastr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
zare, cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n visare, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce m\uc1 \u226 ?na i se
mi\uc1 \u351 ?ca cu repeziciune de sus \uc1 \u238 ?n jos. Ceea ce nu voi uita
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i ceea ce am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u351 ?i eu cu
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i mai apoi, era felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i cufunda, pentru scurte r\uc1 \u259 ?gazuri, ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n ai mei, \uc1
\u238 ?nainte de a \uc1 \u351 ?i-i \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarce din nou spre fereastr\uc1
\u259 ?. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? privire avea un singur \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles,
pe care-l cuno\uc1 \u351 ?teau to\uc1 \u355 ?i ucenicii: dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu visezi
cu ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, timpul r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u238 ?
ncremenit.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 58. Voi fi numit Uciga\uc1
\u351 ?ul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-a\uc1 \u355 ?i uitat, nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a? M\uc1 \u259 ?car vou\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ?
ascund faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu aici. C\uc1 \u259 ?ci nevoia de a
vorbi cu aceast\uc1 \u259 ? voce care cre\uc1 \u351 ?te treptat \uc1 \u238 ?
nl\uc1 \u259 ?untrul meu este de nest\uc1 \u259 ?vilit. Uneori m\uc1 \u259 ? silesc
foarte tare \uc1 \u351 ?i, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, cred c\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi sim\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?gu\uc1 \u351 ?
eala din voce. Alteori, m\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nesc cu mare
greutate, iar atunci mi se revars\uc1 \u259 ? din gur\uc1 \u259 ? cuvinte care
v\uc1 \u259 ?desc cealalt\uc1 \u259 ? fire a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care, poate, le
b\uc1 \u259 ?ga\uc1 \u355 ?i de seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Ele sunt cele care \uc1 \u238 ?mi
fac m\uc1 \u226 ?inile s\uc1 \u259 ? tremure \uc1 \u351 ?i fruntea s\uc1 \u259 ? mi
se acopere de sudoare, drept care pricep \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?
acestea sunt, la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor, tot at\uc1 \u226 ?tea semne.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar ce fericit sunt totodat\uc1 \u259 ? aici! Stau cu
fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
depan\uc1 \u259 ?m amintiri legate de cei dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci
de ani petrecu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ?, alin\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne
unul pe altul, nu ne mai vin \uc1 \u238 ?n minte du\uc1 \u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?niile
iscate de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ci laturile ei frumoase \uc1 \u351 ?i atr\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u259 ?toare. \uc1 \u206 ?n felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care st\uc1 \u259 ?m a\uc1
\u351 ?eza\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1
\u259 ? a venit sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul lumii, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul \uc1
\u238 ?n care ne amintim de frumoasele zile de odinioar\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?indu-ne unul pe altul cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi, st\uc1 \u259 ?
ruie ceva care le este specific femeilor din haremuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Am luat aceast\uc1 \u259 ? compara\uc1 \u355 ?ie de la Abu-Said din
Kirman care, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce scria istoria Timurizilor, pomenea \uc1 \u351 ?
i de pove\uc1 \u351 ?tile vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz \uc1
\u351 ?i din Herat. Acum o sut\uc1 \u259 ? cincizeci de ani, conduc\uc1 \u259 ?
torul Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, a \uc1 \u238 ?nvins \uc1 \u351 ?i
a nimicit ostile \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile m\uc1 \u259 ?runte ale
hanilor, ale \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor Timurizi care se r\uc1 \u259 ?zboiau \uc1 \u238 ?
ntre ei, a traversat cu oastea biruitoare a turcmenilor \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul \uc1
\u355 ?inut persan, a ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n Orient \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele
din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvins la Esterabad pe Ibrahim, nepotul lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ah Ruh, fiul lui Timur, a cucerit Gurganul \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-
a m\uc1 \u226 ?nat ostile c\uc1 \u259 ?tre cetatea Herat. Potrivit istoricului din
Kirman, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? mare lovitur\uc1 \u259 ? dat\uc1 \u259 ? puterii de
ne\uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt a Timurizilor, care st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neau
de o jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de secol nu doar \uc1 \u354 ?ara Persan\uc1 \u259 ?, ci
jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate de lume, din India p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
Bizan\uc1 \u355 ?, a pricinuit un asemenea sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nt de nenorocire \uc1 \u351 ?i de dezn\uc1 \u259 ?dejde, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?
t cetatea Heratului, aflat\uc1 \u259 ? sub asediu, era b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuit\uc1 \u259
? de un haos de nedescris. Istoricul Abu-Said \uc1 \u238 ?i istorisea cititorului,
cu o stranie pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere, cum Cihan \uc1 \u350 ?ah, c\uc1 \u226 ?rmuitorul
Celor-cu-Oile-Negre, \uc1 \u238 ?i ucisese ne\uc1 \u238 ?ndur\uc1 \u259 ?tor pe
to\uc1 \u355 ?i Timurizii care se aflau \uc1 \u238 ?n cetatea cucerit\uc1 \u259 ?,
cum le alesese pe femeile din haremurile \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, ale prin\uc1 \u355 ?
ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i le luase \uc1 \u238 ?n haremul lui, cum \uc1 \u238 ?i
desp\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ise pe miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duse, necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ucenicie pe cei mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre ei pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
propriii s\uc1 \u259 ?i mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. Ajuns \uc1
\u238 ?n acest loc al pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii sale, Abu-Said trecea de la \uc1 \u350 ?
ah \uc1 \u351 ?i de la solda\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i, care, urca\uc1 \u355 ?
i \uc1 \u238 ?n turnurile cet\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiau
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i risipeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe du\uc1 \u351 ?mani, la miniaturi\uc1 \u351
?tii care a\uc1 \u351 ?teptau \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
printre condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i vopsele, sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme limpede al
luptei, \uc1 \u351 ?i scria c\uc1 \u259 ? nici miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii uita\uc1 \u355 ?i ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u8211 ? ale c\uc1
\u259 ?ror nume le \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ira pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, pe care
toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea spunea c\uc1 \u259 ?-i cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i va uita niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu putuser\uc1 \u259 ? face
altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?eze pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1
\u351 ?i aminteasc\uc1 \u259 ? de frumoasele vremuri de alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca femeile din haremul \uc1 \u350 ?ahului. \uc1
\u350 ?i noi ne-am amintit, aidoma \uc1 \u238 ?ntristatelor femei de prin haremuri,
c\uc1 \u259 ? pe vremuri Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul ne ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta o dragoste mai
sincer\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum ne-am amintit \uc1 \u351 ?i de caftanele
\uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u259 ?nite \uc1 \u351 ?i de pungile doldora de bani pe care ni
le d\uc1 \u259 ?ruia pe loc la s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tori dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
primea de la noi cutii multicolore, oglinzi \uc1 \u351 ?i farfurii \uc1 \u238 ?
mpodobite, ou\uc1 \u259 ? de stru\uc1 \u355 ? pictate, obiecte f\uc1 \u259 ?urite
din h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie decupat\uc1 \u259 ?, picturi pe o singur\uc1 \u259 ? foaie,
albume pline de haz, c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i de joc \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i sortite lecturii. Unde erau acum b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri ai acelor zile, care trudeau din greu, care sufereau \uc1
\u238 ?ndelung, care se mul\uc1 \u355 ?umeau cu pu\uc1 \u355 ?in? Nici vorb\uc1
\u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? se z\uc1 \u259 ?vorasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n casele lor,
tem\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u351 ?i invidio\uc1 \u351 ?i, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu cumva
s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle cum lucrau ori nelini\uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ? ar putea ie\uc1 \u351 ?i la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?
pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiau lucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n afara atelierului; veneau la
atelier \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi. Unde erau b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchinau plini de
umilin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
schi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii modelelor delicate care \uc1 \u238 ?mpodobeau
pere\uc1 \u355 ?ii seraiurilor, desen\uc1 \u259 ?rii frunzelor chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?
ilor despre care pricepeai c\uc1 \u259 ? erau aparte una de alta abia dup\uc1 \u259
? ce le priveai \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung \uc1 \u351 ?i ierburilor de step\uc1 \u259 ? cu
\uc1 \u351 ?apte frunze, menite s\uc1 \u259 ? acopere spa\uc1 \u355 ?iile goale ale
paginii? Unde erau acei mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? virtu\uc1
\u355 ?i deosebite care recuno\uc1 \u351 ?teau c\uc1 \u259 ? exista o \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?elepciune, o dreptate \uc1 \u238 ?n faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu le
d\uc1 \u259 ?ruia unora doar harul \uc1 \u351 ?i iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a, iar altora
doar r\uc1 \u259 ?bdarea \uc1 \u351 ?i resemnarea, \uc1 \u351 ?i care nu se
pizmuiau niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei? Amintindu-ne de acei b\uc1 \u259
?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri unii dintre ei coc\uc1 \u226 ?rja\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i mereu z\uc1 \u226 ?mbitori, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii vis\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1
\u351 ?i be\uc1 \u355 ?ivi, al\uc1 \u355 ?ii dornici s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?mping\uc1 \u259 ? fetele, pe care nu izbutiser\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ? le m\uc1 \u259 ?rite, \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele noastre \uc1
\u8211 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? re\uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?im
am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele uitate ale atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea
uceniciei \uc1 \u351 ?i a primilor ani pe care-i petrecuser\uc1 \u259 ?m aici ca
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Exista, de
pild\uc1 \u259 ?, un f\uc1 \u259 ?uritor de chenare cu ochi verzi care, \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme ce tr\uc1 \u259 ?gea linii, scotea limba din gur\uc1 \u259 ?;
dac\uc1 \u259 ? linia se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta c\uc1 \u259 ?tre dreapta paginii, \uc1
\u351 ?i-o scotea c\uc1 \u259 ?tre st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, iar dac\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta c\uc1 \u259 ?tre st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, \uc1 \u351 ?i-o scotea
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre dreapta. Mai era un miniaturist mic de stat \uc1 \u351 ?i firav,
care atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?i picura vopseaua murmura printre
din\uc1 \u355 ?i, doar pentru sine, spun\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ah,
r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare, r\uc1 \u259 ?bdare!\uc1 \u8221 ? Era
\uc1 \u351 ?i maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?n auriri care st\uc1 \u259 ?tea ore \uc1 \u238 ?
n \uc1 \u351 ?ir la taifas cu ucenicii leg\uc1 \u259 ?tori de la catul de
dedesubt \uc1 \u351 ?i care pretindea c\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut\uc1
\u259 ? pe frunte, cerneala ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie opre\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?
mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nirea. Mai era maestrul acela sup\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?cios care, atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd i se umpleau unghiile din pricina vopselei
pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i-o \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea pe ele pentru a-i \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca
t\uc1 \u259 ?ria, \uc1 \u238 ?l oprea la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare pe
vreunul dintre ucenici, pe oricare dintre ei, \uc1 \u351 ?i-l boia pe unghii.
Era \uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturistul acela gras care ne f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u226 ?dem ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u226 ?ia barba cu picioarele de iepure \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebuin\uc1 \u355 ?ate
pentru a aduna praful de aur r\uc1 \u259 ?mas dup\uc1 \u259 ? auriri. Oare unde
erau to\uc1 \u355 ?i ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Unde erau oare acum sc\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile pe care se lustruia h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia
\uc1 \u351 ?i care, folosite ani de-a r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul, deveneau una cu trupurile
ucenicilor, iar mai apoi erau azv\uc1 \u226 ?rlite \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher, unde
erau foarfecele lungi de t\uc1 \u259 ?iat h\uc1 \u226 ?rtia, pe care le f\uc1 \u259
?r\uc1 \u226 ?mau ucenicii juc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de-a spadasinii, t\uc1 \u259 ?
bliile de scris pe care erau \uc1 \u238 ?nscrise numele marilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri
spre a nu fi confundate, mirosul de mosc al cernelei chineze\uc1 \u351 ?ti,
clinchetul ibricelor de cafea r\uc1 \u259 ?sun\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1
\u259 ?cere, pisica t\uc1 \u259 ?rcat\uc1 \u259 ? de la ai c\uc1 \u259 ?rei pui
luam, \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare var\uc1 \u259 ?, fire de p\uc1 \u259 ?r de la urechi
\uc1 \u351 ?i de la ceaf\uc1 \u259 ? spre a ne f\uc1 \u259 ?uri felurite pensule,
vrafurile de h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie de India care ni se oferea din bel\uc1 \u351 ?ug
pentru a nu sta de poman\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a face exerci\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
scriere precum caligrafii? Unde era acum ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itoarea aceea de condeie
ur\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de o\uc1 \u355 ?el, ce nu putea fi
folosit\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea Mai-marelui
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd trebuiau r\uc1 \u259 ?zuite ditamai
gre\uc1 \u351 ?elile, \uc1 \u351 ?i care era menit\uc1 \u259
? s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pild\uc1 \u259 ? pentru \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul atelier? \uc1
\u350 ?i unde erau r\uc1 \u226 ?nduielile care \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?eau
aceste gre\uc1 \u351 ?eli?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am vorbit
de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea acordat\uc1 \u259 ? de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti de a
lucra pe la casele lor a fost o alt\uc1 \u259 ? gre\uc1 \u351 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?. Am
vorbit despre delicioasa halva cald\uc1 \u259 ? care-\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea
apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia de la buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ria seraiului \uc1 \u238 ?n
serile de iarn\uc1 \u259 ? care se l\uc1 \u259 ?sau at\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce munceam la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii \uc1 \u351 ?i a lum\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?rii chinui\uc1 \u355 ?i de dureri de ochi. Ne-am amintit
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind, cu lacrimi \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, de gogo\uc1 \u351 ?ile pe care
b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nul \uc1 \u351 ?i ramolitul me\uc1 \u351 ?ter auritor,
care, atins fiind de tremur\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ?, nu mai putea pune m\uc1
\u226 ?na pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie \uc1 \u351 ?i pe condei, ni le aducea c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd venea \uc1 \u238 ?n ospe\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe la atelier, o dat\uc1 \u259 ? pe
lun\uc1 \u259 ?, pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd-o pe fata lui s\uc1 \u259 ? le pr\uc1 \u259 ?
jeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pentru noi, ucenicii. Am vorbit despre miraculoasele pagini
aflate \uc1 \u238 ?ntre h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile din ta\uc1 \u351 ?ca de piele ce fusese
descoperit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost luat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
primire odaia Mai-marelui miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, Marele Maestru Memi cel
Negru, cel de dinaintea Maestrului Osman, nelocuit\uc1 \u259 ? multe zile
dup\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntarea sa sub salteaua pe care \uc1
\u351 ?i-o a\uc1 \u351 ?ternea r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul me\uc1 \u351 ?ter la
amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? trag\uc1 \u259 ? un pui de somn.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?ntocmai ca Maestrul Memi cel Negru, am ar\uc1
\u259 ?tat \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?irat paginile de care eram
m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri, pe care am fi dorit s\uc1 \u259 ? le scoatem la iveal\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? le privim la r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpuri, dac\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? fie copiate. Ei mi-au povestit c\uc1 \u259 ?
atunci c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a fost poleit cu ap\uc1 \u259 ? de aur cerul aflat \uc1
\u238 ?n partea de sus a imaginii ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a seraiul pictat pentru Cartea harurilor, printre cupole, turnuri \uc1 \u351
?i chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?i, a r\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit o priveli\uc1 \u351 ?te
care-\uc1 \u355 ?i evoca, nu prin aurul propriu-zis, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum s-ar fi
cuvenit s\uc1 \u259 ? se petreac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?
plin\uc1 \u259 ? din elegan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ci prin culoare, sf\uc1
\u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul lumii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Potrivit
spuselor lor, felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care a fost apucat Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Profet
de sub\uc1 \u355 ?iori de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1 \u238 ?ngeri, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce se \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?a la cer din \uc1 \u238 ?naltul
minaretului cu c\uc1 \u226 ?te un \uc1 \u238 ?nger animat de fiecare bra\uc1
\u355 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a g\uc1 \u226 ?dilat cu acel
prilej, stingherit, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at
\uc1 \u238 ?n culori at\uc1 \u226 ?t de cump\uc1 \u259 ?tate, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd aceast\uc1 \u259 ? sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259
? imagine p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii mici se \uc1 \u238 ?
nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntau \uc1 \u238 ?n prima clip\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nfiora\uc1 \u355 ?i de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru ca mai apoi
s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u226 ?d\uc1 \u259 ? plini de venera\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de parc\uc1
\u259 ? ar fi fost g\uc1 \u226 ?dila\uc1 \u355 ?i ei \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?i. Eu le-am istorisit c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?at cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere capetele retezate de pa\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Marele-vizir de dinaintea celui de acum \uc1 \u8211 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce \uc1 \u238 ?i zdrobea pe r\uc1 \u259 ?scula\uc1 \u355 ?ii
aciua\uc1 \u355 ?i prin mun\uc1 \u355 ?i, c\uc1 \u259 ? le-am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u351 ?irat cu delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i cinstire pe marginea paginii pe
care o pictam, schi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1
\u259 ?, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?
cut un zugrav de portrete fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc, spr\uc1 \u226 ?ncenele \uc1 \u238 ?
ncruntate a moarte ale capetelor scurtate pe care le vopsisem \uc1 \u238 ?n
ro\uc1 \u351 ?u, buzele \uc1 \u238 ?ntristate care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebau despre
rostul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, n\uc1 \u259 ?rile care se opintiser\uc1 \u259 ?
neputincioase pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ochii \uc1 \u238 ?
nchi\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar nu ca la ni\uc1 \u351 ?te capete obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite de
mor\uc1 \u355 ?i, ci ca la ni\uc1 \u351 ?te capete care ar\uc1 \u259 ?tau, fiecare,
altfel \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta din pricina
capetelor \uc1 \u8211 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndisem \uc1 \u238 ?n
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? un aer misterios, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?tor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Astfel am ajuns
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne aducem aminte de scenele de dragoste \uc1 \u351 ?i de lupt\uc1
\u259 ? la care \uc1 \u355 ?ineam cel mai mult, de cele mai f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? de pereche frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i fine\uc1 \u355 ?uri,
care-\uc1 \u355 ?i storceau lacrimi, s\uc1 \u259 ? vorbim cu dor despre ele ca
despre ni\uc1 \u351 ?te lucruri de neuitat, de-acum de neatins. Prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?
a ochilor mei s-au perindat gr\uc1 \u259 ?dini pustii \uc1 \u351 ?i misterioase
\uc1 \u238 ?n care se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lneau \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?
gosti\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n nop\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nstelate, copaci
prim\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?ratici, p\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ri legendare, timpul
oprit \uc1 \u238 ?n loc. Ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuit lupte \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1
\u226 ?ngerate, la fel de aproape de noi \uc1 \u351 ?i de \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259
?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare ca propriile noastre co\uc1 \u351 ?maruri, r\uc1
\u259 ?zboinici despica\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ?, cai cu armuri
n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?ite de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, ni i-am imaginat pe
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?ii oameni de alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nfig\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i hangerele unul \uc1 \u238 ?n cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt,
ne-am imaginat femei cu guri delicate, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini mici, cu ochi tra\uc1
\u351 ?i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?mple, care urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau, st\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu
trupul \uc1 \u238 ?nclinat, \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ?rile lumii
prin fereastra \uc1 \u238 ?ntredeschis\uc1 \u259 ?. Ne-am amintit de feciorii
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i, m\uc1 \u226 ?ndri \uc1 \u351 ?i ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, de \uc1
\u351 ?ahii \uc1 \u351 ?i hanii cei chipe\uc1 \u351 ?i, de \uc1 \u355 ?inuturile
\uc1 \u351 ?i de seraiurile lor care se pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i disp\uc1 \u259 ?ruser\uc1 \u259 ? de mult\uc1 \u259 ?
vreme. \uc1 \u350 ?tiam acum c\uc1 \u259 ?, asemenea femeilor care pl\uc1 \u226 ?
ngeau adunate laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? prin palatele \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, trecuser\uc1
\u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?i noi din via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n amintire,
dar aveam oare s\uc1 \u259 ? trecem, \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca \uc1 \u351 ?i ele, din
istorie \uc1 \u238 ?n legend\uc1 \u259 ?? Pentru ca umbra temerii de a nu fi da\uc1
\u355 ?i uit\uc1 \u259 ?rii, care era chiar mai \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1
\u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?toare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t teama de pierzanie,
s\uc1 \u259 ? nu semene groaza printre noi, ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat unul pe
altul care erau scenele de moarte care ne pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceau cel mai mult.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Imediat a fost pomenit felul
\uc1 \u238 ?n care Dehhak \uc1 \u351 ?i-a ucis tat\uc1 \u259 ?l, am\uc1 \u259 ?git
de Diavol. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremea acestei legende, despre care se poveste\uc1 \u351 ?
te la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, totul
era simplu, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci lumea era z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit\uc1 \u259 ? de cur\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i nu avea nevoie de nici o t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?cire.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? voiai lapte, mulgeai capra \uc1 \u351 ?i beai lapte; dac\uc1
\u259 ? venea vorba de cal, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lecai pe el \uc1 \u351 ?i dus
erai; dac\uc1 \u259 ? aduceai vorba de r\uc1 \u259 ?u, ap\uc1 \u259 ?rea
Diavolul \uc1 \u351 ?i te \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ? era
c\uc1 \u226 ?t se poate de pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i omori
p\uc1 \u259 ?rintele. Uciderea tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Merdas, care era
de semin\uc1 \u355 ?ie arab\uc1 \u259 ?, de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Dehhak era \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare at\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? se
petrecea \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o
pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? omorul avea
loc \uc1 \u238 ?n puterea nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o gr\uc1 \u259 ?
din\uc1 \u259 ? de palat uimitoare, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce stelele luminau
nedeslu\uc1 \u351 ?it chiparo\uc1 \u351 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i florile multicolore.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ne-am amintit apoi cum \uc1
\u351 ?i-a ucis legendarul Rustem, dup\uc1 \u259 ? trei zile de lupt\uc1 \u259 ?,
fiul, pe Suhrab, care comanda ostile inamice, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1
\u351 ?ti c\uc1 \u259 ? acesta era vl\uc1 \u259 ?starul s\uc1 \u259 ?u. \uc1
\u206 ?n felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care Rustem care-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?duse seama
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?toarea de bra\uc1 \u355 ? pe care i-o
d\uc1 \u259 ?ruise mamei lui, cu ani \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
Suhrab, cel pe care-l lovise cu sabia f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i
pieptul, era feciorul s\uc1 \u259 ?u se izbea cu pumnii \uc1 \u238 ?n piept, cu
ochii sc\uc1 \u259 ?lda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi, se afla ceva care ne
\uc1 \u238 ?nduio\uc1 \u351 ?a pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Ce anume era acel ceva?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea
\uc1 \u238 ?n sus \uc1 \u351 ?i-n jos, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ploaia continua s\uc1
\u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? trist pe acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?ul l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?
ului, am spus:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ori ne tr\uc1
\u259 ?deaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ne ucide p\uc1 \u259 ?rintele \uc1 \u351 ?i
maestrul nostru, Osman, ori \uc1 \u238 ?l tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u351 ?
i-l ucidem noi pe el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am fost
cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de groaz\uc1 \u259 ?, nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce spusesem
era gre\uc1 \u351 ?it, ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? era adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat. Am t\uc1
\u259 ?cut cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii. In vreme ce continuam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
preumblu \uc1 \u238 ?ncoace \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncolo, \uc1 \u238 ?mi spuneam
\uc1 \u238 ?n sinea mea, m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de grija de a readuce totul la starea
dinainte: s\uc1 \u259 ? le povestesc despre uciderea lui Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ? de
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Efrasiyab, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci astfel o s\uc1 \u259 ? schimb\uc1 \u259
?m subiectul! Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n aceasta fiin\uc1 \u355 ?a un fel de tr\uc1 \u259 ?
dare de care m\uc1 \u259 ? temeam. Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-le despre uciderea lui
H\uc1 \u252 ?srev! Bine, dar a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o istorise\uc1 \u351 ?te
Firdevsi \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor ori a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum o
istorise\uc1 \u351 ?te Nizami \uc1 \u238 ?n H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u350 ?irin? \uc1 \u206 ?ntrist\uc1 \u259 ?tor, \uc1 \u238 ?n Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?
ahilor, este faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa \uc1 \u238 ?n care uciga\uc1
\u351 ?ul p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere,
H\uc1 \u252 ?srev pricepe, cu ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi, cine este cel care
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia! Ca o ultim\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1
\u259 ?pare, \uc1 \u238 ?l trimite pe feciorul care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?
e\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aduc\uc1 \u259 ? ap\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ?pun,
ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte curate \uc1 \u351 ?i covorul de rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, spre a se
ruga pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, dar feciorul, slab de minte, nu pricepe
c\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nul s\uc1 \u259 ?u l-a trimis s\uc1
\u259 ? cear\uc1 \u259 ? ajutor \uc1 \u351 ?i se duce s\uc1 \u259 ?-i aduc\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai cele cerute. Primul lucru pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l face
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul, r\uc1 \u259 ?mas singur \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
?pere cu H\uc1 \u252 ?srev, este s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncuie u\uc1 \u351 ?a pe
din\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Firdevsi \uc1 \u238 ?l descrie cu dezgust, \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? scen\uc1 \u259 ? de la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul C\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor, pe asasinul n\uc1 \u259 ?imit de
uneltitori: miroase ur\uc1 \u226 ?t, este p\uc1 \u259 ?ros \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1
\u226 ?ntecos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
ce m\uc1 \u259 ? preumblam de colo p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? colo, mintea-mi era
ticsit\uc1 \u259 ? de vorbe, dar, ca \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un vis, nu puteam scoate un
sunet.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it atunci,
tot ca prin vis, c\uc1 \u259 ? ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?u\uc1 \u351 ?
oteau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei, c\uc1 \u259 ? vorbeau despre mine cu vr\uc1 \u259 ?
jm\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ie. Pe nea\uc1 \u351 ?teptate, s-au n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit
to\uc1 \u355 ?i trei asupra mea.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd au t\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t pe mine, m-au
dobor\uc1 \u226 ?t de pe picioare cu o asemenea iu\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t ne-am rostogolit to\uc1 \u355 ?i patru pe jos. S-a iscat un
soi de \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierare, o lupt\uc1 \u259 ? corp la corp, dar
aceasta n-a durat mult.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Pe
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se suiau pe mine, am r\uc1 \u259 ?mas \uc1 \u238 ?ntins pe spate,
prins sub ei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unul dintre ei s-a
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat pe genunchii mei. Altul, pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu drept.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru s-a proptit cu genunchii
de \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietura dintre bra\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a tr\uc1 \u226 ?ntit cu n\uc1 \u259 ?dejde fundul undeva
\uc1 \u238 ?ntre stomacul \uc1 \u351 ?i pieptul meu. Aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1
\u259 ? pozi\uc1 \u355 ?ie, nici nu m\uc1 \u259 ? puteam clinti din loc.
Fuseser\uc1 \u259 ?m cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii de tulburare \uc1
\u351 ?i respiram anevoie. Mi-am amintit urm\uc1 \u259 ?toarele:}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 R\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu unchi dinspre tat\uc1 \u259 ?
avea un b\uc1 \u259 ?iat sc\uc1 \u226 ?rbos, cu doi ani mai mare dec\uc1 \u226 ?t
mine, despre care n\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?jduiesc c\uc1 \u259 ? a fost de
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme prins jefuind caravane \uc1 \u351 ?i scurtat de cap.
Individul \uc1 \u259 ?sta pizma\uc1 \u351 ?, sim\uc1 \u355 ?ind c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam mai multe dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el, c\uc1 \u259 ? eram mai iste\uc1
\u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cu gusturi mai alese, c\uc1 \u259 ?uta mereu s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de ceart\uc1 \u259 ?; dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu
izbutea s\uc1 \u259 ? dea de ea, \uc1 \u238 ?mi spunea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Hai s\uc1
\u259 ? ne lu\uc1 \u259 ?m la tr\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351
?i, culc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? degrab\uc1 \u259 ? la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt, se a\uc1 \u351 ?eza cu genunchii pe umerii mei, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
i a\uc1 \u355 ?intea ochii \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?
cea acum Negru \uc1 \u8211 ? l\uc1 \u259 ?sa s\uc1 \u259 ? i se strecoare printre
buze un scuipat \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?
inea scuipatul at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat deasupra mea, se \uc1 \u238 ?nveselea nespus
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?ncercam s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi feresc dezgustat capul la
dreapta \uc1 \u351 ?i la st\uc1 \u226 ?nga, cu g\uc1 \u226 ?ndul c\uc1 \u259 ?
acum-acum o s\uc1 \u259 ? pice pe mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Negru mi-a spus s\uc1 \u259 ? nu ascund nimic. Unde e ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ??
M\uc1 \u259 ?rturise\uc1 \u351 ?te!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Dou\uc1 \u259 ? lucruri \uc1 \u238 ?mi trezeau o triste\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u351 ?i
o m\uc1 \u226 ?nie \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?itoare: faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? nu-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?dusem seama, de la bun \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, c\uc1 \u259 ?
ajunseser\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nvoial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei \uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi r\uc1 \u259 ?cisem gura de poman\uc1 \u259 ?;
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? nu fusesem \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d
c\uc1 \u259 ? ranchiuna lor putea ajunge at\uc1 \u226 ?t de departe \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu fugisem dinainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru a
spus c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu scoteam la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu-i d\uc1 \u259 ?deam ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi taie
capul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Caraghioas\uc1 \u259 ? poveste!
\uc1 \u206 ?mi \uc1 \u355 ?ineam buzele str\uc1 \u226 ?ns lipite, de parc\uc1 \u259
? dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi deschis gura adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul ar fi putut-o
zbughi printre ele. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndeam \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Dac\uc1 \u259 ?
se \uc1 \u238 ?nvoiau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre ei \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?
deau pe m\uc1 \u226 ?na Mai-marelui vistiernicilor, spun\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i c\uc1
\u259 ? eu eram uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul, se puteau socoti dezlega\uc1 \u355 ?i de
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? isprav\uc1 \u259 ?. Singura mea speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
era ca Maestrul Osman s\uc1 \u259 ? numeasc\uc1 \u259 ? pe altcineva, s\uc1 \u259 ?
arate \uc1 \u238 ?n alt\uc1 \u259 ? direc\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar oare era adev\uc1
\u259 ?rat ceea ce spusese Negru despre el? Puteau oare s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u259 ?pun\uc1 \u259 ? aici, iar apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? dea vina pe mine?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-au pus hangerul la g\uc1
\u226 ?t. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acest
lucru \uc1 \u238 ?i provoca lui Negru o mul\uc1 \u355 ?umire pe care nu izbutea
s\uc1 \u259 ? o ascund\uc1 \u259 ?. Mi-au ars o palm\uc1 \u259 ? peste fa\uc1 \u355
?\uc1 \u259 ?. Oare hangerul era ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it? Mi-au mai ars o palm\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am cugetat \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n felul urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor: dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu spun nimic, nu mi se
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mpl\uc1 \u259 ? nimic! Asta mi-a dat o oarecare
for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Acum nu mai ascundeau faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259
? pizmuiau tocmai de pe vremea uceniciei pe mine, cel care de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregii sale vie\uc1 \u355 ?i a \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebuin\uc1 \u355 ?at, \uc1 \u238 ?n
chip limpede, cel mai bine culoarea, a trasat cele mai frumoase linii, a f\uc1
\u259 ?urit cele mai izbutite miniaturi. \uc1 \u206 ?i iubeam pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? pizmuiau \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?! Le-am
z\uc1 \u226 ?mbit iubi\uc1 \u355 ?ilor mei fra\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Unul dintre ei nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i
cine a f\uc1 \u259 ?ptuit aceast\uc1 \u259 ? necuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? m-a
s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat cu foc, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi s\uc1 \u259 ?
rutat iubita dup\uc1 \u259 ? care t\uc1 \u226 ?njea de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme.
Ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i st\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1 \u351 ?i se uitau la lumina l\uc1 \u259
?mpii pe care o apropiaser\uc1 \u259 ? de noi. Am r\uc1 \u259 ?spuns s\uc1 \u259 ?
rutului pe care mi-l d\uc1 \u259 ?duse iubitul meu frate. Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u351 ?tie, dac\uc1 \u259 ? totul se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?i, c\uc1
\u259 ? eu pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuiam cea mai des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
ita miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?. Dibui\uc1 \u355 ?i paginile f\uc1 \u259 ?cute de mine
\uc1 \u351 ?i uita\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? bine la ele! A \uc1 \u238 ?nceput
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? cu furie, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? l-ar
fi m\uc1 \u226 ?niat peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?-i
r\uc1 \u259 ?spunsesem la s\uc1 \u259 ?rut tot prin s\uc1 \u259 ?rut. Dar
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i l-au oprit. Au \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?it o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?nghiontelile lor l-au \uc1 \u238 ?nfuriat pe Negru. Nu p\uc1 \u259 ?
reau sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra\uc1 \u355 ?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t pe mine, c\uc1 \u226 ?t pe
calea spre care se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta via\uc1 \u355 ?a lor \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1
\u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ?, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, voiau s\uc1
\u259 ? se r\uc1 \u259 ?zbune pe \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume, pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru a scos ceva de la
br\uc1 \u226 ?u: un ac lung, cu v\uc1 \u226 ?rful foarte ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it. L-a
apropiat fugar de ochii mei; a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut o mi\uc1 \u351 ?care, de
parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost gata s\uc1 \u259 ? mi-l \uc1 \u238 ?nfig\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum optzeci de ani,
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?it Heratul, marele Behzad, Maestrul
Mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor, a priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? totul se sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?ise \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a orbit singur, cu sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?ntul deplin al demnit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pentru ca nimeni s\uc1
\u259 ? nu-l sileasc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze \uc1 \u238 ?n alt chip, a
zis. La o vreme dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt \uc1 \u351 ?i
apoi \uc1 \u351 ?i-a scos \uc1 \u238 ?nceti\uc1 \u351 ?or acul de egret\uc1 \u259 ?
din ochi, m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric al lui Dumnezeu a
cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t treptat asupra iubitului s\uc1 \u259 ?u rob, a acestui
miniaturist cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ini miraculoase. Ajuns de la Herat la Tabriz
odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu Behzad, care era de-acum orb \uc1 \u351 ?i cuprins de o
fericire f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? margini, acul i-a fost trimis \uc1 \u238 ?n dar
tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1 \u350 ?
ahul Tahmasp, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu legendara Carte a \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor. La
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput, Maestrul Osman n-a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ?
deslu\uc1 \u351 ?easc\uc1 \u259 ? de ce i-a fost trimis. Ins\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1
\u259 ?zi a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele
acestui dar necru\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor se ascundea dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a
face r\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, noima \uc1 \u238 ?
ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a r\uc1 \u259 ?ului. Dup\uc1 \u259 ?
ce a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru dorea s\uc1
\u259 ?-i fie pictat de-acum portretul \uc1 \u238 ?n felul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? voi, care era\uc1 \u355 ?i vl\uc1
\u259 ?starele sale \uc1 \u351 ?i pe care v\uc1 \u259 ? iubea nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat,
l-a\uc1 \u355 ?i tr\uc1 \u259 ?dat, Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?
nfipt asear\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistierie, acest ac \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, \uc1
\u238 ?ntocmai ca Behzad. Iar acum, la ce mai folose\uc1 \u351 ?te dac\uc1 \u259 ?
te orbesc eu pe tine, blestematule pe tine, care duci la pierzanie atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pe care l-a creat el \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i-a \uc1
\u238 ?nchinat \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ??!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fie c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? orbe\uc1 \u351 ?ti, fie
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu, tot n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? ne mai afl\uc1 \u259 ?m locul nic\uc1 \u259
?ieri \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, am zis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul
Osman este cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat orb ori dac\uc1 \u259 ? moare, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
noi o s\uc1 \u259 ? pict\uc1 \u259 ?m sub \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?urirea
francilor cu toate cusururile, cu firea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ne
d\uc1 \u259 ? ghes inima s\uc1 \u259 ? o facem \uc1 \u8211 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ? o
s\uc1 \u259 ? dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndim a\uc1 \u351 ?adar un stil, o s\uc1 \u259 ?
sem\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?m cu noi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ine, dar n-o s\uc1
\u259 ? mai putem fi noi \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ine. Nu, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
dac\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ? spunem: \uc1 \u8222 ?Vom picta ca mae\uc1 \u351 ?
trii din vechime\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i: \uc1 \u8222 ?Vom fi noi \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u351 ?ine doar dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom picta ca ei\uc1 \u8221 ?, Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahul Nostru, care i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ntors spatele p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Maestrului Osman, va g\uc1 \u259 ?si pe altcineva \uc1
\u238 ?n locul nostru. Nu se va mai uita nimeni la noi; vor fi doar \uc1 \u238 ?
nduio\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i de soarta noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar atacul de la
cafenea nu va face altceva dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? adauge sare \uc1 \u351 ?i
piper tuturor acestor lucruri, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ndoial\uc1 \u259 ?, pricina acestei \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?
mpl\uc1 \u259 ?ri va fi pus\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n parte, \uc1 \u238 ?n
spinarea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, care ne-am luat de
predicator.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-am r\uc1 \u259 ?
cit gura \uc1 \u351 ?i am \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? le ar\uc1 \u259 ?t
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nvr\uc1 \u259 ?jbirea noastr\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne va aduce
nici un folos, dar str\uc1 \u259 ?dania mea a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n van. Nu aveau de
g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? asculte. Erau cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de
\uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare \uc1 \u351 ?i credeau c\uc1 \u259 ? dac\uc1 \u259 ?
hot\uc1 \u259 ?rau grabnic, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zori, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u355 ?ine seama dac\uc1 \u259 ? aveau sau nu dreptate
c\uc1 \u259 ? unul dintre noi era vinovat, urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? ias\uc1
\u259 ? basma curat\uc1 \u259 ? din toat\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? istorie
\uc1 \u351 ?i nu aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie pu\uc1 \u351 ?i la cazne, iar via\uc1
\u355 ?a din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se scurg\uc1
\u259 ? mai departe, ani de zile, ca pe vremuri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cu
toate acestea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?, ceea ce amenin\uc1 \u355 ?a Negru
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac\uc1 \u259 ? nu le era pe plac celorlal\uc1 \u355 ?i doi.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? altcineva era g\uc1 \u259 ?sit vinovat \uc1 \u351 ?i-i ajungea la
ureche Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? orbiser\uc1 \u259 ?
degeaba? Ii \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta totodat\uc1 \u259 ?
apropierea dintre Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u351 ?i Negru, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i
neobr\uc1 \u259 ?zarea cu care acesta din urm\uc1 \u259 ? vorbea despre el. Au \uc1
\u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze acul pe care
Negru, \uc1 \u238 ?nnebunit de furie, continua s\uc1 \u259 ?-l \uc1 \u355 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ? chiar l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? ochii mei. Negru a \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? se team\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? aveau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i ia
acul de egret\uc1 \u259 ? din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? urma
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajungem la o \uc1 \u238 ?nvoial\uc1 \u259 ?. S-a iscat o \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierare. Nu puteam dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? ridic b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbia \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi dau capul pe spate, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? feresc de lupta pentru dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndirea acului care se d\uc1 \u259 ?
dea chiar dinaintea ochilor mei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Apoi, totul s-a petrecut at\uc1 \u226 ?t de repede, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
prima dat\uc1 \u259 ? nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-am priceput despre ce era vorba: am
sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?n ochiul drept, o durere ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1
\u259 ?, dar de scurt\uc1 \u259 ? durat\uc1 \u259 ?; o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi-a stat
mintea \uc1 \u238 ?n loc. Apoi, totul a revenit la starea dinainte, de\uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n mine se cuib\uc1 \u259 ?rise deja groaza. Lampa se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtase, dar am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt cum
cel\uc1 \u259 ?lalt \uc1 \u238 ?mi v\uc1 \u226 ?ra hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t
acul \uc1 \u238 ?n ochiul st\uc1 \u226 ?ng, de data asta. \uc1 \u206 ?i luase
adineaori din m\uc1 \u226 ?na lui Negru; era mai atent \uc1 \u351 ?i mai grijuliu.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am dumerit c\uc1 \u259 ? acul \uc1 \u238 ?mi p\uc1 \u259 ?
trunsese pe neg\uc1 \u226 ?ndite \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, nu m-am clintit din loc; am
avut aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i impresie de arsur\uc1 \u259 ?. Amor\uc1 \u355 ?eala mi se
r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndise parc\uc1 \u259 ? din frunte \uc1 \u238 ?n tot
capul, dar c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it acul, a contenit. Acum se uitau ba la
ochii mei, ba la v\uc1 \u226 ?rful acului. Parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu erau tocmai siguri
de ceea ce se s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ise. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd au
priceput cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai nenorocirea ce se ab\uc1 \u259 ?
tuse peste capul meu, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?ierarea s-a potolit, iar ap\uc1
\u259 ?sarea de pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele mele a sl\uc1 \u259 ?bit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? urlu. Nu de durere,
ci de spaim\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elesesem ce
mi se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplase. Nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u226 ?t am urlat.
La \uc1 \u238 ?nceput, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1
\u259 ?tul nu m\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351 ?ura doar pe mine, ci \uc1 \u238 ?i
u\uc1 \u351 ?ura \uc1 \u351 ?i pe ei. Vocea mea ne apropia unii de al\uc1 \u355 ?
ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ? ce \uc1 \u355 ?ip\uc1 \u259 ?tul meu se domolea, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
c\uc1 \u259 ? fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de o oarecare \uc1 \u238 ?
ngrijorare. Continua s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ? doar\uc1 \u259 ? nimic. Nu-mi
ie\uc1 \u351 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? din minte faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acul
acela \uc1 \u238 ?mi fusese \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt \uc1 \u238 ?n am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi
ochii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu orbisem \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?. Din fericire, puteam \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? vedea cum m\uc1
\u259 ? priveau cu groaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, puteam \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?ri umbrele care se mi\uc1 \u351 ?cau \uc1
\u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?itoare pe tavanul l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului. Asta m-a
bucurat, dar a \uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n mine o
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 L\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?! Am strigat. L\uc1 \u259 ?
sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? mai v\uc1 \u259 ?d o dat\uc1 \u259 ?
totul, v\uc1 \u259 ? rog!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-ne \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ?! A zis Negru. Cum te-ai
\uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?lnit \uc1 \u238 ?n seara aia cu Delicat Efendi? Apoi o
s\uc1 \u259 ? te l\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?m \uc1 \u238 ?n pace.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntorceam acas\uc1 \u259 ? de la
cafenea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n cale bietul Delicat
Efendi. Era \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat, p\uc1 \u259 ?rea foarte r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259
?\uc1 \u351 ?it. In prima clip\uc1 \u259 ?, mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mil\uc1 \u259 ?
de el. Dar acum l\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci o s\uc1
\u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? povestesc dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea! Mi se \uc1 \u238 ?ntunec\uc1
\u259 ? privirea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\lang1048
\lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu \uc1 \u355 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunec\uc1 \u259 ? imediat, a zis Negru, plin de remu\uc1 \u351 ?care. Maestrul
Osman a recunoscut calul cu n\uc1 \u259 ?rile crestate dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce ochii i-
au fost str\uc1 \u259 ?pun\uc1 \u351 ?i de ac, crede-m\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bietul Delicat Efendi a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? vrea s\uc1
\u259 ? stea de vorb\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine, c\uc1 \u259 ? numai \uc1 \u238 ?n mine
are \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu de
el \uc1 \u238 ?mi era mie mil\uc1 \u259 ? acum, ci de mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne poveste\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca
s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i potopeasc\uc1 \u259 ? ochii, ai
s\uc1 \u259 ? mai po\uc1 \u355 ?i privi m\uc1 \u226 ?ine diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? lumea pe s\uc1 \u259 ?turate pentru ultima dat\uc1 \u259 ?, a zis Negru.
Uite, contene\uc1 \u351 ?te ploaia!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
S\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem la
cafenea, i-am zis lui Delicat, dar am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?
ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea acolo, ba chiar se temea de
locul acela. M-am dumerit astfel, pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce
ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndeletnicit \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu miniatura vreme de
dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani, c\uc1 \u259 ?, odat\uc1 \u259 ?
trecu\uc1 \u355 ?i anii uceniciei, Delicat Efendi se rupsese \uc1 \u351 ?i se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtase destul de mult de noi. \uc1 \u206 ?n ultimii opt-
nou\uc1 \u259 ? ani, de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?torise, nici
nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiam ce f\uc1 \u259 ?cea, de\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l vedeam
pe la atelier. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?.
\uc1 \u206 ?n ea ar fi st\uc1 \u259 ?ruit un mare p\uc1 \u259 ?cat. Un lucru de a
c\uc1 \u259 ?rui ap\uc1 \u259 ?sare nu ar fi putut sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa niciunul din
noi. Spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ? urma s\uc1
\u259 ? ardem cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad. Era nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tit,
\uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?at; \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?ncerca sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul de dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gire al celui care a s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama, o mare f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?delege.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Care era marea f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?delege?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd l-am \uc1 \u238
?ntrebat asta, a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut ochii mari, uimit, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi
spus: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum tu nu ai \uc1 \u351 ?ti!\uc1 \u8221 ?
Atunci m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit c\uc1 \u259 ? tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ul nostru
de ucenicie a \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?nit, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i noi. A
spus c\uc1 \u259 ? bietul Unchi s-a folosit \uc1 \u238 ?n ultima pictur\uc1
\u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici un fel de \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?
ial\uc1 \u259 ?, de metoda perspectivei. \uc1 \u206 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ? imagine,
lucrurile n-ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?ate
potrivit \uc1 \u238 ?nsemn\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe care o au
ele \uc1 \u238 ?n mintea lui Dumnezeu, ci a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac francii, cum se
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ?, adic\uc1
\u259 ?, ele \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor no\uc1 \u351 ?tri. Acesta ar fi
fost un mare p\uc1 \u259 ?cat. Un al doilea p\uc1 \u259 ?cat era faptul c\uc1 \u259
? un c\uc1 \u226 ?ine fusese pictat la fel de mare ca Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru,
Califul Islamului. Un al treilea p\uc1 \u259 ?cat era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea
Diavolului p\uc1 \u259 ?rea la fel de mare ca El \uc1 \u351 ?i era pictat\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u238 ?n chip pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut. Dar cea mai mare blasfemie dintre toate
era, negre\uc1 \u351 ?it, faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, odat\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndire franc\uc1 \u259 ? adus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n imagine,
portretul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru fusese z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit la dimensiuni
uria\uc1 \u351 ?e, cu toate am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntele chipului. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum fac
cei care se \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u259 ? la idoli. Sau ca \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1
\u8222 ?portretele\uc1 \u8221 ? zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vite pe zidurile bisericilor, la
care se \uc1 \u238 ?nchin\uc1 \u259 ? cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinii, care nu s-au putut
dezb\uc1 \u259 ?ra de apuc\uc1 \u259 ?turile lor idolatre. Delicat Efendi \uc1
\u351 ?tia foarte bine cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?portret\uc1 \u8221 ?, pe
care-l aflase de la Unchiul, \uc1 \u351 ?i credea pe bun\uc1 \u259 ? dreptate c\uc1
\u259 ? portretul era cel mai mare p\uc1 \u259 ?cat, c\uc1 \u259 ?, odat\uc1
\u259 ? cu el, va lua sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it pictura islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.
Mi-a spus asta \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce umblam pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? nu ne-am dus la cafeneaua aia unde zicea c\uc1 \u259 ? erau ataca\uc1 \u355
?i Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Predicator \uc1 \u351 ?i credin\uc1 \u355 ?a
noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Din c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se oprea \uc1
\u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntreba, cu aerul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi
cerea ajutorul: \uc1 \u8222 ?Sunt adev\uc1 \u259 ?rate toate acestea?\uc1 \u8221 ?,
\uc1 \u8222 ?Nu exist\uc1 \u259 ? nici o sc\uc1 \u259 ?pare?\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1
\u8222 ?0 s\uc1 \u259 ? ardem \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad?\uc1 \u8221 ? Trecea prin crize de
remu\uc1 \u351 ?care \uc1 \u351 ?i se \uc1 \u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ea
singur, dar la un moment dat am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l credeam deloc.
Era un f\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?arnic care se purta ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum s-ar fi
\uc1 \u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it singur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cum ai deslu\uc1 \u351 ?it asta?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?l
cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?tem cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii pe Delicat Efendi \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259
? din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie. Este foarte dichisit, dar t\uc1 \u259 ?cut, \uc1
\u351 ?ters \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? haz. Cum sunt to\uc1 \u355 ?i
auritorii! P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? individul din fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea era mai
prost, mai naiv \uc1 \u351 ?i mai credincios dec\uc1 \u226 ?t era el, \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? totodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai lipsit de ad\uc1 \u226 ?
ncime.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i el avea, se pare,
leg\uc1 \u259 ?turi cu adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii hogei din Erzurum, a zis Negru.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici un musulman nu se \uc1 \u238 ?nvinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n felul acesta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? a s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i dea seama, am zis. Un bun musulman \uc1 \u351 ?tie
c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu este drept \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?
eleg\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ine seama de g\uc1
\u226 ?ndurile robului s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Doar ne\uc1 \u351 ?tiutorii cu minte de
g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? cred c\uc1 \u259 ? vor ajunge \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? au m\uc1 \u226 ?ncat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a b\uc1 \u259 ?ga de
seam\uc1 \u259 ?, carne de porc. Un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat musulman \uc1 \u351 ?tie
\uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? teama de Iad nu a fost z\uc1 \u259 ?
mislit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru a-l \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta pe el,
ci pe ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i. Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, asta f\uc1 \u259 ?cea Delicat Efendi:
voia s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nte!
Unchiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u era cel care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ase c\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi putut-o face; tot atunci am priceput asta. Acum,
iubi\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei fra\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, spune\uc1 \u355 ?
i-mi drept, \uc1 \u238 ?mi umple oare s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele ochii, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1
\u351 ?i pierd oare pupilele mele culoarea?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au
adus l\uc1 \u259 ?mpile, le-au apropiat de fa\uc1 \u355 ?a mea \uc1 \u351 ?i m-au
privit cu luarea-aminte \uc1 \u351 ?i afec\uc1 \u355 ?iunea unor doctori.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Arat\uc1 \u259 ? ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum nu s-ar fi petrecut
nimic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare ultimul lucru pe care-l
voi vedea pe lume vor fi ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti trei in\uc1 \u351 ?i, care se uit\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei? Sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? uit p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226
?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii acele clipe \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1
\u259 ?, de\uc1 \u351 ?i plin de mustr\uc1 \u259 ?ri de cuget, eram \uc1 \u238 ?n
continuare \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?it de speran\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, le
istoriseam mai departe:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unchiul
t\uc1 \u259 ?u a fost cel care i-a spus lui Delicat Efendi c\uc1 \u259 ? a s\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it un lucru interzis. A f\uc1 \u259 ?cut-o
acoperind suprafa\uc1 \u355 ?a ultimei picturi, descoperind c\uc1 \u226 ?te unul
din col\uc1 \u355 ?urile ei pentru fiecare dintre noi, pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1
\u259 ? se f\uc1 \u259 ?ureasc\uc1 \u259 ? acolo c\uc1 \u226 ?te o imagine,
t\uc1 \u259 ?inuind pictura \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul ei. I-a d\uc1 \u259 ?
ruit un aer misterios \uc1 \u351 ?i greu de priceput \uc1 \u351 ?i a r\uc1 \u259 ?
sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit teama de p\uc1 \u259 ?cat. El, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu adep\uc1 \u355 ?
ii hogei din Erzurum, care n-au v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a lor
o carte cu miniaturi, a fost cel care ne-a fluturat pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? pe
la nas inven\uc1 \u355 ?iile acelea care ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntinau \uc1 \u351 ?i pe
noi, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum ne-a adus \uc1 \u351 ?i nelini\uc1 \u351 ?tea p\uc1 \u259 ?
catului. Dar de ce oare s-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nta un
miniaturist cu con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a curat\uc1 \u259 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturistul cu con\uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?a
curat\uc1 \u259 ? are a se teme \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de foarte multe lucruri,
a zis Negru, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe iste\uc1 \u355 ?ul. Da, nimeni n-are
nimic de zis \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva picturii, dar portretul este oprit de
credin\uc1 \u355 ?a noastr\uc1 \u259 ?. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? picturile mae\uc1
\u351 ?trilor persani, ba chiar miracolele celor mai mari mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din
Herat au fost privite, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, ca o parte a
decora\uc1 \u355 ?iunii h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?zite chenarului, nu se
leag\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni de ele, socotind c\uc1 \u259 ? pun \uc1 \u238 ?n
lumin\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea scriiturii, miracolele \uc1 \u238 ?
nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuite de caligrafi. C\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i oameni v\uc1 \u259 ?
d, de fapt, pictura noastr\uc1 \u259 ?? Ins\uc1 \u259 ? pictura decorativ\uc1 \u259
? ori miniatura pe care o pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuim folosindu-ne de me\uc1 \u351 ?
te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci trece de pragul simplei
decora\uc1 \u355 ?iuni \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe s\uc1 \u259 ? fie portret
de-a binelea. Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, asta este ceea ce nu \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duie
Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Coran, asta nu-i era deloc pe plac Profetului Nostru.
\uc1 \u350 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, \uc1 \u351 ?i Unchiul meu \uc1 \u351 ?
tiau foarte bine acest lucru. Din pricina aceasta a fost ucis Unchiul.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Unchiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u a fost ucis pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
se temea, am zis. La fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i tine, \uc1 \u351 ?i el \uc1 \u238 ?
ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? sus\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura pe care o
pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?deam nu era potrivnic\uc1 \u259 ? religiei, C\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Iar \uc1
\u259 ?sta este tocmai pretextul c\uc1 \u259 ?utat de adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii hogei din
Erzurum, care se dau de ceasul mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ? dibuiasc\uc1 \u259 ?
ceva potrivnic religiei. Delicat Efendi \uc1 \u351 ?i Unchiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u se
\uc1 \u8222 ?potriveau foarte bine unul cu altul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Iar tu i-ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi, nu-i a\uc1 \u351
?a? A zis Negru. Am crezut o clip\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? o s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i abia atunci am priceput c\uc1 \u259
? proasp\uc1 \u259 ?tul so\uc1 \u355 ? al frumoasei \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re nu
era deloc nemul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de uciderea Unchiului s\uc1 \u259 ?u. N-avea
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? loveasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, chiar dac\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? lovea, acum nu-mi mai p\uc1 \u259 ?sa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 De fapt, at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ?
izvodeasc\uc1 \u259 ? laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? o carte sub \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u226 ?
urirea pictorilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum voia Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, am zis cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?
nare. Unchiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u dorea \uc1 \u351 ?i el s\uc1 \u259 ? z\uc1 \u259 ?
misleasc\uc1 \u259 ? o carte care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i \uc1 \u238 ?nfrunte pe to\uc1
\u355 ?i o carte str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?tut\uc1 \u259 ? de teama p\uc1 \u259 ?
catului. Asta ca s\uc1 \u259 ? se dea mare cu ea, trufa\uc1 \u351 ? cum \uc1
\u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tiu! Fusese vr\uc1 \u259 ?jit, \uc1 \u238 ?nrobit de picturile
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, pe care le v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?toriilor sale, \uc1 \u351 ?i a crezut p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n acele lucruri
despre care ne vorbea tuturor zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi \uc1 \u355 ?i-a istorisit
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?ie aiurelile legate de perspectiv\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i de portret. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? mine, \uc1 \u238 ?n cartea pe care am f\uc1
\u259 ?urit-o nu se g\uc1 \u259 ?sea nimic p\uc1 \u259 ?gubitor, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
nu exista nici vreun am\uc1 \u259 ?nunt care s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncalce z\uc1
\u259 ?gazurile credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce-l prive\uc1 \u351 ?te
pe el, avea aerul cuiva care \uc1 \u238 ?mplinea o carte primejdioas\uc1 \u259 ?
tocmai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?tia acest lucru \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea nespus. Pentru el, \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuirea unui
asemenea lucru \uc1 \u8222 ?primejdios\uc1 \u8221 ? cu \uc1 \u238 ?nvoirea Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ahului! Era la fel de \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? ca pre\uc1 \u355 ?
uirea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de picturile mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nci. Da, dac\uc1 \u259 ? facem o pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de at\uc1 \u226 ?rnat pe perete
s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?im un p\uc1 \u259 ?cat. Dar \uc1 \u238 ?n
niciuna din imaginile pe care le-am pictat pentru cartea aceea n-am sim\uc1 \u355 ?
it ceva potrivnic credin\uc1 \u355 ?ei vreo t\uc1 \u259 ?gad\uc1 \u259 ?, vreo
erezie ori poate chiar teama de vreo opreli\uc1 \u351 ?te nel\uc1 \u259 ?
murit\uc1 \u259 ?. Voi a\uc1 \u355 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?it?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Ochii mei \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduser\uc1 \u259 ? u\uc1 \u351
?or puterea de p\uc1 \u259 ?trundere, dar, slav\uc1 \u259 ? Domnului, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? mai eram \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?d \uc1 \u238
?ntr-at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? pricep c\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrebarea mea \uc1 \u238 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
ov\uc1 \u259 ?ie peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nu v\uc1 \u259 ? pute\uc1 \u355 ?i hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u238 ?, nu-i
a\uc1 \u351 ?a? Am zis cu pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? crede\uc1 \u355
?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginile pe care
le-am pictat st\uc1 \u259 ?ruie ideea unui p\uc1 \u259 ?cat oarecare ori umbra unei
necredin\uc1 \u355 ?e, nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i fi niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
stare s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncuviin\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? o spune\uc1 \u355 ?i deschis. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? ar \uc1 \u238 ?
nsemna s\uc1 \u259 ? le da\uc1 \u355 ?i dreptate vr\uc1 \u259 ?jma\uc1 \u351 ?ilor
vo\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Erzurum, fanaticilor care v\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nvinuiesc. Pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i putea spune niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?spicat c\uc1 \u259 ? sunte\uc1 \u355 ?i nep\uc1 \u259 ?
ta\uc1 \u355 ?i, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? asta ar \uc1 \u238 ?nsemna s\uc1 \u259 ?
v\uc1 \u259 ? dezice\uc1 \u355 ?i de trufia \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?
toare de a \uc1 \u238 ?mplini lucruri tainice, misterioase, ne\uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?duite, de a v\uc1 \u259 ? umfla \uc1 \u238 ?n pene \uc1 \u351 ?i de a
v\uc1 \u259 ? da aere de noble\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i cum am priceput c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i eu \uc1
\u238 ?mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deam asemenea aere? Aduc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l pe bietul Delicat
Efendi \uc1 \u238 ?n acest l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?, la vreme de noapte! II
adusesem aici pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nghe\uc1 \u355 ?asem bocn\uc1
\u259 ? tot r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cind cu el pe tot soiul de uli\uc1 \u355 ?e.
De fapt, eram m\uc1 \u259 ?gulit c\uc1 \u259 ? vedea \uc1 \u238 ?n mine o r\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?
Kalenderi eretic, ba chiar mai r\uc1 \u259 ?u, un imitator al Kalenderi-ilor. Aveam
impresia c\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n mine ultimul
reprezentant al unei tagme desfiin\uc1 \u355 ?ate, care se deda sodomiei,
opiumului, pribegiei \uc1 \u351 ?i altor lucruri la fel de scandaloase, bietul
Delicat Efendi avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se team\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai tare de
mine, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? pre\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i mai mult \uc1 \u351 ?i avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u259 ? gura, de fric\uc1 \u259 ?. Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mplat tocmai invers. Prietenul nostru din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie, cel cu minte
de g\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, a decis pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?nvinuirile de necredin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe care le auzise de la Unchiul
erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiate, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum a decis \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
nu-i pl\uc1 \u259 ?cea deloc aici. A\uc1 \u351 ?a se face c\uc1 \u259 ? dragul
nostru tovar\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ? de ucenicie, care spunea la \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ajut\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1
\u355 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ?-m\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? ajungem
\uc1 \u238 ?n Iad, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? pot dormi lini\uc1 \u351 ?tit \uc1 \u238 ?n
noaptea asta!\uc1 \u8221 ?, a prins mai apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? rosteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, pe
un ton amenin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tor: \uc1 \u8222 ?Asta se va sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?u!\uc1 \u8221 ? Spunea c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ? ne \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtaser\uc1 \u259 ?m foarte
mult de poruncile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru n-avea s\uc1 \u259 ? ne-o ierte, c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u226 ?rfele aveau
s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? la urechea
predicatorului din Erzurum. \uc1 \u206 ?n orice caz, era cu neputin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l mai conving c\uc1 \u259 ? totul mergea bine. Am
\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? avea de g\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?
le povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ? tuturor prietenilor lui cu minte de g\uc1 \u259 ?
in\uc1 \u259 ?, vr\uc1 \u259 ?ji\uc1 \u355 ?i de predicatorul din Erzurum, despre
aiurelile Unchiului, exager\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu \uc1 \u238 ?nchipuirile lui despre
blasfemie \uc1 \u351 ?i despre Diavolul \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?at ca o f\uc1 \u259 ?ptur\uc1 \u259 ? simpatic\uc1 \u259 ?, iar ace\uc1
\u351 ?tia aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n asemenea
cleveteli. \uc1 \u350 ?ti\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?t de mult ne pizmuiesc nu numai
breasla artizanilor, ci to\uc1 \u355 ?i me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugarii pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru ne-a cinstit \uc1 \u238 ?ndeaproape cu
interesul s\uc1 \u259 ?u! Acum urmau s\uc1 \u259 ? spun\uc1 \u259 ? to\uc1 \u355 ?
i, cu mare pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere: MINIATURI\uc1 \u350 ?TII SUNT F\uc1 \u258 ?R\uc1
\u258 ? DUMNEZEU! Mai mult, din pricina lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rii \uc1 \u238 ?mplinite
laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? de Unchi \uc1 \u351 ?i de Delicat Efendi, aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
cleveteal\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u351 ?i par\uc1 \u259 ? demn\uc1
\u259 ? de crezare. Spun \uc1 \u8222 ?cleveteal\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ? pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu credeam cu nici un chip \uc1 \u238 ?n spusele fratelui meu Delicat
cu privire la carte \uc1 \u351 ?i la ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. La vremea aceea,
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?duiam s\uc1 \u259 ? se
spun\uc1 \u259 ? nimic pe seama r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Unchi. Ba chiar socoteam
foarte potrivit ca favorurile Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru s\uc1 \u259 ? se
\uc1 \u238 ?ndrepte dinspre Maestrul Osman \uc1 \u238 ?nspre el, credeam chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu la fel de mult ca el \uc1 \u238 ?n ceea ce-mi povestise cu de-
am\uc1 \u259 ?nuntul despre mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u351 ?i
despre picturile lor. G\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam sincer c\uc1 \u259 ? noi, miniaturi\uc1
\u351 ?tii otomani, puteam \uc1 \u238 ?mprumuta foarte bine de ici, de colo, me\uc1
\u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul francilor, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum ne poftea inima \uc1 \u351
?i at\uc1 \u226 ?t c\uc1 \u226 ?t v\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ?m noi prin c\uc1
\u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torii, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? avem nici un
fel de nego\uc1 \u355 ? cu Diavolul, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste lucruri nu
vor aduce nenorocirea pe capul nostru. Via\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1 \u259 ?rea u\uc1
\u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?, iar r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul t\uc1 \u259 ?u Unchi devenea,
pentru mine, un nou tat\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ? Maestrul Osman, \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? nou\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 S\uc1 \u259 ? nu vorbim \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de
asta! A zis Negru. Poveste\uc1 \u351 ?te-ne mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i cum l-
ai omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe Delicat.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
f\uc1 \u259 ?cut treaba asta, am zis, pricep\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? nu puteam
rosti cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?a omor\uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, nu numai
pentru noi, pentru a ne m\uc1 \u226 ?ntui pe noi, ci pentru a sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de
la pieire \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul atelier de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Delicat Efendi
pricepuse c\uc1 \u259 ? pusese m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe o arm\uc1 \u259 ? cu care putea
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne amenin\uc1 \u355 ?e. M-am rugat lui Dumnezeu, l-am implorat
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arate ce fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? josnic\uc1 \u259 ? era acel
tic\uc1 \u259 ?los. Dumnezeul meu mi-a primit rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunile \uc1 \u351 ?i
a scos la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?t de jalnic era mizerabilul: m-am oferit
s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau bani. \uc1 \u206 ?mi veniser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n minte
ace\uc1 \u351 ?ti galbeni, dar, luminat de Dumnezeu, am ticluit o minciun\uc1 \u259
?. I-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? galbenii nu se aflau aici, \uc1 \u238 ?n l\uc1 \u259 ?
ca\uc1 \u351 ?, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n alt loc, unde \uc1 \u238 ?i pitisem. Am ie\uc1
\u351 ?it. Am mers la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare pe uli\uc1 \u355 ?e pustii,
prin mahalale m\uc1 \u259 ?rgina\uc1 \u351 ?e, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi fac deloc socoteala \uc1 \u238 ?ncotro o apuc. Nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car
nu \uc1 \u351 ?tiam ce urma s\uc1 \u259 ? fac; \uc1 \u351 ?i-mi era foarte team\uc1
\u259 ?. La cap\uc1 \u259 ?tul r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?cirii noastre f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?int\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? nici o
direc\uc1 \u355 ?ie, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd am trecut \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1
\u259 ? pe o uli\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe care mai trecusem \uc1 \u238 ?nainte,
fratele nostru auritor, Delicat Efendi, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nchinase
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? repeti\uc1 \u355 ?iei \uc1 \u351 ?i
formei, a devenit b\uc1 \u259 ?nuitor. Dar Dumnezeu ne scosese \uc1 \u351 ?i El
\uc1 \u238 ?n cale un loc ne\uc1 \u238 ?ngr\uc1 \u259 ?dit, pustiit de incendii,
\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n imediata lui apropiere, un pu\uc1 \u355 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n acest punct, mi-am dat seama c\uc1
\u259 ? nu voi mai putea istorisi ceea ce a urmat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i voi, dac\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi fost \uc1
\u238 ?n locul meu, v-a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit la salvarea tuturor
ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i fra\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai no\uc1 \u351 ?
tri \uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?i fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut acela\uc1 \u351 ?i lucru, am
zis, plin de curaj.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi d\uc1 \u259 ?deau dreptate, mi-a venit s\uc1
\u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng. Era s\uc1 \u259 ? spun \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?ci
comp\uc1 \u259 ?timirea lor, pe care nu o meritam, mi-a \uc1 \u238 ?nmuiat
inima\uc1 \u8221 ?, dar nu asta era pricina! Era s\uc1 \u259 ? spun \uc1 \u8222 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci am auzit din nou zgomotul f\uc1 \u259 ?cut de trupul lui atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd s-a izbit de fundul pu\uc1 \u355 ?ului \uc1 \u238 ?n care l-am
aruncat dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-am ucis\uc1 \u8221 ?, dar nu asta era pricina! Era
s\uc1 \u259 ? spun \uc1 \u8222 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?t de fericit eram \uc1 \u238 ?nainte
de a deveni uciga\uc1 \u351 ?, eram \uc1 \u351 ?i eu ca toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea,
prin urmare mi-a venit s\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u226 ?ng amintindu-mi de acest
lucru\uc1 \u8221 ?, dar nu asta era pricina! In fa\uc1 \u355 ?a ochilor mei
prinsese via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? un orb care trecea \uc1 \u238 ?n copil\uc1
\u259 ?rie prin mahalaua noastr\uc1 \u259 ? nevoia\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?: \uc1
\u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i scotea de sub ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele murdare un ulcior de
aram\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai murdar dec\uc1 \u226 ?t el \uc1 \u351 ?i ne
spunea nou\uc1 \u259 ?, copiilor, care urm\uc1 \u259 ?ream de departe ceea ce se
petrecea la ci\uc1 \u351 ?mea: \uc1 \u8222 ?Puii mei, care dintre voi \uc1 \u238 ?i
umple unchie\uc1 \u351 ?ului orb ulciorul de la ci\uc1 \u351 ?mea?\uc1 \u8221 ?
Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu se ducea nimeni, spunea: \uc1 \u8222 ?0 s\uc1 \u259 ?
face\uc1 \u355 ?i o fapt\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?, puii mei, o s\uc1 \u259 ?
face\uc1 \u355 ?i o fapt\uc1 \u259 ? bun\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1 \u8221 ? Pupilele i se
decoloraser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduser\uc1
\u259 ? cu totul culoarea, fiind asemenea cu albul ochilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Le-am povestit apoi la \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplare, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc nici o pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere,
\uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorat c\uc1 \u259 ? voi ajunge s\uc1 \u259 ? sem\uc1 \u259 ?n cu
unchie\uc1 \u351 ?ul acela orb, cum l-am ucis pe Unchi. N-am exagerat nici cu
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rul, nici cu minciuna. G\uc1 \u259 ?sind o m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ? potrivit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ?, care nu
m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi calc prea tare pe inim\uc1 \u259 ?,
au priceput, din c\uc1 \u226 ?te mi-am dat seama, c\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
dusesem acolo s\uc1 \u259 ?-l omor. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd le-am spus c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
ajungi \uc1 \u238 ?n Iad dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti m\uc1 \u226 ?nat de
g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri rele, c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi g\uc1 \u259 ?sisem tot felul
de justific\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u351 ?i de scuze, au sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it
prin a pricepe ce voiam s\uc1 \u259 ? spun: c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l omor\uc1 \u226 ?sem
nutrind de la bun \uc1 \u238 ?nceput aceast\uc1 \u259 ? dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce l-am \uc1
\u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?at pe Delicat Efendi \uc1 \u238 ?ngerilor lui Dumnezeu,
am zis g\uc1 \u226 ?nditor, cuvintele pe care mi le spusese r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul
\uc1 \u238 ?n ultima vreme au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi road\uc1 \u259 ?
sufletul ca un vierme. Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi m\uc1 \u226 ?njisem m\uc1 \u226 ?
inile de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge pentru ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ? o f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1
\u259 ? creasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii mei. M-am dus la Unchiul t\uc1 \u259
?u, care nu ne mai chema acum acas\uc1 \u259 ? pe niciunul dintre noi ca s\uc1
\u259 ? lucr\uc1 \u259 ?m la carte, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am cerut s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi arate
acea ultim\uc1 \u259 ? pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu numai c\uc1 \u259 ? nu mi-a ar\uc1
\u259 ?tat-o, dar s-a purtat cu mine de parc\uc1 \u259 ? nu era nici o
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijorare! Nu exista nici o pictur\uc1 \u259 ?
misterioas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n numele c\uc1 \u259 ?reia s\uc1 \u259 ? ucizi
oameni, \uc1 \u351 ?i nici altceva, nimic! Ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? de sus, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? ia \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisit c\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucisesem pe Delicat
Efendi \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?-l zv\uc1 \u226 ?rlisem \uc1 \u238 ?n pu\uc1
\u355 ?. M-a luat \uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?, dar a continuat s\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1 \u259 ? de sus. Nici un p\uc1 \u259 ?rinte nu-\uc1 \u351
?i poate privi astfel fiul. Marele Maestru Osman se sup\uc1 \u259 ?ra foarte tare
pe noi, ne b\uc1 \u259 ?tea stra\uc1 \u351 ?nic, dar nu ne-a privit niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? de sus. Se pare, fra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor, c\uc1 \u259 ? am gre\uc1 \u351 ?it
tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-1!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Le-
am sur\uc1 \u226 ?s confra\uc1 \u355 ?ilor mei, care-\uc1 \u351 ?i a\uc1 \u355 ?
intiser\uc1 \u259 ? ochii asupra mea de parc\uc1 \u259 ? mi-ar fi ascultat ultimele
vorbe, pe patul de moarte. A\uc1 \u351 ?a cum trebuie c\uc1 \u259 ? simte un om
aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n agonie, \uc1 \u238 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u351 ?i eu
devenind treptat tot mai tulburi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?
rt\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se tot mai mult de mine.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
am omor\uc1 \u226 ?t pe Unchiul t\uc1 \u259 ?u din dou\uc1 \u259 ? pricini. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? l-a silit pe Marele Maestru Osman s\uc1 \u259 ?-l imite, ca o
maimu\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe pictorul acela fr\uc1 \u226 ?nc, Sebastiano. \uc1
\u350 ?i, de asemenea, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? l-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat, d\uc1 \u226 ?
nd dovad\uc1 \u259 ? de sl\uc1 \u259 ?biciune, dac\uc1 \u259 ? am un stil al meu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?i ce-a zis?}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
avea. Dar desigur c\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru el, asta nu era o jignire, ci o vorb\uc1
\u259 ? de laud\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?mi amintesc c\uc1 \u259 ?, deodat\uc1
\u259 ?, m-am g\uc1 \u226 ?ndit cu ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine: \uc1 \u8222 ?Oare asta
s\uc1 \u259 ? fie o laud\uc1 \u259 ? pe seama mea?\uc1 \u8221 ? Pentru c\uc1
\u259 ? eu privesc stilul ca pe un fel de lips\uc1 \u259 ? de noble\uc1 \u355 ?e,
ca pe o ocar\uc1 \u259 ?, dar m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i roade ceva, ca un vierme
pe din\uc1 \u259 ?untru. Nu vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? am un stil, dar, cum m\uc1 \u259 ?
ispite\uc1 \u351 ?te Diavolul, am \uc1 \u351 ?i o oarecare curiozitate \uc1 \u238 ?
n privin\uc1 \u355 ?a asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 To\uc1
\u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i doresc, \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1
\u259 ? aib\uc1 \u259 ? un stil, a zis Negru, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe
iste\uc1 \u355 ?ul. De asemenea, fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i dore\uc1 \u351 ?
te, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a dorit \uc1 \u351 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru, s\uc1
\u259 ? i se picteze portretul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Asta e o
boal\uc1 \u259 ? cu care nu se poate lupta, am zis. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?
ce se va r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndi, niciunul dintre noi nu se va mai putea
\uc1 \u238 ?mpotrivi me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugului mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nu m\uc1 \u259 ?
mai asculta nimeni. Negru istorisea povestea nefericitului bei turcmen care
plecase, vreme de doisprezece ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n surghiun \uc1 \u238
?n \uc1 \u354 ?inutul Chinei deoarece \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
rturisise prea de timpuriu dragostea fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de fata \uc1
\u350 ?ahului. Cum nu avea nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car un portret al iubitei sale \uc1
\u238 ?n jurul c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?eas\uc1 \u259 ? fantezii
\uc1 \u238 ?n r\uc1 \u259 ?stimpul celor doisprezece ani \uc1 \u351 ?i cum, aflat
printre frumoasele chinezoaice, uitase cum ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta chipul ei,
suferin\uc1 \u355 ?a dragostei s-a preschimbat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o p\uc1 \u259 ?
timire ad\uc1 \u226 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?, la care a fost os\uc1 \u226 ?ndit de Dumnezeu.
Cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?tiam \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, de
fapt, ceea ce istorisea era propria lui poveste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ? Unchiului t\uc1 \u259 ?u, am \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at de-acum cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii cuv\uc1 \u226 ?ntul \uc1 \u8222 ?
portret\uc1 \u8221 ?, am zis. Cu voia Domnului, vom \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o bun\uc1 \u259 ? zi \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259
? ne povestim, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ne temem, propria
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca pe propria noastr\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Toate
basmele sunt basmele tuturor, a zis Negru. Nu sunt ale fiec\uc1 \u259 ?rui om
\uc1 \u238 ?n parte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?i toat\uc1 \u259 ? pictura este pictura lui Dumnezeu, am \uc1 \u238 ?ntregit
eu versurile poetului Hatifi din Herat. Dar pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce se
vor r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndi metodele mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nci, toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea va socoti c\uc1 \u259 ? a cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1
\u238 ?nseamn\uc1 \u259 ? a povesti basmul altora ca pe propria poveste.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Iar Diavolul tocmai asta dore\uc1 \u351 ?te!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ? acum! Am
strigat din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri. L\uc1 \u259 ?sa\uc1 \u355 ?i-m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ? privesc lumea pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 V\uc1 \u259 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-i c\uc1 \u259 ? sufer\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?n mine a ren\uc1 \u259 ?scut o oarecare \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere. Negru a fost
primul dintre ei care s-a adunat:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
s\uc1 \u259 ? sco\uc1 \u355 ?i la iveal\uc1 \u259 ? ultima pictur\uc1 \u259 ??}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 M-am uitat \uc1 \u238 ?n
a\uc1 \u351 ?a fel la Negru, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t a \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1
\u355 ?eles \uc1 \u238 ?ndat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?a aveam
s\uc1 \u259 ? fac \uc1 \u351 ?i m-a l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n pace. Inima a
\uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi bat\uc1 \u259 ? cu putere.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 A\uc1 \u355 ?i priceput pesemne de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme care este
identitatea pe care m\uc1 \u259 ? str\uc1 \u259 ?duiam, chipurile, s-o ascund. Cu
toate acestea, s\uc1 \u259 ? nu v\uc1 \u259 ? mai mira\uc1 \u355 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
m-am purtat ca vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat; ei \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
t\uc1 \u259 ?inuiau semn\uc1 \u259 ?tura, dar nu ca s\uc1 \u259 ? nu se \uc1
\u351 ?tie cine sunt, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n semn de pre\uc1 \u355 ?uire fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii lor \uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de r\uc1 \u226 ?nduieli. Am p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it emo\uc1 \u355 ?
ionat, cu lampa \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, prin \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile cufundate \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntuneric ale l\uc1 \u259 ?
ca\uc1 \u351 ?ului, deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd drumul propriei mele umbre palide. Oare
perdeaua \uc1 \u238 ?ntunericului \uc1 \u238 ?ncepuse s\uc1 \u259 ? coboare asupra
ochilor mei, sau aceste \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?peri \uc1 \u351 ?i holuri erau cu
adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat at\uc1 \u226 ?t de \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate? Oare c\uc1 \u226 ?t
timp mai aveam \uc1 \u238 ?nainte c\uc1 \u226 ?te zile, c\uc1 \u226 ?te s\uc1 \u259
?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? orbesc?
Umbra mea s-a oprit odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu mine printre duhurile din buc\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?rie; am luat h\uc1 \u226 ?rtiile din codonul acela curat al dulapului
pr\uc1 \u259 ?fuit \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors degrab\uc1 \u259 ?. Negru
m\uc1 \u259 ? urma \uc1 \u238 ?ndeaproape, dar nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i luase hangerul cu
el. Doream oare ca, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a orbi, s\uc1 \u259 ? pun m\uc1 \u226 ?na
pe hanger \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-l orbesc la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul meu?}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sunt fericit s\uc1 \u259 ? mai pot vedea \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea asta \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a orbi, am zis
cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie. Vreau s-o vede\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i voi. Uita\uc1
\u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? la ea!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u351 ?a le-am ar\uc1 \u259 ?tat, la lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, ultima pictur\uc1
\u259 ? pe care o luasem din casa Unchiului \uc1 \u238 ?n ziua \uc1 \u238 ?n
care \uc1 \u238 ?l omor\uc1 \u226 ?sem. I-am urm\uc1 \u259 ?rit mai \uc1 \u238 ?
nt\uc1 \u226 ?i cum se uitau, curio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i tem\uc1 \u259 ?tori,
la imaginea care se \uc1 \u238 ?ntindea pe dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd
m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am uitat la pictur\uc1 \u259 ? odat\uc1
\u259 ? cu ei, tremuram u\uc1 \u351 ?or, fie din pricina acului de egret\uc1
\u259 ? pe care mi-l \uc1 \u238 ?nfipseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi, fie
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam fierbin\uc1 \u355 ?eal\uc1 \u259 ?, cuprins cum eram de
o ne\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rmurit\uc1 \u259 ? admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Imaginile copacului, calului, Diavolului, mor\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, c\uc1 \u226 ?inelui, femeii se \uc1 \u238 ?nst\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?
niser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimul an, cu mic, cu mare, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
asemenea fel \uc1 \u238 ?n diversele unghere ale acestor dou\uc1 \u259 ? pagini,
potrivit noii metode de or\uc1 \u226 ?nduire a picturii pe care o imaginase, cu
oarecare st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?cie, Unchiul, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t
auririle \uc1 \u351 ?i chenarele r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului Delicat Efendi d\uc1
\u259 ?deau impresia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ne mai uitam, de-acum, la o pagin\uc1 \u259 ?
de carte, ci c\uc1 \u259 ? priveam \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume pe fereastr\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n centrul acestei lumi, \uc1 \u238 ?n locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care
ar fi trebuit s\uc1 \u259 ? se afle portretul Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahului Nostru, se
afla propriul meu portret, pe care l-am privit o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?
ndrie. Eram pu\uc1 \u355 ?in st\uc1 \u226 ?njenit de faptul c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u351 ?terg\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?i stric\uc1 \u226 ?nd mereu ceea ce f\uc1
\u259 ?cusem, privindu-m\uc1 \u259 ? zile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi \uc1 \u238 ?n
oglind\uc1 \u259 ?, trudind plin de neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu izbutisem
s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? fac s\uc1 \u259 ? sem\uc1 \u259 ?n cu mine dec\uc1
\u226 ?t foarte pu\uc1 \u355 ?in; sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?
totodat\uc1 \u259 ? o emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie pe care nu o mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncercasem
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?, nu numai pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? portretul \uc1 \u351 ?i
imaginea aceea m\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ezau \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregului univers, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i dintr-o pricin\uc1 \u259 ? diavoleasc\uc1 \u259
?, pe care nu o pot t\uc1 \u259 ?lm\uc1 \u259 ?ci pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau s\uc1 \u259 ? par mai p\uc1 \u259 ?trunz\uc1 \u259 ?tor,
mai complicat \uc1 \u351 ?i mai misterios dec\uc1 \u226 ?t eram. Doream ca
fra\uc1 \u355 ?ii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti s\uc1 \u259 ? vad\uc1 \u259 ?,
s\uc1 \u259 ? priceap\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpart\uc1 \u259 ? cu
mine aceast\uc1 \u259 ? emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie. Eram, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i
timp, \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul tuturor lucrurilor, ca un padi\uc1 \u351 ?ah sau ca un
rege, dar eram \uc1 \u351 ?i eu \uc1 \u238 ?nsumi. Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? postur\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc,
deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie \uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? aceste dou\uc1 \u259 ? sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte m\uc1 \u259 ?
lini\uc1 \u351 ?teau, cump\uc1 \u259 ?nindu-se unul pe altul, izbuteam s\uc1
\u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?iesc o pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere ame\uc1 \u355 ?itoare, cu g\uc1
\u226 ?ndul la noul loc pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndisem \uc1 \u238 ?n
acel portret. Dar, pentru ca pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerea s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ?
fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?, trebuia ca, mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u259 ?iestriei mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, toate cutele, toate
umbrele de pe ve\uc1 \u351 ?mintele mele, toate co\uc1 \u351 ?urile \uc1 \u351 ?i
bubele de pe chip, toate micile am\uc1 \u259 ?nunte, de la barb\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u355 ?es\uc1 \u259 ?tura stofei, toate
culorile, totul s\uc1 \u259 ? fie des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it
\uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? de cusur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce prive\uc1 \u351 ?te chipurile vechilor mei
prieteni, care priveau portretul, vedeam pe ele, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu un soi de
team\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de uimire, acel sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt de nest\uc1 \u259 ?vilit care este invidia. Odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu sc\uc1
\u226 ?rba m\uc1 \u226 ?nioas\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o \uc1 \u238 ?ncercau fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de cel cufundat \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?cat p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la g\uc1 \u226 ?t, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pizmuiau,
cuprin\uc1 \u351 ?i de spaim\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile \uc1 \u238 ?n care priveam acest portret aici, la
lumina l\uc1 \u259 ?mpii, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it pentru prima oar\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu m-a p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1
\u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea mea, doar Diavolul \uc1 \u238 ?mi
mai poate ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta prietenie, am zis. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? aflam
cu adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul lumii \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mi
doream foarte mult acest lucru de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori priveam portretul \uc1 \u8211
? urma s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? simt \uc1 \u351 ?i mai singur, \uc1 \u238 ?n
ciuda tuturor lucrurilor care m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mpresoar\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i la care \uc1 \u355 ?in, ba chiar a femeilor care seam\uc1 \u259 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? cu frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re \uc1 \u351 ?i a prietenilor
mei dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i, a minun\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei ro\uc1 \u351 ?ului care
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u351 ?te pictura. Nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem s\uc1
\u259 ? am personalitate \uc1 \u351 ?i un fel de a fi aparte, nu m\uc1 \u259 ? tem
ca nu cumva ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? se plece \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?
a mea, ba chiar doresc s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mple taman pe
dos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Adic\uc1 \u259 ?, nu te
c\uc1 \u259 ?ie\uc1 \u351 ?ti? A zis Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, pe tonul unuia abia
ie\uc1 \u351 ?it de la predica de vineri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ? simt ca Diavolul, dar nu pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am ucis doi oameni, ci
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? am pictat un asemenea portret. Socotesc c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am
ucis ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi pot z\uc1 \u259 ?misli portretul. Dar, \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, m\uc1 \u259 ? sperie singur\uc1 \u259 ?tatea noii \uc1
\u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? aflu. Imitarea
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a le fi deprins m\uc1
\u259 ?iestria \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?nrobe\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult
pe miniaturist. Vreau s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? izb\uc1 \u259 ?vesc de aceast\uc1
\u259 ? stare. De fapt, sigur c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i voi a\uc1 \u355 ?i
priceput, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum a priceput \uc1 \u351
?i Dumnezeu, c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am ucis pe am\uc1 \u226 ?ndoi pentru ca via\uc1 \u355
?a \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? continue la fel ca
mai \uc1 \u238 ?nainte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar fapta
aceasta ne va aduce tuturor noi suferin\uc1 \u355 ?e! A zis dragul meu Fluture.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am apucat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o
clipit\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u238 ?ncheietur\uc1 \u259 ? pe Negru, care \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? se mai uita la portret, l-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns din r\uc1 \u259 ?
sputeri, cu furie, \uc1 \u238 ?nfig\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-mi unghiile \uc1 \u238 ?n carnea
lui, \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am r\uc1 \u259 ?sucit bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul. Nemaiput\uc1 \u226 ?
nd s\uc1 \u259 ? rabde, i-a c\uc1 \u259 ?zut hangerul din m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ?. L-am luat iute de jos.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mai mult,
acum n-o s\uc1 \u259 ? mai pute\uc1 \u355 ?i sc\uc1 \u259 ?pa de suferin\uc1
\u355 ?e d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe mine pe seama schingiuitorului, am zis.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am apropiat v\uc1 \u226 ?rful
hangerului, peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it, de ochii lui
Negru, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum m-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit s\uc1 \u259 ? i-
l \uc1 \u238 ?nfig \uc1 \u238 ?n ei:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
D\uc1 \u259 ?-mi acul de egret\uc1 \u259 ?!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi
l-a dat, cu m\uc1 \u226 ?na r\uc1 \u259 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? teaf\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?, iar eu mi l-am v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t la br\uc1 \u226 ?u. Mi-am a\uc1
\u355 ?intit privirea \uc1 \u238 ?n ochii lui; se uita la mine ca un mielu\uc1
\u351 ?el:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mi-e foarte mil\uc1 \u259 ? de
frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ?, nu i-a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas altceva mai bun de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? se m\uc1 \u259 ?rite cu tine, am zis. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? n-a\uc1 \u351 ? fi fost nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l ucid pe Delicat Efendi, ca
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? scap de belea, s-ar fi m\uc1 \u259 ?ritat cu mine
\uc1 \u351 ?i ar fi fost chiar fericit\uc1 \u259 ?. Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am
priceput cel mai bine basmele \uc1 \u351 ?i iscusin\uc1 \u355 ?a mae\uc1 \u351 ?
trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, despre care tat\uc1 \u259 ?l ei ne-a istorisit tuturor.
De aceea, pleca\uc1 \u355 ?i bine urechea la ultimele mele vorbe: am \uc1 \u238 ?
n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? aici nu mai e loc pentru noi, mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti care dorim s\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?im potrivit \uc1
\u238 ?nzestr\uc1 \u259 ?rii noastre \uc1 \u351 ?i cu sufletul ne\uc1 \u238 ?
ntinat. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom prinde s\uc1 \u259 ?-i imit\uc1 \u259 ?m pe mae\uc1
\u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i doreau
r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi \uc1 \u351 ?i Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul, ne va \uc1 \u238 ?
nfr\uc1 \u226 ?na la\uc1 \u351 ?itatea \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
it\uc1 \u259 ? din sufletele noastre dac\uc1 \u259 ? n-o vor face cei ca Delicat
Efendi \uc1 \u351 ?i ca adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii hogei din Erzurum \uc1 \u8211 ? a\uc1
\u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu vom putea merge niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t. Chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? vom ajunge
s\uc1 \u259 ? ne supunem Diavolului \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? mergem p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la cap\uc1 \u259 ?t, tr\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-ne
trecutul \uc1 \u351 ?i prelu\uc1 \u226 ?nd felul de a fi al francilor, nu vom avea
sor\uc1 \u355 ?i de izb\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum n-am avut
nici eu de vreme ce nu mi-au fost de ajuns harul \uc1 \u351 ?i cunoa\uc1 \u351 ?
terea ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi f\uc1 \u259 ?uresc propriul portret. Pun\uc1 \u226 ?nd la
socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? aspectul naiv al portretului pe care l-am pictat, faptul c\uc1
\u259 ? n-am izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l fac s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi semene cum se cuvine, am
aflat \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? iscusin\uc1
\u355 ?a mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci este deprins\uc1 \u259 ? de secole
lucru pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u351 ?tiam, de fapt, cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii de
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a-l lua \uc1 \u238 ?n
seam\uc1 \u259 ?. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost ispr\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? cartea
Unchiului \uc1 \u351 ?i dac\uc1 \u259 ? le-ar fi fost trimis\uc1 \u259 ?,
mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii pictori vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni ne-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpinat cu un sur\uc1 \u226 ?s, iar sur\uc1 \u226 ?sul lor i s-ar fi transmis
\uc1 \u351 ?i Dogelui Vene\uc1 \u355 ?iei. At\uc1 \u226 ?t! Ar fi spus c\uc1
\u259 ? otomanii au \uc1 \u238 ?ncetat s\uc1 \u259 ? mai fie otomani \uc1 \u351 ?i
nu s-ar mai fi temut de noi. Ce bine ar fi fost dac\uc1 \u259 ? am fi urmat calea
vechilor mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri! Dar nici Preasf\uc1 \u226 ?ntul Nostru Padi\uc1
\u351 ?ah, nici Negru Efendi, \uc1 \u238 ?ntristat c\uc1 \u259 ? nu are un portret
al dragei lui \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, nimeni nu vrea acest lucru! A\uc1 \u351
?adar, n-ave\uc1 \u355 ?i dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? sta\uc1 \u355 ?i aici \uc1
\u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? imita\uc1 \u355 ?i, secole de-a r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul, metodele
francilor! Pune\uc1 \u355 ?i-v\uc1 \u259 ? cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ndrie semn\uc1 \u259 ?
turile pe picturile care vor fi rodul acestei imita\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Vechii
mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat nu se semnau c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se str\uc1 \u259 ?duiau
s\uc1 \u259 ? picteze universul a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1 \u238 ?l vedea Dumnezeu,
pentru a t\uc1 \u259 ?inui faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aveau
propria personalitate. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce v\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, voi
v\uc1 \u259 ? ve\uc1 \u355 ?i semna tocmai pentru a t\uc1 \u259 ?inui faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu ave\uc1 \u355 ?i nici un fel de personalitate. Dar mai
exist\uc1 \u259 ? o sc\uc1 \u259 ?pare (\uc1 \u238 ?mi ascunde\uc1 \u355 ?i, poate,
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? s-a b\uc1 \u259 ?tut, \uc1 \u238 ?n aceast\uc1 \u259 ?
privin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe la u\uc1 \u351 ?ile voastre, ale tuturor):
padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Indiei, Akbar, \uc1 \u238 ?i reune\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u238 ?n
jurul s\uc1 \u259 ?u pe cei mai talenta\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai
lumii, risipindu-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n toate z\uc1 \u259 ?rile galbenii
\uc1 \u351 ?i dragostea. A devenit acum limpede c\uc1 \u259 ? vom lucra la cartea
care este pe cale de a fi des\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru a s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tori
anul o mie al islamului \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de la Agra,
nu la Istanbul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Oare miniaturistul
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? devin\uc1 \u259 ? mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i
uciga\uc1 \u351 ? ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
dea aere ca tine? A \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Ajunge s\uc1 \u259 ? fie cel mai iscusit \uc1 \u351 ?i cel mai
\uc1 \u238 ?nzestrat, am zis, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l iau
\uc1 \u238 ?n seam\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n dep\uc1 \u259 ?rtare, un coco\uc1 \u351 ? m\uc1 \u226 ?ndru c\uc1 \u226 ?
ntase de dou\uc1 \u259 ? ori. Mi-am str\uc1 \u226 ?ns sacul, galbenii, mi-am
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezat caietele cu modele \uc1 \u351 ?i picturile \uc1 \u238 ?n
ta\uc1 \u351 ?ca de piele. \uc1 \u206 ?mi trecea prin minte c\uc1 \u259 ? i-
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut ucide, r\uc1 \u226 ?nd pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd, cu hangerul al
c\uc1 \u259 ?rui v\uc1 \u226 ?rf ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u355 ?ineam
\uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat spre g\uc1 \u226 ?tul lui Negru, dar \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i iubeam acum foarte mult pe prietenii mei din copil\uc1 \u259 ?rie,
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de care vie\uc1 \u355 ?uisem tocmai de pe vremea uceniciei p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1
\u238 ?nfipsese acul de egret\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am scos un urlet, speriindu-l pe iubitul meu Fluture, care se
ridicase \uc1 \u238 ?n picioare, \uc1 \u351 ?i f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l
s\uc1 \u259 ? se a\uc1 \u351 ?eze la loc. Cum aceasta mi-a dat siguran\uc1 \u355 ?a
c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? pot ie\uc1 \u351 ?i teaf\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1
\u351 ?i nev\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?mat din l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?, m-am
gr\uc1 \u259 ?bit c\uc1 \u259 ?tre u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; tocmai c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd ie\uc1 \u351 ?eam, am rostit ner\uc1 \u259 ?bd\uc1 \u259 ?tor aceste vorbe
neasemuite, pe care pl\uc1 \u259 ?nuisem dinainte s\uc1 \u259 ? le spun:}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Plecarea mea din Istanbul va sem\uc1 \u259 ?na cu
plecarea lui Ibn-i \uc1 \u350 ?akir din Bagdadul aflat sub st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1
\u226 ?nirea mongolilor, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n cazul \uc1 \u259 ?sta, n-ar trebui s\uc1 \u259 ? te duci \uc1 \u238 ?
n Orient, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n Occident, a zis pizma\uc1 \u351 ?ul Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Ale lui Dumnezeu
sunt R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?ritul \uc1 \u351 ?i Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?itul\uc1 \u8221
?, am zis eu \uc1 \u238 ?n arab\uc1 \u259 ?, precum r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul Unchi.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?
ritul e r\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit, iar Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?itul asfin\uc1 \u355 ?
it, a zis Negru.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Miniaturistul nu
trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie trufa\uc1 \u351 ?, a zis Fluture. In loc s\uc1 \u259 ? se
preocupe de R\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?rit \uc1 \u351 ?i de Asfin\uc1 \u355 ?it, mai
bine ar picta dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum \uc1 \u238 ?i porunce\uc1 \u351 ?te inima.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Vorba aceasta este at\uc1 \u226 ?t de adev\uc1 \u259 ?
rat\uc1 \u259 ?, i-am zis iubitului Fluture. \uc1 \u206 ?mi vine s\uc1 \u259 ? te
s\uc1 \u259 ?rut.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar nici nu f\uc1
\u259 ?cusem bine doi pa\uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre el, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd Negru s-
a n\uc1 \u259 ?pustit asupra mea cu \uc1 \u238 ?nsufle\uc1 \u355 ?ire. \uc1 \u206 ?
ntr-o m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? aveam sacul plin cu haine \uc1 \u351 ?i galbeni,
iar sub bra\uc1 \u355 ? ta\uc1 \u351 ?ca de piele plin\uc1 \u259 ? cu picturi.
Vr\uc1 \u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ? le ocrotesc, nu m-am putut feri. M-a apucat de
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u355 ?ineam hangerul. Dar nici lui nu i-
a sur\uc1 \u226 ?s soarta, c\uc1 \u259 ?ci s-a dezechilibrat o clip\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u238 ?mpiedic\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de suportul de carte, \uc1 \u351 ?i nu m-a
mai putut \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?f\uc1 \u259 ?ca de bra\uc1 \u355 ?, ci s-a
ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at doar de el. M-am zb\uc1 \u259 ?tut tr\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-i, pe de o parte, picioare din r\uc1 \u259 ?sputeri \uc1 \u351 ?i mu\uc1
\u351 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-1, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, de degete. A urlat ca din
gur\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u351 ?arpe. L-am c\uc1 \u259 ?lcat pe aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, f\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l de ast\uc1 \u259 ?
dat\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? sufere \uc1 \u351 ?i mai aprig, \uc1 \u351 ?i am
apucat hangerul,
strig\uc1 \u226 ?nd la ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i doi:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Sta\uc1 \u355 ?i pe loc!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Au stat.
Am \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt v\uc1 \u226 ?rful hangerului \uc1 \u238 ?n nara lui Negru,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse Keykavus \uc1 \u238 ?n legend\uc1 \u259 ?.
C\uc1 \u226 ?nd a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?ngereze, din ochii
care m\uc1 \u259 ? implorau s\uc1 \u259 ?-i dau drumul i-au curs lacrimi de
durere:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Spune acum, am zis. Am s\uc1
\u259 ? orbesc?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Potrivit legendei,
ochii unora sunt potopi\uc1 \u355 ?i de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, ai altora nu. Dac\uc1
\u259 ? Dumnezeu este mul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de pictura ta, o s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355
?i d\uc1 \u259 ?ruiasc\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ul lui \uc1 \u238 ?
ntuneric, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? te poat\uc1 \u259 ? lua la El. Atunci, n-ai s\uc1
\u259 ? mai vezi aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lume nenorocit\uc1 \u259 ?, ci minunatele
priveli\uc1 \u351 ?ti pe care le vede El. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? nu este mul\uc1 \u355 ?
umit de pictura ta, vei continua s\uc1 \u259 ? vezi ca \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? acum.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?ptuiesc adev\uc1 \u259 ?rata pictur\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n \uc1 \u354 ?inutul Indiei, am zis. \uc1 \u206 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? n-am
z\uc1 \u259 ?mislit pictura pentru care o s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? judece
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu-\uc1 \u355 ?i
face prea multe vise c\uc1 \u259 ? ai s\uc1 \u259 ? te po\uc1 \u355 ?i izb\uc1
\u259 ?vi de metodele francilor, a zis Negru. \uc1 \u350 ?tii c\uc1 \u259 ? Akbar
Han i-a \uc1 \u238 ?ndemnat pe to\uc1 \u355 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259
?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i semneze picturile? Preo\uc1 \u355 ?ii iezui\uc1
\u355 ?i din Portugalia au dus de mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme acolo pictura \uc1 \u351 ?
i metodele francilor. Ele domnesc acum pretutindeni.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Celui care dore\uc1 \u351 ?te s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinat \uc1 \u238 ?i r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna ceva de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, la fel ca \uc1 \u351 ?i un
loc \uc1 \u238 ?n care s\uc1 \u259 ? poat\uc1 \u259 ? fugi, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Da, s\uc1 \u259 ? orbeasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1
\u259 ? fug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?ri \uc1 \u238 ?
nchipuite, a zis Barz\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 De ce
vrei s\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?i ne\uc1 \u238 ?ntinat? A zis Negru.
Stai aici, cu noi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?i ve\uc1
\u355 ?i imita toat\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?a pe fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, din
dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a avea un stil propriu, am zis. \uc1 \u350 ?i, deoarece
\uc1 \u238 ?i ve\uc1 \u355 ?i imita pe fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, nu ve\uc1 \u355 ?i avea
parte niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? de a\uc1 \u351 ?a ceva.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Nu mai e nimic de f\uc1 \u259 ?cut, a zis Negru, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
fel care nu-i f\uc1 \u259 ?cea cinste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Desigur c\uc1 \u259 ? marea lui fericire nu era pictura, ci frumoasa \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Mi-am retras hangerul n\uc1 \u259 ?cl\uc1 \u259 ?it din nasul lui
Negru, care continua s\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u226 ?ngereze, \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am ridicat
deasupra capului lui, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? ar fi fost sabia unui c\uc1 \u259 ?
l\uc1 \u259 ?u care se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea s\uc1 \u259 ? scurteze pe cineva de
cap:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i
tai capul, dac\uc1 \u259 ? asta mi-e voia! Am rostit ceea
ce, de fapt, era limpede. Dar, pentru copiii \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru fericirea lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, te pot \uc1 \u351 ?i ierta. Fii bun cu ea s\uc1 \u259
? nu fii aspru \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu te por\uc1 \u355 ?i proste\uc1
\u351 ?te! Pro mite-mi!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Promit, a
zis el.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Te-am dat \uc1 \u238 ?n dar lui
\uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut taman pe dos dec\uc1 \u226 ?t spuneau
vorbele care-mi ie\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? din gur\uc1 \u259 ?. Am ab\uc1 \u259
?tut hangerul asupra lui Negru cu toat\uc1 \u259 ? for\uc1 \u355 ?a de care eram
\uc1 \u238 ?n stare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n ultima clip\uc1 \u259 ?, at\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? el s-a
mi\uc1 \u351 ?cat din loc, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? eu am
schimbat direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia loviturii, hangerul nu 1-a nimerit \uc1 \u238 ?n g\uc1
\u226 ?t, ci \uc1 \u238 ?n um\uc1 \u259 ?r. Am privit cu team\uc1 \u259 ? la ceea
ce s\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ea bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu, cu de la sine
putere. Locul din care am scos hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?nfipt \uc1 \u238 ?n carne a
devenit pe dat\uc1 \u259 ? nem\uc1 \u259 ?surat de ro\uc1 \u351 ?u de un ro\uc1
\u351 ?u neamestecat. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?ntat, dar m-
am \uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?inat de ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ptuisem. \uc1 \u350 ?
tiam \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?, dac\uc1 \u259 ? voi orbi cur\uc1
\u226 ?nd pe corabie, poate prin m\uc1 \u259 ?rile arabe \uc1 \u8211 ? niciunul
dintre prietenii mei miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti nu se va mai afla l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? mine, ca s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zbun.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Barz\uc1 \u259 ?, care s-a speriat pe bun\uc1 \u259 ?
dreptate c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i vin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i lui r\uc1
\u226 ?ndul, a fugit \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?untru, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perile \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecate. Am pornit-o pe urmele lui, cu lampa
\uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de umbra
mea, dar m-am temut \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors. Ultimul lucru pe care l-
am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut a fost s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?rut cu
Fluture \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi iau r\uc1 \u259 ?mas bun de la el. Pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre noi se strecurase mirosul s\uc1 \u226 ?ngelui, n-am
putut s\uc1 \u259 ?-l s\uc1 \u259 ?rut din inim\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum
voiam. A v\uc1 \u259 ?zut c\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u351 ?iroiau lacrimile din ochi.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it din
l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul unei t\uc1 \u259 ?ceri de
moarte, \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupte doar de gemetele lui Negru. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1
\u259 ?rtat \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259 ? de gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina n\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? de umezeal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i noroi \uc1
\u351 ?i de mahalaua \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?. Corabia care urma s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? poarte c\uc1 \u259 ?tre atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al
lui Akbar Han avea s\uc1 \u259 ? porneasc\uc1 \u259 ? la drum dup\uc1 \u259 ?
chemarea la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?; la vremea
aceea, o ultim\uc1 \u259 ? barc\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? plece din portul de
la Kadirga spre corabie. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce alergam, lacrimile nu conteneau
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi curg\uc1 \u259 ? din ochi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd m\uc1 \u259 ? strecuram \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, ca un
ho\uc1 \u355 ?, prin Aksaray, am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut \uc1 \u238 ?n zare, nel\uc1 \u259
?murit, mijirile dint\uc1 \u226 ?i ale zorilor. \uc1 \u206 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?a
primei ci\uc1 \u351 ?mele de mahala care mi-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n cale
dintre scurt\uc1 \u259 ?turi, dintre uli\uc1 \u355 ?e \uc1 \u238 ?nguste de
trecere, dintre ziduri se afla casa de piatr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1
\u238 ?mi petrecusem noaptea c\uc1 \u226 ?nd venisem prima oar\uc1 \u259 ? la
Istanbul, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Am rev\uc1 \u259 ?zut acolo, prin cr\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u259 ?tura
por\uc1 \u355 ?ii deschise care d\uc1 \u259 ?dea \uc1 \u238 ?n curte, pu\uc1
\u355 ?ul \uc1 \u238 ?n care voisem s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? arunc \uc1 \u238 ?n
puterea nop\uc1 \u355 ?ii, chinuit de vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie, pe c\uc1
\u226 ?nd aveam unsprezece ani \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? sc\uc1 \u259 ?pasem pe
mine \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul preg\uc1 \u259 ?tit de ruda aceea \uc1
\u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtat\uc1 \u259 ? care m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u259 ?zduise cu
at\uc1 \u226 ?ta m\uc1 \u259 ?rinimie \uc1 \u351 ?i bun\uc1 \u259 ?tate. P\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? ajung la Beyazit, mi-au dat onorul, cu aleas\uc1
\u259 ? cinstire, mie \uc1 \u351 ?i lacrimilor mele, dugheana ceasornicarului la
care veneam adesea s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi repare ro\uc1 \u355 ?ile din\uc1 \u355 ?ate ale
ceasornicului stricat \uc1 \u8211 ? dugheana sticlarului de la care luam l\uc1
\u259 ?mpi simple de cristal, ulcioare de \uc1 \u351 ?erbet pe care le \uc1 \u238 ?
mpodobeam \uc1 \u351 ?i apoi le vindeam pe sub m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
persoanelor de vaz\uc1 \u259 ?, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i sticle pe care le decoram cu
flori \uc1 \u351 ?i hamamul, pe la care obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuiam s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ? abat adeseori \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o vreme, at\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?
era ieftin, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nu era mai nimeni pe
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici la cafeneaua \uc1 \u351 ?
tears\uc1 \u259 ? de pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului,
ars\uc1 \u259 ? din temelii, nici \uc1 \u238 ?n casa frumoasei \uc1 \u350 ?
ek\uc1 \u252 ?re, c\uc1 \u259 ?reia-i dorisem din inim\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie fericit\uc1 \u259 ? al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de proasp\uc1 \u259 ?tul
ei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat aflat poate pe moarte \uc1 \u8211 ? nu era \uc1 \u355 ?ipenie
de om. Acum, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?mi m\uc1 \u259 ?rturisisem crimele \uc1
\u351 ?i hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?sem s\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
sesc ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii mele, c\uc1 \u226 ?inii, copacii aceia
\uc1 \u238 ?ntuneca\uc1 \u355 ?i, ferestrele oarbe, co\uc1 \u351 ?urile negre, cei
care se de\uc1 \u351 ?teptau devreme pentru a da fuga la rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de
diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u226 ?rguincio\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i
neferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, duhurile care m\uc1 \u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau cu du\uc1
\u351 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?nie \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele c\uc1 \u226 ?nd r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?ceam mereu pe str\uc1 \u259 ?zi, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-mi m\uc1 \u226 ?njisem
m\uc1 \u226 ?inile de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge, se uitau la mine cu prietenie.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce am trecut de Moscheea Beyazit, am
privit lung, de pe o m\uc1 \u259 ?gur\uc1 \u259 ?, Cornul de Aur; orizontul se
lumina, dar apa era \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntunecat\uc1 \u259 ?.
Dou\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rci de pescari, cor\uc1 \u259 ?biile de marf\uc1 \u259
? cu velele str\uc1 \u226 ?nse, o galer\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
sit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?mi spuneau, leg\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se \uc1
\u238 ?nceti\uc1 \u351 ?or pe valurile abia vizibile: \uc1 \u8222 ?Nu pleca, nu
pleca!\uc1 \u8221 ? Oare lacrimile \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u351 ?iroiau din pricina
acului pe care mi-l \uc1 \u238 ?nfipseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n ochi?
