“Your indulgence, my aga,” replied the confectioner; “I will return in one minute.”  Mallem Osman then filled a large bag with the choicest of his sweetmeats, and putting thirty dirhems in a paper, he approached Yussuf, saying, “My prince, I humbly beg your acceptance of this trifling present of sweetmeats, and these thirty dirhems for the expenses of the bath after your fatiguing journey hither.  Deign also to favour me with your protection.  Trade is scarce, and money does not come in.  In a short time I will pay all.”

Yussuf, who was aware that the order had only been given that he might squeeze a few dirhems out of the confectioner, then spoke with much civility.  “My advice to you, Mallem,” said he, “is, that you stir not out of your door to-day—­there is no such hurry—­nor to-morrow, nay, even a week, or a month, or a year.  I may say, stir not at all, for you have my protection; and therefore be under no trouble of going to the palace at all.”

It was near sunset when this affair was settled.  Yussuf walked home with his hands full of presents, exclaiming as he went, “I am Yussuf, my provision is from God!” He reached his home, full of pleasing anticipations, and changing his dress, took out his basket and pitcher, returning loaded more than usual; for having gained forty-two dirhems, he resolved to indulge himself.  “By Allah!” cried he, “I will double my allowance, to the confusion of those rascally Moussul merchants, who are such birds of ill omen.”  He accordingly expended double the money, doubling also his allowance of wax tapers and oil, so that his house was in a blaze of light when he sat down as usual to his feast, more happy than ever, drinking more, and singing twice as loudly as he had ever done before.

Leaving him to his solitary revels, we must observe, that the caliph had ascertained that Yussuf had received the bastinado; and now making sure that he would be without provisions or wine, he resolved to pay him another visit.  “I think, Giaffar, that I have, at last, sent that rascal to bed supperless in return for his calling me an infidel; and I must go and enjoy his wrath and indignation, increased of course by the pain of the blows he has received by the order of the cadi.”  In vain did Giaffar represent that it would be attacking an angry and wounded lion in his den; that his wrath would be such, and his strength was so enormous, that they could not expect less than annihilation, should they venture to his door.  “All that may be true,” replied the caliph; “but still I will go and see him at all risk.”

“I have my dagger, Commander of the Faithful,” observed Mesrour, “and I fear him not.”

“Use it not, Mesrour,” replied the caliph.  “Get ready the dresses, and let us depart.”

“I venture to promise that we shall see no more lights this time, except it may be a solitary lamp to enable him to bathe his wounded feet.”

They went forth, and on their arrival were astonished at the blaze of light which proceeded from Yussuf’s apartments; his singing also was most clamorous, and he appeared to be much intoxicated, crying out between his staves, “I am Yussuf! confound all Moussul merchants—­my trust is in God!”