y useful to him
several times in commissions for goods in Persia. He heartily thanked
him, therefore, and assured him of his pleasure at being able to form
his personal acquaintance. Hassan also seemed very much pleased to
have seen the far-famed merchant from Balsora face to face, and
offered to be his guide and companion as long as he remained in those
parts.

"To-morrow," said he, "I have some necessary business to do in Shiraz,
which I cannot put off. But without doubt thou also art going there,
for thou wilt certainly have to give large orders to the ablest silver
and gold workers, and to the most skilful silk-weavers; and because
personal acquaintance with our correspondents is very useful, I will
join thee in thy journey. In this way it will not be necessary for us
to separate again on the first day of our acquaintance; nor can it be
disagreeable to thee to go with me, who am already known there, and
can lead thee to the dwellings of all those with whom I am connected
in commerce."

Jussuf's mind had been but little turned on trade, and now he could
not recollect the names of all the people with whom he transacted
business in Shiraz: besides, he had a certain aversion to disclose the
true reasons for his journey; so he let his friendly companion
entertain the idea that he had come to Persia for the purpose of
purchasing and giving commissions. And, because he must still wait
several days for the new moon, he willingly accepted Hassan's
proposal, and promised to accompany him the next morning to the great
and celebrated town of Shiraz, and to spend some days with him there.
The distance to Shiraz was not far, and Jussuf reached it with his new
friend the next day before the noonday heat. Hassan conducted him in
the afternoon to the house of a rich merchant, with whom he had long
had considerable dealings.

"Here," said he, "I bring you the far-famed merchant Jussuf from
Balsora, whose name cannot be strange to you, since you have long done
business with him. He has taken this journey to make new purchases,
and also to become personally acquainted with those who have hitherto
served him so satisfactorily."

The dealer was very glad to become acquainted with the renowned
Jussuf, and, as what Hassan had said appeared very natural to him, he
continued, "If I do not mistake, I furnished thee lately with a
considerable quantity of oil of roses. Thou wert, then, pleased with
it?"

Jussuf assured him of his perfec