Imagineaz\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i via\uc1 \u355 ?a minunat\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o
vei duce \uc1 \u238 ?n India gra\uc1 \u355 ?ie miracolelor pe care le va da la
iveal\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?iestria ta, mi-am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Am ie\uc1 \u351 ?it de pe drum, am trecut \uc1 \u238 ?n fug\uc1 \u259
? prin dou\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?dini pline de noroi \uc1 \u351 ?i am p\uc1
\u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o cas\uc1 \u259 ? veche de piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1
\u238 ?nconjurat\uc1 \u259 ? de verdea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Aceasta era casa de
la a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?l luam \uc1 \u238 ?n
anii uceniciei mele, \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare zi de mar\uc1 \u355 ?i, pentru a-l
conduce la atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, pe Maestrul Osman, merg\uc1 \u226 ?nd
apoi cu doi pa\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n urma lui \uc1 \u351 ?i purt\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-i geanta, ta\uc1 \u351 ?ca de piele, cutia cu condeie \uc1 \u351 ?i t\uc1 \u259
?blia de scris. Nu se schimbase nimic, dar platanii din gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259
? \uc1 \u351 ?i de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? crescuser\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t de
mult, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t casa \uc1 \u351 ?i strada erau \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1
\u259 ?luite \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un aer de m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de putere
\uc1 \u351 ?i bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie care amintea de vremea Sultanului
Soliman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
era aproape de drumul care cobora \uc1 \u238 ?nspre port, i-am dat ascultare
Diavolului \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am l\uc1 \u259 ?sat purtat de dorin\uc1 \u355 ?a de a
vedea pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ? arcadele cl\uc1 \u259 ?dirii ce ad\uc1 \u259 ?
postea atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?mi
petrecusem dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani din via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. A\uc1 \u351 ?a am ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? trec pe drumul pe care
p\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eam, ucenic fiind, \uc1 \u238 ?n zilele de mar\uc1 \u355 ?
i, pe urmele Maestrului Osman, pe Strada S\uc1 \u259 ?get\uc1 \u259 ?torilor pe
care plutea prim\uc1 \u259 ?vara un miros ame\uc1 \u355 ?itor de flori de tei, prin
fa\uc1 \u355 ?a cuptorului de la care Maestrul cump\uc1 \u259 ?ra pl\uc1 \u259 ?
cint\uc1 \u259 ? cu carne tocat\uc1 \u259 ?, pe pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ?ul pe
care st\uc1 \u259 ?teau \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?ira\uc1 \u355 ?i gutui, castani
\uc1 \u351 ?i cer\uc1 \u351 ?etori, prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a obloanelor trase ale
noului t\uc1 \u226 ?rg, prin fa\uc1 \u355 ?a dughenei b\uc1 \u259 ?rbierului cu
care-\uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea bine\uc1 \u355 ?e Maestrul \uc1 \u238 ?n
fiecare diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1
\u259 ?dina goal\uc1 \u259 ? unde veneau saltimbancii s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
ridice corturile vara pentru a da reprezenta\uc1 \u355 ?ii, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? od\uc1 \u259 ?ile ieftine de \uc1 \u238 ?nchiriat ce duhneau a
mizerie, pe sub apeductele bizantine cu iz de mucegai, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259
? seraiul lui Ibrahim Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Coloana cu
\uc1 \u350 ?erpi pe care o pictasem de sute de ori, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
platanul pe care-l pictam de fiecare dat\uc1 \u259 ? altfel \uc1 \u351 ?i,
strecur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-m\uc1 \u259 ? pe sub castanii \uc1 \u351 ?i pe sub duzii
\uc1 \u238 ?n care ciripeau dulce vr\uc1 \u259 ?biile \uc1 \u351 ?i co\uc1 \u355 ?
ofenele coco\uc1 \u355 ?ate \uc1 \u238 ?n copaci de cu zori, am ajuns la Hipodrom.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poarta grea a atelierului de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? era \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat\uc1 \u259 ?. Nu era nimeni nici la
u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nici sub porticul cu arcad\uc1 \u259 ? de la catul de
sus. Nici nu apucasem s\uc1 \u259 ? privesc bine, cu nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te,
pre\uc1 \u355 ? de o clip\uc1 \u259 ?, spre obloanele \uc1 \u238 ?nchise ale
ferestruicii de la care, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii uceniciei noastre, \uc1 \u355 ?intuiam
copacii ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nnebunim de plictiseal\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd cineva m-a oprit locului.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Avea o voce r\uc1 \u259 ?ut\uc1
\u259 ?cioas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ascu\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, care-\uc1
\u355 ?i zg\uc1 \u226 ?ria urechile. Mi-a spus c\uc1 \u259 ? hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat cu m\uc1 \u226 ?ner de rubin din m\uc1 \u226 ?na mea era
hangerul lui \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? nepotu-s\uc1 \u259 ?u \uc1 \u350 ?evket
uneltise cu maic\uc1 \u259 ?-sa ca s\uc1 \u259 ? i-l fure din cas\uc1 \u259 ?. Iar
aceasta dovedea c\uc1 \u259 ? eram unul dintre oamenii lui Negru, care-i c\uc1
\u259 ?lcaser\uc1 \u259 ? casa \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea aceea \uc1 \u351 ?i o r\uc1
\u259 ?piser\uc1 \u259 ? pe \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1 \u252 ?re. Omul \uc1 \u259 ?sta
furios, cu voce spart\uc1 \u259 ?, care le \uc1 \u351 ?tia pe toate, \uc1 \u238 ?i
cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tea \uc1 \u351 ?i pe prietenii miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti ai lui Negru
\uc1 \u351 ?i aflase c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru urma s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? la
atelier. Avea o sabie str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare, de un ro\uc1 \u351 ?u ciudat,
\uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n orice caz, era hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi cear\uc1 \u259 ? socoteal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nenum\uc1 \u259 ?
rate privin\uc1 \u355 ?e, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum avea \uc1 \u351 ?i nenum\uc1 \u259 ?
rate lucruri de zis. Eram gata s\uc1 \u259 ?-i spun c\uc1 \u259 ? la mijloc era o
ne\uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegere, dar am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut m\uc1 \u226 ?nia
nespus\uc1 \u259 ? care i se oglindea pe chip. Am v\uc1 \u259 ?zut totodat\uc1
\u259 ? pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?a lui c\uc1 \u259 ? se preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea s\uc1 \u259 ?
fac\uc1 \u259 ? un salt \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ? omoare, cu
sufletul clocotind de ur\uc1 \u259 ?. Doream s\uc1 \u259 ?-i pot spune: \uc1 \u8222
?\uc1 \u206 ?ndurare,
opre\uc1 \u351 ?te-te!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? f\uc1 \u259 ?cuse deja saltul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?t despre mine, nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu apucasem
s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept bine hangerul; am izbutit doar s\uc1 \u259 ?
ridic m\uc1 \u226 ?na \uc1 \u238 ?n care purtam sacul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Acesta mi-a zburat prin aer. Sabia cea ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie mi-a t\uc1
\u259 ?iat mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i m\uc1 \u226 ?na, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?ire, apoi mi-a secerat g\uc1 \u226 ?tul,
lunec\uc1 \u226 ?nd dintr-o parte \uc1 \u238 ?n alta \uc1 \u351 ?i desp\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?indu-mi capul de trup.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? mi-a fost retezat capul dup\uc1
\u259 ? cei doi pa\uc1 \u351 ?i ciuda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1
\u259 ?ielnici pe care i-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut bietul meu trup, care acum m\uc1
\u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum mi se b\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?b\uc1 \u259 ?nea proste\uc1 \u351 ?te hangerul \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum mi se pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?
lea trupul la p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nt, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce s\uc1 \u226 ?
ngele \uc1 \u238 ?mi \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?nea din g\uc1 \u226 ?t ca
dintr-o f\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Bietele mele picioare, care p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eau singure, s-au zb\uc1 \u259 ?tut \uc1 \u238 ?n zadar, cu
disperare, precum picioarele unei m\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?oage care se
zbucium\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de moarte.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Din noroiul \uc1 \u238 ?n care mi se rostogolise capul nu-l puteam
vedea pe uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul meu, dar nu-mi puteam vedea nici sacul plin cu galbeni
\uc1 \u351 ?i picturi pe care \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? doream s\uc1 \u259 ?-l
\uc1 \u355 ?in str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?. Cele din
urm\uc1 \u259 ? picturile r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?seser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntoarse c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ceafa mea, \uc1 \u238 ?n partea de pov\uc1 \u226 ?
rni\uc1 \u351 ? care cobora spre mare \uc1 \u351 ?i spre portul de la Kadirga, la
care nu aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? mai ajung niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Capul meu nu avea s\uc1
\u259 ? se mai \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarc\uc1 \u259 ? nicic\uc1 \u226 ?nd pentru a privi
\uc1 \u238 ?nspre ele, spre acea parte de lume care r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?
nea \uc1 \u238 ?n urm\uc1 \u259 ?. Le-am dat uit\uc1 \u259 ?rii \uc1 \u351 ?i m-am
l\uc1 \u259 ?sat \uc1 \u238 ?n voia g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ? la ce m\uc1 \u259 ? g\uc1 \u226 ?ndeam \uc1 \u238 ?
nainte s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi reteze sabia capul: corabia va pleca de la Kadirga; \uc1
\u238 ?n mintea mea, asta se lega de nevoia de a m\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi;
iar nevoia de a m\uc1 \u259 ? gr\uc1 \u259 ?bi era \uc1 \u238 ?ntregit\uc1 \u259 ?
de \uc1 \u238 ?ndemnul pe care mi-l adresa mama c\uc1 \u226 ?nd eram mic \uc1
\u8222 ?Gr\uc1 \u259 ?be\uc1 \u351 ?te-te!\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?Mam\uc1
\u259 ?, m\uc1 \u259 ? doare g\uc1 \u226 ?tul \uc1 \u351 ?i nimic nu se
clinte\uc1 \u351 ?te!\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u351 ?adar, asta era ceea ce numeau ceilal\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u8222 ?
moarte.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dar
\uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? nu murisem. Pupilele mele
str\uc1 \u259 ?punse de ac nu se clinteau, dar st\uc1 \u226 ?nd a\uc1 \u351 ?a, cu
ochii larg deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, vedeam lucruri nespus de frumoase. Ceea ce z\uc1
\u259 ?ream de la nivelul p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntului \uc1 \u238 ?mi potopise
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile. Drumul care urca pe panta u\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ?. Zidul
\uc1 \u351 ?i arcada atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. Acoperi\uc1 \u351 ?ul.
Cerul. Toate se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtau.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? momentul \uc1 \u238 ?n care tot
priveam aceste lucruri se prelungea \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355
?eles c\uc1 \u259 ? a vedea devenise un mod de a-\uc1 \u355 ?i aminti. Mi-a
venit \uc1 \u238 ?n minte aidoma ceea ce sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
priveam cu orele o miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?: dac\uc1 \u259 ? te
ui\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung la ea, mintea p\uc1 \u259 ?trunde \uc1 \u238 ?n
timpul miniaturii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Acum, toate
timpurile se preschimbaser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n acel timp.}{\fs24 \dbch
P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni nu m\uc1 \u259 ? va observa \uc1 \u351 ?i
c\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce g\uc1 \u226 ?ndurile mele vor p\uc1 \u259 ?
li, capul pr\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?lit \uc1 \u238 ?n noroi se va uita cu anii la
pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ?ul acela trist, la zidul de piatr\uc1 \u259 ?, la
duzii \uc1 \u351 ?i la castanii de neatins care se aflau ceva mai \uc1 \u238 ?
ncolo.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?
ita a\uc1 \u351 ?teptare mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut deodat\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?t
de chinuitoare \uc1 \u351 ?i de searb\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu mi-am mai dorit dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? ies din acest
timp.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 59. Eu, \uc1 \u350 ?ek\uc1
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Am petrecut noaptea, f\uc1
\u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? dorm, \uc1 \u238 ?n casa acelei rude \uc1
\u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rtate la care ne-a trimis Negru ca s\uc1 \u259 ? ne
ascundem. A\uc1 \u351 ? fi putut dormi, \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?ternutul \uc1
\u238 ?n care m\uc1 \u259 ? lungisem al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de Hayriye \uc1 \u351 ?i de
copii, printre sfor\uc1 \u259 ?ituri \uc1 \u351 ?i accese de tuse, dar m\uc1
\u259 ? urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ? trezeau f\uc1 \u259 ?
pturi \uc1 \u351 ?i femei ciudate, care-mi b\uc1 \u226 ?ntuiau visele nelini\uc1
\u351 ?tite \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?rora li se retezaser\uc1 \u259 ? bra\uc1
\u355 ?ele \uc1 \u351 ?i picioarele, pentru a fi apoi amestecate \uc1 \u351 ?i
repuse la loc de-a valma, pe dos. C\uc1 \u259 ?tre diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?,
i-am acoperit bine pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i pe Orhan, care se
treziser\uc1 \u259 ? de frig, i-am \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?at, i-am s\uc1 \u259 ?rutat pe p\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i, la fel ca
\uc1 \u238 ?n minunatele vremuri \uc1 \u238 ?n care dormeam tihnit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n casa r\uc1 \u259 ?posatului meu t\uc1 \u259 ?icu\uc1 \u355 ?, m-am rugat
lui Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ?-mi trimit\uc1 \u259 ? un vis fericit.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-am putut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? adormi. Dup\uc1
\u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce priveam strada printre obloanele od\uc1 \u259 ?ii mici \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?ntunecoase, am z\uc1 \u259 ?rit ceea ce mi se ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta mereu
\uc1 \u238 ?n visele mele fericite: se apropia de mine, cu pa\uc1 \u351 ?i
cunoscu\uc1 \u355 ?i, arz\uc1 \u226 ?nd de dor, un b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat ca o stafie,
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it de luptele pe care le d\uc1 \u259 ?duse \uc1 \u351 ?i
de r\uc1 \u259 ?nile de care avusese parte, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n
m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? o b\uc1 \u226 ?t\uc1 \u259 ? pe care o \uc1 \u355 ?inea
ca pe o sabie. \uc1 \u206 ?n vise, m\uc1 \u259 ? trezeam cu ochii sc\uc1 \u259 ?
lda\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n lacrimi tocmai c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1
\u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?am pe acest om. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd mi-
am dat seama c\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul de pe strad\uc1 \u259 ? era Negru,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i curgea s\uc1 \u226 ?ngele \uc1 \u351 ?uvoaie, din
g\uc1 \u226 ?tlej mi-a ie\uc1 \u351 ?it acel urlet care nu se auzea niciodat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
alergat \uc1 \u351 ?i i-am deschis u\uc1 \u351 ?a.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Avea fa\uc1 \u355 ?a umflat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nvine\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de at\uc1 \u226 ?ta b\uc1 \u259 ?taie. Nasul
\uc1 \u238 ?i era strivit \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u226 ?ngera. Avea o ran\uc1 \u259 ?
uria\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, de la um\uc1 \u259 ?r p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
g\uc1 \u226 ?t. C\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i toate hainele i se
\uc1 \u238 ?nro\uc1 \u351 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ? de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge. \uc1 \u206 ?mi
sur\uc1 \u226 ?dea nel\uc1 \u259 ?murit, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? izbutise, \uc1
\u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, s\uc1 \u259 ? revin\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1
\u259 ?, la fel ca b\uc1 \u259 ?rbatul din visele mele.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Intr\uc1 \u259 ?! Am zis.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Cheam\uc1 \u259 ? copiii, a zis el. Ne \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcem acas\uc1 \u259 ?!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu e\uc1 \u351 ?ti \uc1 \u238 ?
n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? te \uc1 \u238 ?ntorci acas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n starea
asta.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu te mai teme, a zis el. Era,
se pare, Pelican Efendi, persanul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?., am zis. L-ai omor\uc1 \u226
?t pe tic\uc1 \u259 ?los?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 A
fugit \uc1 \u238 ?n India cu corabia care pleca de la Kadirga, a zis, \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a ferit o clip\uc1 \u259 ? ochii, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
tia c\uc1 \u259 ? nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i dusese treaba p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
cap\uc1 \u259 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ai s\uc1 \u259 ?
po\uc1 \u355 ?i merge p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? acas\uc1 \u259 ?? Am \uc1 \u238 ?
ntrebat. S\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u355 ?i scoat\uc1 \u259 ? un cal din grajd.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd m-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntors \uc1 \u238 ?n
cas\uc1 \u259 ?, am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi s-a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mil\uc1 \u259 ? de el. Nu numai
pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? avea s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu avusese parte de fericire. Vedeam, dup\uc1 \u259 ? triste\uc1
\u355 ?ea \uc1 \u351 ?i hot\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?rea din ochii lui, c\uc1
\u259 ? nu dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? moar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n cas\uc1 \u259 ?
str\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, dorea s\uc1 \u259 ? plece
f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a se mai ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta nim\uc1 \u259 ?nui \uc1
\u238 ?n starea \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare
\uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla. L-au urcat cu greu pe cal.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Pe drumul de \uc1 \u238 ?ntoarcere, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce p\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?eam pe scurt\uc1 \u259 ?turile dintre case cu boccelele \uc1
\u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?ini, copiii, \uc1 \u238 ?nfrico\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i,
nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car nu s-au putut uita la \uc1 \u238 ?nceput la chipul lui Negru,
care ne \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?ea c\uc1 \u259 ?lare pe cal. Cu toate acestea,
Negru a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? le povesteasc\uc1 \u259 ?, de pe calul care \uc1
\u238 ?nainta cu greu, cum \uc1 \u238 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?d\uc1 \u259 ?rnicise
planurile uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului care-l omor\uc1 \u226 ?se pe bunicul \uc1 \u351 ?i
cum se luptase cu sabia. Vedeam c\uc1 \u259 ? purtarea copiilor fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Negru se mai \uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nzise \uc1 \u351 ?i
m\uc1 \u259 ? rugam fierbinte lui Dumnezeu s\uc1 \u259 ? nu moar\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd ne-am \uc1
\u238 ?ntors acas\uc1 \u259 ?, Orhan a strigat cu o asemenea bucurie \uc1 \u8222 ?
Am ajuns acas\uc1 \u259 ?!\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t am avut
sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul c\uc1 \u259 ? Azrail se va \uc1
\u238 ?ndura de noi, iar Dumnezeu ne va mai da un r\uc1 \u259 ?gaz. Cu toate
acestea, \uc1 \u351 ?tiind din experien\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? nu
era niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? limpede cui, de ce \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u238 ?i va lua Dumnezeu Prea\uc1 \u238 ?naltul sufletul, nu mi-am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
prea multe speran\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 L-am dat
cu greu jos de pe cal pe Negru, am urcat cu to\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u351 ?i l-am
dus, ca s\uc1 \u259 ?-l culc, \uc1 \u238 ?n odaia cu u\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
albastr\uc1 \u259 ? a tatei. Hayriye a \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzit ap\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a adus-o. I-am scos \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? toate
hainele, sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?iindu-le ori t\uc1 \u259 ?indu-le cu foarfecele:
c\uc1 \u259 ?ma\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u226 ?ngerat\uc1 \u259 ?, care i
se lipise de carne, centura, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
rile, lenjeria, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la izmene. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am deschis
obloanele, soarele bl\uc1 \u226 ?nd de iarn\uc1 \u259 ? care juca printre ramurile
din gr\uc1 \u259 ?din\uc1 \u259 ? s-a rev\uc1 \u259 ?rsat \uc1 \u238 ?n
camer\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, reflectat de ibrice, de crati\uc1 \u355 ?e, de
cutiile cu lipici, de c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?ri, de buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?ile de sticl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de ascu\uc1 \u355 ?itorile de
condeie, s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sfr\uc1 \u226 ?nt pe pielea lui Negru, care dob\uc1 \u226
?ndise paloarea mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i pe r\uc1 \u259 ?nile sale
de culoarea vi\uc1 \u351 ?inei \uc1 \u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?rnii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Am umezit buc\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile de cear\uc1 \u351 ?af cu
ap\uc1 \u259 ? cald\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?pun \uc1 \u351 ?i am
\uc1 \u351 ?ters cu grij\uc1 \u259 ? trupul lui Negru, ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum
a\uc1 \u351 ? fi cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at un covor pre\uc1 \u355 ?ios \uc1
\u351 ?i vechi, cu dragostea \uc1 \u351 ?i d\uc1 \u259 ?ruirea cu care l-a\uc1
\u351 ? fi \uc1 \u238 ?ngrijit pe unul dintre fiii mei. I-am cur\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?at ca un doctor \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?nt\uc1 \u259 ?
toarea despic\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? de la um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1 \u351 ?i nu am
insistat prea tare asupra v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?ilor pe care le
avea pe fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, nu i-am zg\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?rit prea
mult t\uc1 \u259 ?ietura de la nar\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?i spuneam \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, cu voce duioas\uc1 \u259 ?, tot soiul de nimicuri,
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam cu copiii mei c\uc1 \u226 ?nd erau mici
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mb\uc1 \u259 ?iam. Avea t\uc1 \u259 ?ieturi
\uc1 \u351 ?i pe piept, \uc1 \u351 ?i pe bra\uc1 \u355 ?e. Degetele de la m\uc1
\u226 ?na st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?i erau vinete de mu\uc1 \u351 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?turi. Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce i le plimbam pe trup, buc\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile de p\uc1 \u226 ?nz\uc1 \u259 ? pe care le \uc1 \u355 ?
ineam \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?mbibau tot mai tare
de s\uc1 \u226 ?nge. I-am atins pieptul; am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, la pip\uc1 \u259 ?
it, moliciunea p\uc1 \u226 ?ntecelui; m-am uitat \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung la m\uc1 \u259
?dularul lui. De jos, din curte, se auzeau vocile copiilor. De ce-l numesc
poe\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u8222 ?condeiul de trestie\uc1 \u8221 ??}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 C\uc1 \u226 ?nd am auzit-o pe Ester intr\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?n buc\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?rie, cu aerul acela vioi \uc1 \u351 ?i
misterios pe care \uc1 \u351 ?i-l lua ori de c\uc1 \u226 ?te ori venea cu ve\uc1
\u351 ?ti proaspete, am cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Ester era at\uc1 \u226 ?t de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u226 ?t mi-a spus ce avea de spus \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de a m\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?i a m\uc1 \u259 ?
s\uc1 \u259 ?ruta: capul lui M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? fusese g\uc1 \u259 ?sit
la poarta atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?mpreun\uc1 \u259 ? cu
picturile \uc1 \u351 ?i cu sacul care-i dovedeau f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?
delegile. Se pare c\uc1 \u259 ? voia s\uc1 \u259 ? fug\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
India, dar c\uc1 \u259 ? dorise s\uc1 \u259 ? se mai duc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ? o dat\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru ultima oar\uc1 \u259 ?, pe la atelier.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ar fi existat \uc1 \u351 ?i
martori care spuneau c\uc1 \u259 ? Hasan, care-l v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse acolo pe
M\uc1 \u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i-ar fi scos spada ro\uc1 \u351 ?ie din
teac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i i-ar fi zburat capul dintr-o singur\uc1 \u259 ?
lovitur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u206 ?n vreme ce povestea, m\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebam unde se g\uc1 \u259 ?
sea oare bietul tata. Afl\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ? cineva \uc1 \u238 ?i venise
de hac uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ului, am fost, mai \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?i,
eliberat\uc1 \u259 ? de team\uc1 \u259 ?. Am sim\uc1 \u355 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?zbunarea \uc1 \u238 ?i d\uc1
\u259 ? omului un sentiment pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut, de u\uc1 \u351 ?urare \uc1 \u351 ?i
dreptate. M-am \uc1 \u238 ?ntrebat atunci cum era tr\uc1 \u259 ?it sim\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul acela \uc1 \u238 ?n locul unde se afla tata
\uc1 \u351 ?i mi s-a p\uc1 \u259 ?rut, deodat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?
universul \uc1 \u238 ?ntreg era asemenea unui serai cu nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?peri care d\uc1 \u259 ?deau toate una \uc1 \u238 ?n alta.
Nu trebuia dec\uc1 \u226 ?t s\uc1 \u259 ? trecem dintr-o odaie \uc1 \u238 ?n alta,
amintindu-ne \uc1 \u351 ?i vis\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu ochii deschi\uc1 \u351 ?i, dar cei
mai mul\uc1 \u355 ?i dintre noi nu f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau dec\uc1 \u226 ?t foarte rar
acest lucru din tr\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ?vie \uc1 \u351 ?i z\uc1 \u259 ?boveau
mereu \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu pl\uc1 \u226 ?nge, draga mea, a zis Ester. Uite,
\uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, totul s-a terminat cu bine!}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 I-am dat patru galbeni. I-a luat \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1
\u259 ? cu l\uc1 \u259 ?comie \uc1 \u351 ?i i-a mu\uc1 \u351 ?cat pe r\uc1 \u226 ?
nd, cu ner\uc1 \u259 ?bdare \uc1 \u351 ?i l\uc1 \u259 ?comie, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i cu
st\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?cie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
pare s\uc1 \u259 ? peste tot s-au r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit galbenii calpi ai
ghiaurilor vene\uc1 \u355 ?ieni, mi-a zis ea sur\uc1 \u226 ?z\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nici n-a plecat bine Ester c\uc1 \u259 ? i-am spus lui
Hayriye s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-i lase pe copii s\uc1 \u259 ? vin\uc1 \u259 ? sus. Am
urcat, am \uc1 \u238 ?ncuiat u\uc1 \u351 ?a, m-am ghemuit plin\uc1 \u259 ? de
\uc1 \u238 ?nd\uc1 \u226 ?rjire l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? trupul gol al lui Negru
\uc1 \u351 ?i am f\uc1 \u259 ?cut mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? din curiozitate dec\uc1
\u226 ?t din dorin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? cu grij\uc1
\u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?t cu team\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce dorise el s\uc1 \u259 ? fac
\uc1 \u238 ?n casa evreului sp\uc1 \u226 ?nzurat, \uc1 \u238 ?n noaptea \uc1
\u238 ?n care fusese ucis tata.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nu pot
spune c\uc1 \u259 ? am \uc1 \u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles pe de-a-ntregul de ce
poe\uc1 \u355 ?ii persani compar\uc1 \u259 ? de secole gura noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, a
femeilor, cu c\uc1 \u259 ?limara, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum compar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351
?i m\uc1 \u259 ?dularul acela cu condeiul de trestie. Nu pot spune c\uc1 \u259 ? am
priceput ce se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul acestor compara\uc1 \u355 ?ii, a
c\uc1 \u259 ?ror ob\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ie a fost uitat\uc1 \u259 ?, dat fiind
faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? au fost repetate neostenit, pe de rost: micimea gurii?
T\uc1 \u259 ?cerea misterioas\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?lim\uc1 \u259 ?rii? Faptul
c\uc1 \u259 ? Dumnezeu este un pictor? Dar dragostea trebuie s\uc1 \u259 ? fie ceva
care se poate pricepe mai degrab\uc1 \u259 ? prin absen\uc1 \u355 ?a des\uc1
\u259 ?v\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? a oric\uc1 \u259 ?rei socoteli
dec\uc1 \u226 ?t prin mijlocirea judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii unei femei ca
mine, care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pune ne\uc1 \u238 ?ncetat mintea la
treab\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru a se ap\uc1 \u259 ?ra.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
s\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ? dezv\uc1 \u259 ?lui, a\uc1 \u351 ?adar, o tain\uc1
\u259 ?: acolo, \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?perea aceea care mirosea a
moarte, \uc1 \u8222 ?lucrul\uc1 \u8221 ? pe care \uc1 \u238 ?l luasem \uc1 \u238 ?n
gur\uc1 \u259 ? nu-mi trezea nici o emo\uc1 \u355 ?ie; ceea ce m\uc1 \u259 ?
emo\uc1 \u355 ?iona era faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? auzeam g\uc1 \u226 ?ngurelile voioase
ale fiilor mei care se \uc1 \u238 ?nghionteau \uc1 \u351
?i se oc\uc1 \u259 ?rau \uc1 \u238 ?n curte, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce eu st\uc1
\u259 ?team acolo \uc1 \u351 ?i sim\uc1 \u355 ?eam cum \uc1 \u238 ?ntregul univers
zv\uc1 \u226 ?cnea dureros \uc1 \u238 ?n gura mea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce gura \uc1 \u238 ?mi era ocupat\uc1 \u259 ?
astfel, ochii au izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?-l vad\uc1 \u259 ? pe Negru cum se uita la
chipul meu cu totul altfel dec\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?nainte. Mi-a spus c\uc1
\u259 ? nu-mi va uita niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? chipul, gura. Pielea \uc1 \u238 ?i
mirosea a h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie muceg\uc1 \u259 ?it\uc1 \u259 ?, ca paginile unora
dintre c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile vechi ale tatei; \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?
r \uc1 \u238 ?i intrase tot mirosul de praf \uc1 \u351 ?i de stofe din Vistierie.
Pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce m\uc1 \u259 ? pierdeam cu firea \uc1 \u351 ?i-i
atingeam r\uc1 \u259 ?nile, umfl\uc1 \u259 ?turile, t\uc1 \u259 ?ieturile, gemea ca
un copil, se \uc1 \u238 ?ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rta treptat de moarte \uc1 \u351 ?i
pricepeam atunci c\uc1 \u259 ? aveam s\uc1 \u259 ? prind \uc1 \u351 ?i mai mult
drag de el. Felul \uc1 \u238 ?n care ne iubeam s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nte\uc1 \u355 ?it
\uc1 \u238 ?ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul, ca o corabie ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
p\uc1 \u226 ?nze se umflau treptat \uc1 \u238 ?n v\uc1 \u226 ?nt, \uc1 \u351 ?i ne-
a purtat curajos c\uc1 \u259 ?tre m\uc1 \u259 ?ri necunoscute, aidoma acelei
cor\uc1 \u259 ?bii seme\uc1 \u355 ?e.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\uc1 \u206 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?elegeam c\uc1 \u259 ? Negru colindase \uc1 \u238 ?ndelung
acele ape \uc1 \u238 ?nainte cine \uc1 \u351 ?tie cu ce femei lipsite de bun\uc1
\u259 ?cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?! \uc1 \u350 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? r\uc1 \u259 ?
m\uc1 \u226 ?nea la c\uc1 \u226 ?rma b\uc1 \u259 ?rcii chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i pe patul
de moarte. \uc1 \u206 ?n vreme ce eu nu mai \uc1 \u351 ?tiam dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea
ce tocmai s\uc1 \u259 ?rutasem era bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul meu ori bra\uc1 \u355 ?ul lui,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? ceea ce v\uc1 \u226 ?ram \uc1 \u238 ?n gur\uc1 \u259 ? era propriul
meu deget ori via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u238 ?ntreag\uc1 \u259 ?, el urm\uc1 \u259 ?
rea, pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate ame\uc1 \u355 ?it din pricina r\uc1 \u259 ?nilor
\uc1 \u351 ?i a pl\uc1 \u259 ?cerii, cu unicul ochi pe jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate deschis,
\uc1 \u238 ?ncotro se \uc1 \u238 ?ndrepta lumea \uc1 \u351 ?i izbutea s\uc1
\u259 ?-mi ia uneori capul \uc1 \u238 ?n palme cu delicate\uc1 \u355 ?e, pentru a
se uita la chipul meu cu admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? s-ar fi uitat la
un portret, pentru ca imediat dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceea s\uc1 \u259 ? se uite la el ca
la chipul unei t\uc1 \u226 ?rfe mingreliene.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa marii pl\uc1 \u259 ?ceri a scos un urlet,
asemeni eroilor legendari despica\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ? cu
sabia din acele miniaturi faimoase ce \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?au \uc1 \u238 ?nfruntarea dintre ostile iraniene \uc1 \u351 ?i cele
turanice, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? acel urlet s-ar fi putut
auzi \uc1 \u238 ?n toat\uc1 \u259 ? mahalaua m-au \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1
\u226 ?ntat. Dar, ca un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat maestru miniaturist care m\uc1 \u226 ?
nuia condeiul de trestie la porunca lui Dumnezeu, care, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n clipa supremei inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ii, era
\uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? cump\uc1 \u259 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ? dimensiunea
\uc1 \u351 ?i r\uc1 \u226 ?nduiala \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii pagini, Negru veghea \uc1
\u238 ?ntotdeauna, cu o parte a min\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i atunci
c\uc1 \u226 ?nd era peste m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de emo\uc1 \u355 ?ionat
asupra locului nostru \uc1 \u238 ?n lume:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
s\uc1 \u259 ? le spui: \uc1 \u8222 ?Ii d\uc1 \u259 ?deam tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui vostru
cu balsam pe r\uc1 \u259 ?ni\uc1 \u8221 ?, mi-a zis g\uc1 \u226 ?f\uc1 \u226 ?ind.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Aceste vorbe n-au fost doar
culoarea a\uc1 \u351 ?ternut\uc1 \u259 ? pe dragostea noastr\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1
\u238 ?nflorea la grani\uc1 \u355 ?a dintre via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i moarte, dintre opreli\uc1 \u351 ?te \uc1 \u351 ?i Rai, dintre
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ru\uc1 \u351 ?ine; au fost \uc1 \u351
?i o scuz\uc1 \u259 ? pentru ea. \uc1 \u206 ?n cei dou\uc1 \u259 ?zeci \uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?ase de ani care au urmat, adic\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o diminea\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a c\uc1 \u259 ?
zut l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? pu\uc1 \u355 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a murit de inim\uc1
\u259 ?, m-am iubit \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna cu dragul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat, Negru,
la ceasul amiezei, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce lumina soarelui intra \uc1 \u238 ?n
\uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?pere strecur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se printre obloane, \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n primii ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce ascultam g\uc1 \u226 ?
nguritul lui \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i al lui Orhan, numind \uc1 \u238 ?
ntotdeauna acest lucru \uc1 \u8222 ?a da cu balsam pe r\uc1 \u259 ?ni\uc1 \u8221 ?.
