“My brother came out of his room to inquire the cause of all this disturbance; and when he saw the fine mirror broken, and me lying amongst the glass chandeliers at the bottom of the stairs, he could not forbear exclaiming, ‘Well, brother! you are indeed Murad the Unlucky.’

“When the first emotion was over, he could not, however, forbear laughing at my situation.  With a degree of goodness, which made me a thousand times more sorry for the accident, he came downstairs to help me up, gave me his hand, and said, ’Forgive me if I was angry with you at first.  I am sure you did not mean to do me any injury; but tell me how all this has happened?’

“Whilst Saladin was speaking, I heard the same kind of noise which had alarmed me in the ante-chamber; but, on looking back, I saw only a black pigeon, which flew swiftly by me, unconscious of the mischief he had occasioned.  This pigeon I had unluckily brought into the house the preceding day; and had been feeding and trying to tame it for my young nephews.  I little thought it would be the cause of such disasters.  My brother, though he endeavoured to conceal his anxiety from me, was much disturbed at the idea of meeting the favourite’s displeasure, who would certainly be grievously disappointed by the loss of her splendid looking-glass.  I saw that I should inevitably be his ruin if I continued in his house; and no persuasions could prevail upon me to prolong my stay.  My generous brother, seeing me determined to go, said to me, ’A factor, whom I have employed for some years to sell merchandise for me, died a few days ago.  Will you take his place?  I am rich enough to bear any little mistakes you may fall into from ignorance of business; and you will have a partner who is able and willing to assist you.’

“I was touched to the heart by this kindness, especially at such a time as this.  He sent one of his slaves with me to the shop in which you now see me, gentlemen.  The slave, by my brother’s directions, brought with us my china vase, and delivered it safely to me, with this message:  ’The scarlet dye that was found in this vase, and in its fellow, was the first cause of Saladin’s making the fortune he now enjoys:  he therefore does no more than justice in sharing that fortune with his brother Murad.’

“I was now placed in as advantageous a situation as possible; but my mind was ill at ease when I reflected that the broken mirror might be my brother’s ruin.  The lady by whom it had been bespoken was, I well knew, of a violent temper; and this disappointment was sufficient to provoke her to vengeance.  My brother sent me word this morning, however, that though her displeasure was excessive, it was in my power to prevent any ill consequences that might ensue.  ‘In my power!’ I exclaimed; ’then, indeed, I am happy!  Tell my brother there is nothing I will not do to show him my gratitude and to save him from the consequences of my folly.’