Part 37 (1/2)
While Yussuf was thus e the effect of the new decree, relative to the baths ”Giaffar,” said he, ”I wonder whether I have succeeded in o 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 crack-brained drunkard any more Already has Allah delivered us out of his hands What ry and desolate?”
”Your wisdorows less,” replied the caliph ”those are the words of truth: nevertheless, I o and see theable to prevail, prepared the dresses; and they, accoate of the seraglio Oncethe sa 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”
”But it's neither peace nor welco out into the verandah ”By Allah! if you do not walk away, and that quickly, I shall come down to you with my bone-polisher”
”Indeed, friend Yussuf;” replied Giaffar, ”we have but tords to say to you”
”Say theain, you wretched felloho have ruined all the water-carriers and all the bath people in Bagdad”
”What is that you mean?” replied the caliph; ”we are lost in mystery?”
”What!” replied Yussuf; ”have you not heard the decree of thisour wares, that we have not stepped out this day, and are ignorant of all that hath passed in Bagdad”
”Then you shall come up and learn; but first swear by Moses, Esau, and the Prophet, that you will not _suppose_; for all you have iraven on the ruby seal of Solomon”
These conditions were readily accepted by the caliph and his companions, and they were then ad disposed in the usual order, and the same profusion When they had taken their seats in the corner of the roouests, as you hope for pardon, tellof what has happened to me this day--and what the blockhead of a caliph has been about?” Haroun and the vizier could with difficulty restrain their laughter, as they shook their heads ”Yes,” continued Yussuf, ”that vicegerent of a tattered beard, andthe 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 tilee, 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 ball 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 stoel
”No, no, ,” roared Yussuf, ”or you never speak again”
”Then ill 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 's levee, Giaffar entered the divan at the head of the chief officers of the law, and viziers of the different depart himself before the throne, he called down increase of years, and prosperity on the caliph ”Giaffar,” replied Haroun, ”issue immediate orders, under the imperial firmaum, that strict inquiries be made into those officers of justice who attend the halls of the cadis
All those who have been lawfully selected shall be retained, with a present and increase of salary, while those who have assumed their name and office, without warranty or permission, shall be dismissed with the bastinado”
The orders of the caliph were immediately obeyed In the meantime, Yussuf, who had fallen asleep over his wine, did not awaken till long after the sun was up He immediately rose, dressed himself with care, and hastened to the hall of the cadi, and took his station a the officers of the laho looked at him with surprise and displeasure
At this moment the caliph's fir it up to his forehead, in token of respect and obedience, caused it to be read to hiold, and let also the fellah and rods for the bastinado be brought in Close up the gates of the cutchery, that none escape; and ye officers of justice, be ready to answer as your names are called”