In felul acesta, fiii mei cei gelo\uc1 \u351 ?i, pe care nu doream s\uc1 \u259 ?-i
h\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?uiasc\uc1 \u259 ?, cu propriile lui dorin\uc1 \u355 ?e
\uc1 \u351 ?i gelozii, un tat\uc1 \u259 ? aspru \uc1 \u351 ?i melancolic, au
continuat s\uc1 \u259 ? doarm\uc1 \u259 ? ani de zile noaptea \uc1 \u238 ?n
acela\uc1 \u351 ?i pat cu mine. Toate femeile \uc1 \u238 ?ntregi la minte \uc1
\u351 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? este cu mult mai pl\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? dormi
\uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?ele copiilor dec\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1
\u355 ?ele unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat istovit \uc1 \u351 ?i strivit de via\uc1
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Noi eu
\uc1 \u351 ?i copiii mei am fost ferici\uc1 \u355 ?i, dar Negru n-a reu\uc1 \u351 ?
it s\uc1 \u259 ? fie. Prima pricin\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?dit\uc1 \u259 ? a
acestei nefericiri a fost faptul c\uc1 \u259 ? rana de la um\uc1 \u259 ?r \uc1
\u351 ?i de la g\uc1 \u226 ?t nu i s-a vindecat niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? pe de-a-
ntregul \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? iubitul meu b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat a r\uc1 \u259 ?
mas \uc1 \u8222 ?beteag\uc1 \u8221 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum am auzit c\uc1 \u259 ? era
numit uneori de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre unii. Dincolo de aspectul s\uc1 \u259 ?u, nu era
vorba de un bete\uc1 \u351 ?ug care s\uc1 \u259 ?-i fac\uc1 \u259 ? via\uc1 \u355 ?
a grea. Ba chiar mi s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1 \u226 ?mplat s\uc1 \u259 ? aud c\uc1
\u259 ? alte femei, care-l vedeau de la distan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, ziceau
c\uc1 \u259 ? e chipe\uc1 \u351 ?. Dar um\uc1 \u259 ?rul drept al lui Negru a r\uc1
\u259 ?mas mereu c\uc1 \u259 ?zut, iar g\uc1 \u226 ?tul \uc1 \u238 ?nclinat \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-un mod ciudat. Uneori mi-au ajuns la ureche \uc1 \u351 ?i cleveteli
potrivit c\uc1 \u259 ?rora o femeie ca mine s-ar potrivi doar cu un b\uc1 \u259 ?
rbat pe care l-ar
socoti mai prejos dec\uc1 \u226 ?t ea \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ? bete\uc1 \u351 ?
ugul lui Negru era, deopotriv\uc1 \u259 ?, pricina tainic\uc1 \u259 ? a fericirii
noastre \uc1 \u351 ?i pricina nefericirii lui.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Poate c\uc1 \u259 ?, la fel ca \uc1 \u238 ?n orice vorb\uc1 \u259 ?
de clac\uc1 \u259 ?, exista \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n asta o m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1
\u259 ? de adev\uc1 \u259 ?r. Dar am avut mereu un sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1
\u226 ?nt de ne\uc1 \u238 ?mplinire \uc1 \u351 ?i de dezam\uc1 \u259 ?gire pentru
c\uc1 \u259 ? nu puteam str\uc1 \u259 ?bate str\uc1 \u259 ?zile Istanbulului st\uc1
\u226 ?nd \uc1 \u355 ?an\uc1 \u355 ?o\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? pe un cal de o
neasemuit\uc1 \u259 ? frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat\uc1 \u259 ? de
robi, de roabe \uc1 \u351 ?i de slujitori, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum socotea mereu Ester
c\uc1 \u259 ? mi s-ar fi cuvenit, dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum am dus, din vreme \uc1
\u238 ?n vreme, dorul unui b\uc1 \u259 ?rbat care s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i
poat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?ine capul sus \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? priveasc\uc1
\u259 ? lumea drept \uc1 \u238 ?n fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, biruitor ca un leu.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Indiferent care i-ar fi fost
pricinile, Negru a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas mereu melancolic. Deoarece vedeam c\uc1
\u259 ?, de cele mai multe ori, triste\uc1 \u355 ?ea lui n-avea nimic de-a face cu
um\uc1 \u259 ?rul, am crezut c\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un ungher tainic al
sufletului s\uc1 \u259 ?u st\uc1 \u259 ?ruia un ginn al triste\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
care \uc1 \u238 ?l f\uc1 \u259 ?cea s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259 ? pe g\uc1 \u226 ?
nduri chiar \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele mai fericite momente, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
f\uc1 \u259 ?ceam dragoste. Pentru a domoli ginnul, obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuia uneori
s\uc1 \u259 ? bea vin, alteori se uita la miniaturile din felurite c\uc1 \u259 ?
r\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i se ar\uc1 \u259 ?ta interesat de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?,
iar alteori \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i petrecea vremea cu miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?
tii \uc1 \u351 ?i alerga, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de ei, dup\uc1 \u259 ? feciori
frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? cum au fost perioade \uc1 \u238 ?n care s-a
m\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u226 ?iat \uc1 \u351 ?i s-a veselit, amestec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se
printre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, caligrafi \uc1 \u351 ?i poe\uc1 \u355 ?i, cu
jocuri de cuvinte, cu vorbe \uc1 \u238 ?n doi peri, cu aluzii, cu metafore, cu
feciori frumo\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i cu bufonerii, au fost \uc1 \u351 ?i
perioade \uc1 \u238 ?n care a uitat de toate, ocup\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se doar de
scriptele \uc1 \u351 ?i de secretariatul divan-ului lui Suleyman Pa\uc1 \u351 ?a
cel Ghebos, \uc1 \u238 ?n al c\uc1 \u259 ?rui serviciu a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?
intre. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? patru ani, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd a murit Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, dat fiind dezinteresul Sultanului Mehmed care i-a urmat la tron fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de asemenea lucruri, pasiunea pentru miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i pentru pictur\uc1 \u259 ? a lui Negru s-a preschimbat dintr-o
pl\uc1 \u259 ?cere s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?torit\uc1 \u259 ? cu fast \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o tain\uc1 \u259 ? tr\uc1 \u259 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n singur\uc1
\u259 ?tate, \uc1 \u238 ?n dosul u\uc1 \u351 ?ilor ferecate. Uneori deschidea c\uc1
\u226 ?te o carte r\uc1 \u259 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? de la r\uc1 \u259 ?posatul meu
tat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i se uita, cu sim\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?minte de
vinov\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i triste\uc1 \u355 ?e, la vreo
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? pl\uc1 \u259 ?smuit\uc1 \u259 ? la Herat tocmai pe vremea
Timurizilor da, la imaginea care-o \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1
\u351 ?a pe \uc1 \u350 ?irin \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gostindu-se de H\uc1
\u252 ?srev, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce-i vedea portretul \uc1 \u8211 ? dar n-o privea ca
pe o fr\uc1 \u226 ?ntur\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un fericit joc al m\uc1 \u259 ?iestriei
care continua s\uc1 \u259 ? se desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?oare \uc1 \u238 ?n c\uc1
\u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?rile Seraiului, ci ca \uc1 \u351 ?i cum ar fi zg\uc1 \u226 ?
nd\uc1 \u259 ?rit o tain\uc1 \u259 ? dulce, r\uc1 \u259 ?mas\uc1 \u259 ? undeva
\uc1 \u238 ?n memorie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n cel
de-al treilea an de la urcarea pe tron, Regina Angliei i-a trimis Padi\uc1 \u351 ?
ahului Nostru un ceas miraculos \uc1 \u238 ?n care se afla un instrument muzical cu
burduf. Acel ceasornic uria\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ile
care-l alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiau, ro\uc1 \u355 ?ile din\uc1 \u355 ?ate, tablourile
\uc1 \u351 ?i statuile desc\uc1 \u259 ?rcate de pe corabia venit\uc1 \u259 ? din
Anglia pentru a transporta comedia \uc1 \u351 ?i solia care-l \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355 ?ea au fost instalate, cu mare trud\uc1 \u259 ?, vreme de mai multe
s\uc1 \u259 ?pt\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ni, pe un pov\uc1 \u226 ?rni\uc1 \u351 ? al
Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dinii Imperiale orientat spre Cornul de Aur. Mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea care
se adunase pe colinele Cornului de Aur \uc1 \u351 ?i care venise cu b\uc1 \u259 ?
rcile spre a fi de fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la acest spectacol a v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
cu uimire \uc1 \u351 ?i admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie cum, prin punerea \uc1 \u238 ?n
func\uc1 \u355 ?iune a uria\uc1 \u351 ?ului ceasornic, care isca un fel de
muzic\uc1 \u259 ? zgomotoas\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nsp\uc1 \u259 ?im\uc1 \u226 ?
nt\uc1 \u259 ?toare, statuile \uc1 \u351 ?i siluetele de m\uc1 \u259 ?rimea unui
stat de om se roteau unele \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul altora cu gesturi pline de \uc1
\u238 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?eles, cum se mi\uc1 \u351 ?cau de la sine, gra\uc1 \u355 ?ioase
\uc1 \u351 ?i pline de miez, \uc1 \u238 ?n ritm cu melodia, de parc\uc1 \u259 ? n-
ar fi fost f\uc1 \u259 ?urite de om, ci de.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Dumnezeu, \uc1 \u351 ?i cum bazaconia a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut s\uc1 \u259 ? se
aud\uc1 \u259 ? timpul la Istanbul, asemenea dang\uc1 \u259 ?telor de clopot.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Negru \uc1 \u351 ?i Ester mi-au
transmis, fiecare \uc1 \u238 ?n parte, c\uc1 \u259 ? ceasul fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? de care popula\uc1 \u355 ?ia Istanbulului, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu
toat\uc1 \u259 ? gloata \uc1 \u351 ?i mul\uc1 \u355 ?imea de prost\uc1 \u259 ?naci,
nutrea o admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie ne\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rmurit\uc1 \u259 ? era o
pricin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ndrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?it\uc1 \u259 ? de
nelini\uc1 \u351 ?te pentru Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru tagma
pio\uc1 \u351 ?ilor c\uc1 \u259 ?zu\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n patima religiei,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ci el dovedea puterea necredincio\uc1 \u351 ?ilor. Am auzit cu
to\uc1 \u355 ?ii cum, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n care asemenea zvonuri
se \uc1 \u238 ?nmul\uc1 \u355 ?iser\uc1 \u259 ?, Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul, Sultanul
Ahmed, care urmase la tron, s-a trezit \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un miez de noapte inspirat
de Dumnezeu, a pus m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe buzdugan, a cobor\uc1 \u226 ?t din Harem \uc1
\u238 ?n Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina Imperial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut
ceasul \uc1 \u351 ?i statuile una cu p\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul. Cei care ne-au
transmis aceast\uc1 \u259 ? veste \uc1 \u351 ?i aceste zvonuri ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugau
c\uc1 \u259 ? Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru z\uc1 \u259 ?rise \uc1 \u238 ?n somn
chipul sf\uc1 \u226 ?nt al Profetului sc\uc1 \u259 ?ldat \uc1 \u238 ?n lumin\uc1
\u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ? Trimisul Domnului \uc1 \u238 ?l prevenise c\uc1 \u259 ?,
dac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ng\uc1
\u259 ?duia norodului s\uc1 \u259 ? admire imaginile \uc1 \u351 ?i chiar acele
obiecte care, create fiind dup\uc1 \u259 ? asem\uc1 \u259 ?narea omului, se luau la
\uc1 \u238 ?ntrecere cu creaturile lui Dumnezeu, avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?
ndep\uc1 \u259 ?rteze de porunca divin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?
Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul Nostru pusese m\uc1 \u226 ?na pe buzdugan chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n
vreme ce visa. \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea ce-l prive\uc1 \u351 ?te pe Padi\uc1 \u351 ?ahul
Nostru, el i-a cerut credinciosului s\uc1 \u259 ?u cronicar s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?nsemneze acest eveniment cam \uc1 \u238 ?n felul urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor: a pus
s\uc1 \u259 ? se scrie cartea numit\uc1 \u259 ? Miezul istoriilor, d\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-le caligrafilor nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate pungi cu galbeni, dar nu i-a pus pe
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii s\uc1 \u259 ?i s-o ilustreze.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Iat\uc1 \u259 ?, astfel s-a ofilit trandafirul cel ro\uc1 \u351 ?u al
emo\uc1 \u355 ?iei miniaturii \uc1 \u351 ?i picturii care s-a deschis la Istanbul
vreme de o sut\uc1 \u259 ? de ani, inspirat de \uc1 \u354 ?inuturile Persiei.
Vrajba care s-a iscat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat \uc1
\u351 ?i me\uc1 \u351 ?te\uc1 \u351 ?ugul mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor fr\uc1 \u226 ?
nci \uc1 \u351 ?i care a st\uc1 \u226 ?rnit g\uc1 \u226 ?lcevi, precum \uc1 \u351 ?
i nesf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?ite \uc1 \u238 ?ntreb\uc1 \u259 ?ri printre
miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti, nu a avut nici o urmare. Pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura a
fost p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ?; nimeni n-a mai pictat, nici ca
orientalii, nici ca occidentalii. Miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii nu s-au m\uc1 \u226 ?
niat \uc1 \u351 ?i nu s-au r\uc1 \u259 ?zvr\uc1 \u259 ?tit \uc1 \u238 ?mpotriva
acestei \uc1 \u238 ?mprejur\uc1 \u259 ?ri; s-au \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?cat cu ea
ca ni\uc1 \u351 ?te b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ni care se deprind cu o boal\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul cu \uc1 \u238 ?ncetul,
cu o resemnare lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de m\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?ie, cu melancolie.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 N-au mai fost curio\uc1 \u351 ?
i \uc1 \u351 ?i nici m\uc1 \u259 ?car n-au mai \uc1 \u238 ?ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ?
viseze la ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ureau marii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, din Tabriz
pe care \uc1 \u238 ?i urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ? cu
admira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, dar nici la ceea ce f\uc1 \u259 ?ceau mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii
fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci, care trudeau pentru noile lor metode \uc1 \u351 ?i fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de care \uc1 \u351 ?ov\uc1 \u259 ?iau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
invidie \uc1 \u351 ?i dezgust. P\uc1 \u259 ?rea c\uc1 \u259 ? pictura fusese
p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ?sit\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum se \uc1 \u238 ?nt\uc1
\u226 ?mpla cu ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul care seara, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd se ferecau u\uc1 \u351
?ile caselor, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?nea prad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntunericului. Toat\uc1 \u259 ? lumea a uitat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1
\u259 ?rere de r\uc1 \u259 ?u, c\uc1 \u259 ? universul era v\uc1 \u259 ?zut
c\uc1 \u226 ?ndva \uc1 \u238 ?n cu totul alt mod.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Din p\uc1 \u259 ?cate, cartea tatei n-a fost ispr\uc1 \u259 ?
vit\uc1 \u259 ?. Paginile care fuseser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiate au ajuns,
din locul \uc1 \u238 ?n care le l\uc1 \u259 ?sase Hasan s\uc1 \u259 ? cad\uc1 \u259
?, \uc1 \u238 ?n Vistierie, iar aici au fost date la legat de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre un
bibliotecar s\uc1 \u226 ?rguincios \uc1 \u351 ?i meticulos, laolalt\uc1 \u259 ? cu
alte c\uc1 \u226 ?teva picturi lipsite de interes z\uc1 \u259 ?mislite \uc1 \u238 ?
n atelier \uc1 \u351 ?i s-au risipit prin felurite albume. Hasan a fugit din
Istanbul \uc1 \u351 ?i i s-a pierdut urma, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u226 ?t nu s-
a mai aflat nimic despre el. Dar \uc1 \u350 ?evket \uc1 \u351 ?i Orhan n-au uitat
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acela care \uc1 \u238 ?l r\uc1 \u259 ?pusese pe
uciga\uc1 \u351 ?ul tatei nu fusese Negru, ci unchiul lor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Barz\uc1 \u259 ? a devenit Mai-marele miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor \uc1
\u238 ?n locul Maestrului Osman, care a murit la doi ani dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a
orbit. Fluture, a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui m\uc1 \u259 ?iestrie era mult admirat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i de tata, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a d\uc1 \u259 ?ruit restul vie\uc1
\u355 ?ii modelelor pentru covoare, pentru p\uc1 \u226 ?nzeturi \uc1 \u351 ?i
corturi. Tinerele calfe din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? au urmat \uc1 \u351 ?i
ele aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i cale. Nimeni nu a dat semne c\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ?sirea picturii ar fi fost o mare pierdere. Asta pentru c\uc1 \u259 ? nimeni
nu-\uc1 \u351 ?i v\uc1 \u259 ?zuse, poate, portretul f\uc1 \u259 ?urit cu migal\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u206 ?n ceea
ce m\uc1 \u259 ? prive\uc1 \u351 ?te, mi-am dorit \uc1 \u238 ?n tain\uc1 \u259 ?,
de-a lungul \uc1 \u238 ?ntregii mele vie\uc1 \u355 ?i, s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1
\u238 ?mplineasc\uc1 \u259 ? dou\uc1 \u259 ? picturi, dar n-am avut cui m\uc1 \u259
?rturisi acest lucru:}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1. Doream
s\uc1 \u259 ? mi se realizeze portretul. Dar \uc1 \u351 ?tiam c\uc1 \u259 ?,
oric\uc1 \u226 ?t de multe str\uc1 \u259 ?danii s-ar fi depus, acest lucru era cu
neputin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, pentru c\uc1 \u259 ?, din p\uc1 \u259 ?cate, chiar
dac\uc1 \u259 ? mi-ar fi v\uc1 \u259 ?zut frumuse\uc1 \u355 ?ea \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai
a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum este ea, niciunul dintre miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii Padi\uc1 \u351
?ahului n-ar fi fost \uc1 \u238 ?n stare s\uc1 \u259 ? cread\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1
\u259 ? fa\uc1 \u355 ?a unei femei este frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? at\uc1 \u226 ?ta vreme
c\uc1 \u226 ?t ochii \uc1 \u351 ?i buzele nu-i sunt desenate \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmai ca
ale chinezoaicelor. Dac\uc1 \u259 ? m-ar fi \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?
i\uc1 \u351 ?at ca pe o fermec\uc1 \u259 ?toare chinezoaic\uc1 \u259 ?, a\uc1 \u351
?a cum ar fi f\uc1 \u259 ?cut vechii mae\uc1 \u351 ?tri din Herat, cei care
m\uc1 \u259 ? v\uc1 \u259 ?zuser\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i m\uc1 \u259 ?
cuno\uc1 \u351 ?teau mi-ar fi putut descifra, poate, chipul \uc1 \u238 ?n spatele
acesteia. Dar cei care vor urma dup\uc1 \u259 ? noi nu-mi vor mai putea recunoa\uc1
\u351 ?te tr\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?turile, chiar dac\uc1 \u259 ? vor pricepe
c\uc1 \u259 ? ochii femeii din pictur\uc1 \u259 ? nu erau, de fapt, tra\uc1 \u351 ?
i spre t\uc1 \u226 ?mple. C\uc1 \u226 ?t de fericit\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ? fi
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, la b\uc1 \u259 ?tr\uc1 \u226 ?ne\uc1 \u355 ?e, c\uc1 \u226 ?
nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi petrec zilele alinat\uc1 \u259 ? de fiii mei, dac\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ? avea o imagine a propriului chip pl\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u259 ?
dit\uc1 \u259 ? la tinere\uc1 \u355 ?e!}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 2. Un lucru care-i st\uc1 \u226
?rnea curiozitatea lui Nazim cel Blond din Ran, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-unui din me5rcew-
urile sale: doream s\uc1 \u259 ? se izvodeasc\uc1 \u259 ? imaginea fericirii.
\uc1 \u350 ?tiu foarte bine cum s-ar putea \uc1 \u238 ?mplini ea. Doream s\uc1
\u259 ? se picteze imaginea unei mame cu doi copii; doream ca \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme
ce-l \uc1 \u355 ?inea z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind \uc1 \u238 ?n bra\uc1 \u355 ?e pe cel
mic \uc1 \u351 ?i-i d\uc1 \u259 ?dea s\uc1 \u259 ? sug\uc1 \u259 ?, iar acesta \uc1
\u355 ?inea \uc1 \u238 ?ntre buze sf\uc1 \u226 ?rcul s\uc1 \u226 ?nului dolofan al
mamei sale, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbind fericit, ochii mamei s\uc1 \u259 ? se petreac\uc1
\u259 ? cu ochii fratelui mai mare, care s\uc1 \u259 ? se arate pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
gelos. Doream, de asemenea, ca eu s\uc1 \u259 ? fiu acea mam\uc1 \u259 ? din
pictur\uc1 \u259 ?, ca acea imagine s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eze pas\uc1 \u259 ?rea de pe cer zbur\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1
\u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n acela\uc1 \u351 ?i timp, r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1
\u226 ?nd ag\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? pe cer, fericit\uc1 \u259 ? pe
vecie; doream ca toate aceste lucruri s\uc1 \u259 ? se \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?
ptuiasc\uc1 \u259 ? potrivit metodei mae\uc1 \u351 ?trilor din Herat, care opreau
timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n loc. \uc1 \u350 ?tiu c\uc1 \u259 ? nu este u\uc1 \u351 ?or!}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orhan, fiul meu, care este
destul de nes\uc1 \u259 ?buit ca s\uc1 \u259 ? caute o l\uc1 \u259 ?murire pentru
toate cele, mi-a reamintit c\uc1 \u259 ? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii din Herat care opreau
timpul \uc1 \u238 ?n loc nu m-ar fi putut desena niciodat\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?
a cum sunt eu \uc1 \u351 ?i mi-a mai spus, pe de alt\uc1 \u259 ? parte, c\uc1 \u259
? mae\uc1 \u351 ?trii fr\uc1 \u226 ?nci care f\uc1 \u259 ?ureau ne\uc1 \u238 ?
ncetat imagini cu mame frumoase ce-\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?mbr\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?au fiii nu-l vor putea z\uc1 \u259 ?g\uc1 \u259 ?zui
niciodat\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunt ani de c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mi tot repet\uc1
\u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acea imagine a fericirii nu se va putea \uc1 \u238 ?mplini,
de fapt, nicic\uc1 \u226 ?nd.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poate
c\uc1 \u259 ? are dreptate. Omul nu caut\uc1 \u259 ?, de fapt, z\uc1 \u226 ?mbetul
zugr\uc1 \u259 ?vit \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginile care \uc1 \u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? fericirea, ci fericirea tr\uc1 \u259 ?it\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?. Miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tii \uc1
\u351 ?tiu acest lucru, dar tocmai asta nu pot ei picta. De aceea \uc1 \u238 ?
nlocuiesc fericirea vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu fericirea de a vedea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 I-am istorisit aceast\uc1 \u259 ? poveste care nu va putea fi
ilustrata fiului meu, Orhan, nutrind speran\uc1 \u355 ?a c\uc1 \u259 ?, poate, o va
a\uc1 \u351 ?terne pe h\uc1 \u226 ?rtie. I-am dat, f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? a
pregeta, r\uc1 \u259 ?va\uc1 \u351 ?ele pe care mi le-au trimis Hasan \uc1 \u351 ?i
Negru, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i desenele de cai cu cerneala \uc1 \u238 ?ntins\uc1 \u259
? descoperite asupra bietului Delicat Efendi. Este mereu m\uc1 \u226 ?nios, \uc1
\u238 ?mbufnat \uc1 \u351 ?i nefericit \uc1 \u351 ?i nu se teme deloc c\uc1
\u259 ?-i nedrept\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te pe cei care nu-i plac.
Dac\uc1 \u259 ?, din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pricin\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1
\u238 ?nf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i\uc1 \u351 ?eaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe Negru mai dus pe
g\uc1 \u226 ?nduri dec\uc1 \u226 ?t era, dac\uc1 \u259 ? ne arat\uc1 \u259 ?
via\uc1 \u355 ?a mai grea dec\uc1 \u226 ?t a fost, dac\uc1 \u259 ?-l zugr\uc1 \u259
?ve\uc1 \u351 ?te pe \uc1 \u350 ?evket ca pe un om r\uc1 \u259 ?u, iar pe mine ca
pe o fiin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? mai frumoas\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai
lipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de bun\uc1 \u259 ?cuviin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? dec\uc1 \u226 ?
t am fost, s\uc1 \u259 ? fi\uc1 \u355 ?i cu b\uc1 \u259 ?gare de seam\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? nu-l crede\uc1 \u355 ?i pe Orhan! C\uc1 \u259 ?
ci nu va exista minciun\uc1 \u259 ? pe care s\uc1 \u259 ? n-o ticluiasc\uc1 \u259 ?
pentru ca povestea lui s\uc1 \u259 ? fie frumoas\uc1 \u259 ?, iar noi s\uc1 \u259 ?
o credem.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Glosar.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Abhaz originar din Abhazia sau locuitor al Abhaziei
(ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi, republic\uc1 \u259 ? autonom\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-
vestul Georgiei). Locuitorii regiunii vorbesc abhaza, limb\uc1 \u259 ? din familia
limbilor caucaziene de nord-vest. Circa jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate dintre ei sunt
musulmani sunni\uc1 \u355 ?i, iar restul, cre\uc1 \u351 ?tini ortodoc\uc1 \u351 ?
i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Agra ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238
?n nordul Indiei, \uc1 \u238 ?n actualul stat Uttar Prade\uc1 \u351 ?. Este celebru
mai ales pentru Taj Mahal mausoleu construit de \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratul
mogul \uc1 \u350 ?ah Jahan \uc1 \u238 ?n memoria so\uc1 \u355 ?iei sale, Arjumand
Banu Bagam, supranumit\uc1 \u259 ? Mumtaz Mahal. Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul actual a fost
fondat \uc1 \u238 ?n 1566 de \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratul mogul Akbar (1556-
1605) \uc1 \u351 ?i a devenit, foarte cur\uc1 \u226 ?nd, un important centru de
cultur\uc1 \u259 ?, ad\uc1 \u259 ?postind, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
1648 (c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratul Aurangzeb a mutat capitala la
Delhi), \uc1 \u351 ?i administra\uc1 \u355 ?ia central\uc1 \u259 ? a mogulilor. A
fost cucerit de britanici \uc1 \u238 ?n 1803, iar din 1835 a devenit capital\uc1
\u259 ? de provincie.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ahmed
Gazali (sec. al Xl-lea) poet mistic, fratele lui Abu-Hamid al-Ghazali, cunoscut
teolog \uc1 \u351 ?i mistic islamic. Poemele sale se situeaz\uc1 \u259 ? adeseori
la limita periculoas\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u8222 ?abaterii de la dreapta cale\uc1
\u8221 ?, cum este numit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n termeni eufemistici, erezia
\uc1 \u238 ?n dogmatica islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Akbar Han/Akbar (1542-1605) cel de-a treilea
suveran mogul al Indiei, socotit fondatorul de fado al Imperiului Marilor Moguli.
Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce a stabilit alian\uc1 \u355 ?e matrimoniale cu dinastia local\uc1
\u259 ? din Rajput, Akbar \uc1 \u351 ?i-a extins teritoriul din Afghanistan
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Golful Bengal, \uc1 \u351 ?i de la Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii
Himalaya p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la r\uc1 \u226 ?ul Godavari. A \uc1 \u238 ?
ncercat s\uc1 \u259 ? pun\uc1 \u259 ? bazele unei noi religii, care urma s\uc1
\u259 ? constituie o sintez\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre islam, brahmanism, cre\uc1
\u351 ?tinism \uc1 \u351 ?i zoroastrism. Tentativa sa a e\uc1 \u351 ?uat, dar a
contribuit la sporirea caracterului cosmopolit \uc1 \u351 ?i tolerant al cur\uc1
\u355 ?ii imperiale. Akbar s-a \uc1 \u238 ?nconjurat de mari savan\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u351 ?i arti\uc1 \u351 ?ti, de diverse etnii \uc1 \u351 ?i orient\uc1 \u259 ?
ri religioase, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a asumat rolul de protector al artelor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Alep/Halab sau Aleppo (vechea
Beroea) ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nordul Siriei actuale. A fost fondat pe
vremea hitti\uc1 \u355 ?ilor (\uc1 \u238 ?n jurul anului 1000 \uc1 \u238 ?.
Chr.) \uc1 \u351 ?i locuit \uc1 \u238 ?n permanen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
diverse popula\uc1 \u355 ?ii. Aici se afl\uc1 \u259 ?, printre alte vestigii,
moscheea lui Zacharia, \uc1 \u238 ?n perimetrul c\uc1 \u259 ?reia se g\uc1 \u259 ?
se\uc1 \u351 ?te morm\uc1 \u226 ?ntul atribuit tat\uc1 \u259 ?lui lui Ioan
Botez\uc1 \u259 ?torul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Amasya
vechiul Pontus grecesc. Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nordul
Turciei, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre coasta M\uc1 \u259 ?rii Negre, fiind populat, \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din epoca otoman\uc1 \u259 ? timpurie, de triburi
turcmene, \uc1 \u238 ?n permanent conflict cu administra\uc1 \u355 ?ia
central\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Bairam
(tr. bayram) termen care desemneaz\uc1 \u259 ?, la turci, cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? mari
s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?tori islamice: S\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toarea Jertfei
(Kurban Bayrami) \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toarea de \uc1 \u238 ?
ncheiere a postului din luna Ramadan (\uc1 \u350 ?eker Bayrami).}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Behzad/Bihzad (m. 1535) cel mai cunoscut miniaturist
sau \uc1 \u8222 ?pictor de manuscrise\uc1 \u8221 ? persan de la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1
\u351 ?itul epocii mongole \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul celei safavide. N\uc1
\u259 ?scut la Herat, \uc1 \u238 ?n actualul Afghanistan, a fost preg\uc1 \u259 ?
tit de pictorul Mirak Nakka\uc1 \u351 ?, tutorele s\uc1 \u259 ?u. Behzad a lucrat o
perioad\uc1 \u259 ? la Herat, \uc1 \u238 ?n biblioteca regal\uc1 \u259 ? a
Timurizilor, care reunea un num\uc1 \u259 ?r apreciabil de savan\uc1 \u355 ?i,
caligrafi \uc1 \u351 ?i miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?ti. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1506 sau, dup\uc1
\u259 ? alte surse, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1510, dup\uc1 \u259 ? instalarea la putere a noii
dinastii safavide, Behzad a \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it curtea regal\uc1 \u259 ?
la Tabriz (actualul Iran). Ajuns \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea bibliotecii regale
dup\uc1 \u259 ? 1522, el avea s\uc1 \u259 ? influen\uc1 \u355 ?eze decisiv nu numai
pictura persan\uc1 \u259 ?, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cea indian\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?
i otoman\uc1 \u259 ?. Treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i dou\uc1 \u259 ? dintre numeroasele
manuscrise ilustrate care i se atribuie, realizate la Herat \uc1 \u238 ?ntre
1486 \uc1 \u351 ?i 1495, au o paternitate cert\uc1 \u259 ?. Miniaturile sale se
remarc\uc1 \u259 ? prin cromatica subtil\uc1 \u259 ?, stilul elaborat al
compozi\uc1 \u355 ?iei, aspectul realist al peisajelor \uc1 \u351 ?i personajelor.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u8222 ?Bonetele ro\uc1
\u351 ?ii\uc1 \u8221 ? (tr. Kizilba\uc1 \u351 ?) termen desemn\uc1 \u226 ?nd, la
origine, un grup de \uc1 \u351 ?apte triburi turcmene rebele, care profesau o
form\uc1 \u259 ? de islam popular blamat de teologii sunni\uc1 \u355 ?i,
deoarece \uc1 \u238 ?ncorpora numeroase elemente preislamice \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?iite. Formula lor de cult era, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ?, similar\uc1 \u259 ? cu cea a ordinului mistic Bekta\uc1
\u351 ?i (patronul spiritual al ienicerilor), care s-a prefigurat c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al XlII-lea, dar care s-a integrat
\uc1 \u238 ?n sistemul social otoman. Triburile amintite erau preponderent nomade
ori seminomade \uc1 \u351 ?i se aflau \uc1 \u238 ?n conflict permanent cu otomanii,
care urm\uc1 \u259 ?reau sedentarizarea lor. Conflictul cu autorit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile otomane era periodic stimulat de dinastia safavid\uc1
\u259 ? din Iran, care se folosea de ele ca for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de
interpunere \uc1 \u351 ?i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, de presiune, pentru a cuceri estul
Anatoliei. Termenul de Kizilba\uc1 \u351 ? a devenit, \uc1 \u238 ?n timp, sinonim
cu no\uc1 \u355 ?iunea de \uc1 \u8222 ?erezie\uc1 \u8221 ?, ajung\uc1 \u226 ?nd
s\uc1 \u259 ? desemneze \uc1 \u351 ?i alte grupuri care se disociau de islamul
sunnit; \uc1 \u238 ?n unele contexte, el era folosit ca sinonim al etnonimului \uc1
\u8222 ?iranian/persan\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sensul de \uc1 \u8222 ?
adept/aliat al persanilor\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Buhara ora\uc1 \u351 ? situat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-o oaz\uc1 \u259 ? din vestul
actualului Uzbekistan. A fost fondat \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul I d. Chr., remarc\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se ca centru cultural \uc1 \u351 ?i comercial datorit\uc1 \u259 ?
faptului c\uc1 \u259 ? se afla pe traseul caravanelor ce str\uc1 \u259 ?b\uc1 \u259
?teau Drumul M\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?sii. Cucerit de arabi la \uc1 \u238 ?
nceputul secolului al VUI-lea, a devenit apoi un important centru al culturii
islamice, men\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i acest statut \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n perioada Samanizilor (dinastie persan\uc1 \u259 ? care a domnit
\uc1 \u238 ?n secolele IX-X). Ulterior, a fost cucerit succesiv de Karakhanizi
(dinastie turcic\uc1 \u259 ?) \uc1 \u351 ?i de t\uc1 \u259 ?tari. In secolul al
XVI-lea a fost capitala Hanatului Uzbec, transformat, \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al
XVIII-lea \uc1 \u238 ?n emirat. Acesta din urm\uc1 \u259 ? a fost cucerit \uc1
\u238 ?n 1866 de Rusia, devenind \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada 1868-1920 protectorat
rusesc.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 }{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
Buhari (810-870) savant arab originar din Buhara. A c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torit
prin \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, adun\uc1 \u226 ?nd tradi\uc1
\u355 ?ii orale cu privire la Profetul Mahomed. Din cele peste 600000 de
tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ii de acest gen a selectat, verific\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-le riguros
autenticitatea, 7275, incluse \uc1 \u238 ?n opera intitulat\uc1 \u259 ?
Autenticele. Sunni\uc1 \u355 ?ii consider\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ? acestea sunt
dep\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ite \uc1 \u238 ?n importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? doar
de Coran. \uc1 \u206 ?n urma unei dispute teologice, Buhari a fost expulzat la
Kartank, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Samarkand, unde a \uc1 \u351 ?i murit.
Morm\uc1 \u226 ?ntul s\uc1 \u259 ?u este vizitat anual de mii de pelerini din
\uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Burak cal legendar, cu atribute miraculoase, care l-ar fi purtat pe Profetul
Mahomed \uc1 \u238 ?n ascensiunea sa nocturn\uc1 \u259 ? la cer (ar. al-Mi'raj, tr.
Mirac), petrecut\uc1 \u259 ? la Ierusalim (al treilea ora\uc1 \u351 ? sf\uc1
\u226 ?nt al islamului, dup\uc1 \u259 ? Mecca \uc1 \u351 ?i Medina).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cami (1414-1492) poet \uc1 \u351 ?i mistic persan
n\uc1 \u259 ?scut \uc1 \u238 ?n actuala provincie Horasan din Iran. Numele s\uc1
\u259 ?u este str\uc1 \u226 ?ns legat de curtea timurid\uc1 \u259 ? de la Herat
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi de suveranul Hosayn Baykara (tr. Huseyin
Baykara). Opera sa cea mai important\uc1 \u259 ? este o alegorie compus\uc1 \u259 ?
din \uc1 \u351 ?apte poeme \uc1 \u351 ?i intitulat\uc1 \u259 ? Cele \uc1 \u351 ?
apte tronuri. A scris, de asemenea, alte trei volume de poeme, mai multe opere \uc1
\u238 ?n proz\uc1 \u259 ?, inclusiv biografii ale unor sfin\uc1 \u355 ?i
persani, \uc1 \u351 ?i o culegere de anecdote cu accente licen\uc1 \u355 ?ioase.
Este \uc1 \u351 ?i autorul mai multor tratate de sufism.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Caravanserai (tr. kervansaray) gen de han, folosit de caravanele de
negustori, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i de alte categorii de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tori.
Caravanseraiurile erau amplasate de-a lungul rutelor comerciale, precum \uc1
\u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n marile ora\uc1 \u351 ?e ale lumii islamice. Ele aveau
aspectul unor veritabile fort\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?e, fiind prev\uc1 \u259 ?
zute cu o singur\uc1 \u259 ? poart\uc1 \u259 ?, care se \uc1 \u238 ?nchidea noaptea
din ra\uc1 \u355 ?iuni de securitate. Indiferent de zona \uc1 \u238 ?n care se
situau, aveau o concep\uc1 \u355 ?ie arhitectonic\uc1 \u259 ? relativ
identic\uc1 \u259 ?: un corp de cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri situat \uc1 \u238 ?mprejurul
unei incinte vaste, cu numeroase ci\uc1 \u351 ?mele, iar la nivelul solului,
grajduri pentru animale, eventual depozite pentru m\uc1 \u259 ?rfurile transportate
de caravane. Corpul de cl\uc1 \u259 ?diri era compartimentat \uc1 \u351 ?i, uneori,
prev\uc1 \u259 ?zut cu \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?peri. In incint\uc1 \u259 ? se
afla \uc1 \u351 ?i o moschee sau o sal\uc1 \u259 ? de rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune. Curtea
era folosit\uc1 \u259 ? pentru tranzac\uc1 \u355 ?ii comerciale; c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1
\u259 ?torii sosi\uc1 \u355 ?i din cele mai diverse zone ale lumii obi\uc1 \u351 ?
nuiau s\uc1 \u259 ? schimbe ve\uc1 \u351 ?ti, idei, obiceiuri, ceea ce-i conferea
caravanseraiului un important rol de socializare \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada
clasic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea biruin\uc1
\u355 ?elor (tr. Zafemame) volum realizat \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1
\u259 ? al Palatului de la Topkapi, sub supravegherea lui Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman
(Maestrul Osman), care data din 1579 \uc1 \u351 ?i care prezenta, prin intermediul
celor 25 de miniaturi, sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul domniei lui Soliman
Magnificul mort \uc1 \u238 ?n 1566, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul asediului fort\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ?ei maghiare de la Szigetv\uc1 \u226 ?r (azi, Szeged).}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea ceremoniilor (tr. Surname) volum realizat sub \uc1
\u238 ?ndrumarea lui Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman (Maestrul Osman), care cuprindea 437
de miniaturi \uc1 \u351 ?i care ilustra ceremonia de circumcizie a prin\uc1 \u355 ?
ului mo\uc1 \u351 ?tenitor Mehmed, fiul sultanului Murat III (1574-1595),
petrecut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n anul 1582. Potrivit unor surse de epoc\uc1 \u259
?, aceast\uc1 \u259 ? ceremonie, care a necesitat un an de preg\uc1 \u259 ?tiri, a
durat 50 de zile \uc1 \u351 ?i 50 de nop\uc1 \u355 ?i. La s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259
?torile de acest gen participau, prin reprezentan\uc1 \u355 ?ii lor desemna\uc1
\u355 ?i, diverse corpuri ale armatei, organiza\uc1 \u355 ?ii religioase \uc1 \u351
?i bresle. Delega\uc1 \u355 ?ii acestora defilau \uc1 \u238 ?n fiecare dup\uc1
\u259 ?-amiaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe Hipodromul din Istanbul (tr. At Meydam), \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o ordine prestabilit\uc1 \u259 ?, purt\uc1 \u226 ?nd care alegorice,
ustensile \uc1 \u351 ?i produse specifice. Acestea din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
i erau oferite sultanului \uc1 \u351 ?i, ulterior, distribuite mul\uc1 \u355 ?imii
care asista la festivit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Cartea harurilor (tr. Hunemame) unul dintre cele mai vestite
manuscrise cu miniaturi realizate \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al
Palatului de la Topkapi, sub \uc1 \u238 ?ndrumarea lui Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman
(Maestrul Osman). Textul era conceput de Lokman Efendi (\uc1 \u350 ?ehnameci Seyyid
Lokman). Opera a fost realizat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n dou\uc1 \u259 ? etape.
