"By Allah!"
exclaimed Yussuf, "but this is good. I will live and die an officer of
the law." So saying he returned home for his basket, purchased his
provisions and wine, and lighting up his house, passed the evening in
carousing and singing as before.
While Yussuf was thus employed, the caliph was desirous of ascertaining
the effect of the new decree, relative to the baths. "Giaffar," said he,
"I wonder whether I have succeeded in making that wine-bibber go to bed
supperless? Come, let us pay him a visit."
"For the sake of Islam, O caliph," replied Giaffar, "let us forbear to
trifle with that crackbrained drunkard any more. Already has Allah
delivered us out of his hands. What may we not expect if he is hungry
and desolate?"
"Your wisdom never grows less," replied the caliph; "those are the words
of truth: nevertheless, I must go and see the madman once more."
Giaffar, not being able to prevail, prepared the dresses, and they,
accompanied by Mesrour, again sallied forth by the private gate of the
seraglio. Once more were they surprised at witnessing the same
illumination of the house, and one of the jalousies having burst open
with the wind, they perceived the shadow of Yussuf, reflected on the
wall, his beard wagging over his kabobs, and a cup of wine in his hand.
"Who is there?" cried Yussuf, when Giaffar, at the command of the
caliph, knocked at the door.
"Your friends, dear Yussuf--your friends, the Moussul merchants. Peace
be with you.
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