ain if they wished to cite an
instance of two irreconcileable enemies. Both had been educated, after
the death of their parents, in the house of a mutual relative. Nothing
can be worse than men of an entirely opposite disposition being
compelled to hold daily intercourse; repugnance and hatred increase
more and more, and their conversation becomes a constant feud. Hussain
was proud and gloomy; Ibrahim vehement and animated. Daily did they
reproach each other; the former considering the latter a frivolous
sensualist, the latter considering the former a cold, selfish egotist.
As they advanced in years their hatred increased. Their guardian had a
beautiful daughter, whom both, as members of the family, had
opportunities of seeing. Ibrahim fell in love with her, and hoped that
his affections would be returned, and the father's consent obtained.
But as Hussain, by his natural talent, industry, and perseverance, soon
raised himself to an important station, he obtained, contrary to
Ibrahim's expectation, the consent of the beautiful Mirza and her
parent. Ibrahim was so enraged at this, that out of revenge he shortly
after took two wives. One presented him with Ali at the cost of her
own life. Mirza lived with Hussain for some years before she bore him
a daughter. Some time had now past, Mirza had died, and separation,
which usually weakens enmity as well as friendship, had almost
extinguished the hatred of the cheerful Ibrahim. An occurrence,
however, showed that it still burned fiercely in the heart of the
haughty Hussain; and this poured fresh oil into Ibrahim's fire, which,
as it appeared, death alone could now extinguish.

Two years ago, Ibrahim had returned from a journey, and among other
precious articles, had brought with him some Indian gold cloth, such as
had never been seen before. Hussain heard of this, and as his daughter
had grown up to be one of the most beautiful maidens in Bagdad, his
paternal pride was set upon adorning his lovely child by all the means
of art and of wealth. He had seen the cloth in passing Ibrahim's shop,
but not wishing to purchase it himself, had sent a slave to Ibrahim,
and commissioned him to settle the bargain. Ibrahim looked upon this
as the first step towards a reconciliation on the part of Hussain; and
being of a more forgiving disposition than he, and, moreover, being in
a cheerful humour, in anticipation of a happy future, he gave the cloth
to the slave, telling him to