Primul volum, datat 1584, cuprindea 45 de miniaturi care prezentau via\uc1 \u355 ?a
\uc1 \u351 ?i faptele de vitejie ale suveranilor otomani, \uc1 \u238 ?ncep\uc1
\u226 ?nd cu Osman G\uc1 \u226 ?zi (fondatorul dinastiei) \uc1 \u351 ?i
termin\uc1 \u226 ?nd cu Selim I. Cel de-al doilea, datat 1587, cuprindea 95 de
miniaturi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?i era dedicat \uc1 \u238 ?n exclusivitate lui
Soliman Magnificul (tr. Kanuni Sultan Suleyman).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Cartea lui Selim (tr. \uc1 \u350 ?ahname-i SelimHan) volum realizat \uc1 \u238 ?n
1581 \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierele de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de la Palatul Topkapi, sub \uc1
\u238 ?ndrumarea lui Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman (Maestrul Osman); cuprindea 43 de
miniaturi \uc1 \u351 ?i ilustra domnia sultanului Selim II (1566-1574). Textul \uc1
\u238 ?i apar\uc1 \u355 ?inea lui
Lokman Efendi (\uc1 \u350 ?ehnameci Seyyid Lokman).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Cartea sufletului (ar. Kitab al-ruh) vezi El-Cevziyye.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor (pers. \uc1 \u350 ?ahname)
capodopera lui Firdevsi (940? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1020?), care cuprinde 60000 de
distihuri. Poemul debuteaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu epoca regilor persani legendari:
Gayumart, Ho\uc1 \u351 ?ang, Tahmuras \uc1 \u351 ?i Jam\uc1 \u351 ?id.
Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? perioad\uc1 \u259 ? idilic\uc1 \u259 ? este urmat\uc1 \u259 ? de
domnia fatidic\uc1 \u259 ? a arabului Dahhak (sau Zohak), care este ispitit de
propriul str\uc1 \u259 ?mo\uc1 \u351 ?, Ahriman, cade \uc1 \u238 ?n p\uc1 \u259 ?
cat \uc1 \u351 ?i devine din ce \uc1 \u238 ?n ce mai tiranic. Dahhak sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?e\uc1 \u351 ?te prin a fi \uc1 \u238 ?ntemni\uc1 \u355 ?at sub Muntele
Damavand. Cursul evenimentelor este \uc1 \u238 ?ntrerupt de un episod romantic,
care nareaz\uc1 \u259 ? dragostea dintre Zal prin\uc1 \u355 ? din dinastia
regal\uc1 \u259 ? a Persiei \uc1 \u351 ?i Rudabah, fiica regelui din Kabul. Din
c\uc1 \u259 ?s\uc1 \u259 ?toria lor se na\uc1 \u351 ?te Rustam (tr. Rustem), erou
adeseori asem\uc1 \u259 ?nat cu Hercule din mitologia greac\uc1 \u259 ?. Poemul
avanseaz\uc1 \u259 ? de la epoca legendar\uc1 \u259 ? la cea istoric\uc1 \u259 ? a
Persiei, trec\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?n revist\uc1 \u259 ? domniile \uc1 \u351 ?
ahilor sassanizi \uc1 \u351 ?i ajung\uc1 \u226 ?nd p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la
cucerirea musulman\uc1 \u259 ?, asociat\uc1 \u259 ? cu moartea lui Yazdgird III,
\uc1 \u238 ?n 651 (vezi Firdevsi).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Ceac\uc1 \u351 ?iri pantaloni largi, de tipul \uc1 \u351 ?alvarilor, str\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n pliuri \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul taliei \uc1 \u351 ?i
ata\uc1 \u351 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n zona gleznelor, de cizme u\uc1 \u351 ?
oare din piele; spre deosebire de \uc1 \u351 ?alvari, care erau purta\uc1 \u355 ?i
de ambele sexe, ceac\uc1 \u351 ?irii erau purta\uc1 \u355 ?i doar de b\uc1 \u259 ?
rba\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cei-cu-Oile-Albe
(tr. Akkoyunlu) confedera\uc1 \u355 ?ie de triburi turcmene sunnite din regiunea
Diyarbakir (sud-estul Turciei actuale), ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut\uc1 \u259 ? prin secolul
al XlV-lea, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?ia mongol\uc1 \u259 ?.
Confedera\uc1 \u355 ?ia se compunea din diverse clanuri \uc1 \u351 ?i triburi
turcmene, sosite \uc1 \u238 ?n Anatolia \uc1 \u238 ?n aceea\uc1 \u351 ?i
perioad\uc1 \u259 ? cu turcii selgiukizi. Statul amintit integra ini\uc1 \u355 ?ial
at\uc1 \u226 ?t gruparea Celor-cu-Oile-Albe, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i gruparea
Celor-cu-Oile-Negre uniuni de triburi care s-au separat ulterior pentru a pune
bazele unor forma\uc1 \u355 ?iuni statale rivale, prima sunnit\uc1 \u259 ?, cea de-
a doua \uc1 \u351 ?iit\uc1 \u259 ?. Expansiunea Celor-cu-Oile-Albe a fost
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme st\uc1 \u259 ?vilit\uc1 \u259 ? de confedera\uc1 \u355 ?ia
rival\uc1 \u259 ?, a Celor-cu-Oile-Negre. Puterea lor avea s\uc1 \u259 ? se
consolideze odat\uc1 \u259 ? cu domnia lui Uzun Hasan (\uc1 \u238 ?n roman, Hasan
cel Lung, m. 1478), care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a extins domina\uc1 \u355 ?ia p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la Bagdad, Herat \uc1 \u351 ?i Golful Persic. Cei-cu-Oile-Albe vor fi
submina\uc1 \u355 ?i ulterior de propaganda \uc1 \u351 ?iit\uc1 \u259 ? a dinastiei
safavide din Iran, care le va aplica o lovitur\uc1 \u259 ? decisiv\uc1 \u259 ? prin
victoria \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Ismail asupra lui Uzun Hasan (1502). Un principat
autonom al Celor-cu-Oile-Albe s-a mai men\uc1 \u355 ?inut o vreme la Mardin (sud-
estul Turciei).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Cei-cu-Oile-Negre
(tr. Karakoyunlu) confedera\uc1 \u355 ?ie de triburi turcmene islamizate, de
orientare \uc1 \u351 ?iit\uc1 \u259 ?, care ocupa zona lacului Van, \uc1 \u238 ?n
vestul Anatoliei (vezi \uc1 \u351 ?i Cei-cu-Oile-Albe).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Delhi (sultanatele de la ~) succesiune de dinastii (1206-1526)
fondate de unul dintre comandan\uc1 \u355 ?ii ghurizi, Kutb al-Din Aybeg
(cuceritorul ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului Delhi), ai c\uc1 \u259 ?ror reprezentan\uc1
\u355 ?i erau de origine afghan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i turcic\uc1 \u259 ?
(central-asiatic\uc1 \u259 ?). Aceste dinastii au generat o civiliza\uc1 \u355 ?ie
specific\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n care islamul interfera cu elemente hinduse \uc1
\u351 ?i budiste.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dervi\uc1 \u351 ?
termen de origine persan\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?i desemna, la modul general,
pe adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii misticii islamice (sufism). De-a lungul istoriei misticii
islamice, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rei prime manifest\uc1 \u259 ?ri se situeaz\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al VIII-lea, au
ap\uc1 \u259 ?rut numeroase ordine de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i (tr. tarikat), care au
generat ramuri \uc1 \u351 ?i subramuri numeroase, at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n
mediile sunnite, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n cele \uc1 \u351 ?iite.
Acestea \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i aveau, fiecare, propriul mod de organizare,
propriile rituri \uc1 \u351 ?i metode de ini\uc1 \u355 ?iere; unele dintre ele
valorificau tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ii locale, de origine preislamic\uc1 \u259 ?. Existau
ordine de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i cer\uc1 \u351 ?etori, care duceau o via\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? itinerant\uc1 \u259 ?. Altele dispuneau de o vast\uc1 \u259 ?
re\uc1 \u355 ?ea de l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?uri proprii (numite \uc1 \u238 ?n
turc\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n func\uc1 \u355 ?ie de m\uc1 \u259 ?rime \uc1
\u351 ?i importan\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, hankah, asitane, zaviye sau, generic,
tekke), aveau simpatizan\uc1 \u355 ?i laici care contribuiau la sus\uc1 \u355 ?
inerea lor financiar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i organizau reuniuni rituale regulate;
l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urile erau \uc1 \u238 ?ntre\uc1 \u355 ?inute de persoane
consacrate celibatului (dervi\uc1 \u351 ?ii propriu-zi\uc1 \u351 ?i).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Divanhane sala de consiliu a Palatului Imperial
de la Topkapi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Dulkadir trib
turkmen aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n conflict constant cu turcii otomani. S-a situat de
partea dinastiei safavide din Iran \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul s\uc1 \u226 ?ngeroaselor
conflicte care opuneau cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? tabere, \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al XVI-
lea; a contribuit nemijlocit la consolidarea dinastiei safavide \uc1 \u351 ?i la
anihilarea rivalilor acesteia. Ocupa zonele Mara\uc1 \u351 ?, Malatya, Elbistan
\uc1 \u351 ?i Harput din sud-estul Turciei actuale, dar avea ramifica\uc1 \u355 ?ii
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n zona Azerbaidjanului iranian.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Edirne anterior Adrianopole (vechiul Hadrianopolis sau Adrianopolis),
ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-vestul Turciei, \uc1 \u238 ?n apropierea
actualei grani\uc1 \u355 ?e cu Bulgaria. Printre vestigiile sale istorice
figureaz\uc1 \u259 ? Moscheea Selimiye, construit\uc1 \u259 ? c\uc1 \u259 ?tre 1500
de faimosul arhitect otoman Sinan, \uc1 \u351 ?i Moscheea Bayezit, terminat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 1488. La origine, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul Edirne f\uc1 \u259 ?cea
parte din Tracia de Est, fiind cunoscut ca Uskadama sau Uskudama. Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul
a fost reconstruit de \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratul roman Hadrian, c\uc1 \u259 ?
ruia avea s\uc1 \u259 ?-i poarte ulterior numele, \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul anului 125 d.
Chr. A fost apoi cucerit succesiv de avari, de bulgari \uc1 \u351 ?i de cavalerii
crucia\uc1 \u355 ?i. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1361, turcii otomani au preluat controlul asupra
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului, care a devenit capitala sultanilor otomani p\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? la cucerirea Constantinopolului, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1453, \uc1 \u351 ?i
care a avut, ulterior, statutul unei capitale de var\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 El-Cevziyye (1292-1350) \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at arab
ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui preocup\uc1 \u259 ?ri s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ndreptat mai ales c\uc1
\u259 ?tre jurispruden\uc1 \u355 ?a islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, teologie \uc1 \u351 ?i
tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iile profetice. Era renumit pentru cuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1 \u355 ?
ele sale aprofundate \uc1 \u238 ?n domeniul comentariilor Coranului, afirm\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-se \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi pe t\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u226 ?mul g\uc1 \u226 ?
ndirii hanbalite. Multe dintre lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile sale erau compila\uc1 \u355 ?
ii, dar a scris \uc1 \u351 ?i opere originale. Una dintre c\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u355 ?ile sale cele mai \uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gite este Cartea sufletului,
frecvent amintit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n romanul lui Orhan Pamuk.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Erzurum ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n estul Turciei.
Erzurumul actual corespunde vechiului ora\uc1 \u351 ? armean Garin Kalakh; \uc1
\u238 ?n perioada bizantina, aici se afla ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul Theodosiopolis.
A\uc1 \u351 ?ezarea a fost cucerit\uc1 \u259 ? de turcii selgiukizi \uc1 \u238 ?n
1071, apoi de turcii otomani \uc1 \u238 ?n 1515. Erzurumul a fost ocupat, pentru
scurte perioade, \uc1 \u351 ?i de Rusia (1828, 1878 \uc1 \u351 ?i 1916).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Esterabad actualul Gurgan (vezi Gurgan).}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 F\uc1 \u259 ?pturi ciudate (tr. Acayip Ul-Mahlukat) carte
de mare popularitate \uc1 \u238 ?n lumea islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, care poate fi
socotit\uc1 \u259 ? un echivalent al a\uc1 \u351 ?a-numitelor mirabilia din
Occidentul medieval. Acest gen de lucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri consemnau ciud\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?eniile lumii fizice sau ceea ce p\uc1 \u259 ?rea s\uc1 \u259 ? se situeze la
grani\uc1 \u355 ?a dintre straniu \uc1 \u351 ?i miraculos (animale monstruoase,
rase umane neobi\uc1 \u351 ?nuite, fenomene inexplicabile etc), folosindu-se de o
literatur\uc1 \u259 ? de colportaj care circula mai ales pe cale oral\uc1 \u259 ?.
Fenomene similare sunt consemnate, sub form\uc1 \u259 ? de \uc1 \u8222 ?legende\uc1
\u8221 ? sau \uc1 \u8222 ?zvonuri\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n celebre
c\uc1 \u226 ?rti de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torie din lumea islamic\uc1 \u259 ?,
precum cea a lui Ibn Fadlan ori cea a lui Evliya gelebi (1611-1684).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Feregea mantie sau pelerin\uc1 \u259 ? din stof\uc1 \u259
? sau m\uc1 \u259 ?tase, purtat\uc1 \u259 ? de femeile musulmane \uc1 \u238 ?n
public, peste celelalte ve\uc1 \u351 ?minte; termenul s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226
?ndit \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u354 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rile Rom\uc1 \u226 ?ne,
unde desemna o mantie din stof\uc1 \u259 ? sub\uc1 \u355 ?ire sau m\uc1 \u259 ?tase
purtat\uc1 \u259 ? de boieri sau de so\uc1 \u355 ?iile acestora peste \uc1 \u238 ?
mbr\uc1 \u259 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?mintea obi\uc1 \u351 ?nuit\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Firdevsi/Ferdousi (940? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1020?) poet persan,
socotit de unii critici \uc1 \u8222 ?un Homer al Persiei\uc1 \u8221 ?. N\uc1
\u259 ?scut \uc1 \u238 ?n Horasan, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Tun, Firdevsi
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a consacrat o mare parte a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii celei mai vaste dintre
operele sale, Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor (pers. \uc1 \u350 ?ahname). \uc1 \u206 ?
ncheiat dup\uc1 \u259 ? circa treizeci \uc1 \u351 ?i cinci de ani, \uc1 \u238 ?n
1010, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd autorul avea \uc1 \u238 ?n jur de 70 de ani, poemul cuprinde
circa 60000 de distihuri. Opera se remarc\uc1 \u259 ? prin numeroasele descrieri de
b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lii, reconstituite \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un stil alert \uc1
\u351 ?i expresiv; a fost unul dintre subiectele predilecte de inspira\uc1 \u355 ?
ie ale miniaturi\uc1 \u351 ?tilor din \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.
Nemul\uc1 \u355 ?umit de tratamentul de care avea parte la curtea sultanului Mahmud
din Ghazna, c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia \uc1 \u238 ?i dedicase cartea, Firdevsi pleac\uc1
\u259 ? la Herat, iar de acolo \uc1 \u238 ?n Tabaristan. Mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu se
stabile\uc1 \u351 ?te la Bagdad, unde compune un mesnevi de 9000 de distihuri,
intitulat Iosif\uc1 \u351 ?i Zulayka (versiunea arab\uc1 \u259 ? a pove\uc1 \u351 ?
tii biblice).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }\pard \plain
\langfenp1048 La sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii revine pe
meleagurile natale (vezi \uc1 \u351 ?i Cartea \uc1 \u351 ?ahilor).}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Fuzuli (1494? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1556) poet otoman originar
din vechiul trib turcmen Bayat, stabilit pe teritoriile Irakului actual \uc1
\u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? de pe vremea turcilor selgiukizi. De confesiune \uc1 \u351 ?
iit\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i-a redactat scrierile \uc1 \u238 ?n turc\uc1 \u259 ?
azer\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n persan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n
arab\uc1 \u259 ?. Este socotit unul dintre cei mai mari poe\uc1 \u355 ?i otomani,
al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de contemporanul s\uc1 \u259 ?u Baki. Opera sa, vast\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u351 ?i variat\uc1 \u259 ?, v\uc1 \u259 ?de\uc1 \u351 ?te cuno\uc1 \u351 ?
tin\uc1 \u355 ?e enciclopedice \uc1 \u351 ?i este dominat\uc1 \u259 ? de tema
dragostei mistice. Ea include antologii poetice \uc1 \u351 ?i un num\uc1 \u259 ?r
de poeme erotico-mistice de mare \uc1 \u238 ?ntindere, dintre care cel mai celebru
este Leyla \uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun (prelucrare proprie a vestitei pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti
de dragoste arabe).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Galata vechiul
cartier genovez din Istanbul, aflat la nord de Cornul de Aur.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Gazali (Abu-Hamid al-Ghazali, 1058-1111) mistic \uc1 \u351 ?i teolog
islamic originar din Tus (provincia Horasan din Iranul actual). A fost o vreme
profesor la celebra \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? coranic\uc1 \u259 ? al-Nizamiyya
din Bagdad, unde \uc1 \u351 ?i-a redactat \uc1 \u351 ?i publicat o mare parte din
oper\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?i-a petrecut apoi circa unsprezece ani \uc1 \u238 ?n
c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torii, la Damasc, Ierusalim, Mecca, pentru a reveni,
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii, la Ni\uc1 \u351
?apur \uc1 \u351 ?i, ulterior, la Tus. A scris, printre altele, Re\uc1 \u238 ?
nvierea \uc1 \u351 ?tiinelor religioase, Salvatorul de la r\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?cire, Firida luminilor, Incoeren\uc1 \u355 ?a filosofilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Genghis Han/Ginghis Han (1167? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1227) personaj cvasi-
legendar, fondatorul Imperiului Mongol. Originar dintr-un clan mongol obscur,
Temujin, viitorul Mare Han, a izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ? reuneasc\uc1 \u259 ? sub
conducerea sa mai multe triburi mongole, spre a pune bazele unui \uc1 \u8222 ?
imperiu universal\uc1 \u8221 ?, care s-a dovedit, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1
\u259 ?, efemer. Invaziile mongole au r\uc1 \u259 ?v\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?it
China, Transoxiana, Afghanistanul, o mare parte a Iranului, a Rusiei meridionale
\uc1 \u351 ?i a Indiei. Descenden\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Genghis Han aveau s\uc1 \u259 ?
fondeze dinastii \uc1 \u238 ?n China, Persia \uc1 \u351 ?i Rusia \uc1 \u351 ?i
s\uc1 \u259 ? st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?neasc\uc1 \u259 ?, vreme de mai multe
secole, Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Ghaznevizi dinastie turcic\uc1 \u259 ? islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, care a st\uc1 \u259 ?
p\uc1 \u226 ?nit, vreme de mai bine de 200 de ani, Afghanistanul \uc1 \u351 ?i
Punjabul. Dinastia a fost fondat\uc1 \u259 ? de Alptigin (m. 963), un sclav samanid
de origine turcic\uc1 \u259 ?, care a cucerit \uc1 \u238 ?n 962 ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul
strategic Ghazna \uc1 \u351 ?i l-a transformat \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un regat autonom.
Cel mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat reprezentant al dinastiei a fost sultanul Mahmud din
Ghazna (971-1030), nepotul lui Alptigin, care a condus numeroase expedi\uc1 \u355 ?
ii r\uc1 \u259 ?zboinice \uc1 \u238 ?n Punjab, revenind, de fiecare dat\uc1
\u259 ?, cu imense pr\uc1 \u259 ?zi de r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi, folosite pentru a
transforma Ghazna \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un \uc1 \u238 ?nfloritor centru de cultur\uc1
\u259 ? islamic\uc1 \u259 ?. El a reu\uc1 \u351 ?it s\uc1 \u259 ? anexeze, \uc1
\u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, Punjabul, capitala Ghaznevizilor mut\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-se, din 1160, la Lahore. Ultimul suveran ghaznevid a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1
\u259 ?turat de la tron \uc1 \u238 ?n 1186 de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Muhammad din Ghur
(m. 1206), cuceritor musulman din dinastia Ghurizilor (vezi Ghurizi).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ghurizi dinastie originar\uc1 \u259 ? din Ghur (vestul
regiunii centrale a actualului Afghanistan), care a pus bazele unui regat pe la
mijlocul secolului al XH-lea, provoc\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?derea
Ghaznevizilor. Ghurizii au st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit regiuni din Afghanistan
(1186-1215) \uc1 \u351 ?i din India (1173-1206), fiind la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul lor
\uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?tura\uc1 \u355 ?i de la putere de \uc1 \u351 ?ahii din
Horezm (Khwarizm), care fondaser\uc1 \u259 ? o alt\uc1 \u259 ? dinastie, \uc1 \u238
?n centrul Asiei (ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia aveau s\uc1 \u259 ? fie la r\uc1 \u226 ?ndul
lor disloca\uc1 \u355 ?i de mongolii lui Genghis Khan \uc1 \u238 ?n 1219-1220).}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Gori fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nordul Georgiei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Gurgan/Gorgan ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-estul Iranului,
aproape de Marea Caspic\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n provincia Mazandaran, numit
anterior Esterabad sau Astrabad. A\uc1 \u351 ?ezarea exista cel pu\uc1 \u355 ?in
din epoca ahemenid\uc1 \u259 ? (550? \uc1 \u8211 ? 330? \uc1 \u206 ?. Chr.).
C\uc1 \u259 ?tre secolul I d. Chr., Esterabadul a devenit loc de popas pe vestitul
Drum al M\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?sii care lega China de Marea Mediteran\uc1
\u259 ?, acest statut contribuind substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial la dezvoltarea sa
economic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cultural\uc1 \u259 ? p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre anul 1200. Din secolul al XlII-lea p\uc1
\u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul secolului al XX-lea, ora\uc1 \u351 ?
ul a avut profund de suferit de pe urma incursiunilor unor armate inamice, care au
condus la depopularea \uc1 \u351 ?i la declinul s\uc1 \u259 ?u treptat.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hafez/Hafiz (1325? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1389?) poet persan
originar din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz (Iran). Era un adept fervent al misticii islamice,
dar a fost, o vreme, \uc1 \u351 ?i poet de curte. Versurile sale celebreaz\uc1
\u259 ? agapele bahice, partidele de v\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i
dragostea \uc1 \u238 ?n ipostazele ei cele mai surprinz\uc1 \u259 ?toare,
reflect\uc1 \u226 ?nd, aparent, stilul de via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? al cur\uc1
\u355 ?ii imperiale din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz; ele au \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i o dimensiune mistic\uc1 \u259 ? mai profund\uc1 \u259 ?. Poetului i se
atribuie peste cinci sute de poeme, genul preferat fiind de departe gazelul,
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia i-a adus inova\uc1 \u355 ?ii importante at\uc1 \u226 ?t la
nivelul surselor de inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i al formei.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Hallac-i Mansur (ar. Mansur al-
Hallaj, m. 922) mistic persan de expresie arab\uc1 \u259 ?, provenit, probabil,
dintr-o familie de zoroastrieni. Remarc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se prin influen\uc1 \u355 ?a
cresc\uc1 \u226 ?nd\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prin num\uc1 \u259 ?rul mare de
discipoli, a fost arestat de poli\uc1 \u355 ?ia abbasid\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a
petrecut opt ani de temni\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? la Bagdad. A sf\uc1 \u226 ?
r\uc1 \u351 ?it prin a fi declarat eretic, torturat \uc1 \u351 ?i executat \uc1
\u238 ?n public, pe esplanada noii moschei din Bagdad. Discipolilor s\uc1 \u259 ?i,
urm\uc1 \u259 ?ri\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i persecuta\uc1 \u355 ?i asiduu, li se
atribuie revigorarea poeziei mistice din Iran \uc1 \u351 ?i din Turcia. De\uc1
\u351 ?i condamnat de o parte \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnat\uc1 \u259 ? a teologilor
dogmatici, al-Hallaj s-a bucurat de o vie simpatie \uc1 \u238 ?n mediile populare,
care continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ?-l venereze \uc1 \u351 ?i ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi.
Operele sale, conservate \uc1 \u238 ?n parte, se remarc\uc1 \u259 ? prin
argumenta\uc1 \u355 ?ia subtil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prin rafinamentul
expresiei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Halveti confrerie mistic\uc1
\u259 ? islamic\uc1 \u259 ? a c\uc1 \u259 ?rei \uc1 \u238 ?nfiin\uc1 \u355 ?are
\uc1 \u238 ?i este atribuit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Uman al-Halwati, mort la Tabriz prin
1397-1398. Confreria a p\uc1 \u259 ?truns \uc1 \u238 ?n Asia Mic\uc1 \u259 ?
dinspre Azerbaidjan, fiind constant prezent\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355
?a public\uc1 \u259 ? pe tot parcursul istoriei otomane \uc1 \u351 ?i ajung\uc1
\u226 ?nd la apogeu \uc1 \u238 ?n secolele XVI-XVII. A avut numeroase ramuri,
\uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi \uc1 \u238 ?n provinciile centrale ale Imperiului. Circa un
sfert din num\uc1 \u259 ?rul total al l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?urilor sufite
istanbuleze de la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al XlX-lea era
revendicat de diversele ramuri ale ordinului Halveti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Hanbalism cea mai dogmatic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i mai rigid\uc1
\u259 ? dintre \uc1 \u351 ?colile de jurispruden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
islamic\uc1 \u259 ? sunnit\uc1 \u259 ?, plasat\uc1 \u259 ? sub patronajul lui Ahmad
bin Hanbal (m. 855). Aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? nega dreptul
la opinia personal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i la ra\uc1 \u355 ?ionamentul prin
analogie, fiind \uc1 \u238 ?n mod explicit literal\uc1 \u259 ?, nu
speculativ\uc1 \u259 ?. Hanbalismul a fost foarte r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?
ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n ultimele dou\uc1 \u259 ? secole ale c\uc1 \u259 ?lifarului
abbasid (750-1258), r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nd popular \uc1 \u238 ?n
Siria \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Irak p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
secolul al XlV-lea, pentru a \uc1 \u238 ?nregistra apoi un declin \uc1 \u238 ?n
perioada otoman\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Hanefism \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? juridic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?
ntemeiat\uc1 \u259 ? de teologul Abu-Hanifa, care, pe l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
Coran \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u8222 ?tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iile profetice\uc1 \u8221 ?
izvoare fundamentale ale dreptului islamic \uc1 \u8211 ? accept\uc1 \u259 ? ideea
opiniei personale ra\uc1 \u355 ?ionale, \uc1 \u238 ?n m\uc1 \u259 ?sura \uc1
\u238 ?n care cauza litigioas\uc1 \u259 ? nu are analogie \uc1 \u238 ?n sursele
men\uc1 \u355 ?ionate. Din aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? a
derivat sistemul juridic oficial al abbasizilor, al turcilor selgiukizi \uc1
\u351 ?i al celor otomani. Ea continu\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? predomine
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?n Turcia \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n vechile
teritorii otomane, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Havuz bazinul situat \uc1 \u238
?ntre apartamentele imperiale \uc1 \u351 ?i viitoarele chio\uc1 \u351 ?curi ale
Bagdadului \uc1 \u351 ?i Revanului, \uc1 \u238 ?n incinta Palatului Imperial de la
Topkapi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Herat ora\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-vestul Afghanistanului, pe cursul Harirudului (anticul
Arius). Se presupune c\uc1 \u259 ? a\uc1 \u351 ?ezarea a fost fondat\uc1 \u259 ? de
Alexandru Macedon \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al IV-lea \uc1 \u238 ?. Chr. \uc1 \u206 ?n
secolul al VH-lea d. Chr. ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul a fost cucerit de musulmani. \uc1 \u206
?n 1381, Heratul a devenit capitala cuceritorului turco-mongol Timur Lenk \uc1
\u351 ?i s-a dezvoltat rapid, dob\uc1 \u226 ?ndind o faim\uc1 \u259 ? solid\uc1
\u259 ?, datorit\uc1 \u259 ? re\uc1 \u355 ?elei de \uc1 \u351 ?coli \uc1 \u351 ?i
atelierelor de pictur\uc1 \u259 ?. A fost cucerit de afghani \uc1 \u238 ?n 1749,
dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i pierduse treptat str\uc1 \u259 ?
lucirea de alt\uc1 \u259 ?dat\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n urma str\uc1 \u259 ?
mut\uc1 \u259 ?rii capitalei iraniene la Tabriz.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Horasan provincie \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-estul Iranului;
toponimul era utilizat, \uc1 \u238 ?n mod tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ional, nu numai pentru
desemnarea actualei provincii iraniene, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru zonele situate la
est de Iran, inclusiv pentru Transoxiana.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Hulagu/Hulagu Han (1217? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1265) fondatorul dinastiei ilkhanide, care a
dominat circa 70 de ani Persia \uc1 \u351 ?i regiunile \uc1 \u238 ?nvecinate. Nepot
al lui Genghis Han \uc1 \u351 ?i frate cu Kublai Han \uc1 \u351 ?i Mangu Han,
Hulagu a inclus Persia \uc1 \u351 ?i Irakul \uc1 \u238 ?n Imperiul Mongol,
distrug\uc1 \u226 ?nd, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1256, celebra fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a ismaili\uc1 \u355 ?ilor de la Alamut (disiden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? islamic\uc1 \u259 ? radical\uc1 \u259 ?, cu pronun\uc1 \u355 ?ate accente
ezoterice, cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Europa \uc1 \u351 ?i sub numele de
\uc1 \u8222 ?Secta Asasinilor\uc1 \u8221 ?). In 1257-1258 a asediat Bagdadul,
\uc1 \u238 ?n urma refuzului califului abbasid de a i se preda; potrivit unor
istorici, \uc1 \u238 ?n masacrul care a urmat au fost cru\uc1 \u355 ?ate doar
vie\uc1 \u355 ?ile cre\uc1 \u351 ?tinilor, la interven\uc1 \u355 ?ia so\uc1 \u355 ?
iei cre\uc1 \u351 ?tine a lui Hulagu. Bagdadul a ars vreme de \uc1 \u351 ?apte
zile. Hulagu a cucerit apoi Alepul \uc1 \u351 ?i Damascul (Siria) \uc1 \u351 ?i a
invadat Palestina, dar, lipsite temporar de comanda sa, armatele ilkhanide au
fost \uc1 \u238 ?nvinse de Mamelucii egipteni. Hulagu s-a retras \uc1 \u238 ?n
Persia, petrec\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-\uc1 \u351 ?i ultimii ani mai ales \uc1 \u238 ?n
nord-vestul Iranului, \uc1 \u238 ?n zona lacului Urmia; multe dintre ora\uc1
\u351 ?ele distruse cu prilejul invaziei \uc1 \u351 ?i al cuceririlor au fost
ref\uc1 \u259 ?cute chiar \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii sale.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 H\uc1 \u252 ?srev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin unul
dintre cele cinci poeme narative ce alc\uc1 \u259 ?tuiesc Cvintetul compus de
scriitorul iranian Nizami. Este inspirat de povestea de dragoste a lui Khosrou (tr.
H\uc1 \u252 ?srev) II, supranumit Parvez (\uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1
\u259 ?torul\uc1 \u8221 ?), rege din dinastia sassanid\uc1 \u259 ? (590-628).
Acesta a cucerit tronul cu ajutorul \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratului bizantin
Mauritius \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n semn de recuno\uc1 \u351 ?tin\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?, le-a restituit bizantinilor o parte din teritoriile cucerite
de bunicul s\uc1 \u259 ?u. C\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratul
Mauritius a fost detronat \uc1 \u351 ?i ucis (602), Khosrou \uc1 \u351 ?i-a
modificat politica fa\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Bizan\uc1 \u355 ?, declar\uc1
\u226 ?ndu-i r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi perpetuu. A recucerit, pe aceast\uc1 \u259 ? cale,
teritoriile retrocedate \uc1 \u238 ?n 592, a invadat largi zone din sud-vestul
Asiei, a atacat Egiptul (616) \uc1 \u351 ?i a ajuns, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1
\u259 ?, p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la Chalcedon. Ca urmare a problemelor
interne \uc1 \u351 ?i a intrigilor urzite pentru detronarea sa, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?
nvins, \uc1 \u238 ?n cele de urm\uc1 \u259 ?, de \uc1 \u238 ?mp\uc1 \u259 ?ratul
bizantin Heraclius (628). Dup\uc1 \u259 ? aceast\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1
\u226 ?ngere, a fost \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turat de la tron \uc1 \u351 ?i ucis
de fiul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ibn Arabi
(m. 1240) unul dintre cei mai importan\uc1 \u355 ?i mistici islamici ai tuturor
timpurilor. N\uc1 \u259 ?scut \uc1 \u238 ?n Andaluzia, a c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
torit \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume musulman\uc1 \u259 ?, stabilindu-se o
vreme \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Asia Mic\uc1 \u259 ?. Existen\uc1 \u355 ?a i-a
fost aproape \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntregime consacrat\uc1 \u259 ? studiului,
ceea ce explic\uc1 \u259 ? bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u351 ?i varietatea
operei sale. \uc1 \u206 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tura lui Ibn Arabi,
foarte personal\uc1 \u259 ?, a fost popularizat\uc1 \u259 ?, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
moartea maestrului, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi de Sadr al-Din al-Kunyavi \uc1 \u351 ?i de
a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ntul patronat de acesta la Konya (vechiul
Iconium, \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul Turciei) veritabil loc de azil pentru mari savan\uc1
\u355 ?i ai vremii, supu\uc1 \u351 ?i presiunii mongole. Ideile lui Ibn Arabi s-au
bucurat de o receptare deosebit de favorabil\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Anatolia,
devenind obiect de studiu \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u351 ?colile coranice din Imperiul
Otoman. \uc1 \u206 ?ncep\uc1 \u226 ?nd din secolul al XlV-lea, doctrina sa
monist\uc1 \u259 ? a devenit dogma centrala a sufismului anatolian \uc1 \u351 ?i a
influen\uc1 \u355 ?at vizibil literatura clasic\uc1 \u259 ? otoman\uc1 \u259 ?.
Printre cele mai \uc1 \u238 ?nsemnate scrieri ale sale se num\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1
\u259 ? Firida luminilor, Cartea teofaniilor, Revela\uc1 \u355 ?iile de la Mecca.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ibn Fadlan (sec. al X-lea)
savant musulman cunoscut mai ales printr-o relatare de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?
torie \uc1 \u238 ?n Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?. Ibn Fadlan l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1
\u355 ?it, \uc1 \u238 ?n calitate de secretar, pe ambasadorul trimis de califul
abbasid al-Muktadir (908-932) la Almi\uc1 \u351 ?, regele bulgarilor de pe Volga,
spre a-i remite banii necesari construirii unei fort\uc1 \u259 ?re\uc1 \u355 ?e.
