At my first outset in the world I was an indigent man, and possessed none of the conveniences of life, till at length I became possessed of ten pieces of silver, which I resolved to expend in amusing myself.  With this intention, I one day walked into the principal market, intending first to purchase somewhat delicate to feast upon.  While I was looking about me, a man passed by, with a great crowd following and laughing at him, for he led in an iron chain a monstrous baboon, which he cried for sale at the price of ten pieces of silver.  Something instinctively impelled me to purchase the creature, so I paid him the money, and took my bargain to my lodging; but on my arrival, was at a loss how to procure a meal for myself or the baboon.  While I was considering what I should do, the baboon having made several springs, became suddenly transformed into a handsome young man, beautiful as the moon at the fourteenth night of its appearance, and addressed me, saying, “Shekh Mahummud, thou hast purchased me for ten pieces of silver, being all thou hadst, and art now thinking how thou canst procure food for me and thyself.”  “That is true,” replied I; “but in the name of Allah, from whence dost thou come?” “Ask no questions,” replied my companion, “but take this piece of gold, and purchase us somewhat to eat and drink.”  I took the gold, did as he had desired, and we spent the evening merrily together in feasting and conversation, till it was time to repose.

In the morning the young man said, “My friend, this lodging is not fitting for us; go, and hire a better.”  “To hear is to obey,” replied I, and departed to the principal serai, where I hired an upper apartment, to which we removed.  He then gave me ten deenars, with orders to purchase carpets and cushions, which I did, and on my return found before him a package, containing princely vestments.  These he gave to me, desiring that I would go to the bath, and, after bathing, put them on.  I obeyed his commands, dressed myself, and found in each pocket a hundred deenars.  I was not a little proud of my improved appearance in the rich robes.  On my return, he praised my figure, and seated me by him, when we refreshed ourselves, and chatted on various subjefls.  At length he gave me a bundle, desiring that I would present it to the sultan, and at the same time demand his daughter in marriage for myself, assuring me that my request would meet a ready compliance.

The young man commanded a slave he had bought to attend me, who carried the bundle, and I set out for the palace; near which I found a great crowd of grandees, officers, and guards, who seeing me so richly habited, inquired respectfully what I wanted.  Upon my replying that my business was with the sultan, they informed the ushers, who introduced me to the presence.  I made the customary obeisance, and the sultan returned my salute; after which I presented the bundle before him, saying, “Will my lord accept this trifle, becoming my humble situation to offer, but certainly