To complete his misfortune, as he went by the house of a justice of peace, he would needs know the cause of the tumult.  The curriers told him, that they saw him come out in that condition at the gate of the apartment of the grand vizier’s lady, which opened into their street; upon which the justice ordered unfortunate Backbarah to have an hundred blows with a cane on the soles of his feet, and sent him out of the town, with orders never to return again.

Thus, commander of the faithful, said I to the caliph Monstancer Billah, I have given an account of the adventure of my second brother, who did not know that our greatest ladies divert themselves sometimes by putting such tricks upon young people that are foolish enough to be caught in their snares.

THE STORY OF THE BARBER’S THIRD BROTHER.

Commander of the faithful, said he to the caliph, my third brother, whose name was Backback, was blind, and his ill destiny reduced him to beg from door to door.  He had been so long accustomed to walk through the streets alone, that he had no need of one to lead him:  he had a custom to knock at people’s doors, and apt to answer till they opened to him.  One day he knocked thus at a door, and the master of the house, who was alone, cried, Who is there?  My brother gave no answer, and knocked a second time:  the master of the house asked again, Who is there? but to no purpose; my brother did not answer:  upon which the man of the house came down, opened the door, and asked my brother what he wanted.  That you would give me something, for heaven’s sake! said Backback.  You seem to be blind, replied the master of the house.  Yes, to my sorrow, said my brother.  Give me your hand, said the master of the house.  My brother did so, thinking he was going to give him alms; but he only took him by the hand, to lead him up to his chamber:  Backback thought he had been carrying him to dinner with him, as several other people had done.  When they came up to the chamber, the man loosed his hand out of my brother’s, and sitting down, asked again what he wanted.  I have already told you, said Backback, that I want something for God’s sake.  Good blind man, replied the master of the house, all that I can do for you is to wish that God may restore you your sight.  You might have told me that at the door, said my brother, and not have given me the trouble to come up.  And why, fool, said the man of the house, do you not answer at first, when people ask you who is there?  Why do you give any body the trouble to come and open the door when they speak to you?  What will you do with me, then? said my brother.  I tell you again, said the man of the house, I have nothing to give you.  Help me down stairs, then, replied Backback, as you helped me up.  The stairs are before you, said the man of the house, and you may go down alone if you will.  My brother went to go down, but missing a step about the middle of the stairs, he fell down and hurt his head and his back:  he got up again with a great deal of difficulty, and complained heavily of the master of the house, who only laughed at his fall.