Now there were thirty beeldars in the service of the caliph, who attended the palace in rotation, ten each day.  On reaching the court of the palace, Yussuf took his station where the ten beeldars on duty were collected together.  He observed, however, that they were very different from himself, very slight young men, and dressed in a very superior style.  He felt some contempt for their effeminate appearance, contrasted with his own muscular frame, but could not keep his eyes off their handsome and stylish dress.  Meanwhile, the chief of the beeldars perceived him, and knowing that he did not belong to the palace, imagined from his appearance, and his presenting himself among them, that he must be one in the service of one of the great omrahs who were at Bagdad, who, having nothing to do at home, had come as a visitor to the palace.  He remarked this to his brother beeldars, saying, “This fine-built stranger ought to be considered as our guest.  Let us show him all courtesy, for he is of our profession, and therefore we shall not do ourselves credit, if we do not prove that we have the power to serve him.”  The other beeldars agreeing with him, the chief went to the secretary of the treasury, and procured an order of notice upon a rich confectioner, to pay into the treasury the sum of five thousand dirhems, due by him upon several accounts therein specified.  The vizier’s seal having been attached to it, he went with it to where Yussuf was standing.  “What, ho! brother beeldar,” said the chief.

“I am Yussuf, and my trust is in God; I am ready to obey your commands,” said the water-carrier, advancing with great humility.

“May I request, brother beeldar, that you will do us of the palace, the very great favour to carry this paper, bearing the vizier’s seal, to Mallem Osman, the great confectioner, and request the immediate payment of five thousand dirhems.  You know your profession; of course the money is not expected, but whatever he may offer for your affording him a respite, put down to the friendship and good will of the beeldars of the palace, and remember us when you feast in your own dwelling.”

Yussuf, highly delighted, put the order into his cap, made a low salaam, and departed on his message.  Deeming it beneath his new-fledged dignity to walk, he mounted one of the asses ready for hire at the corner of the streets, ordering the driver to hasten before to clear the way, and ascertain which was the dwelling of the confectioner.  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.”