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Updated: September 5, 2025
Although it is not proper generally speaking to worship ... yet in this case, if one does not do it, he will find himself classed among the men who are behind the times! There is a career for fools among cowards. April, 1878. Who in Bagdad does not know the great Giaffar, the sun of the universe?
Did not I caution thee against evil predictions and did not you swear that you would deal no more in surmises? The devil must attend you, and waft your supposes into the ear of the caliph, upon which to frame out his stupid fetvas." "I heartily ask your forgiveness, and I am dumb," replied Giaffar. "Then you are wise for once; prove yourself still wise and hasten away before I reach my cudgel."
In an hour the fruits will fade, and the tree itself will sink into the dumb depths of the earth!" Giaffar bowed his head and thought. "What am I to do?" he articulated in a low tone, as though arguing with himself. "If one becomes too wise, he will not wish to live, probably; if he becomes richer than all men, all will hate him; I would do better to pluck and eat the third, the shrivelled apple!"
The caliph soon afterwards made his appearance at the divan, and immediately recognised Yussuf in his partial disguise. He observed to Giaffar, "Do you see there our friend Yussuf? I have him at last, and now I will perplex him not a little before he escapes me." The chief of the beeldars being called, stepped forward and made his obeisance. "What is the number of your corps?" inquired the caliph.
Doubtless this lion slayer of Shitan, being famished, will not forget our prophecy, and ascribing the fulfilment to our bad omens, will in his mood sacrifice us to his empty stomach." "Your wisdom is great, Giaffar," replied the caliph "the man is truly a savage, and doubtless will rage with hunger; nevertheless we will go and see in what state he may be."
"Ask him boldly his name and trade." "Oh, my commander," replied Giaffar, "to hear is but to obey; yet do I quake most grievously at the threats of this villainous fellow. I entreat thee that I may defer the questions until wine shall have softened down his temper." "Thou cowardly vizier. Must I then interrogate him myself?" replied the caliph.
Much of the pleasure of the "Arabian Nights" hinges upon this Asmodean interest; and we are not weary of lifting other people's roofs and going about behind the scenes of life with the Caliph and the serviceable Giaffar.
"Father of true believers! descendant of the Prophet!" said the minister, with a profound obeisance, "thy slave waits but to hear, and hears but to obey." "Giaffar," replied the caliph, "I am overwhelmed with distressing inquietude, and would fain have thee devise some means for my relief. Speak what sayest thou?"
In vain did Giaffar represent that it would be attacking an angry and wounded lion in his den; that his wrath would be such, and his strength was so enormous, that they could not expect less than annihilation should they venture to his door. "All that may be true," replied the caliph; "but still I will go and see him at all risk."
"But, friend Yussuf," observed Giaffar, "suppose that to-morrow, the caliph should issue a decree, putting an end to the trade of supplying with water, and declare that whoever was found with a skin-full should be hanged. In such a case, what would you do?
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