As soon as the muezzin calls to evening
prayers, I lay aside my skin, betake myself to the mosque, perform my
ablutions, and return thanks to Allah. After which I repair to the
bazaar, purchase meat with one dirhem, rakee with another, others go for
fruit and flowers, cakes, sweetmeats, bread, oil for my lamps, and the
remainder I spend in wine. As soon as all is collected, I arrive at my
own house, put everything in order, light up my lamps and enjoy myself
after my own fashion. So now you know all I choose to tell you, and
whether you are merchants or spies in disguise, I care not. Be satisfied
and depart, for the dawn is here."
The caliph, who had been much amused with Yussuf's account of himself,
replied, "In truth, you are a wonderful man, and it must be allowed
that, in separating yourself from your fellows, you escape many troubles
and inconveniences."
"Ay," replied Yussuf; "thus have I lived for five years. Every night has
my dwelling been lighted up as you see it, and my fortunate stars have
never suffered me to go without meat and drink, such as you three now
smell and long for, but shall not put your fingers to."
"But, friend Yussuf," observed Giaffar, "suppose that to-morrow, the
caliph should issue a decree, putting an end to the trade of supplying
with water, and declare that whoever was found with a skin-full should
be hanged. In such a case, what would you do? You could not light up
your lamps; you could not enjoy your kabobs and pillau, neither would
you be able to purchase fruits, sweetmeats, or a drop of wine.
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