Misiunea e\uc1 \u351 ?uat\uc1 \u259 ?, deoarece autorit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ile
califale nu au izbutit s\uc1 \u259 ?str\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? suma
solicitat\uc1 \u259 ? a plecat de la Bagdad \uc1 \u238 ?n iunie 921 \uc1 \u351 ?i a
ajuns la bulgari, dup\uc1 \u259 ? nenum\uc1 \u259 ?rate peripe\uc1 \u355 ?ii,
\uc1 \u238 ?n mai 922.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ilkhanizidinastie
fondat\uc1 \u259 ? de Hulagu (1217-1265), nepotul lui Genghis Han. Acesta a
primit \uc1 \u238 ?n st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire Hanatul Iranului (1256)
\uc1 \u351 ?i a ajuns s\uc1 \u259 ? domine treptat o zon\uc1 \u259 ? care
includea \uc1 \u238 ?n termenii geografiei actuale Iranul, estul Irakului, vestul
Afghanistanului \uc1 \u351 ?i Turkmenistanul. Dinastia fondat\uc1 \u259 ? de el
avea s\uc1 \u259 ? d\uc1 \u259 ?inuie p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n
1353. \uc1 \u206 ?n vremea lui Mahmud Ghazan Han, care a ocupat tronul \uc1 \u238 ?
n 1295, Ilkhanizii s-au convertit la islam. Cu acest prilej, dinastia conduc\uc1
\u259 ?toare \uc1 \u351 ?i-a proclamat independen\uc1 \u355 ?a fa\uc1
\u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? de Marele Han mongol, teritoriile ilkhanide au fost
reorganizate din punct de vedere administrativ, iar armata reformat\uc1 \u259 ?. Pe
teritoriile conduse de Ilkhanizi se vorbeau, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de mongola, turca,
araba \uc1 \u351 ?i persana. Capitalele Ilkhanizilor, Tabriz \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u350 ?iraz, au fost, \uc1 \u238 ?n epoc\uc1 \u259 ?, veritabile centre ale
culturii islamice, remarc\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se prin sinteza iraniano-mongol\uc1
\u259 ? la nivelul arhitecturii, al artelor decorative (mai ales al miniaturii)
\uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n via\uc1 \u355 ?a \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?
ific\uc1 \u259 ?. Ilkhanizii au contribuit, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, la revigorarea
\uc1 \u351 ?i dezvoltarea comer\uc1 \u355 ?ului \uc1 \u238 ?ntre Orient \uc1
\u351 ?i Europa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Losif \uc1 \u351 ?i
Zulayka versiunea arab\uc1 \u259 ? a istoriei lui losif, personajul din Vechiul
Testament, \uc1 \u351 ?i a so\uc1 \u355 ?iei lui Potifar. \uc1 \u206 ?n roman se
face aluzie la poemul epic compus pe aceast\uc1 \u259 ? tem\uc1 \u259 ? de
Firdevsi, \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada petrecut\uc1 \u259 ? la Bagdad.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ispahan ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n centrul
Iranului. \uc1 \u206 ?n perioada preislamic\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd purta
numele de Aspadana, a\uc1 \u351 ?ezarea f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte din Media. Ea a fost
invadat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cucerit\uc1 \u259 ? de arabi la mijlocul
secolului al VH-lea. A fost ocupat\uc1 \u259 ? apoi de turcii selgiukizi,
veni\uc1 \u355 ?i din Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u351 ?i a devenit, \uc1 \u238
?n 1051, capitala imperiului fondat de ace\uc1 \u351 ?tia. In 1387, Ispahanul a
fost cucerit de Timur Lenk. Epoca sa cea mai fast\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u238 ?
nceput \uc1 \u238 ?n 1598, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd \uc1 \u351 ?ahul Abbas I (1588-1629) a
mutat aici capitala Iranului. Sub atenta lui supraveghere, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul s-a
extins necontenit \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a dezvoltat baza economic\uc1
\u259 ?, care a contribuit la sus\uc1 \u355 ?inerea vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii intelectuale.
Ispahanul a fost invadat de afghani \uc1 \u238 ?n 1722, ceea ce a determinat
mutarea capitalei iraniene la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz. Ocupa\uc1 \u355 ?ia afghan\uc1
\u259 ? a luat sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?it \uc1 \u238 ?n 1729, dar ora\uc1
\u351 ?ul nu \uc1 \u351 ?i-a mai redob\uc1 \u226 ?ndit vitalitatea de alt\uc1 \u259
?dat\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Jalayirizi dinastie
mongol\uc1 \u259 ? care a dominat Azerbaidjanul oriental \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada
1336-1432.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Kazvin ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n nord-vestul Iranului. A fost fondat \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al III-lea d.
Chr. Grav afectat de invaziile mongole din secolul al XHI-lea, avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
fie ref\uc1 \u259 ?cut ulterior de suveranii persani \uc1 \u238 ?n mai multe etape.
\uc1 \u350 ?ahul Tahmasp I (1524-1576) \uc1 \u351 ?i-a stabilit aici capitala,
contribuind astfel la dezvoltarea ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului care a devenit cunoscut,
printre altele, pentru \uc1 \u351 ?coala sa de miniatur\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Kelile \uc1 \u351 ?i Dimne culegere de povestiri indiene,
traduse din limba sanskrit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n limba siriac\uc1 \u259 ? spre
anul 570 \uc1 \u351 ?i, dou\uc1 \u259 ? secole mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu, din limba
siriac\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n limba arab\uc1 \u259 ?. A beneficiat de mai multe
traduceri \uc1 \u238 ?n turca otoman\uc1 \u259 ?, prima dintre ele dat\uc1 \u226 ?
nd din 1347. Cea mai celebr\uc1 \u259 ? dintre ele r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne
Cartea imperial\uc1 \u259 ?, tradus\uc1 \u259 ? de Aii Celebi (m. 1543-1544)
dup\uc1 \u259 ? versiunea persan\uc1 \u259 ? intitulat\uc1 \u259 ? Lumina
canopului. Aceasta din urm\uc1 \u259 ? era cunoscut\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n Europa.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Konya
ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Turcia central\uc1 \u259 ?, centru important al
ordinului Mevlevi, patronat de Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Aici se afla, \uc1 \u238 ?n
perioada otoman\uc1 \u259 ?, l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?ul-mam\uc1 \u259 ? al
ordinului, care cuprindea, printre altele, mausoleul fondatorului \uc1 \u351 ?i
care a devenit, de-a lungul timpului, loc de pelerinaj. Actualul ora\uc1 \u351 ?
Konya se afl\uc1 \u259 ? pe amplasamentul uneia dintre cele mai vechi a\uc1 \u351 ?
ez\uc1 \u259 ?ri din lume, care data, probabil, din mileniul al III-lea \uc1
\u238 ?. Chr. La sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al Xl-lea s-au
instalat \uc1 \u238 ?n zon\uc1 \u259 ? turcii selgiukizi, ocazie cu care ora\uc1
\u351 ?ul a devenit capitala Sultanatului de Iconium sau Rum. Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul a
fost cucerit de mongoli c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului
al XHI-lea, iar ulterior de principatul autonom turcmen al Karamanizilor. A fost
anexat de Imperiul Otoman la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al XV-lea.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Lamii Celebi (m. 1531) autor
otoman care a tradus, printre altele, \uc1 \u238 ?n turc\uc1 \u259 ?, vestitul
ciclu de pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti arabe 1001 de nop\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Leyla \uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun celebr\uc1 \u259 ? poveste de dragoste
arab\uc1 \u259 ?, care a cunoscut numeroase prelucr\uc1 \u259 ?ri, \uc1 \u238 ?n
diverse zone ale lumii islamice; exist\uc1 \u259 ? versiuni \uc1 \u238 ?n limbile
arab\uc1 \u259 ?, persan\uc1 \u259 ?, kurd\uc1 \u259 ?, turc\uc1 \u259 ?, pa\uc1
\u351 ?tu, urdu etc. Forma sa actual\uc1 \u259 ? dateaz\uc1 \u259 ?, probabil, din
cea de-a doua jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate a secolului al VlII-lea. \uc1 \u206 ?n miniatura
islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, care a abordat frecvent aceast\uc1 \u259 ? tem\uc1 \u259 ?,
eroul pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii, Mecnun, este de obicei reprezentat \uc1 \u238 ?n
de\uc1 \u351 ?ert, \uc1 \u238 ?n mijlocul animalelor s\uc1 \u259 ?lbatice pe care
le \uc1 \u238 ?mbl\uc1 \u226 ?nze\uc1 \u351 ?te cu sf\uc1 \u226 ?\uc1 \u351 ?
ietoarele sale c\uc1 \u226 ?ntece de dragoste. Romanul lui Orhan Pamuk face
referire la versiunea persan\uc1 \u259 ? a pove\uc1 \u351 ?tii, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rei
autor este Nizami.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Loknian
Efendi/\uc1 \u350 ?ehnameci Seyyid Lokm\uc1 \u226 ?n (sec. al XVI-lea) poet de
curte otoman, mediocru sub raportul \uc1 \u238 ?nzestr\uc1 \u259 ?rii literare, dar
extrem de prolific, ale c\uc1 \u259 ?rui scrieri au fost frecvent ilustrate de
Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman (Maestrul Osman) \uc1 \u351 ?i de atelierul de
pictur\uc1 \u259 ? de la Topkapi.
Originar probabil din Iran, din zona lacului Urmia, a fost profund influen\uc1
\u355 ?at de stilul literaturii persane. Unele dintre cronicile sale \uc1 \u238 ?n
versuri cu pronun\uc1 \u355 ?at caracter apologetic, dedicate faptelor de arme ale
sultanilor otomani, erau realizate \uc1 \u238 ?n forma clasic\uc1 \u259 ? a
mesnevi-uhri.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Maestrul Osman (\uc1
\u238 ?n realitate, Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman) a condus atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259
? de la Palatul Topkapi \uc1 \u238 ?n epoca sultanului Murat III (1574-1595), c\uc1
\u226 ?nd se desf\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u351 ?oar\uc1 \u259 ? ac\uc1 \u355 ?iunea
romanului lui Orhan Pamuk. Sub obl\uc1 \u259 ?duirea sa au fost realizate
miniaturile c\uc1 \u226 ?torva manuscrise celebre din secolul al XVI-lea.
Miniaturile realizate sub \uc1 \u238 ?ndrumarea lui Nakka\uc1 \u351 ? Osman se
remarc\uc1 \u259 ? prin rafinament \uc1 \u351 ?i prin aspectul studiat al
compozi\uc1 \u355 ?iei particularitate care nu exclude inova\uc1 \u355 ?iile
\uc1 \u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?zne\uc1 \u355 ?e, menite s\uc1 \u259 ? confere imaginii
un centru de greutate. Se pune pre\uc1 \u355 ? nu numai pe scenele \uc1 \u238 ?n
mi\uc1 \u351 ?care \uc1 \u351 ?i pe cele colective, ci \uc1 \u351 ?i pe acurate\uc1
\u355 ?ea detaliului. Unele picturi ajung s\uc1 \u259 ? ocupe una sau chiar dou\uc1
\u259 ? pagini, nemaifiind, prin urmare, simple anexe ale textului \uc1 \u238 ?
nso\uc1 \u355 ?itor, ci tinz\uc1 \u226 ?nd c\uc1 \u259 ?tre autonomie
artistic\uc1 \u259 ?. Culorile, \uc1 \u238 ?ntre care domin\uc1 \u259 ? ro\uc1
\u351 ?ul, sunt vii, luminoase, str\uc1 \u259 ?lucitoare, iar aurirea, generoas\uc1
\u259 ?, demn\uc1 \u259 ? de epoca \uc1 \u238 ?n care au fost pl\uc1 \u259 ?
smuite.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Malekism una dintre cele
patru \uc1 \u351 ?coli juridice recunoscute de jurispruden\uc1 \u355 ?a islamic\uc1
\u259 ? sunnit\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u350 ?coala amintit\uc1 \u259 ? are la baz\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?turile lui Malik bin Anas
(m. 795), autorul celui mai vechi tratat de drept islamic. Este r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1
\u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ? ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi cu prec\uc1 \u259 ?dere \uc1 \u238 ?n
Africa de Nord \uc1 \u351 ?i de Vest, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce anterior, \uc1 \u238 ?n
secolele VIII-IX, s-a bucurat de mare popularitate \uc1 \u238 ?n Andaluzia.
Malekismul se distinge prin accentul pus pe opinia personal\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u351 ?i pe ra\uc1 \u355 ?ionamentul prin analogie, \uc1 \u238 ?n detrimentul
\uc1 \u8222 ?tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iilor profetice\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Manisa ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vestul Turciei. A\uc1 \u351 ?
ezarea actual\uc1 \u259 ? se afl\uc1 \u259 ? pe amplasamentul ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului
antic Magnesia. Manisa a fost st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nit\uc1 \u259 ? pe
r\uc1 \u226 ?nd de persani, de greci, de romani, de bizantini, de cavalerii
crucia\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i de turcii selgiukizi, fiind cucerit\uc1 \u259 ?
de otomani \uc1 \u238 ?n 1405.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u259 ?slin\uc1 \u259 ? (\uc1 \u238 ?n realitate, Velican) miniaturist, discipol al
lui Siyavu\uc1 \u351 ?, vestitul \uc1 \u8222 ?pictor de chipuri\uc1 \u8221 ?
iranian din atelierul de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? al \uc1 \u350 ?ahului Tahmasp I (1524-
1576), de la Tabriz; nu se cunosc detalii biografice privitoare la el.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Memi cel Negru miniaturist numit, \uc1 \u238 ?n
realitate, Mehmed Celebi \uc1 \u351 ?i supranumit Karamemi/Kara Memi; a fost
ucenicul pictorului persan \uc1 \u350 ?ah Kulu (adus de la Tabriz la Istanbul de
Selim I, 1512-1520) \uc1 \u351 ?i a lucrat \uc1 \u238 ?n atelierul Palatului de la
Topkapi \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada 1540-1566.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Me\uc1 \u351 ?hed ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-estul Iranului, situat \uc1
\u238 ?n apropierea grani\uc1 \u355 ?ei cu Turkmenistanul, respectiv cu
Afghanistanul actual. Este unul dintre cele mai mari ora\uc1 \u351 ?e din Iran,
bucur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se at\uc1 \u226 ?t de reputa\uc1 \u355 ?ia unui centru
religios, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i de condi\uc1 \u355 ?ii economice favorabile.
Aici se afl\uc1 \u259 ?, printre altele, mausoleul consacrat celui de-al VUI-lea
imam din seria liderilor spirituali venera\uc1 \u355 ?i de \uc1 \u351 ?ii\uc1 \u355
?ii duodecimani (imami\uc1 \u355 ?i) Imam Reza (m. 818) \uc1 \u8211 ? de unde
importan\uc1 \u355 ?a sa ca loc de pelerinaj pentru \uc1 \u351 ?ii\uc1 \u355 ?i.
\uc1 \u350 ?ahul Abbas I (1588-1629) a contribuit substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial la
dezvoltarea sa arhitectonic\uc1 \u259 ?, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul continu\uc1 \u226 ?nd
apoi s\uc1 \u259 ? prospere \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada lui Nadir \uc1 \u350 ?ah, care
i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nl\uc1 \u259 ?turat de la putere pe Safavizi \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u351 ?i-a stabilit aici capitala, la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al
XVII-lea.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mevlana Celaleddin
Rumi (1207-1273) mistic \uc1 \u351 ?i poet persan n\uc1 \u259 ?scut la Balh,
\uc1 \u238 ?n actualul Afghanistan. S-a stabilit, dup\uc1 \u259 ? lungi
peregrin\uc1 \u259 ?ri determinate de invazia mongol\uc1 \u259 ?, la Konya, \uc1
\u238 ?n Turcia actual\uc1 \u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1244 a intrat sub influen\uc1
\u355 ?a lui \uc1 \u350 ?ams al-Din, dervi\uc1 \u351 ? din Tabriz care a determinat
disocierea sa de mediile riguros sunnite frecventate anterior. \uc1 \u350 ?ams al-
Din a disp\uc1 \u259 ?rut \uc1 \u238 ?n 1247, motiv pentru care Rumi avea s\uc1
\u259 ? compun\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n anii urm\uc1 \u259 ?tori, circa 30000 de
versuri \uc1 \u238 ?n care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i exprima dezolarea pentru
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? pierdere. Capodopera sa este un mesnevi de mare \uc1 \u238 ?
ntindere, care a exercitat o influen\uc1 \u355 ?a notabil\uc1 \u259 ? asupra
g\uc1 \u226 ?ndirii \uc1 \u351 ?i literaturii islamice \uc1 \u351 ?i care a devenit
canonul congrega\uc1 \u355 ?iei plasate sub patronajul s\uc1 \u259 ?u.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Mevlevi ordin mistic celebru \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ntreaga
lume islamic\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i datora numele marelui
poet mistic de expresie persan\uc1 \u259 ? Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Organizarea
ordinului i-a revenit fiului mai mare al lui Mevlana, Sultan Veled. Confreria, care
s-a r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi din secolul al XV-lea \uc1
\u351 ?i al c\uc1 \u259 ?rei centru spiritual se afla la Konya, era popular\uc1
\u259 ? mai ales \uc1 \u238 ?n mediile intelectuale, bucur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se de un
tratament privilegiat \uc1 \u238 ?n cercurile palatului imperial al
Selgiukizilor \uc1 \u351 ?i, ulterior, al Otomanilor. Faima sa a ajuns destul de
devreme \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Occident, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi datorit\uc1
\u259 ? celebrului dans ritual, menit s\uc1 \u259 ? simbolizeze evolu\uc1 \u355 ?ia
astrelor pe bolta cereasc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? induc\uc1 \u259 ?
transa extatic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Mingrelian originar din Mingrelia, regiune din Transcaucazia aflat\uc1 \u259 ?
ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?n Georgia. Locuitorii zonei vorbesc un idiom care
face parte din grupul caucazian de sud \uc1 \u351 ?i este str\uc1 \u226 ?ns \uc1
\u238 ?nrudit cu georgiana. Se considera c\uc1 \u259 ? mingrelienii sunt georgieni
care s-au \uc1 \u238 ?ncruci\uc1 \u351 ?at cu alte popula\uc1 \u355 ?ii din jur.
Redu\uc1 \u351 ?i ca num\uc1 \u259 ?r, sunt \uc1 \u238 ?n majoritate de confesiune
greco-catolic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Nak\uc1 \u351 ? la turcii otomani, pictur\uc1 \u259 ? decorativ\uc1 \u259 ? de
orice tip, inclusiv miniatura, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i broderie; termenul a ajuns
s\uc1 \u259 ? desemneze, la un moment dat, \uc1 \u351 ?i muzica vocal\uc1 \u259 ?
bogat \uc1 \u8222 ?ornamentat\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Nak\uc1 \u351 ?ibendi ordin mistic islamic de orientare sunnit\uc1
\u259 ?, extrem de popular \uc1 \u238 ?n regiunea Caucazului \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1
\u238 ?n Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?. Se remarca prin practici devo\uc1 \u355 ?ionale
specifice, prin accentul pus pe metodele de concentrare \uc1 \u351 ?i reculegere,
prin austeritatea comportamental\uc1 \u259 ?, care contrasta cu exuberan\uc1
\u355 ?a altor ordine, mai pu\uc1 \u355 ?in \uc1 \u8222 ?ortodoxe\uc1 \u8221 ?.
Adep\uc1 \u355 ?ii s\uc1 \u259 ?i erau practican\uc1 \u355 ?i ferven\uc1 \u355 ?i
ai \uc1 \u8222 ?invoca\uc1 \u355 ?iei inimii\uc1 \u8221 ?, realizata \uc1 \u238 ?n
t\uc1 \u259 ?cere, prin intermediul \uc1 \u8222 ?inimii spirituale\uc1 \u8221 ? ca
centru al virtu\uc1 \u355 ?ii.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nestalik
stil persan de scriere, \uc1 \u238 ?n caligrafia cu caractere arabe.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Nizami (1140-1203 sau 1217) poet de limb\uc1 \u259 ?
persan\uc1 \u259 ?, n\uc1 \u259 ?scut \uc1 \u238 ?n Azerbaidjan; a fost puternic
influen\uc1 \u355 ?at de mistica islamic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a jucat un rol
de prim rang \uc1 \u238 ?n evolu\uc1 \u355 ?ia literaturii persane. Cinci dintre
lucr\uc1 \u259 ?rile sale cele mai importante, inspirate de literatura epic\uc1
\u259 ? din perioada sassanid\uc1 \u259 ? (224-651), preislamic\uc1 \u259 ?,
\uc1 \u351 ?i de opera lui Firdevsi, sunt reunite \uc1 \u238 ?n a\uc1 \u351 ?a-
numitul Cvintet. Prima parte a acestei antologii este intitulat\uc1 \u259 ? Comoara
misterelor, cea de-a doua, Httsrev \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u350 ?irin, cea de-a treia
Leyla \uc1 \u351 ?i Mecnun, cea de-a patra, Cartea lui Alexandru o poveste
roman\uc1 \u355 ?at\uc1 \u259 ? a vie\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Alexandru Macedon \uc1
\u8211 ? iar cea de-a cincea, \uc1 \u350 ?apte prin\uc1 \u355 ?ese \uc1 \u8211 ?
consacrat\uc1 \u259 ? aventurilor de dragoste ale suveranului sassanid Bahrain
Ghur. Cvintetul lui Nizami, la care fac adeseori referire personajele lui Orhan
Pamuk, a fost una dintre sursele favorite de inspira\uc1 \u355 ?ie ale miniaturii
persane.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Palatul Din\uc1
\u259 ?untru (tr. Enderun) partea interioar\uc1 \u259 ? a Palatului otoman de la
Topkapi (Istanbul), incluz\uc1 \u226 ?nd apartamentele private ale sultanului
\uc1 \u351 ?i Haremul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Poarta
Imperial\uc1 \u259 ? (tr. Bab-i Humayun) singura poart\uc1 \u259 ? a Palatului de
la Topkapi destinat\uc1 \u259 ? accesului public; ei i se ad\uc1 \u259 ?ugau
alte \uc1 \u351 ?apte por\uc1 \u355 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Ramadan cea de-a noua lun\uc1 \u259 ? a calendarului islamic, marcat\uc1 \u259 ? de
un post diurn a c\uc1 \u259 ?rui respectare figureaz\uc1 \u259 ? printre cei
\uc1 \u8222 ?cinci st\uc1 \u226 ?lpi\uc1 \u8221 ? ai islamului; \uc1 \u238 ?n
aceast\uc1 \u259 ? lun\uc1 \u259 ?, mai precis \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u8222 ?noaptea
destinului\uc1 \u8221 ?, este comemorat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u8222 ?pogor\uc1 \u226 ?
rea\uc1 \u8221 ? Coranului asupra lui Mahomed. Postul se \uc1 \u238 ?ncheie printr-
o s\uc1 \u259 ?rb\uc1 \u259 ?toare de trei zile care marcheaz\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u8222 ?ruperea postului\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i care se nume\uc1 \u351 ?te,
\uc1 \u238 ?n Turcia, \uc1 \u350 ?eker Bayrami. Postul este obligatoriu pentru
orice credincios musulman \uc1 \u238 ?n deplin\uc1 \u259 ?tatea for\uc1 \u355 ?elor
sale; pot fi scutite doar femeile \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinate sau cele care
al\uc1 \u259 ?pteaz\uc1 \u259 ?, precum \uc1 \u351 ?i copiii. El poate fi am\uc1
\u226 ?nat dar nu ignorat de c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?tori, de persoanele bolnave,
precum \uc1 \u351 ?i de orice alt\uc1 \u259 ? persoan\uc1 \u259 ? care, din
ra\uc1 \u355 ?iuni obiective, nu poate s\uc1 \u259 ?-i urmeze rigorile la timpul
cuvenit. Celui care \uc1 \u355 ?ine post i se interzice s\uc1 \u259 ? bea, s\uc1
\u259 ? m\uc1 \u259 ?n\uc1 \u226 ?nce, s\uc1 \u259 ? fumeze, s\uc1 \u259 ? asculte
muzic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre\uc1 \u355 ?in\uc1
\u259 ? rela\uc1 \u355 ?ii sexuale pe tot parcursul zilei; postul este rupt dup\uc1
\u259 ? rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de sear\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i reluat \uc1 \u238 ?
n zorii zilei urm\uc1 \u259 ?toare. Nop\uc1 \u355 ?ile de
Ramadan se asociau, \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada otoman\uc1 \u259 ?, cu nenum\uc1
\u259 ?rate ceremonii, reprezenta\uc1 \u355 ?ii teatrale \uc1 \u351 ?i alte forme
de divertisment.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ra\uc1 \u351 ?
iduddin din Kazvin (1247? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1318?) medic \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?
nv\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?at persan, mare constructor, vizir sub doi hani
ilkhanizi. S-a remarcat mai ales ca istoric, fiind \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat
de Mahmud Ghazan Han s\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntocmeasc\uc1 \u259 ? o ampl\uc1
\u259 ? Istorie universal\uc1 \u259 ?, care \uc1 \u238 ?ncepe, dup\uc1 \u259 ? moda
timpului, de la Adam, referindu-se apoi la patriarhi, la profe\uc1 \u355 ?ii
evrei \uc1 \u351 ?i musulmani, la toate dinastiile persane \uc1 \u351 ?i islamice
care s-au succedat p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la pr\uc1 \u259 ?bu\uc1 \u351 ?irea
Bagdadului, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul invaziilor mongole. Cea mai celebr\uc1 \u259 ?
realizare a lui Ra\uc1 \u351 ?iduddin r\uc1 \u259 ?m\uc1 \u226 ?ne \uc1 \u238 ?
ns\uc1 \u259 ? redactarea primei istorii a mongolilor (Istoria secret\uc1 \u259 ? a
mongolilor), care circulase p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? atunci doar pe cale oral\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Rika stil de scriere
cursiv\uc1 \u259 ?, cu caractere arabe, utilizat \uc1 \u238 ?n Turcia otoman\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sa'di (1213? \uc1
\u8211 ? 1292?) poet persan originar din \uc1 \u350 ?iraz. A studiat la Bagdad \uc1
\u351 ?i a c\uc1 \u259 ?l\uc1 \u259 ?torit mult, \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa de Nord, \uc1
\u238 ?n Irak \uc1 \u351 ?i, poate, \uc1 \u238 ?n India; a f\uc1 \u259 ?cut,
totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, mai multe pelerinaje la Mecca. Revenit la \uc1 \u350 ?iraz
\uc1 \u238 ?n jurul anului 1250, poetul s-a dedicat elabor\uc1 \u259 ?rii celor mai
celebre dintre operele sale, Livada (1257) o culegere de fabule, aforisme \uc1
\u351 ?i scurte istorii \uc1 \u238 ?n versuri, care reflect\uc1 \u259 ? morala
islamic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i Gr\uc1 \u259 ?dina cu trandafiri (1258)
istorii \uc1 \u351 ?i anecdote \uc1 \u238 ?n proz\uc1 \u259 ?, care
alterneaz\uc1 \u259 ? cu poeme lapidare \uc1 \u351 ?i maxime. Sa'di a scris, de
asemenea, poeme lirice \uc1 \u351 ?i panegirice, at\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u238 ?n
persan\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n arab\uc1 \u259 ?.
Opera sa se remarc\uc1 \u259 ? prin elegan\uc1 \u355 ?a limbii, a turnurilor
stilistice \uc1 \u351 ?i prin inteligen\uc1 \u355 ?a vie, nelipsit\uc1 \u259 ? de
sarcasm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sa'di fiu al unui
renegat, este considerat reprezentantul istoriografiei de curte otomane cu
influen\uc1 \u355 ?e persane. A elaborat, printre altele, o Carte a lui Selim (tr.
Selimname), consacrat\uc1 \u259 ? sultanului Selim I (1512-1520), evocat\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n romanul lui Orhan Pamuk.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Safavizi dinastie de origine turcmen\uc1 \u226 ?, care a dominat
Iranul \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada 1501-1732 \uc1 \u351 ?i care a patronat un stat
teocratic de orientare \uc1 \u351 ?iit\uc1 \u259 ? (duodeciman\uc1 \u259 ?).
Fondatorul acesteia, Ismail (1501-1524), care \uc1 \u351 ?i-a luat titlul de
\uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u351 ?ah\uc1 \u8221 ? la Tabriz, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1501, dup\uc1
\u259 ? ce l-a \uc1 \u238 ?nvins pe rivalul s\uc1 \u259 ?u din tribul Celor-cu-
Oile-Albe, s-a servit de \uc1 \u351 ?iism spre a-\uc1 \u351 ?i ralia o serie de
for\uc1 \u355 ?e locale, cu ascenden\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? tribal\uc1 \u259 ?.
Originile dinastiei safavide se situau \uc1 \u238 ?n regiunea Ardabilului (tr.
Erdebil) din Azerbaidjan, devenit, \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea \uc1 \u351 ?eicului Ishak
Safi al-Din (m. 1334) eponimul confreriei Safaviyya, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i al dinastiei
safavide \uc1 \u8211 ? un important centru religios. Congrega\uc1 \u355 ?ia
creat\uc1 \u259 ? de acesta era adepta unui sufism moderat, care respecta litera
Coranului. Abaterea de la sunnism a survenit c\uc1 \u259 ?tre mijlocul secolului al
XV-lea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd unul dintre descenden\uc1 \u355 ?ii fondatorului, Junayd, a
fost izgonit din fieful s\uc1 \u259 ?u de la Ardabil de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre
suveranul \uc1 \u351 ?iit al Celor-cu-Oile-Negre \uc1 \u351 ?i, dornic s\uc1
\u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ia revan\uc1 \u351 ?a, a organizat o contraofensiv\uc1
\u259 ?, reorient\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-se, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, c\uc1 \u259 ?tre \uc1
\u351 ?iism. Fiul acestuia, Haydar, a accentuat nota extremist\uc1 \u259 ? a mi\uc1
\u351 ?c\uc1 \u259 ?rii; ea avea s\uc1 \u259 ? prind\uc1 \u259 ? un contur politic
mai net \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea urma\uc1 \u351 ?ului s\uc1 \u259 ?u, Ismail. Dincolo
de ambi\uc1 \u355 ?iile politice, statul safavid s-a remarcat prin ambian\uc1 \u355
?a cultural\uc1 \u259 ? de excep\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u351 ?i prin rafinamentul
dezbaterii intelectuale. Apogeul dinastiei a fost atins \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea lui
Abbas I (1588-1629), cunoscut ca \uc1 \u350 ?ah Abbas, \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea
c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia capitala se afla la Ispahan.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Samarkand ora\uc1 \u351 ? aflat ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u238 ?n
centrul Uzbekistanului. Este socotit cel mai vechi ora\uc1 \u351 ? din Asia
Central\uc1 \u259 ?, fiind probabil fondat \uc1 \u238 ?n jurul anului 2000 \uc1
\u238 ?. Chr. Cunoscut mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu sub numele de Maracanda, a fost
capitala Sogdianei veche provincie persan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i a fost cucerit
de Alexandru Macedon \uc1 \u238 ?n 329 \uc1 \u238 ?. Chr. A devenit ulterior un
centru comercial \uc1 \u238 ?nfloritor, situat pe vechiul Drum al M\uc1 \u259 ?
t\uc1 \u259 ?sii. La \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul secolului al VUI-lea d. Chr. a fost
cucerit de arabi, ajung\uc1 \u226 ?nd un reper important al culturii islamice.
Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul a trecut printr-o criz\uc1 \u259 ? profund\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238
?n perioada invaziei mongole (1220), fiind aproape distrus de armatele lui Genghis
Han. S-a ref\uc1 \u259 ?cut \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ? aproape \uc1 \u238 ?n
totalitate dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce Timur Lenk \uc1 \u351 ?i-a stabilit aici capitala,
\uc1 \u238 ?n 1369. Imperiul \uc1 \u238 ?ntemeiat de Timur Lenk avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
decad\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al XV-lea, Samarkandul fiind cucerit,
\uc1 \u238 ?n 1500, de uzbeci. Ulterior, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1784, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul a
intrat \uc1 \u238 ?n componen\uc1 \u355 ?a emiratului Buharei. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1868,
Samarkandul a fost anexat de Rusia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Saz/sazyolu stil decorativ creat de \uc1 \u350 ?ah Kulu, miniaturist adus de la
Tabriz la Istanbul \uc1 \u238 ?n
vremea sultanului Selim I (1512-1520) \uc1 \u351 ?i aflat, \uc1 \u238 ?n epoca
acestuia, \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea atelierului de pictur\uc1 \u259 ? (tr. nakka\uc1
\u351 ?hane) de la Palatul Topkapi; stilul amintit se distingea prin nota
fantezist\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i prin evitarea repeti\uc1 \u355 ?iei.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sebzivar ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-estul
Iranului (provincia Horasan). Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul era atestat, ca mic\uc1 \u259 ?
a\uc1 \u351 ?ezare urban\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ? din perioada
sassanid\uc1 \u259 ? (224-651). A fost relativ prosper \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada
medieval\uc1 \u259 ? (641-1500), dar a fost cucerit, jefuit \uc1 \u351 ?i
par\uc1 \u355 ?ial distrus \uc1 \u238 ?n mai multe r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sivas ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n Turcia actual\uc1
\u259 ?, situat pe r\uc1 \u226 ?ul Kizihrmak, re\uc1 \u351 ?edin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1
\u259 ? a guvernatorilor mongoli \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada ilkhanid\uc1 \u259 ?. Se
afl\uc1 \u259 ? pe amplasamentul vechii a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?ri Sebaste sau
Sebastia, ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfloritor \uc1 \u238 ?n perioadele
roman\uc1 \u259 ?, bizantin\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i selgiukid\uc1 \u259 ?. La
sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al XH-lea, Sivasul f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte
din Imperiul Selgiukid de Rum. A fost ulterior cucerit de mongoli, iar \uc1 \u238 ?
n secolul al XV-lea, de otomani. Aici s-a aflat mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme capitala
principatului autonom turcmen de Eretna, care, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de principatul de
Karaman, rivaliza \uc1 \u238 ?n cea de-a doua jum\uc1 \u259 ?tate a secolului al
XlV-lea cu statul otoman. Supus, dup\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lia de
la Nicopole (1398), de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre sultanul Baiazid I (1389-1402), acest
principat avea s\uc1 \u259 ? fie restabilit dup\uc1 \u259 ? b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1
\u259 ?lia de la Ankara (1402), sub protec\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Timur Lenk (1370-
1405). Readusa la ordine \uc1 \u238 ?n vremea cuceritorului Constantinopolului,
Mehmed II (1430-1481), regiunea a r\uc1 \u259 ?mas tensionat\uc1 \u259 ?,
tentat\uc1 \u259 ? de subversiune \uc1 \u351 ?i de idealul revan\uc1 \u351 ?ei
istorice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Sultanul Selim cel
Crunt/Selim I (1470? \uc1 \u8211 ? 1520) suveran al Imperiului Otoman \uc1 \u238 ?n
perioada 1512-1520. A contribuit decisiv la includerea teritoriilor arabe \uc1
\u238 ?n componen\uc1 \u355 ?a Imperiului Otoman \uc1 \u351 ?i a dublat teritoriul
acestuia. Dup\uc1 \u259 ? ascensiunea sa la tron, a re\uc1 \u238 ?nnoit tratatele
cu statele europene \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u351 ?i-a \uc1 \u238 ?nceput domnia prin
eliminarea posibililor rivali la tron, cu excep\uc1 \u355 ?ia lui Soliman, pe care
l-a desemnat ca succesor. Intre 1514 \uc1 \u351 ?i 1517 s-a concentrat asupra
Safavizilor din Iran, care aspirau la teritoriile din estul Anatoliei, a ob\uc1
\u355 ?inut victorii relativ u\uc1 \u351 ?oare \uc1 \u238 ?n Siria, apoi a
traversat peninsula Sinai, captur\uc1 \u226 ?ndu-l \uc1 \u351 ?i execut\uc1 \u226 ?
ndu-l pe sultanul mameluc din Egipt. Selim devenea, astfel, califul islamului
\uc1 \u351 ?i protectorul musulmanilor sunni\uc1 \u355 ?i din \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga
lume. El a mutat sediul administra\uc1 \u355 ?iei otomane din vechea capital\uc1
\u259 ?, Edirne, la Istanbul, a pus Ia punct un cod penal \uc1 \u351 ?i a
consolidat flota. Mutarea administra\uc1 \u355 ?iei la Istanbul a determinat o
remarcabil\uc1 \u259 ? afluen\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? a comercian\uc1 \u355 ?ilor,
arti\uc1 \u351 ?tilor, savan\uc1 \u355 ?ilor \uc1 \u351 ?i liderilor religio\uc1
\u351 ?i c\uc1 \u259 ?tre acest ora\uc1 \u351 ?, care avea s\uc1 \u259 ?
devin\uc1 \u259 ? metropola lumii islamice.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Sultanul Soliman Legiuitorul/Siileyman I (1494-1566) suveran al Imperiului
Otoman \uc1 \u238 ?n perioada 1520-1566, cunoscut \uc1 \u238 ?n Europa sub numele
de Soliman Magnificul. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1521, la \uc1 \u238 ?nceputul domniei sale, a
cucerit Belgradul (aflat la acea vreme \uc1 \u238 ?n Ungaria). \uc1 \u206 ?n anul
urm\uc1 \u259 ?tor i-a expulzat pe Cavalerii Sf\uc1 \u226 ?ntului Ioan din insula
Rhodos. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1526 a invadat din nou Ungaria, \uc1 \u238 ?nving\uc1 \u226 ?
nd armata maghiar\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n b\uc1 \u259 ?t\uc1 \u259 ?lia de la
Moh\uc1 \u226 ?cs. Avea s\uc1 \u259 ? revin\uc1 \u259 ? aici \uc1 \u238 ?n 1529,
sprijinindu-l pe Ioan I Z\uc1 \u226 ?polya, ales rege de nobilimea maghiar\uc1
\u259 ?, dar contestat de arhiducele Ferdinand de Austria (mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu,
Ferdinand I). Apoi, Soliman s-a orientat c\uc1 \u259 ?tre Iran. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1534
a cucerit Tabrizul \uc1 \u351 ?i Bagdadul. \uc1 \u206 ?n 1535 a \uc1 \u238 ?ncheiat
o alian\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? cu Francisc I, regele Fran\uc1 \u355 ?ei, \uc1
\u238 ?mpotriva lui Carol I, deschiz\uc1 \u226 ?nd calea rela\uc1 \u355 ?iilor
diplomatice \uc1 \u238 ?ntre cele dou\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u226 ?ri
\uc1 \u351 ?i a rela\uc1 \u355 ?iilor comerciale ale Levantului cu Occidentul. \uc1
\u206 ?n 1541, Sohman a revenit \uc1 \u238 ?n Ungaria, a cucerit Buda \uc1 \u351 ?i
a \uc1 \u238 ?ncorporat \uc1 \u238 ?n Imperiul Otoman toat\uc1 \u259 ? zona
central\uc1 \u259 ? a \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rii. Doi ani mai t\uc1 \u226 ?rziu,
flotele reunite ale Fran\uc1 \u355 ?ei \uc1 \u351 ?i Imperiului Otoman au atacat
coastele italiene, cucerind Nisa. Au urmat un al doilea \uc1 \u351 ?i al treilea
r\uc1 \u259 ?zboi cu Iranul ocupat \uc1 \u238 ?n parte \uc1 \u351 ?i un asediu
e\uc1 \u351 ?uat asupra Maltei. Soliman moare \uc1 \u238 ?n septembrie 1566,
\uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce asediaz\uc1 \u259 ? Szigetv\uc1 \u226 ?rul (azi, Szeged).
