One day he went to the miller, who was busy at his work; and, thinking that my brother came for money, he offered him some; but the young slave being present, made him another sign not to take it, with which he complied, and told the miller he did not come for his money, but only to know how he did.  The miller thanked him, and gave him an upper garment to make.  Bacbouc carried it to him the next day; and when the miller drew out his purse, the young slave gave my brother the usual sign; on which he said to the miller, Neighbour, there is no haste; we will reckon another time.  The poor simpleton then returned again to his shop, with the three terrible distempers of love, hunger, and want of money, upon him.

The miller’s wife was not only avaricious, but very ill-natured; for, not content with having cheated my brother of what was due to him, she provoked her husband to revenge himself upon him for making love to her; which they accomplished thus.  The miller invited Bacbouc one night to supper; and, after having entertained him in a very indifferent manner, addressed himself to him in this way:  Brother, it is too late for you to go home; you had better stay here all night:  and then he took him to a place in the mill, in which was a bed, where he left him, and went to bed with his wife.  About the middle of the might, the miller came to my brother, and said, Neighbour, are you asleep?  My mule is ill, and I have a great deal of corn to grind; you will do me a mighty kindness if you will turn the mill in her stead.  Bacbouc, to show his good-nature, told him that he was ready to do him such a piece of service, if he would first instruct him.  The miller then tied him by the middle to the mule’s place; and whipping him over the back, cried, Go neighbour!  Ho! said my brother, why do you beat me?  It is to make you brisk, said the miller; for without a whip my mule will not go.  Bacbouc was amazed at this sort of treatment, but durst not complain.  When he had gone five or six rounds he would fain have rested; but the miller gave him a dozen of sound lashes, saying, Courage, neighbour! do not stop, pray; you must go on without taking your breath, otherwise you will spoil my meal.

The miller obliged my brother, continued the barber, thus to turn the mill all night; about break of day he left him, without untying him, and went to his wife’s chamber.  Bacbouc continued there for some time; and at last the young slave came and untied him.  Ah! said the treacherous wretch, how my mistress and I bemoaned you!  We had no hand in this wicked trick which her husband has put upon you.  Unhappy Bacbouc answered her not a word, he was so much fatigued with labour and blows:  but, creeping to his own house, resolved never more to think on the miller’s wife.

The telling of this story, said the barber, made the caliph laugh.  Go home, said he to me, I have ordered something to be given you instead of the good dinner you expected.  Commander of the faithful, said I, I pray your majesty to stay till I have related the story of my other brothers.  The caliph having signified by his silence that he was willing to hear me, I proceeded thus: