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.  “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 among the officers of the law, who looked at him with surprise and displeasure.  At this moment the caliph’s firmaum was delivered to the cadi, who, lifting it up to his forehead, in token of respect and obedience, caused it to be read to him.  He then cried with a loud voice, “Bring in purses of gold, 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.”  Yussuf, whose eyes were wide open, as well as his ears, said to himself, “My God! what new event is now to come to pass?”

The orders of the cadi having been obeyed, the officers were severally called forward, and having proved themselves regularly appointed, received their rewards, and were dismissed.  Yussuf’s ideas were so confused by what appeared to him such an unmitigated destiny, that he did not perceive that he was left standing alone.  It was not until the second time that the cadi called to him, that Yussuf moved towards him.

“Who are you?” inquired the cadi.

“I am Yussuf, and my trust is in God,” replied he.

“What is your profession?”

“I am a water-carrier.”

“Such being the case, why did you join the officers of the law?”

“I only entered upon the calling yesterday, O cadi; but nothing is difficult to me.  Provided I gain but my six dirhems a day, I have no objection to become a mollah.”

The cadi and bystanders were unable to restrain their mirth, nevertheless, his feet were secured to the pole; and when hoisted up, they commenced the bastinado, taking care, however, to strike the pole much oftener than his toes.  Having finished, he was released, and turned out of the hall of justice, very much mortified and melancholy, but little hurt by the gentle infliction.  “Well,” thought Yussuf, “fate appears determined that I shall change my mode of gaining my livelihood every day.  Had I not allowed those Moussul rascals to enter my house, this never would have happened.”