is a choice spirit and he hath all kind of rare tales and strange anecdotes and wondrous histories and marvellous adventures.”  Said the Sultan, “There is no help but that thou summon him to us hither and let us hear from him somewhat.”  So the Wazir sent after the Persian and when the man stood in the presence said to him, “Verily the Sultan hath summoned thee.”  He replied, “Hearing and obeying,” when he was taken and set before the Sovran and as he entered he saluted him with the salams of the Caliphs and blessed him and prayed for him.[FN#282] The King returned his greeting and after seating him said to him, “O Mahamud, at this moment my breast is indeed straitened and I have heard of thee that thou hast a store of rare stories which I would that thou cause me hear[FN#283] and let it be somewhat sweet of speech which shall banish my cark and my care and the straitness of my breast.”  Hereto the other replied, “Hearing and obeying;” and began to relate the

Tale of Mahmud the Persian and the Kurd Sharper.[FN#284]

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The Sultan was delighted with the ’Ajami’s relation and largessed him two thousand pieces of gold; after which he returned to his palace and took seat upon his Divan when suddenly a poor man appeared before him carrying a load of fruit and greens and greeted him and prayed for him and expressed a blessing which the Sultan returned and bade him fair welcome.  After which he asked, “What hast thou with thee, O Shaykh?” and the other answered, “O King of the Age, I have an offering to thee of fresh greens and firstfruits;” and the King rejoined, “It is accepted.”  Thereupon the man placed them between his royal hands and stood up, and the King having removed the cover[FN#285] found under it a portion of ordinary cucumbers and sundry curling cucumbers and bundles of rose-mallows[FN#286] which had been placed before him.  So he took thereof some little matter and ate it and was much pleased and bade the Eunuchry bear the rest into the Harem.  They carried out his commands and the women also were delighted and having eaten somewhat they distributed the remainder to the slave-girls.  Then said they, “By Allah, this man, the fruitowner, deserveth Bakhshish;"[FN#287] so they sent to him by the Eunuch one hundred gold pieces whereto the Sultan added twain, so the whole of his gain was three hundred dinars.  But the Sultan was much pleased with the man and a part of the care which he felt was lightened to him, whereupon asked he, “O Shaykh, knowest thou aught of boon-companionship with the Kings?” to which the other answered, “Yes;” for he was trim of tongue and ready of reply and sweet of speech.  Presently the Sultan continued, “O Shaykh, for this present go back to thy village and give to thy wife and family that which Allah hath made thy lot.”  Accordingly the man went forth and did as the King bade him; after which he returned in a short time