The house of
Mallem Osman was soon discovered, for he was the most celebrated of his
trade, and had an immense business. Yussuf rode up on the beast, which
was not half as large as himself, and stopped at the shop, where the
confectioner was superintending his work-people. "I am Yussuf, and my
trust is in God," said Yussuf, looking at the confectioner. The
confectioner heeded him not, when Yussuf strutted into the shop. "I
merely wait upon you, good Mallem Osman, to request that you will
immediately repair to the palace, carrying with you five bags, each
containing one thousand dirhems, of which there appears at present to be
no chance of receiving an asper. This paper, sealed by the vizier,
contains the order; and as you have the honour of being the caliph's
debtor, you will do well to rise and accompany me forthwith to the
palace, not forgetting the needful."
At this speech Mallem started up from his seat, advanced most
submissively to Yussuf, took the paper and raised it to his head,
addressing Yussuf with the most abject servility, "O most excellent,
most valiant, and most powerful beeldar, how well doth the caliph select
his officers! How favoured am I by Allah with your happy presence! I am
your slave--honour me by refreshing yourself in my dwelling."
Yussuf then threw the driver of the beast half a dirhem, and dismissed
him, breathed as if fatigued with his journey, and wiped his brow with
his sleeve. The confectioner placed him in his own seat, and sent
hastily to the bazaar for a large dishful of kabob, spread a napkin
before Yussuf, and slicing a pomegranate, strewed it over with pounded
sugar, and placed it before him, along with some sweet cakes and some
honey.
Pages:
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413