Socotit cel mai mare sultan otoman, s-a remarcat prin reformele administrative \uc1
\u351 ?i juridice, fiind, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, un veritabil patron al artelor
\uc1 \u351 ?i al \uc1 \u351 ?tiin\uc1 \u355 ?elor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 Suyuti (1445-1505) savant enciclopedist arab originar din Cairo, unde
\uc1 \u351 ?i-a petrecut cea mai mare parte din via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?.
Ini\uc1 \u355 ?iat de timpuriu \uc1 \u238 ?n tainele Coranului, ale jurispruden\uc1
\u355 ?ei islamice \uc1 \u351 ?i ale sufismului, a fost mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme
profesor la diverse \uc1 \u351 ?coli coranice. Cea mai mare parte a operelor sale
este constituit\uc1 \u259 ? din pamflete ori din rezumatele unor opere datorate
altor scriitori.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?afiism
una dintre cele patru \uc1 \u351 ?coli juridice recunoscute de islam. A fost
fondat\uc1 \u259 ? de imamul al-\uc1 \u350 ?afi'i (m. 820), socotit ini\uc1 \u355 ?
iatorul principiilor fundamentale ale dreptului musulman. \uc1 \u350 ?coala \uc1
\u351 ?afiit\uc1 \u259 ? pune accentul pe \uc1 \u8222 ?tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iile
profetice\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i, la nevoie, pe ra\uc1 \u355 ?ionamentul
deductiv sau analogie. Este r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ? mai ales
\uc1 \u238 ?n sudul Arabiei, \uc1 \u238 ?n Africa
de Est \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n Malaiezia.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ah Abbas I (1588-1629) suveran iranian din dinastia
safavid\uc1 \u226 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul c\uc1 \u259 ?ruia Persia a \uc1 \u238 ?
nregistrat una din perioadele cele mai str\uc1 \u259 ?lucite ale dezvolt\uc1
\u259 ?rii sale, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi sub aspect arhitectonic \uc1 \u351 ?i
cultural.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ah
Ismail vezi Safavizi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\u350 ?ah Mahmud/\uc1 \u350 ?ah Mahmud din Chazna vezi Ghaznevizi.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?ah Yazdgird ultimul \uc1 \u351 ?ah sassanid,
mort \uc1 \u238 ?n 651, \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul invad\uc1 \u259 ?rii Persiei de
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre proasp\uc1 \u259 ?t constituitele armate musulmane.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?eybanizi dinastie uzbec\uc1 \u259 ?, al c\uc1
\u259 ?rei nume provine de la fondatorul ei, Muhammed \uc1 \u350 ?eybani Han (1500-
1510).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \uc1 \u350 ?iraz ora\uc1
\u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n sud-vestul Iranului, capitala actualei provincii Fars. A fost
fondat \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al VH-lea, devenind \uc1 \u238 ?n mai multe r\uc1
\u226 ?nduri capitala Iranului. Situat \uc1 \u238 ?n Mun\uc1 \u355 ?ii Zagros, \uc1
\u350 ?irazul a avut \uc1 \u238 ?ntotdeauna o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?
comercial\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?nfloritoare (era renumit, de pild\uc1 \u259 ?,
pentru calitatea vinurilor sale \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru manufactura de covoare). Aici
se afl\uc1 \u259 ?, printre altele, mormintele celebrilor poe\uc1 \u355 ?i persani
Hafez \uc1 \u351 ?i Sa'di ambii originari din acest ora\uc1 \u351 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tabriz/Tebriz ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n nord-vestul
Iranului, capital\uc1 \u259 ? a Azerbaidjanului de Est, situat l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? lacul Urmia. Actualul ora\uc1 \u351 ? se afl\uc1 \u259 ? pe
amplasamentul vechii a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?ri Tauris, care s-a impus
mult\uc1 \u259 ? vreme ca important centru comercial, devenind apoi, \uc1 \u238 ?n
secolul al III-lea d. Chr., capitala Armeniei. Tabrizul se afl\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?ntr-o zon\uc1 \u259 ? seismic\uc1 \u259 ? foarte activ\uc1 \u259 ?, fiind
adeseori afectat de cutremure de mari propor\uc1 \u355 ?ii; a fost \uc1 \u238 ?n
mai multe r\uc1 \u226 ?nduri distrus \uc1 \u351 ?i de diverse invazii.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Ta\uc1 \u351 ?kent ora\uc1 \u351 ? situat \uc1 \u238 ?
ntr-o oaz\uc1 \u259 ? din estul Uzbekistanului. A fost cucerit succesiv de arabi
(secolul al VHI-lea d. Chr.), de Genghis Han (\uc1 \u238 ?nceputul secolului al
XlII-lea), de Timur Lenk (secolul al XlV-lea). A fost anexat de Rusia \uc1 \u238 ?n
1865 \uc1 \u351 ?i a devenit apoi capitala Uzbekistanului, dup\uc1 \u259 ?
Samarkand.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tezkireci oficial otoman care
avea ca sarcin\uc1 \u259 ? redactarea de rapoarte oficiale.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Tiflis ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi Tbilisi, capitala Georgiei. P\uc1 \u226 ?
n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al VHI-lea d. Chr., ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul Tiflis s-
a remarcat ca centru intelectual \uc1 \u351 ?i comercial. \uc1 \u206 ?n secolele
XII-XIII a devenit capitala regatului restaurat al Georgiei \uc1 \u351 ?i a
continuat s\uc1 \u259 ? se dezvolte, pe m\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? ce georgienii
avansau spre Caucaz. \uc1 \u206 ?n secolul al XlV-lea, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul a fost
cucerit de mongoli, fiind apoi guvernat, succesiv, de mongoli, de turcii otomani
\uc1 \u351 ?i de persani. \uc1 \u206 ?n secolul al XVIII-lea, a devenit capitala
unui regat autonom al Georgiei, nevoit s\uc1 \u259 ? accepte apoi suzeranitatea
Rusiei, \uc1 \u238 ?n schimbul protec\uc1 \u355 ?iei militare.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Timur Lenk/Tamerlan (1336-1405) conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor \uc1 \u351 ?i
cuceritor de origine turco-mongol\uc1 \u226 ?. S-a n\uc1 \u259 ?scut l\uc1 \u226 ?
ng\uc1 \u259 ? Samarkand (actualul Uzbekistan), \uc1 \u238 ?n tribul Barlas trib de
mongoli care-l \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?ise, \uc1 \u238 ?n secolul al XlII-lea,
pe Genghis Han \uc1 \u238 ?n campaniile de cucerire din Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?.
Timur \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i impune treptat domina\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra
Transoxianei, cu inten\uc1 \u355 ?ia de a restaura Imperiul Mongol fondat de
Genghis Han. Samarkandul devine capitala noii forma\uc1 \u355 ?iuni statale, iar
Timur \uc1 \u238 ?ncearc\uc1 \u259 ? s\uc1 \u259 ? medieze rela\uc1 \u355 ?ia
dintre nomazii de origine turcic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i popula\uc1 \u355 ?ia
persanofon\uc1 \u259 ? sedentar\uc1 \u259 ? din zon\uc1 \u259 ?. Teritoriile
\uc1 \u238 ?nvecinate
sunt anexate relativ u\uc1 \u351 ?or \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ncredin\uc1 \u355 ?
ate spre administrare fiilor sau oamenilor de \uc1 \u238 ?ncredere ai lui Timur. In
1381 organizeaz\uc1 \u259 ? o mare campanie \uc1 \u238 ?n Iran. Urmeaz\uc1 \u259 ?
Armenia \uc1 \u351 ?i Georgia (1392), India (1398-1399), Siria \uc1 \u351 ?i Turcia
(1400-1402). \uc1 \u206 ?n cursul acestei ultime campanii cucere\uc1 \u351 ?te
Alepul \uc1 \u351 ?i Damascul, iar \uc1 \u238 ?n 1402 \uc1 \u238 ?l \uc1 \u238 ?
nvinge \uc1 \u351 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?l ia prizonier, l\uc1 \u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ?
Ankara, pe sultanul otoman Baiazid I. Timur Lenk moare \uc1 \u238 ?n 1405, l\uc1
\u226 ?ng\uc1 \u259 ? Otrar (azi, \uc1 \u238 ?n Kazakhstan), \uc1 \u238 ?n vreme ce
preg\uc1 \u259 ?tea o campanie \uc1 \u238 ?n China. Este \uc1 \u238 ?ngropat la
Samarkand, mausoleul s\uc1 \u259 ?u fiind unul dintre cele mai impun\uc1 \u259 ?
toare monumente arhitectonice ale ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului. Timur a construit, de
altfel, numeroase palate \uc1 \u351 ?i moschei de mare valoare, aflate \uc1 \u238 ?
n majoritate \uc1 \u238 ?n fosta sa capital\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Timurizi dinastie fondat\uc1 \u259 ? de Timur Lenk. Timurizii au
dominat Transoxiana \uc1 \u351 ?i Iranul p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? la \uc1 \u238 ?
nceputul secolului al XVI-lea, contribuind substan\uc1 \u355 ?ial la dezvoltarea
literaturilor turc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i persan\uc1 \u259 ?. Unul dintre
descenden\uc1 \u355 ?ii lui Timur Lenk, Babur, a fondat Imperiul Mogul din India
(1526).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Tophane cartier istanbulez
situat la est de Galata, spre Bosfor; aici se afla turn\uc1 \u259 ?toria
destinat\uc1 \u259 ? tunurilor.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Transoxiana toponim clasic latin, cu sensul de \uc1 \u8222 ?zona aflat\uc1 \u259 ?
dincolo de (fluviul) Oxus (ar. Jayhun)\uc1 \u8221 ?, care desemna regiunea
situat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntre fluviile Amu-Daria (vechiul Oxus) \uc1 \u351 ?i
S\uc1 \u226 ?r-Daria (vechiul Iaxartes). Transoxiana a fost o zon\uc1 \u259 ?
tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ional\uc1 \u259 ? de migra\uc1 \u355 ?ie pentru popula\uc1 \u355 ?
iile turcice dislocate din Asia Central\uc1 \u259 ?, dar \uc1 \u351 ?i punctul de
plecare al unor invazii, precum cea mongol\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i cea
timurid\uc1 \u259 ?. Ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi se afl\uc1 \u259 ? pe teritoriul
Uzbekistanului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Turan vechi termen
persan, care desemna teritoriile situate la nord de Iran; aceste teritorii erau
locuite preponderent de popula\uc1 \u355 ?ii turcice, astfel \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1
\u226 ?t termenul de \uc1 \u8222 ?limbi turanice\uc1 \u8221 ? era folosit cu
referire la ceea ce numim ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi \uc1 \u8222 ?limbi turcice\uc1
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 U\uc1 \u351 ?ak
ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n vestul Turciei. Era renumit, \uc1 \u238 ?n trecut,
pentru manufactura de covoare, al\uc1 \u259 ?turi de alte centre de tradi\uc1 \u355
?ie din Turcia otoman\uc1 \u259 ?, precum Kiitahya, Gordes ori Ladik. Pe
amplasamentul actualei a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?ri au existat, de-a lungul
timpului, alte centre urbane, dat\uc1 \u226 ?nd din perioadele turtit\uc1 \u259 ?,
frigian\uc1 \u259 ?, lidian\uc1 \u259 ?, persan\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i roman\uc1
\u259 ?. \uc1 \u206 ?n secolele al XI-lea \uc1 \u351 ?i al XII-lea, ora\uc1 \u351 ?
ul a fost dispu-}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 610tat \uc1 \u351 ?i
controlat pe r\uc1 \u226 ?nd de Imperiul Bizantin \uc1 \u351 ?i de Imperiul
Selgiukid de Rum. A fost anexat de Imperiul Otoman \uc1 \u238 ?n 1429.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Uzbeci grupuri de popula\uc1 \u355 ?ie constituite,
ini\uc1 \u355 ?ial, din triburi turco-mongole, care au pus bazele unei forma\uc1
\u355 ?iuni statale independente \uc1 \u238 ?n zona Fargana. De\uc1 \u351 ?i cu
popula\uc1 \u355 ?ie majoritar turcic\uc1 \u259 ? (limba uzbec\uc1 \u259 ? face
parte din grupul limbilor turcice de est), forma\uc1 \u355 ?iunea amintit\uc1 \u259
? perpetua numele hanului Ozbek (1312-1340), descendent al Hoardei de Aur. Uzbecii
devin o for\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? important\uc1 \u259 ? pe scena Asiei Centrale
de la jum\uc1 \u259 ?tatea secolului al XV-lea, c\uc1 \u226 ?nd iau \uc1 \u238 ?n
st\uc1 \u259 ?p\uc1 \u226 ?nire Transoxiana (dominat\uc1 \u259 ? anterior de
Timurizi) \uc1 \u351 ?i intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n conflict cu dinastia
safavid\uc1 \u259 ? din Iran. Sunt sprijini\uc1 \u355 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n
confrunt\uc1 \u259 ?rile cu Safavizii, de turcii otomani. Uzbecii sunt, \uc1
\u238 ?n cele din urm\uc1 \u259 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?nfr\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u355 ?i de
\uc1 \u351 ?ahul safavid Abbas I, \uc1 \u238 ?n 1599. \uc1 \u206 ?n perioada de
maxim\uc1 \u259 ? expansiune, Hanatul Uzbec \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i extinsese
domina\uc1 \u355 ?ia asupra unei p\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?i din Persia, asupra
Afghanistanului \uc1 \u351 ?i a provinciei chineze Xinjiang (Turkestanul oriental).
Din secolul al XVII-lea, uzbecii puternic influen\uc1 \u355 ?a\uc1 \u355 ?i de
cultura persan\uc1 \u259 ? intr\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n componen\uc1 \u355 ?a
hanatelor de Khiva, de Buhara \uc1 \u351 ?i de Kokand. Aceste zone vor fi anexate
din secolul al XlX-lea de c\uc1 \u259 ?tre ru\uc1 \u351 ?i.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 Uskiidar cartier \uc1 \u238 ?n zona asiatic\uc1 \u259 ? a ora\uc1
\u351 ?ului Istanbul, cunoscut de europeni sub numele de Scutari.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 Van ora\uc1 \u351 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n estul Turciei, pe malul de vest al
lacului Van (cel mai mare lac din Turcia). Ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul modern se afl\uc1
\u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n apropierea vechii a\uc1 \u351 ?ez\uc1 \u259 ?ri Van unul dintre cele
mai vechi centre de locuire descoperite pe teritoriul actual al Turciei. Intre
secolele al XlII-lea \uc1 \u351 ?i al VUI-lea \uc1 \u238 ?. Chr., c\uc1 \u226 ?nd
purta numele de Tu\uc1 \u351 ?pa, ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul a fost capitala celebrului
regat Urartu. A fost cucerit apoi, succesiv, de armeni, de persani, de grecii
bizantini, de arabi, de turcii selgiukizi \uc1 \u351 ?i de cei otomani.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Orhan Pamuk (n. 1952) este cel mai cunoscut \uc1 \u351 ?
i, totodat\uc1 \u259 ?, cel mai controversat scriitor turc contemporan, asumat
de \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga Europ\uc1 \u259 ? ca una dintre cele mai valoroase \uc1
\u351 ?i originale voci ale ultimilor ani. N\uc1 \u259 ?scut la Istanbul, Pamuk a
urmat studii de arhitectur\uc1 \u259 ?, la Universitatea Tehnic\uc1 \u259 ? din
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul natal, abandonate ulterior; \uc1 \u238 ?n 1976 a absolvit
Institutul de Jurnalistic\uc1 \u259 ? al aceleia\uc1 \u351 ?i universit\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i. Din 1973 s-a consacrat aproape \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?
ntregime scrisului, dup\uc1 \u259 ? ce, o vreme, cochetase cu pictura.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Opera sa, elogiat\uc1 \u259 ? cu entuziasm de critici
\uc1 \u351 ?i tradus\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n peste 40 de limbi, cuprinde romane ~
printre care Beyaz Kale (Fort\uc1 \u259 ?rea\uc1 \u355 ?a alb\uc1 \u259 ?, 1985),
Kara Kitap (Cartea neagr\uc1 \u259 ?, 1990), Yeni Hayat (Via\uc1 \u355 ?a cea
nou\uc1 \u259 ?, 1994), Benim Adim Kirmizi (M\uc1 \u259 ? numesc Ro\uc1 \u351 ?u,
1998), Kar (Z\uc1 \u259 ?pada, 2002) \uc1 \u8211 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i un volum de
memorii dedicat Istanbulului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Designul
copertei: Nemethi Andras Barna Ilustra\uc1 \u355 ?ia copertei: \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1
\u238 ?ndr\uc1 \u259 ?gosti\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un pavilion\uc1 \u8221 ?,
miniatur\uc1 \u259 ? dintr-un Divan de Hafez, atribuit\uc1 \u259 ? lui Behzad
Ibrahimi din Tun (1581-1586)}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 Traducere
din limba turc\uc1 \u259 ?, note \uc1 \u351 ?i glosar de: LUMINI\uc1 \u354 ?A
MUNTEANU}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 SF\uc1 \u194 ?R\uc1 \u350 ?IT}
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 1
Moned\uc1 \u259 ? otoman\uc1 \u259 ? de argint (tr. akge), \uc1 \u238 ?
nlocuit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n 1687, dup\uc1 \u259 ? deprecieri succesive, cu
piastrul (tr. kuru\uc1 \u351 ?).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
M\uc1 \u259 ?sur\uc1 \u259 ? de greutate, echivalent\uc1 \u259 ? cu 3,207 grame (a
400-a parte dintr-o oca).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 3 Membri
ai unui ordin mistic musulman care se caracteriza prin practici rituale
extravagante, prin aspectul \uc1 \u351 ?i vestimenta\uc1 \u355 ?ia stranie, prin
morala foarte lax\uc1 \u259 ?. De\uc1 \u351 ?i aveau l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ?uri
r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndite \uc1 \u238 ?n \uc1 \u238 ?ntreaga lume islamic\uc1
\u259 ?, duceau o via\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? preponderent itineranta \uc1 \u351 ?i
practicau cer\uc1 \u351 ?itul ritual. Au \uc1 \u238 ?nceput s\uc1 \u259 ?
dispar\uc1 \u259 ? treptat de la sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul secolului al XVI-
lea, fiind absorbi\uc1 \u355 ?i de alte confrerii mistice, cu doctrine asem\uc1
\u259 ?n\uc1 \u259 ?toare, dar oarecum agreate \uc1 \u351 ?i controlate de statul
otoman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 4 Povestitor \uc1 \u351 ?i mim
public itinerant}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 5 Formul\uc1 \u259 ? introductiv\uc1 \u259 ?
\uc1 \u238 ?n basmele populare turce\uc1 \u351 ?ti.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 6 Poem referitor la na\uc1 \u351 ?terea profetului Mahomed; era, \uc1
\u238 ?n general, psalmodiat de interpre\uc1 \u355 ?i specializa\uc1 \u355 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n acest gen (tr. mevlid-han).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Membri ai unor ordine (sau confrerii) mistice islamice (tr. tarikat).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 8 Veche unitate de lungime turceasc\uc1 \u259 ?, m\uc1
\u259 ?sur\uc1 \u226 ?nd 68 cm.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 9 Citat
coranic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 10 Director de
\uc1 \u351 ?coal\uc1 \u259 ? coranic\uc1 \u259 ? (tr. medrese, ar. madrasa).}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 11 Personaj care, conform unei credin\uc1 \u355 ?e
necanonice, dar populare \uc1 \u238 ?n mediile sunnite, \uc1 \u238 ?\uc1 \u351 ?i
va face apari\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1 \u238 ?nainte de Sf\uc1 \u226 ?r\uc1 \u351 ?itul
Lumii, \uc1 \u238 ?n Ziua Judec\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii de Apoi, pentru a
restabili islamul \uc1 \u238 ?n litera sa, \uc1 \u238 ?nainte ca personajul malefic
Deccal (ar. Dajjal) s\uc1 \u259 ? duc\uc1 \u259 ? omenirea la pierzanie. \uc1 \u206
?n \uc1 \u351 ?iismul duodeciman (imamit), acest personaj dob\uc1 \u226 ?nde\uc1
\u351 ?te o dimensiune mistic\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i escatologica, fiind
identificat cu cel de-al doisprezecelea imam, aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n ocultare.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 12 Baie public\uc1 \u259 ?, cu
aburi, \uc1 \u238 ?n stilul vechilor terme romane \uc1 \u351 ?i bizantine. Avea un
important rol de socializare, at\uc1 \u226 ?t pentru b\uc1 \u259 ?rba\uc1 \u355 ?i,
c\uc1 \u226 ?t \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru femei, c\uc1 \u259 ?rora le erau rezervate
sec\uc1 \u355 ?iuni separate.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 13 Simbol
al bog\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?iei nem\uc1 \u259 ?surate \uc1 \u351 ?i al
trufiei, \uc1 \u238 ?n imaginarul islamic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
Judec\uc1 \u259 ?tor musulman care decidea, teoretic, \uc1 \u238 ?n toate cauzele
de ordin civil sau penal. \uc1 \u206 ?n realitate \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?,
competen\uc1 \u355 ?ele sale priveau mai ales cauzele care aveau, \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-
un fel sau altul, leg\uc1 \u259 ?tur\uc1 \u259 ? cu religia (de pild\uc1 \u259 ?,
dreptul familial, cel succesoral, administrarea funda\uc1 \u355 ?iilor pioase
etc).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 15 Entit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1
\u355 ?i malefice \uc1 \u238 ?n mitologia islamic\uc1 \u259 ?. Sunt imaginate ca
fiin\uc1 \u355 ?e f\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u259 ? trup, invizibile, n\uc1 \u259 ?scute
din foc, care au voca\uc1 \u355 ?ia r\uc1 \u259 ?ului, a\uc1 \u351 ?a cum \uc1
\u238 ?ngerii au voca\uc1 \u355 ?ia binelui. Cea de-a LXXII-a sura a Coranului este
intitulat\uc1 \u259 ? chiar \uc1 \u8222 ?Ginnii\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 16 Poem narativ redactat sub form\uc1 \u259 ? de distihuri rimate
\uc1 \u351 ?i folosit \uc1 \u238 ?n special pentru tratarea unor pove\uc1 \u351 ?ti
epice \uc1 \u351 ?i de dragoste sau a unor teme de factur\uc1 \u259 ? mistic\uc1
\u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i filosofic\uc1 \u259 ?. De origine iranian\uc1 \u259 ?, genul
a fost preluat \uc1 \u351 ?i de alte culturi islamice, inclusiv de cea turco-
otoman\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 17 Conduc\uc1
\u259 ?torul administra\uc1 \u355 ?iei financiare dintr-o provincie, dar \uc1 \u351
?i ministru de finan\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?n cazul statului otoman (acesta era
plasat sub autoritatea marelui-vizir).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Titlul de valiu (tr. vali) era de\uc1 \u355 ?inut de guvernatorii de regiuni.}
{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 19 Elif (alif), be (b\uc1 \u259 ?) \uc1 \u351 ?i cim
(j\uc1 \u226 ?m) sunt primele litere ale alfabetului arab, folosit de turci
p\uc1 \u226 ?n\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n anul 1928; utilizarea lor este, a\uc1
\u351 ?adar, similar\uc1 \u259 ?, ca inten\uc1 \u355 ?ionalitate, cu utilizarea
literelor ini\uc1 \u355 ?iale ale alfabetului latin (o, b, c).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 20 Formul\uc1 \u259 ? folosit\uc1 \u259 ? cu referire la persoanele
decedate, \uc1 \u238 ?n sensul de \uc1 \u8222 ?sl\uc1 \u259 ?vit\uc1 \u259 ? fie-i
amintirea\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 21 Soldat
care asigura paza palatului imperial \uc1 \u351 ?i care f\uc1 \u259 ?cea parte, ca
halebardier, din escorta personal\uc1 \u259 ? a sultanului; era folosit, uneori, de
c\uc1 \u259 ?tre acesta din urm\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i ca mesager. Acela\uc1
\u351 ?i cuv\uc1 \u226 ?nt putea avea \uc1 \u351 ?i sensul aproximativ de \uc1
\u8222 ?sergent\uc1 \u8221 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Malekism, hanbalism, hanefism, \uc1 \u351 ?afiism \uc1 \u351 ?coli juridice
islamice (vezi Glosar).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Funda\uc1 \u355 ?ie pioas\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
24 \uc1 \u206 ?n numele lui Dumnezeu (arab\uc1 \u259 ? corupt\uc1 \u259 ?).}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 25 Eminen\uc1 \u355 ?a neamului
Trimisului lui Dumnezeu (arab\uc1 \u259 ? corupt\uc1 \u259 ?).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 26 Conduc\uc1 \u259 ?torul demnitarilor cu atribu\uc1 \u355 ?ii
juridico-religioase din Imperiul Otoman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Comandantul g\uc1 \u259 ?rzilor imperiale otomane, care avea jurisdic\uc1 \u355 ?ie
asupra \uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?rmurilor \uc1 \u351 ?i apelor Bosforului; era
adeseori \uc1 \u238 ?ns\uc1 \u259 ?rcinat \uc1 \u351 ?i cu supravegherea
execu\uc1 \u355 ?iei persoanelor de rang \uc1 \u238 ?nalt.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0
\langfenp1048 28 Fondatorul dinastiei safavide din Iran, care a domnit \uc1 \u238 ?
n perioada 1501-1524.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\uc1 \u8222 ?Expatrierea\uc1 \u8221 ? lui Mahomed, \uc1 \u238 ?nso\uc1 \u355 ?it de
un grup de adep\uc1 \u355 ?i, de la Mecca la Medina, survenit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1
\u238 ?n septembrie 622. Anul 622 a devenit, astfel, anul 1 al calendarului
islamic.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 30 \uc1 \u8222 ?Cel
aflat \uc1 \u238 ?nainte\uc1 \u8221 ? (ar.) cu alte cuvinte, credinciosul care
conduce rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea unei comunit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?i musulmane,
respectiv \uc1 \u351 ?eful comunit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ii, liderul religios.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 31 \uc1 \u206 ?ngerul
mor\uc1 \u355 ?ii, \uc1 \u238 ?n mitologia islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 32 Vas metalic \uc1 \u238 ?n care se punea jar \uc1 \u351
?i care era folosit iarna pentru \uc1 \u238 ?nc\uc1 \u259 ?lzitul \uc1 \u238 ?
nc\uc1 \u259 ?perilor}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 33 \uc1 \u8222 ?Tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ie profetic\uc1
\u259 ?\uc1 \u8221 ?, \uc1 \u238 ?n sensul de dovad\uc1 \u259 ? privitoare la
spusele \uc1 \u351 ?i faptele Profetului Mahomed (sunna), ridicat\uc1 \u259 ? la
rangul de norm\uc1 \u259 ? comportamental\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i moral\uc1 \u259
?. Dincolo de tradi\uc1 \u355 ?iile \uc1 \u8222 ?autentice\uc1 \u8221 ? (sahih),
care se bazeaz\uc1 \u259 ? pe un lan\uc1 \u355 ? transparent \uc1 \u351 ?i
autentificat de transmi\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ?tori \uc1 \u351 ?i garan\uc1 \u355 ?
i, exist\uc1 \u259 ? numeroase tradi\uc1 \u355 ?ii \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?
ndoielnice\uc1 \u8221 ?, multe dintre ele apocrife.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 34 Citat coranic (II, 142).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Inscrip\uc1 \u355 ?ie \uc1 \u238 ?nr\uc1 \u259 ?mat\uc1 \u259 ?, care cuprindea
adeseori formule rituale ori versete coranice \uc1 \u351 ?i constituia, de obicei,
un adev\uc1 \u259 ?rat exerci\uc1 \u355 ?iu de ingeniozitate pentru caligrafi.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 36 Formula bi-smi-Llahi-r-
Rahmani-r-Rahim (ar.) \uc1 \u8222 ?\uc1 \u238 ?n numele lui Dumnezeu, Cel Milos
\uc1 \u351 ?i Milostiv.\uc1 \u8221 ?}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Instrument de suflat primitiv, cu dou\uc1 \u259 ? mu\uc1 \u351 ?tiuce, folosit \uc1
\u238 ?n muzica popular\uc1 \u259 ? turc\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i asociat, de
obicei, \uc1 \u238 ?n reprezenta\uc1 \u355 ?ii cu o tob\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 38 Demon cu mari resurse malefice, \uc1 \u238 ?n
mitologia islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 39 Grafem
din alfabetul arab.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 40 \uc1 \u206 ?
nceputul m\uc1 \u259 ?rturiei de credin\uc1 \u355 ?\uc1 \u259 ? musulmane: \uc1
\u8222 ?Nu este alt dumnezeu afar\uc1 \u259 ? de Dumnezeu, iar Mahomed este
trimisul S\uc1 \u259 ?u.\uc1 \u8221 ? (ar.)}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
A XXXVI-a sur\uc1 \u259 ? coranic\uc1 \u259 ?, compus\uc1 \u259 ? din 83 de versete
\uc1 \u351 ?i revelat\uc1 \u259 ? la Mecca. Este una dintre cele mai populare sure
ale Coranului, fiind definit\uc1 \u259 ? de exege\uc1 \u355 ?i ca \uc1 \u8222 ?
inima C\uc1 \u259 ?r\uc1 \u355 ?ii\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?i rostit\uc1 \u259 ?,
ca rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciune, \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi pentru cei bolnavi, pentru cei
afla\uc1 \u355 ?i \uc1 \u238 ?n agonie \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru mor\uc1 \u355 ?i.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 42 Direc\uc1 \u355 ?ia \uc1
\u238 ?n care se orienteaz\uc1 \u259 ? credinciosul musulman \uc1 \u238 ?n timpul
rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunilor canonice \uc1 \u351 ?i care corespunde direc\uc1 \u355 ?iei
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ului Mecca.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Formul\uc1 \u259 ? ritual\uc1 \u259 ? rostit\uc1 \u259 ? din minaretul moscheii
\uc1 \u238 ?nainte de rug\uc1 \u259 ?ciunea de vineri, de la pr\uc1 \u226 ?nz, \uc1
\u238 ?n chip de convocare la o \uc1 \u238 ?nmorm\uc1 \u226 ?ntare ori cu alte
prilejuri solemne.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 44 Arip\uc1 \u259 ?
a palatului imperial de la Topkapi, \uc1 \u238 ?n care se aflau haremul \uc1
\u351 ?i apartamentul privat al sultanului otoman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9
\langfenp1048 45 Mai-marele scribilor, al cancelariei Divanului (consiliul
imperial) \uc1 \u351 ?i, ulterior, responsabilul cu afaceri externe al Imperiului
Otoman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 46 Guvernatorul unei provincii
cu o anumit\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?ntindere, precum Rumelia, Anatolia, Bosnia
etc., \uc1 \u238 ?n Imperiul Otoman.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch
\langfenp1048 47 Joc \uc1 \u238 ?n care sunt implicate mai multe persoane c\uc1
\u259 ?lare; acestea arunc\uc1 \u259 ? suli\uc1 \u355 ?e, \uc1 \u238 ?ncerc\uc1
\u226 ?nd s\uc1 \u259 ?-\uc1 \u351 ?i ating\uc1 \u259 ? adversarul din goana
calului.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048
\af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 48 Gen de budinc\uc1
\u259 ?, preparat\uc1 \u259 ? cu lapte, zah\uc1 \u259 ?r sau miere \uc1 \u351 ?i
f\uc1 \u259 ?in\uc1 \u259 ? de orez.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Ni\uc1 \u351 ?\uc1 \u259 ? practicat\uc1 \u259 ? \uc1 \u238 ?n zidul orientat c\uc1
\u259 ?tre Mecca (tr. kible, ar. qibla) al unei moschei.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich
\langfenp1048 50 Titlu onorific acordat, mai ales \uc1 \u238 ?n Iran,
personalit\uc1 \u259 ?\uc1 \u355 ?ilor religioase \uc1 \u351 ?i, \uc1 \u238 ?n mod
deosebit, \uc1 \u8222 ?doctorilor\uc1 \u8221 ? \uc1 \u351 ?ii\uc1 \u355 ?i ai
Legii. \uc1 \u206 ?n Imperiul Otoman, termenul amintit putea desemna un
judec\uc1 \u259 ?tor-superior sau un \uc1 \u8222 ?doctor \uc1 \u238 ?n legea
canonic\uc1 \u259 ? musulman\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Instrument cu coarde.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
\af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 52 Tip de
caligrafie cu aspect unghiular, al c\uc1 \u259 ?rei nume deriv\uc1 \u259 ? de la
ora\uc1 \u351 ?ul Kufa, din Irak; era folosita \uc1 \u238 ?ndeosebi pentru copierea
Coranului pe pergament \uc1 \u351 ?i pentru inscrip\uc1 \u355 ?iile monumentale.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 53 Este vorba de Harirud,
fluviul care str\uc1 \u259 ?bate Afghanistanul, Iranul \uc1 \u351 ?i Turkmenistanul
de ast\uc1 \u259 ?zi.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Variant\uc1 \u259 ? a jocului de polo. Originar din Iran, acesta era foarte
r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit \uc1 \u238 ?n Imperiul Bizantin \uc1 \u351 ?i
\uc1 \u238 ?n lumea islamic\uc1 \u259 ?.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Lider spiritual musulman, adeseori aflat \uc1 \u238 ?n fruntea unei congrega\uc1
\u355 ?ii mistice sau a unui l\uc1 \u259 ?ca\uc1 \u351 ? de dervi\uc1 \u351 ?i.}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 56 Ramur\uc1 \u259 ? a
ordinului mistic Halveti (Halvetiye), r\uc1 \u259 ?sp\uc1 \u226 ?ndit\uc1 \u259 ?
mai ales la Istanbul.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9 \lang1048
Conduc\uc1 \u259 ?tor sau decan de v\uc1 \u226 ?rst\uc1 \u259 ? (\uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un
cartier sau \uc1 \u238 ?ntr-un sat).}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
Ordin mistic foarte popular \uc1 \u238 ?n Turcia otoman\uc1 \u259 ?; a fost,
printre altele, patronul spiritual al ienicerilor \uc1 \u351 ?i a absorbit, \uc1
\u238 ?n faza t\uc1 \u226 ?rzie, diverse grup\uc1 \u259 ?ri cu \uc1 \u238 ?
nclina\uc1 \u355 ?ii heterodoxe.}{\fs24 \dbch \af0 \hich \af9 \loch \f9
59 \uc1 \u206 ?n original, \uc1 \u238 ?n arab\uc1 \u259 ? (Coranul, sura 35, 19).}
\f9 \lang1048 \langnp1048 \langfe1048 \langfenp1048 60 Coranul, sura 35, 20-22.}
\langfe1048 \langfenp1048 \par }}

Orhan Pamuk-Ma Numesc Rosu 1.0 10 2

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Orhan Pamuk-Ma Numesc Rosu 1.0 10 2

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

{\rtf \ansi \ansicpg1250 \deff0 \stshfdbch0 \stshfloch2 \stshfhich2 \deflang1033

\deflangfe1033 {\fonttbl {\f0 \fnil \fcharset238 \fprq0 {\*\panose

You might also like