"Yes," continued Yussuf, "that vicegerent of a
tattered beard, and more tattered understanding, has issued a decree for
closing the baths for three days, by which cruel ordinance, I was again
cast adrift upon the sea of necessity. However, Providence stood my
friend, and threw a few dirhems in my way, and I have made my customary
provision in spite of the wretch of a caliph, who I fully believe is an
atheist and no true believer."
"Inshallah," said the caliph to himself, "but I'll be even with you some
day, at least."
Yussuf then filled his cup several times, and was in high glee, as he
narrated the events of the day, concluding with, "I am Yussuf--I put my
trust in God. As an officer of the law I intend to live and die, and
to-morrow I shall attend the hall of the cadi."
"But," said Giaffar, "suppose----"
"Suppose! by the beard of the Prophet, if you dare to suppose again in
my presence, I will pound your fat stomach into a jelly," cried Yussuf,
seizing his cudgel.
"No, no, my friend, I merely wished to say----"
"Say nothing," roared Yussuf, "or you never speak again."
"Then we will only think, my friend."
"That I will allow, and I also think as well as you. My thoughts are,
that it will be wise for you to quit as fast as you can, for I have the
cudgel in my hand, and am not in the very best of humours." The caliph
and his attendants were of the same opinion, and took their leave of
their irritated host.
At the next morning's levee, Giaffar entered the divan at the head of
the chief officers of the law, and viziers of the different departments,
prostrating himself before the throne, he called down increase of years
and prosperity on the caliph.
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